ford

Transformers Film Ford Mustang Decepticon for Sale on eBay

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 07:17:00 +0000

Is US$130,000 a little too much to be paying for a Vin Diesel-driven Dodge Charger R/T? Do you think the home of the American muscle car is Dearborn? Is your DVD collection populated with Bad Boys and Pearl Harbour instead of xXx and Stealth?

Carscoop hears you, and so does MotoeXotica of St. Louis. On eBay right now is the second of three quasi-Police issue Saleen Mustangs built for the first Transformers film in 2007.

The Mustang, which played the Decepticon Barricade in the movie, has all the Saleen goodies including a "3V modified" engine, 5sp manual tranny, 20 inch alloys as well as exterior, suspension and exhaust upgrades.

Saleen then handed the car over to the movie's FX department who added the police pushbar, decals and a host of flashing police lights. The only downside is the absence of a supercharger, which was removed so it would not interfere with the microphones placed inside the car during filming.

The car has been well looked after with 7,200 original miles (11,587 km) on the clock, and is undamaged and 100% street legal. The bidding is currently stalled at US$35,100, which is less than the (undisclosed) reserve price.

By Tristan Hankins

Link: eBay

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New Stealth Ford Police Interceptor concept at 2010 SEMA

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 16:13:00 +0000

• Ford to debut the ultimate stealth Police Interceptor at SEMA – a customized concept of its all-new Police Interceptor sedan
• Revamped grille, lighting, exhaust and interior provide a sleek, yet slightly sinister look designed to blend muscle with mystery
• Designer drew inspiration from the SR-71 Blackbird, the original stealth airplane revealed in the '60s and considered by many aviation experts to be the ultimate aircraft.

Sleek, streamlined and slightly sinister, a specialized stealth concept version of Ford's Police Interceptor debuts at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) trade show in Las Vegas.

Using the strong lines and muscular stance of the Ford Police Interceptor sedan as a base, Ford designer Melvin Betancourt developed a customized undercover stealth version that's both stylish and full of high-tech surprises.

"This car offered the perfect canvas for me as a designer," Betancourt said. "The Police Interceptor sedan is already a unique vehicle. I just started looking at ways to give it that mysterious but high-tech look."

The Police Interceptor sedan was introduced in March, followed by a utility version in September. Both Interceptors will debut simultaneously when production of the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor ceases in late 2011.

The stealth concept vehicle will be on display throughout the SEMA show, which runs Nov. 2-5.

Betancourt started the undercover version by lowering the body and giving the illusion of added width. The body was lowered an inch, and the special 22-inch wheels are inside a staggered rim section so the front is 3 inches and the rear is 3.5 inches.

"The rim section is stacked to give it the illusion of greater width," he said. "The center of the wheel is glossy black, and the rim is chrome. So we have that racy, hot rod look, but at the same time we're building a sinister, stealthy, 'Don't mess with me' feeling."

Top-secret airplane provides inspiration

Betancourt used imagery of the SR-71, the original stealth airplane, for inspiration as he customized the vehicle. Known as the "Blackbird," this high-altitude, long-range reconnaissance aircraft was secretly designed in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Its top speed was more than three times the speed of sound. Now retired, the Blackbird is considered by many aviation enthusiasts as the ultimate airplane.

Betancourt kept in mind the Blackbird's iconic imagery and status as he considered the elements of his own stealth project. "When you think stealth, you think, 'there, but not there.' This is all about strength, secrecy and concealment."

The exterior of the Police Interceptor stealth vehicle is solid black. The grille is mesh, like the original sedan, but the metal is thicker, offering more depth. The lights on the car are designed to be inconspicuous, with the surrounding area painted black so they blend in until illuminated.

The back of the vehicle was given an aggressive spoiler adorned with bead lights painted black so they remain unnoticed until the car is started. The taillights are smoked, the windows tinted.

It's a vehicle that exudes power – and it should. The production Police Interceptor sedan model offers two powertrain options, allowing police to choose the engine that best meets their needs.

A 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering at least 280 horsepower and E85 compatibility is 25 percent more efficient than the 4.6-liter single-overhead-cam V8 offered in the current Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. And an all-new 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged, direct-injection EcoBoost™ V6 engine will deliver at least 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque across a broad rpm range.

That strength complements the mystery inside the revamped interior of the stealth version.

"It's all about concealing everything," Betancourt said. "The headliner is black, we wrapped the B-pillars in black, and then we started looking at, 'Where can I hide this? How can I conceal this?' We repackaged the console – it looks like a production console with the waterfall of the instrument panel. But when you start opening doors and panels, that's when you see everything."

Unless you're supposed to be in the vehicle, you won't know where and how to find the compartments, he said. For example, the radio is hidden inside the console, as is an onboard computer. Also, the glove box has a secret space designed for weapons.

Betancourt anticipates visitors to SEMA will immediately sense the uniqueness of the car.

"Right away, they'll see this vehicle that looks different, that looks sinister – but they won't know exactly why. Then, as they get closer, they'll start to see all of these touches that work together to create the overall image."

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2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 gets a Special TracKey that Unleashes the Muscle Car's Full Potential

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 22:39:00 +0000

Good news for buyers of the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 as Ford announced today that it will provide two sets of keys for the muscle car. And why is this newsworthy, we hear you ask? Because the second optional set, called TracKey, promises to unleash the full performance of the Mustang Boss 302. You see, the TracKey communicates with an additional powertrain control module (PCM) turning the special edition 'Stang into a competition-ready track car.

Once the Boss 302 is started with TracKey, the PCM software adjusts more than 200 engine parameters, among which variable cam timing, spark maps, engine braking and fuel control, providing complete race car calibration.

"From an engine management standpoint, we've done just about everything possible to give TracKey users a full race car experience", explains Jeff Seaman, Mustang powertrain engineer. "It's not for use on the street – for example, the deceleration is set up to preserve the brakes, and the throttle response is very aggressive. A skilled driver on a closed course will really appreciate the benefits".

As part of the same package, Ford engineers also developed a two-stage launch control system, similar to the one used on the Cobra Jet race car. Drivers simply set a desired launch rpm (using buttons on the steering wheel), floor the gas pedal and release the clutch. The electronics will take care of the rest, aiding racing fans and quarter-mile addicts to get the most out of a standing start.

When the track day (or hooning) comes to an end, owners need to restart the engine with the standard key and the Boss 302 will be once again as "normal" as a 444-horsepower special edition Mustang can be.

The Trackey powertrain software installation and key programming will be available for installation through Ford Racing authorized dealers, with pricing to be announced at a later date.

In other relevant news, the Blue Oval company announced today that it is offering every Boss 302 owner a complimentary track day, as part of the Boss Track Attack program, held at the Miller Motorsport Park in Tooele, UT. At the track, customers will be able drive the car to the limit and hone their driving skills.

By Csaba Daradics

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Ford Bringing Nine Specially Customized 2011 Mustangs to SEMA Show

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:35:00 +0000

A SEMA Show without a boat load of tricked out Mustangs is like a Texas barbeque without beef. And sure enough, aside from the numerous private builds, Ford will showcase a total of nine customized versions of the 2011 Mustang at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
"If you're a Mustang enthusiast looking to set your Mustang apart from others, SEMA is like going into a toy store full of inspirational imagery," said Melvin Betancourt, Ford design manager.
One of the customized Mustangs will be a 2011 GT model prepared by Ford Vehicle Personalization with parts from the firm's accessory catalog. These include a rear pedestal spoiler, rear quarter window louvers, side scoops and a billet grille – all finished in a liquid silver color, plus 18-inch machined liquid silver wheels. Hit the jump for details and pictures on the rest of the SEMA-bound Mustangs.

