The Orange Peel

Techno Music and Midsize Sedan Features Create a Fusion of Sound

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Tue, 29 May 2012 12:47:00 +0000

Detroit-area Techno artists Joshua Harrison, Keith Kemp and Tom Newman sampled sounds from the 2013 Ford Fusion – both natural noises like windows going up and down, and digital creations from the car’s sound bank like the welcome chimes – to make original electronic music

All sounds produced by Fusion are painstakingly inspected and are designed to provide a specific driver or passenger response

The musicians were provided by Paxahau – organizers of the Movement Electronic Music Festival in Detroit – continuing a relationship between Ford and the festival

DEARBORN, Mich., May 24, 2012 – In an unusual blend of automotive and musical worlds, three Detroit-area Techno musicians used a 2013 Ford Fusion to make original tracks using the sounds produced by the car. They recorded everything from doors slamming to the soft back-and-forth of the windshield wipers.

The musicians took the sounds back to their studio along with a sound bank of Fusion chimes and tones and got to work. Using loop machines, synthesizers and their own creativity, each artist composed an original song featuring Fusion as an instrument.

Ford was there to capture each artist putting the songs together and explaining his respective process.

The results are tunes that groove with the same drive and energy that thousands of Techno fans who descend upon Detroit this Memorial Day weekend will hear. Each Fusion musician, provided by Paxahau – organizers of the Movement Electronic Music Festival – produced a unique song that transformed the everyday sounds of the car into a work of art. The trunk slam was looped to mimic the iconic kick-drum popular in Detroit Techno, the strong hum of the 2.0-liter hybrid engine is used as an overtone that wails with meditative resonance and the seat belt reminder plays as a melodic syncopation.

“This project worked so well because Techno music, by its nature, is very similar to the makeup of a car,” explains Joshua Harrison, contributing musician and a performer in the upcoming festival. “In both cases, there are lots of little pieces mechanically put together. Just like a car, a Techno song has many elements that serve their own small purpose, and the masters of the craft are those who can put it all together and make everything work as one solid piece.”

The Fusion music is ripe for melodic composition thanks in part to the dedication of Ford engineers who work painstakingly to ensure the smart technology of the car’s sounds is specific and evokes appropriate responses from the driver and passengers.

Engineers write two to three note tones and conduct studies with listening groups to determine the correct sound for potential situations.

Alexander Petniunas, Ford sound quality technical expert, says that audible warning is intended to prompt the operator to respond the right way. Engineers work with four grades of severity. The high pitch staccato sound, for example, is considered the most severe, whereas the three note welcome chimes are meant to deliver a comfortable greeting. The sounds are designed to conjure an emotional response. The project worked out so well, said Petniunas, because music does the same thing.

Petniunas says some sounds are designed to be harsh to the human ear, like the loud warning that plays in cross-traffic alert technology, while other sounds like the reverse alert are softer in order to prompt action on the part of the driver but not cause alarm. Hundreds of sounds are analyzed.

“I love that the musicians were so infatuated with the sound of the Fusion’s door slams,” says Ramita Chawla, Ford sound quality engineer. “It’s a testament to all the hard work that went into engineering a solid ‘thunk’ from the doors over the past few years.

“The level of detail that goes into developing sound quality in several of the vehicle components is often overlooked,” she adds, “though subconsciously, these sounds significantly influence customers’ perception of quality. I think it’s pretty cool to hear pleasant sounds from various parts of the car coming together harmoniously to create these musical tracks.”

Ford and the Movement Electronic Music Festival have a friendship spanning more than a decade – beginning when the festival was still in its infancy.

“Detroit inspires the world with its Techno music and cars,” says Jason Huvaere, director of the Movement Festival. “Techno music is engineered and manufactured by skilled innovators, much as a vehicle is. When Ford does something like this, it’s exciting. And it definitely says to us Ford gets it.”

To hear each song, go to facebook.com/fordfusion, and to learn more about the Movement Electronic Festival go to facebook.com/movementdetroit.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Carroll Shelby, Ford Family for More Than Half a Century

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:59:00 +0000

DEARBORN, Mich., May 11, 2012– Carroll Shelby was a member of the Ford family for the better part of 60 years, producing stunning performance vehicles from concepts to production models.

He once said his energy and passion for performance products were always strongest when he was working with Ford.

Shelby most recently collaborated with the company on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, the most powerful production V8 in the world. Working with SVT engineers at Sebring and the Arizona Proving Grounds, at times he drove for more than eight hours – at the ripe old age of 88. He was having so much fun, he didn’t want to stop.

In this 110th Anniversary of Ford Racing video, Shelby talks about his career working with Ford and winning Le Mans: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqQ6LGpiGY4&feature=player_embedded.

The legend begins

Carroll Shelby was nearly 30 years old before he entered his first car race – a quarter-mile drag meet in 1952. The hot rod he drove to the finish line that day was powered by a Ford V8.

Shelby’s first Ford derivatives were the legendary Cobras and Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s. He was heavily involved in the design and engineering of the Ford Shelby Cobra Concept car unveiled in 2004, and was a key member of the dream team that built the 2005 Ford GT.

Carroll Shelby may have gotten a late start, but he was a winner from the beginning. Just two years into his driving career, Aston Martin racing manager John Wyer recruited him to co-drive a DB3 at Sebring. Within months, the chicken farmer from Texas was bumping elbows and trading paint with the likes of Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill and Paul Frère. Driving an Aston Martin DBR1 with Roy Salvadori, he won Europe’s prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959.

Early in 1962 Shelby drove his second Ford-powered race car. It was the first mockup for the Cobra, Shelby’s now-legendary marriage of a lightweight British roadster body with a small-block Ford V8. By January 1963 he had homologated the car under the FIA’s GT Group III class, and that month a Cobra won its first race, beating a field of Corvette Stingrays at Riverside in California.

In January 1965 Ford hired Shelby to lend his expertise to the GT40 campaign. Three cars had run the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans, but none finished. Shelby began installing the more reliable 7-liter stock car engine in what would come to be known as the GT40 Mark II. It proved considerably faster than the Mark I, and in just two seasons became a strong contender.In 1966 the GT40 began a domination of endurance car racing that would last for four years.

While Ford and Shelby took on Ferrari at Le Mans, at home they fought Corvette. The first effort was the legendary Shelby Cobra, a Ford-powered, Shelby-engineered derivative of the AC Ace. The car had a one-ton weight advantage over the Corvette.

110th Anniversary of Ford Racing video (Oct 19, 2011)

Shelby Mustang
In August 1964 Ford had asked Carroll Shelby to develop a street-legal, high-performance Mustang to compete against Corvette in SCCA B-production road racing. By September, California-based Shelby-American had completed the first Mustang GT350.

The 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 was a fastback production model with a functional scoop in its fiberglass hood and 306 horsepower from its 289-cubic-inch V8 – an increase of 35 horsepower over the stock engine. Suspension upgrades included a larger front stabilizer bar, Koni shocks and rear traction bars, along with race-ready features. It sold for $4,000, and was instantly recognizable by its Wimbledon White paint and blue GT350 side stripes.

For 1966 the GT350 came in white, red, black, green and blue, and Hertz purchased nearly 1,000 special GT350H weekend “rent-a-racers.” In 1967 Shelby Mustangs sported unique fiberglass bodywork that extended the front end with an aggressive dual scoop and finished the trunk lid with an integrated spoiler.

But most important in 1967 was the new GT500, a big-block with 355 horsepower. More than 2,000 of those 428-cubic-inch Mustangs were delivered that first model year.

1968 was when the name “Cobra” was first officially used on a Shelby Mustang, and that year a convertible bodystyle became available as well. Although the Shelby Cobra GT350 was essentially unchanged, later GT500s were powered by the new Cobra Jet 428 engine and thus became GT500KR – for King of the Road.

For 1969, the penultimate year of the Shelby Mustang, engine choices included the optional 351 Ram Air, and the bodywork incorporated a total of nine scoops – five on the hood, one at the front of each fender and one on each quarter panel. In 1970, with sales slowing, the final Shelby Mustangs built for 1969 were updated to 1970 spec and sold. The famed run had come to an end.

It would be more than 30 years before Ford and Shelby worked together again, and in March 2001 they reunited, with Shelby coming on board to consult on a new GT40 Concept. In March 2002 Ford green-lighted production of the Ford GT. Then, in April 2003 Shelby collaborated on a concept car that would pay homage to the original Shelby Cobra. The car stole the show the following year at NAIAS.

Ford stoked the passions of enthusiasts again in 2004 with the unveiling of the modern Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept at Pebble Beach. J Mays, Ford group vice president for Design, said Shelby’s input was reflected in the car’s performance underpinnings.

In 2008, Carroll Shelby’s 85th birthday was marked by the first 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR to roll off the production line. An exclusive run of only 1,000 units, this King of the Road was a 540-horsepower muscle car. Shelby, who was actively involved in developing it, said, “I’m always looking to up the ante when it comes to performance, and bringing back the King of the Road Mustang is just what we need.”

Carroll Shelby’s last collaboration with Ford was on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, which produces 662 horsepower and 631 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful production V8 engine in the world. In January, Shelby’s one-of-one racetrack durability car was auctioned at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Ariz., for $350,000.

More on Carroll Shelby’s career, in his own words, can be found in this series of videos: http://www.oninnovation.com/videos.aspx.

Key moments in the history of Carroll Shelby and Ford Motor Company

1952: Shelby enters first race at the wheel of a Ford-powered hot rod
1962: Shelby tests his first Ford-powered AC 260 Roadster – the car that would become the Shelby Cobra. Shelby-American begins operations in Venice, Calif. Cobra production begins
1964: Ford asks Shelby to develop a high-performance Mustang derivative. First Shelby prototypes are built
1965: Shelby GT350 is introduced. Ford hires Shelby-American to oversee GT40 program. Hertz begins buying GT350H versions for its “rent-a-racer” program
1966: Ford GT40 Mark II wins Le Mans. First 1967 Shelby GT500s delivered
1967: Ford and Shelby-American win Le Mans, again. 1968 Shelby Mustang convertibles debut
1968: 1969 model year production begins
1969: Shelby Mustang production ends
1970: Ford and Shelby end their long-term racing agreement
2001: Carroll Shelby is invited by Ford to consult on GT40 Concept
2002: Ford green-lights production of Ford GT
2003: Ford invites Shelby to collaborate on a concept car that pays homage to original Shelby Cobra
2004: Ford Shelby Cobra Concept steals the show at NAIAS. Ford asks Shelby to consult on a follow-up concept. Shelby announces it will build limited-edition Shelby Ford Expedition. Ford unveils Shelby GR-1 Concept
2006: Shelby GTH debuts at New York Auto Show
2007: GT500 name debuts
2008: First 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR rolls off the line on Carroll Shelby’s 85th birthday. Partnering with Ford Racing, Shelby fields factory race team for the first time since 1969
2011: Debut of 662-horsepower, 631-lb.-ft. 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, the most powerful production V8 engine in the world
2012: 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 sells at Barrett-Jackson for $350,000

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

At 662 HP, 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Certified As World’s Most Powerful V8! Segment-Leading Fuel Efficiency

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:17:00 +0000

The 5.8-liter supercharged V8 in the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is SAE certified at 662 horsepower and 631 lb.-ft. of torque

The world’s most powerful production V8 is backed up by chassis, aerodynamic and braking performance that makes the GT500 an outstanding all-around sports car

Even with 112 horsepower more than the 2012 GT500, fuel economy is increased by 1 mpg both city and highway, 5 mpg better than Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

DEARBORN, Mich., April 26, 2012, – The all-new supercharged 5.8-liter powerplant in the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 has been officially SAE-certified as the most powerful series production V8 in the world with peak output of 662 horsepower and 631 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s more power and torque than low volume sports cars costing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars more than the GT500, which is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its segment. In fact the 2013 GT500 is the most fuel-efficient car with over 550 horsepower in any segment available in America.

Unlike high-strung engines found in much more expensive exotic supercars, the GT500 engine generates its massive thrust throughout its operating range with 395 lb.-ft. of torque available just off idle at 1,000 rpm. More than 90 percent of the peak torque is available from 2,200 to 5,800 rpm so that no matter when you squeeze the go pedal, the GT500 will just get up and run.

