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

Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom

First time Institute rates small pickups for rollover protection; only one model rates good in test that assures strength of roof

The Nissan Frontier has the strongest roof and the Chevrolet Colorado the weakest among 5 small pickup trucks, all 2010 models, that recently were tested for rollover protection by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Frontier, also sold as the Suzuki Equator, is the only pickup in the group to earn the highest rating of good. The Ford Ranger is rated acceptable while the Dodge Dakota, Toyota Tacoma, and Colorado (also sold as the GMC Canyon) earn the second lowest rating of marginal.


The rating system is based on Institute research showing that occupants in rollover crashes benefit from stronger roofs. Vehicles rated good must have roofs that are more than twice as strong as the minimum required under the current federal safety standard. The ratings, products of the Institute's new roof strength testing program, add to consumer information tests that rate vehicles' front, side, and rear crashworthiness. The rollover test is designed to help consumers pick vehicles that will protect them the best in one of the most serious kinds of crashes.

"As a group, small pickups aren't performing as well as small cars or small SUVs in all of the Institute's safety tests. None of the ones we tested is a top-notch performer across the board. In fact, no small pickup earns our Top Safety Pick award," says Institute senior vice president David Zuby. The Frontier came close to winning the 2010 award, but it's rated acceptable instead of good for protection against neck injury in rear crashes. To earn Top Safety Pick, a vehicle has to earn good ratings for protection in front, side, rear, and rollover crashes. It also has to have electronic stability control.


Nearly 10,000 people a year are killed in rollovers. When vehicles roll, their roofs hit the ground, deform, and crush. Stronger roofs crush less, reducing the risk of injury from contact with the roof itself. Stronger roofs also can prevent people, especially those who aren't using safety belts, from being ejected through windows, windshields, or doors that have broken or opened because the roof deformed. Roofs that don't collapse help keep people inside vehicles when they roll.

Rollovers are much more common for SUVs and pickup trucks than for cars. In 2008 almost half (47 percent) of all pickup occupants killed in crashes were in trucks that rolled over. This compares with 58 percent of deaths in SUVs and 25 percent in cars.

The best occupant protection is to keep vehicles from rolling in the first place. Electronic stability control is significantly reducing rollovers, especially fatal single-vehicle ones. When vehicles roll, side curtain airbags help protect people. Safety belt use is essential.


Roof strength-to-weight ratio within 5 inches of crush

In the Institute's roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 corner of a roof at a constant speed. To earn a good rating, a roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. For an acceptable rating, the minimum strength-to-weight ratio required is 3.25. A marginal rating value is 2.5, and anything lower than that is poor. The Frontier withstood a force of just over 4 times its weight. This compares with 2.9 times weight for the Colorado. A strength-to-weight ratio of 4 reflects an estimated 50 percent reduction in serious or fatal injury risk in single-vehicle rollover crashes, compared with the current federal standard of 1.5.

In April 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ended numerous delays by unveiling a new rule that raises the federal roof strength requirement, currently a strength-to-weight ratio of 1.5, to 3 for vehicles with weight ratings up to 6,000 pounds. Roofs on vehicles with weight ratings 6,000 to 10,000 pounds will be required to withstand a force equal to 1.5 times their unloaded weight, whereas these vehicles' roofs are not regulated under the old standard. Another requirement is that roofs maintain sufficient headroom during testing. For the first time, the government will require the same performance on both sides of a roof when tested sequentially. Phase-in begins in September 2012, and all vehicles must comply by September 2016.


"The long phase-in of the new standard means roofs won't have to get stronger right away," Zuby points out, "so we plan to continue rating vehicle roof strength for the foreseeable future. We want to reward manufacturers who are ahead of their competition for protecting people in rollovers."

In addition to the new roof strength ratings, the Institute conducted side tests of small pickup truck models. Earning good ratings are the Frontier, with standard front and rear head curtain airbags plus front torso airbags. Also earning good ratings are the Ranger, with standard front-seat mounted combination head and torso airbags, and the Tacoma, which the Institute tested in 2008.

