Utente:LukeWiller/Sandbox/8

Ford Escape
Ford Escape XLS prima serie Ford Escape XLS prima serie
Descrizione generale
Costruttore	Ford
Tipo principale	Compact SUV
Produzione	dal 2000
Serie	Prima serie (2000–2007) Seconda serie (2008– )

L’Escape è un compact SUV prodotto dalla Ford dal 2000. In Europa è venduto come Ford Maverick.

Il contesto

L’Escape è posizionato sotto il Ford Explorer. Sebbene è un veicolo crossover, viene commercializzato dalla Ford come parte della sua tradizionale gamma di SUV (Escape, Explorer, Expedition), piuttosto che della gamma separata di crossover (Edge, Flex). L’Escape è stato sviluppato insieme alla Mazda; di quest’ultima casa automobilistica la Ford possiede infatti azioni, ed in conseguenza di ciò le due compagnie hanno sviluppato insieme molti modelli. L’Escape è stato lanciato insieme alla Mazda Tribute.

It was jointly developed with Mazda, in which Ford owned a controlling interest, and was released simultaneously with the Mazda Tribute. In the United States, Ford's Mercury division released a luxury version called the Mariner starting with the 2005 model year, but ended production in October 2010 as Ford ended the Mercury brand. A hybrid version of the Escape was released in 2004, making it the first hybrid SUV.

The Escape is built on the Ford CD2 platform, which is in turn based on the Mazda GF platform, which was used by the Mazda 626. However, on June 23, 2010, it was announced that Ford will end production on the second generation Escape in 2011 and move production to its Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, where it is slated to be succeeded by an American version of its European CUV counterpart, the Ford Kuga (dove è previsto che verrà sostituito da una versione americana del corrispondente crossover-SUV europeo, la Ford Kuga). The third generation Escape will debut in April 2012 as a 2013 model. |body_style = 4-door SUV |layout = Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive

La prima serie (2000-2007)

Ford Escape I
Un Ford Escape prodotto dal 2001 al 2004
Descrizione generale
Versioni	Compact SUV quattro porte
Anni di produzione	Dal 2000 al 2007
Dimensioni e pesi
Lunghezza	4.394-4.442 mm
Larghezza	1.781 mm
Altezza	1.755-1.770 mm
Passo	2.619 mm
Massa	1.500 kg

The first generation Ford Escape was released in North America for the 2001 model year. It was slotted below the larger, truck-based Explorer in Ford's lineup, but was larger than the small SUV offerings from Honda and Toyota. At the time, most sport utility vehicles used a truck-based, body-on-frame design. Solid rear axles (Assali rigidi posteriori) were commonly used due to their ability to carry heavy loads at the expense of a comfortable ride and good handling. Ford realized most initial SUV owners did not take their vehicles off road, and decided instead to use a car-like, monocoque design with a fully independent suspension and rack and pinion steering for the Escape. Although not meant for serious off-roading, a full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) system supplied by Dana was optional, which included a locking center differential (differenziale centrale autobloccante) activated by a switch on the dashboard. The AWD system normally sends most of the power from the engine to the front wheels. If slipping is detected at the front, more power will be sent to the rear wheels in a fraction of a second. The entire braking system was built by Continental Teves, including the ABS and various related suspension components. CKD production began in 2002 at Ford Lio Ho Motor Co. in Taiwan for various Asian markets.

Ford Maverick (German specification)

From 2001 to 2004, the Ford Escape was sold in Europe under the Maverick name, and replaced a rebadged version of the Nissan Mistral/Terrano II. Only two versions were made, the 2.0 L Zetec inline 4 engine with manual transmission and 3.0 L Duratec V6 with automatic transmission, both using gasoline as fuel. The absence of a diesel version did not help sales and the vehicle was temporarily discontinued in late 2003.

However, the Maverick, in the UK for example, was only available in XLT trim. Also, the dash board was not the same as the US Escape; it was instead taken from the Mazda Tribute.

The Maverick was reintroduced in 2005 in certain European markets with the Duratec V6 engine. It was announced that the Maverick would be assembled in Russia for the Russian market. As of 2006, the Maverick was no longer sold in Europe, leaving Ford without a compact SUV until the 2009 Ford Kuga was introduced.

