A new variant of the latest Focus with the ECOnetic moniker and a segment leading fuel efficiency will soon be added to Ford’s European lineup. According to the company, the diesel-powered Focus ECONetic is expected to use less than 3.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (equal to 80 mpg UK or 67.2 mpg US) and return ultra-low CO2 emissions of less than 95g/km when final certification is completed later this year.
Available as a five-door hatchback or wagon, the Ford Focus ECOnetic is powered by an all-new version of the 1.6-liter Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, which delivers 105 horsepower and has a new injection system, turbocharger, enhanced charge cooling and further friction reduction measures.
Apart from the optimized engine, the car is fitted with Ford's Auto-Start-Stop system, Smart Regenerative Charging, Eco Mode and Shift Indicator Light. The Focus ECOnetic also features a unique aerodynamic package with an Active Grille Shutter, ultra-low rolling resistance tires and a revised final drive ratio.
The diesel engine is mated to a six-speed Durashift manual transmission optimized to eliminate frictional losses and operating with a special low friction transmission oil. Fuel economy is further improved by the revised final drive ratio, which reduces engine speed when cruising in top gear.
Aerodynamic upgrades focus on improving the airflow beneath the car but also at the front, where the Active Grille Shutter uses vents to control airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment. When no airflow is needed, the vents are shut, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag. When fully closed, the reduction in drag translates into 2 percent lower CO2 emissions.
Another interesting detail is that the car uses steel wheels combined with special low-drag ECOnetic wheel covers, which are more streamlined than a conventional alloy wheel design, at least according to Ford.
The new Ford Focus ECOnetic will be produced at the Saarlouis plant in Germany for the European market and will be introduced in early 2012. The car will receive its world premiere at the Amsterdam Motor Show next week.
By Dan Mihalascu
7 Comments:
why not in the U.S. does Ford think that American don't need this? may be Ford pisses us off, no wonder, the sameday Carscoop posts this, F's stock drops. screw you Ford, Found On Road Dead, that's what you are.
Active grill shutters have another benefit besides reducing drag, they (along with the thermostat) help the engine reach optimum temperature (when it's far more efficient) more quickly.
I love the hubcaps, they also reduce drag!
How many would they sell in the USA?
Americans don't give a shit about the environment, and will not give up gas gusseling barges.
Plus the only people with money (thanks to the Republicans) are the wealthy that get all the tax breaks and they don't buy entry level cars.
When the US gets more sophisticated and stops trying to outdo each other the stigma of buying an economy model will disappear.
Hey pal, i thought we live in a free contry, we can drive whatever we want, just like in europe they like to drive girly cars.....
I am a big MAN and I like my cars big, with a V8 to haul some ass!!!!!! We earned our right to drive what we want so piss off!
Not in the US, of course... another Ford FAIL.
And as a matter of FACT, the US led the entire world in the initial development and implementation of emission standards. To this day, some portions of our standards are the strictest in the world, such as those for small diesels, unfortunately. In addition, our tax structure makes diesel fuel MORE expensive than gasoline, and provides tax breaks for hybrids and plug-in electrics.
Ergo, small diesels are a tough sell here.
That said, it would be nice to have the option....
"We earned our right to drive what we want so piss off!"
A yank with a sense of entitlement; so out of step with reality.
The 'golden era' is gone.
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