Search the Community

Ford's 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine has won the "International Engine of the Year" award for the second consecutive year. Not only that, the turbocharged, direct-injection three-cylinder engine achieved the highest score in the 15 year history of the awards. "With a technology as mature as the internal combustion engine, it's very rare to achieve a true breakthrough, but that is exactly what the team accomplished with this engine," said Joe Bakaj, Ford Vice President, Global Powertrain. "You have to drive it to believe a small three-cylinder engine can deliver such performance and fuel economy." A panel of 87 automotive journalists from 35 countries around the world judged the awardees based on drivability, performance, economy, refinement and the successful application of advanced engine technology. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is currently offered in cars such as Fiesta, B-MAX and the Focus. In the near future, it will also power larger cars including the new Ford Mondeo. The rest of the award winners are as follows: New Engine Ford three-cylinder turbo (Focus) Green Engine General Motors 1.4-litre range extender (Chevrolet Volt, Opel Ampera) Performance Engine Ferrari 4.5-litre V8 (458 Italia) Sub 1.0-litre Ford three-cylinder turbo (Focus) 1.0-litre to 1.4-litre Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre BMW-PSA 1.6-litre turbo gasoline 1.8-litre to 2.0-litre BMW 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder gasoline 2.0-litre to 2.5-litre Audi 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo (TT RS, RS3 Sportback) 2.5-litre to 3.0-litre BMW 3.0-litre bi-turbo six-cylinder (1 Series M Coupe, 335is, Z4 35is) 3.0-litre to 4.0-litre BMW M 4.0-litre V8 (BMW M3) Above 4.0-litre Ferrari 4.5-litre V8 (458 Italia)

The 2012 Geneva Motor Show has brought many automakers to the land famous for founding the Red Cross, chocolates, fine timepieces and etc. During this event, Ford has plenty to show the world what they have come up with. Other than the Fiesta ST, Tourneo concept van and the Kuga (or Escape), Ford has unveiled an important model which is the B-Max. You might ask; why is it important? Firstly, the B-Max targets the mini MPV market segment which has increased in popularity. A mini MPV is suitable for those who are looking for a car that provides extra space but not too large in overall dimensions (easy to manoeuvre around). And the B-Max offers not only that but something else that is rather innovative. The B-Max is based on the same platform used on the Fiesta and it does not have a B-pillar. Ford has emphasised that this feature is mainly for easy access into the rear seating area. How did Ford achieve this? This ingenious design integrates the central body pillars into the hinged front doors and the rear sliding doors. The usage of ultra high-strength steel for the integrated central body pillars offers five times more strength, if compared to the usage of ordinary mild steel. And Ford has ensured that this provides excellent crash protection especially from a side impact. This unique feature creates a wide opening which enables someone to load or unload bulky items and it is also useful for large sized passengers to move in and out of the rear passenger compartment. The B-Max is available with several petrol and engine types and the highlight is the all-new 1.0 litre, three cylinder engine from the EcoBoost engine family. The engine is mated to a six-speed dual- clutch transmission and it features a turbocharged direct injection and also a start-stop system. The Ford B-Max will go on sale in Europe later this year as a 2013 model. Photo credit: Net Car Show and Auto Blog