The Ford GDi(Gasoline
Direct Injection) is finally ready!
In 1996, Mitsubishi Motor Company brought Gasoline
Direct Injection to the mass market with their 4G93
inline-4. Mitsubishi was not the first to experiment with
GDi, and they will not be the last. The design requires
very accurate timing to make use of the benefits. A
requirement list that has been difficult in the past for
any mass produced vehicle, providing some argument that
GDi reached the public sooner that it should have been.
In the fast paced technology world of
today, GDi stands a much better chance of becoming a
solid solution over past Fuel Injection techniques. The
promises are simple, better fuel economy and more power.
Around 20 percent better fuel economy, claim the placards
at the Ford booth at the 2008 North American
International Auto Show held in Detroit.
Let's take a
closer look at the preview from Ford.
A high pressure fuel injector jet will
add a precise amount of fuel into the chamber, allowing
the engine to burn leaner when performance is not
demanded. When performance is demanded, the engine
management software will be able to adjust the fuel
thrown into the mix to receive optimal air:fuel ratios.
This design relies on the computer and might explain
better why this simple technology has been abandoned from
past designs. Today, the story is different, as it has
become very cost effective to produce such a system using
a much better engine computer that ever before.
The displacement will become better
utilized for its performance capabilities. A current 3.0L
Duratec V-6 should see the bump in performance with GDi,
approximately 20-40hp, depending on which configuration
makes it to production on green flag day.
That may not
be 8-cylinder performance just yet. While a V-8 is
heavier with a few more moving parts. The V-8
traditionally uses more fuel because of many factors.
Adding the forced induction element is the worst kept
secret to making power, and Ford intends to do so with
performance versions of the GDi.
A very simple turbocharger breakdown. Our
best guess is that a supercharger could potentially be
used, but would not be optimal to show off the
capabilities of Ford's GDi on a production dollar to
dollar ratio or the enthusiast market.
We aren't sure
if the EcoBoost(GDTI) will see the Ford Fusion any time
soon. But some sources mention the possibility. For the
most part, a lot of enthusiasts, including myself, have
been excited enough with the current leaked information,
let alone knowing that Ford has a plan in mind to unleash
more performance.
In this video, Derrick, Kuzak explains the model ideas
that have given EcoBoost the green light. pay close
attention to the near term on the framework. "Significant
number of vehicles with EcoBoost technology"
followed by a statement from Derrick that mentions that
it will be introduced across a wide line of product lines
in both i4 and v6 flavors.
Also stick around in this clip to see a nice drag race,
demonstrating a Ford Taurus equipped with the 3.5L
EcoBoost.
Potential Engines and what we
gather in between the lines.
2.0L i4 GDi
The latest 2.0L Duratec found in the 2008 Ford Focus
is sporting a 140hp 135lb/ft torque power plant while
getting between 32 and 35 EPA HWMPG. The 2.0L GDi is a
possible candidate, and may be replaced with a larger
displacement with similar fuel economy numbers.
Potentially a 270hp EcoBoost 2.0L has been mentioned a
few times throughout the NAIAS and could see a wide range
of vehicles by 2012.
2.5L i4 GDi
One of the more anticipated Fusion upgrades. The 2.5L
has rumored to get a small increase in fuel economy over
the current 2.3L and respectable performance increases
from 180hp to 200hp have been thrown out. No word whether
this will be the final choice for the Fusion and Milan,
but from my understanding, the decision is very close to
be set in stone.
3.0L V6 GDi
220hp not enough? Most major reviews have been
heavily positive for the Fusion, but the lack of power
has been a complaint for few. The upgraded GDI should
satisfy some, and the promises for improvements in fuel
economy are a major plus. Expect approximately 240hp off
the showroom floor.
3.5L V6 GDi
Will the real Fusion ST please stand up? Rumors
started floating last year for a 3.5L Ford Fusion. We may
not see the 3.5L in its current MKZ or Taurus state(at
least not see enough produced to make a difference) but a
potential 280-290hp 3.5L will be teasing us harder in the
upcoming years. The 3.5L displacement will be the
landmark that breaks Ford into the modern GDi with the
Lincoln MKS. The MKS will have a 3.5L Twin Turbo EcoBoost
at 340hp / 340tq that will make a lot of luxury seekers
second guess themselves when looking into buying a
foreign car.
3.7L V6 GDi
No word yet on when the 3.7L will switch over to a
GDi setup, or if the 3.5L GDi will consume both
displacements. The 2008 Mazda CX9 3.7L has claimed some
success to start off the model year, and could inspire
another large vehicle to share this power plant. The
current 3.7L is a 273hp / 270tq engine, suspecting that
it should see the 300hp ballpark if and when it ever
makes the cut.
The 8
We may see a V8 with direct injection or EcoBoost in
the next Mustang. My sources have not been able to
confirm exactly what will go into the pony car, but as
always, be ready to see it stay on top of the entry level
muscle car segment.
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