Eco-Driving a Ford Flex

Eco-Driving a Ford Flex

This was a really interesting perspective on driving green in the world of hybrids and fuel economy talk.  Check out this article. 

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FORD’S SMARTGAUGE WITH ECOGUIDE COACHES DRIVERS TO MAXIMIZE FUEL EFFICIENCY ON NEW FUSION HYBRID

Ford’s SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide gives hybrid owners a more-connected, fuel-efficient driving experience by coaching them on how to optimize performance of the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids

SmartGauge with EcoGuide’s unique design uses two, high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, average and instant miles-per-gallon. Growing leaves and vines track and reward the driver’s efficiency

All-new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids are expected to offer class-leading fuel economy and will be available in the first quarter of 2009

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 29, 2008 – Pushing a vehicle to the limit takes on a new meaning in the new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, thanks to Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide – an innovative new instrument cluster that provides real-time information to help drivers maximize fuel efficiency.

“SmartGauge with EcoGuide gives the customer real-world feedback to make the most of their hybrids,” said Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager. “Unique to Ford and Mercury hybrid sedans, this instrument cluster acts as a good ‘coach,’ engaging drivers real-time to help them achieve maximum fuel economy.”

Ford collaborated with IDEO and Smart Design, two world leaders in helping consumers connect with technology, to develop the instrument cluster. Job One was properly integrating the driver with the cluster’s science and technology.

“The main question hybrid drivers had was, ‘How do I know I’m getting the most out of my hybrid?’ ” said Jeff Greenberg, Ford senior technical leader. “We needed to create a system that better communicates with drivers and gives them the tools to maximize fuel efficiency. That’s what SmartGauge with EcoGuide does.”

The driver is immediately engaged by the SmartGauge displays, on either side of the center-mounted analog speedometer, with a special greeting that combines illumination and graphics.

EcoGuide then uses a multi-layered approach to coach the driver to maximum fuel efficiency. A tutorial mode built into the display that helps the driver learn about the instrument cluster and the hybrid in a whimsical way that does not overpower.

For instance, drivers can choose one of four data screens to choose the information level displayed during their drives. They are:

• Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
• Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
• Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
• Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption

All levels can show instant fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer, engine coolant temperature, what gear the car is in and trip data (trip fuel economy, time-elapsed fuel economy and miles to empty). The engine coolant temperature indicator turns green when engine conditions are warm enough to allow engine pull-down.

At the core of the instrument cluster’s design was an understanding that the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) experience evolves and deepens over time and the technology needed to reflect that.

The four levels of information can be customized to fit each driver’s needs or situation. If cruising on the highway, for instance, only basic information may be desired. Once a driver moves off the highway into a city, additional information to optimize fuel economy may be desired and can be easily accessed.

Long-term fuel efficiency can be displayed in two ways – either as a traditional chart or using an innovative display that shows “growing leaves and vines” on the right side of the cluster. The more efficient a customer is, the more lush and beautiful the leaves and vines, creating a visual reward for the driver’s efforts.

Additionally, the real-time system feedback allows drivers to assess or modify their driving habits to achieve maximum fuel economy. A shutdown screen reviews important information from the latest trip, including fuel economy performance and comparative data from previous days.

Extensive customer research was completed to ensure the instrument cluster is as driver-friendly as possible. Prototype testing was done in Ford’s Virtual Text Track Experiment (VIRTTEX) simulator, the industry’s largest driver distraction laboratory operated by an automaker. Test drivers were able to safely interact with the new technology as engineers gathered data and helped refine SmartGauge, aiding drivers in making informed decisions without being distracting or overwhelming.

“When you’re driving, you have a second or so to look at your display,” Greenberg said. “A dense display isn’t going to work. SmartGauge with EcoGuide is designed to minimize distraction caused by multiple displays. We did a lot of work to eliminate extraneous movement and create a smooth, fluid display.”

The instantaneous fuel economy gauge, for example, can be shown or hidden at each of the EcoGuide levels to suit the needs of individual drivers. “We did a lot of research and modified our designs along the way to make SmartGauge with EcoGuide unobtrusive, using subtle cues to relay information,” Greenberg said.

The brainstorming sessions with the IDEO team proved invaluable. “We received more than 100 ideas about information to display – that was our input to our studies with VIRTTEX,” he added. “In VIRTTEX, for example, we learned that you can’t overlay multiple levels of information. One of our design goals then became to geographically separate the information so it can be better understood while driving.”

