Ford has been testing an innovative engine management system on the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine with the aim to enhance efficiency. Engineers at Ford have developed a new dual-mass flywheel to allow cylinder deactivation to take place at a wider range of engine loads and speeds, while minimising noise and vibration levels.
Last year, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine became the first ever to be named 'International Engine of the Year' three years running. The engine uses a combination of variable valve timing, turbocharging and direct fuel injection to help boost power while achieving efficiency.
For the purpose of testing, Ford equipped a Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost with a cylinder deactivation hardware that allowed engineers to monitor deactivation of one cylinder, and also a rolling cylinder deactivation to run the engine in half-engine mode.
The company presented the test results at the Vienna Engine Symposium with on-road testing results showing a boost in efficiency of about six percent. The tests were conducted for a typical commuter distance of 55km on a combination of highways, city roads and rural roads, in and around Cologne, Germany.