The combination of the new TVS 2.3-liter supercharger, twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder ensures this stallion can breathe all the way to 7,000 rpm with the peak power production coming at 6,500 rpm and holding fairly steady right to the rev limit.

“Our goal is to create outstanding all-around performance cars, not just stoplight-to-stoplight sprinters,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief engineer. “We’ve backed up this amazing powerplant with a more refined chassis tuning that helps keep the rubber on the pavement without punishing the driver’s spine and six-pot Brembo brakes that dissipate speed with ease stop after stop.”

The broad, flat torque curve of the GT500 engine makes it tractable and easy to drive whether trolling along in traffic or powering out of a turn on a twisting country road. With more than enough grunt to push the coupe to 200 mph and beyond, the chassis has been tuned to absorb the road imperfections that can cause instability at high speeds. The revised front fascia and splitter help manage the flow of air around and under the GT500 so that it offers 33 percent more effective aero loading at 160 mph compared to the 2011 model and feels more firmly planted.

“The engineers at Ford SVT focused on the fundamentals first with solid mechanical grip and strong brakes,” added Hameedi. “On top of that platform they added advanced driver-adjustable electronic assist features including launch control, Bilstein adjustable damping, AdvanceTrac stability control and electric power-assisted steering.”

Even with the most powerful production V8 in the world, the 2013 Shelby GT500 improves on the fuel efficiency of the 2012 model with an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined with no gas guzzler tax. That’s 5 mpg better on the highway than the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 even with an extra 82 horsepower and 75 lb.-ft. being generated under the hood. With the 2013 GT500 world-class performance no longer has to mean a world-class thirst for fuel.

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 will be built at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

2013 MAZDA CX-5 NAMED TO WARD’S “10 BEST INTERIORS” LIST

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:29:00 +0000

All-New Compact Crossover SUV Earns Mazda its Third "Interiors" Award

IRVINE, Calif. (April 16, 2012) - The all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 today was named to WardsAuto World's 10 Best Interiors list, as chosen by the publication's editors. A newcomer to the compact crossover SUV segment, at 35 miles per gallon (mpg), CX-5 boasts the best highway fuel economy of any SUV sold in North America - including hybrids - thanks to SKYACTIV®[1] TECHNOLOGY, the brand's innovative engineering philosophy on fuel-saving technologies.

"To separate itself from the competition, the 2013 CX-5 had to offer not just the same features and options as other compact crossover SUVs, but be better, stronger and smarter than those other offerings," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "For CX-5 to be honored with such a distinct award is a testament to Mazda's passionate attention to every detail - from dynamics and engineering to safety and design."

All new or significantly changed production vehicles are eligible for review by the editors of WardsAuto. Interiors are rated based on material selection, ergonomics, driver information, safety, overall value, touch points/comfort, fit and finish as well as aesthetics/design harmony. There is no price cap for vehicle entries. The 2013 CX-5 Grand Touring was entered this year.

Previously known as "Auto Interiors of the Year" as part of the Automotive Interiors Show held annually in Detroit, WardsAuto became the title sponsor in 2005, renaming the awards to Ward's 10 Best Interiors in 2011. The Mazda5 and MAZDASPEED3 were selected for the prestigious list in 2008 and 2010, respectively.

The 2013 CX-5 starts at $20,695[2] and features high-level standard interior equipment such as a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission, cloth seat upholstery, power windows with a driver's side one-touch auto open/close, push-button start, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls as well as auxiliary and USB connection ports.

As tested, the CX-5 Grand Touring adds standard luxury cabin amenities in the form of a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, leather-trimmed seat upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 5.8-inch in-dash color monitor with rearview camera, a power moonroof, 40/20/40-split fold-down rear seats, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio connectivity with steering-wheel-mounted controls, a Bose® Surround Sound System, HD Radio^TM Technology and Sirius Satellite Radio.

A Technology Package is available for the Grand Touring model and includes an in-dash TomTom-based navigation system, bi-xenon auto-leveling headlights with a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink®, an anti-theft alarm and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry.

CX-5 Grand Touring models start at $27,045. The CX-5 Touring mid-level model starts at $23,895.

Recently named a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), all

CX-5 models boast best-in-class fuel economy. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) models equipped with SKYACTIV-MT are EPA-rated with an estimated fuel economy of 26 city/35 highway/29 combined. When equipped with SKYACTIV-Drive, FWD models receive an mpg rating of 26 city/32 highway/29 combined. SKYACTIV-Drive is standard on all-wheel-drive (AWD) models, which return an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 25 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are handled by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. Product B-roll may be ordered online by visiting The News Market at www.thenewsmarket.com/mazda.

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[1] SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).

[2] Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

About Orange Motors – Ford & Mazda Dealer in Albany NY
We have been proudly serving the Capital Region in Albany for over 90 years. We take pride in providing a great selection of New Ford and Mazda Cars, Truck & SUV's as well as a selection of over 150 great quality Pre-Owned vehicles. We feature a start to finish ownership process here at Orange catering to all your vehicle needs for the life of your ownership. Our service department is nothing less than top notch. We feature more service bays and Master Certified Ford and Mazda Technicians than any other dealer in the region. For you this means fast, quality service and we do it right the first time! Please visit www.orangemotors.com

Size Matters: EcoBoost Gives Ford the Industry Lead in Reducing Engine Size Without Giving Up Performance

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:24:00 +0000

Ford offers seven vehicles with the smallest engines in their segments – more than any other competitor
Powered by EcoBoost^®CO₂ emissions while delivering the performance customers demand technology, Ford’s smaller engines help reduce vehicle weight for better fuel economy and lower
Ford’s smallest engine yet, the EcoBoost 1.0-liter three-cylinder, debuts in North America about a year from now

DEARBORN, Mich., April 19, 2012 – For decades, size meant everything when it came to engines – bigger was better and there was no replacement for displacement. But volatile gasoline prices and growing consumer interest in clean technologies are turning that notion on its head.

Today, buyers are snapping up cars and trucks powered by smaller engines that offer better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.

When the EcoBoost^®-equipped 2013 Fusion, Escape and 2.0-liter Taurus arrive on dealer lots this spring and summer, Ford will offer an industry-leading seven vehicles with the smallest engines in their segments – more than any competitor.

Ford’s new global family of EcoBoost engines offer customers more affordable, high-efficiency powertrain choices, along with Ford’s growing lineup of hybrid and electric models. On average, an EcoBoost engine can improve fuel economy by as much as 20 percent, yet it costs around $1,000 on most vehicles.

Available now in displacements of 1.6, 2.0 and 3.5 liters, Ford’s EcoBoost engines are designed to offer drivers outstanding performance in everything from economy cars to trucks.

Most of the Ford vehicles with the smallest engines in their segments – 2013 Escape and 2013 Fusion (1.6 liters); Explorer, Edge and Taurus (2.0 liters); and Interceptor and F-150 (3.5 liters) – deliver the same or greater power than the larger, heavier engines in competitive vehicles, along with higher fuel economy.

Replacing large engines with smaller-displacement EcoBoost engines is one way Ford is delivering on its promise to lead or be among the leaders in fuel economy in every segment in which it competes.

As with cell phones, laptops and other consumer electronics, Ford’s engines will continue to shrink – yet become more powerful – in the coming years.

The next new EcoBoost engine scheduled for launch in North America, a 1.0-liter three-cylinder coming in 2013, will be Ford’s smallest yet. This compact, innovative engine – which is the same length as the average laptop computer – is rated at 125 horsepower, making it one of the highest output-per-liter regular production engines Ford has ever made.

This year, Ford Motor Company will offer EcoBoost engines in 12 Ford and Lincoln nameplates – Focus ST, 2013 Fusion and Escape, Taurus, Interceptor, Flex, Edge, Explorer and F-150, as well as the latest Lincoln MKT and MKS models and the all-new Lincoln MKZ.. By 2015, the company plans to offer an EcoBoost engine on 90 percent of its North American nameplates.

Light + small + power = better

In addition to developing more horsepower per liter than the larger engines they are replacing, EcoBoost motors are helping Ford reduce vehicle weight, which improves handling and braking and helps increase fuel economy.

The 2013 Escape and Fusion models provide a graphic example of why Ford’s new generation of smaller, lighter and more powerful engines are better. In the 2012 Escape and Fusion, the 3.0-liter V6 engine is rated at 240 horsepower and 223 lb.-ft. of torque. That engine weighs 340 pounds.

The new 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that is optional in the 2013 Escape and Fusion is rated at 240 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque and it weighs 295 pounds, 45 pounds less than the old 3.0-liter. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine available in both vehicles delivers 178 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft of torque and weighs just 223 pounds.

Since launching EcoBoost in summer 2009, Ford has sold more than 180,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles in North America, making it the most rapidly adopted fuel-saving technology in recent automotive history.

According to Ward’s sales data, it took Toyota 50 months, for example, to sell 100,000 gasoline-electric hybrids in North America. And Ford’s EcoBoost lineup outsells all competitors’ diesel, compressed natural gas and battery-electric cars combined.

EcoBoost is a suite of technologies that combines turbocharging with direct injection, variable valve timing and precise engine controls to increase the power output and efficiency of the gasoline internal combustion engine. The increased power output enables Ford to replace a V8 engine with a V6, a V6 with a four-cylinder and a four-cylinder with a three-cylinder – with no loss of performance.

“The F-150 is a great example of how EcoBoost is changing the way customers think of our engines,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of Powertrain Engineering. “Before we launched the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, few people would have believed a V6 was tough enough to get the job done in a full-size truck. The last time a six-cylinder engine outsold a V8 in the F-150 was in the late 1980s.

“But with 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, towing capacity as much as 11,300 pounds and EPA highway fuel economy of 22 mpg, the EcoBoost V6 has quickly become the top-selling engine in the F-150,” said Bakaj. Just over 40 percent of F-150s are sold with an EcoBoost engine, he added.

EcoBoost Edge is another small-engine success story. With a nearly 20 percent take rate, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost-powered Edge is exceeding sales projections.

Ford EcoBoost engines are also proving popular in Europe, where the 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder units are offered across several nameplates, and the all-new 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost has met with unanimous acclaim.

At next week’s Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress at Cobo Center in Detroit, Ford executives will be giving presentations that outline Ford Motor Company’s powertrain strategy.

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About Ford Motor Company

Truckin’ Magazine Names Ford F-150 FX2 Top Half-Ton Pickup in ‘Truck of the Year’ Shootout

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:46:00 +0000

Ford F-150 FX2 pickup with EcoBoost^® V6 power took top honors in Truckin’ magazine’s recent half-ton pickup shootout comparison

Truckin’ test data show no other pickup can deliver the unique Ford F-150 mix of responsive acceleration, towing and hauling capabilities, and fuel economy

DEARBORN, Mich., April 9, 2012 – Ford knows that full-size truck buyers like to personalize their pickups and so do the experts at Truckin’ magazine. But it takes more than style to win with consumers. After testing four half-ton pickups in a well-rounded set of challenges, the Ford F-150 FX2 SuperCrew is now the Truckin’ half-ton Truck of the Year.

“Ford stepped up to the plate and hit a grand slam with the EcoBoost F-150 FX2,” said Truckin’ Feature Editor Maxwell Matthewson. “They gave the consumer everything they wanted in one package: impeccable styling, remarkable performance, and gas mileage that doesn’t punch you in the gut at the fuel pump.”

Ford is giving buyers more options to personalize the truck.

The new FX Appearance Package is available on both FX2 and FX4 trucks and delivers a unique look with stealthy, flat-black accents. The look is set off with black fender and tailgate badges that feature red lettering, which is carried into the interior with a red-stitched steering wheel.

The FX’s interior also features black leather seating surfaces with red perforations and red piping. Unique interior touches include black-painted dash accents, brushed-metal surfaces, and satin shifter knob, door handles and air conditioning vent bezels. The package is available with all seven FX exterior colors.

Also new for 2012, the FX Luxury Package now offers cooled front seats, which combine with the previously available heated seats.

New 20-inch six-spoke wheels with flat-black paint are just one of the specialized styling cues on the exterior. A unique body-side decal is matte black with color read-through for a distinctive appearance. A chrome exhaust tip, black-finished grille, and blacked-out headlamps and taillamps round out the exterior upgrades.

