Car Collection, Review and News

Ford has announced the Australian pricing for the all new 2011 Ford Focus. Scheduled to hit dealerships in August, the new Ford Focus will be available in both hatchback and sedan variants, and will come in four trim levels: Ambiente, Trend, Sport and Titanium. Prices will range from $21,990 for the entry-level Ambiente 1.6-liter five-speed manual hatch and goes up to $36,090 for the top of the range Titanium 2.0-liter TDCi six-speed automatic sedan.

[Car Advice]

Here are the latest styling and performance packages for the new Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi by German tuner Loder1899. Outside, the car gets a full body kit (in carbon fiber as an option), stainless-steel dual exhaust pipes, LED daytime lights and carbon covers for the headlights, and is equipped with a set of either an 18-, 19- or 20-inch alloy rims. Under the hood, the 2.0-liter diesel engine receives a new power upgrade kit, enabling the car to produce 195 hp and 395 Nm of torque. Prices start at 27,695 GBP (about $45,576) for the power boost, including the car. [GlobalMotors]

Ford is certainly going “green” at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show with the world premiere of its first ever production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the C-MAX Energi, and the more conventional C-MAX Hybrid. Both models are based on the European market five-seater C-MAX and not the longer, seven-seater Grand C-MAX with the rear sliding doors to be offered in the States.

“[The] C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid will be perfect for families looking to maximize their hybrid car experience”, said Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Global Electrification. “Thanks to the versatile interior, these cars are going to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers who need room to grow”.

The C-MAX Energi is targeting an AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) status, by pairing a high-voltage lithium-ion battery and electric motor with an Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine. Ford says that this setup allows the eco-friendly people carrier to run in electric mode before using the internal combustion powerplant.

The Energi is said to offer more than 500 miles (800 km) of overall driving range, which is nothing short of impressive, and better charge-sustaining fuel economy than the Chevrolet Volt.Other advantages include potential savings on energy and fuel costs and increased energy independence, just to name a few.

“A plug-in hybrid owner may make fewer trips to the pump to refuel because of its all-electric mode capability”, said Derrick Kuzak, Ford vice president of Global Product Development. “Conveniently, they’ll be able to recharge their plug-in hybrid at home overnight. And they’ll never have to think about the vehicle’s electric range, because the plug-in hybrid seamlessly shifts to fuel power when needed”.

The C-MAX Hybrid’s primary target is to achieve better mileage compared to the Fusion Hybrid’s 41 mpg. For this it relies on Ford’s powersplit architecture, allowing it to operate in fuel-saving electric mode beyond 47 mph (76 km/h).

The electric motor provides power in low-speed and low-load conditions and works together with the gasoline engine at higher speeds. The latter also can operate independently, charging the batteries or powering the driven wheels as needed.

Both cars use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries developed in-house by Ford, packing a number of advantages over nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) solutions. They are smaller, lighter and can be tuned to offer either more power for better acceleration or increased energy to improve driving range.

According to Ford, the Energi’s battery pack “easily” recharges overnight on a 120-volt outlet.

The Energi and Hybrid will come with advanced information systems, which will help drivers to better manage the recharging process and route planning, monitor battery charge and maximize energy efficiency. Together with Microsoft, Ford also developed a value-charging feature that will help North American Energi customers to optimize their household’s energy use and vehicle recharging practices.

The new models will hit U.S. showrooms in 2012, while European sales are set to start in 2013.

By Csaba Daradics

You may be wondering if this rendering of the 2012 Ford Explorer SUV that appeared on several automotive sites / weblogs is real. While the illustration appears to very close to the prototypes we've seen in spy shots (as well as the official teaser picture), a quick search on the internet reveals that it's actually a CGI or Computer Generated Image that was made by Josh Byrnes for Australian website 'Caradvice'.
Illustration: Caradvice , Via: Autoblog.com / Mustangsource

[Scoop]


Yesterday we learned that the refreshed and more powerful 2011 Ford Mustang sold 10,225 units in May 2010 beating GM's Chevrolet Camaro by almost 1,300 units (8,931 sales monthly total).

[Dallas News]

[Irmaododecio]


The last time we saw the Thunderbird nameplate in Ford's lineup was in 2005, and from what we know, the Detroit automaker has no immediate plans to revive it. Nevertheless, this hasn't stopped Brazilian designer Eduardo Oliveira from coming up with a conceptual proposal for a new Ford Thunderbird model with a retractable hardtop.

[Bloomberg]


Mercury, the maker of higher grade Ford models with waterfall grilles such as the Milan and Grande Marquis, will have the same fate of GM's Pontiac and Saturn brands, according to a report from Bloomberg citing two unnamed people familiar with the plan.

