How Ford achieves 80 MPG with its ECOnetic approach
If you ever doubted the ability of engineers to squeeze more mileage out of today’s cars, proof that ultra-high fuel economy can be achieved can be found in Europe. That market is dominated by diesel-powered cars, many of which get at least 50 mpg on the highway, numbers we don’t see in the United States.
The US market is a unique beast, as strict pollution regulations make it impossible to sell the same fuel-efficient engines found in Europe and elsewhere here. Sure, Volkswagen, Mercedes, and BMW sell diesel-powered cars in the US, but these engines have been modified to meet 50-state emission requirements. These requirements are more stringent than those currently on the books in Europe, and they keep harmful contaminants to a minimum. Naturally, fuel economy suffers as these engines must pollute less at the expense of fuel efficiency.
ECOnetic Approach
The Ford Motor Company may have found a way to produce a very high-mileage car while meeting stricter pollution standards. Europe is preparing to update its own pollution requirements, which means diesel engines will have to emit fewer harmful emissions. They can’t do that without affecting fuel economy, can they? With Europeans paying $7, $8, or even $9 or more per gallon for fuel, any loss in fuel economy can hit their wallets.
What Ford has proposed is to take its popular compact Focus and incorporate what it calls ECOnetic technology to not only preserve fuel economy and meet stricter regulations, but also improve efficiency. Ford says its proposed model should deliver around 80 mpg, an unprecedented number today.
Ford says the ECOnetic Focus is powered by an all-new version of its 1.6-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel, which has been designed for improved fuel efficiency, with a new injection system and turbocharging, improved charge cooling and measures friction reduction. .
common rail technology
The diesel’s common rail fuel injection system has been redesigned, with 8-hole nano sac injectors operating at injection pressures of up to 1,600 bar, controlled by a robust engine management system. Ford explains that the new injection system offers more precise control and greater combustion efficiency.
Other engineering changes leading to increased fuel efficiency include Active Grille Shutter, a new system that improves aerodynamics by employing vents to determine airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment. Under this arrangement, if air is needed to cool the engine, the vents are opened; but if airflow is not needed, the vents are closed, for that great reduction in aerodynamic drag.
Additional technologies that will complement the Ford Focus include regenerative charging; auto start/stop; shift indicator light; and economy mode.
2012 European debut
When will this car be available? In early 2012 in Europe, following its introduction at the 2011 Amsterdam Motor Show. Will we see this car in the US? Not immediately, maybe never. However, as fuel prices continue to climb higher and higher, demand for the ECOnetic Focus may increase, forcing Ford to reconsider its plans and offer 80 MPG for the American driver.