I wish Ford would... - GreenHybrid

spud · #1 (**permalink**) 12-02-2006, 08:43 PM

I would love to have a the FEH drivetrain (on topic!) in a 3 or 5 door hatchback Focus. The Prius is @#$% ugly IMHO and doesn't have IRS which I think is no brainer. And the 4WD would be a great option!!

That zippy hybrid system in a 2,700lbs car, woaha! Would that get great mileage or what?

Take Care
Steve
Oregon

Pravus Prime · #2 (**permalink**) 12-02-2006, 10:05 PM

Why on Earth use that ugly old chasis of the Focus? If we're going to innovate, use the European S-Max, the car of the year in Europe, that's an updated sportier version of the Focus. (For the story: http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2733 Official S-max Flash site: http://www.fordeumicrosites.com/sav0...version=launch )

Don't get me wrong, my mother has an '02 Focus, which she loves, but still, if we're going to move forward, let's really move forward; why just make minor adjustments to an aging design, when we've got a fresh design that can really make a splash in the market? Something that could compete with the Prius and the HCH on a real level, and appeal to just about everyone?

spud · #3 (**permalink**) 12-02-2006, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pravus Prime

Why on Earth use that ugly old chasis of the Focus? If we're going to innovate, use the European S-Max, the car of the year in Europe, that's an updated sportier version of the Focus. (For the story: http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2733 Official S-max Flash site: http://www.fordeumicrosites.com/sav0...version=launch )

Don't get me wrong, my mother has an '02 Focus, which she loves, but still, if we're going to move forward, let's really move forward; why just make minor adjustments to an aging design, when we've got a fresh design that can really make a splash in the market? Something that could compete with the Prius and the HCH on a real level, and appeal to just about everyone?

Allright I suppose that'll work. Looks like a Focus/minivan on steriods to me.

Actually I've enjoyed the recent round/sexy lines in auto design. I suppose they are bound to leave for a while so folks think cars look 'new'. Squared off corners remind me of the dark days of US autos from the late '70's. Remember the Granada?

I wouldn't exactly call slipping the hybrid system and maybe 4wd in the Focus a minor adjustment. You would?

Take Care,
Steve
Oregon

wwest · #4 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006, 08:32 AM

Or how about a Prius drivetrain transplant into a Porsche Cayman S ??

Add another MG to run a SuperCharger......

twuelfing · #5 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006, 10:37 AM

if the prius is ugly to you, why not look at a Honda? it gets basically the same MPG and is a Honda, so you know its going to last longer and hold its value better.

Pravus Prime · #6 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spud

I wouldn't exactly call slipping the hybrid system and maybe 4wd in the Focus a minor adjustment. You would?

Compared to the fact that the S-Max is the new Focus? Yes, I would call that a minor adjustment. The Focus chasis was supposed to have been phased out by now and replaced with the new design that the S-max uses. Mazda is using it, Ford Europe is using it, but for some reason the USA is still using the aging Focus design, at first citing financial problems at changing the tooling in the US plants, but when Ford EU made the change, they stopped using that excuse, and just hoped people would stop asking.

Furthermore, the S-max has AWD, and a lower luggage compartment that the FEH uses to house the HV batttery, making it a natural choice as well. Instead of reworking a dated chasis like GM with their VUE, to use a modern choice that's practically begging for it is a much better choice any way you look at it.

This is almost undoubtedly one of the reasons Ford is falling even further behind.

spud · #7 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pravus Prime

Compared to the fact that the S-Max is the new Focus? Yes, I would call that a minor adjustment. The Focus chasis was supposed to have been phased out by now and replaced with the new design that the S-max uses. Mazda is using it, Ford Europe is using it, but for some reason the USA is still using the aging Focus design, at first citing financial problems at changing the tooling in the US plants, but when Ford EU made the change, they stopped using that excuse, and just hoped people would stop asking.

Furthermore, the S-max has AWD, and a lower luggage compartment that the FEH uses to house the HV batttery, making it a natural choice as well. Instead of reworking a dated chasis like GM with their VUE, to use a modern choice that's practically begging for it is a much better choice any way you look at it.

This is almost undoubtedly one of the reasons Ford is falling even further behind.

Pravus Prime:

There ya go. Honda then, eh.

Take Care,
Steve
Oregon

WaltPA · #8 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 07:24 AM

Actually, I would like to see a Mustang Hybrid. One with, say, a 150 HP ICE and a 200 HP electric. Normally cruising you would get the efficiency of the 150 HP ICE. However, when you need power, the very torque-y 200 HP electric would kick in too. The HV batteries would only need to hold enough charge for a 1/4 mile run.

I would also like to see a 4WD FEH/MMH where the rear wheels had their own, separate, traction electric motor. This way, there is no drive train running from the front to the rear, but instead, the system would simply provide electric power to the rear traction motor when needed.