Thursday, May 16, 2013
2013 Ford C MAX Review
2013 Ford C-MAX - Concept
2013 Ford C-MAX - Preview and Drive
2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid
Weve already told you about the 2012 Ford C-Max, the Blue Ovals new mini-minivan thats set to launch here in North America later this year. The C-Max story doesnt end with just the one gasoline-powered model, though – Ford is bringing two more versions of its small people mover to the 2011 Detroit Auto Show: the C-Max Energi and C-Max Hybrid.
Whats important to note is that while the gasoline C-Max with sliding doors is actually based on the three-row Grand C-Max that Ford sells in other markets, the Hybrid and Energi use conventional front-hinged rear doors and seat five, just like the shorter-wheelbase C-Max available in Europe. The automakers kinetic design language is in full force here, and the Aston Martin-like grille on these smaller C-Max models resembles what first debuted on Fords Focus Electric at last weeks Consumer Electronics Show.
The C-Max Hybrid uses the Blue Ovals next-generation gasoline/electric p
owertrain technology, and were told that fuel economy will be higher than the 41 miles per gallon thats currently on tap in the Fusion Hybrid sedan. By building upon the powersplit technology currently used in the automakers hybrids, Ford says that the C-Max Hybrid will be able to operate in electric mode at speeds higher than 47 miles per hour.
The big story here, however, is the C-Max Energi, which is essentially a range-extended plug-in hybrid thats not completely unlike the Chevrolet Volt. Ford is targeting an overall driving range of more than 500 miles using both the battery-backed motor and Atkinson-cycle engine, and much like the Focus Electric, the automakers new MyFord Mobile software will allow users to monitor the C-Max Energis charging state while on the go.
