Fleet Focused

Advanced-technology gasoline engines will be a cornerstone of Ford Motor Co.'s near-term plan to improve its lagging fleet fuel economy, the auto maker reveals.

In addition to the debut of a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission and the introduction of direct-injection turbocharging, Ford promises a fuel shut-off system “in a couple of years,” says Derrick Kuzak, group vice president-global product development.

It's called “deceleration fuel shut-off,” Kuzak tells Ward's at a media event to showcase Ford's '08 lineup.

“It's just as simple as that. When the vehicle is decelerating, it shuts off fuel completely. It's technology we have today. What we're trying to do is work on every fuel economy gain that we can. (Deceleration fuel shut-off) already is under development, and you'll see it within the next couple of years.”

Kuzak's revelations come as federal legislators are mired in standoffs over a proposed mandate that would dramatically hike fleet fuel economy — an area in which Ford has recently performed poorly.

Another core technology for Ford will be its TwinForce engine, which the company says will provide the power of a V-8 with the fuel economy of a V-6 courtesy of direct-fuel injection and twin turbochargers.