2014 Energi Titanium Questions

[MBinOrlando]

Hi All,

I would welcome any feedback on the questions I have below. Thank you.

 

Background:

- Almost ordered a 2013 Fusion Energi Titanium and then I a couples of details made me rethink the order.

- It seems the Energi Titanium (and the regular Hybrid Titanium) does not come with dual exhaust.

- Energi models only have the 17" wheel option while regular Hybrid has an 18" wheel option. What is most troubling about the Energi wheel is it is the same wheel that is offered on the base SE hybrid. Seems strange that the top of the line vehicle does not have better wheel choices.

- I am thinking about waiting until the 2014 model coms out to see if these options will change. I would welcome your insight.

 

Questions:

- Will the 2014 Energi Titanium have dual exhaust?

- Will the 2014 Energi Titanium have a larger wheel choice (like you have on the regular Hybrid)?

- Will the 2014 Energi Titanium have the option of the Dune leather?

- Any other 2014 options I should be aware of?

 

Thanks again for any help!

MB

[47Minutes]

1. Dual exhaust on Energi Ti - Most likely, no.  Though it seems they may be adding it to the Hybrid Ti trim.  (rumor?)

2. Larger wheel choice - Again, most likely, no.  There is a risk to fuel efficiency when playing with wheel/tire size and weight.  I think Ford is offering what they found to be the most comprehensive fit for the car's need.  Having said that, the wheels are not the most attractive.  But they shouldn't impact a buying decision on such a great overall car.  Wheels can be changed very easily aftermarket even for just better styled ones of the same size.  I don't love them, but I'd never not buy this car just because of the wheels.

3. Early order guides for MY2014 show a 'grey' interior available for Titaniums.  I've not yet seen an actual photo of it yet.

4. MY2014 is set to have heated/cooled front seats, heated steering wheel and inflatable rear seat belts as options.  (most late availability)  Also two new color choices of Sunset and Dark Side.  I've not yet seen either represented.

[Mr. Fusion]

Dual exhausts are not a Titanium trim feature.

 

It's a feature to the 2.0 EB drivetrain, thus, no duals on our hybrid/Energi's. I wouldn't expect a change to that.

[47Minutes]

A 2014 order guide posted here:  http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?/topic/53508-2014-fusion-fusion-energi-order-guides/?p=848969  lists Dual Integrated Bright Exhaust as a standard feature of the Titanium Hybrid.

 

Understanding that this is an early document and changes DO happen, right now it looks like they're changing it for the Hybrid but not the Energi.

[Mr. Fusion]

A 2014 order guide posted here:  http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?/topic/53508-2014-fusion-fusion-energi-order-guides/?p=848969  lists Dual Integrated Bright Exhaust as a standard feature of the Titanium Hybrid.

 

Understanding that this is an early document and changes DO happen, right now it looks like they're changing it for the Hybrid but not the Energi.

Well, they are looser on the hybrid wheel options...

 

Kudos to Ford for listening to customers if this is true.

 

I also seem to remember Ford print showing 2013 hybrid dual exhausts which sparked this whole controversy.

[MBinOrlando]

Great feedback so far!

 

Based upon the lack of options with the Energi Titanium, dual exhaust and nicer wheels, I am considering a Lincoln MKZ. I know I will give up Energi mileage but it bugs me to spend that much money for a car and not have options that really dress it up…especially when those options are available on lower model Fusions!

 

Please, talk me back from the Lincoln! I know it is more expensive.

[meyersnole]

Great feedback so far!

 

Based upon the lack of options with the Energi Titanium, dual exhaust and nicer wheels, I am considering a Lincoln MKZ. I know I will give up Energi mileage but it bugs me to spend that much money for a car and not have options that really dress it up…especially when those options are available on lower model Fusions!

 

Please, talk me back from the Lincoln! I know it is more expensive.

