Suzuki Swift Plug-in Hybrid

Suzuki will be presenting the Swift plug-in hybrid at the Tokyo Auto Show.  The Swift is not available in the US.

The plug-in is an electric range extended vehicle (E-REV), which drives on all electric power for a given range powered by a lithium-ion battery pack.  After the battery gets low, the small 660cc gas engine recharges the battery pack until you can get back to a plug.

The battery pack runs down the center center of the car and the electric motor can produce 55kW, while the gas engine can produce 40 kW.

The small K-car (mini-car or 660cc) is targeted at city commuters and shoppers.  But really, not a lot of details are floating around, yet.  The all electric range, size of the battery pack, etc...

Get Four Free Price Quotes From Yahoo! Autos Hybrid Research and Pricing at Edmunds.com

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Ford and GM Give Drivers at NY Auto Show $50 Just to Test Drive

GM and Ford are handing out $50 to anyone attending the NY International Auto Show if they head to a local dealer and test drive a vehicle.

Now that's really working hard to get customers into the showroom.

The thought here is to 1) get the attention of high potential customers and 2) get those same customers to test drive a vehicle of theirs and 3) show they are willing to put their money where there mouth is. In other words, if you would just give us a chance, we can show you our cars are quality.

The $50 is in the form of gift cards. Ford gift cards can be spent anywhere. The GM gift card is only good for purchases on restaurants.com.

"Auto shows provide a perfect opportunity for buyers to see, touch and feel the latest new cars under one roof," said Mark Schienberg, president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, the organization that owns and produces the New York Auto Show.

"Programs like the $50 gift card offered by GM and Ford help continue conversations between auto show visitors and new car dealers. This is a great way to get engage customers and gets them behind the wheel of some amazing new vehicles," concluded Schienberg.

The $50 offer is available to New York International Auto Show visitors, which runs at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, until Sunday, April 19. For more information, visit www.autoshowNY.com.

Autoweek interviews Ford's new hybrid chief

Nancy Gioia as the new director of Ford Motor Co.'s Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs was interviewed by Autoweek. Among her new responsibilities, Goia will be leading Ford's 300 member engineering team in developing the new hybrid transmission for Ford.

Nancy will be responsible for Bill Ford's goal of hybrid technology available in 50% of Ford's products. As part of that goal, the engineering team is working on Gen II hybrid technology which she expects to see in 2008 products. At the same time, they are already working on Generation III.

Working on Generation III when Gen II isn't available may seem strange, but as she puts it: "When we talk about generations, we are talking about taking advantage of consolidation and micronization - things getting smaller - which is good for hybrids because of better weight and smaller package." She goes on to say, "We already have an idea of what Gen III will look like, and we even have ideas for what comes after that."

Nancy seems to bristle when the interviewer mentions Toyota and Honda large lead when it comes to the area of hybrid technology. She points out Ford brought to market the first hybrid SUV. Also, they are the only SUV out that meets California's Partial Zero Emissions (PZEV).

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, 41 MPG is official

Ford announced the EPA has certified the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid will get a 41 mpg city/ 36 mpg highway rating, making it one of the most fuel efficient cars on the road. And it will be the most fuel efficient compared to its competitors, specifically the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, which gets 35 mpg city/ 35 mpg highway.

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid goes on sale in the fall.

Press Release follows:

DEARBORN, Mich., June 16, 2010 – Lincoln’s first-ever hybrid – the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – is now officially the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America with an EPA-certified 41 mpg rating in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway.

“The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid provides a real choice in the marketplace for customers looking for a vehicle that not only makes a statement about who they are but also reflects their ideals,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president, Global Product Development. “It offers the best fuel economy in its segment, a host of advanced safety features, and all the amenities and modern design of a true luxury sedan.”

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid’s final fuel economy certification was completed this week, and the vehicle will carry an EPA label of 41 mpg for city driving and 36 mpg on the highway when it goes on sale this fall. It tops its nearest competitor – the 2010 Lexus HS 250h – by 6 mpg. It also trumps the Lexus HS 250h with room for one more passenger and more standard luxury and segment-exclusive safety features.

