First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Better than Prius?

Ford has redesigned and re-engineered the midsize Fusion for 2010. Now it included its second-generation gas-electric hybrid technology into the model mix. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is now officially America's most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan. Fusion Hybrid is certified at 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.  



Trim Choices

A volume player, the single Fusion Hybrid model is a fully equipped 4-door, 5-passenger sedan. Starting with the standard Fusion’s SEL trim means that nice features such as automatic dual-zone climate control and power seats are already in place. To these Ford has added a single 110-volt power point, 6-speaker sound and reverse sensing system as standard equipment. And in a fit of eco-marketing, the seat fabric is made from 100 percent post-industrial materials. A full suite of options is available, including voice-activated navigation with an 8-inch touch screen and satellite radio.
 

Under the Hood

An Atkinson cycle version of the newly developed 2.5-liter twin-cam, 4-valve-per-cylinder 4-cylinder gasoline engine is the Fusion Hybrid’s prime mover. It makes 156 horsepower and is coupled to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Electric power comes from a 106 horsepower AC motor, for a combined maximum output of 191 ponies and generous torque, all driven through the front tires.

A second starter/generator motor starts the gas engine and provides braking power, which is used to recharge the 275-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack.

Because the gasoline engine is often not running — the Fusion Hybrid can reach an impressive 47 mph on battery power alone — the power steering and air conditioning are electrically powered. Furthermore, the gasoline engine and all computer controls are optimized to keep hot water on hand for the heater and defroster.

Inner Space

There is a generous spase inside for the passengers. A new dash, improved seat structures and upgraded materials are found throughout. The Hybrid does fix the rear seat to accommodate the battery pack and controller, so there is no pass-through capability.


An innovative LCD instrument cluster packs a library of powertrain information clearly and intuitively. Multiple menus both inform and subtly teach the finer points of hybrid driving, including a growing vine display to graphically underscore the instant and trip fuel-economy digital readouts. It sounds corny, but is actually fun.

Ford will release new supercar 2010 - Ford Shelby GT500

Ford says its Special Vehicle Team (SVT) division carried over the gains made with the special edition Shelby GT500KR to the more widely produced Shelby model. The new GT500 also gains the GT500KR’s whopping 510 pound-feet of torque.

Compare with the old GT500, this new supercar model gets more aggressive styling, particularly in the nose. The horizontally mirrored trapezoidal shape of the grille in the upper and lower front fascia is meant to echo the oval shape of the Shelby Cobras of the '60s. The upper grille is tilted forward at a steeper angle than the GT and the grille surround is separated entirely from the hood. The hood of the GT500 still has a functional air extractor allowing some of the massive heat generated by the blown V8 to escape.

The engine for the new Shelby is still a twin cam 5.4L V8 with a supercharger. The updates bump output from from 500 hp at 6,000 rpm to 540 hp at 6,200 rpm. Twisting force also goes from 480 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm to 510 lb-ft at the same peak speed. The iron block from the F-150 was used with the top end of the GT engine, which pushed the car's weight up over 3,900 lbs.

The exterior of the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 draws design cues from the original design cues of the Shelby Cobras of the Sixties while making history of its own with the most aerodynamic body ever on a Mustang. Ford engineers worked to keep the flow of air through the engine compartment to the minimum necessary while also reducing the amount of air under the body. 

All new Web Edition car

My eyes are tired of car industry's "limited editions," "value editions," and "sport editions." But Chrysler has just announced a "Web edition." OK, now I'm awake and ready to receive information.

Obviously, this edition is targeted at the tech savvy and dare I say - geeks! So don't bother getting the off road edition or the luxury edition or even the sports edition. If you're a loyal reader of New Gadgets Guru - go and get the Web Edition!

Along with an in-car router from Autonet Mobile, the automaker is calling uConnect Web, buyers who opt for the $1,999 package also get a Sony PSP, an 8GB iPod Touch,a Dell's Mini 9 netbook, and a no-name digital camera with Eye-Fi wireless SD card. All these devices have Wi-Fi modules that can take advantage of the car's built-in router. One year of service is also included with the Web Edition package. 

Autonet CEO Sterling Pratz says, "We're emphasizing this as the next entertainment platform in cars" more than a communication and productivity platform, though you can do whatever you want with the system. Bits is bits. Trip-centric Web services like Fandango and OpenTable are naturals for a Web rig in the car.

Do you think this full-web-package car proposition is going to drive potential customers to buy 'Web Edition' cars? If I have to choose, I will go for 'Electric Powered Edition' instead.