Mazda L engine
The Mazda L-series is a mid-sized inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine designed by Mazda as part of their MZR family, ranging in displacement from 1.8L to 2.5L. Introduced in 2001, it is the evolution of the cast-iron block F-engine. The L-series is used by Ford as their 1.8L to 2.5L Duratec world engine.
The L-engine uses a chain-driven DOHC, 16-valve valvetrain with an all-aluminum block construction and cast-iron cylinder liners. Other features include fracture-split forged powder metal connecting rods and a one-piece cast crankshaft.
Other features are intake cam-phasing VVT, VTCS, VICS, a stainless steel 4:1 exhaust manifold and a lower main bearing cage for increased block rigidity. Direct-injection is available on the 2.0 L LF-VD and the award-winning turbocharged L3-VDT engine introduced in 2006 for the Mazdaspeed lineup of vehicles.
In 2010, Ford introduced a GDI turbo variant of the Mazda LF engine design as the EcoBoost 2.0L, using Ford's own manifold and engine control systems. Ford plans to use the L-engine well into the future for their EcoBoost and Duratec 4-cylinder generations. In 2011, Mazda ceased to develop the L-engine and replaced it with the SkyActiv-G engine - an extensively revised evolution of the Mazda L-engine. At this time, Ford will be the only manufacturer still using the Mazda L-engine design.
1.8 L (L8-DE, L8-VE)
The 1.8 L version has a nearly-square bore and a stroke. Output is at 6000 rpm with of torque at 4250 rpm.In 2001, Ford introduced its first European Ford engine to use gasoline direct injection technology, badged SCi for Direct-Injection-Spark-Ignition. The range will include some turbocharged derivatives, including the 1.1-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged unit showcased at the 2002 Geneva Show. The 1.8 L was the first European Ford engine to use direct injection technology, badged SCi for Smart Charge Injection. This appeared in the Mondeo in 2003 and is today available on the 2.0 L engine as well.
The SCi engines were designed at Ford's Cologne facility and assembled in Valencia, Spain. The SCi engine is paired with a specially designed six-speed manual transmission.
European 1.8 L and 2.0 L Duratec HE engines are built at the Valencia Engine Plant in Spain. Duratec FFV is a flex fuel version of the 1.8 L Duratec-HE modified to run on E85 fuel. 1.8L Focus C-Max and Focus Mk II versions use a drive-by-wire throttle to improve responsiveness.
Ford's versions are rated at at 6000 rpm and of torque at 4500 rpm with a 10.8:1 compression ratio.
- 2002-2012 Mazda6 for Europe
- 2004-2018 Mazda Premacy/Mazda5
- 2005-2015 Mazda MX-5 for Europe
- 2000-2007 Ford Mondeo
- 2005-2010 Ford Focus
- 2006-2009 Morgan 4/4 1800
2.0 L (LF-DE, LF-VE, LF-VD)
Ford's version is rated at of power at 6000 rpm and of torque at 4500 rpm with a 10.8:1 compression ratio. This engine is also used by Volvo, called B4204S3.
On the 2007 Focus, output is at 6000 rpm with of torque at 4250 rpm. The 2007 Focus with the PZEV emissions package produces at 6000 rpm with of torque at 4000 rpm. On the 2008 Focus, output is at 6000 ;rpm with of torque at 4250 rpm. The 2009 Focus had when equipped with manual transmission due to a higher flowing exhaust system. The 2008 Focus with the PZEV emissions package produces at 6000 rpm and of torque at 4250 rpm.
Mazda's LF-VD version was equipped with Direct Injection Spark Ignition and a higher compression ratio for improved efficiency in the JDM and EDM markets. It produces at 6500 rpm and of torque at 4000 rpm.
In 2011 Ford started selling the third generation Ford Focus in North America which comes with an updated version that utilizes direct injection and Ti-VCT. These features, along with an increased compression ratio of 12.1:1 allow the engine to generate at 6000 rpm and of torque at 4250 rpm. This version is referred to as the "Duratec 20."
The Ford Duratec 20 engines are built in Dearborn, Michigan, United States, and Chihuahua, Mexico, with some being built by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan.
The plastic intake manifold on early versions of the 1.8 and 2.0 has a major fault due to poor-quality materials. The manifold has swirlplates mounted on a square shaft at the aperture where it mounts to the cylinder head. Early four-cylinder Duratec engines can be ruined when the swirlplates break off and enter a cylinder. Most cases are of single swirlplates but also the shaft can wear and break. Early signs of this fault are evidenced by a ticking noise emanating from the front of the engine. This can occur as early as 25K miles, with failure typically occurring after about 90,000 miles.
A turbocharged Ford EcoBoost version was introduced in 2010.
