Ford – Page 46 – Automobiles Review

2013 Ford Escape

Ford exhibits 2013 Escape at the Los Angeles Auto Show, this month. The vehicle is based on Vertrek Concept and it is practically the same.

“We call our all-new Ford Escape the ‘Smarter Utility Vehicle’ because it offers the strengths that customers today really value – fuel economy, versatility and new technology that makes driving and living with the vehicle easier and more fun – all wrapped in a sleek, more modern design,” commented Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development.

“Ford understands that more people every year are looking at vehicles like Escape, and we want to give them even more reasons to buy.”, he added.

The exterior of the new Escape boasts a sloping roofline and a tailgate-mounted spoiler, which bring better aerodynamics. There are also a new hood and a prominent grille, power liftgate and 17” alloy wheels. The interior now features better materials and restyled switchgear.

2013 Escape is powered by a 1.6 liter EcoBoost with 175PS (129 kW) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft, a 2.5 liter with 170PS (125 kW) and 226 Nm (167 lb-ft) and a powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 240PS (177 kW) and 338 Nm (250 lb-ft) of torque. All engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox with a choice of FWD and AWD, which is available as an option for EcoBoost variants.

2013 Ford Escape can be ordered with MyFord Touch SAT NAV system, Active Park Assist and Blind Spot Information System.

“This all-new Ford model opens a new chapter in the world of SUVs,” Mr. Kuzak said.

“By being smarter, this utility vehicle will help customers around the globe find better, easier ways to connect with technology, maximize fuel efficiency and find the versatility and capability they need and want.”, he finished.

Source: Ford

November 17, 2011

Fleet News – 2010 BMW 3-Series is the most reliable car

The most reliable car is the BMW 3-Series, according to the survey, retaining its number one position from 2010, while the Honda Accord retains its second place from 2010. What is more, German brands have caught up with Japanese cars when it comes to reliability. In other words – six German brands appear in the top 10 as three of them in the top five.

The final two places in the table are taken by two cars absent from the top 10 last year, with the Mazda6 taking ninth place and the BMW 5 Series securing 10^th place. BMW also takes the top spot as the most reliable car manufacturer, with Audi taking second place.

“We are delighted to have won the overall honour in the FN50 reliability survey. The outgoing BMW 3 Series Saloon and the 3 Series range overall has been and continues to be an outstanding success for us.”, commented Tim Abbott, managing director at BMW UK.

“Awards such as this ensure customers can buy a class-leading vehicle safe in the knowledge that only years of enjoyable, hassle free motoring in a premium car await.”, he added.

The annual analysis is commissioned by Fleet News.

Check out all rankings, below!

Most reliable cars

BMW 3 Series
Honda Accord
Volkswagen Golf
Audi A3
Toyota Avensis
Nissan Qashqai
Volkswagen Passat
Audi A4
Mazda6
BMW 5 Series

Most reliable car manufacturers

BMW
Audi
Honda
Volkswagen
Toyota
Nissan
Mercedes-Benz
Ford
Lexus
Skoda

Most reliable vans

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Ford Transit Connect
Volkswagen Caddy
Ford Transit
Volkswagen Transporter

Most reliable van manufacturers

Volkswagen
Ford
Mercedes-Benz
Fiat
Renault

November 9, 2011

2013 Ford Flex

Ford has unveiled the 2013 Flex, which will have its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this month. The SUV has a sleek new look and even more technology to make driving safer, easier and more fuel-efficient.

2013 Ford Flex has seven-seats, new generation of MyFord Touch, rear inflatable belts, collision-avoidance technologies, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, first-row heated and cooled seats, power-fold mirrors, an optional new Appearance Package and updated engine range.

The engine range includes a 3.5 liter Ti-VCT V6 petrol with 289PS (213 kW) and 345Nm (255 lb-ft) of torque, which has 20PS more than the previous version and is more fuel efficient. There is also a 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 with 360PS (265 kW) and 474Nm (350 lb-ft) of torque. Both power units are mated to a 6-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission, a sequential gearbox with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

MyFord Touch includes two 4.2” screens in the instrument cluster and an 8″ screen in the center stack. The feature pairs with the latest version of SYNC.

