Detroit 2009: EcoBoost Arrives in the 2010 Ford Flex!

Ford's long-rumored "EcoBoost" engine technology is finally seeing the light of day.  The first application will be Ford's unusually styled mid-size crossover, the refrigerator-shaped Flex 7-passenger wagon... thing.  While this is a dubious choice for the debut application of this new engine, the engine itself appears to be a whole steaming cup full of awesome.

The EcoB00st V6 used in the Flex is based on Ford's new Duratec 35 V6, a 3.5L 24v V6 that sees duty in everything from the Fusion sedan to the Lincoln MKX crossover.  The new motor is twin-turbocharged, using two small low-inertia turbochargers (ball-bearing Honeywell, formerly Garrett, GT15's operating at 12 psi) to provide quick spooling and sharp throttle response.  It also sports direct fuel injection, which allows the EcoBoost V6 to be both powerful and efficient.

In this application, the new engine makes a healthy 355 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, compared to the current motor's 263 horsepower.  In the Flex, EPA ratings drop from 19 city and 24 highway to 18 city and 22 highway - hardly a noticeable loss for an extra hundred horsepower in such a heavy vehicle!

During 2009, the EcoB00st V6 will also find it's way into the Lincoln MKS sedan and MKT Crossover, which is basically a gussied-up Flex.  I personally hope they find a way to stick this engine in the new Mustang - the only problem would be finding buyers for the V8 powered GT, which makes less power (315) and would doubtlessly get worse mileage!