Road Reality » economy

2011 Ford Explorer Achieves 25% Increase in Fuel Economy

John Suit — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:00:42 +0000

The 2011 Ford Explorer, which has undergone an extensive redesign, so far as to make it car-based rather than truck-based, has another ace up its sleeve in the new crossover/SUV wars: a bump to 17/25 city/highway gas mileage for its base V6, a full 25% increase over last year’s V6 model. Click past the jump for more details and the full press release.

When Ford announced that the 2011 Explorer would no longer be truck-based, many of its fans scoffed at the idea. Then it became known that the new Explorer would keep a lot of its off-road capability, and things quieted down. Through a series of announcements, Ford made it known that the engine offerings for its bread-and-butter SUV would be revamped, as would the interior, exterior, and of course, the electronics.

We’ve seen plenty of pictures and specifications for the new SUV, which is more crossover than SUV anymore, but until now, it was anybody’s guess as to the efficiency of the new powertrains. I predicted 16/23 city/highway for the new V6, but they beat even my guess, which is fantastic.

With its new EPA rating, the Explorer should win over a lot of people who want a go anywhere, do anything vehicle, without sacrificing at the pumps.

When the EPA rates the EcoBoost 4-cylinder which expected later in the 2011 production cycle, you can be sure I’ll have a report for you on it!

Show Press Release

2011 FORD EXPLORER V6 DELIVERS BEST-IN-CLASS FUEL ECONOMY OF 25 MPG HIGHWAY, UP 25 PERCENT

The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer V6 fuel economy ratings are now EPA-approved at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, a 25 percent improvement over the previous V6 model
The Explorer V6 combines an enhanced aerodynamic body with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), a six-speed automatic transmission and electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to save fuel
A fully capable SUV, Explorer V6 is available with intelligent 4WD and a terrain management system, and can be equipped to tow up to 5,000 pounds
Explorer will soon be available with an advanced 2.0-liter EcoBoost™ I-4, expected to deliver 30 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 model

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 9, 2010 – Ford Explorer, America’s most popular utility vehicle and safety innovator, is now the segment fuel economy leader.

With an EPA-certified 25 mpg highway rating – a 25 percent fuel economy gain over the outgoing V6 model – the 2011 Explorer sets a new benchmark for vehicles in its class. The Explorer EPA-certified rating of 17 mpg city can’t be bested by competitors, either.

“The new Explorer V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) delivers a keen balance between power and fuel economy,” said Jim Holland, chief nameplate engineer. “An efficient six-speed transmission mated to this efficient V6 helps Explorer deliver 25 percent better fuel efficiency. This raises the bar for full-size SUVs, and will change buyer expectations for the entire segment.”

Explorer’s fuel efficiency improvement is the cumulative result of multiple individual technologies, innovations and advancements.

The all-new Explorer body shape was optimized in a wind tunnel to reduce wind noise and increase fuel economy. Ford aerodynamicists and designers found that coordination between the front-mounted air dam and the rear liftgate lip spoiler could add almost 1 mpg at highway speeds.

The new Explorer marks the introduction of electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), yielding significantly improved maneuverability, reduced parasitic engine drag, weight savings and increased fuel economy.

Efficient and powerful new V6
The advanced Explorer V6 features a low-tension drive belt, aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff and a direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valvetrain with highly polished buckets to reduce internal friction. Each of these measures contributes to Explorer V6 fuel economy.

The improvement in fuel efficiency comes without compromising Explorer’s legendary flexibility and capability. When powered by the standard 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, the Explorer can be equipped to tow up to 5,000 pounds. At 290 horsepower, the all-new Explorer V6 exceeds the 2010 Explorer V6 by 80 horsepower. In addition, the 2011 Explorer V6’s power compares favorably to that of the 2010 Explorer V8, rated at 292 horsepower.

When configured with intelligent 4WD and the terrain management system, the all-new Explorer honors the nameplate heritage of off-road capability, with the additional benefit of removing driver guesswork when selecting the appropriate 4WD mode. A driver need only turn the console-mounted knob to the desired setting, and the Explorer automatically adjusts drivetrain behavior to suit conditions.
Explorer will soon offer a 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4, estimated to deliver a 30 percent increase in fuel economy. This option is ideally suited to SUV buyers placing a top priority on fuel economy.

The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer V6 is on sale now.

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by John Suit

Source: Ford

Ford Releases Fuel Economy Numbers for 2011 Ford F-150: 3.7-liter V6 Gets 23 MPG!