The base SYNC package includes:

•   Hands-free, voice-activated calling via a Bluetooth®-connected mobile phone or USB-connected digital music player
•   911 AssistTM, the automated emergency calling service that is free for the life of the vehicle
•   Vehicle Health Report, the on-demand diagnostic and maintenance information service
•   Enhanced safety and driver-aid technology
•   The new Flex is equipped with the automotive world’s first production rear inflatable belts to offer improved comfort and protection for rear seat passengers. Last month, this safety innovation was named a Breakthrough Product Award winner by Popular Mechanics, part of the magazine’s seventh annual Breakthrough Awards.

2013 Ford Flex - My Ford Touch(R) — 2013 Ford Flex – My Ford Touch(R)

Also new is an Appearance Package on Limited and SEL models that includes an available two-tone roof and mirrors, 20” machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets, leather seats, unique door trim panels and other interior upgrades for a truly distinctive, premium look and feel.

There are also nine exterior colors: Ruby Red, Deep Impact Blue and Kodiak Brown. Customers also can choose from body-color roofs, or two-tone with white, gray or black available on the Appearance Package.

2013 Ford Flex is built at Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada.

Source: Ford

November 8, 2011

2012 Ford Focus ST US

Ford will hit the US market with its global performance car – Focus ST in the beginning of the next year. North American drivers will be able to own a performance car previously unavailable on this continent.

“Focus ST has not come around by chance,” commented Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles.

“What came first was our global performance strategy, which has been developed with North America, Europe and Asia together. With this, the core DNA attributes – steering, driving dynamics, sound quality and power enhancements for all ST models – have been defined to the extent that our engineers can take that global DNA fingerprint and use it to create the new Focus ST.”, he added.

Nothing is mentioned about the power, but the American version of Focus ST will be also powered by the famous 2.0 liter turbocharged EcoBoost, which has 250PS (184 kW) and 360Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque in Europe. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

2012 Ford Focus ST US also comes with a sport tuned suspension, big 18” alloy wheel fitted with low-profile performance tires – 235/40 R18 Goodyear Eagle F1. There is also a nice limited-slip differential on the front wheels making the cornering of so powerful FWD car way better.

“The same tires will be offered on the Focus ST in every country,” said Matthias Tonn, chief program engineer for the Focus ST.

“They are designed to extract the best performance from the car on all road conditions. They don’t compromise on performance, and they get the best out of the chassis and driver systems of the car.”, he added.

The interior boasts sporty Recaro seats – available in partial or full leather, specially designed pedals, steering wheel and gearshift. The darker headlining and trim on the pillars, an integral part of the ST’s design DNA, adds to the performance feel.

2012 Ford Focus ST US — Ford Focus ST US (2012)

Source: Ford

November 3, 2011

6th Gear Experience – £75 gift to remember – Audi R8

The UK’s leading provider of supercar driving experience days, 6th Gear Experience has announced an amazing collection of over 30 cars to choose from, five great circuits around the country, and a range of gift vouchers from only £75.

With such opportunity, you can turn someone’s dream into reality with a 6th Gear driving experience. And with on-course and in-car video and photography, 6th Gear will help ensure that everyone enjoys a highly memorable day.

The list of supercars is amazing – Murcielago LP640, Gallardo Spider, 458 Italia, 360 Challenge Stradale, Audi R8, 997 Turbo and the brutal supercharged Ariel Atom, which accelerates to 100 km/h in 3 seconds. You’ll be also able to choose from the mighty Nissan GT-R and Ford Focus RS.

There will be a choice of five great circuits – in the south at Longcross Proving Ground near Chertsey, Surrey, in the Midlands at Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire and Prodrive near Kenilworth, in the east at Blyton Park’s new circuit in Lincolnshire, and in the north from Elvington, York.

