Focus EV to use Liquid Cooled Battery

Ford announced September 2 its Focus Electric, due out next year in the U.S., will contain a lithium ion battery pack with a liquid-based thermal management system.

Ford will use for the Focus a lithium-ion battery pack which will use heated and cooled liquid to handle one of the most dreaded things in an EV: overheating batteries. The liquid will be used by the car to keep the heat level to a minimum, hence increasing both the range and life span of the pack.

Ford is still developing the car, but the prototype we drove had a 23 kilowatt-hour lithium ion pack, which makes it about the size of the air-cooled pack in the Nissan Leaf. By using active thermal management, Ford says it will maximize battery life and range and optimize charging by heating, or cooling, the pack to the best temperature before pulling juice from the grid.

The introduction of this type of electronic cooling, will extend the batteries lifespan and also help to gain the maximum performance. By keeping the cells cool the active thermal management will be able to prevent the likelihood of cracks in the electrodes. These cracks can start to effect the batteries power and reduce the charge capabilities. On initial plug-in the management system will run a precondition of the batteries before it allows charging to begin.

The Focus Electric, which will be released in the U.S. late this year and in 2012 in Europe, is one of five electrified vehicles Ford will release over the next three years. The Ford Transit Connect Electric small commercial van arrives in late 2010, followed by two next-generation hybrid electric vehicles, as well as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013.

Source: Ford




Press Release

FORD USES INNOVATIVE LIQUID-COOLED BATTERY SYSTEM TO HELP FOCUS ELECTRIC OWNERS MAXIMIZE RANGE

• The all-new Ford Focus Electric, which debuts in late 2011 in the U.S. and 2012 in Europe, will be powered by a lithium-ion battery system that utilizes cooled and heated liquid to regulate battery temperature, extend battery life and maximize driving range
  
• The innovative thermal management technology helps the Focus Electric operate efficiently in a range of ambient temperatures
  
• Focus Electric is one of five new electrified vehicles Ford will deliver over the next three years in North America and Europe. The Focus Electric will be built at Ford's retooled Michigan Assembly Plant
  

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 2, 2010 – The all-new Ford Focus Electric, which debuts in the U.S. late next year and in Europe in 2012, will be powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery that utilizes heated and cooled liquid to help maximize battery life and gas-free driving range.

Thermal management of lithium-ion battery systems is critical to the success of all-electric vehicles because extreme temperatures can affect performance, reliability, safety and durability. Ford has chosen an advanced active liquid-cooling and heating system to regulate the temperature of its lithium-ion battery packs, which are designed to operate under a range of ambient conditions.

"All-electric vehicles do not have a conventional engine on board, so it is critical we maximize the performance of the battery under various operating temperatures," said Sherif Marakby, Ford director, Electrification Program and Engineering. "Active liquid systems are more effective than air systems at regulating lithium-ion battery temperature. As a result, the active liquid system on Focus Electric will play a key role in providing our customers with the best performance possible."

The active liquid cooling and heating system also enables the Focus Electric to automatically precondition the battery pack temperature during daily recharging. When the vehicle is plugged in to the power grid, the vehicle system will be able to warm up the battery on cold days and cool it down on hot days.

The Focus Electric will be built at Ford's retooled Michigan Assembly Plant and will be available in late 2011. The vehicle will have an expected range of up to 100 miles and use no gasoline at all.

Battery thermal management in action
While air-cooling methods work well for many of today's smaller car battery systems, the larger, more complex lithium-ion battery technology powering Ford's all-electric vehicles calls for an aggressive thermal management system.

An active liquid system heats or chills a coolant before pumping it through the battery cooling system. This loop regulates temperature throughout the system against external conditions.

On hot days, chilled water absorbs heat from the batteries, dispersing it through a radiator before pumping it through the chiller again. On cold days, heated water warms the batteries, gradually bringing the system's temperature to a level that allows it to efficiently accept charge energy and provide enough discharge power for expected vehicle performance.

"Extreme temperatures impact a battery's life and performance, making it crucial to have an effective cooling and heating system to regulate temperature for these demanding applications," said Anand Sankaran, Ford executive technical leader, Energy Storage and HV Systems.

