Filed under: Hybrid, Ford, Detroit Auto Show
Does it look greener to you? The 2008 Ford Escape hybrid
Mazda's not the only one with a hybrid SUV at the Detroit Auto Show this week. Ford has brought along their 2008 Escape SUV, which is available with three powertrains: the standard 2.3-liter I-4, or an optional 3.0-liter V-6 and, thankfully, a full hybrid gas-electric version (Sanyo makes the batteries for the Escape hybrids). To eliminate complaints about the transition between all-electric and gasoline power, Ford engineers updated the control system software and it should now be "seamless and virtually imperceptible to the driver."
Ford also says the new Escape was designed to be quieter and an easier ride than previous models. Big surprise. Where's the press release that says the engineers decided against upgrading something like a vehicle's comfort? "Nah, we'll just leave all that alone. People bought the last one, they'll buy this one."
Anyway. We know that Hybrids Plus, Inc. is making plug-in variants of current escape models. Image if Ford had announced a PHEV concept of the Escape this week. Instead, they're going to let GM bask alone in the eco-glory for a while.
Click on the image above or the thumbnails below to see a high-resolution (1,280 pixel wide) images of the 2008 Escape. As always, AutoblogGreen gallery images are downloadable for your personal use.
Related:
- U.S. automakers and Johnson Controls to jointly produce hybrid vehicle batteries
- Hybrids Plus, Inc. to build PHEV Escape for New York State
[Source: Ford]
2008 FORD ESCAPE COMBINES BOLD LOOKS WITH A QUIET RIDE AND TOUGH SUV CAPABILITY
DETROIT, Mich., Jan 7, 2007 – The new Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid have a new look inside and out for 2008. An important part of Ford's commitment to deliver the new products that people want, the new vehicles are scheduled to be in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2007.
Customers are currently trending toward smaller SUVs and crossovers, making the 2008 Escape the right vehicle at the right time. It blends crossover construction with traditional SUV styling and capability. The result is an enticing small SUV and an excellent value.
In the years following its 2001 introduction, Escape has been a great market success. More than one million have been sold – a record for small SUVs or crossovers.
In upgrading Escape, Ford engineers focused on specific customer wants and needs. The interior, for example, has been redesigned with more upscale appointments, innovative storage options and improved comfort. Must-have convenience features including a touch screen navigation system, SIRIUS® satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack are now available.
Engineers made a host of changes to make the interior quiet and more refined. Compared with the previous model, the 2008 Escape is 15 percent quieter on the highway.
Meanwhile, the exterior's reshaping gives it a tougher stance, with a raised beltline and modern profile with just the right proportion of sheet metal to glass. The overall appearance, from grille to tail, has been honed to bring Escape in line with other members of the Ford Tough Truck family, such as Expedition and Explorer.
Under its skin, the new Escape has one of the most advanced safety packages in the segment. Escape comes standard with Safety CanopyTM side air curtains and side-impact air bags in the front seats to protect the torso of the driver and passenger. Non-hybrid models come standard with AdvanceTrac® with RSC®, Ford's exclusive Roll Stability Control.
Three powertrains are available – a standard 2.3-liter I-4, an optional 3.0-liter V-6 and a full hybrid electric version. For 2008, Escape Hybrid engineers updated the software in the control system to improve the transition between gasoline and electric operation. The transition from all-electric to gasoline power to a combination of the two is now even more seamless and virtually imperceptible to the driver.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 300,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chris Kelly 4:48PM (1/08/2007)
Are you *sure* that's the '08 Escape?
it looks more like the '07. It doesn't have the new Ford "Dave" look.
The '08 (with an apparently redesigned interior) can be found here (warning - flash alert):
http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/2008escapehybrid/
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Sebastian 6:58PM (1/08/2007)
these are the photos released by Ford with the press release. It's been a busy day, and I just added them to the site. thanks for noticing. we'll get the new ones up ASAP.
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doug 7:09PM (1/08/2007)
God love the poor fools over at Ford. They can't even get the right year trucklet to you guys. It'd be funny if it weren't so serious. Well before you call me an American car basher, I own a '07 Escape Hybrid, and this week I ordered an '08 Mariner Hybrid. Doing that doesn't mean I feel sorry for them, I really like their cute/ute hybrids, and the '07 has been all that they purport it to be. It's been bulletproof so far and the mileage is terrific.
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Devin Lussier 8:47PM (1/08/2007)
It doesn't look greener to me, but that's probably because you're running photos of the old Escape. Here's what the new one looks like: http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/29/la-auto-show-ford-debuts-new-escape-hybrid/
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Scott 6:29AM (1/09/2007)
Sure GM released a plug-in hybrid *concept*, but Ford's been selling the Escape Hybrid for years now. Call me when you can actually BUY a plug-in hybrid from GM, then maybe it'll be worth reporting.
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why 8:36PM (1/09/2007)
Why is it that the hybrid does not have stability/roll/traction control but the other engines do?
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AJ 9:48PM (4/30/2007)
I just bought my wife one. She loves it. I will never buy another non hybrid again. For the money it is with out the best for the money on the road. We paid 24988.00 loaded out with every thing. Love this auto.
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