LCC Lightning GT Concept, 2008

 

 

 

•  LCC Lightning GT Concept, 2008

In June 2007, The Lightning Car Company announced its intent to develop electric technology for a luxury British sports car - the Lightning GT. Today sees the unveiling of its evolutionary design. This super car with its outstanding presence & performance is set to put British sports car innovation well and truly back on the map.

Designed to accommodate the latest battery and motor technology and reflect its 100% electric power and performance, the electric Lightning prototype is being hand-built by a small team of passionate British engineers, designers and collaborators.

Whilst the rest of the automotive world engages in the hybrid, hydrogen or electric debate, the Lightning Car Company firmly believes its 100% Electric Lightning GT will help kick start the market for performance EV's. Without a significant positive shift in perception, electric motoring will remain a huge compromise in the eyes of driving enthusiasts and therefore fail to impress the masses. Our vision is shared by the world's biggest car maker, General Motors, who believes the global oil supply has peaked and a switch to electric cars is inevitable...

The design team has created a successor to the petrol Lightning GT. Combining the spirit, heritage, individuality and drama of the original car with a dynamic and contemporary design language moves it into a new era and, in doing so, embraces the new technologies and innovative architecture that reside beneath its skin. Subtle creases, positive and negative sections add a sense of strength and finesse to the dramatic surfaces of the car while retaining an understated, yet distinctive British Grand Tourer aesthetic. The Lightning's interior will also be designed to complement the unique electric driving experience.
With the build of the prototype well underway, we should see how this translates into the 'real thing' during the second half of 2008. The electric Lightning GT and Sports versions are now available to pre-order and deposits of £15,000 are being accepted.

THE ELECTRIC LIGHTNING - DESIGN FEATURES
The vehicle proportion has been retained yet exaggerated, enhancing the dramatic volumes of the car. A reduction of visual mass through the corners of the vehicle has assisted creating a more dynamic shape in keeping with the lightweight ethos of the vehicle.

The Carbon skin appears to be draped over the revised chassis architecture and wheels creating powerful arch bulges and undulations within the surfaces. These augment the sense of drama and character, enhancing the visual strength of the vehicle.
Feature creases run from front to rear of the car accelerating your eye through the surfaces generating a subtle nose forward movement while linking key functional areas.

The iconic head fairings have been retained and revised carbon panels form exit air vents. Vents in the bonnet and side surfaces hint at the performance credentials of the car while adding visual continuity, interest and cooling of the power source.
The "face" of the car has been reinterpreted to generate a stronger, more contemporary shape. The light cluster design follows the crease line forming an aggressive feature while the revised "mouth" encases feature fog lamps.

In place of the exhaust housing is a down force generating sculptured diffuser. Rear lamps are inset into a Carbon fibre graphic adding sophistication while generating a signature rear shape. The overall design appears lower, wider and more muscular than its predecessor hinting at superior aggression and performance characteristics.

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Seat Leon Cupra, 2010

 

 

• Seat Leon Cupra, 2010

With the arrival of the 2010 version of the Seat León Cupra, the range's most powerful and spectacular car now features even more impressive looks thanks to several elements introduced on the interior and the exterior, making it the perfect extension of the Seat León that is making phenomenal strides at the WTCC World Touring Car Championship.
The most obvious is the new silhouette, featuring sophisticated, innovative black honeycomb cooling vents at the front beneath the central grille. The front bumper houses two further black highlights, one at each side, with the word Cupra immediately visible on the left.

The rear features a prominent black moulding at the bottom of the bumper, a polished steel oval tailpipe and the characteristic model name in the centre of the hatch.
A side look at the Seat León Cupra reveals a lower ground clearance compared to the basic León version, making the car look and feel more like a racing unit. The spectacular 18 inch rims, eye-catching wheel arches and black encased door mirrors are all distinctive traits of the Seat model.

All the interior elements are black clad, replacing the usual light tones on other models. There is a leather steering wheel with aluminium colour inserts and the Cupra logo at the bottom and a matching gearknob. Further sporty details are the white faced instrument dials and aluminium pedals.

Special mention goes to the Seat Leon Cupra Seats, with their true racing bucket styling, featuring integrated headrests and the "Cupra" badge displayed on the backrests. These Seats offer tremendous side support when dealing with corners and driving comfort. An attractive new option is now available in black leather upholstery with white cross-stitching.

