Ford
2011 Ford Mondeo revealed in Russia: full details!
This is the facelifted Ford Mondeo mid-sized sedan which made it’s debut at the Moscow International Motor Show just hours ago. Ford has updated it’s flagship model with a variety of upgrades but lets check out it’s exterior design first. The refreshed Mondeo now has a modified front grille, revised hood design as well as the introduction of LED daytime running lights that make up the upgrades up front.
The side profile sports new fully chromed window surrounds (for the range-topping models) while the revised LED taillights round up the exterior changes. Overall the Mondeo looks that much better now, while there weren’t much to complain about the pre-facelift model.
Work has been carried out on the inside as well. The Mondeo now has a revised centre console along with a different door card design. There is also a central overhead console fitted with LED ambient lighting, a woven headliner, new ‘jewel’ detailing on the switches, satin chrome vents as well as the introduction of new interior colour schemes, which according to Ford, help to offer a more premium feel – something that was not really there with the pre-facelift.
Potential buyers will be happy to know that Ford has introduced new features on the Mondeo. They include Lane Departure Warning, Auto High Beam as well as a Driver Alert system. Ford says that these three features utilize a camera located at the top of the windscreen in front of the rear view mirror. Also in the list is a Blind Spot Information System, Speed Limiter, Rear Door Power Child Locks and a Rear View Camera.
Now lets move on to the drivetrain. The 2011 Mondeo debuts a new engine from Ford, which is a 240 PS 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine which joins the existing 203 PS 2.0 liter EcoBoost. Ford has also updated the 2.2 liter Duratorq TDCi diesel unit. It now makes 200 PS which marks a 12% increase over it’s previous guise. Also in the diesel family are 115 PS, 140 PS and 163 PS versions of the 2.0 liter Durotorq.
The current Duratec engines are maintained and they are made up by a 120 PS 1.6 liter and a 145 PS 2.0 liter. Ford revealed that it plans to introduce new 1.6 liter engines from the EcoBoost and Duratorq engine families in the near future. Transmission wise, both a 6-speed manual transmission and Ford’s PowerShift dual-clutch transmission are offered, depending on the trim level of course.
The new Mondeo is also offered with ECOnetic technologies that include Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode driver information system as well as an Active Grille Shutter system that regulates the airflow through the radiator and engine compartment. The 2011 Ford Mondeo which is available in both sedan and estate forms will go on sale starting from next month. Prices will start from £17,295 in the UK.
You can check out a high-res image gallery after the jump and watch a video. Read the rest of this entry.
The Boss is back! Ford unleashes 440hp Mustang Boss 302
Good news for Mustang fans! Remember the mean-looking Mustang Boss 302 of the late 60′s and early 70′s? Well after four decades the Blue Oval has given a new lease of life to the Boss 302. The latest generation Mustang Boss 302 is, just like it’s predecessor, a hardcore version of the pony car featuring upgraded components and an angry demeanor. Power comes from the familiar 5.0 liter V8 found found in the 2011 Mustang GT. Further work has been carried out on the engine allowing it produce 440hp compared to 411hp. Torque is now figured at 380 lb.-ft.
The powerplant is treated to revised camshafts with a more aggressive grind and a more aggressive control calibration. Other upgrades in the drivetrain are made up by a race clutch with upgraded friction materials, a short-throw close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission as well as a limited-slip differential with a 3.73 ratio rear axle using carbon fiber plates. Available as an option is a torque-sensing or Torsen limited-slip differential.
Ford also emphasized on the sound that comes out of the Boss 302. It uses a Boss-specific intake system that is tuned to feed the engine with minimum restrictions hence a retuned induction sound. It also uses a quad exhaust system with side pipes that help produce a more intense V8 sound. The side pipes are also tuned so that drivers can run wide-open while producing comfortable sound levels. Ford also said that up to eleven pounds of sound-deadening material have been eliminated to enable the occupants to further enjoy the sound.
The Boss 302′s suspension has been retuned as well. It sports higher-rate coil springs on all four corners, stiffer suspension bushings and a larger-diameter rear stabilizer bar. The car is lower by 11 millimeters at the front and 1 millimeter at the rear compared to the Mustang GT. Also included in the suspension upgrade list are manually-adjustable shock absorbers. The Boss 302 also has a speed-sensitive electronic steering system with three modes for different weight levels. Also part of the system is traction control and an electronic stability program, both of which can be completely turned off when desired.
