Just as a preface, PZEV means that a vehicle's total emissions (tailpipe and evaporative) are equal to or better than the powerplant emissions required to recharge an electric car’s batteries.

The Focus PZEV uses a version of the Mazda 2.3 liter inline four found in the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6. In PZEV trim it makes 145 hp at 5750 RPM and 149 lb-ft of torque at 4250 RPM, which is a good bit more than the 2.0 liter Zetec but not quite as much as the 2.0 liter in the SVT. It does however make more peak torque than the SVT and at a lower RPM.

So back to the PZEV stuff, a Zetec-powered Focus puts out 10.7 pounds of smog-forming pollutants (hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen) per 15,000 miles, while the PZEV produces only 1.0 pound—and its fuel system is sealed which means zero evaporative emissions.

The PZEV engine is standard in "green" states whatever that means, I'm assuming California and maybe a couple of other places. Otherwise it's a $115 price increase over the Zetec motor. Not a bad deal for a bunch more grunt and eco friendliness in one package.

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=05660011

 

Ford really did a great job on this. I'm impressed that it puts out so much power.

 

Now they should go the extra step and make it standard.


With that kind of advantage in both power and economy you can hardly complain about $100.

 

Actually I believe this is a Mazda developed engine that was applied to Ford products. Thats my understanding anyways, I could be wrong.

Either way this engine is a great piece of work. Its already found in the Mazda6 and Mazda3 in non-PZEV form (although I think a PZEV option for Mazda will come soon). This engine is also going to be used in Ford's Escape, the upcoming Mercury Mariner (an upscale escape), as well as the Ford Freestyle and probably the Ford/Mercury's new midsize sedans due next year.

 

I'm not sure who brought the engine to PZEV status. In its regular trim (which I believe qualifies for LEV status) it puts out 160 hp and 155 lb-ft.

Regardless, it's nice to see that Ford is diving head first into the Mazda parts bin for their passenger car offerings. The next generation of midsized vehicles based on the Mazda6 platform should be pretty solid.

 

By the way, there will be a Ford offering based on the Mazda 6 platform with AWD. It'll ride ~25 mm higher than the 6.

 

actually the honda civic hybrid and civic gx were the 1st two PZEV cars sold in the US...the FCX is also a ZLEV

the 2003 Honda Accord PZEV is also gets ~160hp/tq and is already for sale



ford is just playing catch up especially after giving up on its 2004 hybrids it would sell this year and the 25% increase in SUV mpg that was supposed to take effect this year too

 

Anyway I just found out what the "green states" are: California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont. So the PZEV is the standard engine there and a $115 option elsewhere.

 

I bet Mazda will probably offer the PZEV option sooner or later as well. I have to agree that the next generation of Ford's vehicles will probably be vastly superior to their offerings now, at least the ones based off of Mazda platforms/technologies. Lately Mazda has been pretty solid all around in terms of style, performance, and quality. I think that some of that will undoubtedly rub off on Ford.

 

i think Ford needs to make more of their domestic cars look like the exported ones that are found in europe. Their Fords actually have styling.