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New Ford Mondeo Sport
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Ford’s new Mondeo Sport special edition goes on sale next month, combining over £2,000 of extra options and elegant style on the road.
The high-spec Ford Mondeo Sport will be limited to just 3,000 customers. They will enjoy features including satellite navigation system covering Europe, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and self-dimming rear view mirror.
The equipment list, which also includes 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors and solar reflect windscreen to maintain a cool cabin temperature, is valued at over £2,000. The Ford Mondeo Sport will be available from September 1 at £18,795 for the petrol version and £19,495 for the diesel – or from just £300 over the Zetec series which the new Sport is based on.
Jon Gunn-Smith, Ford large car product manager, said: “Mondeo Sport represents the outstanding value typical of all vehicles sporting the Blue Oval badge. It will be on sale for a limited period during the lifetime of the new ‘60′ plate, so interested customers should get in quick.”
Ford Mondeo Sport can be specified with either 1.8-litre 125PS diesel or 2.0 145PS petrol engines. Available in four colours – Frozen White, Panther Black, Sea Grey, and Moondust Silver – Mondeo Sport will go on sale in five-door and estate bodystyles.
Press data & images: Ford
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New Ford Mondeo to arrive in Autumn
by Aman Chaudhry1 Comment
Ford of Europe will debut its stylish and technologically advanced new Mondeo at the 2010 Moscow International Automobile Salon on August 25. The new model features a restyled exterior and uprated interior, new high-efficiency Ford EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel powertrains, plus a host of new driver comfort and convenience features and safety technologies.
The first official preview images show that, following similar updates to the Ford S-MAX and Galaxy models earlier this year, the new Mondeo is the latest to benefit from the continuing evolution of Ford kinetic design.
“The Ford Mondeo is already a very strong package and, with the significant design changes and in particular the comprehensive array of new technologies we are introducing, we have no doubt that the new model will strengthen Mondeo’s position as the flagship Ford model in our European line-up,” said John Fleming, Ford of Europe chairman and CEO. “This is the smartest, safest, most environmentally friendly and best quality Mondeo we have ever launched, and it completes the regeneration of our CD segment range in 2010.”
Smart design, enhanced quality
Key exterior changes include distinctive new grilles featuring a bolder lower trapezoid and a slim, stylish opening above, plus an enhanced bonnet profile. New front bumpers include LED daytime running lights, and re-designed rear lights also employ LED technology. Additionally a new rear deck lid treatment matches the revised rear light profile.
The interior is also upgraded and features a new flow-through centre console design, revised door treatment featuring flush and integrated door release handles, and a new central overhead console with ambient lighting. New trim materials across the range have been selected to enhance the premium interior feel of the new Mondeo.
New Mondeo’s interior also benefits from a range of new features, including the introduction of LED courtesy lights and a new satellite navigation system, while music lovers will be able to enjoy the new Premium Sound System option which incorporates a 265-watt, eight-channel amplifier unit, all-new speaker system and large, 17-litre subwoofer.
Higher performance, more technology
The launch of the new Mondeo will see the first application of a higher performance 240PS version of the efficient 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine. This will be complemented by the existing 203PS version of this engine launched in Mondeo, new S-MAX and new Galaxy earlier this year.
While the new 240PS engine provides extra performance, average CO2 emissions are targeted to be just 179g/km, the same as the 203PS unit, regardless of bodystyle. Ford EcoBoost technology also provides fuel consumption and emissions reductions of up to 20 per cent compared to traditional petrol engines of a similar capacity.
Another first for the new Mondeo is the introduction of the comprehensively revised 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi engine, which boasts a 12 per cent power increase to 200PS, making it the most powerful Duratorq diesel engine to date. The Mondeo TDCi line-up sees this new engine joined by a significantly improved 2.0-litre DuratorqTDCidiesel that has already been introduced to the Mondeo range earlier this year. This engine is available with 115, 140 or 163PS power ratings, with all of them delivering an average CO2 emission of just 139g/km with a six-speed manual transmission, regardless of bodystyles.
