New hybrid replaces the Ford Escape Hybrid.
Ford?s newest hybrid is its C-MAX, a five passenger front-wheel-drive multi-purpose vehicle that goes on sale this fall. Available in standard and plug-in editions, this vehicle replaces the Ford Escape Hybrid that was discontinued following the 2012 model year. The standard hybrid is serving up a number that won?t be easily forgotten: 47. And that number applies to EPA estimated city, highway and combined driving, a rare numerical agreement for any passenger vehicle.
Combined 47 MPG
With its 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined rating, the 2013 Ford C-MAX hybrid beats its chief competitor, the Toyota Prius V. The ?V? is rated at 44 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined. Ford has been promising for months that its all-new hybrid would beat Toyota?s V and it has.
Ford?s C-MAX is able to travel on electric-only power for speeds of up to 62 mph. That?s 15 mph better than previous hybrid vehicles such as the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Earlier Ford hybrids make use of nickel-metal hydride batteries; the C-MAX is powered by a lighter weight and more efficient lithium-ion battery pack that supplies energy to the electric motors. For 2013, the C-MAX will be joined by two more hybrids: the Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi Hybrid.
Hybrid Technologies
Ford claims that improvements in hybrid technology has enabled it to deliver a vehicle with exceptional fuel economy. Joe Bakay, Ford Vice President of Powertrain Engineering said that nearly 500 hybrid patents have been used to deliver a more efficient hybrid platform, one that drives down costs by 30 percent.
Those patents include technologies that enable the C-MAX to enjoy better fuel efficiency on the highway. Traditionally, Ford?s hybrid models got better fuel economy around town with the 2012 Fusion Hybrid rated 41 mpg city, 36 mpg highway. Now, highway fuel efficiency is improved through innovations that help the C-MAX consume less gas and run on electric power longer.
Ford?s C-MAX is powered by a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission and is rated at 141 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 129 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. Additional energy is derived from its electric motors.
Hybrid Availability
Ford has priced the C-MAX slightly lower than the Toyota Prius V, with a base sticker price of $25,995 that includes destination and delivery, or $1,300 less than the Prius V. You can order the 2013 Ford C-MAX from your dealer; the C-MAX Energi, a plug-in version of the same, is also available for sale.
Tags: EPA, Ford C-MAX, hybrid vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, Toyota Prius VSource: http://www.autotrends.org/2012/08/08/epa-awards-ford-c-max-with-47-mpg-rating/
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