Four Hybrids The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids join the already successful Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids – the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the planet. With the addition of the two new hybrid sedans, Ford will double its annual hybrid volume and be the largest domestic producer of full hybrid vehicles in North America.

The Fusion and Milan Hybrids will be built at Ford’s Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant and a will arrive in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2009.

2009 Ford F-150 America’s best-selling pickup improves fuel economy

2009 Ford F-150 Unsurpassed In Fuel Economy, Capability

2009 Ford F-150

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 18, 2008 – America’s best-selling pickup, the Ford F-Series, is raising the bar once again – this time with unsurpassed fuel efficiency on the new 2009 F-150, thanks to significant miles per gallon improvement across the entire F-150 lineup.

On sale in October, the new F-150 offers fuel economy that has improved an average of 8 percent across the entire lineup as a result of a wide-range of engineering enhancements.  The fuel economy gains reach as high as 12 percent versus the prior model year on F-150 models equipped with the high-volume 3-valve, 5.4-liter V-8 engine.  At the same time, the new F-150 delivers class-leading towing capability of 11,300 pounds and hauling capacity of 3,030 pounds – a combination no other competitor can match.

In addition, Ford is announcing the introduction of the new F-150 SFE “superior fuel economy” edition delivering up to 21 miles per gallon on the highway while still providing 7,500 pounds of towing capability – fuel economy that is unsurpassed in the full-size pickup segment.

“Ford has committed to have the best or equal to the best fuel economy with every new product we introduce, and we are delivering with the new F-150,” said Matt O’Leary, Ford F-150 chief engineer.  “Fuel economy has moved from 10th to third place among pickup buyers’ top purchase considerations – right behind durability and value.  The new F-150 delivers on all three as the industry leader.”

F-150 SFE

The new SFE package will be available on F-150 SuperCrew XL and XLT 4X2 vehicles with 4.6-liter, 3-valve V-8 engines and 5.5-foot beds.  The SFE pickup will achieve 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

The SFE package trucks also feature a new fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmission, a 3.15:1 rear axle and 18-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels with low rolling resistance P265/60R18 all-season tires.

“Earning the trust of so many truck customers during the past 31 years has taught us a lot about what they want and value from their F-150,” O’Leary said.  “In the past, there was a tradeoff – more fuel economy meant less capability and vice versa.  With the new F-150, we didn’t accept tradeoffs.  We delivered capability and fuel economy.”

The SFE package will be a no-cost option on XLT SuperCrew pickups with the chrome package and will cost $1,095 when ordered on XL SuperCrew pickups with the decor package.

Fuel Economy throughout the Lineup

The 8 percent improvement in fuel economy across the entire lineup of V-8 F-150s is the result of using lightweight ultra-high-strength steel to lighten the truck up to 100 pounds versus the current model and aerodynamic refinements.

The new F-150 is now best-in-class for aerodynamics.  The new F-150 SuperCrew 4X2 with a 5.5-foot box has the lowest coefficient of drag – 0.403 – in the segment.  That’s 6 percent lower than a comparable 2008 F-150. 

Key aero improvements for the new F-150 include:

• A new chamfered shape to the rear of the cab, which incorporated the center-high-mount stop lamp.  This shape helps direct aerodynamic wake over the pickup box efficiently.
• The top of the tailgate, which angles outward to create a bold lip.  This wider surface at the top of the tailgate works with the cab chamfering to direct airflow over the box efficiently.
• The front bumper valence and spoiler design, which has been improved to better manage airflow underneath the truck without compromising off-roading.

In addition, as part of the fuel economy improvements, Ford’s powertrain team delivered technology upgrades to make the F-150 powertrains more efficient.

The new six-speed automatic transmission offers a wider gear ratio span than four-speed transmissions, allowing engineers the flexibility to have responsiveness in low gears and better fuel economy in the taller gears.  The new double-overdrive gearbox is designed to contribute a 4 to 6 percent fuel economy improvement.

Both the 5.4-liter and 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 engines utilize open valve injection.  This unique feature improves the air/fuel charge conditions in the combustion chamber, allowing greater spark advance at higher loads and engine speeds.  This delivers increased horsepower during towing and higher rpm operations, lower emissions and more efficient use of fuel.

