Ford Showcases EcoLPi Technology in Falcon

Ford Australia debuts its next-generation EcoLPi liquid-injection LPG system at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne, saying it produces 27% more power and 10% more torque than the previous E-Gas LPG system.

Ford says it is the most advanced liquefied petroleum gas technology available on the market and arrives at a time when rising gasoline prices are forcing motorists to seek alternative fuel sources. It is offered on both Falcon sedans and pickups.

EcoLPi engine option on Ford Falcon in Australia to cost about A$2,500 ($2,692).

The new EcoLPi in-line 5-cyl. engine is a liquid-phase injection, dedicated LPG powerplant that delivers fuel efficiency and reduced carbon-dioxide emissions, as well as no-compromise engine performance compared with the Falcon's existing gasoline inline-6.

Ford Australia President and CEO Bob Graziano says liquid-injection represents the most advanced LPG technology available and delivers significant drivability and operating improvements compared with Ford’s previous E-Gas venturi-style vapor system.

“Falcon EcoLPi offers customers the power, torque and overall engine performance they expect from a traditional Aussie six, coupled with all the space, comfort and towing capability of a family sedan, while at the same time delivering the fuel costs of a smaller car,” Graziano says in a statement.

The EcoLPi engine’s new injection system follows a similar induction configuration as the gasoline I-6, courtesy of a new high-pressure fuel rail that delivers liquid-state LPG directly into the intake port.

Traditional systems turn liquefied gas into vapor before feeding it into the engine via a venturi in the throttle body, but Ford’s new liquid-phase injection system brings the gas in liquid state all the way to the injectors.

Injecting the LPG fuel directly into the intake port improves engine volumetric efficiency, which delivers better fuel economy, reduced CO2 emissions and better engine performance, Ford says.

As the LPG fuel is no longer under pressure once it is released from the injector, its sudden expansion and rapid cooling of the incoming air charge creates the ideal conditions for maximum fuel-burning efficiency, Ford says.

The new EcoLPi engine develops 265 hp at 5,000 rpm and 302 lb.-ft. (409 Nm) of torque at 3,250 rpm, which is identical to the gasoline I-6 when operating on high-octane 95 RON unleaded fuel.

Official ADR 81/02 fuel-consumption certification testing on the EcoLPi engine has returned combined cycle results of 18.8 mpg (12.5 L/100 km) on Falcon XT and 18.6 mpg (12.6 L/100 km) on G6, G6E and XR6 models, which represent improvements of 16.1% and 15.4%, respectively.

Similar reductions also have been achieved on CO2 emissions, with Falcon XT coming in at 203 g/km and G6, G6E and XR6 models at 204 g/km, down from 240 g/km on the previous E-Gas system.

Ford says the EcoLPi engine option on Falcon will attract a A$500 ($538) increase to the recommended option price over the previous E-Gas LPG system, taking it to A$2,500 ($2,692).