Leaked info shows that 2014 Ford Fusion will pack 3-cylinder EcoBoost

Some of you might be thinking that there is a typo in the title and our introductory paragraph but there is no mistake – there could be a three cylinder EcoBoost engine powering the 2014 Ford Fusion sedan. According to the folks at Blue Oval Forums, the 2014 Fusion order guide reveals that the new 1.5L EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine will be introduced as a new optional engine for the Fusion SE. This information comes after it was announced that the Ford Fusion would be sold in the Chinese market with a new 1.5L EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine.

Since the information on the upcoming 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine for the 2014 Ford Fusion is leaked and unofficial, we do not know what kind of power output this new engine will have when it reaches dealerships around the country. However, we do know that this 3-cylinder mill in China will offer 177 horsepower and 177lb-ft of torque so the American version could offer similar power. The 1.6L 4-cylinder EcoBoost currently offered in the 2013 Fusion packs 178 horsepower and 184lb-ft of torque so realistically, Ford could either tweak the new 1.5L 3-cylinder to offer the same power as the 1.6L EcoBoost or they could just go with the same output that this engine will offer in the Chinese market.

Oddly, this leaked order guide suggests that the new 1.5L 3-cylinder engine will be offered along with the 1.6L EcoBoost 4-cylinder rather than replacing it altogether for the 2014 model year Fusion. Evidently, the 3-cylinder engine will only be available with the SelectShift automatic transmission while the 1.6L 4-cylinder will only be available with a manual transmission. This information also indicates that the 1.6L engine will no longer offer Start/Stop technology but the new 3-cylinder engine will – making this new 1.5L engine even more efficient.
The advantage of the 1.5L EcoBoost 3-cylinder under the hood of the 2014 Ford Fusion is that it will likely be a touch more efficient than the 1.6L EcoBoost 4-cylinder. In a midsized sedan segment that is absolutely packed full of popular, efficient options, having an engine option that is 1 or 2 miles per gallon better could make the difference between being able to boast of having the most efficient car in the class – or letting someone else make that claim.

Right now, the Nissan Altima is the most efficient (non-hybrid) in the segment with a figure of 38 miles per gallon on the highway while the most efficient Ford Fusion offers 37mph. This means that Ford would only need the new 1.5L EcoBoost to offer about 5% better fuel economy than the larger 1.6L EcoBoost for Ford to reclaim the title of the most efficient midsized sedan in America.

In addition to the new 3-cylinder engine, the 2014 Ford Fusion is also set to receive two new exterior colors with Dark Side and Sunset replacing Bordeaux Reserve and Ginger Ale. A heated steering wheel, cooled front seats and optional summer tires will also be available on certain 2014 Fusion sedans later in the model year.

Source: Blue Oval Forums