Video: 2010 Matech Ford GT1 unveiled

As early as 2009, before the regulations of the new GT Championship came into force, Matech Concepts started developing a new Ford GT1 based on the prototype fielded in the previous season. On the way to the Portuguese circuit at Portimão, Matech Competition stopped in Spain at the Ascari circuit to perform the roll-out of the new car. With Thomas Mutsch at the wheel, the first metres of the Ford GT1 went according to plan, just as the driver and Martin Bartek had been hoping:


"The car is completely new. Not a single element, be it the engine, the transmission system, the suspension or aerodynamics are the same as those of the Ford GT1 from 2009. The roll-out was very promising, and we are confident with regard the forthcoming season." The next step will be the "balance of performance" at Portimão on 3 and 4 February, followed by further testing at the Alcañiz circuit where a handful of previously selected drivers will take the wheel of the Ford GT1. This first stage will then be concluded by the presentation of the vehicle to the press in Paris on 1 March.


The driver pairings...
To determine the final line-up for the cockpits of the two Ford GT1 cars, Matech Competition has invited seven drivers to participate in a comparative test in a "special" Ford GT3 on the Portimão circuit. In addition to the five men - Mathias Beche, Yann Zimmer, Borja Garcia, Casper Elgaard and Carlo Van Dam - the group also includes two ladies, Natacha Gachnang and Cyndie Allemann. ‘'Our goal, clearly, is to form two teams that are as strong as possible by giving young drivers, including women, an opportunity to compete.


For these tests, they will be driving one of our Ford GT3 cars on which we have removed the ballast and the air-restrictor so that it will handle in a similar way on the track as the GT1," explains Martin Bartek. After this initial evaluation, there will be some candidates for further tests, this time in the Ford GT1 at the Motorland circuit near Alcañiz. Jonathan Hirschi and Marc Hennerici will join this test as well.


via:world car fans

FORD TRANSIT CONNECT TAXI ‘ON DUTY'; NEW PEOPLE MOVER RUNS ON GREEN FUELS WITH NEW ENGINE OPTION

• Transit Connect Taxi goes into production and will be available for the 2011 model year

• Transit Connect is built on a dedicated commercial vehicle platform, tested to Ford's toughest truck standards, offers a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine and is designed to meet the extreme demands of taxi service

• A new engine prep package allows conversion to efficient, clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas)

• Transit Connect's roomy, easy-to-access interior provides passenger comfort and ample luggage storage space, even after modification to contain CNG/LPG fuel tanks

CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2010 - The Ford Transit Connect Taxi will go into production and arrive in dealerships later this year as a 2011 model, adding to Ford Motor Company's leadership in the North American taxi market.

Making the announcement today at the Chicago Auto Show, Ford also said it will introduce engine prep packages on all Transit Connect models - base and taxi - allowing conversion to efficient, clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas). Both CNG and LPG are popular among taxi operators because of their low cost of ownership.

The roomy, flexible interior of the Transit Connect - the 2010 North American Truck of the Year - is perfectly suited for taxi service and conversion to CNG and LPG. The vehicle's 135 cubic feet of cargo space accommodates a compressed gas tank while leaving ample passenger legroom and cargo capacity.

"While meeting with taxi operators in cities throughout the U.S., we found considerable interest for vehicles that run on alternative fuels," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "The Transit Connect Taxi, combined with an engine modified by Ford to use CNG/LPG, is designed to meet that need. This marks a new era in ‘green' transit."

To further serve taxi operators, Ford will provide required calibration specifications for the CNG or LPG conversion. By properly following Ford's specifications, the conversion can be completed without voiding the engine's warranty.


The alternative fuel advantage
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CNG is less expensive and burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in 30 percent to 40 percent less greenhouse gas emissions. Propane also burns cleaner than gasoline.

"Compressed natural gas and propane offer more than sufficient power for vehicles because they are high-energy fuels," said Rob Stevens, Transit Connect chief engineer. "Another natural benefit for these fuels is they provide an overall lower emission of greenhouse gases compared to gasoline. Additionally, operating on CNG or LPG provides the operators lower fuel/operating costs for their fleet."

Furthermore, nearly 87 percent of natural gas used in the United States is domestically produced. There also are government tax credit incentives for fleets to convert to alternative fuels.

Since October 2009, CNG prep packages have been available on E-Series vans with 5.4-liter and 6.8-liter gas engines.


