All About Japan Autos

At the 2011 Detroit Auto Show this weekend, Ford demonstrated its new EcoBoost line of turbocharged engines, attempting to prove to critics that the new engine retains high performance while increasing gas mileage. Engineers completely dismantled its 3.5 liter V6 engine to show the effects of the equivalent of 10 years of use in a Ford F-150 pickup truck under extreme conditions. The new engine performed well, according to PickupTrucks.com, which is fortunate for Ford as most of their 2011 vehicles offer versions of the engine.

The EcoBoost is a line of I4 and V6 engines with higher-than-average horsepower and torque. For this test, Ford randomly selected an engine off of the production line and put it through a series of strenuous testing in the lab and on the road. Lab tests added the equivalent of 150,000 consumer miles, and the road tests included dragging logs, towing at high speeds for long periods of time, an uphill towing competition, and a 1,000-mile offroad race. Back at Ford’s dyno lab, Ford tested the engine’s power output and it “reportedly passed with flying colors,” according to Edmunds Inside Line. At the Detroit Auto Show, mechanics dismantled and tested the engine in front of a crowd of onlookers, laying out parts so attendees could see the wear and tear for themselves.

So what does all this testing mean for those on the lookout for a new car? Overall, Car and Driver recommends the new engine: “Having now experienced the power and performance of the EcoBoost F-150, we think most potential customers will feel right at home in the driver’s seat.” With the new engine, buyers should be able to achieve good towing, hauling, on-road power with better-than-usual gas mileage for a full-size pickup. However, since this durability testing was entirely conducted by Ford, consumers will want to check out other sources as well. For an unbiased opinion, try J.D. Power and Associates, Consumer Reports, and Intellichoice.

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