Fusion Hybrid: 1445 miles/one tank of gas

[dbk]

They were driving intentionally to get the max out of a tank, but I have to imagine driving normally should definitely get in the general vicinity of 1000 miles per tank depending on what your city/hwy driving mix is. :thumbsup

DEARBORN -- At 05.37 Tuesday morning, the Ford Fusion Hybrid 1,000 Mile Challenge finally finished. After 69 hours of driving by seven different members of the 1000 Mile Challenge team, the car finally came to a stop in a safe location near the George Washington Parkway in Alexandria, Va.

The car managed to go an astonishing 1,445.7 miles on a single tank of gas. The team averaged 81.5 mpg despite a storm and three night time drives.

The Fusion hybrid passed the 1000-mile mark at 9:08 a.m. on Monday. The moment was caught on tape and posted to YouTube. The vehicle was put to the test to demonstrate Ford’s commitment to be the best, or amongst the best, in fuel economy in every vehicle segment in which it competes and to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the process.

How far can you get on a single tank of gas? That depends on such details as how much fuel you can fit in your tank, the efficiency of your vehicle and how much control you have over your bladder. Ford seems to think you can eke 1,000 miles out of a single tank of 87-octane with its new 2010 Fusion Hybrid – a figure that seems nearly impossible at first blush.

To meet this rather impressive goal, the aforementioned hybrid sedan would need to average 57 miles per gallon, an attainable figure since Ford's preliminary testing indicates the Fusion Hybrid can manage up to 70 mpg when driven by a hyper-miller like Wayne Gerdes, who will join NASCAR racer Carl Edwards and a few assorted engineers as drivers.

Ford estimates that it will take 43 hours to get from Mount Vernon, VA to Washington, DC – a trip of about 20 miles as the crow flies (yes, you read that right). In fact, the crew could almost make it to Miami, Florida, from their starting point in Virginia using that same tank of gas. Obviously, Ford has a meandering route in mind.

Besides attempting to prove how fuel efficient its hybrid is and how the way you drive is nearly as important as what you're driving, the Blue Oval will also be raising funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Full press release after the break.

PRESS RELEASE:

Ford Team Aims To Drive 2010 Fusion Hybrid 1,000 Miles on a Single Tank of Gas

• The Ford Fusion Hybrid team will attempt to drive more than 1,000 miles for more than 43 continuous hours - on a single tank of gas, raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the process
• The most fuel-efficient, mid-sized sedan in America - the Fusion Hybrid driven by a team of Ford hybrid engineers, a fuel efficiency expert and a NASCAR star, will have to achieve an average of at least 57 mpg on the challenge to reach its goal
• By using Eco-Driving techniques engineers have achieved 70 mpg during testing of the Ford Fusion Hybrid in preparation for the challenge
• Consumers can improve their own vehicle's fuel economy performance is by adopting Ford's "Eco-Driving" tips used for the 1,000-Mile Challenge

DEARBORN, Mich., April 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- This weekend, the 2010 Ford (NYSE: F) Fusion Hybrid is being put to the ultimate fuel-efficiency test. A team of drivers, including NASCAR star Carl Edwards and world-record breaking hypermiler Wayne Gerdes, will attempt to drive more than 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas, raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the process.

The 1,000-Mile Challenge starts at around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, from Mount Vernon, Va., and ends the morning of Monday, April 27, in Washington, D.C. The team will drive for more than 43 hours continuously to reach the 1,000-mile goal. The drivers will do stints of between two and three hours each and will have regular breaks to ensure safe driving is maintained. Already rated as the most fuel-efficient, mid-sized sedan in America, the Fusion Hybrid will need to average at least 57 mpg to achieve its goal. During preliminary testing in preparation for this challenge, Ford engineers have reached as much as 70 mpg in the Fusion Hybrid by using Eco-Driving techniques.

The team will run clinics for media and customers over the weekend in the Fusion Hybrid, conducting interviews and vehicle demonstrations on how simple techniques can make a significant difference to real world fuel economy numbers.

The Fusion Hybrid being used in the challenge will be a factory produced model with no modifications or alterations and will run on regular 87 octane gas.

The team will be uploading regular images and video to YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/fordstory), Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fordmotorcompany), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/people/Krist...cer/1228149870), Twitter (http://twitter.com/Ford), and www.media.ford.com.

