Ford-Focus-ST-R-2012

Ford Focus ST gets ST-R Racing Version 2012 in Frankfurt Auto Show – Latest Photos & reviews of Ford Focus ST 2012 Cars: Even though the brand-new Focus ST was just launched at the 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt, the hot hatch which will also be available as a Wagon in Europe, already has a racing sibling: the Focus ST-R that also made its world premiere in Germany. Developed by Ford Racing Team in collaboration with the firm’s Global Performance Vehicles group, the Focus ST-R is aimed at professional and amateur racers alike, as well as track-day enthusiasts, and is designed to compete in a wide variety of races.

Ford even hopes that some of its customers will take part in more professional events such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Like the (five-door) road version upon which it is based, the ST-R is powered by Ford’s new 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine. It features a new track-tuned suspension and uprated brakes and, since it is a race car, a FIA-spec roll cage.

Jost Capito, Ford’s director of motorsports, commented: “From the beginning the Focus and the new Focus ST were designed to be driver’s cars. The road-going Focus features best-in-class brakes, handling and powertrains. Ford Racing in North America has taken this effort and developed the Focus ST-R and is a perfect example of how a production car inspires a competitive race car for enthusiasts.”

Photos Ford Focus ST gets ST-R Racing Version 2012 in Frankfurt Auto Show:

Ford-Harley-Davidson-F-150-2012

Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 2012 models – Latest photos & review of Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 2012: Since teaming up in 1999, the brand alliance between Ford and Harley-Davidson has produced 10 F-150 models, six Super Duty F-250 and F-350 models, as well as the first Harley-Davidson F-450 edition truck in 2009, resulting in more than 70,000 sales.

The latest Ford model to wear the Harley Davidson badge is the 2012 F-150, which like its predecessors, gains distinctive design tweaks and added standard features.

This year’s F-150 H-D is offered in the traditional Tuxedo Black color or a new White Platinum Tri-Coat finish combined with fresh bodyside graphics executed in a snakeskin texture.

The brand-new 22-inch machined-aluminum wheels with painted accents and unique center cap shod in low profile tries, along with the smoked out headlamps and tail lights, as well as the six-bar billet-style bright chrome grille and “Harley-Davidson” badging, complete the exterior mods.

Inside, the trim panels are covered in high-gloss Tuxedo Black paint, while the console lid and upper steering wheel are dressed in snakeskin leather.

Ford’s reptilian love affair continues with the scuff plates featuring brushed aluminum trim with snakeskin texture, as well as the snakeskin leather-trimmed seats with accent color inserts and unique cloisonné badge.

Standard features include a 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen, voice-activated Navigation System, power moonroof, rear view camera, second-row heated seats, ambient lighting, remote start system, a 110-volt power inverter and power-adjustable pedals.

The 2012 F-150 H-D is powered by Ford’s 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque and provides a maximum trailer towing capability of 7,500 pounds.

Pricing and availability have not yet been announced.

Photos of  Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 2012:

Ford-Focus-2012

Ford UK Announces: Ford Focus 2012 Studio with 85HP Priced Under £14k – Latest photos & details of Ford Focus 2012 Studio: Ford is widening the options for UK buyers of the all-new 2012 Focus by confirming the availability of a new entry-level model called Studio which will be priced at £13,995 when it arrives in September.

The company said the new Studio will replace the Focus Sport, a final special edition of the previous model that has been on sale since October 2010 reacting sales of 15,000 units.

The base model of the new Focus series will be offered as a five-door hatchback powered by a 1.6-liter Ti-VCT gasoline engine delivering a rather feeble 85PS and a combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg UK.

Buyers can choose only from three colors – Panther Black, Moondust Silver and Frozen White.

Standard equipment on the Focus Studio includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a body-coloured rear spoiler, radio/CD player (note that Ford of Europe recently announced that it will phase out CD players in its cars), USB connectivity, air-conditioning, electrically-operated door mirrors and front windows, Ford Easy Fuel ‘capless’ refuelling, and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system.

Photos of  Ford Focus 2012 Studio:

Ford-Cars-2011

Ford Introduce: 15 new Ford Cars in China and to Double Workforce by 2015  – Latest info of new Ford Cars 2011: With only a few days left before the start of the Shanghai Auto Show, Ford Motor Company announced a very ambitious plan for China as the automaker aims to introduce 15 new vehicles and to double its workforce in the world’s largest car market by 2015.

“Together with our partners, we are leveraging the strength of the One Ford plan and our global platforms to bring 15 new vehicles to China by 2015, reinforcing our commitment to offer a full portfolio of vehicles for our Chinese customers,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa president. “The 15 new vehicles are part of Ford’s plans to introduce 50 new products and powertrains to the Asia Pacific region by 2015,” Hinrichs added.

