Motor Trend reports that Ford Motor Co. is finally upgrading the tepid base four-cylinder engines in the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner. For 2009, the 2.3-liter, 153-hp four cylinder will give way to a larger 2.5-liter, 170-hp engine with variable cam timing. The company is also ditching the old-hat four-speed automatic in exchange for a six-speed transmission.

Even better news: Not only will the engine result in a 1-mpg average improvement across the board, but the 2009 hybrid version will also be based off the new four cylinder, marking the first time an Atkinson-cycle hybrid will have variable valve timing, according to the report. All of these things should lead to increased sales for the four-cylinder models.

Ford isn't letting the V6 languish, though; the company is also bumping up the 3.5-liter V6's horsepower rating from 200 to 230 hp for 2009, due to new pistons, new cylinder heads, and a new fuel injection system, the report said. All Escapes will also get a mild refresh and new 16-inch Michelin tires with improved rolling resistance, along with an improved rear anti-roll bar and Ford's Easy Fuel capless fueling system.

Post by Jamie Lendino