Ford Falcon EcoLPi scheduled for mid-year launch

Ford Australia is boasting some impressive figures for the new technology in its next LPG-fuelled Falcon.

How does 27 per cent added power sound? Or 10 per cent more torque? And most pertinent of all, fuel use lowered by 12 to 15 per cent -- compared with the E-Gas system previously offered in the FG Falcon.

The new induction system, which injects LPG into the engine as a liquid rather than a vapour, will be marketed as EcoLPi. According to Ford's press material, the new induction system provides improved driveability for the 'gas-powered' Falcon and bolsters the manufacturer's powertrain range with a real alternative to petrol.

"The introduction of EcoLPi is the next step in Ford Australia's comprehensive new product offensive, which will see close to 85 per cent of our vehicle line-up all-new or significantly updated over the next 12 months," president of Ford Australia, Bob Graziano, was quoted as saying.

"It also 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.

"Awareness of the climate change issue and its importance to consumers has seen Ford deliver a range of product actions in recent years, which have introduced sustainable technologies that are conscious of both the environment and our customers.

"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."

Ford has a lot riding on the new LPG variants in the Falcon range. The company has seen sales of the locally-manufactured large car slide over the past couple of months -- and as much as 25 per cent of that decline is due to the lack of an E-Gas variant in the showrooms, since production of the car with the old single-fuel LPG system ceased late last year.

"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," said Graziano.

The improved efficiency of the LPI system is due to the very fact that the fuel is injected into the engine as a liquid. As it expands after its discharge from the injectors, it cools the combustion chamber and allows higher compression and better combustion.

Peak power for the new engine, which remains based on the Geelong-built 4.0-litre inline six, is 198kW at 5000rpm. The EcoLPi engine actually matches the petrol engine for torque -- 409Nm at 3250rpm -- when the petrol engine is running on 95 RON premium unleaded fuel.

There's more to revamping the engine than merely pumping liquefied gas through new injectors; Ford has naturally specified a new fuel rail and new injectors for the engine, but internally the piston design is new and features a low-friction ring pack. The compression ratio has been bumped up to 12.0:1.

Fuel lines are made from polymer and supply the LPG to a new filter that, along with a new fuel tank filter, reduces the risk of contamination. The tank itself has been modified inside and the gas is transported to the engine from the tank by means of high-pressure fuel pump.

Other changes include a new catalytic converter, recalibration of the engine management system and the adoption of the ZF six-speed automatic transmission as standard. Ford will offer the new drivetrain package across both Falcon sedan and ute models, including XT, G6, G6E and XR6 sedans, plus XL, R6 and XR6 utes. Ute buyers can opt for either the 'Styleside' or cab chassis configurations.

The only real mystery remaining is what it will cost when Ford introduces the EcoLPi option to the product range.

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