This is a subset of Ford Motor Corporation topics, pertaining solely to the all-new clean-sweep V-6 engine, originally code-named "Cyclone".
The 1st iteration of the all-new engine became available in 2006 in 3.5 liter form under the brand name Duratec. The 2nd was in 2008, in 3.7 liter form, by Mazda in the CX-9 and for the 2009 Lincoln MKS. Several more variations are coming, including turbo versions under the brand name of "EcoBoost" and a version for rear wheel drive platforms including the Mustang. See my base website under the Ford section for more details on this engine, including extensive images.
My coverage on this site of the all-new clean-sheet design Ford 3.5 liter Duratec DOHC V-6 engine began in October of 2003 with Ford's initial announcement of the engine. In fact, the first picture shown in public was of a rear-wheel drive version for a future Mustang.
Note that this brand name is also used for the much older Ford 3 liter V-6 engine. That engine is totally unrelated. It was also found in 2 (for Jaguar) and 2.5 liter versions.
Speaking of the Ford EcoBoost technology, Ford has thoughtfully provided this YouTube video covering the upcoming twin-turbo V-6 Duratec. It's targeted to produce 340 HP and 340 lb-ft of torque. It will be found first in the Lincoln MKS, and later in a wider range of vehicles including the Taurus.
Note the timeline that is shown... several other interesting facts there including an upcoming dual-clutch transmission. It's unclear which market he is talking about for the transmission, it's already known that it will be offered in Europe. Perhaps it will start here as an option in the upcoming Verve, followed by the (finally!) European Focus?
As follow-up to my original post about the 2009 Escape, where I discovered in a vendor press release that a 6-speed automatic transmission was coming for the 2009 Escape (follow link in the title), I'll add that reports are beginning to appear about an update to the 3-liter V-6 engine. Apparently the engine will receive variable valve timing and an increase to 230 horses.
Speculation: this is a development of the the Fusion version of the "Duratec" 3 liter, which is already at 221 HP @ 6,250 rpm and 205 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm. Furthermore, I'll speculate that the 2010 Fusion will receive the updated 3 liter as well. This would mean that only the Lincoln MKZ would continue to use the 3.5 - further differentiating the Lincoln from it's humble roots as a Fusion.
That's not all this engine is capable of making. In naturally aspirated 2006 Jaguar S-type form (with Jaguar designed cylinder heads), it makes 240 HP and 221 lb-ft torque. In the twin-turbo Noble 400, it makes 425bhp and 390 lb-ft. The engine has a long history in Ford. Ford subcontracted Porsche for the original engine design. It's been offered in 2 liter, 2.5 liter, and 3 liter form.
Apparently this engine it will continue to have a longer life than we might have thought and the all-new (and totally unrelated) Duratec V-6 will only be offered in larger displacements (3.5 for Ford, 3.7 for Mazda and Lincoln, and perhaps larger displacements for a future Ford truck).
Speaking of the "big" V -6, in 3.7 liter port-injected and variable intake-timing form it makes 270 HP @ 6,250 rpm and 265 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm (pre-production figures) in the 2009 Liincoln MKS. the 2009 Mazda CX-9 variation makes 273 HP and 270 lb-ft.
The industry-leading V-6 is the Infiniti 3.7 (port injected, variable timing on both intake and exhaust as well as variable lift) and it makes 330 HP and 270 lb-ft. Ford has some catch-up work to do in the naturally-aspirated area... although the upcoming single-turbo EcoBoost 3.5 amkes 340 HP (preliminary) and an unknown (although presumably very much higher) amount of torque. A twin-turbo version is also known to be in the works, although it won't appear until much later. It alledgedly makes almost 400 HP in early test form.
The Escape will finally have the transmission it needs to be competitive in 2009. However, it's V-6 it will still be limited in HP and especially in torque compared to the competition. We also know that the Fusion and Escape will receive an updated 2.5 liter 4-cylinder, as well as an updated hybrid engine based on this same 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine. These three powertrain options will provide a very broad range of offerings... arguably the broadest in the class.
Keep your eyes on the news... the 2009 Escape could be officially presented at the New York show in April.
We've known for the past year that Ford will release a 3.7 liter variant of the new 3.5 liter DOHC V-6. The following press release is the first reference to that engine going into production, where it will power the 2008 CX-9. The CX-9 is a lengthened version of the Ford Edge, and is a bit heavy for the 3.5 liter V-6 engine it used in it's first year of production. Clearly a bit more torque will help.
