Automotive Auto Lover's: January 2011

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

2014 Ford Start

The 2014 Ford Start has been unveiled, as a concept, back in April at the Beijing auto show in China.Recent reports say that the replacement model for the Ka will be based on the Ford Start concept and that it will go on sale in 2014.

The Blue Oval previews that the 2014 Ford Start will have a voice activation system that will control the air conditioning, vehicle diagnostics and other features of the car.There are quite a few years between now and 2014, so expect the Ford Ka replacement to offer various new technologies that are just in a development phase right now.

The 2014 Ford Start will be powered by a new 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine equipped with a turbocharging and spark-ignited, direct-injection fuel management system.The engine of the 2014 Ford Start will be coupled with a six-speed manual transmission.

Just as the concept, the 2014 Ford Start will have a low CO2 emissions level of around 100 g/km of CO2.The 2014 Ford Start will be built on an aluminum and steel chassis, with a lightweight aluminum safety cell.

Autocar.co.uk reports that Ford could be working on a production vrsion of the Start, with the vehicle being scheduled to enter the market in 2014 and come with a price of around $13,000.

2013 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ

Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ midsize sedans. Both will use the new “CD4” platform, a chassis that looks set to become the backbone of Ford’s global lineup of vehicles. The Euro-look of these test mules is nothing but a clever disguise.

The Fusion, MKZ and Mondeo will be the first to share this chassis. Powertrains are rumored to consist of 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter inline-4 engines, both featuring Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharging system. A hybrid is also a certainty, although it’s too early to know if Ford will stick with the 2.5-liter Duratec 4-cylinder and nickel-metal hydride batteries of the current model. We think this is highly unlikely, given that the new Fusion’s engines are being downsized.

The styling of the next-generation Fusion is said to borrow heavily from the new Focus and the Taurus sedan. This means a more dynamic look—or “Kinetic” to use Ford’s lingo—with a bold and elegant front end (like that of the Focus) mixed with the solid-looking profile and rear-end treatment found on the Taurus. The Fusion’s current chrome grille is also likely to be significantly revised—a Ford designer recently told us the grille with three chrome bars had served the company well, but it’s time for a change.

Look for the next Fusion and MKZ sedans to arrive in early 2012, for the 2013 model year. Soon thereafter, the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossover vehicles will jump to the CD4 platform, followed by the Taurus, MKS and several other Ford products around the world.

2013 Ford Mondeo

The first 2013 Ford Mondeo info has surfaced the web today, revealing some of the technical details of the next generation model. The 2013 Ford Mondeo will be powered by a range of petrol and diesel engines, including a 1.6-liter and a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engines. The diesel range of the 2013 Ford Mondeo will include three 2.0 TDCi versions, with 112 hp, 137 hp and 163 hp.

The equipment list of the next generation 2013 Ford Mondeo will include new safety systems, such as a blind spot warning system, a rear view camera, and a driver alert to alarm the driver if it detects he's tired.The 2013 Ford Mondeo will also feature a torque vectoring system and a new generation electric power steering with dynamic cornering control.

Apart from the new technology, the Blue Oval will also try to go to the next step on the luxury ladder with the 2013 Ford Mondeo. The 2013 Ford Mondeo will try to mode more up-market with the likes of BMW, Mercedes and Audi. If this is the case, Ford will have to make some serious adjustments in the quality of the materials they use and the build process.The 2013 Ford Mondeo will have a fresh exterior and interior design and will also try to become more fuel efficient while reducing its CO2 emissions level.

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid

At this point, we're not quite sure what's so special about the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. According to Ford, it will get better mileage than the Ford Fusion Hybrid that already exists, but how it will do that is still a bit of a mystery.

You see, the specification sheet that accompanied the announcement of the C-Max Hybrid was exactly five lines long, and all the information contained in those five lines concerned the vehicle's size. If you must know, the C-Max Hybrid is smaller than the standard C-Max that arrives later this year, mainly because it's the five-passenger version instead of the stretched seven-passenger model.