All customers are accompanied by a fully trained race instructor and every supercar is equipped with dual brake pedals. Before driving their chosen car, everyone is given an instructor driven demonstration lap and in-car briefing.

You can get supercar driving gift vouchers through most major high street retail stores or to order online at www.6thgearexperience.com. Vouchers are valid for 10 months and redeemable at any of the company’s five UK venues.

Gift packages are priced from £75 to £795.

Be hurry and make a perfect present for you petrol head relatives and friends. A gift present for just £75 includes: An instructor driven demonstration/familiarisation lap; 3 – 4 laps (depending on location) driving one of the following supercars : Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Ferrari 360 Modena, Lamborghini Gallardo, Audi R8, Porsche 911 Turbo or supercharged Ariel Atom; A certificate of supercar driving.

Source: 6^th Gear Experience

November 2, 2011

2012 Ford Fiesta Metal

Ford has announced the new Metal special edition Fiesta, which is in the top 10 of motoring magazine Auto Express’ Performance Cars of the Year 2011. Ford’s supermini ranks seventh amongst 30 finalists, rated higher than entries from Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin, Maserati and Lotus.

“The Fiesta Metal evokes the spirit of an old-school hot hatch. It’s simple, lightweight and has an engine that doesn’t produce peak power until 6,700rpm. For such an affordable hatch to make such a big impression is a real achievement. Few cars provide as much enjoyment as the Fiesta.”, commented Auto Express motoring writer, Luke Madden.

“Every time we drive the supermini we’re reminded of the magic Ford’s engineers have sprinkled on the chassis. On the road its supple ride, perfectly weighted steering and sharp responses come to the fore.”, he added.

The special edition Fiesta Metal is based on the well-known three-door 120PS Zetec-S model. The additional equipment includes chrome twin exhaust pipes, silver-painted front grille surround, front aerofoil and front fog light bezels, Piano Black painted centre stack bezel, air vent rings and door pulls, Ebony Black leather sports seats with silver contrast stitching, unique floor mats with silver piping, stainless steel door scuff plates with Fiesta logo, 17″ Black alloy wheels and sports tuning with lowered ride height.

The new Ford Fiesta Metal also comes with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Home Safe headlights, Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS), Intelligent Protection System (IPS), front, side and knee airbags and anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). It is available in Panther Black, Midnight Sky and Frozen White.

2012 Fiesta Metal is powered by a 1.6 litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine with 134PS (99 kW) at 6700RPM and 160Nm (119 lb-ft) of torque at 4250RPM. 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds.

The car will be limited to just 1000 units as the prices start at £15 695 OTR.

Source: Ford

October 27, 2011

2012 Ford Ranger Price – £15 515

The all-new Ford Ranger comes with more powerful engines, better fuel economy and nice vision.

The engine range includes a new 2.2 liter Duratorq TDCi four-cylinder diesel engine with 150PS (110 kW) and 375Nm (278 lb-ft) of torque. There is also a mighty 3.2 liter Duratorq TDCi five-cylinder diesel engine with a hefty torque of 470Nm (348 lb-ft) between 1700RPM and 3500RPM and 200PS (147 kW).

The Ford Ranger is available in either two- or four-wheel drive versions with 6-speed transmissions in both manual and automatic. All the engines have also been calibrated to meet the most stringent emission standards worldwide, including Euro Stage V.

“The most basic requirement a customer wants from a pickup is torque and power,” said David Mitchell, powertrain development manager, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa.

“Ranger not only delivers all that and more but is also able to do it in a way that sips less fuel.”, he added.

The mighty 3.2 liter TDCi returns up to 28.3mpg on combined cycle with 4×4 and manual gearbox. The more economical 2.2 liter TDCi returns a nice 34.0mpg in a combined cycle.

The entry level 2012 Ford Ranger is priced from just £15 515, which makes it perfect value for money.