A conversion-ready interior
The Transit Connect Taxi offers an outstanding interior package for people and cargo. With its open architecture, the taxi provides excellent interior headroom and passenger visibility. The vehicle's rear seat has been moved back three inches to maximize passenger comfort. Plus, with 6.5 inches of ground clearance, passengers step easily through the dual sliding doors. Additional climate control ventilation has been added for rear seat passengers.

The Transit Connect Taxi also features a wiring upfit package with a hole in the roof for signage, vinyl front and rear seats, rubber rear floor, sliding second-row windows and standard third-row windows - all of which are factory installed. Additional installation of technology and other taxi modifications such as roof signage and the optional seating partition are handled by taxi upfitters in local markets.

The vehicle's cargo area easily accommodates compressed natural gas tanks directly behind the second-row seat, still allowing ample luggage storage.


Technology on the go
Ford is collaborating with Creative Mobile Technologies, LLC (CMT), to integrate premier payment processing and passenger information technologies in the Transit Connect Taxi.

Ford and CMT also are developing strategies for potential integration of Ford Work Solutions, a suite of productivity technologies for business owners providing a wireless in-dash computer with full high-speed Internet access and navigation. "Ford has demonstrated a significant commitment to support the taxi industry with not only a dedicated product but also with the commitment to work with the technology companies that support the industry," said Jason Poliner, chief operating officer, CMT. "Ford understands that the taxi business is not just the vehicle but a complete technological solution."

Evidence of how this technology could work in the future is included in the Transit Connect Taxi. It also features an 8.4-inch electronic infotainment and navigation screen that shows cab fare, news, weather, sports scores and stock ticker. With the touch screen, passengers also can select their choice of programming, follow the taxi's journey on a map, or scroll through a list of points of interest along the route - including restaurants, museums and shops.

Once at the destination, the screen displays the fare with options to pay via cash, credit or debit. Cardholders can swipe their card, select a pre-calculated tip recommendation or utilize the touch screen to enter a tip amount, and complete the transaction right from their seat.


Building on taxi leadership
The "green" taxi isn't new at Ford, which has been a leader in the taxi business for decades. Ford was the first manufacturer to introduce gas-electric hybrid-powered taxis into North American fleets with the launch of the Ford Escape Hybrid in San Francisco and New York City in early 2005.

Built on a dedicated commercial vehicle platform and tested to Ford tough truck standards, the Transit Connect Taxi - including gasoline-powered versions and those modified to operate on CNG/LPG - is designed to meet the extreme demands of taxi service.

With its standard 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, the conventionally powered Transit Connect is expected to deliver an estimated 30 percent improvement in fuel economy over many of today's traditional taxis.

"Transit Connect already has proven that it offers tremendous versatility for commercial fleet use," said Gerry Koss, Ford fleet marketing manager. "The Transit Connect taxi, combined with the capability for CNG/LPG conversion, further demonstrates its flexibility."




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Ford Focus RS WRC Edition

To celebrate 40 years of the Blue Oval's performance model, Ford launched the limited edition Ford Focus RS WRC Edition. The Ford Focus RS WRC Edition price starts at 55 900 Swiss francs and the company says it will be limited to 50 units.


The unique graphic is the result of a design competition launched in October 2009 between the Swiss importer of the compact Ford rally enthusiasts. The winning proposal, already submitted as a prototype at the IAA in Zurich last November, that was painted white “Frozen White” adhesive side with black / green from design relatively simple and alloy wheels OZ Superturismo GT 19 inches.


The engine remains a turbocharged 2.5-litre from the stock Focus RS worth 300 bhp (305 PS / 224 kW) and 400Nm of torque. 0 - 100km/h sprint time is under 6 seconds and it is capable of posting a 260km/h (162 mph) top speed.




via:fancytuning

Tesla launches right-hand-drive Roadster in London showroom

Tesla Motors has announced production of the right-hand-drive version of its iconic Roadster sports car, the only highway-capable electric vehicle for sale worldwide.

Prospective customers and media may test-drive right-hand-drive cars available at Tesla's showroom, 49-51 Cheval Place in London's Knightsbridge district (SW7 1EW). The 2010 right-hand-drive Roadster includes a suite of unique noise-reduction materials, an upgraded sound system and other enhancements that make it ideal for daily commuting or weekend drives.


The Roadster accelerates faster than virtually any other car on the road, making it the only production car faster than a Porsche and twice as energy efficient as a Prius. It is quickly becoming the choice amongst discerning drivers who demand performance with a clean conscience.

