The Ford Escape is the #1 selling compact SUV in Canada since 2004 and we here at Capital Ford Lincoln sell more than anyone else in Saskatchewan.

Did you know that a hybrid version of the Escape was released in 2004, making it the first hybrid SUV ever? And that the hybrid version of the 2010 Escape is the most fuel efficient SUV on the planet! It has an EPA estimated 34 city and 31 highway miles per gallon in front-wheel drive. Now that surely is a mighty green vehicle!

That’s not all either! There are so many other green features in the new Ford Escape Hybrid, and they don’t all have to do with the engine either. Keep reading to learn about these features!

Even cloth seat fabric on the interior is eco-friendly. The material is made from recycled polyester fibers that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. To add to this, all the cushions in the Escape are made with a bio-based polyurethane foam that is made from the oils of plants like soybeans. The interior is durable, comfortable, and stylish and of course green, which suits the Escape Hybrid perfectly.

However, the most important green part of the Escape Hybrid is the flex-fuel-capable engine. It is designed to use either regular gasoline or E85 alternative fuel, allowing the owner of the vehicle a choice. How about that? Being able to pick between the two?

A view of the Hybrid engine in all its green-ness!

The Hybrid is also partially an electrically-driven vehicle. The newly released nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) battery, which stores the vehicle’s energy, is located under the flat rear cargo area floor. The electric motor is capable of moving the Hybrid up to 70 km/hour on its own. But when more power is needed, the electric and gasoline engines combine power to give that extra acceleration needed.

Something else on the Hybrid that is pretty smart and green is the regenerative braking system! What is a regenerative braking system you ask? Well, when braking in a regular vehicle, the energy produced is usually lost as heat, but in the Escape Hybrid, the electric motor captures the energy created and sends it back to the battery pack. So basically, when you apply the brakes in the Hybrid you’re recharging the battery pack.

And in addition to the all the wonderfully green features, you get even more when it comes to your warranty. The 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid comes with an extended warranty covering the unique Hybrid components such as the high-voltage battery eCVT and DC/DC Converter.

See? Being green is easier.

Tweet This Post

When we got on the phone with Thomas we dived right into it, asking how he got his start at Ford.

How did you get your start with Ford?

After Thomas explained his interest in sustainability and the natural progression to becoming the global Sustainability Report Manager for Ford Motor Company I asked him for a little bit of background into life in the Ford Sustainability Department and  what he liked best about working in such a key role for FoMoCo.

Can you give us a glimpse into the your career at FoMoCo? It must be fun!

Just last week, the Leafy Lundi was centered around the Transit Connect Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in an article titled Get connected with a Green Fleet. It was launched at the Chicago auto show in the middle of February and is very impressive for small business owners. You can read all about it on our blog but we wanted to know when it was expected to hit the road in Canada for our customers.

When do you expect the Battery Electric Transit Connect to hit the road?

The Transit Connect is great for small business but most folks are looking for a vehicle to get to and from work, get the kids to the rink on the weekends, go on a quick weekend excursion or hopefully to the airport for a brief winter hiatus to somewhere hot. The next question was how this technology could be adapted for regular consumers and more importantly what will be the next (BEV) coming down the pipe that isn’t a work van?

Are there any other battery electric vehicles coming down the pipe?

Ford is proud to feature EcoBoost technology, award winning hybrids and now the BEV’s, there are some competing elements there for a greener environment. We’re curious to know how they will all shake out going forward and if one will squeeze out another or if they are all in harmony as a well rounded “Green Ninja” of a portfolio.

How do the 3 main “green” initiatives fit in with sustainability?

In 2011 the Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or café as it’s normally called is raising the bar and broadening the scope of vehicles. This café could be incredibly taxing (well beyond Starbucks!!) for manufacturers. Forget headache, this will be a severe migraine for manufacturers who don’t meet standards. The requirements take every single vehicle sold across the US and Canada then assess a penalty of $5.50 USD for every 0.1 mpg under the standard….. so very roughly for Ford it would mean $80 MIL for ever 0.1 MPG not meeting the standard. We wanted to know how Ford stacks up against other car makers and what the plan is to high jump this raised bar.

How is Ford positioned to meet upcoming fuel economy mandates? (CAFE)

Recently posted on The Ford Story website was an article about Ford’s Go Green Dealership program. As a dealership, leveraging Ford’s expertise in sustainability is an attractive offer. Capital Ford has implemented multiple recycling stations for paper and cans along with some electricity conservation measures but the voluntary Ford program takes it to another level. We wanted to know if we had a shot at being a Go Green dealer and if there are any being built or retrofitted to date.

Can you tell us about the voluntary Go-Green program for dealers?

Of course, what would a good interview be without a dig for something ground breaking that no one knows about yet and has yet to cover. We asked Thomas for a peek down the rabbit hole to what’s the next new, big extraordinary effort coming from Ford sustainability next.