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2011 Ford Mustang by Team Baurtwell

West Coast meets East Coast with this Mustang by Team Baurtwell and celebrity customizer Funkmaster Flex, designed for rapper and actor Snoop Dogg. The exterior features Team Baurtwell custom smoked taillights, Funkmaster Flex logos and a 3dCarbon body kit, and is complemented by NC Forged three-piece billet wheels. Chassis upgrades include Steeda lowering kit, sway bars and springs, while Baer brakes provide the stopping power.

2011 Ford Mustang by MRT

Working off a Mustang GT, MRT delivers a tough street warrior theme with carbon effects throughout the interior and engine compartment, a custom color scheme and several performance modifications. A chassis upgrade, performance handling package, upgraded Baer brakes and a new MRT stainless steel exhaust all come together to deliver a performance driving experience for customers.

2011 Ford Mustang by Creations n' Chrome

Creations n' Chrome is teaming up with the American Cancer Society to raise awareness for breast cancer with its Mustang GT convertible covered in pink chrome. This GT goes from ordinary to extraordinary with a Vortech supercharger, HRE performance wheels and Wilwood brakes. A 3dCarbon styling kit completes the look.

2011 Ford Mustang by Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords

This powerful 5.0-liter Mustang has been given an extra boost of power with a Ford Racing Performance Parts supercharger kit and exhaust system from Kooks Custom headers. The Mustang also receives a custom paint job, Roush fascia and Cervini's Auto Designs hood. Brakes, seats and suspension are upgraded with American Muscle parts.

2011 Ford Mustang by Mobsteel

This Mustang offers plenty of upgrades to fill the needs of any Mustang enthusiast. An STS
Turbo patented remote mount turbo system, Air Runner suspension and Magnaflow cat-back exhaust all push the V6 Mustang into a new level of performance. Fifteen-inch Baer brakes, Savini forged wheels and Pirelli tires round out the extensive modifications.

2011 Ford Mustang by Raceskinz

The team at Raceskinz took a Mustang with a 5.0-liter and started work inside, where they used a rear seat-delete package complete with new Raceskinz bucket seats. A ProCharger intercooled supercharger, Magnaflow cat-back exhaust and Baer brake system deliver on performance. Raceskinz carbon fiber accessories throughout add an extra touch of customization.

2011 Ford Mustang by Street Scene Equipment

With plenty of stylish detail, this Mustang by Street Scene Equipment combines style, performance and luxury all in one package. The exterior is highlighted by a Street Scene chin spoiler, main grille, lower valance grille and rear wing and valance. The interior offers Katzkin leather and Polk audio amps and speakers for a more pleasurable ride. MINT 20-inch wheels and Yokahama tires put the finishing touches on this pony car.

2011 Ford Mustang by Tjin Edition

This Tjin Edition Mustang GT sports a custom DuPont paint job and will be outfitted with a Webasto sunroof, Unique Fabrication metal wing, Ignited LED headlights and fog lights and StreetGlow lighting. The suspension is modified with a full digital air suspension kit from Air Lift and an Eibach antiroll kit and trailer arm

2012 Ford Focus to get 160HP 2.0-liter with Direct-Injection and 40mpg

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 21:30:00 +0000

Ford today revealed new details on the 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that will be offered on the North American market 2012 Focus when it arrives in U.S. showrooms next year. This newly designed powerplant marries direct injection technology with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) and E85 flex fuel capability. The latter gives drivers the choice of using less-expensive E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
The 2.0L engine's output rated is at 160-horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. torque, which represents a gain of 20HP and 10 lb-ft respectively over the four-cylinder unit found in the current generation 2011 Focus.
According to the Dearborn-based automaker, the 2012 Focus with the new 2.0-liter four-banger can achieve an estimated 40 mpg US on highway when paired to an automatic transmission. That's a significant improvement over the 140HP 2011 Focus with an auto box that returns 35mpg / highway.
"By combining direct injection and Ti-VCT, we've been able to make a quantum leap in fuel economy and performance," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "We're meeting the goals of our global powertrain strategy, and we now have another key engine in our lineup."

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2011 Ford Fiesta challenge..

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:29:00 +0000

Shot just south of Paris, France in Linas at l'Autodrome de Linas --Montlhéry, this 1.58 mile oval track, built in 1924, features banks as steep as 51 degrees, which is more than double the standard incline of most NASCAR ovals. Chosen by Ken for this specific reason, the ramp-like banking proved to be a unique and exciting challenge. The driving physics for the stunts performed were totally unknown until Ken attempted the maneuvers during filming.

NASCAR Ford Mustangs take a test drive

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 14:51:00 +0000

Since news of the Ford Mustang participating in NASCAR hit the scene fans of the iconic pony car have been waiting in anticipation for any news of the upcoming car and newly formed Ford Mustang team. Just recently four Roush Fenway Ford Mustangs were taken out for a two day NASCAR nationwide series test session at the Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the new car debut on July 2, 2010. Ford Racing caught up with drivers Paul Menard and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. for reaction to day one.

PAUL MENARD - NO. 98 MENARDS FORD MUSTANG

ARE YOU HAPPY WITH HOW TODAY WENT?
"This is my first time ever being in this car and only the second time for my guys, so we've come a long ways. I think we've got pretty good speed. We've just got to get it to drive a little bit better, but we've got a whole day tomorrow as well."

HOW DO YOU LIKE DRIVING A MUSTANG?
"Like I said, we have really good speed and we definitely have the coolest-looking cars here. The Mustang decal package and the way the body is shaped makes it the coolest-looking car here. I'm happy to be driving it."

ANY SIMILARITIES IN THE DRAFT HERE BETWEEN THE CUP CAR AND NATIONWIDE CAR?
"No, they're totally different. The suspension and the way we set the cars up are totally different, so there's not a whole lot of translation. The aero package with the Mustang has a bigger spoiler, so the cars actually suck up quicker. You get bigger runs versus the Fusion Cup car, so it's a work in progress. They may change the spoiler on us. We don't know yet, but we'll see."

RICKY STENHOUSE JR. - NO. 6 CITIFINANCIAL FORD MUSTANG

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE DAY?
"It was interesting. Our Mustang was pretty loose, but I don't feel like it's just the Mustang. I feel like everybody in the garage feels like they're pretty loose. We're just trying to get some rear grip in it. It's got a lot of front grip, which is not a bad thing, but we're trying to find a way to add rear grip. We worked on some stuff and I'm not sure we got it figured out exactly right, but we've got a game plan going into tomorrow and we'll see if it works."

WERE YOU LOOSE IN THE DRAFT OR SINGLE-CAR RUNS OR BOTH?
"Both. There at the beginning doing single-car runs we were a little bit free, maybe not real free, but once we got in the draft we were really loose."

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FUSION NATIONWIDE CAR AND A MUSTANG NATIONWIDE CAR IN THE DRAFT?
"They're totally different. The Nationwide car with the Fusion is at one end of the spectrum and the Mustang is at the other. The Nationwide car, you can run around here wide-open and be comfortable in it. Right now, the Mustang is loose, but, then again, I look at it as maybe a good thing. You've really got to drive it. It's not just hold it on the mat and see who is gonna be there to cross the finish line at the end. I think it's gonna be interesting and I think it's gonna be more of a handling race track than we've seen in the Nationwide cars in years past."

Ford Fusion 2009

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 15:34:00 +0000

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The 2009 Fusion is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in 5 trims : Fusion I4 S, Fusion I4 SE, Fusion I4 SEL, Fusion V6 SE, and Fusion V6 SEL. Upon introduction, the I4 S is equipped with a standard 2.3-liter, I4, 160-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway.

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A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The V6 SEL AWD is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, V6, 221-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2009 Fusion is a carryover from 2008.

