Ford today has announced its new, revolutionary EcoBlue engine. The 2.0 litre unit unveiled is the first to come from the new range of Ford's diesel engines. Yes, it's a diesel engine but don't be turned off so quickly. Ford appeared to have worked wonders with its new engine and this is bound to be as successful as its petrol powered EcoBoost engine.
Clever engineering has gone in to producing this new engine, which debuts in the ever-popular Ford Transit. The new unit will offer power outputs of 104 bhp, 128 bhp and 168 bhp, but the same engine will also offer a 197 bhp output when used in passenger cars. A 1.5 litre engine will also be available in passenger cars, giving consumers a greater choice.
So what makes this so special?
Well for starters the engine features an all-new turbocharger which has been designed to force more engine into the engine compared to the outgoing 2.2 litre TDCi unit. The result? 340Nm of torque at 1,250rpm, which should be more than enough grunt for tradesman. So white van men have less excuses for being late. It will be more refined too, Ford have worked hard to ensure that the new EcoBlue engine is quieter than it's predecessor by using a noise-optimised cylinder head, block, stiffening ladder-frame and oil pan, which have been specially designed to ensure it radiates half the amount of sound as the 2.2 TDCi.
Dominic Evans, NVH specialist (Noise, Vibration and Harshness), Ford of Europe described an engine as a bell, on the basis that it "can act as a soundboard for the movements happening inside it". Evans takes the metaphor to a next level by saying: "So we try to develop a bell that does not ring very well." An unusual metaphor but one I like all the same.
The new engine offers a 13% improvement in fuel efficiency thanks to Ford's new innovations that have reduced the friction produced. Ford will also use a mirror-image design on the inlet manifold that will accurately control airflow into the cylinders. The clockwise airflow for cylinder numbers one and two, reversed for cylinder numbers three and four. To put that into layman terms, this means that the optimum amount of fuel and air is mixed in the engine meaning that the fuel is used more effectively and efficiently.
Future-proof
The new EcoBlue should have what it takes to provide all the durability you could ask for as Ford have tested the engine rigorously in development. The engine has been tested over 3.4 million miles, with 250,000 of those taking place with real-world customers in the driving seat. The oil system has also been tweaked to extend oil life, which will be key in helping the engine stay lubricated for longer.
The EcoBlue engine will be fit to pass the new Euro Stage VI standards that will come in to place in September this year. The new standards are as stringent as ever, with a requirement of 55% reduction in NOx emissions compared to Euro Stage V standards.
“Ford’s EcoBoost created a new standard for petrol engines – smaller, more efficient with surprising performance. That same obsession to innovate for the customer is behind our new Ford EcoBlue diesel engine range,” said Jim Farley, chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe. “This new engine lifts fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 by over 10 per cent in Transit, part of Europe’s best-selling commercial vehicle line-up, lowering costs for our customers.”