"If you want to tow anything greater than 2,000 pounds (907 kg), you want to go to one of our SUVs," Marentic said. "We did that purposefully. You have to stand for something and we wanted to stand for flexibility and great on-road performance. SUVs are where you go if you want to tow and if you're looking for off-road capability."
The CVT, made in Batavia, Ohio, is the product of Ford's joint venture with Germany's ZF Group. It replaces traditional transmissions gears with two, two-piece pulleys and a chained loop. The two pulleys change shape to produce different drive ratios, meeting specific driving conditions and improving fuel economy while reducing noise and vibration.
In the end the Freestyle should be force to be reckoned with, translating into a much needed revenue source for Ford. It's attractively styled, offers exceptional interior packaging and should drive well. If Ford manages to hit the mark with an enticing base price and desirable option packages, plus a clean launch with no quality hiccups, the Freestyle should be a major success.
Preliminary Specifications:
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| If the Freestyle arrives with an attractive base price and no quality hiccups, it should be a much needed success for Ford. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
In the end the Freestyle should be force to be reckoned with, translating into a much needed revenue source for Ford. It's attractively styled, offers exceptional interior packaging and should drive well. If Ford manages to hit the mark with an enticing base price and desirable option packages, plus a clean launch with no quality hiccups, the Freestyle should be a major success.
Preliminary Specifications:
- Price Range (estimated MSRP): $39,000 - $54,000
- Body Type: 5-door wagon/SUV crossover, unibody
- Layout: front engine, FWD (opt AWD)
- Engine: 200 hp, 200 lb-ft, 3.0-L 24-valve V6
- Transmission: CVT (continuously variable)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Curb Weight (FWD-AWD): 1,796 - 1,865 kg (3,959 - 4,112 lbs)
- Seating Capacity: 7 (2 / 3 / 2)
- Cargo Volume (behind 2nd row/all seats folded): 4,361 / 5,777 L (154.0 / 204.0 cu ft)
- Towing Capacity (estimated): 907 kg (2,000 lb)
- Ground Clearance: 130 mm (5.1 in)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): N/A
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: Buick Rendezvous, Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Pontiac Aztek, Subaru Outback, Toyota Highlander
- Web Site: www.ford.ca
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