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alpha1847

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Everything posted by alpha1847

  1. Completely agree on 4wd system packaging. Sasquatch is overkill for what I want. Jeep expanded the availability of their full-time system and LSD to all but base model. I hope Ford adapts.
  2. I'll admit, being a little passive aggressive here, but why does Ford make it so hard to get a heated steering wheel on the new Bronco? Doesn't look like you can get it on Big Bend and you have to get $3600 Lux package on Outer Banks? For a vehicle designed to maximize open air driving, seems like a disappointing choice.
  3. I'm considering upgrading my 2017 Ecoboost Premium convertible for a 2020 and trying to figure out all the benefits. Does anyone know the following for sure? Whether the MagneRide comes standard on the EB premium cv? It's suggested in the build tool, but I can't find any confirmation in the detailed specs. Also suspicious is that it's not listed as standard on the GT Premium cv, which seems odd (but at least it's listed in the options for GT) Whether the 3.55 diff that comes with the EB HP package is a TORSEN? Not called out explicitly, but would Ford really use that many variations across all models? One of my biggest dislikes in my current Mustang is the traditional LSD - your really can't make a turn without squealing the tires. Whether Ford Performance is planning anything for the EB HP? My 2017 was the last year they offered a meaningful package (came with the GT350 air intake and an optimized chip). The HP version is supposed to be more durable and have better cooling, so I was hoping something might be in the pipeline.
  4. 21 mile range is a bit better than expected. We are nearing the end of our lease on our 2016 XC90 T8 PHEV. I was really hoping the GT would be an option, but it looks like it won't be available in time for us. This makes me want it more. Our 2016 only had a range of 12 miles and it's usually less in the real world.
  5. Thought about that, but that would be too low. I wouldn't expect the GT to beat it's closest competition, the XC90 T8, but the T8 gets 55 MPGe with a comparable electric range. 32 would be disappointingly low.
  6. I have been anxiously awaiting the official ratings, but even though there is still nothing posted on the official EPA site, the online configuration tool is now quoting an impossibly high rating of 30/34! https://shop.lincoln.com/lab/aviator/#/select/ I don't see any way that could be accurate, but you have to wonder how a typo could get this far. Then again, maybe they worked in a few, unadvertised GT-specific powertrain tweaks like dynamic cylinder deactivation (actually, why does Ford seem so disinterested in this tech?), electric cam phasers that allow on-demand Atkinson cycle, etc (kidding - too big of a gap to close). Other than the taller axle ratio that comes with the GT, which might marginally help the highway number, I don't see any way this is possible.
  7. I really like the Aviator, but have you priced one out? The base Grand Touring for about $70k is pretty much in line with the market and I would be fine with that. However, if you want adaptive cruise control, you have to add a $7600 package! I think that is absurd. I'm just frustrated. I really wanted to swap my Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV for the Aviator GT, but this makes the price gap too big to justify.
  8. So, I was excited to see Ford finally made it available: https://shop.ford.com/build/explorer/2020/ .....but my excitement faded quicky. The Limited model was my target, being the only trim offering the hybrid powertrain. First, it confirmed you can no longer get the multi-contour seats on the Limited, but far worse was the revelation that they only allow you to get the minivan seats in the second row! The latter is a complete non-starter for me. Really disappointing.
  9. Option packages on Limited are disappointing. Looks like they are taking away the ability to get the multi-contour seats. That's a real bummer for anyone looking at the Hybrid. I still don't get why they aren't offering the hybrid in Platinum trim either. I was counting on those massaging seats to convince my wife into giving up her XC90 T8 for the Explorer Hybrid.
  10. I would add a few more.... 1. The newer, Ti-VCT version of the 3.5 Ecoboost (this is used on the F-150, but the older, intake-only VCT versions are used everywhere else) 2. Adding the remaining features (other than HIDs) that you can get on the limited but not the sport - power folder rear seats and heated steering wheel 3. Multi-contour seats - why this is offered on the Taurus but not the Explorer baffles me. 4. 8-speed auto (maybe just on the lower-volume Sport for starters) 5. The ability to use your sync app for remote starting 6. Both exterior mirrors should be electrochromic and have auto-reverse tilt-down
  11. I think what most complainers do not understand is that EPA estimates are more for their relative values than their absolute values. There are far too many variables to predict what drivers will get in their own real world driving. The point is how different vehicles compare under the same conditions. Sure, the Fusion Hybrid is no lock to get 47, but neither is the Camry Hybrid a lock to get it's 41mpgs. At least the Fusion has a higher ceiling under the same conditions. The bottom line is that the Fusion will still be better than the Camry for almost everyone.
