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First Hybrid Pace car in NASCAR (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=164943)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_FFH_-_NASCAR_Pace_car.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - Nov. 10, 2008

Ford’s next generation hybrid system inside the Nascar masked 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

DEARBORN – A green car in the truest sense of the word will lead a field of ethanol powered racing machines to the green flag next Sunday at the season-ending Ford 400 .

The all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid (FFH), featuring Ford’s next-generation hybrid system, will pace the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

“Miami is an international city with a flair for what’s new,” said Homestead-Miami Speedway President Curtis Gray. “And with the evolution of Ford Championship Weekend into one of the highest-profile events in sports, the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami is the perfect spot for a historical racing first—the Fusion Hybrid Pace Car.”

Miami-area race fans and ABC’s national television audience will be the first to see the FFH, since it will not be officially unveiled until the Los Angeles International Auto Show in late November. It will however be available in dealer showrooms in the spring of 2009.

Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas said, “The Fusion Hybrid pacing the Ford 400 showcases exactly what our customers want, fuel economy and fun – and we’re pleased to be able to offer racing fans a glimpse of what’s to come at Sunday’s race.”

Mark will be waving the green flag at the start of Sunday’s Ford 400.

700 plus miles range in the city

The FFH can operate in electric mode at speeds up to 47 mph with a range of more than 700 miles of city driving on a single tank of fuel. A smaller, lighter high-volt battery has greater charge capacity and range than Ford’s current generation NiMH battery.

“Because our hybrid can run at a much higher speed in electric mode, you can do so much more in city-driving situations,” said Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager. “Under the right conditions, you can drive in your neighborhood or mall parking lots without using a drop of gasoline.”

The more efficient next-generation hybrid system is expected to best the Toyota Camry hybrid by at least five mpg in city driving.

The 2010 FFH has already been recognized for its significance in advancing “green” technology and improving environmental performance by the Green Car Journal. The FFH has been named one of Green Car Journal’s Top 5 for 2009, being a finalist for the magazine’s top award, Green Car of the Year, which is scheduled to be announced at the L.A. Auto Show.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Ford_SmartGauge.jpgThe Innovation of SmartGauge with EcoGuide (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17072)

Pushing a vehicle takes on a new meaning in the new 2010 FFH, thanks to Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide – the new instrument cluster that provides real-time information to help drivers maximize fuel efficiency.

“SmartGauge with EcoGuide gives the customer real-world feedback to make the most of their hybrids,” said Portalatin. “Unique to Ford and Mercury hybrid sedans, this instrument cluster acts as a good ‘coach,’ engaging drivers real-time to help them achieve maximum fuel economy.”

“The main question hybrid drivers had was, ‘How do I know I'm getting the most out of my hybrid? We needed to create a system that better communicates with drivers and gives them the tools to maximize fuel efficiency. That’s what SmartGauge with EcoGuide does.”

EPA-Smart Way Cars

The 2009 Ford Fusion is among the vehicles that have received SmartWay certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The SmartWay designation is earned by vehicles meeting tough EPA based Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Scores.

Does anyone know if Ford will be emulating the easy engine off characteristics of a Prius when fully warmed up? I loved driving Debbie's FEH but throwing the gearshift into N every time I wanted the engine to kill wasn't nearly as convenient as simple pedal placement...

Are you talking about when you lift your foot just slightly and then the engine peters out?

That's awesome. But with all the corporate sponsor retreats... Is there going to be a NASCAR next year? :confused:

Are you talking about when you lift your foot just slightly and then the engine peters out?

Yes indeed! Very nice to work with.

Hi Sean:

___Yes, Ford has leaned a few things and is forcing ICE-Off at a rate more than double that of the current FEH :)

___Randy Mays will be with us in LA and should get some wheel time although Gary G would be the best person to describe the 09 vs. the previous generation FEH's.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Oh sweet!! I'm liking the sound of this FFH more and more. Especially as my wife is much more likely to go with a sedan if it "has the blue oval on it."

I hope they last another 2 years so we can talk about it as a choice. :(

Too bad pace speed is higher than 47MPH or they could have done that in EV. At least there's a chance to do that during the warm-up laps when they are doing the pit road speed of 45MPH.

I wonder if this will be the first time in a hybrid for the long time pace car driver, Brett Bodine. Now there's an interview I'd like to see.

On further review the Fusion Hybrid will only be used up until the first lap, after that a Fusion Sport V6 will take over. What a let down...

I read yesterday in a Motor Trend article about this event and told the wife were going to the races next Sunday.
http://wot.motortrend.com/6337927/auto-news/2010-ford-fusion-hybrid-sport-set-to-pace-nascar-sprint-cup-season-finale/index.html

I haven't ordered my wife's FFH yet, and wanted to get some more information. She had her mind set on the 2010 Prius for less money, but I'm working on her for the Fusion Hybrid. My '09 FEH goes EV even under acceleration and there is no reason to believe the FFH will not at this point. I think the FFH will even give the HCH a run for MPG if we see one at the MPG Challenge next year. The new Lambda heated oxygen sensors sure helps handle the ethanol in my '09 FEH so I know the FFH will also. The new FFH will have a more powerful motor and generator with the VVC which I think will stun new owners. Maybe I'll get a chance to talk with a Ford Engineer Sunday and get some new updates to post.

GaryG

When will Ford finally put the Ford Ranger as hybrid, too?

Will this motor 2.5 liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder also replace the 2.3L I4 actually used for the Ford Ranger?

Regards,

Felipe

I wonder who else noticed this:

"DEARBORN – A green car in the truest sense of the word will lead a field of ethanol powered racing machines to the green flag next Sunday at the season-ending Ford 400 .

The all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid (FFH), featuring Ford’s next-generation hybrid system, will pace the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway."

Um, unless NASCAR has changed something there won't be anything on the track powered by ethanol. Last I heard, Sunoco race fuel was straight gasoline.

NASCAR is pretty much the only major racing series that doesn't use ethanol. It was a big deal that they stopped using leaded gas this year.