The Verge: Inside Ford’s private off-road track where it tests its wildest electric machines

[Gullwingdmc]

Silent, clean, and calm, most EVs are lovely to drive. They’re easier on the environment and are less likely to increase your stress levels than traditional cars, too. But if you’re the sort of driver who’s looking to get your adrenaline pumping without burning any gasoline, you haven’t had many options.

https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/29/24230661/ford-ev-rallycross-supertruck-mustang-mach-e-track

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[HuntingPudel]

Good article, but the writer seems to fall for the incorrect popular hyperbole that ICE runs on explosions. According to a chemistry scientist I used to race with (as well as my high school auto shop teacher and several propulsion engineers I know), the 4-stroke internal combustion engine burns the air/fuel mixture. When the mixture explodes it is due to inhomgenous spots in the A/F mixture or localized hot spots. Here are separate phenomena known as preignition (hot spots causing ignition prior to the spark event) or detonation (spontaneous ignition that interrupts the flame front). ??

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

Good article, but the writer seems to fall for the incorrect popular hyperbole that ICE runs on explosions. According to a chemistry scientist I used to race with (as well as my high school auto shop teacher and several propulsion engineers I know), the 4-stroke internal combustion engine burns the air/fuel mixture. When the mixture explodes it is due to inhomgenous spots in the A/F mixture or localized hot spots. Here are separate phenomena known as preignition (hot spots causing ignition prior to the spark event) or detonation (spontaneous ignition that interrupts the flame front). ??

As a lay person, explosion is more fun to say.

 

[VaporTrails]

Good article, but the writer seems to fall for the incorrect popular hyperbole that ICE runs on explosions. According to a chemistry scientist I used to race with (as well as my high school auto shop teacher and several propulsion engineers I know), the 4-stroke internal combustion engine burns the air/fuel mixture. When the mixture explodes it is due to inhomgenous spots in the A/F mixture or localized hot spots. Here are separate phenomena known as preignition (hot spots causing ignition prior to the spark event) or detonation (spontaneous ignition that interrupts the flame front). ??

I admire and appreciate this level of pedantic. Up next, discussions of the Atkinson cycle versus the Otto cycle and how to use thermodynamics to gain 0.01 seconds per lap on the track!

 

[JamieGeek]

“In the first 50 miles of us originally trying this, we had a lot of parts falling off the vehicle,” Ford’s Kistler said.

Anyone want to guess? LOL

Here is mine: The Mach-E logos on the side all fell off within 10 seconds along with the cover inside the trunk.

 

[JoeProcopio]

As a lay person, explosion is more fun to say.

lol you said LAY

 

[david_quick]

If I read that correctly, It’s insane that the Pikes Peak hill climb the Super Truck beat everyone by 10 seconds…… even after having to reboot 23 seconds after the starting line.

 

[Snakebitten]

I admire and appreciate this level of pedantic. Up next, discussions of the Atkinson cycle versus the Otto cycle and how to use thermodynamics to gain 0.01 seconds per lap on the track!

I went to change my sparkplugs in my 2022 Powerboost. It's the 3rd generation of the 3.5 Ecoboost engine. I've owned vehicles with all 3 iterations and have done my own maintenance on them all.

I wasn't surprised to see the spark plug part# change, but was surprised to see that the new plugs have a crush washer, rather than a conical seat. Ford changed the mating surface on the heads?

Turns out Ford now specs the plugs to be indexed! On an oem motor. From the factory and for every subsequent plug change.

 

[SeattleSteveMe]

I admire and appreciate this level of pedantic. Up next, discussions of the Atkinson cycle versus the Otto cycle and how to use thermodynamics to gain 0.01 seconds per lap on the track!

Atkinson is what they use on the prius. Electric motor supplies the missing torque.

 

[CameraCarl]

Atkinson is what they use on the prius. Electric motor supplies the missing torque.

And on the Ford Hybrids.

 

[Snakebitten]

And on the Ford Hybrids.

I know the wife’s Cmax had it.
Wasn't the Fusion the same drivetrain?

 

[SeattleSteveMe]

And on the Ford Hybrids.

Probably all of them. Wife has a Prius, so I read up on them.

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