The Auto Car Lover's

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.

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.