2013 Ford Taurus gets new design, 2.0L EcoBoost, 290-hp 3.5L V6

2013 Ford Taurus
2013 Ford Taurus

The 2013 Ford Taurus is here with a new exterior and interior (with MyFord Touch) design, two new engine choices and even better fuel-economy.

“The new Taurus pays off on our promise to deliver new vehicles with the best or among the best fuel economy in every segment where Ford competes,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “We have raised the bar for the standard Taurus V6 by adding Ti-VCT to increase power and fuel economy, while adding an additional EcoBoost engine option that boosts highway fuel economy to at least 31 mpg, which is best-in-class.”

Click here for more news on the Ford Taurus.

The 2013 Ford Taurus comes standard with the 3.5L V6 engine on Taurus SE, SEL and Limited Series models. With the addition of twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), the  engine produces a nice 290-hp (up from 263-hp) with a maximum torque of 255 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission on with optimized gearing and SelectShift Automatic capability, the 2013 Ford Taurus will deliver a 3 percent increase on high-fuel-economy, Ford says.

Optional on the 2013 Ford Taurus is the new 2.0L 4-cylinder EcoBoost making 237-hp and a peak torque of 250 lb-ft. Mated to a 6F35 gearbox, the 2013 Ford Taurus with a 2.0L 4-cylinder EcoBoost average an estimated best-in-class fuel-economy of at least 31 mpg. That beats the Toyota Avalon by 2 mpg and Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger by 4 mpg.

Any other upgrades for 2013? Ford says that all all-wheel-drive 2013 Taurus models feature a new rear differential unit that saves weight and helps boost fuel economy versus today’s Taurus.

The 2013 Ford Taurus will make its debut at the 2011 New York Auto Show tomorrow and will go on sale later this year. Prices will be announced closer to launch.

Check out the high-res gallery and the press release after the jump.

2013 Ford Taurus:

2013 Ford Taurus 2013 Ford Taurus 2013 Ford Taurus 2013 Ford Taurus

Press Release:

New Ford Taurus Delivers Increased Fuel Economy with Expanded Powertrain Offerings

  • With two new engine choices, the new Ford Taurus sedan offers projected best-in-class fuel economy of up to at least 31 mpg highway – almost 15 percent higher than the Chrysler 300 or Dodge Charger
  • Taurus adds second EcoBoost™ engine option with the highly efficient new 2.0-liter engine, ideal for sedan buyers placing the highest priority on fuel economy
  • Standard Taurus 3.5-liter V6 provides more horsepower and fuel economy with the addition of twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), providing unmatched fuel economy in its segment
  • Each Taurus engine is mated to a unique six-speed automatic transmission with optimized gearing and SelectShift Automatic™ functionality

NEW YORK, April 19, 2011 – Fuel efficiency comes standard with the new Ford Taurus, featuring an expanded array of fuel-efficient powertrains engineered to improve fuel economy without compromising power or responsiveness.

These new engines join the Taurus SHO twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 that provides sport-sedan power while delivering up to 25 mpg on the highway.

EcoBoost 2.0-liter engine
For full-size sedan buyers seeking maximum fuel efficiency without the additional cost or complexity of a hybrid powertrain, the new Taurus offers Ford’s new EcoBoost 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as an option. This advanced engine combines direct injection of gasoline and a turbocharger to provide performance comparable to normally aspirated V6 engines offered by competitors.

The EcoBoost 2.0-liter is anticipated to deliver an estimated 237 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque while delivering best-in-class fuel economy of at least 31 mpg. That bests Toyota Avalon by 2 mpg and Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger by 4 mpg.

Like other Ford EcoBoost engines, peak torque is generated in a wide band from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm.

This torque plateau makes for flexible, efficient power delivery across a broad range of engine and vehicle speeds, while helping to conserve fuel by making peak torque available at lower rpm levels. Ti-VCT, four valves per cylinder and direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valve lifters increase mechanical efficiency across the operating range.

A relatively high compression ratio is enabled by the use of direct injection of gasoline, operating at fuel pressures from 2,200 to 2,800 psi. The unique turbocharger is optimally matched to the EcoBoost 2.0-liter engine and direct injection system, providing precise fuel pressure control to deliver boosted power at low rpm without annoying turbo lag.

The EcoBoost 2.0-liter uses 5W30-GF4 oil to reduce internal friction, and enables 10,000-mile oil change intervals providing a reduction in cost of ownership. In addition, fuel economy is optimized with a low-tension accessory drive belt and a one-way alternator clutch.

Targeted durability is 10 years or 150,000 miles. Durability actions include enhanced oil filtration and cleanliness and cast inter-bore cooling within the all-aluminum engine block. Thermal efficiency is optimized by employment of a full-face charge-style air cooler.

EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 engine
The EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 – standard equipment in the high-performance Taurus SHO – is Ford’s most powerful EcoBoost offering, delivering 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.

Like all Ford EcoBoost engines, this engine produces peak torque across a broad plateau from 1,500 to 5,250 rpm. Peak torque, building quickly off idle, ensures responsive acceleration.