“The new FX package delivers a distinctive style that truck buyers are looking for without compromising on any of the F-150’s rugged qualities,” said Raj Sarkar, F-150 Marketing manager. “Earning this recognition from such a discerning group of personalization and performance experts as Truckin’ is gratifying.”

With a twin-turbocharged direct-injection gasoline EcoBoost V6 engine making 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, the Ford F-150 delivers power and performance comparable to competitive, naturally aspirated V8 engines, while delivering significantly improved fuel economy, up to 20 percent better.

The 2012 Ford F-150 FX2 with EcoBoost offers 22 mpg on the highway (4x2) – mileage that’s superior to competitors’ full-size V6 and V8 conventional gasoline trucks and beats even midsize pickups with V6 engines.

The half-ton shootout appears in the April 2012 issue of Truckin’ magazine, on newsstands now. The test compares the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab LTZ, Ram 1500 Sport Crew Cab 4x4 and Nissan Titan 4x4 Pro-4X pickups to the winning Ford F-150. F-150 delivers class-leading towing capability of 11,300 pounds and hauling capacity of 3,030 pounds – a combination no other competitor can match.

To read the Truckin’ article, please click on this link: http://www.truckinweb.com/features/1206tr_truckins_2012_half_ton_truck_shootout/index.html

Ford F-150 continues to get recognition among the media, winning recent awards such as:

Motor Trend Truck of the Year
Cars.com Work Truck of the Year
Autobytel Truck of the Year award for the 2012 Ford F-150 EcoBoost
Motor Week Drivers’ Choice Award
Most Rugged Truck Brand, Kelley Blue Book 2012 Brand Image Award
Texas Auto Writers Association Truck of Texas
Vincentric Best Value in America award for Full-Size, Half-Ton Pickups
Ford F-150 is manufactured at Ford’s Dearborn and Kansas City production facilities.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Is this what the new Mazda6 Might Look Like? Concept Car Features KODO Design, Full Suite of SKYACTIV® Technologies

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:08:00 +0000

NEW YORK (April 2, 2012) - Mazda's TAKERI Concept will make its North American debut at this week's 2012 New York International Auto Show, and is the brand's first concept vehicle to feature the SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine as well as other revolutionary Mazda-developed, fuel-saving technologies such as i-stop, a stop-start system, and i-ELOOP, a regenerative braking system. TAKERI is the third concept vehicle borne of the KODO ("Soul of Motion") design language and the second to feature the full suite of SKYACTIV components.

First introduced on the SHINARI Concept, KODO has produced elegantly powerful concept vehicle designs that have developed into equally handsome production cars, such as last year's MINAGI Concept, a compact crossover SUV that became the basis of the all-new, award-winning 2013 CX-5. The sharp features of TAKERI also could undoubtedly make their way into a future production vehicle.

Designed to Deliver

The TAKERI Concept's name is derived from the Japanese word meaning "male," fittingly matching the vehicle's masculine manner. Its KODO design elements are easy to identify and are uniquely Mazda, first with the brand's new family face in its sharp five-point grille and lean, chiseled front fascia to the pronounced body lines which swiftly slice into TAKERI's steel frame to create katana-like strokes, evoking a tempered intensity. Stressing aerodynamic performance into shapely design, TAKERI's sculptured shape carries through the vehicle's four-door torso and into the strong rear fender hip lines and taut trunk layout. With a bold metallic-red finish and 20-inch satin-chrome alloy wheels, TAKERI is a vehicle with striking emotional appeal, unseen and unrivaled in the current mid-size sedan segment.

Elegant simplicity begets TAKERI's interior cabin. The cockpit features a perfected balancing act of functionality, luxury and comfort. Satin chrome is used selectively and purposefully throughout the striking, mostly-black instrument panel. From control dials and door panel features to the in-dash navigation system frame and three-spoke steering wheel, the metallic sheen creates a sense of depth and quality, particularly when struck by natural light. A SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic is complemented by racing-inspired paddle shifters and alloy pedals. Plush ceramic white leather seats add the final piece of cabin comfort and feature securing side bolsters that remind driver and passenger alike of the Zoom-Zoom performance machine that lies beneath the spoiling pamper of interior amenities.

The Continuing Evolution of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY

SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY is Mazda's umbrella term for its far-reaching, revolutionary engineering philosophy which focuses on developing affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles without sacrificing performance and the overall joy of driving. TAKERI is the second concept vehicle to be outfitted with Mazda's full suite of SKYACTIV components - transmission, engine, body and chassis - but is the first concept to feature the SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine.

At 14.0:1, SKYACTIV-D boasts the world's lowest compression ratio for a diesel engine. Offering a high amount of torque as well as cleaner combustion, the SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter is 10 percent lighter than the current MZR-CD 2.2-liter diesel engine, reduces internal engine friction by 20 percent and improves fuel economy by 20 percent. This is achieved by using a new two-stage turbocharger, which delivers a smooth and steady response across the engine range (up to 5,200 rpm), as well as optimizing the engine's combustion timing. The low compression ratio also means the SKYACTIV-D diesel engine burns cleaner and discharges fewer nitrogen oxides to produce virtually no soot, thus requiring no additional NO_x aftertreaments, which is typical of conventional diesel engines.

With the most stringent of emissions standards met, TAKERI's focus moves to exceeding fuel economy expectations. Additional fuel-saving technologies come in the form of Mazda's redeveloped "i-stop" idling stop system and first-ever "i-ELOOP" regenerative braking system.

i-stop was uniquely developed for the SKYACTIV-D diesel engine and achieves the world's fastest diesel engine restart at less than 0.4 seconds. Other diesel engine stop-start systems require two engine cycles to restart combustion, however, i-stop was engineered to use only a single engine cycle through careful positioning of the pistons as the engine stops. The accelerated restart equates to a smoother, barely noticeable pick-up as well as significant improvement in stop-and-go fuel economy.

Another Mazda-engineered system for increased fuel efficiency is the all-new i-ELOOP, which is the world's first capacitor-based regenerative braking system. In real-world driving conditions which feature frequent acceleration and braking, i-ELOOP, a name derived from "Intelligent Energy Loop," will improve fuel economy by up to 10 percent. A growing segment in fuel-saving technology, regenerative braking systems use an electric motor or alternator to generate electricity as the vehicle decelerates, thereby recovering a portion of the vehicle's kinetic energy. Such systems used in hybrid vehicles typically use a large electric motor and a dedicated battery.

With i-ELOOP, however, through the use of a capacitor, which is an electrical component that temporarily stores large volumes of electricity, the system avoids the need for a dedicated electrical motor and battery. Capacitors have the ability to charge and discharge rapidly and are resistant to deterioration through prolonged use. The i-ELOOP system efficiently converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into electricity as it decelerates and uses the electricity to power the climate control, audio system and numerous other electrical components. i-ELOOP features a new 12-25V variable voltage alternator, a low-resistance electric double-layer capacitor and a DC-to-DC converter.

The i-stop stop-start system is currently available in vehicles sold in Japan, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The i-ELOOP regenerative braking system will be introduced into Mazda vehicles beginning in 2012. Markets and models will be announced at a later date.

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[1] SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).

New Transit to Get 25+ Percent Better Fuel Economy

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:47:00 +0000

Ford Brings New Solutions to Help Fleet Customers Manage Costs

Ford’s expanding lineup of fuel-efficient engines and alternative-fuel technologies – including EcoBoost^®, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, B20 biodiesel and CNG/LPG – leads the industry in reducing emissions and operating costs for rental, government and commercial fleet customers

In addition to Ford’s award-winning, fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, the U.S.-built Ford Transit cargo and passenger vans also will feature a new diesel engine option when production starts in 2013

The new Transit vans will achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy compared to similar E-Series vans, thanks to advanced powertrains and smart weight savings

Ford fleet experts have developed a new tool designed to give customers a clear picture of annual fuel costs and fleet emissions based on location, fuel source and vehicle application

DETROIT, March 27, 2012 – Ford’s industry-leading lineup of fuel-efficient engines and alternative-fuel technologies for fleet customers will further expand next year when the all-new Ford Transit commercial van comes to market with a new clean diesel and EcoBoost^® V6 engine. The new Transit will achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy than current E-Series vans.

“With fleet operators facing skyrocketing fuel prices and constant pressure to reduce costs, Ford continues to expand its range,” said Kevin Koswick, director, North American Fleet, Lease and Remarketing Operations for Ford. “By offering multiple options to help solve these challenges, Ford is giving fleet customers true power of choice in finding solutions that best meet their specific needs.”

Speaking to the Automotive Press Association in Detroit today, Koswick said Ford is committed to continuing to provide customers a range of options to reduce their operating costs through a lineup of industry-leading fuel-efficient engines and alternative-fuel technologies, including EcoBoost, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, biodiesel and CNG/LPG.

Diesel engine for new Ford Transit

To meet diverse needs in the full-size van segment, Ford has confirmed it will offer an all-new North American diesel engine option for the new Ford Transit cargo and passenger vans when production starts in Kansas City in 2013. This will be in addition to the fuel-efficient, powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 gasoline engine that is already winning raves from Ford F-150 customers.

The return of a diesel engine option to Ford’s full-size van lineup answers customers’ calls for more choice when seeking a van with superior fuel economy and balanced capability.

In addition, EcoBoost technology is fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement gasoline powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance.

Overall, the new Transit will achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy compared to similar E-Series vans, due to its advanced gas and diesel powertrains and smart weight savings that will trim at least 300 pounds. That means commercial and retail customers could save potentially thousands of dollars in operating costs from fuel savings alone.

In addition to the new Transit, certain E-Series bodystyles will continue to be available through most of the decade in North America, even after the U.S.-built Transit goes on sale.

Fleet emissions calculator

Beyond providing fleet customers with a range of fuel-efficient engine choices for vans and other vehicles, Ford also has developed a specialized new tool to help optimize fleet purchases based on specific fuel types and operating locations.

Called the Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Cost Calculator, the new tool is designed to help fleet customers understand their current carbon footprint and to model various scenarios based on the types of vehicles they choose for their fleets. The tool incorporates important information to evaluate fuel costs and emissions, providing a unique opportunity for fleet managers to quickly evaluate multiple options.

The Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Cost Calculator utilizes such information as vehicle type, fuel type and traffic conditions (stop-and-go city traffic or on the highway, for instance), along with the geographic region in which the car will be used to generate information about the efficiency of a fleet.

The proprietary program, which must be used in conjunction with the support of a Ford representative, will create customized scenarios for customers by using special formulas and variables to determine the environmental impact and fuel costs of specific vehicles.

“This tool will help our customers make the most informed purchase decision possible – one that will meet their business needs, help promote energy security and help protect the environment,” said Sandy Winkler, senior researcher with Ford Research and Innovation and developer of the tool.

For example, the tool can demonstrate how operating an electric vehicle in Portland, Ore., has different environmental ramifications from operating one in Philadelphia. This is due to hydropower being a common source of electricity in the Pacific Northwest, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, compared with the mostly coal-based electricity used in the East Central region.

Built – and building – Ford Tough

Ford has gained major market share in key commercial vehicle segments as the economy rebounds from the industry lows of 2009. In vans, where Ford E-Series has been the best-seller for 32 years, market share grew from 49.8 percent in 2008 to 53.7 percent in 2011, even as new competitors entered the market.

Ford F-Series has been the best-selling truck for 35 years and the best-selling vehicle for 30 years.

The Ford F-150 – the most fuel-efficient light-duty pickup truck – is able to tow up to 11,300 pounds with either a traditional 6.2-liter V8 or a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that is rated at up to 22 mpg on the highway. Additionally, the 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 engines are flex fuel-capable.

The entire Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup truck and chassis cab lineup is available with gasoline, diesel, biodiesel B20 and CNG/LPG-dedicated or bi-fuel capability, while Ford F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks can be optioned for gasoline, biodiesel or CNG/LPG operation. In addition to biodiesel and CNG/LPG offerings, the 6.2-liter V8 can also be operated on E85.

E-Series full-size vans and cutaways are available with flex fuel or CNG/LPG gaseous engine prep package fuel systems.

