DETROIT – Ford Motor Co.’s new TwinForce engine, showcased in the Lincoln MKR concept unveiled this week at the North American International Auto Show here, will debut in a production vehicle in the near future, a top executive says.
The TwinForce V-6 engine is able to produce V-8 power due, in part, to its twin turbochargers.
When production versions of the engine debuts, they generally will boast one turbo, Derrick Kuzak, group vice president-global product development, says.
The engine, based on Ford’s new Duratec 35 all-aluminum V-6, is capable of running on E85 or premium gasoline and produces 415 hp. It is able to deliver a 15% improvement in fuel economy compared with a V-8 with similar performance, Ford says.
“TwinForce is indicative of where we’re heading with ‘greener miles’ technology,” Kuzak tells Ward's. “It produces V-8 power with a V-6 through three steps: direct (fuel) injection, turbo and downsizing displacement.”
Kuzak declines to reveal whether a version of TwinForce will be used to power the upcoming Lincoln MKS flagship sedan, but media reports suggest Ford will forgo a V-8 in the MKS in lieu of a high-powered V-6 mill.
