Tag: PowerShift

  • Ford Puma ST Powershift

    Responsive, rewarding, fun-to-drive Ford Performance dynamics are now set to be enjoyed by even greater numbers of SUV customers as Ford today revealed the new Puma ST Powershift – introducing the most powerful version of Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0‑litre EcoBoost engine ever.

    Enhanced using 48-volt mild hybrid technology to deliver up to 170 PS peak power and 248 Nm peak torque, the multi-award-winning 1.0-litre engine is combined with a paddle-shift-operable, seven-speed, dual-clutch Ford Powershift transmission – seamlessly fusing energised driving experiences and everyday usability.

    The new powertrain fully embraces the Sports Technologies moniker alongside existing performance-enhancing features from the optimised chassis of the 1.5-litre EcoBoost Puma ST – launched in 2020 – including bespoke twist-beam and anti-roll bar settings, and patented force vectoring springs.

    Coupled with the compact SUV’s comfort, uncompromised interior space and innovative practical solutions including the Ford MegaBox, the versatile new Puma ST Powershift brings Ford Performance driving experiences within reach for even greater numbers of enthusiasts – delivering responsive 7.4-second 0-62 mph acceleration alongside 44.8 mpg fuel efficiency and 144 g/km CO2.

    “The Ford Performance team called on all of its experience developing the original Puma ST to deliver ST signature fun-to-drive without losing the practicality of our compact SUV, and our new Powershift derivative is even more versatile. We’re using 48-volt mild hybrid technology not just to improve efficiency but also to enhance peak power and torque,” said Stefan Muenzinger, Ford Performance manager, Europe. “The multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is combined with a paddle-shift-operable, seven-speed, dual-clutch Ford Powershift transmission – fusing an energised driving experience and everyday usability.” 

    True ST Performance, mild hybrid efficiency

    The 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt mild hybrid technology offered to Puma customers since the SUV’s launch in 2019 is enhanced to deliver even greater performance for Puma ST Powershift.

    The mild hybrid system engages energy recovery more quickly than in other applications for faster recharging of the 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack. This enables the belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG) to offer a longer boost period of torque supplementation for enhanced performance at lower engine rpm. In addition, the increased energy recuperation allows a further 10 PS of electric assist from the BISG to boost peak power.

    Combined with unique software tuning for the turbocharged, direct injected, three-cylinder petrol engine, the result is an almost 10 per cent increase in peak power compared with the 155 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid engine. Delivering up to 170 PS at 5,750 rpm and up to 248 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, the Puma ST Powershift produces exactly twice the power-per-litre of a 2002 Focus ST170.

    Puma ST Powershift benefits from the same active exhaust valve technology as Puma ST for increased performance and a distinctive ST engine note under acceleration. Controlled by the selectable Drive Modes, the active exhaust valve remains closed in Normal and Eco modes for everyday refinement, but opens in Sport mode to intensify the sporty sound.

    “The combination of a downsized engine and electrified technology helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions while providing accessible, everyday performance. Together with the recalibrated Powershift transmission, this package delivers smart performance and emotional ST fun-to-drive,” Muenzinger said.

    Powershift to give the driver control

    Developed to work seamlessly with Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid engines, the seven-speed Ford Powershift transmission is optimised with revised software strategies that can maximise performance and efficiency for Puma ST Powershift customers.

    In fully automatic mode, the dual-clutch gearbox provides smooth-shifting, effortless convenience and comfort – particularly stop-start traffic – and helps to keep the mild hybrid powertrain at the optimum rpm for efficiency. However, for truly exploiting the engine’s performance, triple downshifts enable faster overtaking when drivers request maximum acceleration. With Sport Drive Mode engaged, the transmission also holds lower gears for longer, for sportier responses. In addition, steering wheel paddle shifters allow manual control of shift points for full driver engagement.

    The Powershift automatic also enables Stop & Go functionality for the available Adaptive Cruise Control, which can bring the vehicle to a complete halt in stop-start traffic and automatically pull away if the stopping duration is less than three seconds, or resume after three seconds with the touch of a button or the accelerator. The transmission also enables a Remote Start function via the FordPass app.

    High specification ST chassis

    A Puma ST Powershift chassis shared with the award-winning Puma ST sharpens responses using a rear suspension twist-beam rated at 2,000 Nm/deg torsional stiffness – an increase of more than 50 per cent compared to the standard Puma – with a 28 mm anti-roll bar integrated into the U‑section and a 24 mm front anti-roll bar.

    Ford’s patented force vectoring springs also improve the Puma ST Powershift’s stability, agility and responsiveness. The non-uniform, non-interchangeable, directionally-wound springs apply vectoring forces to the rear suspension and enable cornering forces to travel directly into the spring, for increased lateral stiffness.

