High Speed Interstate Cruising Behavior

[rainydaze]

I'm considering buying a FFH to replace my VW diesel when the buybacks happen..

 

Most of my driving is diesel AND hybrid friendly - long urbanish commutes, speeds from 25-60 mph. But I do make some cross-country trips and my question is: how is the current get at approx. 80-95 mph (don't flame me, speed limits are 85 mph in some of these trips). I know mpg will plummet but that's not my concern. I'm asking: is the engine straining at those speeds? Is there a bit of 'oomph' left to make a pass? Better yet, does anyone have a video at those speeds?

 

Thanks much, if I buy one I look forward to contributing to this forum!

[Cobra348]

Can't say for the sustained high MPH, but I can tell you the engine does quite nicely to about 105-110 area. No idea of what top end is, tho.

[rwhgme]

It will cruise all day at 90..and still has good acceleration to 118 mph. That is what I saw on a GPS at the Kansas Speedway. The engine hit a limiter at that speed..probably tire rating related.

[ElectricFan69]

It will cruise all day at 90..and still has good acceleration to 118 mph. That is what I saw on a GPS at the Kansas Speedway. The engine hit a limiter at that speed..probably tire rating related.

The Michelin tires that came with the FFH are 'V' rated tires, so it's not that. MG1 max RPM is the more likely issue.

[rwhgme]

The Michelin tires that came with the FFH are 'V' rated tires, so it's not that. MG1 max RPM is the more likely issue.

You are correct..but I was only turning 4200rpm's..probably "Lawsuit limited"...;)

[mwr]

I've never had my FFH over 80 and probably won't, but am curious if the performance at 100 and above requires help from the electric motor or is purely on ICE.

[ElectricFan69]

You are correct..but I was only turning 4200rpm's..probably "Lawsuit limited"... ;)

That was ICE RPM. AFAIK, there isn't a direct 'gauge' to read the MG1/MG2 RPM. Like in the Aisin PSD, the HF35 (the model designation for the PSD) MG2 has a fixed ratio to the final drive - MG1 does the needful to keep the ICE RPM at the desired value. Because it has a fixed ratio, there is a max RPM - a compromise between the 'off-the line' speed and to speed.

 

The relationship between the HF35 and Toyota's HSD is sort of like (and this goes WAY back) between the FX and the BW 3X series of transmissions. Started off the same components, but diverged based on the respective manufacturers' requirements and design choices.

[lolder]

There is a maximum MG2 ( traction ) rpm also. That may be the limitation in the max vehicle speed as MG2 rpm is directly related to it. The maximum MG1 rpm only determines the max EV speed as that's the only time it's turning the fastest.

Edited May 9, 2016 by lolder

[CCalvinN]

I took a long road trip last year and don't recall ever thinking the car was approaching it's limit. I mostly drive between 70 and 80 mph and could easily bump it up to above 90 to make a smooth pass. It's no sports car, but it can do the job without worry.

[rainydaze]

Nice. Thanks for all the answers. Will definitely take one for a test drive soon and I expect it will be on the short list!

[heywardjr]

I've been amazed at how well it handles at high speed. It's fine for me and I travel between Virginia and Ohio at 70-80MPH and still have plenty of pickup to pass when needed. This is a fantastic vehicle and I am very happy all around.....SYNC2 sucks but I just purchased the Sync2 to Sync3 third party option and I love Sync 3 in my 2016 Fusion Hybrid. I took care of that objection but it was not a cheap option!

[Cobra348]

I just took my new '17 on a run to Altoona, PA and back last weekend. While I didn't really push it hard, it had no problems maintaining 75 MPH sustained.