The Maverick was primarily designed for on-road use – sold with normal road tires, and to be used with front-wheel drive most of the time. A second "gear lever" for the transfer gearbox enabled four-wheel drive mode with no centre differential and a limited slip rear differential – this precluded using full-time four-wheel drive on the road as it caused undue wear on the transmission and tires (senza differenziale centrale ed un differenziale posteriore a slittamento limitato - ciò precluse l'utilizzo della trazione integrale permanente su strada poichè ciò avrebbe portto ad un'usura precoce di trasmissione e pneumatici). |platform = Ford CD2 platform |production = 2000–2007 (Japan, US)
2006–present (Taiwan) 2010–present (China) |assembly = Avon Lake, Ohio, United States
Jhongli City, Taiwan
Claycomo, Missouri, United States
Hai Duong, Vietnam
Hōfu, Yamaguchi, Japan
Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines |engine = 2.0 L Zetec I4
2.3 L Duratec 23 I4
3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 |transmission = 5-speed manual
4-speed CD4E automatic
Hybrid: planetary gear

Length 2001–04: 173.0 in (4,394 mm) 2005–07: 174.9 in (4,442 mm) Width 70.1 in (1,781 mm) Height 2001–04: 69.1 in (1,755 mm) 2005–07: 69.7 in (1,770 mm) Hybrid: 69.7 in (1,770 mm)

2005–2007 Ford Escape

2005

The Escape and Tribute were updated in 2004 for the 2005 model year with a new base engine (the 2.3 L [2261 cc, 140 cu in] Duratec 23), which replaced the Zetec 2.0 L (1983 cc, 121 cu in) 127 hp (95 kW) 4-cylinder. The most powerful engine remained the 200 hp (150 kW) Duratec 3.0 L (2976 cc, 181 cu in) V6, with new engine mounts (con nuovi supporti motore). Ford also added advanced airbag and seatbelt safety systems, an intelligent AWD system, and exterior changes. The 2005 model year was the first with an automatic transmission available on the base four-cylinder models. The automatic shifter was moved from the column to the console on all models equipped with automatic transmissions. Ford also deleted the recline feature (i sedili posteriori reclinabili) on the rear seats to improve the safety of occupants in the rear seats in the case of a rear crash.

2006 (Asia-Pacific)

(riassunto)

Ford Escape (ZC) XLS (Australia)

A revamped ZC Escape designed in Taiwan went on sale in the second half of 2006 for the Asian and Pacific markets (except South Korea, where the North American-market Escape is sold). Major external changes included a redesigned front bumper, grille, headlights and hood, and rear bumper, as well as LED taillights.

On the inside, changes included a floor-mounted automatic transmission shifter, in place of the old column shifter, as well as a redesigned center stack containing audio and climate controls. Climate control is automatic on all models except the XLS. The Limited model also featured full color-coded bumpers, wheel arches and side moldings, as well as side mirrors with integrated LED indicators. Rear drum brakes have been replaced by disc brakes all round.

The 3.0 L V6 has been modified to reduce fuel consumption by over 10%, while the 2.3 L 4-cylinder has improved midrange torque and an electronic throttle, as well as a slight increase in power to 109 kW (146 hp). Both engines had been certified to meet Euro III emission regulations. A four-speed automatic carried over and was the sole transmission choice.

2008 (Asia-Pacific)

(riassunto) Template:Multiple image

The ZD Escape went on sale in mid-2008, bringing numerous changes. The V6 engine was dropped, leaving only the 2.3L four-cylinder. In Australia, it was a rebadged Mazda Tribute with a different front-end and tailgate built in Taiwan. The model range was also simplified, with only a single specification available. Changes to the body included an all-new front bumper, grille, headlights and bonnet, featuring an enlarged Ford emblem set upon a three-bar chrome grille. At the rear, new, slimmer tail lights were featured, which were arranged horizontally, rather than vertically. In addition, the B-pillar was now painted black, rather than body-colour. Compared with the previous model, all external bumpers, mirrors, and cladding were painted the same colour as the body (previously, this was only available on the upscale Limited model). Equipment levels have also improved. Compared to the base model ZC Escape, the ZD included standard side airbags, automatic climate control, 16" alloy wheels, and mirrors with integrated indicators. Unlike most other competitors in its class, curtain airbags and electronic stability control were not available.

