Topic: 2015 Ford Focus Gets New Sheetmetal, 1.0-Litre EcoBoost

[tpl]

I am sure that Ford will manage to have a really efficient automatically shifting transmission on the 1.0 Focus.    I choose my words here.   If they could get that Powershift to work really well that would do it.


However...that 11 seconds 0-60 will turn a lot of people off before they even drive the car.      I really wish that it was possible to survey the 0-30, 0-40, 0-50 and 0-60  times that actually happen in the real world spread across a few million assorted cars and trucks in various States and Provinces.    I would bet that 11 seconds would be deemed fast by most people  day to day if they were just accelerating from a stoplight or wherever without seeing a stopwatch.   However the 40-70 and 50-80 times would matter a lot.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

From the Ford press release:

In addition to a host of styling and technological advances, the new Focus will offer the remarkably efficient, fun-to-drive, award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine with a six-speed transmission – surpassing the fuel efficiency of the previous model, and once again raising the bar amongst the competition. Twice already, automotive journalists have named Ford's 1.0-liter EcoBoost powerplant International Engine of the Year, for 2012 and 2013.


Ford was being coy, but when pressed, confirmed it was a manual.

http://www.autoblog.com/2014/02/23/ford-focus-1-liter-ecoboost-only-manual-trans-us/

[tpl]

But the release says " Ford is working on tuning its dual-clutch transmissions to make them more amenable to American driver's tastes."   

[Fobroader]

But the release says " Ford is working on tuning its dual-clutch transmissions to make them more amenable to American driver's tastes."   

So basically they are going to try to get them to actually operate properly in traffic??

[SKYMTL]

So much confusion about this one, particularly in the Ford press releases. 

And don't get me started about their current automatics.  I drove a rental 2013 focus and I'd never wish that thing on anyone.  Stuttering, surging, ultra aggressive shifts.....it felt like the transmission was dying rather than delivering a peak performance. 

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I've driven a few and only noticed jerky behaviour creeping in traffic. It worked fine the rest of the time.

[Fobroader]

I've driven a few and only noticed jerky behaviour creeping in traffic. It worked fine the rest of the time.

The guy at work is selling his for this reason, in traffic its either a broken automatic or a manual tranny being operated by a very unskilled driver. Thing is, in most larger cities the car will be spending some of its time in bumper to bumper traffic, if the tranny cant handle that, Id call it a failure.

[tpl]

I've driven a few and only noticed jerky behaviour creeping in traffic. It worked fine the rest of the time.

The guy at work is selling his for this reason, in traffic its either a broken automatic or a manual tranny being operated by a very unskilled driver. Thing is, in most larger cities the car will be spending some of its time in bumper to bumper traffic, if the tranny cant handle that, Id call it a failure.

80% likely software 20% likely wrongly designed ( or penny pinching in the valves and so on) mechanical actuation of the clutch and gearchange system.

[Fobroader]

I've driven a few and only noticed jerky behaviour creeping in traffic. It worked fine the rest of the time.

The guy at work is selling his for this reason, in traffic its either a broken automatic or a manual tranny being operated by a very unskilled driver. Thing is, in most larger cities the car will be spending some of its time in bumper to bumper traffic, if the tranny cant handle that, Id call it a failure.

80% likely software 20% likely wrongly designed ( or penny pinching in the valves and so on) mechanical actuation of the clutch and gearchange system.

Oh I know, the VW and Porsche DCTs always get praised here, so I am sure you CAN make a good one, the Ford one is either a bad design or execution.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Ford was using a dry clutch. They tend to be grabby at the best of times.

[tpl]

Ford was using a dry clutch. They tend to be grabby at the best of times.

Yes but 99% of MT car clutches are dry so why should the automation in Fords transmission be worse than a humans left foot and ankle joint...in this application.  I imagine that software controls some kind of solenoid needle valve  that then allows oil under pressure from a pump in the transmission to actuate the clutch. Not exactly new and state of the art technology.

