Men’s Health, the world’s largest men’s magazine, has just completed its 2012 Electric Car Challenge, a cross-country adventure designed to help maximize the potential of electric vehicles (EV’s), create a healthier, more satisfying, and more exciting road trip experience, and raise money for an important cause. The cross-country course began in New York City and ended in Los Angeles.
The team left the New York International Auto Show on April 11th and stopped several times in each state to recharge the battery of its 2012 Ford Focus Electric, which recently earned a 110 mile-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) rating from the EPA for city driving. They have established the record for the fastest coast-to-coast drive in an electric car, creating a target for others to beat as battery technology improves and charging options expand.
In the process of developing its new Fusion Hybrid and other plug-in vehicles, Ford said it recorded 461 hybrid patents including those for the powertrain enabling the Fusion to achieve 47 mpg.
The 2013 Ford Fusion will give customers the power of choice with the widest-ever portfolio of fuel-efficient powertrains ever offer in the Fusion, including EcoBoost®, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines; automatic and manual transmission offerings; and auto start stop technology.
Not only will the 2013 Ford Fusion be available with an Auto Start-Stop System, but it will be priced at only $295, making it easier for more buyers to opt for the fuel-saving technology. The new Fusion will be the first non-hybrid midsize sedan available with Auto Start-Stop.
The Ford MyFord Touch® connectivity system is resonating with buyers, ranking as an important part of their vehicle purchase decision. In fact, 56 percent of drivers of 2011 and 2012 models said in owner surveys that MyFord Touch was important to their purchase decision. The popular and flexible system is receiving an upgrade, launching on 2013 Ford Taurus and Flex, as well as for current customers with eligible systems.
There’s a pretty crazy motorsports TV series you need to check out. P.S. By crazy, we mean, completely awesome!
From its bold mesh-detailed grille to its exclusive satin-chrome tailgate applique, the new 2013 Ford Super Duty Platinum clearly communicates your hardworking ethic and recognizes your platinum level of success. Inside, Crew Cab spaciousness combines with unique premium leather-trimmed seating to give this Built Ford Tough truck an unprecedented level of sophistication.
As we move closer to the production of the 2012 Ford Focus Electric, the good news keeps coming. Today, it was announced that the Ford Focus Electric will be America’s most fuel-efficient five-passenger vehicle, with an EPA-estimated 110 miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) in the city, 99 MPGe on the highway and a combined EPA-estimated 105 MPGe.
Reality check? More like virtual reality check! Did you know Ford has a state-of-the-art VIRtual Test Track EXperiment (VIRTTEX) simulator from which to check real-world driving scenarios and then develop and test out future safety and driver-aid technologies? The VIRTTEX name alone sounds pretty cool, but wait’ll you learn how Ford utilizes it.
The other day while waiting in line at the grocery store, we were flipping through an automotive magazine when the dude behind us randomly offered up, “You know what I think is going to be downright awesome? The new Ford Fusion.” We played it cool and asked why. The response was simply put: “sexy” and “that crazy fuel economy.”