ROUSH 2010 Ford Mustang: Teaser
2011 Ford Shelby GT500 revealed (+video)
February 10th, 2010 by Car and SUV
Ford has just released details of the 2011 Shelby GT500, ahead of its official debut at the Chicago Auto Show.
Looking virtually identical to the 2010 model, the 2011 GT500’s changes are mainly under the bonnet. An aluminum 5.4-lire V8 engine takes pride of place. It’s based on the 5.0-litre V8 found in the 2011 Mustang GT, the new engine has an additional 0.4-liters of displacement, an improved block structure, six-bolt billet main bearing caps, and a supercharger.
Weighing 46kg less than the previous cast-iron engine, the new engine produces 550 hp (410kW) and 510 ft-lb (691 Nm) of torque making for a 10 hp increase over the outgoing model. Ford hasn’t released exact performance specifications yet.
Besides the new engine, Ford has reworked the electric power steering system, added slotted brake dust shields, installed a new pedal box, reduced the ride height, and developed a new exhaust system.
There is also an optional SVT Performance Package that features unique styling accents, stiffer springs, a higher rear axle ratio, and lightweight wheels wrapped in specially-developed Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G: 2 tyres.
Check out a short video of the latest GT500 in action below.
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Ford earns $2.7B USD profit in 2009
January 29th, 2010 by Car and SUV
The Ford Motor Company has recorded a fourth quarter profit for 2009 that’s helped the automaker end the last fiscal year with its first yearly profit in about four years. Ford’s 2009 Q4 income was $868 USD million versus a loss of $5.9 billion USD the year prior, the effect on the year as a whole generated $2.7 billion profit compared to a loss of $14.8 billion in 2008.
Now, Ford’s Chief Financial Officer Lewis Booth is forecasting a profitable 2010 and is claiming the company’s outlook in 2011 is “solidly profitable.”
Apparently much of last year’s profit had to do with debt restructuring, but Ford also lowered its structural costs by $5.1 billion, which also beat the company’s own goal of a $4 billion reduction.
Ford also announced that it will raise its first quarter production levels in North America by 20,000 units, from 550,000 to 570,000. This will help the automaker meet rising demand for its cars and trucks and keep inventory stable around the industry standard 60-day supply.
Falcon XR8 may be dropped for FPV replacement
January 27th, 2010 by Car and SUV
It’s no secret that Ford Australia is all set to introduce the all new US-sourced 5.0 litre V8 ‘Coyote’ engine (read news). But now there are reports that the company is considering retiring the XR8 badge in favour of an FPV-only V8 line-up.
Speaking at a recent news conference, Ford Australia boss Martin Burela said that a number of options are being considered, including a scheme where the XR8 is retained and the FPV V8 range treated to a higher tune or forced induction.
Mr Burela said that while it is being considered, to completely drop the XR8 would require a very compelling reason, with the nearly 20 year old model being a very popular choice among V8 fans.
If the XR8 does keep its place in the Ford line-up, it will likely receive a de-tuned version of the upcoming ‘Coyote’ V8 engine. The next generation FPV GS could then get the standard tune, while the GT models would benefit from forced induction most likely from a supercharger.
In its naturally-aspirated standard form the ‘Coyote’ 5.0 litre engine produces 307kW and 529Nm of torque, a solid increase over the 290kW/520Nm of the current XR8.
Currently, Ford Australia is believed to be developing a supercharged version of the new V8 engine. This is an ambitious project considering that US engineers are still struggling to create a reliable supercharger of their own.
Ford Australia to drop four-Speed and five-Speed automatics
January 22nd, 2010 by Car and SUV
Australian Ford is set to drop both its current four-speed and five-speed automatic transmissions in the next year. This is a move which could also finally mean the end for the ageing Falcon Wagon (read news item).
An all-new six-speed transmission will debut in the new diesel Territory and four-cylinder EcoBoost Falcon around the middle of next year.
Instead of using the current ZF six-speed transmission, the new six-speed is expected to be attained from Ford’s global parts catalogue.
While the five-speed auto used in the FG Falcon is built in France, the four-speed automatic was developed by Australian company Drive Systems International and interestingly recently purchased by Chinese carmaker Geely.
