Great SUV design:off the shelf, safer, cost $3000 more but gets 35.3 mpg

[papau]

http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_vehicles/cars_and_suvs/page.cfm?pageID=1249
http://www.ucsusa.org/publication.cfm?publicationID=658 http://www.ucsusa.org/publication.cfm?publicationID=659






The UCS off the shelf component design is called the Guardian and for $29,935 for the base model ($735 more expensive than the 2002 Ford Explorer XLT, the model on which the Guardian was based, but getting 27.8 miles per gallon rather than Ford’s 21.2 mph) comes with a unibody steel frame, a stronger, crumple-resistant roof, seat belts that cinch automatically in a rollover, lower bumpers to protect other drivers in a crash, and a seat-belt reminder that emits a noise until all passengers are belted. It also has a six-cylinder, fuel-efficient engine. The more expensive model, the Guardian XSE (cost nearly $3,000 more than the Explorer, but getting 36.3 miles per gallon compared to the Explorer’s rated 21.2 miles per gallon), has electronic stability control to reduce the threat of rollovers and side curtain air bags for all passengers. A six-speed automatic transmission helps the engine run more efficiently.

NET –NET:

A major improvement in safety, and a major decrease in gas usage that recovers the extra cost many times over..

[papau]

1. Add a hybred model and we are over 50 mpg for a SUV - so why

does Detroit not build this.

Why does Bush not demand this so we are less dependent on Arab oil?

Why does the US Media not ask these questions?

[XNASA]

2. Supposedly, Ford is going to make a hybrid Escape.........

....whici is a lot lighter than an Explorer, even though it has about as much interior space. I heard it'll get 50mpg.

I'll google around and see if I can find something.

[papau]

5. seems 6 speed transmission and motor gets twice current mph

Rather amazing with current off the shelf parts.

Makes it seem like Ford is using the Pentagon design philosophy

[XNASA]

3. Here a link about the hybrid Escape.

Guess it'll only get 40mpg.

"The Escape Hybrid is expected to achieve EPA fuel economy between 35 and 40 mpg for city driving and nearly 30 mpg for highway driving in front-wheel-drive configuration. Fuel economy for the 4x4 will be slightly lower. Conventional emissions from the vehicle will be significantly better than today’s low emissions vehicles and will meet strict Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) and Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) emissions standards. "


http://www.ford.com/en/company/about/corporateCitizenship/principlesProgressPerformance/our-principles/prod-escape.htm

[T Roosevelt]

4. I've been waiting for this for over two years

when I first heard about it. Starting to wonder if Ford is really serious about it...

[papau]

6. So we get same wieght/size with "hybred" mpg, and can add "hybred" savings

to get over 50 mpg.

So if these guys freely publish the specs and blueprint - why is it that Ford can not build it?

And needs to wait 2 years to build one half as good?

[dfong63]

7. another plus of hybrids

they can go a looong ways between refills. i expect that'd be a big selling point with the SUV crowd. not necessarily the money saved on gas, but the added convenience of less frequent trips to the gas station.