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With the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid presented at the Los Angeles auto show, the Dearborn-based automaker will go directly after Toyota and Honda for title of the most efficient hybrid sedan.
Using an updated version of the full-hybrid system featured in the most recent Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids, the Fusion Hybrid is expected to return an impressive 39 mpg on the EPA city test cycle. If the Fusion Hybrid (and the mechanically identical Mercury Milan Hybrid) can achieve this figure, it will represent a 5-mpg improvement over the front-wheel-drive Escape/Mariner Hybrids and a 6-mpg improvement compared to the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The Honda Civic Hybrid posts 40 mpg in the EPA's city regimen.
That's an impressive figure, given that the Fusion Hybrid uses the same 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine that makes up the gas-powered portion of the Escape Hybrid's powertrain. This engine incidentally makes 155 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque and is bolted to a continuously variable transmission, just as in the Escape Hybrid.
But Ford is referring to the hybrid powertrain in the Fusion Hybrid as "system 2.0," copying computer company jargon. What that means is that the nickel-metal hydride battery is smaller, using 208 cells instead of 250. It's also more powerful by almost 20 percent. And, because of "improved chemistry," the battery can be run at a higher temperature and is cooled using cabin air instead of auxiliary air-conditioning or fresh air. And at 145 pounds, Ford says the Fusion Hybrid's battery is 23 percent lighter. Smarter climate controls, refined regenerative braking and a host of other upgrades are also part of the installation.
According to Ford, the Fusion Hybrid can operate on purely electric power up to 47 mph, which would be a huge leap compared to the existing system, which typically fires the gas engine at about half that speed, depending on throttle application. The hybrid won't look much different from the standard Fusion, however. Ford will add its "road and leaf" logo, familiar from the Escape Hybrid. And the hybrid wears unique 16-inch wheels.
Inside the cabin, Fusion Hybrid drivers get a standard 110-volt power outlet and an instrument package Ford is calling "SmartGauge with EcoGuide." The SmartGauge portion of this consists of two reconfigurable LCD screens that sandwich the analog speedometer. They can be set up to display a wide variety of information including fuel and battery levels, instant and average mileage performance, engine output power, battery output power, accessory power consumption and more. The EcoGuide portion of the name indicates that Ford believes it can coach drivers into driving the car for maximum fuel-efficiency. Part of this is the kitschy "efficiency leaves" feature, which "grows" leaves and vines on the screen as a reward for efficient driving.
Chevy Volt Driving: Sneak Peek @ LA Auto Show
GM brought the Chevrolet Volt to the Edmunds.com Santa Monica office to give Edmunds' employees a sneak peak at what GM is calling the production show car.
Ford Fusion Hybrid @ 2010 Detroit Auto Show - NAIAS Video
Ford Fusion Hybrid @ 2010 Detroit Auto Show - NAIAS Video
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The Ford Motor Company, the only one of the Detroit automakers not to have declared bankruptcy in 2009, made a clean sweep of the 2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards. The Ford Fusion Hybrid was named the 2010 North American Car of the Year, while the Ford Transit Connect was named the 2010 North American Truck of the Year as the 2010 Detroit Auto Show kicked off media preview days.
Electric MINI E @ 2008 LAAS
AN ELECTRIC MINI? READ MORE:
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BMW will build 500 copies of its first all-electric vehicle, the Mini E, as part of a pilot project aimed at private and corporate customers in California, New York and New Jersey. The Mini E will be formally unveiled next month at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The Mini E features a lithium-ion battery pack and a 201-horsepower electric motor driving the front wheels through a single-stage helical gearbox. BMW says the motor will produce peak torque of 162 pound-feet and will enable the car to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 8.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 95 mph, and the car can travel up to 150 miles on a single charge.
BMW converted the standard Mini into a two-seater to accommodate the battery pack, which can be recharged from any standard power outlet. BMW also will provide owners with a special "wallbox" charging unit that will enable the batteries to fully charge in 2.5 hours.
The Mini E is being assembled through the end of this year at the brand's factory in Oxford, England, with the driveline and batteries installed in Munich.
BMW plans to put cars into the hands of 500 customers on a one-year lease with an extension option. The monthly payments cover all maintenance and other technical service. At the end of the lease, all the cars will be returned to BMW's engineering fleet for testing and evaluation.
All of the pilot cars are painted metallic dark silver, with a pure silver roof. In addition, the cars all sport a serial number on their front fenders, as well as a stylized yellow logo on the roof, the charger port lid and other locations.
Inside, a central gauge and battery-level indicator replace the standard tachometer. Seats are trimmed in yellow to match the car's "E" logo.
Boxster/Cayman Refreshed @ 2008 LAAS
MORE PORSCHE AND 2008 LAAS:
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The 2009 Porsche Boxster is a more substantial upgrade than its modest cosmetic changes might indicate. Like the Porsche 911 that has been thoroughly refreshed this year, this Boxster benefits from new engines, a new dual-clutch automated manual transmission and a number of smaller changes to give it another few years before a complete redesign will be required.
