Ford Engines History
Ford Motor Company is a United States-based automobile manufacturer with headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. The company produced the world's first "assembled car" in 1908. This vehicle was designed with a 4-cylinder engine that produced a top speed of 45 mph. The Model T engine was only the first of several engines that Ford would produce throughout its history.
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Time Frame
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After the introduction of the 4-cylinder engine used in the Model T in 1908, Ford Motor Company became a pioneer and industry leader in assembled cars. Ford started building more powerful engines with more horsepower and better efficiency than could be used in stock cars, trucks and other vehicles. The Ford Model A engine was introduced in 1928; the Ford Model B engine was introduced in 1933. In 1932, Ford introduced the V8 "flathead" engine that became a favorite choice for hot-rodders and car racing enthusiasts.
Other noteworthy engines throughout Ford's history include the Zephyr 6 in 1951; the Lincoln Y-block, an 8-cylinder engine, in 1954; the Super Duty truck engine in 1958; the British Essex V6 in 1967; the Cologne/Taunus V6 in 1964; the Vulcan V6 in 1986; and the Mondeo V6 in 1994. Ford was also responsible for producing the Duratec 25, a 2.5 L engine in 1994 and the Jaguar AJ-V6, a 3L engine in 2000. Ford's only 10-cylinder engine, the Modular V10, was introduced in 1997. The Aston Martin V12, a 12-cylinder engine, was introduced in the early 2000s.
Types
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Ford has made several different engine styles with various levels of horsepower over the course of its history. Ford Motor Company has produced a 4-cylinder engine, 6-cylinder engine, 8-cylinder engine, 10-cylinder engine and a 12-cylinder engine. Engines used in the F-series, Ford's heavy-duty pickup models introduced in 1948, were built with 226-cubic inch inline-6 engines and 239-cubic inch V8 engines.
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Key Features
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Ford engines were built using the first moving assembly line. This was one of the most cost-effective methods for production, especially for the automotive industry. Ford engines were built with several distinguishing features including dart aluminum heads, cast-iron heads, cast-iron crankshaft and both diesel and petroleum-powered design.
Purpose
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Ford engines are used in both consumer and commercial models and are also readily available for after-market car building and for use in sports cars. The original Model T engine was designed primarily for the American auto consumer. The engine used in the Model B was also designed for the budget-conscious consumer. Ford also worked to tap into the commercial market by introducing a line of truck engines used in the industrial sector and also purchased by other auto companies, including Yamaha, Mazda and Renault.
Future
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Ford unveiled a line of EcoBoost engines in early 2009. These V-6 engines are designed with new engine technology and features that promise 20 percent better fuel and lower fuel emissions. Select 2009 models of the Ford Flex, Ford Taurus and MKS are designed with the EcoBoost engine. Ford plans to introduce a 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine in 2010. Almost 80 percent of North American Ford vehicles will be equipped with this eco-friendly engine by the end of 2011.
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