MotorCrave.com » Ford

New Ford GT Under Development And It Looks Like a Hybrid

Chris Weiss — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 23:09:29 +0000

In the absence of the Dodge Viper, there really aren’t enough top-end sports cars from the American Big Three at the moment. That deficit won’t last long, though. A new Viper is on the way, and it looks like it may be joined by a Ford GT.

According to reports, Ford is developing an all-new GT with a supercharged V8 engine. Ford’s also looking to add a front-mounted electric motor for a little extra juice when accelerating. Total output is rumored to be around 600 horses.

With a more powerful powertrain, and a lightweight body in the 3,000-lb. range, the next-gen GT should beat the last GT’s 205-mph top speed and mid-three-second 0-to-60 mph time. No word yet on the time frame Ford is working with, but we’ll be on the lookout. [via Auto Express]

Ford Focus Electric Is Here

Chris Weiss — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 00:58:19 +0000

Ford introduced the 2012 Focus Electric at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier today, giving the world a look at the next mass-produced passenger car. The Electric will hit select markets later this year.

Ford uses a 100 kW motor and 23 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to deliver up to 123 horses and 84 mph worth of speed. Estimates put the Focus’ range right around the Nissan Leaf’s 100 miles, but Ford has not specified range just yet. According to Ford, the Focus Electric will beat the Chevy Volt’s mpg-e rating and will charge in 3 to 4 hours–half the time of the Nissan Leaf. In order for the latter to happen, you’ll need to purchase the 240-volt charger, which will be available through Best Buy.

Other features of the Focus Electric include a special version of MyFord Touch, a MyFord Mobile smartphone app and a Microsoft-partnered value charging system that will deliver lower rates. Check out more pictures in the gallery below. [via AutoBlog]

Ford Focus Electric Teaser

Chris Weiss — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:58:39 +0000

The EV/hybrid market should be expanding significantly over 2011, and one of the first new EVs that we’ll get a chance to see is the Ford Focus Electric, which will debut at the Consumer Electronics Show on Friday. Ford teased the new car on its Facebook this week, showing a picture of an LED-lit charging port, along with “Electric” badging.

Ford hasn’t given specifics as to the powertrain of the Focus Electric, but the car is expected to get around 100 miles on pure electric power. Ford has chosen to introduce it at CES rather than the Detroit Auto Show next week. Official debut time is Friday at 11 a.m. PST, and Ford will broadcast the event via its Facebook page. [via Facebook]

2011 Mustang V6 Takes Consumer Reports Honors Over Camaro

Chris Weiss — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:45:55 +0000

The Camaro has made a strong showing against the Mustang since it reentered the market last year. In fact, it currently leads the Mustang by about 7,000 units sold for 2010. Consumer Reports had the chance to weigh in on the V6-powered variants of both models, and cast a little doubt on whether consumers were making the right decision at the dealership.

America’s favorite product testing organization ruled unequivocally for the Mustang V6, praising it for its agility, driving prowess and fuel economy.

Senior engineer and test driver Jake Fisher explained: “The Mustang was virtually better than the Camaro at nearly every level. It was quicker, more fuel efficient, and when you’re in the Camaro, it’s like you’re in a cave.” A pretty clear decision.

CR gave the Mustang V6 a “Very Good” rating and recommended it but limited the Camaro to “Good” rating. [via Detroit News]

Live Photos of 2011 Ford Explorer Limited

Chris Weiss — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:31:19 +0000

I was in Salt Lake City this week covering the Outdoor Retailer for another blog, and had the opportunity to take a closer look at the new Ford Explorer. Plenty of Ford staff were on hand and were all too eager to talk about their new baby.

Responding to criticism in the media, in articles like this one, Explorer marketing manager Craig Patterson defended the new Explorer’s hardware: “Jeep Grand Cherokee [is a] unibody, always has been. That’s a prototypical SUV. Range Rover: unibody, hardly a more capable truck out there. So it’s not so much the platform as what you do with it to make it capable. It starts as the same platform as the Taurus or the MKS or the Flex, but then you do enough things to it–widen it, reinforce it, put the terrain management system in–to give it the capability of an SUV.”

For full information on the 2011 Explorer, take a look at our original post from when it launched. Otherwise, just enjoy a few pictures of it all dressed up in red.

