Eco-boost is Ford's name for using direct fuel injection and turbocharging with 6-speed DCT transmissions. A key benefit of direct injection is that it cools the charge in combustion chamber, and that in turn allows the compression ratio to be higher. Higher compression ratios, of course, translate instantly into more power and fuel economy. Typically, automakers have to lower the compression ratio with turbocharged engines to avoid detonation. Ford is running a 10:1 compression ratio in its 3.5L V6 Eco-boost engine, which is a pretty good number, especially considering that all the V engines with Eco-boost get twin turbos. And to make sure it gets long life out of the turbos, they are water cooled.

Ford is not relying solely on Eco-boost technology to boost its fuel economy. Over the next decade it plans to trim the weight of its vehicles anywhere from 250 to 750 pounds. It will adopt electric power steering almost across the board. It will install "smart alternators" that only charge the battery when needed. It will use its own patented stop/start technology. It's going to come out with smaller cars. And all its future vehicles will be more aerodynamic.

It's a very conservative and cautious strategy, but it definitely is going to boost Ford's corporate fuel economy. Indeed, this is precisely how the company planned to meet the new 35 mpg CAFE standards for 2020. The only problem is, just weeks ago the Bush Administration suddenly and unexpectedly rushed the fuel economy standards up to 2015. On a sales-weighted basis, every automaker's car fleet will have to average 35.7 mpg by then, trucks 28.6 mpg.