2011 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

Debuting later this year, Porsche will unveil its second production hybrid model, the Panamera S Hybrid, adding another chapter to its Porsche Intelligent Performance development philosophy.
Photo: 2011 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid -
Without sacrificing sportiness or elegance, this new Panamera model produces 380 horsepower with fuel consumption of only 6.8 L/100 km on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).
Photo: 2011 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
The Panamera S Hybrid is the most fuel efficient Porsche of all time. Optional low-rolling-resistance tires developed especially for the Panamera help this hybrid performance sedan deliver its impressive NEDC fuel economy figure.
Photo: 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
But even with standard performance tires, the Panamera S Hybrid’s fuel consumption is a low 7.1 L/100 km. Official EPA fuel economy estimates will be available closer to the car’s on-sale date.

2011 Alfa Romeo 4C GTA Concept

With only a teaser image to go on days before the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, everyone was thrilled to see Alfa Romeo unveil the 4C GTA Concept. According to Alfa Romeo, the 4C GTA is "a compact supercar" which represents the true essence of a sports car and is in line with the brand’s values: performance, Italian style, and technical excellence aimed at maximum driving pleasure in total safety."

The 4C GTA concept is inspired by models like the 8C Competizione and 8C Spider models, but takes their design a step forward. While the two models were focusing on obtaining more power, the 4C GTA Concept’s focus is on weight reduction thanks to the extensive use of carbon.

The concept is powered by a "4 cylinder" 1750 Turbo Petrol engine that delivers an impressive 200 HP that sprints the car to an impressive 155 mph

Audi R8 V10 Spyder vs Lamborghini Gallardo vs BMW S1000RR

A Stolen Life

2011 Ferrari FF review

The 81st Geneva International Motor Show plays host to the unveiling of two major new Prancing Horse innovations: the revolutionary FF, a four-wheel drive four-seater with a mid-front V12 that is the most powerful and versatile car Ferrari has ever built, and the 458 Italia sporting the HELE (High Emotions Low Emissions) System which cuts CO2 to just 275 g/km.
Photo: 2011 Ferrari FF -Check out more new 2011 Ferrari FF pictures in our 2011 Ferrari FF photo gallery
This new emissions figure represents a reduction of 15 per cent and is another remarkable achievement for the 458 Italia which has already received over 20 awards from the world’s most prestigious car magazines. The 458 Italia now boasts the lowest emissions of any sports car in its class on the market.
Photo: 2011 Ferrari FF

2011 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

Debuting later this year, Porsche will unveil its second production hybrid model, the Panamera S Hybrid, adding another chapter to its Porsche Intelligent Performance development philosophy.
Photo:2011 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
Without sacrificing sportiness or elegance, this new Panamera model produces 380 horsepower with fuel consumption of only 6.8 L/100 km on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).
Photo: 2011 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
The Panamera S Hybrid is the most fuel efficient Porsche of all time. Optional low-rolling-resistance tires developed especially for the Panamera help this hybrid performance sedan deliver its impressive NEDC fuel economy figure.
Photo: 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
But even with standard performance tires, the Panamera S Hybrid’s fuel consumption is a low 7.1 L/100 km. Official EPA fuel economy estimates will be available closer to the car’s on-sale date.
Photo: 2011 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
The Panamera S Hybrid sets new standards in terms of Porsche performance as well as hybrid efficiencies. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds and has a top track speed of 167 mph (270 km/h). Its range in purely electric mode is approximately one mile, with electric-only acceleration possible up to just over 50 mph (85 km/h).
Photo: 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
The Porsche parallel full hybrid system also reduces consumption at high speeds thanks to its ‘sailing’ or coasting mode. When the driver lifts off the accelerator at normal highway cruising speeds, the gasoline engine is completely switched off and disengaged from the drivetrain by a decoupling clutch. This eliminates the combustion engine’s drag forces and braking effect in the interest of lower resistance, fuel consumption and emissions.
Photo: 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
As soon as the driver presses the accelerator, to pass another vehicle for example, the gasoline engine smoothly starts within fractions of a second and engine rpms are increased to match the current vehicle speed. It does this seamlessly thanks to the Hybrid Manager, which also helps the Panamera S Hybrid accelerate dynamically in gears at higher speeds much like a conventional Panamera.
Photo: 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
The same gasoline engine/electric motor combination that has already proven itself in the Cayenne S Hybrid drives the Panamera S Hybrid. A 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine delivering 333 horsepower is supported by a 47-horsepower (34 kW) electric motor. Depending on driving conditions, either drive unit can operate independently or together to drive the rear wheels. The electric motor, which also serves as the car’s generator and starter, combines with the decoupling clutch to form the compact hybrid module located between the combustion engine and the transmission. The electric motor is connected to a nickel metal hydride (NiMh) battery that stores electric energy recovered from braking and other driving situations. The transmission is the same eight-speed Tiptronic S fitted in the Cayenne models, with a wide range of gear ratios.
Photo: 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
The Panamera S Hybrid has an even higher level of standard equipment than the V8 Panamera S. Adaptive Air Suspension with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) adaptive shock absorber system, Servotronic® variable-assist power steering and a rear wiper have been added to the list of standard equipment.

Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

Other standard features include Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation, the universal audio interface to connect an external audio source such as an iPod or a USB stick to the PCM system, and Bi-Xenon™ headlights. Inside, this new model also features an innovative display that provides the driver with relevant information about the status of the vehicle’s hybrid drive systems.

2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid -

With the launch of the new hybrid variant, the Panamera model line now consists of six different models. The new offering underlines the strategic importance of the Porsche Intelligent Performance philosophy, with a combination of sportiness and economy unique in its segment. As such, it builds on the Panamera sedan’s considerable success, with not quite 30,000 vehicles delivered worldwide since it went on sale in late 2009.
The Panamera S Hybrid will go on sale in the United States later in 2011 at a base suggested retail price of $95,000 (excluding destination).

World's Funniest Car Commercials

Last year, the already very affordably priced 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor crossover utility vehicle (CUV) saw numerous premium features such as a hands-free Bluetooth® system with voice recognition added across the entire model lineup.
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE -
But for the 2011 model year Endeavor, this capable crossover receives its most upscale, value-packed equipment package added to two of its most popular models completely free of charge: Both the 2WD and AWD versions of the Endeavor SE now include the Navigation & Sunroof package that consists of a touch-screen DVD-based navigation system, rear view back-up camera, power sunroof and a cargo cover at no cost to the consumer.
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
In addition to the front- and all-wheel drive iterations of the Endeavor SE, the 2WD Endeavor LS model that features a lower sticker price than its big brother but still packs a long list of standard equipment along with the same potent V-6 engine under its hood is also available for the 2011 model year.
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
New for 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
Free Navigation & Sunroof Package (Endeavor SE 2WD & AWD)
The very convenient and richly-appointed Navigation & Sunroof package is now included as standard equipment on both 2WD and AWD variants of Mitsubishi's top-of-the-line Endeavor SE model crossover. Lavish accessories included in this package are an informative and easy to use DVD-based touch-screen navigation system, a rear view back-up camera, a power sunroof and a cargo cover for the rear storage area.
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
Spacious and Stately
The 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor mid-size crossover is an excellent combination of roomy versatility and capability with an impressive amount of welcome niceties.
Capable of carrying up to five people, all occupants will find the Endeavor's comfortable and spacious seats, crisp handling and quiet cabin to be welcome relief from the cramped and/or noisy confines of some of the similarly-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV) competitors of this well-engineered Mitsubishi crossover that don't possess its solid unibody construction and confident handling capabilities.
Whether carrying groceries, a full complement of camping gear for a weekend in the woods or picking up several sheets of four-foot-wide plywood, the 2011 Endeavor can easily accommodate it all, thanks to hand its 60/40 split/fold-flat rear seat backs and a full 76.4 cu. ft. of cargo capacity (a plentiful 40.7 cu. ft. is available in the rear cargo section with the rear seat backs in the up position).
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
Endeavor owners and their passengers are further put at ease by the car's impressive list of included features, among them air-conditioning (automatic climate control in the Endeavor SE); premium fabric seating surfaces (rich-texture leather seating surfaces in the Endeavor SE); and exquisite sounding 6 speaker AM/FM/CD sound system with MP3 playback capability (the Endeavor SE's sound system is an even more amazing 360-watt Rockford-Fosgate® 6 CD/MP3 sound system with digital sound processing and 9 speakers including an 8-in. subwoofer; steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a 3-month pre-paid subscription to SIRIUS® satellite radio) and other convenient touches including a hands-free Bluetooth® system with voice recognition; steering column-mounted cruise control; and numerous cupholders, front and rear map lights, a pair of 12V power outlets, carpeted front floor mats and, in the upscale Endeavor SE, heated front seats.
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
Other welcome no-cost features included on all Endeavors are eye-catching ice-blue LED illumination of instruments and controls; 17 x 7-in. 7-spoke alloy wheels (larger 18 x 8-in. 5-spoke alloy wheels on the Endeavor SE); large, easy to read gauges with chrome trim; auto-off headlamps; parabolic fog lights; alarm system; variable intermittent windshield wipers; tubular roof rails; chrome front grill; and an anti-theft engine immobilizer.
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
Refined and Able V-6 Engine
With its polished performance and proficient power, it's no wonder that Mitsubishi's engineers elected to use a single engine across the Endeavor line.
The 3.8-liter SOHC 24-valve V-6 that powers the 2011 Endeavor provides plenty of power to this stylish crossover vehicle with virtually no vibration, harshness or noise detected within the nicely-appointed cabin. Consisting of an extremely strong cast-iron engine block with light weight aluminum cylinder heads and featuring a compression ratio of 10.0:1, this 3,828 cc normally-aspirated powerplant produces a welcome 225 hp at 5,000 rpm and an even more generous 255 lb.-ft. of torque at a lower 3,750 rpm from its sublimely smooth operating six cylinders. Running on unleaded fuel, this engine has been granted the very clean Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) status for all 50 states. This engine's bore and stroke measure 3.74 x 3.54 in. (95.0 x 90.0 mm).