Covers Off: 2011 Ford Explorer

Chris Weiss — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:26:34 +0000

After a relentless barrage of teaser pics, Ford has finally come clean on the 2011 Explorer. The new Explorer loses about a hundred pounds, rises to the top of the class in fuel efficiency and maintains much of its off-road handling and towing capabilities.

Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development, sums up the multi-dimensional SUV:“The new Explorer simply does everything well. It raises the bar for ride and handling on the road and transforms the off-road experience. It’s the hands-down winner for towing capability and ease. All this capability – and three rows of seating – with amazing fuel economy will make Explorer the absolute right choice for families with a sense of adventure.”

Powered by several engine options, the 2011 Explorer delivers up to 30 percent more fuel economy than the outgoing model. The most efficient option is the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 that offers a projected 237 hp while cutting fuel consumption by 30 percent. The 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6, meanwhile, offers 390 hp with a 20 percent boost in efficiency over the outgoing V6.

The Explorer gets a sleeker look to go along with its more efficient powertrain. The first Explorer to sit on a car platform, the new model includes a variety of lightweight parts such as the aluminum hood.

Production of the 2011 Explorer will start up later this year with arrival in dealerships by the winter. You can read all the ins and outs of the new model in the press release below. [via egmCarTech]

Press Release:

MAJOR SUV FUEL ECONOMY GAINS, TECHNOLOGY, STYLE HIGHLIGHT REINVENTION OF FORD EXPLORER

Ford reinvents the Explorer SUV with best-in-class fuel economy, improved driving dynamics and terrain management system – all wrapped in a modern, weight-saving design

Explorer raises the bar on safety with a class-leading array of airbags including industry-first inflatable rear seat belts, Trinity front impact structure, AdvanceTrac^® with RSC^®(Roll Stability Control^™) and Curve Control functionality

Explorer features MyFord Touch^™ driver connect technology and SYNC^® integrated communications and entertainment system to help keep a driver’s eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Explorer offers more technology than in-class competitors, rivaling content found in premium SUVs

DEARBORN, Mich., July 26, 2010 – Ford Explorer – the vehicle that defined a segment – has been completely reinvented, raising customers’ expectations of sport utility vehicle (SUV) fuel efficiency, safety, technology, capability and quality.

“The all-new Explorer will deliver today’s SUV buyers the attributes they really want and value, and a few they might not even have dreamed of,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “We’re proud to introduce the new Explorer to customers and fans around the world today and pleased to begin a whole new era that blends strong SUV fuel economy and performance.”

The all-new Explorer launches today to its Facebook friends in a unique social media initiative, followed by reveal events throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Shattering SUV fuel economy and performance expectations

The 2011 Explorer with V6 power is expected to deliver more than 20 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 model, shattering conventional expectations for SUV fuel efficiency. When equipped with the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost^™ I-4 engine, Explorer fuel economy is expected to improve by more than 30 percent and exceed the 2010 Honda Pilot and 2010 Toyota Highlander V6.

Chief Nameplate Engineer Jim Holland said the team targeted two key objectives when developing the 2011 Ford Explorer.

“It had to look modern and contemporary – inside and out – yet be instantly recognizable as an Explorer,” said Holland. “Next, the new Explorer needed to deliver the fuel economy today’s customers want, combined with the performance, capability and empowerment they expect from an SUV.”

Driven by the commitment to give customers unsurpassed fuel efficiency with each new vehicle, Ford attacked every detail to transform Explorer with significantly improved fuel economy:

Twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT)
Latest Ford EcoBoost engine
Six-speed automatic transmissions
Electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to significantly reduce parasitic power loss
Intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD)
Variable-displacement air-conditioning compressor
Optimized tires for reduced rolling resistance
Slippery aerodynamics with harmonized front air dam and rear liftgate spoiler

Weight reduction is a key element in improving Explorer fuel efficiency. While adding significant content to the vehicle, engineers were able to reduce total vehicle weight by almost 100 pounds through the use of lighter materials such as an aluminum hood. Explorer weight loss is even more impressive, as the latest versions of Honda Pilot and Toyota 4Runner have added pounds versus previous models.

Explorer’s available advanced 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 delivers the power of a normally aspirated V6 without compromising four-cylinder fuel economy. Aimed at the SUV buyer whose top priority is fuel economy, this turbocharged and intercooled I-4 engine delivers a projected 237 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,700 through 4,000 rpm. The EcoBoost employs direct injection of gasoline, Ti-VCT, direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valve lifters and four valves per cylinder.