    This advanced spring technology is combined with Hitachi twin-tube frequency-reactive dampers at the front and rear, delivering the stiffness needed for enhanced body control alongside the compliance to isolate smaller road imperfections for high-speed refinement.

    An 11.4:1 steering ratio – almost 25 per cent faster than the standard Puma – uses a combination of ST-specification front knuckles, steering arm and steering rack gearing, for heightened response during turn-in compared to the standard Puma, further supported by Torque Vectoring Control.

    Enhanced braking performance is provided by 325 mm front discs – 17 per cent larger in diameter than the standard Puma specification. Puma ST Powershift’s brake booster is tuned for modulation, feel and feedback that supports performance driving, and the powertrain’s optimised energy recuperation also supports increased engine braking.

    Design that combines form and function

    A Ford Performance-embossed splitter integrated into the front bumper not only makes the Puma ST Powershift’s sports credentials immediately clear, but also increases front end downforce by almost 80 per cent versus the standard Puma. A large rear roof spoiler and distinctive rear diffuser also feature, while signature ST upper and lower front grilles are designed to maximise engine cooling capability and efficiency.

    Puma ST Powershift introduces a new ST-exclusive Azura Blue signature colour among six exterior paint options. Complemented by an available gloss black finish for the roof and standard black grille surrounds, side spears, door mirror caps and rear roof spoiler, the SUV also offers a Magnetite finish on the standard 19-inch alloy wheels.

    Inside, standard highlights include Ford Performance-developed sports seats finished in premium Sensico synthetic leather-effect material, a wireless charging pad, Quickclear heated windscreen, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, FordPass Connect modem, and Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™. Available driver assistance technologies include Pre-Collision Assist with Active Braking, Active Park Assist, Cross Traffic Alert with Active Braking, and Intelligent Speed Limiter.

    Underlining the Ford Performance model’s versatility, Puma ST Powershift retains full Puma space and practicality, offering 456 litres of loadspace with the rear seats in place as well as the innovative Ford MegaBox that provides an 80-litre storage space beneath the boot floor – capable of comfortably accommodating two golf bags in an upright position.

    “And, of course, the new Puma ST Powershift also delivers on the award-winning dynamic ability that our customers love,” Muenzinger said.

     

  • All-New Ford Fiesta PowerShift Automatic in India

    Ford-Fiesta-India-thumbFord are going to delight the Indian market with a Fiesta that has a state of the art PowerShift automatic gearbox – a dual clutch system that helps with frugality and bets on efficiency and reliability. Ford are in fact so proud of it that they have placed a ‘seal-for-life‘ on it, rendering maintenance unnecessary… or impossible. Anyway. Ford argue that one does not need to change the fluids inside for 10 years or 240 000 km. A 2 year/100 000 km warranty is also provided.

    The box can be found in two Fiesta trims – Style and Titanium+. The former will be generously equipped with enough technology such as auto AC, a leather steering wheel and some fog lights. The Titanium+ gets all of that plus leather seats, alloy wheels, park assist and electronically folding wing mirrors.

    Power will come from an India special 1.5 L Ti-VCT engine unit that is fully compliant with the country’s emission standards. Working together with the lightweight (no torque-converters and oil sumps inside) PowerShift box, that engine will return around 38 mpg – A class leading fuel economy (the Fiesta in India is a sedan).

    The All-new Ford Fiesta (Indian market)
    The All-new Ford Fiesta (Indian market)

    Other pearls of the Fiesta include the driver aids and safety features. It’s got Cruise Control, Hill-Assist and Grade-Assist (auto descent from a hill on a constant, comfortable speed), ABS, dual airbags and a thing called Creep Function. That sounds a bit disturbing but actually what it is, is a system that allows the car to move slowly without much effort from the driver when in traffic jam.

    The car is sound, soundproof, rigid, compact yet spacious, technologically advanced and now, with the addition of the PowerShift automatic, it is also very easy to live with. Ideal for everyday life in India? Why not?

    Source: Ford

  • 2012 VOLVO DRIVe Powershift

    Volvo launches automatic DRIVe diesels with the same fuel consumption as manual versions

    We have very exciting news form Volvo Car Corporation, which just has announced the latest step in its ‘DRIVe towards Zero’ emissions strategy. This will be made possible with the launch of an automatic gearbox option in four Volvo DRIVe models: the S60 DRIVe, V60 DRIVe, V70 DRIVe and the S80 DRIVe. For the first time, these DRIVe models can be ordered with Volvo’s Powershift dual-clutch automatic gearbox. What needs to be highlighted here is that buyers of these cars won’t compromise on environmental care or economy as the automatic cars deliver exactly the same fuel economy and emissions as the class-leading manual variants.

