So you want an efficient hybrid vehicle but can't imagine yourself driving a dorky, gas-powered Jetsons bubblemobile like the Toyota Prius that makes only 133 hp (after the electric motor kicks in). Well, the engineers at Mercury obviously felt the same way and designed the Meta One concept SUV-a vehicle with a diesel/electric hybrid powertrain that's based on a tweaked Lion 2.7L, twin-turbo V-6 that creates a massive 431 lb-ft of torque (without electric assistance). A 35kw (47hp) electric motor replaces the flywheel, starter, and alternator and enables the engine to freewheel when electric power isn't needed to reduce soot-causing engine loads. To meet California's superstrict AT-PZEV emissions rules, the system uses dual catalysts in the exhaust manifolds before the turbos, a gigantic oxidation catalyst/ diesel particulate filter that stretches over much of the wheelbase, dual-walled exhaust pipes, and a urea-spraying system to reduce NOx.
Even with all those extra parts, the batteries, and the electric motor, the Meta One weighs just 4,250 pounds, which is 500 pounds less than the Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel we tested ("First Drive," Nov. '07), so getting more than 30 mpg should be no problem.
Mercury Meta One Diesel/Electric Hybrid
Engine: 2.7L Lion V-6
Displacement: 2.7L (166 ci)
Configuration: 60-degree V-6
Horsepower (diesel only): 248 at 4,000 rpm
Horsepower (diesel/electric): 295 at 4,000 rpm
Torque: 431 lb-ft at 1,900 rpm
Head Material: Cast aluminum
Block Material: Compacted graphite iron (CGI)
Bore And Stroke (IN.): 3.19 x 3.47
Valvetrain: DOHC, 24-valves
Fuel Injection: High-pressure common-rail with piezo injectors
Turbos: Two variable-geometry turbos
Emissions Control: Preturbo oxidation catalysts, post-turbo oxidation catalysts, cooled EGR, diesel particulate filter, and urea selective catalytic reduction
Emissions Category: Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV)
Transmission: Six-speed modular hybrid
Electric Motor: 35 kw (47 hp)
Traction Battery: 325-volt, 6-Ah air-cooled NiMH