The lightweight 19-inch black alloy wheels, with staggered widths are shod with Pirelli PZero summer tires and the wheels hide Brembo four-piston calipers up front and standard Mustang GT brakes at back with Boss-specific pad compound. The ABS brake system also uses low-compressibility brake lines that expand up to 30% less than traditional flexible brake lines, allowing maximum fluid pressure to reach the calipers in the least amount of time. Ford did not reveal the Boss 302′s sprint performance figure but did say that it can hit 155mph which makes it the fastest non-SVT Mustang ever. It also said that Boss 302 offers more than 1.0 g of lateral acceleration.
Now lets have a quick look on what makes a Boss 302 different in terms of design. First up is the black or white roof panel which is in line with the C-styled sticker on the side of the vehicle. The front has been revised and features blocked-off fog lamp openings and aggressive lower splitter which can also be seen on the Boss 302R race car. The splitter is not only for esthetics but it helps manage the air under and around the vehicle during high speed travel. The spoiler at the back also helps minimize overall drag.
Inside, the driver will be faced with a Boss steering wheel finished in Alcantara suede, a material used for seats as well. The Boss 302 also has it’s instrument panel, gauge cluster and door panel trim finished in dark metallic. There is also a black pool-cue shifter ball and door sill plates that read “Powered by Ford”.
In it’s press release Ford said that it is pitting the Boss 302 against the BMW M3: a huge task I must admit. Ford claims that the Boss 302 can ‘top’ the 2010 M3 in terms of lap times at the Laguna Seca circuit in the US. The 302 does make more power compared to the M3′s 4.0 liter V8 but can it beat the M3′s refinement in the handling department? I am not too sure about that. Ford also unveiled a limited-edition Boss 302 Lugana Seca. Its more of a track-ready version of the 302 with increased body stiffness, a firmer chassis set-up and an aerodynamics package that is carried over from the Ford Racing Boss 302R.
Continue reading to enjoy an image gallery as well as to watch three videos. Read the rest of this entry.
Accessories and bodykit revealed for the Ford Fiesta in the US
Ford has announced additional accessories and a new body kit option for the Fiesta in the US. First up lets check out the body kit. It comprises of a rear roof spoiler, front air dam, side skirts and a rear valance. Furthermore there is also a kayak carrier, a bike carrier and roof rack.
Also announced is a body-side graphic treatment. It is available in several colour options with more than 18 designs to choose from. There is also a body-side tattoo graphic for the Fiesta as well. The tattoo is available in either black or silver.
Accessories available for the Fiesta’s interior include an illuminated gear indicator shift knob with a digital gear display, illuminated door sill plates, an interior light kit featuring an LED-generated light in the cup holder area and a light bar in the footwells. Seven ambient colours are also available. There is also an armrest with a large storage bin.
Also available are three packages that include an interior protection package, an exterior protection package as well as an illuminated interior accessory package.
Interior protection package offers an all-weather floor mats and a rear cargo area protector. The exterior protection package includes splash guards and a rear bumper protector while the illuminated interior accessory package has illuminated front door sill plates and shift knob. You can check out some images after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
Ford Fiesta production kicks off in Thailand
Ford has officially initiated production of the Fiesta at the AutoAlliance Thailand’s new facility in Rayong, Thailand. The nation joins other countries including China, Germany, Spain and Mexico in producing the latest generation Fiesta.
Ford plans to ramp up volume production at the 70,000 sqm, US$500 million plant within the next few weeks to make way for the Fiesta’s market introduction in certain ASEAN markets starting from September this year.
In Singapore, Ford offers both the 3-door and 5-door models with a 1.4 liter Duratec engine with 96 PS and 125Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a Durashift 4-speed automatic transmission.
2011 Ford Mondeo revealed along with new engines
Ford has unveiled the facelifted Mondeo mid-sized sedan prior to it’s world debut at the 2010 Moscow Motor Show in August. Several updates were announced including new powerplant options. In terms of design there is a slimmer front grille with a slightly reworked lower grille and as expected, LED daytime running lights. Down south there are new taillights with LED technology.
Interior wise the company said that there is a new “flow through” centre console, new door card with flush and integrated door release handles, new trim options and a different central overhead console with ambient lighting. The interior also houses, among others, LED courtesy lights, premium sound system with a 265-watt eight channel amplifier and a new satellite navigation system.
