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View Full Version : All-New Ford Escape: Smarter Utility Vehicle Saves Customers Fuel, Money


Right Lane Cruiser
11-16-2011, 11:06 PM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg New Technologies to Make Owners’ Lives Easier (http://www.cleanmpg.com)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2013_Ford_Escape.jpgSean Welch - CleanMPG (http://www.cleanmpg.com) - November 16, 2011

The Ford Escape will raise the bar with the debut of an all-new model that features 11 new exclusive features and fuel economy projected to top any vehicle of its kind on the market today.

“We call our all-new Ford Escape the ‘Smarter Utility Vehicle’ because it offers the strengths that customers today really value – fuel economy, versatility and new technology that makes driving and living with the vehicle easier and more fun – all wrapped in a sleek, more modern design,” said Derrick Kuzak, group VP, Global Product Development. “Ford understands that more people every year are looking at vehicles like Escape, and we want to give them even more reasons to buy.”

Sixty percent of Americans shopping for a vehicle next year will look at either a midsize car or small SUV, making the 2013 Escape part of one of the most cross-shopped and fastest-growing segments in the auto industry.

In addition to more cargo volume behind the first and second rows than today’s vehicle, the new Escape delivers:
Eleven features no other small SUV offers
Clever technologies that make Escape even more versatile, including an available hands-free power liftgate that allows quick and easy access to cargo with the kick of a foot
Projected best fuel economy of any compact SUV, up to 5 mpg better than previous Escape
Driving dynamics that make the drive experience more engaging on-road and a new Ford Intelligent 4WD System that provides even better traction off-road
Sleek new design, with better interior materials and more finishing touches
Escape technology makes life better

An array of clever technologies adds to the new Escape’s versatility, helping make life easier for its owners. Key features include:

An available hands-free power liftgate brings new technology to the SUV market and is enabled by motion technology used in today’s video game systems. A gentle kicking motion under the center of the rear bumper activates, unlocks and raises the liftgate when the driver has the Escape key fob. This allows quick and easy access to the cargo area without needing to set down packages or dig out keys. The same process closes the hatch.


SYNC with MyFord Touch, offers multiple ways for customers to manage and control information through voice commands, menus accessed through controls on the steering wheel, touch screens, buttons or knobs. Upgraded system includes new look, making phone, navigation, entertainment and climate controls even easier to use.


Parallel parking the Escape is virtually stress-free with active park assist. With the press of a button, the system detects an available parallel parking space and automatically steers the vehicle into the space. Drivers control only the gas and brake pedals.


Maneuvering parking lots and traveling open roadways becomes even safer and less stressful with Escape’s sensor-based BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert. BLIS displays an alert in the side mirror when a vehicle is detected entering a blind spot. Cross-traffic alert warns if traffic is detected approaching from the sides, such as when Escape is leaving a parking space in reverse.


The all-new Ford Escape is the first Ford SUV to combine class-exclusive technology to automatically slow the vehicle when it’s cornering too fast (Curve Control) or help accelerate through a turn (Torque Vectoring Control); a new Intelligent 4WD System helps deliver outstanding handling on pristine pavement and in adverse conditions as well, along with excellent traction off-road.
Spirited performance with outstanding fuel economy

Escape offers Ford’s broadest nameplate range of EcoBoost engine choices yet. Strong fuel economy comes from either the available 2.0L EcoBoost engine or 1.6L EcoBoost engine, which makes its American debut in the new Escape.

Both new engines combine EcoBoost’s core technologies of direct fuel injection and turbocharging and add twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to deliver even better miles per gallon and save customers money on fuel.

In Escape, EcoBoost engines are mated to specially calibrated, six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmissions, which are standard and allow drivers who want more hands-on experiences 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 even better fuel economy. Engineers also installed revised gear ratios for a balanced driving feel in all situations.

The standard engine in North America is an updated 2.5L, giving the new Escape a comprehensive lineup of 4-cylinder offerings. It also is matched to a SelectShift Automatic six-speed.

