After six years of test-driving cars, I have to say that most of them seem to blend together in my head as a swirling, gelatinous mess of uninspiring silver and gray sheet metal. But this clearly doesn’t apply to the 2011 Ford Fiesta. It has a strong sense of self, a huge personality and its own brand of humor. If only I could find a date as interesting.
How would you like a car that starts at just under $14,000, gets better fuel economy than some hybrids (close to 40 mpg), has tons of safety and convenience features and is fun to drive? Me too!
The Fiesta comes in a sedan or hatchback and has nine bold and unique exterior color choices, such as Lime Squeeze, Bright Magenta Metallic and Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat. There are three different wheel choices, seven options for interior upholstery (imagine plum leather inside an Oxford White car) and customizable interior ambient lighting. Add to that an optional graphics package that lets you choose from more than 100 removable exterior graphics, and you’ve got a car whose style can be modified to fit almost anyone.
The Fiesta’s available Sync communications and entertainment system kept my daughter and I plugged in, even while stuck in traffic trying to get to the “American Idol” finale. Although Sync was a little spotty up in the Hollywood hills, I could make phone calls, have text messages read aloud, get turn-by-turn directions, stay in touch with news, stock quotes — even my horoscope — all through voice commands. This is where the humor comes in: On the day of my test drive, Sync told me that as a Leo, it was not a good day for me to travel. Ha!
You may remember that back at the end of May we reported on the 2011 Ford Mondeo Ecoboost. Well thanks to Ford of Europe the first official pictures of the revamped Mondeo along with mechanical updates, have now been released.
Only subtle changes to the front have been made, including a larger trapezoidal lower grille and restyled driving lights to bring it inline with the Fiesta and new 2012 Focus. Like the Focus the new Mondeo gets active shutters behind the grille to restrict air-flow at high speed to assist in aerodynamic drag and reduce turbulence.
To accompany the facelift two new power plants will be available, the first is a 2.0-litre Ecoboost in-line four packing an impressive 237 horsepower. This unit will be able to achieve the same levels of fuel consumption that a lower power engine would, whilst still pumping out only 179 grams per kilometre of CO2 emissions. A six-speed dual-clutch Powershift gearbox will be mated to the Ecoboost engine, and the chances are that this powertrain will find its way into the Edge and Explorer models come 2011.
A 2.2-litre diesel inline-four will be the second powerplant available and will generate 197 horsepower which is a 12 percent hike from the previous model. Keep a look out for the reports on when the facelifted Ford will be publically unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show in August.
Ford Motor Co. is once again drawing inspiration from Apple in the hopes of making its own product introductions as exciting as the launch of the iPhone 4.
The auto maker designed its in-car infotainment system, which is powered through a cell phone and loaded with applications, to replicate the Apple smart phone experience. But this time Ford executives handed out memory sticks loaded with instructions for owners of all new Fiesta subcompacts. The offering is designed to enhance the experience new owners have when they pick up the keys and drive off the lot. Ford acknowledges that customers often get their cars and trucks home and wish they had an easier way to learn about the features of their new purchase.
“Apple really knows how to do it. You take out the computer and the packing is done right. You feel like you’ve bought something really special,” Paul Anderson, the Fiesta’s launch manager, said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal this week.
The device is inserted into the Fiesta’s USB port. Then car’s stereo plays a 19 minute introduction to the car and its features. The style is sassy and knowing, trying to build on the idea that new owners have joined a community of like-minded and in-the-know young customers.
The new V-6 engine along with the advanced six-speed transmission in the car is a key element in delivering both fuel economy and performance for Mustang," said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. Ford achieved its superb EPA rating without a hybrid engine in the Mustang, even though it makes the Fusion Hybrid and MKZ Hybrid.
The Mustang rounded past the 1,000-lap mark at 7:26 p.m. Wednesday, 12 hours and 26 minutes into the challenge, but the car wasn't close to being out of fuel:
Mustang engineer Seong Park was behind the wheel when it finally came to a halt on the backstretch of the NASCAR track at 12:41 a.m. ET.
The Ford Mustang V-6 is setting records at the racetrack. However, these records are measured in MPG, not MPH.