Explorer’s standard powertrain combines front-wheel drive with a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, delivering an estimated 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. Ti-VCT allows individually optimized camshaft timing of valve opening and closing events to improve mechanical efficiency while delivering increased power and reducing part-throttle emissions. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, this powerful, flexible and efficient V6 is projected to deliver more than 20 percent better fuel economy versus the previous Explorer V6 model.

Explorer’s variable-displacement air-conditioning compressor provides a fuel economy benefit with less drag and smoother transition for improved driveability.

Each Explorer engine is paired with a unique six-speed automatic transmission, combining lowered initial gears for improved off-the-line acceleration and higher gearing for improved efficiency at lower engine rpm when cruising.

Explorer V6 models are available with an intelligent 4WD system that adds terrain management. Situation-selectable, this powertrain advancement takes the guesswork out of 4WD range choice.

A driver need only turn the console-mounted knob to the proper setting among snow, sand, mud and normal modes. This system also includes a hill descent mode.

Simpler and more convenient for SUV veterans, the system will be a confidence-builder for drivers new to the segment.

Contemporary design with segment-leading craftsmanship and quietness

In addition to its clean, modern design inside and out, Explorer aims to please SUV shoppers with a thoughtful, flexible interior package that abounds with clever storage capacity. The new SUV features more head and shoulder room, three rows of flexible seating, and room for everything families want to take along on their adventures.

The Explorer design – inside and out – is executed with world-class craftsmanship. Tight margin gaps are just one indication of the immense attention to detail applied to craftsmanship across the spectrum, from design to engineering to manufacturing.

The Chicago facility where Explorer will be produced raised the bar on initial quality measures with the recent Taurus launch, which is good news for customers.

“Crafting a high-quality vehicle is like preparing a gourmet meal,” said Peter Bejin, craftsmanship supervisor. “You start with high-quality ingredients, execute your recipe with flawless preparation and finally, present it with flair and panache.”

Quietness – another profound advancement in the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer – also will signal quality to customers.

The team enhanced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control for the all-new Explorer using an advanced technology called NoiseVision. A ball with hundreds of tiny cameras and microphones, NoiseVision allows engineers to pinpoint and address potential noise issues earlier in the development process.

Explorer is expected to be superior to in-segment competitors and rival premium SUVs in quietness and NVH control.

Explorer safety – strength, technology and innovation

The all-new Explorer targets top safety ratings with a stiff unibody structure and a class-leading suite of active and passive safety features and technologies, plus another Ford safety innovation – the world’s first second-row inflatable rear belts.

Rear seat passengers – often children or mature passengers – can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries. Ford’s unique inflatable rear belts spread impact forces across more than five times the area than conventional seat belts, reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion. Belt comfort should also help increase usage rates. Studies show inflatable belts to be more comfortable for passengers due to padding.

From the boron front bumper beam through the hydroformed front frame rails and high-strength steel side-impact tubes, Explorer’s rigid body structure is designed to provide robust protection for occupants. In the instance of a crash, these elements come together to protect Explorer driver and passengers inside a safety cage of strength.

Standard Explorer safety features include:

AdvanceTracwith RSC features Curve Control functionality to provide braking – optimized by each individual wheel
Second-generation first-row airbags, side seat airbags
Belt-Minder^®for driver and first-row passenger
Front passenger sensing system
Energy-management system pretensioning for height-adjustable first-row seat belts
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for outboard second-row positions, for safely securing child safety seats
SOS Post-Crash Alert System^™
Safety Canopy^®side curtain airbags
Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Available Explorer safety features include:

Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support
BLIS^®(Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert

Stretching the breadth of capability

The 2011 Ford Explorer redefines customer expectations for driving dynamics and comfort – on any road, anytime, anywhere – while stretching the breadth of SUV capability. Transforming Explorer’s driving quality was central to creating an SUV for 21st century customers.

“Our objectives for Explorer dynamics were threefold,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “The first element was to greatly increase on-road comfort, capability and driving dynamics. The second was to maintain the ‘any road, anytime, anywhere’ capability of the previous model. Finally, we aimed to apply technology to the task of safely towing, as V6 Explorer models are rated up to 5,000 pounds. We think customers will be pleased with the
next-generation Explorer on all three counts.”

The theme of the all-new Explorer dynamics development was balance. The team sought to provide an engaging driver experience in harmony with the extended breadth of 4WD capability to build driver confidence.

