factory Ford escape grill block...

[MetroMPG]

Only because you've been trained to think so.

[mcrews]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Only because you've been trained to think so.

You are absolutely right on point there!
In fact I was going to make that comment. I also thought about the first Pirus I ever drove. Probably 9 yrs ago (???) When I stepped on the pedal, it didn't make any noise..........just started moving....very disconcerting!! I was so conditioned to hearing the rumble of exhaust.
Cars in general are much quitter now.

[slownugly]

saw the same on a 2013 focus i inspected today. i also observed they had an angled spat in front of the front suspension. im seeing alot more spats that are addressing the suspension rather than the tires. my friends 2004 subaru had them right in front of the rear suspension.

[mcrews]

I think the manufacturers are realizing that every little thing can help! I think this is a good thing overall

[wdb]

Originally Posted by mcrews

I think the manufacturers are realizing that every little thing can help! I think this is a good thing overall

And to think its the big, bad, nasty old Mister Government pushing them into doing it.

(Cue followup rants about how fuel economy mandates don't work, and how consumers always end up paying for everything in the end.)

[wdb]

Originally Posted by mcrews

saw this in the parking lot. must be 70% block of the grill area.....

It gets better. The slats in the top opening are controlled by the car's computer, opening and closing as needed for various purposes such as better aerodynamics at highway speeds.

[elhigh]

Originally Posted by wdb

And to think its the big, bad, nasty old Mister Government pushing them into doing it.

(Cue followup rants about how fuel economy mandates don't work, and how consumers always end up paying for everything in the end.)

...like consumers didn't pay for everything in the first place? I thought that was how it was supposed to work.

I'll pay extra for better features, more quality, higher performance. It's why I don't pay for cable TV but do donate to public TV and public radio.

[Miller88]

Looks like a catfish!

My parents have a 2013 Focuscape 2.0 EB. Very nice vehicle and the ecoboast is great!

My father and I can pull 30MPG out of it (EPA rating for 2.0 AWD is 27).

There is an engine belly pan for aerodynamics, but the ecoboasters seem to have some sort of air intake right under the engine.

[mcrews]

Originally Posted by Miller88

My father and I can pull 30MPG out of it (EPA rating for 2.0 AWD is 27).

There is an engine belly pan for aerodynamics, but the ecoboasters seem to have some sort of air intake right under the engine.

Pictures.....please??

[gone-ot]

Originally Posted by Miller88

Looks like a catfish!

Yes, but it's a slippery (aero) catfish!