by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) on Feb 7th 2010 at 9:01AM



Ford Focus RS WRC special edition for Switzerland
While the rest of us think "rallying", the Swiss look at their snow-capped mountains and think "skiing". That's largely because the Swiss are not known to be car people. But for every rule there's an exception.

In Switzerland those exceptions include the efforts of notable speed-freaks like Peter Sauber (of F1 fame), Frank Rinderknecht (Rinspeed) and Franco Sbarro (the flamboyant coachbuilder – not the food-court pizza guy). And we can now add Ford to that list, as the Detroit automaker's Swiss subsidiary is rolling out a special edition Focus RS to pay tribute to the 40th anniversary of the company's iconic RS division, exclusively for the Swiss market.

Although mechanically identical to the existing Focus RS – not much change needed there – the Focus RS WRC edition wears a special livery submitted and chosen through an online forum. Black and green decals overlay a white background, complimented by blacked-out 19" OZ Superturismo GT alloys, while inside, a special plaque carries the Hancocks of Ford's top rally ace Mikko Hirvonen and his co-pilot Jarmo Lehtinen.

Only 50 examples will be offered, exclusively in Switzerland at a price of 55,900 Swiss francs – equivalent to about $53k in American greenbacks and representing a 2000-franc premium over the standard Focus RS. We'll see if we can grab a closer look when we descend upon the multilingual alpine nation for the Geneva Motor Show next month, but in the meantime you can view the top liveries proposed in the gallery below and, if your French, German or Italian is up to the task, check out the press release after the jump. After all, while "speed" is not among the languages commonly spoken in Switzerland, neither is English.

And if some of you longtime readers think that a 50-unit Focus WRC special edition sounds familiar, well, it should. Back in 2007, The Euro Oval did a similar package based on the Focus ST.

by Alex Nunez (RSS feed) on Feb 5th 2010 at 7:57PM

2011 Shelby GT500 with SVT Performance Pack

The latest Ford Racing email newsletter contains some juicy stuff for Mustang fans. It confirms that the 2011 Shelby GT500 will be revealed this coming Monday, February 8, at 1:30 PM Eastern time via a live webcast, during which FoMoCo VP for global product development, Derrick Kuzak will also run down the SVT product strategy with Jost Capito, Ford's director of global performance vehicles. The newsletter includes a link to FordMediaLive.com, which is counting down the seconds to the webcast in real time. We recommend you click on the system test button, because doing so gives you a teaser reel of the 2011 Shelby GT500 (shown above), and if you've been following the leaked developments so far, it's pretty revealing. (Note: Ford has since pulled down the old test/teaser reel and replaced it with generic nature scenes.)

As you know, the Shelby GT500 order guide found its way onto the web last week. Among the new-for-2011 features mentioned (beyond the aluminum block for the blown 5.4-liter V8), are the glass roof option, which is installed on the car in the video, and the new SVT Performance Package, which is also equipped. Visual giveaways that differentiate the performance pack cars are readily evident: the hood stripes are skinnier than the ones on the standard GT500, and the body-side stripe is solid (it's bisected on the regular GT500).

Even more obvious are the different wheels, 19 x 9.5 inches in front, and 20 X 10 inches in back) that are exclusive to the SVT Performance Package. Finally, in the shot of the car's rear end, the spoiler with Gurney flap is plainly visible As specified in the leaked order sheet, the performance pack cars also get upgraded to a 3:73 rear axle ratio over the base GT500's 3:55s.On top of all that, The Detroit News reports this morning that the tweaked, aluminum-block 5.4 gets another 10 horsepower over the iron-block version, raising total output to 550 HP.

There's more to tell, but unfortunately, we're sworn to secrecy until 1:30 sharp on Monday. What we will say is this: The Mustang V6 and GT aren't the only ponys in the stable that get better for 2011. As good - great, even - as the 2010 Shelby GT500 is, the 2011 improves on the formula. Stay tuned for some pretty hot stuff on Monday. Thanks to Murray for the heads-up, and to commenter Mike for the Detroit News link.