John Suit — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:00:03 +0000

Pending final EPA certification, the 3.7-liter V6 in the upcoming 2011 Ford F-150 will get you a stellar (for a truck, anyway) 23 mpg on the highway, and 16 mpg around town. The 5.0-liter V8 gets you 15/21 city/highway, which rivals its GM counterparts’ fuel economy numbers. While these numbers are preliminary, they can’t be too far off base or Ford wouldn’t release them. Click past the jump for complete breakdowns and comparisons. Truck fans will be especially interested in the Ford-provided charts at the bottom.

It seems like every year, the automakers bring out new commercials touting their trucks’ fuel economy. They always compare their V6-powered truck versus the competition’s V8, usually with 4×2 compared to 4×4. This can throw the numbers off by 2-4 mpg, and is the work of very good spin doctors. See the chart below, which comes directly from Ford’s press release. It compares their engines directly with the proper corresponding engines from the competition.

Segment Comparison for 3.7-liter V6

Mfr	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Max towing	Max payload	4×2 MPG (c/h)
Ford	3.7L V6	302 @ 6,500	278 @ 4,000	6,100	1,920	16/23
Chevrolet	4.3L V6	195 @ 4,600	260 @ 2,800	5,400	1,956	15/20
Ram	3.7L V6	210 @ 5,200	235 @ 4,000	3,800	1,900	14/20
Toyota	4.0L V6	270 @ 5,600	278 @ 4,400	4,900	1,715	16/20

Segment Comparison for 5.0-liter V8

Mfr	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Max towing	Max payload	4×2 MPG
Ford	5.0L V8	360 @ 5,500	380 @ 4,250	10,000	3,060	15/21
Chevrolet	4.8L V8	302 @ 5,600	305 @ 4,600	7,200	1,825	14/19
Ram	4.7L V8	302 @ 5,650	329 @ 3,950	7,650	1,760	14/19
Toyota	4.6L V8	310 @ 5,600	327 @ 3,400	8,600	1,870	15/20

Segment Comparison for 6.2-liter V8

Mfr	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Max towing	Max payload	4×2 MPG
Ford	6.2L V8	411 @ 5,500	434 @ 4,500	11,300	1,770	12/17
Chevrolet	6.2L V8	403 @ 5,700	417 @ 4,300	10,700	1,997	13/18

Segment Comparison for 3.5-liter EcoBoost

Mfr	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Max towing	Max payload	4×2 MPG
Ford	3.5L EcoBoost	365 @ 5,000	420 @ 2,500	11,300	3,060	TBA
Chevrolet	5.3L V8	315 @ 5,200	335 @ 4,000	10,000	1,774	15/22
Ram	5.7L V8	390 @ 5,800	407 @ 4,200	10,450	1,710	14/20
Toyota	5.7L V8	381 @ 5,600	401 @ 3,600	10,400	2,090	14/18
Nissan	5.6L V8	317 @ 5,200	385 @ 3,400	9,500	2,153	13/18

I will stress again that the 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 are still awaiting final EPA certification, so I’ll have an update if the numbers change. Also, as seen in the chart above, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 hasn’t been tested at all. I would expect the city/highway numbers to be 16/24, give or take. Another note: if you’re looking at a 4-wheel drive model of any of the above-listed trucks, expect a 1-2 mpg drop in both city and highway mileage.

It’s an exciting time to be a truck buyer, with all the new engine options coming from Ford, GM and RAM. Even with the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards years away, the automakers are working hard to get ahead of the curve early. For more information about CAFE standards, click here.

Show Press Release

FORD LAUNCHES MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT FULL-SIZE PICKUP: 23 MPG HIGHWAY WITH NEW 3.7-LITER ENGINE IN 2011 F-150

The new 3.7-liter V6 engine in the 2011 Ford F-150 is projected to deliver best-in-class 23 mpg highway, pending final EPA certification
The new 5.0-liter V8 in the 2011 F-150 is projected to deliver best-in-class 21 mpg highway, pending final EPA certification
No other manufacturer offers better fuel economy in the respective segments

Click here to watch the live webcast of the announcement of the F-150′s fuel economy leadership.

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 14, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is launching the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup of any manufacturer – the all-new 3.7-liter V6 engine in the 2011 F-150. It is projected to deliver best-in-class 23 mpg highway, pending EPA certification.

The new 5.0-liter V8 engine is projected to deliver best-in-class 21 mpg highway, pending EPA certification.