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DESIGN
Moon & Tune Value Package

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The available Moon & Tune Value Package, available on the Fusion SEL, combines two great features to make traveling in a Ford Fusion more enjoyable for everyone. Included in the package are the power moonroof and the high-fidelity Audiophile Sound System with in-dash six-disc CD changer, MP3 capability and eight premium speakers.
Sun & SYNC Value Package

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The open-sky, open-air comfort of the Power Moonroof with retractable shade. And the Ford SYNC™ Communications and Entertainment System with its state-of-the-art voice-activated technology. These two great features come together for your driving enjoyment in the new Sun & SYNC Value Package, available on Fusion SE.
Sport Appearance Package

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Take the bold Fusion design and go even bolder with the Sport Appearance Package, available on front-wheel-drive SE and SEL models. The package features a smoked dark chrome grille and unique rear “lip” spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension system, low-profile 18″ P225/45R tires mounted on machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets. The V6 Fusion SE gets a chrome exhaust tip too (standard on V6 SEL). Inside, you have a choice of two seat trims: Black cloth seat insert with Red or White pattern and contrast stitching and Black leather bolsters. In the Fusion SEL, you can upgrade to a solid Red or Black leather seat insert. The package also includes brushed aluminum instrument panel and center stack applique trim.
Blue Suede Package

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Here’s a very cool idea – the new Blue Suede Package available on front-wheel drive Fusion SE and SEL models. Included are Alcantara® suede seat insert in blue, charcoal black leather-trimmed side bolsters with blue stitching; Alcantara® blue suede-colored door panel trim inserts; blue stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and on the center floor console armrest pad; cyber carbon grey instrument panel, center stack and interior door panel appliqués. The 7-color ambient lighting feature is also included on the SE (standard in SEL) – add colorful accents in the front and rear footwells, front center console bin, and front two cupholders. On the outside, low-profile 18″ P225/45R tires are mounted to painted aluminum wheels, riding on a sport-tuned suspension system.
Dual-Tipped Exhausts

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Fusion’s chrome decklid brow molding and sporty quasi-dual chrome-tipped exhausts are standard on the Fusion V6 SEL. Chrome-tipped exhausts are included in the available Sport Appearance Package on the Fusion V6 SE.
Aerodynamic Shape

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The bold look of Ford Fusion is the result of dynamic styling and airflow design. The beauty of Fusion’s aerodynamic shape is evident in every detail, from the sleek front end to the sculpted rear. A decklid spoiler is available to add a sporty and functional touch.
HANDLING

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221 Hoursepower Available

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The Duratec 30 3.0L V6 delivers the performance of 221 spirited horses to match the bold Ford Fusion styling. This modern V6 is engineered with four valves per cylinder, activated by dual overhead camshafts with advanced intake variable-cam timing (iVCT) technology to increase engine breathing and boost power output. More power isn’t the only performance feature of Fusion V6-powered models. They also come equipped with standard Traction Control System.
6-Speed Automatic Transmission

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The 6-speed automatic transmission is a major feature contributing to the Duratec 30 3.0L V6 engine’s excellent balance of power and efficiency. Its wide span of gear ratios across the six speeds provides responsive acceleration at the low end and enhanced fuel economy* at the overdrive 6th gear. *EPA estimated 18 city/26 hwy mpg FWD. Actual mileage will vary.
First-in-Class All-Wheel Drive

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The V6-powered Fusion with first-in-class All-Wheel Drive (AWD) improves traction on any surface where wheel slip can occur, such as ice, snow, mud or gravel. It constantly monitors driving conditions and distributes engine torque to where it’s needed most. So if the front wheels are experiencing poor low-speed traction, AWD will automatically transfer most of the torque to the rear wheels or the wheels having the most traction. At highway speed, the AWD system automatically deactivates to help conserve fuel.
Impressive Fuel Economy
The 2.3L 16-valve Duratec I4 is engineered with four valves per cylinder, activated by dual overhead camshafts with advanced intake variable-cam timing (iVCT) technology. This design increases engine breathing and boosts power output. The 2.3L Duratec, with a 5-speed manual transmission, delivers not only an impressive 160-hp rating, but also excellent fuel economy estimates of 20 city/29 hwy mpg.*
*EPA-estimated mpg 20 city/29 highway I4 engine with 5-speed manual transmission; 20 city/28 highway with I4 engine and available 5-speed automatic transmission.
Double-Wishbone Front Suspension

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Fusion features a double-wishbone independent front suspension with stabilizer bars. With the shock absorber and coil spring mounted to two parallel wishbone-shaped arms, the system can be engineered to carefully control wheel motion throughout suspension travel, helping to keep chassis motion and body roll to a minimum. The double-wishbone design is commonly found in sports and luxury cars.
Multilink Rear Suspension

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Ford engineers made the best use of the multi-link independent rear suspension’s design flexibility to give Fusion excellent ride quality and handling capability. Each wheel operates independently of the others to isolate rough road conditions, resulting in ride comfort and vehicle control you’d expect in more expensive cars.

SAFETY
5-Star Frontal Crash Test Rating

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Its strong unitized body structure with crumple zones and advanced passive safety features such as the Personal Safety System®, Ford Fusion has received the government’s highest 5-Star Frontal Crash Test Rating.*
*Star ratings are part of the U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s Safercar.gov Program (www.safercar.gov).
A Top Safety Pick

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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named the 2009 Ford Fusion a Top Safety Pick for midsize cars.* The Ford Fusion earned the highest rating in front and side crash tests, and the rear impact test.
*With available electronic stability control.
Six-Standard Airbags

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When it comes to passive safety protection, Ford Fusion has you well covered. In addition to the driver and front-seat passenger front airbags, every 2008 Fusion comes with standard front-seat side-impact airbags as well as first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, That’s a total of six airbags to enhance protection in certain front or side impacts.
Personal Safety System

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The Personal Safety System® uses advanced safety features to help protect the driver and front-seat passenger in certain frontal collisions: (1) electronic crash-severity sensor, (2) restraint-control module, (3) driver’s seat-position sensor, (4) dual-stage front airbags,* (5) front-passenger sensing system, (6) safety-belt pretensioners, (7) safety belt energy-management retractors, and (8) front outboard safety-belt usage sensors. Its pretensioners tighten the front safety belts during the first moments of a crash, and energy-management retractors gradually release them when necessary to help reduce the force of the belt on the occupant’s chest.
*Always wear your safety belt and secure children in the rear seat.
Unibody Construction

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Fusion’s unibody construction with energy-absorbing design and side-impact door beams means peace of mind for you and your passengers. The front and rear of the vehicle also feature carefully constructed crumple zones designed to collapse on impact to absorb crash energy before it reaches the passenger compartment.
New AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control
AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a new option on 2009 Fusion. This state-of-the-art system constantly monitors road conditions and the driver’s responses, then adjusts engine torque and applies the ABS brakes to help keep all the wheels firmly planted. ESC brings an added measure of confidence to already outstanding handling you’d expect in a Ford Fusion.
TECHNOLOGY
SYNC Voice Technology
The available voice-activated Ford SYNC™ Communications and Entertainment System* allows you to access your music collection by genre, album, artist or song title and operate your Bluetooth® phone with simple voice commands. With SYNC, you can even make music selections through your flash drive by voice command. SYNC is standard on Fusion SEL and optional on SE models. Want to know more? Go to syncmyride.com.
*Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Only use mobile phones and other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are trademarks of the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
Voice-Activated DVD Navigation

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The available voice-activated DVD-based Navigation System, available in Fusion SEL, has a 6.5″ color LCD monitor displaying maps and menus. It pinpoints where you are and even provides turn-by-turn directions. There are more than 20 different functions, many of which can be voice-prompted.
MP3 Audio Input Jack