In contrast, the Colorado is rated poor for occupant protection in side crashes. It's equipped with standard curtain side airbags but lacks additional airbags designed to protect a driver's torso. The Colorado's poor structure, along with poor protection for the driver dummy's chest and pelvis, contributed to its poor rating overall. Plus the dummy's head came close to moving around the curtain airbag during the impact by the intruding barrier.

"A slightly different crash configuration could have resulted in a direct hit from the barrier on the dummy's head," Zuby explains.


The test of the Dakota produced a different problem. Its optional curtain side airbags failed to deploy. This is the first time this has happened in an Institute side test. Chrysler engineers say they've identified a problem with the computer program algorithm that calculates when to fire the airbags and are working on a remedy. When the computer program is fixed, the Institute will conduct another test of the Dakota and publish the results.

Zuby notes that "the Dakota is the only 2010 small pickup the Institute tested that has optional rather than standard side airbags. Most of the auto industry pledged to get standard side airbags in every new passenger vehicle by now."

Chrysler was among 15 manufacturers who got together in 2003 and agreed on the first set of rules designed to reduce the risks for people in front and side crashes involving larger and heavier SUVs and pickup trucks. Although the compatibility agreement specified performance criteria and not features, the idea was to make safety improvements like installing side airbags in all passenger vehicles more quickly than would have been the case with a government regulation.

"Chrysler is the only manufacturer we know of that isn't living up to the spirit of the 2003 agreement," Zuby says.

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of another pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on 2 instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing 5th percentile women, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.
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Preview: Ford’s new RS twins

The RS Clubsport (opposite) will arrive before the end of the year. Limited to 500 models and priced at around £35,000, it will get a 350bhp, 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo. There will also be lightweight racing seats, lowered and stiffened suspension and sticky tyres, plus a dramatic paintjob. With that extra punch but fewer kilos to carry around, it should sprint from 0-60mph in five seconds. As with Renault’s previous Mégane R26.R, it will be a fitting send-off for one of the best RS models in history.


Its replacement, the all-new RS (above), will be crammed with technology, and offer fans a totally different experience to the current car. A revolutionary hybrid system will give it the option of four-wheel drive.


Unfortunately, the Focus RS won’t arrive for at least another three years. In the meantime, the next 18 months will see the debut of a high-performance non-hybrid ST with a 240bhp 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo.
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Ford Galaxy 2011

Ford of Europe unveiled new versions of its top-selling Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy at the 2010 Brussels Show. With fresh designs and the latest evolution of Ford's kinetic design cues, they feature new interior materials and features, a range of more efficient powertrains and a host of driver focused technologies aimed at safety and comfort.

The 2010 Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy models kick off a busy year for new product introductions from Ford of Europe but, more significantly, herald the arrival of a series of new and innovative technologies and features that, as they are introduced throughout the year, will challenge established perceptions of what Ford cars feel like to sit in and drive.

2011 Ford S-Max Pictures

2011 Ford S-Max Pictures

2011 Ford S-Max Pictures wallpaper

World Premier Ford Focus 2010

Next-generation Ford Focus makes its worldwide debut at 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit
* Focus spearheads Ford’s new generation of global C-cars, all based on a common platform that will underpin up to 10 vehicles around the world and account for 2 million units of annual production by 2012
* Stylish new range provides customers with class-leading new technologies, features and craftsmanship
* New Focus targets exceptional fuel economy, and advances acclaimed levels of driving quality
* New range will start production simultaneously in Europe and North America in late 2010 and go on sale early in 2011. Asia, Africa and South America production will follow

 

The new Ford Focus has been developed by a global team, led from Ford’s European small and medium vehicle center of excellence in Merkenich, near Cologne, Germany, with powertrain development led by a similar team at Ford’s technical center in Dunton, England. The vehicle has been engineered without compromise to meet all customer and legislative requirements of the major worldwide markets.

Source:-autoincar.com

Ford and M-Sport have presented Fiesta S2000

Ford Motor Company and M-Sport have shown created by them new rally car Ford Fiesta S2000. It is the first car for the international rallies, constructed by efforts of the given alliance. Fiesta S2000 will participate in variety of competitions, beginning from Intercontinental Rally Challenge and finishing S2000 World Cup.