The Roadster easily travels more than 200 miles per charge in mixed driving conditions, consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe. It can be fully or partially recharged by solar or wind power. A customer's Roadster recently set a world distance record for EVs with 313 miles on a single charge.


"The right-hand-drive model is our response to growing demand from high-performance car buyers in the UK who are also interested in their impact on the environment," said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla's Vice President for European Sales and Operations. "Tesla is dramatically expanding its retail footprint in Europe, we look forward to building our community of owners and fans throughout the continent."


UK companies that purchase a Roadster benefit from a 100 percent Writing Down Allowance, meaning they can deduct the price of the car from their taxable profits. The Roadster is the only sports car that has ever qualified for a such a tax incentive in the UK.


The Roadster starts at £86,950 and costs about 1.5p per mile, compared to as much as 32p per mile for petro-powered sports cars. Roadster drivers are do not have to pay the London congestion charge, saving up to nearly £1,700 annually. They can park for free and without time limits in various London boroughs, they get four hours of free charging at certain parking sites, and they are exempt from the forthcoming Showroom Tax of £950.

Tesla has delivered about 1,000 Roadsters to customers in 43 states and 21 countries.


About Tesla Motors

Tesla is the world's only automaker selling highway-capable electric vehicles. Tesla sells cars online and operates showrooms and galleries in London, Munich, Monaco, California's Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, Colorado, New York, Seattle, Chicago and South Florida.

The Roadster accelerates faster than nearly any car in its price class and is twice as energy efficient as leading hybrids. It is the only highway-capable electric vehicle for sale in Europe or North America. The Roadster does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Tesla recommends a standard service and diagnostic inspection once a year – and Tesla can perform this service at customers' homes or offices.
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SpeedFactory 426 Charger Again Sets World Record Quarter Mile Time for Chrysler LX/LC Platform Vehicles [Video]

Atlanta, GA, January 27, 2010- On January 23, 2010, SpeedFactory's 426 Charger completed the quarter mile in 9.453 seconds with a trap speed of 145.38 mph at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Valdosta, Georgia. According to records kept by the LXForums.com moderators, SpeedFactory bested all previous quarter mile times set by actual production LX/LC-platform cars- modern Dodge Chargers, Challengers, Magnums and Chrysler 300Cs. SpeedFactory driver Eddie Rosa piloted the Charger.



SpeedFactory, in collaboration with partners Landmark Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Vortech Superchargers and Paramount Performance, built this car from a 2006 Dodge Charger platform utilizing a unique combination of heavily modified stock components. The SpeedFactory R&D (Research and Development) Charger is a test platform for high horsepower technology destined to power SpeedFactory's production vehicles.





A GEN III 426 HEMI stroker motor is boosted by a Vortech centrifugal-style V-7 YSi-trim supercharger and is controlled through factory electronics, producing over 900 HP. The car retains modified factory components: transmission, IRS differential with 1000HP half shafts, suspension and shocks. A curb weight of 3,750 pounds was achieved by removing the interior.





"We are all very proud of this achievement, which showcases our continued commitment to the development of our brand and ultimately carries over into our customers' vehicles," said Mark Brucks, general manager, SpeedFactory. "With the introduction of the Drag Pack Challengers, we knew that records would be broken, and to achieve this with a modified stock vehicle that still utilizes the factory components makes this even more exciting to us and our partners. We believe there is more that can be done to produce even faster times."





"The Vortech V-7 YSi-trim supercharger supports up to 1200HP with 78 percent efficiency," said Gil Cormaci, director, sales and marketing for Vortech Engineering. "We are very pleased to be associated with SpeedFactory and Landmark Dodge Chrysler Jeep. The application of our YSi-trim compressor to this HEMI Charger was done with the highest expertise, resulting in this impressive time and speed."





About SpeedFactory



Based in Atlanta, GA, Speedfactory is a specialty vehicle company focused on unleashing the performance potential of modern Dodge/Chrysler muscle cars. Speedfactory builds enhanced, high-energy modern muscle cars such as Dodge Challengers, Chargers, and Chrysler 300's. Speedfactory offers supercharged and naturally aspirated performance packages with limited powertrain warranties on certain vehicles and configurations. Through select Dodge/Chrysler dealers, Speedfactory sells complete turnkey vehicles and parts and enhances existing cars as well. To learn more, visit: www.SpeedFactoryCars.com.

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