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Equipped with an available premium AM/FM six-disc in-dash CD changer high-fidelity MP3-capable sound system, Ford Fusion sounds every bit as dynamic as it looks. Every Fusion comes with a standard MP3 audio input jack that lets you channel tracks from your MP3 player through the car speakers.
Ambient Lighting
What mood are you in? Purple? Red? Maybe a shade of blue? With ambient lighting, you can add colorful accents in the front and rear footwells, front center console bin, and front two cupholders. There are seven colors in all. Ambient lighting is standard on Fusion SEL and available on Fusion SE in the Blue Suede Package.
Reverse Sensing System

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You’ll appreciate the Reverse Sensing System whether you’re in your driveway or in a tight spot in a parking lot. The system uses an audible signal to alert you to an obstacle at the rear when you’re slowly backing up.
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Big news for 2009 Ford Fusion is SIRIUS® Satellite Radio made standard on SE and SEL models.* SIRIUS® delivers more than 130 channels for music, news, sports and entertainment. A 6-month subscription is included.
*SIRIUS service not available in Alaska and Hawaii. See your dealer for details. SIRIUS is a registered trademark of SIRIUS Satellite Radio.
SPECIFICATIONS

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Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (in.) : 107.4
Length (in.) : 190.2
Height – empty (in.) : 57.2
Width without mirrors (in.) : 72.2
Width with mirrors (in.) : 80.1
Tread Width – front/rear (in.) : 61.6/61.3

Interior Dimensions

Head Room front/rear (in.) : 38.7/37.8
Shoulder Room front/rear (in.) : 57.4/56.5
Hip Room front/rear (in.) : 54.0/53.3
Leg Room front/rear (in.) : 42.3/37.2

Capacities: Passenger, Luggage, Fuel

Seating Capacity : 5
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) : 100.4
Trunk Volume (cu. ft.) : 15.8
Fuel Capacity (gal.) : 17.5

Chassis Specifications

Front Suspension : Independent Short-and Long-Arm (SLA) with Double Lower Ball Joints, Stabilizer Bar
Front Shocks : Hydraulic Gas-Pressurized
Rear Suspension : Independent Multi-link Twist Blade with Stabilizer Bar
Rear Shocks : Hydraulic Gas-Pressurized
Front and Rear Brakes : Power Front/Rear Disc, Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
Traction Control : All-Wheel Drive optional (includes Traction Control; requires V6 engine and anti-lock brakes) Traction Control System optional (included with All-Wheel Drive; requires V6 engine and anti-lock brakes)
Steering : Power Rack-and-Pinion

Top Ten Big Power Cars of SEMA 2008

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:33:00 +0000

While the premise of the cars around the grounds of the SEMA Show is Las Vegas is to showcase various modifications, from wheels to interior to superchargers, some don't recognize the performance capacity of these "show cars". However, some of these cars are packing a tremendous amount of power, and we have put together a list of the top ten big power cars of the 2008 SEMA Show.

Top Ten Big Power Cars of SEMA 2008

10. The Shelby Super Snake is one of the most powerful production cars on the road, but this one, converted to right hand drive, will be one of the most powerful cars on the road in Australia.

9. Look like a normal 2010 Shelby Super Snake Look closer at that fender badging...this Camaro is packing an LS7. Perhaps a hint of a future option?

8. The original Cobra Jet Mustang was among the most powerful cars sold in its day, and while this new CJ isn't street legal, it is still an incredibly powerful car (and race ready).

7. This Chevy Nova is packed with an LS7 from the new Z06, giving the vintage muscle a modern heartbeat.

6. Squire Turbo Systems provided this twin turbo Dodge Challenger, making 620 horsepower, thanks to the snails located behind the rear wheels.

5. This rough looking Mustang may not appear to be much of a show car, but with a recorded top speed of 252.780mph, it's the fastest production Mustang ever.

4. The Fast and the Furious might be outrageous to some, but this blown Dodge Charger packs a mighty punch.

3. Twin turbos and a Ford 460 worked to almost 600 cubic inches...all packed into a sleek '66 Mustang.

2. This 1971 Hemi 'Cuda has lots of power and an 8 second quarter mile time to show that it makes use of every one of those ponies.

1. The Shelby Cobra is regarded as being one of the most powerful and quickest cars of the 60s and 70s, and this 1000+ horsepower car from Hyland Motorsports helps to continue that legacy.

Ford to Export Canadian-Made Edge SUV to China

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 07:20:00 +0000

Now here's something you don't hear very often these days; a North American-made product exported to China. Yes, it's actually true - even though we're not sure how long it will last for... Ford has announced that the recently refreshed in the States Edge sport utility vehicle, which is built in Ontario, Canada, is on its way to the company's dealers in China with sales set to start in October.
Ford Motor China Vice President Nigel Harris told reporters that the automaker expects modest sales of 4,000 to 5,000 examples of the Edge per year.
However, crossover-sport utility sales in China have been doubling every two years and are already up more than 90 percent in the first seven months of this year, according to the Dearborn-based automaker, so there's a good chance Ford may be able to sell more cars in the long-term.
Currently, SUV sales account for about 14 percent of China's passenger car market, but Ford's research shows 25 percent of car owners in the country would consider a crossover / sport utility vehicle for their next purchase.
"It's a market clearly that we've got to be in, and something that we're particularly good at," said Harris.
The new five-seater Edge will join the Fiesta supermini, Focus compact, Mondeo mid-size sedan, S-Max people carrier and the Transit commercial van in Ford's China market lineup. According to Harris, more cars will be added to the company's range in the near future.
Ford currently ranks 11th in brand sales in China, but its sales have grown from 28,000 vehicles in 2003 when it first entered the country to 164,000 unit last year. Still, that's a far cry from GM's 1.5 million vehicles sold in the first eight months of the year.

Source: Businessweek

2011 Ford Mustang GT with 412HP 5.0-liter V8 Officially Revealed

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:02:00 +0000

The Mustang 5.0 or as purists prefer to call it, the 302, makes a comeback for the 2011 model year with the presentation of the new GT that will be shown to the public for the first time at next month's Detroit auto show. No thanks to Ford's special relationships with certain media outlets, we already know the basics of the 2011 Mustang GT.
To recap, the GT's new 5.0-liter V8 engine employs 32-valves and Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) delivering 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque, compared to the outgoing 2010 Mustang GT 4.6-liter V8's, 315HP and 325 lb-ft.
Ford says that the V8 engine, as shipped, weighs 430 pounds or 195 kg representing a weight savings of more than 20 percent over the previous 5.0-liter offering.
The new 5.0-liter Mustangs also replace the previous GT's five-speed transmissions with either the 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission or the MT82 six-speed manual gearbox.
With the automatic transmission, the 2011 Mustang GT will deliver up to an estimated 25 mpg highway and 17 in the city, up from 23 mpg highway and 17 city for the 2010 model. The Six-speed manual transmission Mustang GT models are projected to deliver 24 mpg highway and 16 city, matching the 2010 model.
Ford has not disclosed performance figures, but just to get an idea, the current 315HP GT hits 60mph (96km/h) from standstill in just 4.9 seconds. In other words, the new GT should give the 426HP Camaro SS and 425HP Challenger SRT-8 a run for their money.
Along with the new engine and transmissions, the new GT also gets a specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, and an enhanced suspension featuring an improved rear lower control arm and stiffened rear stabilizer bushings.
There's also an optional Brembo brake package upgrade that includes 14-inch vented front discs from the GT500 Mustang, specific 19-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires.
Other updates include the 5.0 fender badges, the speedometer that increases to 160 mph and the tachometer redline that climbs from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm.
More information on the 2011 Mustang GT will be released at the Detroit Motor Show in mid-January 2010.

