Tag: Ford

  • Ford B-MAX delivers Best-In-Class Fuel Economy and CO2 emission

    Ford_B-MAX ThumbThe new Ford B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle achieves best-in-class fuel economy and CO2 emissions for both the diesel and petrol versions. The new 1.0-liter EcoBoost 120PS (88 kW) petrol engine and the 1.6-liter TDCi 95PS (70 kW) diesel engine both beat the rivals on fuel economy and on CO2 emissions.

    Obviously, the all-new Ford B-MAX which is going to make its debut this year is setting a new standard in its class. To be more precise, the new B-MAX, powered by 1.6-liter TDCi delivers 104 g/km CO2 emissions and 4.0 l/100km (70.6mpg). The B-MAX with a 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine (120PS/88 kW) will offer 114g/km CO2 emissions and fuel economy of 4.9 l/100km (57.6mpg). All B-MAX’s petrol rivals trail behind with 134-149g/km CO2 emissions and 5.7 l-6.4 l/100km fuel consumption. The goal of Ford here was to redefine the segment through technology and ingenuity, which includes delivering the very best fuel economy.

    Furthermore B-MAX features also a range of technologies which help reducing the fuel consumption and the CO2 emissions. They include: Auto-Start-Stop, which automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle is at idle; the Ford Eco Mode driver information system, which helps drivers adopt a more economical driving style; Gear Shift Indicator, to highlight the most efficient gear changing points; and Smart Regenerative Charging, which charges the battery at the most economical points in a journey.

    In the production of the all-new B-MAX was featured a brand innovative approach to door construction, which resulted in wide-open access for drivers, passengers and luggage. It includes the center pillars integrated into the doors themselves. The B-MAX was also designed with high quality materials, which are rarely to be found on an affordable compact car, together with flexible-seating and class-leading load-space.

    The all-new B-MAX will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and go on sale across Europe later this year.

    Ford B-MAX - A Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle
    Ford B-MAX – A Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle

    Source: Ford

  • 20 Years of SVT and 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible

    2013-Ford-SVT-Shelby-GT500-thumbSVT is to Ford as AMG and M are to Mercedes and BMW respectively – a performance arm focused mainly on shredding track times and delivering the ultimate driving experience. SVT was first heard of at the 1992 Chicago Auto Show with the unveiling of the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning. This year, the Chicago Auto Show will be the site of SVT‘s 20th anniversary and a 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible will be there mark the occasion.

    The GT500 is equipped with a V8, 650-horsepower engine that shows how much exactly things have moved on since the 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra. Also on the 2013 convertible one can find a commemorative lighted sill plate to set it apart as an anniversary edition.

    An optional performance package adds to the GT500‘s grunt and sheds 3.5 seconds off the car’s lap time at Sebring International Raceway compared to the 2011 and 2012 models. That racetrack behaavior is partly courtesy to the 5.8 V8 Supercharged engine but, the SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers (from the performance package) and an all-new chassis tuning are also to be taken into consideration. The brakes have also been replaced with a new set of Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers at the front and overall bigger rotors at the back and front. The pads are also heavy duty for that extra, eye-popping braking power.

    One button, to modes – normal, for everyday road going activities and Sport, for firming up the suspension, reducing body roll and pitch under braking. The SVT dampers allow greater customization for the perfect adaptation whether on the track or in the city.

    Hardcore racing enthusiasts can opt for a package beyond the performance one – the Track Package which offers an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.

    Ford SVT Shelby GT500 (2013)
    Ford SVT Shelby GT500 Convertible (2013)
    Ford SVT Shelby GT500 (2013)
    Ford SVT Shelby GT500 Convertible (2013)
    Ford SVT Shelby GT500 Convertible (2013)
    Ford SVT Shelby GT500 Convertible (2013)

    Looking back, SVT have gathered a wide portfolio of all kinds of cars that have managed to become a great success: including the 1993 debuts mentioned above, SVT have also gone through the F-150 SVT Raptor, the SVT Contour sports sedan, SVT Focus and, along side Team RS, SVT introduced to Europe the magnificent Focus ST. It goes without saying that the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (non-convertible) also deserves some credit for the company’s success – power comes from the same 5.7 V8 (probably the most powerful V8 in the world) but it has a top speed of over 200 mph due to it’s main focus on speed, lightness and agility. The 2013 model sees a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle. Hopes are high that this one will make most use of the torque bomb that hides under the hood.

