Direct-injection engine and ASM transmission hint at future powertrain development at Ford

A new prototype powertrain system, debuting at the 2000 Geneva Motor Show, provides an exciting look at future technology on the way from Ford.

The prototype system combines a high-tech, three-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine with a new automated-shift manual (ASM) transmission. Together, this new Ford powertrain technology has the potential to provide small-car drivers with real-world performance benefits while delivering improvements in both fuel economy and emissions levels. It is especially suited to congested urban environments.

"This is the future - the very near future - of European small car powertrains in the new millennium," said Martin Leach, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. "The combination of a small displacement direct-injection petrol engine and an automated-shifting manual transmission is ideal because it benefits the environment while still being fun to drive."

Automated-Shift Manual Transmission
The demonstration system displayed by Ford at Geneva is the first public showing of Ford's prototype 'shift by wire' transmission, which has potential applications across the Ford vehicle range.

The system replaces the traditional gear shift lever with an electronic joystick and uses a sophisticated electro-mechanical control system to do away with the clutch pedal completely. With an ASM transmission, the driver makes gear selections with the easy-to-operate electronic joystick while the vehicle's control system executes the driver's decision, co-ordinating all gear-change events including engine torque ramp-down and ramp-up. Electronic safeguards prevent mis-shifts or clutch operating errors.

A high-performance computer - the transmission control unit (TCU) - is at the heart of the system. It optimises all characteristics of the vehicle's gear changes, clutch behaviour and shift scheduling to provide a smooth and sporty performance with up to 10 per cent better fuel economy than a conventional automatic transmission.

The ASM prototype system shown in a complete small-car configuration at Geneva operates in two driver-selected modes:

• Manual mode, in which the driver makes the gear selections by pushing the joystick forward to shift up or pulling it backward for downshifts.
• Auto-shift mode, in which the system selects the gears automatically.

The system's intelligence can detect special conditions, such as uphill, downhill or cornering circumstances, and modifies its shifting characteristics accordingly, as intelligently as any driver would.

Direct-Injection Zetec SE
The Geneva exhibit's prototype 1.1-litre direct-injection Zetec SE petrol engine has equally impressive technology. It provides improvements in emissions performance and fuel economy - especially in stop-and-go city traffic - while exemplifying Ford's high standards of performance, reliability and quiet operation.

Architecturally based on Ford's proven Zetec-SE family of engines, it incorporates many technological features not currently available in today's petrol engines.

"This prototype direct injection engine delivers real-world performance the customer wants but with improved CO2 emissions, especially where they are needed most, in heavy-traffic, city driving conditions, " Leach said.

Featuring electronic on-board diagnostics and unique exhaust catalytic converter technology, the engine meets the European Union's proposed Stage IV emissions standards due to take effect in 2005. It achieves CO2 emissions some 25 per cent below today's levels.

Smooth, reliable performance
The double overhead cam, 4-valve prototype engine generates 55 kW (75 PS) at 5500 rpm. Its performance across the entire torque curve is fully competitive with those engines currently available in European small cars.

It features an engine balance shaft for smooth operating performance across the rpm range and assured comfort for vehicle occupants. The engine's quiet operation also assures low drive-by noise levels.

"Our product development team in Europe is focused on delivering innovative and affordable new technology to every customer," said Leach. "This is just one example of the many exciting powertrain developments we are working on that you will see on Ford vehicles in the near future."

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