Demonstrates its commitment to improve air quality in the world, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) revealing the all-new 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) at the Salon of 2007 North American International Auto. With a hydrogen version of the RX-8 and a hydrogen hybrid version of the Mazda 5 undergoing extensive testing in Japan, the Tribute HEV is the latest environmentally friendly vehicle to join the Mazda range.
Debut Tribute HEV is in the middle of 2007, when 2008 model year cars. Mazda to provide additional information - the exact timing, pricing, distribution, sales volumes, etc. - closer to the date of publication.
"With almost all new Mazda vehicles sold in the United States win any of the low-emission vehicles (LEV) or Ultra Low Emission Vehicle status (ULEV), protecting the environment is a longstanding concern of ours" said Robert Davis, senior vice president of Quality, Research and Development, MNAO. "The Tribute HEV is the next step towards strengthening Mazda's environmental efforts."
A "full" hybrid, the Tribute HEV can run on a power supply 100 percent to about 25 mph, maximizing the city fuel economy and make it one of the least polluting vehicles sold. However, the Tribute HEV stays true to the owners of Zoom-Zoom Mazda have come to expect to deliver the performance required by SUV owners. The Tribute HEV provides plenty of power but meet stringent California Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) by achieving Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEVII) standards, plus standards zero evaporative emissions - the tighter regulation of emissions, a gasoline vehicle can be found.
Tribute HEV technology, at a glance:
A special 2.3-liter gasoline engine, four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle combustion characteristics to improve efficiency and produces 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.
A 70 kwatt (equivalent to 94 horsepower) electric traction motor provides an additional impetus to the drive wheels when maximum acceleration is desired.
The generator-motor to recharge the batteries, starts the engine and helps regulate how the two propulsion channels blend transaxle.
A special electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission (eCVT) uses energy sources and internal combustion power to drive the vehicle.
A pack of 330-volt battery nickel metal hydride and sealed in the rear load floor stores electrical energy.
An electronic controller manages the vehicle's charging system, and to help boost the functions of motor starting. This device shuts the engine off when coasting down and the lights to save fuel. It also converts the traction motor into a generator during braking to help recharge the batteries.
Mazda Tribute HEV offers superior environmental performance of its MZR 2.3-liter gasoline, which has been changed to Atkinson cycle for superior fuel economy. Atkinson cycle to change the timing of valve closure, allowing the engine to make more power and clean emissions. At low speeds or low load situations, the unit is supplied by a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric, which produces 70 kW @ 5000 rpm and 330 V maximum voltage
When additional power is required, the Tribute HEV's 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine performed perfectly, contributing 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 124 lb-ft of torque at 4250 rpm minutes. As a result, the Tribute HEV pushes a combination of 155 hp, with 00 to 60 hours compared to a 200-horsepower V-6 engine, while increasing fuel economy in city driving by almost 75 percent. The Tribute HEV is equipped with a smooth-shifting, electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) that realizes seamless fit, high efficiency of the gear ratio under electronic control.
Once the vehicle reaches a speed above 25 mph, or vehicle load exceeds a certain threshold (eg, a fully loaded vehicle or a "jack-rabbit" start), supplements the petrol engine motor providing greater torque. During deceleration, the battery is charging, working as a generator. The generator-motor also provides power increases in heavy load situations, helping accelerate the Tribute HEV speed quickly. Electric motors deliver more fuel without the maximum torque at low engine speeds, making them an ideal complement to gasoline engines that delivers a high maximum speed.
The transition through four modes - all-electric, gas, electricity, gas, and only charge the battery - is perfect, and the only clue is a state where the vehicle acts as a "payment / help" indicator on the dashboard.
A vehicle electronic controller manages charging, the unit helps the engine start and functions. This device shuts the engine off when coasting down and the lights to save fuel. It also enables the traction motor to turn a generator to provide engine braking and recharge the batteries.
Equipped with standard front-wheel-drive or optional electronic four-wheel-drive, Tribute HEV is offered in two trim levels, Touring and Grand Touring. Mirroring design cues shared by its gasoline sibling, Tribute HEV offers a bold, rugged exterior from 16 "alloy wheels and new front and rear fascias, hood, product divisions, the body side moldings, power side mirrors, headlamps, taillamps and standard fog lights - features that can be found in the redesigned conventional 2008 Tribute as well.
Like all the good lands, the Tribute HEV has a commanding driving position, great visibility, good ground clearance, a high ceiling and space for large loads. The high seating position and excellent visibility mean drivers get a better view of the road when weather conditions are adverse, as heavy rains. The vehicle of five adults in comfort. Storage compartments in both front doors provide easily accessible storage options. In addition, a storage compartment center console with removable offers enough space for a laptop. There is 29.2 cubic feet of room to move behind the rear seat when in place, and 66 cubic feet when the back is tilted. The rear seat is asymmetrically 60:40, improving production versatility. For convenience, the tailgate features a rear window that lifts separately, ideal for loading less heavy objects.
Safety is a priority. All-steel unibody construction is not only very rigid, it is also very strong. The crumple zones and Triple H Construction "are designed to absorb and redirect energy away from the cabin." Triple H refers to H-shaped structures on the sides, floor and roof that provide a rigid cell around the cabin. Side impact doors are also equipped to enhance safety in side impact.
The Tribute HEV comes with advanced front airbags that use various sensors to deploy each front airbag with the exact amount of force of the blows. Sensors measure the weight of the seat occupant, the force of impact and the safety distance at the wheel. Side airbags, seat-mounted instead of doors - to work as effectively, regardless of seat position - are the norm. Front side airbags, side curtain airbags, multi-link rear suspension independent four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) are also standard. Front seatbelt pretensioners with three points to reduce slack in the first moments of a frontal impact. The rear seats of the three three-point seatbelts and adjustable head restraints for added safety. To provide more security, the control system tire pressure is standard.
