Ford – Page 20 – Automobiles Review

Petty’s Garage Mustang GT is the Perfect Rock ‘n’ Roll Muscle Car

Do you remember the exuberating light blue Mustang GT from the SEMA Show? Precisely, we are talking about Petty’s Garage project which stunned the public with its new characteristics and key modifications. Now, the muscle car is heading to Ford’s dealerships, where exactly 143 units of it will be sold. Depending on the Stage program, they will come in two “forms”. The Stage 1 version will be narrowed to 100 examples and the rest 43 units will be reserved for the Stage 2 Mustang.

Every single Petty’s Garage modified Mustang GT will come equipped with Ford Racing/Roush supercharger, which acts in means of enhancing the power output of the car. There are also one-of-a-kind styling enhancements like Richard Petty’s signature featured on the dashboard.

The first version of the car, meaning Stage 1 Petty’s Garage Mustang GT, will boast remodeled rear fascia that now has center-exit exhaust as well as racing-inspired spoiler. The exterior will also benefit from one-off 20-inch Petty’s Garage HRE FlowForm wheels coupled with Continental rubbers.

Stage 2 version features in-house made Wilwood big brake and will give the muscle beast two-tone exterior paint finish like the car we have seen at SEMA. The wheels here are HRE three-piece forged-aluminum ones. Both Stages sport minor interior design changes like embroidered head restraints and floor mats, an the mentioned signature on the dashboard.

Under the hood, one can find the updated 5.0-liter engine. The enhancements in the horsepower resulting in 627 hp (461 kW) are due to the addition of Ford Racing/Roush supercharger, cold air intake and MagnaFlow exhaust system as well as the custom engine calibration.

Do you know who has already ordered the first Petty’s Garage Stage 2 Mustang GT? We’ll give you a hint: he is a real rock ’n’ roll legend! He is AC/DC’s Brian Johnson who made the first purchase, meaning that there are only 42 Stage 2 cars left. So if you are interested in buying one you’d better hurry and prepare $92,210 USD for the Stage 2 version. If you are interested in buying the other one, then you’ll need $62,210 USD.

Source: Ford

February 20, 2015

2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Revealed

Ford has just officially revealed the 2016 Police Interceptor Utility ahead of its Chicago debut tomorrow. The vehicle is to hit the streets with a fresh look and wide variety of features this summer. More importantly its building and the one of the Police Interceptor Sedan happened at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant. From there they will be shipped to markets across the world.

To create the latest and most innovative law enforcement vehicles, the company listened to experts such as the Police Advisory Board. The group supplied Ford with customer feedback and served as a pilot group for products, programs and services.

As a result we have the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility which has new front and rear design, new headlamps, a new instrument panel and an enhanced electrical system that distributes electrical loads more efficiently.

As an option, there is the choice of Surveillance Mode technology, which warns the driver when someone approaches the back of the vehicle. If this happens, driver’s window automatically raises and all doors lock.

According to the feedback, Ford also added the liftgate release switch, which is accessible to occupants in the front. It allows the rear liftgate mechanism to remain unlocked for 45 seconds before timing out, permitting officers to access the cargo area. The new police vehicle will also benefit from a rear camera with washer and a four-inch screen in the center stack as a standard.

The power for the mighty automobile comes from the 3.7-liter V6 engine, which produces 304 horsepower (224 kW) and 39 Nm (279 lb.-ft.) of torque. The optional powerplant is the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that generates 365 horsepower (268 kW) and 474 Nm (350 lb.-ft.) of torque. The Police Interceptor Utility comes as a standard with an all-wheel drive, which is designed to deliver low-speed traction, high-speed handling and stability.

Each unit is coupled with a standard six-speed transmission that features a Pursuit Mode. The transmission automatically switches from normal, fuel-saving operation to Pursuit Mode when it detects aggressive driving situations.

Furthermore, the new Police Interceptor is also equipped with custom brakes, which were designed to withstand excessive use. It runs on steady 18-inch steel wheels which have high venting characteristics to help cool the brakes. Larger-diameter springs are used in the suspension. Interior and exterior dimensions remain the same for the new model year.

