Ford Verve - Future Fiesta

Pictures and a video of the new Ford Verve have hit the Net. Ford has a simple aim, produce as many cars as possible on the least amount of platforms as possible.
Alan Mulally, U.S. Ford Motor Co.'s current CEO hopes to follow the same path as the Japanese by limiting resources for new platforms while exploiting global platforms.

The first car to follow the new ethos will be the next-generation Ford Focus, followed closely by the Fusion/Mondeo. Production of the new global Focus is set to start in North America in 2010 or 2011.
Another car which has recently surfaces is the new generation Fiesta (pictured), Ford is referring to the car as the global B-car that will debut in Europe in 2008.

Ignoring the sound, the video above gives a close look at the new Ford Verve concept.
Much like other American manufacturers Ford America has been losing a substantial amount of money in the last few years and one of the biggest problems facing the company has been the level of product complexity, a problem which global platforms can solve.
Ford Australia is set to play a big role in developing the global platform - a task that emphasises the level of expertise and technology present for the blue oval here.
Thankfully, the future Focus, which as Ford recently announced will now be built in Australia, will not be identical to its American brother; styling and tuning will be customized for each region.


Source: http://www.caradvice.com.au/5026/ford-verve-future-fiesta/

X-Ray Ford Focus ST Black Edition: Ford Celebrating “Knight Rider?”

The folks over at Jalopnik are as confused as us with a Ford press release in French talking of a new X-Ray Ford Focus ST Black Edition. The X-Ray Ford Focus ST Black Edition supposedly celebrates the hit 1980s show "Knight Rider."
Whatever the case is with this car, we like the fact that it is powered by a 2.5 liter 5-cylinder turbo engine that develops 225 horsepower. That gives this little beast the ability to go from 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 150 mph.

From what we understand Ford will produce 50 examples of the X-Ray Ford Focus ST Black Edition, which will ride on 19-inch black alloy wheels.

Source: http://www.egmcartech.com/2007/08/27/x-ray-ford-focus-st-black-edition-ford-celebrating-knight-rider/

ECOnetic Range Of Ultra-Low CO2 Models

While surfing the net and getting some details about the VW headlight switch last night gave me the idea to browse for some featured stories about my favorite automaker - Ford Motor Company! I checked out their site at www.ford.com and I found some interesting news about our beloved company.

According to the news, Ford Europe will provide the ultra-low CO2 alternatives to customers for selected car lines along with the launching of the latest range of Ford ECOnetic models that will be displayed on the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The brand new eco-friendly vehicles will apply a blend of the latest common-rail diesel powertrains jointly with other well-chosen features bulit to lessen CO2 emissions to the total smallest amount. The Ford Focus ECOnetic will be the first to be introduced by the end of 2007. The ECOnetic promises to carry the top-in-class CO 2 emissions for usual powertrain technology at just 115g/km.

"Although all of our current European models are already highly competitive in terms of CO 2, we do know that more and more car buyers seek the lowest possible emissions as a key 'why-buy?', and that they have an increasing range of such vehicles to choose from in the market," says John Fleming, the Ford of Europe President and CEO.

"By launching specific models, with dedicated Ford ECOnetic badging, which achieve ultra-low CO 2 results, we will give a clear alternative to those customers who prioritize low emissions performance in their purchasing decision.

"We chose the Ford ECOnetic name because it links ecologically friendly technology to our kinetic design 'energy in motion' philosophy for both driving quality and emotional styling. Above all, it assures our customers that these models will not sacrifice any of the driving dynamic qualities they have come to expect from Ford, even though ultra-low emissions have been prioritized," Fleming added.

According to the Ford Motor Company, the new Ford Focus ECOnetic is powered by the highly efficient 109PS, 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine with standard Diesel Particulate Filter that provides an average fuel consumption of just 4.3 l/100km, which matches up to an average CO 2 emission of only 115g/km.

"The challenge for the engineering team was to deliver the maximum reduction in CO 2 using available and affordable technologies. The result of this detailed work is both a class-leading result for a vehicle with state-of-the-art conventional power train technology, and some useful learnings that we can also apply to all diesel models in the Focus range over time," says Gunnar Herrmann, Ford's Vehicle Line Director for medium cars.


Source: http://blogs.iloha.net/carparts/entries/15899.shtml

Frankfurt Preview: Peugeot 308 Hybrid HDi gets 69 mpg with only 90

French automaker Peugeot will be showing the latest iteration of their diesel-hybrid demonstration vehicles at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Previously they had shown a 307 and also Citroen C4 with a diesel parallel hybrid powertrain. The new car is based on the recently-introduced 308 which is a C-Class-sized car similar to the Ford Focus or Chevy Cobalt.

The new 308 hybrid HDi has a 107hp 1.6L diesel along with a 21hp electric motor. On the EU combined cycle the 308 is rated at 69mpg (US) and only 90g/km of CO2. That puts it very close to the latest Smart ForTwo diesel which gets 72mpg / 88 g/km but in a much more practical five-seat package. Production is currently targeted for 2010. All the details are after the jump.

World Premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show Powered by an HDi diesel hybrid power train Emits only 90g/km of CO2 83 mpg in the combined cycle To be launched in 2010
At the Frankfurt Motor Show Peugeot will showcase its new 308 Hybrid HDi, which emits just 90g/km of CO2 and reduces fuel consumption by 58% in the Urban Drive Cycle compared to a standard 308 HDi.

In its pearlescent white and green colour scheme, two colours chosen as symbols of purity and ecology, the 308 Hybrid HDi demonstrator is the eagerly anticipated star of the environmental section of Peugeot's stand at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

This new 308 Hybrid HDi demonstrator represents another step on the path towards the planned commercialisation of the technology in 2010. Further evaluation of the original Peugeot 307 Hybrid HDi demonstrator in 2006 has confirmed the choice of a diesel engine, instead of a petrol engine, as the best option to provide the best reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.

The demonstrator is powered by Peugeot's most efficient parallel hybrid powerplant to date, combined with a 6-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox. It has a 110 bhp 1.6 HDi DPFS diesel engine coupled with a 22 bhp electric motor providing a maximum power output of 132 bhp, comparable to that of the 308 with the 2.0 litre HDi DPFS 136 bhp diesel engine. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 83 mpg and 90g/km of CO2 or a reduction of 38% compared to an equivalent 308 diesel HDi model.

In addition, the engine has been designed to meet the future Euro V directive which comes into force in 2009 and offers the possibility of driving exclusively in electric or "ZEV" (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode for journeys in regulated urban centres.

The excellent aerodynamic performance of the 308 hatchback and the use of Michelin's new Energy Saver tyres, which reduce rolling resistance, help to enhance further its performance.

A step towards commercialisation
Compared to the previous 307 Hybrid HDi demonstrator presented in 2006, the focus of the development has now switched to concentrating on the packaging of the hybrid technology into the structure of the new 308, and to ensure its compatibility with the future Euro V emission standards.

To ensure a competitive purchase price, priority has been given to using as many components as possible from current Peugeot vehicles. This has enabled the number of specific parts associated with the hybridisation of the 308 to be reduced by around 30% compared to the previous 307 Hybrid HDi demonstrator.

A simple, automatic technology
The vehicle is started by a customary ignition key but, unlike a conventional vehicle, this does not start the diesel engine. Instead by pressing the accelerator pedal with the gearbox in automatic mode, the electric motor powers the vehicle. The diesel engine only operates when required and is controlled by a stop and start system. All the powertrain operating modes are controlled by a Power Train Management Unit (PTMU) according to the driver's requirements.

The driver is informed in real time of the powertrain operating mode by a schematic diagram on the vehicle's colour multifunction display. Other information is also available, such as the battery charge status or the power train operation mode.

Well equipped and without compromise
The comprehensively equipped demonstrator has all the standard equipment of a Premium Pack 308 and also includes a panoramic glass roof and the RT4 multi-media system with a retractable colour display screen. The level of standard equipment, interior space, interior brightness, dynamic qualities and driveability are no different to those of the standard 308.

General dynamic performance is also comparable to a standard 308 HDi. In-gear acceleration, however, both in town and on the open road, is improved with the Hybrid HDi. Indeed, during in-gear acceleration, the diesel engine is backed up by the electric motor which is able on demand to deliver a power boost of up to 31 bhp (and 96 lb ft of torque).

Optimised Hybrid HDi technology
The parallel hybrid power train consists of a 1.6 litre HDi DPFS 110 bhp diesel engine and an electric motor with a continuous output of 22 bhp and a torque of 59 lb ft. The Power Train Management Unit (PTMU) selects the right distribution of power from both units to meet the requirements of the driver and minimise fuel consumption.

The electric motor alone is responsible for starting and driving at low speed, while only the diesel engine is used on open roads and motorways, with both units coming into play simultaneously to provide quicker acceleration. The system is fitted with a 6-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox able to operate in automatic or manual sequential mode.

To extend the battery range, kinetic energy recovered during phases of deceleration and braking is used to recharge the batteries. A special button provides access to an all-electric "ZEV" Zero Emission Vehicle mode. Operation of the diesel engine is then restricted to more pronounced acceleration phases or high speed driving. This "ZEV" mode provides total absence of exhaust emissions and noise pollution.

Technical description of main specific components
The electric motor is of the synchronous type with permanent magnets, developing a continuous power of 22 bhp and a torque of 59 lb ft. However, intermittently its output can attain 31 bhp and 96 lb ft.

An inverter regulates the 150 to 260 volt current from the high voltage battery pack supplying the electric motor in accordance with the torque requirements determined by the Power Train Management Unit (PTMU).

A new generation battery pack has been developed which delivers an output of 200 volts. It is housed in the spare wheel well and does not, therefore, reduce the available boot volume. The batteries are of the Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) type.

A converter converts the 200 V from the battery pack into 12 V to supply the vehicle equipment in phases of solely electrical operation.

Managed braking maximises the recharging of the batteries during phases of deceleration and braking. An Intelligent control of the braking optimises the distribution between regenerative electric braking and traditional dissipative hydraulic braking. The braking management system gives priority to braking efficiency over the recovery of energy.

Source: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/08/29/frankfurt-preview-peugeot-308-hybrid-hdi/