In order to achieve this ambitious goal, Ford will more than double the number of dealerships it has in China 340 today, to around 680. The first of the 15 new Ford models to be introduced in China is the all-new Ford Focus, which will go into production in 2012 at a brand-new $490 million plant in Chongqing that will have an initial capacity of 150,000 units a year.

Ford also announced that it will double the size of its professional workforce in China by 2015, adding 1,200 new jobs. The company will create 550 jobs this year in numerous departments including, engineering, manufacturing, marketing sales and service, finance, IT, communications, government affairs and legal division. The new jobs in China will be located at the company’s operations in Shanghai, Chongqing, Nanjing and Nanchang.

Ford’s investments in China are very important as the company expects 70 percent of its growth in the next ten years to come from its Asia Pacific and Africa region.

Ford C MAX Minivan 2012

Ford C-MAX Minivan 2012 at Detroit Motor Show Debut 2011: Ford is returning to the U.S. minivan market with the all-new Focus based and European developed, C-MAX, which will get its debut at the increasingly interesting North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January.Even though Ford chose to use the C-MAX moniker for the N.A. model, the new compact family vehicle is in fact the alter-ego of the European market Grand C-MAX. The main differences between the EU-spec C-MAX and Grand C-MAX models is that the latter gets a longer wheelbase, sliding rear doors and seating for seven instead of five.

The Detroit-based automaker describes the C-MAX as a 5+2 seater, noting that it can deliver room for up to seven passengers or five occupants with a generous amount of cargo. The second row of seats is equipped with a mechanism that allows the middle seat position to fold quickly under the right-hand seat, creating a walk-through space between the two outer seats so passengers can easily access the third row, as well as two individual, bucket-like seats.

Those not interested in the 5+2 seating arrangement can omit the third row seats as a delete option.

Engine choices for North American buyers will include a base 2.5-liter four-pot and the all-new 1.6-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, both mated to Ford’s 6F35 automatic six-speed transmission.

Oddly enough, Ford has not said when it plans to sell the C-MAX in the States.

Photos of  Ford C-MAX Minivan 2012

Ford-Focus-Car-2012

Ford Focus 2012 Gains Torque Vectoring Control for Improved Handling: The 2012 Focus will be available with a new vehicle stability control system, which uses torque vectoring to improve the car’s handling. According to Ford, the system was inspired from downhill skiing and snowboarding techniques.

“The new Focus is the first North American Ford vehicle to offer torque vectoring control”, said Rick Bolt, program manager for the Ford Focus. “This is a technology that has been offered on high-end sports cars, yet Ford is making it standard on their new small car”.

The principle is simple: the system will apply a slight braking force to the driven wheel facing the inside of a corner, thus preventing the slippage due to the fact that it travels a shorter distance, while doing the same number of rotations as the outside wheel.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not mistaking, as this is what usually a limited slip differential does, minus the brake pad wear. Still, the system is cheaper than a mechanical differential and should offer added safety for novice drivers.

“Torque vectoring control elevates the dynamic capability of the entire Focus model range, from an S series sedan through a Titanium Sport Package hatchback,” said Bolt.

The 2012 Ford Focus goes on sale in the U.S. early next year.

Photos of Ford Focus 2012

2011-Ford-Territory

2011 Ford Territory: Redesigned Australian Crossover Teased: Ford Motor Corp.’s Australian division has released a teaser illustration of its new-look 2011 Territory, some six months ahead of the crossover’s market launch. The current Territory is based on the underpinnings of the local market Falcon sedan and was first introduced in Australia in 2004 having received some subtle updates throughout its production life.

It is believed that the 2011 Territory will continue to make use of current model’s platform adding fresh styling inside and out, plus a number of technology highlights, including the introduction of turbo-diesel power.

“The Ford Territory set a new benchmark when it was first released and it is set to achieve this again – and more,” said Bob Graziano, President and CEO of Ford Australia. “This is an exceptional SUV. It wears an exciting new look and will boast an extensive list of technical highlights. The Ford Australia team is taking the Territory to an all-new level of performance, refinement and quality, and customers will definitely experience these advancements when they drive it.”

Although Ford did not get into any details on the powertrain options in the press release, the company had previously announced that the updated Territory would benefit from the introduction of the Ford and Peugeot-Citroen PSA co-developed 2.7-liter V6 turbo diesel engine.

There’s also a strong possibility that Ford may add its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine to the range, as the new powerplant has already been confirmed for the Australian market Falcon.

