01-20-2009, 11:33 PM
We're hoping to see a production version of the Lincoln Concept C from the Detroit Auto Show, but even if that particular model never sees the light of day, the 1.6L EcoBoost engine under the concept's hood is likely to see production in one form or another in a variety of models from Ford. One logical spot for the flex fuel-capable turbocharged, direct injected four-banger is in the next-gen Focus, especially considering that the Lincoln Concept C was built atop a similar platform. When mated to Ford's PowerShift dual clutch gearbox along with Assisted Direct Start (read: start/stop) functionality, this little powertrain combination is reportedly capable of returning 43 miles per gallon on the highway. Just as importantly, the mill's 180-horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque is actually much more powerful than the outgoing 2.0L four cylinder in the current Ford Focus. We'll see for sure what's placed in the next Focus' engine bay in 2010