Automobiles Review

Tag: Ford

Ford reveals the first-ever customer-specified model in brand’s lineup

Following an innovative experiment in human center design, the Ford team revealed the winning specs for the new Puma ST Gold Edition that will be available for order in limited numbers later in 2021.

Ford fans have cast about 275,000 votes in a series of polls on the brand’s Twitter and Instagram channels over the course of 10 days and chose the color combinations for different components of the vehicle, including the car’s paint, decals, and brake calipers. The voters also had the chance to decide the name of the vehicle.

As a result, the new Puma ST is the first-ever Ford Performance model to feature a crowd-sourced design concept. It has the following features:

Black exterior color finish, red brake calipers, grey seatbelt stitching, linear exterior decals, ST exterior badges, Puma scuff plates, ST pride plate, and “Puma ST Gold Edition” as a name.

To create something truly special for our loyal performance fans, we’ve moved to a forward-looking approach in co-creating the Puma ST Gold Edition with them. The number of votes cast shows just how enthusiastic our customers are – and that they have excellent taste, said Amko Leenarts, director, Design, Ford of Europe. It’s all in the details, and with this special edition, our fans have configured a truly desirable product.

SEE ALSO: Nissan showcases a neat digital performance in London

The vehicle will be powered by a 200hp 1.5-liter EcoBoost petrol engine and will include selectable driving modes like Sport, Track, and Eco, as well as a unique-in-segment limited-slip differential option, patented force vectoring springs, and unique suspension and steering specifications for exceptional cornering responses.

Deliveries are expected until the end of 2021.

June 21, 2021
Mountune presents new performance upgrades for Puma ST and Mk8 Fiesta

Fans of the Puma ST are now capable of getting more out of the vehicle, thanks to the new performance upgrade packs – the m235 and m260. Also, fans of the Mk8 Fiesta ST can take advantage of the m260 kit, taking both vehicles to the next level of power and performance capabilities.

The m235 kit can be easily installed and boosts the torque and power output by 35hp and 30Nm for a total of 235hp and 350Nm of torque.

As it comes to the m260 upgrade, it provides an induction kit, charge pipe kit, and intercooler. In terms of performance, it can boost the performance to a total of 260hp and 365Nm, which is a significant boost for the 1.5-liter 3-cylinder power unit.

Both upgrade packs have undergone tons of tests and include a host of boosted functionality via the enhanced exhaust output noise, more aggressive launch control, optimized no-lift shift, and an anti-theft mode. Also, just like the previous releases, customers can benefit from the mTune SMARTflash phone app, which allows them to install the latest calibration from anywhere they want.

SEE ALSO: Toyota is about to unveil the new bZ4X Concept

Customers who wish to install the upgrade packs should also benefit from the mountune induction kit, mountune charge pipe kit, and mountune intercooler, as these gadgets further enhance the capabilities of the pack and contribute to even better and more refined performance rates.

June 4, 2021
Mecum Tulsa 2021 will feature 600 unique vehicles at a special event

Mecum Auctions, one of the largest collector-car auctions, will showcase 600 American muscle vehicles, classics, Corvettes, Trucks, Hot Rods, and numerous more at a special event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, 11-12 June at the River Spirit Expo.

Some of the notable vehicles at the event include a 2005 Ford GT with all four available options, two 1970 Chevy Chevelles, one convertible, and three classic Ford Broncos.

Additional offerings include 24 vehicles from the Rick Holland Collection – Dusk Pearl 1957 Chevrolet 210 in Bel Air trim finish, a pink 1957 Ford Thunderbird, a 1973 Ford Bronco Sport, and a 1959 Willys Utility Wagon with a 226 CI Super Hurricane 6-cylinder engine and a 3-speed manual transmission.