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About Ford Motor Company

Legendary San Francisco Chase Sequence Reimagined on ‘Alcatraz’ Two-Hour Season Finale Tonight on FOX

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:45:00 +0000

Iconic 1968 Ford Mustang film chase is re-created for season finale of “Alcatraz” on FOX

One of the most recognizable cars in the world is back in one of the most recognizable cities. Fans can get a sneak peek before the show airs tonight at http://bit.ly/GUCnwy

DEARBORN, Mich., March 26, 2012 – Scenes of police officers chasing down bad guys in fast cars have been a staple of film and television for decades. Some of the most iconic examples of the breed have involved the Ford Mustang including a 1968 pursuit through the hilly streets of San Francisco.

For the two-hour season finale of the hit FOX TV series Alcatraz (airing tonight at 8 p.m. ET/PT), executive producers J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Jennifer Johnson, Daniel Pyne and Jack Bender have reimagined that legendary sequence. In the series, San Francisco detective Rebecca Madsen (series star Sarah Jones) tracks down inmates who mysteriously disappeared from the maximum security prison when it closed nearly half a century ago and are now reappearing in contemporary San Francisco.

Like the original car chase, the new chase features a Ford Mustang and a Dodge Charger. But this time, with her own mint ’68 ’Stang unavailable, detective Madsen “borrows” a brand-new Deep Impact Blue 2013 Mustang GT to track down another of those reappearing convicts. The chase was filmed on many of the same streets and corners traveled by the 1968 characters.

“It’s such an iconic chase and such an iconic moment in San Francisco history and cinematic history. It actually worked out in a magical way because this chase scene became central to the final pursuit in the final episode,” said executive producer Pyne. “It was so exciting to work with Ford and the city of San Francisco to re-create the modern-day interpretation of such a legendary moment.”

Fans who want a new Mustang of their own can play the “Legends of Alcatraz” alternate reality game online at http://www.legendsofalcatraz.com for a chance to win one. Visitors can use their mental skills to solve the puzzles for more chances to win. The Legends sweepstakes is open until 9 p.m. PDT on March 31, 2012.

Tune in to the two-hour “Alcatraz” season finale on FOX at 8 p.m. ET/PT tonight to check out the new Mustang in action. Produced by Bonanza Productions in association with Bad Robot Productions and Warner Bros. Television, the series stars Sarah Jones, Jorge Garcia, Jonny Coyne, Parminder Nagra, Jason Butler Harner, Robert Forster and Sam Neill.

“We were so excited to be involved with the new series ‘Alcatraz.’ From the start of the creative discussions with FOX, Warner Bros. Television and the ‘Alcatraz’ producers, it was a natural fit to integrate the Ford Mustang into the high-energy series,” said Crystal Worthem, Ford Brand Content and Alliances manager. “The modern evolution of the new 2013 Mustang paired with the creative storyline of the evolution of the ‘Alcatraz’ story delivered an authentic and exciting experience for viewers.”

The new 2013 Mustang delivers on style and substance, with a new exterior design, updated technology and new driver tools.

New front and rear design features include a more prominent grille and splitter, standard high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, signature lighting, painted body-side rockers, dramatic LED taillamps, mirrors with pony projection light and a new wheel lineup. Performance updates include more power in the GT, now delivering 420 horsepower, the addition of SelectShift^™ to automatic transmissions, new GT Track Package, Hill Start Assist on manual cars, optional leather-trimmed or cloth Recaro seats and functional hood heat extractors on GT.

In addition, a new available 4.2-inch LCD screen features Track Apps, which enables the driver to monitor performance measures such as g-forces, shows acceleration times in quarter-mile and 0-60 increments, and displays braking times, complete with automatic and countdown starts. New Shaker audio systems provide a complete acoustic experience that simulates being at a live performance.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Eclectic Mix Helps Engineers Perfect the Sound Stage Inside the All-New Ford Escape

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:25:00 +0000

Ford audio engineers listened to snippets of music – from classical piano to rock to rap – to tune the audio system in the all-new Ford Escape
The acoustics inside the vehicle strive for concert-hall quality
Rihanna, Johnny Cash, Lou Reed, PJ Harvey and Eminem make the playlist for Escape

DEARBORN, Mich., March 21, 2012 – What do Stevie Ray Vaughn’s tube amp, Suzanne Vega’s lip smack and Rihanna’s voice have in common? Recordings of these sounds were all used to help audio engineers set the sound stage inside the all-new Ford Escape.

The “buzz” in Stevie Ray Vaughn’s cover of the Jimi Hendrix classic “Little Wing” is from a single-coil pickup amplified by tubes. Ford audio engineers used this recording to evaluate tonal balance, ensure quality in the bass region, and to make sure there is a wide sound stage in the new Escape’s audio system. The lip smack in Suzanne Vega’s a cappella hit “Tom’s Diner” is used to check the center staging of the sound system, while Rihanna’s “S.O.S.” helps evaluate clean bass mixed with vocals and ensure there is nothing shrill in the tweeters.

“We tuned the audio system so that it sounds natural – as if you’re listening to music inside a theater rather than in your vehicle,” said Christine Templin, one of the audio engineers who tuned the Escape’s sound system.

Templin, who enjoys attending concerts in her free time, said the audio engineering team listens to everything from “rap to classical” to bring concert-like sound into Ford vehicles.

The audio engineers’ work is twofold: the objective portion, monitoring sound wave files on laptop computers hooked up to speakers within the vehicle; and the subjective portion, relying on human ears to fine-tune the quality of the system.

Templin explained how Jennifer Warnes’ recording of Leonard Cohen’s “Famous Blue Raincoat” should give the listener a specific feeling.

“You should feel like you have been transported to a gloomy environment,” she said.

PJ Harvey’s “Electric Light” was used to make sure the instruments don’t modulate the vocals and the bass doesn’t shake the doors, Templin noted.

The Escape, which will be available to customers this spring, has three available audio systems: the standard six-speaker system, a nine-speaker system and a SONY^®-branded 10-speaker system.

A ‘Best of’ Escape playlist

1. ZZ Top “La Grange” – Listen for the clean snare drum clicks, left and right rhythm guitars and strong bass guitar

2. Yello “The Race–Listen for a sensation of the car racing from right to left, and left to right. “It should sound spacious with transients of doors slamming,” Templin says”

3. Lou Reed “Walk on the Wild Side” – Listen for backup singers to move from far to near, testing image depth. Check for tonal balance and loud dynamics

4. Kenny Chesney “Summertime” – Listen for clean vocals, instruments should be clearly defined

5. Eminem “Remember Me” – Listen for loud dynamics, bass extension

6. Rihanna “S.O.S.” – Listen for tonal balance, clean bass, nothing shrill in the tweeters

7. Beyonce featuring Jay Z “Déjà Vu” – Listen for bass to be clean and even. Vocals should not break up or sound overly bright

8. Peter, Paul and Mary “I Have a Song to Sing O” – This is an old recording with vocals panned left-center-right in order to test staging and imaging. Voices should retain a natural timbre

9. Johnny Cash “Bird on a Wire” – This intimate recording (as if Cash were in his living room) tests tonal balance and spatial qualities. Vocals show a close-mike effect

10. Bruno Giuranna Mozart Piano Quartets 1 & 2,“Allegretto– Listen for a natural piano tone. Strings should be forward”

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About Ford Motor Company

All-New Ford Escape Provides More Towing Power Than Competition with Lean Yet Strong EcoBoost Engine

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:53:00 +0000

The all-new Ford Escape’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine provides up to 3,500 pounds of towing capability – best in class among small turbocharged SUVs, and as much as the outgoing 3.0-liter V6 engine

The smaller engine provides higher efficiency without sacrificing power

With trailer sway control, the all-new Ford Escape can tow two personal watercraft on a trailer or a small boat, with no worry for the driver

DEARBORN, Mich., March 14, 2012 – Packing 237 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque, the optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine in the all-new 2013 Ford Escape enables the vehicle to tow 3,500 pounds – best in class among small SUVs with turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine delivers the ultimate combination of fuel economy, performance and capability that SUV customers with active lifestyles need in today’s environment of record-high fuel prices.
The next closest competitor, the Volkswagen Tiguan, has a tow rating of just 2,200 pounds, while turbocharged versions of Kia Sportage and Acura RDX have tow ratings of 2,000 pounds and 1,500 pounds respectively.
Escape’s greater towing capability is roughly equal to two jet skis or a snowmobile and the trailer they ride on. The ability to carry greater loads will save Escape drivers both time and fuel by reducing the number of trips needed. Travel is also made safer with trailer sway control, a class-exclusive feature among small SUVs with turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine replaces the 3.0-liter V6 engine in the current Escape with no loss of performance and with fuel economy to be higher than the V6’s 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway EPA rating.
“Smaller-displacement engines have a fundamental efficiency advantage,” said Roger Maynard, Powertrain supervisor for the 2013 Ford Escape. “These inherent efficiencies are improved with the EcoBoost technology of direct fuel injection and turbocharging.”
The all-new Escape will be available with a choice of three four-cylinder engines. In addition to the 2.0-liter EcoBoost, Escape will be offered with a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder rated at 177 horsepower and a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder cranking out 171 horsepower. All three engines are mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Escape also features EPAS – electric power-assisted steering – a fuel-saver as well.

The EcoBoost difference
EcoBoost has been a popular choice among customers since the EcoBoost V6 engine was introduced in 2009 in the Ford Taurus SHO and Lincoln MKS. Last year, Ford sold more than 127,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles.
Using some of the same technologies found in diesel engines, EcoBoost can improve fuel economy by as much as 20 percent over larger, conventional engines. This year, Ford is expanding its EcoBoost engine technology to not only Escape but Fusion as well.
These engines are fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance for millions of drivers around the world. By next year, more than 90 percent of Ford’s North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost technology. Ford holds more than 125 patents on this engine technology.
The all-new Escape comes to dealerships later this spring. The current Escape is the best- selling sport utility vehicle in the United States.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Ford Flex and N.Y. Times Bestselling Author Christian Lander Present Suburban Dictionary; Facebook Fans Create Terms

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:58:00 +0000

Teaming with Christian Lander, author and founder of the popular blog and New York Times bestselling book “Stuff White People Like,” the Ford Flex Facebook page presents Suburban Dictionary

Self-described suburbs expert Lander will post new entries to the Suburban Dictionary each week

Beginning March 7, more than 44,000 fans of Flex on Facebook will have a chance to submit their own entries into the Suburban Dictionary and interact with other Flex owners and enthusiasts on the Flex Facebook page

DEARBORN, Mich., March 12, 2012 – Attention all Ford Flex fans: Christian Lander, author of the New York Times bestseller “Stuff White People Like,” is joining the conversation on the Ford Flex Facebook page.

Lander is known for his unique way of expressing things, much like Flex customers express their own personalities by driving a one-of-a-kind seven-passenger crossover vehicle…with a fridge.

Lander, who describes himself as a “suburbs expert,” presents the Suburban Dictionary, an online glossary of terms related to suburban life. The engaged and dedicated Flex Facebook community members are encouraged to come up with their own entries to the Suburban Dictionary and post them on the Flex fan page.

Since January, the Flex page has more than doubled. Now more than 44,000 people interact in this unique vehicle’s social space.

A few of Lander’s first entries include:

Healthy math: Rewarding yourself with a 500-calorie snack after eating healthy for an entire 24-hour period
Hip hop age check: The moment when you realize the sample being used but not the rapper. This is R&B’s way of saying it’s time to change the station
Fitness museum: Alternate name for a garage filled with exercise equipment purchased during the resolution phase of January or after frequent viewings of late-night TV

“Christian Lander’s Suburban Dictionary builds a distinct lexicon for parents living in the suburbs, much like the Ford Flex offers a technology-loaded crossover with a look unlike any other vehicle on the road,” said Eric Peterson, Ford’s marketing manager for crossover vehicles. “The Suburban Dictionary will allow them to share their experiences with Flex in a unique way.”

Lander says this distinctness should be expressed, not concealed.

“Moving to the suburbs is never an easy process for couples,” Lander explained. “Many are caught between a desire to remain cool and the desire to go to bed at 10 p.m.

“In order to help this growing segment of the population, Ford sent me deep into the heart of suburbia to help uncover the language and terminology required to ease into their new life. I give you the Suburban Dictionary, the indispensable guide to this new and exciting – well, maybe not exciting, let’s just say comfortable and relaxing stage of your life.”

And why the Ford Flex, Christian?

“The Ford Flex is the perfect vehicle for the project as it helped me blend into my suburban surroundings without raising too many suspicions,” he says. “It allowed me to appear cool, but it also has plenty of cupholders, which is perfect because I approach coffee with the same passion I used to approach music.”