Hybrid

(riassunto) The Escape Hybrid is a gasoline-electric hybrid powered version of the Escape, launched in the U.S. in 2004, to offset the pollution resulting from non-hybrid SUV use. Built in Kansas City, Missouri, it was the first hybrid SUV to hit the market. The Ford Escape Hybrid was the first American-built hybrid and the first hybrid vehicle from an American automaker, joined by the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Hybrids during the same model year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the first generation Ford Escape Hybrid is 70% more efficient than the regular Escape. The Mercury Mariner Hybrid is a rebadged version of the Escape Hybrid, sold by Ford's Mercury marque. It features revised front-end styling and a more luxurious interior. The Mariner sits above the Escape in the Ford-Mercury-Lincoln hierarchy.

Escape hybrid versions can be identified by the "Hybrid" badges located on the front driver's and passenger's doors as well as near the right tailgate. In addition, the driver's side window in the cargo area is smaller in size in order to accommodate a ventilation slot for the high voltage battery. There was also a "Special Appearance Package" available as an option on the 2005–2007 Hybrid models. This package replaced the traditional lower cladding of the Escape with a silver finish. Standard equipment on the Escape Hybrid includes: an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, cruise control, a six-CD stereo, 16-inch alloy wheels, power door locks with remote keyless entry, and power windows.

Ford built 17,000 Escape Hybrids in the second half of 2004, four times as many as it had originally planned. Starting in 2005 New York City and other cities in the world began using the Ford Escape Hybrid as taxicabs. The Ford Escape Hybrid won the North American Truck of the Year award in 2005.

The Escape Hybrid uses technology similar to that used in the Toyota Prius. Ford engineers realized their technology may conflict with patents held by Toyota, which led to a 2004 patent-sharing accord between the companies, licensing Ford's use of some of Toyota's hybrid technology in exchange for Toyota's use of some of Ford's diesel and direct-injection engine technology. Ford maintains that Ford received no technical assistance from Toyota in developing the hybrid powertrain, but that some hybrid engine technologies developed by Ford independently were found to be similar to technologies previously patented by Toyota, so licenses were obtained. Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd., a Japanese automotive components supplier belonging to the Toyota Group, supplies the hybrid continuously variable transmission for the Escape Hybrid. While Toyota produces its third-generation Prius transmission in-house, Aisin is the only supplier of hybrid transmissions to other manufacturers. Friction has arisen concerning Aisin's allocation of limited production capacity and engineering resources to Ford. Sanyo Electric Co. built the 50 kg (110 lb),330V 5.5 Ah (would make it 1.8kWh storage), 250-cell nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack for the 2005 Escape Hybrid.

Engine compartment of a 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

The Escape Hybrid is a full hybrid, meaning the system can switch automatically between pure electric power, pure gasoline engine power, or a combination of electric battery and gasoline engine operating together, for maximum performance and efficiency at all speeds and loads. When braking or decelerating, the Escape's hybrid system uses regenerative braking, where the electric drive motor becomes a generator, converting the vehicle's momentum back to electricity for storage in the batteries. The Escape Hybrid's 133 horsepower (99 kW) gasoline I4 engine and electric motor combine to give 155 hp (116 kW), which gives the Hybrid Escape has nearly the same acceleration performance as the conventional 200 hp (150 kW) V6 Escape due to the electric motor's torque being available from zero rpm.

The hybrid is said to give approximately 75% greater efficiency, with about 33 to 36 mpg_-U.S. in city traffic, and has demonstrated it can travel 400–500 miles (644–805 km) on a single 16,5-gallone-americano (62 L; 13,7 imp gal) tank of gasoline in the city, and 29 to 31 mpg_-U.S. (7.6L-8.1 L/100 km; 35-37 mpg_-imp) on the highway. To obtain these mileage figures, the owners manual states that pure gasoline, not ethanol blends, must be used. Unlike conventional vehicles, hybrids often achieve better figures in the city because they do not waste power idling and can recover some power when stopping (by using regenerative braking) that would be wasted in a conventional vehicle.

During a review by Car and Driver, it was noted that "[u]nder extremely light throttle, the electric motor will provide all the power necessary to creep around in urban traffic. In normal circumstances, the gas engine shudders to life somewhere between 10 and 20 mph to help the propulsion cause and will shut down again somewhere below 30 mph when slowing for a stop." The Escape Hybrid gives a top speed of 102 mph (163 km/h). In 2006 Ford showed an Escape that could run on E85 fuel.