Source: Ford

February 11, 2015

2015 Ford Focus Predicts a Spin Before It Even Begins [VIDEO]

Do you know what is better than a car that helps prevent spinouts once they occur? The answer is in the 2015 Ford Focus, because it can predict a spin before it even begins. The vehicle is getting enhanced by transitional stability technology designed to predict potential vehicle spinouts. This system intervenes earlier than previous once in order to help the driver in case he or she loses control of the car. The new technology uses real-time sensor data to trigger spinout-mitigating braking inputs from vehicle’s electronic stability control. In addition, it combines real-time data from sensors to anticipate a potential spin by 100 to 200 milliseconds.

The stability control technology is active all of the time and determines when a car meets the conditions that may lead to a spin. Then it intervenes early to help prevent the driver from losing control.

This feature is also dubbed enhanced transitional stability technology. It also delivers better handling in highly dynamic driving maneuvers. Important vehicle data like speed, steering wheel position, turn rate of the steering wheel and other input is considered to determine when a skid is imminent.

If there is any risk, braking is applied to individual wheels. This will help the driver keep control over the car and continue on the intended path.

2015 Focus will get at no cost the new transitional stability technology. This innovative system came about when engineers applied an algorithm that was in use with Ford’s Roll Stability Control to the new transitional stability technology. As a result they invented the stability control system that predicts potential spins before they happen.

httpv://youtu.be/DImiqklmSD8

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Ford

February 10, 2015

Ford Police Interceptor to be Introduced in Chicago

New Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicle will be introduced at the Chicago Auto Show on 12th of February. The company said only that it will be built in Chicago and it is better due to the addition of more high-tech features. There is also a teaser image that impresses with muscular lines as well as aggressive and powerful stance. Judging by the picture it is visible that the new Police vehicle will be based on the new Explorer.

There are no official details released yet so we have to wait a few more days for them to come up. However, it is likely that the new Interceptor Utility receives the same updates that were applied to the Explorer, for instance – the revised sheet metal.

We also do expect to see some changes in the Interceptor SUV used now, especially when it comes to the engine. The 2016 Explorer is offered in three engine variants. The first one is the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 unit which produces 290 horsepower (213 kW) and 346 Nm (255 lb-ft).

The midrange is covered by the 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo unit with 270 hp (199 kW) and 407 Nm (300 lb-ft). At the top of the range stands the twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 unit, which can propel up to 365 hp (268 kW) and 474 Nm (350 lb-ft) of optimum torque.

Oh, and take a look at the picture again. Have you noticed the three-sided fog lights in the lower fascia? Isn’t this a lighting signature that mimics the design scheme of Raptor’s headlights?

Source: Ford

February 4, 2015

The New Ford Focus RS Has the Mustang’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost Engine

After the huge leak this morning, Ford finally revealed the long-anticipated third-generation Focus RS. The car is said to offer undoubted fun-to-drive experience, advanced technologies, class-leading cornering speed and impressive performance.

2016 Ford Focus RS takes its power from the Mustang’s four-cylinder 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline engine. Here this power unit boosts 320 PS (235 kW). Exact torque figures haven’t been announced yet but Ford shared that they had to upgrade the six-speed manual gearbox so that it could deal with the extra torque.

Power is transmitted to Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive system with Dynamic Torque Vectoring. This promises to produce “a new level of handling capability and driver enjoyment, combining outstanding traction and grip with unmatched agility and cornering speed.”

Taking into consideration the exterior, the new Focus RS demonstrates high-performance design which is dramatic and more muscular. The car’s powerful look is reinforced by a bold upper trapezoidal grille which stays above the deep front splitter, lower wings and large outboard openings on each side of the car, distinctive rear roof spoiler, body-colored side panels with RS logo and a large diffuser at the rear which optimizes air flow from under the vehicle to reduce drag. There are four exterior colors: Nitrous Blue, Stealth Grey, Absolute Black and Frozen White.

19-inch alloy wheels wrapped around in 235/35 R19 tires provided by Michelin are components which accentuate the appearance of the hatch too. They include a high-performance lightweight forged design finished in low-gloss black as well.

