Two notable Fords will play prominent roles in the 2010 NCAA Men's Frozen Four, which will be held April 8-10 at Ford Field in Detroit.
Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford will serve as co-chairman of the Detroit Local Organizing Committee for the Frozen Four. And the Ford Transit Connect, recently named North American Truck of the Year, will serve as the official vehicle for the prestigious NCAA championship event.
Bill Ford co-chairs Detroit Local Organizing Committee for NCAA Men's Frozen Four
In his role as co-chairman, Ford will oversee Detroit Local Organizing Committee activities and fundraising, as well as host efforts for a series of public events, including a FanFest, open practices and Frozen Four Friday, which will feature exciting skills challenges involving the championship team players, autograph sessions and NCAA Division 1 Men's Ice Hockey award announcements.
Ford and fellow co-chairman Christopher Ilitch announced details of upcoming Frozen Four activities at Detroit's Campus Martius Park today. The two avid ice hockey fans and longtime players skated onto the ice wearing special Frozen Four hockey sweaters with Ford No. 20 and Ilitch No. 10 (displaying "2010" when photographed side by side) on the backs of their jerseys. They also took turns skating and stick-handling on the ice with more than 25 local youth players.
Ford Transit Connect: Official vehicle of the NCAA Men's Frozen Four
As the official vehicle of the Frozen Four, the Ford Transit Connect will serve as a "billboard on wheels" for the event, traveling to nearly a dozen CCHA games and the conference championship at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena in March before returning to Ford Field for the Frozen Four Championship in April.
The Transit Connect is decaled with a Frozen Four logo and ticket information, the CCHA crest and symbols of the 12 college teams participating in the CCHA tournament. In addition to promotion, the vehicle will be used to transport hockey gear to and from various locations.
Powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, the Transit Connect offers double the fuel economy of full-size vans, delivering an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
Quotes
"We believe that with the leadership of Bill Ford in the role of co-chairman, the 2010 Frozen Four at Ford Field will be a tremendous success. Not only is he an extremely successful and visionary businessman and committed civic leader, he also is a great sportsman and passionate hockey fan who loves the game of hockey and even plays the game himself."
– Tom Anastos, Commissioner, CCHA
"We were looking for a head-turning vehicle to use for mobile promotion of our Championship. The Transit Connect's unique look, great utility, excellent fuel mileage and recent distinction as the 2010 North American Truck of the Year make it the perfect choice."
– Tom Anastos, Commissioner, CCHA
"The Transit Connect's large side panels make it an ideal promotional tool for the Frozen Four. It also is an excellent utility vehicle, with more than 135 cubic feet of cargo space and up to 1,600 pounds of cargo-carrying capacity. And it's more fuel efficient than other cargo vans, making it a cost-effective choice for road trips."
– Damoni Hurt, Transit Connect Marketing Manager
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January, 2010
Explorer Finds Sweet Home in Chicago
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
“Come on, baby, don't you want to go… sweet home Chicago” goes the classic blues song by Robert Johnson. Had the song been written today it might have been about the next-generation Ford Explorer, which will be produced at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant beginning in the fourth quarter of this year, the company announced today.
Ford is investing nearly $400 million in its Chicago manufacturing facilities to launch production of the new, fuel-efficient Ford Explorer. The company also will add 1,200 new jobs to staff a second production shift at Chicago Assembly Plant and increase production at the nearby Chicago Stamping Plant.
The next-generation Explorer will be built at the Chicago Assembly Plant on a flexible assembly line alongside the new Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS sedans. Ford’s $400 million investment includes approximately $180 million in manufacturing investment at the Chicago sites and about $220 million for launch and engineering costs. In addition, Ford will be making significant investment in supplier tooling to support next-generation Explorer production.
Explorer to have better fuel economy, inflatable seat belts
The new Explorer will deliver at least 25 percent better fuel economy than the current model. The vehicle will feature unibody construction, Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology, a six-speed transmission and lightweight materials. Ford will provide full details about the new Explorer later this year.
