Jeep Compass, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeep Compass, 2011

Offering unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy and off-road capability in the compact-SUV segment, the new 2011 Jeep Compass features a stunning new sophisticated design, with cues coming directly from the brand's premium icon, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The new Jeep Compass offers a unique blend of premium styling, capability, efficiency and value that is unmatched in the compact-SUV segment.

The Design
The new 2011 Jeep Compass has a distinct family resemblance to the all-new, premium 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

With a new hood, new front fenders, new fascia and new headlamps as well as a new grille that has been detailed with a small dose of chrome surrounding the traditional seven slots found on all Jeep vehicles, the new face of the Compass features a more serious, yet sophisticated, appearance. Forward lighting performance is improved with the use of quad reflector headlamps, and the fog lamps are now high output projector lamps. Adding an element of muscle, the hood has been enhanced with a subtle power bulge. The result is a vehicle that projects an attitude that is much more serious and conveys the Jeep Compass' capability in all weather and driving conditions.

New brightwork throughout the exterior lends an upscale touch without compromising the off-road performance of the Jeep Compass. A band of protective cladding has been added for 2011, serving to fend off debris when driving in challenging weather conditions or off-road, and providing a new appearance.

The trend continues with enhancements to the rear of the Compass. A new rear fascia, new body-color rear spoiler and subtle, upscale touches including new LED taillamps and on the Limited model, bright trim on the step pad and a chrome exhaust tip adorn the new 2011 Jeep Compass. Topping it off, a new set of roof rails were designed with a slimmed down appearance and a small amount of brightwork. The 2011 Compass sports new, standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, and 18-inch aluminum or chrome-clad wheels are available on Limited models.

The interior upgrades for the 2011 Jeep Compass include new soft touch front-door trim panels with a padded upper surface; a new center armrest; a new Jeep steering wheel with integrated controls that allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, available handsfree phone and other vehicle functions while keeping their hands on the wheel; new cloth interior with premium cloth bucket seats in the front; standard speed control on all models; new backlighting of door switches, door locks, windows and power mirror controls.

The new 2011 Jeep Compass offers an array of clever features consumers will appreciate whether commuting to work, driving in challenging weather conditions, exploring new trails or out-of-the-way places. Uconnect media center with iPod interface, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link, power sunroof, a premium audio system with nine Boston Acoustic speakers, illuminated cup holders, liftgate speakers and fold-flat rear seats are some of the available cool features that make the Jeep Compass the perfect compact SUV, enabling consumers to enjoy any adventure.

The 2011 Jeep Compass is packed with standard features that provide value and convenience for drivers and passengers. Standard features include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power/heated exterior mirrors, keyless entry, aluminum wheels, fog lamps, cruise control and sunscreen glass.
New for 2011 the Jeep Compass offers an All-weather Capability Group option which includes Goodyear 17-inch all-terrain tires, all-season floor mats, daytime running headlamps, engine block heater and tow hooks.

Segment-leading Capability
The 2011 Jeep Compass offers customers unsurpassed 4x4 off-road capability with Jeep Freedom Drive II. The new Jeep Compass also boasts a retuned suspension for 2011, with higher spring and damping rates, added rebound springs, and an increased diameter of the rear sway bar. Despite these numerous capability features, the 2011 Jeep Compass boasts unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy in its segment.
Jeep Compass is available in three drivetrain configurations. In addition to the standard front-wheel-drive system, Jeep Compass also is available with Freedom Drive I and the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package.

Freedom Drive I is an available full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode designed to give drivers year-round assurance with the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions. This active four-wheel-drive system is recommended for daily use, including slick conditions that come with rain and light snow. Freedom Drive I also features a lockable center coupling, giving drivers the ability to put the Jeep Compass in four-wheel-drive lock mode to handle deep snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces.

