For model year 2010, Ford announced plans for 30 new powertrain actions globally — 22 in North America alone.

The new 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost

We’ve already told you about the new 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost, the coming 2.0-litre I4 EcoBoost and Powershift “dual clutch” 6-speed gearbox, new six-speed automatics, and the advances to the Fusion/Escape hybrid powerplant.

Here are some other noteworthy 2010 developments…

Cam torque actuated VCT
The 3.0-litre V6 Duratec going into 2010 vehicles features the industry’s first application of cam torque actuated variable valve timing (VCT). Ford engineer Steve Wilkie told us the system is more fuel-efficient because it doesn’t require upsized oil pumps. Traditional oil pressure activated VCT systems need to drain and refill “vanes,” calling for robust oil pumping systems. Instead of using oil pressure to push the cam, the system uses the rotating energy already in the camshaft, and is “timed” by hydraulically checking the appropriate vane. Oil flow is maintained.

“We're basically creating a hydraulic ratchet,” said Wilkie.

The 3.0-litre Duratec is also available in a Flex-Fuel version for the first time; it can run on gasoline, E85 ethanol, or any combination of the two.

Advanced Deceleration Fuel Shut Off
The 2.5-litre I4 was revamped earlier this year, (from the previous 2.3 Duratec I4), and one of its new technologies is Advanced Deceleration Fuel Shut Off.

“When you're coasting and taking your foot off the gas, we turn the fuel injectors off and we do it in such a seamless way that you don't notice,” noted a Ford engineer we spoke to at Ford’s 2010 Model Preview event for the press, in Dearborn Michigan on July 21, 2009.

He notes this translates to a one percent fuel economy gain, and no new pieces of hardware had to be created to make it happen — it was all accomplished through recalibrated software.

He added that while it might not be a totally new idea, the key was implementing it in such a smooth and seamless manner and making it happen in more conditions.

“Anyone can just turn it back on and off, but then you get jerkiness.”

The system was first used on the 2009 Flex and F-150. “We're putting it into any new product we’re launching. It’s just one of the number of things we need to do to help us the get the fuel efficiency numbers you’re seeing.”

Cam Torque Actuated Variable Cam Timing

Electric power assist steering (EPAS)
The industry is gradually moving to electric steering, because it contributes to fuel efficiency (a power-robbing belt-driven power steering pump is no longer required). Ford has augmented its new EPA with available Pull Drift Compensation, which automatically increases the power assist so the driver doesn’t have to compensate for pulling and drifting.

New 6-speed transmissions
There are improvements to the six-speed 6F35 automatic transmission, and its utilization now encompasses Fusion and Escape. Improvements limit “parasitic” losses. Witness reduced fluid level for lighter weight and faster warm-up; higher operating temperatures to reduce fluid viscosity, which ultimately makes it easier to move the fluid through the transmission; and recalibration of shift points and lockup.

EcoBoost-equipped models use the higher-spec 6F55 transmission.

Fusion’s standard transmission is now a 6-speed manual (previously a 5-speed).

Ford 6F35 Transmission

Here Comes More V8
A 6.2-litre V8 --producing about 400 horses -- first appears in the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, a hot rod for the off-road set.

Part of a Greater Plan
These powertrain developments are part of a refocused strategy initiated about three years ago.

Essential elements of the strategy are more EcoBoost engines, fewer V8s and more I4s and hybrids, more 6-speed transmissions, and continuous tweaking to existing powertrains to extract every last increment of fuel efficiency.

At the press preview event in Dearborn, Barb Samardzich, Vice-President, Ford Global Powertrain Engineering, outlined some other pertinent bullet points of the plan…

• Compared to the 2005 Ford fleet, average fuel economy will improve about 20 percent through end of 2010, and by about 35 percent by 2015.
• More engine rationalization. Currently 28 engine families; goes down to 20 by 2013.
• More transmission rationalization; currently 43 transmissions; goes down to 26 by 2013.
• All automatics go 6-speed by 2013.
• Ninety percent of engines go direct injection by 2013.
• I4 to play more important role.
• Hybrid adoption rate will not be rampant; Ford is worried about cloudy infrastructure and incentive picture. “That whole arena is still a work in progress,” said Samardzich.
• Nonetheless, Ford is set to introduce four “plug ins” by 2012: Transit Connect BEV in calendar year 2010; another unnamed BEV in 2011; and two plug-in hybrids by 2012.