U.S. “big 3″ 2004 technology highlights - Big 3 Technology - Chrysler Group - Ford Motor Co - General Motors Corp
Ford
A new group of Ford engineers is working on advanced diesel engines and emissions controls in hopes of offering a U.S. diesel Focus despite extremely tough future emissions requirements. And Ford techies are rightly proud of their PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) Focus, powered by a lively 145-hp variation of the Global 1-4, which was introduced this spring in California, New York and Massachusetts.
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Ford’s fuel ceil car is “hybridized” with the addition of a 300V Sanyo battery pack (made up of 180 individual D-size NiMH cells) and brake-by-wire electrohydraulic regenerative braking. Both features–also found on the soon-to-come production Escape Hybrid–improve the FEV’s performance and range, which is a respectable 160-200 miles from its 5,000-psi (up from the previous 3,600-psi) hydrogen storage tank. The hydrogen ICE is seen as a potential “bridging” technology using conventional components to stimulate hydrogen infrastructure development.
Ford provided a technology tour and experimental vehicle drive opportunities as part of its ‘04 media preview. Among the latter were Ford’s third-generation Focus fuel cell electric vehicle (FEV) and a Focus wagon that Ford claims is the industry’s first driveable hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine (ICE) hybrid vehicle. Both drove reasonably well but were not quite ready for “prime time” production.
Interestingly, included among the drive vehicles was a PT Cruiser powered by a strong and civilized 119-hp Euro-spec Mercedes 4-cylinder diesel with a 5-speed manual transaxle, reportedly capable of 35-plus mpg. A future U.S. diesel option?
Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Caravan feature new standard tire pressure monitor warning lamps, the ‘04 Pacifica becomes the first Chrysler vehicle with SecureShield laminated glass to reduce noise and protect against intrusions, and Dodge Ram offers new optional power adjustable pedals.
Displayed in a Town and Country minivan was an experimental Motorola Driver Advocate system, which addresses driver distraction by managing incoming information from cell phones, navigation and diagnostic/warning systems and lets the driver control these communications through a three-button mechanism on the steering wheel.