The same as on the previous version, the new Seat León Cupra 2009 is equipped with the powerful 240 hp 2.0 TSI engine, which provides brilliant performance and delivers exceptional fuel consumption figures. Top speed is clocked at 247 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h acceleration takes only 6.4 seconds, and it covers a standing kilometre in only 26.4 seconds. At the same time, average combined fuel consumption is listed at 8.3 litres for every 100 km.

The new Seat León Cupra features such standard equipment as the XDS system, ABS and TCS, ESP with EBA emergency braking, low tyre pressure warning, driver and passenger airbag, side airbag and head airbag, climate control, cornering foglights, trip computer, cruise control, sports suspension and CD radio + MP3 + 8 speakers + Aux-in, among others.

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Mazda CX-5, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Mazda CX-5, 2013

Mazda is unveiling the all-new Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The CX-5 is the first vehicle of a new Mazda generation that will adopt the full range of Mazda's breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and new design theme, 'KODO - Soul of Motion', which was showcased by the Mazda SHINARI and Mazda MINAGI concept cars.

The new Mazda CX-5 will be introduced progressively to global markets beginning early in 2012. Developed around SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY - including all-new Mazda petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, body and chassis - the CX-5 delivers precise response and a high-quality, rewarding ride matched to outstanding environmental and safety performance.

The CX-5 is the first of a new generation of Mazda vehicles that will evolve the company's hallmark fun-to-drive character by providing a new level of driving pleasure.

Aiming for the Best of all Worlds - Making a crossover SUV with enduring appeal
CX-5 Programme Manager, Hideaki Tanaka, says: "We aimed to develop a vehicle with a long-term appeal that would delight owners and make them proud for years to come. I think that these were the most important values we had to embody in the CX-5. We wanted to deliver the best of all worlds in order to suit the various lifestyles and life stages of our customers, and satisfy their high expectations over the long term. Specifically, we focused on providing pleasure through the CX-5's appearance, ist precise handling, its insightful functionality, and its long-term appeal. By aiming to achieve the ideal in each area, we pursued the innovation of driving pleasure."

Innovation for a "Purer" Sense of Driving Pleasure - Concentrating on the most essential elements and enhancing what feels good

The Mazda CX-5 development team focused on form, performance, function and texture, investigated all points of contact between the driver and the vehicle, and examined how to make them more pleasing. Then they prioritized ergonomic design and concentrated on the most essential elements in order to provide a "purer" sense of driving pleasure.

Design - Form that conveys a strong sense of vitality and agility
Following the Mazda MINAGI concept car that was unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the CX-5 becomes the first production model to feature Mazda's new design theme, 'KODO - Soul of Motion'. Chief Designer, Masashi Nakayama says: "With the CX-5, our focus was on expressing a strong sense of vitality and agility. We looked at videos of cheetahs; their agile footwork and how they use their entire body as a spring to accelerate rapidly and change the direction instantly. They emanate great energy throughout their entire body. Inspired by their efficient yet beautiful movements, we aimed to push the SUV appearance to new levels with KODO design language."

The exterior design features bold styling that simultaneously expresses SUV-like solidity and functionality with Mazda's characteristic sense of vitality and agility. Inside, Mazda created a driver-oriented cabin with solid styling that reflects the Mazda CX-5's strength and high rigidity.

KODO: SOUL OF MOTION
Over the years Mazda has often explored the idea of 'motion' to inspire its unique vehicle designs. The new generation of Mazda cars, beginning with the CX-5 compact crossover SUV, is influenced by nature's power and beauty.

They have been evolved by taking the instantaneous movement of animals or humans as inspiration. This instantaneous movement is the ultimate form of motion, filled with vitality and emotion; it is the essence of Mazda's new design language 'KODO - Soul of Motion'.

The new design language was first introduced in 2010 with the SHINARI concept, a 4-door sports coupe created by the design team led by Ikuo Maeda, General Manager Design Division of Mazda Corporation. The Shinari incorporates all design elements of the KODO theme and was followed by the MINAGI concept car, a compact crossover SUV that was the forerunner of today's Mazda CX-5, the first mass production vehicle that fully applies KODO design.

Exterior

•     Front view: a new Mazda family face centred on a new 'signature wing' expresses strength and depth.
•     Rear view: The contrast of prominent rear fenders and taut rear end conveys toughness and grace that underline its athletic form.
•     Side view: The prominent front fenders and sculptured body sides accentuate a sense of power which suggests powerful muscles.
•     The exterior design contributes to excellent aerodynamics (Target Cd of 0.33) and a quite cabin.

