A new powertrain lineup, with a more powerful and fuel-efficient 2.5-liter I-4 engine and a new six-speed automatic transmission, leads the list of enhancements for the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner models.

Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, the popular compact SUVs, boast better fuel economy, thanks to a combination of the new engine and fuel-saving six-speed transmission. Other fuel-efficiency measures, such as refined aerodynamics and new low-rolling-resistance tires, also enhance fuel economy while contributing to a quieter, more refined cabin environment.

Escape and Mariner for 2009 also introduce Easy FuelTM capless refueling, ambient lighting and standard cruise control. A 3.0-liter V-6 engine with 20 percent more horsepower and a 1 mpg fuel economy improvement also is available.

Standard on all Escape and Mariner models are an anti-lock braking system and Ford's exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control). The only available electronic stability control system with two gyroscopic effect sensors, AdvanceTrac with RSC measures vehicle motion about both the yaw and roll axes.

Ford Motor Company today has more than 80 patents worldwide for this innovative system, which features roll-rate sensing and stability enhancement capability, offering assistance to the driver in maintaining vehicle control during extreme maneuvers. The system automatically engages counter measures to help the driver maintain maximum control and reduce the risk of rollover.

"We're offering customers more power with better fuel efficiency and comfort," said David Finnegan, Ford Escape marketing manager. "The 2009 Escape and Mariner also have a quieter ride and better handling. They're engaging and fun to drive."

New 2.5-liter I-4 Engine Debuts

The 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner offer a new, 171-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with intake variable cam timing (i-VCT) for enhanced fuel economy and performance.

The new engine is expected to gain 1 mpg in both city and highway fuel economy when equipped with the new six-speed transmission, as compared to the previous model's smaller-displacement 2.3-liter engine and four-speed automatic.

The new engine offers an 11 percent increase in power output versus the 2.3-liter (153 hp). This gives Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner a 1.7-second improvement in 0-60 mph acceleration.

"With gas prices rising, we want to offer our customers even more fuel-efficient vehicles," says Ron Razzano, Escape/Mariner vehicle engineering manager. "But more fuel efficiency doesn't need to reduce performance. We tried to give our customers more of both, so there wouldn't be any compromise with Escape and Mariner."

Responsive with its peak 171 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm, the engine also is refined, with dual-mode crankshaft damping, electronic throttle control and PowerPC engine electronic control. Key new elements of the engine design include intake and exhaust manifolds, camshafts, pistons and bore size.

The i-VCT technology optimizes the valve timing for performance and efficiency, creating a broad torque curve and delivering increased power and improved fuel efficiency at the same time.

The powertrain also incorporates electronic throttle control (ETC). This technology replaces the manual linkage between accelerator and throttle with a control unit that calculates the optimal throttle position from a number of sensors. ETC is a form of the state-of-the-art, drive-by-wire technology.

Escape Hybrid and Mercury Hybrid also will feature a version of the new engine that uses the fuel-efficient Atkinson Cycle for combustion.