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Ford Introduces 2008 Mariner Hybrid with Some Enhancements
6 October 2006
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| The 2008 Mariner Hybrid. |
Ford unveiled the new 2008 Mariner and Mariner Hybrid (earlier post) at the South Florida International Auto Show, which opened today in Miami Beach.
This marks the first major refresh of the Mariner model since its launch in 2005. The hybrid version benefis from the design and trim enhancements to the parent model as well.
In addition to the overall model changes, such as the use of a speed sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS) system that improves overall feel and is more efficient than conventional systems, there are several hybrid-specific changes as well.
Mariner Hybrid comes with a 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor. The gasoline engine produces 133 hp (99 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 124 lb-ft (168 Nm) of torque at 4,250 rpm. The electric motor produces 70 kw @ 5,000 rpm and 330V maximum voltage.
The net result is 155 hp (116 kW) for the system with 0-60 acceleration comparable to a 200hp V-6 engine and a boost in city-driving fuel economy of nearly 75% compared to the V-6 conventional Mariner. An electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is the only available transmission on the hybrid model.
For 2008, Mariner Hybrid engineers made revisions to software in the control system to improve transparency—the transition between gasoline and electric operation. The transition from all-electric to gasoline power to a combination of the two is now even more seamless and virtually imperceptible to the driver.
Also, the four-wheel-disc regenerative brakes have also been retuned to provide better feel. With the 2008 model year, Mariner Hybrid will be available for the first time with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Previously, the Mariner Hybrid was offered only as a all-wheel drive model.
Ford has not yet announced the fuel economy for the front-wheel drive version. Estimated fuel economy for the all-wheel drive is 32 mpg city (a 1 mpg decrease from the 33 mpg of the preceding model) and 29 mpg highway (the same as the earlier model).
The Mariner Hybrid recently was awarded the first Motorist’s Choice Award for compact SUVs by IntelliChoice.com and AutoPacific, and is the only hybrid vehicle to be included on their inaugural awards list.
October 6, 2006 in Hybrids | Permalink | Comments (32) | TrackBack (0)
Comments
Posted by: doug | October 27, 2006 at 06:08 PM
The electric/hybrid has to be built to American driving conditions and attitudes. A plug-in electric vehicle with more powerful batteries and capable of higher speeds (60 mph minimum before the gas burner kicks-in) is what American manufacturers need to introduce. There has to be a way to recharge quickly or even replace them at a fuel stop (pull-up, slide the old battery pack out, a new one in, pay the man and drive away with a 64 oz humongous gulp in hand).
At this point in time it makes no sense for anyone to buy an ordinary car when hybrid technology saves fuel (any little bit helps). We need to insist that ALL vehicles built and imported into the US are hybrid. We need to tell our reps in government to legislate this change. All vehicle types can be hybrids (some even all electric). We should tell Messrs. Ford, GM, DC and friends that we won't settle for, or buy anything less (maybe until) we have what we want and need to help make this country free from the influences of foreign oil.
Posted by: Russ | November 03, 2006 at 09:25 PM
Russ -
"There has to be a way to recharge quickly or even replace them at a fuel stop (pull-up, slide the old battery pack out, a new one in, pay the man and drive away with a 64 oz humongous gulp in hand)."
There is a way now, a couple of start-ups in the US have 'em including Altairnano. Check this excerpt out:
"Altairnano’s safe nano-Titanate battery packs allows the Phoenix vehicles to exceed all specifications for the State of California Type III ZEV. Altairnano offers two nano-Titanate battery pack configurations: a 35 KWh and a 70 KWh NanoSafe pack. The 35 KWh NanoSafe pack can be recharged in less than 10 minutes, with the appropriate battery charger and provides sufficient power and energy for a fleet vehicle to travel up to 130 miles. The 70 KWh NanoSafe pack can also be recharged in less than 10 minutes, with the appropriate battery charger and provides sufficient power and energy for a full sized SUV to travel up to 250 miles. Altairnano is on track to deliver ten 35 KWh NanoSafe battery packs in the fourth quarter to Phoenix Motorcars and is prepared to supply additional 35 KWh NanoSafe battery packs to support Phoenix upcoming SUT market introduction build in early 2007 and SUV 35 KWh and 70 KWh battery packs in the later part 2007."
Check out this URL for more info:
http://thefraserdomain.typepad.com/energy/2006/11/altairnano.html
and check out The Energy Blog at
http://thefraserdomain.typepad.com/energy/
for yet more info about Altairnano and EEstore among others.
You're very right, car companies need to be incorporating this technology into their hybrid and plug-in hybrid plans until we can transition to fully electric vehicles.
If the improvement to the electrical infrastructure existed (which would be a lot easier to do than the "hydrogen economy", then you could use the tech that Phoenix Motorcars is using now to run your SUV about 200 miles, stop at a recharging station (or a filling station that also has a "Recharger Pump"), plug in your SUV, go take a leak, go get a cup of coffee, come back out and your ready to go another 200 miles.
THAT'S what the US really needs, IMO.
Posted by: sumyung guy | November 20, 2006 at 10:51 AM
Hydrid+E85, the figures for the Mariner aren't bad.
The new CR-V is a very impressive little SUV, its pedestrian safety rating is fantastic too. But comparing it side by side with the Mariner isn't fair, it is over a second slower to 60, short of 15 HP compared, and it emits more particulates.
Posted by: Bill | December 11, 2006 at 01:46 AM
The new Altima and also the Ford Escape and Merc Mariner ( Escape Twin) all use Toyota technology . The electric motor starts and works below about 35 mph. Above that the gas motor kicks in . When we let off the gas or use the brakes, the electric motor acts as a charger for the battery pack. The only difference in the Prius, Escape, Mariner, and Altima is the company name and 4 cylinder motor.
I'm wondering when a small diesel will be the power source for a hybrid. It seems that a diesel should be much more economical than a gas engine. I would definitely buy a new diesel-elec hybrid if it were for sale.
Posted by: Cliff Ross | December 22, 2006 at 04:34 PM
Thats is not correct.. Ford designed and engineered their own hybrid system, it is not the same a Toyota. In addition, the ford system is actually considered better by many engineers
Posted by: Josh | January 31, 2007 at 12:53 PM
I was happy to watch it --
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P.S. With regard to the above '07 ford escape hybrid post, New Mexico's "regular", I'm quite sure has an 85 octane rating.