The F-150 also regulates gas consumption by using aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off.   The fuel shut-off is automatic and requires no unusual actions from the driver.  When the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the system temporarily turns off the fuel.  The flow of fuel seamlessly resumes when the truck reaches a low speed or the driver accelerates again. 

To prevent engine hesitation normally associated with fuel interruption, Ford’s powertrain team developed proprietary software to integrate the technology with the F-150’s powertrains.

Exciting news from Consumer Reports about Ford Quality

Ford called most reliable of U.S.-brand cars, trucks Dearborn automaker said to be gaining fast on Japanese rivals Detroit Free Press    10/24/2008 Author: Sarah A. Webster (c) Copyright 2008, Detroit Free Press. All Rights Reserved. Ford Motor Co. builds the most reliable American-brand cars and trucks. So said Consumer Reports, in its respected Annual Car Reliability Survey, which was released Thursday during an Automotive Press Association luncheon in downtown Detroit. “Ford is doing exceptionally well,” David Champion, the senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Division, said during a presentation at the Detroit Athletic Club. “Nearly all Fords are average or above,” he said. “They are extremely close to Toyota and Honda.”  While Consumer Reports said Detroit’s other automakers presented “a mixed bag” — with General Motors Corp. brands posting inconsistent results and Chrysler delivering a strikingly poor showing across-the-board — it said Japanese automakers remain the most reliable overall. Korean automakers also are posting commendable improvements. Consumer Reports’ ratings are based on survey responses this spring from more than 1.4 million online and print subscribers to the magazine. Despite Ford’s strong performance, Consumer Reports, which is based in Yonkers, N.Y., said the top 10 most-reliable brands sold in America are all owned by Asian automakers. Even more noteworthy: Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. brands own the top five rankings. Toyota’s youth brand, Scion, took the No. 1 spot in the survey. Honda’s Acura and Honda brands took No. 2 and No. 3 spots, respectively. The Toyota brand, meanwhile, placed No. 4, while the company’s luxury Lexus brand was No. 5.  One of the study’s more interesting findings, though — especially in these economically trying times — is that fuel-efficient models, such as the Smart ForTwo, which gets an estimated 39 miles per gallon, are also the most reliable. That includes hybrids, despite industry concerns that batteries and other new technology might not hold up.  “We haven’t actually seen that,” Champion said. “They all get better reliability than their regular counterparts. They seem to be very reliable.”  Ford pulls away from pack  While Ford’s brands didn’t win top awards and its F-250 turbodiesel 4WD was ranked one of the least-reliable vehicles, Consumer Reports singled out the Dearborn automaker for special treatment in its December issue announcing the results.  Consumer Reports chose a beauty shot of the Ford Fusion midsize sedan for its cover. And inside, it lauds the automaker for continuing “to pull away from the rest of Detroit.”  “Ford’s reliability is now on par with good Japanese automakers,” the December magazine says.  On Thursday, Ford, which has lost almost $24 billion over the last 2 1/2 years, was celebrating the latest recognition from an independent organization, calling it evidence of its disciplined new approach to engineering successful cars and trucks for the future.  “It’s truly wonderful,” Bennie Fowler, Ford’s group vice president for global quality, told the Free Press on Thursday. “We want to be the best in the world, bar none.”  He credited continually improving processes at Ford for the performance — especially Ford’s virtual product development centers — as well as increasingly strong relationships with the UAW, suppliers and the company’s internal departments. Ford now designs, engineers and manufactures vehicles in a virtual world before the first vehicles are built.  “We have up to 40,000 checks now we do before we build our first prototype,” Fowler said. “We get better every day.” At GM, Consumer Reports singled out the company’s Chevrolet Malibu for a strong performance in its first year. The Buick Lucerne with a V8 and Pontiac G6 with a 4-cylinder engine are also above average. However, it said that “a quarter of GM models are still well below average in reliability.” That included the Cadillac CTS, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook.  