“The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid offers everything our customers look for in a midsize luxury sedan, plus unsurpassed fuel economy,” said Kuzak. “Our engineers worked to ensure the hybrid electric motor and engine complement each other in a fashion that reflects the truly refined driving experience that is synonymous with the Lincoln name.”

Building on Ford Motor Company’s reputation as a world leader in electrified technology, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid uses the company’s second-generation hybrid technology – the 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 hybrid engine – named one of Ward’s 2010 “10 Best Engines.” The system combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver optimal performance and fuel economy.

Industry-leading fuel economy comes without sacrificing power. The combined gasoline engine and electric motor provide 191 net horsepower. Plus, the pure electric mode on the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid extends to 47 mph – compared with the Lexus HS 250h battery-only mode, which reaches just 25 mph.

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid: Luxury comes standard
In addition to being the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America, the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid includes a host of standard features either not offered at all on the Lexus HS 250h, or available at an extra cost. They are:

• SmartGauge with EcoGuide
• Lincoln SYNC®
• Bridge of Weir leather-trimmed seats
• 10-way power passenger seat
• Power driver memory seat settings
• Heated and cooled front seats
• Genuine wood trim
• Reverse sensing system
• Keyless entry keypad
• Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel-Filler
• Personal Safety System™
• MyKey™
• Integrated spotter mirrors
• Acoustic laminated windshield

2010 Ford Ranger Car Sport

2010 Ford Ranger Car Sport Picture

2010 Ford Ranger Car Sport Show

2010 Ford Ranger Car Sport Rear View

2010 Ford Taurus SHO Best Car Images

2010 Ford Taurus SHO

2010 Ford Taurus SHO Interior

2010 Ford Taurus SHO Wallpaper

2009 Ford Focus Coupe Picture

2009 Ford Focus Coupe Wallpaper

2009 Ford Focus Coupe Interior

2009 Ford Focus Coupe Rear

2010 Ford Escape Wallpaper

2010 Ford Escape Front View

2010 Ford Escape Interior

2010 Ford Escape Wallpaper

2009 Ford Escape Views

2009 Ford Escape

2009 Ford Escape views

2009 Ford Escape interior

Base Price	$19,750 (MT est.)
Vehicle layout	Front engine, FWD or AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sport/utility
Engine	2.5L/171-hp/171 lb-ft. DOHC 16-valve I-4; 3.0-liter/240-hp/223 lb-ft. DOHC 24-valve V-6/2.5L/153-hp/136 lb-ft. DOHC 16-valve I-4 w/Atkinson cycle hybrid system, 94-hp AC synchronous motor
Transmission	5-speed manual (four-cylinder only), 6-speed automatic (four or V-6), CVT (hybrid only)
Curb weight (dist f/r)	3300 - 3850 lbs (mfg.)
Wheelbase	103.1
Length x width x height	174.7 x 71.1 x 70.0 in.
0-60 mph	8.7 sec. (mfg est, V-6)
EPA city/hwy fuel econ	18/23 - 34/30 mpg (mfg est.)

2008 Ford Explorer Views

2008 Ford Explorer

2008 Ford Explorer views

2008 Ford Explorer dashboard

Base Price	$26,495-$33,055
Vehicle layout	Front engine, RWD and AWD, 5- or 7-pass, 4-door SUV
Engine	4.0L/210-hp/254-lb-ft SOHC 12-valve V-6; 4.6L/292-hp/300-lb-ft SOHC 24-valve V-6
Transmission	5-speed automatic; 6-speed automatic
Curb weight	4436-4790 lbs (mfr)
Weight dist., f/r	53/47 RWD; 54/56 4WD (mfr)
Wheelbase	113.7 in
Length x width x height	193.4 x 73.7 x 72.8 in
Headroom, f/m/r	39.8/38.7/37.4 in
Legroom, f/m/r	42.4/36.9/34.9 in
Shoulder room, f/m/r	59/58.9/53.1 in
Cargo vol behind f/m/r, 5-seat; 7-seat	85.8/45.1/- cu ft; 83.7/43.9/13.6 cu ft
EPA City/Hwy Econ	13-14/19-20 mpg
CO2 Emissions	1.20-1.28 lb/mile

