Monday, October 31, 2011

Ford C-MAX, 2011




Ford C-MAX, 2011

The all-new Ford C-MAX range introduces a number of advanced new technologies to the compact MAV class focused on enhanced comfort, safety and sustainability, including the availability of new and powerful yet highly fuel-efficient low-CO2 Ford EcoBoost petrol engines.

The new Ford C-MAX models are also the first products to be launched from Ford's new, global C-segment vehicle platform, and are previewed at Frankfurt in pre-production form prior to their European sales launch in late 2010.

Expressive, Dynamic Design
The new Ford C-MAX range demonstrates that compact MAVs can be stylish and desirable while still delivering outstanding space and functionality.
Bold exterior and interior designs have been created using the latest evolution of Ford's 'kinetic design' form language, building on the themes established in recent product introductions like the hugely successful Fiesta, Kuga and Mondeo ranges.

Striking 'kinetic design' elements applied to the new models include the dynamic rising belt-line, full sculptured surfaces, bold wheel lips, strong athletic shoulders supported by a prominent undercut line, and the distinctive kick-up of the window graphic at the C-pillar.
The front end design features Ford's signature trapezoidal lower grille - with a special 'piano black' finish on the Frankfurt Show vehicles - together with the eye-catching new headlamp treatment previewed by the iosis MAX concept.

Two Distinct Characters
The Ford C-MAX and Ford Grand C-MAX have been deliberately designed with two distinct characters, reflecting the differing priorities of the typical customers for each model.
The 5-seat Ford C-MAX departs from usual MAV thinking by adopting a sportier feel with a stylish passenger-car look. It features a coupé-like, sweeping roofline which falls off to the rear, yet still retains the traditional Ford C-MAX virtues of roominess and practicality.

Its window graphic follows the bold form of the Fiesta and Kuga, with a strong kick-up after the C-pillar. At the rear, the tailgate design has echoes of the larger S-MAX, with its sportier treatment of the rear window.

The twin sliding doors are neatly integrated, with the rail cleverly concealed by the undercut line on the shoulder of the vehicle. The large tailgate design ensures a low loading height, while the stylish intersection between the tail lamps and rear glass gives a family resemblance to the Galaxy, Ford's largest people mover.

Stylish and Modern Interior
The new Ford C-MAX interior applies the same 'kinetic design' philosophy used to shape the body, ensuring that the dynamic and modern character of the exterior is reflected in the style of the cabin.
The main design themes are an evolution of those developed for the latest Fiesta, with muscular, expressive shapes and very bold graphics which are inspired by the stunning forms seen on the iosis MAX concept car.
Key design features include the taut, wing-like section of the upper instrument panel (IP), which reaches out to the sides of the interior. A dramatic 'bull horn' shape sweeps down from the lower IP, emphasising the smooth flow from the IP into the centre console.

The cockpit - which is common to both Ford C-MAX models - provides a commanding, raised driving position with high mounted gearshift and centre console.
The central control area builds on the much acclaimed layout in the new Fiesta, with lower series models using the same ergonomic control design, while high series vehicles use next generation Sony head units with a gloss black finish.
Carefully designed storage areas are located throughout the cabin, including generous door pockets, a large glove box, and additional compartments and cupholders in the centre console.

Ingenious 7-seat Layout
The new 7-seat Ford Grand C-MAX provides spacious accommodation for up to seven passengers within compact exterior dimensions, with the extra convenience offered by sliding rear doors on both sides of the car - ideal for parents helping young children in child seats, or for easy access in narrow parking bays.
To maximise the versatility of the 7-seat layout, Ford engineers have developed an ingenious new seat folding mechanism for the three second-row seats. This mechanism allows the centre seat to fold quickly and easily under one of the two outboard seats, creating a handy walk-through space between them.

