In the last four years, this little engine has managed to garner itself eight international engine awards for its fuel-efficiency and performance and becoming the only engine to be named overall winner three times in a row – all within its own category.
The 1.0-litre EcoBoost has been noted and commended for its drivability, performance, economy, refinement and technology and Ford is now exploring cylinder-deactivation technology to further increase its efficiency.
Ford is now working with engineering partners at the Schaeffler Group to test a new dual-mass flywheel that enables cylinder deactivation to take place at a wider range of engine loads and speeds to help minimise noise, vibration and harshness levels.
On-road tests using a working prototype at its European Research and Innovation Centre in Aachen, Germany, showed further fuel efficiency improvements of up to 6%.
Globally, Ford’s range of four-cylinder EcoBoost engines includes the 1.5-litre, 1.6-litre, 2.0-litre and 2.3-litre, while its V6 engine includes the 2.7-litre and 3.5-litre.
The 3.5-litre V6 is currently being developed for the all-new Ford GT supercar, which the company intends to use to return to racing next year in the 2016 Le Mans
In Malaysia, the EcoBoost engines are available in several nameplates across the lineup, which includes the Fiesta with a 1.0-litre EcoBoost, the Fiesta ST and Kuga with a 1.6-litre EcoBoost, and the Focus ST, Mondeo and S-Max with a 2.0-litre EcoBoost.
The tiny petrol engine was judged by a panel of 87 automotive journalists, from 35 countries.
“The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine changed the game for small petrol engines and we’re proud it remains best in class despite a growing number of competitors,” said Ford (Europe) Product Development vice president Joe Bakaj.