(Credit: Ford)
Since it became the first vehicle to deliver both 31 mpg and 305 horsepower, Ford has really been emphasizing the efficiency of its new 2011 Mustang V-6. The automaker's latest stunt, dubbed the Mustang 1,000 Lap Challenge, was an attempt to demonstrate that a stock production Mustang V-6 could run 1,000 laps (533 miles) around Bristol Motor Speedway on a single of tank of fuel. When the dust settled, the Mustang not only completed the challenge, but had actually gone on to complete 1,457 laps (776.5 miles) before the tank ran dry, averaging an impressive 48.5 mpg.
We're sure that you're picturing the fuel-sipping Mustang blasting around the oval track at a decent clip, but that's not necessarily the case. The Mustang averaged a mere 43.9 mph during the 12-hour and 26-minute test, a ridiculously slow speed for a track that's normally host to Nascar races that exceed 100 mph. Heck, that's a ridiculously low speed for most North American interstates.
Ford Super Duty customers expect and demand capability from the best-selling heavy-duty truck in America. For most Super Duty owners, it's the core asset of their business. Day after day, year after year, it's expected to deliver results in the most demanding situations. No nonsense. And never any excuses.
"Our Super Duty customers do some of America's toughest jobs," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "Every day they're out there working with little fanfare and all they ask is the right tool for the job. The new 2011 Ford Super Duty offers them a truck with best-in-class towing and payload, all-new powertrains and even more capability than ever to help them do their jobs."
Ford's F-Series has been the best-selling line of trucks in the U.S. for 32 straight years. The new Super Duty further underscores Ford's Built Ford Tough legacy.
"The 2011 Ford Super Duty offers the widest array of solutions for the widest array of heavy-duty work truck customers," said Chris Brewer, chief engineer. "The Super Duty lineup offers a variety of body styles and powertrains, from diesel and gasoline engines, each with a new six-speed transmission, to pickup trucks and chassis cabs, each with the towing and payload capabilities that define Super Duty."
Ford Motor Company unveiled the Ford Transit Connect Electric at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show and confirmed the zero-emissions small van will be in fleet operators' hands later in 2010.
The 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric will use a Force Drive electric powertrain manufactured and integrated by specialty upfitter Azure Dynamics.
"Ford Transit Connect Electric exemplifies how we are leveraging our relationships as well as our hybrid and advanced powertrain programs to bring energy-efficient technologies from the laboratory to the street," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "Not only is this an ideal vehicle for eco-conscious fleet operators, it is an important part of Ford's future."
In addition to the Ford Transit Connect Electric, Ford plans to bring three more electrified vehicles to market by 2012 - the Focus Electric in 2011, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in 2012 and a next-generation hybrid in 2012.
The 1986 Ford Taurus, with European-inspired styling that was almost as sleek as the stunning Audi 5000, was a huge success.
The high-performance SHO that followed was an enthusiast’s dream because it was fast, fun and reasonably priced.
Today’s Taurus is considerably more sophisticated, and its price reflects that. The 2010 Taurus makes the first one look like an antique, and the twin-turbo, all-wheel-drive SHO is light years ahead of the first one. Technological progress has its reward.
The new SHO is composed, confident and as solid as a billet of aluminum. The original Taurus SHO was quite a handful when you smashed the throttle because the front wheels struggled to grip the pavement. The new car pushes you back in the seat with a steady thrust when you flatten the throttle. The acceleration is strong but measured, similar to a Boeing 767 rolling towards liftoff.
Ford’s EcoBoost, twin-turbo V-6 delivers 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. That’s more power and torque from 3.5 liters than the 4.6-liter V-8 in the Explorer.
Ford’s rationale is that a twin-turbo V-6 can produce the power of a V-8 without sacrificing fuel economy when driven normally. Fuel economy is rated at 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway.
The transmission is a six-speed automatic that can be shifted manually with paddles on the steering wheel.
The Taurus has a 112.9-inch wheelbase, but it is not small. The body looks beefy because it is wide and tall. The extra height makes it easy to get in and out and gives the driver a nice, upright driving position. Older folks take note.
The nose is bold, and subtle character lines, from the power-dome hood to creases over the fenders, reflect a level of styling detail that is more like that of a luxury model.