The liquid cooling system also plays a role in charging the vehicle. When the all-electric Focus is plugged in to recharge, the vehicle control system will automatically precondition the battery, if needed, to the optimal temperature before accepting charge. If the battery is already at the optimal temperature, the system will automatically accept charge and maintain an optimal temperature.

"We are working closely with our technology partners to accelerate the development of our lithium-ion battery systems to help our future EV customers get the most out of their vehicles," Marakby said. "Our goal is to build an electric vehicle that delivers on the quality and performance customers have come to expect from Ford."

Focus Electric is one of five electrified vehicles Ford will release over the next three years. In addition to the Focus Electric, the Ford Transit Connect Electric small commercial van arrives in late 2010, followed by two next-generation hybrid electric vehicles, as well as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013.

Electrified vehicles are one part of Ford's broader strategy to offer a wide range of environmentally friendly, advanced technology solutions to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions affordably for customers around the world.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg By JE Design

JE Design has releases a new styling and performance package for the Volkswagen Touareg.

JE Design have equipped the Touareg with a new sports radiator grill, front spoiler, front and back wheel arch kit, rear apron insert, roof spoiler and rear hatch. It is all machined from Polyurethane and includes a new headlight set. The whole package costs just € 4998.

The only available engine kit is for the 4.2-liter TDI V8 diesel unit that increases output from 340HP and 800Nm of torque to 410HP and a monstrous 930Nm or 686 lbs-ft, respectively. As a result, 0-100km/h (62mph) drops from 5.8 seconds to 5.4 seconds while top speed is increased from 242km/h to 269km/h or 167mph.

A pneumatic electronic suspension lowering module pushes the car 35mm lower to the ground for a price of € 1428. A complete wheel set is offered for € 5190 include 30 and 40mm spacers and aluminium wheels in a variety of colours.

Source: JE Design




Press Release

Already refined: New JE DESIGN Touareg with 410 hp

• Sophisticated Widebody-Kit for a powerful presentation

• Performance increase to 410 hp with guarantee

• Aluminium wheels SUV-Select, 22 inches

• All components inclusive TÜV-assessment

The new Touareg grew four centimetres in length in comparison to its predecessor. But only JE DESIGN enhances the width of this large VW as well. The new JE DESIGN Widebody-Kit in combination with the aluminium wheels and lower suspension setting bestows the SUV from Wolfsburg with significantly higher road dominance and an increased overtake prestige. The increased performance honours the wide construction’s promise in an impressive manner.

The JE DESIGN Widebody-Kit provides a completely new style for the Touareg, with a new sports radiator grill, front spoiler, front and back wheel arch kit, rear apron insert, roof spoiler and rear hatch blend for 4998 Euro including VAT (non-committal price recommendation). All of the components are fitted precisely, manufactured from Polyurethane (PU) and will be delivered already primed. The new additional headlights also provide the large Volkswagen with an even more unique front view.

Not only the components’ perfect alignment, but also the ability to combine the components with all models of this series speaks for the engineering of the customizer from Leingarten, Germany. The widebody kit is developed to accommodate the Touareg standard version, but is also precisely fitted to accommodate designer packages „Chrome & Style“ as well as „Terrain-Style“. The pivot-trailer hitch can also be used as well as the different Volkswagen-muffler tips – regardless whether round or trapezium shaped – the JE DESIGN Widebody-Kit is designed to support it.

Alternatively, the JE DESIGN offers dual exhaust pipes for 595 Euro, which channels the exhaust fumes left and right through round bevelled stainless steel pipes in a diameter of 90 millimetres.

However, JE DESIGN is not limited to the visual transformation of the Touareg. Thanks to optimised engine management, the performance of the 4.2-liter TDI-engine has increased to 410 hp (302 kW) vs. the previous 340 hp (250 kW) and the maximum torque takes a leap from 800 to 930 Newton metres. Therefore the acceleration of this more than two ton vehicle from 0-100 kph only takes 5.4 instead of 5.8 seconds and the top speed now no longer ends at 242 but at 269 kph instead. The price of 2999 Euro already includes a one year warranty for the engine, the turbo charger, the transmission and the power train and can be extended to two years for an additional 199 Euro.