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
All the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor engines have been paired with an equally quiet and silky 4-speed Sportronic® automatic transmission with INVECS-II technology that allows the driver to manually make gear changes with the gearshift lever when so desired. The FWD Endeavor LS and SE, along with the all-wheel drive version of the SE, engage identical gear ratios within their transmissions, save for the final drive ratios (the front wheel drive Endeavor has a final drive of 4.011 to the all-wheel drive model's 4.316).
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
Ready and Willing Chassis - On- or Off-Road
The Endeavor is equally at home on smooth ribbons of pristine asphalt on the way to the office as it is tackling a rough-and-tumble dirt road when venturing off the beaten path. A great deal of this on- or off-road driving aplomb is no doubt due to this crossover's excellent, well-damped suspension design that features independent MacPherson struts with coil springs up front (including gas charge strut inserts) along with a coil spring independent multi-link with trailing arms suspension design and gas charged shocks at the rear of the vehicle. Further aiding the vehicle's fine handling at speed on freeways or city streets are front and rear stabilizer bars that help diminish body roll that measure 24.0 mm thick at the front and 20.0 mm at the rear (an even thicker 22 mm anti-roll bar for the all-wheel drive Endeavor SE).
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
For even better handling and tractability in off-road driving, consumers would be wise to opt for the top-of-the-line Endeavor SE model with all-wheel drive. Its AWD system can provide an even 50:50 torque split between the front and rear wheels, thanks to a transfer case with a center differential that has a viscous coupling. In good weather or bad, on road or off, this all-wheel drive system vastly improves overall grip when compared to the levels of traction offered by a front-wheel drive vehicle.
5-Star Crash Test Safety Rating
The Mitsubishi Endeavor has achieved the highest test score of a 5-Star rating for both frontal (driver) and side impact (front and rear seat) crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the Endeavor its highest-ranking - "Good" overall - in the organization's frontal offset crash test.
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
These well-earned scores from respected automotive safety agencies are the result of the company's commitment to engineering excellence as witnessed by Mitsubishi's patented Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) safety automotive body construction system that helps to minimize injury to its vehicle's occupants as well as its inclusion of advanced safety features and technologies as standard equipment on the Endeavor. These include an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors; front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and rollover-sensing side curtain air bags; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Active Stability Control (ASC) and Traction Control Logic (TCL); and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor LS & SE specifications, review, photos and imagery courtesy of Mitsubishi.
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Last year, the already very affordably priced 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor crossover utility vehicle (CUV) saw numerous premium features such as a hands-free Bluetooth® system with voice recognition added across the entire model lineup.
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE -
But for the 2011 model year Endeavor, this capable crossover receives its most upscale, value-packed equipment package added to two of its most popular models completely free of charge: Both the 2WD and AWD versions of the Endeavor SE now include the Navigation & Sunroof package that consists of a touch-screen DVD-based navigation system, rear view back-up camera, power sunroof and a cargo cover at no cost to the consumer.
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
In addition to the front- and all-wheel drive iterations of the Endeavor SE, the 2WD Endeavor LS model that features a lower sticker price than its big brother but still packs a long list of standard equipment along with the same potent V-6 engine under its hood is also available for the 2011 model year.
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
New for 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
Free Navigation & Sunroof Package (Endeavor SE 2WD & AWD)
The very convenient and richly-appointed Navigation & Sunroof package is now included as standard equipment on both 2WD and AWD variants of Mitsubishi's top-of-the-line Endeavor SE model crossover. Lavish accessories included in this package are an informative and easy to use DVD-based touch-screen navigation system, a rear view back-up camera, a power sunroof and a cargo cover for the rear storage area.
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
Spacious and Stately
The 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor mid-size crossover is an excellent combination of roomy versatility and capability with an impressive amount of welcome niceties.
Capable of carrying up to five people, all occupants will find the Endeavor's comfortable and spacious seats, crisp handling and quiet cabin to be welcome relief from the cramped and/or noisy confines of some of the similarly-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV) competitors of this well-engineered Mitsubishi crossover that don't possess its solid unibody construction and confident handling capabilities.