The company also noted that in the next 18-months, approximately 85 percent of the entire Ford Australia new-model catalog will either be replaced or updated. New models planned for Australia include the latest iteration of the Focus and the Aussie-designed Ranger pickup truck, which was recently revealed at the Sydney Motor Show.

Ford-Mondeo-Ecoboost-2011

Ford Mondeo 1.6 Ecoboost 2011: As part of the UK launch of the facelifted Mondeo, Ford released details on the new 1.6-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine with 160 hp. The new turbocharged four-cylinder unit is not only 10% more powerful than the naturally aspirated 45 hp 2.0-liter variant it replaces, but also extends the driving range by an extra 100 miles or 160km returning 41.5 UK mpg on the combined cycle (34.5 US mpg or 6.81 lt/100 km).

Under the EcoBoost moniker, Ford combines a range of technologies including turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable cam timing, all of which were non-existent in Ford’s older engine line-up. But, better late than never, right? The important thing is that, now, the Blue Oval has modern engines, both powerful and economical that benefit from lower taxation, as is the case with Britain.

Ford claims that, factoring in power, consumption and taxation, the Mondeo 1.6 EcoBoost is comparable with the 2.0-liter TDCi diesel, as showcased in the comparo below.

Kevin Griffin, Ford of Britain fleet director, said: “Ford’s newest Mondeo has an exterior look and standard of interior well suited to the executive car park. We’ve added powertrains which support the lower carbon economy we now live in. The efficient 1.6 EcoBoost in Mondeo is a sporty alternative for petrol advocates who switched to diesel in order to pay less tax.”

In the coming months, Ford will also introduce the 1.6 TDCi diesel engine, with 115 hp, while the 1.6 EcoBoost will be available in the S-MAX and Galaxy.

In the UK, prices for the Mondeo 1.6 Ecoboost start from £18,945, all taxes and fees included.

Ford-Focus-Car-2012

Ford Focus car 2012 to get 160HP 2.0-liter with Direct-Injection and 40mpg: Ford today revealed new details on the 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that will be offered on the North American market 2012 Focus when it arrives in U.S. showrooms next year. This newly designed powerplant marries direct injection technology with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) and E85 flex fuel capability. The latter gives drivers the choice of using less-expensive E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

The 2.0L engine’s output rated is at 160-horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. torque, which represents a gain of 20HP and 10 lb-ft respectively over the four-cylinder unit found in the current generation 2011 Focus.

According to the Dearborn-based automaker, the 2012 Focus with the new 2.0-liter four-banger can achieve an estimated 40 mpg US on highway when paired to an automatic transmission. That’s a significant improvement over the 140HP 2011 Focus with an auto box that returns 35mpg / highway.

“By combining direct injection and Ti-VCT, we’ve been able to make a quantum leap in fuel economy and performance,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “We’re meeting the goals of our global powertrain strategy, and we now have another key engine in our lineup.”

2011-Ford-Explorer-SUV

Ford Explorer SUV 2011 with 290HP 3.5-liter V6 and 235HP 2.0-liter Turbo: Ford’s frustrating striptease tactics came to an end today with the official unveiling of the all-new Explorer SUV (or shall we say, crossover?) that goes on sale in the U.S. at the end of the year with pricing said to start $1,000 less than the current base model at $28,995. More details on prices will be released closer to the launch date.

The new Explorer marks a significant departure from the outgoing version as the 7-seater model switched from a heavy body-on-frame to the same unibody structure with independent from and rear suspension used on the Ford Taurus sedan and Flex crossover, as well as on the Lincoln MKS.

Ford says that while adding significant content to the vehicle, engineers were able to reduce total vehicle weight by almost 100 pounds through the use of lighter materials such as an aluminum hood.

Another important change is that there won’t be a V8 option on the 2011 Explorer. Instead, Ford’s full size SUV will be offered with a base 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering an estimated 290HP and 255 lb.-ft. of torque, and 20 percent better fuel economy versus the current Explorer. Ford said that with a towing package, the V6 can haul up to 5,000 pounds, which around 2,000 pounds less than the outgoing model.

As an option (in other words, with a higher price tag) the next Explorer can be equipped with Ford’s new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol producing a projected 237HP at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,700 rpm. The company claims that with this engine, estimated fuel economy improves by more than 30 percent, putting the SUV in line with sedans such as the 2010 Toyota Camry V6.

Both engines are hooked up to a six-speed automat6ic transmission. There’s nothing official yet, but it is expected that Ford‘s 355HP, 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 EcoBoost will be added to the range in the near future.

The four-cylinder Ecoboost is offered only in front-wheel drive configuration while the V6 model can be equipped optionally with a new, intelligent all-wheel-drive system developed with formerly Ford-owned Land Rover.

