Ford adding more hybrids but not until 2012, DI based start-stop coming
During the Ford 2010 model preview in Dearborn this week, one of the efficiency improvements promised for the near term by Powertrain VP Barb Samardzich was increased hybrid applications. When we asked Fusion hybrid applications manager Gil Portalatin about potential future applications, it turned out that they won't debut until the next-gen hybrid system appears in 2012. At that point a production plug-in hybrid will be added as well. Of course, no one was interested in discussing the specifics of which platforms will be hybridized (as is all to often the case). Portalatin told ABG that Ford is not pursuing any mild hybrids but did acknowledge when asked about larger hybrid applications, "we're investigating those possibilities."
Another technology that is coming is automatic start-stop, which is sometimes labeled as a micro-hybrid in Europe as on the Smart ForTwo. Most of the start-stop systems used to date are based on a beefed integrated starter-generator similar to what General Motors used for its mild hybrid system. According to advanced powertrain engineering manager Brett Hinds, Ford will leverage its direct injected engines to provide a starter assist much like Mazda's Intelligent start stop. This uses a crank position sensor to stop the engine at a position where one piston is half-way down the power stroke. On re-start, fuel is sprayed into the cylinder and ignited to get the pistons moving, taking load off the standard starter. Ford labels the system assisted direct start. We likely won't see that system until about 2011.
[Source: Ford]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
JohnZ 8:23AM (7/22/2009)
Since this post is about future Ford plans, let me make a few predictions of my own for the short term future.
Ignatius will say something about Ford being way behind in their technology.
LS2/LS7 will say something about Ford taking his money to do this
Brian (who hates D3) will say something about Ford being late to the Hybrid game
Matt (who hates Fords) will say something stupid.
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tifosiotaku 8:51AM (7/22/2009)
They shouldn't be hatin' because Ford isn't in bankruptcy.
Go Ford Go!
Kris 11:14AM (7/22/2009)
Basically, people partial to Toyota/Honda will beat on Ford (and GM and Chrysler) no matter what they do. Ford could announce that it's coming out with a car that runs on water and the haters would accuse Ford of being insensitive about water shortages in the West. Meanwhile if Toyota did it they'd say it was brilliant. There's too much hatred in every corner of society right now. People need to give the rage a rest now and then. Life's too short to make a habit out of hatred.
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jpm100 11:37AM (7/22/2009)
This isn't like a Mild hybrid like GM's which is actually a generator as well as a motor that in part replaces the starter.
This is simply a more robust starter with some additional controls. In a simplified nutshell, the engine is turned off when you come to a stop and the starter restarts the engine like as if you had manually keyed off the car yourself and then cranked it again.
Mercedes is into it as well as some others. What Ford is doing with the engine is interesting though.
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