Ford Escape Hybrid: First Gas-Electric-Powered SUV and Ford Replacement Parts for Its Exceptional PerformanceWritten by Jenny Mc Lane
The Ford Escape Hybrid is a fuel-saving, gas-electric hybrid-power version of small, four-door sport-utility vehicle, available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4x4). Its power train has 2.3-liter, four-cylinder gas engine rated 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 129 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm; synchronous AC electric motor rated 94 hp from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm; 330-volt battery pack under rear cargo floor; electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission. Maximum power output is 155 hp because gas and electric do not make their maximum power simultaneously. It has a 2.3-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 70-kilowatt permanent-magnet traction electric motor, regenerative braking and a 330-volt battery pack. The combination provides performance on par with a V-6. The hybrid never has to be plugged in because engine recharges batteries, by electric motor and by heat recovered as energy during braking. "The Escape hybrid really "wants" to be an electric vehicle, but gasoline engine adds power for acceleration, charges batteries and powers air conditioning," said Mary Ann Wright, Ford's director of Sustainable Mobility Programs Unlike electric cars, hybrids never need to be plugged into a recharger. Regenerative braking recharges Ford Escape Hybrid, which converts electric motor into a generator to help refill battery pack during stops; and by a recharging system powered by gas engine. Designed to last for life of vehicle and can be found under Escape's cargo floor, battery pack, which contains 250 small batteries roughly size of D cells mounted in series doesn't infringe on cargo space. The software and computerized controllers that make everything work effectively is key to a hybrid. Small badges identify Ford Escape as a hybrid. The instrument panel is a little different because it contains a gauge that shows when electric motor is source of power and when gasoline engine is running. An optional LCD display in center stack gives instant and average fuel economy as well as a pictorial representation of how power is flowing at any instant.
| | Nissan Sport Concept Debuts as Parts train Prepares Its Performance PartsWritten by Jenny Mc Lane
"The story behind development of Sport Concept, AZEAL and Actic is that Nissan is thinking big about small car segment," said Jack Collins, vice president, product planning, Nissan North America, Inc. "With these three design explorations, we're focusing on how we can bring Nissan's heritage of innovation, sportiness and driving pleasure to a category of vehicles that traditionally lack design excitement and strong visual appeal." "The Nissan Sport Concept may be small dimensionally but it is large in its dynamic energy - aggressive, highly functional and definitely street-wise," added Collins. Sport Concept is a three-door hatchback with a four-seat interior. It offers look and feel of a sports tuner car, yet is conceived as an affordable, attainable vehicle for buyers entering new car market for first time. The body construction of Nissan Sport Concept utilizes both metal and carbon-fiber composite components. The 20-inch six-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels feature a machined and lustrous paint-finish surface treatment. The Sport Concept’s headlights and rear combination lights utilize small lamps with multi-layered reflectors. A large rear roof-mounted spoiler, while its bold surface composition, robust fender character lines, deep front spoiler and side sills, and large wheels and tyres, marks its athletic roofline. The interior of Sport Concept is designed to fit four adults comfortably and has head restraints and integrated 4-point seat belts. The instrument panel includes integrated tachometer and gauges and a distinctive centre cluster. The Sport Concept interior also offers a three-spoke steering wheel and solid-appearance centre console with emergency brake lever integrated into console lid.
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