Press Release
???????????????????????????????????Ford Escape customers are focused on their destination ??????????????????????????????????????? they love the outdoors and they want to have fun. They are confident the Escape will get them where they want to go and enable them to do what they want when they get there. It has the performance, 4WD ability and safety they demand.???????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????? Dr Chi Li, Chief Engineer
Escape??????????????????????????????????????s powerful and torquey engines have helped it earn a reputation as one of the most capable vehicles in its class ??????????????????????????????????????? both on and off-road. Ford has retained two engines that offer user-friendly torque ??????????????????????????????????????? a 2.3-litre four-cylinder unit and a 3.0-litre V6.
Both engines have been upgraded to meet Euro III emissions regulations and are mated to electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmissions.
2.3-litre with VVT
Variable valve timing (VVT) for the all-alloy 16-valve four-cylinder engine is new for the 2006 Escape, producing better low and mid-speed torque plus quieter and smoother acceleration.
While maximum output figures are almost unchanged with power of 109 kW (up 1 kW) at 6000 rpm and torque of 199 Nm (down 2 Nm) at 4000 rpm (500 rpm lower), the 2.3-litre engine meets the stringent Euro III emissions without any noticeable loss of performance.
"In fact, with maximum torque now achieved earlier in the rev range, the updated Escape actually feels livelier on the road," said Dr Li.
The VVT mechanism advances or retards closure of the intake valves to suit the demands of the driver by delivering better performance in the usable rev range without sacrificing fuel economy.
At idle, the valves close earlier so that less combusted gas is returned to the intake port. This stabilises idle speed and improves fuel economy.
Under medium load, VVT reduces engine friction loss, lowering the combustion temperature and reducing the amount of harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gas. Hydrocarbon emissions are reduced by burning non-combusted gases.
Under heavy load, the intake valve is also closed early to ensure more complete combustion with lower emissions and improved torque at low-middle speed ranges. At higher speeds, closure of the intake valves is delayed to gain higher efficiency. More air is inducted, leading to improved performance and fuel economy.
Shift points in the four-speed automatic transmission have been scheduled to take advantage of the benefits derived from the VVT system, providing smoother driving in stop-start city traffic and on the highway.
Dr Li said Ford??????????????????????????????????????s environmental goals for Escape have been achieved with an improved emission system that includes a close-coupling catalyst placed next to the manifold for faster purification of exhaust gases.
A linear oxygen sensor monitors the air-fuel ratio, enabling a more precise mix to be fed to the combustion chambers, while an oxygen sensor after the close-coupling catalyst monitors any deterioration in the purification rate and ensures more stable emissions over a long period.
"Escape??????????????????????????????????????s four-cylinder engine benefits from a rigid cast-alloy cylinder block and head with a compact balancer shaft to keep noise, vibration and harshness to a minimum.
"A new generation alternator with higher output is more efficient and quieter while the introduction of an electronic throttle provides more torque at low engine speeds and improved performance feel."
Pistons are made of a lightweight alloy and feature molybdenum-coated skirts for noise and friction reductions. The aluminum cylinder block is relatively light weight and offers excellent stiffness that helps reduce the level of noise, vibration and harshness reaching the cabin.
V6 power
Significant changes have occurred in the way Escape??????????????????????????????????????s powerful V6 engine delivers its performance. The improvements are specifically designed to address customer feedback calling for smoother and fewer gear changes as well as substantially better fuel economy.
Escape??????????????????????????????????????s 3.0-litre, 60-degree V6 engine is a welcome option in a market segment populated by four-cylinder rivals. The latest improvements add further support to the fun-to-drive character of Escape in both urban and off-road situations and its robust towing capabilities.
While the DOHC V6 develops unchanged maximum outputs of 152 kW at 6000 rpm and 276 Nm at 4750 rpm, Ford has implemented changes that ensure the torque available across the rev range is used more effectively.
The four-speed automatic transmission has been revised so that it synchronizes superbly with the strong torque characteristics of the engine. The better matching of shift points to torque will result in fewer gear changes, particularly during enthusiastic driving and at cruising speeds.