2009 Ford Flex Views

2009 Ford Flex Views

2009 Ford Flex Up Views

2009 Ford Flex front view

2009 Ford Flex dashboard

Base Price	$28,995-$37,255
Vehicle layout	Front engine, FWD/AWD, 6- or 7-pass, 4-door wagon
Engine	3.5L/262-hp/248 lb-ft DOHC 24-valve V-6
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Curb weight (dist f/r)	4450-4650 lb (mfr)
Wheelbase	117.8 in
Length x width x height	201.8 x 79.9 x 68.0 in
0-60 mph	7.5-8.5 sec (MT est)
EPA city/hwy fuel econ	16-17/22-24 mpg
CO2 emmisions	0.99-1.06 lb/mi

2008 Ford Ranger Views

2008 Ford Ranger

2008 Ford Ranger side view

2008 Ford Ranger interior

Base Price	$14,490-$23,080
Vehicle layout	Front engine, RWD and AWD, 2-5-pass, 2-4-door truck
Engine	2.3L/143-hp/154-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4; 3.0L/148-hp/180-lb-ft OHV 12-valve V-6; 4.0L/207-hp/238-lb-ft SOHC 12-valve V-6
Transmission	5-speed manual; 5-speed automatic
Curb weight (dist f/r)	3030-3668 lbs (mfr)
Wheelbase	111.5 - 125.9 in
Length x width x height	188.9-203.6 x 69.3-71.3 x 66.2-67.7 in
Headroom, f/r	39.2-39.7/33.3 in
Legroom, f/r	42.4/39.3 in
Shoulder room, f/r	52.7/19.4 in
Towing capacity	1580-5860 lbs
EPA City/Hwy Econ	14-21/17-26 mpg
CO2 Emissions	0.84-1.28 lb/mile

2008 Ford Fusion SEL Views

2008 Ford Fusion SEL

2008 Ford Fusion SEL behind view

2008 Ford Fusion SEL interior

Drivetrain layout	Front- engine, FWD
Engine type	I-4, alum block/head
Valvetrain	DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
Displacement	140.0 cu in/2261cc
Compression ratio	9.7:1
Power (SAE NET)	160 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque (SAE NET)	156 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
Redline	6800 rpm
Weight to power	20.9 lb/hp
Transmission	5-speed automatic
Axle/final	3.86:1/2.66:1
Suspension, front; rear	Control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Steering ratio	16.0:1
Turns lock-to-lock	2.7
Brakes, f;r	11.8-in vented disc; 11.0-in disc, ABS
Wheels	7.0 x 17-in, cast aluminum
Tires	225/50R17 93V M+S, Michelin Pilot HX MXM4
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase	107.4 in
Track, f/r	61.6/61.3 in
Length x width x height	190.2 x 72.2 x 57.2 in
Turning circle	39.0 ft
Curb weight	3343 lb
Weight dist., f/r	60/40 %
Seating capacity	5
Headroom, f/r	38.7/37.8 in
Legroom, f/r	42.3/37.5 in
Shoulder room, f/r	57.0/56.5 in
Cargo volume	15.8 cu ft

2008 Ford Mustang Views

2008 Ford Mustang Views

2008 Ford Mustang Views 2

2008 Ford Mustang Dashboard

2009 Ford F-150 View

2009 Ford F-150 View 1

2009 Ford F-150 View 2

2009 Ford F-150 View interior

Base price range	$22,270-$44,860
Vehicle layout	Front engine, RWD/4WD, 2-6-pass, 2-, 2+2, or 4-door pickup
Engines	4.6L/248-hp/294-lb-ft SOHC 16-valve V-8; 4.6L/292-hp/ 320-lb-ft SOHC 24-valve V-8; 5.4L/310-320-hp/365-390-lb-ft SOHC 24-valve V-8
Transmissions	4- or 6-speed auto
Curb weight	4750-5850 lb (mfr)
Wheelbase	126.0-163.0 in
Length x Width x Height	213.1-250.3 x 78.9 x 74.6-76.7 in
0-60 mph	7.0-9.5 (MT est)
EPA City/Hwy Fuel Econ	14-15/18-21 mpg
CO2 Emissions	1.13-1.25 lb/mile