Ford – Page 26 – Automobiles Review

Steve Arpin’s Ford Fiesta Is “Royal Purple”

Steve Arpin Royal Purple Ford Fiesta has fresh looks and has just been unveiled via the first design sketches. It will show its fresh new appearance when it debut this weekend at the Red Bull Global Rallycross event in New York. This is the fourth race of the series for the 2014 season and it will be held at Nassau Coliseum.

To be more precise, the striking new design is a very colorful decision, which differs from the car’s look in the first three races of the year. This new visual stance will be utilized for the remainder of the 2014 Red Bull GRC season.

Arpin himself said that this Fiesta has the perfect design for the wild and exciting series. And this was the reason he has decided to brighten up the car with the Royal Purple paint scheme and to give it some more color.

The driver will make his 13th start of his Red Bull GRC career in New York. In all of the races he has come in Royal Purple-backed Ford Fiestas. He earned the first podium of his career in the 2014 season opener at Top Gear Festival Barbados. He is currently third in the series’ Supercars championship, being 27 points back of the lead.

The latest Ford Fiesta in company’s range is powered by the updated 1.0 liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine. It produces 140 horsepower (103 kW) that is a result of unique calibration with new settings for turbocharger boost control, valve-timings, intercooler and throttle management. With the new engine, the Fiesta accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds on its way to a top speed of 201 km/h (125 mph). The fuel consumption is only 4.5 liters / 100 km with corresponding CO2 emissions of 104 g/km.

Source: Ford

July 18, 2014

2015 Ford Mustang Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

Ford US is going to exhibit a unique 2015 Mustang Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II at the 2014 EAA AirVenture event. The manufacturer has created a nice tradition to prepare special aviation-themed models to showcase at the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Besides the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II theme, the specially-prepared car comes with a new front splitter from carbon fiber, a new rear diffuser and special decals. The interior boasts Recaro bucket seats as well as yellow tinted windows and other nice upgrades.

The 2015 Mustang Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II will be auctioned at the Gathering of Eagles charity event at EAA AirVenture. The money will be donated to the EAA Young Eagles program. This is a non-profit organization, which provides free flights and since 1992 almost two million people participated in the program. It helps the normal people to achieve their dreams of flying on a fighter jet.

No words about the engine, but it will be probably the powerful 5.0 liter V8 – 426HP (313 kW) at 6,500RPM and 529Nm (390 lb-ft) at 4,250RPM. The one-off model will be fitted with a 3.55 Limited Slip Differential, GT Performance Package and Reverse Park Assist.

July 16, 2014

Shelby Auctions Serial #1 Barrett-Jackson Edition Shelby GT

Shelby Auctions Serial #1 Barrett-Jackson Edition Shelby GT Shelby American has announced that it will auction serial number one of the Barrett-Jackson Edition Shelby GT. This will happen at this year’s Barrett-Jackson Reno-Tahoe auction, which will take place between 31st of July and 2nd of August in Reno, Nevada. The vehicle is an emblematic convertible muscle car that comes in black livery accented with red stripes. In particular, the sale of the car will happen on 1st of August in front of international audience. The car was made in 2008 and by Shelby, Barrett-Jackson and Ford, and the production of the vehicles was limited up to 100 units. They were badged and carry specific serial numbers, showing their uniqueness.

As a matter of fact, the convertible was the first prototype for the Barrett-Jackson series Ford Shelby GT. It hides under its hood 4.6 liter Mustang GT engine, which in addition was refined. As a result it produces 319 hp (235 kW) with 447 Nm (330 lb-ft) of torque.

The musclecar also includes an upgraded suspension. In other words this means that it features special springs, dampers, sway bars and 3.55 to 1 gear ratio rear end. Furthermore, the vehicle also features a Hurst shifter, hood scoop, hood pins, side scoops and special badging.

A billet grill with Mustang pony, light bars on the convertibles and a Shaker 1000 stereo system are also there. Another interesting fact about the car that makes it even rarer is that it is the first of only ten convertibles equipped with manual transmission.

Source: Shelby American

July 10, 2014

2015 Ford Mondeo Based on the CD4 Platform

2015 Ford Mondeo is going to share same platform with several new models from Lincoln. The Mondeo and its US version – the Fusion are based on the global CD4 platform, which underpins the recently revealed Edge SUV, as well as the next S-Max and Galaxy minivans. The first Lincoln to use this architecture will be the MKX luxury crossover expected to hit the market next year.