2011 Ford Explorer – Ford Motor Company will be making a number of changes to their Ford Explorer SUV that many would not have seen coming few short years ago. The company had previously marketed the car as an off road vehicle, but studies suggest that a vast majority of owners use the car as a simple transportation vehicle, and may also use the vehicle for basic hauling tasks like picking up the groceries.
In one study, a Ford representative claims that the company surveyed Explorer owners recently, and when asked if they needed the ability to take the car off road, nearly all of those surveyed said ‘yes.’ However, upon further investigation, they found out that nearly 75% of owners never took the vehicle off road during the period that they owned it. Those numbers say a lot about what owners are actually looking for in an SUV, but also says a lot about what owners think they might need.
The 2011 Ford Fiesta is a small car with big-car features and technology and a top mileage rating of 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
Best of all, the Fiesta gets the most out of every sip of gasoline without forcing buyers to pay a premium price for a hybrid powerplant or fuss with the inconvenience of finding diesel fuel in town.
Instead, the Fiesta uses an efficient four-cylinder gasoline engine, dual-clutch automatic transmission, careful weight control and selective features to claim the top highway mileage rating of all gasoline-powered, non-hybrid cars in the country.
Combined with a city rating of 29 mpg, the Fiesta's overall mileage rating of 33 mpg tops the previous best gasoline-powered, non-hybrid cars - the 2010 Mini Cooper and the Toyota Yaris that have a 32-mpg combined city/highway rating.
DUB Edition Ford Mustang As part of its promotional activities in the US for the 2011 Ford Mustang, particularly the new meatier 300bhp V6, Ford has announced it will be putting a DUB Edition Mustang into production in August this year.
It’s based on the 2011 5.0-litre Mustang that DUB Magazine customized for Grammy Award-winning artist Nelly. The car features gloss black exterior paint, matte black racing stripes and 22-inch Pirelli tyres up front, with 24-inch at the back.
‘The Mustang is such an iconic muscle car and has always been a customizer’s favorite,’ said Myles Kovacs, co-founder and president of DUB Magazine. ‘The DUB Edition Mustang stays true to its roots, but I think we’ve successfully brought a ton of hustle to the muscle.’
Ford’s own DUB Edition will only be a V6-powered Mustang. Both Nelly’s car and the Ford edition will embark on a country-wide tour with the magazine.
2011 Ford Mustang The Mustang ranks right alongside the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger as an icon of the “pony car” era from the late 1960s and early 1970s, but the 2010 model lagged behind the Camaro and Challenger in the way of horsepower. 2011 Ford Mustang A little less horsepower might not seem like much of an issue, but performance has always been the key to a pony car. A V-6 Camaro had 304 horsepower, compared to 210 for the V-6 Mustang. The V-8 in the Mustang GT had 315 horsepower, whereas the Camaro SS had 426 horsepower. Ford set out to respond.
For 2011, the Mustang pony prances with its head high because two new engines are available. The 3.7-liter V-6 delivers 305 horsepower and the 5.0-liter V-8 now has 412 horsepower. The increases level the playing field once again.
The 2011 V-6 is rated at 29 miles per gallon on the highway and the V-8 is 26 mpg.
The Mustang was redesigned in 2010. The slightly sleeker exterior is an evolution of the previous generation, yet it looks fresh. The rear fenders have a more pronounced shape, and the Mustang emblem, redesigned for the first time since 1964, is larger. The interior was updated with higher-quality materials and better seats.
The 2011 V-6 test car, from Ford’s press fleet, was equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. The 3.7-liter engine delivers plenty of low-speed torque. It accelerates strongly without needing to be flogged, which is good because the engine felt a little coarse when revved hard. The manual gearbox was light and easy to use, but the engine rpm was slow to drop during high-rpm shifts, and that was less than pleasing. The automatic transmission would be smoother, plus it gets slightly better highway mileage.
The V-6 suspension has been upgraded to handle the additional power of the new engine, and it feels solid and well-anchored. The ride tends to be a bit stiff, and the rear axle hopped around over rough pavement. The brakes are bigger as well.
Ford is out with Fiesta S1600, its limited edition but sure to provide high performance. In the past, we have seen fast fiestas like the XR2i and the RS, which were able to capture the hearts of the customers.
