Sorry for the break. Putyourhandsup4detroit took a trip to New York and started up school again so we won't be posting as often. Anyway, back to the Detroit Auto Show.
Ford pulled out all the stops for this year's Detroit Auto Show. In particular, Ford unveiled some impressive green vehicles in the pipeline. In addition to the Ford Fusion, Escape and Lincoln MKZ hybrids, Ford will soon sell the all-new C-Max, C-Max Hybrid, and C-Max Energi (aka plug-in hybrid). Ford also previewed an electric version of the Focus (also to be available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid). To top it off, there is the chic Ford Vertrek Concept, which will become the 2012 Escape. A closer look at Ford's new goodies:
2012 C-Max.
First off, we just have to put it out there that Ford could have chosen a better name. We're not sure what image "c-max" conjures for you, but Ford should have stuck with an "F" name. We would recommend an oldie but goodie like Falcon. Fairlane or Futura are also appropriate choices. Heck, as long as we are on the topic of dumb-Ford-names-and-vehicles-that-start-with-an-"F", we can't help but wonder if a "Ford Fourplay" has ever been tossed around.
Anyway, Ford describes the 2012 C-Max is a 5+2 seater. What Ford means is that it's jumping into the mini minivan segment--not to be confused with the "big boy" minivan market. The MPV/mini minivan market may be unfamiliar since the Mazda 5 is only current entry. Mazda moves about 15-20K units a year. So what is the big hoopla? Well first, the segment is quite popular in Europe, where the C-Max is already on sale, and Ford's development cash spent. And second, many analysts predict that as gas prices rise, Americans will warm up to the C-Max's favorable fuel economy and high level of functionality/utility. Interestingly, the C-Max is actually about the size of the original Chrysler Town & Country.
The C-Max will come equipped with two engines, a 2.5 liter 168 hp, 167 pound-feet of torque base engine and the all new, 1.6 "Ecoboost" 168 hp, 173 lb-ft. Ecoboost is Ford talk for turbo FYI. The goal is 30 mpg on the highway, which we think Ford will out do. On a high note, with premium fuel the Ecoboost puts down 180 hp. For 12 extra horses, premium gas might be the best couple bucks ever spent. With a brand new 6-speed transmission, and base price around 20K, the 2012 C-Max may just be a winner. We are particularly pleased with how well the interior has turned out.
2012 C-Max Hybrid/Energi
Along with the production C-Max, Ford unveiled the C-Max Hybrid and Energi Concepts. So on a side note, you need to know that the European C-Max comes as a five-seater vehicle and long wheelbase 5+2 seater. The later is dubbed the Grand C-Max. Ford will only sell the 5+2 Grand C-Max in the U.S. We assume that either Ford decided American's don't go for anything too small or 5+2 seating is clever marketing. We see the only practical application of the "+2" seats as punishment for disobedient children. Trust us, they will not be a fun place to be on road trips. However, the U.S. spec Hybrid and Energi C-Maxes are based on the short wheelbase, five-seater C-max. Are you confused? We are. Our best guess is that the shorter, lighter version gets better mpg and therefore a better candidate to be hybridized.
But back to the C-Max Hybrid. The hybrid system is the same system employed on the Fusion. Ford is promising better mpg (if you recall, the Fusion hybrid puts up 41 mpg city, 37 highway).
As for the Energi, this will be Ford's first plug-in hybrid model, not dissimilar to the Prius PHV and Chevy Volt. Ford is staying mum on specifics, but it will fully recharge overnight on a regular 120-volt outlet, which is faster than the Volt and Nissan Leaf, ya know, in case you are keeping score.
2013 Focus Electric
Not content with just hybrids, Ford is really embracing its green side and previewed the Focus Electric. The electric Focus will be available only in the handsome 5-door variation. Ford promises a 100 mile range, half the charging time as the Leaf (with a 240-volt outlet), and twice the fuel economy as the Volt. You can even order a 240-volt charger from Best Buy for $1,499, which includes a 240-volt outlet installation courtesy of the Geek Squad. While it sounds like a tall order, expect Ford to pull this off with a sticker around 35-40K pre-government rebate. Did we mention that this will be one of the most attractive electric vehicles on the market?
Ford Vertrek Concept.
The debate is over. In case you missed that debate, for the past several months auto enthusiasts and car-junkie nerds with too much time were blowing up the forums on how the new Ford Escape will look. Everybody knew that the 2012 Escape would be a crossover, and that the U.S. Escape and European Kuga crossover would converge to become one model. The debate centered on whether the 2012 Escape/Kuga would look more SUV (Escape) or crossover (Kuga). Well, with the Vertrek Concent, we know that the crossover look won. And may we add that the Vertrek Concept is total crossover porn. Part of us is a little let down. The idea of a baby Explorer (supported by some awesome sketches) seemed clever. However, in the end, we think that the adaption of this sleek and muscular design will do Ford well. The crossover shape also is five percent more efficient than the boxier SUV design. Go figure.
The 2012 Escape will go on sale hopefully by the end of the year with the 1.6 Ecoboost as standard as well as an optional 2.0 Ecoboost. For now enjoy the photos and tell us, would you have rather seen a more SUV like Escape? Note: the last photo is a sketch of what the Escape could have looked like.
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