Ford Racing to offer Tuning Tools for EcoBoost

With Ford’s turbocharged EcoBoost engines now installed in their performance models like the Focus and Fiesta ST hot hatches and the new 2015 Mustang, there has been lots of talk about the performance tuning potential of these new four-cylinder powertrains. Ford Racing is getting in on the action by announcing its plans for factory tuning kits and engine calibrations for EcoBoost engines in 2015.

These Ford Racing performance modifications focus on recalibrating the engine computer for higher performance. Currently, a ProCal diagnostic tool is available for the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine in the Ford Focus ST and the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine in the Ford Fiesta ST. The programming device costs $595 and plugs into the car’s diagnostic connector to control things like throttle response, idle speed, turbo waste gate control, and spark timing.

The owners can program in their own settings and tunes to modulate these various factors for increased performance, going beyond the restrictions of the stock computer settings. Ford Racing does give owners recommended limits so that they don't exceed the capabilities of the engine. Ford also offers its own tuning programs, one of which is said to result in an increase of 90 lb-ft of torque for the Focus ST engine which makes 270 lb-ft when stock. Unlike other aftermarket tuning tools, the Ford Racing ProCal does not void the car’s factory warranty.



Ford Racing is also working on a similar product for the 2015 Ford Mustang’s available 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which makes 310 hp and 320 lb-ft from the factory. Look for this diagnostic tool to be available sometime in 2015.

Stevie G Quitting Anfield.

Liverpool captain, and a living playing legend Steven Gerrard announced that he will leave the club he has played for throughout his career in a bid to move to a foreign team at the end of the season, the English Premier League club said on Friday.

Gerrard, 34, has made a total of 695 appearances and scored 180 goals for Liverpool after joining the club as an eight-year-old schoolboy.

"Although I can't confirm at this stage where that will be, I can say it will be somewhere that means I won't be playing for a competing club and will not therefore be lining up against Liverpool -- that is something I could never contemplate," he added.

Gerrard is out of contract at the end of the season and the English media speculated that he could move to North America to play in the Major League Soccer (MLS).

He has been at the heart of the Liverpool team for the past decade and showed his enduring value to the club when he scored both penalties in a 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Thursday.

His greatest moment in a Liverpool shirt was when he helped to inspire their dramatic comeback win over AC Milan in the Champions League final in 2005.

However, he suffered disappointment last May when Liverpool missed out on the Premier League title. They faltered late in the campaign when they appeared poised to become English champions for the first time since 1990.

"My decision is completely based on my wish to experience something different in my career and life and I also want to make sure that I have no regrets when my playing career is eventually over," added Gerrard.