Ford Announces Powertrain Enhancements for its European Lineup, Adds Stop/Start Technology

At this week's 2011 Brussels Motor Show in Belgium, Ford announced a series of powertrain enhancements that include the addition of Stop/Start technology for its European market Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models, together with the introduction of an all-new 1.6-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine.

“The introduction of the new small-displacement diesel engine and of the Ford Auto-Start-Stop system is another important step towards even more sustainable mobility”, said Rolf Deges, Chief Program Engineer for Ford of Europe. “All through Europe there is a growing demand for frugal, smaller displacement powertrains and new technologies, and we are more than happy to address this demand with our new entries”.

Replacing the 115HP 2.0-liter diesel, the new 1.6-liter motor comes with a standard Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) producing 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque between 1,750-2,000 rpm.

“With this torque performance, it's now possible to have such a small displacement diesel engine driving even large cars like the Ford Galaxy in a more than appropriate way – and at very low fuel consumption”, said Deges.

Equipped with the new four-pot oil-burner, the Galaxy MPV's combined fuel economy is 5.4 lt/100 km (43.5 US mpg), while the Mondeo needs just 4.9 lt/100 km (48 US mpg).

Ford said these figures are also achieved by adding standard Ford ECOnetic Technologies features to the range, including Smart Regenerative Charging, the Ford Eco Mode driver information system and an Active Grille Shutter system. All of these technologies come as standard equipment on the new 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine.

In addition, the 1.6 TDCi variant can be paired with the Ford Auto-Start-Stop system, further improving fuel economy by as much as 10 percent in city driving and reducing CO2 emissions.

To better cope with the increased number of engine starts, the system features an enhanced starter motor, capable of firing up the powerplant in just 0.3 seconds after the driver presses the accelerator or clutch pedal.

The Ford Auto-Start-Stop system is also available in conjunction with the turbocharged 1.6-liter Ecoboost petrol engine.

Last but not least, the small diesel was also chosen to motivate the new Ford Mondeo ECOnetic after it was specially calibrated and coupled to modified a six-speed manual gearbox with a longer final drive.

Featuring a Start-Stop system, the Mondeo ECOnetic returns 54.7 US mpg (or 4.3 lt/100 km) in the combined cycle. Other special features include a lowered suspension and low rolling resistant tires.

The last item on Ford’s list is the Durashift 6-speed automatic transmission, which is optional for the 200HP 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. Upgraded to withstand the 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) – 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) in overboost mode, the auto box helps the Mondeo achieve an average fuel consumption of 6.5 lt/100 km (36.2 US mpg).

“The combination of the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi with the Durashift 6-tronic transmission is really a connoisseur's choice: it really delivers a powerful yet very relaxed and refined driving experience” Rolf Deges commented. “With these attributes in place, this combination is the perfect addition to our large car range, and supplements well to the already available combinations of the Ford PowerShift 6-speed double-wet clutch transmission with the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi with 140 and 163 PS”.

By Csaba Daradics

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Ford Expands European Availability of 160HP 1.6L Turbo to S-Max and Galaxy MPVs

After the Mondeo, the revised S-Max and Galaxy MPV models are next in line to be offered with Ford's new 1.6-litre 160hp EcoBoost engine with European sales starting this month. The new 1.6-litre turbocharged unit is the smallest displacement engine that has ever been made available to the S-MAX and Galaxy models.

The EcoBoost engine produces peak power of 160 horsepower and a maximum torque of 240 Nm within a rev band from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. All models equipped with the 1.6-liter powerplant come with a number of fuel-saving features as standard, including Smart Regenerative Charging, the Ford Eco Mode driver information system and an Active Grille Shutter system.

According to Ford, the S-Max 1.6 EcoBoost model completes the standard 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 9,8 seconds (Galaxy: 9.9'') and reaches a top speed of 204km/h - 127mph (Galaxy: 201 km/h - 125 mph).

The five-seater MPV returns a combined fuel efficiency of 7.0lt/100km - 40.3 mpg UK (Galaxy: 7.2lt -39.2 mpg UK), which translates into an average CO2 emission of 164 g/km (Galaxy: 169 g/km).

