Ford – Page 30 – Automobiles Review

Shelby Celebrates 50th Anniversary Of 289 FIA Cobra

289 FIA Shelby Cobras are an example of the most important cars in American racing history. They debuted in 1964 and competed in 1964 World Manufacturers Championship series. Back then the FIA Cobras were piloted by racing legends including Ken Miles, Dan Gurney, Phil Hill and Bob Bondurant, and logically put the car into the winner’s circle.

The reason for the success of the vehicle can be also attributed to its robust and powerful engine, combined with a lightweight chassis. Now, the model marks 50th anniversary and to celebrate this, Shelby is releasing 50 limited editions (CSX7000) Shelby 289 FIA Cobras.

Each of the cars is painted in “Viking Blue” finish and features the iconic FIA stripes and roundels. In terms of interior the vehicles are fitted with black FIA interior. Other special features in the Anniversary cars include billet anniversary badges, original style wheels, a new dash, widened front and rear fenders, cut-back doors, new dampers, racing wheels featuring the pin-drive hub, oil cooler scoops and a competition 289 V8 small block engine.

Shelby has also translated the beauty of the 1964 model in contemporary language by using modern disc brakes, a stronger frame and the bodies in either aluminum or fiberglass. The Anniversary Edition also includes a special fitted car cover and optional detachable steering wheel.

50th Anniversary FIA Shelby Cobra made an official first appearance last Friday at the annual Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale. Each car has a starting price of $94,995 USD.

Source: Shelby

January 20, 2014

2014 Roush Off-Road Ford F-150 SVT Raptor With Custom Graphics

2014-Roush-Off-Road-Ford-F-150-SVT-Raptor-shadow Thunderous rumble, kids cry, car alarms go off. Is it the end of days? Nope, more like a Roush Off-Road Ford F-150 SVT Raptor with custom graphics. It’s good, it’s bad, it’s ugly. Go ahead, make our day…

Okay, so we got our Clint Eastwood movies mixed up but in our defence, those patterns on the paint job are very confusing. Where in the natural world do you find such red hues? Nowhere you say? Why go camo then? And why only one third of the vehicle? Don’t get us wrong, we like the plain red bits; but the rest is just for show, and we here are all about efficiency.

And speaking of efficiency (or the lack of it), let;s take a minute and discuss the massive TVS-tech R2300 Supercharger that sits on top of the F-150’s 6.2-liter V8. It’s part of the Roush Phase 2 performance upgrade that also includes a big intercooler and high-flow fuel injectors. Add to that some engine calibration and you have yourself a 590 hp monstrosity that starts a fuel crisis every time you start it up.

Can’t leave it at that. Roush engineers have also added a dual tip performance tuned, cat back exhaust system. It’s all throaty and noisy and is made of stainless steel (the expensive type). The tips are chrome flashed which, apparently, is better than being chrome plated. Something about resistance to heat and durability. We are bad at physics.

This Raptor right here, is almost finished. All it’s left are the approximately aggressive wheels and some LED lightning works.

2014-Roush-Off-Road-Ford-F-150-SVT-Raptor-medium-2

Source: Roush

January 17, 2014

2015 Ford F-150 [video]

Ford has finally unveiled the new tougher, smarter and more capable 2015 F-150. The pick-up truck is set to debut at the North American International Auto Show. It boasts a super lightweight, four engines in the range and 11 new class-exclusive features.

The exterior features include new front fascia with prominent grille and revised headlights. There is also a rounded fender flares and a tailgate with an integrated spoiler. It draws styling cues from 2015 F-Series Super Duty.

The interior comes with better materials and new technologies. It can be offered with SYNC, MyFord Touch and an 8” “productivity screen” in the instrument cluster as well as a rear view camera, trailer brake controller, a 360-degree camera system and high-wattage power outlets.

Some of the useful extras include a bed with integrated loading ramps and a “smart trailer tow module” which can “inform the driver of potential trailer connectivity issues including burned or unlit trailer marker lamps, and brake light and trailer battery faults.” There is also a trailer hitch assist, LED bed lights, a remote tailgate and a BoxLink system with metal brackets and custom cottagers for securing cargo.

The 2015 F-150 adopts a fully boxed ladder frame with more high-strength steel. The result is epic weight saving of up to 700 lbs (317 kg), which means that the new F-150 is more agile, faster and more economical.