Whether carrying groceries, a full complement of camping gear for a weekend in the woods or picking up several sheets of four-foot-wide plywood, the 2011 Endeavor can easily accommodate it all, thanks to hand its 60/40 split/fold-flat rear seat backs and a full 76.4 cu. ft. of cargo capacity (a plentiful 40.7 cu. ft. is available in the rear cargo section with the rear seat backs in the up position).
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
Endeavor owners and their passengers are further put at ease by the car's impressive list of included features, among them air-conditioning (automatic climate control in the Endeavor SE); premium fabric seating surfaces (rich-texture leather seating surfaces in the Endeavor SE); and exquisite sounding 6 speaker AM/FM/CD sound system with MP3 playback capability (the Endeavor SE's sound system is an even more amazing 360-watt Rockford-Fosgate® 6 CD/MP3 sound system with digital sound processing and 9 speakers including an 8-in. subwoofer; steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a 3-month pre-paid subscription to SIRIUS® satellite radio) and other convenient touches including a hands-free Bluetooth® system with voice recognition; steering column-mounted cruise control; and numerous cupholders, front and rear map lights, a pair of 12V power outlets, carpeted front floor mats and, in the upscale Endeavor SE, heated front seats.
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
Other welcome no-cost features included on all Endeavors are eye-catching ice-blue LED illumination of instruments and controls; 17 x 7-in. 7-spoke alloy wheels (larger 18 x 8-in. 5-spoke alloy wheels on the Endeavor SE); large, easy to read gauges with chrome trim; auto-off headlamps; parabolic fog lights; alarm system; variable intermittent windshield wipers; tubular roof rails; chrome front grill; and an anti-theft engine immobilizer.
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
Refined and Able V-6 Engine
With its polished performance and proficient power, it's no wonder that Mitsubishi's engineers elected to use a single engine across the Endeavor line.
The 3.8-liter SOHC 24-valve V-6 that powers the 2011 Endeavor provides plenty of power to this stylish crossover vehicle with virtually no vibration, harshness or noise detected within the nicely-appointed cabin. Consisting of an extremely strong cast-iron engine block with light weight aluminum cylinder heads and featuring a compression ratio of 10.0:1, this 3,828 cc normally-aspirated powerplant produces a welcome 225 hp at 5,000 rpm and an even more generous 255 lb.-ft. of torque at a lower 3,750 rpm from its sublimely smooth operating six cylinders. Running on unleaded fuel, this engine has been granted the very clean Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) status for all 50 states. This engine's bore and stroke measure 3.74 x 3.54 in. (95.0 x 90.0 mm).
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
All the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor engines have been paired with an equally quiet and silky 4-speed Sportronic® automatic transmission with INVECS-II technology that allows the driver to manually make gear changes with the gearshift lever when so desired. The FWD Endeavor LS and SE, along with the all-wheel drive version of the SE, engage identical gear ratios within their transmissions, save for the final drive ratios (the front wheel drive Endeavor has a final drive of 4.011 to the all-wheel drive model's 4.316).
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
Ready and Willing Chassis - On- or Off-Road
The Endeavor is equally at home on smooth ribbons of pristine asphalt on the way to the office as it is tackling a rough-and-tumble dirt road when venturing off the beaten path. A great deal of this on- or off-road driving aplomb is no doubt due to this crossover's excellent, well-damped suspension design that features independent MacPherson struts with coil springs up front (including gas charge strut inserts) along with a coil spring independent multi-link with trailing arms suspension design and gas charged shocks at the rear of the vehicle. Further aiding the vehicle's fine handling at speed on freeways or city streets are front and rear stabilizer bars that help diminish body roll that measure 24.0 mm thick at the front and 20.0 mm at the rear (an even thicker 22 mm anti-roll bar for the all-wheel drive Endeavor SE).
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
For even better handling and tractability in off-road driving, consumers would be wise to opt for the top-of-the-line Endeavor SE model with all-wheel drive. Its AWD system can provide an even 50:50 torque split between the front and rear wheels, thanks to a transfer case with a center differential that has a viscous coupling. In good weather or bad, on road or off, this all-wheel drive system vastly improves overall grip when compared to the levels of traction offered by a front-wheel drive vehicle.
5-Star Crash Test Safety Rating
The Mitsubishi Endeavor has achieved the highest test score of a 5-Star rating for both frontal (driver) and side impact (front and rear seat) crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the Endeavor its highest-ranking - "Good" overall - in the organization's frontal offset crash test.
Photo: 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor SE
These well-earned scores from respected automotive safety agencies are the result of the company's commitment to engineering excellence as witnessed by Mitsubishi's patented Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) safety automotive body construction system that helps to minimize injury to its vehicle's occupants as well as its inclusion of advanced safety features and technologies as standard equipment on the Endeavor. These include an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors; front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and rollover-sensing side curtain air bags; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Active Stability Control (ASC) and Traction Control Logic (TCL); and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor LS & SE specifications, review, photos and imagery courtesy of Mitsubishi.

