What's the news?
Ford is introducing a new 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that will make its way into a number of vehicles in its commercial and passenger ranges. It is claimed to deliver better fuel consumption and lower emissions. Called EcoBlue, this is an all-new unit that will essentially replace the outgoing 2.2-litre TDCi engine and will make its first appearance in the revised Transit and Transit Custom commercial vehicles. Initially it will be offered with a choice of 105-, 130- and 170hp power outputs.
The clean-sheet design uses mirror-image porting, which allows for improved and more controlled airflow for the cylinders resulting in better air and fuel mix aiding combustion. According to Ford, improvements in fuel efficiency of up to 13 per cent are realised. Part of this was achieved thanks to new injectors that can deliver up to six injections per stroke, each taking just 250 microseconds (0.00025 seconds) per combustion event.
A new turbocharger and actuator have been designed to improve low-down torque levels in addition to improving response times. Ford says that its new geared turbocharger actuator cuts response time by half compared to the existing system.
It is also claimed that the new engine will be quieter than previous diesel engines as well as having a "less intrusive" stop-start function. Ford goes so far as to claim that the new 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine will be the first diesel commercial powertrain from the company to deliver noise, vibration and harshness levels matching that of a passenger car. It goes on to add that at idle the new engine emits only half the noise that the older 2.2-litre TDCi did.
The EcoBlue engine will use after treatment processes for its exhaust gases to ensure that it complies with the latest Euro VI standards that come into effect in September. These require a 55 per cent reduction in NOx emissions compared with the current Euro V standard. Jim Farley, Chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe, added: "This new engine lifts fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 by over 10 per cent in Transit."
Anything else?
The new EcoBlue engine's turbocharger uses a smaller diameter turbine that is made from Inconel, an alloy that can cope with extremely high temperatures. Aerospace grade aluminium is used for the compressor wheel, which has also been reduced in size, and this can spin at speeds of up to 240,000rpm.