Interior

•     The driver's side, especially the meter hood, has a deep, longitudinally stretched design that resembles a cockpit and produces a sense of forward momentum. The detailed, high-quality meter design raises the driver's anticipation for the ride ahead.
•     On the passenger side, the instrument panel looks ample and solid, with a horizontal design that generates a sense of security.
•     New soft materials are adopted for the instrument panel and door trim that are most often seen and touched.
•     Parts that are used most often, like the steering wheels spokes and inner door handles, have a satin chrome finish, which enhances the high-quality, genuine feel of the interior.

Functionality
The development team thoroughly researched what features are needed to deliver comfort and convenience, and focused on providing flexibility that drivers and passengers can enjoy with ease. The development team realized a comfortable and user-friendly interior with noticeably efficient use of space and intelligent functionality. Additionally, the human-machine interface (HMI) presents information in an intuitive and easy-to-understand way that can be read in an instant, in order to minimize the driver's eye movement and create a cockpit environment that aids driver concentration.

Spacious, practical and smart
The 2,700 mm wheelbase, one of the segment's longest, enabled streamlined styling and a comfortable cabin.

Class-leading rear seat legroom of 997 mm. Spacious rear seats in which adult passengers can ride in comfort with ample knee space.
500 litres of useable luggage space (including a sub trunk) is maximized by removing protrusions and dead space.

Smart, easy-to-use KARAKURI functionality. The world's first 40:20:40 split independent rear seats with a remote fold-down function. The rear centre seat creates a large flat luggage space when folded down. The tonneau cover automatically lifts up and down as the rear liftgate is opened and closed.

As well as comfortably accommodating two adults, the 40:20:40 split rear seats enable long objects to be loaded by folding the centre seat down flat, even with two child seats installed on both sides. The rear seats can be folded down remotely by a simple flick of levers located at the back of the luggage area.

Provides generous storage capacity demanded of an SUV, including a large open space in the centre console that can hold all sorts of items, and front and rear door pockets large enough to take a 1-litre bottle.

Advanced Human Machine Interface (HMI) with high connectivity and intuitive operation
A 5.8-inch colour touch screen monitor is positioned in the centre at the top of the dashboard, and shows data related to the infotainment system — including audio, phone connection — and contains the new navigation system.

Mazda CX-5's new HMI system improves safety by minimizing the driver's eye movement away from the road. The menu controls for the steering-wheel-mounted switches are arranged according to function, a centre display touch screen, and a HMI commander are positioned on the centre console. With the vehicle stopped, the driver might operate it by touch screen. During driving, the driver can operate the menu more safely and easily with the HMI commander. This layout also enables some functions, especially navigation, to be operated intuitively from the passenger seat.

Its new integrated navigation system is based on the latest TomTom® technology, one of Europe's most popular provider of navigation system. For an affordable price, customers can enjoy more accurate arrival-time estimates, which are calculated based on previously recorded data, and better suggestions for alternate routes to avoid traffic jams. By accessing the homepage through a personal computer at home, customers can also download new roads that are not listed on maps. For an extra fee, TomTom® Live Services are also available depending on country). These provides more accurate real-time traffic information, weather forecasts, fuel prices and other constantly updated information.

For high connectivity, customers can connect their mobile MP3 players or mobile phones via USB or Bluetooth® connection to the HMI system. Searching for your favourite song is made easy as title, album and artist will be displayed on the touch screen.

The best way to listen to your favourite music in the Mazda CX-5 is on a BOSE® surround-sound system - with a new-generation energy-efficient amplifier and subwoofer.

Dynamic Performance
Regarding dynamic performance, the ultimate goal of the Mazda CX-5 development team was to make the vehicle move precisely according to the driver's wishes. To attain precise response, engineers concentrated on transferring the high performance levels of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY to the driver and used what is called a PDCA cycle to comprehensively analyze the driving process:

•     Plan: the driver forms a vision of what he wants to do
•     Do: the driver communicates his intention to the vehicle
•     Check: the driver receives feedback from the vehicle confirming that its motion perfectly matches his intention
•     Action: the driver proceeds to the next action

First, the development team focused on creating a cockpit environment to communicate the driver's intention to the vehicle. To enable linear operation, they optimized every point of contact between car and driver including driving position, pedals, steering wheel, seat hold, and field-of-view. Next, they examined the quality of feedback coming from the car. The test drivers judged this quality by asking, "Did I control the car as I wanted?" and "Do I need to change the way the car responds?" In order to boost the quality of vehicle feedback, the team worked on making the feedback match the driver's expectations by making it highly predictable. Their objective here is to enable the driver to input his intention with a single action, removing the need for any corrective inputs and creating conditions where the driver and vehicle are perfectly synchronized. In addition to this, the team added an overall development target to create ideal conditions in which the driver's input and vehicle feedback were in complete harmony over the full range of motions from going, turning and stopping.