The 2008 CX-9, with the 3.7 liter engine, makes:
HP: 273 @ 6250 rpm
torque: 270 @ 4250 rpm
By comparison, the 2007 CX-9, with the 3.5 liter engine, made:
HP: 263 @ 6250 rpm
torque: 249 @ 4500 rpm
Discussion: we've known since the original announcements that further variantions of this engine were coming - from a rear wheel drive version to a twin-turbocharged version (and my site has a pic of the rear wheel drive version). We know that a 3.7 liter version is being readied for Lincoln as well. And that direct injection is in the pipeline. Apparently, this version of the engine is nothing more than a very slight displacement kick, without direct injection or variable cam timing on the exhaust side.
Mazda press releases follow:
CX-9
All-new for 2007, the CX-9, Mazda’s first seven -passenger crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV), returns for 2008 and offers the perfect blend of sophisticated elegance with class-leading space and unmatched versatility. CX-9 is a clean break from the traditional boxy SUVs crowding the U.S. market, deftly blending sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger SUV practicality.
CX-9 is a medium-sized crossover SUV riding on the class’s longest wheelbase to provide easy access to its three-row seating. There’s ample room for adults in every position and sufficient cargo space to accommodate modern American families. Under the sleek exterior is an interior that will impress demanding customers with its space, utility, versatility and premium features. The 2008 CX-9 is priced from $29,400.
Highlights of the 2008 CX-9 include:
Standard six-speed Sport A/T automatic transmission, which provides optimum acceleration and passing performance coupled with excellent highway fuel efficiency
Available with front-wheel drive or Mazda’s Active Torque Split all-wheel drive system
Stiff unibody chassis provides a sound foundation for a poised ride and agile handling
Sophisticated appearance with rising belt line, bold wheel and tire emphasis and steeply angled windshield and backlight
Elegantly configured interior constructed with top-quality materials
Available BOSE ® premium sound system with 10 speakers in a CENTERPOINT ® surround system; Available ceiling-mounted rear seat entertainment DVD system; Available DVD-based navigation system with 7-inch touch-sensitive display screen and backup camera and Power Lift Gate
Standard Roll Stability Control (RSC), which uses both body-roll rate and wheel speed sensors to determine when corrective action is necessary
Standard side-curtain air bags which protect outboard passengers in all three seating rows
New or enhanced for 2008:
All-new 3.7-liter V6 engine (273 hp @ 6250 and 270 lb./ft torque @ 4250)
Available Blind Spot Monitoring System (October 2007)
MAZDA BEGINS MIXED-MODEL PRODUCTION OF
V6 AND I-4 ENGINES
- Industry-First Production Line Capabilities Increase Volume and Flexibility -
HIROSHIMA, JAPAN, July 19, 2007 – Mazda Motor Corporation today announced that it has begun mixed-model production at its Ujina engine plant near Mazda’s headquarters in Hiroshima. The newly redesigned production line now produces both the new 3.7L V6 and the current in-line four-cylinder engines (1.8L-2.3L MZR engines). The 3.7L V6 will be used in the new 2008 CX-9, scheduled to go on sale in North America later this summer.
The production line was redesigned to accommodate “mixed model production,” which aims to achieve both diversity and high efficiency by applying Mazda’s latest production and manufacturing technologies to various engine parts, including the cylinder block and head, crankshaft, camshaft and connecting rods, as they move along the line. Specific jigs and tools that previously had to be changed for the different engines have been replaced with generic equipment. The result is a consolidated process that requires less investment in equipment and supports flexible production, which is a production method that supports efficient and fast changes in production model and volume.
“Achieving mixed model production for the V6 and in-line four cylinder gasoline engines at the Ujina plant is the first step toward volume and model mix flexible production, which lies at the heart of Mazda’s concept of manufacturing innovation,” said Masaharu Yamaki, Mazda’s senior managing executive officer in charge of production and business logistics. “Going forward, Mazda will progressively introduce the latest techniques to its facilities in Japan and overseas, as part of its manufacturing innovation. We will continue to support improvements in production that raise the brand value and enhance our business efficiency under the ‘One Mazda’ banner.”
I've been writing on my site about Ford's new 3.5 liter DOHC V-6 Duratec engine since late 1983. This is a critically important engine for Ford; a key piece of competitive necessity. It will replace the older (and architecturally unrelated) 2.5 and 3 liter DOHC V-6 engines, and will also eventually (and not soon enough) the unrelated 4 liter SOHC V-6 engine from Europe. Other variants will include a 3.7 liter version for Lincoln, and a twin-turbo version of unknown displacement (3.5 or 3.7?). Architecturally, even large displacements are possible. It's also known that direct injection is coming "soon".
