This week Ford unveiled a new engine, new 6-speed automatic transaxle and more hybrid plans. New 3.5-Liter V-6 Ford next year will introduce two new crossover utility vehicles (CUVs--the Ford Edge and Lincoln Aviator--equipped with an all-new 3.5-liter V-6 engine and new 6-speed transaxle. The new V-6 engine will eventually power one in every five Ford vehicles by the end of the decade, the company said. The height and width of the new engine is the same as the smaller displacement Duratec 30 V-6. The engine produces 250 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque in its CUV applications. It uses a dual-overhead cam valvetrain for peak power capability and smooth operation at high RPM. It incorporates intake variable cam timing to optimize fuel economy by adjusting valve timing for a smooth idle, optimal part-load driving and an impressively broad torque curve with good power. New 6-Speed Ford also unveiled a new 6-speed automatic transaxle for the new Ford Edge and Lincoln Aviator. The new transmission uses a high ratio span to help deliver improved fuel economy of up to 7 percent and improved sustained acceleration compared with a typical 4-speed automatic. The new 6F will be fitted to the 3.5-liter V-6 in the Ford Edge and Lincoln Aviator. Hybrid News In other news, Ford announced that engineering work is under way on a third-generation hybrid transaxle using in-house hybrid expertise. Engineered in Dearborn, the new hybrid transaxle will be capable of handling both 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines for future vehicles, Ford said. In addition, Ford announced that the Ford Escape Hybrid would debut this week as the first hybrid taxi carrying passengers throughout the five boroughs of New York City.