Ford Looks to New Software to Help Improve Fuel Economy

Aug. 1, 2013 - PRLog -- Arlington Heights Ford is expecting even more efficiency from the 2014 Ford lineup (http://ahford.com/inventory/view/2014/New/SortBy0/) due to software improvements that Ford engineers will deploy on these forthcoming models. In order to better accommodate actual real world driving conditions, Ford has decided to apply software updates that boost efficiency. Specifically, the new 2014 Ford C-Max and Ford Fusion Hybrid models will get the update. No official announcement has been made on possible EPA fuel economy rating changes. This software update should also be available to owners of existing 2013 Ford C-Max and Fusion Hybrid models starting in August.

The biggest update to the system will be an increase in the all-electric speed from 62 mph to 85 mph. That means that the gas motor won’t kick on until you hit that top speed, which should provide more fuel savings while the lithium ion battery powers the car even at highway speeds. Other adjustments to software settings will include a change to the active grille shutters in order to boost aerodynamics. Finally, the electric engine fan speed will be changed to reduce parasitic drag and shorten engine warm-up time.

"These enhancements will improve fuel economy satisfaction in several different driving conditions and modes of operation, like highway driving, short trips and use of climate control," Said Raj Nair, the global head of product development for Ford.

The updates will apply to 77,000 hybrid vehicles in North America. These updates will be offered free of charge to all current owners of both the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid (http://www.ahford.com/custom/2013-ford-fusion-hybrid) and the Ford C-Max Hybrid. The new updates should not only boost fuel economy in real world driving conditions, but also make the estimates more consistent. Ford officials said that hybrid vehicles are even more sensitive to driving style and environmental conditions than gas-only powertrains when it comes to fuel economy. These updates should narrow the fuel economy range of variation in Ford Hybrid vehicles on the road.

Updates will be available in the Chicagoland area through Arlington Heights Ford. Current drivers or interested buyers can visit Arlington Heights Ford at 801 W. Dundee Rd. in Arlington Heights, IL (http://ahford.com/page/locationhours2-masterpage/master/s...).