The engine range includes a 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6, a 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6, a 3.5 liter V6 and a 5.0 liter Ti-VCT V8.

2015 Ford F-150 is expected to hit the market later this year. It will be available in five trim levels – XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum and King Ranch. Other upgrades are a chrome appearance package, a sport appearance package and an FX4 off-road package.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRs-WIalD7w

Source: Ford

January 13, 2014

Sienna Miller Really Likes The 2015 Ford Mustang [VIDEO]

2015-Ford-Mustang-Sienna-Miller-Spot-shadow A timeless commercial formula: women plus cars make the world go round. Or is that just us being dizzy?

It’s not all unapologetic marketing though. You have the ridiculously gorgeous British actress/model/fashion designer Sienna Miller next to an American icon (which, apparently, has an American accent): the 2015 Ford Mustang . Isn’t that a metaphorical bridge between two continents that have been wedged by the Atlantic for far too long? A symbol of unity and globalization, tolerance and cooperati…okay, it’s shameless marketing all the way.

Just look at it. Things get steamy pretty quickly. I recall thinking while watching : “Did that volume knob really need such sensual treatment?… Are we really going to go with the hand-brake shot? Ok…Gotta check that make up in the mirror, very important!… Really, Ford! Just give the woman the keys and let her drive!”

Wonder how many feminists punched a wall after seeing that.

P.S. – you know you spend too much time with cars when you flinch at the nonchalant kick (0:28th mark) or think: “That’s going to leave fingerprints” (circa 0:37th mark).

httpv://youtu.be/qDgF0yJq9-U

Video source: fordeurope via YouTube

January 8, 2014

Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept Reduces Emissions And Aims For The Future

Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept is undoubtedly a first-of-its-kind. It is a sun-powered vehicle which does not depend on the electric grid for fuel. Instead of powering its battery from an electrical outlet, the concept model draws power of the sun by using a special concentrator that acts like a magnifying glass, directing intense rays to solar panels on the vehicle roof.

The new concept vehicle delivers EPA-estimated 108 MPGe city and 92 MPGe highway, and a combined 100 MPGe. In addition to this by the utilization of renewable power, Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept will reduce the annual greenhouse gas emissions.

In this project, the high-efficiency solar cells on the roof were provided by SunPower. In order to make the solar-powered hybrid feasible for daily use, Georgia Institute of Technology supplied the car with amplifier of the sunlight.

In fact, the engineers at the institute developed an off-vehicle solar concentrator that uses a special Fresnel lens to direct sunlight to the solar cells while boosting the impact of the sunlight by a factor of eight. In addition, this system can also track the sun as it moves from east to west, in order to gain as much power as possible, which in turn makes it equal to a four-hour battery charge (8 kilowatts).

With a full charge, the C-MAX Solar Energi Concept is estimated to have a total range of up to 620 miles, including up to 21 electric-only miles. What is more, the car has also retained the charge port so that drivers retain the option to power up via the grid.

Without a doubt, Ford C-MAX Solar Energi can make an extremely positive environmental impact and envisions an emissionless future. The innovative concept car will make its official debut at the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas.

Source: Ford

January 3, 2014

Ford Mustang Mach 1 [render]

Ford is probably going to produce a special Mustang Mach 1. However, nothing is confirmed that’s why so Top Speed has created several renders of that possible model.It is inspired by Mustang Boss 302 and Mach 1 comes with new front grille and an adjustable front splitter improving the aerodynamics. There are also special alloy wheels, some body side graphics, a bigger rear spoiler and a four tailpipe sports exhaust system.Some of the performance highlights include a sport-tuned suspension, improved interior and a 5.0 liter V8 engine – 420HP (313 kW) and 528Nm (390 lb-ft) of torque.

December 20, 2013

Automated Fusion Hybrid Research Vehicle By Ford

Ford in conjunction with the University of Michigan and State Farm has just revealed a new project – a Ford Fusion Hybrid automated research vehicle. The latter will be utilized in order to make progress on future automated driving and other future technologies.

Precisely, Fusion Hybrid automated vehicle will test brand’s sensing systems and driver-assist technologies in order to deliver better experience for the driver and occupants in the future models.