[Noto]

Even if its 0-60 time was 8 seconds flat, that doesn't mean that it'll be a drivable engine with an automatic - maybe a CVT ?

Especially on even minor hills, that lil' engine that could will be huffing and puffing, and fuel economy will suffer.

I have no doubt that in a lab or even in perfect exterior conditions that this lil' engine will be superbly good on gas - but in anything stop n' go, with a %grade, or even basic acceleration, I doubt it'll get 56.5MPG imp.

[PJ]

I've driven a few and only noticed jerky behaviour creeping in traffic. It worked fine the rest of the time.

The guy at work is selling his for this reason, in traffic its either a broken automatic or a manual tranny being operated by a very unskilled driver. Thing is, in most larger cities the car will be spending some of its time in bumper to bumper traffic, if the tranny cant handle that, Id call it a failure.

I would too.  To me the only reason I would consider an automatic is stop and go driving and if it isn't good at that then it's pointless. 

[Fobroader]

I've driven a few and only noticed jerky behaviour creeping in traffic. It worked fine the rest of the time.

The guy at work is selling his for this reason, in traffic its either a broken automatic or a manual tranny being operated by a very unskilled driver. Thing is, in most larger cities the car will be spending some of its time in bumper to bumper traffic, if the tranny cant handle that, Id call it a failure.

I would too.  To me the only reason I would consider an automatic is stop and go driving and if it isn't good at that then it's pointless.

Exactly, only reason for that vile slushbox thing is stop and go traffic.....

[SKYMTL]

Especially on even minor hills, that lil' engine that could will be huffing and puffing, and fuel economy will suffer.

That reminds me of my first car:  a 1994 Topaz.  I had to turn off the AC to make it up most hills unless I had a good running start.   

[Noto]

Especially on even minor hills, that lil' engine that could will be huffing and puffing, and fuel economy will suffer.

That reminds me of my first car:  a 1994 Topaz.  I had to turn off the AC to make it up most hills unless I had a good running start.   

In Palm Springs, CA, there are remnant road signs recommending that drivers turn off the air conditioner.

[Fobroader]

Especially on even minor hills, that lil' engine that could will be huffing and puffing, and fuel economy will suffer.

That reminds me of my first car:  a 1994 Topaz.  I had to turn off the AC to make it up most hills unless I had a good running start.   

In Palm Springs, CA, there are remnant road signs recommending that drivers turn off the air conditioner.

My dad said there were signs like that in Arizona.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Ford was using a dry clutch. They tend to be grabby at the best of times.

Yes but 99% of MT car clutches are dry so why should the automation in Fords transmission be worse than a humans left foot and ankle joint...in this application.  I imagine that software controls some kind of solenoid needle valve  that then allows oil under pressure from a pump in the transmission to actuate the clutch. Not exactly new and state of the art technology.

You are correct. I was thinking of motorcycles, and the difference between dry and wet clutches there.

It may be difficult to replicate a human engaging a clutch. Well at least some humans. One friend of mine still can't engage a clutch properly, and he has as much experience as I have.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I've driven a few and only noticed jerky behaviour creeping in traffic. It worked fine the rest of the time.

The guy at work is selling his for this reason, in traffic its either a broken automatic or a manual tranny being operated by a very unskilled driver. Thing is, in most larger cities the car will be spending some of its time in bumper to bumper traffic, if the tranny cant handle that, Id call it a failure.

We very rarely get first gear traffic here, so I don't care. 

[Fobroader]

I've driven a few and only noticed jerky behaviour creeping in traffic. It worked fine the rest of the time.

The guy at work is selling his for this reason, in traffic its either a broken automatic or a manual tranny being operated by a very unskilled driver. Thing is, in most larger cities the car will be spending some of its time in bumper to bumper traffic, if the tranny cant handle that, Id call it a failure.

We very rarely get first gear traffic here, so I don't care. 

Most of my days are spent in 1st and second for most of my ride to work.