Automotive Auto Lover's: ford news

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Sunday, November 20, 2011

2013 Ford Escape

Ford Escape finally getting a nice redesign after a decade in the automotive market. Ford also has conducted a review of the new look of this car and show them this new product at the Detroit auto show with a concept Vertrek. A highly elas evolution of this car, which is in two forms namely Kuga and kinetic design. The most fundamental changes of this car is switched to the Global C platform Ford who also serves as the basis for 2012 Ford Focus, the upcoming C-max, and also currently allowing Kuga Kuga and the Escape to be combined into a single global product.

All Ford cars of this type using the 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque in the C-Max is likely to be basic powerplant. The same thing, the car was wearing EcoBoost 1.6-liter inline four-powered Vertrek can lend its 180 hp and 173 lb-ft for powerful vehicles and 2.0 liter EcoBoost four-banger possibility for shelf-top Escape. By using approximately 237 hp and 250 lb-ft, can be made for an interesting Escape Sport and of course this will be a hybrid car escaped a no-brainer. to expect an upgrade or a system using a hybrid version of the plug-ins such as those found in the Energy C-Max is also shown in Detrioit.

2013 Ford Escape

Ford Escape is at last getting a ground-up redesign, and spies have caught this development mule out on an R&D mission. Although its innards are hidden beneath the curvy body of the current European Ford Kuga—which itself could have made a fitting second-gen Escape years ago—this vehicle gives away its actual identity with covered air intakes up front and ill-fitting tailpipes out back. However little we can actually see here, it is certain that the second-generation Escape will be a vastly different creature, both aesthetically and dynamically, from the Clinton-era ute we know now.

We expect that Ford will offer a choice of powertrains in the next Escape, but we don’t expect any available engine to have more than four cylinders or be paired with a transmission containing fewer than six ratios. Ford’s ubiquitous 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque in the C-Max, is likely to be the base powerplant.

The same EcoBoost 1.6-liter inline-four that powered the Vertrek could lend its 180 hp and 173 lb-ft to the production vehicle, and the mighty 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-banger is a possibility for the top-shelf Escape. With about 237 hp and 250 lb-ft, it could make for an interesting Escape Sport. And, of course, the return of the Escape hybrid is a no-brainer. Expect to see upgrades to the system used in today’s hybrid, if not a completely new system or a plug-in version like that found in the C-Max Energi also shown in Detroit.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Fiesta Fashion Show

Last week’s Ford Fiesta Futuristic Collection by designer Swapnil Shinde was a hit among Fiesta and fashion lovers alike. As the crowd at Select Citywalk, New Delhi applauded and admired the fabulous garments and the car, our team at the venue enjoyed the juxtaposition of the car’s kinetic cues with Swapnil’s design elements. We bring you the best of Fiesta-inspired fashion in pictures.

All-new Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta

We recently concluded the Tech Deep Dive for the all-new Ford Fiesta in Bengaluru for auto journalists, bloggers, and our dealers. Everyone got a first-hand experience of the car in a drive from Bengaluru to Mysore, and we are glad that they all gave the Fiesta a thumbs-up! Some picturesque shoot locations, a mix of long straight roads and twisted curves, and some candid moments of appreciation from drivers and passersby – we surely had a lot of fun!

Ford CSR: Rebuilding schools for better education

Ford CSR

At Ford India, building the best possible future for our children is as important as building the best cars. Helping the children from our local communities get good education in the right environment has topped our priorities over the past few years.

Over the summer, our employees and dealers stepped up to help renovate couple of schools in Chitamanur and Kizhakarnai, villages near our Maraimalainagar (Chennai) plant. The idea was to develop school spaces that facilitate learning, promote scholarship and provide a nurturing environment.

While dealers donated Rs 20 lakh to refurbish the schools (this was announced during our National Discover Smart Drive), Ford India contributed a matching amount, while the APA region chipped in as well, and encouraged employees to join in the rebuilding process. The funds were put in to revamp the schools. Enthusiastic Ford volunteers worked hard over the schools’ summer holidays, helping out in renovating the roof and floors of classrooms as well as rebuilding the restrooms, among other jobs.