The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is an available four-wheel-drive system that delivers Jeep Trail Rated capability in Compass form. The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package includes a second-generation continuously variable transaxle with low range (CVT2L) that engages when the off-road mode is activated, 17-inch all-terrain tires and aluminum wheels, a one-inch raised ride height, a full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and manual seat height adjuster. The available Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is recommended for moderate off-road situations that include steep grades, occasional wheel lift and rock or log climbing.

The 2011 Jeep Compass' powertrain is designed to deliver world-class performance in all weather conditions, fuel economy and refinement, all at an affordable, value-packed price.
Jeep Compass features a standard 2.0-liter World Engine for the Compass and Latitude models that provides 158 horsepower (117 kW) and 141 lb.-ft. (191 N•m) of torque coupled with the continuously variable transmission (CVT2), and delivers unsurpassed 23 mpg in the city, and 29 mpg on the highway when mated to the five-speed manual transmission.

The proven 2.4-liter World Engine produces 172-horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque and is available on all models and standard on the Limited. This 2.4-liter World Engine has dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, which helps optimize the torque curve at all speeds and produces more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without dual VVT. Dual VVT is a technology typically not available on vehicles sold in the United States in the Jeep Compass' price class. The Jeep Compass' 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transaxle in front-wheel drive configuration delivers unsurpassed 23 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, and 29 mpg on the highway.

Jeep Compass features a standard five-speed manual transaxle on the entry-level Compass and a CVT that is available on the Compass and standard on the Latitude and Limited models. The Compass' CVT2 is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler Group engineers calibrated for pleasing engine response and precise ratio control. CVT2 contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6-8 percent compared with a traditional four-speed automatic. The Jeep Compass CVT2 also improves vehicle performance compared with a traditional automatic transaxle because of optimized gear ratios, especially in the 30-60 mph range during passing maneuvers.

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Ford C-MAX, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Ford C-MAX, 2012

The Ford C-MAX is an all-new, affordable transportation alternative for growing, busy North American families who crave industry-first technology, flexible seating and interior space, sporty performance and best-in-class fuel economy.
The new C-MAX is part of Ford Motor Company's global small vehicle strategy that will deliver at least 10 vehicles - and 2 million vehicles annually - from a single C-vehicle platform by 2012.

This new compact family vehicle introduces a host of unique features including an industry-exclusive hands-free power-operated rear liftgate, versatile 5+2 seating configuration with five seats in the main cabin and two smaller seats in the third row, twin sliding doors and active park assist, an advanced new system that automatically steers the vehicle into parallel parking spaces.

Performance with fuel economy
The new Ford C-MAX also heralds the arrival of Ford's first application of the all-new 1.6-liter EcoBoost™ I-4 engine in its North American C-class vehicles, delivering a combination of responsive performance with improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

Developed for global applications, the lightweight, all-aluminum 1.6-liter Ford EcoBoost engine combines high-pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to achieve fuel economy results up to 20 percent better than naturally aspirated, larger-displacement gasoline engines with a similar power output. This new engine is expected to deliver the best available highway fuel economy for a seven-passenger vehicle.

The Ford C-MAX base engine is a proven 2.5-liter iVCT I-4, optimized for small crossover application with plenty of low-end torque. Both engines are mated to Ford's 6F35 automatic six-speed transmission with a gear ratio span allowing for responsive acceleration from rest yet fuel efficiency for around-town driving and steady cruising at speed.

The Stylish 5+2-seater
Ford C-MAX has a 109.7-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 178 inches, comparatively close to the original minivans offered in North America. C-MAX delivers room for up to seven passengers or five occupants with a generous amount of cargo.
The new model will solidify its appeal to customers that value comfortable accommodation, a high seating position, versatility and a "smart-sized" package.
Ford C-MAX has bold exterior and interior designs created using the latest evolution of Ford's kinetic design language and building on themes established in recent product introductions such as the Ford Fiesta and Focus ranges.

