Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid 2010

After entering the Gasoline Electric Hybrid world with SUV, Ford is coming to the family sedan hybrid solution with the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Mercury Milan Hybrid. These optional version of Ford family sedan offers exceptional fuel economy for an added manufacturer recommended retail price of some 8.000 US $ over the base price. The comparison is not so straightforward as the Ford Fusion range starts with a 2.5 litre Duratec producing 175 hp at 6.000 rpm while the Fusion Hybrid is equipped with a 2.5 litre Atkinson cycle producing 156 hp at 6.00 rpm and combined with an electric motor producing 80 kW/106 hp at 6.500 rpm, giving a global net 191 hp. In an hybrid vehicle, the gasoline engine and the electric motor are not delivering maximum output at the same rotation so that maximum power do not just add up. On the other hand, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid or Mercury Milan Hybrid can take advantage of a $ 3.400 tax credit from the federal government as they are available essentially on the US market.

The performance was enhanced by a challenge for 1.000 miles with one full gasoline tank. The challenge occurred in Washington D.C. with drivers trained in mileage-maximizing techniques and they achieved 1.445 miles on a single tank of gas averaging 81,5 mpg (2,9 l/100 km) in a Ford Fusion Hybrid while setting a world record for gasoline-powered midsize sedan. The Fusion Hybrid 1.000 miles Challenge proves that fuel-efficient driving techniques can nearly double a vehicle EPA-rated fuel economy. The Ford Fusion Hybrid EPA fuel economy is 41 mpg (5,7 l/100 km) in city and 36 mpg (6,5 l/100 km) on highway. The Ford Fusion Hybrid 1.000 Mile Challenge took more than 69 continuous hours of driving with a driver team which included NASCAR star Carl Edwards, high mileage trailblazer Wayne Gerdes and several Ford Motor Company engineers. "Not only does this demonstrate the Fusion Hybrid's fuel efficiency, it also shows that driving technique is one of the keys to maximizing its potential," said Nancy Gioia, at the time director Ford Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Mercury Milan Hybrid are full hybrid vehicles, meaning that they can be operated on electric motor alone, on gasoline engine alone or on a combination of both power source. The hybrid vehicles can operate in pure electric mode at speed up to 47 mph. A 2.5 litre 4 cylinder engine running the proven Atkinson cycle is mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission or e-CVT. Intake Variable Cam Timing allows the vehicle to more seamlessly transition from gas to electric mode and vice versa. The spark and cam timing are varied according to the engine load to optimize efficiency and emissions. The energy storage for the electric motor propulsion is a nickel-metal hydride battery. The regenerative brake system captures the energy normally lost through friction in braking followed by friction brakes during city driving. Nearly 94 per cent energy recovery is achieved by first delivering full regenerative braking followed by friction braking. Hybrid specific components are covered by a warranty of 8 years or 100.000 miles.

The driving instrumentation includes SmartGauge with EcoGuide that features full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, average and instant miles-per-gallon. Growing leaves and vines track and reward the driver's efficiency.

. The hybrid technology represents an increase in dry weight between 364 and 380 lb (165 to 172 kg) for a vehicle with dry base weight of 3720 lb (1687 kg) in Hybrid version. Such weight difference includes essentially nickel-metal hydride electric propulsion battery, electronic controls and electric motor.

The Ford Hybrid system is the result of research and development and represents 119 patents. " Ford is using technology to remake our lineup with the green, high-tech vehicles customers want," says Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. " The Fusion Hybrid team set the bar high - to develop America's most fuel efficient mid-size sedan - and that's what they delivered."

Texte Paul Damiens - Photos and illustrations Ford Motor Company

Wallpapers of Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid 2010 (click on picture to enlarge)