The latest Flex

The latest Ford Flex available in dealerships this spring combines technology, space, style and safety into an attractive package.

The seven-passenger, three-row crossover features MyFord Touch^®, industry-exclusive rear inflatable belts, collision-avoidance technologies, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, first-row heated and cooled seats, power-fold mirrors and an optional new Appearance Package. Plus, the base 3.5-liter engine will deliver 1 mpg better fuel economy on the highway and in the city, with 20 more horsepower.

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About Ford Motor Company

MAZDA ANNOUNCES 2012 GOLD CUP CERTIFIED DEALERSHIPS

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:54:00 +0000

-83 Dealers Given Prestigious Award for the Second Year in a Row-

IRVINE, Calif. (March 8, 2012) - Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) is proud to announce the winning dealerships of the 2012 Mazda Gold Cup. This is the highest honor a dealer can receive from Mazda for their dedication to new vehicle sales and customer loyalty.

A total of 125 dealers were designated Gold Cup status, with 83 dealers winning this certification for the second year in a row. Dealers qualify for Gold Cup certification by meeting rigorous Mazda owner loyalty and new vehicle sales. Only dealerships that demand emphasis on retaining customers and increase new vehicle sales are given this prestigious award.

"We are pleased that our dealer network shares our conviction for providing our customers with the best sales and service experience in the industry," explains Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of MNAO. "Earning Mazda Gold Cup certification is a significant achievement, and we applaud the efforts of all of the dealership personnel who helped each dealership earn this award."

All authorized Mazda dealerships are eligible to participate in the Gold Cup program, but only a select number of them are awarded this high honor. The qualifying period for the honor is January 4, 2011 through January 3, 2012.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

Orange Motors, Mazda Franchise has been awarded this for the 2nd year in a row.

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For more information on Mazda vehicles, visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. Product B-roll may be ordered online by visiting The News Market at www.thenewsmarket.com/mazda.

About Orange Motors – Ford & Mazda Dealer in Albany NY
We have been proudly serving the Capital Region in Albany for over 95 years. We take pride in providing a great selection of New Ford and Mazda Cars, Truck & SUV's as well as a selection of over 150 great quality Pre-Owned vehicles. We feature a start to finish ownership process here at Orange catering to all your vehicle needs for the life of your ownership. Our service department is nothing less than top notch. We feature more service bays and Master Certified Ford and Mazda Technicians than any other dealer in the region. For you this means fast, quality service and we do it right the first time! Please visit www.orangemotors.com

MyFord Touch Upgrade Launches

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:36:00 +0000

MyFord Touch Resonates with Buyers; Upgrade Launches on 2013 Ford Taurus, Flex, and for Current Customers

Ford buyers rank SYNC^® and MyFord Touch^® among the most appealing features of new Ford vehicles; 56 percent say the technology was an important part of their buying decision

New owners identify SYNC’s voice-recognition capability as a key feature; 77 percent report they use voice commands regularly, and more customers are using other features such as Bluetooth^® streaming and the cloud-based network of SYNC Services

2013 Ford Taurus and Flex are first two of seven new models launching this year with the faster, simpler and easier-to-use MyFord Touch system

Ford and Microsoft engineers developed an improved user experience based on feedback from owners, dealers and employees; current MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch-equipped vehicle owners can begin receiving the no-cost software upgrade this week

DEARBORN, Mich., March 5, 2012 – Ford SYNC^® and the MyFord Touch^® connectivity system are helping drive more than half of new Ford owners to purchase Blue Oval vehicles.

Features of MyFord Touch rank as some of the top purchase reasons for new models, including the Ford Explorer and Edge, which both launched with the system in late 2010. Specifically:

Customer order rates for MyFord Touch have increased 5 percentage points heading into the new model year for both Explorer and Edge, which were already at 79 and 72 percent, respectively
56 percent of buyers said in owner surveys that SYNC and MyFord Touch were important to their purchase decision

Ford continues to migrate MyFord Touch across its product line, including into the new 2013 Ford Flex and Taurus reaching dealer showrooms this spring. At the same time, Ford is launching a significantly upgraded version of MyFord Touch for current owners that Ford and Microsoft engineers developed by listening to owner, dealer and employee feedback.

“It is gratifying to see SYNC and MyFord Touch technology are driving purchase consideration of new Ford cars, utilities and trucks, and helping our vehicles stand out in the marketplace,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president for Ford Global Product Development. “We are committed to continuous improvement of these and other technologies, and to continue delivering even more of the products and technologies people truly want.”

Customers are using the technology

Customers don’t view this technology as just a checklist item when shopping for a new vehicle; they are actually using it in their new Ford vehicles. A survey of drivers of 2011 and 2012 model SYNC and MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles report 91 percent use of SYNC’s hands-free calling capability at least once a month and 62 percent use it on a daily basis. Eighty-five percent use wireless Bluetooth^® audio streaming, with nearly half using it every day.

By late 2011, 77 percent of drivers with Ford SYNC said they were regularly using voice commands to operate the system’s features – an increase of 14 percent from 2010.

Continuously improving the user experience
As capable and popular as MyFord Touch is now, the flexibility of the underlying SYNC software platform allows for regular updates and upgrades as the technology evolves.

“SYNC has put us in a unique position to change customer expectations for their ownership experience,” Kuzak explains. “As we continue to evolve the technology for launch on new products, we will incorporate improvements and new features, listening to owner feedback on a regular basis and offering upgrades to existing customers.”

While MyFord Touch has been continuously improved with each successive vehicle launch since 2010, Ford is now launching the first major software upgrade with the 2013 Ford Taurus and Flex.

The touch screen interface has been enhanced with simpler graphics and bolder text that is easier to use. The response time of the touch screen is now much faster so drivers can tap controls and focus on driving. Already popular voice controls now provide even better recognition so drivers can tell their cars what to do, keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

In addition to the simplified interface and faster performance, Ford engineers added new features including better phone compatibility, support for tablet computers and Audible audiobooks, improved navigation maps and destination entry.

The upgraded system will roll out to all new 2013 models that offer MyFord Touch, and the improved software will be offered to more than 300,000 current owners to improve their driving experience even further.

For current customers, Ford will begin mailing out MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch upgrade packages to those in the U.S. this week. The packages will include a USB flash drive with the updated software, a notification letter, detailed instructions for the 60-minute download, and an updated user guide. Navigation-equipped vehicle owners also will receive an updated SD card with all-new, updated map data.

If preferred, customers also can elect to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for installation of the upgrade.

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About Ford Motor Company

110 MPGe rating makes the new Ford Focus Electric America's most fuel efficient 5-passenger vehicle

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:56:00 +0000

2013 Ford Focus Electric - Hatchback model shown

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certifies the 2012 Ford Focus Electric as America’s most fuel-efficient five-passenger vehicle with a 110 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) city rating

Focus Electric achieves a combined rating of 105 MPGe, topping Nissan Leaf by 6 MPGe while also offering more motor power, passenger room and standard features

Customers can make more use of this efficiency with Ford’s faster charging technology that can recharge Focus Electric in about half the time of Nissan Leaf

Ford gives customers the power of choice with 10 fuel-efficiency leaders across segments and powertrain technologies

DEARBORN, Mich., March 2, 2012 – Ford’s all-new Focus Electric is now officially America’s most fuel-efficient five-passenger car with a certified 110 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) city rating and 99 MPGe on the highway.

Focus Electric also has been certified by the EPA to offer 105 MPGe combined, beating Nissan Leaf by 6 MPGe while offering more motor power and more standard features. Focus Electric’s 99 MPGe highway certification bests the 92 MPGe rating for the Leaf.

Focus Electric bests Nissan Leaf in other ways, too – more passenger room and a faster charging system that allows for a full recharge in nearly half the time of Nissan Leaf.

The Focus line soon will be joined by the new 2013 Ford Fusion – aiming to be America’s most fuel-efficient gas- and hybrid-powered midsize sedans – to help create one of the industry’s most fuel-efficient car lineups. The Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid is projected to become the world’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan by achieving more than 100 MPGe in electric mode.

“Ford is giving customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy regardless of what type of vehicle or powertrain technology they choose,” said Eric Kuehn, chief nameplate engineer, Focus Electric. “The Focus and Fusion are great examples of how we transformed our fleet of cars, utilities and trucks with leading fuel efficiency.”

The EPA-approved Focus Electric label also certifies that the car has a range of 76 miles on a single charge compared with the 73-mile range of the Leaf. The Focus Electric can be driven up to 100 miles on a single charge depending on driving habits. The average driver drives 29 miles a day, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics website.

The approved label also will say customers could save $9,700 in fuel costs over the course of five years compared with the average new vehicle. Comparative savings could go even higher if the current trend of rising gas prices continues. In California alone, the cost for a gallon of gas rose 20 cents in a seven-day period that ended last week.

Fuel-efficiency champs

Focus Electric is the flagship of Ford’s transformed lineup that features 10 vehicles with leading fuel economy. Ford’s other fuel-efficiency leaders include:

2013 Fusion 1.6-liter EcoBoost: Projected 37 mpg highway that would make it America’s most fuel-efficient non-rechargeable midsize sedan
2013 Escape 1.6-liter EcoBoost: Expected to be the most fuel-efficient crossover of its kind with 33 mpg highway
2013 Taurus 2.0-liter EcoBoost: Expected to deliver best-in-class 31 mpg highway
2012 Edge 2.0-liter EcoBoost: Delivers 30 mpg highway, besting all SUVs its size or larger and even some cars such as the Honda Civic Si
2012 Explorer 2.0-liter EcoBoost: One of the most fuel-efficient seven-passenger SUVs on the market, delivering 28 mpg highway
2013 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid: Aiming to become the world’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan with a projected 100 MPGe rating
2013 Fusion Hybrid: Expected to become the world’s most fuel-efficient non-rechargeable midsize sedan with 47 mpg
2012 Fiesta: Offers up to 40 mpg highway and class-leading 33 mpg combined rating
2012 F-150: The most fuel-efficient full-size pickup, with V6 models delivering best-in-class 23 mpg highway and 17 mpg city

“We’ve been working for three years to make the Focus Electric America’s most fuel-efficient vehicle of its kind,” said Chuck Gray, Ford chief engineer of Global Core Engineering Hybrid and Electric Vehicles. “The entire group feels like a sports team that has just won a major championship. It’s a good feeling to be at this point now.”

Unlike competitors that have designed electric and hybrid vehicles from scratch, Focus Electric benefits from being based on the fuel version of Ford’s global C-segment car.

“Focus Electric shares many of the same premium components and features as its gasoline-powered counterpart while delivering distinct efficiencies and a uniquely exciting driving experience,” said Kuehn.

In addition to boosting quality, Ford’s strategic decision to electrify vehicle platforms – instead of creating one-off vehicles – allows the company to offer customers more choices as part of its fuel-efficient product lineup.

Elec-tech

Focus Electric features an advanced charging system that allows the car’s battery to fully recharge in four hours – nearly half the time of Nissan Leaf – using available 240-volt outlets that can be installed in residential garages.

Faster charging with 240 volts also can extend range as drivers can more quickly recharge between stops – up to 20 miles per charge hour – so they can significantly improve a car’s range during a busy day of driving by recharging multiple times.

For those who need to charge up while away from home, the number of charging stations continues to rise. In the last 10 months the number of charging stations in the United States has risen from 750 to 5,507, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

To cut charging costs at home, a unique value charging feature powered by Microsoft is designed to help owners in the U.S. charge their vehicles at the cheapest utility rates, which can make charging the Focus Electric less costly than charging the Nissan Leaf.

Other standard features on Focus Electric include Ford’s Rear View Camera System, MyKey^®, rain-sensing windshield wipers and Reverse Sensing System.