Maximum versatility and convenience
The seating concept and door layout for the 5+2 Ford C-MAX was finalized after detailed research with typical family users to identify the most popular configurations.

The vehicle features twin sliding rear side doors and a clever new seat folding concept for second-row seats. The second-row seat is equipped with a unique mechanism that allows the middle seat position to fold quickly and easily under the right-hand seat, creating a handy walk-through space between the two outboard seats so passengers can easily access the third row, as well as two individual, bucket-like seats.

The second-row seats also have slide and recline functionality, adapting to multiple combinations of passenger seat positions and cargo capacity. Outboard second-row seats also have a tip-and-slide forward function for easy access to the third-row seats when the second row is used.

The third-row seats can be omitted as a delete option, for those buyers electing to forgo the 5+2 seating arrangement.

The Ford C-MAX provides a raised "command bridge" cockpit with high-mounted gear shift and center console. The driver controls and displays incorporate available Ford SYNC® and MyFord Touch, similar to the acclaimed layouts recently introduced in other Ford nameplates.

Dynamics and refinement
Key chassis technologies on Ford C-MAX include completely new electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), optimized new designs for the Control Blade multilink rear suspension and semi-isolated front subframe and standard new torque vectoring control to further improve cornering stability and agility.

Smart technology for safety and practicality
As the first derivatives to be launched from Ford's new global C-car platform, Ford C-MAX benefits from the introduction of an array of advanced technologies generally only found in larger, more premium vehicles.

Among these new technologies are a host of features that will add convenience and luxury for customers and their families. Key :

•     Hands-free rear liftgate, an industry first: Ideal when carrying several packages, as the Ford C-MAX hands-free liftgate is activated by passing a leg motion under the rear bumper when the driver's key fob is in his or her pocket
•     Active park assist: Helps select an appropriate parking space, calculates the trajectory and steers to properly position the vehicle. All the driver need do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals
•     Speed limiter: Prevents a driver from exceeding a preset speed
•     Panoramic roof: Allows for an expansive roof opening
•     HD Radio™: Enables clearer radio reception with crisper sound reproduction
•     Rear view camera: Enhanced visibility for safer reversing
•     Intelligent Access with push-button start: The key fob unlocks Ford C-MAX as the driver approaches, and enables key-free engine starts at the push of an instrument panel-mounted button
•     Heated sideview mirrors with integrated puddle lamps: Enhance cold weather visibility

Ford C-MAX offers popular Ford technologies and features:

•     Easy Fuel® (capless fuel filler): Provides a tight seal and eliminates loose-fitting or lost caps
•     Sony® Audio System: Specifically tuned to Ford C-MAX cabin acoustics for superb sound reproduction
•     Ambient lighting: Accent lighting in multiple colors, illuminating footwells and cupholders to harmonize with a driver's mood
•     Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control: Maintains desired temperature setting throughout Ford C-MAX cabin
•     Sirius® Satellite Radio: Offers Ford C-MAX driver and passengers a diverse range of radio programming choices
•     Front and rear parking aid sensors: Help the driver properly position the vehicle when parking
•     Navigation System: Provides intuitive touch-screen operation

Safety and security
Ford C-MAX is anticipated to be a segment safety leader, having recently been awarded a Euro NCAP five star rating by this independent safety rating organization. Ford C-MAX achieved the highest score ever recorded for whiplash protection and excelled in both adult and child occupant safety. Ford C-MAX offers drivers and families a full complement of standard safety features:

•     AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) with curve control: Helps maintain consistent vehicle stability
•     Dual front and side airbags with smart occupant sensor: Help fine-tune airbag deployment to occupant by size, weight and belt status
•     First-, second- and third-row Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbags: Envelop passengers, helping to prevent head and upper body injury
•     Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Notifies driver of inconsistent tire pressure
•     Driver and passenger-side blind spot mirrors: Add visibility for blind spot areas
•     Strong body architecture with extensive use of high-strength steels: Helps to add body strength and rigidity

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Ford Focus Electric, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

Ford Focus Electric, 2012

Ford Motor Company unveiled the all-new Ford Focus Electric - the company's first-ever all-electric passenger car. The zero-CO2-emissions, gasoline-free version of Ford's popular small car is the flagship of the company's growing fleet of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles coming to North America and Europe by 2013.

