Under new direction from new CEO Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company is planning to revive their product lineup and say they'll have a completely new showroom of vehicles by 2010.
"This year, we make good on our commitment to freshen our showrooms," Mulally said. "We just introduced the new 2009 Ford F-150 last week, and it was a hit. We also have Lincoln MKS and Ford Flex coming, as well as a new Mustang early next year."
Leveraging existing technologies is part of the plan, and Ford's announced their 2009 Escape is going to do just that. Through updating and modernizing of the engine and transmission, the American automaker will give owners better mileage, refinement and power.
Though a bestseller, Escape never managed to impress in the powertrain department. The dependable 3.0 litre Duratec engine and 4-speed automatic transmission currently offered have proven their durability, though they're becoming outdated.
The answer is a more fuel efficient and powerful version of the V6 for next years model. Still displacing 3 litres, the new engine will be bumped to a more competitive 230 horsepower. The four-speed automatic is gone too, and a six-speed unit takes its place. Buyers can expect a 1-mile per gallon increase in fuel economy alongside smoother and more linear power delivery.
The four cylinder engine has been updated too. Up from 2.3 litres, the new 2.5 litre mill generates 170 horsepower and boasts decreased fuel consumption as well. Additionally, the 2009 Escape will feature Ford's capless fuel filling system, which eases the refueling process and helps reduce evaporative emissions.
2009 Escape goes on sale this summer.
photo:Ford
"This year, we make good on our commitment to freshen our showrooms," Mulally said. "We just introduced the new 2009 Ford F-150 last week, and it was a hit. We also have Lincoln MKS and Ford Flex coming, as well as a new Mustang early next year."
Leveraging existing technologies is part of the plan, and Ford's announced their 2009 Escape is going to do just that. Through updating and modernizing of the engine and transmission, the American automaker will give owners better mileage, refinement and power.
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Though a bestseller, Escape never managed to impress in the powertrain department. The dependable 3.0 litre Duratec engine and 4-speed automatic transmission currently offered have proven their durability, though they're becoming outdated.
The answer is a more fuel efficient and powerful version of the V6 for next years model. Still displacing 3 litres, the new engine will be bumped to a more competitive 230 horsepower. The four-speed automatic is gone too, and a six-speed unit takes its place. Buyers can expect a 1-mile per gallon increase in fuel economy alongside smoother and more linear power delivery.
The four cylinder engine has been updated too. Up from 2.3 litres, the new 2.5 litre mill generates 170 horsepower and boasts decreased fuel consumption as well. Additionally, the 2009 Escape will feature Ford's capless fuel filling system, which eases the refueling process and helps reduce evaporative emissions.
2009 Escape goes on sale this summer.
photo:Ford