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Friday, November 18, 2011

2013 Ford Flex

2013, the Flex's base 3.5-liter V-6 engine, gains Ti-VCT variable valve timing. As a result, power jumps from 262 hp to 285 hp, torque climbs from 248 lb-ft to 253 lb-ft, and the redline is increased from 6700 rpm to 7000 rpm. The changes are expected to improve fuel economy ratings by 1 mpg, to approximately 18/25 mpg (city/highway) for front-wheel-drive models and 17/24 mpg for all-wheel-drive models. There are no changes to the 355-hp, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine, which is available only with all-wheel drive.

Because the three-row Flex is meant for hauling families, Ford has outfitted it with several new safety technologies. The 2013 model can be optioned with adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system, and seat belt airbags for the second row of seats. The seat belt airbags first debuted as an option for the 2012 Explorer, on which they purchased by about one-third of customers. Other new gadgets include push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, and the latest version of the MyFord Touch infotainment system.

Visual changes for the 2013 Flex begin with a new front end, which has restyled headlights, a new grille, and a more rounded fascia that softens the car's face. The grille-mounted Blue Oval emblem has been removed and replaced by bold "FLEX" lettering above the grille. At the rear, dual exhaust tips become standard. The interior receives updated instrument clusters, new seat trims, and a revised steering wheel.

Also available is a new appearance package for Flex SEL and Limited models, which bundles 20-inch wheels; leather seats; white, gray, or black contrast coloring for the roof and mirrors; and unique interior trim pieces. The new model year adds three paint colors, Ruby Red, Deep Impact Blue, and Kodiak Brown.

2013 Ford Escape

2013 Ford Escape, which makes its public debut at the Los Angeles auto show, is even more appealing to consumers than the outgoing product.

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine debuted here in the Edge and Explorer, where it is chosen by about 15 percent of those cars' buyers. In the Escape, it will produce 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. It is positioned as the top-spec powerplant, and Escapes so equipped are rated to tow 3500 pounds.

EcoBoost engines get several other drivetrain components not offered for the 2.5-liter engine. The first is a new, "intelligent" four-wheel-drive system is an internal Ford design that can shuffle torque between wheels depending on traction, with the current torque split shown on a display in the instrument cluster. It measures 25 different variables to determine the best torque distribution. EcoBoost engines also feature active grille shutters, which can close under certain conditions to reduce drag or help the engine warm up more quickly. The shifter for the six-speed automatic transmission also receives a small toggle switch, which allows drivers to manually select gears.

The Escape's "kick to open" power liftgate. Owners simply wave their foot beneath the rear bumper, and the liftgate opens or closes. The idea is that owners lugging lots of shopping bags won't have to set them down and fumble for keys before loading groceries into the Escape. It uses two capacitive sensors mounted in the rear bumper to detect the presence of both a shin and a foot, safeguarding against the hatch popping open unexpectedly.

2012 Ford Fiesta ST

Fiesta ST concept at the Frankfurt show earlier this year, touting the three-door concept as a go-fast version of the popular global subcompact. Now Ford has unveiled a five-door version of the Fiesta ST, which will go on display at the Los Angeles auto show later this month.

Motivation comes from a 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four, rated at 177 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, with power channeled to the front wheels via a six speed manual transmission. The Fiesta ST gets a racy new body kit, which resembles that of the Focus ST, as well as unique 17-inch wheels, Recaro seats, and upgraded suspension components.

"The suspension is designed to reward excellent drivers, and flatter novices," said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer.

Hameedi said the Fiesta ST should manage the 0-to-60-mph sprint in about seven seconds, and would be capable of a top speed of at least 140 mph.

Ford stresses that the Fiesta ST is only a concept car, and that there are no announcements about plans for production -- "but it does demonstrate how we could extend the global ST lineup," hints Hameedi.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

2011 Ford Explorer

The 2011 Ford Explorer is a completely redesigned vehicle. This redesign starts with a new unibody construction, which replaces the truck body found in the last few model years. The new Explorer also has a 3.5 liter 290- horsepower V6, which greatly increases the vehicle’s efficiency.The 2011 Ford Explorer gets 17 miles to the gallon in the city, and 25 miles to the gallon on the highway. The vehicle will go from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds. It goes from 60 to 0 in 122 feet.