The Ford Focus Electric will launch in late 2011 and is designed to offer enough range to cover the majority of daily driving habits of Americans. It will offer a mile-per-gallon equivalent better than Chevrolet Volt and competitive with other battery electric vehicles.
A full recharge is expected to take three to four hours at home with the 240-volt charge station - half the charge time of the Nissan Leaf.

Ford Focus Electric introduces new features and technologies - including a unique version of the MyFord Touch driver connect system especially for electric vehicles, a new value charging feature powered by Microsoft and a smartphone app called MyFord Mobile that helps plug-in owners control their vehicles remotely.

The sleek and stylish five-door hatchback leverages Ford's global C-car platform shared by the gasoline and diesel-powered Focus models, which debuted at the 2010 North American International Auto Show and were launched at the Paris Motor Show in September 2010.

Both Focus gasoline and electric variants to be sold in North America will be built at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., with production powered in part by one of the largest solar energy generator systems in the state.
Ford Focus Electric is one of five new electrified vehicles included in Ford's electrification strategy. Initial deliveries of Transit Connect Electric began in North America at the end of last year and the vehicle will be launched in Europe later in 2011.

A real car
Not only is Ford Focus Electric designed to provide outstanding energy efficiency and reliable operation, it also delivers real driving enjoyment. The all-electric powertrain and single-speed transmission provide immediate responsiveness and smooth acceleration when the driver pushes down the accelerator, up to a top speed of 84 mph (136 kph).

Much of Ford Focus Electric's steering, handling and braking feel is shared with the agile, sporty, fuel-powered Focus models upon which it's based, making Focus Electric a dynamic driver's car. At the same time, the absence of a gasoline or diesel engine and outstanding aerodynamics lead to a remarkably quiet, comfortable in-car experience.
Ford Focus Electric offers a host of standard safety and security features including six airbags and electronic traction control, along with hands-free SYNC® telephone connectivity and MyKey® for North America. Extensive eco-friendly materials, such as bio-foam seat cushions and recycled fabrics also are featured in the vehicle.

Standard features on Ford Focus Electric for North American customers include a unique execution of MyFord Touch driver connect technology, 15-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels, a 60/40 split rear bench seat, push button start, AM/FM/CD/MP3 Sony Audio with nine speakers, Sirius Satellite Radio with Travel Link, HD Radio and voice-activated Navigation System.

Plug and play
Future owners of the Ford Focus Electric will likely recharge the car's advanced, Ford-engineered lithium-ion battery pack at home on a daily basis, using the recommended 240-volt wall-mounted charge station that will be sold separately or the 120-volt convenience cord that comes with the vehicle.

When plugged in, the Focus Electric onboard charger converts AC power from the electric grid to DC power to charge the liquid-cooled/heated battery pack.

An empowering experience
Ford Focus Electric owners will be provided with a suite of driver information systems - on-board and off-board - designed to help them manage the recharge process, manage the most eco-friendly route on-board, monitor battery state of charge and maximize energy efficiency to optimize their driving range. This carefully engineered set of tools is designed to give Focus Electric the edge over competitive products, providing new electric vehicle owners the information they need to enjoy all the freedom gas-free driving has to offer.

Among these tools is a unique execution of MyFord Touch driver connect technology. Thoughtfully developed for electric vehicle owners, it offers innovative presentation of vehicle information, such as battery state of charge, distance to charge point, the corresponding range budget and expected range margin.
Just as the growing leafy vine of first-generation Smart Gauge with Eco Guide represents fuel efficiency in the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the cluster display in Ford Focus Electric uses blue butterflies to represent the surplus range beyond one's charge point destination - the more butterflies there are, the greater the range.