Tech sharing

Many of the technologies in Focus Electric are shared across Ford’s electrified vehicle lineup. Some of the shared or soon-to-be-shared features include:

SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^® offers multiple ways – including voice commands – for customers to manage and control their phone, navigation, entertainment and climate functions. Plug-in hybrids and all-electric models have additional options for monitoring information like battery state of charge
MyFord Mobile enables access via smartphone or Web-based interface to perform key tasks, such as monitoring a vehicle’s state of charge and current range or locating charge stations and planning routes to find them
SmartGauge^® with EcoGuide provides instantaneous fuel economy so drivers can adjust driving behavior accordingly if needed
Regenerative braking captures and reuses more than 95 percent of the braking energy normally lost during the braking process
Hybrid transmission, designed by Ford engineers in-house, is capable of operating at high speeds and in a smooth, fuel-efficient manner at the same time
Lithium-ion batteries – the lithium-ion battery pack in Focus Electric is covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile component warranty
Charge port (for electric and plug-in vehicles), conveniently located on the driver’s side and near the front of the car, 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
Recycled fiber made from 100 percent post-consumer and post-industrial content is used in the seat fabric with the equivalent of 22 plastic, 16-ounce water bottles in each car

Production of the Focus Electric began in December 2011 at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. More information about MAP can be found here.

Ford will ramp up Focus Electric retail production in the first half of 2012 for dealership availability in California, New York and New Jersey. By the end of 2012, Focus Electric will be available in 19 markets across the U.S.

More information about Ford’s electrified vehicle lineup – including press releases, technical specifications and other related material – can be found online here. Photos of the Focus Electric can be found here.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Says Color Can Keep You Alert, Make You Feel Good – Both In and Out of Your Vehicle

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:35:00 +0000

Researchers developing interior lighting in the new Ford Fusion took into consideration the critical role lighting plays in relaying information to the driver
Lighting works with design to create a balance of illumination that reduces eye strain and optimizes driver-vehicle interaction
Lights on or off, the interior also provides expanded functionality and driver comfort, in a sporty, sexy layout

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 23, 2012 – With the right lighting, everything else falls into place.

The interior lighting in the all-new Ford Fusion proves that out; it moves beyond simple functionality. Ford researchers realize that a person’s attention span is limited, and lighting can play a key role in providing a driver with critical and noncritical driving-related information without diverting attention.

Lighting in a vehicle is about space and dimension, said Mahendra Dassanayake, Ford technical leader for Design, but there’s more to it.

“Lighting gives you a sense of orientation,” said Dassanayake. “It’s a unique combination of functionality and comfort. Lights, graphics and displays are critical to drivers; we need to make sure that information is presented to the customer in an effective way.”

Developing the ice blue color available in the ambient, or accent, lighting palette was critical, since it is a shade that can help keep drivers and passengers more alert. This makes it easier for a driver to absorb all the other messages coming from inside the vehicle.

The same balance has been used to make sure that the ambient colors available in the Ford Fusion enhance the driving experience. Ford researchers have tested how the lighting affects the vehicle’s interior from the driver’s perspective, checking the textures and materials under a multitude of lighting conditions to make sure that glare and reflection are limited on smooth surfaces and that eye strain would be minimized.

Starting with science

It all starts with how the brain recognizes light.

“The brain does not see color,” Dassanayake said. “What we call color of light is actually a form of electromagnetic energy with different wavelengths.

“Light is like a pond, with ripples as the wavelengths. These ripples form and reflect and interact with each other, just like a ray hits a surface and sends a signal and then another sends a signal, and the sensation between the two is what people perceive as blue or red or green.”

Certain levels or combinations of light trigger enzymes in the brain. Those enzymes cause emotional responses within the body – states we recognize as stress or calmness or happiness.

“The emotions are created based on the secretions of these enzymes that are associated with certain light wavelengths,” Dassanayake said. “There are certain triggers.”

So it’s not your imagination – color can affect how you feel. In fact, it affects everything from your buying choices to your blood pressure. For example:

There are shades of yellow that stimulate parts of the brain, bringing clear-headed, decisive action
Green, on the other hand, affects the nervous system, causing us to breathe slowly and deeply, helping the heart to relax by slowing the production of stress hormones
Red – arguably the most attention-getting of colors – likely will evoke the strongest emotions, be that passion or anger

On the Ford Fusion, the palette is ice blue, purple, blue, orange, red, white and green. The palette allows the customer to set and change each color, depending on wants and needs.

With a seven-color palette, customers have several options. “We’re opening this up to let the customer decide,” Dassanayake said. “It’s offering them a choice.”

An interior to remember

But there's more to it: If the stylish silhouette of the Ford Fusion got heads turning in January on the floor of the North American International Auto Show, now it’s time to get to know what’s beyond the surface.

“Buying a car is very similar to dating,” said Interior Chief Designer Michael Arbaugh. “You saw the exterior of the new Fusion, and were drawn to it. Now when you see the interior, you realize it’s more than just looks – you want to be in a long-term relationship.”

The interior is airy and open, with a higher center console that’s been achieved by moving the instrument panel back toward the windshield. The console is complemented by comfortable, thinner seats that support the driver-centric theme, resulting in a cockpit-like layout that’s sporty and sexy while still completely functional.

“We kept the interior focused on the driver,” said Arbaugh. “We knew that our customers would be captivated by the driving experience, and we wanted to provide them with a sophisticated and harmonious ambience.”

Craftsmanship inside the Fusion is key. Dynamic structural elements throughout, like the real metal grills over the speakers, show that every detail of the vehicle has been aesthetically enhanced. Surfaces are softer to the touch, and nothing has been left to chance – even the volume knob is curved to better fit the customer’s fingers.

“The Fusion doesn’t just look sophisticated, upscale and high-quality,” said Arbaugh. “It feels that way, too.

“We think it’s the perfect package, one that will make drivers fall in love.”

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Does Hybrid mean less money, or just less gas?

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:55:00 +0000

Very Interesting Article on Cost of Ownership Ford Fiesta or Hybrid Toyota Prius. http://www.torquenews.com/1075/toyota-prius-vs-ford-fiesta-which-one-mpg

If you like this article and are interested in more informaton about the All New Fuel Efficient lines-up from Ford or Mazda including the 40MPG rated Ford Fiesta, 40MPG rated Ford Focus or 40MPG rated Mazda3 Visit us online at http://www.orangemotors.com

Ford to Sneak Peek New 2013 ‘Mustang Inner TV’ Ad via Google Hangout, YouTube and Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:07:00 +0000

In advance of being shown nationally during the Daytona 500 on Feb. 26, Ford will offer a sneak peek of the “Mustang Inner TV” ad tomorrow at 11 a.m. EST via a Google Hangout and later on YouTube and the Mustang Facebook page

The 2013 Ford Mustang ad shows how customers unleash their “inner Mustang” by depicting changing Mustang styles to suit the tastes of a wide range of consumers

The new ad builds on the success of the Mustang Customizer (http://ford.com/mustang/customizer), which has generated more than 4 million digital Mustangs built since launching in the fall

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 23, 2012 – In advance of being shown nationally during the Daytona 500 on Feb. 26, Ford will offer a sneak peek of the “Mustang Inner TV” ad tomorrow at 11 a.m. EST via a Google Hangout and later via YouTube and on the Mustang Facebook page.

Ford’s Google Hangout can be watched at the company’s Google Plus page:

http://gplus.to/fordmotorcompany.

Conventional advertising is usually about the product and not the customer. Companies seek opportunities to sell their item, touting its benefits, performance and how it will improve lives.

“We know that Mustang owners are incredibly passionate about their car,” said Matt VanDyke, director of U.S. Marketing Communications. “Rather than just show features and benefits, our new ad demonstrates how people see the product as an extension of who they are. We believe that everyone has an inner Mustang just waiting to be unleashed.”

“This ad was created to work in tandem with the success of our Mustang Customizer and downloadable app, which allows anyone to create their very own Mustang, selecting colors, accessories and decals to complement the amazing design,” said Lee Jelenic, Ford Car Marketing Communications manager. “Mustang owners are unique, independent, and like their cars to reflect their personalities. The Customizer site and this spot pay homage to that.”

Since the fall, the website and application have been incredibly popular, generating more than 4 million digital Mustangs built and a 62 percent increase in the size of the Mustang Facebook community, from 1.6 million to 2.6 million fans. The app has been downloaded more than 200,000 times. Twenty-five percent of Mustang digital customizations occurred via the mobile application.

“These results confirm the potential we saw in developing a social platform that lets Mustang owners have fun with the brand, interact and share,” said Scott Kelly, Ford Digital Marketing manager.

Mustang Customizer allows users to:

Build the Mustang V6, GT, Boss 302 or GT500 of their dreams by choosing from custom colors, trims, wheels and decals. The site offers a printable parts list that can be taken to a dealer
Battle their Mustang against others on the Customizer Battle page
Share their results with their friends via Facebook

# # #

About Ford Motor Company

Mazda Test-Drive Program to Visit 20-plus Cities Across the U.S. to Share the Love of Reading and Spirit of Dr. Seuss' 'The Lorax'

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:43:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (February 17, 2012) - The National Education Association (NEA), in partnership with Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) and Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, today announced that February 21, 2012 will mark the beginning of its "Read Across America Tour - Driven by Mazda." The tour will visit more than 20 cities, stopping at public schools and Mazda dealerships across the country to bring the gift of reading to thousands of public school students.

NEA's Read Across America Program is the organization's signature literacy effort to help children develop a love of reading during their early years. Studies show that students who enjoy reading perform better in school, boast higher test scores, develop comprehension proficiency and improve analytical skills faster and better than their peers who read less frequently.

Mazda has pledged to support the effort by donating up to $1 million toward our nation's public school libraries. Between February 20and April 2, consumers test driving any Mazda vehicle at a local dealership will enable Mazda to donate $25 per test drive toward local public school libraries, up to a total of $1 million. Administered by the NEA Foundation, this donation will provide vital funds to help the nation's struggling public school libraries.

"Every Mazda blends an envious combination of environmental, driving and safety performance," said Don Romano, chief marketing officer, Mazda North American Operations. "But the greater importance of our work this summer is our partnership with NEA's Read Across America tour. With the involvement of every one of our 640-plus U.S. dealers, we have raised our long-standing commitment to support literacy across the U.S., helping our nation's children achieve peak performance through the gift of reading."

NEA's "Read Across America Tour - Driven by Mazda" will focus on sharing the story of Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax" with students, raise awareness for public schools in need and provide an opportunity for consumers to show that they care - as the Lorax teaches us - "a whole awful lot." Visit www.facebook.com/mazda to download the test-drive donation form to take in to a local Mazda dealership and complete the test drive.

"Mazda is a different kind of car company," added Romano. "Our pledge to help raise up to $1 million for public school libraries and our 'Truffula Tree'-approved SKYACTIV^® TECHNOLOGY are just a couple of ways Mazda expresses its commitment to our communities and the future of our natural resources."

"NEA's national Read Across America celebration is not just about one hour or one day of reading," said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. "It is about cultivating a lifetime of good reading habits in students that will translate into academic success."

"NEA's Read Across America Tour brings students, parents, educators and the entire community together to share the joy of reading," added Van Roekel. "At a time of budget cutbacks in education resources, including reading resources, NEA appreciates Mazda's unique partnership to help raise $1 million to support our nation's public school libraries and ensure all children have access to the gift of reading."

NEA's "Read Across America Tour - Driven by Mazda" will travel through both the West and East Coasts, visiting schools and Mazda dealerships, and culminate with a final stop in New York City on March 2 to celebrate "Read Across America Day," Dr. Seuss' birthday and the opening of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's 3D feature Dr. Seuss' The Lorax.

Superstar Zac Efron, who lends his vocal talents to the animated adventure, will serve as a celebrity guest reader at The New York Public Library for the March 2 national reading event that celebrates "Read Across America Day." Star voices from the film - including Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Taylor Swift, Rob Riggle and Betty White - will join Zac Efron as co-chairs of this year's Read Across America Program.

As the first and only carmaker to receive The Lorax's honor of the "Truffula Tree Seal of Approval," Mazda will power the reading tour by providing Mazda CX-5 and Mazda3 vehicles, equipped SKYACTIV^® TECHNOLOGY and wrapped with the colorful graphics of the program.

The Mazda CX-5 boasts 35 MPG, the highest highway fuel economy of any SUV sold in America and the highest combined fuel economy of any non-hybrid SUV, while the Mazda3 with SKYACTIV^® TECHNOLOGY delivers up to 40 MPG highway. With NEA's Read Across America Tour being "Driven by Mazda," it can deliver the love of reading to children across the country and make the Lorax proud by treading lightly on the Earth.

The NEA's "Read Across America Tour - Driven by Mazda" schedule is as follows. Please note dates and locations are subject to change.