In addition, the next-generation Explorer will debut the auto industry’s first-ever production inflatable seat belts, designed to provide additional protection for rear-seat occupants – often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries. The inflatable rear seat belts spread crash forces over five times more area of the body than conventional seat belts, which helps to reduce pressure on the chest and to control head and neck motion for rear-seat passengers. Ford eventually plans to offer inflatable seat belt technology on other vehicles globally.
An economic infusion
In planning for the company’s future manufacturing presence in the state, Ford worked closely with Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, who led an effort in passing legislation that allows Ford to participate in Illinois’ Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program, which provides tax incentives to businesses that commit to new investments and create or retain jobs in the state. This legislation allows Ford to participate in the EDGE program through payroll tax credits rather than corporate income taxes.
Ford’s investment of $400 million in Chicago-area manufacturing facilities and Explorer’s fuel economy improvement of at least 25 percent is also supported by Ford’s green partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy. Chicago Assembly Plant is one of 11 Ford facilities in the U.S. participating in the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentives Program initiated by Congress and implemented by the Obama administration. The program is helping to develop advanced technology vehicles and strengthen American manufacturing across the country. Ford, Nissan, Tesla, Fisker and Tenneco are all participants in this initiative.
The current Explorer and Explorer Sport Trac models are built at the company’s Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky. Shifting production of the next-generation Explorer to Chicago Assembly paves the way for Louisville Assembly to undergo transformation to a flexible, fuel-efficient small car plant from a truck-based SUV plant. Ford will begin producing new vehicles at Louisville Assembly based on its global C-car platform in 2011. The specific models will be named at a later date.
The Chicago Assembly Plant, opened in 1924, currently has approximately 1,200 employees working on one shift. Ford’s Chicago Stamping Plant, which opened in 1956, has approximately 700 employees on two shifts. Opened in 1955, Louisville Assembly Plant has approximately 1,000 employees operating on one shift.
Quotes
“The new Explorer will redefine the SUV for the modern era – retaining the capability customers want while delivering superb fuel efficiency, comfort and convenience. This investment underscores Ford’s commitment to building world-class, fuel-efficient vehicles in America and creating new jobs that will contribute to our nation’s economic recovery.”
– Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas
“Our Chicago Assembly Plant – with its excellent work force, lean and flexible manufacturing processes, and proud history of making great Ford vehicles – is the ideal choice for building the new Explorer. The plant successfully has launched two new vehicles in the past two years and our Chicago employees consistently deliver with an eye on quality, efficiency and safety.”
– Jim Tetreault, Ford Vice President, North America Manufacturing
“Governor Quinn immediately understood the importance of helping Ford by proposing and passing legislation that provides us with an alternative way to claim and secure these important tax credits. We are grateful for his support of Ford and auto manufacturing in Illinois, and want to thank him for his leadership.”
– Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas
“The production of the new Ford Explorer will create 1,200 new jobs here in Illinois. The Economic Development for a Growing Economy tax credit, which I put the full weight of my administration behind and signed into law in December, has provided much needed relief to our state’s ailing automotive industry and the necessary incentives for one of our nation’s leading car companies to stay in the Land of Lincoln.”
– Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn
“Ford has been a major presence in our city since 1924 when it opened this plant to make the Model T. The company has demonstrated its commitment to Chicago by spending millions of dollars to modernize the facility in recent years, and I want to thank the company for that commitment and for its faith in Chicago and its residents.”
– Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley
Ford is investing nearly $400 million in its Chicago manufacturing facilities to launch production of the new, fuel-efficient Ford Explorer. The company also will add 1,200 new jobs to staff a second production shift at Chicago Assembly Plant and increase production at the nearby Chicago Stamping Plant.