Information about its powertrain was largely left out. Ford did say it will use an advanced lithium-ion battery system. The new batteries are smaller and lighter than nickel-metal hydride batteries and can be tuned to deliver more power or extended range.

Like the rest of the C-Max lineup, the C-Max Hybrid will be built on Ford's compact sedan architecture that underpins the Focus and upcoming Escape crossover. The C-Max Hybrid will be assembled in Wayne, Michigan, alongside the rest of the C-Max variants starting sometime in 2012.

2013 Ford Focus Electric

Electric vehicles are the hottest and smallest niche market at the moment, and the 2013 Ford Focus Electric intends to join the fray. Its features begin with an electric motor and extend all the way to your smartphone.

Focus Electric, Ford is aiming at a global market for its first in-house–engineered EV, so it makes sense to base it on the Ford Focus C chassis. Motivation begins with a permanent-magnet electric traction motor delivering 123 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and a single-speed transmission. The motor draws electricity from two liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery packs mounted under and behind the rear seats with a total of 24 kilowatt-hours of power. The combination tops out just above freeway speeds at 84 mph and should be peppy off the line owing to the torquey nature of electric motors.

The official range has yet to be announced, but preliminary figures indicate frugal drivers should see around 100 miles before the car has to hit the charger. Speaking of charging, that's where things start to get interesting with the Focus Electric. Ford has partnered with Best Buy, whose Geek Squad will provide in-home installation of an optional Leviton-sourced 240-volt–outlet charger, which will be able to charge the batteries in just 3 hours, currently best in a rather nebulous and small class. Without that high-voltage charger, it's a painful 16 to 20 hours for a full charge. This makes the charge-station finder delivered to the navigation system through MapQuest a very important feature.

The Focus Electric also works to address one of the biggest problems with EVs: range anxiety, the concern that the car won't be able to make it to a destination. Each key stores the driver's unique style of driving—what Ford terms as Zippy to Zen. The zippier the driver, the lower the total range will be. The car takes this into account when predicting how far it will go with its current state of charge. If you're on the edge of reaching a destination or charge station, the SmartGauge LCD screens flanking the speedometer will encourage smoother driving, maximized regenerative braking and lower speeds. Amusingly, the green leaves from the Fusion Hybrid's SmartGauge have been replaced with blue butterflies—an homage to the butterfly effect the driver might cause by piloting an electric vehicle.

The Focus Electric is still pretty far from production, with an intended sale date sometime in 2012, but it will be the flagship in Ford's push for vehicle electrification. What we see in this effort is a holistic approach to an electric car that will pay dividends as the number of charging stations increases and battery technology improves. For now, the electric car is still limited to a position as secondary, around-town city car, but as charging times continue to diminish, that problem will begin to disappear.

Monday, January 10, 2011

2012 Ford Capri

INTRODUCTION:Capri was a name used by Ford for three different generation models: one from 1961 to 1964, one from 1969 to 1986 and another one from 1989 to 1994. Now the company plans to reborn the Capri name. In order to celebrate 40 years of Capri, Ford
will bring a concept model that will be followed by a production version in 2012.

HIGHLIGHTS:The future Focus Coupe, alias Capri will take on models like Volkswagen Scirocco and Renault Mégane coupe. The Scirocco is offered with a range of three petrol engine that range from 120 to 200 HP, while the Megane Coupe comes with a range of petrol engines ranging from 140 to 180 HP.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Previous rumors said that the 2012 Capri will feature a six-cylinder engine is expected, but a possibility is also new four and five-cylinder engines to give the car a power range from 140 to 250 hp.
Apparently those rumors were not true. Under the hood Ford will place a 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine that will deliver 247 HP. Just enough to sprint the Capri from 0 to 60 mph in around 6 seconds and to hit a top speed of 155 mph.

DESIGN:

As for the exterior designexpect to see a Focus with two doors and a more sportier appearance. And despite the fact that Ford insiders said "Designers have spent most of this year working on the coupeconcept. As inspiration they’ve had pictures of Capri on their studio walls," the future Capri will take inspiration from Focus ST , but its shape will be widened, longer, lower and more dramatic.
The 2012 Capri will be defined by a gaping grille, distinctive Capri-style curving C-pillars, LED headlights, large alloys and a center-exit exhaust system.