Stepping inside the cabin we are introduced into an environment which is simpler but more intuitive. Some of the upgrades for the new Focus include Recaro sport seats, a 10-speaker Sony sound system and an eight-inch SYNC infotainment system. The latter can work with a rear view camera. Finally, there is a flat-bottomed steering wheel covered in leather, as well as alloy foot pedals and one-of-a-kind instrument graphics on the gear shifter.

Source: Ford

February 3, 2015

The all new Ford GT Looks and sounds amazing

2016 sees the 50^th Anniversary of Fords greatest racing victory, the first of four races in the 24 hours of Le Mans.

With that said Ford are set to introduce the all new Ford GT for the special year.

In the past F1 cars have used a V8 engine but not with the GT. Ford have decided to use a 600bhp, twin turbo charged V6 engine.

People seemed to lose interest in F1, last year, and it was highly down to cars being designed with V6 engines, they struggled to sound spectacular like other cars. We then have to ask ourselves is this one of Fords best ideas?

The GT has been a topic of conversation with car lovers everywhere and has even been showcased on Top Gear recently. The sneak look at the proto type gives an insight to the sound and the look of the vehicle.

An aerodynamic body hides a passenger cell crafted out of carbon fibre and a pair of aluminium sub frames keeps both weight and fuel economy in check.

With the seats integrated into the passenger cell, the driver cannot adjust these and must electronically adjust the steering wheel and pedals, something found in Fords competitor Ferrari.

A deployable rear spoiler and scissor mounted doors make the GT look like a very traditional super car but the vehicles fully modern instrument panel with configurable display, make it clear this is a very futuristic, digital kind of car.

It seems the number of European clients for the new GT have been underestimated by Ford. There are 20 times more car lovers interested to purchase than originally expected and this is even before the European price tag has been publicly announced.

A huge demand could mean we do not get to see the GT on the roads by 2016 and therefore should hope the speculation of 12 new performance cars from Ford are announced soon, including the new Ford Focus RS more information is available in this article.

Latest indications from Ford say the all new RS will have a turbocharged 2.3litre, four cylinder eco boost engine seen in the recently launched mustang. Dale Gillespie from JenningsFordDirect a UK based Ford specialist said “Used version of the sporty ford focus Zetec S, ST and RS have increased in demand since the announcement of the GT”.

All of these designs and speculations from Ford are building the hopes up of car enthusiasts around the globe, so we hope they can step up to the plate and deliver these vehicles for when expected.

January 29, 2015

Shelby Launches Shelby GT at Barrett-Jackson and Sells Shelby GT350R VIN#001 for 1 Million US Dollars!

Shelby has launched the first Shelby GT muscle car based on the popular Mustang GT. With its 627 horsepower, the car was unveiled during the weekend at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. More importantly, the company is ready to take orders for the model with the first deliveries planned for the second quarter of this year. Every aspect of the Shelby GT is enhanced and in addition, this car includes Ford Racing Performance Parts.

For instance, one of them is the 627 hp supercharger, or take another example – the performance handling kit and half shafts. Gearing has been upgraded 3.73 gears and paired with chrome-tipped Borla exhaust. The power is transmitted onto the road via set of WELD Racing wheels shod with sticky Michelin tires.

The new performance handling kit adds to the Mustang Wilwood six piston front brakes. At the front, the car is enhanced by the addition of new hood with functional air vents and other functional aerodynamic components like a 2-piece rear diffuser. All of the exterior parts are made of carbon fiber, except or the front grilles, which were made entirely out of billet aluminum.

For those who aren’t enough 627 hp (461 kW), Shelby has created a 700+HP performance upgrade. It can be perfectly complemented by adjustable suspension and upgraded big brake kit. There are also various interior upgrades which will take care for the comfort of occupants.

The first retail production Shelby GT350R Mustang VIN#001 was auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale for $1,000,000 USD. All of the proceeds are going to JDRF – country’s leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research.

Source: Shelby American

January 19, 2015

Is 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor the Ultimate Performance Truck? [VIDEO]

Ford says that its 2017 F-150 Raptor is the toughest, smartest, most capable off-roader, which is in addition more efficient than ever. It is the toughest, because it features a purpose-built frame, which is the “backbone of the truck”. More importantly, it features more high-strength steel than the outgoing Raptor. Furthermore, vehicle’s exterior is built via high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy that saves more than 500 pounds of weight. Speaking of exterior, the appearance of the Raptor is inspired by Ford’s performance heritage in off-road racing.