Climbing inside the vehicle, buyers will discover that the vehicle has become much more luxurious. The vehicle comes standard with Sync, MyFord Touch and MyKey. This is also the first vehicle on the market to have second-row airbags attached to the seatbelts. Ford has also chosen to include rear parking sensors to help the driver in these tough spots. The vehicle also contains Ford’s Terrain Management system, which adjusts traction for different terrain conditions. The vehicle can also contain an optional blind-spot warning system, collision warning and brake support.

The Ford Explorer can easily tow trailers or boats up to 5,000 pounds.For those needing to haul people and cargo, perhaps while towing a boat or trailer, the 2011 Ford Explorer is a great vehicle. It is equally at home rather hauling kids to the latest event or getting the tough job done. The new V6 engine offers great fuel efficiency. Ford has taken great effort to increase the safety of this vehicle. This vehicle can be highly recommended.

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

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Fiesta Fashion Show

Last week’s Ford Fiesta Futuristic Collection by designer Swapnil Shinde was a hit among Fiesta and fashion lovers alike. As the crowd at Select Citywalk, New Delhi applauded and admired the fabulous garments and the car, our team at the venue enjoyed the juxtaposition of the car’s kinetic cues with Swapnil’s design elements. We bring you the best of Fiesta-inspired fashion in pictures.

All-new Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta

We recently concluded the Tech Deep Dive for the all-new Ford Fiesta in Bengaluru for auto journalists, bloggers, and our dealers. Everyone got a first-hand experience of the car in a drive from Bengaluru to Mysore, and we are glad that they all gave the Fiesta a thumbs-up! Some picturesque shoot locations, a mix of long straight roads and twisted curves, and some candid moments of appreciation from drivers and passersby – we surely had a lot of fun!

Ford CSR: Rebuilding schools for better education

Ford CSR

At Ford India, building the best possible future for our children is as important as building the best cars. Helping the children from our local communities get good education in the right environment has topped our priorities over the past few years.

Over the summer, our employees and dealers stepped up to help renovate couple of schools in Chitamanur and Kizhakarnai, villages near our Maraimalainagar (Chennai) plant. The idea was to develop school spaces that facilitate learning, promote scholarship and provide a nurturing environment.

While dealers donated Rs 20 lakh to refurbish the schools (this was announced during our National Discover Smart Drive), Ford India contributed a matching amount, while the APA region chipped in as well, and encouraged employees to join in the rebuilding process. The funds were put in to revamp the schools. Enthusiastic Ford volunteers worked hard over the schools’ summer holidays, helping out in renovating the roof and floors of classrooms as well as rebuilding the restrooms, among other jobs.

“We are committed to the betterment of communities we work amongst and this is a step in this direction. Schools are the first step towards the future and that brought us to start with an institution of education,” said Tom Chackalackal, vice president, Manufacturing of Ford India, at the schools’ reopening ceremony.

As the children, their parents and teachers cheered, the Ford team distributed schoolbags, writing kits and new stitched-to-fit uniforms to more than 700 students. As part of the renovation, Ford India also brought in new furniture for the Panchayat Union Primary School,Kizhakarnai. At Melrosapuram CSI High School in Chitamanur, a large unused classroom was refurbished, much to the delight of the students.

“We hope the improved facilities will motivate the students to study better. The new books, bags and uniforms will uplift their morale and help them start the session on a happy note,”Balasundaram Radhakrishnan, vice president, Powertrain Operations, Ford India who presided over the function at Kizhakarnai.