It is a high time to recollect technical characteristics. Together with a safety cage racing bolid 1197 kg weigh, thus it is equipped by the two-litre atmospheric four-cylinder motor I4 Duratec S2000 developing 280 h.p. of capacity and 260 Nanometers of a twisting moment which are transferred to four driving wheels through mechanical sequental gear box with clutch from AP. Brake plates Brembo can be changed on approaching on diameter depending on a line.

This car is planned for January, 2010.

SEMA 2009: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

When Ford for the first time has presented one year ago new F-150 SVT Raptor, it has been equipped by the same 5,4-litre V8, as other representatives of a F-series. Still then project heads have promised 6,2-litre V8. Well, will not pass also two years as the promise will come true – to order Raptor 6.2 it will be possible since December, first.

Ford promised in new version 400 horsepowers of capacity and 541Nm a twisting moment. Now, when the engine has passed certification, there is a possibility to speak about 411 h.p. of capacity on 5500 turns and 587Nm on 4500 turns.

According to the marketing manager Mark Grubers , Raptor 6.2 can dispersed to hundred on one and a half second faster, than 5.4, but it to be reflected and in the price: it will manage on $3 000 more expensively, than average 5.4, that is from $41 995. At present Ford has already received three thousand orders on 5,4-litre Raptor and delivered 700 cars to buyers.

Ford Kuga will be produced in USA

Dollar exchange rate falling under the relation in the European currency and presence of free capacities to the USA force company management Ford to transfer manufacture of cars from Europe to America. According to agency Bloomberg, crossover Ford Kuga becomes the first European model which will move for ocean, – in 2011 this car will start to assemble not in Germany, and in America in the State of Kentucky.

Simultaneously with it in the USA sale Kuga which could be bought till now only in the Old World will begin. Thus about 80 000 assembled in America Kuga will be then delivered to Europe. Certainly, from the point of view of logistics it is not too convenient, however, at the expense of lower cost price of manufacture of cars in the USA, it will be all the same more favourable, than to do cars in the Old World.

New Ford Mondeo. The first PHOTOS

It would seem that Ford only has more recently begun sale new Mondeo, and in the western press have already started to discuss Mondeo following generation which will appear on the market in 2012. Journalists of British edition AutoExpress are assured that new Mondeo will be made in the same style, as present model. However the car begins to look much more aggressive and more sports.

Apparently, development so-called «kinetic design from Ford» will reach in following Mondeo of the peak. The car will have a body with the sharp sides, strongly tilted front windshield, the big head lights and a powerful bumper. And in general, Mondeo, at least in a body 5-doors hatchback, will resemble much more a coupe.

The interior becomes another also. Ford plans to make the present jerk on the way to a premium-class. Therefore it is necessary to expect from Mondeo very qualitative materials of furnish, an excellent noise isolation and a large quantity every possible modern updates.

Well and under cowl Mondeo will start to put already only turbo motors – differently to engineers very difficult to achieve small fuel consumption and comprehensible capacity. The petrol unit in volume of 1,6 l which will give out 150 h.p. or 180 h.p. depending on adjustment (agree, excellent indicators for such volume), most likely, will be base. Also there will be a motor in volume of 2,0 l which will already give out an order of 200 h.p. Diesel engines will give out from 120 h.p. to 200 h.p. Well and at scale top there will be 3,5-litre V6 capacity already 350 h.p. and a twisting moment in 475 Nm.

Ford Mustang FR500CJ (Video)

Testing new Cobra Jet Mustang in the heat, and as appears from a videoclip given Ford Racing, all goes very fine. During recent tests with a new power-plant standing on start FR500CJ has turned huge wheels, having shown an excellent twisting moment. No doubt to tear off a wheel from the earth the car is obliged by ability to the new motor with the aluminium cylinder block which weight is much less, than at steel analogues. Whether there will be one of variants of this engine in following Shelby GT500? For now look a short video.

Cool Ford Sedan Pictures

A cool collection of Ford Sedan pictures. This cool example has been beautifully modded. Check these pictures out.