To ensure the newfound power is utilised to its full capacity on the road, the pneumatic electronic suspension lowering module will bring the vehicles 35 millimetres lower to the ground for a price of 1428 Euro.

As a result, the new aluminium wheels appear especially impressive. JE DESIGN equips the Wolfsburg-vehicle with the SUV-Select design, 10x12 inch aluminium wheels, back and front. For a total of 409 Euro the 30 millimetre wheel spacers on the front axel and 40 millimetres wheel spacers on the back axle additionally ensure that the wheel housing is optimally completed. For individual coordination, the wheels are available in four different finishes: shadow silver with a polished front surface, matte black with a matte silver front surface, graphite shiny silver with polished rim and matte graphite silver with polished rim. However, custom painted wheels are also available without problem so that each Touareg can become a customized vehicle. JE DESIGN offers the complete wheel package for 5190 Euro; single wheels are available for 690 Euro each.

The complete JE DESIGN upgrade, including assembly, paint and TÜV- registration is available for 19,750 Euro.

Of course, JE DESIGN will provide the respective TÜV-assessments for each component, so the specified assessments can be added to the vehicle registration without problem. Additionally, despite the performance increase, the Touareg is still in compliance with emission regulations and therefore eliminates problems during the emission control inspection.

2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has been a huge success. Sales have exceeded Ford’s expectations and the Raptor’s off-road performance is untouched by any other production truck.

The 2011 Ford F150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew comes with a new 6.2-liter V8 cast-iron engine with engine block with bay-to-bay breathing and four-bolt main bearing caps, aluminum cylinder heads, single overhead camshaft with roller-rocker shaft drivetrain and dual-equal variable cam timing.

The fuel tank is also bigger — a 36-gallon fuel capacity. That'll mean more time out on the trails. It's also beefier with a bigger 8,000 pounds towing capacity and another 100 lbs of payload. The cushy-over-bumps predictable-on-the-asphalt ride and handling have been maintained by tuning the Fox Racing shocks and springs front and rear.

Suspension travel is still 11.2 inches front and 12.1 inches in back on both models. In fact, everything is virtually the same on both models other than the rear legroom. Both get the big V8, both get FOX Racing Shox, and both get big BFG rubber. As for handling differences, we'll have to be patient for a review.

The 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor will also include a new computer system that informs the driver of important information while off-roading. The computer will let the driver know the truck’s steering wheel angle and the vehicle’s angle when on a grade, as well as information on what the truck’s various off-road traction and stability systems are doing.




Press Release

2011 FORD F-150 SVT RAPTOR ADDS SUPERCREW OPTION, MORE TECHNOLOGY, TOWING, STANDARD 6.2-LITER ENGINE

• Ford F-150 SVT Raptor again is raising the bar for high-speed off-road performance trucks by adding a SuperCrew option and more standard power and towing capability for 2011
• The previously optional 6.2-liter V8 engine, which produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, now comes standard for 2011, making Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market
• Upgraded technology content, including a standard 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen and SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, keeps customers more in tune with their trucks, while a new graphic and color choice gives them more options

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 3, 2010 – A new standard 6.2-liter V8 engine pumping out 411 horsepower, new technologies and a newly available SuperCrew option that gives Raptor customers more choices in cab size all ensure the 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will remain the off-road performance truck champion in the new model year.

“When we launched the F-150 SVT Raptor, consumers were blown away with the capability of the vehicle,” said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. “By adding the SuperCrew, we have expanded the versatility of Raptor, and now even more enthusiasts will be able to experience the no-compromise off-road performance that only Raptor delivers.”

The F-150 SVT Raptor is the first-ever high-speed off-road performance truck offered by any manufacturer and highlights 33 years of Ford truck sales leadership by emphasizing F-150’s Built Ford Tough durability, innovation and engineering. Developed with the DNA of an off-road pre-runner, comprehensive modifications focused on chassis and suspension enhancements.

The F-150 SVT Raptor is 7 inches wider than a base F-150 to make room for the additional suspension components that give Raptor its unparalleled off-road abilities. The wider stance also gives the truck an aggressive appearance. Internal triple-bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road.