Update: The teaser video has been posted to YouTube, and is now embedded after the jump.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/05/snea ... #continued

by Jonny Lieberman (RSS feed) on Feb 2nd 2010 at 4:41PM



2010 Ford Edge

Here's some very exciting news, especially if you're into that whole forced-induction cult thing: Ford is reportedly set to show off its new four-cylinder EcoBoost engine under the hood of the overhauled-for-2011 Edge. To refresh you memory, EcoBoost is Ford speak for turbocharging plus direct injection. In the case of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost found in cars like the Ford Flex EcoBoost, the forced induction, direct injected motor makes much more power than the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 (355 horsepower compared to 262 hp), yet gets identical fuel economy (16 city/22 highway).

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost that The Detroit News promises is coming in the substantially refreshed Edge is said to be as powerful as a 3.0-liter V6. We'll take that to mean about 240 or so horsepower. Sure, that's not a very exciting power figure in the Edge, but it will probably make for some sexy fuel economy figures. And just image how thrilling this news will be when the 2.0-liter EcoBoost Focus comes out? Or, Mulally willing, an EcoBoosted Fiesta! Even a Fusion with this new motor (and a manual transmission) would be very, very welcome. We should know much more next week in Chicago.

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) on Feb 3rd 2010 at 2:25PM


2009 Ford Focus RS

It's no secret that we openly covet the Ford Focus Rallye Sport. Unfortunately, the Blue Oval never found it in its heart to let the hottest version of its Focus hatchback into the United States... or any version of the European Focus for that matter. As such, we're certainly not expecting to see the rumored Clubsport model that Auto Express claims will be the current car's swan song before the new version is unveiled based on the all-new Focus.

Too bad, as the idea of 350 horsepower from Ford's highly lauded 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine sounds just peachy, as do the lightweight racing seats, lowered and stiffened suspension and suitably sticky rubber. If there's any truth to all of this, expect the run to 60 to be dispatched in just about five seconds flat. Don't be too saddened by the news, though.

The next juicy bit of internet rumormongering is that a new version of the RS has been greenlit, based on the new Focus platform that was recently unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. This model would seemingly have a much better chance of coming Stateside, being that the next Focus will be a true global vehicle.

If you're the type that likes to save fuel while scorching asphalt, you'll like the rumored inclusion of a hybrid powertrain centering on Ford's 2.0-liter Ecoboost four cylinder. That boosted mill would reportedly drive the front wheels while an electric motor would send torque to the rear, resulting in an all-wheel drive arrangement, estimated 0-60 run of (again) five seconds and a top speed of 155 miles per hour.

Interestingly, AE reports that this is the same powertrain Peugeot used in its SR1 concept, and the French automaker is said to have co-developed the hybrid drivetrain with Ford. We won't know whether or not any of this is accurate for quite some time, as the car reportedly won't be ready for another three years, but a 240-horsepower Ecoboost Focus ST may be on the way within the next 18 months. We'll see...

It sounds like something from a science fiction movie.

Partnering with top-ranked national and international universities, the Ford “Atoms to Engines” team challenged skeptics to develop the world’s first virtual materials modeling prediction tool. Come again? It’s a tool that allows the team to simulate the microstructures of a material before the first prototype is built.

In other words… the Atoms to Engines team blends engineering and science to develop physics-based computer models that predict how properties and materials will behave and change during the manufacturing process. Building these computer models integrates the study of product performance, manufacturing and materials; in some cases it requires analyzing metals down to their atomistic level.

The result? Components are more durable and efficiently constructed, which saves the company considerable development time and money. In fact, the process is estimated to save Ford between $2 and $5 million a year in reducing test requirements and product development time.

Computational materials engineering also has been used on the recently released 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ block and head and the soon-to-be-released 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel, where the technology enabled the use of aluminum cylinder heads, for a 160-pound weight savings.

Learn more about Ford’s Atoms to Engines team and its work in computational materials engineering.

Quote
“Computational materials engineering is about blending engineering and science. Why is it worth it? Reduction of test time. Higher-quality parts. In other words, you’re getting the highest possible quality at the lowest possible cost.”
– John Allison, Senior Technical Leader, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering

nice car check it out with a "walk around"
with chief Engineer Jum Hughes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjmyTw0J ... re=channel

Great little video on the upcoming product from the chief Engineer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp21DBYu ... r_embedded

.BRENTWOOD, Essex, 29 January 2010 – After Ford boosted its UK car fleet market leadership in 2009, the Ford Mondeo has now become "Britain’s most popular fleet car", according to FleetDirectory.co.uk readers.