Friday, June 17, 2011

All-new Fiesta: Powerful car, classy looks, engaging experience

Ford Fiesta

The all-new Fiesta’s got modern, fuel-efficient powertrains that not only deliver exceptional power, but also superior fuel efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. These engines also help Fiesta achieve class-leading fuel economy of 17 km/L for the petrol engine and 23.5 km/L for the diesel engine#. So you have a fantastic ride every time (smooth and zippy!), don’t cringe when you see your fuel bill.

For customers going for a combination of power and fuel efficiency, the 1.5-litre Duratorq intercooled and turbocharged diesel engine fits the bill perfectly. With power rated at 67 kW (91 PS), the engine also delivers an outstanding 204 Nm of torque from 2000 rpm to 2750 rpm. The result is strong acceleration from standstill along with flexibility that can reduce the need for gearshifts. The compact fixed-geometry, low-inertia turbocharger and intercooler provide optimised performance, particularly at low speeds.

This mouthful of a term (we call it EPAS for short) with Pull Drift Compensation technology is a first in the segment. While improving fuel economy, the intelligent EPAS system is an all-knowing tech! So it measures your steering input, adapts to changing road conditions and helps compensate for slight directional shifts caused by crowned road surfaces or steady crosswinds.

Nothing, we repeat, nothing, is more important than your safety. Under the stylish exterior of the all-new Ford Fiesta is a powerful body structure that can protect occupants in case of a collision. More than 55 percent of the body structure is high-strength steel, including dual-phase steel and ultra-high-strength aluminised boron steel, an element so incredibly strong that it is used in the aerospace industry.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

2013 Ford Focus RS

The current Ford Focus RS is a beastly little hatch, piping 305 horsepower through its front wheels, slinging pointy bits at you from every angle, and, of course, not being available for purchase here in the U.S.–and that’s before you even consider the RS500. It looks like the next-gen car could add to the mix with a hybrid all-wheel drive system–and, according to these spy shots, possibly a wagon, shown testing alongside its five-door hatchback sibling.

Though the wagon is not fully decked out in RS gear, it does feature RS seats and a wide central exhaust outlet like the hatch it was spotted with.

A Focus RS Wagon? Well, it would be known as the Turnier in some parts. As the long-roof model in the Focus stable, we’re more familiar with the wagon name. Either way, we doubt we’ll see it in America. Why? Because Americans don’t like wagons, for whatever reason, and even more so because of the price: it should sit around the $40,000 mark, which is beyond the pale for most of us when it comes to a tarted-up Ford.

If the next RS does go all-wheel drive and hybrid, though, our green-eyed monster is likely to rage even more fiercely: a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine plus an electric motor could still top 300 horsepower, deliver fuel economy in the mid- or upper-30 mpg range, and offer the same or similar performance to the current RS.

We’re still looking at about a two-year wait until we see the next Focus RS, in hatch, wagon, or any other body style, however. The cars spotted here are development mules for testing near and on the Nurburgring. At CARiD, we have nothing but the highest quality Ford accessories you need to make the new and exciting changes that you desire. OEM or custom Ford parts can always give a fuller look when seeking those new additions you’re after. Beware of imitators-we are truly the “One Stop” for all Ford accessories. We want to make it easy for you. After all, isn’t that what’s important? At CARiD.com, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

2013 Ford Focus ST

The new Ford Focus ST will debut at the Paris auto show on September 30. The 2013 Ford Focus ST will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2012. The theme name of the new color is ‘Tangerine Scream’, like yellow with more strong and more elegant color.

The new Focus is at last debuting in the U.S., with a 2.0-liter, direct-injected, 160-hp motor and variable valve timing, as well as a five-speed manual. But, the car to wait for is the 2013 Focus ST, which debuts in early 2012.

It gets a six-speed manual with the same EcoBoost (turbocharged) 2.0-liter as the much larger Edge and Explorer and will be good for somewhere in the neighborhood of 250 hp, which puts it in league with hot hatches like the MazdaSpeed3 and beyond the output of the VW GTI. Ford is also promising a tauter suspension and meatier tires as well as bigger brakes to go with all that horsepower. Expect to pay at least $25,000.