Ford designers were inspired by the phenomenon known as "the butterfly effect," in which a small change, like choosing to drive an electric vehicle, can have an enormous impact. To reinforce the message, at the end of each trip a display screen provides distance driven, miles gained through regenerative braking, energy consumed and a comparative gasoline savings achieved by driving electric.

The cluster is  integrated with the MyFord Touch map-based Navigation System using the vehicle's center stack 8-inch touch screen. After adding their driving destinations, including their next charge point, into the vehicle's Navigation System, the vehicle will coach drivers on how to achieve the desired range - or if travel plans need to be adjusted. The on-board Navigation System provides an EcoRoute option based on characteristics of efficient EV driving.

Ford Mobile is an app that enables access via a smartphone or web-based interface to:

•     Receive instant vehicle status information
•     Perform key functions remotely
•     Monitor the car's state of charge and current range
•     Get alerts when it requires charging or has finished charging
•     Remotely program charge settings and download vehicle data for analysis

The feature also allows the owner to program the vehicle to use electricity from the grid to heat or cool the battery and cabin while plugged in - called preconditioning. For example, during hot summer months, owners can preprogram the car the evening before to be fully charged - and fully cooled to a particular temperature - by a certain time the following morning. Users can also locate the vehicle with GPS, remotely start the vehicle and remotely lock and unlock the car doors.

Working with MapQuest®, MyFord Mobile can communicate charge station and other points of interest to Ford Focus Electric using SYNC's Traffic, Directions and Information (TDI). Turn-by-turn guidance is provided by the in-car map-based Navigation System. Drivers can also get up-to-date charging station information in their vehicle directly through SYNC TDI simply by connecting to SYNC Services.

Value charging
The new Ford Focus Electric offers a unique value charging feature, powered by Microsoft, to help owners in the U.S. charge their vehicles at the cheapest utility rates, lowering the cost of ownership.
The tool is designed to help customers avoid unnecessary expense by providing an optimized charge. In the future, these smart charging habits will help utility companies understand and better manage the demands placed upon the electric grid because of electrified vehicles.

Getting charged up
Ford Focus Electric owners are likely to handle one of the vehicle's charge cord connectors two or more times each day. That's why Ford worked with supplier Yazaki to provide an industry-standard five-point plug that is ergonomically comfortable to hold as well as durably and distinctively designed.

The plug handle uses a matte-finished black rubber that allows for a comfortable, non-slip grip. The plug head is shielded with a protective glossy white plastic.

When the cord set connector is plugged into the vehicle's charge port, which is conveniently located between the driver's door and front wheel well, it activates a light ring that loops around the port twice in acknowledgement of connectivity. The light ring then illuminates in quadrants as the vehicle charges. Flashing quadrants represent charge in progress and solid-lit quadrants show stages of charge completion. In the unlikely event of a fault, the entire ring will flash. When the entire ring is solidly lit, the vehicle is fully charged.

Batteries included
Focus Electric will be powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery system engineered by Ford in cooperation with supplier LG Chem. The battery system utilizes heated and cooled liquid to help maximize battery life and fuel-free driving range.

Thermal management of lithium-ion battery systems is critical to the success of pure electric vehicles. Ford Focus Electric uses an advanced active liquid cooling and heating system to precondition and regulate the temperature in its larger, more complex lithium-ion battery system.

The active liquid system heats or chills a coolant before pumping it through the battery cooling system. This loop regulates temperature throughout the system against external conditions. On hot days, chilled liquid absorbs heat from the batteries, dispersing it through a radiator before pumping it through the chiller again. On cold days, heated liquid warms the batteries, gradually bringing the system's temperature to a level that allows it to efficiently accept charge energy and provide enough discharge power for expected vehicle performance.

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