In addition to the 1.6-liter turbo gasoline unit, Ford said it plans to introduce more options in early 2011 including a version of the same EcoBoost engine with a stop/start system, the 200HP 2.2-liter diesel with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 115HP 1.6-liter diesel with start/stop and ECOnetic features.

2010 Ford S-MAX gets a New Snout and 203HP 2.0-Liter Turbo Gasoline Engine

Along with the revised Galaxy MPV , Ford -officially- unveiled today the minivan's 'sportier' sibling, the facelifted 2010 S-MAX that will also make its public debut at the 2010 Brussels auto show next January. Being twin-models, the two people carriers share most upgrades including the introduction of Ford's new 2.0-liter EcoBoost STCi petrol engine and the new diesel lineup.

However, the S-MAX's makeover is a little more noticeable that that of the 2010 Galaxy. At the front, the new S-MAX gains a redesigned bonnet, bumper and upper and lower grilles, with the high series models now featuring distinctive LED daytime running lights.

Meanwhile, at the back, the seven-seater minivan gets a more dynamically profiled tailgate, a tweaked lower fascia, and reshaped LED tail lights.

Interior upgrades concern the new multifunctional overhead console, an available one-piece panorama roof equipped with power sun blinds, a new LED interior lighting system and revised upholstery colors, graphics and materials.

Like the Galaxy, the S-MAX will be offered with Ford's new 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine featuring direct injection that delivers 203 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm.

The new powerplant is linked to Ford's dual clutch transmission that drives the front wheels. According to Ford, the S-MAX EcoBoost accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 221 km/h or 137 mph.

Ford says that the new gasoline motor will produce 189g/km of CO2 with a combined fuel of 8.1lt/100km or 29.0mpg US / 34.8mpg UK.

At the same time, Ford's diesel offering for the new S-MAX have has been improved with the upgraded 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine family now complying with Stage V emission regulations. The diesel unit is available in three power levels with 115, 140 and 163 horsepower.

The 2010 S-MAX and Galaxy will go on sale across Europe early next year.

2010 Ford S-MAX and Galaxy MPV Facelift Photos Leaked

The first official shots of Ford's European market 2010 S-MAX and Galaxy MPV have hit the web ahead of an anticipated unveiling in January 2010. Looking at the photos it appears that the slightly shorter S-MAX gains a new lower grille design that brings it in line with Ford's latest offerings such as the Fiesta hatch along with a reshaped front bumper that houses a pair of LED lights.

The new tail lamps and alloy wheel designs round off the exterior changes on the S-MAX while there don't seem to be any visible updates to the interior.

We've only got one photo of the 2010 Galaxy MPV, but from what we can tell, changes are limited to the revised upper grille, the new alloys and the restyled front bumper.

It is reported that both minivans benefit from a new diesel engine, however, this has not been confirmed by Ford.

We'll have more on the restyled S-MAX and Galaxy MPVs as soon as Ford comes out with an official announcement.

2010 Ford S-MAX and Galaxy MPV Facelift

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2009 Ford S-MAX and Galaxy MPV

Ford S-MAX Special Edition Magic Models: Available in White and Silver

Ford of Europe is at it again with its special edition models. Having already introduced the "Magic" moniker on the Fiesta, Focus hatchback and the Focus Coupe-Convertible, Ford has now chosen to present two limited edition versions of the S-MAX minivan called "White Magic" and "Silver Magic". Exterior colors aside -no need to explain this one- the S-MAX Magic editions come with a bodykit that includes side skirts, front lip spoiler and a rear apron. The kit complemented by the chromed exhaust pipes and 18-inch alloy wheels.

For the interior, Ford has equipped the limited-run versions of the S-MAX with perforated leather sport seats, aluminum pedals and decorative trim, plus many extra features such as an upgraded audio system.

The Ford S-MAX Magic models are available with two gasoline units, a normally aspirated 2.3-liter engine with 160HP and a 2.5-liter Turbo with 220HP, and a 2.2-liter turbo diesel producing 175HP. In Germany, prices range from €36,100 to €37,350.