Raptor also has unique cast-aluminum front control arms and SVT-tuned 35-inch BFGoodrich® All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tires. These components give Raptor 11.2 inches of front suspension travel and 12.1 inches of rear suspension travel on either SuperCab or the new SuperCrew.

The new available 145-inch-wheelbase SuperCrew offering with a 5.5-foot box adds to the extensive list of F-150 SVT Raptor features. While contributing additional space and flexibility for the customer, the SuperCrew delivers performance as well.

Applying lessons learned from the SuperCab F-150 SVT Raptor, engineers were able to tune the truck to handle off-road events with ease. The 12-inch-longer wheelbase on SuperCrew also delivers the benefit of a more comfortable ride, especially in rough off-road situations.

“We spent a lot of time getting the ride and suspension characteristics of the SuperCrew similar to that of the SuperCab, and we were successful in getting the same character and flavor out of the SuperCrew,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “While the SuperCab and SuperCrew both have different strengths, each is worthy of the Raptor nameplate.”

A larger 36-gallon fuel tank and increased towing capability – rated at 8,000 pounds – keep F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew a mainstay in the desert environment, with capabilities as a chase or tow truck.

Revved up and ready
The previously optional 6.2-liter V8 engine, which produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, will now be the standard engine for the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor, the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market.

The Ford powertrain team performed extensive testing to ensure the engine would live up to the Built Ford Tough promise. Hundreds of additional tests beyond the normal verification of truck engines, as well as vehicle testing on a 62-mile durability loop in the desert that simulates the Baja 1000, validated the performance of the engine for reliability and longevity in the harshest conditions.

New color and graphic options
Raptor’s exterior also receives some new touches for 2011, in the form of an additional paint color – Ingot Silver Metallic – that will be available with the standard black interior, or the optional Molten Orange Interior Accent Package.

A new optional hood graphic adds a personalized and functional touch to F-150 SVT Raptor. Inspired by older off-road racing Ford Broncos, matte black accent graphics – including the F-150 SVT Raptor logo – run along the hood, also helping to reduce glare. The Raptor logo in the graphic is done in body-color bleed-through, similar to “SVT” on the side vent. “F-150” and “SVT” are written in dark gray. The graphic is available with or without the box side graphics.

More capability, more technology
Key to helping customers take advantage of all the capability offered by the F-150 SVT Raptor is a standard 4.2-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) productivity screen that is integrated in the center of the new instrument gauges, which have a black face, red pointers and ice blue daytime lighting. Also used on the all-new 2011 Super Duty, the technology was specifically tailored for off-road use with Raptor.

The screen includes a unique welcome animation and offers menu options giving the customer important information related to off-road and towing performance. A truck application screen provides vehicle status information for important off-road parameters such as off-road mode, Hill Descent Control™, electronic locking differential settings and AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™).

An off-road screen informs the customer about steering wheel angle and vehicle angle on a grade during off-road maneuvers. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel and is positioned between the tachometer and speedometer.

“The productivity screen is a great solution for our off-road customers,” said Hameedi. “With one glance, they can tell exactly what settings are enabled on their truck and what the driveline is doing.”

For the customer who wants more control of transmission gear selection, SelectShift Automatic transmission functionality also is introduced on Raptor. A toggle switch located on the console shift lever engages the mode, where the transmission doesn’t second-guess the driver, giving him or her total control over gear selection and performance feel. Upshifts, for instance, are not commanded at redline, and downshifts are allowed at the lowest gear possible as defined by the engine speed.

A Raptor Plus Package debuts for 2011, offering the rear view camera and trailer brake controller. The Raptor Luxury Package also receives additional features, with folding power exterior mirrors and Remote Start System with integrated key fob added to the list.

New standard technology features for 2011 include:

• Perimeter alarm
• Integrated spotter mirror
• Express up/down driver and passenger front windows
• 110 V power inverter in the center console
• Head restraint for second-row middle seat
• Telescoping steering wheel

2010 Raptor equals hot seller
Sales of the truck are off to an impressive start, selling four times quicker than the average
F-150, with the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor equipped with the 6.2-liter engine selling within 11 days of arriving at dealerships. In fact, 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor sales are set to exceed the highest model year sales of the F-150 SVT Lightning.

Dealers will start taking orders for the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor today, and the trucks will be available in dealerships late this year.