Ford’s four-speed automatic was first introduced in 1989 with the EA Falcon II. After numerous overhauls and upgrades over the years, it is currently pressed into duty in the rear-wheel-drive Territory and the near extinct Falcon Wagon.
An exact date has not been offered for the four-speed automatic’s demise, but it is expected to be discontinued when Ford introduces an LPG system for the Falcon late this year.
The LPG-powered Falcon will be the first car sold by Ford Australia to feature liquid injection LPG technology. HSV announced last year that it is developing its own LPG/LPI system, but hasn’t confirmed a launch date.
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Ford to use ‘Coyote’ engine in Falcon range
January 15th, 2010 by Car and SUV
Ford Australia has just confirmed that its recently-revealed direct-injection ‘Coyote’ 5.0 litre V8 will be fitted to the Falcon range, replacing the current 5.4 litre Boss engines.
Due to Euro 4 emissions compliance requirements the Boss range is to be discontinued from July this year. Ford first used the new engine as part of the Mustang line-up late last year.
In standard naturally-aspirated form the ‘Coyote’ 5.0 litre engine develops 307kW of power and 529Nm of torque, trumping the 290kW/520Nm of the current XR8.
For high performance applications, like the FPV GT range, Ford is rumoured to be working on a unique supercharged version of the engine.
The decision to supercharge the ‘Coyote’ engine was reached because of the effect a lower output would have the FPV range’s image in Australia, especially when directly compared to HSV’s 325kW GTS.
Ford’s new turbocharged Ecoboost technology is the most likely avenue but a delay in adding the technology to the ‘Coyote’ engine means FPV is searching for its own solution.
The addition of a supercharger will also allow FPV to create different power outputs for different models with relative ease.
We will bring you more information on the new ‘Coyote’ engine range as it’s released.
Ford Australia has just confirmed that its recently-revealed direct-injection ‘Coyote’ 5.0 litre V8 will be fitted to the Falcon range, replacing the current 5.4 litre Boss engines.
Due to Euro 4 emissions compliance requirements the Boss range is to be discontinued from July this year. Ford first used the new engine as part of the Mustang line-up late last year.
In standard naturally-aspirated form the ‘Coyote’ 5.0 litre engine develops 307kW of power and 529Nm of torque, trumping the 290kW/520Nm of the current XR8.
For high performance applications, like the FPV GT range, Ford is rumoured to be working on a unique supercharged version of the engine.
The decision to supercharge the ‘Coyote’ engine was reached because of the effect a lower output would have the FPV range’s image in Australia, especially when directly compared to HSV’s 325kW GTS.
Ford’s new turbocharged Ecoboost technology is the most likely avenue but a delay in adding the technology to the ‘Coyote’ engine means FPV is searching for its own solution.
The addition of a supercharger will also allow FPV to create different power outputs for different models with relative ease.
We will bring you more information on the new ‘Coyote’ engine range as it’s released.
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2012 Ford Focus revealed
January 12th, 2010 by Car and SUV
The next generation 2012 Ford Focus has just been unveiled at the 2010 Detroit Motor Show. The 2012 Ford Focus will enter production in both Europe and the United states late this year and will hit the global market in early 2011. The 2012 Ford Focus is based on a new platform which will underpin up to 10 vehicles around the world and will account for two million units of annual production by 2012.
The 2012 Focus will feature a range of Ford’s EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection (DI) engines including the 1.6-litre unit. The 2012 Ford Focus will also offer improved Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines which promise to offer between 10 and 20 per cent improvement in fuel consumption over the outgoing motors.
To find out more read the full press release from Ford below and check out images in the gallery.
Ford Press Release:
The next-generation Ford Focus makes its worldwide debut today at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, providing customers with more affordable technologies and features than ever in this segment, as well as detailed craftsmanship, outstanding fuel economy and a new standard for driving quality.
Both the four-door saloon and five-door hatchback body styles of the next-generation Focus are previewed prior to their production start for Europe and North America late in 2010 and market launch early in 2011.
The 2012 Ford Focus will be nearly identical in all markets, with 80 per cent parts commonality around the world.
“The 2012 Ford Focus is a clear demonstration that our ONE Ford strategy is providing global consumers with great products that harness the best of Ford Motor Company,” said Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO. “The efficiencies generated by our new global C-car platform will enable us to provide Ford Focus customers with an affordable product offering quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology beyond their expectations,” he added.
