Ford’s Tanks go Capless

capless-gas-cap-2.jpg

Ford is aware that it’s the small improvements that count. Ok, removing gas caps isn’t going to push any more vehicles for Ford, but it’s still a nice touch.

Everyone’s driven away from the pump at least once in their life without screwing the cap back on. It’s ok, you can admit it. Ford’s new capless system is designed after the Ford’s NASCAR racing experience system, the Associated Press reported. The 2003 Ford GT had the system and so does the 2008 Explorer. But, now Ford is expanding the net to other vehicles like the 2009 F-150, Ford Flex and the Lincoln MKS.

(More details after the jump)

The capless refueling system features two spring-loaded doors that push open when the nozzle is inserted and slam shut when it’s removed.

F-150 chief engineer Matt O'Leary told the Associated Press that the system also has environmental benefits as well by reducing the escape of gasoline vapors.

It’s reported that other automakers will, likely, follow suit.

+ MSNBC: Ford to make gas caps a thing of the past (Via Associated Press)

Comments

Mike F

Sweet... it's not the sexiest improvement on a car, but seems like a good idea. Now if only they could do that for that pesky oil cap that likes to hide on me

Gianni

Heck with that, I want a button on my steering wheel that lifts the fuel door, causes my center brake light to flash and restricts my speed at the gas station to 60 kph...

Mark

Wow. Something learned from NASCAR does trickle down to real products once in a while. First time I've heard this in a long, long time.

Cool feature.

youngturk

So to prevent unauthorized access (draining and/or contamination of the existing fuel), will the lid still have a driver-triggered lock? If not, I don't want to live with the risks.

Winding Road » Archive » Ford Throws Low-Income San Antonio

[...] family that saves $1,000 towards a down payment will receive a $2,000 credit to put toward the Ford or Mercury vehicle of their choice. The joint effort between Ford and the city’s Department of [...]

Clint

Is the picture above a Ford GT? The hole for the fuel filler nozzle looks surprisingly cheap and unfinished for such a high end car. The technology is very cool though.

Jonathan Fung

Interesting idea, but just another piece that looks like it could break unnecessarily. And like youngturk pointed out, I would hope that there is still a lock on it for all the obvious reasons.

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