Ford Escape Hybred

Ford announces Chevy Volt competitor, C-Max Energi

The cars are scheduled to go into production in Michigan next year. Gasoline and diesel-powered versions of the C-Max are already on sale in Europe but aren't planned for the U.S.

Including these vehicles, Ford said it will triple production of "electrified" vehicles in the U.S. by 2013. Electrified vehicles include purely electric plug-in cars like the upcoming Ford Focus Electric and hybrid cars like the Fusion Hybrid sedan.

The C-Max Energi will operate somewhat differently from GM's Volt.

The Volt drives about 35 miles on plug-in power before shifting to electricity generated the car's gasoline engine for driving up to a total of about 379 miles, according to EPA estimates.

Instead of just pure-gas or pure-electric driving modes, the C-Max Energi will have an intermediary "blended" phase between battery-only driving and gasoline-only driving. During that time, both energy sources will be used. Even in the early plug-in phase of driving, the gasoline engine will be used to provide power during high-demand tasks such as accelerating or driving up steep hills.

The plug-in C-Max will have an estimated 500 mile total driving range, considerably longer than the Volt's, Ford's chief hybrid engineer Sherif Marakby said during a Webcast presentation.

Ford would not say how long the range would be in any of the three modes available. The automaker also did not announce pricing for the cars.

GM spokesman Rob Peterson defended the Volt system despite its lower total range. The Volt's pure electric driving range is still farther than most Americans drive on a typical day, he said, giving them the option to drive on electricity alone for weeks by charging the vehicle nightly, he said. Most Volt drivers go 1,000 miles between fill-ups, he said.

Ford will add at least 220 jobs in Michigan as it gears up to produce the cars, the automaker said, including 170 manufacturing jobs.

Battery packs for both versions of the C-Max are being designed by Ford engineers and will be built by Ford rather than being outsourced, the it said.

Electric drive transmissions for the cars, which are built in Japan for Ford's current hybrid models, will also be built by Ford in the U.S..

Ford currently has several non-plug-in hybrid vehicles on the market -- the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid sedans and the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV -- and a plug-in commercial van, the Ford Transit Connect Electric. A plug-in compact car, the Ford Focus Electric, is expected to go on sale later this year.

2011 Ford Escape Hybrid | Welcome to Showroom Car

2011 Ford Escape Hybrid – Front

2011 Ford Escape Hybrid – rear

2011 Ford Escape Hybrid – angle Front

2011 Ford Escape Hybrid – side

2011 Ford Escape Hybrid – Interior

The SÚV compact Ford Escape has made fans of families throughout the country with a multitude of features which makes a willing companion for road travel and the daily grind alike. Now, fresh liquidating its second best sale ever, the escape of 2011 brings a wide range of upgrades available as HD Radio technology, offering free access to broadcasts of digital radio across the country and the exclusive Ford SYNC ® with traffic, Directions & Information – helps to reduce distractions while accessing the route and standards important and traffic information.

Music lovers will enjoy the addition of HD Radio technology which allows more listening options and digital sound quality. No additional equipment or cost is involved: to use HD Radio, listeners simply connect their favorite station. If the station broadcasting with HD Radio technology, the system captures the signal automatically and will be the transition to digital once decoded audio.

SYNC with traffic, Directions & Information operates industry-leading voice recognition software, integrated GPS and Bluetooth ® – technology mobile phone a customer. New synchronization applications provide a simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, accurate turn by turn driving directions and information, including weather, news, sports and business lists.

Escape Hybrid for 2011 is expected to continue its claim that America more energy efficient and ecological SÚV, based on the 2010 EPA estimates.

Hybrid models use a 2.5 litre 4 designed to run on the Atkinson combustion cycle. Advanced engine processor allows almost invisible transitions between gas and electric vehicle mode, and hybrid models also include a group powertrain system to reduce vibration and feedback for the driver and other occupants of the vehicle of depreciation.

The Escape Hybrid Limited is conditioned for the environmentally conscious buyers who still want a full complement of equipment and accessories. With its gas counterpart, 16-inch wheels bright machined aluminum characteristic Escape Hybrid Limited and accents chrome exterior, a standard 6-speaker audio system, chromium and ebony key domestic and a packet of luxury and convenience which includes ambient lighting, heated leather front seating surfaces, power, system for inverse remote sensing, rearview camera and universal garage door opens.

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