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@ HarveyD: Nonsense.
An E300 BlueTec hybrid would get a US EPA cycle rating within 1 mpg, plus or minus. Considering a Camry offers lowest-common denominator styling and driving experience, not to mention FAR less power and torque for the same MPG, it is worth much more on those merits alone, never mind that you're comparing a Camry to a Mercedes E-Class which is ludicrous to begin with. Another good opportunity to troll for Toyota though.
Even the E400 Hybrid, with nearly double the power of the Camry Hybrid, would cost many buyers less than $400 a year more to operate than a Camry Hybrid - most people who buy a Mercedes could care less about $400 a year.
Mercedes-Benz launching E 300 BlueTEC diesel and E 400 gasoline hybrids at Detroit Auto Show
E300 BlueTEC HYBRID. Click to enlarge. Mercedes-Benz is is launching two new luxury hybrids in its core segment: the diesel-electric E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, and the gasoline-electric E 400 HYBRID. The new hybrid models, based on a modular hybrid system, make their world premiere at the Detroi...
Five figures still probably, but hopefully closer to $10K now than $20K+.
UQM Technologies begins volume production of PowerPhase Pro electric propulsion systems
UQM Technologies, Inc. has begun volume production of its PowerPhase Pro electric motor and controller packages. The company’s production line has a capacity of 40,000 units on two shifts. The brushless, permanent-magnet electric motor delivers greater range and improved braking. The entire s...
Expect more of these moves to unfold, many of the vehicles made by Polaris and their competitors are ripe for EV models, an example being the 4x4 side by side hunting buggies. The limited noise of EVs is also an important part of reducing the ecological impact these vehicles have on the areas they traverse.
Polaris invests in electric motorcycle company Brammo
Polaris Industries Inc. has made a minority investment in Brammo, an Ashland, Ore.-based maker of electric vehicle technology and two-wheel electric vehicles. By investing in Brammo, Polaris obtains access to its proprietary electric vehicle powertrain technology, as well as exposure to the rap...
Do forget that Harvey, because it is a lie. The mechanical concept is relatively simple and was patented 30 years prior to Toyota even thinking about building a Prius. Both they and Ford developed the concept, because it is one of the most logical ways to make a hybrid.
"The reality is that Ford independently developed its own hybrid system at the same time Toyota was doing its own. The basic architecture of both systems is the same and both are based on the concepts developed and patented by TRW engineers in the late 1960s. When Ford introduced the Escape Hybrid, Toyota went after the Blue Oval for infringing on its patents. Ford had patents of its own on the technology that Toyota was using.
Eventually, the two companies reached a cross-licensing agreement that gives both companies the right to build their own systems. Such cross-licensing agreements are common in these kinds of cases, but Ford did not use the Toyota hybrid system. The only other company that uses Toyota's system is Nissan for its Altima hybrid, and they actually buy hardware from Toyota. - Sam Abuelsamid"
Ford rolls out electrified vehicle plan at Shanghai show; new energy vehicle demonstration fleet
At Auto Shanghai 2011, Ford outlined its electrified vehicle plan in China with the Asian debut of the company’s latest electrified vehicles and a plan to have a demonstration fleet of new energy vehicles in the country early next year. The debut of the Focus Electric, C-MAX Energi plug-in hybri...
Harvey,
A 2.0L + 8-speed auto combination is in the works to replace the 2.4L + 6-speed in a year or two. Should push close to 45 MPG highway.
Chevrolet introduces 2013 Malibu ECO with eAssist
Chevrolet Malibu ECO PowerFlow screen. Click to enlarge. Chevrolet has introduced the 2013 Malibu ECO, its most fuel-efficient midsize sedan yet. The Malibu ECO features GM’s eAssist light electrification technology (earlier post), which is engineered to deliver an estimated 26 mpg in city dr...
Navistar, who were partnered with Modec in the US, could have easily saved them. Navistar sells several hybrid trucks already, and has developed a PHEV system.
Would not surprise me to see Navistar instead push the PHEVs on their existing chassis instead, no range anxiety for business owners and still most of the benefits. Its probably cheaper for Navistar to do a PHEV class 4/5 truck, and would find more willing buyers than the Modec.