From Concept To Reality: Ford's 2005 Mustang Coupe and Convertible

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:54:00 +0000

Ford's Mustang, the quintessential pony car, is one of the oldest nameplates in the business. During its 45+ year run, the Mustang has provided a variety of power trains under its hood, from 4-cylinders to coachbuilt (and Lamborghini-sourced) V10s.
It has also provided people with near-endless variety. From the mainstream Shelbys and California Specials (both of which have returned for up-and-coming red-light racers), to lesser-known variants like the Twister and High Country Specials, the Mustang has always offered something for everyone.
In 2005 Ford went (way) back to the drawing board, offering old-school-inspired lines for the modern age.
Debut (Concept): 2003 North American International Auto Show (Coupe, Convertible)
Debut (Production): 2004 North American International Auto Show (2005 Model Year Coupe) ; 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show (2005 MY Convertible)
Lead Designer: Sid Ramnarace
Lost in Translation: The "upscale" color-keyed mirrors (which arrived for 2010), hood vents, and flush 3/4 window covers disappeared along with the classier, more aggressive front end. Below the beltline the brake scoops are gone, while out back the killer Shelby / T-Bird tail lights and tasteful exhaust outlets in the bumper decided not to show up.
But we got to keep: The coupe's awesome fastback roof line, the good-looking "retro-futuristic" body shape, and interior accents from the good-old days including the double hoods over the dash and chrome-trimmed round gauges.
And gained: 3/4 windows, that out-of-place spoiler on the trunk (available on both the coupe and convertible), a bulkier, slack-jawed face with a chunkier rear end. We also got the grille-housed fog lights straight out of 1969, poorly proportioned 17-inch wheels, and MyColor 60's-font gauges.
Fun facts: Ford got taken to court when it debuted its MyColor gauge system, which allows customers to adjust the character of the dashboard (specifically, the colors of the gauges). It eventually settled with the original patent holder, Frank Weyer, who developed the concept at MIT.
The concepts, which everyone and their uncle fawned over were actually designed after the 2005 production model was green-lit; they were created to gauge public reaction.
Did you know? Ford uses soy-based foam in 2008+ Mustangs' seats. Oh, and between 2005 and 2008, the Mustang's 4.6 liter V8 was a Ward's Top Ten engine.
Want more? A Shelby GT500 KR Mustang took over the role of K.I.T.T. from the original Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, first in a two-hour pilot movie in 2008 for a new Knight Rider TV series and then the series itself which lasted for one season and some 17 episodes.
A nice option would have been: A stripped GTS model with optional racing buckets and harnesses, a rear strut bar, and rear seat delete.
Where is it now?: For 2010 Ford's 5th-generation Mustang got a re-skin featuring an edgier Giugiaro-looking face, and in 2011 it earned its "5.0" badge back with an updated 412 horsepower Coyote V8 while the company also (finally) replaced the paleolithic 210HP 4.0 V6 with a an all-aluminum Duratec 3.7-liter DOHC Ti-VCT V6 producing 305 ponies.
- By Phil Alex

2003 Ford Mustang GT Coupe and Convertible Concepts

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2005 Ford Mustang Coupe and Convertible

2011 ford

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:23:00 +0000

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---- Specifications ----

Price	--	Production	--
Engine	5.4 liter V8	Weight	--
Aspiration	supercharged	Torque	510 lb-ft
HP	550 hp	HP/Weight	--
HP/Liter	101.9 hp per liter	1/4 mile	--
0-62 mph	--	Top Speed	--

(from Ford Press Release) 2011 FORD SHELBY GT500 GOES LIGHTWEIGHT WITH ALUMINUM ENGINE, OFFERS ULTIMATE IN HANDLING

-- With 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) delivers the new Shelby GT500® with a 10 horsepower increase; an all-new 5.4-liter all-aluminum engine is 102 pounds lighter than the previous cast-iron engine and uses Ford-patented plasma-coating technology
-- For 2011, Shelby GT500 offers EPA-projected improved fuel economy in city and highway from 2010, eliminating the gas guzzler tax
-- The addition of Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), a new optional SVT Performance Package, enhanced convertible rigidity and a lowered ride height contribute to improved driving dynamics and handling

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 8, 2010 – Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) engineers are taking high performance to a new level with the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, resulting in a car that has an all-new aluminum-block engine, even better driving dynamics and handling, improved fuel economy and more horsepower than ever.

“The SVT team continues to push the performance standards of the Shelby to even higher levels and better refinement,” said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. “All the changes we made reflect a desire for even better handling and outstanding driving dynamics – from weight savings to improved balance.”

Weight savings, new technology headline all-new aluminum engine

The 2011 Shelby GT500 is powered by an all-new aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, which produces 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, a 10 horsepower increase versus the 2010 model. The engine also is 102 pounds lighter than its predecessor, delivering a better power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision.

“Cutting weight to improve performance is a tradition among hot rodders,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. “It might not be as sexy as adding more horsepower or bigger brakes, but shaving pounds off of a car is the single smartest move you can make.”

The new engine uses state-of-the-art Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) liner coating, a process that applies a 150-micron composite coating that contains nanoparticles on the internal surfaces of engine cylinder bores, replacing cast-iron liners typically used in aluminum engine blocks. The Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation honored the inventors of the Ford-patented PTWA technology with the 2009 National Inventor of the Year Award.

This is the first Ford application of the technology, and it offers improved overall performance and durability, along with functional benefits of reduced friction between piston rings and cylinder bores, improved heat transfer due to increased surface contact area and a weight savings of 8.5 pounds compared to a typical steel-sleeved aluminum block. A mechanical roughening process provides higher material adhesion for the spray coating.

The PTWA process uses air and electricity to create a plasma jet of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which melts a steel wire that is fed into a rotating spray gun. Using atomized air, the melted steel wire is blown into a specially machined surface of the aluminum-block engine cylinder bore. In the process of melting and applying the metal to the surface, the steel wire oxidizes, creating a composite coating consisting of both iron and iron oxide.

“Ford’s Global Research and Advanced Engineering looks to all industries for advanced technologies – and this comes from aerospace. It’s the same technology you would find on aircraft engines,” said Glenn Jorgensen, SVT powertrain team leader. “We’ve invented a coating as a replacement for cast iron that delivers improvements in power and performance and fuel economy.”

The new engine also has its roots in the iconic Ford GT. The new 5.4-liter engine is an evolution of the GT engine, with improved block structure through the use of a unique bulkhead chilled process and six-bolt billet main bearing caps. This new advanced engine will exceed Ford GT performance with its traditional supercharger technology.

“The Ford GT has solidified itself as one of the world’s most coveted supercars. To make improvements to the engine from this supercar and make it available in a Mustang is impressive,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT global performance vehicle chief functional engineer. “The aluminum-block engine is robust and strong enough to produce the performance numbers and durability our customers demand.”

Increased power and increased fuel economy

The 2011 Shelby GT500 combines power and fuel economy into one impressive package. This 2011 Shelby GT500 will be the first modern Shelby without the gas guzzler tax, thanks to the EPA-projected 23 mpg highway and 15 mpg city it will deliver. This is up from 22 mpg highway and 14 mpg city for the 2010 model.

The 5.4-liter V-8 achieves 80 percent of its torque between 1,750 and 6,250 rpm, giving the car a higher level of performance feel. A larger two-row intercooler for the supercharger system has 40 percent more cooling capacity, helping to make power more consistent in higher ambient conditions.

Fuel economy gains come from the new 102-pound-lighter aluminum-block engine, EPAS and detailed aerodynamic changes to the underside of the vehicle.

