The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion has been infused with an impressive array of technologies that help drivers avoid dangers on the road. Many of these driver assist technologies form the basis for the Blue Oval’s future autonomous driving capabilities.

Radar, ultrasonic, optical and motion sensors, combine to give 2013 Fusion drivers greater peace of mind on the open road. The midsize sedan boasts Lane-Keeping System, Driver Alert System, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), active park assist, cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and a rear view camera.

“These new sensing technologies help extend the driver’s own senses, providing a level of assistance never before available to the family sedan buyer,” said Adrian Whittle, Ford Fusion chief engineer. “The new Fusion launches this year with these advanced technologies – making them more affordable and available than ever before.”

All these systems are innovative by today’s standards, but they also form the foundation for self-driving cars in the future. Ford is already developing more advanced active safety systems and vehicle-to-vehicle communications systems to help improve safety, reduce traffic congestion, and improve the environment.

“The new Fusion is a showcase of how we will use sensors and vehicle data to enhance the driver’s own capabilities when behind the wheel,” said Paul Mascarenas, chief technical officer and vice president of Ford Research and Innovation. “Driver assist technologies will continue to provide increasing levels of convenience in the near-term. In the future, they also will help us manage issues such as traffic congestion and CO2 reduction.”

Cadillac’s all-new compact sport sedan, the ATS be priced from a very reasonable $33,990 when it hits showrooms this summer. The rear-wheel drive sedan boasts a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter engine and next-generation six-speed transmission, as well as competitive fuel economy for entry-luxury buyers.

Engineers at Cadillac were determined to make the ATS just as sporty as its Japanese and German rivals, if not more so. That’s why they refined and tuned the ATS’ ride, handling, and engine, on the world premier race tracks, including Road America, Road Atlanta, and the Nürburgring in Germany.

Base models are equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 200-horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. There’s also a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo ($35,795) producing 270-horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Last but not least, buyers can opt for a a 3.6 liter V6 ($42,090) making 318-horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can also choose between manual or automatic transmissions, as well as RWD or AWD traction.

Performance was just one aspect that Cadillac wanted to get just right on the ATS. Engineers also wanted to infuse the sedan with innovative technology. Standard on most ATS models is Cadillac’s new CUE infotainment system, which includes a capacitive touch screen for a smartphone or tablet-like experience.

“The ATS enters a vehicle segment this year that’s one of the most competitive in the market, from both a price and performance standpoint,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac Marketing. “ATS will bring a distinctive presence and compelling value while offering quick, nimble, fun-to-drive dynamics that will appeal to the lifestyles of modern luxury buyers and challenge the segment’s status quo.”

Official EPA certification for fuel economy has finally arrived for the all-new 2013 Ford Escape. When equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, the Escape achieves an impressive 23 miles per gallon in city driving and 33 MPG on the highway.

The Escape’s EcoBoost produces 178 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy ratings are also helped by the six-speed automatic transmission. Together, this powertrain not only helps the Escape deliver better fuel economy than the Chevrolet  Equinox and Honda CR-V, but it even bests the previous generation Escape Hybrid as well. Unfortunately, the Escape’s 33 MPG rating is still just short of the new Mazda CX-5, which is rated at 35 MPG highway (with manual transmission).

Other engine choices with the new Escape aren’t bad on MPG either. Buyers can opt from a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter base engine that’s rated at 22/31 MPG, and the range-topping 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque that’s good for 22/30 MPG.

“The fuel economy of the all-new Escape showcases the continued success of Ford’s development of smaller, yet more powerful engines,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development. “Ford understands people want fuel-efficient vehicles without sacrificing power and space requirements.”

Find more details on the 2013 Ford Escape fuel economy posted below.

Following in the footsteps of tech giant Google, Cadillac is developing its own semi-autonomous technology to control a new generation of self-driving cars. Cadillac promises that its “Super Cruise” tech will be capable of fully automatic steering, braking and lane-centering in highway driving.

Cadillac says many of these technologies are already present on some of its latest luxury sedans, including the 2013 XTS and ATS. Crash risk detection and enhanced driver assist features, include rear automatic braking, full-speed range adaptive cruise control, land departure warning, and automatic collusion preparation, to name just a few.

“Super Cruise has the potential to improve driver performance and enjoyment,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. “Our goal with advanced technologies, like this and our CUE system, is to lead in delivering an intuitive user experience.”

Future Super Cruise tech is aimed at taking the workload away from the driver during freeway driving. Ultimately, by making cars that can see the road ahead and essentially think for themselves, Super Cruise will make freeway driving much safer.

“The primary goal of GM’s autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle development is safety,” Capp said. “In the coming years, autonomous driving systems paired with advanced safety systems could help eliminate the crash altogether by interceding on behalf of drivers before they’re even aware of a hazardous situation. More than ever, consumers will be able to trust their car to do the right thing.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Chrysler’s Pentastar V6 has found its way into numerous vehicles across several brands. The latest to vehicle to receive the ubiquitous engine is the 2013 Ram truck, which recently went on display at the New York Auto Show.