To make these powertrains even more efficient, a number of new Ford ECOnetic Technologies are now made available, including Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode and – a Ford first – an Active Grille Shutter system. This electronically controlled device regulates the airflow through the radiator and engine compartment to reduce aerodynamic drag, but also offers benefits to the engine heating characteristics to improve fuel economy and warm-up performance in cold weather.
Powertrain advances in the new Mondeo also extend to the transmission: the latest six-speed Ford PowerShift double wet-clutch transmission system comes as standard for Ford EcoBoost petrol engines, and will be available as an option for the 140PS and 163PS versions of the 2.0-litreDuratorqTDCi.
The new Mondeo range will include a comprehensive array of driver assistance features, many of which are appearing for the first time in a Ford model, including Lane Departure Warning, Driver Alert and Auto High Beam. New features already introduced in the latest S-MAX and Galaxy models are now extended to the Mondeo range, including the Blind Spot Information System, Speed Limiter, Rear Door Power Child Locks and Rear View Camera.
Press data and Images: Ford
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Ford Focus RS Le Mans Editions
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Ford has recently announced that it is going to celebrate the company’s history at the Le Mans 24 Hour race. Ford is planning to bring five special edition Ford Focus RS models to commemorate its winning history and success in the 1960s and 1970s at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Each Ford Focus RS will be seen in a unique paint job distinguishing the historic races.
The Focus RS in black with white stripes and gold rims stands for the 1966 GT40 Mk II. The red one with white strips marks the 1967 Mark IV. The white colored Focus RS with blue centre stripe surrounded by a red border was the insignia of the Mk IIBFrance special edition in the 1967 race.
Then comes the two-tone blue and orange car, which is a replica of the dominantGT40s of 1968 and 1969. The last one is the white and blue Focus RS that mimics the Capri RS 2600 which took the Touring category in 1972.
Each car comes with customized interiors that include Recaro racing seats with stitching matching the exterior. All cars will also have a gearshift gaiter, handbrake handle and central armrest in leather.
These cars will race at the 2010 Le Mans Classic.
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Ford releases 2011 Explorer teasers
by Aman Chaudhry6 Comments
Ford Motor Company has recently released the first official teasers of the new 2011 Explorer SUV, which is believed to make its way into the market sometime later this year.
No further official information has been revealed by the company about the vehicle but as far as the rumors go, the new SUV will be powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that would be specially engineered to be extremely fuel efficient. There’s a possibility of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder version to be another option in the Explorer fleet. This would come with the Ecoboost configuration at the base level.
Ford is concentrating hard on fuel economy and plans to make the Explorer at least 20-25 percent more efficient than the current generation Explorer that comes in two engine variants – 4.0 and a 4.6-liter.
According to some sources, Ford’s social media head told the NY Times that the Explorer will probably be revealed in July but did not provide any further details on the SUV. We think that if the production is expected to begin in the second half of the year, then the market sales might open in early next year.
Look out for the first official pictures of the 2011 Ford Explorer, which we feel, will be revealed soon enough.
Till then take a look as these teasers and let us know what you think.
Images: Ford
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Ford introduces Flex Titanium
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Ford has recently announced the latest addition to the Flex lineup – Ford Flex Titanium. This new Flex model with higher-level trim will be available in showrooms by next year.
Flex Titanium come with significant new features in both exterior and interior details and will be availablt in four colors – Red Candy, White Platinum, Tuxedo Black and Ingot Silver, all of which are mated to a black two-tone roof.
Exterior features such as blacked-out headlamps and taillamps, black chrome finish grille and 20-inch alloy wheels complete the unique look of the car.
