More on Ford's New Ecoboost Turbocharged Four Cylinder Engine

Ford is unlikely to offer the 230-horsepower, 240 pound-foot turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine in the current Fusion midsize sedan. Reason? The Fusion and its Mercury twin, the Milan, got engine upgrades for the 2010 model year. They're likely on the good side of the "S" curve for 2012-16 Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards. A 2.0-liter EcoBoost would be a replacement for the 3.5-liter V-6 in a midsize car like the Fusion. Until last month, the Fusion was Ford's bestselling car, and the company has made it clear it will roll out EcoBoost engines, which also use gas direct-injection, for the majority of its lineup. One source believes the next-generation Focus, launching next year, will be offered with a 1.4-liter EcoBoost engine.

A Ford spokesman said an earlier report at this site regarding the on-sale date of a Fusion EcoBoost was incorrect.

The automaker plans to double four-cylinder engine capacity (including non-EcoBoost engines for cars like the Fiesta, Focus and Fusion/Milan) by 2011 and will offer four-bangers on most models by '12.

The EcoBoost four makes more horsepower and the same torque as the Mustang's Cologne, Germany-sourced, ancient 4.0-liter V-6, so the 2.0 would make a good fuel-efficient rival for the Chevrolet Camaro's 3.6-liter V-6. Expect the engine in the Edge, perhaps in the Escape/Mariner as replacement for its V-6, and even in the 2011 unibody Explorer as the "base" engine. A V-6 EcoBoost F-150 also premiers next year.