FORD'S "LISTENING" COMMON RAIL DIESEL DEBUTS IN UK
* UK at forefront of Ford second-generation common rail diesel
* Ford Focus to lead the introduction
* Advanced technology engine "listens" to itself to monitor sound quality
* Significant improvements to refinement, efficiency and performance
* UK to build engine in Ford Centre for Diesel Excellence, Dagenham, Essex
* On sale from summer 2001
BRENTWOOD, February 22, 2001 - Britain will be one of the first European markets to benefit from the introduction of Ford's new generation of common rail diesel engines.
Named Ford Duratorq TDCi, the new engines will be introduced from summer 2001, first as a 115PS, 1.8-litre in the Ford Focus and later, in 2.0-litre form, in the Ford Mondeo. They will be offered as a premium option in each range, alongside the existing 1.8-litre TDDi and 2.0-litre Duratorq Di respectively.
Using the latest technology, the second-generation unit - one of the first new products from Ford's Centre for Diesel Excellence in Dagenham, Essex - has the unique ability to "listen" to its own operating characteristics and monitor its refinement through advanced electronics. This advantage, combined with more precise control of the amount of fuel in the "rail" and a more accurately controlled fuel injection system, results in a level of refinement not previously available in a Ford diesel engine.
The new engine is both quieter and smoother than the current TDDi direct injection turbo-diesel Ford Focus unit and an improvement over first generation common rail technology.
Engine performance is also increased to a new level for Ford diesel engines. Despite a smoother, quieter operation, the Ford Focus TDCi's improved torque and power allows it to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 10.8 seconds, compared to 12.5 seconds for the 90PS, TDDi model. Top speed is also improved from 114 mph to 120 mph.
Despite improvements in both these areas, there is no compromise in all-important fuel economy, with the Ford Focus TDCi returning 51.4 mpg on the European combined cycle - identical to that of the Ford Focus TDDi.
"Currently, diesel sales account for 14 percent of all cars sold in the UK each year and we anticipate that this figure will have increased to almost 30 percent by 2005, said Ian McAllister, chairman and managing director, Ford Motor Company Limited. "Clearly, diesels are becoming an increasingly important segment of the UK motor industry and we intend to lead the way with cutting edge diesel technology. The new Ford TDCi engine is the latest and best that diesel technology has to offer and it will appeal to the most discerning and demanding of UK buyers."
"The Ford Focus has redefined the medium-sized car since its UK launch in October 1998, through its unrivalled driving quality, interior space and style. Now we believe it will redefine what customers can expect of diesel engine technology in a car of its class."
The introduction of second-generation common rail technology will make Ford one of the first manufacturers to offer this advanced level of diesel technology. The customer benefits - led by the engine's smooth, quiet operation and significantly increased torque - are immediately noticeable.
Currently 16 percent of Ford Focus sales are diesel, a figure expected to increase to 24 percent with the introduction of the Ford Focus TDCi. Ford expects to sell approximately 9000 Ford Focus TDCi models in a full year.
The Ford Focus TDCi will be available alongside the existing TDDi engine in Ghia models only, in a choice of four-door, five-door and estate. Prices will be announced closer to its on-sale date in Summer 2001.
Further details of the Ford Mondeo TDCi will be announced closer to its introduction later in 2001.