Then there’s the York Collection with 14 exclusive vehicles dating from 1931 to 1955. The first one is a 1931 Austin American Coupe, a 1955 Chevrolet Custom Pickup, and 13 vehicles from the Dicky Ray Estate Collection, some of which are a 1921 Ford Model T Pickup and a 1933 Chevrolet Master Sedan (Lot S82), a 1986 Ferrari 328 GTS, and a 1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Mk 8 Golf GTI and Golf R come with an updated digital interior

Also present at the Tulsa block will be a 1970 Plymouth Cuda with a V-Code 440 6-BBL engine and automatic gearbox that was ordered by the dealer as a demonstrator and exists today as one of the most highly optioned V-Code 1970 Cudas. The audience will also have the chance to take a look at a 1957 Ford Thunderbird F-Code, one of 196 produced and that has undergone a four-year nut-and-bolt restoration using original and NOS parts.

June 3, 2021
Silverstone Auctions reveal a lineup of limited and low-mileage vehicles

Silverstone Auctions closed their catalogue with a set of low mileage and low ownership vehicles.

1999 Subaru 22B-STi Type UK

First, there’s the 1999 Subaru 22B-STi Type UK. The vehicle is rare and special. 1 of only 16 units, the vehicle is well-regarded among the Subaru fanbase, and occasionally appears in many magazines. This particular unit has had only 2 previous owners during the last 18 years and has only overed 49,000 miles.

1961 Morris Mini Cooper 997

Another vehicle in the lineup is the 1961 Morris Mini Cooper 997. It has been confirmed as the 3^rd oldest survivor. The model is fully restored and will celebrate its 60^th birthday in September. The vehicle comes with a very limited mileage since restoration and has been featured in an article in ‘Miniworld’ 10 years ago.

1985 Porsche 911 Turbo

The next one in the lineup is a 1985 Porsche 911 Turbo. It has had only 2 owners and has covered less than 22,000 miles from new. The vehicle is offered from 35 years of private ownership, properly stored and maintained.

1991 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth 4×4

Also confirmed is the 1991 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth 4×4. This one is remarkable, because of its low mileage coverage of 13,865 miles. It is also one of the finest examples with the eye-catching Magenta and Raven interior with black leather Recaro seats.

SEE ALSO: Peterson Automotive Museum launches Porsche-themed events

Gary Dunne Sales Controller for Silverstone Auctions added: We are so excited to safely be welcoming back bidders into our auction hall for the first time in over a year for our sale next weekend! There are some excellent examples confirmed which are previewed here with many more on our website.

May 17, 2021
Ford reveals first details for the new Mustang NASCAR machine

Ford unveils new 2022 NASCAR Next-Gen Mustang. This is bran’s vehicle that will compete in the NASCAR Cup Series next season.

The vehicle has been under construction for two years and showcases a completely new technical and design approach, compared to previous generations and unlike them, the exterior is the only noticeable change. However, the vehicle incorporates the latest and greatest technical concept known to the world of motorsport.

Next-Gen Mustang resembles the Mustang production counterpart and maintains the name. However, the similarities end here. Changes to the racetrack machine include rack-and-pining steering, independent rear suspension, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and the all-new body design with a wide stance, symmetric exterior shell, tail, and smaller greenhouse.

SEE ALSO: Toyota team reveals new TRD Camry racecar

Development of the vehicle took place in Ford’s Dearborn design center and the Ford Performance Technical Center in Concord, North Carolina, where the brand’s NASCAR scale model and aero teams are located.

The NASCAR Next-Gen Mustang will make its competition debut on Feb. 20, 2022, at Daytona International Speedway for the 64th annual Daytona 500.

Source: Ford

May 10, 2021
Ford works on a new illumination technology [VIDEO]

Ford team is looking to a new way of making driving in the dark easier and more comfortable. The company’s engineers at Ford Research and Advanced Engineering Europe are testing a technology that uses real-time location data to effectively show the vehicle’s way to go. This predictive smart headlight system directs the beams into upcoming corners even before the driver may see them, illuminating dangerous obstacles.

