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Welcome to 2011: Toyota announces recall of 245,000 Lexus vehicles

John Suit — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:00:07 +0000

2006 Lexus IS 350

How’s this to ring in the new year? 245,000 Lexus vehicles in the US are being recalled, due to faulty installation of the fuel pressure sensor. The recall includes a mix of 2006-2009 IS and GS models, detailed after the jump. No mention of fires, which usually accompany a recall of this sort, but fuel leakage is no laughing matter regardless of whether or not it leads to a fire.

Click past the jump for a better description of the problem, a table of recalled vehicles, Toyota’s press release and Customer FAQ.

The problem stems from a loose installation of the fuel pressure sensor, which over time, may loosen some more, leading to a fuel leak at the connection point between the sensor and the fuel line.

2006 Lexus GS 300

Toyota will be mailing out the recall notices to affected owners once they’ve gathered the needed parts. The inspection/fix will involve checking the connection, and if no leak is found, then the proper tightening will take place. If a leak is found, the gasket between the fuel line and the sensor will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened to the proper torque specification.

The fix will take between one and three hours, depending on if the gasket needs to be replaced, at no charge to Lexus customers.

The list of vehicles being recalled includes:

Model	Year
GS 300	2006, 2007
GS 350	2006, 2007
IS 250	2006, 2007, 2008, early 2009
IS 350	2006, 2007, early 2008

Show Press Release

Toyota Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain 2006-2007 Lexus GS 300/350, 2006-2009 IS 250 and 2006-2008 IS 350 Vehicles to Inspect the Fuel Pressure Sensor Installation

Toyota Motor Corporation announces separate recall involving certain vehicles not sold in North America

TORRANCE, Calif., January 26, 2011 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 245,000 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS300/350, 2006 through early 2009 Lexus IS250, and 2006 through early 2008 Lexus IS350 vehicles sold in the U.S. to inspect the fuel pressure sensor installation.

Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes (those with Nickel Phosphorus plating), there is a possibility that the pressure sensor could loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the delivery pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.

Lexus dealers will inspect the vehicle for fuel leakage and if no leakage is found, will tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. The inspection and possible gasket replacement will be conducted at no charge to the vehicle owner.

Owners of the involved vehicles will receive a safety recall notification by first class mail once the parts that may be needed have been obtained. Lexus will also post this information on its website. Detailed information about this recall is available through Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced a separate recall involving 1.3 million vehicles worldwide to remedy a different condition on a different fuel delivery pipe and a high pressure fuel pump check valve. TMC’s recall announcement does not involve vehicles sold in North America.

Customer FAQ for Lexus IS and GS Fuel Pressure Sensor Recall

1. Which models are involved in the recall?

Toyota is recalling approximately 245,000 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS 300/350, 2006 through early 2009 IS250 and 2006 through early 2008 IS350 vehicles sold in the U.S. No other vehicles are involved in this recall.

2. What is the condition?

Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to an engine fuel delivery pipe, there is a possibility that the pressure sensor could loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the pipe.

3. Are there any warnings that this condition has occurred?

There are no warnings that this condition will occur. However, if fuel is leaking from the fuel pressure sensor, in some instances a fuel odor may be noticed from the engine compartment.

4. What is Lexus going to do?

Lexus is currently preparing the parts that may be needed. Once the parts are ready, owners of the involved vehicles will receive a Safety Recall Notification by first class mail.

5. Is the repair covered by warranty? Will I have to pay any money out of pocket for this repair?

This repair will be performed at no charge to the customer.

6. How long will it take for the dealer to inspect my vehicle?

The inspection and tightening of the fuel pressure sensor to the proper torque will take approximately one hour. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the replacement of the gasket and tightening the sensor to the proper torque will take approximately three hours. However, depending upon the dealer’s work schedule, it may be necessary to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time.

7. What should owners do if they experience the condition, or have immediate concerns about their vehicle?

If an owner has any immediate concerns, he or she is requested to contact a local Lexus dealer for diagnosis, and if applicable, repair.

by John Suit

Source: Toyota

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.

# # #

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

Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem

John Suit — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:00:05 +0000

1998 and 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

According to Automotive News, the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV is under an investigation for possible gas tank problems. So far, the NHTSA has been notified of 13 deaths as the result of 10 crashes, while Business Week is reporting a total of 55 deaths. The investigation is reportedly being asked for by the Center for Automotive Safety, a non-profit group founded by Ralph Nader. Chrysler is cooperating with the NHTSA fully, and although “The existence of these post-crash fires does not, by itself, establish a defect … Further review and investigation into these incidents is needed.”

It’s important to note that this is not a recall, only an investigation. The suspected problem is the gas tank in the Grand Cherokee, which is ill-located in relation to the rear axle and bumper, and lacks proper shielding. For the 2005 model, Chrysler moved the tank and added more shielding to prevent possible fires related to rear-end collisions.

The Center for Automotive Safety is calling on Chrysler to recall all Grand Cherokees built from 1993-2004, citing 172 fire crashes which resulted in 254 deaths.

Stay tuned for more developments and any recalls which may be associated with the investigation.

by John Suit

Source: Automotive News and Business Week

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

Chevrolet Volt Pricing, Fuel Requirement

John Suit — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:59:23 +0000

Yesterday, GM announced the official price of its upcoming EV (Electric Vehicle). I’ve reported on the Volt before, but with a price and a government tax break, the Volt is getting closer to reality. The base price? $41,000. The rumor? It requires premium fuel.

Automotive site The Truth About Cars (TTAC) delved into GM’s Online Order Guide for the Volt, and found the Standard Equipment List. This list contains exactly that – all of the Volt’s standard equipment, including anything that could be used to help market or sell the sedan once it enters production, presumably later this year.

In pouring over the details, TTAC found a funny little detail: the Volt’s “range-extending” gasoline engine, which is only to power the on-board batteries, requires Premium Fuel. Yep, no 87-octane “regular” fuel for Volt customers, just the good stuff. While this sounds odd, and it is, it’s probably due to some extra efficiency the engineers were able to squeeze out of the tiny engine when running higher-octane fuel.

Online Ordering Guide - Click to Enlarge

While this small detail won’t be costing the average Volt user a whole lot of money during their time with the car, it is a black mark on such a green car.

Meanwhile, the pricing was announced by GM. The car will start at $41,000, and there’s no word yet on options and their prices. There will be a government-backed tax rebate of up to $7,500 for buyers of the Volt, so the actual price should be closer to $33,500, including destination charges. This doesn’t include any upgraded electric work you need to have done to charge the Volt in a decent amount of time.

Lessees will be paying $350 per month for a 36-month lease, for a total of $12,600, leaving the car with an approximate residual value of $28,400, or $20,900 after the tax rebate. That’s a pretty good residual value, and unlike GM’s previous EV-1 electric vehicle, those who choose to lease a Volt will have the option to buy it at the end of the lease.

by John Suit

Sources: GM, The Truth About Cars