The superb ride quality of the Mazda CX-5, and its precise response, can be felt the instant the steering wheel and pedals are operated, and this feeling intensifies the more one drives it.

All-new Mazda SKYACTIV Chassis & Body
The Mazda CX-5 has newly-developed strut suspension in the front and a multi-link layout in the rear. The geometry of the suspension links and the bush characteristics are optimized to ensure light, linear steering response at mid-to-low speeds and excellent high-speed stability. The rear dampers also have a forward-tilting layout, increasing comfort even on rough road surfaces.

A newly-developed electric power assist steering system offers highly precise control according to vehicle speed. At mid-to-low speeds, it provides natural feedback and linear feeling from small to large angle inputs. At high speeds, it gives firm, confidence-inspiring feedback.

The brakes deliver easily-controllable, precise and assured braking performance from low to high speeds.

The lightweight yet rigid SKYACTIV-BODY framework is optimized for handling stability, low NVH and excellent collision safety performance. It supports the Mazda CX-5's rewarding and high-quality, responsive ride.

Care was taken with NVH to ensure the driver hears necessary audio feedback while actively eliminating intrusive noises. Noises were initially separated into road noise and engine noise. For each, the unpleasant low-frequency, mid-frequency and high-frequency noises were individually identified and efficiently eradicated, resulting in a quiet cabin environment.

To achieve smooth airflow under the vehicle and suppress eddies forming behind it, the air is directed upwards using a new underfloor design. The development team effectively reduced underfloor air resistance and optimized the aerodynamic shape of the upper body argeting an outstanding Cd of 0.33.

All-new Mazda SKYACTIV Powertrains
The SKYACTIV-G 2.0 petrol engine models have the world highest compression ratio of 14.0:1, and their 4-2-1 exhaust system prevents knocking and provides abundant torque from low engine speeds, enabling acceleration that precisely matches the driver's intention. Models with this engine achieve outstanding fuel economy, precise response, and a high-quality, linear and rewarding ride:

•     FWD: Maximum torque of 210 NM at 4,000 rpm and maximum power of 121 kW/ 165 PS at 6,000 rpm
•     AWD: Maximum torque of 208 NM at 4,000 rpm and maximum power of 118 kW/ 160 PS at 6,000 rpm

The SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine models have the world's lowest compression ratio for a diesel engine of 14.0:1, and a highly efficient two-stage turbocharger that delivers spirited and linear acceleration and exhilarating driving dynamics that surpass conventional diesel-engine vehicles. They also achieve outstanding fuel economy for a compact SUV with extremely clean emissions that clear Euro6 without the need of any NOx after-treatment systems. Two variants of the engine are:

•     A High Power version developing maximum torque of 420 Nm at 2,000 rpm and maximum power of 129 kW / 175 PS at 4,500 rpm.
•     A Standard Power version produces maximum torque of 380 Nm at 1,800-2,600 rpm and maximum power of 110 kW / 150 PS at 4,500 rpm.

All Mazda CX-5 models come with a choice of two new transmissions:

•     The six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission provides linear acceleration and a direct shift feel similar to a dual clutch transmission.
•     The six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual transmission, with ist compact architecture and enhanced gear structure, delivers the light and crisp shift feel known from the MX-5. Both support fuel efficiency and the high-quality ride feel of the CX-5.

Environmental and Safety Performance
The Mazda CX-5 uses the full array of SKYACTIV Technologies to achieve outstanding fuel economy and emissions performance without sacrificing its fun-to-drive character. In terms of safety, Mazda's fundamental approach is to "inspire peace-of-mind and confidence in order to enhance driving pleasure." Based on this approach, Mazda engineers worked to advance the vehicle's core performance attributes of "driving, turning and stopping" as well as visibility and operability. Thanks to the lightweight and highly-rigid SKYACTIV-BODY, the CX-5 provides excellent collision performance that will attain top ratings in crash tests around the world.

Environmental Performance
The SKYACTIV-G 2.0 petrol engine with FWD, 6-speed manual transmission and i-stop system targets a mere 6.0 litres of fuel per 100 km (combined) with CO2 emission of 139 g/km.

The SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine with FWD, 6-speed manual transmission and i-stop system targets just 4.5 litres per 100 km (combined) with CO2 emission of just 119 g/km.