The first iterations of this engine make between 260 and 265 HP depending on the application. This is competitive out of the box, although better established engine lines such as Nissan's 3.5 make between 270 and 330 depending on application. Ford's engine isn't as smooth or as sophisticated, but is an excellent first step. As is usual with Ford, we're now waiting for a quick follow-on second step.
My Ford section in this site already has an extensive offering of high-res detailed images and specs.
My blog now has a category specific to this engine family, as well as (of course) an RSS feed. And you can use the index tool to look at all old posts which reference this engine.
One version of this new engine we haven't seen yet is the version designed specifically for rear wheel drive cars - aka the Mustang and probably the Explorer. That engine was the first version fo the 3.5 shown to the public, almost 4 years ago. It's been on my site since then, along with an analysis. The picture is below. Hopefully, we'll finally see this in the updated 2009 Mustang. This engine will provide a much improved driving experience over ye olde 4 liter V-6: hopefully even the base model wilL be a lively car that an owner can have fun with and be proud of.
The new turbocharged V-6 engine from Ford has taken everyone by surprise. When the engine was introduced for production, a turbocharged variant was mentioned by not detailed. Now Ford is releasing additional details.
415 HP on E85 in the MKR concept.
What we don't know:
any details of the internals; if/how the engine was modified for turbocharging
packaging - location of the turbochargers
HP and torque on the production version (concept car might be rated higher?)
production plans for the MKR
usage in the upcoming MKS, and how the packaging would differ for the transverse mounting
TWINFORCE™ V-8 POWER AND PERFORMANCE WITH V-6 FUEL ECONOMY
The Lincoln MKR concept introduces a new engine technology that delivers V-8 power and performance with V-6 fuel economy.
The new technology, named TwinForce™, will appear on future Lincoln and Ford vehicles.
TwinForce uses direct injection technology and turbocharging. These technologies are common in diesel engines, but have only recently been combined for use in gasoline engines.
“Everything we do is driven by our customers,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Our TwinForce engine technology is a key element of how we’re going after fuel economy gains without asking anyone to give up performance.”
TwinForce’s direct-injection fuel system is different than conventional port fuel-injected gasoline engines. Instead of squirting gasoline into the engine cylinder head, it directly injects gasoline into the engine’s cylinders at high pressures.
Direct-injection fuel systems can more precisely control when and how much fuel is injected into the engine cylinders, allowing for more efficient burn and improved combustion control that delivers optimal performance and fuel economy.
Ford’s new Duratec 35 all-aluminum V-6, named a 10 Best Engine by Ward’s, is the foundation for the TwinForce technology found in the Lincoln MKR concept.
The Lincoln MKR’s engine is flex-fuel capable, providing the driver with the flexibility to switch back and forth between gasoline and E-85 ethanol. At Ford, flexible fuel is an important step toward development of more efficient, renewable biofuels that can provide energy security as well as environmental benefits.
Combining the high octane found in E-85 or premium gasoline with TwinForce technology allows the Lincoln MKR’s V-6 to deliver 415 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque – an impressive 118 horsepower per liter.
To achieve this type of performance from a V-8 would require an engine displacement of 6.0-liters or larger. As a result of the smaller V-6, the Lincoln MKR concept delivers 15 percent better fuel economy than a V-8 with similar performance.
In North America, the market is growing for the new TwinForce technology. Ford Motor Company already has several direct-injection equipped 4-cylinder engines in production, including a 1.8-liter launched in the 2003 Ford Mondeo and the 2.3-liter turbocharged engine developed by Mazda for the 2006 MazdaSpeed6. The TwinForce technology used in the Lincoln MKR represents Ford’s first application of direct injection on a V-6 engine. Its development was led by Ford Powertrain Research and Advanced Engineering, the same group leading the production design and development of this technology in a pilot program intended to speed the time to market with the new engine.
Ford issued a press release over the weekend to remind the public of the virtues of the new 265-HP 3.5 liter V-6 DOHC all-aluminum engine. This engine has already been covered in my Ford engine section here: http://www.drivingenthusiast.net/sec-ford/FMC-engines/default.htm
The press release is notable for a couple of things:
1) Note how Ford states flatly that a successful production launch is "critical" (maroon highlight below). The engine is already overdue and there have apparently been some late-cycle refinement engineering work necessary. Ford literally cannot get this engine to market quickly enough... yet it has to be right. Blame poor planning on the part of Ford. It's apparently a good product (designed in-house, not with Porsche engineering consulting as was the case with the excellent and world-class - though dated - 2.0/2.5/3.0 DOHC) but we'll have to wait and see how initial impressions and long-term durability turn out.