The next-generation Explorer will be built at the Chicago Assembly Plant on a flexible assembly line alongside the new Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS sedans. Ford’s $400 million investment includes approximately $180 million in manufacturing investment at the Chicago sites and about $220 million for launch and engineering costs. In addition, Ford will be making significant investment in supplier tooling to support next-generation Explorer production.
Explorer to have better fuel economy, inflatable seat belts
The new Explorer will deliver at least 25 percent better fuel economy than the current model. The vehicle will feature unibody construction, Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology, a six-speed transmission and lightweight materials. Ford will provide full details about the new Explorer later this year.
In addition, the next-generation Explorer will debut the auto industry’s first-ever production inflatable seat belts, designed to provide additional protection for rear-seat occupants – often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries. The inflatable rear seat belts spread crash forces over five times more area of the body than conventional seat belts, which helps to reduce pressure on the chest and to control head and neck motion for rear-seat passengers. Ford eventually plans to offer inflatable seat belt technology on other vehicles globally.
An economic infusion
In planning for the company’s future manufacturing presence in the state, Ford worked closely with Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, who led an effort in passing legislation that allows Ford to participate in Illinois’ Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program, which provides tax incentives to businesses that commit to new investments and create or retain jobs in the state. This legislation allows Ford to participate in the EDGE program through payroll tax credits rather than corporate income taxes.
Ford’s investment of $400 million in Chicago-area manufacturing facilities and Explorer’s fuel economy improvement of at least 25 percent is also supported by Ford’s green partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy. Chicago Assembly Plant is one of 11 Ford facilities in the U.S. participating in the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentives Program initiated by Congress and implemented by the Obama administration. The program is helping to develop advanced technology vehicles and strengthen American manufacturing across the country. Ford, Nissan, Tesla, Fisker and Tenneco are all participants in this initiative.
The current Explorer and Explorer Sport Trac models are built at the company’s Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky. Shifting production of the next-generation Explorer to Chicago Assembly paves the way for Louisville Assembly to undergo transformation to a flexible, fuel-efficient small car plant from a truck-based SUV plant. Ford will begin producing new vehicles at Louisville Assembly based on its global C-car platform in 2011. The specific models will be named at a later date.
The Chicago Assembly Plant, opened in 1924, currently has approximately 1,200 employees working on one shift. Ford’s Chicago Stamping Plant, which opened in 1956, has approximately 700 employees on two shifts. Opened in 1955, Louisville Assembly Plant has approximately 1,000 employees operating on one shift.
Quotes
“The new Explorer will redefine the SUV for the modern era – retaining the capability customers want while delivering superb fuel efficiency, comfort and convenience. This investment underscores Ford’s commitment to building world-class, fuel-efficient vehicles in America and creating new jobs that will contribute to our nation’s economic recovery.”
– Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas
“Our Chicago Assembly Plant – with its excellent work force, lean and flexible manufacturing processes, and proud history of making great Ford vehicles – is the ideal choice for building the new Explorer. The plant successfully has launched two new vehicles in the past two years and our Chicago employees consistently deliver with an eye on quality, efficiency and safety.”
– Jim Tetreault, Ford Vice President, North America Manufacturing
“Governor Quinn immediately understood the importance of helping Ford by proposing and passing legislation that provides us with an alternative way to claim and secure these important tax credits. We are grateful for his support of Ford and auto manufacturing in Illinois, and want to thank him for his leadership.”
– Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas
“The production of the new Ford Explorer will create 1,200 new jobs here in Illinois. The Economic Development for a Growing Economy tax credit, which I put the full weight of my administration behind and signed into law in December, has provided much needed relief to our state’s ailing automotive industry and the necessary incentives for one of our nation’s leading car companies to stay in the Land of Lincoln.”
– Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn
“Ford has been a major presence in our city since 1924 when it opened this plant to make the Model T. The company has demonstrated its commitment to Chicago by spending millions of dollars to modernize the facility in recent years, and I want to thank the company for that commitment and for its faith in Chicago and its residents.”
– Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley
Tags: Chicago, Ford, Ford Explorer, Ford Motor Company
Posted in Ford SUVs - text, Ford Trucks - text, Ford in the Community | No Comments »
Live Chat with Rally Car Driver Ken Block
Friday, January 22nd, 2010
You may have heard that Ken Block recently teamed up with Ford. In 2010, Ken will campaign a Ford Focus in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and a Ford Fiesta in Rally America and X Games. You
can read more about that and watch a teaser video by clicking here to go to that theFordStory article.
At 1:45 p.m. EST on January 22, 2010, you’ll have a chance to participate in a live chat with Ken right here. He’ll be answering questions and sharing some of his experiences.
Ken’s rally career began in 2005. His skill and car control were quickly apparent and he was aptly named Rookie of the Year in the Rally America Championship. Since then, he has continued to race in the series, boasting a healthy number of podium appearances, as well as X Games medals.
In addition to his performance in the car, Ken has been a driving force in shining a spotlight on the sport of rally in the United States. Before entering motorsports, he co-founded DC Shoes, a worldwide leader in performance skateboarding shoes and a renowned action sports brand.
His keen sense of marketing not only helped elevate DC to their current status, but it has also allowed Ken to achieve global fame as a national rally driver through his very successful viral video campaigns. Ad Age named his Gymkhana TWP film the No. 4 Viral Video of 2009.
In 2010, Ken goes global. He will compete in both Rally America and X Games in the United States with a Ford Fiesta, and WRC in a Ford Focus RS.
We make it easy for you to share this story with your friends; simply click on the “share this” method of your choice at the top right corner of this page. You can also click here to sign up for updates from Ford Motor Company, and click here to add an RSS feed to your regular homepage.
can read more about that and watch a teaser video by clicking here to go to that theFordStory article.
At 1:45 p.m. EST on January 22, 2010, you’ll have a chance to participate in a live chat with Ken right here. He’ll be answering questions and sharing some of his experiences.
Ken’s rally career began in 2005. His skill and car control were quickly apparent and he was aptly named Rookie of the Year in the Rally America Championship. Since then, he has continued to race in the series, boasting a healthy number of podium appearances, as well as X Games medals.
In addition to his performance in the car, Ken has been a driving force in shining a spotlight on the sport of rally in the United States. Before entering motorsports, he co-founded DC Shoes, a worldwide leader in performance skateboarding shoes and a renowned action sports brand.
His keen sense of marketing not only helped elevate DC to their current status, but it has also allowed Ken to achieve global fame as a national rally driver through his very successful viral video campaigns. Ad Age named his Gymkhana TWP film the No. 4 Viral Video of 2009.
In 2010, Ken goes global. He will compete in both Rally America and X Games in the United States with a Ford Fiesta, and WRC in a Ford Focus RS.
We make it easy for you to share this story with your friends; simply click on the “share this” method of your choice at the top right corner of this page. You can also click here to sign up for updates from Ford Motor Company, and click here to add an RSS feed to your regular homepage.
Tags: FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Ken Block, Live Chat, Rally America, X Games
Posted in Ford Cars - text, Ford Fiesta - text, Ford Focus - text snippets | No Comments »
Can You Get the High Score?
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
Game on! The 2010 Ford Taurus takes a giant leap into cyberspace today, starring in a new online interactive game that takes product placement in casual gaming to the next level by fully integrating the vehicle and its technology and features into the gaming experience.
The game, “White Collar: Chasing the Shadow,” is an extension of the critically acclaimed USA NETWORK drama “White Collar,” which follows a con artist and FBI agent who team up to catch bad guys. The Taurus is not only featured prominently in the television series but now in a new online game that allows players – acting as FBI trainees – to drive the Taurus and use its features to catch a notorious villain dubbed “The White Shadow.”
