One’s head can be set spinning when following all the changes coming forth from the Ford Motor Company.
In late 2008, the automaker released the next generation of its big pick up truck, the F Series. That truck was actually supposed to have been released a few months earlier, but because of high gas prices, Ford pushed back production by several months in a bid to draw down its remaining inventory of previous generation models. The wait was a success as Ford managed to clear inventory which helped bolster sales for the year.
Earlier in 2008, the automaker announced that the company would make a significant change in strategy by introducing several small cars to the North American market beginning with the 2010 model year. Those models, which are currently selling quite well in Europe and elsewhere, will allow Ford to offer a number of fuel efficient vehicles to supplement its fleet in a bid to compete with Asian automakers whose car lines currently lead in fuel economy.
Other changes announced by Ford include the pending introduction of its EcoBoost engine, new hybrid car lines for the Fusion and Milan, and new engine choices for the Ford F-150.
Most recently, Ford announced that a dual-clutch powershift transmission would be offered in for its small vehicle segment beginning in 2010. A six speed automatic, the technology provides the fuel efficiency of a manual gearbox with the convenience and ease of a premium automatic transmission.
“PowerShift represents a true competitive advantage for Ford and is one of the many technologies that will help our global small car platforms set a new world standard for efficiency and drive quality,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Global Powertrain Engineering, who announced PowerShift’s production timing at the 2009 Automotive News World Congress. “This advanced six-speed is an improvement over today’s automatic transmissions in terms of fuel economy, while providing customers an even more fun-to-drive experience.”
This move will allow Ford to offer near model line wide six speed automatic transmission technology by 2013, a feature no other car manufacturer offers. Though more expensive to produce than four or five speed transmissions, the six speed transmission provides much better fuel economy results for highway driving.
“A dry clutch is a real sweet spot for lighter vehicle applications,” said Piero Aversa, manager, Ford Automatic Transmission Engineering. “PowerShift is more efficient, it saves weight, is more durable, more efficient and the unit is sealed for life, requiring no regular maintenance.”
One example where the new transmission will be used is with the Ford Focus. Compared to the current standard four speed automatic transmission, the dual clutch six speed transmission is thirty pounds lighter. roofing . PowerShift, unlike conventional automatic transmissions, does not need the heavier torque converter or planetary gears of standard automatics, thus the savings in weight.
Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy’s Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including Ford Explorer hub adaptor and Ford Contour lowering springs.
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