In a poll conducted by industry website FleetDirectory.co.uk, Ford Mondeo took 20 per cent of the vote – six percentage points ahead of its nearest rival. FleetDirectory.co.uk cites qualities such as class-leading safety, practicality, low running and whole-life costs as key to the Mondeo’s success.

“The Ford Mondeo is popular and long-established, so fleets and fleet managers trust its solid manufacture,” said Richard Lawton of FleetDirectory.co.uk. “Add to this smart innovations, including low-carbon ECOnetic technology, and the Mondeo is an understandable winner. Its lead in our poll speaks volumes for Ford’s leadership in fleet.”


This leadership was strengthened in 2009, when Ford increased its share of the UK car fleet market by 3.1 per cent, compared with 2008. It ended 2009 with 20.0 per cent of all car fleet sales in Britain, outpacing its closest rival by more than four percentage points.

Market share improvement was achieved in a year notable for its tough trading environment. Ford of Britain director of fleet operations, Kevin Griffin said: “It was a very challenging year but we have nonetheless made gains by growing our business cost-effectively – by launching products which customers desire, and at a lower cost than before thanks to increased manufacturing efficiencies and reductions in product complexity. To have increased our market share in such a difficult market is a remarkable feat.”

Commenting on the FleetDirectory award Kevin Griffin said: “This is a great tribute to the Ford Mondeo as this award is actually decided by fleet managers and company car drivers themselves. This is the latest in a long line of accolades for Mondeo and Ford Fleet, which we welcome warmly.”

In 2009 Ford celebrated one of the company’s best years for awards. Fleet News declared Ford to be Fleet Manufacturer of the Year for the third time in succession, and Ford earned the Van Manufacturer of the Year title in both the Fleet World Awards and the Fleet Van Awards.

Ford models were also successful: Fiesta was declared What Car? Car of the Year and Best Supermini, as well as What Diesel Car of the Year and the Best Supermini in the Fleet News Awards, and Car of the Year and Best Supermini in the Auto Express Awards.

Fiesta Van was voted City Van of the Year in the Fleet Van Awards, as well as Best Small Van in the What Van? Awards. Transit received accolades from What Van?: Best Panel Van Security for the sixth successive year and Best Minibus for the fourth successive year. Transit Connect won, for the seventh year in a row, the Fleet Light Van of the Year title in the ACFO Awards and was also voted Best Small Van in the Fleet World Honours.

01/29/2010, 2:52 PMBy Mark Kleis
Ken Block will be strapping on his new Ford/Monster helmet for the first time for the Sno*Drift Rally America Series race today, but yesterday Block strapped some cameras onto his new Fiesta rally car and took to the Michigan snow for a little practice. Block managed to get the Fiesta well over 100 mph with stud-less tires during practice – let’s only hope he can do the same when it counts.


We don’t doubt Block is a nervous wreck with the pressure of his first official race looming, but that didn’t stop Block from providing some (mildly) entertaining footage for your enjoyment

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K37p0vw ... r_embedded

Click on the link below I think you will like it!

http://www.at.ford.com/news/multimedia/ ... amp;id=327

There are also additional videos there to review if you like.

DTE Energy of southeastern Michigan, one of Ford Motor Company’s utility partners conducting real world testing of the plug-in hybrid electric Ford Escape, invited PHEV-curious consumers into its “Smart Garage” at the North American International Auto Show. There, DTE demonstrated how electric vehicle users will use smart meter technology to recharge their vehicle using renewable energy sources such as solar panels.

In this video, DTE Energy manager Hawk Asgeirsson talks about the potential for electric vehicles and smart garages.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N5fc1e0 ... r_embedded

2011 Ford Modeo facelift spy photos
By Zack Newmark


New spy photos of the 2011 Ford Mondeo facelift have surfaced six weeks before its introduction in Geneva. The car was spied during cold weather testing along European route E45, a road that runs from the northern Sweden/Finland border down to the southern tip of Sicily, Italy.

The new pictures show a car, powered by the TDCi engine, that has faced at least one challenge: the car looks to be scratched and dented at the bottom of the rear passenger-side door.

Under Ford's Kinetic Design scheme, engineers included a new front bumper with other changes expected on the facelifted model. The prototypes are still sporting black tape covering up details here, which may include LEDs. A new grille is also expected here. Test vehicles also seem to indicate that the next model will have new side mirrors, as well as rear LED clusters. Changes to the rear bumper are also possible, and interior upgrades are anticipated.

