Three into two will go, says Ford.
It is investigating an new engine management approach by the company that could be a key to helping make the award-winning three-cylinder 1.0‑litre EcoBoost engine even more fuel efficient.
On-road tests using a working prototype showed fuel efficiency improvements of up to six per cent after engineers conducted an experimental investigation into cylinder deactivation.
To enable cylinder deactivation to take place at a wider range of engine loads and speeds they developed a new dual mass flywheel which also minimized noise, vibration and harshness levels.
These findings were presented at the international Vienna Engine Symposium by Andreas Schamel, Ford director, Global Powertrain, Research & Advanced Engineering. Cylinder deactivation is among a number of fuel efficiency solutions Ford is investigating for the 1.0-litre EcoBoost, at the European Research and Innovation Centre in Aachen, Germany and has been working with Schaeffler on the system.
Volkswagen has been a leading exponent of cylinder deactivation in its engines for a number of years and it has brought significant benefits in terms of emissions and economy.