The AWD features a Land Rover-like terrain management system with four settings (normal, mud, sand and snow) controlled via a console-mounted knob. Each setting provides unique engine behavior, throttle tip-in, transmission shift scheduling and calibrations for traction and stability control systems. This system also includes a hill descent mode that provides engine braking when descending a steep incline.

Other highlights include the standard AdvanceTracwith RSC system with Curve Control functionality to provide braking optimized by each individual wheel, and the optional Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert.

The all-new Explorer will be available in three trim series levels – base, XLT and Limited. For more details on the standard equipment check out the list below.

Standard convenience features include:

• MyForddriver connect technology including 4.2-inch LCD screen
• MyKey^™ owner control feature
• Air filtration system
• Media hub
• Easy Fuel^® capless fuel filler system
• Cruise control
• Power windows, with one-touch down for driver
• Power door locks with child safety rear door locks
• Tilt/telescoping steering column
• Four 12-volt power points
• Cargo hooks

Explorer XLT includes standard content and adds:

• Automatic headlamps
• Six-speed SelectShift Automatic^™
• Heated sideview mirrors with LED signal indicators and security approach lamps
• SecuriCode^™ keyless entry keypad
• Reverse sensing system
• Perimeter alarm

Explorer Limited includes all base and XLT content, plus:

• PowerFold^® sideview mirrors with driver’s side memory
• Ambient lighting
• Adjustable pedals with memory functionality
• Cargo net
• Dual-zone electronic temperature control
• 10-way power driver’s seat, with power recline and lumbar
• Electrochromic interior mirror
• Rear view camera
• Remote start system
• 110-volt outlet
• MyFord Touchdriver connect technology
• Intelligent Access with push-button start
• Universal garage door opener

Latest photos of  Ford Explorer SUV 2011

Ford-DUB-Edition-Mustang-2010-Autos

Ford Introduces DUB Edition of 2011 Mustang: In order to connect with “a whole new generation of buyers”, Ford has teamed up with DUB magazine and Roush to release a special “DUB” edition Mustang.
Based on the 305-horse 3.7 liter V6 model, the DUB package supplies the V6 Stang (coupe, convertible, or glass-roof coupe) with 20-inch TIS rims wrapped in Pirellis, a Roush appearance package, special striping, and the DUB logo embroidered on the headrests.

In an attempt to help the DUB stand out, the appearance package uses Roush’s front fascia and splitter, a windshield banner, and rear quarter-window louvers.

In regards to performance: it gets slightly sportier thanks to lowering springs (also from Roush) and a 3.31 axle ratio.

Myles Kovacs, president / co-founder of DUB magazine, said, “Working with Ford and Roush is an honor and has been a dream come true for DUB. The Mustang is such an iconic muscle car and has always been a customizer’s favorite. The DUB Edition Mustang stays true to its roots, but I think we’ve successfully brought a ton of hustle to the muscle.”

Available colors for the DUB Mustang are Black, Ingot Silver, Grabber Blue, and Race Red; the interior color is limited to black.

So, how do we feel about yet another special edition Mustang? Pointless or cool?

Ford-Fiesta-S1600

Ford Sporty Fiesta S1600 launches UK prices £16,645: European consumers (and soon enough, American buyers too) are patiently waiting for Ford to launch a hot ST or better yet, an RS version of the latest Fiesta hatchback powered by one of the firm’s new EcoBoost turbo engines. But until that time comes, Ford is trying to lure enthusiasts with the launch of a sportier-looking version of the Fiesta.

Called the Fiesta S1600, only 650 of these special Fiestas are being created for the UK market with pricing set at £16,645. So what’s the deal with this limited edition version of the Fiesta?

Well, nothing in terms of performance. Based on the Fiesta Zetec-S, the S1600 is offered with a choice of two engines, the standard 120HP 1.6-liter petrol and 95HP 1.6-liter turbo diesel units.

As with the standard Fiesta, the S1600 is also offered with an optional performance package from Mountine that boosts output to 140HP, lowering the car’s 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint time from 9.9 seconds to 7.9 seconds.

On the outside, the S1600 package includes a body-styling kit with a unique front bumper with flared lower valence panel, extended side skirts, large rear spoiler and rear diffuser, finished with 17-in, white alloy wheels (16″ for the diesel).

The car is available exclusively in Frozen White or Performance Blue, with contrasting motorsport stripes.

As for the interior, the S1600 gets alloy pedals and Quickclear windscreen, heated, stitched leather sports seats with standard side-airbags, leather steering wheel, handbrake cover and gearknob, plus Motorsport-branded floor mats and scuff plates.

Latest photos of Ford Sporty Fiesta S1600