(continued)
Consistent with customer desire to make a statement in a tasteful manner,
Mariner Hybrid has only a few distinctive exterior touches: an air vent built
into the driver's side rear-quarter window to help manage the temperature of the
hybrid powertrain's battery pack and discreet road-and-leaf "HYBRID" badges
mounted on the liftgate, front doors and acoustic engine cover, and unique
16-inch, five-spoke wheels.
A key engineering goal for the interior was to impose no sacrifices in style,
passenger comfort and cargo-hauling capacity even with the hybrid technology.
Mariner Hybrid's upscale interior ambiance is established by two-toned seats and
door trim panels, accented with bright-ringed speaker grilles and chrome door
handles. Satin-aluminum and chrome finishes harmonize with Sappele wood grain
finishes on the center console and stack.
The instrument cluster features a multifunction message center, which reports
trip statistics, mileage information and remaining oil life. A battery indicator
dial is provided to inform the driver which way electrical current is flowing –
to the battery during regenerative braking or from the battery to the electric
motor when engaged to assist Mariner Hybrid's gasoline engine.
The available Hybrid Energy Audio & Navigation System features a four-inch
screen that displays the energy flowing from the gasoline engine, the electric
motors, the battery pack and the wheels. The graphics include idle state,
electric drive, gas-engine drive, hybrid drive and regenerative braking.
The Premium Package also includes leather seating surfaces, heated front seat
and side mirrors, a reverse sensing system, and safety package (side curtain air
bags with rollover sensors and front side air bags.)
Full-hybrid Gasoline and Electric
Powertrain
The Mercury Mariner Hybrid powertrain blends the best features of a gasoline
engine and an electric motor to achieve nearly 50 percent higher driving
efficiency and lower emissions with no loss of the conventional Mariner's
functionality or performance. This remarkable feat is accomplished by six
powertrain components that work in perfect unison. Ford Motor Company has
received more than 40 patents, and has another 70 patents pending, on these
technologies shared with the Ford Escape Hybrid.
Ford Motor Company has received more than 40 patents on technology developed for
the hybrid powertrain program.
The core powertrain components are a 2.3-liter DOHC Duratec four-cylinder engine
with an Atkinson operating cycle, two AC electric motors that provide both motor
and generator functions, an electronically controlled continuously variable
transmission (CVT), and 250 D-size nickel-metal hydride batteries in a compact,
rear-mounted, sealed package.
Configured as a full hybrid, this powertrain is able to propel the Mariner to 25
miles per hour (mph) solely with clean electric power. When its 133 horsepower
isn't required – during coasting, at stoplights, or crawling at low speeds
through traffic – the gasoline engine automatically shuts down to conserve fuel
and curb emissions.
Both the gasoline engine and the AC traction motor team up when needed for
passing acceleration, climbing steep grades, or towing a 1,000-pound trailer.
With a combined output equivalent to 155 horsepower and the continuously
variable transmission's immediate ratio-changing capability, passing
acceleration is comparable to the conventional Mariner powered by a 3.0-liter
Duratec V-6.
Mariner Hybrid delivers impressive fuel economy, with estimated ratings of 33
mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Unlike conventional vehicles, Mariner
Hybrid gets greater fuel economy in the city, where its electric motor can
propel the vehicle up to 25 mph without assistance from the gasoline engine. In
addition, Mariner Hybrid takes advantage of frequent stops for regenerative
braking. The stop and go of the urban commute is where Mariner Hybrid shines.
Certified to California emissions standards, Mariner Hybrid is expected to meet
the rigorous Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV)
emissions standard in California, and other states that have adopted
California's emissions standards.
The planetary CVT integrates and manages the power delivered from the gasoline
engine and electric motor.
Mariner Hybrid's Intelligent four-wheel-drive system monitors throttle position
and individual wheel speeds to supplement front-wheel drive with four-wheel
drive before slippage and loss of mobility occurs.
The Chassis
Mariner Hybrid's chassis is optimized for space and weight efficiency, essential
for delivering a fun-to-drive character.
The solid foundation is accompanied by a fully independent suspension. The
MacPherson strut front suspension features shock absorbers, coil springs,
L-shaped arms and a stabilizer bar. The independent multi-link system uses a
trailing arm and two lateral links to locate each wheel, and coil-over shocks.
Engineers placed the additional hybrid powertrain components low and to the
rear, to lower the center of gravity and improve the conventional Mariner's
front-rear weight distribution.
Mariner Hybrid features MacPherson-strut type front suspension and independent
rear suspension.
The rack-and-pinion steering is electrically assisted, rather than using the
traditional hydraulic steering pump for consistent steering efforts and control
whether the gasoline engine is stopped or running. Regenerative braking uses the
traction motor to assist the four-wheel disc brakes in slowing Mariner Hybrid
while simultaneously generating electricity for charging the battery.
The result is a confident, fun-to-drive vehicle, defined by its smooth,
controlled ride, nimble response to steering commands and inspiring brakes.
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