Innovative Drivetrain Concepts with Ford Engines

text download

 The ”Phileas” project which is now put into practise in the Netherlands is just one example of an innovative use of Ford power for a modern public transport system. The project has been engineered by APTS B.V. (Advanced Public Transport Solutions) of Helmond in the Nether-lands. The design mirrors that of a bus but combines the advantages of a tram. A steering guidance system integrated into the road surface directs the vehicle enabling the ”Phileas” to move completely automatically on invisible tracks. A driver has to be present for safety reasons, but he will actively steer the vehicle in extraordinary situations only. Twelve examples of the new Phileas are to be commissioned in the Eindhoven area.
The wheels of this innovative vehicle are powered by an electro-motor which itself is driven by a Ford-powered generator. The Ford 6.8 litre V10 engine is fuelled by environmentally-friendly LPG. Out-put from the engine is either 141 kW or 191 kW depending on whether the 18 metre or 24 metre Phileas body is used. This hybrid drive, with its finely adjustable electro-power to the road wheels is claimed to be quieter and more economic than the use of a gas engine alone, as well as being ”cleaner” in emissions than a sole gas or diesel engine.

APTS decided to specify Ford power for several reasons: the low fuel consumption was as much a factor as the low power-to-weight ratio, low maintenance costs and Ford’s use of advanced engine technology coupled with quality and reliability. For Ford Power products and its Dutch partner Nedalo B.V. the participation in the development of this people mover is of special interest because it is an important issue for the strategy of Ford to support environmental-friendly innovations.

Another interesting application example of Ford Power Products´ engines is the latest version of the famous London Taxi which are manufactured by LTI (London Taxis International). These taxis are employed more and more outside Great Britain. The new model TX2 is powered by a Ford DuraTorq 2.4 litre diesel engine with high pressure direct injection. This engine also can be found beneath the bonnet of the latest Ford Transit van range. Its key features are compactness, high output at low fuel consumption; furthermore it is compliant with the Euro III regulations. LTI has decided to go for the powerful 90PS (66kW) version and matches the engine with Ford´s MT 75 five-speed gearbox.

picture phileas
The “Phileas” – a new Dutch ”People Mover” with automatic steering guidance. The source of power for its hybrid single-wheel drive: a 6.8 ltr V10 Ford gas engine with 145 resp. 191 kW, consuming environmental-friendly gas fuel (LPG).
(Photo: Ford Power Products/ APTS)

picture taxi
Powerful and fuel-efficient: The new Ford DuraTorq (90PS/66kW) diesel engine powers the new generation of „London Taxis“. (Photo: Ford Power Products/ LTI)

picture: phileas jpg 503kg/rgaaaaaaaaaaaapicture: taxi jpg 672kb/rgb