  12. At the very least, it's availability should be expanded on most models. Take the Explorer. It seems silly that it is not even an option on the XLT. It should be part of the My Ford Touch package, in my opinion. Dodge offers this option on all but the base Durango. For me, it is really the reason I have not bought one. I do not want to spend the money on a Limited just to get this option. While it is less of an issue for me, similar deal on the Fusion. To only offer it on the Titanium seems silly. Look at the competition. Ford acts like this is some new, exclusive option. They need to catch up.
  13. While possible, that just doesn't seem probable. I just don't see how adding less than 200lbs and the little bit of drag from Ford's lightweight, FWD-biased system would drop the mileage that much. In most cases, these systems lost about 1 mpg in the city and 1-2 on the highway, and that's usually with a higher final drive ratio, which might not be needed with the Ecoboost. It has to be a supply issue, as they are trying to roll this out to the Explorer, Edge and Taurus all around the same time. I believe the Focus may get a version as well. I just wish Ford suggest it was in the works.
  14. Maybe, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out AWD is popular in crossovers and SUVs. I think the success of the Ecoboost is a forgone conclusion. Ford has priced it as a reasonable upgrade.
  15. My hope is that this is just about volume of 2.0 Ecoboost engines the first year. I doubt it's performance. Adding less than 200lbs and the very little drag that a modern, light-weight AWD system adds these days is unlikely to have a big impact. I can still complain about this, because it stops me from purchasing an otherwise fine vehicle. Again, my point is that I'd bet there are many other consumers like me.
  16. I am not sure what you are getting at here - are you agreeing with me and helping to prove my point? The 2.0 Ecoboost will be an optional, premium engine. AWD is only planned to be offered with the base engine or the Sport. I'd be fine if they only offered it on the Limited 2.0 Ecoboost.
  17. I can only hope that Ford's strategy to roll out this great new powertrain in FWD form only is a temporary one. I've read every defense of this strategy, and it usually focuses around people wanting to maximize absolute fuel economy and thus willing to settle for FWD. Additionally, I've heard all of the arguments that FWD is still fine for those of us who live in the snow belt, which is probably true 95% of the time. However, I am confident that there are plenty of consumers, like myself, who simply want AWD and would still like to improve fuel economy. It's not a question of absolute maximum, it's a question of improvement over what a consumer would otherwise buy. For me, that's a sedan or crossover/SUV with AWD. Whether you are talking about the Explorer (20/28) or Edge (21/30) with the 2.0 Ecoboost, the light-weight, low-drag, FWD-biased AWD system for either of those two vehicles would be unlikely to put a big dent in those numbers, and maybe close to no impact if Ford went with the same final drive ratio with the AWD, which you would think the low-end torque of the Ecoboost would allow. Even with the higher final drive with the AWD, you are probably talking about losing 1 mpg city and 2 mpg highway. I think an AWD Edge that hit 20/28 would be quite appealing (compared to 18/25 for the V6 AWD). That would be better than the smaller and lighter Kia Sportage Turbo (21/26). That would probably be enough for me to give up my RX400h AWD, because it would have virtually the same combined fuel economy (if they threw that powertrain into the MKX, I would already be at the Lincoln dealer). 19/26 for the Explorer would be a nice bump over the 17/23 of the V6 AWD too. I think Ford is underestimating the market for this powertrain. That includes it's application in the 2013 Taurus. There is an even larger shortage of fuel-efficient AWD sedans, in my opinion. You really have few options in that size/price range. A far less powerful Subaru Legacy or a smaller and more expensive Audi A4. I know there are many consumers like myself (because I have many friends who have the same exact mind on this) who would love to buy American, but simply want something where there are no competitive offerings from our American manufacturers. We seem to be getting CLOSER though, so my hope is that Ford will take the lead on correcting this.