The prototype system uses GPS location data, advanced technologies, and highly accurate street geometry information to quickly and accurately identify turns and obstacles on the road ahead. The algorithm calculates the trajectory and speed of the vehicle in order to proactively adjust the direction of the headlight beams, providing optimal light coverage of bends and junctions.

Should the vehicle encounter a stretch of road where location data is not available, the system will work alongside the camera and the steering-wheel dynamic headlight bending technologies to continue to intelligently illuminate the road until the location data access is once more available.

SEE ALSO: Maserati announces first details for the new F-Tributo lineup

Furthermore, the research team has made some extensive use of the digital twin simulation that recreates real-world events in a digital environment. This simulation accurately calculates how light fall and reflects in the real world, enabling researchers to better visualize and improve the technology they are working on.

Michael Koherr, Ford European lighting research engineer, said: The predictive lighting technology we are developing now means that one day driving in the dark could be as simple as just following your headlights. This new map- and location‑based system is the next step on our quest to make driving at night no more difficult or stressful as during the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN5lvwjf1VY

Source: Ford

April 26, 2021
Henry Ford II’s 1981 Ford Capri 2.8i will be auctioned this week

A special 1981 Ford Capri 2.8 injection, exclusively created for Henry Ford II will be auctioned on the 23^rd of April by Car & Classic. This is one of the three special Ford vehicles created for Henry Ford II and this particular Capri was specially created to be used when traveling in the UK.

Capri was hand-picked off the Cologne production line and then underwent a transformation that included additional layers of paint, stricter quality control, and some comfort-enhancing features like a C3 automatic gearbox and a wider leather-trimmed set of seats.

The work was undertaken by Ford’s SVE division at Dunton and was enjoyed by Ford II until 1983 when the vehicle was purchased by Ron Mellor who was then the Head of Ford Product Development. After 3 years he also sold the vehicle to Alan Jarman, a designer at Ford who sold it back in 1993 to Leslie Garner who kept it until April 2007 when the next owner decided to recommission the vehicle with new original Ford parts.

Showing 68,958 miles on the odometer, the Capri has only covered around 6,800 miles in the last 28 years. Fresh from a comprehensive refresh this February 2021, restoring it to its full glory, it’s now ready to be enjoyed once more.

Fast Fords are always highly sought after but this Capri is much more than that, says Chris Pollitt, head of editorial at Car & Classic. Specifically prepared by the legendary SVE department for one of the most influential people in the history of Ford and then subsequently enjoyed by other key members of the company, it is a widely appreciated, documented, and renowned part of the Ford story.

SEE ALSO: 2021 London Concours showcases ‘The Youngtimers’

The seven-day online auction will start from April 23rd on Car & Classic, with the special Capri’s estimated to be sold for £25,000 – £35,000.

Source: Cars&Classics

April 22, 2021
Ford Ranger Wolftrak: a quick overview

Ford reveals two new limited-run vehicles – the StormTrak and Wolftrak. In a series of two articles, we will tell you more about each vehicle in detail. In a recent text, we reviewed the Stormtrack, and now we take a closer look at the Woltrak lineup.

Ford Ranger Wolftrak

The vehicle is built for customers who want some enhanced off-road performance and neat exterior styling. Based on the Ranger XLT series, Woltrak is powered by Ford’s 170hp 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel unit and can be specified with a choice of six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic gearbox.

Furthermore, the vehicle comes with a four-wheel-drive system with a shift-on-the-fly function, electronically-locking rear differential, and all-terrain tires.

Also, the vehicle is specially designed to support farming, forestry, and outdoor activities. The 1.0-tonne payload and 3,500kg maximum towing weight offer a significant load-moving ability, supported by a standard protective bed liner. There’s an optional manual load bed cover or an optional Aeroklas full load canopy that is available in matte black in order to match Wolftrak’s blacked-out exterior detailing.

SEE ALSO: Ford presents new Stormtrak limited-run model. Check it out!

The vehicle comes with Imposing Conquer Grey paint and neat matte black details like the grille, underbody protection, and 17-inch black alloy wheels. Furthermore, the distinctive look is completed by darkened Wolftrak badges and plastic molded side steps.