The allows passengers to access the third row without having to disturb the two outer seats, which is particularly helpful when those positions are occupied by child seats or booster cushions. Owners thus have the option of using the convenient 2+2+2 seating layout, or switching to a full seven-seater when required.
The second- and third-row seats have been cleverly engineered so that they can be folded to create a flat load floor, irrespective of how many seats remain in use. All of the folding mechanisms are designed so that they require just one hand to operate.
The 5-seat Ford C-MAX retains the popular seating arrangement from the current model with three individual 40/20/40 folding seats, and the option of the Comfort system which allows the outer seats to slide diagonally backwards and inwards to create a luxurious 2+2 layout.

Performance
The Ford C-MAX range introduces a number of advanced new vehicle and powertrain technologies to the compact MAV class to enhance comfort, safety and sustainability.
In addition to upgraded versions of Ford's highly acclaimed TDCi diesel engines, the new Ford C-MAX line-up will also feature a choice of petrol engines, including the first application of Ford's all-new 1.6-litre 4-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine, to be built at the company's Bridgend plant in Wales.

Ford's new global family of EcoBoost 4-cylinder engines have been developed by Ford powertrain engineers based in Europe and are being progressively introduced to the European product range starting in 2010. EcoBoost combines turbocharging and direct injection technology to deliver fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced by up to 20 per cent compared to conventional larger displacement petrol engines with a similar power output.
Ford EcoBoost technology will be more affordable than equivalent hybrid or diesel engine designs, and builds on existing petrol engine knowledge to provide customers with a way to improve fuel economy and emissions significantly without compromising driving performance.

The combination of direct fuel injection, advanced turbocharging, and variable valve timing creates a much more efficient combustion process. This enables Ford EcoBoost technology to deliver the strong low-end torque and responsive performance of a large capacity engine, but with the size, weight and fuel economy of a much smaller unit.
The new Ford C-MAX will also feature the option of Ford's latest high efficiency PowerShift six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is proving an increasingly popular choice on the current model.

C-MAX Technologies
Among the new technologies being introduced to Ford of Europe in the Ford C-MAX range are a host of features which will improve practicality and safety for family users. These innovations include semi-automatic parallel parking, blind spot detection, seat belt warning lights for rear seat passengers, power activated child locks and power operation for the rear tailgate.
Further details of these features and the full technical story for the new Ford C-MAX will be revealed closer to launch in 2010.

New Generation of Global Ford C Cars
The Ford C-MAX is the first of a new generation of global C cars scheduled for introduction by Ford over the next several years. This series of exciting new models will include the launch globally of the all-new, next generation model of the best-selling Ford Focus from the end of 2010.

The new C car family is the result of an unprecedented global development programme, and is loaded with an impressive array of advanced vehicle technologies which will enhance safety, convenience, comfort, and driver satisfaction. Up to 2 million vehicles per year based on this platform will be sold by Ford around the world when all of the different individual models are launched.
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Ford Focus Estate, 2011






Ford Focus Estate, 2011

The next-generation Ford Focus Estate is the fifth vehicle to be revealed from Ford Motor Company's new global C-segment platform that will underpin at least ten vehicles around the world and account for two million units of annual production by 2012.

Revealed so far are the new Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX models at Frankfurt 2009, the next-generation Ford Focus 4-door and 5-door cars at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, and now the Estate at Geneva.

The Ford is confirming that a global performance vehicle will be developed as part of the next-generation Ford Focus range, and that it will be powered by a version of the 4-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine family.

Further details of the entire portfolio of new models based on Ford's global C-car platform will be revealed soon, with all of them coming into the company's line-up around the world by the end of 2012.

Ford Focus Estate Targets Major Customer Base
The attractive next-generation Ford Focus Estate is a crucial model for the European market in particular, as around one third of all Focus customers choose this bodystyle. In some markets, such as Italy and Germany, the estate derivative represents more than half of all Ford Focus cars sold.

With its rakish appearance, the new Ford Focus Estate also makes a design statement and provides the ideal balance of dynamic looks and functional practicality. Full-length integrated roof rails enhance the estate's attractive kinetic design, while the tailgate has a self-closing function and neatly incorporates a compact roof spoiler.

