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Ford will sell 10 models on new C-segment platform



This week's Frankfurt Motor Show marks the beginning of a new generation of Ford's new C-segment platform with the debut of the new C-Max and Grand C-Max MAVs. According to Ford, over the course of the next few years this new global compact platform will spawn as many as 10 different vehicle variants around the world. In addition to the two C-Max variants, the next Focus will be available as a four-dour sedan, three- and five-door hatchback and convertible. That still leaves a number of other possibilities that Ford hasn't announced yet, which means we'll probably be seeing some crossovers and perhaps even sports variants coming over the next few years. With the increasing importance of the compact segment, all of these variants will play a big part in Ford's future.

Ford unveils smallest EcoBoost engine yet at 1.6 liters





Ford's EcoBoost offensive is continuing in Frankfurt this week with the official launch of the third member of the family, the 1.6-liter four cylinder. The new engine joins the currently-in-production 3.5-liter V6 and the already-announced 2.0-liter four. Like the rest of the family, this one features direct gasoline injection, a turbocharger and dual independent variable valve timing.

Output numbers aren't yet final but it should come in at about 180 hp and 170-175 lb-ft of torque. Ford's plan is to use the EcoBoost engines to replace larger, normally-aspirated engines in various applications. For example, the 1.6 will replace 2.0-2.5-liter engines in many of the C-segment vehicles like the Focus and C-Max. The 2.0-liter will replace 2.5-3.0-liter units starting in 2010 CUVs and SUVs. That likely means we will see this as the base engine in the new unibody Explorer and, possibly, as a replacement for the V6 in the Escape.

Ford plans to have 1.3 million of these engines on the road over the next four years with availability in 80 percent of its product lines.