Source: Ford

April 13, 2021
Ford presents new Stormtrak limited-run model

Ford introduces two exciting and limited-edition models building on the style and capability of the brand’s award-winning pick-up, the new Ranger Stormtrak, and Ranger Wolftrak. In two articles, we will tell you a bit more about the latest Ford family members. Let’s have a closer look, shall we?

Ranger Stormtrak

This is a premium truck with distinctive styling and premium features for customers that need more capability and tons of features. The model is based on the Ranger Wildtrack series and delivers even higher spec number with further enhanced comfort and goodies.

In terms of the drivetrain system, the Stormtrack is geared with Ford’s range-topping Bi-turbo 213hp 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engine that delivers a total of 500Nm of torque and ensures incredible off-road performance, thanks to the advanced AWD system and the 10-speed automatic gearbox.

As it comes to the exterior, Rapid Red dominates the body and complements the exclusive red grille insert that contributes to that massive and muscular front styling. The LED headlamps and the rugged underbody protection complete the menacing presence.

SEE ALSO: Ford Ranger Wolftrak: a quick overview

Additionally, Ford included a Bedliner, lad divider, and brand’s new Power Roller Shutter as standard features. Ranger Stormtrak retains the 1.0-tonne payload and 3,500kg maximum towing weight that was first demonstrated with the Wildtrak series.

As it comes to the interior, the Stormtrack features specific seats with supple leather and Tinted Graphite interior surfaces with red stitching.

Source: Ford

April 13, 2021
Ford introduces new “Smart Mirror” technology [VIDEO]

Ford introduces new “Smart Mirror” technology – this is a high-definition screen that displays a panoramic rear view for the driver of Transit and Transit Custom vans.

The Full Display Interior Mirror will aid drivers to spot cyclists, pedestrians, and other vehicles that might well are behind them, even when the windowless rear doors or partitions are in the way.

The display reveals what happens at the rear of the vehicle in real-time and features automatic brightness control for optimum visibility through the day-night cycle. Furthermore, the technology offers a field of view which is twice the width of a conventional rear-view mirror. This would help drivers to be more aware of the surroundings – when approaching roundabouts, changing lines, or simply when checking before merging.

SEE ALSO: Nissan Ariya undergoes a comprehensive engineering program for even better performance [VIDEO]

This new technology can be beneficial for delivery drivers that make frequent drop-offs in cities, where there are more likely to encounter those on bikes, scooters, or similar.

The mirror is already available for Ford Transit and Transit Custom vans fitted with windowless rear doors. The system can already be ordered from any Ford dealer.

https://youtu.be/mPGoEJ-TNZY

Source: Ford

April 5, 2021
Ford reveals new F-150 Police Responder vehicle

Ford reveals all-new 2021 F-150 Police Responder, the brand’s purpose-built and pursuit-focused pickup truck. The vehicle comes with increased capability, improved top speed of 120mph, automatic four-wheel driving mode and torque-on-demand transfer function.

Performance and drivetrain system

F-150 Police Responder comes with a 3.5-litre EcoBoost power unit that produces a total of 400hp and 500lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic gearbox which is carefully calibrated to meet the needs of any law enforcement team.

Also, in order to withstand the high speed, it is capable to achieve, F-150 Police Responder comes with exclusive Goodyear LT265/70R18 LRC BSW Wrangler Enforcer all-terrain tires. These are specially designed to handle fast acceleration and high speed, as we as aggressive cornering on any road surface.

As it comes to the torque-on-demand transfer case, it includes 4-auto mode with an electrically actuated clutch that automatically adjusts torque to provide some better capability and seamless performance on any terrain. On high-friction surfaces such as dry pavement, the system runs in two-wheel drive for enhanced performance and better handling, whereas on slick or loose surfaces, the 4-auto system directs power to all wheels and allows driver and passengers to remain focused on the job at hand.