Overall, the C-car segment in Europe remains relatively stable and accounts for around a third of total car sales with roughly five million C-cars sold annually. Although many premium manufacturers have also moved into the segment in recent years, it is among the volume makers that the competition is most fierce.

By 2012, six bodystyles will cover 85 per cent of customer requirements in the segment in Europe - the four-door sedan, the five-door hatch, the estate, the five-passenger MAV, seven-passenger MAV and the small SUV.

While the Ford Focus Estate will initially launch only in Europe, it has been designed to share the wide range of technologies, fuel efficient powertrains, great driving quality and high levels of craftsmanship that all of Ford's new global C-cars will deliver.
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Ford Edge Sport, 2011




Ford Edge Sport, 2011

The 2011 Ford 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 Ford Edge Sport includes all of the content found on Ford Edge SEL as well as a specially tuned suspension, paddle shift transmission and its own unique style.

The Ford 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.
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 Ford Edge 3.5-liter V-6 and Ford 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. Ford 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 Automatic™ transmission is standard on the 2011 Ford Edge SEL and Limited series, with class-exclusive paddle activation of the SelectShift standard on the 2011 Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford Edge's current 3.5-liter V-6 engine while offering the performance feel of a six-cylinder.

The Ford 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 Ford Edge SEL and Ford 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 Ford Edge Limited while the Ford 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 4-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.

New subframe mounts enhance drivability, help reduce road noise
The original Ford 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 Ford Edge because of improvements found throughout the interior and exterior, including powertrain. Take 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 Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford 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.
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.

Standard on the 2011 Ford Edge Limited and 2011 Ford 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.

The technologies:
  •     * Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support allows the driver to set the vehicle's speed and maintain it without using the accelerator pedal, and warns the driver of a potential collision risk. It also 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.
  •     * Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert is a feature that can help detect vehicles in blind spots during normal driving and traffic approaching from the sides when reversing out of parking spots.
  •     * MyKey is designed to allow parents to encourage teenagers to drive safely and more fuel efficiently, and increase seat belt usage. The standard MyKey feature allows owners to designate keys that can limit the vehicle's top speed and audio volume.
  •     * Easy Fuel Capless Fuel-Filler System is a standard Ford-exclusive feature that uses an integrated spring-loaded flapper door to eliminate the need for a fuel tank screw cap.
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Ford Fiesta, 2011



Ford Fiesta, 2011

The Ford Fiesta is the next milestone under the ONE Ford plan to design and develop vehicles that meet the differing needs, wants and expectations of customers around the world. More than 500,000 Fiestas have already sold to customers in Europe and Asia.
 Ford conducted extensive global customer research. Findings clearly indicated the need for style topped the list of customer desires everywhere in the world. In Europe, across North America and in the Asia Pacific region, customers are looking for a distinctively designed small car that offers world-class quality, convenience, comfort and connectivity.Ford Fiesta

The anticipated new Ford Fiesta arrives in North America with strong consumer awareness, thanks to the Fiesta Movement program. With 100 social media mavens chronicling their experiences of driving European market Fiestas on American roads, Fiesta has generated more than 675,000 Flickr views and more than 5.5 million YouTube video views.

Kinetics and aesthetics
Kinetic design imparts a sense of movement - even while standing still - harmonizing character elements to reflect global Ford identity, enabling Ford Fiesta to project its own air of confidence, style and individuality. Fiesta targets a youthful "design progressive" mind-set, a consumer group that values style and diversity as worthy assets.
Up front, Ford Fiesta sports the global Ford face, centering the Blue Oval badge on the grille over the signature inverted trapezoid lower grille opening. These subtle cues engender familiarity across the portfolio, providing aesthetic linkage between the distinctive new Ford Taurus, the fuel-efficient midsize Fusion and the bold Fiesta.

Adding eyes to the Ford Fiesta face are sweeping, elongated headlamps that frame and connect the hood to muscular, sculpted front fenders. Available in sporty five-door hatchback or four-door sedan body styles, Ford Fiesta provides ample space for occupants and their gear.
The Ford Fiesta design is further enhanced with a choice of nine vivid new colors. From Bright Magenta through Lime Squeeze to Blue Flame, Fiesta's broad color palette - more available colors than any other segment competitors - instills vibrant individuality.