Liberty Electric Cars seeks to assist failed Modec
Liberty Electric Cars, a UK company formed in 2008 to re-engineer of large luxury cars and SUVs into electric vehicles (earlier post), has stated that it is seeking a way to rescue electric commercial vehicle maker Modec, which recently entered administration (earlier post). Liberty Electric Car...
Hino already has a good reputation amongst contractors, so they will probably win a lot of sales from the established competitors. I still see a fair number of their old cabovers on the road.
Hino Trucks introduces new Class 4, 5 diesel and diesel hybrid electric trucks for North American market
The new Hino COE diesel and diesel hybrid for the North American market. Click to enlarge. Hino Trucks is introducing new Class 4 and Class 5 cab over engine (COE) diesel and diesel electric hybrid models specifically designed for the North American market. In the class 4 market, Hino will o...
Lucrative? Not likely. But...
1. The Sprinter was their most credible commercial vehicle by far, and Daimler is keeping it to themselves now. Two new vans, already designed and made by Fiat? I'd wanna stick it to Daimler too, for various reasons, if I were Chrysler.
2. This is a response to the demand for more efficient and nimble urban delivery vehicles. There is a reason Ford is bring two new smaller vans to replace their Econoline, GM is replacing their Savannah with a smaller European style van, Nissan is entering the US LCV market, Toyota too via Hino, the list goes on... light commercial vehicles are an enduring need that accomplish much of the vehicular work in urban centres, which are rapidly growing around the world, so it seems like a smart thing to make product for and a good core market that is growing, vs. debt-laden consumers...
Chrysler to bring rebranded Fiat Ducato, Doblo to commercial van sector
Detroit News. Chrysler Group LLC plans to introduce the Fiat Ducato and Doblo under the Ram brand as MY2013 entrants in the commercial van sector, according to Fred Diaz, Ram president. Diaz said he doesn’t know which of the two Fiat vans will be launched first. Chrysler is working on modificat...
Harvey:
Yes, yes, and yes. And likely an EV down the line too, since the Focus, its sister, just had an EV model introduced.
This is built on the same platform as the new Focus, so Ford has a wide variety of powertrains at its disposal.
SJC:
The system does not maintain a fully charged battery - instead of constant charging by the alternator when driving, it only engages during deceleration, unless the battery become depleted. So it doesn't sap energy during acceleration and steady state cruising - it uses energy that otherwise would've been simply turned to heat by the braking system. Mild regenerative braking, but regen nonetheless.
Ford shows new Vertrek compact concept SUV; stop/start and regen braking
Ford introduced a new compact sport utility vehicle concept—Vertrek—at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. Vertrek is engineered as a global vehicle, and is designed for use with EcoBoost or diesel engines. In addition, the Vertrek incorporates a stop/start system and regenerative b...
This is the important part:
Ford has 12(!) vehicles planned on this same platform for sale in North America. The C-segment platform underpinning the Focus represents the ultimate hedge against high gas prices, developing EV, PHEV, HEV and high MPG gas powertrains (EcoBoost + dual clutch) which can easily be put into ANY of these C segment vehicles, with the plant having flexible production capabilities too. With 12 vehicles from the same platform built at the same flexible plant, Ford can make EV-PHEV-HEV anything, since the platform will underpin everything from hatchbacks to small SUVs to small vans.
IMO Ford's electrification plan has the best mass-market potential because of this flexibility as to what the powertrain goes in, without soaring engineering costs to do so.
Ford unveils the Focus Electric
The Ford Focus Electric. Click to enlarge. Ford Motor Company officially unveiled the Focus Electric—the company’s first all-electric passenger car. (Earlier post.) The five-door electric hatchback leverages Ford’s global C-car platform shared by the gasoline and diesel-powered Focus models...
Nissan should go ahead and offer the 5.0L V8 Cummins diesel they were considering, make it a pricey option if they must but it would regardless be a great product differentiator for their trucks and vans. They should go ahead and make a Titan 2500HD too, the frame is strong enough and 5.6L V8 gas / 5.0L V8 diesel would be enough engine.