Dramatic performance upgrades

New for 2011 is an SVT Performance Package for enthusiasts who want even more performance out of their Shelby GT500 for racetrack-ready driving dynamics. Complete with all-new Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires that SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop, the car is ready to race. The tires offer superb dry traction and precise handling, complete with a race-inspired high-performance tread compound.

The optional package also offers unique styling, lighter wheels, a higher rear axle ratio and stiffer springs, and it is available on both the convertible and coupe. Data show the 2011 coupe with the SVT Performance Package is 3.0 seconds faster per lap than the 2010 Shelby GT500 on a 2.3-mile test track.

Carried over from 2010, the 2011 Shelby GT500 features AdvanceTrac®, Ford’s stability control system with several options for performance. Calibration of the system for the 2011 Shelby has been uniquely tailored to each vehicle configuration (base or optional) to optimize the performance.

SVT has worked very hard to make EPAS better than the outgoing hydraulic steering system. The addition of EPAS makes for a dramatic contribution to Shelby GT500 driving dynamics, with improved torque build-up and road feel that delivers quicker and more precise steering, increased effort on the racetrack or winding roads, and reduced effort in low-speed parking maneuvers.

Slotted brake dust shields were added to improve brake cooling and handling, and a new pedal box improves clutch and pedal efforts even more. A lowered ride height of 11 millimeters in front and 8 millimeters at the rear provides a sportier attitude and improved handling.

More engine sound, less road noise

For 2011, Shelby GT500 also benefits from NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) improvements. Overall road noise is reduced by 20 percent versus the 2010 Shelby. Actions undertaken to achieve this improvement include additional sound-deadening material on either side of the instrument panel, additional sound absorption behind interior trim panels, and a rear wheel arch liner to reduce noise on gravel or wet surfaces – all resulting in the driver hearing more exhaust and engine sound and less road and air noise.

The Shelby GT500 convertible model features enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model. The V-brace has been stiffened by adding gussets. The secondary crossmember also has been stiffened, while a front Z-brace has been added, connecting primary and secondary crossmembers. A-pillar stiffening foam has been added to increase rigidity.

The structural improvements to the convertible gave SVT the opportunity to be more sport-oriented in the chassis tuning, without trading comfort. Along with the chassis and structural improvements, the 2011 model also will get standard 19-inch aluminum wheels.

“One of the biggest changes for this Shelby is that the convertible acts and feels like a coupe,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “Before, they had a very different character, and the convertible is taking a big step in the sportiness and handling precision area, without degrading the ride.”

GT500 gets a new exhaust for 2011, roaring with an even more aggressive sound than the 2010 model. The 2.75-inch exhaust with all-new tuning helped to deliver the additional 10 horsepower.

Added convenience content

New for 2011 is an optional glass roof, providing customers with a less expensive option than a convertible and without compromising the coupe’s versatility, headroom or climate-controlled environment.

The specially formulated glass also protects interior fabric material from solar radiation deterioration and discoloration by reducing solar light transmittance. To help improve acoustics and interior quietness, the glass features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise, vibration and harshness.

Other new convenience technologies include:

-- Standard HID (high-intensity discharge) headlamps
-- MyKey™ programmable vehicle key
-- Integrated spotter mirror
-- Fold-down rear headrests

“Whether you’re looking to take the GT500 out on the streets or have some fun at the track,” Capito says, “this car will satisfy the most discriminating performance driving enthusiasts.”

Designer Revives Ford Thunderbird with Hardtop Roadster Concept

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:20:00 +0000

The last time we saw the Thunderbird nameplate in Ford's lineup was in 2005, and from what we know, the Detroit automaker has no immediate plans to revive it. Nevertheless, this hasn't stopped Brazilian designer Eduardo Oliveira from coming up with a conceptual proposal for a new Ford Thunderbird model with a retractable hardtop.
Although a little rough on the edges, Eduardo's Thunderbird concept is interesting - we especially like the retro-futuristic take on the original 1954-1957 model's rear section. What do you think about the concept? Let us know in the comments section below.

Photos Courtesy of Eduardo Oliveira from Irmaododecio

Ford Focus ST Paris Show Car with 250HP 2.0L Turbo Unveiled, Available Worldwide from 2012

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:04:00 +0000

Revealed today ahead of its planned debut at the Paris Motor Show, is the all-new Ford Focus ST. Shown here in pre-production form, the hottest member of the new Focus family (that is, until Ford decides to present a successor to the RS), will go on sale in "all global markets" from early 2012, following the introduction of the mainstream Focus models in Spring of 2011. We assume that by "all global markets", Ford means the performance version of the new Focus will also be sold in the States, with or without (SVT?) the ST badge.
Based on the five-door version of the new Focus, the ST is visually differentiated from its regular brethren through a dare-we-say (and not in a positive way), tuner-like bodykit.
The styling package includes a new front bumper with a 'gaping mouth' grille and additional air ducts, side skirts, a larger roof spoiler and a rear apron with air vents and central exhaust pipes. The show car is finished in a new color Ford calls 'Tangerine Scream' while the ST also gets a set of beefy 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/35 ZR 19 rubber.
Inside, the Focus ST gets a pair of body-hugging bucket seats with contrasting orange seams and pads, a sportier-looking steering wheel with a thicker rim, carbon fiber trim on the center console, revised instrument gauges and, like the current model, three extra dials on top of the dash.
Under the bonnet, out goes the current model's Volvo-sourced and a delight to listen to, 225HP 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, and in comes Ford's own 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder EcoBoost unit, which is rated at 250-horsepower.
Ford did not reveal any other details on the car's specifications, but the interior picture shows a six-speed manual gearbox, which drives the ST's front wheels. The final production model will most likely be offered with the company's six-speed Powershift dual-clutch transmission also.
In Paris, the ST will be joined by the next-generation Focus family in hatchback, sedan and station wagon flavors, the facelifted Mondeo, which was previewed at the recent Moscow International Automobile Salon, and the new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX people carriers.

2011 Ford Mondeo Facelift Premieres in Moscow, 50 High-Res Photos

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:02:00 +0000

In another sign of the growing importance of the Russian market, Ford chose the 2010 Moscow International Auto Show for the world premiere of its facelifted Mondeo series that rivals the likes of the Opel Insignia [Buick Regal in the States], Mazda6 and Citroen C5. Ford provided initial details and photos of the updated Mondeo back in June, but now we have the 'Full Monty' including a comprehensive image gallery with the first shots of the revised interior.
On the outside, all three body styles (four-door sedan, five-door liftback and estate) of the 2011 Mondeo gain a restyled front bumper with larger lower trapezoidal and slimmer upper grilles, LED daytime running lights, a revised bonnet profile and re-designed, LED tail lamps.
Interior revisions are kept to a minimum with a reprofiled center console, higher quality plastics on the door panels and trim materials, a new central overhead console featuring LED ambient lighting plus new interior color schemes.
The biggest changes are hidden under the hood with the introduction of a higher performance 240HP derivative of the 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine that joins the existing 203HP variant, and a revised version of the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, which boasts a 12 per cent power increase to 200HP.
The 240HP Ecoboost petrol, which is offered with a six-speed PowerShift clutch double-clutch transmission as standard, accelerates the sedan and liftback Mondeo from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.5 seconds (203HP version: 7.9 seconds) and on to a top speed of 246km/h (153mph), while returning a combined fuel economy of 7.7lt/100km (30.5mpg US).
The performance and economy figures for the 200HP diesel unit, which is hooked up to a six-speed manual gearbox, is a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.1 seconds and a combined fuel efficiency of 6.0lt/100km (39.2mpg US).
Ford said that new 1.6-litre engines from the EcoBoost petrol and Duratorq TDCi diesel engine families will also be available in the very near future.
At least in the UK, prices will be carried over from the existing Mondeo and start at £17,295.