From the driver’s seat, the result is linear power delivery.

Combining direct injection and a pair of turbochargers, this engine avoids lag by employing impellers that spool up quickly for swift response. The Taurus SHO combination of power, linear torque delivery, all-wheel drive and up to 25 mpg highway is unmatched by competitors.

Ti-VCT 3.5-liter V6 engine
The 3.5-liter V6 is offered as standard equipment in Taurus SE, SEL and Limited series models.

In the new Taurus, this engine benefits from the addition of Ti-VCT, enabling optimized fuel economy, additional horsepower and a reduction in part-throttle emissions compared to the previous standard Taurus V6. This engine is projected to deliver 255 lb.-ft. of torque and 290 horsepower, up from 263 horsepower in the current model.

Ti-VCT allows precise control of valve overlap variability or the time when intake and exhaust valves are open concurrently. The result is increased mechanical efficiency for improved response and performance. This improved engine breathing helps to increase fuel economy.

This V6 engine also features a DAMB valvetrain with polished buckets to reduce friction, piston-cooling jets, improved bay-to-bay breathing through cylinder blocks and a new higher-capacity oil pan.

The 3.5-liter V6 sees a fuel economy benefit from aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff, restricting fuel flow under closed-throttle situations.

This engine has been engineered for durability with chain-driven camshafts, high-strength forged metal connecting rods with floating pins, a fully counterweighted forged steel crankshaft, die-cast aluminum deep-sump oil pan and four-bolt main bearing caps with side bolts through the engine block.

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics are controlled and reduced through employment of a tuned composite upper and lower manifold, a silent-chain camshaft drive and an acoustic engine cover.

The new Taurus with standard Ti-VCT V6 is anticipated to deliver more than 3 percent better highway fuel economy and will be unsurpassed in its segment. In addition, the standard V6 adds 27 horsepower.

Six-speed transmissions
Each Taurus engine is mated to a unique six-speed automatic transmission specifically tailored to that application. Six-speed transmissions add fuel economy and performance, as they allow for lower gearing to be optimized for improved off-the-line acceleration, yet enable higher gears to help provide economical cruising by keeping engine rpm levels low.

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost Taurus is fitted with a new 6F35 gearbox featuring active transmission warmup and a “dot nozzle” internal clutch friction material configuration. Together, these innovations contribute to overall fuel efficiency by reducing internal friction at warmup and when internal clutches are fully engaged.

Taurus models equipped with the 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 feature the 6F50 six-speed transmission, while the Taurus SHO sport sedan mates a high-capacity 6F55 version of this gearbox to the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.

All-wheel drive
Taurus models equipped with all-wheel drive feature an advanced array of mechanical clutches that engage and disengage unobtrusively to efficiently distribute torque to the wheels with optimum traction.

This system helps Taurus to deliver superior traction in all types of inclement weather conditions. In the case of Taurus SHO, the standard all-wheel drive helps deliver high performance by efficiently putting power to the pavement.

All-wheel-drive Taurus models feature a new rear differential unit that saves weight and helps boost fuel economy versus today’s Taurus.

Taurus convenience
Across model series, Taurus offers a compelling package of standard and available technologies to increase customer convenience by making their lives easier. These technologies include:

  • Keyless entry, with an integrated key head transmitter and a SecuriCode™ keyless entry transmitter
  • Easy Fuel® (capless fuel filler)
  • MyKey® owner control feature. Limits top speed and audio volume, and prevents disengagement of vehicle stability controls and blocked audio content access
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Auto-dimming driver’s sideview mirror
  • First-row dome/map lighting and second-row reading lights
  • Remote start
  • SYNC voice-controlled communications and entertainment system
  • Ambient lighting
  • One-touch power window controls
  • Intelligent Access with push-button start
  • Reverse sensing system
  • Rear view camera
  • Active park assist
  • Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support

Taurus comfort
Taurus technologies and features make the driver and passengers more comfortable and help to reduce fatigue. Available Taurus comfort technologies include:

  • New heated steering wheel
  • Heated and cooled leather-trimmed first-row seats
  • Class-exclusive multicontour seats with Active Motion with massage action to help reduce driver and passenger fatigue
  • 10-way power first-row seat controls, with memory
  • Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control
  • Adjustable pedals with memory
  • Folding center armrest in second-row seat
  • 60/40 fold-flat rear seat
  • Power tilt/telescoping steering column
  • Particulate air filter
  • Power rear sunshade
  • Branded floor mats

Taurus connectivity
Taurus also offers a variety of connectivity options to access audio entertainment media, stay connected with family, friends and business contacts, and obtain directions and access information. These available connectivity features include:

  • Standard MyFord Touch driver connect technology with 4.2-inch center stack screen with two supplemental screens within the instrument cluster
  • Available MyFord Touch with 8-inch screen in center stack
  • SYNC voice-activated entertainment and communications system, with traffic, turn-by-turn directions and information
  • Universal garage door opener
  • SIRIUS® Satellite Radio
  • Sony® Audio System
  • Navigation

The new Ford Taurus will be built at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant.

– By: Omar Rana