2011 Renault CAPTUR Concept

CAPTUR is the new concept car to demonstrate Renault’s new design strategy.

Photo: 2011 Renault CAPTUR Concept -

A sporty crossover with a flowing and athletic body language, it conjures up visions of two people exploring the world and previews a forthcoming road car.
Its Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo engine-concept combines driving fun, enjoyable performance and low CO2 emissions.

Photo: 2011 Renault CAPTUR Concept

At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault revealed its new brand identity which puts people at the forefront of its concerns. The new, ambition design strategy which resulted from this is founded on different stages of the human life cycle, with each phase taking the form of a specific concept car. The first, the two-seater DeZir coupé, expressed ‘falling in love’, the passion present at the beginning of any new adventure. Now Renault CAPTUR addresses the second phase of this cycle, that of two people exploring the world around them.

2012 Ford Focus Electric

Ford Motor Company has unveiled its all-new 2012 Ford Focus Electric – the company’s first-ever all-electric passenger car.

2012 Ford Focus Electric -See more new 2012 Ford Focus Electric pictures in our 2012 Ford Focus Electric photo gallery

The zero-CO2-emissions, gasoline-free version of Ford’s popular small car is the flagship of the company’s growing fleet of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles coming to North America and Europe by 2013.

2012 Ford Focus Electric

“2012 Ford Focus Electric is the flagship of our new family of electrified vehicles, showcasing our commitment to offer consumers choice when it comes to fuel-efficient or fuel-free vehicles,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president for Global Product Development. “Its advanced powertrain will deliver significant energy efficiency advantages and zero CO2 emissions without compromising driving enjoyment. And its suite of smart driver information technologies will transform the way customers think about energy usage and their transportation needs.”

2012 Ford Focus Electric

The 2012 Ford Focus Electric will launch in late 2011 and is designed to offer enough range to cover the majority of daily driving habits of Americans. It will offer a mile-per-gallon equivalent better than Chevrolet Volt and competitive with other battery electric vehicles.

2012 Ford Focus Electric

A full recharge is expected to take three to four hours at home with the 240-volt charge station –half the charge time of the Nissan Leaf.

2012 Ford Focus Electric introduces new features and technologies – including a unique version of the MyFord Touch driver connect system especially for electric vehicles, a new value charging feature powered by Microsoft and a smartphone app called MyFord Mobile that helps plug-in owners control their vehicles remotely.