 

If those things are important to you, then you should seriously consider the Lincoln.  I mentioned this in another thread, but I really wish Ford would have put the energi model out for the MKZ (they had to know that Chevy was going this route with the Cadillac, they could have beaten them to the punch).  I know I honestly would have strongly considered the MKZ energi having come from an Acura TL.

 

However, let me say that I am very impressed with Ford's take on this project. I test drove the Volt first and there is no comparison between the two on the execution of style an comfort (technology and drive I would probably give the edge to the Volt). I was not really happy about the wheels at first, but they are not that bad. The lack of any brake dust makes them easy to clean.  

 

What you should really base your choice off of though is your daily commute. If your commute is 15-25 miles per day (or longer if you have access to a charger at work) then the energi is a no brainer. If you are driving a lot of highway miles at speed, and the hybrid makes more sense then strongly consider the Lincoln. Just remember as you dress up the car and add weight you are going to start getting away from the efficiency of these rides. Weight kills mpg, especially unsprung weight (larger rims).  

[Scooter80]

Larger rims are not going to automatically mean higher unsprung weight. First of all, larger rims will also likely mean smaller sidewall tires to equal out the revs per mile. Less rubber, less weight to counteract the possibility of more metal in the wheel. Secondly, the reason people go with larger wheels is for a different look. This usually entails less spokes. Less spokes equals less metal equals less weight. I would be very surprised if a larger wheel/tire combo from any Fusion is of significant weight difference than the 17" standards from the Energi. Just my thoughts.

 

I think the bigger picture of wheels and efficiency is not the weight, but the air resistance. A solid wheel would be most efficient. More spokes and less spacing is the next best. Less spokes and more spacing would be least efficient.

Edited April 23, 2013 at 02:34 AM by Scooter80

[rprobst]

I really wish Ford would have put the energi model out for the MKZ ...

 

However, let me say that I am very impressed with Ford's take on this project. ...

 

I was not really happy about the wheels at first, but they are not that bad.

 

Agree 3 times! I would have bought an MKZ Energi if available, but I am now very happy with my loaded Fusion Energi Titanium.

 

And I didn't like the wheels at first, but I have grown to appreciate them. Was planning to get after-market wheels, but now thinking I probably won't.

[meyersnole]

Larger rims are not going to automatically mean higher unsprung weight. First of all, larger rims will also likely mean smaller sidewall tires to equal out the revs per mile. Less rubber, less weight to counteract the possibility of more metal in the wheel. Secondly, the reason people go with larger wheels is for a different look. This usually entails less spokes. Less spokes equals less metal equals less weight. I would be very surprised if a larger wheel/tire combo from any Fusion is of significant weight difference than the 17" standards from the Energi. Just my thoughts.

 

I think the bigger picture of wheels and efficiency is not the weight, but the air resistance. A solid wheel would be most efficient. More spokes and less spacing is the next best. Less spokes and more spacing would be least efficient.

 

Indeed, but its not like these are not already pretty low profile tires. How much thinner are you going to make the sidewall, the standard tire is already a 50. Remember that The smaller the sidewall, the stiffer the ride so in addition to weight (most likely) you are also trading ride comfort. You are also adding to the cost of the tire. In the past the tires were very tall, these are not.

 

It was not that long ago that standard tires were 14 and 15 inch. Now 17s are considered too small? In person these tires/rims seem to work well. In my opinion anyway.

[Scooter80]

Indeed, but its not like these are not already pretty low profile tires. How much thinner are you going to make the sidewall, the standard tire is already a 50. Remember that The smaller the sidewall, the stiffer the ride so in addition to weight (most likely) you are also trading ride comfort. You are also adding to the cost of the tire. In the past the tires were very tall, these are not.

 

It was not that long ago that standard tires were 14 and 15 inch. Now 17s are considered too small? In person these tires/rims seem to work well. In my opinion anyway.