Inside Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta is as dramatic on the inside as it is on the outside. Boldly sculpted surfaces, contrasting colors and comfortable, supportive materials make the interior as individual as the driver.
The instrument panel centerstack - focal point of the new Fiesta interior - was designed to feel as useful and familiar as the keypad on a mobile phone.

The North American Ford Fiesta features first-row bucket seats with a 60/40 split second-row seat. Cloth or leather seating surfaces vary by trim level offering comfort, style and individuality. High series Ford Fiestas also offer leather with sporty contrast accent color piping.
Soft, sculptured surfaces and the centerstack layout provide the Ford Fiesta with a sense of harmony. Intuitive switchgear placement, comfort zone seating and available ambient lighting allow a driver to maximize the mood with seven complementary colors - switchable among three levels of intensity - for interior accent lighting.

Fun, with fuel efficiency
Ford Fiesta's flowing sculpted hood covers a 1.6-liter DOHC I-4 engine with an estimated 119 horsepower and 109 ft.-lbs. of torque. Spirited performance and fuel-efficient economy are signature attributes with the Ford Fiesta expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy at 40 mpg.

Ford Fiesta's advanced 1.6-liter engine features Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) allowing the engine to be downsized for fuel economy while continuously optimizing camshaft phasing for throttle response, performance and flexibility.
Big results from a small package are possible with several new technologies in this new global engine, including an advanced new front end accessory drive (FEAD) belt with stretchy dynamics to improve the engine's thermal dynamics. The elasticity in this new drive belt eliminates the need for a belt tensioner and contributes to overall fuel economy.

The Ford Fiesta features a standard five-speed manual transaxle with gear ratios selected to offer spirited off-the-line performance and exceptional fuel economy for drivers who desire three pedals and a stick shift to maximize driving experience.
Specially tuned front struts, bushings, dampers, stabilizer bars and a rear twist-beam axle keep Ford Fiesta sure-footed and firmly planted. Sporty, European driving dynamics prevail.

Power steering conserves fuel
For confidence-inspiring on-road dynamics, Ford Fiesta features Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) which reduces complexity while saving weight and fuel. This advanced system is speed-sensitive - providing optimized assist based on speed, cornering forces and acceleration or deceleration.
The Ford is aggressively moving to EPAS across its product lineup. The system already is available in several Ford, Lincoln and Mercury nameplates, and by 2013 nearly 90 percent of Ford's lineup will offer this fuel saving technology.

Strength, safety, quality and quiet
More than 50 percent of Ford Fiesta's welded body structure is made from high-strength steel, with ultra-strong boron steel used in several critical areas. This rigid body shell contributes to Fiesta's confident road-holding, best-in-class occupant safety and quiet composure.
The Ford Fiesta safety is enhanced by an array of features including dual-stage first-row air bags, a class-exclusive driver's knee air bag, side air bags and side curtain air bags. 

Fiesta NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) control is taken to a new level of quiet for this segment, helped in part by a specially laminated, class-exclusive windshield that was chosen to help absorb and contain noise. Engine noise is subdued by a hood blanket, with enhanced door seals keeping wind noise minimized.
Special padding behind the instrument panel and foam baffles mounted inside the pillars keeps Ford Fiesta quiet. Even the headliner material was specified for its sound-deadening qualities.
Much of Ford Fiesta's sound-absorbent materials are comprised of recycled content, helping to conserve resources as it preserves peace and quiet. In addition, Ford Fiesta aerodynamics contributes to both NVH control and fuel efficiency.

Features and functionality
From class-exclusive automatic climate control to a standard aux input, Ford Fiesta offers customers a number of standard and available features that increase convenience and add connectivity. Among them is Ford SYNC®, integrating a driver's mobile phone with Fiesta's onboard, voice- activated communications and entertainment system.
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