Post by TonyV on Feb 15, 2010 11:21:48 GMT -5
Explorer to gain m.p.g.
BY MARK PHELAN
FREE PRESS AUTO CRITIC
CHICAGO -- Ford's all-new Explorer crossover SUV will offer a fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine when it goes on sale late this year, Mark Fields, president of Ford of the Americas, said Wednesday at the Chicago Auto Show.
The engine should improve fuel economy 15%, providing the power of a V6 from an efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, Fields said.
Ford's smaller Edge crossover shown at the auto show Wednesday will also offer that engine when the revised 2011 model goes on sale this year.
The combination of turbocharging and direct fuel injection is Ford's major short-term fuel-efficiency measure, but the automaker also plans to offer at least four new hybrids or electric vehicles over the next three years, product development boss Derrick Kuzak said.
An electric version of Ford's small Transit Connect delivery van is to go on sale this year. It will offer an 80-mile cruising range and a top speed of 70 m.p.h.
An electric version of Ford's upcoming Focus compact car is to hit the road in 2011, as will a compact vehicle with a plug-in hybrid system.
A new generation of Ford's current hybrids that offers more powerful lithium-ion batteries is due in 2012.
Also at the auto show, General Motors unveiled the heavy-duty version of the Chevrolet Silverado pickup with more towing capacity, better fuel economy and a stronger chassis, the automaker said. Honda showed the concept version of the 2011 Honda Odyssey, which is to arrive at dealers this year.
BY MARK PHELAN
FREE PRESS AUTO CRITIC
CHICAGO -- Ford's all-new Explorer crossover SUV will offer a fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine when it goes on sale late this year, Mark Fields, president of Ford of the Americas, said Wednesday at the Chicago Auto Show.
The engine should improve fuel economy 15%, providing the power of a V6 from an efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, Fields said.
Ford's smaller Edge crossover shown at the auto show Wednesday will also offer that engine when the revised 2011 model goes on sale this year.
The combination of turbocharging and direct fuel injection is Ford's major short-term fuel-efficiency measure, but the automaker also plans to offer at least four new hybrids or electric vehicles over the next three years, product development boss Derrick Kuzak said.
An electric version of Ford's small Transit Connect delivery van is to go on sale this year. It will offer an 80-mile cruising range and a top speed of 70 m.p.h.
An electric version of Ford's upcoming Focus compact car is to hit the road in 2011, as will a compact vehicle with a plug-in hybrid system.
A new generation of Ford's current hybrids that offers more powerful lithium-ion batteries is due in 2012.
Also at the auto show, General Motors unveiled the heavy-duty version of the Chevrolet Silverado pickup with more towing capacity, better fuel economy and a stronger chassis, the automaker said. Honda showed the concept version of the 2011 Honda Odyssey, which is to arrive at dealers this year.