DATE	EAST COAST	LOCATION	DATE	WEST COAST	LOCATION
2/21	Miami, Fla.	Carol City Elementary School	2/21	San Jose, Calif.	TBD
2/22	Orlando, Fla.	Clay Springs Elementary School	2/22	Stockton, Calif.	Roosevelt Elementary School
2/23	Atlanta, Ga.	Rowland Elementary School	2/23	Hayward, Calif.	Burbank Elementary School
2/24	Nashville, Tenn.	Napier Elementary School and Tusculum Elementary School	2/24	San Bernardino, Calif.	Davidson Elementary School
2/27	Richmond, Va.	Woodville Elementary School	2/25	San Diego, Calif.	Pacific Regional Leadership Conference
2/28	Alexandria, Va.	James K. Polk Elementary School	2/26	Tustin, Calif.	TBD
2/28	Baltimore, Md.	Winfield Elementary School	2/27	Las Vegas, Nev.	Kit Carson Elementary School
2/29	Philadelphia, Pa.	TBD	2/28	Phoenix, Ariz.	John R. Davis Elementary School
3/1	New York, N.Y.	TBD	2/29	Albuquerque, N.M.	Gil Sanchez Elementary School
3/2	New York, N.Y.	The New York Public Library	3/1	Dallas, Texas	Lee McShan Elementary School
			3/2	Austin, Texas	Metz Elementary School

About Mazda North American Operations:

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

About NEA:

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

About the NEA Foundation:

The NEA Foundation is a public charity supported by contributions from educators' dues, corporate sponsors, and others who support public education initiatives. We partner with education unions, districts, and communities to create powerful, sustainable improvements in teaching and learning. Visit www.neafoundation.org for more information.

For more information: www.nea.org/readacross
Follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/NEAMedia

About Dr. Seuss' The Lorax:

From the creators of Despicable Me and the imagination of Dr. Seuss comes the much anticipated feature Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, a 3D-CG adaptation of the classic tale of a forest guardian who shares the enduring power of hope. The animated adventure follows the journey of a 12-year-old as he searches for a real Truffula Tree, the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To get it he must find the story of the Lorax, the acerbic yet charming character who fights to protect his world.

Lending their vocal talents to the project are Danny DeVito as the iconic title character of the Lorax and Ed Helms as the enigmatic Once-ler. Also bringing their voices to the adventure are global superstars Zac Efron as Ted, the idealistic youth who searches for the Lorax, and Grammy Award winner Taylor Swift as Audrey, the girl of Ted's dreams. Rounding out the cast are Rob Riggle as the villain O'Hare, Jenny Slate as Ted's protective mother and beloved actress Betty White as Ted's wise Grammy Norma.

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax is the third feature created by Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me, Hop). www.theloraxmovie.com

Ford Earns Nearly 500 Hybrid Patents with 47-mpg Fusion Hybrid, Projected as America’s Most Fuel-Efficient Sedan

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:51:00 +0000

New Ford innovations have led to a 50-fold increase in hybrid patents to nearly 500, which is expected to help the new Fusion Hybrid achieve an unprecedented 47 mpg and would make it America’s most fuel-efficient, non-rechargeable sedan

Ford’s transformed lineup of fuel-efficient vehicles reflects a continued commitment to growing the company’s intellectual property portfolio with significant investments during economic downturn

New Ford Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains – each with expected top fuel economy – underscoring Ford’s commitment to give customers the power of choice

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 14, 2012 – The road to the new Ford Fusion Hybrid’s 47 mpg – expected to be America’s most fuel-efficient non-rechargeable sedan – can be traced back to Ford’s electrified vehicle team and the nearly 500 patents Ford now holds for its hybrid technology.

“Ford continued to invest to develop new products like our new Fusion hybrids during the depths of the economic downturn,” said Chuck Gray, Ford chief engineer of Global Core Engineering Hybrid and Electric Vehicles. “We succeeded in transforming our lineup with leading fuel efficiency, thanks in part to the many Ford inventors who are helping make our Fusion Hybrid America’s most fuel-efficient sedan.”

One of those inventors is Ming Kuang, who has helped grow Ford’s hybrid patent portfolio from 10 in 2000 to nearly 500 today.

Kuang’s reason is simple, even though his inventions are complex and among the most advanced technologies available on Ford Motor Company hybrid vehicles.

“The work on the Fusion Hybrid is all about a commitment I made a long time ago to have a positive effect on our environment,” said Kuang. “It’s about helping make the world my children live in – and the world my children’s children will live in – a better place.”

Kuang, 52, is technical leader in vehicle controls at Ford Electrification Research and Advanced Engineering in Dearborn, Mich.

Kuang’s innovations can be found throughout Ford’s transformed lineup, one-third of which will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012 and build on the company’s commitment to go further by giving fuel-efficiency-minded customers the power of choice.

His name is on 40 of the 461 patents held by Ford that fall under the hybrid category. Twenty-five of the 40 patents are in production including key components of Ford’s innovative powersplit architecture system found on vehicles like the all-new Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid.

The all-new Fusion Hybrid is anticipated to deliver 47 mpg city and 44 mpg highway and the new Fusion Energi, arriving this fall, is anticipated to deliver more than 100 MPGe – more than the projected efficiency of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid model.

For example, one patent covers the display system for the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid that shows how efficiently the power of the car is being used. Fusion Energi, scheduled to be available later this year, is projected to achieve a better miles per gallon equivalent in electric mode than Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.

“I’m proud to have always had the resources and freedom to keep pushing forward on innovations for those vehicles,” said Kuang. “Being part of an organization that has so much respect for research and advanced engineering is what really gets me out of bed every day.”

Hybrid patents – yesterday and today

As recent as 2000 Ford owned just 10 patents that it classified as hybrid technology.

Things slowly began to change with the evolution of the Escape Hybrid – the first hybrid vehicle from a U.S.-based automaker that was designed and developed in the early 2000s. Still, by 2002 Ford only had approximately 30 hybrid patents.

Kuang, who graduated from the University of California-Davis in 1991, was at Ford in those early days of hybrid technology development.

“The level of cohesiveness wasn’t anywhere close to where it is today,” said Kuang. For example, research and advanced engineering and product development didn’t work as closely as they do today, slowing the pace of innovation.

However, the amount of green patent activity began to increase significantly in the mid-2000s, Kuang said. With the launch of the One Ford strategy designed in large part to accelerate development of new products customers want and value, a more efficient method of innovation emerged.

“We stopped trying to create and fix one-off, niche vehicles, and it made all the difference in the world,” he said.

With better collaboration, inventors are more in tune to where opportunities exist. In the last three years alone, the number of inventions submitted to Ford’s legal team to be considered for patents has increased more than 25 percent.

But David Kelley, a Ford attorney who handles hybrid patents, said Ford doesn’t engage in the practice of getting patents for the mere sake of getting patents.

“We get the high-quality patents that Ford really needs,” said Kelley. “With the high level of innovation from people like Ming, it makes sense that we should see our hybrid patent levels increase the way they have.”

Eric Kuehn, Ford’s chief engineer, global electrified programs, said that level of innovation makes him happy to be part of the team working on vehicles including the Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid.

“One of the best parts of being involved with Ford’s electrified vehicle group is that they are never satisfied,” said Kuehn. “They are always striving to go further and see how far they can push toward creating even larger gaps between Ford and its competitors. That is ingrained in the culture and mindset of the team here and isn’t going to change anytime soon.”

# # #

About Ford Motor Company

Segment Newcomer Earns Mazda's Sixteenth Drivers' Choice Award

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:35:00 +0000

2013 Mazda CX-5 Crossover

CHICAGO (February 8, 2012) -

The latest arrival to the Zoom-Zoom family and the first to fully incorporate the full suite of SKYACTIV® technologies, the all-new 2013 CX-5 has earned Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) its 16^th overall Drivers' Choice Award, as announced by MotorWeek at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. Expected to go on sale in early Spring 2012, the compact crossover SUV offers the best highway fuel economy of any SUV sold in North America at 35 miles per gallon (mpg) and features class-leading overall fuel economy performance versus its direct competitors.

"The 2013 CX-5 is entering the fiercely competitive SUV market with a very pronounced 'knock' on the door," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "To be honored with an award naming CX-5 the best of its segment exemplifies Mazda's spirit for creating purposeful vehicles for consumers who expect nothing less than passion, performance and precision in their new car."

"The CX-5 has both the looks and the fun-to-drive nature we've come to expect from Mazda," added John Davis, host, MotorWeek. "Add in best-in-class fuel economy and available 19-inch wheels and you've got a compact crossover SUV that's as practical to own as it is stunning to look at, making it a real winner."

The 2013 CX-5 is equipped with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which features a 13:1 compression ratio - the highest of any mass-produced car in the world - and delivers 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. Available with a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle has a 2,000-pound towing capacity as well as an all-new active torque split all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Mazda's first vehicle fully engrained with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, the brand's breakthrough engineering and manufacturing approach to its next generation of vehicles, CX-5 offers unprecedented non-hybrid best-in-class fuel economy for all transmission and drivetrain configurations.

Front-wheel-drive (FWD) models equipped with the standard SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission are EPA rated with an estimated fuel economy of 26 city/35 highway/29 combined mpg - the highest highway fuel economy rating of any SUV in North America, including hybrids. When equipped with the optional SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, FWD models receive an mpg rating of 26 city/32 highway/29 combined. SKYACTIV-Drive is standard on AWD models, which return an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 25 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg.

Pricing for the all-new 2013 CX-5 starts at $20,695 MSRP.

Produced by Maryland Public Television, MotorWeek debuted in 1981 and is television's longest-running automotive series, airing weekly via PBS, Velocity and Spanish-language V-me channels nationwide. The Drivers' Choice Awards were first announced in 1983, with the Mazda 626 being named the Best Import 4-Door that year. Multiple Mazdas have been named the "Best" vehicle in the Hatchback, Small Car, Minivan, Sports Car and Convertible categories as well as the overall Best of the Year category. For more information on MotorWeek and the Drivers' Choice Awards, visit www.motorweek.org.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

For more information on Mazda vehicles, visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. Product B-roll may be ordered online by visiting The News Market at www.thenewsmarket.com/mazda.

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SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).

Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

SYNC Accelerates into 2013 as Standard Equipment on New Ford Fusion and Flex

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:47:00 +0000

Ford SYNC MyFord Touch

2013 Ford Fusion and Flex get SYNC^® as standard equipment on all trim levels

Ford SYNC, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system introduced in 2007, now is installed in more than 4 million Ford Motor Company vehicles

Powered by the Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive platform, SYNC has created the “upgradeable car,” allowing new features and improvements to be seamlessly integrated on a pace with consumer trends and preferences

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 9, 2012 – Drivers of more than 4 million vehicles already take advantage of mobile device connectivity provided by Ford SYNC^®, which is available as either optional or standard equipment on every new Ford sold in NorthAmerica. That population is set to grow even more for 2013 as the all-new Ford Fusion and Flex get SYNC as standard equipment.

Since its debut in 2007, SYNC has been recognized as the industry-leading system for connecting mobile phones and media players and enabling hands-free use through a simple and reliable voice-control system.

“Ford SYNC technology has led the industry in transforming the way we connect to our cars,” said Dave Mondragon, Ford general marketing manager. “SYNC has enabled Ford drivers to take advantage of the latest communication and entertainment technology with an easily upgradeable architecture that is friendly to use.”

Every all-new Fusion from the base car through to the advanced plug-in Fusion Energi, as well as the redesigned Flex, will be equipped with SYNC whether it has an entry-level audio system or top-of-the-line MyFord Touch^® interface. Compatible phones and media players can be connected to SYNC through a standard USB port or wirelessly via Bluetooth^®.

Nine states have now completely banned the use of hand-held phones by drivers with at least 35 states prohibiting texting behind the wheel. At the same time, Americans are more connected than ever, with the mobile industry trade group CTIA estimating more than 300 million cell phones were in use in the United States by mid-2011.

Hands-free, voice-activated control of music playback and phone calls enables drivers to drive safer by keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. With a connected mobile phone, drivers can also use SYNC Services to get voice-activated access to a cloud-based network of information including traffic, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, stock quotes and movie listings along with business searches and turn-by-turn directions.

In the event of an accident, SYNC 911 Assist^™ can directly call emergency services and transmit the vehicle location to first responders.

