Showing posts with label Ford Europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ford Europe. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

2008 Ford Focus ST Black Edition: Inspired by K.I.T.T...


Yeah, we’re not joking; even if Ford’s press release on the Focus ST Black Edition is available only in German, French and Italian, it's evidently clear through the translation that FoMoCo says that limited edition version of the Focus ST could be K.I.T.T’s smaller brother!

This is the second time in a few months that Ford Europe has released a special version of the Focus ST –they came out with the WRC ST back in July. This one, available in a mere 50 units in Switzerland, features a sinister black paint job matched with orange graphic along the body and the new 19-inch OZ Superturismo WP wheels wrapped in Dunlop SP Sportmaxx rubber, sized 225/35Z. Under its “K.I.T.T.” looks though, everything remains stock with the ST sticking to the turbocharged 2.5L 5-cylinder unit that produces 225 Hp. -Badly (…) translated press release after the jump

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: Ford Europe

Ford Focus ST Black Edition: The “Supercar” for the common ones died them

(That’s what the exact translation we received...)

Ford Focus ST Black Edition introduces in releasing, sport garment and also a little bad one in single most limited the special edition of black color of 50 exemplary: even if little, the exemplary of the sport model from CHF 47 990 with complete preparation have enormous potentialities. Nearly how much those of the intelligent machine of the television series of the years eighty “Supercar”.

To the primaverile launch of Focus ST WRC Edition new edition of the loved Ford model follows one that is introduced at the same time in sport garment of black color but of impeccable elegance. From the aesthetic point of view Focus ST Black Edition could calmly be the smaller sister of the famous car of the television series American “Supercar”: with its black varnish Panther Black, the aggressive one written Black Edition, the opaque black coverings of the fog light and the grill of the radiator with the parts advanced and inferior painted in black, the car little remembers a K.I.T.T., the famous one bolide of the road. The only things that Ford Focus ST Black Edition in superlimited edition is not in a position to making are to speak and to move independently.

The 50 exemplary Black Edition are equip you of excluded black circles to you in light alloy from 19 inches OZ Superturismo GT, realize to you for Ford in black opaque purposely with written orange. To the circles they are binds together the tires to you us Dunlop wide and superlowered “SP Sportmaxx” (225/35Z R19). The great posterior aileron in the color of the auto body allows to obtain one optimal deportanza. The beacons bi-xeno guarantee a dazzling tonality of the identical light for and low-beam headlights and assure a wide and clear lighting system of the road for being able to characterize in time eventual dangers. Also the inner ones with finishes in black varnish polish, seats Recaro sportswomen, head rest with taken care of seams, flying ergonomic covered in skin and exclusive knurl of the change covered in skin is in perfect harmony with the style all black. Between the worthy particular of famous of the preparations of the car three doors they are from signaling a system Sony stereo with loader for 6 CD, a practical system of air conditioning automatic rifle to two zones and the heatable windshield and QuickClear® reflecting.

Ford Focus ST Black Edition mounts the motor rinomato one upsets to 5 cylinders of 2,5 liters able to transmit to drive shaft 225 CV (166 kW) to 6100 turns. Still more impressive is the distributed brace of 320 newtonmetri between 1600 and 4000 turns. This motor, in combination with the precise change to six marce, guarantees entusiasmanti performances of march of the car to front-wheel drive. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in the 6,8 second and maximum speeds of 241 km/h.

But since beyond to the high speeds it must guarantee also an exceptional refrained rapidity of, the car is equipped of a modified system refraining in a position to perfectly holding under control this extraordinary distribution of power. On the front chassis autoventilati discs of the diameter of 320 millimeters operate with reliability and pliers to four pistons, while on the posterior wheels they are applies to you to high discs 280 millimeters and pliers to two pistons. A system antiblocking to four channels (ABS) with electronic ripartitore of refraining force (EBD) guarantees short distances of held perfect arrest and of road in refrained phase of. And in case the force of the 225 horses joins uncontrollable, subentra the selective participation on the refrained one of the electronic system of stability (ESP). The interested customers do not have to lose time: the first 50 will be also the last ones.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Ford Focus ECOnetic: Frankfurt Launch For Eco-Friendly Models


In the 80’s and 90’s, it was terms and acronyms like “M”, “RS”, “STi”, “AMG” & “GTi” describing sport models that would lure shoppers into dealerships and create a buzz around a carmakers name. In the new millennium however, spiking petrol prices and environmental issues seem to have a bigger impact on your average John Doe so marketers have came up with new terms and acronyms like Bluetec, Bluemotion, Flexfuel, Hybrid, and in Ford Europe’s case, ECOnetic.