What makes this initiative unique is that the 2010 Taurus isn’t just along for the ride. The new and class-exclusive technologies in the Taurus are used to interpret clues and collect evidence.
For example, players use the Ford SYNC technology to access text messages that contain important crime-solving tips.
Online game product placement: Kicking it up a notch
Product placement in online games is not new for Ford, but the depth of the Taurus integration in “White Collar: Chasing the Shadow” is.
Ford is continually looking for ways to extend partnerships – like the one with USA NETWORK – in meaningful ways.
If you would like to experience the Taurus in the new online game, please visit http://chasingtheshadow.usanetwork.com/ and click on the “games” tab at the top of the page.
Quotes
“Features like SYNC, SecuriCode, Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning are used in the online game as they would be by a real-world consumer, and they seamlessly contribute to the game’s plot and puzzles. The game also is episodic in nature, giving players the ability to come back and solve new puzzles weekly and vary the ways in which they interact with the Taurus.”
– Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content & Alliances Manager
“This is a more immersive, realistic and storytelling-based experience that is more closely aligned with television and movie product integration,” he said. “It raises the bar by providing realistic environments and compelling game play that showcases the Taurus and its features to consumers.”
– Jonathan Beebe, Taurus Digital Marketing Manager
“What we really liked about creating the online game with USA is that it not only introduces Taurus to millions of consumers through the popularity of online gaming but provides them with a very engaging way to experience the innovative technology and features in the new Taurus.”
– Jeff Eggen, Ford Car Experiential Marketing Manager
The game, “White Collar: Chasing the Shadow,” is an extension of the critically acclaimed USA NETWORK drama “White Collar,” which follows a con artist and FBI agent who team up to catch bad guys. The Taurus is not only featured prominently in the television series but now in a new online game that allows players – acting as FBI trainees – to drive the Taurus and use its features to catch a notorious villain dubbed “The White Shadow.”
What makes this initiative unique is that the 2010 Taurus isn’t just along for the ride. The new and class-exclusive technologies in the Taurus are used to interpret clues and collect evidence.
For example, players use the Ford SYNC technology to access text messages that contain important crime-solving tips.
Online game product placement: Kicking it up a notch
Product placement in online games is not new for Ford, but the depth of the Taurus integration in “White Collar: Chasing the Shadow” is.
Ford is continually looking for ways to extend partnerships – like the one with USA NETWORK – in meaningful ways.
If you would like to experience the Taurus in the new online game, please visit http://chasingtheshadow.usanetwork.com/ and click on the “games” tab at the top of the page.
Quotes
“Features like SYNC, SecuriCode, Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning are used in the online game as they would be by a real-world consumer, and they seamlessly contribute to the game’s plot and puzzles. The game also is episodic in nature, giving players the ability to come back and solve new puzzles weekly and vary the ways in which they interact with the Taurus.”
– Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content & Alliances Manager
“This is a more immersive, realistic and storytelling-based experience that is more closely aligned with television and movie product integration,” he said. “It raises the bar by providing realistic environments and compelling game play that showcases the Taurus and its features to consumers.”
– Jonathan Beebe, Taurus Digital Marketing Manager
“What we really liked about creating the online game with USA is that it not only introduces Taurus to millions of consumers through the popularity of online gaming but provides them with a very engaging way to experience the innovative technology and features in the new Taurus.”
– Jeff Eggen, Ford Car Experiential Marketing Manager
Tags: Ford, Ford Motor Company, Ford Taurus, Gaming, SYNC, White Collar: Chasing the Shadow
Posted in Ford Taurus - text | No Comments »
And You Thought Avatar Was Cool!
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
Engineers at United Space Alliance (USA) and Ford Motor Company are sharing their animation software experiences to create virtual reality simulations that benefit both astronauts and drivers.
Ford is applying virtual reality animation software that is used by movie animators and video game creators to improve real-life driving situations before the first prototype is even built. In an immersive Virtual Evaluation lab (iVE), Ford engineers create virtual vehicles complete with exterior views.
