The Auto Car Lover's

Friday, November 18, 2011

LA Show 2011 Highlights: 2013 Ford Escape/Kuga

Ford has revealed its first-ever ‘unified’ SUV, to be known as the new Ford Kuga in Europe, at today’s Los Angeles motor show.

The compact five-seater is destined to replace the US’s best-selling Escape and will hit European showrooms next year as an all-new, considerably larger Kuga. It will also be launched in China later next year.

The new SUV’s styling closely follows the European-designed Vertrek concept unveiled in Detroit at the beginning of the year. It is the latest fruit of Ford chief Alan Mulally’s ‘One Ford’ philosophy, which has already made a success of European models such as the Fiesta and Focus in the US, and will bring even more unification to Ford’s world markets.

Product development boss Derek Kuzak claims fuel economy for the new Kuga/Escape will beat all comers in its class, reducing real-world consumption by 5-6mpg. He also claims the car has 11 convenience features not offered by any rival, including a hands-free powered tailgate that swings upwards if you aim a gentle kick at the underside of the rear bumper.

Among other refinements, the car comes with internet connectivity and improved aerodynamics, including grille slats that close when maximum cooling is not needed. This cuts aerodynamic drag and reduces fuel consumption.

US models will get a normally aspirated 2.5-litre engine, as well as Ford’s turbocharged 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol Ecoboost units. European versions get Ecoboosts plus a diesel line-up already familiar in the third-generation Focus. There may also be small-capacity three-cylinder models within a year.

Compared with the outgoing model, the new Kuga is around 100mm longer, with most of the extra length concentrated in the wheelbase. Ford admits one current point of customer dislike is the current Kuga’s small boot and rear passenger accommodation.

Although a new Mondeo is due next year, the Kuga will probably be Ford’s most important launch of 2012 in volume terms. Demand for mid-size SUVs has increased three-fold in a decade, Ford says, and 60 per cent of America’s new car buyers now consider either a mid-size saloon or SUV.

“More people every year are looking for cars like Escape,” says Kuzak. “We want to give them many reasons to buy.”

Thanks to: Autocar

LA Show 2011 Highlights: Ford Fiesta ST 5-Door Concept

Ford has revealed its future high performance US-specific five-door Fiesta with this Ford Fiesta ST concept, which has been shown at the Los Angeles motor show today. A three door ST variant for Europe was previously shown in Frankfurt.

The hot Fiesta ST is powered by Ford’s 1.6-litre Ecoboost petrol engine, which is tuned to produce 178bhp and 177lb ft of torque. Power is transferred through the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. The most powerful factory Fiesta currently on sale is the 132bhp 1.6 in the special-edition Fiesta S1600.

Externally, the Fiesta ST concept mirrors the styling used on its Focus ST bigger brother. Similar design features include a large, distinctive trapezoidal grille as well as side skirts, rear diffuser and spoiler and twin chrome tailpipes. Flared arches filled by 17-inch alloys complete the package.

Ride height and suspension geometry is also revised compared with the standard car to ensure better, more focused driving dynamics that can “flatter less-experienced drivers while rewarding those seeking to push the limits of the Fiesta ST's sports performance,” according to Ford.

Derrick Kuzak, global product development vice president said: "The Fiesta has a rich history of high-performance models so a new ST performance model is a logical next step in our performance vehicle strategy for our global small cars."

Ford director of global performance vehicles Jost Capito added: "With the Fiesta ST Concept, we are demonstrating that our global performance plan has legs.

"The Fiesta ST Concept shows in the most dramatic way possible that the qualities that define an ST are not limited to one model."

Much like the forthcoming Peugeot 208 GTI, the Fiesta ST will recall the model’s more iconic iterations such as the Fiesta XR2i, RS1800 and RS Turbo.

Thanks to: Autocar

LA Show 2011 Highlights: 2012 Hyundai Azera

The latest car to feature Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design language, the Hyundai Azera saloon, has been unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show today.

The Hyundai Azera – which is based on the same platform as the Kia Cadenza – is the latest vehicle to adopt Hyundai’s new design language, currently used on its i40 and ix20 models.

It is also the last car in Hyundai’s ‘24/7 version 2.0’ product initiative, which has resulted in seven new models being released in the past 24 months.

In the US market the Azera will compete against models such as the Nissan Maxima, Ford Taurus, Lexus ES350 and Buick LaCrosse V6.

The saloon will be offered with a 3.3-litre, V6 GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine and six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual control. The engine produces 293bhp at 6400rpm and 255lb ft at 5200rpm.

Azera's powertrain has an active eco mode, which modifies engine and transmission control for improved fuel economy. It produces a combined 23mpg on the combined US cycle.

The Azera, which weighs 1638kg, is fitted with a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension. It rides on a 2844mm wheelbase, with an overall length of 4909mm and width of 1859mm – dimensions that pitch it between the Sonata and Genesis models in Hyundai’s US range.

The Hyundai Azera goes on sale in the US early next year, but there are no indications that it will reach the UK market.

Thanks to: Autocar

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.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

LA Show 2011 Highlights: Subaru BRZ STi Concept

This Subaru BRZ Concept STI, revealed at the Los Angeles motor show today, could form the basis of a hardcore version of the manufacturer’s forthcoming sports car.

The concept shown at the American event marks the first time the rear-wheel drive Subaru BRZ has been seen fully clothed, although it still doesn't have an interior. Toyota, which is building the car as a joint-project with Subaru, has shown off its version, the FT-86, with bodywork, but the BRZ has only been seen in less-finished form.

The car displayed at Los Angeles bears the name of STI, Subaru’s performance brand, and could end up forming the basis of a ‘hotter’ BRZ variant, rather than the standard car.

In tandem with the unveiling of the car, Subaru issued some more details of the BRZ Concept STI.

The ‘boxer’ engine in the BRZ has been installed as low as possible, enabling the car to feature a low hood and sleek roofline. The hexagonal lower front grille, hawk eye headlights and fin-shaped fog lamps are designed to evoke other cars in the Subaru family.

The lower front spoiler and rear wing are STI-made, as is the carbonfibre roof that keeps the weight and centre of gravity down. The bold rear design features rear fender flares, a large rear-diffuser, and twin dual tailpipes to enhance the performance feel.

The Subaru's rear lights feature more aggressive square-edged styling where Toyota uses curvier shapes, also more clearly distinguished by clear lenses. And it gets quad exhaust pipes on the Subura, compared with the pair in the Toyota.

The car is finished in WR Blue Pearl II, similar to the colour feature on many of Subaru’s world rally cars in the 1990s and 2000s.

The two-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder direct fuel-injection gasoline engine has been developed exclusively for BRZ. The engine has been designed with a square bore and stroke of 86x86 mm. It is combined with Toyota's D-4S direct injection technology.

Thanks to: Autocar