EcoBoost vs. Space Shuttle
What does a rocket ship and the new Ford Fusion have in common? They are both built with the right stuff. Modified superalloy used in Space Shuttle main engine helps performance and durability of Ford Fusion 2.0-liter EcoBoost® turbo.
To prolong turbo life and combat thermal fatigue, powertrain engineers, in conjunction with a team at supplier BorgWarner, went to the upper limits of commercially available turbo materials when choosing the turbine wheel for the turbocharger fitted to 2.0-liter EcoBoost variants.
Cool Stuff
According to Ford, the same material has been tried and tested in outer space. A version of it was used on the Space Shuttle main engine’s high-pressure fuel turbo pump and the blades of its high-pressure oxidizer turbo pump.
The upper temperature limit for the turbine wheel used on the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine in Edge and Explorer is 970 degrees Celsius (1,778 degrees Fahrenheit). However, in the sporty 2.0-liter EcoBoost for Fusion and Focus ST, the addition of tungsten and cobalt gives the alloy an upper temperature limit of 1,050 degrees Celsius (1,922 degrees Fahrenheit), per Ford.
The Benefit?
Less worry for you. That’s right, Fusion 2.0-liter drivers can enjoy enthusiastic and spirited driving for the life of the car without degrading turbo reliability or mechanical integrity.
To learn more, check out Ford’s page about the 2013 Ford Fusion at http://www.ford.com/cars/fusion/2013/.