Another difference is that the 2017 Raptor is 6 inches wider than the standard F-150. This of course improves stability. The vehicle also boasts the first-ever dual exhaust and runs on gigantic 17-inch wheels fitted with next-generation BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine is what drives the Raptor. It produces 411 horsepower (302 kW) and 588 Nm (434 lb.-ft.) of torque and it is mated to a 10-speed transmission for improved efficiency.

Of course, the truck features four-wheel-drive and torque-on-demand transfer case. The latter manages power distribution between the front and rear wheels and combines the best attributes of clutch-driven, on-demand all-wheel drive.

The new Terrain Management System actually optimizes driving dynamics to environmental conditions. There are also calibration changes to Raptor’s powertrain, driveline, traction control, ABS and AdvanceTrac stability control for optimal performance.

Furthermore, the off-road capability of the vehicle is made better thanks to the Torsen front differential. It increases grip for the front end of the truck and allows it to pull itself over obstacles and up steep grades.

Next thing to note is the standard FOX Racing Shox with custom internal bypass technology. It damps and stiffens suspension travel over rough terrain and helps prevent the truck from bottoming out.

Stepping inside the Raptor, the passengers enjoy comfortable interior. The added content for the new model year includes interior upgrades, three color material levels, and paddle shifters to manually shift the 10-speed transmission.

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor will go on sale in the fall of 2016.

httpv://youtu.be/fIeXBqvF_bg

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Ford

January 14, 2015

2016 Ford GT: a Carbon Fiber Supercar that Delivers More Than 600 HP [VIDEO]

No, this is not a Ferrari but Ford’s new GT lightweight carbon-fiber supercar, which is created with the aim to deliver new standards in the supercar segment. It is powered by the most potent EcoBoost production engine ever, delivering more than 600 horsepower. The new GT supercar has rear-wheel drive and a sleek, aerodynamic, two-door coupe body shell. The latter is built via an extensive utilization of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum. This enables excellent acceleration and handling with improved efficiency.

GT can also show-off with advanced active aerodynamics like the deployable rear spoiler. There are also a host of material and technology innovations such as the SYNC 3 connectivity system, which will assist the driver during its journey.

As mentioned, the powertrain here is the next-generation twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. It features a wide powerband with impressive time-to-torque characteristics, and shows remarkable efficiency.

In addition, the GT supercar features new port/direct dual fuel-injection setup which improves engine response; there is also a low-friction roller-finger-follower valvetrain. The EcoBoost V6 will be coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle for instantaneous gear changes and outstanding driver control.

Aerodynamic efficiency is one of the key characteristics of the vehicle. It actively reduces drag while aiding downforce and stability. Literally, each surface on the GT is crafted to manage airflow. There are also fully active aerodynamic components that enhance braking, handling and stability.

All of this is backed up with contemporary and functional shape, 20-inch multispoke wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup tires and carbon-ceramic brake discs at all four corners. Inside, one finds two-seat cockpit accessed through upward-swinging doors. The cabin features driver and passenger seats integrated directly into the carbon fiber passenger cell.

Have you noticed the F1-style steering wheel which integrates all necessary driver controls? There is also a fully digital and configurable instrument cluster providing the driver-focused data.

2016 Ford GT will go into production next year and will hit the road in select global markets. It will to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.

httpv://youtu.be/W8K3DpqWtpg

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Ford

January 14, 2015

Ford Mustang III Shorty Factory Prototype to be Auctioned

A beauty from the past is going to be auctioned by Actions America in March, 2015. The vehicle in question is the 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang III “Shorty” factory prototype. It is a car that real collectors dream about and it is arguably the most historically-significant Ford Mustang which has been ever offered for sale.

Under the hoot, there is a Mustang 260 V8 engine which is bored out to 302 cubic inches (5.0 liters). The power unit is packed with three carburetors and is mated to a specially strengthened and reworked automatic transmission. There is also independent front suspension, hypoid rear axle, and hydraulic front disc and rear drum brakes.

