(continued)
Like the traditional Escape, it offers seating for up to five and includes the
same 60/40 split folding rear seat. Efficient packaging of the hybrid technology
(locating the battery pack at the rear load floor, for example) means that
interior versatility is preserved. Even with a full complement of five
passengers, cargo room behind the second row seat is still an ample 27.6 cubic
feet.
The maximum cargo space can be exp and ed to over 65 cubic feet, if desired. The
roof rack is capable of holding up to 100 pounds of cargo.
A unique gauge package features an economy indicator with “green zone” that
shows when the vehicle is operating on battery power. A separate gauge displays
levels of charge and assist for the battery pack. An optional navigation system
features an Audiophile stereo system, a unique energy flow diagram that displays
hybrid system operation and a fuel economy screen that displays instant and
average fuel economy.
Escape Hybrid also offers a 110-volt AC power outlet, perfect for a television,
radio, air pump, electric razor or even holiday lights at the campsite.
Powertrain and Chassis
The Escape’s hybrid powertrain system consists of a half-dozen key components
engineered to provide a seamless flow of power:
- A special 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine features Atkinson-cycle
combustion for improved efficiency and produces 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.
- A 70-kWatt (equivalent to 93 horsepower) electric traction motor provides
an added boost to the drive wheels when maximum acceleration is desired.
- A generator-motor recharges the batteries, starts the engine and helps
regulate how the two propulsion channels blend together in the transaxle.
- A special electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission (eCVT)
harnesses internal combustion and electric power sources to drive the front
wheels in a FWD Escape or all four wheels with the optional Intelligent 4WD
System.
- A 330-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack located and sealed at the
rear load floor stores electrical energy.
- An electronic vehicle system controller manages charging, drive assist and
engine-starting functions. This device shuts the engine down during coasting
and at stoplights to save fuel. It also converts the traction motor into a
generator during braking to help recharge the batteries.
The combined output of both the gas and electric motors is 155 horsepower,
and the powertrain provides 0-60 acceleration performance similar to the
conventional Escape with 200-horsepower V-6 engine.
The generator-motor provides power boosts during heavy load situations, helping
Escape Hybrid accelerate briskly to speed. In addition to fuel-free operation,
electric motors deliver maximum torque at low rpm, so they are an ideal
complement to gasoline engines that generate peak power at higher rpm.
The electric power-assisted steering system allowed Ford engineers to easily
tune the amount of steering assist independent of engine and vehicle speed,
giving the Escape Hybrid a very easy steering effort at parking-lot speeds,
while retaining Escape’s hallmark crisp steering feel while driving.
The optional Intelligent 4WD System, available on all Escape models, is fully
computer-controlled and provides maximum traction as driving conditions vary.
Its operation is so seamless that most drivers will never notice that it has
engaged.
Benefits for Driver and Environment
The front-wheel-drive Ford Escape Hybrid achieves 36 mpg on the EPA city cycle;
the conventional V-6-powered Ford Escape has a city fuel economy rating of 20
mpg.
It is an extremely clean vehicle to operate – an amazing 99.4 percent cleaner,
on average, than an unregulated vehicle. Escape Hybrid meets strict Super Ultra
Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV II) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions
Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards.
Major Features and Options
Escape Hybrid is offered in front-wheel-drive or with the Intelligent 4WD System
for confident traction in all conditions. This year, a new Premium Package
combines a monochromatic exterior in five exterior colors with Premium
leather-trimmed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and
side mirrors, Reverse Sensing System, navigation system and hybrid energy flow
display with Audiophile stereo, 110-volt power outlet, cargo area retractable
cover and floor mats.
Other available packages include:
- Appearance Package: Includes silver-painted
body-side cladding and wheel-lip moldings along with body-color door handles.
- Leather Comfort Group: Leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-trimmed
seats.
- Safety Package: Safety Canopy system with side air curtains, rollover
sensor and front side air bags.
Options include a 320-watt, satellite-capable Audiophile audio system with
six-disc in-dash CD changer, 110-volt AC outlet, moonroof, retractable cargo
cover and a hybrid energy display monitor that includes a navigation system.
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