“The suspension and platform were developed to be capable for Lincoln as well, so it needs to be state of the art.”, commented Darren Palmer, Ford’s assistant global line director for CD platform cars.

In Europe, Ford will deliver the new Mondeo before the end of this year and the car will compete the all-new Volkswagen Passat and the Opel Insignia Facelift. It is interesting, because Volkswagen has already targeted the new Passat upmarket. It is set to go against the luxurious Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3-Series.

The upcoming Mondeo will feature Ford SYNC with MyFord Touch in-car connectivity system. It will enable integration of smartphones and deliver wi-fi capability, while new-generation adaptive LED headlamps enhance visibility and vision.

The manufacturer continues to develop a unique interpretation of modern luxury and design, and this year it was the first auto manufacturer to participate in the world’s leading furniture design show – Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan.

Still, the sales of the outgoing Mondeo fell to around 19,000 units compared to 22,028 registrations for the same period in 2013.

Source: AutomotiveNewsEurope

July 7, 2014

2015 Saleen 302 Mustang Teased

2015 Saleen 302 Mustang has just been exclusively shown with a first [teaser] image. The photo shows only the front of the car and it features Saleen’s purposeful stance and powerful presence. In fact, the 2015 302 Mustang is the first major Saleen’s Mustang redesign since 2005. The specialists took this as an opportunity to push the limits in both car’s design and performance. This latest Saleen Mustang model is perfectly positioned as the next American exotic, campaigning on the world stage.

The release teaser shows many of the typical for Saleen design cues. Just take a look at the aggressive multi-layered front fascia and splitter, or the blacked-out grille, which is Saleen’s trademark, and large single hood scoop.

Unfortunately, there are no additional details announced. However, the tuning company is promising to reveal the final features and specifications of the 2015 S302 Mustang as the unveiling and production of the car draws nearer.

2015 Ford Mustang made a debut in December last year. It is equipped with 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine, which generates more than 420 horsepower (310 kW) and 529 Nm (390 lb.-ft.) of torque. Two other engines which will also be available when the car hits showrooms later this year, are the 3.7-liter V6 and 2.3-liter EcoBoost.

Source: Saleen

July 4, 2014

2015 Ford Focus ST – Officially Unveiled

Ford has officially unveiled the 2015 Focus ST, which is expected to make its official public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The facelifted model comes with a lot of updates including modified exterior, retuned suspension, new engines and a modest makeover for the cabin.

The exterior of 2015 Focus ST boasts new front and rear bumpers, a new front hood and updated headlights featuring HID headlamps standard with ST2 and ST3 trim levels . The car also comes with restyled fog lights and a set of new 18” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires. There is also a new exterior color: Magnetic Metallic, which replaces Ingot Silver. Two over-the-top stripe choices now available – Satin Black and High Gloss Red, stripes come with matching mirror skull caps.

The interior features redesigned instrument panel center stack with improved climate controls and new finishes. There is also a new media bin with USB smart charging port, which charges two times faster than previous USB port. Also updated are front door storage places and cupholders. The new flat-bottom steering wheel will provide extra leg clearance for the driver. The options list include: Recaro sport seats, heated steering wheel and eight-way power driver’s seat.

The engine range will include a revised 2.0 liter EcoBoost four-cylinder – 250HP (183 kW) and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 247 km/h (154 mph). The fuel consumption is impressive – 6.8 liters / 100 km in combined cycle (41.5 mpg UK or 34.5 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 158 g/km. The result is thanks to a new engine start/stop system. The other new engine is a 2.0 liter TDCi with 185HP (136 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft). 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 217 km/h (135 mph). It will average 4.4 liters / 100 km (64.2 mpg UK or 53.4 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 114 g/km.

Source: Ford

June 27, 2014

2014 Engine of the Year – Results [images]

Ford managed to scoop the International Engine of the Year Award for third consecutive time. The “star” is again the three-cylinder 1.0 liter EcoBoost engine which was recently updated. It now produces 140HP (103 kW) and is able to accelerate the new Fiesta from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds. The engine is also super-economical – 4.5 liters / 100 km (52.3 mpg US or 62.8 mpg UK) on combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 104 g/km.

