Ford has detailed its 2.3-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine that sits under the hood of the latest Focus ST. The new unit is 12% more powerful than its predecessor, pushing the Focus ST from 0‑100km/h in 5.7 seconds – 0.8 seconds quicker than the previous generation model.
The 280ps 2.3-liter engine, which generates 30ps more than the preceding Focus ST engine, has been developed to achieve even faster in-gear acceleration. Twin-scroll turbo technology contributes to segment-leading peak torque of 420Nm for immediate response to throttle inputs, and an innovative anti-lag system enables rapid delivery of boost on demand.
“The all-new Focus ST is about more than just straight-line speed, but the ability to go toe-to-toe with the now legendary Focus RS over a quarter-mile sprint shows just how much the Ford Performance team has moved the game on in the last four years,” said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance director, Europe. “We’ve drawn inspiration from the Ford GT supercar, F‑150 Raptor pick-up, Ford Mustang and Fiesta ST.”
The 2.3-liter EcoBoost’s low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger has been designed to scavenge exhaust gasses more effectively to optimize the energy transferred into the turbine wheel – producing more power and delivering boost pressure faster. Separated exhaust channels transfer the gas pulses from cylinders one and four, and two and three – minimizing pulse interference for a consistent flow of energy.
Anti-lag technology can electronically hold the throttle open for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the accelerator, alleviating the reversal of airflow from the turbocharger to maintain compressor wheel speed.
By keeping the turbocharger primed and maintaining positive pressure in the intake manifold when off throttle, the technology allows faster resumption of both boost pressure and optimized combustion when the driver returns to the accelerator. In addition, an electronically actuated turbocharger waste-gate allows closer control of boost pressures for enhanced engine performance.