Can you give us a peek down the rabbit hole at anything big new or cool?

On behalf of Capital Ford we want to acknowledge the interview with a huge Saskatchewanian “Thank You” to Thomas, who just before taking my call just ended a conference call with some European counterparts. He’s a very busy man and we’re privileged to take up a little of his time. I’d be crazy not to thank Ms. Gwen Peake for putting the whole thing together for us. As the Global Digital Communications Manager for Ford I’m confident she has little time to spare and we’re awfully lucky to have won her support.

You can check out all of Ford’s Sustainability Reports all the way back to 2001 on their website here.

Tweet This Post

I have to tell you, thinking back at how I drove my parents mini-van there’s no chance I would pass up a technology like MyKey when my wife and I have children. Before I get into the specifics of how MyKey™ will save you’re vehicle from you children check out this great video showcasing a few of the highlights.

How cool is that!? Ok, the kids might not think so but MyKey offers tons of programmable features and some unchangeable ones to ensure the safety of inexperienced drivers or even experienced ones you’re worried might “bag drive” your new Ford.

Some of the standard unchangeable features are:

• Belt-Minder® System cannot be disabled and will not expire (the stereo also gets muted until everyone buckles up)**
• The audio system will be muted whenever Belt-Minder is activated. No tunes if your not buckled up!
• Low-fuel warnings are displayed in the message center followed by a chime when the Distance-to-Empty value reaches 120 km, about twice as soon as normal.
• If equipped, the parking aid, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with cross-traffic alert and forward collision warning cannot be turned off

Some of the optional settings include:

• Vehicle speed is limited to 130 kmh or your predetermined choice. (As funny as it would be it’s not recommended to set it to 30 km then watch and laugh as they try to get somewhere)
• Visual warnings and chimes are displayed:
  • At vehicle start to inform the driver that the vehicle speed is limited to 80 mph (130 kmh)
  • At 75 mph to warn the driver that the vehicle speed is near the top speed
  • At 80 mph to warn the driver that the vehicle has reached the top speed
• The driver is encouraged to check his/her speed and drive safely via visual warnings and chimes when a preselected vehicle speed of 75, 90, or 105 kmh is exceeded
• The maximum volume of the audio system is limited to 45 percent. (This is my favorite… you could totally bribe reward good marks in school with an extra 20% volume on the weekend)
• The AdvanceTrac® System cannot be turned off. When this optional setting is on, the MyKey user will not be able to deactivate the system. This prevents the driver from burning the tires, performing doughnuts, smoke-shows or as a teen my personal specialty, reverse 180 or 360 whips (sorry Mom and Dad) etc.

If you’d like to see MyKey first hand come down to Capital Ford Lincoln anytime or to make it easier for you give us a shout. 546-6052 to talk directly to our Internet Department and we’ll arrange the time that works best for you to have a vehicle with MyKey warmed up, washed off and ready to go. You can also drop us a line in the comments or from our Capital Ford Lincoln website anytime.

What do you think of MyKey? Can you see the value in having a little bit of control over your vehicle while someone else is driving? Was I right that this could be as comfortable as a reassuring hug?

Tweet This Post

The Ford Taurus SHO uses EcoBoost technology, crushing the German tuned V8. If you’d like to learn more about EcoBoost check out “The New EcoBoost Engine” post from a few months back, outlining the technology. There’s even a video explaining the twin turbocharged cycle.

If your in the market for a V8 grinding and innovative sedan that turns high end Luxury vehicles into laughing stocks then you need to check out the Ford Taurus SHO at your Regina Ford Dealer, Capital Ford Lincoln. We’d be happy to take you for a spin, in the mean time… what’s your impression of the 2010 Ford Taurus?

Tweet This Post

Conan attempting to sell his SHO at a high-end auction.

The TV star’s long-running relationship with his 1992 Ford Taurus SHO was challenged when the all-new 2010 Taurus SHO made an appearance on the late-night comedy show on October 29, 2009. A national audience saw firsthand whether O’Brien’s loyal love for his Jewel Green SHO could be tempted with the latest SHO head-turner from Ford.

O’Brien’s second-generation Taurus SHO has been the focus of the late night comedian’s skits many times including during O’Brien’s premier as host of “The Tonight Show” earlier this year.

During the skit O’Brien, who is confident there could never be a better performance sedan than his 1992 Taurus SHO, is tempted by the 2010 model’s 365-horespower V-6 and its high tech features. Amy Marentic, Ford’s Group marketing manager for Taurus, teaches O’Brien a thing or two when it comes to the Taurus SHO.

Amy Marentic, Ford’s Group marketing manger for Taurus, who teaches O’Brien a thing or two about the 2010 Taurus SHO.

In 1989 the Taurus SHO was created for those automotive enthusiast needing the room and capability of a four-door full-size car. Loved for its high performance and unassuming exterior the Ford Taurus resulted in over 100,000 sales in the limited production throughout 1999.