The S1600 is based on Zetec S and is equipped with full body kit and a new and flashy car bumper, thick side skirts along with large rear spoiler and rear diffuser. Though the inspiration to build it has been derived from Zetec S, but it differs greatly in the exterior.
The model will be fitted with 17-inch white alloys, which will differentiate it from the rest of the cars in the block. It is equipped with 1.6-litre, 118bhp Duratec petrol engine, or the 95bhp Duratorq TDCi diesel as an option. Mountune, the firm that transformed the Focus RS into a power crazed RS500 offers a 20bhp engine upgrade package.
Finally, Ford can be a player in the B-segment market with the arrival of the 2011 Fiesta in June or July. The company hasn’t had a product in this small-car category since the forgettable Aspire, which faded from view in 1997. That’s a long time to be without a model in a segment that’s especially significant in Canada.
2011 Ford Fiesta The Fiesta, which will be offered as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatch, comes with an impressive pedigree — it’s been the best-selling car in Europe for years and is now setting sales records in Asia as well. In fact, many have questioned why Ford has dragged its feet about bringing such a wonderful small car to North America.
No doubt the rising cost of gas has played a role in changing the company’s thinking, with consumers now looking for more fuel-efficient vehicles. The trend to downsizing, too, is making such vehicles more appealing. Whatever the reasons, the small-car expertise Ford Europe has demonstrated over the years is now being shared with this global model. It should be a winner in Canada.
Ford Motor announced that it will expand its line of EcoBoost engines by launching three new power plants before the end of the year. EcoBoost is Ford’s brand name for an engine technology package that optimizes engine efficiency through turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable camshaft timing. Ford’s EcoBoost 4-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection engine will be used in the next-generation Explorer S.U.V. The EcoBoost 4-cylinder uses turbocharging and direct-injection to improve fuel efficiency.
Scheduled for production in the United States are a 2-liter 4-cylinder for the next-generation Explorer S.U.V. and the Edge, and a 3.5-liter V-6 for the F-150 pickup truck. The European market will get a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. All three engines will replace larger engines and will reportedly provide similar or enhanced performance, while reducing emissions and improving fuel economy.
Bark Buckle UP, a pet travel safety organization gave its Top Dog awards away at the New York Auto Show this weekend with the Ford Edge trotting away with the Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice Top Dog award.
"The Ford Edge is perfect for those traveling with pets," says Ford Edge marketing manager
Bark Buckle Up cited vehicle's combination of cargo space, safety features, flexible seating, and rear ventilation for this year's win.
2011 Ford Focus RS500 Before dealers even knew that the limited edition Ford Focus RS500 has already been unveiled, the model had sold out. What makes this feat so astounding is that it sold out 12 hours after it was revealed and even before pricing was announced.
Ford Motor Company is confirming today that its global electric vehicles plan is extending to Europe with five full electric or hybrid vehicles across its C, CD and light commercial vehicle ranges coming for European customers by 2013.
Specifically, Ford will launch two zero-emission full battery-electric vehicles including the Transit Connect Electric light commercial vehicle in 2011 followed by the Ford Focus Electric in 2012. Three other vehicles – two next-generation petrol hybrid-electric vehicles and a plug-in hybrid – will be introduced in 2013.
Ford Figo Ford Figo at price Rs.3.5 lac to Rs. 4 lac range for petrol version is all set to be launched in India. The Ford Figo with diesel engine will be at price of Rs.4-4.5 lac range. Ford Figo is new small hatch back car set for launch in India from Ford India. The Figo is Italian name which means cool and this car really means this.
For Ford Figo, i10 and Swift, important players in small car segment will be main competitors. Before Ford Figo, Ford India has launched 5 models. The Figo car is built of Ford Global B platform and is smaller in size than compact cars. Build with impressive interiors, Ford Figo is good value for money car for Indian consumers.
Ford Figo will have maximum speed limit of 160 kmpl with mileage
Ford Figo Ford is betting a large part of its future on a revamped lineup of small cars, such as the 2010 Ford Figo. In colloquial Italian, the name means “cool.” But apart from the cute name and low price tag, the Figo won’t directly translate to boosting Ford’s small car sales in North America. That task belongs to the Ford Fiesta subcompact, which arrives this spring.