Ford is a well known brand across the world, it owns 33% of Mazda known by its modern cars featured in films such as the Fast and the Furious, Jaguar, Aston Martin and many others. From its many car models, one of the most famous is the Mustang. Manufactured and engineered to be a muscle car, this particular car model stands away from the rest by it unique design and power. The best part is that due to this model's reputation the company keeps improving and redesigning it to deliver a high quality driving machine every single time.

Ford Mustangs are highly customizable sport cars and in recent years have shown many modifications to its design. The wheelbase in both versions (convertible and coupe) are 101.3 inches, the curb weight varies just a tiny bit from the convertible to the coupe models, the curb weight of a mustang 2 door convertible is 3257 pounds while the two door coupe is 3077 pounds. As far as fuel capacity both models, convertible and coupe can hold up to 15.4 gallons. Both models can comfortably accommodate 4 passengers.

As far as design, second and third Mustang generations were not as good as the first one but the machinery quality improved. Second and third generations range from 1974-1993. During the 1980s Mustangs were going through a hard transition when Ford announced that they would replace the rear-wheel drive Mustang with a Mazda-derived four wheel drive version, luckily for them and its clients the fourth generation of Mustangs came along, this generation of fords is almost as welcomed as the first due to the significant redesign this model went through.

The 1994 Mustang coupe was starting to show signs of potential and greatness but it wasn't until 1995 when the GTS model was introduced to the market. In 1996 Mustang's engine went through a major upgrade, this is when the Windsor 5.0 L engine was replaced by 215 horse power 4.6L SOHC Modular V8 engine and in 1998 the SOHC engine was increased to 225 HP through aggressive PCM calibration a larger exhaust and a modified fuel system.

As far as power, the 3.8 V6 engine sent developed 145-190 horsepower, the GT 5.0L V8 sends 240 hp to the back axle.

In 1994-2004 models Mustang GT's power was increased to 260hp and consumers have loved this car ever since, that's not even mentioning the awesome "MODs" available which include new decals, bumpers, paint work, rims, etc. Not only it is extremely reliable and stylish but many consumers have reported that it's stereo system beats any other manufacturer-installed car stereo in the market, it has an extremely good bass, the midrange is perfectly set as well as the highs.

Aston Martin is also an outstanding fast and high end Ford-owned driving machine which delivers great power, speed and style but that's another article.

Many of the things that received harsh reviews in 2008 have been redesigned and tweaked by the automaker to put this vehicle back towards the top. Auto sales lots have seen this version sporting new additions to its standard package and they have maintained their truck like appearance. However, it certainly isn't perfect.

The Good

To go along with the external overhaul of the 2008 model, Ford has beefed up the power, given it better handling, and a smoother more entertaining ride. This makes it far more popular for auto sales than it has been in recent years. In fact, Virginia Beach auto dealers say they are difficult to hold onto particularly with the spikes in gas prices.

The most noticeable change is the bigger 2.5 liter engine that has increased its power by 22 horses. The Escape hybrid now takes fewer than 10 seconds to hit 60mph. The noise that is associated with its continuously variable transmission has also been eliminated.

Its new suspension system, electronic stability control, and sway bar allow for a considerable improvement in riding and handling. When it comes to auto sales, Virginia Beach auto dealers say the interior is the real benefit to the 09 Hybrid. It has a voice activated Sync system for the audio, phone, and other electronic goodies. This model has excellent storage space and is rather comfortable. Its interior is also pleasantly proficient at keeping outside noises on the outside of the cab.

The Bad

One of the worst things about the 09 Escape Hybrid is that it still has drum brakes and the same regenerative breaking feature in it, which hampers the ease of breaking. It does take some getting used to. They have a good fuel consumption rating. It has a bigger savings between this and the gas model in the city.

On the highway, it is good on gas, but the actual savings is lower. Like other hybrids, it takes every opportunity to run off the batteries. Good in concept, but if you are heavy footed you might not notice as much fuel savings. The folding second seat in the back is also difficult to fold down and lift.

Perhaps the biggest downfall of all is its high sticker price that puts it at the high end of the spectrum for Ford's auto sales. Virginia Beach auto dealers have a basic model starting at a price equivalent to where the Escape Limited gas model leaves off. This mean you should expect to spend considerably more than $40k for a fully loaded model. This vehicle is out of reach for some budgets at approximately $5,000 more than the gas version. It will take approximately seven years for it to pay back the extra $5k.

Overall, the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid is not a bad vehicle. In terms of comfort, other models such as the Toyota Highlander and the Lexus RX400h are far more expensive with a lower comfort rating. While its drivability is better than it was, its breaking requires a bit of a change in driving habits. In all, if you learn to drive smart and want a vehicle you can hold on to for a while, this might be worth a second look.