The SKYACTIV-D engine meets Euro Stage 6 emission standards without adopting an expensive NOx after-treatment system.

The SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission with its new lock-up clutch, achieves lock-up in almost all driving conditions. This reduces transmission slip significantly and contributes to fuel efficiency. It is available for both petrol and diesel engines.

Mazda's idling-stop system, i-stop, is available for the CX-5 with both SKYACTIV-G and -D. It has previously been used only with petrol engine models. With a newly-developed, more advanced control system, the new i-stop shuts off the engine more frequently, helping to further improve real-world fuel economy.

Single-nanotechnology in the catalyst improves exhaust gas after-treatment performance and reduces the amount of precious metals required.

The Mazda CX-5 is one of the lightest and most aerodynamic vehicle in its class, which contributes to its outstanding fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.

Safety Performance
The base of the A-pillars has been optimized to ensure excellent forward visibility on winding roads and at junctions. The side mirrors are mounted on the doors themselves to create a gap between the mirrors and A-pillars through which drivers can check their surroundings.

A host of new, cutting-edge features are available to support the driver's own safety checks and hazard awareness :

Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) is standard for mid and high grade (first in the compact SUV segment) and uses a new radar sensor system to help prevent or reduce impact of front crash accidents at low speed (up to 30 km/h) by automatically braking the vehicle.

Upgraded Rear Vehicle Monitoring System (RVM) that detects cars approaching from behind or driving in the blind spot and warns the driver (now from 30 km/h onwards instead of 60 km/h to support city driving safety).

Lane Departure Warning minimizes the risk of leaving the driving lane unintentionally by employing a camera to detect and judge the position of white lines to then warn the driver of a possible lane departure.

High-Beam Control (HBC) automatically changes between low and high beam during night driving in order to avoid blinding upcoming vehicles.

The lightweight, highly-rigid SKYACTIV-BODY provides excellent collision performance and is conceived to attain top ratings in crash tests around the world.

A multi-load path structure and a front end with a cross-shaped cross-section increases crash energy absorption, further improving safety performance in frontal, side and rear-end collisions.

The anti-whiplash design of the front seats helps to reduce neck injury in the event of a rear-end collision.

There are two impact beams in the front doors. The upper beam has a round cross-section, and the lower beam has a double-ridged cross-section. The lower rear beam also has a double-ridged cross-section, helping to improve strength.

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Ford Escape, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Ford Escape, 2013

The all-new Ford Escape delivers the versatility and cargo capacity SUV customers expect with a sports-inspired design they desire.

The new SUV will be sold as the Ford Escape in North America and will be launched later wearing a Kuga badge in many markets around the world.

Function follows form as the sleeker design allows for cargo volume that surpasses the outgoing Ford Escape - with 68.1 cubic feet of space behind the first row and 34.3 cubic feet behind the second row. The new Kuga will be slightly longer than the current model, adding luggage space.

Escape's seats, Ford's latest, lose weight while adding customer convenience. The seat structure has shed nearly 3 pounds while the seats themselves have added more functionality - two-way power recline and two-way power lumbar support. These are in addition to the familiar six-way adjustability.

A sport seat, with higher bolsters and a distinct sew style.
The front head restraint offers four-way adjustability for the first time. Both the head restraints and rear seats have been upgraded to allow for easier folding and are made from soy-based foam.

Higher levels of craftsmanship
The closer customers get to the all-new Ford Escape, the more they will love it, says Peter Bejin, manager of Global Craftsmanship.

Improved materials and execution highlight the interior:

•     A soft-touch instrument panel
•     Wrapped, padded and stitched door armrests
•     Deep padding on console armrests
•     The soft upper roll on doors
•     Elimination of exposed fasteners in glove box and sun visor pivots
•     Available leather-trimmed sport seats with piping on bolster area and contrast stitching

Highlighting the new exterior color choices in North America is Ginger Ale, an earthy metallic tone slightly greener than ginger ale looks in a clear glass.

Ginger Ale leads an expansive palette of new exterior choices that includes Ruby Red, White Platinum Tricoat, Frosted Glass Metallic, Deep Impact Blue and Kodiak Brown, along with Tuxedo Black, Sterling Gray Metallic, Ingot Silver Metallic and Oxford White.

Striking interior
The muscular, defined exterior shape is complemented by a dynamic, well-appointed interior featuring new levels of craftsmanship and technology.
The interior design team especially considered the wealth of exclusive features no competitor can match when creating the all-new Ford Escape, led by available SYNC with upgraded MyFord Touch driver connect technology.