The refreshed Mondeo’s safety features are made up by a Lane Departure Warning system, Driver Alert, Auto High Beam, Blind Spot Information System, Speed Limited and Rear Door Power Child Locks. There is also a Rear View Camera for parking convenience.
As mentioned in the title Ford has also introduced new engines including a 2.0 liter Ecoboost gasoline unit. This engine makes 237hp which is 36hp more than the 2.0 liter EcoBoost that was revealed for the Mondeo recently. The engine is said to have 20% better fuel economy compared to other gasoline engines with similar capacity. Emissions output is figured at 179 grams per kilometer.
The other engine is from the diesel family and we are talking about the revised 2.2 liter Duratorq TDCi which now produces 197hp. This engine will lineup with other 2.0 liter Duratorq units, with different states of tune including a 113hp, 138hp and a 160hp version. The gasoline models come standard with Ford’s 6-speed PowerShift twin-clutch transmission while this gearbox is optional for the 138hp and 160hp Duratorq models.
There is also new ECOnetic Technologies to help improve fuel efficiency such as the Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode as well as an Active Grille Shutter system. Continue reading to view an image gallery. Read the rest of this entry.
Changan plans to produce Ford-based mid-sized sedan in China
News has it that China’s Chongqing Changan Automobile is in negotiations with Ford to produce a mid-sized sedan using technologies from the latter. This vehicle will carry the Changan brand and is likely to be based on the Ford Mondeo’s platform, a vehicle which belongs to the mid-sized sedan segment.
“Ford CEO Alan Mulally met Changan Chairman Xu Liuping during his trip to China in March. They had in-depth talks on ways to bring their cooperation to the next level,” one source with direct knowledge of the matter told news agency Reuters.
Changan may manufacture the vehicle in Nanjing, China and it is expected to price the vehicle lower than the comparable Ford. The lower price tag should be accompanied with a more basic specification’s list.
A third party analyst from CSM Worldwide, Huang Zherui said, “The Changan deal may not add much value to Ford’s only brand in the short term, but it could be the first step toward a wider and deeper relationship like GM and SAIC.”
In return Ford will be receiving a sizable share of the proceeds from the sales. For the record Changan has been manufacturing the Focus, Mondeo, Fiesta and other models in a three-way tie-up with Ford and Mazda. This would make producing a car based on an existing Ford model easier for Changan.
EPA gives the 2011 Fiesta a 40 mpg fuel consumption rating
Ford has revealed that the 2011 Fiesta super mini can deliver 40 miles to the gallon on highway which is backed by EPA or the Environmental Protection Agency. The model in question is fitted with the company’s 6-speed PowerShift dual-clutch transmission. For the city the same Fiesta carries a 29 mpg rating.
With the 5-speed manual unit the Fiesta gives 28 mpg (city) and 37 mpg (highway). The 2011 Fiesta which will go on sale in the US this summer is powered by a 1.6-liter Duratec with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing.
This engine makes 120hp and it also features deceleration fuel shutoff and an engine accessory drive system that helps improve efficiency by reducing the energy it takes to power the air conditioner and alternator. The engine bay also houses an electric power steering system.
The US-market Fiesta is being built at Ford’s Cuautitlan facility in Mexico. Both hatchback and sedan models will be offered with pricing starting from US$13,995 for the latter.
Ford teases the 2011 Explorer SUV
Ford has released a teaser image of the upcoming 2011 Explorer SUV that is expected to make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this year. This would be the fifth generation Explorer and it was first introduced to the world back in 1990.
The new Explorer is based on the same platform used by the sweet-looking Ford Taurus and is expected to be offered with at least two powerplant options including a base 2.0 liter 4-cylinder Ecoboost and a more potent 3.5 liter Ecoboost that can churn out 355hp and up to 474Nm of torque which sounds pretty impressive.
The teaser image is made up by a portion of the front left section of the SUV along with Jim Holland, the chief engineer for the new model. The curved front left edge reminds me of the Land Rover LRX and people are in fact saying that this Explorer has certain similarities with the Range Rover.
This does not come as a surprise since Holland was the chief engineer of the 2002 Range Rover when Land Rover was under the ownership of Ford. The new 7-seater Explorer features things like inflatable seat belts and an all wheel drive configuration which should be optional.
It also has a terrain management system that offers up to five different settings for different requirements including normal, mud, snow, sand and descent.