“The all-new engine lineup for the 2011 Ford F-150 is focused on delivering what matters most to truck customers – best-in-class power, capability, durability and fuel economy,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president of Powertrain Engineering. “Each engine offers an unequaled combination of these attributes.”

The new 3.7-liter V6 is projected to deliver 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway in 4×2 configuration. The new 5.0-liter V8 is projected to deliver 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway in 4×2 configuration. No manufacturer offers better fuel economy numbers in these respective segments.

“Seventy percent of F-150 customers said better fuel economy is what they’d like improved most in their truck,” said Doug Scott, Truck Group marketing manager. “The 2011 Ford F-150 does exactly that with best-in-class fuel economy, best-in-class capability and power, and more powertrain choices to suit their different needs.”

The new V6 and V8 make up half of an all-new powertrain lineup for the 2011 Ford F-150, part of the most extensive engine makeover in the 62-year history of F-Series. Also new for 2011 are the 6.2-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ truck engine. The EcoBoost will be available in early 2011. Trucks with the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8 will arrive in dealer showrooms later this year.

Each engine is mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup lineup with six-speed gearboxes as standard.

This versatile new powertrain lineup enables F-150 customers to choose the engine that best suits their needs.

Several other improvements help increase fuel economy
The extensive work to maximize the efficiency of each engine is complemented by additional improvements to the transmission and other areas of the new F-150.

The tried-and-true 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission has been upgraded to bring available customer conveniences such as SelectShift capability with progressive range select and manual mode to the F-150 for the first time.

The transmission has been optimized for each new engine. The transmission matched to the 3.7-liter engine, for example, has fewer clutch plates compared with the other F-150 engines.

A one-way clutch, which allows for smoother 1-2 and 2-1 shifts, faster downshifts and improved fuel economy, has been added. The gear ratios, span and shift schedule have been optimized for better off-the-line performance and improved fuel economy. The double-overdrive gear also provides better fuel economy.

Another fuel saver is the addition of class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost powertrains. The EPAS system replaces a conventional hydraulic system, which runs continuously off the engine, with a system that draws power only when needed. Ford is the first manufacturer to widely offer EPAS on full-size pickup trucks. EPAS contributes about a 4 percent fuel-economy benefit compared with conventional hydraulic systems.

“Our new engine lineup allows greater flexibility for customers to select the powertrain choice that best suits their needs,” said Samardzich. “And each engine delivers outstanding power, capability and fuel economy.”

3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6
The 3.7-liter will be the most powerful, capable and fuel-efficient base V6 of any truck in its class. Key attributes include:

Projected best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4×2 configuration), pending final EPA certification. Also delivers 16 mpg city
Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm
Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm
Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow
Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) creates precise, variable timing control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize power, performance and fuel economy
E85 flex fuel capability
Piston-cooling jets, which squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions
Forged-steel crankshaft for improved durability
Built at Cleveland Engine Plant

5.0-liter four-valve DOHC Ti-VCT V8
The 5.0-liter V8 in the 2011 F-150 offers many class bests compared with comparable base V8s, including:

Projected best-in-class 21 mpg highway (4×2 configuration), pending final EPA certification
Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm
Best-in-class 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm
Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow
New strengthened block and new cylinder head optimized for performance and enhanced cooling
Unique intake camshafts, combined with Ti-VCT, composite intake manifold and optimized compression ratio for improved low-speed torque and towing capability
Forged-steel crank and all-new oil cooler enhance durability
Piston-cooling jets, which squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions
E85 flex fuel capability
Built at Essex Engine Plant; Windsor, Ontario

6.2-liter two-valve SOHC V8
The 6.2-liter V8 is a premium engine offering on the 2011 F-150. It is now standard on F-150 SVT Raptor, with expanded offering on other specialty applications. Its attributes include:

Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
Projected 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway (4×2 configuration), pending final EPA certification
Durability of race-proven components and technology showcased in November 2008 when a 6.2-liter Raptor R not only survived the grueling Baja 1000, it earned a podium finish. The same engine then completed every mile of the 2009 Best in the Desert series
Utilizes a large bore and shorter stroke. This approach to creating power has its roots in storied Ford racing engines. The large bore allows for larger intake and exhaust valves for improved engine airflow, and the short stroke allows higher engine speed for increased horsepower
Because of the large bore size, two spark plugs per cylinder are used to more efficiently burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, enabling better fuel economy and increased engine torque. The twin plugs also help maintain a smooth, stable idle
Built at Romeo (Mich.) Engine Plant