Interior environment choices include Charcoal Black on Charcoal Black or Charcoal Black on Medium Light Stone or Medium Dark Stone.

Advanced EcoBoost Engines
For the first time, the new Ford Escape will offer two different EcoBoost® engines. This award-winning Ford engine technology, which produces outstanding driving performance and expected fuel economy better than any competitor, is available in a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and for the first time in the U.S., a 1.6-liter four-cylinder.

Each new engine uses the core EcoBoost technologies of direct fuel injection and turbocharging and adds twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT). With these technologies, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost is projected to produce more torque than the larger V6 engine in Toyota's RAV4, and the 1.6-liter is projected to produce segment-leading fuel economy among compact SUVs and up to 5 mpg better than the outgoing Escape.

EcoBoost has been a popular choice among customers since the EcoBoost V6 was introduced in 2009 in the Ford Taurus SHO and Lincoln MKS.

EcoBoost engines are fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance for millions of drivers around the world. By 2013, more than 90 percent of Ford's North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost technology. Ford holds more than 125 patents on its EcoBoost engine technology.

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is projected to deliver 250 lb.-ft. of torque and 237 horsepower. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is projected to deliver 177 lb.-ft. of torque and 173 horsepower.

Each new EcoBoost engine is mated to a specially calibrated six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission, which is standard and allows drivers to manually control gear selection from a switch on the left-hand side of the shifter.

The gearbox features a new torque converter for improved driving feel, silky smooth shifts and great fuel economy. Engineers also installed revised gear ratios for a balanced driving feel in all situations. The new ratios complement the revised torque converter.

1.6-liter EcoBoost comes to North America
Also available for the first time in North America is Ford's 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine. Like its 2.0-liter stable mate, the 1.6-liter EcoBoost is projected to deliver better torque than current Toyota and Honda competitors and expected better fuel economy than both.
Efforts to improve unwanted noise on the 2.0-liter EcoBoost were carried over to the 1.6-liter EcoBoost, which adds an electronically controlled bypass valve.

The valve helps mitigate turbocharger tip-in and tip-out noises, resulting in a smoother sound out of the engine when the customer tips off the throttle. The valve smoothes out the sound by balancing the air pressure in the intake.

Lighter, more efficient 2.5-liter
The base engine for the all-new Ford Escape is an updated version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which shares many components with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine to save weight, improve quality and increase fuel economy.

Highlighting the improvements is the new lower-tension global front-end accessory drive belt. With the belt at a lower tension, friction in the entire system is reduced. Less friction reduces fuel consumption.
That improvement, combined with engine control changes and other advancements, contributes up to a 2 mpg improvement in fuel economy as well as better low-end torque for enhanced performance feel.

Also improving fuel economy is the Active Grille Shutter System, which helps reduce air resistance and is on all models with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine and the 2.5-liter four-cylinder.

The Active Grille Shutter System will open grille slats when extra engine cooling air is required, such as low-speed stop-and-go driving. When cruising on the highway at steady speeds, the grille slats automatically close to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Active Grille Shutters already are used on the Ford Focus, Ford Taurus and Ford Edge in North America and will be added progressively to more vehicles.

Global powertrains
In markets outside of North America, where the newest SUV from Ford will wear a Kuga badge, a number of additional powertrains, including a new diesel engine, will be offered. More details will be provided when the new Kuga launches at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012.

Recycled plastic bottles, scrap cotton find fresh start
A wide suite of environmentally responsible or recycled materials - including plastic bottles and cotton, to name a few - are found within the interior of the all-new Ford Escape.

The all-new Ford Escape contains even more sustainable materials than its predecessor. Materials that are recycled, renewable and reduce impact on the environment:

•     Carpeting made from either post-consumer or post-industrial materials. An example of a post-consumer material is plastic that's been recycled, like from beverage bottles. The source for polyester carpeting is about one-third post-consumer and two-thirds post-industrial
•     About 25 20-ounce plastic bottles total are in the carpeting
•     Soy foam in the seats and head restraints
•     Powertrain undershields made from 100 percent recycled plastics
•     More than 10 pounds of scrap cotton recycled from jeans, sweaters, T-shirts and other items otherwise sent to a landfill is used in sound-absorption material
•     Climate control gaskets made from recycled tires
•     Industry-first use of microcellular (MuCell) technology in the injection molding process of the instrument panel, reducing weight by 1 pound and contributing to improved fuel economy. This technology injects microscopic cells to reduce weight without sacrificing dimensional integrity
•     Tailpipe trims are made from polished stainless steel instead of more common and less environmentally friendly chromium-plated trims

Wide use of more environmentally friendly, recycled and recyclable materials complements the projected best-in-class fuel economy of the all-new Ford Escape, further bolstering the vehicle's environmentally responsible credentials. The all-new Ford Escape meets the USCAR Vehicle Recycling Partnership goal that 85 percent of the vehicle is recyclable.