2012 Ford 3dCarbon Focus

INTRODUCTION:2012 Ford Focus by 3dCarbon | Ford continues his conflict on a 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show with a subsequent 2012 Ford Focus by 3dCarbon. It can not even see a glance of a energy upgrades, though a 2012 Ford Focus by 3dCarbon character and aerodynamic changes move a extensive boost in a altogether appearance.

HIGHLIGHTS:The first thing we noticed the 2012 Ford Focus by 3dCarbon has a black glossy cover and a fine stretch wrapping film that the rest of the body. The windows are smoked out of 3M window film and a 20-inch KMC Series KM650-wheels are painted in glossy black and wrapped in tires Falken – FK452. There are two red stripes to accent their way along the roof and bonnet, while the round a little red Pinstripe action.

SPECIFICATIONS:2012 Ford Focus by 3dCarbon is based on the already impressive styling of the new Ford Focus with unique properties were used as a foil wrap and red accents,” says Ernie Bunnell, 3dCarbon vice president of sales and marketing. “Ford Focus design fits where the market is right now, and the worldwide appeal of this car is definitely a hit with our customers.”

DESIGN:The initial thing we beheld a 2012 Ford Focus by 3dCarbon has a black silken cover and a excellent widen jacket film that a rest of a body. The windows are smoked out of 3M window film and a 20-inch KMC Series KM650-wheels are embellished in silken black and wrapped in tires Falken – FK452. There are dual red stripes to accent their approach along a roof and bonnet, while a turn a small red Pinstripe action.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

2012 Ford Ranger

INTRODUCTION:Ranger will accommodate the working crew with a hose-down interior. Lifestyle drivers are presented with more upscale appointments, but all seats, panels, and materials have undergone rigorous testing to ensure durability, according to Ford.

HIGHLIGHTS:"We're moving it to a position of real capability," explained Schirmer, saying that Ford wanted to provide "performance leadership with this model," which also unfortunately meant bringing it to a size that would come too close to overlapping with the F-150 model lineup in North America. Although the new Ranger is about six inches narrower than the F-150, it's within just two or three inches in length.

SPECIFICATIONS:New engines lack the sheer power ratings and cylinder counts of the 2011 F-150 V-6 and V-8 offerings but serve up some grunt of their own. The base engine is a 2.5-liter Duratec inline-four putting out 164 horsepower and capable of running pure ethanol (E100). Two small diesels, another concept foreign in the U.S. truck market, will be available via either a 2.2-liter four-cylinder (148 horsepower, 277 pound-feet of torque) or 3.2-liter straight-five (197 horsepower, 347 pound-feet). Trucks are among the few reliable vehicle classes for those in search of a manual transmission, and the global Ranger has both a five- and six-speed boxes alongside a six-speed automatic.

DESIGN:The 2012 Ranger, designated T6, has sheetmetal completely unlike its predecessor. The smoothed-out, modern exterior styling would undoubtedly be alien in our market, where sharp and boxy designs dominate before they even reach the drawing boards. Ford's contemporary three-bar grille and front fender decoration give the Ranger a distinct presence. It has grown to about 90 percent of the F-150's size, effectively throwing this truck into the midsize classification. In fact, the new Ranger's size is essentially the main reason why Ford has decided not to bring it here.

Monday, January 3, 2011

2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

INTRODUCTION:Ford Mustang Cobra Jet was produced in 2008 and again in 2010, due to high demand turnkey car seems to withdraw from the 2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet model year Ford has not officially disclose the details of the jump up Ford Mustang, but Puerto Rican businessman who has published what appears to be justified specifications for the new model.