- 2004–2008 Mazda Axela/Mazda3
- 2002–2008 Mazda6 for Europe
- 2006–2007 Mazda Premacy/Mazda5
- 2006–2015 Mazda MX-5/Roadster
- 2008–2018 Mazda Biante
- 2007–2010 Ford C-Max
- 2004–present Ford EcoSport
- 2004–2008 Ford Fiesta ST
- 2004–2018 Ford Focus
- 2000–2007 Ford Mondeo
- 2010–2012 Ford Transit Connect
- 2006–2010 Volvo C30
- 2007–2010 Volvo S40
- 2007–2010 Volvo V50
- 2008–2010 Volvo V70
- 2007–2010 Volvo S80
- 2006–2012 Besturn B70
- 2015–2016 Zenos E10
- 2006–2012 Caterham 7 Superlight R300/400/500
- 2008–2014 Caterham 7 Roadsport 175/200
- 2009–2015 Caterham 7 CSR 175
- 2012–present Caterham 7 420/620R/S
- 2014–present Caterham 7 335/360/420/480/485
- 2012–2016 Caterham 7 Supersport R
- 2011–present Caterham-Lola SP/300.R
- 2005–2020 Morgan +4
- 2008–2018 Mitsuoka Himiko
- 2015–present Tatuus-Cosworth MSV F4-016
- 2010–2016 Ginetta G40R
- 2000s–present Dare Ginetta G12
2.3L (L3-VE,L3-NS,L3-DE)
The 23EW was built in Chihuahua, Mexico for transverse installation in several front-drive Ford/Mercury/Mazda vehicles through the 2009 model year. "EW" in the Ford designation code denotes East-West configuration, or transverse mounting. Three versions of the 23EW have been produced. A standard DOHC 16V version was used in the North American Focus producing at 5750 rpm with of torque at 4250 rpm. An iVCT -equipped DOHC 16V version was used in the 2006–2009 Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan, and several generations of CD2-based crossovers.
The 23NS was built in Dearborn, Michigan, for the Ford Ranger and North American market Mazda B-Series from the 2001 model year to the 2011 model year. "NS" denotes North-South configuration, or longitudinal mounting. These engines are tuned for torque-bias making them suitable for light-truck use and are not equipped with iVCT or VICS. There are two versions of the 23NS with slight differences:
2001-2003 Ranger 2.3L Duratec
at 5050 rpm
at 3750 rpm
intake manifold runner control / swirl control
MAF housing a separate piece from the air box lid
electrically heated thermostat
J1850PWM OBD-II protocol
rated 24 city 28 hwy for the manual trans
2004+ Ranger 2.3L Duratec
at 5250 rpm
at 3750 rpm
no IMRC / swirl control
MAF housing integrated into the air box lid
regular t-stat
CAN OBD-II protocol for 2007-2011 trucks
rated 24 city 29 hwy for the manual trans
The Duratec 23E is a version of the Duratec 23 with California PZEV emissions.
In some Eastern and Middle Eastern models, the Mazda6 had a tuned version of the 2.3L producing at 6500 rpm and at 4000 rpm.
A high-efficiency Atkinson cycle version was used in the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, and Mazda Tribute Hybrids.
A Cosworth tuned version of this engine is found in the BAC Mono producing and of torque, making it the most powerful version of this engine.
- 2001–2010 Mazda B-Series
- 2002–2005 Mazda MPV
- 2003–2008 Mazda Atenza/Mazda6
- 2004–2007 Mazda Axela/Mazda3
- 2006–2010 Mazda Premacy/Mazda5
- 2008–2018 Mazda Biante
- 2001–2011 Ford Ranger
- 2003–2007 Ford Focus
- 2005–2008 Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute/Mercury Mariner
- 2006–2009 Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan
- 2010–BAC Mono
- 2006–2012 Besturn B70
- 2004–? Caterham 7 CSR 200/260
- 2000s–present Dare Ginetta G12
2.3L DISI Turbo (L3-VDT)
While the 2.0 Ford EcoBoost engine and its later 2.3 variant share a cylinder block with the L3-VDT and are derived from the Mazda L architecture, little else is shared between the EcoBoost and L3-VDT and they should not be confused with one another. The EcoBoost engines have different turbochargers, Ford-designed heads, different direct injection systems along with featuring Ford's Ti-VCT variable valve timing system instead of Mazda's S-VT.
- 2005–2007 Mazda Atenza MPS/Mazda6 MPS/Mazdaspeed6
- 2006–2010 Mazda MPV
- 2006–2012 Mazda CX-7
- 2006–2012 Mazda Axela MPS/Mazdaspeed3
2.5 L (L5-VE)
Ford has developed an Atkinson cycle variant of the Mazda L5 engine for use in the Ford Fusion Hybrid vehicle. This engine was named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2010. Fuel saving features include adaptive knock control and aggressive deceleration fuel cutoff. This and the 2.3 L competed with Toyota's 2.4 L 2AZ-FE engine, sharing similar technology.
- 2008–2012 Mazda Atenza/Mazda6
- 2009–2013 Mazda6
- 2009–2011 Mazda Tribute
- 2010–2013 Mazda Axela/Mazda3
- 2009–2019 Ford Escape
- 2010–2020 Ford Fusion
- 2014–2018 Ford Transit Connect
- 2010–2011 Mercury Milan
- 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
- 2000s–present Dare Ginetta G12
MZR-R