Upgradeability

Fusion and Flex drivers aren’t limited to the SYNC functionality that was built in when they bought the car. As new features are added to SYNC, owners can visit SYNCMyRide.com to download free updates to a USB flash drive that can be loaded into the car.

Drivers today spend more time on the road than ever before, and Ford recognizes the need to stay safe and connected. The redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion and Flex will lead the way to a projected 9 million more SYNC-powered vehicles over the next three years.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

New Escape All-Wheel-Drive System Thinks Faster and Improves Handling, Giving Drivers More Control

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:28:00 +0000

During snowy and/or wet conditions that cause wheels to slip, the intelligent “torque on demand” all-wheel-drive system on the all-new Ford Escape can send up to 100 percent of the vehicle’s power to the front or rear wheels to better grip the road
The Ford-developed software behind the all-new Escape with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system reassesses conditions about 20 times faster than the blink of an eye, providing a precise blend of handling and traction
The all-wheel-drive system seeks to correct understeer and oversteer more quickly and improves traction and handling
The system provides appropriate front-to-rear torque at all times

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 7, 2012 – As winter rain, ice and snow slows travel across the country, the all-new Ford Escape’s all-wheel-drive system offers drivers a little extra traction in slippery and snow-ridden conditions.

Advanced Ford-developed software behind the new Escape’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system pre-emptively reassesses conditions about 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, readjusting the power split to give the driver the precise blend of handling and traction at all times.

If, for example, the front of the vehicle is on ice and the rear is on pavement, the all-wheel-drive system can send all the torque the powertrain can produce to the rear, putting power where the driver needs it.

“This is a very robust system, tested and tuned around the world in many conditions,” said Joe Torres, senior engineer, all-wheel-drive system development.

Using advanced software and sensors, the system gathers data from 25 external signals, including wheel speed, accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle, to deliver outstanding driving performance in both wet and dry conditions as well as excellent off-road traction.

Greater confidence when entering and driving through turns is enabled by the technologies Torque Vectoring Control and Curve Control, which are available together for the first time in an SUV in the all-new Ford Escape.

The system always pre-emptively splits the torque produced by the powertrain between the front and rear axles. Splitting the torque offers several benefits to the driver. First, it transfers the power, which means when a driver corners hard, the vehicle will better follow the intended steering path. For example, if the vehicle is understeering – the tendency to go straight when cornering – the system will automatically split more torque to the rear wheels to help counteract that effect and provide more neutral steering.

Second, and new to this all-new SUV, are feedback sensors and software that calculate – based on the driver’s steering angle – where the driver wants to go versus where the vehicle is heading, and make the appropriate split.

An advanced computer uses all the inputs from an array of sensors and data – such as lateral acceleration, driver-demanded torque and steering angle – and processes that information to get the vehicle to turn in the direction the driver wants it to go. The Ford system builds on the pre-emptive actions by adding and subtracting torque as needed through an electromagnetic clutch.

All of these adjustments, corrections and calculations are made every 16 milliseconds, which is about 20 times faster than the blink of an eye.

Both the brains (the control software) and the brawn (the rear axle) were developed in-house by Ford.

The driver can see the power distribution displayed on a screen inside the dash.

The system faced rigorous testing from the mountains of New Zealand to the California desert. Testing included snowy conditions, long mountain passes, extended hill climbs and high-temperature, off-road environments.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

MAZDA ANNOUNCES PRICING OF ALL-NEW 2013 CX-5 COMPACT CROSSOVER SUV

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:58:00 +0000

2013 Mazda CX-5

All-New Mazda is First to Feature Full Suite of SKYACTIV®[1] Technologies
and Offers Best-in-Class Fuel Economy

IRVINE, Calif. (February 6, 2012) - Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced pricing of its all-new 2013 CX-5 five-passenger compact crossover SUV, the first vehicle in the Mazda lineup to fully encompass SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, the brand's all-new fuel-efficient and performance-oriented engineering philosophy. Through these efforts, CX-5 achieves the best highway fuel economy of any SUV sold in North America at 35 miles per gallon (mpg) and offers the best overall fuel economy of any non-hybrid compact crossover SUV at 29 mpg combined.

"The 2013 CX-5 is a look to the future of the Mazda brand," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "Our achievements in Research & Development have led to breakthrough engineering with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY. It shows not only in the CX-5's impressive fuel economy but also with its dynamic handling and performance, which only Mazda can bring to the compact crossover SUV segment."

The 2013 CX-5 Sport starts at a competitive $20,695[2] MSRP, which is well below the segment's sale leaders. Paired with the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission, the entry-level Sport trim is equipped with high-level standard amenities such as 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels outfitted with 225/65R17 Yokohama all-season tires, daytime running lights (DRL), power side view mirrors, automatic headlight shutoff as well as stylish exterior cues in body-colored outside mirrors with turn lamps, door handles, a roof spoiler and a color-keyed shark fin antenna.

The comfortably-appointed cabin offers plush Black or Sand Beige cloth seat upholstery (both with seatback pockets), push-button start, power windows with driver's side one-touch auto open/close, cruise control, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control functions, air conditioning, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible radio with Automatic Level Control (ALC) as well as auxiliary and USB connection ports - all standard.

CX-5 Sport models equipped with the optional SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission start at $22,095 MSRP. When equipped with Mazda's all-new active torque-split all-wheel-drive (AWD) system (6AT models only), the starting price is $23,345 MSRP. A Bluetooth® Audio Package is available for an additional $400 MSRP and includes Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio connectivity, a 5.8-inch in-dash color information touch-screen monitor and HD Radio^TM Technology.

Moving up to the Touring model, the Bluetooth® Audio Package for Sport models becomes standard as are fog lamps, upgraded cloth seats, a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, rearview camera (viewable via the 5.8-inch in-dash color monitor), an upgraded six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3-compatible radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering-wheel-mounted audio, Bluetooth® and cruise controls, a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system as well as a rear-seat armrest with cup holders. SKYACTIV-Drive becomes standard on Touring models, which start at $23,895 MSRP with front-wheel-drive (FWD) and $25,145 MSRP when equipped with AWD.

Available package options for CX-5 Touring are the Moonroof/Bose® and Technology packages. The Moonroof/Bose® Package ($1,130 MSRP) adds a moonroof and a 225-watt Bose® Centerpoint® nine-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®, which features advanced lightweight materials and components yet offers sound clarity and performance similar to larger sound systems. The Technology Package ($1,185 MSRP) adds an in-dash TomTom technology-based navigation system, an auto-dimming mirror with Homelink®, automatic on/off bi-xenon auto-leveling headlights, a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), rain-sensing windshield wipers and an anti-theft alarm. Sirius Satellite Radio with a four-month complimentary subscription is a stand-alone option ($525 MSRP) for Touring models.

For those with a sweet tooth for more decadent luxury items is the CX-5 Grand Touring. The 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels of the Sport and Touring models are swapped for 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 225/55R19 Toyo all-season tires. Other premium standard features include automatic headlights, heated outside mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a moonroof. Standard cabin amenities include leather-trimmed seat upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, a Bose® Centerpoint® Surround Sound System and Sirius Satellite radio. Available in either FWD or AWD configurations, the Grand Touring model starts at $27,045 and $28,295 MSRP, respectively.

A Technology Package, similar to the Touring model, also is available on the CX-5 Grand Touring. Priced at $1,325, options include an in-dash TomTom navigation system, bi-xenon auto-leveling headlights with a pivoting Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink®, an anti-theft alarm and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry.

All 2013 CX-5 models are equipped with the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine. At 13:1, SKYACTIV-G features the world's highest compression ratio for a mass-produced car. By comparison, a Ferrari 458 Italia supercar has a compression ratio of 12.5:1. The SKYACTIV-G engine produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. A $425 MSRP trailer hitch (with harness and cover) option also is available on all CX-5 models for consumers to fully utilize the vehicle's 2,000-pound towing capacity.

Never an option, safety is at the forefront of the CX-5's SKYACTIV-Body and SKYACTIV-Chassis to ensure a vehicle structure as reinforced and quiet as it is rigid and impact-absorbing. The chassis includes a front strut suspension and a multi-link rear format to return a precise, predictable feel to give drivers and passengers the peace of mind of control and stability. The body is comprised of 61 percent high-tensile steel for a lighter, stronger structure, and also utilizes 1,800MPa ultra-high tensile steel - a first for any production vehicle - in the front bumper.

Standard safety features include six airbags (front, side and full side-curtain) with rollover protection, power-assisted ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, daytime running lights, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Launch Assist, a collapsible steering column and fold-away brake pedal assembly, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH). A Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system is standard on Touring and Grand Touring models only.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

For more information on Mazda vehicles, visit us online at www.mazdausamedia.com. Product B-roll is available by visiting The NewsMarket at www.thenewsmarket.com/mazda.

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[1] SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).

[2] Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRP does not include $795 destination charge (Alaska $840), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

Ford to Triple EcoBoost Vehicle Production Capacity in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Orange Ford) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:54:00 +0000

Ford EcoBoost vehicle badge

Ford will offer fuel-efficient EcoBoost™ engines in 11 vehicles in 2012, up from seven in 2011, tripling the production capacity of EcoBoost-equipped Ford vehicles. Expanded availability in high-volume nameplates helps make fuel economy more affordable for hundreds of thousands of drivers

Delivering up to 20 percent better fuel economy than conventional engines, EcoBoost uses smaller overall size combined with turbocharging and gasoline direct injection to bring customers the power they want and the fuel economy they need

EcoBoost engines are a key element of the power of choice Ford offers buyers seeking fuel-efficient solutions. From EcoBoost to hybrids and from plug-in hybrids to full electric vehicles, this year Ford will offer nine vehicles reaching an anticipated 40 mpg or more

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 26, 2012 – Now that record sales of 127,683 EcoBoost^™-equipped vehicles in 2011 are on the books, Ford aims to more than triple production capacity of cars, utilities and trucks using this fuel-efficient technology in 2012.

Ford will expand its portfolio of fuel-efficient offerings this year withthe fuel-saving 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine in the high-volume Escape compact utility vehicle and Fusion sedan nameplates, five new electrified vehicles, as well as with the introduction of auto start stop technology paired with the convenience of an automatic transmission.

“EcoBoost expansion and availability in high-volume nameplates such as the all-new Ford Escape and Fusion will take this affordable, fuel-saving technology to the heart of the market,” said Ford Group Vice President of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering Sue Cischke. “Ford is committed to delivering class-leading fuel economy for our customers, which benefits the environment and helps the U.S. move toward greater energy independence.”

The full-size Taurus sedan becomes the first Ford vehicle to offer customers a choice between two EcoBoost engines. It will offer a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder making an estimated 237 horsepower and giving customers up to an anticipated class-leading 31 mpg, while the iconic Taurus SHO sport sedan features a 365-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 delivering 25 mpg highway.

The green and mean Focus ST arrives this year as a high-performance – yet fuel-efficient – sport compact EcoBoost application.

Additionally, Ford offers an EcoBoost-powered Police Interceptor for 2012. It is the first-ever turbocharged law-enforcement vehicle offering.

Ford’s lineup of fuel-efficient cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers underscores the company’s commitment to continually improve fuel economy.

By the end of 2012, nine Ford models will deliver or are anticipated to deliver an EPA-certified 40 mpg highway or higher, with still more fuel-efficient vehicles on the way.

Of the 11 market segments in which Ford competes, the company leads in fuel economy customer satisfaction in six, according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study, a third-party measure of buyer attitudes concerning recent vehicle purchases.

These findings show Ford customers are pleased with their fuel economy, and that their new Ford vehicle delivers the EPA-rated estimates in regular use.

The power of choice

Ford’s top-selling F-150 pickup provides another example of how the company is meeting its promise to lead or be among the leaders in fuel economy.

In 2010, all F-150 trucks sold featured a V8 engine. Just one year later, 56 percent of 2011 F-150 customers bought pickups with a fuel-saving V6, either the base 305-horsepower 3.7-liter or the award-winning 365-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost. These engines are EPA-certified at 23 mpg and 22 mpg highway, respectively, and deliver both leading fuel economy and capability.

Ford’s electrified vehicle portfolio expands this year with the introductions of the new C-MAX Hybrid, C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid and Focus Electric battery electric vehicle.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.