The car is styled by Vince E. Gardner and is based on a pre-production 1965 Mustang. Moreover, it embodies well-crafted design with excellently proportioned bodylines which still reflect on the nature of the base model. Still though, it is called “Shorty” for a reason. The factory prototype has 406 mm (16 inches) smaller wheelbase which makes it shorter than the original vehicle. In addition to this, 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang III features a bespoke rear and an entire body built from fiberglass.

Lastly, there is an interesting story behind this Ford Mustang. Because Ford did not plan an official production of the car and decided to destroy it instead, Gardner stole the vehicle from its warehouse and hid it in another building. He paid rent for the first month only and never bothered to pay for the rest of the time when he used the place. Here is when the story becomes more intriguing. Because of this the owner tore down the wall behind which stood the stolen Mustang III. He then notified the police about the car. The Ford Mustang Shorty was purchased by an employee of an insurance company who later on sold it to its current owner.

Source: Auctions America

December 29, 2014

Ford to Auction First Production Shelby GT350 Mustang

The first production unit of the brand new Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang is going to be auctioned by Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale. All off the gathered proceeds are to benefit the JDRF, which is USA’s leading world organization funding type 1 diabetes research. The auction will happen on 17h of January. The one who will win by bidding will be able to choose from available colors and packages for the muscle car. With this event Ford will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Shelby GT350 Mustang.

January 1964 is the month when Carroll Shelby and Ford Motor Company introduced the first GT350. After this, the world wasn’t the same. The vehicle was offered through Ford dealers from 1965 through 1970, and nowadays, they are among the most collectible vehicles in the world.

The new Shelby model is based on the 2015 Ford Mustang. It is equipped with great features such as new independent suspension, powerful engine and superb brakes. In fact, it is the most potent Shelby Mustang ever produced.

Precisely, the muscle car is powered by Ford’s first production V8 engine. The powerplant has a design typically reserved for racing applications and exotic European sports cars. The 5.2-liter unit produces more than 500 horsepower (368 kW) and 542 Nm (400 lb-ft) of peak torque.

The car runs on 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. As a standard, the car also gets Ford-tuned Torsen limited-slip differential which optimizes cornering grip and straight-line traction. Carefully sculpted body panels maximize aerodynamic forces.

Furthermore, the GT350 also includes outstanding brake system. At the front there are massive 394-millimeter rotors clamped by Brembo six-piston calipers, while at the rear there are 380-millimeter rotors with four-piston calipers.

Source: Ford

December 23, 2014

Meet the Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake!

Shelby exclusively announced the introduction of its latest project which is so exclusive that it is going to be produced in only 50 examples. The car is called Signature Edition Super Snake and it honors the end of production for the current generation Ford Shelby GT500. It has one-of-a-kind styling as well as more than enough horsepower (850 hp) and some of the most popular upgrades.

As a matter of fact, the Shelby GT500 Super Snake is a post-title program based on the 2007-2014 Ford Shelby GT500. It comprises of upgrades to the engine, suspension, brakes and cooling. As you can see, the cars that are to get the package will have stunning visual appeal and interior upgrades.

The cars can be colored by the entire color palette offered by Ford on a Shelby GT500. On the airbag cover there is a commemorative badge that honors Carroll Shelby. There is also wide body package available.

Some great upgrades had happened under the hood of the Mustang. The 5.8-liter V8 engine has been fitted with a Kenne Bell supercharger. Thanks to it the musclecar is capable of producing 850 hp (634 kW). The vehicle also features a cooling package, which includes brand new heat exchanger, radiator as well as aluminum cooling tanks.

Key features on the Signature Edition cars include:

Forged Weld Wheels with Signature Edition center caps
3.6 Kenne Bell Supercharger
Shelby Performance cooling package with a new radiator, heat exchanger and aluminum cooling tanks
Upgraded rear brakes
Commemorative Carroll Shelby signature air bag cover decal from the Carroll Shelby Foundation
Stripes in any current color offered by Shelby American
“Super Snake” Signature Edition vehicle badges
Unique CSM number on interior and engine plates
Signature Edition floor mats
One day track experience

The package has a starting price of $44,995 USD.

Source: Shelby

December 22, 2014

Tag: Ford