Ford EcoBoost engine offered in Flex, MKS and MKT

For a long time, Ford had been bragging about their development of a new turbocharged series of engines. The first of these has now been unveiled in not one, but three different models. The new EcoBoost engine will be an available option in the 2010 Ford Flex, the 2010 Lincoln MKS and the all-new Flex-based 2010 Lincoln MKT, all debuting at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

The 3.5L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine certainly is an impressive unit, offering 355 hp at 5700 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. The standard gearbox is a 6-speed SelectShift automatic.

The benefit of this direct-injection engine is its compact size compared to a V8. It also makes as much power as a V8, according to Ford, while offering up to 2 mpg better fuel economy.

The Ford Flex EcoBoost offers all the features that come with the standard model, including all-wheel-drive, Sync multimedia system, panoramic sunroof and unlimited cup-holders. The massive extra power comes at only about 10% extra fuel consumption over the base non-turbo model.

The Lincoln MKS with Ecoboost is a proper luxury car, with all-wheel-drive, 19-inch wheels, steering-wheel paddle shifters, intelligent key with start button, fancy ambient lighting, adaptive HID headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and rear-window power sunshade.

The Lincoln MKT is a bloated luxury crossover based on the Ford Flex. While the base engine is a 268 hp 3.7L V6, the EcoBoost version is the more attractive proposition, with a better combination of power and torque than more truckish V8 crossovers. It also comes with everything the Flex does, plus new features such as adaptive cruise control, parking assist system, adaptive headlights, blind-spot monitor and more. However, we expect at least this one to get canceled within a few years.

The EcoBoost engine will also power the all-new Ford Taurus by next year. Expect these new models to hit dealerships by summer this year.

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