Info leaks on Ford's 35 Duratec
In some ways this is great news. The 3.5-liter Duratec engine is ready for the CD3 sedans next year. The 2007 versions of the Lincoln Zephyr, Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion will all have the 3.5 as optional engines. Now here's the bad news: If Ford continues with these dates, the D3 Chicago cars: Five Hundred, Montego and Freestlye will not see a boost in horsepower until the 2008 model year when the cars get a face lift. Personally we feel the three vehicles are just about right for the 3.0-liter engine, but a higher-powered option would be welcomed. We just hoped it would happen before 2008.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Joel 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
A Mercury Montego with the new, more powerful engine with an (optional) nav system by end of 2007? I can hold off for a new car for a bit.
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B 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
If Ford will have the engines ready by 2006, they ought to be able to find a way to include them in the 500 series cars before 2008.
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Brad Barnett 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
I wonder when they'll put the 3.5 in the Mustang? There have been a lot of complaints about the noise and roughness of the transplanted Ranger 4.0.
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sparc 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
This move doesn't surprise me much. It would seem to me that (warning: gross generalization ahead) the typical 500 buyer is more concerned with usability, comfort and fuel economy than they are with outright speed. Contrast this to the expected younger target buyer for the fusion/etc. which will likely want more sport out of their sedan and it is easy to see why ford devoted resources the way they did.
Again, I know this isn't true for *all* 500 & fusion buyers, but to me it seems like a logical decision by ford (assuming they don't have enough resources to update both cars simultaneously).
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Lee 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
So... is Duratec like... Ford's take on VTEC? That would be amuse me.
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Tim 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
#3
?!? Yeah, nothing says "Mustang" like a quiet, smooth, and unobtrusive powertrain.
I've got a 88 5.0, which is none of those things, and that's why it gets looks - that's one of the reasons I bought it.
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Mike O. 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
#5
Duratec is Fords name for their DOHC car engines. Similar to GMs Vortec/Ecotec line engines. In addition, Ford does feature variable valve timing (which is what VTEC is) on some of their engines.
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Dave 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
One word, Chrysler has a 3.5 liter, 24 valve six banger that puts out 250 horsepower in the 300M. It is fast enough, Ford is finally getting on the bandwagon. Hear the GT500 is having major problems, huh, maybe check out a Viper.
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theraven 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
#5 - No, Duratec is the name of the engine family.
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karxprt 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
Ford has needed this larger displacement V6 since the Five Hundred/Montego/Freestyle were introduced. Too bad the new powerplant will not go to the bigger vehicles before it goes in the CD3 cars. The transmission selection in the F/M/F trio partly makes up for the anemic engine, but more punch is needed ASAP.
Info in Vehicle Voice (http://www.vehiclevoice.com) indicates that good power and performance is now a central part of the safety equation. People want to be able to accelerate away from a problem, even if their car or truck is surrounded by air bags and crush zones. The horsepower war is both for the exhilaration of fun to drive and confidence of a very safe vehicle.
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speros3332 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
My family already owns a Taurus with the Duratec 3.0 litre engine and I have to say it's a fine engine, loves to stretch its legs on the highway; 200Horsepower and just over 30 MPG highway. I've felt the only drawback was that it lacked displacement for more low-end grunt and this should be fixed with the extra 500cc.
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erik marzano 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
Just test drove the Ford 500. Definitely underpowered, particularly off the line. I guess Ford figures their larger-car buyers really don't want the same power as their soon-to-be midsize (Fusion) buyers. It's a shame, since the 500 is a very nice car otherwise. I don't like the idea of going to a smaller vehicle just to get decent acceleration. I drive a Grand Marquis now, so a Mazda 6-based sedan isn't up my alley, and I won't buy another Grand Marquis because they really are sloppy (and gas hogs). So I'll be shopping other than Ford.
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