2011 Ford Explorer SUV Revealed, gets 290HP 3.5-liter V6 and 235HP 2.0-liter Turbo

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:53:00 +0000

Ford's frustrating striptease tactics came to an end today with the official unveiling of the all-new Explorer SUV (or shall we say, crossover?) that goes on sale in the U.S. at the end of the year with pricing said to start $1,000 less than the current base model at $28,995. More details on prices will be released closer to the launch date.
The new Explorer marks a significant departure from the outgoing version as the 7-seater model switched from a heavy body-on-frame to the same unibody structure with independent from and rear suspension used on the Ford Taurus sedan and Flex crossover, as well as on the Lincoln MKS.
Ford says that while adding significant content to the vehicle, engineers were able to reduce total vehicle weight by almost 100 pounds through the use of lighter materials such as an aluminum hood.
Another important change is that there won't be a V8 option on the 2011 Explorer. Instead, Ford's full size SUV will be offered with a base 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering an estimated 290HP and 255 lb.-ft. of torque, and 20 percent better fuel economy versus the current Explorer. Ford said that with a towing package, the V6 can haul up to 5,000 pounds, which around 2,000 pounds less than the outgoing model.
As an option (in other words, with a higher price tag) the next Explorer can be equipped with Ford's new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol producing a projected 237HP at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,700 rpm. The company claims that with this engine, estimated fuel economy improves by more than 30 percent, putting the SUV in line with sedans such as the 2010 Toyota Camry V6.
Both engines are hooked up to a six-speed automat6ic transmission. There's nothing official yet, but it is expected that Ford's 355HP, 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 EcoBoost will be added to the range in the near future.
The four-cylinder Ecoboost is offered only in front-wheel drive configuration while the V6 model can be equipped optionally with a new, intelligent all-wheel-drive system developed with formerly Ford-owned Land Rover.
The AWD features a Land Rover-like terrain management system with four settings (normal, mud, sand and snow) controlled via a console-mounted knob. Each setting provides unique engine behavior, throttle tip-in, transmission shift scheduling and calibrations for traction and stability control systems. This system also includes a hill descent mode that provides engine braking when descending a steep incline.
Other highlights include the standard AdvanceTracwith RSC system with Curve Control functionality to provide braking optimized by each individual wheel, and the optional Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert.
The all-new Explorer will be available in three trim series levels – base, XLT and Limited. For more details on the standard equipment check out the list below.

Standard convenience features include:

MyForddriver connect technology including 4.2-inch LCD screen

MyKey^™ owner control feature

Air filtration system

Media hub

Easy Fuel^®capless fuel filler system

Cruise control

Power windows, with one-touch down for driver

Power door locks with child safety rear door locks

Tilt/telescoping steering column

Four 12-volt power points

Cargo hooks

Explorer XLT includes standard content and adds:

Automatic headlamps

Six-speed SelectShift Automatic^™

Heated sideview mirrors with LED signal indicators and security approach lamps

SecuriCode^™keyless entry keypad

Reverse sensing system

Perimeter alarm

Explorer Limited includes all base and XLT content, plus:

PowerFold^®sideview mirrors with driver's side memory

Ambient lighting

Adjustable pedals with memory functionality

Cargo net

Dual-zone electronic temperature control

10-way power driver's seat, with power recline and lumbar

Electrochromic interior mirror

Rear view camera

Remote start system

110-volt outlet

MyFord Touchdriver connect technology

Intelligent Access with push-button start

Universal garage door opener

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Ford revives the legendary Model: Puma again in order

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 06:11:00 +0000

In the history of the European unit Ford has a lot of small sports cars have become a truly legendary. One of them - Puma. Inspired by the success of the new Fiesta «fordovtsy» decided to revive the classic cars.

The new coupe based on the Fiesta, which will be the successor of Puma, which ceased production in 2001 will be a very welcome addition to the range of Ford. Honda is planning the revival of CRX, providing sports hybrid CR-Z; Volkswagen prepares Polo Coupe - why Ford just need a car that would look good, perfectly managed and cost is not very expensive.

His appearance will remind the new Fiesta, but would be far more sporting and aggressive.

Regarding the engines, the baseline will be 95-strong 1.4-liter engine and a few diesel engines. But we are talking about a sports car - so in the Puma line will be 180-strong 1,6-liter turbomotor.

Before hundreds of the new Puma will accelerate in about 6 seconds and the maximum speed will reach 225 km / h.

Premiere of new items may have already held this autumn in Frankfurt. The cost will be around the new Puma Euro 16 000 - in Europe.

The fastest in Europe, Ford

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:58:00 +0000

Most fans of fast drive Ford brand with their passion is not associated. I must say, absolutely nothing. For example, the other day on the famous Nürburgring track Focus RS was officially recognized as the fastest car of this brand, manufactured in Europe.
The fastest in Europe Ford.Pod administration chief-editor of German magazine Sport Auto Horst von Saurma-Yeltsha (Horst von Saurma-Jeltsch), which, incidentally, is one of the most famous pilots Nurburgring, RS has established a new record for passing the road for cars Ford. Famous car traveled 13 miles in 8 minutes 26 seconds, thereby pobiv previous achievement, belonging to Focus ST (8 minutes 51 seconds).

Recall that the Focus RS can boast a capacity of 300 hp, which are removed from the turbocharged engine volume of 2.5 l, working together with the six-speed manual gearshift. Up to 100 km / h vehicle speed of 5.9 sec. And a maximum speed of 263 km / h.

Shelby GT 500 Vs. Dodge Charger

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Shelby GT 500 Vs. Dodge Charger

A no better classic matchup can be delivered than the 2009 Shelby Mustang GT500 and the 2009 Dodge Charger, especially if one considers the high-performance Charger SRT8 thrown into the mix. The GT500 is a two-door coupe, while the Charger is offered only as a four-door sedan in a nod to baby boomers that want their beloved muscle car of the past, but now must to find space for the little ones.

Charger Specifications

The performance Dodge Charger R/T model.
The 2009 Charger's base engine is a 178-horsepower 2.7-liter V-6 generating 190 pound-feet of torque. The SRT8 model, however, features a 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V-8. The Charger is placed on a 120-inch wheelbase. Its 200 inches long, 74.5 inches wide and 58.2 inches tall. Its curb weight is rated at 3,728 pounds, according to automotive.com.

GT500 Specifications

The fully loaded Shelby Mustang GT500.
The rear-wheel-drive GT500 is equipped with a supercharged 540-hp 5.4-liter V-8 that provides 510 pound-feet of torque. It weighs 4,000 pounds and sits on a 107.1-inch wheelbase and is 188.1 inches long, 55.6 inches tall and 73.9 inches wide, according to Car and Driver magazine.

Charger Features

The Dodge Charger SRT8.
The Charger is offered in four trims: The basic SE, the mid-range SXT, the performance-oriented R/T and the high-performance SRT8. The R/T model features a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 generating 368 hp. A Daytona R/T option package also provides additional performance and badging items. Standard features are the driver/front passenger airbags, power mirrors, tilt steering wheel, keyless entry, center floor console and air-conditioning, according to automotive.com and edmunds.com.

GT500 Features

The GT500 is equipped with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, hood-mounted heat extractors, cruise control, a rear spoiler, air-conditioning, leather bucket seats emblazoned with the Cobra logo, a 500-watt audio system and CD changer, satellite radio and a power driver's seat. The GT500 convertible is equipped with a power-operated soft top, according to edmunds.com.

Charger Performance

Equipped with the 6.1-liter Hemi V-8, the Charger can sidle up to the GT500 any time and perform in equal measure. It can reach 0 to 60 in 4.6 seconds with an electronically controlled top speed of 165 mph. The Charger is easier to handle in city stop-and-go driving than the GT500 and opens up like a beast on the highway, according to edmunds.com.