Chrysler, though, was the automaker to receive the most criticism from Consumer Reports.  When consumers pick up their December issue of the magazine, this is what they will be told about the Auburn Hills-based automaker:  “Chrysler trails the pack. Almost two-thirds of its products rate below average for reliability. The redesigned 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans earned low scores, as did the Chrysler Sebring V6 and Dodge Avenger sedans and the Jeep Liberty SUV. The Sebring Convertible has the worst score: 283% worse than average.  “The only above-average models are the Dodge Caliber hatchback and Jeep Patriot SUV.”  What’s more, Chrysler posted the biggest decline in the survey, falling 13 spots.  In a statement, Chrysler said: “We are not satisfied with our performance, and we continue to work aggressively to improve every aspect of customer satisfaction.”  Toyota regains confidence  Last year, Consumer Reports called out three Toyota models that fell below average. That included the Camry V6, Tundra V8 4WD and the Lexus GS AWD.  This year, Toyota seems to have rectified some of the problems and all of the company’s 42 models in the survey scored average or better. The models that had slipped are now above average again.  The prior dip in Toyota’s performance caused the automaker to lose its automatic recommended ratings from the magazine, and Consumer Reports did not restore that automatic rating in light of this year’s improvement.  That means Honda, whose fuel-efficient car lineup has been a standout seller this year, and Subaru are the only automakers who receive automatic recommended ratings from the magazine because of their consistent performance.  Most reliable  Small Cars Scion xD Mini Cooper Clubman Suzuki SX4 Honda Fit (2008) Toyota Yaris Hyundai Elantra Smart ForTwo Mazda3 (sedan) Honda Civic (sedan)  Family Cars Toyota Prius Kia Optima Toyota Camry Hybrid Ford Fusion Mercury Milan Nissan Altima Hybrid  Sport Cars, Coupes & Convertibles Lexus SC Volvo C30 Honda S2000 Toyota Camry Solara (four-cylinder) Nissan 350Z Scion tC Upscale Luxury Cars Infiniti M35 (RWD) Lexus IS 250 Acura TSX (2008) Infiniti G35 Sedan (RWD) Acura TL (2008) Lexus GS450h Hybrid  Wagons & Minivans Toyota Matrix Scion xB Pontiac Vibe Subaru Outback (turbo) Toyota Sienna Honda Odyssey  Small SUVs Honda Element Toyota FJ Cruiser Toyota RAV4 (four-cylinder) Honda CR-V Infiniti EX  Midsize SUV Honda Pilot (2008) Lexus RX400h (hybrid) Lincoln MKX (FWD) Toyota 4Runner (V6)  Toyota Highlander Hybrid Toyota Highlander  Large SUVs Toyota Sequoia Pickup Trucks Toyota Tundra (V6) Honda Ridgeline  Source: Consumer Reports  Least reliable  Small Cars Nissan Versa (sedan) Family Cars Dodge Avenger Chrysler Sebring (V6) Chevrolet Impala (V8)  Sport Cars, Coupes & Convertibles Chrysler Sebring (convertible) Saturn Sky Pontiac Solstice Chevrolet Corvette Saab 9-3 (convertible)  Upscale & Luxury Cars Cadillac STS (V8) Mercedes-Benz E-Class (V8)  Wagons & Minivans Chrysler Town & Country Dodge Grand Caravan Hyundai Entourage  Small SUVs Land Rover LR2 Saturn Vue (V6, AWD) Dodge Nitro Suzuki XL-7 Jeep Wrangler  Midsize SUVs Land Rover Range Rover Volkswagen Touareg Cadillac SRX (V6) Mercedes-Benz M-Class (V8) BMW X5 (V8) Land Rover Range Rover Sport  Audi Q7 Land Rover LR3 Jeep Commander (V8) Ford Explorer (V8, 2WD) Mercury Mountaineer (V8, 2WD) Porsche Cayenne Mercedes-Benz R-Class Jeep Grand Cherokee (4WD)  Large SUVs Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (V8) Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (turbodiesel) Cadillac Escalade ESV GMC Acadia (FWD) Saturn Outlook (FWD) Cadillac Escalade  Pickup Trucks Ford F-250 (turbodiesel, 4WD) Dodge Dakota (4WD) Cadillac Escalade EXT Dodge Ram 2500 (turbodiesel 4WD) Chevrolet Colorado (4WD) GMC Canyon (4WD)  Source: Consumer Reports

 

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Do tougher parts make longer lasting cars? Let’s talk about Ford quality

Ford takes durability testing to the extreme, making sure their cars and trucks will last — whether it’s as simple as making sure the fuel filler door is secure, or as complex as running an entire vehicle through sub-zero temperatures.  Learn about Ford tests their vehicles to make sure you’re a happy driver.