Ford Introduces C-MAX Hybrids, Claims They Outperform Toyota's Prius and Prius V

Along with the Focus Electric, the Blue Oval also announced two more new models today, the C-MAX Hybrid and the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, which Ford claims will allow operation in all-electric mode at higher speeds than any other hybrid currently in production.

Ford is willing to compare its new cars, which will be launched in North America in 2012, with the competition and in particular, Toyota’s Prius models.

According to the company, the plug-in C-MAX Energi will deliver a better fuel economy equivalent (MPGe) in all-electric mode than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid along with a 500 miles (800 km) driving range, while the Hybrid is said to be more fuel efficient than the Prius V.

“C-MAX is the right car for the time as it combines the dynamics and quality of a traditional car with the versatility of a MAV and leading fuel efficiency that you cannot even get from Toyota”, said Sherif Marakby, director of Ford’s Electrification Programs and Engineering.

Both hybrid versions of the C-MAX feature a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter gasoline engine that operates on the Atkinson-cycle, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.

Ford says that its next-generation ‘powersplit’ architecture allows the two motors to operate separately or in parallel, with the electric motor being capable of powering the car in low-speed conditions and the gasoline engine kicking in and/or charging the battery when necessary.

In the C-MAX Hybrid, the battery pack is recharged when the gasoline engine is in operation. A regenerative braking system also recovers more than 95% of the braking energy and helps charge the battery.

The C-MAX Energi plug-in can also be charged by connecting the vehicle’s charge port to either a standard 120-volt outlet or a 240-volt charging station.

PHOTO GALLERY

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Exagon Motors' 340-horsepower Electric Furtive e-GT

Unveiled at a small group of French journalists before its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show this week, this sleek coupe Exagon Motors, furtive called E-WG.

Somewhere under the Renault Laguna Coupe-like lines (or am I?) Are two Siemens electric motors, which are supported by a gasoline extender.

With both electric motors work together, Siemens-powered shady want to be a true performance Contender Tesla (but probably not anywhere near the same price).

The figures are estimated at something like this: 3.5 seconds to 100 km / h (62 mph), 340 horses, and a / 400 km ~ 249-mile electric range (800 km / 497 miles ~ said everything with the gasoline mill kicks).

Maximum speed capability, transmission and storage has yet to be announced. Hell, maybe they are explained in the video below, but Phil does not speak French. Regardless, these statistics should appear within a week's Paris Motor Show running.

By Phil Alex

Via: Autoblog.com / Autoblog.nl

 

 

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Saab Enhances 9-5 with New 1.6-liter Turbo Petrol, 190HP Diesel with XWD and Flex-Fuel Versions

With the introduction of the twisted 2011MY 9-3, Saab also announces today that it broadens the appeal of the newly released 5.9 sedan with the introduction of new three engine choices, including an essence of a, 6-liter turbo, a turbo diesel 2.0-liter and a 2.0-liter turbo BioPower flex-fuel unit, doubling the size of the propulsion system menu luxury sedan.

The new 2.0-liter TTiD two-stage turbo diesel engine produces 190HP and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of 1750 rpm, and can be specified with XWD, making it the first Saab diesel model is available with Swedish firm entire drive system.

Saab said the 5.9 diesel accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h (62 mph) in under nine seconds, while returning a projected combined fuel consumption of 6.0 lt/100 km (39.2mpg U.S. or 47.1 UK mpg) and CO2 emissions of 159 g / km.

9-5 The composition of gasoline has been expanded with the addition of a smaller volume displacement of 1.6-liter turbo four-banger and we 180HP 230Nm (169.6 pounds-ft) of torque at 2200 rpm 5500 rpm. Fuel consumption in combined cycle and CO2 emissions are 7.8 lt/100 km (30.2mpg U.S. or 36.2mpg UK) and 179 g / km.

Finally, a new 2.0-liter turbo BioPower can run on gasoline and / or E85 fuel (85% bioethanol, 15% gasoline) in all mixes. According to Saab, which delivers an output of 220hp and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, regardless of fuel type or mixture. BioPower is available with two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive active in all model specifications.

 

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China's BYD Debuts Lexus RX-Inspired S6DM Dual-Mode Hybrid at Detroit Motor Show

China car producer BYD noticeable its next sequential look at the South United states Global Vehicle Display with the world initial of the S6DM cross, with the DM in the name position for "Dual-Mode".

The gasoline-electric cross is based on the China business S6, a mid-size SUV style first presented at the Shanghai Vehicle Display last year. And no, you're not the only one to find the overall look of the S6 similar to the past technology Lincoln RX.

The Warren Buffett-backed power and car producer statements the S6DM is "the globe's first separate 4WD dual-mode power SUV". Under the cover, the China style is outfitted with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder energy website and three power engines. Two 10-kilowatt power engines drive the front tires while a more effective 75 kilowatt motor abilities the raise tires. A six six-speed double clutch system indication deals with power move.

Despite the "Dual-Mode" handle, BYD says the system offers three driving methods such as power only, cross gasoline-electric and energy website only. In details, here's how the China car producer details each mode:

THREE DRIVING MODES

Fully electric (BEV) mode: At normal speeds, the vehicle can operate in its all-electric mode, with the electric motor (M2) propelling the rear wheels.

Hybrid gasoline-electric (HEV):

1. 2WD: The gasoline engine not only directly powers the vehicle, but also drives the electric motor (M1) at the front wheels to charge the battery pack.

2. 4WD: When more power is needed, the gas engine and the electric motor (M2) power the vehicle together. If the combined power is enough, the gasoline engine will also drive the electric motor (M1) to charge the battery pack. As speed increases, the gasoline engine can take over seamlessly with support from the 6-speed DCT; when braking, the gas engine automatically shuts down and the electric motor (M2) takes over.

3. 2WD: When battery power is low and not much driving power is required, the gasoline engine drives the electric motor (M1) to charge the battery pack and the electric motor (M2) powers the vehicle by itself.

Gasoline powered: When driving on the highway or in case the battery pack is depleted, the gasoline engine can power the vehicle on its own very efficiently.

 

 

According to BYD, the S6DM can travel over 38 miles (60km) purely on electric power (BEV) and over 500km (310 miles) combined when engaging the gasoline engine.

BYD said that the S6DM is amongst the models being considering for the U.S market. At the Detroit show, the company's Chairman, Wang Chuanfu, pushed back the brand's U.S. launch to the first quarter of 2012.

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Battle of the Commuters: EVs take on gasoline and the rails

What is the best tool for commuting: a Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt, Toyota Prius, Ford Focus or a commuter train? The team at Cars.com decided to put all five to the test in a recent comparison. Starting out at the Cars.com Chicago headquarters, the team embarked on a 64.5-mile loop to see what mode of transportation could be crowned Abe Froman.

The results are not that surprising, but they do demonstrate the power of a pure electric vehicle driven in an urban setting. We won’t give away all of the results, but the picture above should tell you which automobile was the cheapest to operate. The Cars.com crew makes a few interesting points, and provides great analysis into their commuting competition. Head on over and give their story a read.

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