The shift to a unibody construction platform enabled a reduction in road noise and significantly decreased Explorer body roll in dynamic cornering situations. Independent front suspension is of the short- and long-arm configuration with a 32-millimeter front stabilizer bar. Independent rear suspension is the SR1 configuration, so-named for its one-to-one shock absorber ratio, which enables precise ride control.

Explorer’s EPAS system allows for variable rates of assistance based on speed, turn-in and direction. In addition to optimized steering feel, tight on-centering and appropriate resistance, EPAS provides a fuel economy benefit in comparison to traditional hydraulic power assist systems. EPAS also enables a competitive turning radius for optimum maneuverability in parking situations, combined with increased assistance at low speeds for parking ease.

EPAS allows for the addition of Curve Control, a new feature that senses when a driver enters a turn too quickly and applies brake pressure to stabilize the vehicle.

In addition, EPAS enables the optional active park assist technology. When activated, the system scans for a suitable spot, calculates the trajectory, and steers the vehicle. The driver continues to control brake and throttle inputs, but the system steers the vehicle throughout the parking maneuver.

Off-roading standout on a variety of surfaces

The key to Explorer 4WD capability is Ford’s new terrain management system.

Replacing the traditional SUV transfer case configuration, the new system takes the guesswork out of maximizing 4WD and the capabilities it enables. Rather than employment of four-high, four-low and auto settings, Explorer terrain management is selectable by situation. The four settings – available by shift-on-the-fly – include normal, mud, sand and snow.

Each setting provides unique engine behavior, throttle tip-in, transmission shift scheduling and calibrations for traction and stability control systems. Terrain management also includes Hill Descent Control^™, which provides engine braking to increase driver confidence and control when descending a steep incline.

Explorer models with V6 power are rated to tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds. To aid with hookup – especially when alone – a reverse camera with zoom-in functionality is available, allowing a driver to back up to the trailer on-center. The Explorer towing package includes trailer sway control – a stability package shared with the Ford F-150 pickup – to help minimize trailer sway. Trailer brake controller wiring is also included, as is a tow/haul mode. Engaging tow/haul mode increases engine braking to help slow the vehicle and trailer when descending steep grades.

Loaded with features, convenience and connectivity

The all-new Explorer is available in three trim series levels – base, XLT and Limited. Each offering presents a robust array of standard features, with a class-leading selection of additional convenience and connectivity options so a buyer can tailor a new Explorer to his or her individual needs and desires.

Standard convenience features include:

MyForddriver connect technology including 4.2-inch LCD screen
MyKey^™ owner control feature
Air filtration system
Media hub
Easy Fuel^®capless fuel filler system
Cruise control
Power windows, with one-touch down for driver
Power door locks with child safety rear door locks
Tilt/telescoping steering column
Four 12-volt power points
Cargo hooks

Explorer XLT includes standard content and adds:

Automatic headlamps
Six-speed SelectShift Automatic^™
Heated sideview mirrors with LED signal indicators and security approach lamps
SecuriCode^™keyless entry keypad
Reverse sensing system
Perimeter alarm

Explorer Limited includes all base and XLT content, plus:

PowerFold^®sideview mirrors with driver’s side memory
Ambient lighting
Adjustable pedals with memory functionality
Cargo net
Dual-zone electronic temperature control
10-way power driver’s seat, with power recline and lumbar
Electrochromic interior mirror
Rear view camera
Remote start system
110-volt outlet
MyFord Touchdriver connect technology
Intelligent Access with push-button start
Universal garage door opener

“We spent our time listening to customers and addressing their needs to launch an SUV that reinvigorates the Explorer nameplate and delivers on Ford’s promise of high-quality, fuel-efficient and technologically advanced vehicles with industry-leading safety,” said Holland. “The all-new Explorer will change market perceptions about SUV style, fuel efficiency, technology and user-friendliness.”

The 2011 Explorer will be assembled at Ford’s Chicago manufacturing facility. Production begins late this year, and Explorer will be available in dealerships this winter.

2011 Ford Explorer Facebook Unveil Set For Monday

Chris Weiss — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:51:22 +0000

Frankly, I’m more excited about ending the incessant barrage of teaser photos than I am about actually seeing the 2011 Ford Explorer. I’ve never seen a company make such a huge deal about watering down a product before, and frankly, I understand why.