For consumers, this new engine option means one thing — MPG. The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine offers best-in-class standard 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. It also boasts best-in-class fuel economy for V6 trucks. With the Pentastar, the Ram gets 42 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more torque and at least 20 percent better fuel economy when compared to the outgoing 3.7-liter V6 powertrain.

“The new 2013 Ram 1500 is the most capable, best-looking half-ton pickup in the world and delivers best-in-class fuel efficiency, new technology and new features while upgrading the interior and exterior,” said Fred Diaz, President and CEO of Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico — Chrysler Group LLC. “We changed every area of the truck – from a newly designed frame with air suspension, to a new eight-speed transmission to a new interior with the next-generation Uconnect system.”

Today, just 10 percent of Ram trucks sold are equipped with a V6 engine with the vast majority of buyers opting for the big and powerful Hemi V8. By comparison, most Ford F-150 trucks now are purchased with the Blue Ovals EcoBoost V6.

With a new engine, and a new eight-speed transmission, the Ram now gets more better fuel economy than Ford’s EcoBoost V6. As a result, Chrysler expects more of its customers to opt for the new powertrain over the thirsty V8.

Other enhancements on the 2013 Ram include an automatic “start-stop” system that will shut off the engine whenever the truck pauses at a stop light or stop sign.  There’s also an adjustable air suspension available, which will automatically lower the truck one inch at highway speeds for better aerodynamics.

Diaz added, “With best-in-class towing and payload, best-in-class ride and handling and best-in-class aerodynamics, the 2013 Ram 1500 delivers unmatched content, performance and capability to our customers.”

Find more details on the 2013 Ram truck posted below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

One of the stand-out unveilings at the New York Auto Show this week was at the Lincoln exhibit. Ford’s luxury brand has been stagnant in recent years, suffering from a bit of an identity crisis. As the Blue Oval focused its resources on its high-volume models, Lincoln had battle the likes of Cadillac, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz with little more than badge-engineered Fords.

That’s all about to change as the all-new 2013 Lincoln MKZ shows that Lincoln is finally going to offer luxury buyers something elegant, fresh, and sophisticated. Far from merely a re-badged Ford, the new MKZ not only offers posh sheetmetal, but it’s infused with technologies that premium sedan buyers will undoubtedly appreciate.

Buyers will be able to opt for one of three engines at the MKZ’s launch. These include a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. That potent unit will also yield an impressive 22 miles per gallon in city driving and 33 mph on the highway. There’s also an available 3.7-liter V6 cranking out 300 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. That unit’s rated at 18 mpg city / 26 mpg hwy. Last but not least, there’s a hybrid model featuring a 188-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric drivetrain. This option is expected to maintain the MKZ’s claim of being America’s most fuel-efficient premium sedan.

Maintaining Lincoln’s existing strategy of offering all-wheel drive across its lineup, both non-hybrid MKZs will be available with AWD traction. Non-hybrid models will also feature six-speed automatic transmissions and paddle shifters, while the MKZ Hybrid is front-wheel-drive only with a CVT.

As some of its competitors tout performance, the new Lincoln MKZ’s strength will be in driving and safety technologies. For starters, there’s Lincoln Drive Control, which automatically delivers an ideal balance of a smooth ride with confident handling as it intuitively responds to driver commands and the road. This one system also controls a host of other systems including Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) adjustable suspension, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), engine, transmission, Active Noise Control (ANC), traction control and stability control, to deliver a ride that’s refined and engaging.

Drivers will also love that SYNC with MyLincoln Touch is standard in the new 2013 MKZ. The combined system makes it easier to use the entertainment, climate and available navigation features as well as devices brought into the car (e.g., mobile phones, iPods, etc). The interior is also accented by the Retractable Panoramic Roof – a 15.2-square-foot glass panel that offers one of the largest openings available on any current sedan. While helping to provide a more open, airy interior, Lincoln promises the design of the roof maintains the structural strength of a steel-roof vehicle.

Although Lincoln’s growth in the luxury segment has been stalled by the economic downturn and the lack of resources supplied by the Blue Oval, the new MKZ is evidence that things are about to change.

“The new Lincoln MKZ represents the future of Lincoln in both style and substance,” said Jim Farley, Group Vice President, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. “It is proof of our commitment to deliver a new breed of Lincolns for a new generation of Lincoln clients – motor cars that are distinctive, elegant, full of technology and a delight to own.”

Find more details on the 2013 Lincoln MKZ posted below.

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Ford’s all-new explorer has been a hit with consumers looking for seven passenger versatility and strong fuel economy. But the Blue Oval was also eager to complete with the likes of the HEMI-powered versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango in terms of performance as well.