Integrated into the ESP are other new control features that assist vehicle stability and control:

Hill Descent Control: Helps the driver on steep downhill grades
Hill Launch Assist: Helps the driver pull away on steep climbs
Trailer Sway Control: Provides stability control when towing a trailer
Adaptive Load Control: Optimal vehicle stability regardless of vehicle load
Emergency Brake Assist: Provides additional brake pressure in emergency stopping manoeuvres
Emergency Brake Light: Signals to other drivers by flashing the indicators when the vehicle decelerates quickly
Roll-Over Mitigation: Helps prevent the vehicle getting into a roll-over situation

Source: Ford

October 26, 2011

2012 Ford Ranger – 5 Star Euro NCAP rating

2012 Ford Ranger has achieved a maximum 5 Star rating under the Euro NCAP crash test protocol.The Ranger scored 89% for overall safety, which is the best score ever earned by a pick-up truck.

“Vehicle safety is a core value at Ford Motor Company and these independent test results confirm that not only is Ranger the highest rated vehicle in its class, it is also one of the highest rated vehicles ever assessed by Euro NCAP,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

“No one wants to be involved in an accident but if the worst were to happen, the new Ranger is proven to provide outstanding protection to occupants of all ages as well as pedestrians.”, he added.

“With such good pedestrian protection, the Ford Ranger is undoubtedly raising the bar of safety in the category of pick-up trucks, which had until now not proven to be the safest.”, finished Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general.

Using sophisticated computer modelling, engineers assessed more than 9 000 virtual crash tests before any of the 110 actual vehicle crash tests or 410 system sled tests were undertaken. These virtual simulations allowed the engineers to optimise the vehicle structure and safety systems to provide the maximum levels of protection possible in a wide-range of real-world collisions. All this was achieved before any real prototype vehicle was built and subjected to crash testing.

2012 Ranger comes with side curtain airbags, new side airbags, front airbags and driver’s knee airbag. All these come as standard as well as three-point safety belts for all seating positions, with pre-tensioners and load limiter for the front seats.

On top of the occupant safety technologies, the all-new Ranger has been engineered with the latest pedestrian protection features. This includes a “hexageneous” under-bonnet structure to reduce the potential for pedestrian head injuries, and a pedestrian-friendly front bumper design incorporating energy-absorbing materials.

Last, but not least, the new Ranger features Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) that uses advanced sensors to constantly monitor the vehicle’s behaviour and assist stability and control. There are also Adaptive Load Control provides additional stability assurance for drivers dealing with heavy payloads and Hill Descent Control ensures that the brakes will be applied to control the vehicle at a set speed. Or when stopping on a steep grade, Hill Launch Assist helps the driver to pull away confidently without creeping backwards, even when fully laden.

Source: Ford

October 26, 2011

3dCarbon Ford Focus

3dCarbon will exhibit a specially prepared 2012 Ford Focus at this year’s SEMA.

The car will feature a complete body kit consisting of a new front spoiler, a pair of side skirts, a new roof spoiler and lowered suspension by Eibach spring set. The car stands on nice BBS wheels fitted with performance tires by Pirelli. The alloy wheels are finished in red to match the other accents. There will be also a 3M wrap and tinted windows.

The top-of-range 2012 Focus ST is powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine with 250PS (184 kW) and 360Nm (267 lb-ft) of torque. It is definitely a nice match to 3dCarbon look.

However, a base version of 2012 Focus is priced from $18 200, which is not bad at all and, if you need more styling, 3dCarbon will provide it.