We’ve known for weeks that Ford was going to unveil the new Explorer online, but for some reason the company was remaining silent about when that would happen. Today, it’s been reported that the unprecedented Facebook debut will take place next Monday. No particular time appears to be floating around quite yet–apparently we’ll have to wait even longer for that.

Yesterday, Ford indicated that the 2.0-liter EcoBoost option will add 30 percent of fuel efficiency to the new Explorer pushing it to about 26 mph city. [via AutoNews]

Show Me Those Headlights: Another Painful Ford Explorer Teaser, Full Show Coming By Month-End

Chris Weiss — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:03:01 +0000

Yes, it’s another installment of the 2011 Ford Explorer teaser marathon that just won’t end. Only this one comes with some good news: an official end. Ford announced that it will publicly debut the Explorer at an event in NYC on July 26. Sometime before that, Ford will debut the Explorer on Facebook. The Manhattan event will be hosted by Ford frontman Mike Rowe, and as Ray Wert of Jalopnik astutely points out, a NYC event ” says pretty much everything you need to know about the off-road “capabilities” of the new Explorer.”

As for the latest teaser, it’s a headlight. Thanks for not stringing this thing out, Ford. [via Jalopnik and AutoBlog]

Ford Fiesta Gets Officially Tricked With New Body Kits and Wraps

Chris Weiss — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:33:22 +0000

I’m betting that most people that put down bills on the new Ford Fiesta fancy themselves as the free-spirited, quirky types. And if that assumption is true, then they should be all too happy to see that Ford has announced a series of interior and exterior upgrades that include custom body wraps.

On the outside, Ford is offering 18 different graphics, as well as a side tattoo. Hard accessories like a rear spoiler, body kit and kayak carrier are also available. Inside, Fiesta owners can add a little atmosphere with a lighted shift knob, illuminated door sill plates with LED Fiesta logo and light kit with light-accented cup holders and foot wells. The latter comes in choice of seven colors. These options can be added at Ford dealers or online at fordfiestagraphics.com and fordaccessories.com. [via AutoBlog]

Where’s the 2011 Explorer This Week? Not in the Center of the Camera Lens.

Chris Weiss — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:53:50 +0000

Outside of a new GT, there’s pretty much no Ford that is interesting enough for this much teasing. Especially not a watered down, more yupped up version of the Explorer. We’ve already seen the Explorer tucked below some pit stains and in various forms of barely-in-the-shot nature poses. There were even a few more teasers that we weren’t interested enough in posting. And now we have a new one of the very rear end of the Explorer lugging a boat.

Yeah, we get it Ford, the 2011 Explorer features new styling and design, but is still ready for your most likely wilderness adventures. Now unveil the whole enchilada or go away already. [via Carscoop]

Desert Drift Warrior: New 2011 Mustang RTR Package (With Video)

Chris Weiss — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:13:01 +0000

Ford has introduced a new dealer-installed package for the 2011 Mustang GT called the RTR. The new package takes inspiration from drifting, and more specifically, from Vaughan Gittin, Jr., the driver behind the wheel of the Monster Energy/Falken Tire 2011 Mustang GT in the Formula Drift series. The RTR provides drivers with “performance and appearance upgrades, to allow pony car lovers to make the most of their driving experience.” Body work includes a chin spoiler, rocker splitters, rear diffuser and aluminum spoiler in back. Other upgrades include 19-inch wheels, Falken FK-452 tires, and Ford Racing handling package and mufflers. The RTR stripe scheme on the exterior and a unique interior complete the package.

Manufactured with Michigan-based Classic Design Concept, the RTR package is available at select dealers on the Mustang GT. A Mustang V6 version will launch later this year. Ford did not release pricing information in its press release, but you can get more info at www.mustangrtr.com. [via WCF]

New Ford Explorer Teasers, Unveil Set For Facebook

Chris Weiss — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:31:54 +0000

Facebook is already a number one source for inconsequential news of all kinds, so why not the big Ford Explorer unveil? Ford will be using its Facebook page to debut the new Explorer next month, rather than the conventional auto-show unveil. To get the world all primed for that event, Ford released a few new teaser pictures, sans Jim Holland.

Ford is clearly trying to make the case that the Explorer is as rugged as ever despite its shift over to crossover construction. Joe Backwoods and wife would settle for nothing less on their backcountry canoe trip.

The Explorer will be powered by 2.0-liter and 3.5-liter engines and will get a new traction control system, which should help equally on the snowy back roads of Montana or on a slick commute to work. [via LeftLaneNews]

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