The new range of Ford ECOnetic models will be powered by common-rail diesel powertrains with features engineered to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Ford Europe’s first model to benefit will be the Focus. Powered by a 109 Hp 1.6L TDCi diesel unit, and thanks to reduced drive resistances and improved aerodynamics, the Focus ECOnetic features an avg. fuel consumption of just 4.3 l/100km (54.7 US mpg), which corresponds to an average CO2 emission of 115g/km. Comparatively, VW’s Golf Bluemotion which will also premier in Frankfurt, is powered by a 1.9 turbodiesel engine delivering 105Hp. According to VW, the Golf Bluemotion boasts an avg. fuel consumption of 4.5 l/100km (52,3 US mpg) and a CO2 emissions figure of 119 g/km. -Press release after the jump

FRANKFURT LAUNCH FOR FORD ECOnetic RANGE OF ULTRA-LOW CO2 MODELS
  • Class-leading 115g/km CO2 for conventional technology in Ford Focus ECOnetic model
  • New Ford ECOnetic models will join Ford Flexifuel range to increase affordable low CO2 choices for customers

BRENTWOOD, Essex, August 24, 2007 – Ford of Europe will offer its customers ultra-low CO2 alternatives with the launch of a new range of Ford ECOnetic models at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

These cars will use the latest common-rail diesel powertrains with features engineered to reduce CO2 emissions. The first to be launched in early 2008 will be the Ford Focus ECOnetic, which promises to deliver best-in-class CO2 emissions for conventional powertrain technology at just 115g/km.

"Although all of our current European models are already highly competitive in terms of CO2, we know that more and more car buyers seek the lowest possible emissions as a key 'why-buy?'," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe president and CEO.

"By launching specific models, with dedicated Ford ECOnetic badging to indicate ultra-low CO2 results, we will give a clear alternative to those customers who prioritise low emissions performance.

"We chose the Ford ECOnetic name because it links ecologically friendly technology to our kinetic design 'energy in motion' philosophy for both driving quality and emotional styling."

Ford Focus ECOnetic: class leading emissions

Further details of the Ford ECOnetic range will be revealed in September at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The first vehicle to benefit will be the company's most popular model – the Ford Focus.

The new Ford Focus ECOnetic, powered by the highly efficient 109PS, 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine with standard Diesel Particulate Filter, delivers an average fuel consumption of 65.7mpg – corresponding to an average CO2 emission of only 115g/km.

"The challenge for the engineering team was to deliver the maximum reduction in CO2 using available and affordable techologies," said Gunnar Herrmann, Ford's medium car line director.

The starting point for achieving these results was to reduce drive resistances and improve aerodynamics. By lowering the vehicle, adding an aerodynamics kit and using 195/65R15 tyres, a drag coefficient (cd) of 0.31 was achieved.

A further measure to reduce driving resistance, used for the first time in the Ford Focus ECOnetic, is the introduction of new low-viscosity transmission oil developed by Ford's fuel partner BP. Under testing, the efficiency benefits were found to be so significant that this new BP transmission oil is to be introduced across other Ford products in the C and CD segments.

Ford of Europe is already a leader in Flexifuel technology, with Focus and C-MAX models fuelled with bio-ethanol E85 (a blend of 85 per cent bio-ethanol and 15 per cent petrol), petrol or any mixture of both fuels in the same tank.

From early 2008, Flexifuel versions of the new Mondeo, the Ford Galaxy and the Ford S-MAX will be on sale, giving Ford one of the broadest ranges of Flexifuel vehicles in Europe.

Tuesday, December 5, 2006

2008 Ford C-MAX – Official pics


As we said in our previous post last night, it was only a matter of time for Ford to put up the official pics of its 2008 C-MAX compact MPV. If we wanted to put a headline to it, we’d say that Ford is attempting to add a little “S-MAX” magic to the C-MAX, not only by changing its name (from Focus C-MAX) but also in terms of design and especially the redesigned front end that tries to imitate the S-MAX. Other changes include the new rear ligh-clusters and the slightly redesigned interior. There’s no word out yet if there’s any mechanical changes.