Source: 3dCarbon

October 24, 2011

Best Looking 2011 Muscle Car

Like you may already guessed, our competitors for the title ‘Best Looking 2011 Muscle Car’ are three of the most iconic names among this pure American category of performance vehicles – the 2011 Ford Mustang GT, 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS and the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8. While each of these exclusive models boasts its own charm and character, all three are proud successors of the rides that created this class of vehicles. (more…)

October 19, 2011

2012 Ford F-150

Ford has introduced the all-new 2012 F-150 pick-up truck. It is available with a new FX appearance package and several driveline updates and new technologies to further improve and refine the driving experience

The FX appearance package includes set off with black fender and tailgate badges that feature red lettering as well as a red-stitched steering wheel. There are also black leather seats with red perforations and red piping. Unique interior touches include black-painted dash accents, brushed-metal surfaces, and satin shifter knob, door handles and air conditioning vent bezels. The package is available with all FX colors.

Also new for 2012, the FX luxury package now offers cooled front seats, which combine with the previously available heated seats.

The set of 20” six-spoke wheels with a flat-black paint are just one of the specialized styling cues on the exterior. A unique bodyside decal is matte black with color read-through for a distinctive appearance. A chrome exhaust tip, black-finished grille, and blacked-out headlamps and taillamps round out the exterior upgrades.

“The new FX package delivers a distinctive style that truck buyers are looking for without compromising on any of the F-150’s rugged qualities,” said Raj Sarkar, F-150 Marketing manager.

“It expands our range of specialty vehicles with custom elements that customers previously could find only in the aftermarket.”, he added.

The new F-150 EcoBoost 4×4 is powered by a 3.5 liter turbocharged V6 with 370PS (272 kW) and 570Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque. It has a unique range of 756 miles (1200+ km) on a single tank of fuel (136 liters). It also has Best-in-class 11 300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors and Best-in-class 3 060 pounds payload vs. all competitors.

All of the changes for 2012 complement a powertrain lineup that debuted in 2011. The powertrain lineup delivers a mix of best-in-class horsepower, torque, capability and fuel economy. Each new engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Ford is the first and only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup truck lineup with fuel-saving 6-speed automatic transmissions as standard.

Additional updates:

Light-duty SuperCab 163-inch-wheelbase option on XL and XLT
Heavy-duty payload CrewCab 157-inch-wheelbase option on XL, XLT and Lariat
Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4×4 now standard on XL to FX4 trim levels
Fuel-efficient and powerful offerings

Engine range:

3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6

Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm vs. V6 competitors
Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors
Best-in-class 17 mpg city and best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4×2)
Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors

5.0-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V8

Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
Best-in-class 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4×2)
Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors

6.2-liter two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V8

Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. all competitors
Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors
13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway (4×2)
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost

365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors
Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
Best-in-class 3,060 pounds payload vs. all competitors

Source: Ford

October 1, 2011

Ford Transit SportVan Metallic

Ford Transit SportVan will get a new special Moondust Silver paintwork with graphite bonnet stripes.

“Demand for our Transit SportVan has been exceptional so we are delighted to now offer this latest edition. Transit remains as popular as ever with more than 40,000 sales so far this year and this SportVan gives customers the chance to own a really special Transit.”, commented Ford of Britain’s marketing director, Anthony Ireson.

Transit SportVan is powered by a 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine delivering 140PS. It is paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending all power to the front wheels.

The exterior boasts Moondust Silver paintwork, Le Mans-style graphite bonnet stripes, twin exhausts, 18” graphite colour alloy wheels fitted with low profile 235/45 R18 tires, front and rear lower spoilers, side skirts and extended wheel arches. Standard safety features include ABS, ESP and driver and passenger airbags.

The interior includes velour trim, air conditioning, Sony radio/CD with DAB with remote steering-column-mounted controls, Bluetooth, cruise control, power windows, powered and heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, tinted glass, leather gearshift knob and a perimeter alarm are also standard.

Additional standard equipment includes power deadlocks, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, front fog lights and a load area protection kit. Optional are leather seats, Satellite Navigation FX system with 5in colour screen and a rear view camera with cab-mounted 7in LCD colour display monitor. LED cargo lights in rear and LED daytime running lights are available as a dealer-fit accessory.

Ford Transit SportVan Metallic is priced at £23 670.

Source: Ford

September 29, 2011

Tag: Ford