Marching closer to dealer lots like an Energizer bunny, the Escape Hybrid was unveiled in show trim, alongside the old school special edition Mustangs. Looking sharp with 18-inch wheels, fresh front fascia, integrated skid plate, and dramatic roof rack, the real story lay beneath the Ice Blue exterior. The sport/cute features an application-specific 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and 65-kW electric motor that combined deliver performance to rival the traditional 3.0-liter V-6 yet return 35-40 mpg city fuel economy with nearly a 50 percent reduction in CO2 emissions. And despite a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack on board, Ford ensures that both cargo capacity and off-road ability equal the gasoline-powered Escape. The Escape Hybrid is scheduled to begin fleet production late fall and enter mass production late calendar year 2004.