Technorati: Ford+C-MAX, Ford+Focus+C-MAX, Bologna+Motor+Show, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop

Monday, December 4, 2006

Ford to preview 2008 C-MAX at the Bologna Show

While Ford is keeping the official pics to itself –for now that is, they came out with a teaser press release announcing that they’ll premier the facelifted version of the Focus C-MAX (compact MPV version of the European Focus) at the 31st Bologna Motor Show (7-17 Dec).

First of all, we have a name change here as the 2008 model distinguishes itself from the Focus range, as it’ll be called C-MAX instead of Focus C-MAX thus following in the steps of its big-bro, the S-MAX MPV. As for the real changes, according to FoMoCo, the 2008 C-MAX gets a redesigned front end with distinctive air intakes, new one-piece bumper integrates vertical fog lights and a new three-plane bonnet. At the rear, the C-MAX receives a redesigned bumper and new LED rear lights. Finally, in the interior, changes include redesigned instrument panel, centre console and door trims along with more premium quality materials. Stay tuned as we’ll have more on the 2008 C-MAX.

Technorati: Ford+C-MAX, Ford+Focus+C-MAX, Bologna+Motor+Show, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop

Monday, November 13, 2006

2007 Car of the Year: Ford S-Max grabs the title

Ford’s S-Max managed to grab the first place in the COTY awards this year with a margin of only two points from the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa. Ford should feel proud for another reason too as the S-Max is only the second MPV (after the Renault Scenic in 1996) in the contest’s 44-year history to win the award.

Having seen and driven all (with the exception of Citroen’s C4 Picasso) I agree 100% with the S-Max’s first place as it’s a truly driver orientated MPV packed with style and practicality. But, I totally disagree with the Opel Corsa’s second place. I can’t understand what they found in it to give it 233 points (!). Stylish yes, but that’s about the only attribute I can find in it in comparison with the other cars in the B-Segment category. What so new in the Corsa? In what way is it better than the Renault Clio for example?

I also disagree with the 5th placing of the Civic (5door Euro version) that managed to gather a mere 148 points. Its spacious interior is dressed in an outer-space design (in and out) and it has powerful but economical engines. In other words it brings a breeze of fresh air in a conventional, not to say boring category without loosing any of the assets that come with a C-Segment hatch.

  • 1. Ford S-Max - 235
  • 2. Opel Corsa - 233
  • 3. Citroen Picasso - 222
  • 4. Skoda Roomster - 189
  • 5. Honda Civic - 148
  • 6. Peugeot 207 - 144
  • 7. Volvo C30 - 141
  • 8. Fiat Grande Punto - 138
Technorati: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Friday, November 3, 2006

SCOOP: 2007 Ford Mondeo factory pics

We've already seen how the 2007 Ford Mondeo will look like -hey we've even seen the car in live action through the James Bond - Casino Royal movie trailer, but I'm sure this is something that white collar Ford workers wouldn't want us to see: the production version of the 2007 Mondeo Ford's factory in Genk Belgium. For obvious reasons, we put a black patch on the Ford worker that's giving us a thumb up...


Technorati: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Saturday, October 21, 2006

2007 Ford Mondeo revealed in new James Bond Casino Royal trailer



About time wasn't it, meaning that we've already seen a bunch of pictures from the 2007 Ford Mondeo that will appear in the upcoming Casino Royal movie. Actually, this teaser trailer is part of a Ford TV promo add for the Focus in the UK, but who cares anyway !

Click here to see large pictures and the press release : 2007 Ford Mondeo

Technorati: , , , , , , ,,, ,, , ,, , ,,,

Wednesday, October 4, 2006

2007 Ford Mondeo Update : To be revealed in the UEFA Champions League final, plus new info on engines


During the Paris Show I talked to a few Ford PR's who informed
me among other things, that the product version of the Mondeo concept will be officially revealed to the public during the 2007 UEFA Champions League soccer final match in Athens, Greece on the 23rd of May 2007.