The engine managed to gather 351 points from the jury putting it on 1^st place. The 2^nd place is for Ferrari’s 4.5 liter V8 with 281 points and 3^rd for Volkswagen’s 1.4 liter TSI – 254 points. Of course, the 1.0 liter EcoBoost won the sub 1.0 liter category with 505 points.

Here are all the winners:

Sub 1-liter: Ford 999cc three-cylinder turbo

1.0-liter to 1.4-liter: Volkswagen 1.4-liter TSI Twincharger

1.4-liter to 1.8-liter: BMW / PSA Peugeot Citroen 1.6-liter turbo petrol

1.8-liter to 2.0-liter: Mercedes-AMG 2-liter turbo

2.0-liter to 2.5-liter: Audi 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo

2.5-liter to 3.0-liter: BMW 3.0-liter twin-power turbo six-cylinder gasoline

3.0-liter to 4.0-liter: McLaren 3.8-liter V8

Above 4.0-liter: Ferrari 4.5-liter V8

New Engine: Mercedes-AMG 2.0-liter turbo

Green Engine: Tesla Full-electric powertrain

Performance Engine: Ferrari 4.5-liter V8

International Engine of the Year: Ford 999cc three-cylinder turbo

Source: Engine of the Year Awards

June 26, 2014

Ford and Intel – The Future of In-Car Personalization [video]

Ford and Intel are researching new opportunities in-car personalization. The companies will offer new opportunities for the connected car, including giving drivers the ability to remotely peer into their car using a smartphone, or a vehicle that could identify its owner using facial recognition software.

The project is called – Project Mobii and aims to aims to explore how interior-facing cameras could be integrated with sensor technology and data already generated within and around the vehicle to create a more personalized and seamless interaction between driver and vehicle that transforms the driving experience.

“Our goal with the Mobii research is to explore how drivers interact with technology in the car and how we can then make that interaction more intuitive and predictive,” commented Paul Mascarenas, Chief Technical Officer and Vice President, Ford Research and Innovation.

“The use of interior imaging is purely research at this point; however, the insights we’ve gained will help us shape the customer experience in the long-term”, he added.

Project Mobii will use facial recognition technology, so it will be able to recognize different drivers and automatically adjust vehicle settings according to their demands. If the system can’t recognize a person, an image of the individual will be sent to the owner’s smartphone and he or she will be able to approve or deny access to the car. Other nice safety features include teen drivers recognition and reducing audio volume.

Last but not least, the system will feature voice commands and gestures recognition. You can easily turn the heat up or down while driving without removing hands from the steering wheel.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_DacM5G7PM

Source: Ford

June 26, 2014

2015 Ford Edge – Full Details [videos]

Ford has officially unveiled the second generation of the successful Edge model. 2015 Ford Edge is scheduled to hit the market in the beginning of the next year. It boasts superb refinement, a lot of new features and technologies as well as improved exterior and interior.

The new Edge is built on the company’s global midsize vehicle platform. In other words, it has the same architecture as the latest Fusion and Mondeo, and draws most of its styling cues from the recently presented Edge Concept car. The 2^nd generation Edge looks a lot different compared to its predecessor.

“The original Edge was our first entry into the world of crossover utilities – a technologically advanced vehicle that was the perfect blend of sedan comfort and efficiency with SUV functionality,” commented Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development.

“Now, we are building on that success, and building on the emotional appeal of the vehicle by offering more of the technology our customers want in a package that meets the highest expectations for quality and craftsmanship.”, he added.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDouAmpQblw

The engine range in North America will include a four-cylinder 2.0 liter EcoBoost – 245HP (183 kW) and 357Nm (270 lb-ft) of torque; a 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6 with over 300HP (224 kW) and a naturally aspirated 3.5 liter V6 power unit. All engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission featuring a SelectShift manual mode.

Some of the interesting extras include an adaptive electric steering, active park assist system, adaptive cruise control along with a 180-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors and heated and ventilated front seats. There are also several active safety systems like blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, curve control system, inflatable rear seatbelts and an active glovebox knee airbag presented in the 2015 Ford Mustang.