Soy-based foam added to head restraints
The expansion of using soy-based foam continues in the all-new Escape. In addition to bio-foam content in the seat cushions and backs, new for Escape is head restraint foam that is 5 percent soy-based.

The carpet material is made from either post-consumer (plastic that's been recycled; for example, from beverage bottles) or post-industrial (scraps from companies that make clothing, for example) sources. In the new Ford Escape, the source for the polyester carpeting is about one-third post-consumer and two-thirds post-industrial.

Ford engineers calculate that about 25 20-ounce plastic bottles will be used in the production of the carpet of each new Escape in North America. At current sales levels, that is more than 4 million recycled plastic bottles each year.

Safety
The all-new Ford Escape combines the safety features and technologies customers really want, including a high-strength steel body and an even smarter new airbag system that no other automaker offers.

The new Ford Escape adds about four times as much advanced high-strength steel and ultra-high-strength steel as the outgoing vehicle. Nearly one-third of the steel in the all-new unibody Escape is composed of advanced high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel, helping better protect occupants in the event of a crash.

The new Escape also features an enhanced Personal Safety System™ with new safety belt technologies and seven airbags.

The Personal Safety System is a network of components that work together to tailor the activation of the front airbags during frontal collisions. The restraint control module (RCM) translates information collected by the front crash sensors, front outboard safety belt buckle switch, driver-seat track position and passenger-seat weight sensor and judges how fast the vehicle is decelerating, and if the driver and/or passenger are buckled.

With this information, the RCM activates the safety belt pretensioners and determines how the dual-stage front airbags will deploy.

New for the next Ford Escape are pretensioners at the front outboard anchor points and crash-locking tongues. These technologies help pull the belt tight over the hips in a fraction of a second during more severe crashes.

The new side airbags deploy lower in the pelvis area in addition to the chest and incorporate new venting technology, which Escape brings exclusively to the small SUV segment.
The side airbag's venting technology takes into account the size of the occupant, varying the pressure so smaller occupants withstand a lower pressure.

The tunnel vent is lined up with the shoulder area of the occupant. On larger passengers, the shoulder engages the vent and keeps it from venting so the gas stays inside the airbag. On smaller passengers, the effect is just the opposite: Because the occupant's shoulder is below the vent, the gas vents out of the airbag.

The driver's airbag uses a reconfigured curve-shaped tether system that pulls in the lower section to create a pocket to help lessen the impact of the airbag on the driver's chest and ribs in frontal crashes. Deploying at the same time is a driver's knee airbag - offered on Ford Escape for the first time.

The new Ford Escape also includes the familiar Safety Canopy® System, which combines side curtain airbags and a rollover sensor to help provide protection for outboard passengers during side impacts.

Inflators for the airbags are located near the roof rail between the side pillars, while side-impact sensors are located on each side of the vehicle. The rollover sensor detects a potential rollover and triggers the Safety Canopy System. The airbags stay inflated for up to six seconds to help reduce injuries from multiple impacts or rollovers.

Technology
The all-new Ford Escape might be the most helpful vehicle ever produced by Ford. Using the most hands-free technology ever offered in a Ford, the new Escape helps customers load or unload gear through the rear hatch without fumbling for a key, stay connected, parallel park and avoid a collision in a parking lot.

Plus, on the road, the all-new Ford-engineered Intelligent 4WD System helps deliver outstanding handling and excellent traction off-road when drivers want to leave the pavement.

Additionally, exclusive technologies that no competitor can match to automatically slow the vehicle when cornering too fast (Curve Control) or help accelerate through a turn (Torque Vectoring Control) are joined together for the first time in an SUV in the new Ford Escape.

Getting a kick out of new smart technology
Leading the clever, segment-first customer-focused features for the all-new Ford Escape is the available hands-free power liftgate. A slight kicking motion under the center of the rear bumper activates the system, then unlocks and raises the liftgate.

This allows quick, easy and convenient access to the cargo area without setting down packages or digging out keys to open the rear hatch. The same process closes the hatch as well.

The hands-free liftgate builds off Ford's Intelligent Access with push-button start, which allows customers to unlock and start their vehicles without ever having to take out the key. When the key fob is in their possession - kept in a pocket, coat, purse or briefcase - a simple pull on the door handle unlocks the vehicle. Once inside, the driver simply holds down the brake pedal and presses the power button to start the vehicle.

