American Cars

With Its Unbeatable Combination of Top Fuel Efficiency and Capability, Ford F-150 Is Motor Trend’s 2012 Truck of the Year

2011-12-15T01:05:00.001-08:00

The 2012 Ford F-150, which established a new standard for full-size pickups with best-in-class fuel efficiency and capability, today was named Motor Trend’s 2012 Truck of the Year^®.

“The 2012 F-150 is a no-compromise solution that can be tailored to fit virtually every customer’s needs, and the Motor Trend Truck of the Year award further reinforces that this is truly the best choice for America’s truck owners,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “We are proud to receive this award and even more pleased that our F-150 customers have additional validation of their top choice.”

This is the fourth time the F-150 has won the award – the most awards for any truck since Motor Trend began presenting its Truck of the Year award in 1989. The Ford pickup received the magazine’s prestigious award for previous groundbreaking new models in 1997, 2004 and 2009.

Motor Trend editors applauded F-150 because, they said, “F-150s are built to work and felt better the more they were challenged. Ford offers an enormous variety of configurations and designs, making the truck tailorable to just about any need. It’s the combination of advancement in design, engineering excellence, efficiency, safety, value, and the performance of intended function that has earned the Ford F-150 the title of Motor Trend’s 2012 Truck of the Year.”

With more than a half-million sales through November and a lead of almost 150,000 sales versus the nearest competitor, the Ford F-Series is on track this year to extend its streak of truck leadership to 35 straight years.

Helping spark the F-150’s continued success is the powerful and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® engine, which now accounts for more than 40 percent of F-150 retail sales and is on pace to exceed 100,000 sales in less than a year on the market.

More capability, more technology

The 2012 F-150 offers customers plenty of technologies that boost capability, performance, driving enjoyment and fuel efficiency. One such technology is the class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS). The system has been carefully tuned with sophisticated speed mapping to deliver accurate responses at high speed while remaining light and manageable in parking maneuvers. Ford is the first manufacturer to widely offer EPAS on full-size pickup trucks. EPAS contributes about a 4 percent fuel-economy benefit compared with conventional hydraulic systems.

A 4.2-inch LCD message center that features information related to fuel economy, towing performance and off-roading, SYNC^® AppLink^™ and SiriusXM Travel Link also are among the customer conveniences available.

New features for 2012 include:

36-gallon fuel tank on 4x4 F-150 EcoBoost-equipped units providing best-in-class 756 miles of driving range
Two-speed automatic 4x4 system on Lariat, King Ranch, Harley-Davidson and Platinum models for improved all-weather traction
Hill Start Assist, which helps keep the truck from rolling backward at a stop, making it easier to pull away when on a slope or hill, especially when towing
Best-in-class payload capability of 3,120 pounds

Fuel-efficient and powerful offerings
All of the changes for the 2012 model year complement a powertrain lineup that debuted in 2011. The powertrain lineup delivers a mix of best-in-class fuel economy, horsepower, torque and capability. Ford is also the first and only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup truck lineup with a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission as standard. Engine highlights include:

3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6:

Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm vs. V6 competitors
Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors
Best-in-class 17 mpg city and best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4x2)
Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors

5.0-liter four-valve DOHC Ti-VCT V8:

Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
Best-in-class 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4x2)
Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors

6.2-liter two-valve SOHC V8:

Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. all competitors
Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors
13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway (4x2)
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost:

365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors
Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
22 mpg highway, 16 mpg city (4x2)
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
Best-in-class 3,120 pounds payload vs. all competitors

Ford C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid Deliver Leading Fuel Economy Plus Range, Flexibility

2011-12-15T01:04:00.003-08:00

Image by M 93 via Flickr

Ford’s two new hybrid vehicles, the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, are projected to set a new benchmark for fuel economy when they go on sale next year.

The C-MAX Energi is expected to deliver a better fuel economy equivalent in electric mode than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid with a 500-mile overall driving range, more than Chevrolet Volt. The new C-MAX Hybrid is targeted to achieve better fuel economy than Toyota Prius v.

Both vehicles feature the next generation of Ford’s acclaimed powersplit technology that will allow operation in electric mode at higher speeds than any other hybrid.

“C-MAX is the right car for the time as it combines the dynamics and quality of a traditional car with the versatility of a MAV and leading fuel efficiency that you cannot even get from Toyota,” said Sherif Marakby, director of Ford’s Electrification Programs and Engineering.

The C-MAX hybrids headline Ford’s transformed lineup, one-third of which will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012, building on the company’s commitment to give fuel-efficiency-minded customers the Power of Choice.

Ford’s near-term electrification plan calls for the company to triple production capacity of its electrified vehicle range by 2013. The C-MAX vehicles will be built on the company’s global C-segment platform and are two of five electrified vehicles Ford plans to launch in North America in 2012.

Scheduled to start hitting showroom floors in the second half of 2012, the C-MAX hybrids will be built at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., with production powered in part by one of the largest solar energy generator systems in the state.

More hybrid innovations

Ford holds approximately 500 patents that cover technologies in its electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles like C-MAX Energi in addition to several hundred patent-pending applications.

With 20 years of Ford research and innovation behind the software and hardware technology driving them, the C-MAX vehicles also offer a proven design and nameplate with more than 100,000 sold in Europe since it launched in late 2010.

The C-MAX hybrids will be the company’s first dedicated hybrid vehicle line and the first MAV (multi-activity vehicle) line in North America.

“The C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi are designed to meet the needs of customers looking to ‘plus-up’ and optimize their hybrid car experience,” said Amy Machesney, C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi Marketing manager. “These customers are living more environmentally responsible lives and may have bought a hybrid in the past. They are now ready for more hybrid choice, combined with style, better performance and additional versatility.”

Fuel efficiency, range and power

C-MAX Hybrid is projected to deliver class-leading fuel economy and beat the Toyota Prius v in both city and highway equivalent miles per gallon.

C-MAX Energi is projected to deliver better fuel economy in electric mode than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid and is projected to achieve more than 500 miles of overall driving range.

The C-MAX line hits impressive fuel efficiency and range figures without sacrificing driving performance.

“With C-MAX, you get road-holding capability, sportiness and performance in addition to leading fuel economy, great versatility, great features and great technology in a package designed to exceed customer expectations,” said John Davis, C-MAX chief nameplate engineer.

Technology

The C-MAX line features the company’s innovative hands-free liftgate that allows quick and easy access to the cargo area without ever needing to fumble for keys. A gentle kicking motion under the rear bumper opens the liftgate when used in combination with a key fob the user keeps in his or her pocket or purse that tells the car it’s OK to engage. The same motion can be used to close the liftgate.

The vehicles also feature the newest version of SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^® to help inform, enlighten, engage and empower drivers – with an emphasis on increasing fuel economy.

This feature offers multiple ways for customers to manage and control their phone, navigation, entertainment and climate functions through voice commands, menus accessed through controls on the steering wheel, touch screens, buttons or knobs. In C-MAX Energi, the system offers additional information such as battery state of charge and distance to the next charge point.

The C-MAX also offers the next generation of SmartGauge^® with EcoGuide. Designed to help drivers get the most from the C-MAX, information such as instantaneous fuel economy can be displayed on the left cluster to help drivers more closely monitor how their driving behavior affects the vehicle’s efficiency.

In the right cluster, redesigned imagery of green leaves shows overall driving efficiency. The left cluster shows Brake Coach, a feature that helps drivers optimize their use of the regenerative braking system so that driving range can be enhanced through proper braking techniques.

Available for C-MAX Energi is the MyFord^® Mobile smartphone application that allows users to monitor charging, receive alerts, find charge stations, plan trips and do more from their smartphones or computers for an effortless transition to an electrified vehicle lifestyle.

Other available technology features on C-MAX include active park assist, push-button start, AM/FM/CD/MP3 Sony^® Audio, HD Radio^™and voice-activated Navigation System.

Versatility

As Ford’s first North American MAVs, C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi provide customers with plenty of interior versatility and flexibility along with the urban maneuverability of a smaller vehicle.

The C-MAX line features a high roof design that gives each vehicle an overall height of 64 inches along with a higher command-style seat position instead of a cockpit-type. It also features five-passenger seating that includes a split, fold-flat second-row seat.

C-MAX Hybrid provides 54.3 cubic feet of space behind the first row and 24.9 cubic feet behind the second row. In C-MAX Energi, there is 43.3 cubic feet behind the first row and 19.1 cubic feet behind the second row.

Quality and ingenuity

Although Ford’s C-MAX vehicles are new, the software and hardware technology going in them has been evolving for nearly two decades.

The C-MAX line also benefits from analysis of more than 500,000 miles of data collected from Ford’s Escape plug-in hybrid test fleet, which helped engineers understand how plug-in hybrid vehicles are driven and charged and how parts perform under certain conditions.

“The result is a stunningly efficient system that has been entirely developed by Ford in-house,” said Marakby. “That’s crucial because it allows for development of one highly efficient system as opposed to integrating pieces of software and hardware made by different parties with hope that it will not only function properly but also efficiently.”

C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi get their power through the combination of a gasoline engine and a battery-driven electric motor. When powered by gasoline, the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi use the all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine – a powerful and fuel-efficient engine and among the most advanced non-turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains Ford has ever offered.

The electric motors of the C-MAX hybrids are powered by advanced lithium-ion (li-ion) battery systems designed to maximize use of common, high-quality components, such as control board hardware that has proven field performance in Ford’s critically acclaimed hybrid vehicles.

Li-ion battery packs are more efficient than nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries. They also are 25 to 30 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter than NiMH batteries used in today’s first-generation hybrid vehicles.

C-MAX hybrids offer Ford’s next-generation powersplit architecture that allows the electric motor and gasoline-powered engine to work together or separately to maximize efficiency. The engine also can operate independently of vehicle speed, charging the batteries or providing power to the wheels as needed. The motor alone can provide sufficient power to the wheels in low-speed, low-load conditions and work with the engine at higher speeds.

In the C-MAX Hybrid, the li-ion battery pack is recharged when the gasoline engine is in operation. Further, the regenerative braking system recaptures more than 95 percent of the braking energy that would otherwise be lost, and is able to use that power to help charge the battery. C-MAX Hybrid requires no plug-in charging.

C-MAX Energi is charged by connecting the vehicle’s external charge port to either a standard 120-volt outlet or available 240-volt charging station.

Safety

The C-MAX hybrids offer standard safety technologies such as the MyKey^® teen safety feature, SYNC 911 Assist^™ and seven airbags. SYNC 911 Assist uses hands-free phone capabilities to connect the driver directly with a local 911 operator through the paired phone should an accident occur in which an airbag deploys.

The next-generation MyKey features now allow parents to choose from multiple top speed limits and blocking of explicit satellite radio programming. MyKey also provides a persistent audible warning if front occupants are not wearing seat belts.

The C-MAX hybrids also feature standard safety and driver-assist technologies, including Curve Control that is designed to slow the vehicle when it’s cornering too fast and Torque Vectoring Control to help accelerate through a turn when necessary. AdvanceTrac^®with Roll Stability Control^™ (RSC) and electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) also are standard.

Ford’s Gas-Free Focus Electric First with 100 MPGe, Faster Charging That Can Double Daily Range

2011-12-15T01:04:00.001-08:00

Image by mariordo59 via Flickr

The all-new, gasoline-free Ford Focus Electric is the company’s first-ever all-electric passenger car – a zero-CO₂-emissions version of Ford’s popular small car expected to be the first of its kind to achieve the equivalent of a 100 miles per gallon fuel efficiency rating with seating for five.

Focus Electric is the flagship of Ford’s transformed lineup, one-third of which will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012, building on the company’s commitment to give fuel-efficiency-minded customers the Power of Choice.

Focus Electric also is the first all-electric vehicle to feature faster charging technology, allowing it to fully recharge in three to four hours – half the time of Nissan Leaf. This technology can help double the car’s range during a busy day of driving and recharging multiple times.

“Focus Electric’s innovative faster charging technology can help customers save money and get much more out of the car in a busy day of running around town and recharging between stops,” said Sherif Marakby, director of Ford’s Electrification Programs and Engineering. “We also are pleased the Focus Electric will break the 100 MPGe mark – a great symbol of how Ford has transformed its fleet with many vehicles delivering leading fuel economy and efficiency.”