The original Taurus SHO generated a loyal following of owners, with an active club more than 1,000 members strong, an online forum with more than 10,000 registered users and a Web site (bringbackthesho.com) specifically devoted to convincing Ford to resurrect the SHO.  The 2010 Taurus product development team spent significant time listening to SHO enthusiasts.

The new Taurus debuted to rave reviews from the automotive press, and early customer demand validates the critical acclaim.  The foundation of the new 2010 Taurus SHO is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine.  This advanced powerplant generates an estimated 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,500 rpm, resulting in significantly improved power, torque and fuel economy compared with larger, normally aspirated engines.  This also is Ford’s most powerful EcoBoost engine.

Want to learn more about the unique sleek 2010 Ford Taurus SHO?! Come on down to Capital Ford Lincoln today and ask to speak to one of product specialists.

Tweet This Post

In 2008 Funkmaster Flex Rolled Out A Limited Edition Expedition.

A fan asks “What is unique about the Ford that other cars manufacturers don’t have? How many Fords do you have?” Funkmaster Flex replies with, “I love how ford has changed up the sheet metal over the last 5 years. I own an Expedition, 2010 mustang, 1970 mustang. 1971 Torino and 1968 Fastback Mustang.”

Funkmaster Flex is an avid car enthusiast, customizing new vehicles and building vintage cars with special attention to style and performance. Most recently, Flex customized the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus SHO and what does he love most? “My favorites are the SYNC technology and Eco Boost. There are others such as BLIS and Cross Traffic Alert.”

FMF says, “My favorites are the SYNC technology and Eco Boost. There are others such as BLIS and Cross Traffic Alert.”

“Here’s a vehicle that has so much history and stands on its own in terms of design and attitude,” said Funkmaster Flex. “It’s definitely different from anything that I’ve ever done before. It’s much more subdued and doesn’t scream at you in terms of its paint job and overall effect. I really took a vehicle that already had everything in terms of its styling and design and gave it a real stealth-like feel.”

Earl Lucas, designer of the all-new 2010 Taurus SHO knew exactly what Funkmaster Flex wanted to convey when he met with him in the Bronx during the initial design consultation.

“Flex wanted to put his spin on the vehicle while keeping the Taurus’s history and sophistication in mind. Flex was able to take that inspiration and customize it in a way that was both timeless and mature,” said Lucas.

The exterior of the vehicle features a two-tone black and metal grey paint job complete with custom 22-inch wheels and Pirelli tires. The vehicle was also lowered with a HR spring kit and a Billet Grille and custom door handles were added.

In addition, the vehicle features a one-off front spoiler and rear window wing. All of the rims and the trim in the vehicle were finished in brushed black chrome. The interior was left the same with the exception of adding a black suede headliner and the signature FMF logos on the headrests.

“Flex really created a design that veered away from what we traditionally expect from him,” said Lucas. “He is amazing in what he does and what he ultimately did to this vehicle. When you get a chance to work with someone who has perspective on what’s new, what’s hot and what’s now, it’s great.”

Want to customize your ride? Come on down to Capital Ford Lincoln today and Meet Peter Koutsourelis our Accessories Manager. Want to know more about Peter? Check out his latest blog post, Bring in the New Year with a bang, & some bling!

Tweet This Post

Keeping with our Capital Tailgate goal of supplying great information we’ve also included this short video explaining how EcoBoost works. It’s an animation of how it all comes together.

Here are some key highlights on Ford’s new EcoBoost technology:

Power and fuel economy –

The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter Duratec V-6 EcoBoost engine produces 355 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 350 ft.-lb. of torque at 3,500 rpm. A 10-15 percent fuel-economy benefit is expected versus normally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 engines in the same competitive class.

Engine –

The proven Duratec 3.5-liter V-6 comprises the base engine architecture. To handle the increased torque that EcoBoost delivers, some upgrades were made to some of the components, such as the cylinder block, crankshaft, connecting rods pistons and exhaust valves to ensure the EcoBoost V-6 engine is as robust as possible.

Turbochargers –

Two Honeywell GT15 turbochargers with water-cooled bearings and operate in parallel, spinning at approximately 170,000 rpm up to 12 PSI. They are rated for a 150,000-mile, 10-year life.

Direct fuel injection –

A cam-driven high-pressure fuel pump feeds the fuel injectors at pressures ranging from 200 to 2,175 PSI (pounds per square inch) depending on customer driving. A typical port fuel injection system operates at pressures of around 60 PSI. Six sprayers in each injector target fuel into the cylinder, resulting in a cleaner and more-efficient fuel burn and better cold-start emissions.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 accumulates thousands of hours on the Ford dynamometer to verify the reliability of the complete engine system. During the punishing testing, engine performance is examined under maximum engine speeds and loads, coolant and oil temperatures and customer driving pattern

Tweet This Post