HIGHLIGHTS:The limited special edition model is always an off-road model only and is legal for NHRA stock car racing, and IHRA and NMRA classes, but what makes this Cobra Jet different is that it is said to be even better than the 2008 (pictured above) and the 2010 models. The 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet gets a revised engine, improved suspensions, new design elements, and a revised interior. Customers will also have the option to choose between two different packages: a Graphics Package and a 4.0L Supercharger upgrade.

SPECIFICATIONS:For 2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, seems to keep Cobra Jet supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 under the hood, while the leaked information is based on the engine – now equipped with an aluminum block, Manley H-beam connecting rods, and double keyed crankshaft snout – was approximately 430 hp. 2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet package – which can command $ 9,995 price – is also back, mating larger 5.4-liter compressor. If these documents are to be believed, making the engine an extra boost in the churning 500 horsepower.

DESIGN:There are no official details on the 2012 model year just yet, but the first details reveal it will get a new design, black anodized Cobra Jet wheels, and new optional colors of Race Red, Grabber Blue, and Winner White. Customers will also have the possibility to opt for the Graphics Package that includes Powered-By-Ford fender emblems, Sweeping Snake side graphics, 5.4 Cobra Jet hood graphics, Ford Racing windshield header decal, Ford oval front fascia decals, a Ford oval license plate decal, and a FR500CJ decklid decal.Coming in at 3,200lbs., the Cobra Jet comes with an 8.50et NHRA certified roll cage and an NHRA Stock Eliminator legal interior with an available Cobra Jet trim and appearance package.

CONCLUSION:“With every Cobra Jet build we strive to carry the spirit of the original Cobra Jet while developing the next generation of drag racing icon. The enthusiast who races the 2012 Cobra Jet can be competitive at virtually any event, from their local track up through NHRA Stock or Super Stock classes.”

2012 Ford Laguna Seca

INTRODUCTION:"The Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca puts a race-ready version of the new Ford Mustang Boss 302 directly into enthusiasts' hands," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "Laguna Seca isn't intended for Boss buyers who simply want an exhilarating daily driver. Think of it like a factory-built race car, which we hope avid racers and track-day fans are going to love."

HIGHLIGHTS:"Drivers who know how to get the most from a tuned race car on a closed course are going to be amazed by what the Laguna Seca is capable of," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "The balance, agility and tuning of each vehicle system places the driver at the center of the machine, completely connected to everything the car is doing."

SPECIFICATIONS:The Boss, long lusted for and adored by Mustang fans is finally making its landing. Thankfully, it’s a product of a renewed Ford and more than just decals and marketing. It’s the Boss and a proper homage to the 1968 classic. The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 (with or without Laguna Seca package) will offer a 440 horsepower (380 lb-ft torque) 5.0 liter V8, improved brakes, short-shifter, upgrade clutch, and an upgrade suspension that gives the Mustang over 1.0G’s of lateral traction. Other upgrades including a reduction in soundproofing (must. hear. exhaust.), dark metallic interior trim, Recaro seats, and Alcantara sheathed steering wheel. The Leguna Seca package (shown) provides even more exclusivity with improved body stiffness, strengthened chassis, and an aero package. Need further proof of the Boss’s potency? Ford claims it will outpace a BMW M3 on Leguna Seca.

DESIGN:

The final touch for a proper race car was to add the proper wheels and tires: Laguna Seca models use lightweight 19-inch alloy racing wheels in staggered widths: 9 inches in front, 10 inches in the rear. R-compound ultra-high-performance tires, 255/40ZR-19 in the front, 285/35ZR-19 in the rear, maintain contact with the pavement – a job that ended up being trickier than expected.
“The R-compound tires on the Laguna Seca are so sticky we had to really work on the rear suspension tuning to make sure drivers can get the most out of them,” explains Pericak. “The rear stabilizer bar is the largest we’ve ever installed on a production Mustang – including any SVT product. The rear spring rate was also maximized to work with the massive rear tires and balance the car for minimal lap times.”
While standard Boss 302 cars get vented brake dust shields to help cool the rotors, Laguna Seca models receive Ford Racing front brake ducts that force outside air directly onto the 14-inch vented front rotors, helping to eliminate brake fade and ensure hard, repeatable late braking on the track. Combined, the braking changes help refine the sense for drivers of being directly connected to the pads – an essential edge during car-to-car combat on a road course.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