 

I agree with you. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with the wheels and tires I have now. They're better looking than I thought they'd be and the tires are near silent and give a good ride. I just take issue with the perception that a larger wheel will automatically mean more unsprung weight when it could feasibly mean LESS weight depending on the wheel you choose. And if one sticks with a combo offered by Ford for other trims of Fusions, I'd wager the difference (if any) will be negligible.

 

That said, I don't think anyone could classify the 17" combo we have as low-profile. Compared to the 60's and 70's yes, but not today.

[sdkirby]

Larger rims are not going to automatically mean higher unsprung weight. First of all, larger rims will also likely mean smaller sidewall tires to equal out the revs per mile. Less rubber, less weight to counteract the possibility of more metal in the wheel. Secondly, the reason people go with larger wheels is for a different look. This usually entails less spokes. Less spokes equals less metal equals less weight. I would be very surprised if a larger wheel/tire combo from any Fusion is of significant weight difference than the 17" standards from the Energi. Just my thoughts.

 

I think the bigger picture of wheels and efficiency is not the weight, but the air resistance. A solid wheel would be most efficient. More spokes and less spacing is the next best. Less spokes and more spacing would be least efficient.

 

Scooter... one other thing to take in to account is the mass of a larger wheel is further out from the center. This is critical as the further the mass is out from the center of the spinning object to more energy it takes to accelerate and decelerate that object. So… with wheels having two-thirds of its mass at the rim (versus the spokes), every inch matters.

 

This concept in physics is witnessed when watching an ice-skater spin.  Notice how the skater can simply increase their RPMs by bringing in their limbs. The opposite applies when extending their limbs. The RPMs decrease.

 

Now since a wheel’s diameter on a vehicle is fixed, the question would be… does it take more energy to spin an 18” wheel than a 17” wheel of equal weight? The answer would be “Yes”. However, once up to speed, there is more kinetic energy stored due mass being further from the center. So it will take more energy to slow down too.

 

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/centripetal-acceleration-d_1285.html

[mczajka]

Dual exhaust? How 'bout a bigger engine? Ha ha ha...note on the Volt, they try to hide the exhaust, which I think was done on purpose.

Edited April 23, 2013 at 05:05 PM by mczajka

[Scooter80]

Scooter... one other thing to take in to account is the mass of a larger wheel is further out from the center. This is critical as the further the mass is out from the center of the spinning object to more energy it takes to accelerate and decelerate that object. So… with wheels having two-thirds of its mass at the rim (versus the spokes), every inch matters.

 

This concept in physics is witnessed when watching an ice-skater spin.  Notice how the skater can simply increase their RPMs by bringing in their limbs. The opposite applies when extending their limbs. The RPMs decrease.

 

Now since a wheel’s diameter on a vehicle is fixed, the question would be… does it take more energy to spin an 18” wheel than a 17” wheel of equal weight? The answer would be “Yes”. However, once up to speed, there is more kinetic energy stored due mass being further from the center. So it will take more energy to slow down too.

 

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/centripetal-acceleration-d_1285.html

 

While I agree with your concept (of course, it's physics), as it applies to a 2-ton vehicle and its associated drag, it isn't going to make any difference you could notice. Maybe one in the very small decimals, but not on any scale we'll be measuring regularly.

 

Now, throwing on 24's and the *gearing* difference associated with that along with the inertial change, you'll see a difference. A difference no one could like with those looks! But there will be little to no *gearing* difference with a Ford-offered wheel/tire combo and any inertial change would be so washed out by the inertia of the vehicle, there's no difference.

[shaggy314]

Energi has 'unque' 17" ugly wheels.

 

Ah, but inertia says you want the mass out there as you spend a lot of time moving vs. speeding up/down. So maintaining your speed is easier with larger diameter wheels.

 

Only heavier wheels = heavier wheels. Different materials have different weights. I would imagine we can determine the weights of the Ford ones and match it with 18" of another brand. Tirerack.com lists the weights...