Simultaneous launch in Europe and North America
Production of the next-generation Ford Focus will begin simultaneously in Europe and North America in late 2010, with individual market launches starting early in 2011. Initial production will be concentrated at the Saarlouis (Germany), Michigan (United States) and Chongqing (China) Assembly Plants.
The 2012 Ford Focus will be one of up to 10 unique models to be built from Ford’s new C-car platform, which is expected to generate total sales in all regions of two million units annually by 2012. The first of these will be the new Ford C-MAX and Ford Grand C-MAX – unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show – for launch in Europe in the second half of 2010.
“Global customers increasingly want smaller cars with outstanding fuel economy, but without
sacrificing any of the style, technology, connectivity and driving quality they demand from larger vehicles,” explained Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.”
“Our next generation of C-cars – led by the exciting 2012 Ford Focus – will clearly show that Ford is ready to meet that challenge,” said Kuzak.
Engineered without compromise
The 2012 Ford Focus has been developed by a global team, led from Ford’s European small and medium vehicle centre of excellence in Merkenich, near Cologne, Germany, with powertrain development led by a similar team at Ford’s technical centre in Dunton, England. The vehicle has been engineered without compromise to meet all customer and legislative requirements of the major worldwide markets.
In developing the vehicle for global markets, the product team in Europe was able to call on the experience acquired from recent programs like the much-acclaimed new Ford Fiesta, and was supported by the expertise of vehicle and powertrain technology specialists located in Ford’s engineering centre in Dearborn, Mich.
Taking kinetic design to the next level
The two models share a sporty and dynamic character, marking the next evolution of Ford’s acclaimed kinetic design form language. The kinetic design approach uses bold vehicle designs to capture the feeling of energy in motion, so that cars look like they are moving – even when they are standing still.
With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the 2012 Ford Focus clearly telegraphs the rewarding driving experience that awaits customers when they take to the road.
This dynamic quality is reinforced by the distinctive design of the interior. The 2012 Ford Focus has an extremely modern, cockpit-style interior, with the stylish centre console wrapped around the driver and providing outstanding access to the vehicle’s major controls and display panels.
A key element of the interior is the quality of craftsmanship. The cabin’s bold and contemporary graphics, the sculptured shape of the soft-touch instrument panel and the choice of superior trim materials all help to give occupants the feeling that they are travelling in a premium-class car.
Unmatched driving quality
Introduced in 1998, the original Ford Focus brought new levels of agility and responsiveness to the C-segment. The all-2012 Ford Focus plans to raise the benchmark once more, targeting class-leading driving quality that blends outstanding steering precision and road feedback with significantly improved refinement and ride control.
Engineers have updated the innovative suspension concepts from prior models, developing optimised new designs for the “control blade” multilink rear suspension and the semi-isolated front and rear subframes. The chassis design is complemented by a completely new Electric Power Assist Steering system, which has been carefully tuned to deliver pure and precise responses at high speed while remaining light and manoeuvrable for parking.
All global customers will benefit from the same quality of dynamic performance in the 2012 Ford Focus. Identical chassis and suspension architecture is being used for all markets, except for minor regional tuning differences, such as local tyre specifications.
Efficient powertrains deliver performance with outstanding economy
The engaging driver appeal of the 2012 Ford Focus is magnified by a powertrain range that delivers spirited performance and targets outstanding levels of fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
The global powertrain lineup for the 2012 Ford Focus will include a range of state-of-the-art Ford EcoBoost™ four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection (DI) engines – including the 1.6-litre unit in Europe and a choice of advanced and improved Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines, all of which offer reductions in fuel consumption of between 10 and 20 per cent compared to the outgoing models.
Intuitive technology enhances convenience and safety
The technology package of the 2012 Ford Focus promises not only clear leadership in the C-segment, but also includes features customers in larger, more premium segments would find surprising. The new technologies have been designed to be simple and highly intuitive to use, while enhancing both convenience and safety for the vehicle occupants including driver connect technology, MyFord, which provides the driver with a state-of-the-art combination of controls and display screens to operate the key vehicle features.
MyFord is complemented by a new generation of Ford’s powerful SYNC® connectivity package, which includes a sophisticated voice control system, Bluetooth and satellite navigation, along with connection points for a variety of devices and media players.