A new torque converter is 6 per cent more efficient in transmitting the performance of the V6 engine to the driveshaft. It incorporates a lock-up mechanism that reduces the amount of engine power lost to heat.
Dr Li said greater efficiency and more precise matching of engine and transmission calibrations were important for delivering the smooth delivery of power at all times.
???????????????????????????????????Above all, we have been able to better harness the engine??????????????????????????????????????s true potential while also improving fuel economy by 10 per cent,???????????????????????????????? he said.
Fuel economy figures on the V6 have improved from 12.2 litres/100 km to 10.9.
Further upgrades to the V6 are designed to reduce noise, vibration and harshness levels with a die-cast aluminum cover (instead of plastic), a one-piece (vs two-piece) radiator fan, slightly revised water pipes and a relocated water pump.
Driving in all conditions
Escape boasts genuine off-road ability with an innovative 'on demand' 4WD system for optimum traction on varying surfaces and in a wide range of conditions. Along with powerful engines, four-wheel independent suspension and a tough exterior, Escape is a true all-rounder that can venture well off the beaten track.
In normal driving, Escape??????????????????????????????????????s powerful engines drive the front wheels only for optimum fuel economy. On wet or greasy roads or when heading off the bitumen, the 'on demand' 4WD system allows the vehicle to determine the torque split between the front and rear wheels.
It automatically senses when the front wheels begin to slip and hydraulically transfers up to 50 percent of the engine??????????????????????????????????????s torque to the rear wheels, ensuring maximum grip. This seamless transfer of torque occurs instantly to deliver additional traction when conditions demand.
Dr Li said the advantage of the system is that it requires no intervention from the driver.
???????????????????????????????????There are no gear-shift levers to operate in order to engage this advanced system and Escape is always ready to make best use of available traction,???????????????????????????????? he said.
???????????????????????????????????The system isn??????????????????????????????????????t accompanied by the noises and jerks of some other systems, but provides peace-of-mind motoring for the customer by providing excellent traction, even on slippery surfaces.????????????????????????????????
For sustained off-road performance, the driver can press a switch on the dash to activate an electro-magnetic coupling that locks the system in four-wheel drive, spreading engine power and torque 50:50 front-to-rear. This feature can be smoothly engaged while the vehicle is moving.
Escape??????????????????????????????????????s engine performance, body rigidity and 4WD ability enables it to tow up to 1600 kg with a genuine Ford tow bar ??????????????????????????????????????? enough to pull jet skis or small boats.
"The four-wheel independent suspension, large brakes and wide stance of the Escape contribute to the vehicle??????????????????????????????????????s confident and sporty handling. MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link system at the rear are tuned for first-class handling, optimum ride comfort and off-road ability.
"They respond precisely and consistently in all conditions. Damping force has been optimized to increase handling stability and ride comfort while stabilizer control links provide a reassuring on-centre steering feel during straight-line driving.
"Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is standard and delivers exceptional road feel and responsiveness," said Dr Li.
Running clearance is impressive, ranging from 205 mm to 215 mm, depending on model and tyre specifications, while approach, departure and ramp-over angles are aided by short front and rear overhangs.
The updated models feature four-wheel disc brakes, replacing the previous model??????????????????????????????????????s disc/drum set-up. Improved stopping power comes from bigger front rotors (303 mm v. 278 mm) while the new rear discs come fitted with 302mm rotors.
All Escape models are fitted with ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution.
Dr Li said Emergency Brake Assist, already standard on four-cylinder models, had been added to the V6 Escape. This mechanism supplements the driver??????????????????????????????????????s pedal effort to generate maximum braking in an emergency, ensuring the minimum stopping distance. It also improves resistance to brake-fade and delivers a more linear pedal feel that is responsive and controlled.
Dr Li said changes to the Escape have been designed as the ideal fun-to-drive vehicle for Australian customers with active lifestyles, both in the city and off the beaten track.
???????????????????????????????????Escape delivers through engines with strong torque, intelligent on-demand 4WD, excellent towing performance, smooth car-like suspension, great stopping power, impressive ground clearance ??????????????????????????????????????? and, for those who spend hours in their vehicle getting to those out-of-the-way places, it now has a touch of class with its more comfortable, convenient and versatile interior.????????????????????????????????
