Published June 26, 2012
By Philippe Crowe
The Ford Taurus, the Blue Oval’s technology and performance full-sized flagship sedan, is being launched for 2013 with an optional new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
The Taurus’ new 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is certified at 32 mpg highway and a 26-mpg combined EPA rating. This new engine will produce 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.
EcoBoost is the term Ford uses to identify its range of direct-injected turbocharged engines, and the company offers another EcoBoost engine in the Taurus, a 3.5 liter exclusive to the high performance SHO model.
EcoBoost engines are fundamental to Ford’s strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that generally deliver up to 20-percent better fuel economy, 15-percent fewer CO2 emissions, and more power as well.
“Ford understands people want fuel-efficient vehicles but don’t want to sacrifice power, cargo space or convenience preferences to get them,” said Raj Nair, vice president of Engineering for Global Product Development. “Taurus fuel economy showcases Ford’s success in developing smaller yet more powerful engines for its larger vehicles.”
Fuel economy in the 2013 Taurus is additionally enhanced by an active grille shutter system. Positioned between the grille opening and radiator, the shutters are controlled by the engine’s control module. Shutter slats automatically open and close to maintain the ideal operating temperatures and optimize vehicle aerodynamics.
The release of these numbers for the large Ford sedan comes the day after Toyota released details about its new for 2013 large Avalon sedan. Available in hybrid version, the EPA says the Avalon Hybrid will achieve 40 mpg in the city, and a 39 mpg on the highway. The Avalon Hybrid achieves a total system output of 200 horsepower.
The 3.5-liter, DOHC V6 -powered 2013 Avalon achieves an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined (21 city/ 31 hwy). The all-aluminum six-cylinder engine will produce 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.