With 20 years of Ford research and innovation behind electrified vehicle software and hardware technology, the company offers proven engineering and design with Focus Electric. Ford holds approximately 500 patents, with several hundred patent-pending applications on technologies used in the new Focus Electric and its other electrified vehicles.

Ford began taking orders for the 2012 Focus Electric in November through Certified Electric Vehicle Dealers in California and New York/New Jersey markets. In 2012, availability of the Focus Electric will expand to another 15 launch markets as production ramps up.

Focus Electric reflects Ford’s commitment to deliver fuel-efficient vehicles without sacrificing performance, capability or driving fun. Though range and miles per gallon equivalent figures are yet to be finalized, Focus Electric is expected to be competitive with other comparable all-electric vehicles.

“Focus Electric was designed to deliver the same dynamics and quality of a conventional Ford Focus,” said Eric Kuehn, Focus Electric chief nameplate engineer. “It shares many of the same premium components and features as its gasoline-powered counterpart while delivering distinct efficiencies and a uniquely exciting driving experience.”

A battery of quality
Focus Electric will be powered by an advanced lithium-ion (li-ion) battery system with an advanced active liquid cooling and heating system to precondition and regulate the temperature in its larger, more complex battery system.

The active liquid system heats or chills a coolant before pumping it through the battery cooling system. This loop regulates temperature throughout the system against external conditions. On hot days, chilled liquid absorbs heat from the batteries, dispersing it through a radiator before pumping it through the chiller again. On cold days, heated liquid warms the batteries, gradually bringing the system’s temperature to a level that allows it to efficiently accept charge energy and provide enough discharge power for expected vehicle performance.

The durability and longevity of batteries – which Ford has been developing and testing since the 1980s – is essential as the company expands its electrification plan. To date, among the nearly 43 million battery cells Ford has tested or seen put to work in customer vehicles, only five issues have been documented.

Plug and play… and save

Even with relatively stable gas prices, fuel economy is the top purchase consideration for new vehicles. Nearly 45 percent of customers say fuel economy is their top consideration based on a Ford survey of Americans in 36 cities this fall. Styling was the next consideration, with only 16 percent of study participants saying it was their top purchase driver.

The fuel efficiency of Focus Electric sets it apart from other vehicles. For example, the cost to travel 80 miles is $2.10 – based on the amount of energy it takes (measured in kilowatt-hours) and the national average cost of a kilowatt-hour. Driving 80 miles in a competitive gasoline-powered vehicle that gets 30 mpg would cost $8.80, based on a per gallon cost of $3.30.

A unique “set it and forget it” value charging feature, powered by Microsoft, is designed to help owners in the U.S. charge their cars when the utility rates are lower. The tool aims to help customers avoid unnecessary expense by providing an optimized charging solution. In the future, these smart charging habits can help utility companies understand and better manage the demands placed upon the electric grid because of electrified vehicles.

Focus Electric is the first all-electric vehicle to offer faster charging technology, allowing a full recharge in three to four hours with the 240-volt charge station – half the time of the Nissan Leaf.

Ford and SunPower Corp. have teamed up to offer customers a rooftop solar system that can provide enough clean, renewable energy to offset the electricity used to charge the car.

The car’s charge port – conveniently located on the left front fender – activates a light ring that illuminates the port twice when plugged in. The light ring then illuminates in quadrants as the car charges. Each quadrant represents 25 percent of the maximum battery charge.

Flashing quadrants represent charge in progress and solid-lit quadrants show stages of charge completion. When the entire ring is solidly lit, the car is fully charged.

Technology for more efficient driving, better MPGe

Focus Electric’s SYNC^®with MyFord Touch^® driver connect technology was specifically developed for electric vehicle owners and displays key information such as battery state of charge. The system’s MyView feature allows drivers to access even more vehicle data including the electrical demands of such accessories as air conditioning, which can impact driving range.

Drivers also can input destinations, including their next charge point, into the car’s MyFord Touch map-based navigation system, and the car will coach drivers on how to achieve the desired range – or advise if travel plans need to be adjusted. The on-board navigation system provides an EcoRoute option based on characteristics of efficient electric vehicle driving.

The Focus Electric’s next-generation SmartGauge^® with EcoGuide fuel economy coaching system features a cluster display that uses blue butterflies to represent the surplus range beyond the driver’s charge point destination. The more butterflies there are, the more surplus you have to get to your final destination.

At the end of each trip, a display screen provides distance driven, miles gained through regenerative braking, energy consumed and a comparative gasoline savings achieved by driving electric.

Remote control
Off-board, Focus Electric owners will be able to maintain constant contact with the car anywhere they have a mobile phone signal using the Ford-developed MyFord^® Mobile app. MyFord Mobile enables access via a smartphone or Web-based interface to:

Receive instant vehicle status information
Perform key functions remotely
Monitor the car’s state of charge and current range
Get alerts when it requires charging or has finished charging
Remotely program charge settings and download vehicle data for analysis
Locate charge stations and plan routes to find them

The feature also allows the owner to program the car to use electricity from the grid to heat or cool the cabin while plugged in – called preconditioning. For example, during hot summer months, owners can preprogram the car the evening before to be fully charged – and fully cooled to a particular temperature – by a certain time the following morning.

Working with MapQuest^®, MyFord Mobile can communicate charge station information and other points of interest to Focus Electric using SYNC Services. Turn-by-turn guidance is provided by the in-car map-based Navigation System. Drivers can also get up-to-date charge station information directly to their car simply by connecting to SYNC Services.

Engaging to drive, too
Not only is Focus Electric designed to provide outstanding energy efficiency and reliable operation, it also delivers real driving enjoyment. The all-electric powertrain and single-speed transmission provide immediate responsiveness and smooth acceleration when the driver pushes down the accelerator; it’s expected to achieve a top speed of 84 mph (136 kph).

Much of the Focus Electric’s steering, handling and braking feel is shared with the agile, sporty, fuel-powered five-door hatchback Focus model upon which it’s based. At the same time, the vehicle’s absence of gasoline or diesel engine and its outstanding aerodynamics lead to a remarkably quiet, comfortable in-car experience.

Focus Electric offers a host of standard safety and security features including six airbags, electronic traction control and MyKey^®for North America. The Focus Electric is the industry’s first car to feature 100 percent sustainable clean technologies in interior materials, including seat fabrics with REPREVE^®-branded fiber made from recycled plastic bottles inthe seat fabric

Other standard features on Ford Focus Electric for North American customers include 15-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels, a 60/40 split rear bench seat, push-button start, AM/FM/CD/MP3 Sony^® Audio with nine speakers, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and HD Radio^™. Also included is a free, three-year subscription to SYNC Services, which provides access to information about traffic, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, stock quotes and movie listings, along with business searches and turn-by-turn directions.

All Focus gasoline and electric variants to be sold in North America will be built at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., with production powered in part by one of the largest solar energy generator systems in the state.

Ford Environment and Safety Chief Sue Cischke to Retire After 35-Year Career; Robert Brown Named Her Successor

2011-12-15T01:03:00.002-08:00

Ford Motor Company today announced that Sue Cischke, group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, has elected to retire effective Feb. 1, 2012, after 35 years of service in the automotive industry.

Cischke will be succeeded by Robert Brown, who also has been elected a company officer as part of this move. Brown is currently vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, Ford of Europe. Brown will assume his new position as vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering on Jan. 1, 2012.

Cischke, 57, has played a leading role on several of Ford’s most important initiatives in the areas of environmental sustainability and automotive safety, helping Ford deliver new levels of performance of fuel efficiency, emissions and safety to Ford customers globally.

“Sue is the very best example of someone who is committed to being part of the solution,” said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. “Sue knows how to bring people together, find common ground and make progress on the world’s big issues, especially environmental sustainability, energy independence and economic development.”

Cischke was appointed to her current role in 2008 and she has served as the company’s top environment and safety officer since 2001. In this role, she has been responsible for establishing Ford’s long-range sustainability strategy and environmental policy and assuring that Ford meets or exceeds all safety and environmental regulations worldwide. She also has been responsible for establishing Ford's long-term safety strategy, promoting aggressive standardization of product technology that delivers real world safety benefits.

Cischke led the company’s participation in the effort to develop one national standard for fuel economy, resulting in industry-wide commitments to nearly double fuel efficiency by 2025.

“Sue’s contributions to continuous improvement in the areas of environment and safety will pay off for years to come,” Mulally said. “Our company, our customers and our communities will benefit from her commitment to contribute to a better world.”

Before joining Ford in 2001, Cischke was senior vice president of Regulatory Affairs and Passenger Car Operations at DaimlerChrysler. She began her career at Chrysler Corporation in 1976 and held various engineering positions until 1994 when she was named general manager of Scientific Labs and Proving Grounds. In 1996, she was named vice president of Vehicle Certification, Compliance and Safety Affairs.

“It’s been an honor to work 35 years in the auto industry and dedicate my career to delivering ever safer and more efficient vehicles to our customers, and improving the environmental performance of our factories and facilities,” Cischke said. “I leave Ford knowing that safety leadership and environmental responsibility is deeply ingrained in our culture and exciting progress will continue.”

In his new role, Brown, 56, will assume direct responsibility for the company’s environment and safety strategy, policy and performance. He will report to Alan Mulally.

“Robert has the right combination of skills and experience to lead Ford forward in this very important area for our company and our stakeholders,” Mulally said. “Robert’s appointment ensures we will be positioned to continue our leadership in the areas of sustainability and safety, and demonstrates our continued strong commitment to working together with all our stakeholders to develop holistic solutions that contribute to a better world.”

Since joining Ford as a compliance engineer in 1979, Brown has held a variety of leadership positions including serving as Ford’s environmental regulatory manager working in Washington D.C., assistant director in the company’s Automotive Safety Office and director of Vehicle Environmental Engineering.

Brown holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from University of Michigan - Dearborn and a master’s of science degree in engineering from Wayne State University.

Ford Employees Help Ensure High-Quality Launch of New MyFord Touch Upgrade Through Innovative Beta Test

2011-12-15T01:03:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Ford customers will soon benefit from a major software upgrade to MyFord Touch® following a real-world beta test with about 1,000 Ford employees.
The software upgrade is coming for 2013 models – and to owners of existing MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles – and the employee beta test is part of a new, innovative approach to ensure a high-quality launch of the improved system.

“Employees are a great source for quick feedback, and the best part is that they are eager to help,” said John Schneider, chief engineer, Infotainment, Ford Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering. “Employees who have been MyFord Touch users since it was first launched will test the new upgrade on employee lease vehicles so they can provide us real-world feedback, helping us polish the final product before it goes to our customers.”

The upgraded system will launch with 2013 models of the new Ford Escape, Taurus and Flex, and will be applied to existing vehicles equipped with MyFord Touch including Ford Explorer, Edge and Focus. The new MyFord Touch upgrade is designed to make the system faster, simpler and easier to use.
Ford designers and engineers want to ensure the changes are ready for customers before issuing the software into production. Employee participants should begin receiving a USB flash drive containing the software upgrade later this week. The beta test is scheduled to last approximately a month.

“Ford has been listening and learning from our customers about their ownership experiences in order to continuously improve it,” said Schneider. “The new upgrade exemplifies the importance of customer feedback and showcases the flexibility and speed we now have by leveraging software to evolve Ford technology.”
Touch screens will look new, while featuring simpler graphics and controls that are easier to use. Improvements make the button reaction and screen transition times feel twice as fast as the current system.
Other enhancements include better phone compatibility, support for tablet computers and Audible.com audiobooks, improved navigation maps and destination entry. Voice recognition also has been enhanced – an important fact since Ford research indicates nearly 80 percent of owners use voice commands to operate their systems.

Beta-testers have been chosen at random from the Ford management lease vehicle population in Southeast Michigan. Because the upgrade strictly involves software, no vehicle hardware maintenance is required. Instead, a single USB flash drive loaded with the necessary software to complete the upgrade will be sent to testers.

Ford Racing Performance Parts Expands Crate Engine Lineup for 2012

2011-12-15T01:02:00.001-08:00

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When it comes to bolting pure Blue Oval muscle into your Ford performance car or truck project, nothing beats a crate engine from Ford Racing Performance Parts.