Of course we've already seen how the production vehicle will look like through a dozen or so pics from the "fake" model that will play in the James Bond movie -click here to see a large-sized gallery: Carscoop.

Another interesting thing I learnt was that, besides its new, Kinetic themed design, the Mondeo will be the first model in Ford's future Euro line-up that will feature a new generation of engines, starting up with a brand new 1,6 litre 4cylinder petrol motor that will produce about 125 to 130 Hp. According to Ford personnel, the company has just started pumping money into the engineering department as it doesn't want to be left behind in this area.

Don't forget, Ford is probably one of the few remaining companies in Europe that hasn't announced (yet) any future plans for Turbo engines.

Technorati : , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Monday, October 2, 2006

2007 Ford Mondeo - New set of pictures

Just got my hands on a bunch of new 2007 Ford Mondeo pictures including some straight from the James Bond Casino Royal movie set that will open in cinemas worldwide on November 17.

According to Ford, although 007 (played by Daniel Craig) will use an Aston Martin as his personal vehicle, the new Mondeo will be the first car to appear in the film as Bond drive's to a hotel after arriving in the Bahamas on the trail of a terrorist cell.


The Mondeo featured in the movie is a specially-built 5-door example Ford's upcoming mid-size sedan, fitted with a sports bodykit. But despite its near to production looks, this is not a real car: it's a look-alike (drivable though), made from wood and fiberglass!

It was constructed by hand at Ford of Europe's Design Studio in Cologne, Germany, in January, 2006 and it was then shipped under great secrecy to the filming location in the Bahamas, where the short driving sequence was filmed.



"The new Mondeo was essentially still on the drawing board when we were asked to supply the vehicle for filming in February 2006," said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe's Executive Director for Design. "As volume production for the car doesn't start until the second quarter of 2007, we had to create a one-off, driveable model based around a design studio property!"

"This team normally builds the clay and fiberglass models of all of our future products, so they are used to demanding timeframes and making full-scale models look like real vehicles," Smith added.

Technorati: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Uncensored : 2007 Ford Mondeo Sedan Production Version Pictures !


O
k, last week we got our share of leaked pics from the Mondeo Wagon Concept before its official Paris unveiling. But that was only a few days before and anyway, it was a concept, so not much harm done. This time though, thanks to Fordeurope (unofficial site) we get to see a whole gallery of "uncensored" pictures from the 2007 Mondeo Sedan production version -6 months ahead of it's official debut at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show in March ! The reportage says that these pics where taken during the filming of 007's Casino Royal Film, where the 2007 Mondeo has a role in it.


But enough with that, lets go back to the car itself. Got to hand it to Ford's design team for managing to keep as close as possible to last year's wonderful Iosis concept. Finally we've got a Ford sedan that doesn't look like a french toast on four wheels. And that's not all cause by the looks of the new S-MAX MPV on which the 2007 Mondeo is based on, its seems that Ford's engineers got their way and maintained Mondeo's predecessor's excellent road handling. We'll have more on the 2007 Mondeo after the Paris Show. via: Autoblog.com & Fordeurope.net

Technorati: Ford+Mondeo, 2007, Ford+Mondeo+Wagon+Concept, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, Mondial+de+l'Automobile, 2006, cars, automotive, vehicles,Paris+International+Motor+Show

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Paris Show : Ford Mondeo Wagon Concept official press release & pictures


Ok, no more scanned images and blurry pics as Ford officially released the press kit on its Mondeo concept that previews next years production version. According to the press release, f
ull series information, technical specifications and data for the new Mondeo range will be revealed early in 2007.

Press Release: New Mondeo Design - Energy in Motion : The new Mondeo is striking and unmistakably a member of the Ford family. It takes the company's 'kinetic design' form language to a new level.

A comprehensive range of core bodystyles will be launched concurrently in the new range, but the Ford of Europe design team has chosen the new wagon as its Paris hero.

"The wagon bodystyle is very important in the CD segment so it is appropriate that we show this derivative in Paris first," said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe's Design Director. "The new Mondeo's wagon bodystyle really emphasizes the sporty, dynamic and premium appearance of the new range," added Smith. "Above all, we've managed to achieve this kinetic look without compromising luggage capacity. I believe new Mondeo will challenge everyone's perceptions of a big Ford car, and prove that we can once again deliver style with substance in a desirable form."



