EcoBoost Engine May Offer Ford Alternative To Hybrids

The Ford Motor Company says it will begin to offer its EcoBoost engine in upcoming models, including the Ford Flex, Taurus and F-150 truck. The engine technology combines direct fuel injection with turbo charging to increase fuel economy by about 20 percent and reduce carbon emissions by about 15%.

The new engine is slated to make its first appearance in the Lincoln MKS in early 2009. From there, Ford will move the engine to other mid-level vehicles. The company is looking at the 340-hp 3.5L engine as a potential replacement for less economical V8 engines in the company's larger vehicles.

According to the company, the EcoBoost engine could save about $400 per 15,000 miles, assuming that gasoline is priced at $3.75 per gallon. The increased fuel economy translates into an extra 50 or so miles per tank. The cost of the EcoBoost engine is lower than that of a hybrid vehicle, which may make the technology more attractive to budget-conscious consumers.

The company has no plans to slow hybrid production, however. The EcoBoost engine will be offered as an option for increasing fuel economy and decreasing carbon emissions. Ford has not said whether or when the EcoBoost engine technology will be introduced to its entry-level vehicles.