For 2012, Ford Racing is expanding its range of quality engineered and built crate engines that are designed to fit nearly every performance application and budget.

Adding FRPP's just-announced I-4 Crate Engine 'Concept' into the mix, Ford Racing's line of high performance crate engines now grows to become one of the most comprehensive in recent memory. Whether it's one of the modern, high-tech Coyote-based 5.0-liter engines or any of the nine unique pushrod engines, all of Ford Racing's crate engines leverage Ford Motor Company's engineering resources to deliver high quality and real value.

The Ford "Small-Block" V-8 has been a longtime favorite among racers, and the Ford Racing Performance Parts 2012 pushrod crate engine offerings range from 302 to 427 cubic inches, and from 340 up to 600 horsepower!

The 2012 FRPP Crate Engine lineup includes:

Z363 500 HP Pushrod Crate Engine

Following the hot-rodding adage that there's no substitute for cubic inches, Ford Racing has taken the popular 302-based stroker to the max with the 500 horsepower Z363 crate engine. By pushing the bore out to 4.125 inches, displacement of the popular 347 stroker has been increased to 363 cubic inches. Combined with improved Mahle® pistons, the Z363 makes 50 more horsepower and 50 more foot-pounds of torque than the Z347 that it replaces. Nothing but the best parts are used inside, including: forged crankshaft; forged I-beam connecting rods; floating piston pins; and a high-performance oiling system.

Built with the BOSS 302 block and Z304D aluminum heads, Z363 fits many of the vehicles originally built with a 289 or 302 block with 8.2-inch deck height. Ford Racing engineers designed the Z363 to work both on the street and at the strip, with a strong torque curve that delivers more than 390 foot pounds from 3,500 rpm up to the 6,500 rpm redline. With a compression ratio of 10.0:1, Z363 runs on unleaded premium pump gas, and is also available as a short block for those who want to build the engine to their own specifications.

X427 Crate Engine (p/n M-6007-X427FT/RT)

The company that created the famous 427 FE engine now offers another modern version of the legendary motor. The X427, designed for street use, has joined the Ford Racing Z427 that was introduced in 2010. Fitted with the legendary Ford Racing X-Heads, the X427 delivers 520 foot-pounds of torque. Built on Ford Racing's new BOSS 351 block, this new 427 crate engine is engineered and built to deliver a strong, flat torque curve. That translates into tire-smoking acceleration for street rods, kit cars and muscle cars, and plenty of power and torque for light-duty pickups and SUVs.

5.0L Ti-VCT Aluminator NA p/n M-6007-A50NA

Ford Racing has taken the 5.0 Mustang GT’s 4-valve V-8 with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) and created another in its series of "Aluminator" crate engines that deliver even higher performance than before. The 5.0 Aluminator NA, with 11.0:1 compression ratio, is designed specifically for naturally aspirated, high-performance applications. Mahle® forged pistons are hard anodized with Graphal® low-friction coating. The connecting rods are premium Manley® H-beam with ARP® 2000 bolts, and fitted with BOSS 302 high-performance bearings.

The 5.0 Aluminator NA is a direct bolt-in for 2011-12 Mustang GT. It can be used in street rod or resto-mod builds using Ford Racing's 5.0L engine controls pack (p/n M-6017-A504V).

5.0L Ti-VCT Aluminator SC P/N M-6007-A50NSC

This second new offering in Ford Racing's 5.0 Mustang "Aluminator" crate engine line is another modern 5.0-liter, 32-valve DOHC V-8 that uses advanced features like Ti-VCT to deliver big power. This "Aluminator" is built with a 9.5:1 compression ratio, forged pistons and H-beam connecting rods to meet the demands of forced induction applications.

5.0L Ti-VCT Coyote 'Sealed' Racing Engine P/N M-6007-M50S

The popularity of today's Mustang 5.0 "Coyote" engine has led to strong interest by sanctioning bodies to create new spec-racing classes for the engine. These spec engines are the same as the production Mustang GT's 5.0 V-8, and are sealed by Ford Racing to ensure that none of the engine internals are changed.

The first organization to employ these engines will be the National Mustang Racer's Association (NMRA) in a class called, "Coyote Stock." All engines will use a spec engine controller.

Ford Racing designs and engineers components that fit perfectly and deliver optimal performance and durability. Only Ford Racing has access to proprietary design, testing and production resources that are vital in developing components worthy of wearing the Blue Oval. From engine internals and bolt-on power-adders to chassis kits designed and tuned for specific applications, Ford Racing has upgrades that are track-tested and race-proven.

Buick’s Ecotec 2.0L Turbo Makes Best Engines List

2011-12-15T01:00:00.001-08:00

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The Ecotec 2.0L turbo I-4 engine that powers the all-new 2012 Buick Regal GS is one of WardsAuto World’s 2012 “10 Best Engines” for North America.

The Ecotec 2.0L turbo’s 270 horsepower is the highest specific output of any GM production engine, and at 135 hp per liter, is the most power-dense engine certified by the Society of Automotive Engineers.
“The turbocharged Ecotec 2.0L belongs on the list this year because it makes an outrageous 135 hp per liter in the Regal GS, and it’s a blast to drive,” said WardsAuto World Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter. “This engine delivers a level of power and sophistication that redefines Buick.”

The Regal GS achieves 0-60 mph in less than 6.7 seconds and runs the quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds at 98 mph. It also recently claimed victory in the 120-mph Grand Touring class at the Silver State Classic Challenge open road rally, with only a .019 deviation from a perfect time. A variation of the same engine powers the Regal Turbo. The engine is built at General Motors’ Spring Hill, Tenn. powertrain plant.
Ward’s reviewed 35 engines from 15 automakers in this year’s competition. Winners were chosen based on several factors, including power; noise, vibration and harshness; fuel efficiency; new technology; and comparative data for similar engines.

The Ecotec 2.0L turbo engine includes the latest in technology combinations.
"Our continuously variable valve timing is tuned to work in tandem with direct injection and twin scroll turbocharging to achieve optimum fuel economy, lower emissions, and instant performance when needed,” said Mike Anderson, global chief engineer for Ecotec engines. “Having 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque available over a wide range of engine speeds makes for a very exciting driving experience.”

The turbo engine is an all-aluminum, dual overhead cam, four-valve design with forged steel connecting rods. The A356 aluminum cylinder head is cast using a rotocast process for high strength, reduced machining and improved port flow. The exhaust valves have sodium-filled stems that promote valve cooling.
An advanced, electronically controlled turbocharger uses a twin-scroll design to increase power. Each of two scrolls on the turbine is fed by a separate exhaust passage – one from cylinders one and four, the other from cylinders two and three – to virtually eliminates turbo lag at low engine speeds, giving the engine immediate throttle response associated with a naturally aspirated high-performance engine.

The GS is equipped with Brembo four-piston front-caliper brakes, a HiPer Strut front suspension system, six-speed manual transmission, driver-adjustable suspension and steering settings, and 19-inch standard and 20-inch optional alloy wheels.

Chevrolet Will Donate Special Camaro at Army-Navy Game

2011-12-15T00:59:00.000-08:00

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At Saturday’s 112^th Army-Navy Game presented by USAA, Chevrolet will announce that proceeds from next month’s sale of a special Military Tribute Camaro will go to the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans.

Chevrolet is the official vehicle of what has been called “America’s Game,” which begins at 2:30 p.m. EST on CBS and the Armed Forces Network from FedEx Field in Landover, Md.

Chevrolet is hosting several military families and Achilles team members at the game, and is paying tribute to wounded servicemen and women and the team with a 30-second TV spot and a short tribute to members who participated in the recent Detroit Free Press / Talmer Bank Marathon. An accompanying article at chevy.com/military profiles hand cyclist Lance Cpl. Justin Gaertner of Pasco County, Fla., who lost both legs while serving his third tour in Afghanistan.

“We at Chevrolet want to do all we can to show our gratitude to the men and women serving in our armed forces, those who come home with life-changing injuries, like Cpl. Gaertner, and our fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet Global Marketing and Strategy.

CBS Sports will show the car in a segment with GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate; Genna Griffith, director of the Achilles Freedom Team, and team members. Last year at the game, Chevrolet donated a Silverado HD pickup to the Achilles team to transport athletes’ hand cycles and other equipment.

The Military Tribute Camaro represents all five branches of the armed forces (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard) and some of the military’s highest individual awards and current campaign medals. It will be sold by Barrett-Jackson, an auctioneer of collector vehicles, at its Jan. 17-22 event in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The car was designed by award-winning artist Mickey Harris. Harris, who grew up on military installations, has been airbrushing for 33 years and has an extensive portfolio of military art that has earned him worldwide acclaim.

Chevrolet’s support for military men and women includes:

Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans: The Achilles Freedom Team helps wounded veterans of all services overcome their injuries through mainstream athletics, primarily marathons. It has doubled in size since 2010. This year, Chevrolet underwrote a portion of Achilles costs for participating in the Los Angeles, Boston and Detroit marathons, as well as other events. Chevrolet also has donated 20 hand cycles to the team.

Cell Phones for Soldiers: Chevrolet actively supports this program that provides phone cards to service men and women. During Chevrolet Military Appreciation Month in May, Chevrolet raised $212,000 (100,000 hours of talk time) from the auction of the Honor and Valor Limited Edition Camaro SS and Chevrolet donations of $100 for every car and truck sold. Since 2010, Chevrolet has collected more than 70,000 used cell phones, generating about 70,000 hours of talk time.

Travis Manion Foundation: The GM Foundation gave $250,000 to this foundation that assists veterans and the families of fallen heroes. Its namesake is First Lt. Travis L. Manion, killed in 2007 in Iraq by sniper fire while defending against an enemy ambush. Every September 11, the foundation brings local communities together for a 9/11 Heroes Run to remember, honor and support service men and women, police, firefighters and first responders.

GM Military Discount Program: Considered the most generous military discount program in the industry, GM offers GM Preferred Pricing (the same price extended to GM suppliers) on any Chevrolet (except Volt), Buick or GMC. Through October, GM sold 12,389 vehicles: The Chevy Silverado, Cruze and Camaro were the most popular.

Chevrolet also sponsored 19 air shows across the United States this year, eight of them on military installations. In addition, about 8,500 service members, their families and guests at the Naval Air Station in Mayport, Fla. were treated to a private concert starring country singer Brad Paisley.

Advanced Carbon Fiber Nears Broad Automotive Use

2011-12-15T00:57:00.002-08:00

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General Motors and Teijin Limited., a leader in the carbon fiber and composites industry, will co-develop advanced carbon fiber composite technologies for potential high-volume use globally in GM cars, trucks and crossovers.

The co-development pact signed today involves use of Teijin’s innovative carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) technology, a faster and more efficient way to produce carbon fiber composites that potentially could be introduced on mainstream vehicles. For Teijin, the arrangement could lead to widening its portfolio beyond specialty and high-end automotive carbon fiber applications.

“Our relationship with Teijin provides the opportunity to revolutionize the way carbon fiber is used in the automotive industry,” said GM Vice Chairman Steve Girsky. “This technology holds the potential to be an industry game changer and demonstrates GM’s long-standing commitment to innovation.”
To support the relationship, Teijin will establish the Teijin Composites Application Center, a technical center in the northern part of the United States early next year.

As carbon fiber is 10 times stronger than regular-grade steel yet only one-quarter of the weight, carbon fiber composites used as automobile components are expected to dramatically reduce vehicle weight. Consumers benefit from lighter weight vehicles with better fuel economy and all the safety benefits that come with vehicles of greater mass.

Teijin's proprietary breakthrough is its ability to mass-produce carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic components with cycle times of under a minute. Conventional carbon fiber-reinforced composites use thermosetting resins and require a much longer timeframe for molding. This time factor has limited the use of carbon fiber in high-volume vehicles.

Teijin recently received a 2011 Global Automotive Carbon Composites Technology Innovation Award by Frost & Sullivan. The technology also was selected by ICIS Innovation Awards 2011 as the overall winner and the recipient of the Best Product Innovation award.