Ford is taking on the 1,000-Mile Challenge for a number of reasons:

• To demonstrate Ford's commitment to be the best or amongst the best in fuel economy in every vehicle segment in which it competes;
• To highlight the crucial role the driver plays in maximizing fuel economy and demonstrate how consumers can make a difference through Eco-Driving;
• To raise awareness about Eco-Driving and how the Fusion Hybrid contributes to it with the ability to run up to 47 mph in pure electric mode; and
• To raise awareness and funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

The 1,000-Mile Challenge team comprises of:

• Wayne Gerdes, the world-record breaking hypermiling champion and founder of www.cleanmpg.com;
• Carl Edwards, the NASCAR race star who recently bought his own 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid;
• Sherif Marakby, graduate of Maryland University and Ford hybrid chief engineer;
• Gil Portalatin, Ford hybrid applications manager and Ford Fusion Hybrid team leader;
• Tom Rolewicz, one of Ford's top calibration experts and hybrid system expert; and
• Steve Burke, Ford product expert on hybrid applications

The mileage-maximizing techniques that the Ford team will use and pass on to consumers include:

• Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure;
• Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking;
• Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions;
• Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear;
• Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine;
• Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag;
• Applying the "Pulse and Glide" technique while maintaining the flow of traffic;
• Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle's kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed; and
• Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum

Click here (http://media.ford.com/article_displa...ticle_id=28946) for more Eco-Driving tips

Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 213,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's wholly owned brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

 

[tpraceman]

you tube video average 81.5 MPG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WjKA7EarsI

:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup

:banana:banana:banana:banana:banana:banana

 

[Spirit's Son]

looks like some serious hyper-miling. awesome work by ford on this car and really the fusion in general.

but Dave, I dont see the average commuter getting 57 miles per gallon

 

[Sinovac]

I drove one for about 30 miles (mixed driving) and got an indicated 44 mpg. I wasn't easy on it either.

 

[dbk]

I can definitely see regular people getting 800-900 miles a tank. I drive pretty much exclusively around town under 45 mph (basically electric mode) and on the freeway. If I can get my wife's old Focus to average 43 mpg I'm sure I could easily squeak 50+ out of this thing. Would like to trade in her V6 Fusion for one when they become available.

 

[Spirit's Son]

well, Ford has come a long way since my 2001 v6 Mustang. I only get about 15mpg combined driving...and i am easy on it! for comparison, the Tundra gets about 16 combined driving.

 

[Kirby Vieira]

I was never a Ford guy growing up because my Dad's career was at GM, and Ford's were simply sh!tty cars. That was then, this is now. My 1st Ford purchase was the GT and it has eclipsed my many automotive love affairs. But my hat is off to Ford because they are doing things the old fashioned way while others are choosing welfare. I encourage everyone I know to buy a Ford product as a way of thanking them for not stealing our tax dollars. Ford deserves our business, they have earned it. :cheers

 

[PL510*Jeff]

I was never a Ford guy growing up because my Dad's career was at GM, and Ford's were simply sh!tty cars. That was then, this is now. My 1st Ford purchase was the GT and it has eclipsed my many automotive love affairs. But my hat is off to Ford because they are doing things the old fashioned way while others are choosing welfare. I encourage everyone I know to buy a Ford product as a way of thanking them for not stealing our tax dollars. Ford deserves our business, they have earned it. :cheers

+1:thumbsup

 

[on d bit]

well, Ford has come a long way since my 2001 v6 Mustang. I only get about 15mpg combined driving...and i am easy on it! for comparison, the Tundra gets about 16 combined driving.

my 03 mach 1 got 18 in the city off the gas and 26 on the freeway going 75-80 down i-5.

 

[Spirit's Son]

my 03 mach 1 got 18 in the city off the gas and 26 on the freeway going 75-80 down i-5.

from talking to many other sn95 v6 owners and v8 owners. the v8s seemed to get better city mileage. dont understand why. just city only gets about 12-14 mpg, but it could get about 30 on the freeway.

 

[Indy GT]

Well said!

Kirby-
Absolutely agree with you!!
Since purchasing my FGT, I am converted as well. Have purchased two more new Fords and will continue to do so...
They have my support AND business for life.

 

[FM99]

One question, how big is the gas tank?

 

[centerpunch]

One question, how big is the gas tank?

1445.7 miles driven divided by 81.5 miles/gallon = 17.74 gallons

Give or take.

I think I'm going to get one.

 

[dbk]

16.5 gallons in AWD models, 17.5 in FWD models.

 

[tpraceman]

One question, how big is the gas tank?

17.5 would be my guess 1445 / 81.5 = 17.73

I wonder if Carl Edwards was drafting:lol

 

[PILOTJPW1]

I can definitely see regular people getting 800-900 miles a tank. I drive pretty much exclusively around town under 45 mph (basically electric mode) and on the freeway. If I can get my wife's old Focus to average 43 mpg I'm sure I could easily squeak 50+ out of this thing. Would like to trade in her V6 Fusion for one when they become available.

Now Dave, They are available!!! I have a nice Grey one sitting in front of my showroom!

Should I put your name on it? :wink

 

[PILOTJPW1]

Yet the media won't hardly mention this.

80 MPG on real streets of D.C and it was hardly covered in our area.

I wonder why the sticker on the car only says 41?

It was a great feat and a great idea!! For Sure.

 

[tpraceman]

Anyone have a contact to send the info to Fox News?

If you do or enough e-mail the story and link maybe they would run it:shrug

This should be good news and shows American ingenuity.

I am sure Ford PR has sent it, but coming from other sources has a larger impact.


If anyone has news contacts post the link and we all can send it in:thumbsup