  18. I just don't see the logic in this. If someone wants an AWD Edge, they are going to get AWD. The 2.0 Ecoboost would likely save just as much fuel from the V6 model in either form. People who need/want AWD would be just as interested in saving fuel.
  19. Not sure that's a good idea for models that have the intelligent key. If you leave that in your car, anyone would be able to open it......
  20. I probably should have just focused on the redesigned models with the intelligent access key. So, just speaking to the Edge/MKXs that have this, it's a mostly redundant feature. There aren't too many scenarios where you'd need to get into your car and not have the transponder in or around you. Even if you wanted to get into your car, you can't go anywhere without the key. I know there will be countless fringe cases, but I don't think it's worth the unsightly nature of it's implementation on the Edge.
  21. I was really surprised when this was not announced as a feature, seeing as it's been available on the Taurus for 2 years. Ford had previously declared that the Taurus and Explorer were going to be positioned as their premium vehicles. This is a very unique feature for Ford to push. Only a few uber-premium brands offer such a feature (like BMW on the X5). While I'm rolling, there were a few other items I would have really liked to have seen (yeah, I know I'm getting greedy on a few, but I hate sacrificing things): 1. AWD offered with the 2.0 Ecoboost 2. The PowerShift dual-clutch transmission with the 2.0 Ecoboost 3. Flex-fuel capability in both engines 4. The auto start/stop system from Mazda with the 2.0 Ecoboost (I believe this spark-based system requires direct injection, so the V6 would be out for now) 5. The Haldex torque vectoring real differential with the AWD system (that they've used in Volvo products) - even if it doesn't add that much in terms of handling or off-road capability, I think it's perceived to have a big influence in both those areas. Ford doesn't want this to come across as too car-based. This would have helped. 6. Adaptive (articulating) HID headlamps (curiously, I saw Ford literature for the 2011 Explorer a few months ago that promoted this - not sure what happened) 7. Auto high-beam control (Jeep has had this on the Grand Cherokee since 2005) 8. "Tivo-like" functionality with Sync that allows you to pause, FF, Rewind, record terrestrial and satellite radio (like GM already offers) 9. Auto Up/Down on ALL FOUR windows (seriously, why is this withheld these days?) 10. The automatic parallel parking system (seriously, this is already on the Escape and not on their flagship SUV?) 11. Auto-dimming, Auto-reverse tilt-down and auto-folding on both exterior rearview mirrors
  22. Completely agree on everything, especially the Vented/Cooled seats. No reason not to offer them as an option. Now that they've caught up to the competition, it's time to surpass them with unique features for the class. Additionally, I'd imagine the Edge will eventually get the 2-stage A/C compressor that the new Explorer is getting. The cooled seats would probably result in turning down the climate control a few degrees and keeping that compressor in the lower stage more frequently, saving fuel. Again, I would say to offer the multi-contour, massaging seats as an option. I was really surprised that the new Explorer doesn't even seem to have this, seeing as the Taurus got them and Ford previously declared that they were positioning the Taurus to be their premium car and the Explorer to be their premium SUV. Another item I would add is auto up/down controls for all four windows. Again, is there really any reason to withhold this? It seems some cars offer this for the driver only, some are front only, and it's a premium thing to have it on all four. Does it really cost that much more? The last item would be to add "Tivo-like" functionality to sync, like GM already has in a few of their vehicles. It already has a hard-drive, so this should be pretty easy.
  23. I don't know why this one thing drives me crazy, but I'd love to know whether it was market research, an engineering decision or pure laziness that resulted in that outdated strip of plastic, that looks like it was super-glued onto the body, on the redesigned Fusion/MKZ and Edge/MKX. Both these redesigns are otherwise clean and well done. This keypad just looks so out of place and I have never met anyone who gets any use out of it. Certainly not on the Edge/MKX which has the proximity entry anyway. It's not a standard feature on the Fusion, so they must have a way to cover that hole! It's about time to let that one go, Ford.
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