Look for the 2011 model year Mondeo to get the Galaxy facelift's 200-horsepower 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel. The diesel will be available with either 113, 138, or 160 horsepower.

Eventually, a four-cylinder 1.6-liter Ecoboost producing up to 180 hp may also be offered.

Look for the 2011 Ford Mondeo facelift to be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

While rumors that Ford is developing a totally self-driving car are exaggerated to say the least, the automaker will double the availability of its Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support system in 2010 – two technologies that help drivers stay aware of hazards ahead. The advanced, radar-based driver aid and crash avoidance technologies will be added to the next-generation Ford Explorer, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX.

In 2009, Ford began offering Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support on the Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT. One in four owners of those vehicles opted for these state-of-the-art driver awareness features.

In 2010, the newly enhanced system will allow up to two drivers to program personal settings for both features, including their preferred lead vehicle distance warning times, and a more user-friendly graphical interface.

The radar advantage

More than 70 percent of vehicle accidents occur between two or more moving vehicles, with rear-end accidents accounting for nearly a third of all accidents documented. Most rear-end collisions are due to driver inattention and insufficient driver braking, both of which are addressed by the enhanced brake functionality offered within Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support system.

When activated, Adaptive Cruise Control operates just like normal cruise control, with one important exception. If its radar sensor detects slower moving vehicles immediately ahead, the system will reduce the cruising speed as appropriate. When its sensors detect traffic has cleared, the user’s vehicle resumes the set speed. The radar sensor can detect vehicles up to 150 yards away, track their status 20 times per second, and detect speed changes of as little as 1/4 mph.

For 2011, Adaptive Cruise Control will be pictorially represented on a high-tech LCD vehicle instrument display when activated, alongside other driver information such as the fuel gauge and speedometer. The appearance of the information will be similar to the 2010 Ford Fusion’s SmartGauge™ cluster, which uses animation of a growing vine to track fuel efficiency. Likewise, Adaptive Cruise Control will be represented by a “bird’s-eye view” of two car icons with distance bars in the gap between them. The distance between the icons is determined by driver-programmable preference.

Also for 2011, Collision Warning with Brake Support, which is packaged with Adaptive Cruise Control as an integrated system, provides the driver with a “heads-up” display of red LEDs that flash on the windshield, and provides an audible alert when its radar senses a reduction in traffic speed in vehicles ahead.

Collision Warning with Brake Support uses the same radar capability as Adaptive Cruise Control and can sense changes in the traffic flow, as low as 1/4 mph. If the driver’s response is delayed, the system will pre-charge the brakes to prepare the vehicle for more aggressive braking to help avoid rear-end accidents. If the driver lifts quickly off of the accelerator indicating a desire to slow down, the system will apply the brakes to a nominal level to begin decelerating the vehicle faster than the driver can move their foot to the brake pedal.

If the driver hits the brakes rapidly, the system will ensure that they are using the full braking capability of the vehicle to avoid or mitigate the potential threat. The feature can detect a change in traffic conditions within 250 milliseconds and provide a warning as quickly as 100 milliseconds later. The system’s activation sensitivity is determined by the driver’s programmable preference.

Learn more about Ford’s radar-enabled vehicle systems.

Quotes

“We’ve taken a great set of driver awareness features and made them more effective through the use of a more user-friendly interface that’s designed to provide an enhanced driver experience.”
– Steve Kozak, Ford’s Chief Engineer for Safety Systems.

“We’ve designed the chime and visual alerts to be effective at improving the reaction time from the driver when they’re not paying attention, to get them on to the task at hand, which is applying the brakes if needed.”
– Aaron Mills, Ford Senior Engineer of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

“These radar-based systems build on Ford’s leading safety heritage. Many years of research and engineering work, leveraging experience gained in aerospace and other non-automotive applications, have enabled Ford to offer these crash avoidance and driver awareness systems on a growing number of vehicles. As a result, vehicle occupants may be better protected than ever before.”
– Jeff Rupp, Manager, Active Safety, Research and Advanced Engineering at Ford’s Research and Innovation Center

Here is a nice video link of the upcoming Focus, take a peek!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRJx0Iap ... r_embedded

I guess it's a no brainer. A wagon version of the Focus has always been available in Europe.

We might even get the next one over here...