The standard Boxster now gets a 2.9-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder with 255 horsepower, while the upgraded Boxster S gets a direct-injected 3.4-liter six with 310 hp. Although the engines only offer modest output gains over their predecessors, Porsche claims that both of the power plants represent comprehensive redesigns that also offer cleaner emissions and increased fuel-efficiency.
A new dual-clutch automated manual transmission is the big news for this Boxster. Officially known as the Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), the seven-speed gearbox replaces the Tiptronic automatic. Porsche says the PDK gearbox not only shifts faster than the Tiptronic, but also delivers improved fuel mileage. A Boxster S is now capable of accelerating to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds, according to Porsche. Part of the improvement comes from a launch control system that comes as part of the optional Sports Chrono package.
Not much changes in the chassis department. The basic suspension layout remains unchanged, although there are now slightly wider wheels to accommodate larger brakes. For the first time, the Boxster S will offer Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) as an option. It adds a 13.8-inch carbon-ceramic rotor at each corner with a four-piston caliper painted in yellow. A mechanical limited-slip differential is also available on all models with 18- or 19-inch wheels.
The interior revisions are also modest. A new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system attempts to reduce electronic complexity while increasing the number of available options. The button count has been cut in half to 16, while features like an iPod adapter and a USB port have been added. Other new options include ventilated seats and a new audio system called the Sound Package Plus.
Hybrid System Atkinson Cycle
Hybrid System Atkinson Cycle
Atkinson-Cycle is used on Hybrid systems (Prius) to get better fuel economy and have a broader power control of the engine output. The Atkinson Cycle is an integral part of the PRIUS Hybrid and all FORD and NISSAN derivatives. The idea behind the A.C. is to delay the valve timing and therefore controlling the compression ration and output power. There are many other reason for the Atkinson cycle. Hybrid Atkinson Cycle: See it here in detail. Excerpt from out hybrid series DVD. Copyright Mandy Concepcion.
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2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid In Depth Interior and Exterior Overview
An In Depth review of the interior and exterior of the all new ford fusion hybrid! The Ford Fusion Hybrid is a gasoline-electric hybrid powered version of the mid-size Ford Fusion sedan developed by the Ford Motor Company, and launched to the U.S. market in March 2009 as a 2010 model, together with its twin the Mercury Milan Hybrid.[5] The Fusion Hybrid is manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly plant, located in Sonora, Mexico.[4] Ford set a modest sales target of about 25,000 vehicles a year for the Fusion Hybrid and the similar Mercury Milan.[3]
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ratings for the Ford Fusion Hybrid are 41 miles per US gallon (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg-imp) for city and 36 miles per US gallon (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg-imp) for highway.[2][4] When driving on electric-only mode (EV mode) the Fusion can achieve 47 mph[4] and up to 2 miles of continuous EV driving.[1] In city driving a full tank delivers 700 miles (1,126.5 km).[1][2][3][4]
In April 2009 editors of Kelley Blue Book named the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid to its 2009 list of "Top 10 Green Cars".[6] The 2009 U.S. News & World Report car ranking for best affordable mid-size cars is lead by the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid followed by the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The 2010 Toyota Prius is ranked No. 4 together with the 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid ranks No. 12.[7] In December 2009 Car and Driver magazine listed the 2010 Fusion Hybrid among one of the "10 Best Cars". The magazine stated that the Fusion Hybrid was the most advanced of all the cars they tested.[8] (WIKIPEDIA) for more info please visit ford.com
Driving the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid: how to maximize mileage
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is now officially America's most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan. Fusion Hybrid is certified at 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Learn how to make the most of your hybrid.
Teste do Ford Fusion Hybrid
O modelo, que será exibido no Salão de São Paulo em outubro, terá a primazia de ser o primeiro híbrido de fato a ser vendido no Brasil. Saiba mais sobre o carro no teste feito pelo Emílio Camanzi nos Estados Unidos.
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Roadfly.com - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid car review and road test by Jessi Lang of RoadflyTV. Gas-electric hybrids are more practical than ever due to the current economic climate. Ford's mid-size hybrid sedan is the current favorite amongst the Roadfly staff. Best hybrid sedan currently available and it's many awards are justified. For more car research visit http://roadfly.com
Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid
Ford Motor Company's first demonstration Escape Plug-In Hybrid is ready to roll on California roads. In December 2007, Ford delivered the first of 20 research PHEVs to Southern California Edison to begin road testing as part of a unique partnership between the automaker and utility.
The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, a research vehicle using high voltage, lithium-ion batteries, can deliver up to 120 miles per gallon which would mean far fewer trips to the gas station. The vehicle uses common household current (120 volts) for charging. Full charge of the battery takes six to eight hours. When driven for the first 30 miles following a full charge, the Ford Escape PHEV can achieve up to 120 mpg when driven on surface streets. The vehicle is not range limited by the amount of charge available in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery, because once the charge in the battery has been depleted, the vehicle continues to operate as a fuel efficient, standard Ford Escape Hybrid. The transition is automatic and unnoticeable to the driver.
The delivery comes just five months after Ford and Southern California Edison announced their collaboration to advance the commercialization of plug-ins by exploring the values of new technologies and new business models when the battery is connected to the home and, in time, the electrical grid.