The sleek and stylish five-door hatchback leverages Ford’s global C-car platform shared by the gasoline and diesel-powered Focus models, which debuted at the 2010 North American International Auto Show and were launched at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Both Focus gasoline and electric variants to be sold in North America will be built at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., with production powered in part by one of the largest solar energy generator systems in the state.

For European markets, a decision on where the 2012 Ford Focus Electric will be built is currently being finalized.

2012 Ford Focus Electric

2012 Ford Focus Electric is one of five new electrified vehicles included in Ford’s electrification strategy. Initial deliveries of Transit Connect Electric began in North America at the end of last year and the vehicle will be launched in Europe later in 2011.

A real car
Not only is 2012 Ford Focus Electric designed to provide outstanding energy efficiency and reliable operation, it also delivers real driving enjoyment. The all-electric powertrain and single-speed transmission provide immediate responsiveness and smooth acceleration when the driver pushes down the accelerator, up to a top speed of 84 mph (136 kph).

Much of 2012 Ford Focus Electric’s steering, handling and braking feel is shared with the agile, sporty, fuel-powered Focus models upon which it’s based, making 2012 Ford Focus Electric a dynamic driver’s car. At the same time, the absence of a gasoline or diesel engine and outstanding aerodynamics lead to a remarkably quiet, comfortable in-car experience.

2012 Ford Focus Electric

“More than any other electric vehicle on the market, 2012 Ford Focus Electric loses none of the dynamics and quality of driving a traditional car,” said Sherif Marakby, director of Ford’s electrification programs and engineering. “It shares many of the same premium components and features as its gasoline-powered counterpart, while delivering distinct efficiencies and a uniquely exciting driving experience.”

2012 Ford Focus Electric offers a host of standard safety and security features including six airbags and electronic traction control, along with hands-free SYNC® telephone connectivity and MyKey® for North America. Extensive eco-friendly materials, such as bio-foam seat cushions and recycled fabrics also are featured in the vehicle.

Other standard features on 2012 Ford Focus Electric for North American customers include a unique execution of MyFord Touch driver connect technology, 15-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels, a 60/40 split rear bench seat, push button start, AM/FM/CD/MP3 Sony® Audio with nine speakers, Sirius® Satellite Radio with Travel Link, HD Radio™ and voice-activated Navigation System.

Plug and play
Future owners of the 2012 Ford Focus Electric will likely recharge the car’s advanced, Ford-engineered lithium-ion battery pack at home on a daily basis, using the recommended 240-volt wall-mounted charge station that will be sold separately or the 120-volt convenience cord that comes with the vehicle.

When plugged in, the 2012 Ford Focus Electric onboard charger converts AC power from the electric grid to DC power to charge the liquid-cooled/heated battery pack.

“We’re very excited about the potential of 2012 Ford Focus Electric in the marketplace. With so many of us accustomed to recharging mobile electronics on a daily basis, we’re confident our customers will take to the vehicle recharging process just as easily, because that’s exactly what it is – easy,” said Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Global Electrification. “Not only have we made the practice of plugging in simple and straightforward, we’re working with leading technology companies and the utility industry to make the EV experience empowering and engaging.”

2012 Ford Focus Electric

An empowering experience
2012 Ford Focus Electric owners will be provided with a suite of driver information systems – on-board and off-board – designed to help them manage the recharge process, manage the most eco-friendly route on-board, monitor battery state of charge and maximize energy efficiency to optimize their driving range. This carefully engineered set of tools is designed to give 2012 Ford Focus Electric the edge over competitive products, providing new electric vehicle owners the information they need to enjoy all the freedom gas-free driving has to offer.

Among these tools is a unique execution of MyFord Touch driver connect technology. Thoughtfully developed for electric vehicle owners, it offers innovative presentation of vehicle information, such as battery state of charge, distance to charge point, the corresponding range budget and expected range margin. The system’s MyView feature allows drivers to access even more vehicle data including the electrical demands of vehicle accessories such as air conditioning, which can impact driving range.

Just as the growing leafy vine of first-generation SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide represents fuel efficiency in the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the cluster display in 2012 Ford Focus Electric uses blue butterflies to represent the surplus range beyond one’s charge point destination – the more butterflies there are, the greater the range.

