Ford offering 1.6L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines in new Escape; next generation of Escape hybrid powertrain moves to the C-MAX exclusively
04 October 2011
The new Ford Escape, slated for reveal next month at the Los Angeles Auto Show, features a powertrain lineup with three four-cylinder options, including the new 1.6- and 2.0-liter EcoBoost engines (earlier post) and a 2.5-liter Ti-VCT four-cylinder. The Escape will be Ford’s first SUV to be available with two fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines, delivering class-leading fuel economy and performance.
Ford is also moving the Escape hybrid powertrain exclusively over to the C-MAX platform; i.e., the Escape Hybrid is going away. C-MAX is a dedicated hybrid with two versions (conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric), and with the same 5 passenger seating, replaces the Escape Hybrid in the Ford lineup.
Ford’s 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, which uses turbocharging, twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) and direct injection to deliver the performance feel of a larger engine, makes its North American debut in the new Escape. It is expected to deliver greater highway fuel economy than the current Escape Hybrid, which is EPA-rated at 31 mpg. The new 1.6-liter engine also is expected to deliver better fuel economy than competitors’ larger four-cylinder engines.
Since launch, sales of the 1.6-liter EcoBoost in Europe in Focus and C-MAX are exceeding expectations by 40%, according to Ford. The engine’s broad, flat torque curve has been praised for its diesel-like performance.
Escape’s new 2.0-liter EcoBoost will have better fuel economy than competitors’ V6 engines while delivering performance compared to larger six-cylinder powertrains.
Ford holds more than 125 patents on EcoBoost technology; EcoBoost increases fuel economy up to 20% while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 15%.
C-MAX hybrids. Next year, Ford will launch the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid vehicles. (Earlier post.) The next generation of the Escape Hybrid’s powertrain moves to the five-passenger C-MAX Hybrid and features the first hybrid transmission and lithium-ion battery system Ford is building in-house.
Ford’s new hybrid powertrain will be available exclusively in C-MAX, and it will deliver a more than 25% improvement in fuel economy versus the outgoing Escape Hybrid.
The Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in targets more than 500 miles of driving range using the battery and engine, more than any other plug-in or extended-range vehicle. It also targets AT-PZEV status and delivers better charge-sustaining fuel economy than the Chevrolet Volt, according to Ford.
Using our platform approach to hybridization, developing two choices for customers in the heart of the market with the dedicated, front-wheel-drive Ford C-MAX was our strategy to extend the benefits of hybrid technology to even more customers.
—Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development
Good moves by Ford.
Posted by: HarveyD | 04 October 2011 at 01:58 PM
Hmm... so Escape Hybrid is rated 32 mpg (combined) by the EPA... 25% better gets it to 40 mpg (basically same as the Prius v which is rated 42 mpg combined).
But the C-MAX Energi will be available with a plug and the Prius v isn't.
Depending on pricing, the C-MAX Energi could be a hot seller, but I'm afraid the sticker price will be close to $40k... I hope I'm wrong!
Posted by: Dave R | 04 October 2011 at 02:14 PM
C-Max Energi looks very interesting to me as a potential only car for us. Plug in plus solar roof could mean we create our own power for local transportation, without losing the capability to take road trips occasionally. Volt-level pricing won't work for us, however.
Posted by: Nick Lyons | 05 October 2011 at 02:26 PM
is the $7500 Federal tax credit in the US going away?.. it should help lower the cost some..
Posted by: Herm | 06 October 2011 at 09:33 AM