Nowadays, Ford offers vehicles which already have technology that enables them to park themselves, understand a driver’s voice commands, detect dangerous driving situations and assist with emergency braking. Taking this in hand and imagining how many other new advanced technologies will appear, Ford envisions that one day all this could allow a person to be driven to a destination.

For this reason, the brand now introduces the automated Fusion Hybrid which will serve as the research platform for achieving these goals. The Fusion Hybrid research vehicle builds on driver-in-control studies conducted in Ford’s VIRTTEX driving simulator.

In addition, the brand is working in terms of improving technology already used in vehicles on the road. This includes functions that alert drivers to traffic jams and accidents, and technologies for parking and for driving in slow-moving traffic.

In addition, the engineers at the brand also work on vehicle-to-vehicle communications, autopilot capabilities of the cars, and vehicles with fully autonomous navigation and parking. Ford Fusion Hybrid was chosen as the test platform for the new research effort because it is one of the cars which offer the most advanced driver-assist technologies in its class.

To go further into details, these technologies include Blind Spot Information System, active park assist, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support. And exactly these systems will be building blocks for the future of fully automated driving.

Other Ford vehicles which include these technologies are the Focus, C-MAX hybrids, Fusion, Taurus, Escape, Explorer, Flex, Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy. What is more, the research vehicle also includes four scanning infrared light sensors – named LiDAR (for Light Detection And Ranging) – that scan the road at 2.5 million times per second.

LiDAR utilizes light in the same way a bat or dolphin uses sound waves. This means that the sensors can track anything dense enough to redirect light, and can also sense the difference between a paper bag and a small animal at nearly a football field away.

Source: Ford

December 17, 2013

2015 Ford Mustang on the Street [VIDEO]

2014-Ford-Mustang-shadow 2014-Ford-Mustang-medium

You know how YouTube is full of people that do “unboxing” videos of phones, game consoles, watches, pens… you name it. It’s supposed to be a constructive and consumer friendly commentary on this world full of choices and decisions. What’s more, the reviewers go through every single detail like stickers, and manuals, and packaging, and delivery and guarantees. How far we’ve come with the internet, haven’t we?

So here’s a video of the 2015 Ford Mustang which pretty much has the same premise. Sort of. There’s no actual unboxing happening, but the Mustang is still so fresh and so new, that it might as well be in a box. There’s no commentary either. Instead, the pony is left to introduce itself with a gurgling noise and a rumbling shout. Maybe it’s nothing like the unboxing videos, what do we know? As far as we’re concerned, though, that’s good enough consumer advice right there.

We are willing to bet that this one here has the V8 in its belly. Maybe, due to the vastness of the internet, there might be videos out there of the Ecoboost version of the stang, but do you really want to find it?

The Mustang V8 engine has 5.0-liters of displacement and churns out 420 hp and 529 Nm of torque. An automatic gearbox with paddle shifters is available as an option. The front of the pony has a new perimeter subframe that stiffens the front structure yet reduces the overall weight. The back axle is mounted on an integral-link independent suspension, and its geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically designed for high-performance cornering.

Regardless of all the fancy tech, though, a muscle car is a muscle car. Just sit back and enjoy

httpv://youtu.be/8nefU4Z6xWM

Video source: SotA1080 via YouTube

December 9, 2013

2015 Ford Mustang Debut

2015-Ford-Mustang-shadow 2015-Ford-Mustang-medium

After Chevrolet’s jab yesterday about how the Camaro is thrashing the Mustang in terms of sales, Ford delivers a hasty comeback. It’s a brand new pony! The 2015 Ford Mustang got unveiled today simultaneously in six cities across four continents.

How do we know it’s a Mustang? Well, the press release says so, but also just look at it. It is a modern reinterpretation of a classic shape: a long hood and a short behind, still low, and still sloping at the back. So not many surprises on the outside then.

What did shock us a bit, however, was the fact that it will now be available with a 2,3-liter EcoBoost. Never thought that you can put “Eco” and “Mustang” in one sentence. But because of some clever engineering (variable cam timing, a special intake manifold and turbocharger housing) you expect around 305 hp and 407 Nm of torque which is pretty decent to say the least. Of course, purists can still refer to the 5.0-liter V8 engine that goes all the way up to 420 hp and 529 Nm of torque. An automatic gearbox with paddle shifters is available as an option.