    Ford SVT Shelby GT500 Coupe (2013)
    Ford SVT Shelby GT500 Coupe (2013)

    Source: Ford

  • 2012 Ford Focus with 1.0-liter EcoBoost Engine

    Ford Eco Boost thumbThe Ford Focus with the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine production is already being launched. The highlight here is that this model is Ford’s most fuel efficient petrol-powered vehicle. In details, the Focus 1.0-liter EcoBoost 100PS (74 kW) has the unique fuel economy of 4.8l/100km (58.9mpg); and more importantly the CO2 emissions it releases are 109g/km. In addition there is also a turbocharged direct injection engine available for the Focus in a 125PS (92 kW) version that has in turn 5l/100km (56.5mpg) with CO2 of 114g/km.

    The Focus 1.0-liter EcoBoost achieves diesel engine standards of performance thanks to the engine torque of 170Nm between (125 lb-ft) 1,400rpm and 4,500rpm. The new 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is produced at Ford’s engine plant in Cologne, Germany. More importantly, Ford invested €134 million ($200 million) in the development of this special high-tech line at the Cologne Engine Plant to build the engine.

    This engine is a true example of the demands of the market for improved internal combustion engine, which delivers low consumption and has low Co2 emissions. For the development of the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine, Ford gathered experts from Europe, including engineers at

    Ford’s European Research and Advanced Engineering Centre in Aachen, Germany, and the Dunton Technical Centre, UK.

    Production of Ford Focus 1.0-liter EcoBoost Engine
    Production of Ford Focus 1.0-liter EcoBoost Engine

    Source: Ford

  • Ford B-Max at Geneva

    Ford-B-MAX-2012-thumbGood news for family people as Ford are planning to unveil a production-ready B-MAX at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. It is a debut that comes exactly one year after the concept debut at the previous Geneva Show. The multipurpose vehicle will come with a sensible, clever drivetrain lineup and an even more clever design.
    The innovative 1.0 EcoBoost petrol unit we talked about a few days ago, will be available for the B-MAX range and so will be the Duratorq TDCi diesel plants. Sales in Europe are expected to start later this year.
    Ford CEO and President Alan Mulally himself will drop the curtain at the unveiling. Also present, will be the chairman and CEO of Ford Europe Stephen Odell who already sounds excited enough:

    “The B-MAX combines an exciting, innovative design with features that only previously have been found in bigger cars,” said Odell. “It’s a brand new car that responds to the needs of an increasing number of customers who want much more from their small cars.”

    It’s the design that gets us though. Ford say that the B-MAX boasts a class-leading load-space and flexibility, a highly configurable environment and clever pillar design but what we really can’t get enough of are the sliding rear doors which bring to mind other clever MPV’s such as the Peugeot 1007 and the bigger brother, Ford C-MAX.

    Ford B-MAX (2012)
    Ford B-MAX (2012)

    Source: Ford

  • New Turbo 1.0 EcoBoost for Ford Focus

    Ford-EcoBoost-Turbo thumbl21st century tech thinking seems to be something along these lines: “smaller is better”. Just thing about the many product advertisement campaigns that use the words “slim” or “nano” or even just putting “lighter” as a quality. Ford are aware of that and have developed a new engine within the consumer-friendly EcoBoost range – a 1.0 Litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol unit that, on paper, is just as powerful as a standard 1.6 litre one. Yet the economy figures that go with the engine (that is to be placed in a Focus) are worthy enough to make any diesel engine in the world green with envy.

