Ford’s 1.0-litre I3 EcoBoost To Get Cylinder Deactivation Tech
First-ever 3-cylinder engine to feature cylinder deactivation; to enter production from 2018 onwards.
Cylinder deactivation tech is likely to boost efficiency by up to 6 percent, according to Ford.
Ford Motors is doing the best they can to bring down the CO2 emissions from their cars. The best approach is to make the engines more fuel-efficient, and the technology of cylinder deactivation comes handy. But Ford engineers are going a step further to do the same in an already-downsized, efficient 3-cylinder EcoBoost engines. The compnay claims that this can result in increased efficiency up to 6 percent.
The American car maker has already defied the popular opinion on 3-cylinder engines that they are inadequate to deliver refinement needed for passenger car with the 1.0-litre I3 ‘EcoBoost’ petrol engine. A step to cut a cylinder further in that engine appears fascinating and innovative. This is going to be the first time in the industry circle, and may inspire other automakers to embark on the same path.
So how does this innovative cylinder deactivation work? The fuel supply and valve operation to the first cylinder will be suspended, at times when the engine doesn’t have to work to maximum, during coasting or cruising, for instance. Ford says that its technology can disengage or re-engage the cylinder in just 14 milliseconds – 20 times rapidly than an eye blink! It also adds that driver would not notice any change in power or feel the activity, as seamless integration of power is ensured. The deactivation can happen at engine speeds of up to 4,500 rpm.
Also Read: 2017 Ford Fiesta (Next-Gen) Range Unveiled – 4 New Models
Running on a two-cylinder hit hard on NVH and refinement levels, therefore Ford engineering is well-prepared for that. A slew of measures including newly designed engine mounts, suspension bushes, and drive shafts, along with dual-mass flywheel and a vibration-damping clutch disc are on the agenda. To increase the engine’s durability, a revamped camshaft chain and valve rockers will be added to the 3-pot turbo engine.
Ford launched the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine in 2012, which uses sophisticated techs like high-pressure direct fuel injection, twin-independent Variable Cam Timing and turbocharging. Available in 3 power ratings – 100PS, 125PS and 140 PS, the 3-pot unit is now offered in seven Ford model ranges including the Indian-spec Ford EcoSport. The 2017 Ford Fiesta will be one of the first model ranges to receive the cylinder deactivation technology by early 2018.
Also Read: Infiniti’s VC-T Engine: Major Breakthrough In Internal Combustion Technology
Next, would you like to read more on Ford, or Technology?