The new Flex Titanium features many new styling cues that will appeal to customers looking for a more personalized Flex experience. As Flex Marketing Manager Kate Pearce explains:
“As we look at the reasons people have been buying Flex, there are some very consistent themes running through the research and the main one is style. Flex customers are attracted to the vehicle as one that reflects their personality and allows them to stand out from the crowd. With the Flex Titanium, we are responding to our customers with a vehicle that reflects the unique positioning of Flex in the marketplace.”
On the inside you can find with charcoal black leather-trimmed seats with gray Alcantara suede inserts, circle check appliqués on instrument panel and doors, painted alloy metallic finish on center stack and door panels, a perforated leather steering wheel and illuminated scuff plates.
Smart like a HD Radio® and one-touch PowerFold® and tumble third row options continue to make the Flex Titanium user friendly.
Available in both naturally aspirated and EcoBoost variants, the Titanium are not exactly reasonably priced. Customers going for the Duratec-powered front drive model will need to shell out $40,340 and $45,185 for the EcoBoost’d all-wheel drive plus another $775 delivery charges.
The Titanium trim has already made its mark in Europe. Ford announced that the next-generation Ford Focus will also feature Titanium branding in all markets including North America when it arrives in dealer showrooms in early 2011.
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2011 Ford Mustang V6 DUB Edition
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Ford has collaborated with DUB magazine and Roush Industries to come out with the new DUB Edition 2011 Mustang. This aggressive macho looking Mustang is directed for the young enthusiastic urban drivers.
The DUB edition of 2011 Mustang is based entirely on the 305 hp V6 and 280 pound feet of torque mated with either an automatic or manual six-speed gear box, and will be available in coupe, convertible or glass-roof variants. Comes with a Roush front fascia and splitter, Roush quarter window louvers and windshield banner, twenty-inch TIS wheels which are standard, Roush lowering springs, 3.31 rear axle ratio is fitted out back to provide more acceleration, DUB-embroidered headrest and DUB stripe package.
This DUB edition Mustang will be on sale this fall and there’s a choice of four exterior colors – Black, Grabber Blue, Ingot Silver or Race Red, while the interior remains black.
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Ford Motor Company unveils the Start Concept
by Aman Chaudhry1 Comment
Ford motor Company has unveiled the Start concept at the Beijing International Auto Show today. Start concept also happens to be the first concept by Ford in three years. Basic fundamentals behind this concept are kept very practical and simple.
Ford has developed the Start Concept addressing simple everyday problems in big cities such as fuel efficiency, parking space and traffic congestion. So Ford went ahead and built this concept using fewer raw materials making it an affordable car. “Our ambition with the Ford Start Concept was to design a car that goes beyond the practical realities of commuting in these mega cities, to go beyond just dressing the technology. We wanted to design a car you would also love,” explained Freeman Thomas, Design Director, Ford Motor Company.
The Start Concept is structured with a combination of aluminum and high strength steels that helps in keeping this car lightweight but safe at the same time. The body panels are made of pre painted recyclable composites.
The Start’s styling is basic, neat and simple yet giving it a beetle look-alike cute look.
“With the Ford Start Concept, we didn’t set out to design some sort of utilitarian concept to save the world, nor were we interested in following the competitive trend toward an overly noisy design language. What we did set out to do was design a personality driven car that exudes warmth, charm and aspiration…to design a car worth bonding with,” said J Mays, Group Vice President Design and Chief Creative Officer, Ford Motor Company.
Ford has revealed no plans for future production yet, and although no formal performance figures have been given, a 1.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine, which will have the same output as an aspirated 1.6-liter inline-four, powers the Start concept. The engine is mated with a six-speed manual transmission and it will be able to keep the CO2 emission levels below 100 g/km, something which has only been seen in diesels and hybrids till now.
The interiors look quite interesting and Ford has introduced the latest connectivity technology with MyFord Mobile that relies on smartphones to provide much of the functionality provided by MyFord Touch without going through the trouble of installing the extra hardware.
Ford also claimed that this small car has been designed to cater to a new global trend for ultra compact cars for the masses.