2) Note the statement at the end about the future of Ford's 4-cylinder engine (purple highlight below). Remember that Ford has already given Mazda responsibility for this engine. I take this statement to mean the addition of direct injection since a redesign of the old Ford (Focus) 2.3 was already performed by Mazda, whereby the engine received a newly designed 4-valve DOHC cylinder head and many other refinements. The turbocharged version of the 2.3 already has direct injection so this would be an easy fit. Perhaps it will be E85-capable too, earning Ford a few alternate fuel credits (not that any statistically significant numbers of people will actually run with E85, much less find it for sale. But that's not the purpose of E85 - it exists solely for the manufacturers to get alternative fuel credits from the government.).
3) Note the "one in five" (green highlight below) statement - again. Will this actually be true? Could that mean the Mustang too (replacing the godawful horribly dated 4 liter SOHC V-6 - an engine that traces it's genetics back to the sixties?). It could be... a rear-wheel drive version of the new V-6 was the first one shown in public: http://www.drivingenthusiast.net/sec-ford/FMC-engines/6m35d/rwd-version/default.htm
Press release follows:
NEW POWERTRAIN BOOSTS FORD'S EDGE
DEARBORN, Aug. 21, 2006 – The all-new Ford Edge crossover vehicle debuts later this year, equipped with a new 265-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that will serve as cornerstones in the company's drive to improve the performance, fuel economy and emissions of its powertrains.
Ford Vehicle Development Chief Engineer Jim Baumbick says the new engine and transmission give Ford's new crossover a cutting edge powertrain.
"It has very strong acceleration, so you have that confident get-up-and-go feel when you want it. And when you want to cruise, it delivers smooth, effortless driving that optimizes fuel economy," he said.
A good launch is critical for the Edge and its new powertrain. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine will be under the hood of one in five of the company's North American vehicles by the end of the decade. Ford also intends to maintain a leadership role in 6-speed transmissions, which the automaker estimates will be used in half of all manufacturers' North American cars and trucks by 2015.
Ford's new engine and transmission reinforce the company's on-going commitment to providing powertrains of choice to customers in all vehicle segments, according to Powertrain Vice President Barb Samardzich.
"Consumers shopping crossovers are looking for performance and fuel economy," she said. "We think that the new 6-speed transmission and 3.5-liter engine are absolutely best in class – any way you measure it."
The 3.5-liter V-6 combines with the first Ford-built 6-speed front-wheel-drive transmission to deliver up to a 7 percent fuel economy improvement on the highway compared to a typical 4-speed automatic.
The new engine's 265-horsepower rating is accomplished with less expensive regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). Some competitors require more expensive premium or mid-grade fuel to achieve their top ratings. Not only is the 3.5-liter Ford's most powerful V-6 ever, it's also the cleanest.
The new 2007 Lincoln MKX crossover vehicle also will be equipped with the new V-6 engine and 6-speed transmission. The new engine will also power the 2007 Lincoln MKZ.
Edmunds.com contributing editor Rex Roy is impressed with the refinement of the new V-6 engine, which he experienced while driving the 2007 Lincoln MKZ sedan.
"It truly puts Ford in competition with Honda and Toyota for producing some of the smoothest engines around," said Roy.
Samardzich says more class-leading powertrains are on the way as Ford pushes to be the leader or among the leaders in every vehicle segment.
"Our four-cylinder engine is a very strong product, and soon we will make it even more competitive with additional technologies," said Samardzich. "We're really focused on getting technologies from an advanced stage into vehicle programs and then delivering a very competitive cycle plan as quickly as possible, with world-class quality."
V-6 engines, and will also eventually (and not soon enough) the unrelated 4 liter SOHC V-6 engine from Europe. Other variants will include a 3.7 liter version for Lincoln, and a twin-turbo version of unknown displacement (3.5 or 3.7?). Architecturally, even large displacements are possible. It's also known that direct injection is coming "soon". 
Ford issued a press release over the weekend to remind the public of the virtues of the new 265-HP 3.5 liter V-6 DOHC all-aluminum engine. This engine has already been covered in my Ford engine section here: 