Ford designers were inspired by the phenomenon known as “the butterfly effect,” in which a small change, like choosing to drive an electric vehicle, can have an enormous impact. To reinforce the message, at the end of each trip a display screen provides distance driven, miles gained through regenerative braking, energy consumed and a comparative gasoline savings achieved by driving electric.

The cluster is also integrated with the MyFord Touch map-based Navigation System using the vehicle’s center stack 8-inch touch screen. After adding their driving destinations, including their next charge point, into the vehicle’s Navigation System, the vehicle will coach drivers on how to achieve the desired range – or if travel plans need to be adjusted. The on-board Navigation System provides an EcoRoute option based on characteristics of efficient EV driving.

2012 Ford Focus Electric

Remote control
Off-board, 2012 Ford Focus Electric owners in North America will be able to maintain constant contact with the car anywhere they have mobile phone access using the Ford-developed MyFord Mobile app.

MyFord Mobile is an app that enables access via a smartphone or web-based interface to:

Receive instant vehicle status information
Perform key functions remotely
Monitor the car’s state of charge and current range
Get alerts when it requires charging or has finished charging
Remotely program charge settings and download vehicle data for analysis
The feature also allows the owner to program the vehicle to use electricity from the grid to heat or cool the battery and cabin while plugged in – called preconditioning. For example, during hot summer months, owners can preprogram the car the evening before to be fully charged – and fully cooled to a particular temperature – by a certain time the following morning. Users can also locate the vehicle with GPS, remotely start the vehicle and remotely lock and unlock the car doors.

Working with MapQuest®, MyFord Mobile can communicate charge station and other points of interest to 2012 Ford Focus Electric using SYNC’s Traffic, Directions and Information (TDI). Turn-by-turn guidance is provided by the in-car map-based Navigation System. Drivers can also get up-to-date charging station information in their vehicle directly through SYNC TDI simply by connecting to SYNC Services.

2012 Ford Focus Electric

Value charging
The new 2012 Ford Focus Electric offers a unique value charging feature, powered by Microsoft, to help owners in the U.S. charge their vehicles at the cheapest utility rates, lowering the cost of ownership.

“Value charging allows our customers to reduce their electricity costs by taking advantage of off-peak or other reduced rates from their utility without a complicated set-up process,” said Ed Pleet, manager, Ford Connected Services Organization. “This is a ‘set it and forget it’ approach for the customer to reduce energy cost.”

The tool is designed to help customers avoid unnecessary expense by providing an optimized charge. In the future, these smart charging habits will help utility companies understand and better manage the demands placed upon the electric grid because of electrified vehicles.

Getting charged up
2012 Ford Focus Electric owners are likely to handle one of the vehicle’s charge cord connectors two or more times each day. That’s why Ford worked with supplier Yazaki to provide an industry-standard five-point plug that is ergonomically comfortable to hold as well as durably and distinctively designed.

The plug handle uses a matte-finished black rubber that allows for a comfortable, non-slip grip. The plug head is shielded with a protective glossy white plastic.

When the cord set connector is plugged into the vehicle’s charge port, which is conveniently located between the driver’s door and front wheel well, it activates a light ring that loops around the port twice in acknowledgement of connectivity. The light ring then illuminates in quadrants as the vehicle charges. Flashing quadrants represent charge in progress and solid-lit quadrants show stages of charge completion. In the unlikely event of a fault, the entire ring will flash. When the entire ring is solidly lit, the vehicle is fully charged.

Batteries included
2012 Ford Focus Electric will be powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery system engineered by Ford in cooperation with supplier LG Chem. The battery system utilizes heated and cooled liquid to help maximize battery life and fuel-free driving range.

Thermal management of lithium-ion battery systems is critical to the success of pure electric vehicles. 2012 Ford Focus Electric uses an advanced active liquid cooling and heating system to precondition and regulate the temperature in its larger, more complex lithium-ion battery system.

The active liquid system heats or chills a coolant before pumping it through the battery cooling system. This loop regulates temperature throughout the system against external conditions. On hot days, chilled liquid absorbs heat from the batteries, dispersing it through a radiator before pumping it through the chiller again. On cold days, heated liquid warms the batteries, gradually bringing the system’s temperature to a level that allows it to efficiently accept charge energy and provide enough discharge power for expected vehicle performance.

2012 Ford Focus Electric

“2012 Ford Focus Electric is the culmination of years of research and development,” said Kuzak. “More importantly, it’s the start of an exciting new era for Ford and our customers.”