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost
A premium powertrain offering available after launch, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost has more torque than any competitors’ V8 with the fuel economy of a smaller-displacement engine. This EcoBoost engine will establish a new benchmark for its combination of performance capability and fuel efficiency. Its attributes include:

365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm on regular fuel
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
Best-in-class 3,060 pounds payload vs. all competitors
Up to 90 percent of peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
New benchmark for combination of performance capability and fuel efficiency
Ti-VCT creates precise, variable timing control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize power, performance and fuel economy
Intake and exhaust camshafts optimized for improved fuel economy and performance
Cast exhaust manifolds for heavy-duty operation and durability
Improved manifold and cylinder heads for improved performance
Direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valvetrain with polished buckets to reduce friction and improve fuel economy
Built at Cleveland Engine Plant

Segment Comparison for 3.7-liter V6

Manufacturer	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Maximum towing	Maximum payload	4×2 fuel economy
Ford	3.7L V6	302 @ 6,500 Best in class	278 @ 4,000 Unsurpassed	6,100 Best in class	1,920	16/23 (city/highway) Best in class highway
Chevrolet	4.3L V6	195 @ 4,600	260 @ 2,800	5,400	1,956	15/20
Ram	3.7L V6	210 @ 5,200	235 @ 4,000	3,800	1,900	14/20
Toyota	4.0L V6	270 @ 5,600	278 @ 4,400	4,900	1,715	16/20

Segment Comparison for 5.0-liter V8

Manufacturer	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Maximum towing	Maximum payload	4×2 fuel economy
Ford	5.0L V8	360 @ 5,500 Best in class	380 @ 4,250 Best in class	10,000 Best in class	3,060 Best in class	15/21 (city/highway) Best in class highway
Chevrolet	4.8L V8	302 @ 5,600	305 @ 4,600	7,200	1,825	14/19
Ram	4.7L V8	302 @ 5,650	329 @ 3,950	7,650	1,760	14/19
Toyota	4.6L V8	310 @ 5,600	327 @ 3,400	8,600	1,870	15/20

Segment Comparison for 6.2-liter V8

Manufacturer	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Maximum towing	Maximum payload	4×2 fuel economy
Ford	6.2L V8	411 @ 5,500 Best in class	434 @ 4,500 Best in class	11,300 Best in class	1,770	12/17 (city/highway)
Chevrolet	6.2L V8	403 @ 5,700	417 @ 4,300	10,700	1,997	13/18

Segment Comparison for 3.5-liter EcoBoost

Manufacturer	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Maximum towing	Maximum payload	4×2 fuel economy
Ford	3.5L EcoBoost	365 @ 5,000	420 @ 2,500 Best in class	11,300 Best in class	3,060 Best in class	TBA (city/highway)
Chevrolet	5.3L V8	315 @ 5,200	335 @ 4,000	10,000	1,774	15/22
Ram	5.7L V8	390 @ 5,800	407 @ 4,200	10,450	1,710	14/20
Toyota	5.7L V8	381 @ 5,600	401 @ 3,600	10,400	2,090	14/18
Nissan	5.6L V8	317 @ 5,200	385 @ 3,400	9,500	2,153	13/18

by John Suit

Source: Ford

2011 Ford F-150 Followup – 20% Increase in Fuel Economy?

John Suit — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:00:49 +0000

According to a press release published by Ford today, the four engines available on its upcoming 2011 F-150 pickup should yield 20% gains in fuel economy compared to the same models in 2010. Since no V6 is available on the 2010 F-150, this is a believable number, especially considering the advanced engine technologies used to craft the new 5.0 and 6.2-liter V8s. As a recap, the engines available in the 2011 F-150 will be the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0 and 6.2-liter V8s, and later on in the model year, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. If the 20% number comes true, look for fuel economy numbers to be 14-17 city, 18-24 highway.

by John Suit

Source: Ford

Lexus announces the 2011 ES 350

John Suit — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:00:49 +0000

Lexus announced today the changes for its 2011 ES 350 luxury sedan. The ES will start at $35,525, an increase of $350 over 2010 models, and no longer does it require premium unleaded fuel. Instead, it will get 19/27 city/highway mpg on regular fuel. The aforementioned change is the big one, and the rest are fairly minor tweaks. Click past the jump for more details and a high-resolution picture gallery.

