The Auto Car Lover's: July 2011

Thursday, July 14, 2011

2011 Ford Fusion SEL 4dr AWD Sedan

2011 Ford Fusion SEL

2011 Ford Fusion is a top choice among midsize sedans.

The Fusion is available in four trim levels, the S, SE, SEL, and Sport; offers three engines, as well as front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Fusion has something for everyone. The powerteams are a 175-hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, a 240-hp 3.0L V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission, or a 263-hp 3.5L V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission with the Sport trim. Safety features include electronic stability and traction control, security system, six-airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

For 2011, integrated spotter mirrors and MyKey have been added as standard equipment.

2011 Ford Edge Sport AWD

The nose of the Edge is significantly reworked for 2011, giving it a slatted grille that plunges downward to envelop the lower valance of the vehicle. The headlights now sleekly integrate into the upper portion of the giant grille, which is rendered in black to denote the Sport model from the other Edge variants.

The new look is certainly aggressive, imparting greater boldness to the nicely-proportioned Edge—but is it a better look than last year? I’m ambivalent. You decide. A 2011 design cue that I do prefer over last year is the smooth integration of the two stainless steel exhaust tips into the rear valance; nice job there.

Also cool for this year are the 22-inch alloy wheels that contrast black backgrounds against shiny alloy spokes. The large wheels do a magnificent job of filling the wheel arches while imparting a look of power and performance.Whether one embraces the visual alterations for 2011 like a sweaty relative or a ravishing stranger, the Edge is a visual triumph, and one of my preferred styling exercises among the congested mid-size crossover field.

My red candy metallic tester fetched numerous looks and nods from passersby—young and old. Although their admiration was directed toward the Edge’s sheetmetal, I’m certain they would’ve been equally enchanted by its restyled cabin and hi-tech instrument panel if seated inside.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Ford Car Show Models

Ford Car Show Models

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Ford Performance Vehicle concept at AIMS

Ford Performance Vehicles has lifted the lid off the first concept car in the division's history. The FPV GT concept had its debut in Melbourne at the Australian International Motor Show.

The Australian-built Silhouette Black beast uses the Boss 5.0-liter V8 engine that thus far produces as much as 449 hp (335 kW / 455 PS), and up to 570 Nm (420 ft-lb) of torque. Details about the transmission and sprint times were not revealed.

"Taking our iconic FPV GT, we have put together a package of performance and design enhancements to demonstrate what could be done by FPV in the future," said Ford Performance Vehicles General Manager Rod Barrett in a press release.

To give a sporty feel, the car sits on light forged alloy rims measuring 19x8-inch in front and 19x9.5-inch in back. Dunlop SP Sportmaxx GT tires wrap the wheels. Also included are six-piston front, four-piston rear brake calipers painted in black.