Increasingly, strict global environmental standards and fuel economy regulations have intensified the need to reduce vehicle mass by using lightweight materials in place of high-tension steel or aluminum.
The Teijin Group, which has identified automobiles as a key growth market, accelerated the new technology development through collaboration by the Teijin Composites Innovation Center and Toho Tenax Co. Ltd., where the mass-production technology for carbon fiber reinforced plastic components using thermoplastic resin was successfully developed.

“Teijin’s innovative CFRTP technology, which promises to realize revolutionarily lighter automotive body structures, will play an important role in GM’s initiative to bring carbon fiber components into mainstream vehicles,” said Norio Kamei, senior managing director of Teijin. “We believe our visionary relationship with GM will lead the way in increased usage of green composites in the automotive industry.”
The launch of any carbon fiber-intensive vehicle applications resulting from the relationship would be announced closer to market readiness. The agreement does not involve an exchange of equity between the companies.

New 2013 Malibu Racks Up 1 Million Test Miles Across Globe

2011-12-15T00:57:00.000-08:00

On the cusp of its global introductions, engineers for the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have rolled past 1 million miles of on-road development testing – accumulated in about 22 months on six continents.
The extensive road development and validation process helps ensure the new Malibu’s overall ride and handling, comfort, quality and durability are exemplary when production begins, and meets the needs of customers around the world. The new Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents, making it Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan.
“You learn a lot about a car when you spend so much time in it – and that’s exactly the point,” said Mark Moussa, global chief engineer. “In the last year and a half, during every minute of the day, a 2013 Malibu has been driving somewhere around the world – all to make it the best car it can be.”
The million test miles were accumulated since the first quarter of 2010 on a fleet of about 170 pre-production vehicles, driven for a cumulative average of more than 45,450 miles every month. That’s the equivalent of:

66.66 years of driving a car 15,000 miles annually
201 round-trips between New York City and Los Angeles
Two trips to the moon and back.

While the testing regiment for the Malibu mirrored GM’s standards for new-vehicle validation, the global scope of the Malibu project magnified it. More drivable prototypes – known as integration vehicles to GM engineers – were built compared with a single-market vehicle, and they represented 13 powertrain combinations and numerous equipment packages the Malibu will offer around the world.
The greater number of market conditions helped spin the program’s collective odometer quickly to the seven-digit range.

The early prototypes were hand-built by General Motors in the United States and shipped around the globe. They were driven at GM’s proving grounds around North America, as well as on the freeways, highways and back roads of the United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea, China, England, Dubai and Germany.
The development stage the Malibu pre-production cars represented meant the powertrains, suspensions and other core elements of the cars were already green-lighted for production. The round-the-clock driving helped fine-tune their overall dynamics in performance, interior quietness, seat comfort, drivability and more.
During their testing, the Malibus were driven through Death Valley in the hottest summer days to validate the air conditioning performance, and driven to the top of the Rocky Mountains for high-altitude tests. The cars were subjected to hundreds of miles of stop-and-go rush hour drives in Chicago and Seoul; and through the winding hills of North Carolina to evaluate seat comfort and other long-drive factors.
Even the coin holders were evaluated.

“Along more significant differences among markets, such as powertrains, there is a myriad of small details that vary in markets around the globe and they must all be validated in real-world driving tests,” said Moussa. “Even small things such as holders for toll change or tickets varies for different markets.
“In Korea, for example, the hazard lights are often used as a ‘thank you’ to other motorists, so the long-term durability of the switch must be ensured,” Moussa said. “So, we’ve got to test not only the big things, but the seemingly small ones, to make sure we are building a quality product that meets the needs of all these different markets and uses.”

Monsoon grooves

Speaking of Korea, it and other Asian markets that are prone to heavy rains during monsoon season, have deeply grooved concrete road surfaces to channel water off the highway. They’re effective during the rain season, but driving on them when dry can generate a considerable noise challenge for engineers.
“It’s a very tough noise to isolate and happens to be at a frequency that is very annoying to the human ear,” said Kara Gordon, acoustics engineer. “But that is the reality for drivers in those markets and because the acoustic performance of a vehicle helps form one’s perception of quality, making sure the Malibu soaked up those grooved roads quietly was an essential component of development.”
The tires were the lynchpin of the Malibu’s monsoon-groove performance and Gordon and other engineers went to great lengths to find the right tire for the market. That included:

Testing the 11 different tires specified for Malibu around the globe, to see how each performed on the monsoon roads
Bringing in tire manufacturers for consultation on how changes in tread design and compound could affect performance
Building a replica of a Korean grooved road at GM’s proving ground in Yuma, Ariz., for evaluation purposes
Benchmarking the performance of Korean-market competitors, including importing home-market versions – not using simply U.S.-market models – and testing them against the Malibu on the replicated test road.

“In the end, we found the right tire for the Korean market,” said Gordon. “It was challenging, but so is the overall process of developing a car for nearly 100 markets around the globe.”
And while most of those development cars were running around the clock, others didn’t see many miles at all. Development cars in England and the United States were run through salt water troughs and placed in a chamber to simulate years of corrosion and winter road driving, while others were parked in the Arizona sun to see how the interior materials held up to extreme heat.

In a nod to the development work leading up to the Malibu’s million miles of testing, engineers found a few areas of the vehicle that required major attention as a result of it – one of them being a change in the application of liquid sealer to steel parts of the body structure, which helped produce a quieter ride.
“You never know about those fine details until you get the vehicle on the road,” said Moussa. “Our million miles in testing should inspire confidence for anyone who considers buying a 2013 Malibu.”
The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco midsize sedan will start at $25,995 (including destination charge) when it arrives in dealerships in the first quarter next year. It is a new and the first trim level of an all-new Malibu lineup to launch in the United States. Other Malibu trim levels, including LS, LT and LTZ, are scheduled to begin production next summer in Fairfax, Kan. and Detroit-Hamtramck.
The 2013 Malibu will serve as a flagship Chevrolet midsize in many parts of the world. It is built in multiple locations including the United States, China and Korea.

2012 LaCrosse With eAssist Ready for Holiday Hauling

2011-12-15T00:55:00.002-08:00

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Whether hauling gifts for the family or the family itself, the 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist fuel-saving technology comes standard with the space and versatility required to successfully navigate the holiday season.

Now at dealers, Buick’s newest large luxury sedan delivers segment-leading highway fuel economy and more rear-seat leg room and cargo-carrying flexibility than most of its competitors – all while accommodating an electric assist power pack.

The new LaCrosse offers a 60/40 fold-down rear seat that allows pass-through between the trunk and passenger compartment on the wider side to accommodate items like a snowboard or even a small Christmas tree. Comparable hybrid sedans made by Lexus, Infiniti, and Lincoln do not have fold-down rear seats.

Vehicle	Rear Leg Room
2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist	40.5 inches
2011 Lexus GS450h	36.4 inches
2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid	36.7 inches
2012 Infiniti M45h	36.2 inches

In addition, LaCrosse with eAssist offers 40.5 inches of rear-seat leg room, as much as six inches more than its luxury hybrid and conventional powertrain competitors, and the same rear-seat roominess as the 2011 LaCrosse.

As far as Buick’s experts know, competitive gift-hauling vehicles from the North Pole don’t offer a rear seat at all.

“LaCrosse with eAssist is a no-compromise, high-mileage luxury sedan in more ways than one,” said Doug Osterhoff, LaCrosse product marketing manager. “Not only does the eAssist system enable outstanding fuel economy, the compact size of its battery helps maintain a spacious interior and enables owners to carry luggage and wrapped boxes in style.”

LaCrosse’s usefulness doesn’t end once the holidays are over. Though trunk space was slightly reduced to accommodate the eAssist power pack, it offers 11.7 cubic feet (331 liters) of storage – more than enough for two large golf bags or two sets of skis with the seat folded down. Buick market research shows that more than one in four LaCrosse owners participates in gear-intensive activities such as golfing and skiing.
The eAssist system is the standard powertrain for the new LaCrosse. It uses a 115V lithium-ion battery pack to store energy captured during regenerative braking. This energy is used to power a 15-kW electric motor-generator and to provide electricity to all of LaCrosse’s electrical systems when fuel is cut off during auto stop mode, or to provide added torque during acceleration. LaCrosse delivers an EPA-rated and segment-leading 36 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in city driving – up to 25 percent better than the previous model.

The eAssist’s battery pack, which has a warranty of eight years, was subjected to extensive environmental and mechanical validation testing equivalent to 225,000 miles of four-season driving. Battery cell temperature is constantly monitored and managed by an onboard computer to extend cell life and optimize performance. Its cooling fan is calibrated to vehicle speed to help maintain LaCrosse’s library-quiet interior.
“The eAssist power pack was carefully designed and integrated into LaCrosse to be as unobtrusive and unnoticeable in operation as possible,” said Sheri Hickok, LaCrosse chief engineer. The only thing LaCrosse with eAssist drivers are likely to notice is how much gas they’re saving while enjoying the driving performance, quiet interior, or ride and handling they’ve come to expect from Buick.”

Cadillac’s CTS-V Named Car and Driver 10Best

2011-12-15T00:55:00.000-08:00

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Car and Driver magazine today named the Cadillac CTS-V to its 10Best list for 2012, the fifth consecutive year the Cadillac CTS models have appeared on the annual list of the finest new cars.

In its 30^th year, the Car and Driver 10Best lists awards the world’s finest, chosen from a field that includes the prior year’s winners and all new or significantly upgraded models for 2012.

“As in years past, the cars on this year’s list represent the best overall vehicles on the market today,” said Eddie Alterman, editor-in-chief, Car and Driver. “Out of 68 contenders, these are the ones that consistently perform the best, are a good value and are engaging, fun-to-drive vehicles.”

The full 2012 Car and Driver 10Best list will be published in the January issue which hits newsstands today.
“Car and Driver’s 10Best list is among the top recognitions for a car to achieve,” said Cadillac Vice President of Global Marketing Don Butler. “This really is a testament to those who design and develop our products to be among the world’s best.”

The Cadillac CTS and CTS V-Series cars, built in Lansing, Mich., are available in sedan, coupe and wagon versions. Cadillac’s V-series cars feature 556- horsepower engines mated to 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions (with paddle shifters), race-inspired Brembo brakes, available Recaro seating and dual-mode Magnetic Ride Control suspension.

Camaro ZL1 by the Numbers

2011-11-22T00:51:00.001-08:00

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 184 mph. Starting at $54,995, including Performance Traction Management and Magnetic Ride suspension, the ZL1 delivers supercar levels of performance and technology for the price of a sports car.
“From the original Camaro to the current Corvette ZR1, Chevrolet has a long history of delivering world-class cars that outperformed competitors at several times the price,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Chevrolet Marketing. “The ZL1 is no exception. There are very few cars at any price that can match the power, features, and track-capability of the Camaro ZL1.”
For the $54,995 price, including a $900 delivery fee, the ZL1 compares favorably to much more expensive cars:

	Base price	Horsepower	Torque	Magnetic Ride
Camaro ZL1	$54,995	580	556	Standard
Audi R8 GT	$196,800	560	398	Standard
Maserati GranTurismo	$122,800	405	339	Not available
Mercedes SLS AMG	$185,750	565	479	Not available

Supercar Performance
The heart of the Camaro ZL1 is a supercharged 6.2L engine is SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm) – making it the most-powerful production Camaro ever.
The LSA features a Roots-style blower with an efficient four-lobe rotor set and compact intercooler The ZL1 also features a standard dual-mode exhaust system, with vacuum-actuated valves in the exhaust pipes for a refined exhaust note at low speeds as well as a free-flowing system for peak performance.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. With either transmission, the Camaro ZL1 delivers impressive performance:

	Manual	Automatic
0 – 60 mph (from rolling start)	4.0 seconds	3.9 seconds
1/4-mile (from a rolling start)	12.1 sec at 119 mph	12.0 sec at 119 mph
Top speed	180 mph	184 mph
Max lateral grip	1.0 g	1.0 g