Eagle-eyed readers will note that the gas mileage has stayed the same from 2010 to 2011, despite the lower octane fuel requirement. Power and acceleration are listed as being a few ticks below where they were for 2010, but I would expect the car to identify premium fuel and adjust performance for it, as do many of the ES’s competitors. Further, a new color, dubbed Deep Sea Mica is appearing. Other than that, the Brake Override System Toyota said it would add to all of its vehicles is listed as a change.

It’s interesting that Toyota is touting the new ES’s lower fuel requirement, when if you read the article I wrote a while back, I doubt that many Lexus buyers are going to quibble about a few hundred dollars of gas per year, when the ES 350 can be optioned up into the high-$40k range. A counterpoint to this is perception – if consumers perceive that the Lexus is cheaper to run, they may buy it compared to some other luxury sedans.

The 2011 Lexus ES 350 goes on sale late fall, according to Toyota.

by John Suit

Source: Toyota

2011 Lincoln MKX: EPA Certification

John Suit — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:00:08 +0000

This week, the EPA gave Ford the results from its fuel economy tests on the new 2011 Lincoln MKX, and the numbers are great for a crossover of its size: 19/26 city/highway, with a combined 21 mpg. That’s for the front-wheel drive (FWD) model, so expect the all-wheel drive (AWD) model to get 17/24 city/highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The new numbers are up from the 2010 model’s 17/24 in front-wheel drive and 15/22 for all-wheel drive. Along with increased fuel economy is more power. The reason for these upticks? The new version of Ford’s 3.7-liter V6, one of the highlights of the 2011 Ford Mustang V6. The new version uses the latest in engine technology to deliver more power without sacrificing fuel economy. The 2011 MKX gets the same horsepower and torque figures as the new Mustang, at 305 horsepower and 280 torque.

The new fuel-sipping technologies include fuel shutoff, which stops the delivery of fuel to the engine when it’s not needed. Typical scenarios where the fuel shutoff is used is when the vehicle is coasting or the brakes are being applied. All together, the 2011 MKX will best its competitors in both power and fuel economy.

I’ve reported on the 2011 MKX before, click here for more pictures.

by John Suit

Source: Ford

Pricing for 2011 Honda CR-Z Announced!

John Suit — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:03:15 +0000

Today, Honda has announced the pricing for its upcoming 2011 CR-Z. The new hybrid from Honda is supposed to bridge the gap between hybrid fuel economy and sportiness. From the performance figures I’ve seen, it’s leaning more towards fuel economy, but the inclusion of a manual transmission bodes well for the CR-Z. Standard features include automatic climate control and USB input for the stereo, with the upmarket EX trim level including things like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a beefed-up stereo. GPS navigation will be an optional feature as well. Click past the jump for pricing, EPA mileages, and a gallery of high-resolution pictures of the CR-Z.

The fact that Honda is giving buyers things like automatic climate control, with the option of satellite navigation and BlueTooth audio, among other amenities, places this car in the new “inexpensive but well-equipped” class, where newcomers such as the Ford Fiesta are aiming. Looking closer, the price discrepancy between equally-optioned Fiesta and CR-Z is a few thousand dollars, meaning that perhaps those shopping for inexpensive might overlook the CR-Z.

Given all this, who is the likely buyer of the CR-Z? I’m guessing that it’ll be someone who is fuel economy-conscious, but also price-conscious, as the CR-Z comes in cheaper than a Toyota Prius, the current top-selling hybrid in the US. It’s also cheaper than its bigger, less sporty cousin, the Honda Insight.

The biggest problem I have with the CR-Z is that there a lot of cars getting as good or better gas mileage already, and at a lower price point. I, for instance, owned a 2008 Honda Civic sedan, equipped with the 5-speed manual transmission. I was getting close to 34mpg in the city, and around 38mpg on the highway, without concentrating on getting optimal fuel mileage.

See the below chart for Honda’s price structure and the EPA’s fuel mileage results:

			EPA³ MPG
Model	Transmission	MSRP¹	City/Hwy/Combined

CR-Z	6-Speed Manual	$19,200	31/37/34

CR-Z	CVT	$19,850	35/39/37

CR-Z EX	6-Speed Manual	$20,760	31/37/34

CR-Z EX	CVT	$21,410	35/39/37

CR-Z EX with Navi	6-Speed Manual	$22,560	31/37/34

CR-Z EX with Navi	CVT	$23,210	35/39/37

by John Suit

Source: Honda