    This only can mean that for the first time in history the fuel consumption in variants with an automatic gearbox  is brought down to the same level as in the manual versions.

    2012 Volvo S60 DRIVe Auto
    2012 Volvo S60 DRIVe Auto

    If you wonder about the fuel consumption (combined cycle) and CO2 figures, here there are:

    • Volvo S60 DRIVe Automatic – 65.7mpg (28,7 km/l) & 114g/km
    • Volvo V60 DRIVe Automatic – 62.8mpg (26,7 km/l) & 119g/km
    • Volvo V70 DRIVe Automatic – 62.8mpg (26,7 km/l)  & 119g/km
    • Volvo S80 DRIVe Automatic – 62.8mpg (26,7 km/l) & 119g/km

    But wait, if you hurry to buy a DRIVe Powershift, you’ll have to do it in early 2012. The production of the car starts mid-February.  And if you are curious about the prices they are exactly £25,230 for the S60 DRIVe, £26,405 for the V60 DRIVe, £27,730 for the V70 DRIVe and £26,980 for the S80 DRIVe.

    What I like about this DRIVe Powershift is that the low consumption and emission levels result in a number of technological improvements. First of all, there is a reduction of the friction between gearbox components. Second, the engine and gearbox software have been modified. Third, the start/stop system cuts off the diesel engine when the car is still rolling (below 3mph). Next, to create lower energy consumption, all electrical systems have been optimized. And at last, all the S60, V60, V70 and S80 DRIVe are fitted with Volvo’s latest 4 cylinder 8 valve 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine, which delivers low CO2 while at the same time still delivering a healthy 115hp (84.5 kW) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque.

    T go further into DRIVe details, the variants of the vehicle are now available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed Powershift automatic gearbox. Next, there is included a brake energy regeneration, a turbo with variable turbine geometry, common rail fuel supply fitted with Piezo injectors. To enhance it more, they have also added a combined catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter, Start/Stop technology with intelligent climate monitoring, Low rolling resistance tires. And at last the details of the Powershift gearbox are the following: wet double clutch, split input shaft (outer hollow shaft encloses the inner shaft), manual gear selection available via the gear selector and hydraulic control.

    2012 Volvo S80 DRIVe Auto
    2012 Volvo S80 DRIVe Auto

    With the motto ‘DRIVe Towards Zero’, Volvo Car Corporation aims on improvements on the petrol engines. They are made possible by the optimization of the four-cylinder, 1.6-litre T3 engine (150 hp/110 kW), which is available in the Volvo S60 and V60. Moreover Volvo’s engineering specialists have managed to bring fuel consumption down to 49.0mpg (20.8 km/l) in the S60 (previously 42.8mpg /18,2 km/l).  Hence, this corresponds to CO2 emissions of just 135 g/km, which is a reduction of 17g/km!

    The Powershift transmission can now be specified with the T3 engine. The reason to do this is that it will reduce an entry level price of an automatic S60 to £24,270.  And if you are asking about the figures for the direct-injected T3 engine combined with automatic Powershift in the S60, they are 39.8mpg (16.9 km/l) and 164 g/km.

    The S60 and V60 T3 Powershift will be available to order in early 2012. However, they will be firstly delivered in April.

    This DRIVe Powershift maybe will make VOLVO Car Corporation a European leader in CO2 reduction. The corporation has a leading role among European carmakers in terms of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This is being confirmed in the annual analysis presented by the European Federation for Transport and Environment (T&E).

    2012 Volvo V70 DRIVe Auto
    2012 Volvo V70 DRIVe Auto

    Source: Volvo

  • 2010 Ford Mondeo available for the UK in autumn

    2010 Ford Mondeo will make its official debut at the 2010 Moscow International Automobile Salon on August 25. The new model will be available in the UK in October. The vehicle features a restyled exterior and uprated interior, new high-efficiency Ford EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel powertrains, plus a host of new driver comfort and convenience features and safety technologies. (more…)

  • 2010 Ford Mondeo comes with improved engine range and equipment

    2010 Ford Mondeo comes with better fuel economy, lower emissions and improved performance mostly thanks to high efficiency Ford EcoBoost petrol-injection turbo and upgraded Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engines now available for sale.

    The newly developed 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine delivers 203PS and the significantly improved 2.0-litre TDCi diesels with 115, 140 and an impressive 163PS version.

    Furthermore, the car features Ford PowerShift – six-speed dual-clutch transmission system, which delivers smooth and fast gear change. Currently, Ford Mondeo has a leading position within its segment and now it is secured with the enhancements. (more…)