“With 0 to 60 taking less than four seconds, and a top speed in excess of 180 mph, the power and acceleration of the Camaro ZL1 rivals many supercars,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “And, horsepower is only half of the story, as the most significant measurement of the ZL1’s potential is lapping the Nurburgring in 7:41.27. That is a great testament to the power, braking, grip, and balance of the Camaro ZL1, and to the well-rounded performance of the ZL1 that sets the bar for the sports-car segment.”
Exclusive, track-capable technologies
To deliver that well-rounded performance, the Camaro ZL1 comes standard with several track-capable technologies that are exclusive to the segment.
For example, the Camaro ZL1 is the first sports car to feature the third-generation of Magnetic Ride. This advanced suspension system employs valve-less damping and Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluid technology to varies the suspension firmness to match the road and driving conditions.
“Traditional suspension systems at some point compromise ride quality for road-holding grip and body control,” said Oppenheiser. “With Magnetic Ride Control, we can offer customers the best of both worlds: A comfortable ride that makes the ZL1 appropriate as a daily driver and the incredibly precise body control that makes the ZL1 so enjoyable on the track.”
Also standard on the Camaro ZL1 is Performance Traction Management, which integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control, electronic stability control and electric power steering response to enhance performance. The technology was first introduced on the Corvette ZR1. With Performance Traction Management, the launch control feature (manual transmission only) automatically modulates engine torque for the best-possible acceleration without excessive wheel spin. When the driver pushes the throttle to the floor, the system holds a predetermined engine speed until the driver releases the clutch. Then, the system modulates engine torque 1,000 times per second to maximize the available traction. Similarly, on a road course, the driver can apply full throttle when exiting a corner and Performance Traction Management will automatically manage acceleration dynamics to maximize exit speed based on available traction.
In addition, the Camaro ZL1 has been engineered to be track-capable from the factory, including a rear-differential cooler, an integrated engine- and transmission-oil cooler, and brake-cooling ducts as standard equipment. As such, the ZL1 offers many technologies and features not available on the 2012 Ford Shelby GT500:

	Camaro ZL1	2012 GT500
Magnetic Ride	Standard	Not available
Performance Traction Management	Standard	Not available
Factory engine and transmission coolers	Standard	Dealer-installed option
Factory brake cooling ducts	Standard	Dealer-installed option
Factory rear differential cooler	Standard	Dealer-installed option

Additional features and options
The interior of the Camaro ZL1 features standard leather seating surfaces with suede microfiber inserts and heated, powered-adjustable front seats. Standard technologies include a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics® audio system; USB and Bluetooth connectivity; and rear-park assist with a rear-view camera display integrated in the center rear-view mirror.
The Camaro ZL1 is available with six options:

Six-speed automatic transmission with TapShift controls is $1,185
20-inch, bright aluminum wheel package is $470
Power sunroof is $900
Stripe package is $470
Exposed-weave carbon fiber hood insert is $600
The suede package, including suede microfiber accents on the steering wheel, shift knob, and shift boot is $500

The Camaro ZL1 Coupe will go on sale in the spring of 2012, as a 2012 model. The Camaro ZL1 Convertible will go on sale in the summer of 2012, as a 2013 model. Pricing for the Camaro ZL1 Convertible will be announced later.

Chevrolet Equinox Raises Content Bar for 2012

2011-11-22T00:50:00.001-08:00

Image by Sebastian Bergmann via Flickr

The 2012 Equinox isn’t resting on its laurels despite a 52 percent increase in retail sales for the first 10 months of the year. New equipment available for 2012 includes Chevrolet MyLink in-vehicle wireless connectivity, customized infotainment options and new safety-enhancing features.
“Since this generation went on sale in mid-2009 we have sold every Equinox we can build, but we aren’t counting on that momentum to carry us,” said Russ Clark, director, Chevrolet marketing. “We have carefully selected technologies that our customers will find valuable and are able to offer them at very attractive prices.”
Chevrolet MyLink is an in-car infotainment package that builds on the safety and security of OnStar. It seamlessly integrates online services such as Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio® using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth-enabled phones.
MyLink adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in most Chevy vehicles. MyLink also includes a seven-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display that makes media selection easy to navigate.
MyLink also retains all the capabilities of today’s entertainment functions, including AM/FM/Sirius XM tuners, CD player with MP3 playback, auxiliary and USB inputs.
The 2012 Equinox features a General Motors’ exclusive crash- avoidance system that uses a single camera to help drivers avoid front-end and unsignalled lane departure crashes. The $295 option on LTZ trim levels is much less than systems that offer the same functions for more money.
This new active safety system uses a high-resolution digital camera mounted on the windshield ahead of the rearview mirror that looks for shapes of vehicles and lane markings. The system uses audible warnings and a high-mounted visual display to warn the driver if he or she is following another vehicle too closely, when a collision is imminent, or when departing a lane without signaling first.
Equinox’s warning display contains green “vehicle ahead” and “lanes detected” icons, as well as flashing red “forward collision alert” and amber “lane departure warning” icons that are accompanied by warning chimes. Forward collision alert operates at speeds above 25 mph and warns a driver if he or she is following too closely or in imminent danger of a front-end crash. When a collision is predicted to be imminent, vehicle brakes are pre-charged to help drivers quickly reach maximum braking.
In addition to searching for other vehicles, the image processor also looks for lane markings to provide lane departure alerts. Available at speeds above 35 mph, the lane departure warning icon shines green when lane markings are detected to indicate the system is active. If the vehicle drifts out of the lane without a turn signal, the lamp switches to flashing amber and is augmented by warning beeps.
The 2012 Equinox is a Top Safety Pick based on testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and was a Consumer Guide Best Buy for 2011 and 2010.

2013 Chevrolet Spark Mini Car is the Key to the City

2011-11-22T00:49:00.001-08:00

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The 2013 Chevrolet Spark mini car, to be revealed Wednesday, November 16th at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, is the only car in its segment to offer a seven-inch color touch screen radio capable of displaying smart phone-based navigation, media and contacts for hands-free calling.
A sporty four-passenger, five-door hatch updated for United States and Canadian consumers, Spark is designed to excite first-time buyers and city dwellers with its bold styling and colors, affordability, the safety of 10 standard air bags, fuel efficiency and maneuverability.
Though compact, Spark offers more passenger and cargo room than other mini cars such as the Fiat 500, Smartfortwo and the Scion iQ. Equipped with the 1.2L four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission, Spark will offer competitive fuel economy.
Chevrolet’s exclusive MyLink infotainment system, which features the personalized connectivity of Pandora and Stitcher internet radio, will be offered on 1LT and 2LT models when Spark goes on sale in the United States and Canada in mid-2012.
In addition to MyLink, Spark is the only car in its segment to provide the added value of a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and the safety and security of OnStar.
“Spark is for buyers who want much more than a ‘cute’ small car – they want a car that can be personalized, is dynamic and fashionable, and delivers a lot of value for the money,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing and strategy. “Spark’s vibrant exterior and interior colors make a fashion statement, but it is also affordable, safe, maneuverable and very fuel-efficient.”
The original version of the Spark is already on sale in Europe, Asia, Australia, Mexico and South America, where it has received several styling and safety awards.
Designed for those who live large and loud
Just as the Chevrolet Cruze helped strengthen Chevrolet’s position in the small car segment with its more-than-expected value, the Spark is designed to challenge preconceived notions of how an affordable mini car can look, feel and drive.
While the Spark looks like a three-door hatch, designers cleverly disguised the rear doors by integrating the handles into the C-pillar area. The technique gives Spark its sporty appearance without sacrificing four-door comfort and utility. An integrated spoiler over the rear hatch door enhances Spark’s dynamic appearance while also improving the car’s aerodynamics, for fuel efficiency.
Spark’s wheels-at-the-corners stance is further emphasized by standard 15-inch alloy wheels. Other exterior styling enhancements include a new grille and front fascia, a longer rear fascia, and modified headlamps and taillamps. Redesigned outside rearview mirrors also improve aerodynamics.
Uplevel features include matching rocker panel moulding, chrome brightwork at the beltline and liftgate handle trim, detail around the poke-through exhaust outlet and around the fog lamps.
Attention-grabbing exterior finishes include Salsa, Jalapeno, Denim, Lemonade and Techno Pink, as well traditional hues such as Grey Area, Black Granite, Silver Ice and Summit White.
Inside, the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, included on 1LT and 2LT Spark models, provides a seven-inch color touch screen. With MyLink, Spark buyers can bring their customized music libraries into the vehicle and use their smart phones and Bluetooth connectivity to access both Pandora and Stitcher internet radio and navigation. When the vehicle is stopped, owners can project video and even personal photo albums onto the screen.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio also is available on uplevel Spark models
“This level of infotainment and connectivity was unheard of in this segment, until now,” said Perry. “We know Spark buyers do not want to give up personalization just because they drive a smaller car.”
Air conditioning and power windows are standard across the Spark lineup. Color-coordinated interiors feature a lower instrument panel – with a motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster – and lower center console for maximum visibility and storage. Decorative inserts in the front door and instrument panel add a premium touch, as does the ice blue ambient lighting and faceplates across the door pockets and dash. Heated leatherette seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel are included on Spark 2LT.
Efficient powertrain saves fuel, money
In the United States and Canada, the Spark will be powered by a 1.2L dual-overhead cam four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing that delivers an estimated 85 horsepower (63 kW). It is mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission for competitive city and highway fuel economy. A four-speed automatic transmission will also be available.
The dual-overhead cam 1. 2 L was developed using best practices from GM Powertrain technical centers.
It combines competitive performance with sophisticated technologies such as dual continuous variable cam phasing, electronically controlled thermostat and low-friction engine oil to give customers an engine that is low- m aintenance, with reduced emissions and outstanding fuel economy.
Ride and handling
Spark’s body-frame integral structure is tight and stiff for improved driving dynamics. The electronic power steering, MacPherson strut-type front suspension and anti-lock braking systems are designed to deliver taut, tight handling characteristics that better connect the driver with the road and provide outstanding overall stability. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard.
Spark is equipped with vented front disc and rear drum brakes with low-compressibility brake pads for optimal stopping performance and good pedal feel. Low-rolling resistance tires use a silica compound and revised tread design for a solid road feel and improved fuel efficiency.
Safety features include 10 air bags
Spark was designed with occupant safety in mind, and has won safety awards in both Europe and Korea.
Its safe design begins with a structure composed of 60 percent high-strength steel.
In addition to crash-avoidance technologies such as StabiliTrak and ABS, Spark is equipped with 10 standard air bags, including both driver and passenger front knee air bags to reduce the risk of lower extremity injuries in frontal crashes. Dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and side curtain air bags that extend over the front and rear seating rows are also standard.
Other safety technologies include rollover sensing system; three-point safety belts in all four seating positions; seat belt pretensioners in the front driver and passenger seats; the LATCH child seat attachment system; releasable pedals; adjustable head restraints; and a collapsible steering column.
Spark also is equipped with the OnStar safety and security system, which uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash.

2013 CHEVROLET SPARK: PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Overview

Model:	Chevrolet Spark
Body style / driveline:	five-door, four-passenger, front-engine; front-wheel drive
Construction:	body-frame integral
EPA vehicle class:	mini car
Manufacturing location:	South Korea
Key competitors:	Fiat 500, Smartfortwo, Scion iQ

Engine

	Ecotec 1.2L I4 DOHC VVT
Type:	transverse-mounted, four-cylinder dual overhead cam gasoline engine with variable valve timing
Displacement (cc):	1249
Bore & stroke (in / mm):	70.50 x 80.00
Block material:	cast iron
Cylinder head material:	aluminum
Valvetrain:	overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake manifold
Fuel delivery:	multi-port fuel injection
Ignition system:	coil-on-plug with long-life (100,000-mile) spark plugs
Compression ratio:	10.5:1
Horsepower (hp / kW):	85.2 / 63.5 @ 6400 (est)*
Torque (lb-ft / Nm):	81.7 / 110.8 @ 4200 (est)*
Recommended fuel:	regular unleaded
Max. engine speed (rpm):	6500 (man) 6850 (auto)
Emissions controls:	close-coupled catalytic converter

Transmissions

	5-speed manual (std)	4-speed automatic (opt)
Gear ratios (:1)	Front-wheel-drive five-speed with integrated differential	four-speed front-wheel-drive, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transaxle with an electronically controlled torque converter clutch

Chassis / Suspension

Front:	MacPherson strut-type
Rear:	Compound crank rear suspension
Steering type:	electronic power steering
Steering ratio:	TBD
Steer wheel turns, lock-to-lock:	TBD
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):	32.5 / 9.9

Brakes

Type:	front: vented disc rear: drum
Rotor diameter (in / mm):	front: 9.3 / 256 rear: 7.9 / 200
Anti-lock braking system (ABS):	four-channel w/ brake assist

Wheels / Tires

Wheel size and type:	15-inch aluminum alloy (std) 15-inch aluminum machined gray painted (opt)
Tire size and type:	185/55R15 all-season

Dimensions
Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):	93.5 / 2375
Overall length (in / mm):	144.7 / 3673
Overall width (in / mm):	62.9 / 1597
Overall height (in / mm):	61/ 1522
Track
Front (in / mm):	55.7 / 1405
Rear (in / mm):	55.5 / 1405

Interior

Seating capacity:	4
Headroom
Front (in /mm):	39.4 / 1010
Rear (in / mm):	37.3 / 947
Legroom
Front (in / mm):	42 / 1067
Rear (in / mm):	35.2 / 893
Shoulder room
Front (in / mm):	50.7 / 1295/
Rear (in / mm):	49.7 / 1255
Hip room
Front (in / mm):	48 / 1198
Rear (in / mm):	47.5 / 1207
Cargo volume
Behind rear seat (cu ft / L):	11.4 / 323
Behind front seat, rear seat (cu ft / L):	31.2 / 883

Capacities

EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L):	86.3 / 2444
Fuel tank (gal / L):	9.25 / 35
Engine oil (qt / L):	TBD
Transmission fluid (qt / L):	2.11 / 2.0 (man) 4.97 / 4.7 (auto)
Cooling system (qt / L):	TBD
Curb weight base (lb / kg):	2269 / 1029 (man) 2337 / 1060 (auto)

*Pending SAE certification.