Second generation (2008–2012)

NYPD Ford Escape (Traffic Enforcement variant)

The second generation Ford Escape debuted at the 2006 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The North American-market Escape and its Mazda Tribute/Mercury Mariner siblings were redesigned in order to stay competitive with other new compact SUVs, however most of the internals have been carried over for the 2008 model year. The Escape still uses the CD2 platform. Ford also included an electronic stability control system standard on the 2008 Escape.

The updated Escape received some styling cues from the Explorer, Edge, and Expedition. Changes include a new grille with larger headlamps in the front fascia, while the sides were revised with cleaner lines and rounder wheel arches (linee più pulite e passaruota arrotondati). The interior is also completely redesigned, including the newest standard Ford family navigation system.

The 2008 Escape and its Mercury Mariner sibling were the first vehicles to feature Ford's pull-drift steering compensation (sterzo a servoassistenza elettronica), an enhancement made possible by applying software control to the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.

A new concept version for the Asian market, called the Ford Escape Adventure Concept, was revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. It features a revised front and rear fascia, incorporating Ford's three-bar grille styling theme and restyled LED tail lamps.

2009

(riassunto) At the 2008 Washington Auto Show, Ford introduced new changes to the Escape for the 2009 model year. Ford's new 6-speed 6F automatic replaced the previous 4-speed automatic on both the I4 and V6 models. The 2.3 L Duratec 23 was replaced by a new 2.5 L (2488 cc, 152 cu in) Duratec 25, which boosted standard power to 171 hp (128 kW) and 171 ft⋅lb_f (232 N⋅m) of torque, while increasing fuel economy by 1 mpg (~2L/100 km) on both urban and extra-urban cycles. The optional 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 was thoroughly updated, resulting in a 40 hp (30 kW) increase, bringing power output to 240 hp (180 kW) and 233 ft⋅lb_f (316 N⋅m) of torque. The Duratec 30 also sees a 1 mpg_‑US (4,3×10¹³ L/100 km; 1,2 mpg_‑imp) fuel economy improvement. The "Escape" badge is entirely removed from the front doors.

The Hybrid is also upgraded to use the 2.5 L (albeit still using the Atkinson cycle for better fuel economy). Efficiency improved to 34 mpg_‑US (1,4×10¹⁵ L/100 km; 41 mpg_‑imp) city and 31 mpg_‑US (1,3×10¹⁵ L/100 km; 37 mpg_‑imp) highway according to the USEPA. The 2.5 L engine brings the Hybrid's power output up by 22 hp (16 kW) when the electric motor is added in.

Other mechanical changes include a new 18,5 mm (0,73 in) rear stabilizer bar, revised suspension tuning, upgrades to the 3.0 L V6 that brought power to 240 hp, and a new exhaust system on all Escapes. The braking system for the Hybrid versions has been revised with a vacuum assist unit that reviewers have said give the brakes a consistent feel over the entire travel of the brake pedal. Previous versions of the Hybrid were reported to have a slightly mushy brake feel, primarily due to the fact that for the first part of the brake travel and braking the system is regenerating power instead of engaging the brake pads against the rotors. However, the brakes, when tested, gave the Escape extremely long stops.

Also in 2009, Ford's SYNC system is standard on the Hybrid, Hybrid Limited, and conventional Limited models, and optional on the XLS and XLT.

The Escape underwent some minor aerodynamic changes for 2009, including a revised front chin spoiler and rear tire spoilers. Along with the addition of rear tire spoilers is an optional 17" chrome-clad wheel equipped with a new Michelin "Low-Rolling-Resistance-Tire", slightly increasing ground clearance and improving traction over the standard 16" wheels and tires. Another new feature is Ford's Easy-Fuel capless fuel filling system.

As of August 2009 the Escape was among the four Ford vehicles, along with the Focus, F-Series and Ranger, to benefit the most from the Cash for Clunkers program, where it showed a 49 percent increase in sales.

2010

In 2009 for the 2010 model year, the Escape will add three new features that will be standard on all trims: Ford's MyKey, trailer sway controls and Integrated Spotter Mirror for better blind spot viewing. Everything else added in the 2008 and 2009 model years will be carried over, but the optional orders have been renamed to Rapid Specification Codes (100s for XLS, 200s for XLT, and 300s for Limited).