    Around 200 engineers in the UK (At Dunton and Dagenham) were tasked to work on an engine that is remarkably frugal while delivering sharp and refined performance seen in all Fords so far. The end result is a small (“A4 sheet of paper” small) powertrain that goes into the 5-door Focus and delivers either 100PS or 125PS, depending on customer choice – the first one has a combined economy cycle of 58.9mpg and 109g/km of CO2 emissions. The 125PS however is the one to go for as it has a barely noticeable drop in the economy performance (56.5mpg) and yet it has more power to move around in the not-so-light Focus shell. Carbon emissions on that one are 114g/km. Peak toeque is170Nm (200Nm with overboost) and is available between 1,400 and 4,500rpm.

    Ford EcoBoost 1.0 litre engine
    Ford EcoBoost 1.0 litre engine

    Graham Hoare, European executive powertrain director based at Dunton, said:  “This is the third addition to our acclaimed EcoBoost engine family.  Joining the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBoost engines which span 150PS to 240PS, this 1.0-litre EcoBoost signals a new era of downsized, super frugal engines for the sub-130PS segment.  During development our UK engineers focused on improving thermal efficiency and reducing friction of the engine’s internal moving parts, especially during warm-up.”

    The new Ford Focus array consists of vehicles priced from £13,995 on the road. The EcoBoost engine is priced £250 (on the road) more than the 1.6-litre 125PS engine. The freshmen, single litre is also expected to feature in Ford C-MAX, Grand C-MAX and all-new Ford B-MAX later this year.

    Ford EcoBoost 1.0 litre engine
    Ford EcoBoost 1.0 litre engine
    Ford Focus will carry the 1.0 EcoBoost
    Ford Focus will carry the 1.0 EcoBoost

    Source: Ford

  • Ford Focus ST-R Ready to Go

    2012-ford-focus-st-r-thumbFord are ready to tackle this year’s Grand-Am 200 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge within the ST class. Their contender will be the Daytona International Speedway debutant Focus ST-R. Ford Racing already has a substantial portfolio of production-based race cars if we count the FR500 and Boss 302R. The ST-R clearly has its roots embedded in the standard Focus and the ST:

    “The road-going Focus features best-in-class brakes, handling and powertrains and the design and functionality of the various vehicle systems have helped us to develop a global technical specification for teams wanting to race the new Focus cost effectively. Ford Racing in North America has taken this effort and developed the new Focus ST-R. It is a perfect example of how a great production car inspires a competitive race car for enthusiasts.” comments Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development

    Thanks to Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles group, Ford Racing have managed to “optimize” the ST-R so that it can go not only to the Grand-Am 200 but also take part in the World Challenge TC and Canadian Touring Car Series. Hopes are also high for the 24h race at the Nürburgring.

    Ford Focus ST-R (2012)
    Ford Focus ST-R (2012)

    But know all eyes are on the Daytona Speedway. What can we expect there? Well, despite the striking similarity to a standard Focus ST, the ST-R has an all-aluminum 2.0 EcoBoost power plant that has been tweaked and tinkered with as far as technology these days would allow it. High-pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging, revised intake/exhaust systems and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) all benefit the 250 horsepower figure that comes out of the engine. Torque peaks at 265 lb.-ft and yet it is consistently available throughout the rev counter. A six-speed manual tames the mad horses spewing out from under the hood and delivers unmatched efficiency and power – Props to the guys at Global Performance Vehicles.

    Initially the ST-R will be available for ordering only within the US by seasoned hardcore professional drivers, amateur racers and track-day goers. Ford’s plan however, is to broaden the  ST-R‘s availability in other markets as well. Other turnkey race cars by Ford managed to enchant the public so why not the beast in the compact Focus body?

    Source: Ford

  • 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup Car

    Ford is going back in NASCAR with the 2013 Ford Fusion Sprint Cup car, which was unveiled as part of the Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour. It is specially created by Ford designers in an effort to bring brand identity back to the sport.