Built on the same platform as the Fiesta, the new Figo is Ford’s first small car built specifically for the needs of Indian car buyers. Compact, easy to repair and inexpensive cars make up about 70 percent of the Indian market. But until now, Ford lacked an entry-level car to compete with popular low-cost offerings from Hyundai, Maruti-Suzuki, Tata Motors and General Motors.
The Ford Ikon sedan, formerly the company’s cheapest offering in India, was simply too expensive with a base price hovering around $10,000. The 2010 Figo will be much more affordable when it goes on sale later this month. Base models start at $7,680, and customers will have the choice of either gasoline or diesel engines.
Ford Interceptor Ford Interceptor Ford Motor Co. today unveiled its new Police Interceptor -- the replacement for the venerable Crown Victoria.
The new police car will be built at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant.
Ken Czubay, Ford's U.S. sales and marketing chief, said it also will deliver up to 25 percent better fuel economy than the Crown Vic, thanks to two new engine offerings:
• A 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering at least 263 horsepower and E85 compatibility.
• Ford Interceptor A 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 twin-turbocharged, direct-injection engine will deliver at least 365 horsepower and 350 ft.-lb. of torque.
The new Police Interceptor will feature a six-speed automatic transmission. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions will be available.
"We have an extremely powerful standard engine, and to top that off, we also offer our exclusive EcoBoost technology," said Scott Tobin, Ford vehicle line director for cars and crossovers. "Both are designed for the severe-duty cycle that police engage in on a daily basis."
Ford engineers worked closely with Ford's Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals to design and tune the vehicle.
Style and technology - the hallmarks of Ford Edge since it took the midsize crossover segment by storm starting in 2006 - come together in an all-new way, offering customers even more of what they love for the 2011 model year.
-Dramatic freshening of the 2011 Ford Edge and Edge Sport includes extensive exterior redesign, improved materials and craftsmanship on the interior, class-exclusive technology and new powertrains
-With available MyFord TouchTM driver connect technology, the 2011 Ford Edge crossover wraps an engaging package with superior craftsmanship, capability and performance
-Ford's advanced engine valvetrain technology - Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing) - helps Edge achieve best-in-class power and torque for an uncompromised driving experience
-All-new powertrain lineup includes North America's first application of Ford's global 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine, delivering class-leading fuel economy, plus the new 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V-6 with unsurpassed fuel economy and 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V-6 for Edge Sport
"Customers told us how much they like Edge's design and dynamic driving quality," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "We listened and made sure the new 2011 Edge delivers that and more - including fuel economy leadership, unexpected levels of quietness, a strong new design with quality materials, and MyFord Touch driver connect technology that will change how people experience their vehicles."
Customers made the Ford Edge the No. 1-selling vehicle in its segment in its first full year on the market, and more than 330,000 have been sold since its launch in late 2006. The 2011 Ford Edge now aims to redefine the segment with a wide-ranging scope of improvements.
"The new Edge demonstrates how a refresh at Ford has become more than just a few design and interior tweaks," explains Elaine Bannon, chief engineer. "We have taken every element of the Edge and completely reworked it, including three new powertrains, two new transmissions, a bold new exterior design and a completely new interior. If you add in our industry-exclusive MyFord Touch system, you have a vehicle that will continue to stand out above all the competition on the road."
Improved power; expected to be a fuel economy leader In addition to delivering customer-focused technology, the new Edge also showcases Ford's impressive drive to bring new powertrain options to the customer. Both the Edge 3.5-liter V-6 and Edge Sport 3.7-liter V-6 use advanced engine valvetrain technology (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing, or Ti-VCT) and clever control strategies to increase horsepower and torque to best-in-class levels. This beats competitors such as the BMW X5, Lexus RX350 and Audi Q5, all while delivering unsurpassed fuel economy of 27 mpg (3.5-liter V-6 highway).
The 3.5-liter V-6 produces 285 horsepower and 253 ft.-lb. of torque while the 3.7-liter V-6 delivers 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque - all on regular fuel. Edge's unsurpassed fuel economy is not at the expense of power and performance. For example, the 3.5-liter V-6 with Ti-VCT technology delivers highway fuel economy that is 15 percent better than the Nissan Murano but produces 20 horsepower more.
Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The SelectShift AutomaticTM transmission is standard on the 2011 Edge SEL and Limited series, with class-exclusive paddle activation of the SelectShift standard on the 2011 Edge Sport.
In addition, the arrival of the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine in the months ahead will give customers still more choice and will deliver class-leading fuel economy with impressive power and torque.
The new EcoBoost I-4 will be mated to a six-speed transmission that will help channel the impressive performance from the new EcoBoost engine. With the introduction of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4, fuel economy on the new Edge will be 30 percent better than it was in 2006. Plus, Ford's newest EcoBoost engine will deliver on the promise of 15 percent fuel economy improvements versus the Edge's current 3.5-liter V-6 engine while offering the performance feel of a six-cylinder.
In all, the Edge will go from one engine and one transmission to three powertrains - all delivering what's expected to be class-leading or unsurpassed fuel economy and class-leading power and torque for a real win-win for the customer.
A more connected driving experience New 18-inch tires, standard on the Edge SEL and Edge Limited, and new wheels that are one-half inch wider than the outgoing product provide a more engaging steering feel. Twenty-inch tires with new wider wheels are optional on the Edge Limited while the Edge Sport has class-exclusive 22-inch wheels standard.
Complementing the new tire and wheel lineup is a retuned suspension. Shocks, springs and stabilizer bars were adjusted to tighten handling. The shocks now feature a high-flow piston, which allows engineers to tune for both road loads and driving dynamics, without compromising ride for handling or vice versa. The result is a flatter response through turns and over hills while still providing a comfortable ride.
New four-wheel disc brakes provide enhanced stopping power. Key brake system upgrades include steel pistons, larger rear rotors, revised brake friction materials, revised brake booster gain and revised pedal ratios, all of which enable more initial bite and a firmer, more confident feel when customers press on the brake pedal.
The 2011 Edge offers several new brake-related features: Hill Start Assist, which reduces rollback on hills; Trailer Sway Control, which provides greater towing stability when equipped for trailer tow; Hydraulic Brake Assist, which provides greater braking force in emergency stops; and available segment-first Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support, which helps reduce speed and automatically pre-charges brakes and engages an electronic brake assist system to help drivers stop more quickly when the system detects a collision is imminent.
New subframe mounts enhance drivability, help reduce road noise The original Edge set numerous benchmarks in overall quietness, and that tradition continues as the 2011 Ford Edge has better wind noise than many premium vehicles such as the Lexus RX350, Audi Q5 and Acura MDX. Both the front and rear subframe mounts have been upgraded, adding to the increased tunability of the suspension and improving NVH (noise, vibration, harshness). The larger rear subframe bushing's rubber volume was increased by more than 500 percent compared with the outgoing bushings, improving the isolation between the subframe and the body, which in turn helps decrease road noise.
Both road noise and wind noise are significantly decreased in the 2011 Edge because of improvements found throughout the interior and exterior, including powertrain. Here's a look at some of the other actions:
Sound pack and acoustic glass: A more absorptive sound pack is found throughout the interior, which reduces high-frequency noise more effectively than material that acts merely as a barrier. The result is an improved articulation index, which measures how easy it is to hear and understand someone in the vehicle. The 2011 Edge also features an acoustic headliner, and the microphone for the SYNC® system has been relocated so it is closer to the driver for improved voice recognition. The windshield also is thicker and now acoustic-laminated on all Edge models. Finally, baked-on expandable foam baffles in the fenders and D-pillars help seal out unwanted road noise. Powertrain NVH improvements: Three main actions contribute to a quieter 2011 Edge from a powertrain NVH perspective. One is the more robust engine cover. The intake and exhaust systems have been completely retuned for a crisper note corresponding to Ford powertrain DNA. Finally, a "tighter" torque converter reduces engine rpm on launch and tip-in events, reducing engine noise. Aerodynamic improvements: Both the lowered front fascia and new underbody shields contribute to improved wind noise. Bold, flowing design makes Edge the can't-miss crossover The bolder, more seamlessly flowing exterior design freshening is mirrored by a complementary interior, characterized by increased craftsmanship, improved materials and overall better execution. Improved fit-and-finish, softer touchpoints, and flexibility in terms of stowage in the cabin and throughout mark the 2011 Ford Edge.