New optional features for 2010: active park assist (APA) is a new feature available since mid-2009 as an option on the 2010 Ford Escape Limited (currently only optional on the Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, and Lincoln MKS). Active Park Assist will detect an available parallel parking space and automatically steer the vehicle into the space (hands free) while the driver controls the accelerator, gearshift and brakes. The system will visually and audibly instruct the driver to park the vehicle. Active Park Assist system uses sensors on the front and rear of the vehicle to guide the vehicle into a parking space. Rear-view camera system – uses an exterior camera embedded in the rear of the vehicle that sends images to a video display in the rearview mirror or the navigation system screen to help enhance visibility directly behind the vehicle when it is in reverse.

2011

No cosmetic changes were made for the 2011 model year. The only minor change is the standardization of SYNC Traffic & Directions on any models coming equipped with Sync.

2012

The 2012 model will only be produced for a half model year (like the 2011 Ford Focus), with production winding down in October 2011. There are no cosmetic or equipment changes for the 2012 model year. On Feb. 25, Ford debuted a redesigned 2013 Escape at Louisville's Carl Casper Auto Show.

Hybrid

Ford Escape Hybrid

The second generation Ford Escape Hybrid received some styling tweaks inside and out. The major cosmetic changes include a new bumpers, grille, headlights and taillights to match Ford's new edge style. But the drivetrain is essentially the same mechanically but has had extensive software modifications. For 2009, a larger, more powerful engine is introduced, together with a revised suspension, addition of stability control, the debut of "Sync" voice-control system and a capless fuel filler system. The batteries and other hybrid components in a 2009 Escape hybrid add about 136 kg to the vehicle. However, the added weight is blamed for an adverse effect in handling. Furthermore, from 2009 onward, rear disc brakes of previous years are swapped for drum brakes, which is criticized as a "strange step backward".

The second Escape hybrid is offered in two levels of specification, an undesignated base model and the more expensive "Limited" trim. The base includes: a 60/40 split-fold rear bench seat, AdvanceTrac with roll stability control, and a single-disc four-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with Sirius Satellite Radio compatibility. The "Limited" adds: a chrome front grille, heated front seats, a six-way power driver's seat and full leather upholstery, rear park assist, ambient lighting, and 16-inch six-spoke alloy wheels. For the 2009 model year, Ford SYNC became standard on both Hybrid trims. 2010 models saw the addition of MyKey, trailer sway controls, and integrated spotter mirror for better blind spot viewing. New optional extras are active park assist and a rear-view camera.

Ford announced the development of a prototype E85 Hybrid Escape, the first flexible fuel hybrid electric vehicle capable of running on 85% ethanol. In 2007 Ford produced 20 demonstration Escape Hybrid E85s for real-world testing in fleets around the U.S.

From 2009, the gas engine is 2.5L Atkinson-cycle four cylinder engine with 155 hp at 6,000 rpm with an electric motor that produces 94 hp at 5,000 rpm. The maximum combined output of both is 177 hp.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rated the fuel economy for the 2010 Escape Hybrid (FWD) at 34 miglia per gallone americano (1,4×10¹⁵ L/100 km; 41 mpg_‑imp) city, and 31 miglia per gallone americano (1,3×10¹⁵ L/100 km; 37 mpg_‑imp) highway. The following table compares fuel economy, carbon footprint, and petroleum consumption between the hybrid version and other drivetrains of the Escape family as estimated by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy. The Escape Hybrid meets both California's SULEV and PZEV standards, with tailpipe emissions better than 90% less than the average 2003 new car and zero evaporative emissions.

