Interesting Article on Next Gen Stang...
#81
#83
The D35 has VVT on it's intake valve.
Again per my last post with all it's techno-gadgetry that does not include DI, the Nissian 3.5L VQ puts out up to 300 HP, clearly more than the D35 today.
#84
That's with an aggressive 91 octane tune and VVT on the intake and exhaust so I would expect it to make more HP. The more pedestrian VQs make the same and in some case less than the D35.
#85
Apples to apples the 3.5L stacks up nicely against any other V-6 currently available in terms of power, with it and the Nissan VQ likely representing the two most fundamentally sound designs currently on the market. Of course, it would be nice if some of Ford's 'apples' made it to the party with direct injection, turbochargers, etc...sooner rather than later.
#87
#88
The D35, as you say, "Stacks up nicely" but does not have any clear cut advantages over the competition.
Since the competition has had 3.5L V6s with good power output and fuel economy for several years, Ford is still playing catch up in the engine compartment.
#89
That's the point I've been trying to make all along.
The D35, as you say, "Stacks up nicely" but does not have any clear cut advantages over the competition.
Since the competition has had 3.5L V6s with good power output and fuel economy for several years, Ford is still playing catch up in the engine compartment.
The D35, as you say, "Stacks up nicely" but does not have any clear cut advantages over the competition.
Since the competition has had 3.5L V6s with good power output and fuel economy for several years, Ford is still playing catch up in the engine compartment.
The question of whether Ford will be around to exploit that excellent platform is another matter....
#90
That's the point I've been trying to make all along.
The D35, as you say, "Stacks up nicely" but does not have any clear cut advantages over the competition.
Since the competition has had 3.5L V6s with good power output and fuel economy for several years, Ford is still playing catch up in the engine compartment.
The D35, as you say, "Stacks up nicely" but does not have any clear cut advantages over the competition.
Since the competition has had 3.5L V6s with good power output and fuel economy for several years, Ford is still playing catch up in the engine compartment.
However, the fact that this engine is going to simply trickle into some of the product that needs it the most, like the Fusion, and that we have no idea how long we'll have to wait for items like exhaust side VVT/cam phasing, variable geomoetry intakes, and high-compression/premium fuel versions, makes the above a promise we can't expect to fully enjoy for many years.
For example, a CGI 3.8-4.0L, Duratec V-6 with exhaust-side cam phasing, which could easily be expected to make at least 300hp even on 87 octane while providing superb torque, would no doubt go a long way toward fixing the Edge's weight woes if combined with 7 or 8 speed auto tranny and a better set of brakes. The same on premium fuel and with DI would be fanastic without doubt....and we can't get those engines soon enough.
#91
However, the fact that this engine is going to simply trickle into some of the product that needs it the most, like the Fusion, and that we have no idea how long we'll have to wait for items like exhaust side VVT/cam phasing, variable geomoetry intakes, and high-compression/premium fuel versions, makes the above a promise we can't expect to fully enjoy for many years.
#92
Technology and performance aside, the D35 also has yet to prove its reliability against the VQ. The VQ is a Wards Ten Best for 12 straight years running, if I'm not mistaken.
#93
#94
I would agree but for the fact that the new VQ, which will eventually replace the older model altogether, resembles the outoing version just about as closely as the new Duratec resembles it's forebearer. Put simply these engines share their names, basic layout, and not much else. That makes reliability an unknown in both cases.
#95
At least your last sentance indicates that you do have an understanding of the consequences of being late to market.
#96
I never said it was groundbreaking. I said it was impressive considering it matches the output of designs that are much more mechanically complicated. How come almighty Nissan can't produce a 265HP 3.5L without using VVT, complicated variable intakes, and tuning for 91 octane?
#97
It'll be interesing to see how they compare in these more esoteric areas beyond simple power output.
#99
#100
It's tough to do a direct comparison until we start to see similar technologies employed in both engines. Until then we can only extrapolate. I do agree that Ford should have developed the D35 three or four years ago but that doesn't in any way take away from what appears to be an excellent design with tons of potential to match the VQ. Since Ward's put the D35 in the top ten engines list along side the VQ indicates they believe the same.