“We are committed to the betterment of communities we work amongst and this is a step in this direction. Schools are the first step towards the future and that brought us to start with an institution of education,” said Tom Chackalackal, vice president, Manufacturing of Ford India, at the schools’ reopening ceremony.

As the children, their parents and teachers cheered, the Ford team distributed schoolbags, writing kits and new stitched-to-fit uniforms to more than 700 students. As part of the renovation, Ford India also brought in new furniture for the Panchayat Union Primary School,Kizhakarnai. At Melrosapuram CSI High School in Chitamanur, a large unused classroom was refurbished, much to the delight of the students.

“We hope the improved facilities will motivate the students to study better. The new books, bags and uniforms will uplift their morale and help them start the session on a happy note,”Balasundaram Radhakrishnan, vice president, Powertrain Operations, Ford India who presided over the function at Kizhakarnai.

Friday, June 17, 2011

All-new Fiesta: Powerful car, classy looks, engaging experience

Ford Fiesta

The all-new Fiesta’s got modern, fuel-efficient powertrains that not only deliver exceptional power, but also superior fuel efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. These engines also help Fiesta achieve class-leading fuel economy of 17 km/L for the petrol engine and 23.5 km/L for the diesel engine#. So you have a fantastic ride every time (smooth and zippy!), don’t cringe when you see your fuel bill.

For customers going for a combination of power and fuel efficiency, the 1.5-litre Duratorq intercooled and turbocharged diesel engine fits the bill perfectly. With power rated at 67 kW (91 PS), the engine also delivers an outstanding 204 Nm of torque from 2000 rpm to 2750 rpm. The result is strong acceleration from standstill along with flexibility that can reduce the need for gearshifts. The compact fixed-geometry, low-inertia turbocharger and intercooler provide optimised performance, particularly at low speeds.

This mouthful of a term (we call it EPAS for short) with Pull Drift Compensation technology is a first in the segment. While improving fuel economy, the intelligent EPAS system is an all-knowing tech! So it measures your steering input, adapts to changing road conditions and helps compensate for slight directional shifts caused by crowned road surfaces or steady crosswinds.

Nothing, we repeat, nothing, is more important than your safety. Under the stylish exterior of the all-new Ford Fiesta is a powerful body structure that can protect occupants in case of a collision. More than 55 percent of the body structure is high-strength steel, including dual-phase steel and ultra-high-strength aluminised boron steel, an element so incredibly strong that it is used in the aerospace industry.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

2013 Ford Focus RS

The current Ford Focus RS is a beastly little hatch, piping 305 horsepower through its front wheels, slinging pointy bits at you from every angle, and, of course, not being available for purchase here in the U.S.–and that’s before you even consider the RS500. It looks like the next-gen car could add to the mix with a hybrid all-wheel drive system–and, according to these spy shots, possibly a wagon, shown testing alongside its five-door hatchback sibling.

Though the wagon is not fully decked out in RS gear, it does feature RS seats and a wide central exhaust outlet like the hatch it was spotted with.

A Focus RS Wagon? Well, it would be known as the Turnier in some parts. As the long-roof model in the Focus stable, we’re more familiar with the wagon name. Either way, we doubt we’ll see it in America. Why? Because Americans don’t like wagons, for whatever reason, and even more so because of the price: it should sit around the $40,000 mark, which is beyond the pale for most of us when it comes to a tarted-up Ford.

If the next RS does go all-wheel drive and hybrid, though, our green-eyed monster is likely to rage even more fiercely: a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine plus an electric motor could still top 300 horsepower, deliver fuel economy in the mid- or upper-30 mpg range, and offer the same or similar performance to the current RS.