"To me, craftsmanship isn't just fit-and-finish," said Bannon. "It's also the layout and the ergonomic experience. It's where we put the material - the stitching, the cutlines - and all the attention to detail to give the customer a great experience."
Increased presence is announced through a bolder grille and a chin spoiler that appears more crafted. The A-pillar flows into the hood, which adds subtle undulations to create a heightened sculptural quality. The wrapping lines emphasize both the front end and the new wheel lineup.
2011 Edge Sport adds more power, distinctive look The 2011 Edge Sport is powered by a 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine that produces 305 horsepower and is similar to the one added to the 2011 Ford Mustang. The 2011 Edge Sport includes all of the content found on Edge SEL as well as a specially tuned suspension, paddle shift transmission and its own unique style.
The Edge Sport's class-exclusive 22-inch polished aluminum wheels have distinctive Tuxedo Black spoke accents. Other unique styling cues include a Tuxedo Black grille, smoked headlamp and taillamp treatment, body-color rocker moldings, oval chrome exhaust tips, body-color door cladding and revised body-color lower front and rear fascias.
Key interior differentiators are liquid silver smoke appliqués that are echoed in the silver smoke metallic leather seat inserts, aluminum pedals and class-exclusive paddle shifters, which activate the six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission to give customers the option of a fun-to-shift manual experience.
In SelectShift mode, the transmission doesn't second-guess the driver, offering total control over gear selection and performance feel. Upshifts, for instance, are not commanded at redline, and downshifts are allowed at the lowest gear possible as defined by the engine speed.
When the system is in manual mode, engine speed matching provides faster and smoother downshifts, and customers get the gear they request within the limits of the rev limiter.
When a lower gear is selected while descending a long downhill grade, the 2011 Ford Edge Sport in SelectShift mode will hold that gear until the driver manually upshifts or returns to the fully automatic setting. To ensure safe shifting, the transmission will downshift to the lowest acceptable gear, based on a calculated maximum speed. That means if a vehicle were traveling at highway speeds, the driver could not downshift to first gear in SelectShift mode.
"The 2011 Ford Edge Sport, with its exceptional powertrain, specially tuned suspension and unique style, offers a driving experience not seen in other crossovers, and really appeals to the driving enthusiast," said Bannon. "Like the rest of the 2011 Ford Edge lineup, it perfectly blends technology and style."
MyFord Touch ushers in new era of interaction The industry-first MyFord Touch driver connect technology provides a smarter, safer, simpler way to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives. It replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, crisp LCD screens and five-way controls like those found on cell phones and MP3 players.
Standard on the 2011 Edge Limited and 2011 Edge Sport, the MyFord Touch system displays information using two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens flanking an analog speedometer and an 8-inch touch-screen LCD at the top of the center stack. A five-way switch on each side of the steering wheel crossbar controls the information displayed on the corresponding instrument panel screens. The screens can be personalized to display information relevant to each individual driver using a simple button click, voice command or touch-screen tap.
The steering wheel has all the necessary functions available in a very compact area, right where the driver's hand falls as he or she grabs the wheel. The five-way buttons feel familiar to anyone who has used a mobile phone or MP3 player.
Like the song? You can tag it Also new on the 2011 Ford Edge is the world's first use of iTunes® Tagging in an available factory-installed HD RadioTM receiver. iTunes Tagging provides customers with the ability to "capture" a song they hear on the HD Radio receiver for later purchase from iTunes. With a simple push of a "TAG" button on the MyFord touch-screen display, the song information will be stored in the radio's memory.
Once a song is tagged and customers dock their iPod to the SYNC system, the tagged song information will transfer to that iPod. Up to 100 tags on SYNC can be stored until the iPod is connected. When the iPod is then synced to iTunes, a playlist of tagged songs will appear. Customers then can preview, and if they desire, purchase and download tagged songs from the iTunes Store.
One significant benefit of HD Radio technology is that the sound quality of the broadcast is dramatically better because of the digital transmission - FM sounds like a CD and AM sounds like today's FM broadcasts. Unlike analog broadcasts, digital broadcasts aren't susceptible to interference, fadeout and other issues.
Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) engineers are taking high performance to a new level with the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, resulting in a car that has an all-new aluminum-block engine, even better driving dynamics and handling, improved fuel economy and more horsepower than ever.
-With 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) delivers the new Shelby GT500® with a 10 horsepower increase; an all-new 5.4-liter all-aluminum engine is 102 pounds lighter than the previous cast-iron engine and uses Ford-patented plasma-coating technology -For 2011, Shelby GT500 offers EPA-projected improved fuel economy in city and highway from 2010, eliminating the gas guzzler tax
-The addition of Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), a new optional SVT Performance Package, enhanced convertible rigidity and a lowered ride height contribute to improved driving dynamics and handling
"The SVT team continues to push the performance standards of the Shelby to even higher levels and better refinement," said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. "All the changes we made reflect a desire for even better handling and outstanding driving dynamics - from weight savings to improved balance."
Weight savings, new technology headline all-new aluminum engine The 2011 Shelby GT500 is powered by an all-new aluminum-block 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine, which produces 550 horsepower and 510 ft.-lb. of torque, a 10 horsepower increase versus the 2010 model. The engine also is 102 pounds lighter than its predecessor, delivering a better power-to-weight ratio, improved fuel economy, acceleration, handling and steering precision.
"Cutting weight to improve performance is a tradition among hot rodders," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. "It might not be as sexy as adding more horsepower or bigger brakes, but shaving pounds off of a car is the single smartest move you can make."
Ford Mustang was in 2003, in the SVT Cobra of that year. The three best things about that car:
1. A 390-horsepower supercharged V-8, good for 60 mph runs in the 4.5-second range. 2. A revised, fully independent rear suspension—even though stock ’Stangs of the same era retained solid-rears, just like they still have today, and will this spring as well, when the 2011 Mustang debuts (more on that, suspension included, shortly). 3. A $35K base price, which at the time made the Mustang a “poor” man’s BMW M3 attack dog and Corvette eater.
The 2003 Cobra did have some glaring weaknesses. It came with an ultra-vague Tremec six-speed gearbox, and clutch effort required steroidal strength. Never mind though, because the SVT had such deep reserves of power, you simply chugged from the trough of horsepower and ignored the pain building in your left leg, not to mention the frequent missed downshift from 5th to 3rd. Power does corrupt—that car was proof.
U.S. carmaker Ford Motor Co's (F.N) India unit said on Tuesday it would launch its compact car in March and was expanding its dealership in the fast-growing market. Roughly three-fourths of cars sold in India are in the compact category that has a length of less than 4 metres. Maruti Suzuki (MRTI.BO) dominates the market with its hatchbacks Alto, Swift, Ritz and the A-Star. The country is one of the few sweet spots for the automobile sector, with car sales in the first 10 months of 2009/10 climbing about a quarter from a year earlier to 1.22 million units, data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers showed.
Ford India, which has about 2 percent market share, has sold 24,186 cars during April-January.
The Figo, which was unveiled in September last year by Ford Chief Executive Alan Mullaly, will be built for the Indian market at its $500 million facility in the southern city of Chennai.
Ford India said it opened 28 dealerships on Tuesday, taking its total network in the country to 164 across 97 cities.
At this point, most major car companies have taken steps towards greening their vehicles with hybrid and all-electric engines. But if the cars are being sold in energy-guzzling dealerships, well, that just looks bad. That's part of the reason why Ford recently launched a voluntary dealer sustainability program to help dealers become more energy-efficient.
The program, developed in a partnership with the Rocky Mountain Institute, offers dealers the opportunity to receive comprehensive energy assessments from sustainability experts at Ford. "We'll give an on-site overall analysis and offer dealers a menu of things they can select," explained Sue Cischke, Ford's group vice president of sustainability, environment and safety engineering. Dealerships will have to pay for the upgrades themselves, but Ford will help navigate state and federal tax incentives as well as product selection.
After six years of test-driving cars, I have to say that most of them seem to blend together in my head as a swirling, gelatinous mess of uninspiring silver and gray sheet metal. But this clearly doesn’t apply to the 2011 Ford Fiesta. It has a strong sense of self, a huge personality and its own brand of humor. If only I could find a date as interesting. 
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