Will Ford Update Their Engines?

[procfm]

I've been looking into direct injection coupled with alcohol based fuels just as something to do. Does anyone know which way ford will go with the I6 4.0L ? They are making the DI turbo 4cyl aka ecoboost, I would like to see Ford update the I6 with some better tech. Thoughts?

[ZAP]

I doubt we will see any DI on the I6 as they were going to drop it altogether for the V6 due to EURO4, but changed their minds.

The I6 is a very low production engine in comparison to other mainstream, so any R&D is limited to our small market.

I personally think that the E85 is a joke as the amount of energy required to make E85 makes it an unrealistic long term substitute for oil based fuel.

The only thing Ford will do with the I6 is drop it eventually for a worldwide powerplant.

[Impellor]

My personal view is that if Ford continues with the inline 6 direct injection will be an option as it increases efficiency, Therefore less emissions better fuel economy. Remember, a couple of years ago Ford said that it would drop the Barra engine range in July 2010. This has not occurred so one would expect that a decision was made to push on with this engine for some time yet. However, I am not privy to any insider information that others on this website seem to be, so maybe they can add to this discussion. Cheers

[Guest XR09]

Good point on the E85 Zap.

My main worry is where are they going to find enough land and water to make the required amount of Ethanol ???? And then make the whole proccess ecconomical enough to be viable ???

Like I am not sure but how much grain does it take to make just one liter of ethanol.