We’re still looking at about a two-year wait until we see the next Focus RS, in hatch, wagon, or any other body style, however. The cars spotted here are development mules for testing near and on the Nurburgring. At CARiD, we have nothing but the highest quality Ford accessories you need to make the new and exciting changes that you desire. OEM or custom Ford parts can always give a fuller look when seeking those new additions you’re after. Beware of imitators-we are truly the “One Stop” for all Ford accessories. We want to make it easy for you. After all, isn’t that what’s important? At CARiD.com, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

2013 Ford Focus ST

The new Ford Focus ST will debut at the Paris auto show on September 30. The 2013 Ford Focus ST will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2012. The theme name of the new color is ‘Tangerine Scream’, like yellow with more strong and more elegant color.

The new Focus is at last debuting in the U.S., with a 2.0-liter, direct-injected, 160-hp motor and variable valve timing, as well as a five-speed manual. But, the car to wait for is the 2013 Focus ST, which debuts in early 2012.

It gets a six-speed manual with the same EcoBoost (turbocharged) 2.0-liter as the much larger Edge and Explorer and will be good for somewhere in the neighborhood of 250 hp, which puts it in league with hot hatches like the MazdaSpeed3 and beyond the output of the VW GTI. Ford is also promising a tauter suspension and meatier tires as well as bigger brakes to go with all that horsepower. Expect to pay at least $25,000.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

2013 Ford Taurus SHO

The 2013 Taurus SHO will continue to produce 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque from its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Sure, that's still plenty of oomph for the SHO, but with rumors of a higher-output version now dashed, all we can say is, "shucks."Let's not dwell on that, though. There are still plenty of improvements for the 2013 SHO to talk about.

Much like the rest of the refreshed Taurus line, the SHO features styling tweaks at both the front and rear. Unlike the base model, the SHO uses a unique mesh grille pattern up front and adds a new rear spoiler out back, as well as chrome-tipped dual exhaust pipes. A new 20-inch dark wheel option is also part of the SHO package, matching the black finish found on the mirrors and body trim. We like what we see.

There may not be a bump in power, but the 2013 Taurus SHO does get a new performance package option that is said to improve the car's performance prowess. Most notably, a 3.16:1 final drive ratio means initial acceleration is enhanced, and revised suspension tuning features new dampers and springs specific to this package. Additionally, the electronic steering system has been tuned, the stability control now has a track mode with a true 'off' setting and performance brake pads are now available with unique, "track-tuned" calipers. Still, we'd love to see an additional 40-ish horsepower.

Monday, May 16, 2011

2013 Ford Mustang Bullitt

The 2013 Bullitt will likely feature an upgraded interior. The last Bullitt had retro-inspired aluminum trim as well as aluminum shift knobs and pedals. It also took the seats and steering wheel from the GT500 for a slightly more upscale look. Based on the past, the new Bullitt will more than likely have the same interior appointments, but with a more modern feel. It’s also likely that interior bits from the Boss 302 should make their way into the Bullitt.

The Mustang Bullitt first appeared as a special edition model on the 2001 Mustang. Paying homage to the legendary ’68 Mustang fastback that Steve McQueen drove in the movie of the same name, the Bullitt featured a lot of retro design cues both inside and out. In terms of performance, the 2001 Bullitt was lowered ¾ of an inch with Tokico shocks, featured the same 13” brakes that were available on the Cobra of that year, and also featured a 5 horsepower boost over the standard GT, putting out a whopping 265 horsepower out of its 4.6L V8.

The 2013 Bullitt will probably be most notable for its lack of exterior features– it’s supposed to be the “stealth” Mustang, after all. It will likely delete the GT’s signature grill-mounted fog lights, the decklid spoiler, and all of the exterior badging, save for a special edition Bullitt faux gas cap on the trunk. It should also feature the signature American Racing Torq-Thrust style wheels that were on the same Bullitt that Steve McQueen used while escaping the baddies on the streets of San Francisco a touch over four decades ago.