2012 Nissan NV Full-Size Commercial Van Pricing Announced
Nissan has announced pricing for the all-new 2012 NV full-size van, starting at $24,590. It's the company's first light commercial vehicle for North America and is aimed at other large vans, like the Chevrolet Express and Ford E-Series. The Nissan NV uses a modified version of the Nissan Titan...
the big news is a reported 19/28 for the 2.0L EcoBoost
with 250 lb-ft from 1750 rpm, it should move well too
Ford boosts highway fuel economy of 2011 Explorer V6 SUV by 25%
2011 Explorer. Click to enlarge. The new 2011 Ford Explorer V6 fuel economy ratings are now EPA-approved at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, a 25% improvement over the previous V6 model. The Explorer V6 combines an enhanced aerodynamic body with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-V...
The engine is downsized to meet the average power needs, not necessarily the peak needs, because the traction motors draw from a battery rather than the generator. That is why this tech makes sense on switching locomotives instead of long haul, more variable power demand.
Pike Research forecasts accelerating hybrid locomotive sales from 2015-2020
Hybrid electric locomotive sales will have an increasing presence in global rail markets between 2015 and 2020, according to a new report from Pike Research. During that period, hybrid locomotive sales will increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.4% under a baseline forecast scena...
Mike Levine:
Given the Duramax 6.6L is at its design limits, I think it would be timely to find out the bore, stroke, and bore spacing on the shelved GM 4.5 DOHC turbodiesel.
The block is CGI, so it could have the strength for more displacement. Assuming the bore x stroke is 89 x 90, a 95 x 105 version would displace about 6.0L...and make 400 hp no problem, and 700+ lb-ft. If GM moved to an 8-speed auto, that could help negate the torque difference while leaving Ford in the dust in terms of fuel economy with a 6.0 DOHC turbo-diesel / 8-speed auto combo.
Whaddya think?
Ford Super Duty Reclaims Diesel Power Title: 400 HP, 800 Pounds-Feet of Torque
Need more torque? There's an app for that -- at least if you own a 2011 Ford F-250, F-350 or F-450 Super Duty pickup truck with an all-new 6.7-liter V-8 Power Stroke diesel. Ford has announced that it's raising power levels in its all-new compression ignition engine to an astonishing 400 horse...
HarveyD,
This new Explorer gets better combined mileage than a 2006 Toyota Camry V6 (and only 1 mpg less combined than a 2010 Camry V6), while having more power and torque, and seating two more passengers. I'm no SUV fan, but you are delusional or heavily biased.
Ford Introduces 2011 Explorer SUV
The 2011 Ford Explorer SUV. Click to enlarge. Ford has introduced the new 2011 Explorer. Offering two new engines—a new 3.5L V6 and the new 2.0L I4 EcoBoost (earlier post)—the new Explorer offers up to a 30% improvement in fuel economy over the current Explorer. The 2010 Ford Explorer 2WD wi...
EP - I'm no Government Motors fan but reading...
"The base Verna is offered with ... the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic."
...in the very post you're responding to with "Hyundai is going to 8-speeds while GM is selling 4-speeds" makes you sound like a troll, and realizing that GM sells more vehicles with 6-speed transmissions than Hyundai, and has an in-house developed 8-speed automatic, makes you sound like an even dumber troll.
Hyundai Unveils New 1.6L Gamma GDI, 3.3 Lambda GDI Engines; New Verna
At the 2010 Beijing Auto Show (Auto China 2010), Hyundai Motor Co. unveiled its all-new 1.6L Gamma GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine; the latest edition of its 3.3L Lambda V-6 engine with GDI; and staged the world-premiere of its all-new Verna subcompact. The company also displayed its new ...
Stan, this transmission is rated for 209 lb-ft. Ford's 2.0L EcoBoost in its mildest form of tune is 200 hp and 207 lb-ft from 1750 rpm. What I'd like to see is that drivetrain in the Fusion.
