Its first evolution was sold as the Zetec-S (not to be confused with the trim level), then Zetec-SE and finally, in later years, renamed Duratec.

As with the SHO V6 engine, development of the Zetec-S was a collaborative effort between Ford, Mazda and Yamaha.

[1][2] The engine's sound profile was refined in Ford's acoustics center in Cologne-Merkenich, Germany.

This feature makes the engine more challenging to rebuild at the end of its working life, since it is not possible to re-machine the bearing ladder as is done with a conventional cylinder block — the entire assembly has to be renewed.

A 155 PS (114 kW; 153 hp) version of this engine was developed for the Ford Racing Puma with only 500 units built.

On the other hand, it has a superb torque output thanks to the addition of the RoCam (Rollifinger Camshaft) feature.

In 2001 the Zetec RoCam engine was introduced in Europe, but labeled as Duratec 8v, for the Ka and Fiesta.

In October/2004 a newer bi-fuel version was introduced labeled "1.6 L Flex", capable of running on both petrol and ethanol, even mixed at any proportion.

A 110 bhp (82 kW; 112 PS) version was used by Morgan for their 4/4 Roadster coupled to a Mazda transmission from 2009 until the model was discontinued in 2018.

[4] These engines in the first generation Focus produced 75 and 100 brake horsepower (75 kW; 101 PS) respectively, but for MkII Focus the 1.4 variant was slightly modified and produced 80 brake horsepower (60 kW; 81 PS).

[5][6] The 1.6 Ti-VCT was introduced in 2004, it features Variable Cam Timing; this 115 brake horsepower (86 kW; 117 PS) version is used in MkII Focus.