SEE ALSO: OPUS reveals more details about its Mercedes-AMG tuning project

For the departments that need some towing capabilities, the 150 Police Responder offers some segment-leading power. The standard towing capacity is 11,200 and the payload capacity is 2,020 pounds.

In terms of special equipment, the vehicle comes with Tow Technology Package adds a 360-degree camera, Trailer Reverse Guidance and integrated Trailer Brake Controller. Smart Trailer Tow Connector is standard on Class IV hitch-equipped vehicles and adds Trailer Coverage to the available Blind Spot Information System.

Equipment features

Purposely built for law enforcement teams, the new F-150 includes all kinds of tech systems that aid those who are part of a law enforcement team. Such is the SYNC 4 with cloud connectivity as a standard feature. It comes with an 8-inch touch screen in the central stack and an embedded modem with wireless updates. This setup allows agencies to receive all software updates. Also, there’s a new 4-inch productivity screen.

Just like all Ford vehicles, the F-150 Police Responder also comes with Ford Telematics. This is an intelligent fleet management tool that improves uptime, optimizes the running costs, enables predictive planning of unscheduled maintenance tasks and improves the driver behaviour over time.

Speaking of the driver, the vehicle also includes new driver-assist features like Reverse Sensing System, Pre-Collision Assist, Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking. There’s also a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. All of these are part of the standard equipment.

Interior design and features

The interior is characterized by police-grade heavy-duty cloth front seats, built-in intrusion plates in both front seatbacks for enhanced safety, and red-and-white task lighting. The LED police warning beacons are available in red and blue or amber and white colour combinations.

The F-150 Police Responder comes with more interior passenger volume and more room for all occupants. The fitting is now easier thanks to the front console-delete, universal top tray on the instrument panel and rear power lug. The 40-blank-40 front seat setup allows for the instalment of a department-specific central console. Also, there’s an optional Upgrade Package that provides Interior Work Surface suite with an adjustable flat surface for writing on a computer.

Source: Ford

March 17, 2021
2022 Ford Super Duty receives fancy upgrades. Check them out!

Ford rolls out some neat tweaks for the 2022 F-Series Super Duty lineup. With some exterior changes and hi-tech gadgets, the lineup becomes even more appealing. Let’s find out more, shall we?

Exterior upgrades

For 2022, the Super Duty comes with a stylish Lariat Sports Appearance Pack that brings new body-coloured bumpers, exterior mirrors and grille and chrome exhaust tip. Buyers also get 20-inch Ebony Black-painted wheels, body-colour and grille bars, as well as six-inch Ebony Black running boards.

Also, customers can specify their Super Duty with new finishes as the Baja Interior for Lariat, Navy Pier and Light Slate for the Limited series. There’s also a new Atlas Blue exterior colour.

New tech

The New 2022 Super Duty comes with a new landscape-oriented 12-inch central touch screen with SYNC 4 and physical controls for quick access.

The new SYNC 4 comes with more computing power and the capability to connect to smartphones without a USB cord. Occupants will be able to interact with the truck via voice and ask for points of interest or delays along the route. SYNC 4 also features a 4.2-inch central screen.

Drivetrain system

2022 Super Duty is available with a massive and super powerful 7.3-litre V8 that generates an astonishing 430hp and 475lb-ft of torque. Buyers can also specify their vehicle with a 6.7-litre Power Stroke diesel V8 unit that delivers 1,050lb-ft of torque and best-in-class 475hp.

Other features

Super Duty is available with a variety of standard and optional Co-Pilot360 features that assist the driver in different road situations. There’s also Hill Start Assist that is now standard on all Super Duty trim levels. Lane-Keeping Alert is optionally available on XL and XLT and part of the standard equipment for all upper models. Also, the Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking is standard on XLT and above trims and alerts the driver for possible collisions with other vehicles.

Buyers can also include Blind Pot Information system with Trailer Coverage monitors. Pro-Trailer Backup Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Adaptive Steering and a 360-Degree camera are also available.

Source: Ford

March 9, 2021