GT500 Performance

The GT500 is a bit on the obese side with its 4,000-pound frame. Its size makes the 540 horses under the hood perform some hard work. Yet it achieves 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and 11.9 seconds in the quarter-mile at 120 mph. Its top speed of is an electronically controlled 155 mph. The GT500 also suffers from body flex on the hairpin turns.

Side-By-Side

The Mustang Cobra GT500's base price is about $46,000. The base Charger starts about $24,000, while the Charger SRT8 version begins at around $38,970. All prices are as of 2009. The Charger is the more versatile of the two cars, but its four-door sedan configuration may turn away muscle car purists. The base Mustangs and Chargers overall are fine cars for the daily driver. The GT500 and SRT8, however, are perhaps too much car for the commute to work and grocery store runs

2011 Ford Mustang V-6 is finally out

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The new Mustang V-6 is Ford’s first rear-drive application of its familiar 3.7-liter with twin-independent variable cam timing. The Mustang 3.7 includes aggressive deceleration shutoff, piston-cooling jets, polished valvetrain tappets and electric power steering and transmits its power through six speeds, automatic or manual.

And the numbers are impressive: Ford claims 305 horsepower at 6500 rpm, 280 pound-feet at 4250 rpm and 30 mpg with the automatic, on the highway. “We are the only ones who can provide 30 mpg and 305 horsepower,” says Barb Samardzich, Ford’s global powertrain vice president. What’s more, redline is now a Honda-like 7000 rpm.

For those of you keeping score, the Mustang’s new V-6 is 0.5-liters smaller and 41 pounds lighter than the lump it replaces, it has 95 more horses and it’s 2 decibels quieter.

In addition, Ford will offer the V-6 Mustang with a performance package, featuring the GT’s suspension with high-performance brakes, summer tires on exclusive 19-inch wheels and vehicle stability control. Ford figures it will be popular with Mustang’s younger buyers (read, “growing out of the Civic Si”). So the next Mustang-Camaro faceoff won’t just be about 0-60 and quarter-mile, it’ll be about which one can go furthest on a tank of gas, as well.

New Ford Edge Sport model has Mustang engine

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:26:00 +0000

DETROIT — Ford is adding a little Mustang to the Ford Edge crossover.

The automaker says that the 2011 Ford Edge Sport edition will have the same engine as the Mustang sports car.

The 305-horsepower V-6 engine will give the Edge Sport 40 more horsepower than the current model. But it will still have the same fuel economy thanks to the efficiency of the engine and other changes, including improvements to the vehicle's aerodynamics.

The Edge Sport has other sports-car touches, including paddle shifters on either side of the steering wheel for shifting gears. It also has new 22-inch aluminum wheels.

The Edge Sport goes on sale at the end of the summer. It will start at $36,220, or about $9,000 more than the base model Edge

Ford Sync Now Understands 10,000 Commands

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:01:00 +0000

Ford is showing off the latest update to its Sync multimedia system that will debut in the upcoming 2011 Edge SUV.

The 10,000 commands Sync now understands — versus 100 in the first generation — is the showstopper, but after watching the somewhat lengthy video above, we’ve found a few things that we really think will improve the daily interaction with Sync after our years of firsthand testing of the current system.

You no longer need to specify “Phone” or “USB” before a command. This is the most annoying part of the current system. Sync now understands what you want when you say “Call Joe.” You don’t have to say “Phone” first.
You can use multiple words for the same action, like “Play song” or “Play track.”
You can control the climate controls via Sync with the MyFord Touch system.
Navigation now allows you to speak an exact address for guidance, but we’re not sure if you have to be parked for it to work.Ford has confirmed that you can read new addresses while driving.

While these updates seem to be a major step forward, MyFord Touch will be a higher-end version of the Sync system, requiring upgrades of certain models. To get MyFord Touch on the 2011 Edge, you have to opt for a more expensive Limited trim where it is standard or as part of a $1,000 option package on the SEL.

Ford Confirms Electric Focus for 2011

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:46:00 +0000

In an announcement Tuesday about Ford selecting a supplier for the vital lithium-ion battery pack that will be used in the Focus Electric, the automaker confirmed that the car will go on sale in 2011.

The redesigned Focus sedan and hatchback were shown at this year’s Detroit auto show, but the electric powertrain was only mocked up in the previous-generation Focus on sale today. The redesigned Focus with a gasoline engine goes on sale early in 2011 as a 2012 model.

Ford says the Focus Electric, as it’s being called, will go on sale sometime in 2011, but we don’t expect it in the first quarter. It is expected to have a range of 100 miles per full charge.

The lithium-ion battery will be built by LG Chem in Korea first, then at a new plant in Michigan. Ford says it will build two new hybrids with the same lithium-battery pack in 2012 on the company’s new C-car platform, the same platform as the Focus.

2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost Gas Mileage

noreply@blogger.com (khalil) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:39:00 +0000

The Flex performed pretty well on our cross country move, given that we had two adults and a car full of cargo. Its EPA rating is 16/22 mpg city/highway. The 2011 Flex EcoBoost is rated at 16/21 mpg for some reason. We traveled a total of 2,024 miles over four days. Here’s how each day broke down:

Day 1

Distance: 550.7 miles
Travel time: 10 hours
Terrain: Combination of flat desert roads and crossing the San Bernardino Mountains, and beginning to climb into the Rockies in Utah.
MPG: 22.8
Notes: Our mileage was likely affected to some extent by trying to keep two cars together on the journey. Still, the Flex’s cruise control worked terrifically, and the steering-wheel controls made slowing down and speeding up easy, not nerve-wracking.

Day 2

Distance: 485 miles
Travel time: 10 hours
Terrain: Mountains all the time, with some quiet stretches of valleys between peaks.
MPG: 23.2
Notes: I was astonished at how the Flex’s engine handled the climbs through the mountains. Never once did we lag far behind, no matter how steep the incline. Of course, the mileage on this leg was helped a great deal by the steep drop-offs, which didn’t tax the engine at all. This was the best mileage day by far. We were challenged by rain that came and went quickly, often leaving us battling the bright reflection of sunlight from brand-new puddles.

Day 3

Distance: 545.5 miles
Travel time: 9 hours
Terrain: Flat, boring and smelly.
MPG: 21.5
Notes: It’s amazing how much 40-mph gusts can cost you in gas mileage. We struggled to keep the Flex in its lane. It’s a big target on the road, although the Prius we were driving along with even got pushed around.

Day 4

Distance: 443 miles
Travel time: 8 hours
Terrain: Flat, but greener. Iowa was a welcome break after Nebraska. (Who could have imagined I’d ever compliment Iowa’s countryside?)
MPG: 22.8
Notes: This was the easiest driving day of all, with no mountains, no winds, no other troubles.

Totals

Miles: 2,024.2
MPG (cumulative): 22.7
Travel time: 37 hours
Highest gas price seen: $3.29 in Santa Monica, Calif.
Lowest gas price seen: $2.61 in Littleton, Colo.
Highest temp recorded: 112 degrees in Death Valley, Calif.
Lowest temp recorded: 61 degrees in Vail, Colo.

Final thoughts: The new Flex with the EcoBoost engine got 1.1 mpg better than the one we drove in 2008. That would have saved me $12 on this trip, and the engine is a $3,500 premium. The EcoBoost puts out a healthy 355 horsepower compared with 262 hp in the base engine, though, which is a huge bump.

The difference in performance more than makes up for the higher price. It’s no longer a stately family transport; it’s now more of the kind of car drivers actually want: responsive, road-clinging while still comfortable over the long haul.