Ford Puts New Twin-Turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 Through 'Boot Camp'

Posted Today 04:50 PM by Nate Martinez

Ford's new EcoBoost 3.5L twin-turbo V-6 is promised by the brand to be one of its best powertrains yet thanks to the battery of testing it endured during development. If you haven't heard, EcoBoost technologies help to achieve improved fuel economy without sacrificing power or performance through turbocharging and direct-injection. All total, more than 1 million miles were put on prototype EcoBoosts that were subject to Ford's 'Boot Camp' style extreme challenges.

Three main methods of testing were utilized to ensure build quality and durability. These included computer aided engineering model simulations, lab dynomometer runs and real world testing. Twenty dyno tests, for example, were had by each engine in order to analyze and improve the motor under a max speed and power environment

With Road Cycle Durability tests, engines were cold started 1000 times and revved up to peak power and torque for sustained amounts of time. Turbos were subjected to 950 degree Celsius conditions for 10 minutes and then quickly run at room temperature for the same time period. Their touted 10-year lifespan (or 150,000 mile equivalent) durability is largely said to be due to their tough water-cooled bearing jackets.

All EcoBoost test mules were also run for 15 days straight in order to test them under the most extreme of conditions. The finalized engine passed with 'flying colors,' as one engineer put it, and will be offered in the 2010 Flex, 2010 Lincoln MKS and MKT, as well as in the 2010 Taurus SHO. It produces 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque in the Flex and both Lincolns, but has been tuned for 10 more horsepower in under the SHO's hood.

Source: Ford