Ford Prodigy: Hybrid electric family sedan doesn't sacrifice performance, functionality

A low-emission family car can achieve fuel economy under three litres per 100 kilometres - without sacrificing the performance and functionality demanded by today's car buyers. Proof positive: the lightweight, aerodynamic Ford Prodigy on display at the Geneva Motor Show. Ford Prodigy is a vehicle that demonstrates Ford's progress in developing a hybrid electric family vehicle with mass appeal. It is built on a lightweight platform, features a modern, aerodynamic design and is powered by a low-storage-requirement (LSR) hybrid electric powertrain. "Prodigy is an extremely fuel-efficient, full-function family vehicle," said Neil Ressler, vice president of Research and Vehicle Technology and Ford Motor Company's chief technical officer. "It represents an interim stage between our P2000 research programs and our plans for an affordable, production hybrid in 2003." Prodigy's advanced powertrain combines two separate propulsion systems: a small, energy-efficient diesel engine and a three-phase, alternating-current electric drive system, with an automatic-shift manual (ASM) transmission. The electric system assists the internal combustion engine when extra power is needed, such as during acceleration, and recaptures energy normally lost during deceleration - called regenerative braking. Prodigy's aluminium DIATA (Direct Injection Aluminium Through-bolt Assembly) diesel engine is about 35 per cent more efficient than conventional petrol engines. This four-cylinder, 1.2-litre compression-ignition, direct-injection engine generates 74 PS at 4,100 rpm. The starter-alternator, a small high-power electric motor packaged between the transmission and engine, provides up to 47 PS in supplemental power when needed. The combination of these two power sources - available power totalling up to 121 PS - gives the lightweight Prodigy customer-pleasing performance comparable to today's Ford Mondeo. The starter/alternator and power electronics module gives Prodigy the capability of stopping at idle to conserve otherwise-wasted fuel. Prodigy's DIATA engine restarts in less than 0.2 seconds - literally the blink of an eye - after the driver touches the accelerator pedal. Prodigy's instrument panel features an energy-flow display that continually shows the flow of energy around the vehicle. When the engine is off, the display indicates the 'ready' status of the engine and the state of charge for the battery electric drive system. Because the engine shuts off when the vehicle is at rest - such as at traffic lights or when braking - the energy flow display assures the driver that power will be available when needed. The ASM transmission combines the operating ease of an automatic transmission with the efficiency of a manual transmission. It is 20 per cent more efficient than a typical automatic transmission. Because the vehicle's LSR design requires very modest energy storage - less than half that of a conventional starter battery - the result is a lower-cost and less complex hybrid system. Prodigy's aerodynamic design enhances vehicle aesthetics while reducing air resistance. Its 0.199 coefficient of drag (a measure of air resistance when a vehicle is in motion) contributes to the vehicle's improved fuel economy. Helping to enhance the vehicle's aerodynamic performance are side-mounted cameras and onboard monitors used in place of conventional side-view mirrors. The cameras provide a needed side view for the driver without hindering airflow around the vehicle. Variable ride height, grille shutters and shields under the car also contribute to the vehicle's slippery aerodynamics. The clean, simple exterior design of the Prodigy features trapezoidal headlamps and taillamps and a louvered grille that functions only when needed - opening and closing to allow air in and out. The taut surfaces coupled with the wider overall stance - with 19-inch, five-spoke chrome wheels and tyres set to the very edges - give Prodigy a dramatic, sporty look. The exterior body panels are finished in Potomac blue. Prodigy's platform is based on Ford's extensive lightweight materials research, which included the Aluminium Intensive Vehicle - introduced in 1994 - and the P2000. Prodigy's total weight is 1,085 kilograms, which is approximately 450 kilograms less than today's full-size American family sedan. Weight reduction was achieved without sacrificing package efficiency. Prodigy is 15 per cent lighter than today's Ford Mondeo sedan, but - thanks to creative packaging and lightweight materials - passenger space and luggage capacity are greater. Each lightweight component in the Prodigy was also designed to deliver safety, strength, stiffness, durability and positive ride and handling. For example, the Prodigy uses a smaller engine to attain comparable performance. It also achieves good ride characteristics with lighter springs and shock absorbers. Aluminium has been used extensively for major components such as the engine and body. Additionally, carbon fibre, magnesium and titanium have been used in a variety of parts for further weight savings. Ford Hybrid Electric Vehicle on the road by 2003

Ford Motor Company will begin producing and selling a family-sized hybrid electric vehicle by 2003. "It will reduce customers' fuel cost, while making a significant, positive impact on the environment," Ressler said. According to Prabhakar Patil, HEV chief program engineer, the Ford hybrid will offer consumers more functionality than other hybrids currently on the market. "The hybrid electric powertrain system we are developing is designed to work in a variety of vehicle configurations and will be available in vehicles that most meet consumers' needs for space and versatility," Patil said.

SOURCE: Ford