The classic engine needs to be "further refined" to meet new emissions regulations and future customer expectations, a team of Ford engineers said in a presentation at the annual Vienna Motor Symposium.
To ensure the long-term future of internal combustion engines, new technology elements such as flexible valve timing and adjustable turbine geometry were analyzed on a prototype based on the second generation of Ford's successful 1.5-liter Ecoboost powerplant.
One goal of the engine project was to find a way to maximize the benefits of both continuously variable valve lift (CVVL) and variable turbine geometry, which would mean adding another expensive solution, such as variable compression mechanism, could be avoided.
How Ford 'further refined' its Ecoboost engine
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The prototype engine used an electro-hydraulic CVVL system from German supplier Schaeffler. The system's camshaft actuates the exhaust valves while the intake valves are actuated via an electro-hydraulic transfer element.
The prototype engine, which offered displacement to 500cc per cylinder and maximum power of 204 hp, had aluminum as it block material to reduce weight and a balance shaft was added to bring noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in line with customer expectations for vehicles with power levels above 150 hp.