Economic and environmental performance comparison among the several Escape powertrains available in the U.S. market
Type of Powertrain	Type of fuel	Year model	EPA City mileage (mpg)	EPA Highway mileage (mpg)	Annual fuel cost(1)(2) (USD)	Carbon footprint (Ton/yr of CO2) (3)	Annual Petroleum Use (barrel)
Hybrid electric FWD Automatic (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5L	Gasoline /Electric	2011	34	31	$1,324	5.8	10.7
Hybrid electric 4WD Automatic (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5L	Gasoline /Electric	2011	30	27	$1,459	6.5	11.8
FWD Automatic 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5L	Gasoline	2011	21	28	$1,840	8.1	14.9
4WD Automatic 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5L	Gasoline	2011	20	26	$1,925	8.5	15.6
FWD Automatic 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0L	Gasoline	2011	19	25	$2,013	8.9	16.3
	E85 flex-fuel	2011	14	19	$2,269	6.6	5.0
4WD Automatic 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0L	Gasoline	2011	18	23	$2,115	9.3	17.1
	E85 flex-fuel	2011	13	17	$2,592	7.6	5.7
Notes: (1) Estimates assumes 45% highway driving, 55% city driving, and 15,000 annual miles. (2) Average U.S. prices: $2.82/gallon for gasoline, and $2.42/gallon for E85 fuel. E85 prices vary widely by region. As of early November 2010 the minimum price was $2.02/gallon in Illinois and the maximum price was $2.99/gallon in New York. (3) Direct carbon footprint only and does not account for any potential indirect land use change impacts of biofuels.

Plug-in hybrid

Demonstration Ford Escape plug-in hybrid in New York City.

Demonstration Ford Escape E85 flex-fuel plug-in hybrid.

Three companies have converted Ford Escape Hybrids to plug-in under a contract with the NYSERDA and delivered them in 2007: Electrovaya of Toronto Canada, Hymotion also of Toronto Canada, Hybrids Plus of Boulder Colorado, United States.

Ford developed a research Escape Plug-in Hybrid and delivered the first of a fleet of 20 to Southern California Edison (SCE) in December 2007 to begin road testing. This project is a collaboration aimed to explore the future of plug-in hybrids and evaluate how the vehicles might interact with the home and the utility's electrical grid. Some of the vehicles will be evaluated "in typical customer settings", according to Ford. Ford also developed the first ever flexible-fuel plug-in hybrid SUV, which was delivered to the United States Department of Energy in June 2008. This plug-in version of the Escape Hybrid runs on gasoline or E85 and is also part of the demonstration fleet Ford developed in a partnership with Southern California Edison and the Electric Power Research Institute.

Both the E85 version and the conventional gasoline engine version use a 10 kwh lithium-ion battery, which allows for a 30-miglio (48 km) range at 40 miglia all'ora (64 km/h) or less. When the battery's charge drops to 30%, the vehicle switches to its four-cylinder engine, assisted by the batteries, operating as a regular hybrid electric vehicle. The vehicle has a display system which shows the driver how efficient the vehicle is at any given time. If the vehicle uses its engine and is running in traditional hybrid mode, fuel economy is rated at 88 miglia per gallone americano (3,7×10¹⁵ L/100 km; 106 mpg_‑imp) in the city and 50 miglia per gallone americano (2,1×10¹⁵ L/100 km; 60 mpg_‑imp) on the highway.

This fleet of 20 Ford Escape Plug-ins has been running in field testing with utility company fleets in California, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Quebec, Canada. About 130 more will be produced for testing with financing from a $30 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Sales are scheduled for 2012.

On August 2009 Ford delivered the first Escape Plug-in equipped with intelligent vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communications and control system technology to American Electric Power of Columbus, Ohio. This technology allows the vehicle operator to program when to recharge the vehicle, for how long and at what utility rate. The battery systems communicate directly with the electrical grid via smart meters provided by utility companies through wireless networking. During the two years since the demonstration program began, the fleet of Escape Plug-ins has logged more than 75,000 miglia (120,701 km), and Ford plans to equip all 21 plug-in hybrid Escapes with the vehicle-to-grid communications technology.

The Ford demonstration vehicles and Hybrids Plus conversions are similar. The conversion involves the replacement of the original NiMH battery, located on the floor of the trunk, with a larger capacity Li-ion battery, in the same location and substantially the same volume as the original battery. The Electrovaya and Hymotion conversions retain the original battery, and augment its capacity with a Li-ion battery that occupies a significant portion of the trunk. In all cases, the conversion also involves the addition of a charger and of a power plug.

Safety

Previously unavailable Electronic Stability Control system became standard on the second generation. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests the Escape along with its cousins, the Mercury Mariner and the Mazda Tribute, are rated "Good" in both frontal and side impact crash tests. They are rated "Good" for rear crash protection as well and were given the "Top Safety Pick" award until 2010. In roof strength tests the Escape receives a "Marginal" rating while hybrid models are rated "Poor".