Strength and safety
The Focus platform provides an incredibly strong and stiff structure, which not only benefits vehicle dynamics and refinement but also provides the basis for enhanced crash performance. High-strength steels are used extensively in the next-generation Focus body shell. These advanced materials help the structure meet the most stringent crash legislation across world markets, while minimising the vehicle’s weight.
Quality and craftsmanship in every detail
The 2012 Ford Focus will make significant strides in reducing cabin noise, promising a quiet cabin environment. This refinement complements the fresh new interior design and higher craftsmanship levels to create a premium feel akin to larger vehicles.
Each component in the vehicle that the customer will touch, see, hear or even smell has been subjected to rigorous analysis to ensure that it will exceed an owner’s expectations. Particular attention has been given to the quality of interior trim materials, and the colour matching, gaps, flushness and tolerances where one part meets another.
Ford has developed a global DNA standard that defines the exact attributes a part should have to meet the quality requirements of the brand. Examples include the sound the door makes when it is closed, requiring special attention to the door structure and latch mechanism, and the design of a steering wheel, right down to the thickness of padding and size of stitching on the rim.
This meticulous attention to detail is also reflected in Ford’s global manufacturing strategy for the Focus, with consistent standards and processes being applied in every one of the assembly plants, wherever they are located in the world.
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Ford Fiesta wins NZ Car of the Year
January 11th, 2010 by Car and SUV
The latest Ford Fiesta has been judged New Zealand’s Car of the Year by the country’s leading motoring writers and commentators.
Breaking new ground as the first small Ford to be offered in all major markets around the world, the new Fiesta was launched internationally in late-2008, and has been available here since early-2009.
In reaching their decision to award the Fiesta the country’s top automotive accolade, members of the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild assessed both the manual and automatic transmissions of the five-door machine.
As well as performance and handling, the facets under consideration included suitability for the task for which the Fiesta is designed, its value for money, ease of operation, economy, along with its level of home comforts, quality of finish, safety accoutrements and visual appeal.
“The areas in which the Fiesta makes its strongest impression are surely its stand-out styling and superb handling dynamics and refinement,” said Guild president John Oxley.
That said, the Fiesta’s qualities run deep in many other areas as well: Its equipment list, for example, includes features that many will be surprised to find as standard in this class such as voice-controlled Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB and 3.5mm auxiliary audio inputs, steering wheel-mounted audio system controls, cruise control and a security alarm system.
Its safety credentials are also impressive for the supermini class, including dual front and side airbags plus a knee-bag for the driver and electronic stability programming. It holds the maximum 5-star occupant protection rating from the European NCAP crash testing.
All these aspects of the Fiesta have been considered by the NZ Car of the Year judges, with one of the most important aspects of their assessment being the fact that is conducted by experiencing the car in a broad range of local conditions.
“A major point of difference with this award is that it embodies the opinions of professionals in their field from across the country, each of whom has assessed the car on roads in their own region,” Oxley said.
“The car that comes out winner must, as the Fiesta so clearly does, excel from many different perspectives, and in a range of Kiwi-specific conditions.”
The Fiesta was one of a dozen finalists for this year’s New Zealand Car of the Year award, which is open to new models launched in New Zealand during the 12 months prior to November 1 2009. The others, in alphabetical order, were the Alfa Romeo MiTo, Audi Q5, BMW 7-series, Kia Soul, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mazda3, Nissan Qashqai, Subaru Legacy/Outback, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Scirocco and Volvo XC60.
Recent past winners of the title, which is now in its 22nd year, have been the Ford Falcon (2008), Mazda 2 (2007) and Porsche Cayman (2006).
To read a full roadtest of the award winning Ford Fiesta click here.
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Ford Ka on New Bond Film, ‘Quantum of Solace’ with Olga Kurylenko
December 22nd, 2009 by Car and SUV
The highly anticipated new James Bond adventure, Quantum of Solace, will feature a cameo appearance from Fords fresh-faced new model, the all-new Ford Ka
Ford Ikon TVC
December 22nd, 2009 by Car and SUV
The commercial is aimed at the Ikon’s target audience, young and successful working executives who balance their responsible side with their wild side
The commercial is aimed at the Ikon’s target audience, young and successful working executives who balance their responsible side with their wild side
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