    Featuring a completely redesigned sleek new silhouette and fresh face, the 2013 Fusion Sprint Cup car was designed to be the face of a new era of stock car racing.

    ”We wanted Fusion to be the car that helped return ‘stock car’ to NASCAR.” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing.

    “I think fans, when they see the car, are just going to smile and cheer. It is going to reengage them with the sport and make the sport better because there is just something natural about seeing race cars that look like cars in their driveways.”, he added.

    Ford Design Center staff, led by Garen Nicoghosian, and Ford aerodynamicist Bernie Marcus, spent the past year doing the early design development, freeing up the Ford race teams to concentrate on weekly NASCAR competition.

    The new NASCAR Fusion entries will be tested throughout the 2012 campaign in preparation for their racing debut at the 2013 Daytona 500 in February.

    New 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup Car
    New 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup Car

    Source: Ford

  • 2011 Ford C-MAX Price – £17 445

    The 2011 C-MAX is now available from just £17 445. The compact MPV will also come with a new ultra-efficient 1.0-litre 125PS Ford EcoBoost petrol engine, which combines impressive performance with outstanding fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

    2011 Ford C-MAX and its 7-seat Grand C-MAX sibling picked up their first BusinessCar award.

    “Ford has deservedly taken both MPV awards thanks to a pair of products that successfully combine practicality and efficiency with a sense of style not previously available in a sector aimed squarely at family transport.”, commented BusinessCar editor Paul Barker.
    “Both the Ford C-MAX and S-MAX offer good running costs as well as great handling and are deserved winners of this award, decided by the readers of BusinessCar – the very people using these products for their business and their company drivers.”, he added.

    The 7-seat Ford Grand C-MAX accounts for 40% of overall C-MAX volumes in the UK.  Twin rear sliding doors reveal an innovative walk-through seating concept, where the second row middle seat folds under the outer seat to enable easy access to the third row.

    2011 Ford C-MAX
    2011 Ford C-MAX

    Source: Ford

  • 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Durability Car Auctioned

    2013-Shelby-GT500-24Hour-Durability-Prototype-thumbFord have announced that the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 durability car (the prototype that was used to develop the production series) is to be auctioned at the 41st Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction Saturday in Scottsdale, Ariz. The reason is also a just one – bidding money for the car will go for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

    Up until recently, the prototype had been used by the Ford SVT team and Carroll Shelby to workout how exactly a car performs under rigorous tests and harsh conditions. It was built in 2007 and as a part of the project, it had to be run for 24 hours at a speed of 150 mph on Sebring International Raceway. Other oddities one should know before pulling out the check book include a full-sized roll cage, six-point harness seat belts and Recaro bucket seats. A big plus however, is the underside of the trunk lid which is signed by every SVT engineer who has worked on the development of the GT500 and it is also signed by Carroll Shelby himself.

    Carroll Shelby and the Ford Shelby GT500 (2013)
    Carroll Shelby and the Ford Shelby GT500 (2013)

    “I raced on the Sebring International racetrack for many years, but my ambition was always to build my own car,” said Shelby. “It was exciting to be back to collaborate on this GT500 durability car with the SVT guys. I’m really proud to have my name on this car. They took my dreams of what a car should be and made it a reality.”

    The 5.8-liter V8 engine in the Shelby GT500, has been overhauled in a way so that the maximum of power can be extracted from it – a new transmission, clutch and axle, cross-drilled block and heads, restyled camshaft profiles, a carbon fiber driveshaft. The end result accounts for the 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque that hide under the hood.

    In recent years, Ford have managed to raise more than 3 000 000 dollars for charity on auctions such as this one. And know a lucky muscle car enthusiast will have the chance to obtain am emblematic “pony” and give something to those in need trough the JDRF.

    Source: Ford

  • 2012 Ford Focus Zetec S 2.0 TDCi [video]

    Here is the 90 second verdict of the new 2012 Ford Focus Zetec S 2.0 TDCi from Autocar.co.uk.