Space-age sedan
Engineers for USA, the prime Space Shuttle contractor, are using the same technology at the Kennedy Space Center to help build future space vehicles safer and more efficiently. Current applications include using the technology to track and characterize launch debris during ascent. Past applications include developing processes to more efficiently remove and re-install the reinforced carbon-carbon panels on the Space Shuttle wing leading edges.
In the case of the Lincoln MKS, for example, iVE was used to test multiple iterations of the sedan’s centerstack at varying eye points. The intent is to find the best possible placement of controls and displays not only for aesthetics and visibility, but it helps engineers and designers to see how certain designs and layouts look before the vehicle is built.
Ford iVE technicians can put themselves in the customer’s shoes and get a better understanding of how the vehicle’s dashboard displays look from the customer’s point of view or evaluate height of the centerstack, for example. They can then judge things like whether the cockpit feels too crowded or cavernous, if all the buttons and dials on the dashboard are visible and within reach, and whether the layout is appealing.
Virtual vehicle development
Ford is the auto industry leader when it comes to melding state-of-the-art motion capture and immersive virtual reality tools. Using analytical data derived from those tests, Ford can test targets in the iVE lab to improve visibility, quality and comfort of its vehicles, while significantly reducing the time and cost that come with prototype development.
Ford engineers, using a suite of virtual tools including animation software, have shaved eight to 14 months off the time it took to develop a vehicle five years ago.
USA, a leading space operations company, is also using the same digital animation tool to develop models that accurately predict how the loss of materials would affect liftoff of the Space Shuttle or the next generation vehicles.
Working with Ford, USA is looking at ways to customize the technology used by Ford to help it make quick decisions about repairs and maintenance, as well as determine the best decisions should a spacecraft face unexpected events.
These two teams are sharing information to the benefit of both. Ford engineers have helped USA to specify software enhancements to human simulation software and motion tracking technology with the goal of simulating spacecraft repairs.
In turn, USA engineers have provided expertise to Ford engineers to enhance the immersive virtual experience by improving response time, allowing for a smoother and more realistic environment. They’ve also provided expertise on computer and projection hardware.
Quotes
“In this virtual environment, we can evaluate early vehicle designs against a backdrop of virtual conditions and literally experience a vehicle from someone else’s vantage point before it is built, helping us to create a car, truck or crossover that provides the perfect environment for the driver and its occupants.”
– Elizabeth Baron, Ford’s Virtual Reality and Advanced Visualization Technical Specialist
“Being able to evaluate a vehicle in the virtual world allows us to duplicate anything to recreate a realistic driving experience. We’re even able to include passing cars, pedestrians and animated towns in the driving experience.”
– Elizabeth Baron, Ford’s Virtual Reality and Advanced Visualization Technical Specialist
“The opportunities working with the Ford Visualization team are providing us invaluable knowledge in combining ergonomic analysis with visualization technology. It was extremely interesting to see how similar our efforts are regarding automobile and spacecraft processing. When the two teams got together a wealth of creative ideas were formed and lasting friendships were made. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Ford team.”
– Brad Lawrence, USA Computer Science Lead
“Helping our designers build cars that are a better fit for drivers and passengers is a thrill and teaming up and sharing ideas with USA for the benefit of our space program is a whole other level of cool. We’ve learned a great deal from USA about how to make our virtual lab even more life-like for engineers and designers so our new vehicles look and feel just right inside.”
– Elizabeth Baron, Ford’s Virtual Reality and Advanced Visualization Technical Specialist
“Ford is better able to refine the design of new vehicles, and USA aims to prepare for any scenario that lies ahead.”
– Elizabeth Baron, Ford’s Virtual Reality and Advanced Visualization Technical Specialist
Ford is applying virtual reality animation software that is used by movie animators and video game creators to improve real-life driving situations before the first prototype is even built. In an immersive Virtual Evaluation lab (iVE), Ford engineers create virtual vehicles complete with exterior views.