The good news is that whatever power grade you get, you will be able to put it to good use. The 2015 Mustang has an all-new suspension system. The front gets treated with a new perimeter subframe that stiffens the front structure yet remains lighter than its predecessors. The back axle is mounted on an integral-link independent suspension. The geometry, springs, dampers and bushings all have been specifically modified and tuned for high-performance cornering. Aluminum knuckles help reduce the curb weight. All Mustang GT models in Europe will come as standard with 19-inch wheels and performance brake packages.

It’s not just the materials used that are clever, but the nervous system that operates them as well. There are different modes selectable from the plane cockpit-inspired cabin. Thus you can adjust the throttle response, steering feedback, and transmission and ESC behaviour to your taste. There’s torque vectoring for the wheels and the manual transmission GT Mustangs have launch control which should be loads of fun on the track. Optional conveniences include the 8-inch navigation system accompanied by a 12-speaker sound system.

Source: Ford

December 5, 2013

Ford Ka Concept Vision Revealed In Barcelona

In November we have seen the birth of a new concept – Ford Ka Concept, which back then was unveiled in Brazil. Now the brand is showing for the first time the model in Europe, along with the new 2015 Mustang and Edge Concept.

The Ka Concept is Ford’s vision for a practical global small which offers advanced technology and clever design, efficiency and precision. The car features bold, elongated headlamps and a long, lean look with sweeping, curved lines. The five-door concept is equipped with technology which is typical for larger cars.

For instance, MyFord Dock gives the occupants the abiltiy to store, mount and charge mobile devices such as phones and satellite navigation systems. In addition, SYNC with Voice Control and AppLink enables drivers to activate apps, play music and make phone calls, while keeping both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Ka Concept’s engine range will include a 1.0 liter three-cylinder naturally aspirated unit which generates 80 horsepower (59 kW), a 1.5 liter petrol/ethanol that delivers 111 horsepower (82 kW) on ethanol and 107 horsepower (79 kW) on gasoline.

Ford Ka Concept is readied for a production version that is scheduled to reach European showrooms by 2017.

Source: Ford

December 5, 2013

Loder1899 Present Their Ford Fiesta ST

Loder1899-Ford-Fiesta-ST-shadow Loder1899-Ford-Fiesta-ST-medium

The Ford Fiesta ST is an impressive little speed imp as it is. Add some German engineering from Loder1899 to the equation, however, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for unlimited fun and a monthly expense for new tires.

Because of the new exhaust system with a sport cat module, an intecooler and some clever engine management fiddling, the Loder1899 Fiesta has 52 hp and 95 Nm of torque more than the outgoing ST. That’s 235 hp and 335 Nm of torque good for a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. Not bat for what is essentially a 1.6 Ecoboost that, supposedly will return 6 liters per 100 km of fuel economy on the combined cycle.

To ensure that all of the power is utilized, Loder1899 have also added a Bilstein B14 suspension kit and some lowering springs that put the fiesta -25 mm closer to the ground. For stopping power, there have been provided an ST Big Brake braking system with 318 mm discs 4-pot calipers. To round it off, for around $2100 or 2820, you can go respectively with a set of Matzuda 7.5×18 silver wheels or four black Assetto wheels of the same size. The 205/35R18 tires are also included in the price.

Source: Loder1899

November 26, 2013

Shelby GT Package for 2014 Ford Mustang – US Price $14,995

Shelby American has announced the Shelby GT Package for the 2014 Ford Mustang. It features styling and performance upgrades as well.

The exterior boasts a new front fascia, a fiberglass hood and a modified grille.There is also a lowered sports suspension and a set of enormous 20” alloy wheels with BFG G-Force Comp2 tires. The interior boasts short shifter and some additional upgrades available upon request.

The 5.0 liter V8 engine is boosted to 430HP (320 kW), which is an increase of 10HP thanks to a new air intake and a sports exhaust system. The GT/SC adds a supercharger boosting the engine to 525HP (391 kW) or 624HP (465 kW). 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and ¼ mile in 11.5 seconds.

The Shelby GT package starts at $14,995 and the GT/SC package has a price tag of $27,995.

Source: Shelby

November 22, 2013

Tag: Ford