    There is two versions of the Zetec S – one with a 1.6 liter EcoBoost and the second, which is shown in the video with a 2.0 liter TDCi diesel power unit. It delivers 161PS (118 kW) at 3750RPM and 340Nm (251 lb-ft) at 3250RPM. From 0 to 62 mph in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 217 km/h (135 mph).

    The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and returns a nice 56.5 mpg on combined cycle with emissions of just 129 g/km of CO2. The curb weight is 1412 kg.

    The price for this pleasure is £21 345, which is a lot compared to the petrol variant for only £18 745.

    “Zetec S models have always been popular with UK customers and so we are delighted to welcome our new Focus Zetec S to the range.  With sporty exterior body styling and impressive performance and economy, this latest addition is set to be another showroom hit.”, commented Anthony Ireson, Ford Britain marketing director.

    Is the new Zetec S diesel any good? Check out the video, below!

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

    2012 Ford Focus Zetec S
    2012 Ford Focus Zetec S

    Source: Autocar.co.uk via Youtube

  • Roush and the Ford F-150

    2012-ROUSH-F150-thumbThe Ford F-150 truck is a cultural phenomenon with 584,917 units sold in the US during year 2011 alone. Now the company is anticipating four new engines and ROUSH tuning house is not willing to stand and watch. Instead, both new Ford 6.2L and 5.0L V-8s will get a full supercharger kit while the other two new comers will get enhancements as well, all for the greater grunt.

    First lets talk about the juicy stuff: 2.3L TVS R2300 superchargers featuring Eaton’s new TVS Technology can be preordered and fitted to the V8 engines. Those massive turbos boast four-lobe rotors with high-flow inlet and outlet ports which basically allow more power at higher RPM. Other highlights include ROUSH’s new cold air induction system, a 100 mm MAF tube (mass airflow meter), twin 60mm throttle body, a high efficiency intercooler system that incorporates a dual-core low temp radiator, degas bottle and high capacity air-to-water intercooler. A non-calibrated 5.0 Tuner kit is now available for order with the calibrated ROUSH 5.0 kit coming this february. The 6.2 non-calibrated one will be available sometime this month while the 6.2 calibrated ROUSH edition can be shipped no sooner than April.

    ROUSH F150 (2012)
    ROUSH F150 (2012)

    All four engines (that includes the 3.7 V6 and 3.5 V6) will get cold air induction system kits. In the V6 that translates into an open element upper air box, a washable high-flow air filter and a new MAF tube. V8 also get get that, plus a new clean air tube. Everything is carefully tuned and crafted with OE materials to meet F-150 factory standards. All kits are designed for easy installation requiring no drilling or cutting.

    To wrap it up, ROUSH have thrown in a dual-tip, stainless steel, high performance cat back exhaust system. It fits virtually every engine/cabin/bed configuration. It allows air to go trough more smoothly and reduces back pressure which supposedly increases power and torque… and engine noise. The mufflers are made from high grade stainless steal smeared with specially applied (micro-porously) chrome that does not subdue to flaking or cracking under high temperatures.

    By the time April comes around, all ROUSH performance parts should be ready for shipment so that newly acquired F-150 trucks wont have to roll the streets naked.

    Source: Roush

  • 2013 Ford Mondeo [first pictures]

    Ford has released first two pictures of the new 2013 Mondeo. The new family-sized car is quite aggressive. It features new restyled headlights with LED turn indicators, big alloys with low-profile tires, two big exhaust pipes and two-colored rear lights.

    If you find any similarities to Ford Fusion, you’ll be completely right, because the new Mondeo looks identical to the American car.

    Still, nothing is mentioned about the engine range, but probably the new 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine with 181PS (133 kW) and 233Nm (172 lb-ft) will be available as well as the mighty 2.0 liter EcoBoost  with 240PS (177 kW) and 339Nm (250 lb-ft).

    Stay tuned for more information!

    2013 Ford Mondeo
    2013 Ford Mondeo

    Source: Ford