Want your next car to be economical?
When looking at new fuel efficient vehicles the usual suspects come up; Honda, Toyota, Smart Car, and any new hybrid models. American built vehicles are rarely associated with fuel economy. However, Ford and GM are looking to change that with the introduction of a few new engines.
Ford has recently unveiled a line of new Eco-Boost engines. The 1st being a 3.5L V6 that will be in the new Taurus SHO, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and MKT. Ford claims this engine will give V6 fuel economy with the power of a V8. This engine gets its power from its twin turbochargers and it gets its fuel economy from the latest in fuel delivery – direct fuel injection. Ford also plans to have a 4 cylinder version of the Eco-Boost engine available soon. Ford claims that when compared to the additional cost of diesel and hybrid technologies, customers would recoup their initial investment in fuel savings in approximately 30 months (2.5 years) with the Eco-Boost engine. Compare that to the fact it takes on average 7.5 years for the owner of a diesel vehicle to recoup the same investment and 12 years for a hybrid.
GM is introducing a newly designed Ecotec 2.4L 4 cylinder powerplant. This engine has direct fuel injection technology which will increase the fuel efficiency by 3% from the previous Ecotec 2.4L. Other benefits of the new design are a 25% reduction in cold start emissions and a 5% – 8% increase in torque and horsepower. According to GM, the average driver who goes 20,000kms per year will save 100 – 400L in fuel or $100 – $300 annually with the new Ecotec 2.4L.
Next time you are thinking about an economical vehicle don’t forget about Ford and GM.
To read more on direct fuel injection click here > www.canadiandriver.com/2009/01/28/auto-tech-direct-fuel-injection-vs-port-fuel-injection.htm