Cadillac XTS: Advanced Tech Systems Enhance Vision

2011-11-22T00:48:00.001-08:00

Image by benhinc via Flickr

Using a strategy it calls control and alert, Cadillac will debut a network of cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors on the all-new 2013 XTS to bolster driver vision and awareness of road hazards and intervene to help avert potential crashes.
In some cases, Cadillac’s enhanced vision and sensing systems will act without the driver, such as though automatic braking based on information indicating potential obstacles.
“New technology in the XTS is intended to extend the vision around the car, helping drivers identify obstacles and, when necessary, take action to assist them in avoiding a collision,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac Marketing. “Cadillac expands its lineup dramatically in 2012, led by the new XTS, and this suite of technologies is a central component of it.”
The new XTS contains several features using visual and audible alerts designed to identify potential threats with sufficient warning for the driver to react and make changes. One example is the Safety Alert Seat feature, which vibrates either the left or right side of the driver’s seat cushion depending on the location of the impending concern. Intervening features, such as automatic braking, take action automatically if the driver is slow to initially react.
The advanced safety features and benefits include:
Front and Rear Automatic Brakes – Using “virtual bumpers” that rely on short-range radar technology and ultrasonic sensors, this feature helps prevent front and rear low-speed collisions via a progression of alerts that extends to complete braking if necessary. For example: If the vehicle is headed toward a small pillar inside a garage or a lamppost on a city street, the system will alert about the hard-to-spot item and stop the vehicle to help prevent an impact.
Adaptive Cruise Control – Using radar technology, this feature can apply limited braking or acceleration to maintain a selected following distance to the vehicle ahead.
Intelligent Brake Assist – Detects a panic-braking situation and assists the driver by applying brake force more quickly to help stop sooner.
Forward Collision Alert – Radar and camera technology detects a possible collision threat and alerts the driver, giving him or her time to stop and/or change course.
Safety Alert Seat – A vibration on either the left or right side of the driver’s seat cushion, depending on the location of the impending concern, alerts the driver to a potential collision threat.
Automatic Collision Preparation – When the XTS senses a collision is imminent, braking is applied to lessen the severity or perhaps even enable the driver to avoid the incident.
Lane Departure Warning – A camera-based lane detection system that warns the driver of unsignaled lane changes. The camera, mounted near the inside rearview mirror, identifies traffic lane markings and provides audible alerts or activates the Safety Alert Seat.
Side Blind Zone Alert – Using radar sensors on both sides of the vehicle, the system “looks” for other vehicles in the blind zone areas of the XTS and indicates their presence with LED-lit symbols in the outside mirrors.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert – Using radar sensors of the side blind zone alert system, it warns the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking spot – including angled parking. Visual and audible alerts are triggered if moving vehicles are detected.
Adaptive Forward Lighting – With adaptive forward lighting, the headlamps swivel with direction of the front wheels to maintain forward lighting in concert with vehicle steering.
Rear Vision Camera With Dynamic Guidelines – With a display in the center stack, the camera provides a view of objects directly behind the XTS, with dynamic guide lines laid over the video image to assist in parking maneuvers.
Behind the new technology, XTS has a strong body structure and 10 standard air bags. Other standard safety features include:

Dual-stage frontal driver air bag
Dual-stage frontal passenger air bag with passenger sensing system
Driver and front passenger side-impact air bars
Driver and front passenger knee air bags
Outboard head curtain air bags, front and rear, with rollover sensing
Outboard rear thorax air bags
Safety belt pretensioners and load limiters
Child seat LATCH system
StabiliTrak electronic stability control
Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel antilock brakes.

Standard OnStar
XTS features OnStar as standard. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of collision. OnStar service also includes myCadillac and OnStar myLink mobile apps, which offer vehicle information and OnStar services via the customer’s smartphone.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe Aces NHTSA Crash Tests

2011-11-22T00:47:00.003-08:00

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The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe is the first vehicle to receive the highest possible five-star score in every individual safety rating segment of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program since the federal testing procedures were revised for 2011.
“Camaro has always been about performance, and that includes safety performance,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “We always strive for five-star ratings, and the fact that we achieved them under more rigorous requirements is a great accomplishment.”
The Camaro is designed to help drivers avoid crashes, while protecting occupants in the event a crash occurs. Standard safety features include:

New Rear Vision Package, which includes a new rearview camera system (standard on 2LT and 2SS; available on 1LT and 1SS).
Six standard air bags include head curtain side air bags, which provide added head and torso protection for outboard passengers in the event of a side-impact crash.
StabiliTrak electronic stability control helps the driver maintain control by comparing the path being steered by the driver with the actual response and, when necessary, applying the brakes or adjusting the throttle or a combination of both.
Standard four-wheel disc brake system featuring smooth, quiet operation and more resistance to brake fade.
Pretensioners to reduce forward movement and load-limiting retractors to help manage forces during a collision are standard on front safety belts.
Standard remote keyless entry system provides a second function for the red panic button. Drivers can use it to locate their cars without sounding the panic alarm.

Starting with 2011 models, NHTSA introduced tougher tests and more rigorous requirements for its five-star ratings that provide more information about safety feature performance and crash-avoidance technologies. Changes included a new side pole test simulating a 20-mph side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver’s side.
In addition, new overall ratings which combine the results from the various tests, are provided. Under the revised program, the 2012 Camaro Coupe is the first vehicle to receive five stars in each individual rating segment and also receives five stars in the combined categories such as overall vehicle score.
The Camaro Convertible is not rated for the various crash segments since it has not yet been tested under the revised NCAP program, but it has received a five-star rollover rating.

GM Plant Sites Certifiably Kind to Their Habitats

2011-11-22T00:47:00.001-08:00

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Six General Motors facilities globally are joining 15 others in earning the Wildlife Habitat Council certification for creating or enhancing wildlife habitats on their grounds. With 21 certified programs, GM leads all automotive manufacturers.
GM incorporates elements like walking trails, native tree plantings, butterfly gardens, rain gardens to control storm water runoff, restored prairie and wetlands, and bat and duck nesting boxes. It works with the nonprofit WHC to encourage habitat management and environmental education at its sites.
The Wildlife at Work^SM and Corporate Lands for Learning^SM certification programs recognize companies that establish community education about conservation. Features of GM’s new certifications include:

Inviting local schools to educational activities, creating habitats for amphibians and small mammals, and planting 1,800 trees and 1,500 bushes at the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, where the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain are produced.
Encouraging community members to participate in conservation activities, such as constructing and installing bird nesting boxes for Eastern Blue Birds at the Arlington, Texas Assembly plant, home of full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade.
Incorporating site-based conservation education and planting native trees at Baltimore Operations in White Marsh, Md., where electric motors will be produced next year in addition to two-mode hybrid drivetrains.
Reusing Chevrolet Volt battery covers for wood duck nesting boxes and involving local experts in their efforts at Milford, Mich. Proving Ground.
Inviting local schools to participate in site-based events such as planting native trees at the Gravataí, Brazil Plant, which builds the Chevrolet Celta and Prisma.
Teaching students about environmental issues through music, theater, and lectures, and offering employees bi-weekly environmental education at the São José dos Campos, Brazil Plant, where the Chevrolet Corsa, Classic, Blazer, S10 pickup, Meriva and Zafira are built.

“We find General Motors’ environmental leadership commendable and hope other companies follow their lead,” said Wildlife Habitat Council President Robert Johnson. “WHC congratulates GM for its commitment and contributions to wildlife habitat enhancement, community outreach, and conservation education.”
WHC’s program recognizes outstanding wildlife habitat management and environmental education efforts at corporate sites, and offers third-party validation of the benefits of such programs. Certification requirements are strict and require that sites apply for periodic renewal.
Six other GM facilities achieved Wildlife at Work and Corporate Lands for Learning recertification, having continued their successful wildlife habitat management programs.
“This commitment presents significant benefits to the environment, as well as our employees,” said Susan Kelsey, a GM Environmental Group facilities manager. “It gives them a place to find relaxation, harness creativity and have a tangible, positive impact on the local community.”

Buick, WIRED Bring Tech Showcase to Times Square

2011-11-22T00:46:00.001-08:00

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Buick will present the largest WIRED Store ever to Times Square this holiday season, with more than 10,000 square feet devoted to consumer gadgets and advanced technology displays, including a Human Wind Tunnel.
Located at the corner of 42^nd Street and Broadway, the seventh annual brick-and-mortar spin-off of the tech-savvy Conde Nast publication will be open noon to 7 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays, from Nov. 18 through Dec. 24. The store will be closed Thanksgiving Day.
At the WIRED Store, holiday shoppers can experience 200 of the hottest new products, including the new 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist, one of the most fuel-efficient luxury sedans on the road today, through innovative interactive displays. This week, Popular Science magazine named eAssist a 2012 Best of What's New technology.
Visitors can test their own aerodynamics in the Buick Human Wind Tunnel, with winds up to 40 mph. Each participant’s drag coefficient will be displayed on the in-store leader board, along with a list the top 10 most-aerodynamic individuals of the day. “Wind Tunnel Face” photos will be posted at Facebook.com/Buick.
“Buick will offer WIRED Store visitors an entertaining and engaging way to discover the new LaCrosse and learn about its fuel-saving technologies,” said Craig Bierley, director, Buick Advertising and Promotions. “The Human Wind Tunnel and LaCrosse eAssist interactive display truly demonstrate what the WIRED Store is all about – they bring technology to life.”
LaCrosse with eAssist, available at dealerships now, uses regenerative braking, lithium-ion battery technology, optimized aerodynamics, engine start-stop and fuel shut-off features to deliver an estimated 36 mpg on the highway without compromising ride quality.
WIRED Store visitors will be able to learn about the vehicle and its technologies through tablet computers positioned around the LaCrosse that will play informational videos at the touch of a virtual button. The content is made available through Aurasma, an platform technology that uses real-world visual cues to deliver relevant content to mobile devices. Buick is the first automaker in North America to take advantage of Aurasma.
“Buick is an iconic brand that has embraced technology and truly understands today’s modern consumer,” said Jennifer Rapp, general manager at Aurasma. “Together, we have created a tailored mobile experience that truly bridges the physical and virtual worlds. Buick and Aurasma give attendees an innovative way to shop the WIRED Store and learn more about Buick’s eAssist technology.”
This is Buick’s second year as presenting sponsor of the WIRED Store.

