DURATEC 23 I-4
The Duratec 23 I-4 delivers 160 horsepower and 150 foot-pounds of torque. An inherently efficient design that has proven its durability, the world over, in a wide variety of vehicles; this engine is expected to earn a highway fuel-economy rating in the low 30s with either the manual or automatic transmission.
To enhance efficiency, the Duratec 23 features Charge Motion Control Valves in the intake runners – similar to those found in the powerful F-150 pickup – to boost torque and improve combustion at low engine speeds. To reduce vibration, the inline four cylinder employs hydromounts in two positions – at the engine and the roll restrictor. It also has sump-mounted balance shafts for increased smoothness.
The exhaust system on the Duratec 23 uses a single muffler and dual tailpipe tips, designed to reduce backpressure.
DURATEC 30 V-6
The Duratec 30 delivers 210 horsepower and 200 foot-pounds of torque, paired with a standard six-speed automatic. This powertrain combination leads the class in acceleration during passing at freeway speeds. It's expected to be about a second faster than cars in its competitive set from 55-75 mph, and it records 0-60 mph times in less than 8.5 seconds.
The Duratec 30 V-6 has hydraulic mounts to isolate engine vibration, movement from the vehicle's chassis and to level out gearshifts. Hydromounts are filled with viscous fluid that is pumped from one internal chamber to another in response to the powertrain's movement.
The powertrain is suspended using three hydro-type mounts in a pendulum-style array above the engine within the front chassis structure, versus the more common "cradle" system in which the engine rests upon its mounts. The geometric placement of the mounts helps to isolate various forces acting on the engine and transmission so that the mounts can be tailored to absorb specific types of vibration.
To further refine engine character and improve durability, both engines feature deep-skirted engine blocks. The Duratec 30 also uses a front engine cover made of a sheet metal "sandwich" to absorb sound through what is known as constrained layer damping.
The exhaust system – dual exhaust pipes behind the catalyst fitted with dual mufflers – provides a 10:1 ratio of exhaust volume to engine displacement to slow the flow of exhaust gases, resulting in a velvety, sophisticated exhaust note. The induction system features an electronically controlled communication valve to adjust its effective internal volume based on speed and load, contributing to consistently desirable sound levels.