The new Mondeo clearly demonstrates how Ford of Europe's 'kinetic design' language is shaping the company's new models. This form language will be progressively applied to future Ford vehicles in an appropriate way, depending on individual vehicle or market segment tastes.

"With the purest expression of 'kinetic design' revealed in the Ford iosis Concept at Frankfurt 2005, we then introduced the first elements into volume production on the new S-MAX and Galaxy," Smith added. "Now, the new Mondeo takes the next major step along our journey towards a more expressive and emotional Ford range."

Immediately evident in the new model's appearance is the distinctive front end, with its chamfered corners and the deep offset between the top of the bonnet and the front wings. Seen from above, the three-plane plan view of the frontal area is immediately obvious, and a key visual link between the new Mondeo and the 2005 iosis Concept vehicle, emphasizing their proportional relationship.

Key 'kinetic design' elements:
Dynamic lines
Three-plane plan front-end view
Full surfaces
Strong shoulders
Bold wheel lips
A rising belt line
Distinctive kick-up of the window graphic at the C-pillar

The new family face of Ford is further represented at the front end by a premium-feel, large upper grille opening, and an inverted trapezoidal lower grille. Large and distinctive headlamps and lower foglamps are a key design element, and draw the eye around the chamfered corners, neatly disguising the volume required to meet the latest pedestrian protection requirements.

A muscular shoulder line runs through the side of the car to a high point at the rear. This produces a dynamic window graphic when the so-called "daylight opening" (DLO) is viewed in profile, and an upward kick at the rear of the DLO further emphasizes the feeling of motion. Distinctive rear lamps also feature carefully designed graphics that enhance the overall feeling of premium quality.

A strong undercut line runs from the bold front wing wheel lips through the side of the car. Under this, full surfacing extends down to strong rocker panels to ensure the vehicle maintains a dynamic road presence.

The undercut and full surfaces are key graphic elements of 'kinetic design' and are already becoming familiar as new S-MAX and Galaxy become more visible on European roads.

'Kinetic design' themes are carried through to the all-new interior, which features high quality surfaces, materials and finishes.

Here, dynamic lines and full surfaces are again evident, and the low profile instrument panel provides very generous cabin space for front seat occupants. The flow-through centre console allows the gear shifter to be located high and within easy ergonomic reach of the driver.

The design team has also paid great attention to interior detailing, and examples of this include new generation infotainment systems, plus the next generation of Ford's Human Machine Interface (HMI). This easy to use system features the same steering-wheel toggle switches seen on new Galaxy and S-MAX, but introduces the availability of a large central LCD screen with full colour graphics situated between the main analogue instruments in front of the driver.

Rear seat headroom and legroom have also come in for scrutiny by the Mondeo development team, and these have been maximized for occupant comfort and safety.

"New Mondeo will deliver premium levels of comfort in a class-leading package," says Steve Adams, Ford's Vehicle Line Director for Large Cars. "You can also expect innovative and top-of-the-range new technology features, particularly those aimed at assisting and pampering the driver."



New Technology Combined with Driving Quality : The 2007 Mondeo range will feature many of the new technologies seen on Ford S-MAX and Galaxy, and also introduce some new features unique to the new model.

The Ford team is also determined to ensure that new Mondeo will maintain its position as the best CD car for driving quality, with superior driving dynamics, and targeting best-in-class steering, ride and handling.

Engines : A wide range of dependable Ford powertrains will be offered, from the powerful and well-proven Ford Duratorq 2.0-litre TDCi diesel and a high-performance 2.5-litre turbocharged Duratec petrol engine derived from that fitted to the new S-MAX, to efficient 1.6-litre Duratec petrol and 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines with outstanding fuel economy. Full series information, technical specifications and data for the new Mondeo range will be revealed early in 2007.

"The new Mondeo Wagon we are previewing at Paris is aimed at preparing our customers for the most exciting and high quality Ford CD car we have ever delivered," concluded Joe Bakaj, Ford of Europe's Vice President of Product Development. "The finer technical details will be kept secret for a few more months, but we believe that the Paris showcar's dynamic and kinetic exterior design and stylish, spacious new interior will give a clear indication of how different the new Mondeo range will be. We can't wait to launch it!"

Technorati: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,