Chevrolet Volt to be Sold in Eight Chinese Cities

2011-11-22T00:45:00.001-08:00

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The Chevrolet Volt electric car will go on sale at 13 Shanghai GM Chevrolet dealerships in eight Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Foshan. It will be priced at RMB 498,000 ($75,533).
The announcement was made Monday as part of General Motors’ participation in Auto Guangzhou 2011. Two of GM’s joint ventures, Shanghai GM and SAIC-GM-Wuling, are displaying more than 30 vehicles from the Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac and Baojun brands.
China will be among the first global markets to offer the Volt, which provides up to 80 kilometers of pure electric driving. With its onboard engine-generator, it has a total driving range of 570 kilometers in extended-range mode. It produces peak torque of 370 Nm and maximum power of 111 kW and has a 0-100 km/h time of about nine seconds along with a top speed of 160 km/h.
The Volt earned a five-star safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Its battery carries a warranty of six years/150,000 kilometers. The Volt’s introduction is part of Shanghai GM’s Drive to Green strategy, which is focused on delivering products that offer higher fuel economy and lower emissions.
Volt buyers will be eligible to join the V+ Club. By calling a bilingual 24-hour hotline, members will receive one-on-one service. In addition, they will be invited to participate in a series of member activities that match their eco-friendly lifestyles.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Priced Under $26,000

2011-11-22T00:44:00.001-08:00

Image by skinnylawyer via Flickr

The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco midsize sedan will start at $25,995 when it arrives in dealerships in the first quarter next year, reinforcing the value proposition of the midsize segment’s longest-running nameplate.
The suggested retail price includes a $760 destination charge but excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees.
The 2013 Malibu Eco is Chevrolet’s most fuel-efficient Malibu ever. It is the first Chevrolet to feature General Motors’ eAssist battery electric/gas propulsion system, which uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking, electric assist and start-stop functionality. That helps deliver a GM-estimated 26 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway.
Malibu Eco’s highway efficiency is comparable the segment’s popular full hybrids and diesels, but delivered at a lower price:

2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid – $29,395 / 36 mpg
2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI SE Diesel (with automatic) – $27,895 / 40 mpg
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid – $26,660 / 39 mpg
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – $26,545 / 40 mpg

Malibu Eco is part of the all-new, 2013 Malibu lineup – Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan – designed to give customers more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, along with the craftsmanship and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans. It has a more powerful engine – 182 hp / 134 kW – than the Fusion (156 hp / 116 kW), Camry (178 hp / 132 kW) or Passat (140 hp / 104 kW).
Product highlights for North American models include:

Expressive exterior designed to stand out, with a wide, athletic stance
Aerodynamically optimized exterior, including underbody aero enhancements and electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille that close at higher speeds to push more air over and around the vehicle
All-new, Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit interior that is more spacious, features premium materials and is engineered to be the quietest in the midsize segment
First Chevrolet car to offer new Chevrolet MyLink connectivity, which integrates online services such as Pandora® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®
European-influenced ride and handling traits
More safety features and technologies, including eight standard air bags, ultra-high-strength steel and rearview camera system.

Additional fuel-saving features include:

Eco-specific lightweight components and systems, including an aluminum hood, aluminum rear bumper beam, low-mass carpet and dash mat and more, which save approximately 130 pounds (58 kg) over a comparably equipped non-ECO model
An Eco gauge in the cluster that continuously responds to driving behavior, encouraging fuel-efficient driving. An Auto Stop Indicator on the tachometer informs the driver when the engine is in start-stop mode
Seventeen-inch low-rolling-resistance all-season Goodyear tires
The eAssist system mated to a fuel-efficient 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4L engine, a variant of the same engine that was recognized as one of Ward's Ten Best Engines in 2010, is lightweight and features dual-overhead cams, direct injection, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic throttle control. It also has a lightweight aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head.

A five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty is standard on the Malibu Eco. Certain eAssist components are covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, including the electric motor generator, three-phase electric power cables and high-voltage lithium-ion battery.
The Malibu Eco is offered with cloth or leather seats in eight exterior and three interior color choices. It is well-equipped in standard form and available with four equipment packages: Package 1 – Power Convenience; Package 2 – Premium Audio; Package 3 – Leather; and Package 4 – Navigation.
Standard powertrain and chassis content:

Ecotec 2.4L direct injection with continuously variable valve timing and eAssist technology, rated at 182 horsepower (135 kW)
Six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control
2.64:1 axle ratio
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Regenerative braking
Grade braking control
Panic brake assist
Electronic park brake with push button
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
Electric power steering (rack-mounted)
MacPherson strut front suspension
Four-link rear suspension
Seventeen-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels
P225/55R17 all-season low-rolling-resistance Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires

Standard exterior content:

Active front lower grille aero shutters and aerodynamic underbody panels
Projector-beam headlamps with automatic exterior lamp control
Heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors (body color)
Fin-type combined OnStar/SiriusXM Satellite Radio antenna (body color)
Acoustic-laminated, solar-absorbing glass
Intermittent windshield wipers with structureless blades

Standard interior content:

Chevrolet MyLink
Six-inch-deep illuminated (when headlamps are on) hidden storage behind articulating touch screen radio face
Air conditioning – dual zone automatic climate control with odor filter
Audio system: AM/FM stereo with CD with MP3 playback and auxiliary input jack
Seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen for the audio system
USB port for the audio system
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Six-speaker sound system
Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
Cruise control
Remote keyless entry
Power windows with express down feature
Power door and window locks
Driver information center
Tilt and telescopic steering column
Steering wheel audio and cruise controls
Ice blue ambient lighting
Driver’s footrest
Overhead console
Compass display
Two auxiliary power outlets
Rear center armrest with storage

Standard safety content:

OnStar with six months of Directions and Connections plan, including Automatic Crash Response, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, and more.
Dual-stage frontal air bags
Driver and front passenger thorax side-impact air bags
Driver and front passenger knee air bags
Head curtain side-impact air bags (front and rear outboard seating positions)
Safety belt pretensioners
Tire pressure monitoring system

Package 1 – Power Convenience includes all standard equipment plus:

Eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar control
Rearview backup camera system
Remote start
Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
Universal garage door opener

Package 2 – Premium Audio includes all content in Package 1 plus:

Pioneer nine-speaker audio system with high-output amplifier
Fog lamps
Leather-wrapped shifter knob and steering wheel

Package 3 – Leather includes all content in Package 2 plus:

Leather-trimmed seating
Eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with lumbar control
Heated front seats

Package 4 – Navigation includes all content in Package 3 plus:

Navigation system
Memory seats and mirrors
Auto-up driver’s window

A power-operated sunroof is available on Packages 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Exterior Color Choices:

Silver Ice Metallic
Black Granite Metallic
Summit White
Crystal Red Tintcoat
White Diamond Tricoat
Taupe Gray Metallic
Steel Blue Metallic (late availability)
Champagne Silver Metallic (late availability)

Interior Color/Trim Choices:

Jet Black
Jet Black/Titanium
Cocoa/Light Neutral

The Eco is the first trim level of an all-new Malibu lineup to launch in the United States. Other Malibu trim levels including LS, LT and LTZ are scheduled to begin production next summer in Fairfax, Kan. and Detroit-Hamtramck. The 2013 Malibu will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents and will serve as a flagship Chevrolet midsize in many parts of the world. The Malibu is built in multiple locations including the United States, China and Korea.

Nothing Left On The Table

2011-11-22T00:41:00.001-08:00

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Carl Edwards did virtually everything right in the Ford 400 Sunday in pursuit of his first Sprint Cup championship.
He led 119 laps, 54 more than anyone else. He led 90 of the first 112 laps without a serious challenge. He drove a mostly flawless race. He scored a second-place race finish for the third consecutive event.
Yet he fell short of the big prize by a margin so narrow that it really wasn’t a margin. Edwards and Tony Stewart tied for the championship at 2,403 points, but Stewart won the title using the first tiebreaker, race wins (five to one).
It was the first end-of-season tie atop the point standings in the history of NASCAR after a final race that already has been labeled as one of the greatest in the sport’s six decades.
Stewart won the race despite a laundry list of problems during the event, finishing 1.30 seconds ahead of Edwards. It was a tough loss after an eventful season, but a defeat that Edwards absorbed with class.
He was among the first in a long line to congratulate Stewart after the race.
"Whether we won tonight or we lost, I mean, tomorrow is the start of the next season," Edwards said. "I was prepared before this race began to do exactly what I'm going to go do, and that's to be even better next year and to apply what I've learned here.
"We knew we could come into this thing and we knew that of all of the circumstances that could happen, this one [the tie] was the least probable. I mean, for us to finish like that, tied, fighting for the win. That is the least probable outcome.
"And so I was prepared for anything. I knew that this was a possibility, though, and I was prepared for this. And I told myself, I told my family that the one thing I'm going to do is I'm going to walk back to that motor home, win, lose or draw, and I'm going to be a good example for my kids and work hard and go be better next season. Because, you know, we talked about it before the race, even if we won this thing, you go halfway through next season and struggle, that's quickly forgotten.
"As painful as this is right now, I know that we have—we are fortunate to have the opportunity to go to Daytona [in February] and just start all over again and go race."
After the race, Edwards met briefly with crew chief Bob Osborne, who seemed particularly shaken by the night’s results. They shook hands before Edwards continued with a raft of post-race media responsibilities.
"I just wanted to make sure that Bob knew that I believe he's the best crew chief here, and that he will be my crew chief for as long as he wants to be, and I'm behind him and his decisions 100 percent," Edwards said.
"As tough as it is for me, you know, it's tougher, I think, for those guys, the guys that prepare these cars and determine which things we are going to work on throughout the year and what strategies we are going to use. They make some very, very big decisions that they can't turn around."
Aside from the obvious disappointment of falling short of the championship, Edwards said the run through the Chase will make him a better racer for future title opportunities.
"There are lessons that I learned and things that I learned about myself, about competition, about failure and things about success; things that I could not have learned any other way," he said. "If there weren't any pressure, there wouldn’t be any diamonds, that's what my trainer says.
"We dealt with a lot of pressure, and I feel very proud of the way our team and myself and everyone has handled everything through this, and I feel that we made it all the way through, and although we didn't come out with the outcome that we wanted, that we are better because of it, you know, and I'm not trying to be philosophical or anything.
"I'm truly telling you, if I'm in this position next year, I'm going to be better at it. I'm going to be—I'll be better. So that's cool. That's something you don't get every day is a lesson like this."

All-new Ford Escape ushers in era of the smarter utility vehicle

2011-11-22T00:40:00.001-08:00

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Debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the all-new Ford Escape offers versatility and value. The 2013 Escape brings clever features designed to make life easier, and – thanks to EcoBoost® engine technology – superior fuel economy. Escape arrives next year with a wealth of technology including a hands-free liftgate and upgraded MyFord Touch® that makes connecting with digital devices on the go even easier.

Total Powertrain Portfolio Upgrade to Support Aggressive Growth Plan in China

2011-11-22T00:39:00.001-08:00

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Ford is introducing 20 new engines and transmissions in China by 2015 in a comprehensive strategy to upgrade its entire powertrain portfolio in the world's largest auto market. This upgrade aims to support its aggressive plan to introduce 15 new vehicles to China by 2015.

Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies such as turbocharging, direct injection, twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) and six-speed transmissions, the upgraded powertrain portfolio will deliver over 20% in fuel economy improvement to Ford's passenger vehicle fleet in China by 2015 while reducing tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions by 20%.

Ford also announced that it will produce its latest all-new 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, the smallest in the EcoBoost engine family, in China to equip its vehicles produced and sold in the market.

"Ford is committed to be a fuel economy leader in every segment that we compete by utilizing advanced powertrain technologies. These technologies represent a core part of our near-term sustainability goals in China," said Kumar Galhotra, vice president, Product Development, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa.

"Earlier this year at the Shanghai Auto Show, Ford announced a plan to introduce 15 new vehicles to China by 2015. All these new vehicles will launch with the latest Ford-developed powertrains which will improve fuel economy and lower carbon dioxide emissions, offering our customers a more environment-friendly ride without compromising vehicle performance."

Universal application of EcoBoost Engine

Ford holds more than 125 patents for its high-performance and fuel-saving EcoBoost technology in the United States. EcoBoost, which uses turbocharging and direct gasoline injection to boost engine output and reduce emissions without sacrificing fuel economy, marks a major milestone in the Ford strategy to deliver technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains.

