The Tesla Model X will be key to the development of the electric SUV market. If it is successful, other manufacturers will follow suit. BMW is talking about the X5 derive, a plug-in hybrid version of its mid-size SUV, while Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz GLC Hybrid. Volvo will also offer an XC90 T8 PHEV when its new utility enters the market. Mitsubishi is preparing an Outlander PHEV, and Volkswagen’s next seven-passenger SUV, the Cross Blue, will also have a hybrid version combining an electric motor and a diesel engine. Then there is Audi who confirmed a Q6 E-Tron, a 100{7610472b2fee7bc61db6394ce20531a7c311514872752943b3bc120eec20368e} electric SUV coming. All these models could be added to the Kia Soul EV and the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, the two representatives of the segment of ecological SUVs currently on the market car cover.
Lewis Hamilton buys a Ferrari La Ferrari
He may be the driver of the Mercedes-Benz team that did not stop Lewis Hamilton to get a Ferrari La Ferrari to celebrate his victory at the Australian Grand Prix. The German manufacturer will not really be able to oppose the purchase of Hamilton, however, since the brand with the Silver Star has no model that rivals the Italian hybrid super horse over 900 horsepower. If Lewis Hamilton was still with the McLaren team however, the story might have been different while the British manufacturer offers the McLaren P1, another hybrid car sold several million dollars.
In addition to its new La Ferrari, Hamilton also has a Pagan Ronda powered by a 760 horsepower engine that sends power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The Ferrari La Ferrari replaced the Ferrari Enzi at the top of the Ferrari range after its unveiling at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2013.
Produced in very limited quantities (499 models only) and reserved for the best customers of the Italian brand, the La Ferrari is powered by a 789 horsepower 6.3 liter V12 engine paired with an electric motor that adds 161 horsepower. Originally sold at more than one million Euros (about 1.6 million Canadian dollars), it is already worth twice as much and even more today.
Ford Escape 2020: the royal treatment, nothing less
We were invited to the unveiling of the all-new Ford Escape 2020. Here’s everything we learned about the new generation of Escape. The last 18 months have not been easy at Ford. Since the company announced it was to focus its efforts on its SUV lineup and leave the auto market aside, there have been many reactions. Ford may not be alone in this avenue, she must take care of the cats she has to whip and find his own way. And she cannot miss it.
This makes the exercise of the renewal of a product all the more perilous. Take the Escape case that was unveiled last week. Aside from the F-150, it’s the star of the Ford family, the second-most-selling product in the business.
A big deal
Worse, the grind that is still at dealerships was last reviewed for the year 2013. An eternity! Fortunately, her sales are still good, a sign she still likes. Last year, Ford has sold some 400,000. Not bad for an old age!
A new vehicle
Often, when a manufacturer reveals the new generation of a product, we can draw a line between the past and the present. The model may have retained a stylistic signature, particular traits, offer an evolving interior presentation, etc. There, forget that. We left a white sheet to give birth to a new model. In fact, there is continuity: the name. OK, OK, a second one with the format! The new Escape remains of course a player in the compact SUV category and will always have the mission to heat the back of the tenors that are the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. And Ford hopes that this time will be the right one. As a result, she gave him the tools to make it happen.
The dress
As you can see from the photos of the vehicle, the Escape 2020 has a completely revised style. At the front, a trapezoid grid takes place and is clearly inspired by that of the Mustang. Under the latter, Ford has even borrowed an approach used with the sports GT, nothing less, within the framework of a marked concern for aerodynamics. By the way, the new version breaks the wind like no other before it. The new Escape also rests closer to the ground and is also wider and slightly longer. Ironically, it looks smaller than the outgoing model. And, important detail, each variant displays at least 200 pounds less.
Four dressings
Let’s talk about these variants. The Canadian market will have four, S, SE, SEL and Titanium. Add to that two hybrid grinds, one of which can be plugged in to provide a 50-kilometer freedom in all-electric mode. With the exception of the latter, each can be delivered with AWD. Yes, the regular hybrid version will see its four wheels come to life. To stay with the latter, it will be equipped with a new 4-cylinder 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle. Combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the combined power of the engines (atmospheric and electric) will be 198 horsepower.
Interestingly, the lithium-ion battery used is cooled by a liquid. This way of doing things has made it possible to reduce its size, so that it now rests less than one of the rear seats. With the plug-in variant, it extends over the width of the vehicle in the same place. This means that no liter is lost at the height of the cargo space.
To finish with the mechanics, the S, SE and SEL models will benefit as standard from a new 1.5-liter EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine. With a power output of 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque (93 octane gasoline), it is also spoiled with a system capable of deactivating a cylinder, so that only two work at a steady speed.
On the Titanium version, a 4-cylinder Eco Boost of 2 liters is needed. Ford estimates it will deliver some 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque (93-octane gasoline). It will allow the towing of loads up to 3500 pounds; the capacity will be 2000 with the 1.5 liter engine. The hybrid? 1500. A new eight-speed automatic transmission is paired with EcoBoost engines.
On board
Inside, it will of course be necessary to spend time driving the vehicle to arrive at more precise and detailed conclusions, but we can already welcome the addition of sliding seats (on 15 cm) in the second row, at least on variants with EcoBoost engines. Ford proudly claims that the new Escape will offer more space than any other competitor at this location. And, consequently, when the seat is pushed forward, the volume released at the rear will increase the possibilities for loading. Ford promises that four golf bags can be slid behind. Moreover, because the Escape is gaining volume everywhere, occupants will benefit from more clearance for the head, shoulders and hips.
More connected than ever
Finally, it was to be expected, the new version of the Escape will be generous in terms of connectivity. Same for the security features. Examples? All models are equipped with the Co-Pilot360 system that advances elements such as Adaptive Cruise Control (capable of stopping and starting in heavy traffic) and a center-of-track maintenance aid. Other element included? The Ford Pass Connect that offers 4G LTE wireless connectivity. Better still, 10 devices will be able to link and stay connected up to a distance of 50 feet from the vehicle. Ford’s app also allows you to lock or unlock your Escape remotely, start it up, locate it, and view its vital features.
On the multimedia side, the SYNC 3 system offers more than ever, especially with Apple Car Play and Android Auto apps, but also with Ford / Alexi and Wade systems. Optionally, it is even possible to invite a Bang & Loosen audio system on board.
Conclusion
We could go on for a long time. In fact, there is not one aspect of the Escape that has been left for against. The vehicle is important to Ford and the company has given us the proof by sharing the seriousness of its reinvention. On paper, frankly, it’s impressive. It will of course see how all this will translate on the road, but the engineers promise us the best Escape ever proposed. We tend to believe them. It will also be necessary to wait for the prices, but they will get along with those of the competition, certainly. A story we will follow closely.