Space-age sedan
Engineers for USA, the prime Space Shuttle contractor, are using the same technology at the Kennedy Space Center to help build future space vehicles safer and more efficiently. Current applications include using the technology to track and characterize launch debris during ascent. Past applications include developing processes to more efficiently remove and re-install the reinforced carbon-carbon panels on the Space Shuttle wing leading edges.
In the case of the Lincoln MKS, for example, iVE was used to test multiple iterations of the sedan’s centerstack at varying eye points. The intent is to find the best possible placement of controls and displays not only for aesthetics and visibility, but it helps engineers and designers to see how certain designs and layouts look before the vehicle is built.
Ford iVE technicians can put themselves in the customer’s shoes and get a better understanding of how the vehicle’s dashboard displays look from the customer’s point of view or evaluate height of the centerstack, for example. They can then judge things like whether the cockpit feels too crowded or cavernous, if all the buttons and dials on the dashboard are visible and within reach, and whether the layout is appealing.
Virtual vehicle development
Ford is the auto industry leader when it comes to melding state-of-the-art motion capture and immersive virtual reality tools. Using analytical data derived from those tests, Ford can test targets in the iVE lab to improve visibility, quality and comfort of its vehicles, while significantly reducing the time and cost that come with prototype development.
Ford engineers, using a suite of virtual tools including animation software, have shaved eight to 14 months off the time it took to develop a vehicle five years ago.
USA, a leading space operations company, is also using the same digital animation tool to develop models that accurately predict how the loss of materials would affect liftoff of the Space Shuttle or the next generation vehicles.
Working with Ford, USA is looking at ways to customize the technology used by Ford to help it make quick decisions about repairs and maintenance, as well as determine the best decisions should a spacecraft face unexpected events.
These two teams are sharing information to the benefit of both. Ford engineers have helped USA to specify software enhancements to human simulation software and motion tracking technology with the goal of simulating spacecraft repairs.
In turn, USA engineers have provided expertise to Ford engineers to enhance the immersive virtual experience by improving response time, allowing for a smoother and more realistic environment. They’ve also provided expertise on computer and projection hardware.
Quotes
“In this virtual environment, we can evaluate early vehicle designs against a backdrop of virtual conditions and literally experience a vehicle from someone else’s vantage point before it is built, helping us to create a car, truck or crossover that provides the perfect environment for the driver and its occupants.”
– Elizabeth Baron, Ford’s Virtual Reality and Advanced Visualization Technical Specialist
“Being able to evaluate a vehicle in the virtual world allows us to duplicate anything to recreate a realistic driving experience. We’re even able to include passing cars, pedestrians and animated towns in the driving experience.”
– Elizabeth Baron, Ford’s Virtual Reality and Advanced Visualization Technical Specialist
“The opportunities working with the Ford Visualization team are providing us invaluable knowledge in combining ergonomic analysis with visualization technology. It was extremely interesting to see how similar our efforts are regarding automobile and spacecraft processing. When the two teams got together a wealth of creative ideas were formed and lasting friendships were made. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Ford team.”
– Brad Lawrence, USA Computer Science Lead
“Helping our designers build cars that are a better fit for drivers and passengers is a thrill and teaming up and sharing ideas with USA for the benefit of our space program is a whole other level of cool. We’ve learned a great deal from USA about how to make our virtual lab even more life-like for engineers and designers so our new vehicles look and feel just right inside.”
– Elizabeth Baron, Ford’s Virtual Reality and Advanced Visualization Technical Specialist
“Ford is better able to refine the design of new vehicles, and USA aims to prepare for any scenario that lies ahead.”
– Elizabeth Baron, Ford’s Virtual Reality and Advanced Visualization Technical Specialist
Tags: Ford, Ford Motor Company, immersive Virtual Evaluation, Lincoln, Lincoln MKS, United Space Alliance
Posted in Ford Technology - text, Lincoln - text | No Comments »
How Much Will You Bid to Own a Piece of History?