The integration of three advanced technologies – turbocharging, direct injection and Ti-VCT – into the EcoBoost powertrain delivers significant customer benefits:

Optimized engine efficiency: delivers up to a 20% improvement in fuel economy, 15% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared with conventional gasoline engine
Superior driving performance: strong low-end torque and responsive performance across the full rev range
Advantages of small displacement: large-engine performance, but with the size, weight and fuel economy of a much smaller unit

A key advantage of the Ford EcoBoost approach is the ability to downsize engine capacity, so that larger naturally-aspirated engines can be replaced by much smaller units without sacrificing power output.

The performance boost offered by turbocharging typically results in a 50% increase in torque, so there is a significant opportunity to downsize capacity while still providing a potential performance benefit.

The advantages of downsizing include improved efficiency through reduced internal friction, lower pumping losses, and lighter weight – which also makes the engine warm up more quickly. This helps to ensure that the real-world fuel economy benefits of Ford EcoBoost engines are delivered in all driving conditions, including both city and highway driving.

The global EcoBoost engine family is the cornerstone of Ford’s near-term sustainability plan to deliver high-volume, affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles that customers around the world want and value.

By 2013, the company plans globally to produce 1.5 million EcoBoost engines annually. Also, by 2013, nearly 80 percent of Ford’s global nameplates will be available with EcoBoost.

Ford launched the 2.0L EcoBoost-equipped Mondeo-Zhisheng in China earlier this year.. According to the certification issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the vehicle's 7.9L/100km fuel consumption is one of the best in the segment.

Ford will offer the 1.0L EcoBoost engine on small-to-medium vehicles, and the engine will be built in China, with a plan to introduce more EcoBoost engines based on market demand. By 2015, EcoBoost engines will be available on most Ford branded passenger cars in China.

Upgrading conventional engines

Ford will introduce an advanced non-turbocharged engine in China that combines the technology of gasoline direct injection technology (GDI) and Ti-VCT to offer vehicles with more dynamic performance and better fuel efficiency.

At the heart of this is a high-pressure direct injection system which injects fuel into each cylinder in small, precise amounts at a pressure of up to 200 bar – the droplet size is typically smaller than 0.02mm, one-fifth the width of human hair. Compared to conventional fuel injection, direct injection produces a cooler, denser charge, delivering improved fuel economy and performance.

The system could inject highly pressurized fuel into the combustion chamber of each cylinder rather than traditional mixing with the incoming air in the inlet port. Advantages include more precise delivery of fuel for lower emissions, improved volumetric efficiency and avoidance of knock for better performance and fuel efficiency.

The Ti-VCT technology allows extremely precise, variable control of “valve overlap,” or the window of time in which both the intake and exhaust valves in an engine are open at the same time. By adjusting overlap continuously, an engine can operate at optimum settings for peak fuel economy or peak power output as conditions demand. It could reach up to a 7% improvement in peak power and a 5% improvement in low-speed torque for better acceleration, passing and merging performance and up to a 4.5% improvement in fuel economy. Ti-VCT also facilitates an “internal EGR” effect, reducing NOx (a contributor to smog) and hydrocarbon emissions throughout the engine’s operating range.

Six-speed transmissions for a smoother drive

As part of its powertrain upgrade, Ford plans to replace the current four-speed automatic transmission with advanced six-speed transmissions which will not only provide smoother gear shifts but also improved fuel economy.

Leading the way is Ford’s innovative PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission that combines the efficiency and driving dynamics of a manual gearbox with the convenience of a conventional automatic transmission. Unlike regular hydraulically operated automatic transmissions, which use power-sapping torque converters, wet clutches and pumps, the PowerShift automatic consists of two manual transmissions (in the same case) working in parallel. The dual clutches engage and disengage in a way that provides seamless delivery of torque to the wheels, even during gear changes.

The transmission also features Hill Launch Assist that prevents the vehicle from rolling back by maintaining enough brake pressure until the engine delivers enough torque to move the vehicle up the hill providing improved driver confidence, comfort and clutch robustness

Other than the PowerShift transmission, Ford also plans to introduce a full range of six-speed transmissions to satisfy market demand. Compared to the current four-speed automatic transmission, the new six-speeds will deliver smoother gear shifts, seamless torque delivery and superior fuel economy.

Expanding production capacity

In line with Ford’s strategy to overhaul its powertrain lineup in China, most of these new powertrains will be manufactured in the country for use in future vehicles. Currently, Ford’s joint venture in China, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. (CFMA), is building a new engine plant and a new transmission plant, with initial annual capacity of up to 400,000 in each plant.

NIGHTTIME IS CRUEL TO LIGHTNING FAST SUNTRUST TEAM

2010-02-02T02:03:00.000-08:00

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No one was faster during the month of January at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway than the No. 10 SunTrust Ford Dallara of Wayne Taylor Racing, featuring drivers Max Angelelli, Ricky Taylor, Pedro Lamy and Wayne Taylor.

But despite clocking the month’s fastest testing lap in record-setting time, qualifying on the pole for this weekend’s 48th Rolex 24 At Daytona, and setting the fast lap of the twice-around-the-clock Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series endurance marathon itself, the SunTrust team had to persevere through multiple mechanical maladies and a fateful meeting with a concrete barrier to earn a hard-fought sixth-place finish by the time the checkered flag flew Sunday afternoon.

Perhaps darkness is to blame for the fact the SunTrust team never had a fighting chance to exploit its lightning speed over the 3.56-mile, 14-turn superspeedway road circuit. During the daylight hours Saturday and Sunday, Angelelli, Taylor, Lamy and Taylor led an incredibly trouble-free existence in the team’s efforts to bring SunTrust its second Rolex 24 victory since 2005. But once nightfall began to set in on Saturday, troubles of all kinds began to send the SunTrust Racing machine to the pits and the garage for extended visits for repairs, which gradually distanced the No. 10 car further and further from the race leaders.

After helping set the pace under rainy and wet conditions at the outset of the 24-hour affair, the troubles started, innocently enough, when Angelelli had to make an unscheduled stop during the second hour for a new set of rain tires when his right-front tire was beginning to come apart due to excessive heat. He stayed on the lead lap in 13th place, nonetheless, with plenty of time left to regain his position at the front.

But then, midway through the third hour, a freak occurrence plucked Angelelli from his forward movement. The rooftop radio antenna mount collapsed and fell into the cockpit, right into Angelelli’s field of vision. The Italian driving ace bolted into the pits for a quick fix, but fell two laps off the pace as he handed the car over to his new full-time co-driver Ricky Taylor. The antenna mount proved to need better reinforcement as Taylor was having to help keep it propped up while negotiating the Daytona circuit. He was able to pit shortly after the three-hour mark under caution so the team could make a permanent fix without losing any more laps.

Midway through the sixth hour, after taking over from Taylor and completing his first fuel-and-tire run, Lamy, the Portuguese former Formula 1 competitor and current factory driver for Peugeot at the 24 Hours of Le Mans just left the SunTrust pit with a full load of fuel and fresh tires when he slid into a concrete barrier on the pit exit road. He was able to continue, but inflicted significant damage to the right-front and rear of the SunTrust car. He headed straight to the garage for 13 minutes of suspension and gearbox repairs that dropped him five laps off the pace.

Not long after relieving Lamy during the eighth hour, Angelelli reported that the rear end of the car didn’t feel quite right. The crew directed him to the garage and ended up replacing the gearbox a second time, as well as other major driveline components. Angelelli resumed 18 laps off the pace.

All the while, between trips to the garage, the SunTrust car was able to turn some of the fastest laps on the race track even though the team’s hopes of winning had essentially vanished well before the race’s midpoint. And the troubles would continue in the overnight hours.

Midway through the 14th hour, Lamy reported gearbox troubles once again and brought the SunTrust car to the garage. In addition to a third gearbox change, the crew also had to replace the left-side driveshaft before Angelelli took over and resumed in 10th place, 44 laps down. One final visit to the garage less than an hour later, when the crew noticed via onboard telemetry that the gearbox oil temperatures were beginning to spike, dropped the SunTrust car to its largest deficit of the race—47 laps—to the leaders.

Once the darkness began to turn to light on Sunday morning, the SunTrust car’s troubles would be behind it with more than eight hours of racing left. At one point, just after dawn, Angelelli showed his and the No. 10 car’s mettle when he drove up behind the first- and second-place cars, picked them off one-by-one, and left them in his rearview mirror.

He turned the race’s fastest lap of 1 minute, 41.101 seconds (126.764 mph) in the process. As the SunTrust driver lineup rotated through the cockpit the rest of the way, attrition came to the rescue and enabled the team to leave move up in the order and end up with a relatively successful points day despite its unusual array of mechanical troubles.

“I think this is such a great team,” said team owner, two-time Rolex 24 winner and three-time sports car racing champion Wayne Taylor, who put the exclamation point on the sixth-place finish by driving the car across the finish line to take the checkered flag. “Everybody works for one thing, and that’s to be successful, and they never give up. There is so much respect amongst this group, as well as all of our partners—SunTrust, Toshiba, Roush Yates Engines—it’s what we do. It’s all we do. I’ll say this, and I mean this: I’ve never known my team to be more prepared than they were for this race. But it’s always those little things that take you out in a 24-hour race, and we had more than our fair share of those. We proved we had the best car. We have the best team. And that bodes well as we move forward from here.

Angelelli, who co-drove with Taylor to the 2005 Rolex 24 win en route to that season’s Rolex Series championship, had one of the many smiling faces in the post-race revelry despite the disappointment of having such a fast car and having to settle for a sixth-place finish.

“It’s quite rare to have such a fast car all the way through a weekend and leaving the weekend without a win,” Angelelli said. “It was such a good car, it was really upsetting. But we’re happy because, despite all of the bad things that happened to us, we finished sixth and that leaves us looking good for the championship. I’m enthused about Ricky. He did everything so perfectly, so incredibly perfect. We can’t forget that, for him, this is his first real race as a regular driver with a championship-contending team. I’m looking forward to the season with Ricky. We will have a lot of fun.”

The younger Taylor, who made his Rolex Series debut just two years ago when he co-drove the SunTrust car to a fifth-place finish in the Rolex 24, turned competitive laps throughout his three double driving stints and left no doubt the team would be able to mount a strong run for the championship once again.

“This SunTrust Ford Dallara was really, really unbelievably strong today,” said the 20-year-old Taylor. “It was just a shame for a little bit of bad luck through the night just ruin it for us. It’s the 24-hour, it’s expected to have some bumps. But I felt so strong during the race. Hopefully, we can have a solid season for the rest of the year. All the worries, all the uncomfortable feelings, are gone. I’m ready to get to Homestead (for the next race) and get the season going. I was in the motorhome during all of our major problems, so I didn’t get to see everything that was going on. But going through four gearboxes is unheard of. Hopefully, I didn’t have anything to do with that. But the car was so strong, and it’s just a shame we weren’t there at the end to fight for the win.”

Asked his opinion about his son’s performance, Wayne Taylor deferred.

“That’s difficult for me to talk about, personally, because he’s my son and I don’t want to say things that would come across as biased,” Wayne Taylor said with a laugh. “I guess what you should do is ask Max, and Dallara, and Ford, and the rest of the team. Ask them, because I know what I think.”

Finally, Lamy heads back to the Peugeot Le Mans program after his second Rolex 24 with the SunTrust team, wondering just what might have been.

“We had many problems,” he said. “And I made a big mistake going out of the pits on cold tires. I touched the barrier, and then we lost some laps there and kept losing laps with the other things. It was a terrible race for us from that standpoint because the car was very fast. If we could have finished without so many problems, we might have won the race. But that is a part of these kinds of races. This is a very good team and I think they will go on and have a great year.”

The new No. 9 Action Express Racing Porsche Riley team, a spinoff of the Brumos Porsche team that won last year’s Rolex 24, took the checkered flag today, 52 seconds ahead of the No. 01 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates BMW Riley. They were the only two competitors to finish on the lead lap. There were 13 race leaders in all, including the SunTrust car, which held the point for seven laps. The lead-lap cars covered 755 laps, or 2,687 miles. The SunTrust team finished 44 laps down.

Round Two of the 2010 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series will be the Grand Prix of Miami at Homestead Miami Speedway on Saturday night, March 6.