"The electrification of vehicles has sparked significant interest in this country. The delivery of this Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid research vehicle today represents another step in our development and understanding of the technology and its place in the overall energy picture," said Sue Cischke, senior vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. "PHEVs are one element of our blueprint for sustainability that includes actions ranging from refinements in gasoline fueled engines and transmissions, to the development of hydrogen fuel cells."
"We are united in a common cause," said Lynda Ziegler, Southern California Edison's senior vice president, Customer Service. "We bring our expertise in energy production, delivery and management, and combine it with Ford's expertise in hybrid technology. Together, we are seeking solutions to address the needs of our shared customers and to ultimately help this nation achieve energy independence and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "This is not about simply connecting the car to the grid. It's about integrating vehicles and energy storage technologies into the energy system of the future".
The two companies are exploring new business models related to the electrification of vehicles that could help lower the cost of PHEVs to make them more affordable to consumers.
"Although the energy infrastructure is in place, significant challenges remain for widespread adoption of PHEVs," said Cischke. "Cost, durability and reliability issues all need to be addressed before these vehicles can make a significant impact on the global issues of climate change and energy security."
Ford and SCE will jointly conduct testing of the vehicles, some of which may be evaluated in typical customer settings to model overall home and grid values. The testing will provide valuable data related to the durability, reliability and safety of new battery technology. The cost of advanced lithium ion batteries means the technology is currently not economically feasible for widespread vehicle application.
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Ford DigiKnows: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Part 1
The engineers behind the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid tell us more about how this car operates. Plus find out what kind of testing they did to get this 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway vehicle technology on the road.
Ford Fusion Hybrid Electric Vehicle
The Fusion Hybrid can go over 700 miles between fillups, which for the average commuter translates into a stop at the pump once a month. The I-4 engine gets 34 mpg in highway driving. It features Drive electric only or electric and gas combined, flex-fuel capable, electronic display of track in the Hybrid powertrains four modes of operation and regenerative braking that captures 94 percent of energy lost to braking friction.
High-tech gauge panel teaches you to drive smart, the exclusive dual LCD SmartGauge™ Cluster with EcoGuide is an innovative gauge cluster that provides real-time information to help you get the most efficiency from your Fusion Hybrid. SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide uses dual liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the center-mounted speedometer. A tutorial built into the display lets you choose one of four data screens for the level of information you want — Inform, Enlighten, Engage or Empower — and explains your options within each. Steering wheel-mounted controls make it all easy. All levels can indicate instant fuel economy; fuel economy history; odometer; engine coolant temperature; plus trip data including fuel economy, time-elapsed fuel economy and miles to empty . Watch the display grow leaves when you drive efficiently. Or watch them fade when you dont. More leaves = more mpg (up to 41 mpg city). This green motivator works during any of the four display modes.
2010 Fusion offers all the great features of the available voice-activated Ford SYNC® System* -- plus two new features: 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report. With SYNC you can access your music collection on your MP3 player by genre, album, artist or song title and operate your Bluetooth®-enabled phone with simple voice commands. You can even make music selections through your flash drive by voice command. SYNC gets a major system upgrade with the addition of 911 Assist. Within seconds after airbag deployment, SYNC uses your cell phone connection you programmed into the system to make a call to a local 911 emergency operator. A pre-recorded message will then play when the call is answered, and youll be able to communicate with the 911 operator.† Along with 911 Assist™, SYNC will offer a Vehicle Health Report feature. SYNC gathers information from the vehicles control modules and transmits it through the cell phone connection you programmed into the system to Ford by way of an 800-number. You can receive these health reports free of charge by e-mail or text-message alerts. SYNC is optional in Fusion SE; standard in Fusion SEL and Sport models and also in the Fusion Hybrid.
The V6-powered Fusion with class-exclusive* All-Wheel Drive (AWD) improves traction and handling on any surface where wheel slip can occur, such as ice, snow, mud, gravel or even dry pavement. It constantly monitors driving conditions and distributes engine torque to the wheels with the most traction. So if the front wheels are experiencing poor traction, AWD will automatically transfer more torque to the rear wheels or the wheels having the most traction. At highway speed, the AWD system automatically deactivates to help conserve fuel but is able to reactivate if wheel slip is anticipated or detected.
Theres the all-new Fusion Hybrid. While so much attention is paid to its outstanding best-in-class fuel economy, the 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle Hybrid I-4 system combines with the electric motor to generate 191 net horsepower rating, delivering the power.
When you see a Light Ice Blue Metallic Fusion, its an all-new Fusion Hybrid. 17 15-spoke painted aluminum wheels and the Road & Leaf badge are also unique features that say this is a very special Ford Fusion.
People who drive hybrids or electric vehicles care about the environment, so should you.
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Review and Test Drive
Greg Cavanaugh, automotive writer for the Gallup Journey Magazine, does an in-depth review and road test of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. This video supplements the written article on the Fusion Hybrid found in the June 2009 issue of the Gallup Journey Magazine. www.gallupjourney.com
***please note that this is an independent video and is in no way affiliated with FORD***