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2011 SMS 302 Ford Mustang by Steve Saleen
by Aman Chaudhry1 Comment
Steev Saleen, well known racing driver and tuner of SMS Supercars launched a new version of the 2011 Ford Mustang GT, named the 2011 SMS 302 Mustang. This is the second release of the trilogy of Amrican Supercars by SMS as it follows the release of 2010 SMS 570 Challenger and later this year we will see the release of the 2011 SMS 620 Camaro.
The 2011 Mustang GT was launched last week marking Ford Mustang’s 46th birthday at the company headquarters in Corona, CA. Perfect timing we say.
Two engine variants will be offered, namely the SMS 302 4V and the SMS 302 SC. Thanks to a few powertrain tweaks the naturally aspired 4V model along with a 5 litre V-8 engine will produce 440 horsepower and 400 lb of torque. The high flow exhaust system, an all-new four-valve head design, an optimized pulley drive system and performance filtration, all together will give surely give exciting results. The 302 4V Mustang will cover 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
On the other hand the more powerful SMS 302 SC will be capable of producing over 535 horsepower and 450 lb of torque with the help of SMS 296 Supercharger Sytem. Combined with a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission, SC will dash from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds only.
Other standard features include a new performance suspension system, Pirelli PZero tires covering 20-inch wheels, cross-drilled brakes and a custom bodykit. The interiors have been also given a special treatment with lots of leather and a two toned color scheme. The vehicles will also come with aluminum SMS doorsill plates and embroidered floor mats.
“Many automotive enthusiasts have embraced our SMS 570 Challenger, but I know our core fans have been waiting for the first Mustang to come from the new company, SMS Supercars,” said Saleen. “Our line of SMS Mustangs will be the only Mustangs authorized to bear my name, to use the benefit of my heritage and to incorporate performance innovations derived from my over thirty years of racing and manufacturing experience.”
The 2011 SMS 302 Mustang is priced at $54,990 and will hit the showrooms by May.
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Ford Mustang to compete in FIA GT3 Euro Championship
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Ford Mustang has always had a thing for competition, and especially if the competition happens to be overseas.
While the Ford GT40, the newer GT and the Cobra (sigh!) tell a different story, the Mustang is getting ready to re-write some parts of history.
Ford has big plans and they are starting off with a special VDS Mustang GT3, which will be participating in the FIA GT3 Euro Championship.
A Belgian-Canadian joint effort is behind this strategic planning. Multimatic, Canada’s racing garage has prepared this new Mustang for the Marc VDS Racing Team.
In this championship this Sally is going to compete against the Porsches, Mercsdes and the likes on some of Europe’s most challenging circuits.
Tests are already going on at Ford’s Bedfordshire testing facility and not surprisingly, a team of Canadian and Belgian drivers will drive it.
Is this VDS Mustang GT3 really good enough against the European mettle? Can’t say just yet. Fingers crossed!
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Chinese Geely buys Volvo for $1.8 billion
by Aman Chaudhry2 CommentsWhen Ford bought Volvo over a decade ago the deal was finalized for a whopping $6.5 billion but now when the same deal struck between Chinese Geely and Ford, th cost came down to 1/3rd of the original costing $1.8 billion after two years of negotiations.
Zhejiang Geely Holding Group signed a deal to buy Ford Motor Co.’s Volvo car unit for $1.8 billion which will fulfill Geely’s aim of cracking the global car market.
Geely is China’s biggest privately owned car firm and with this move they are looking forward to expand in Europe.
The contract was finalized and signed by Ford CFO Lewis Booth and Geely’s Chairman Li Shufu. Booth mentioned at the press conference that they are happy with the deal with Geely and mentioned what a fair price for a good business this was under Geely.
“China, the largest car market in the world, will become Volvo’s second home market. Volvo will be uniquely positioned as a world-leading premium brand, tapping into the opportunities in the fast-growing China market,” Li said.
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