INTRODUCTION:
•The Boss returns! Limited production 2012 Mustang Boss 302 set to become the quickest, best-handling straight-production Mustang ever offered by Ford, based on the world-class foundation provided by the 2011 Mustang GT
•Boss upgraded in nearly every vehicle system; engine output, brakes, suspension, interior and exterior all examined to optimize weight, aerodynamics and track performance
•Full Mustang team effort results in a comprehensive re-engineering available only through the factory; new Boss is not a package that can be purchased out of a catalog or achieved through tuning or aftermarket parts
•Limited-production track-oriented Boss 302 Laguna Seca model expands on Boss racing aspirations, deleting rear seat and adding race-ready suspension and aerodynamic treatments.
SPECIFICATION:
2012 Mustang Boss 302 was intended from the outset to be a visceral experience, packed with raw, unbridled performance across the spectrum: Acceleration, handling, braking, and top speed are all equally matched for perfect balance on a car operating within the framework of legally defined safety, noise and emissions regulations.
'The team at Ford wanted to offer their fellow Mustang enthusiasts something really special – a beautifully balanced factory-built race car that they could drive on the street,' explains Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. 'The Boss 302 isn't something a Mustang GT owner can buy all the parts for out of a catalog or that a tuner can get by adding a chip. This is a front-to-back re-engineered Mustang with every system designed to make a good driver great and a great driver even better.'
The V8 engine team approached Boss from the top down: With 412 horsepower from 5.0 liters, the 2011 GT engine was already an incredible performer. But to achieve the high-rpm horsepower that would make the engine competitive on the track, a new intake was essential. The resulting runners-in-the-box plenum/velocity stack combination the engine team developed was impressive enough that it got the green light after one short drive.
Sounds like the Boss
Every Boss features a unique quad exhaust system: Two outlets exit in the rear similar to a standard Mustang GT. The other two outlets exit to either side of the exhaust crossover, sending exhaust through a set of metal discs that act as tuning elements before the pipes terminate just ahead of the rear wheel opening. Visually subtle, the side pipes flow very little exhaust but a lot of exhaust sound, providing a sonic experience unlike any other Mustang – and giving home tuners an additional avenue for modification.

2012 Ford Focus Wagon

INTRODUCTION:
* Next-generation global Ford Focus 5-door model makes European debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show; Global debut for attractive new wagon derivative
* European-developed Focus spearheads Ford's new generation of global C-cars, and will be sold in more than 120 markets globally
* Focus wagon is the latest of at least ten vehicles from Ford's new global C-car portfolio.
* A global performance version of new Focus using Ford EcoBoost engine technology is promised.
* New wagon derivative will account for more than one third of total Focus sales in Europe. Five-door share expected to reach around 60 per cent
* Stylish next-generation Focus range provides customers with class-leading new technologies and high levels of craftsmanship
* New Focus targets outstanding fuel economy, low CO2 and further advances in acclaimed levels of driving quality
* European and North American production starts simultaneously in late 2010 and go on sale from early 2011.

SPECIFICATION:'The Focus wagon is the next model to be revealed, and is particularly significant for the European market as more than a third of our C-car customers here prefer a wagon bodystyle.'
At Geneva, Ford is also confirming that a global performance vehicle will be developed as part of the next-generation Focus range, and that it will be powered by a version of the 4-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine family.
'A key strength of the Ford Focus range in Europe has always been its wagon, and its popularity is second only to the five-door,' said John Fleming, Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO. 'These customers want the extra space and flexibility a traditional wagon provides, yet they still expect all of the technology, great driving dynamics, and superb styling. We believe the new Focus wagon will more than satisfy their requirements in every way.
six bodystyles will cover 85 per cent of customer requirements in the §egmènt in Europe - the four-door sedan, the five-door hatch, the wagon, the five-passenger MAV, seven-passenger MAV and the small SÚV.