2013 Bullitt would feature a million horsepower, that, frankly, would be a bold-faced lie. The new Bullitt will use the same 5.0L V8 as found in the GT, and it should get a modest horsepower bump through both ECU recalibration and a new exhaust system. Based on speculation, it should be making between 420 and 430 horsepower, that way it wouldn’t be stepping on the Boss 302’s toes too much. Also, expect the Bullitt to feature upgraded brakes in the form of the GT’s Brembo brake package as standard. Lastly, the new Bullitt will ride around almost an inch lower than the standard GT, helping improve both the car’s handling and stance.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

2012 Ford Focus

Focus going on sale in the U.S. as a 2000 model and Mulally taking over, product development in Europe and North America took off in different directions. Hence, Europe was rewarded with a heavily reworked second-generation Focus in 2004. The next year, North America got a warmed-over version of the first-gen Focus sedan and hatchback.

The 2012 Focus certainly looks terrific, especially in five-door form. The engineers and designers felt able to make the Focus sportier (by lowering its seating position and overall height) due to the upcoming C-Max—a tall-roof, five- or seven-seat derivative off this platform—that fulfills the family-car mission. Compared with the current U.S. Focus, the new car is 0.5 inch lower (at 58.1 inches tall) and 3.0 inches longer (178.0 inches overall), and it has a 1.3-inch-longer wheelbase (104.2 inches). The 2012 model’s dimensions are close to the current Euro car’s, save for a wider track and lower stance.

he Focus will go on sale with two available transmissions: a base six-speed manual and a very fancy six-speed dual-clutch gearbox co-developed with Getrag. Derrick Kuzak, the global product-development chief, says: “There will be no conventional automatic on this car.” Electric power steering is a new feature, along with “torque vectoring,” which, similar to the systems of many other automakers, uses the anti-lock brakes to approximate a limited-slip differential.

The interior looks like a winner, but there’s a caveat: The styling mockup we examined had hard surfaces, even if Ford assures us everything will be soft-touch in the production version. The mockup had cool piano-black and aluminum finishes and a stitched dashboard. This upscale trim is called “Titanium” in Europe, and it’s hard to imagine that the base U.S. model, which should still retail around the current car’s $16,690 price, will look as stylish.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

The Boss Mustang is hitting the streets once again in the form of the track-oriented Boss 302 unveiled at the Rolex Historic Races at Laguna Seca. According to the company, the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 is the “quickest, best-handling straight-production Mustang ever offered by Ford.” It pays homage to its track-star forebears by lightening and strengthening key components, juicing up the engine, and wrapping it all in the vintage color schemes that Boss Mustangs are known for still today.

While the ’69 Boss 302 may be the stuff of legends, by modern standards, its (claimed) 290 hp at 5800 and 290 lb-ft of torque at 4300 rpm is less power and only marginally more torque than the 2011 Mustang’s V-6, never mind the brawny V-8 powering the GT. In the Boss, the GT’s 5.0-liter is upgraded with new intake runners, revised camshafts, and more aggressive engine controls, raising output from the 412 hp to 440. Torque drops slightly, from 390 lb-ft to 380.

One of the most interesting features of the 2012 Boss 302 is its quad exhaust system, developed to give the car a unique sound. The two primary pipes exiting the rear handle most of the exhaust gases, while two smaller pipes branch off from the exhaust crossover and exit discreetly along the lower body sides, just in front of the rear wheels, sending gases through a set of metal discs that generate unique sounds. Should the owner live somewhere with more lax noise regulations, the plates can easily be removed in favor of aftermarket dump valves.

The 302’s black-painted wheels measure 19 by 9 inches in front and 19 by 9.5 in back; wrapped by 255/40 front and 285/35 rear Pirelli PZeros. The GT’s optional Brembo brakes are upgraded with high-performance pads and unique ABS calibration.

Ford’s performance claims for the 2012 Boss 302 include cornering capability in excess of 1.0 g, shorter stopping distances than provided by the GT—even with its available brake upgrade—and a 155-mph top speed. Ford declined to provide acceleration figures, but the 302 should handily beat the 2011 Mustang GT’s marks of 4.6 seconds from standstill to 60 mph and 13.2 seconds through the quarter-mile at 109 mph. Whatever the time, it will certainly best the ’69 Boss 302’s 6.5 seconds to 60 and 14.9-second quarter-mile at 93 mph. (That seemed much faster back then.)