The interior boasts a revised center stack, an 8” LCD display with support for SYNC and MyFord Touch. There is a huge Panoramic Vista Roof – 47.7”, which is the largest in the industry.

2015 Edge will be available in four trim levels: SE, SEL, Sport and Titanium.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7OlBoMTRsI

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZvml_dEIX4

Source: Ford

June 25, 2014

Ford Focus ST With Global Reveal At Goodwood [VIDEO]

An absolutely new Ford Focus ST will make an official global premiere this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Ford is currently teasing the car with an image showing the part of its front and more importantly – a video, where you can see the car on the track. Despite these two visual teasers the company has left the mystery around car’s exterior appearance intact. There is also nothing said about Focus ST’s engine or any specifications, except for that it benefits from technology and quality improvements revealed earlier this year, so we will just have to wait till 27th of June.

At Goodwood, Ford’s new performance model headlines the First Glance category. In it, professional drivers showcase the car’s abilities on the world-famous hill climb. The model was initially launched in 2002. Since then it has sold more than 140,000 units in more than 40 countries.

Furthermore, at the event will happen something spectacular. On its first run each day, Focus ST will compete in real time against its twin featured in the Gran Turismo6 game for PlayStation3. A designated gamer at the Ford stand will match skills against Ben Collins and all that action will be displayed on big screens throughout the festival.

Another Goodwood debut will make the 2015 Ford Mustang, where it will be shown for the first time in the United Kingdom. A 5.0-liter V8 fastback will take part in the Supercar Classl. At the wheel will be Ford Team RS vehicle dynamics specialist David Put. The Mustang will be shown in both fastback and convertible forms.

httpv://youtu.be/hgWQBVpoUbg

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Ford

June 24, 2014

2015 Ford Explorer XLT Has Bold And Rugged Looks

2015 Ford Explorer is being upgraded and now features many attractive characteristics and design elements. For the new model year it will offer its customers a sport-inspired appearance package that will deliver more comfort and technology. Next to the new colors and features included, Ford is adding a brand new trim level called XLT. It is based on the Sport grade, but has bolder and rugged looks. The vehicle will be available later this month at company’s dealerships.

For 2015 the Explorer will add as a standard 18-inch aluminum wheels. In addition, also as no-cost option on the Sport grade is the Class III trailer tow package. Three exterior colors are new: Bronze Fire Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Caribou Metallic and Magnetic Metallic.

In details for the XLT, this SUV has some striking exterior details. It runs on 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets. It also features black body-side cladding and roof rack rails. Other striking design elements include the Magnetic Metallic painted grille, mirror caps and liftgate applique, “EXPLORER” hood badge and body-color door handles.

The interior of the vehicle is also impressive. It features leather-trimmed, heated front seats with Miko suede inserts and contrast stitching. There are also included floor mats with special badging and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The technology upgrades featured in the XLT are SYNC with MyFord Touch, two 4.2-inch color LCD screens in the instrument cluster, an 8-inch color LCD touch screen in the Meteorite Black center stack, two USB ports and an SD card reader.

Source: Ford

June 16, 2014

2014 FPV GT-F [video]

2014 FPV GT-F

The recently announced all-new 2014 FPV GT-F, which will be built in a limited series of just 550 units, is taking place in a nice video clip showing some of its highlights. The performance saloon will be sold exclusive in Australia and New Zealand and the pricing is starting from $77,990 AUD.

2014 FPV GT-F is powered by a 5.0 liter supercharged V8 with 477HP (351 kW) at 6,000RPM and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) at 2,500RPM of torque. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed sport-automatic ZF transmission. The fuel consumption stands at 13.6 liters / 100 km with 324 g/km of CO2. There is also a GT RSPEC’s suspension and a set of 19” alloy wheels fitted with 275/35 R19 Dunlop Sport Maxx tires.

Outside, the new GT-F comes with a new bonnet, black panel extensions, roof and rear deck lid. The interior boasts instrument dial faces, seat stitching and embroidery, build number and manual transmission plaquette and the ICC start-up screen.

“Our goal was to create the best vehicle we could; a vehicle that pays respect to Ford GTs of old yet celebrates all that is good about Ford’s performance credentials.”, said FPV Chief Program Engineer, Peter de Leur.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTq1yIOfVK4

Source: FPV

June 13, 2014

Tag: Ford