Back in November, Ford Authority exclusively reported that The Blue Oval was working on developing a straight-six Ford EcoBoost engine, but ultimately decided to cancel that particular project several years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan at that time was to base this straight-six off of the existing 1.5L I-3 EcoBoost powerplant that’s currently standard equipment in the Ford Escape and Ford Bronco Sport. It’s unclear what sort of displacement this larger I-6 would have offered buyers, nor what kind of power it was targeted to make. However, we do know what vehicles this new Ford engine would have been used in if it had indeed come to fruition.
The inline-six-cylinder Ford engine was slated to be used in a variety of Blue Oval models – the Ford F-150, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Lincoln Aviator, sources familiar with FoMoCo’s plans have told Ford Authority. While it’s unclear what sort of output Ford was targeting for its I-6, that powerplant was slated to take the place of the twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 EcoBoost in the automaker’s more premium offerings. In high-output form, that powerplant generates as much as 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque.
With the cancellation of this I-6 Ford engine, the EcoBoost family soldiers on with the 2.7L V6 EcoBoost, 3.0L V6 EcoBoost, and 3.5L V6 EcoBoost in terms of six-cylinder engines, all of which feature cylinders that are arranged in a “V” configuration rather than lining up straight. Had FoMoCo decided to move forward with its I-6, it would have been the fourth six-cylinder powerplant in the Ford EcoBoost lineup.
In the meantime, several other automakers have moved forward with plans to launch new straight-six engines in recent years, including Mazda with the all-new CX-90 and its turbocharged 3.3L inline-six cylinder engine coupled with a 48-volt hybrid system, as well as Stellantis’ Hurricane I-6 that’s offered in a variety of models – including the forthcoming, refreshed 2025 Ram 1500.
We’ll have more on Ford’s engine lineup soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
Missed opportunity.
Ford already had in production the best inline 6, the 240-300 truck workhorse With its 7 main bearings and full flow oiling and superb cooling, it would have been a super foundation for overhead cam, open intake and exhaust modifications. Fuel injection via throttlebody or direct per cylinder along with turbo charging it would have the stamina for bore-stroke and weight modifications. Torque would be a given and combined with the new multi speed transmissions, fuel economy could be increased with lower engine rpms.
There’s literally zero chance that they will ever produce the 300 six again. It was a great engine. Most are still out there running today. That’s one of the reasons they won’t do it. They can’t stay in business selling a truck every 30+ years. They want to sell you junk that will break and frustrate you enough that you will just go buy a new one every 10 years or so. Do I like it, no, that’s how it is. At least you can buy a 6.8/7.3 gas V8, that’s a huge win, even if you can’t get one with a manual transmission so it has a chance of running economically for 30 years of steady use. An engine like the Barra, with ti-vct, port and direct injection, with and without boost between 3L-4L is much more appealing than trash disposable 2.7L, 3L, 3.3L, 3.5L and 3.7L V6s they sell now that nobody wants.
glad they didn’t use it we don’t need another Ecoboom Coyote always wins
Honestly the Coyote is junk compared to the 6.8L and 7.3L OHV V8s
Just update the Australian Ford Barra inline 6 it’s recognised as one of the best inline 6 engines ever
That would be sick! Ford really should have brought the Barra here by now. The Barra would spank all the others!
Off topic completely. I had seen a youtube article that stated we are going to be getting in 2024 a new capri, thunderbird, taurus, and lincoln continental. True or false?
Link?
Just go to youtube and put in 2024 fod thunderbird, capris, and etc.
A 300 CI/4.9L would had been cool!
No way, give me a V-8. Reason we won’t buy an Expedition is lack of a V-8.
Yes, needs 6.8 or 7.3L.
V6 is fine, don’t need an inline six, the V6 is a tight fit, where is the room for a longer engine going to come from?
Way less vibration in an inline 6 but otherwise I agree with you
Put the 3.5L in a 3/4 ton pickup, Ford offers the 3.5 in the Transit, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton.
As long as I’m dreaming lets build a 4.7L 60 degree V8 version of the 3.5L EcoBoost. Build on the same line and share many parts.
Something like a 4.0L EcoBoost V8 would have been perfect. In different configurations it could replace the 3.5L Ecoboost, the 5.0L Coyote, and 5.2L Predator.
Hmmm what of the Aussie Barra engine? Thought that was what they were working on really. Has all the tooling, a few modifications and fits all the trannys.
Glad they didnt got to a inline 6, in most cases the use more fuel….GM tried a inline 5 in some suvs….and one of compliants was fuel mileage….Ford should put the new 7;3 pushrod simple engine…non trubo…in F 150 like they do f 250…get rid of Ecoboost in trucks….it be more reliable…and at the end of day..that what we want…remember it not all about power…its reliablity..
the original 240 and 300 inline 6 cylinders were known for being damn near indestructible. I’ve seen many with over 500,000 miles and know of at least one sitting in a 76 f350 with a 4 speed manual that’s got to be over a million miles and still hauls hay and logs every day
The article failed to mention that EV mandates have caused all manufacturers to put ICE development on the back burner.
As stated could’ve just built it on the 300 six. The best six cylinder ever made.
Only 3 types of engines are naturally balanced. The inline 6, the V-12, and the Flat six.
I8s are very smooth and well balanced.