For the hands-free power liftgate, two sensors integrated into the Intelligent Access system are located in the rear bumper. One detects the driver's shin, and the other detects the kicking motion to enable the hands-free power liftgate.

The combination of the system detecting the key fob and the shin and leg motion is necessary to unlock and open the liftgate, safeguarding against any accidental opening.

Additionally, the liftgate height can be programmed or adjusted manually to meet specific customer needs. The liftgate opens from about 4 feet to a maximum of about 7 feet above the ground.

New version of SYNC with MyFord Touch
The latest version of SYNC® with MyFord Touch® driver connect technology for new Escape makes it easier to manage information, control features and adjust settings.

"We've listened to our customers and have improved what they love about MyFord Touch," said Kenneth Williams, systems integration engineer. "In this upgrade, the screens have a cleaner, clearer display. The words on the screens are larger and easier to read, the pressable areas on the screen look more like buttons, and we have made the functions clearer for faster navigation.

"What separates MyFord Touch is that there are multiple ways for customers to manage and control what they want through voice commands, menus accessed through the steering wheel controls, touch screen, buttons or knobs, whatever they prefer."

Now, the key corner screens - Phone, Navigation, Entertainment and Climate - are labeled as such in addition to their color codes. Icons have a new look that better specifies the functionality or feature.

MyFord Touch includes a standard 4-inch screen in the instrument cluster on all Ford Escape series models. An 8-inch screen in the center stack is standard on SEL and Titanium models. All-new Escape also features the latest version of SYNC:

•     Hands-free, voice-activated calling via a Bluetooth®-connected mobile phone
•     Hands-free, voice-activated control of a USB-connected digital music player
•     911 Assist, the automated emergency calling service that is free for the life of the vehicle
•     Vehicle Health Report, the on-demand diagnostic and maintenance information service

Standard with MyFord Touch is a SYNC Services subscription, which expands voice-controlled features to include a cloud-based network of services. These include turn-by-turn directions, traffic reports and business search information with available live operator assistance, if needed.

MyFord Touch is available with navigation systems and with Sony-branded audio with 10 speakers and a Sony-designed electronic finish panel.

New parking technology package
Available for the first time for Ford Escape is a parking technology package that can help take the anxiety out of parallel parking and help avoid accidents. Included in the package are:

•     Active park assist
•     Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert
•     Rain-sensing wipers
•     Front park assist
•     Rear park assist
•     Rear view camera

Ford's active park assist system helps make parallel parking stress-free. With the simple press of a button and enabled by the EPAS (electric power-assisted steering) system, active park assist will detect an available parallel parking space using 10 sensors and automatically steer the vehicle into the space, without the driver having to touch the steering wheel. The driver controls the accelerator, gearshift and brakes.

The sensor-based technology of active park assist parks on grades, in tighter spaces, closer to the curb, and is faster and more accurate than competitors' camera-based systems. The new Escape can parallel park into a space of less than 18 feet long - the vehicle's length (a little less than 15 feet) plus 3 feet.

BLIS with cross-traffic alert helps drivers change lanes or back out of a parking space with more confidence. BLIS alerts when a vehicle is detected entering a blind spot, and cross-traffic alert warns of traffic detected approaching from the sides, such as backing out of a parking space.

On-road driving experience dramatically improved
Advanced Ford-developed software behind the new Ford Escape's Intelligent 4WD System pre-emptively reassesses conditions about 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, readjusting the power split to give the driver the precise blend of handling and traction at all times.

Using advanced software and sensors, the system gathers data from 25 external signals, including wheel speed, accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle, to deliver outstanding driving performance in both wet and dry conditions as well as excellent off-road traction.

Greater confidence when entering and driving through turns is enabled by the technologies Torque Vectoring Control and Curve Control, which are available together for the first time in an SUV in the all-new Ford Escape.

The system always pre-emptively splits the torque produced by the powertrain between the front and rear axles. Splitting the torque offers several benefits to the driver. First, it transfers the power, which means that when a driver corners hard, the vehicle will better follow the intended steering path. For example, if the vehicle is understeering - the tendency to go straight when cornering - the system will automatically split more torque to the rear wheels to help counteract that effect and provide more neutral steering.

Second, and new to this all-new SUV, are feedback sensors and software that calculate, based on the driver's steering angle, where the driver wants to go versus where the vehicle is heading, and make the appropriate split.

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