The Chicago Auto Show will mark the first application of Ford’s global 2.0litre EcoBoost I-4 engine as part of the refreshed 2011 Ford Edge line-up.
Thanks to the use of the EcoBoost system, fuel economy for the new Ford Edge is 30 per cent better than it was when the vehicle was launched in 2006. It also promises 15 per cent fuel economy improvements when compared to the current 3.5litre V-6 engine.
According to Ford, the 2.0litre I-4 engine with direct fuel injection and a single turbocharger has fuel economy benefits that are at least 10 per cent better than a comparable V-6. Just like the first generation EcoBoost system, the I-4 can move quickly to maximum torque and maintain it from a range estimated to span from 2,000rpm to 5,500rpm. It also adds Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing) technology and the combustion system has been completely redesigned to take advantage of the EcoBoost system’s performance.
Also available with the new Ford Edge will be a 3.5litre V-6 and Edge Sport 3.7litre V-6. The 3.5litre produces 285hp while the 3.7litre produces 305hp. All three engines are also mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with the 2.0litre EcoBoost engine benefiting from a transmission that has been specially calibrated.
There are other features that contribute to the vehicle’s improved fuel economy including: aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off and torque based deceleration control, which shuts off the engine when the customer doesn’t command engine torque to help save fuel; and battery management smart charging which allows the battery to be charged or discharged at optimal opportunities with smart charging increasing the alternator output when the vehicle brakes or decelerates converting the kinetic energy into electrical energy without the need for additional fuel.