Also aiding fuel economy is Escape’s sleeker design. The new model is nearly 10 percent more aerodynamic than the outgoing model.

A Grille Shudder

Plus, the new Escape’s active grille shutter system, which is on all models with the 1.6L EcoBoost and 2.5L I4 engines, reduces wind resistance. Grille slats stay open 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.

Versatility and capability come standard

Stowing and towing are even easier in the new five-passenger Escape, thanks to a low liftover height of 27 inches, more innovations and cargo volume that surpasses the outgoing Escape – with 68.1 cu. ft. of space behind the first row and 34.3 cubic feet behind the second row. This is an almost exact duplicate of the Toyota Prius v CUV/Wagon at 67.3 cu. ft. of space behind the first row and 34.3 cubic feet behind the second row.

The new Escape’s rear seats have been designed to fold flat easily. With the touch of a button, the head restraint folds down and with the lift of a handle on the seat, the seatback folds and dives as the seat folds flat and clicks into position.

Escape also features an available two-position load floor, which can be configured to allow the customer to choose among maximum luggage volume or flat load floor.

When properly equipped, the all-new Escape maintains a trailer tow rating of 3,500 pounds.

Engaging driving performance through seamless system

Using new advanced software and sensors, the new Intelligent 4WD System analyzes data from 25 external signals, including wheel speed, accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle, assessing road conditions and driver input 20 times faster than the blink of an eye.

The system uses all the sensor inputs to turn the vehicle in the direction the driver wants it to go. Intelligent 4WD builds on the pre-emptive actions by adding and subtracting torque as needed through an electromagnetic clutch.

New SUV goes global

Following its world debut in Los Angeles, this new vehicle will head to Europe, where sales of compact sport utilities have grown 200 percent since 2000. It will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March for European customers as the all-new version of the Ford Kuga and will have unique powertrains and features. Chinese customers also will see the all-new Kuga next spring.

See post #6 (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showpost.php?p=325874&postcount=6) below for even more...

WriConsult
11-17-2011, 02:32 PM
So, automatic only? Following the footsteps of Toyota and Honda, but still ... ick.

Also, although I mostly don't care about looks ... O M G that front end is hideous! I do not like this trend towards high hoods and vertical grilles, not because it's ugly because it looks aggressive. I can't help but notice that aggressive looking vehicles seem to be more likely to be driven aggressively.

I was optimistic about this Escape launch. Now I'm completely turned off.

jsmithy
11-17-2011, 04:22 PM
I was suprised this is the best selling SUV in the US. Don't really se that many of them around here.

PaleMelanesian
11-17-2011, 04:41 PM
Looks at jsmithy's location.
MO
Hmm...

Let me guess, you see a lot more Silveradoes and F150s than Escapes.

jsmithy
11-18-2011, 07:04 AM
Looks at jsmithy's location.
MO
Hmm...

Let me guess, you see a lot more Silveradoes and F150s than Escapes.

Ha...yes, also Tahoes and F350's. When I travel into rural Missouri, I see lot after lot of new car dealers that are chocked full of pickups. People are still buying them in these parts.

Most of the guys I work with would have nothing but a truck. I am certainly the odd duck.

xcel
11-21-2011, 06:57 AM
Hi All:

A few more additions including a tidbit about the actual highway FE of the all-new 2013 Escape with the following sound bite:
“The powertrain in the new Escape is configured with two EcoBoost engines, a 1.6L and a 2.0L. The 1.6L is the first 1.6L EcoBoost application... This will afford the customer a base level engine that is a 2.5L carry-over engine, but quickly move into a 1.6L GTI which boasts best in class fuel economy, 33 miles per gallon highway.”
In terms we can understand, it appears the all-new 2013 Escape with the 177 lb.-ft. of torque and 173 HP 1.6L EcoBoost will provide its owners with a 33 mpgUS highway figure.

Recycled plastic bottles, scrap cotton find a fresh start in the 2013 Ford Escape

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 include:
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 (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41693)) 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 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.



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