AIMS: Falcon EcoLPi kickstarts LPG revolution
Ford introduces its highly anticipated Liquid Phase Injection LPG system to Falcon at the Australian International Motor ShowFord has kickstarted thearrival of the next generation of LPG-fuelled vehicles Down Under. Boasting 27 per cent more power and 10 per cent more torque than the previous E-Gas LPG system, Ford's new EcoLPi-powered Falcon was today unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne.
Available in Falcon XT, G6, XR6 and G6E (as shown at AIMS) sedan and Falcon XL, R6 and XR6 utility variants, EcoLPi enhances Ford's popular 4.0-litre six-cylinder with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Ford says the move was "necessary to provide its customers with greater choice in a time when rising petrol prices force motorists to seek alternative fuel sources".
The cornerstone of the EcoLPi engine is the new injection system, which follows a similar fuel induction configuration to the regular (petrol) I6 engine courtesy of a new injector-based, high-pressure fuel rail that delivers liquid-state LPG fuel directly into the intake port.
Whereas traditional vapour LPG systems turn liquefied gas into vapour form before feeding it into the engine via a venturi in the throttle body, the liquid phase injection system takes the gas in liquid state all the way to the injectors -- a more precise method that Ford says delivers improved engine performance.
The new EcoLPi engine develops 198kW/409Nm, identical to the petrol-powered I6 engine. Previous E-Gas LPG models developed 156kW/371Nm.The arrival of the new system also heralds the adoption of a six-speed auto for the first time on a factory-fitted LPG Falcon.
Official ADR 81/02 fuel consumption certification testing on EcoLPi has returned combined cycle results of 12.5L/100km and CO2 emissions of 203g/km (figures quoted for Falcon XT).
"The introduction of EcoLPi represents another key pillar in Ford's plan to bring a range of sustainability initiatives to market, following the launch of Australia's first locally-produced diesel vehicle with the new SZ Territory, as well as the introduction of Ford's patented EcoBoost engine technology on Mondeo," stated Ford Australia CEO, Bob Graziano.
"Improvements in fuel economy, CO2 emissions and cost of ownership have been achieved through a combination of engineering developments, the introduction of a new range of small and light cars, and the expanded availability of alternative fuel vehicles such as diesel and LPG.
"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."
The new Ford Falcon EcoLPi system is available optionally across those models listed above for $2500 (MRLP). This is a $500 increase over the previous E-Gas LPG system.
- Higher compression ratio (12.0:1) improves thermal efficiency and fuel consumption
- Polymer fuel lines ensure LPG fuel is kept in a liquefied state
- Fuel line and in-tank filter to prevent contamination
- Modified fuel tank includes new high-pressure fuel pump
- High-density catalytic converter
- Engine management system re-calibration includes fuel priming stategy
- Six-speed ZF automatic transmission now available on all EcoLPi variants (previously four-speed)
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