Enter the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, which is powered by a potent 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 producing 350-horsepower mated to a four-wheel drive system with a Terrain Management System.

Along with a big boost in overall output, the 2013 Explorer Sport also features a reinforced chassis for improved handling. A solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack also provides more responsiveness to drivers both on-road and off. Other sporty enhancements include a SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters, larger brakes, and subtle design cues to differentiate it from other models in the lineup.

Despite significantly more output and more spirited performance capabilities, the new Explorer Sport has also been designed with efficiency and utility in mind. According to Ford, the Explorer Sport will achieve 16 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway – 3 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg on the highway than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T 5.7-liter Hemi engines. It scores 3 mpg higher in the city and 4 mpg higher on the highway than the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

“Explorer Sport makes no compromises,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “By carefully beefing the chassis and suspension, precisely calibrating the Terrain Management System and adding comfort and convenience features, we’ve delivered an SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance – while towing up to 5,000 pounds.”

Explorer Sport is manufactured at Ford’s Chicago production facility. Look for it in showrooms later this year.

Find more details on the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport below.

Images of the all-new 2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer have emerged, showing a newly restyled seven-passenger, diesel-powered crossover that should give the likes of the Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango a run for their money. Unfortunately, General Motors has confirmed that it won’t be coming to U.S. showrooms.

GM doesn’t seem to0 keen on adding another three-row SUV to its lineup, especially amid more stringent CAFE standards. Instead, the new SUV will be suited to markets like Thailand, where it made its debut at the 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show.

Powering the 2013 TranBlazer is a pair of turbo-diesel four-cylinders in 2.5- and 2.8-liter displacements. The smaller engine is rated at 150 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the larger unit delivers 180 hp and 346 lb-ft. of torque. Transmissions include a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic.

“The Trailblazer delivers a great combination of capabilities, from negotiating off-road trails to daily city driving, that we wanted to convey visually,” said Matt Noone, director of Design for GM do Brasil. “There’s an obvious sense of muscle in the design, but at the same time a very sophisticated appearance in line with the world’s premium SUVs. From every angle, the Trailblazer looks agile and athletic, with a refined finish that makes it a vehicle our customers will aspire to own.”

Look for more on the 2013 Chevrolet TrailBlazer below.

When the all-new 2013 Cadillac XTS hits showrooms this year, it will likely become a familiar fixture at country clubs. That’s because GM engineers spent considerable time honing the design of the XTS to easily accommodate four adults and four golf bags.

Although the XTS is a full-size sedan, engineers sought to make the interior space as large as possible without increasing the car’s relatively modest footprint. By ensuring that the all-new sedan could meet the needs buyers with active lifestyles, the XTS boasts almost 40 inches of rear legroom and 18 cubic feet of trunk space. That’s more than the Audi A8L, BMW 7-series, and Mercedes-Benz S-class.

“We used computer simulations to model golf bags, as well as other common types of goods our customers are likely to transport,” said XTS chief engineer Sheri Hickok. “That also includes cases of bottled water, luggage, groceries and more. Just as we did with the rest of the XTS, we spent a lot of time maximizing every inch of storage space.”

Cadillac believes that such cavernous truck space will lure buyers away from SUVs. Not only does the sedan offer the ease and versatility of a crossover vehicle, but it boasts the added security of a lockable, private trunk.

“Our owners want to comfortably take four adults out for a round of golf and dinner afterwards,” added Hickok. “The challenge was to give customers what they expect in terms of interior spaciousness, comfort and luxury, but to do so without compromising exterior looks and handling dynamics.”

Ford had promised that its all-electric version of the Focus would deliver class-leading efficiency. As it turns out, the Blue Oval wasn’t bluffing. The 2012 Ford Focus Electric has been officially certified by the EPA to get 105 miles per gallon equivalent in combined driving. Specifically, it’s been rated for 110 MPGe in the city and 99 MPGe on the highway.

The combined MPGe figure beats the Nissan Leaf by 6 MPGe while its 99 MPGe highway certification bests the 92 MPGe rating for the Leaf. Ford has also pointed out that its new EV boasts a faster charging system that allows for a full recharge in nearly half the time of Nissan’s EV.

“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.”

According to the EPA, the Focus EV will have a range of 76 miles. Although Ford has pointed out that the Focus’ range is three miles more than the Leaf, its not much of an advantage considering the variances of EV ranges based on driving style and outside influences.

Nevertheless, the Focus Electric is an attractive option for consumers looking to become EV early adopters. The EPA also notes that the Focus could save consumers 9,700 in fuel costs over the course of five years compared with the average new vehicle — not too shabby.

“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.”

Still, there is one other number that consumers aren’t going to ignore — price. The 2012 Leaf starts at just $35,200, while the Focus EV starts at $39,200. While the Focus Electric does come in a bit pricier, Ford also says it boasts more motor power, passenger room and standard features than its Japanese counterpart.

Read more about the 2012 Ford Focus via the press release below.