2008 NHTSA crash test:

• Frontal Driver (early release):
• Frontal Driver (later release):
• Frontal Passenger:
• Side Driver:
• Side Rear Passenger:
• Rollover:

2009 NHTSA crash test:

• Frontal Driver:
• Frontal Passenger:
• Side Driver:
• Side Rear Passenger:
• Rollover:

Escape Hybrid 2010 NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:

• Frontal Driver:
• Frontal Passenger:
• Front Side:
• Rear Side:
• Rollover:

Third generation (2013)

The all-new 2013 Ford Escape was revealed at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. It will share the same basic platform as the all-new 2012 Ford Focus. Most of its styling derives from the Ford Kuga, which is sold in Europe. Two EcoBoost inline four-cylinder turbocharged engines will be offered. The basic unit will be the 2.0-Liter unit, currently offered in the Ford Edge and Ford Explorer. The new Escape is the first Ford vehicle to offer a new 1.6-Liter unit, soon to be available in the Ford Focus, Ford Fusion, and possibly the Ford Fiesta. In the process of revamping the Escape's engine lineup, both the Hybrid model with its 2.5-Liter Atkinson powertrain and the 3.0-Liter V6 engine will be dropped (Nel processo di modernizzazione della gamma motori dell'Escape, sia il modello ibrido con il suo motore Atkinson da 2.5 litri, sia il V6 da 3 litri verranno cancellati). Ford claims that the fuel economy of the new 1.6L EcoBoost engine will match that of the current Ford Escape Hybrid, while the new 2.0-Liter engine produces more horsepower than the current V6 unit. The same transmission choices, a six-speed automatic, as well as a Six-Speed Manual, are expected to be offered.

Also new for the 2013 model year is MyFord Touch, which is currently available on many Ford vehicles. The newest software version of the MyFord Touch System, which will offer an all-new UI and additional features.

Another new feature is the optional hands-free liftgate. A person carrying the keyless entry transmitter can raise their foot under the rear bumper of the Escape to remotely open the tailgate (Un'altra nuova caratteristica è il portellone ad apertura automatica. Una persona che porta con se' la chiave elettronica può allungare il piede fino alla parte inferiore del paraurti posteriore per permettere al portellone di aprirsi automaticamente). This feature will also be available on the Ford C-Max Hybrid later in the year, and was introduced on that vehicle in Europe.

An eco-friendly interior will also be used in the new Escape. Eco-friendly seat fabrics are standard on lower trim levels, as well as the vehicle's carpeting being mostly constructed from recycled plastic water bottles. This allows the new Escape to be mostly recyclable at the end of its life cycle.

The new Escape will be offered with either front wheel drive or all wheel drive options, and will be offered in Ford Focus-esque trim levels: S, SE, SEL, and the new Titanium model. As mentioned before, no hybrid or V6 models will be offered. Pricing is expected to be similar to the 2012 Ford Escape, and may be lowered for the new model year. The 2013 Ford Escape production is slated to start in early 2012, and will be arriving in Ford showrooms in April. Thus, the production of the 2012 Ford Escape will end in early 2012, with limited availability of the 2012 model year Ford Escape vehicles being available at Ford showrooms.

Sales

The Escape Hybrid is the top selling hybrid in the U.S. manufactured by an American manufacturer, and reached cumulative sales of 106,467 vehicles by December 2010 .

Calendar year	US
2000	42,635
2001	164,184
2002	145,471
2003	167,678
2004	183,430 - (inc. 2,993 hybrids)
2005	165,122 - (inc. 18,797 hybrids)
2006	157,395 - (inc. 20,149 hybrids)
2007	165,596 - (inc. 21,386 hybrids)
2008	156,544 - (inc. 17,173 hybrids)
2009	173,044 - (inc. 14,787 hybrids)
2010	191,026 - (inc. 11,182 hybrids)
2011 (ytd - Nov.)	228,729 - (inc. 9,009 hybrids)

In 2011, 444 Ford Escapes were sold in Thailand.

Altri progetti

Altri progetti

• Wikimedia Commons

• Wikimedia Commons contiene immagini o altri file su LukeWiller/Sandbox/8

Collegamenti esterni

• (EN) Ford's Escape page
• Ford Escape Specifications – Ford Escape Specifications
• Official Ford's Escape Hybrid page