lol. I hope you know that is just a covering over the body and it's not REALLY going to be black and white! They are just trying to protect the real body from spy photos like the one you see.

 

I live near several of Detroit's technical centers. The materials on the sides and the front and back are actually to keep the final appearance a secret. Magazines pay good money to photographers to get pictures of new models before they are announced and the car manufacturers play various games including electrical tape... bra's, leather and vinyl attached with velcro, funny paint schemes, etc to prevent those photos from being taken before they are ready for the realease of the design. The car has to be driven around some to work out final kinks, so they cover it up while doing so. Theres always a car parked at the Mitsubishi tech center a few yards from my office in Ann Arbor that has all kinds of funny stuff taped to it to stop the photographers.

 

all i was saying is that you cant really tell whats going on and what changes they are making to the style in that pic because of what they have on it. it does seem more posible that they are trying to keep it a secret than what i origanaly posted, about stuff to prevent dings.

 

99% sure the 2008 will have the next generation of Hybrid drivetrain, as the newer drive-train was nearly complete in 2005.

What this means for MPG is unknown, but should not be worse.

But knowing how manufacturers look at the bottom line, when a more efficient drivetrain becomes available, they 'may' cut costs, insert a smaller battery pack, and keep MPG constant.

-John

 

The NYTimes reported:

"Later this year, the 2008 Escape will make its debut on the auto show circuit with updated styling. Hybrid versions will also receive a welcome upgrade with second-generation motors and battery packs."

Any thoughts on what would change with the second-generation motors and battery packs?

Don

 

AMEN to that! Although, right now with the limited models and the increased price for them, people have to think hard about the value of the vehicle (does the increased mpg offset the increased sticker price) the increase in model types and availability will open this field to the mainstream citizen. As hybrids become more mainstream, the drivetrain and the electric motor needs to be upgraded.

Also, many of us apply several techniques to increase our mpg. The average American will not do this. Look at the increased gas usage in the US despite increased price. Someone needs to come up with a hybrid that will save a significant amount of gas with regular US driving. Although it will increase comfort, something US is addicted to, I do not think taxing the electric motor and battery more is the way to do this. If a car manufacturer can come up with a way to keep the A/C going on EV, but regen the battery more to compensate for this, it would be the best combination.

I admit, I used to be a 5mph over person. But, trying to max my mpg, and trying to beat my own previous goals on my usual drive is a fun game. However, I believe I'm the anomaly, not the norm in the US.

 

how true...my old employer was just down the street from bosch HQ in farmington hills and i would see 'bagged' cars all the time. completely covered in black/tan canvas except for windows and lights showing thru.

i did see a white FEH in berkley last month that was half covered in black canvas. i figured it was an '07 out for a test since it was definitely the current body frame.

 

The '07 FEH has been out for months (early due to the short '07 model run). So, I do wonder why anyone would bother to camaflough it? Possibly, it was an '08, and the changes are as minor as some are predicting?

 

Are changes planned for the 2008 MMH as well or only the FEH?

Is it only style changes or will there be option or drivetrain changes?

Thanks.

 

The changes are across the board; Escape, Mariner, and Tribute.

The rumors are that there will be a MTH, in addition to the FEH and MMH.

However, for particular options, or not, is anyone's guess at this time.