Getrag Begins Series Production of New Powershift Transmission; Up to 20% Reduction in Fuel Consumption Compared to Conventional Torque Converter Automatic
The 6DCT250 transmission. Click to enlarge. Getrag has begun series production of the newest member of its Powershift transmission lineup, the dry dual clutch 6DCT250, at its plants in Irapuato (Mexico) and Modugno (Italy). The 6DCT250 transmission will first be introduced in the Renault Mégan...
HarveyD:
Yes, which is why a 2.0L turbo will relatively soon become the base Mustang engine, tuned to beat the 3.7L in fuel economy while matching the performance of the 4.0L that engine replaced.
Look for a V6 turbo special edition (Mach 1) Mustang first to incrementally introduce the tech to the muscle car market. Ford isn`t going to rush a 4 cylinder into their muscle cars, it just doesn`t make sense but they will do so when it is timely, probably the next oil spike, because the engine is already in development.
Ford Invests $155M in Engine Plant to Support New 3.7L V-6 for Mustang
Ford Motor Company is investing $155 million at its Cleveland operations to build a new more fuel-efficient V-6 engine for the 2011 Mustang. The all-aluminum dual-overhead cam (DOHC), 3.7-liter Duratec 24-valve V-6 engine with Twin Independent Variable Valve Timing (Ti-VCT) delivers a projected ...
Freddy: Ford is already working on Miller cycle EcoBoost engines.
What I like here is the confidence shown in the 2.0 EcoBoost - the Edge is a vehicle which will have a 7000 lb+ gross combined weight rating.
A 4-cylinder turbo F-150 won't be too far behind.
MY2011 Ford Edge Features First North American Application of 2.0L EcoBoost, Two Ti-VCT Engines
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 Ti-VCT. Click to enlarge. Ford is unveiling the refreshed 2011 Edge at the Chicago Auto Show. An all-new powertrain lineup includes North America’s first application of Ford’s global 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine (earlier post), plus the new 3.5-liter Ti-VCT (Twin I...
You may be on to something, because Daimler is cutting Dodge off from the Sprinter in the US starting in 2010. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for it with Chrysler involved though.
Iveco Electric Daily Prototype Begins Testing in Brazil
The Electric Daily in Brazil. Click to enlarge. Iveco has presented a prototype of its new Electric Daily in Brazil, destined to be the first zero emission light commercial vehicle produced in Latin America. The project builds on Iveco’s long-running research and development of electric propul...
As I recall, some F-550s are being converted to PHEV, not sure on Ford's level of involvement. An F-550 pure EV is a long, long ways out but PHEV could be closer than we think.
This new engine has a standardized bolt pattern, so conceivably something off the shelf like an Eaton parallel hybrid system using the 6-spd automated manual transmission could work.
The energy storage alone could make is worthwhile for some, to run tools, whereas others would find the city MPGs pay-off. I have my doubts as to whether PHEV Class 4/5 trucks will ever fill out beyond commercial niches and rich ranchers with renewable energy on-site, etc.
Ford Unveils New 6.7-L Power Stroke V-8 Turbocharged Diesel
6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine. Click to enlarge. Ford has provided initial details on the new Ford-engineered, -tested and-manufactured 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbo diesel engine. Debuting in the next-generation F-Series Super Duty truck, the new diesel engine will ...
Never. A 1.6L direct injection turbocharged gas engine is likely, however.
First Full Month of Transit Connect Sales in the US Tops 2,000 Units
The first full month of sales in the US for the 2010 Ford Transit Connect light commercial van has topped 2,000 units, according to Ford. Vehicles are selling in fewer than 10 days of arriving on dealer lots, significantly quicker than industry norms. The Ford Transit Connect. Click to enlarge...
Target specs:
390 hp
700 lb-ft
This sucker had better be reliable.
Ford Unveils New 6.7-L Power Stroke V-8 Turbocharged Diesel
6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine. Click to enlarge. Ford has provided initial details on the new Ford-engineered, -tested and-manufactured 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbo diesel engine. Debuting in the next-generation F-Series Super Duty truck, the new diesel engine will ...
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