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
Ford’s new 2011 Mustang GT will serve as the Official Pace Car at this year’s 52nd Daytona 500, the first time in 40 years a Ford vehicle has paced NASCAR’s biggest and most prestigious race.
Under the hood of the Mustang GT Glass Roof Coupe will be Ford’s all-new 5.0-liter V-8, which will be available to customers in dealer showrooms this spring.
Before the new Ford Mustang takes to the track, one lucky enthusiast will have the rare opportunity to own the pace car pony and help a deserving charity at the same time.
The Race Red Mustang, which carries a special Daytona 500 striped paint scheme, will be auctioned at the 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction on Jan. 23 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, in Scottsdale, Ariz. The event will be televised live on the SPEED channel. All proceeds from the car over MSRP will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), a leader in research leading to a cure for Type 1 diabetes.
This is the first time in four decades that a Ford Motor Company vehicle will pace the Daytona 500. The last time was in 1970 when the Ford Torino GT convertible had the honors.
In addition to the special paint, the Mustang pace car features a Brembo brake package, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique 19-inch painted wheels, summer-only tires and a special interior treatment, including lit sill plates. It also carries an early VIN and will be among the first 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8s made available for sale to the public.
Quotes
“This is the resurgence of Ford, and pacing the field at the Daytona 500 is a great opportunity to showcase all of the technology that the new 2011 Mustang 5.0 brings to deliver 412 horsepower and projected unsurpassed highway mileage of 25 mpg,”
– Mark Fields, President, The Americas.
“Over the past three years, Ford is proud to have raised more than $2 million for JDRF through the sales of vehicles at Barrett-Jackson. This year, one lucky bidder will not only experience the thrill of seeing his or her 2011 Mustang pacing the Daytona 500 in front of 43 of the world’s greatest race car drivers, but will contribute toward finding a cure for juvenile diabetes at the same time.”
– Jamie Allison, Director, Ford North America Motorsports
“It would be a thrill to own this early VIN, one-of-one 2011 Mustang GT Glass Roof Coupe Daytona 500 Pace Car and watch it lead the famous race in February. And knowing that you helped an amazing organization like JDRF would make it even better.”
– Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson
Under the hood of the Mustang GT Glass Roof Coupe will be Ford’s all-new 5.0-liter V-8, which will be available to customers in dealer showrooms this spring.
Before the new Ford Mustang takes to the track, one lucky enthusiast will have the rare opportunity to own the pace car pony and help a deserving charity at the same time.
The Race Red Mustang, which carries a special Daytona 500 striped paint scheme, will be auctioned at the 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction on Jan. 23 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, in Scottsdale, Ariz. The event will be televised live on the SPEED channel. All proceeds from the car over MSRP will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), a leader in research leading to a cure for Type 1 diabetes.
This is the first time in four decades that a Ford Motor Company vehicle will pace the Daytona 500. The last time was in 1970 when the Ford Torino GT convertible had the honors.
In addition to the special paint, the Mustang pace car features a Brembo brake package, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique 19-inch painted wheels, summer-only tires and a special interior treatment, including lit sill plates. It also carries an early VIN and will be among the first 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8s made available for sale to the public.
Quotes
“This is the resurgence of Ford, and pacing the field at the Daytona 500 is a great opportunity to showcase all of the technology that the new 2011 Mustang 5.0 brings to deliver 412 horsepower and projected unsurpassed highway mileage of 25 mpg,”
– Mark Fields, President, The Americas.
“Over the past three years, Ford is proud to have raised more than $2 million for JDRF through the sales of vehicles at Barrett-Jackson. This year, one lucky bidder will not only experience the thrill of seeing his or her 2011 Mustang pacing the Daytona 500 in front of 43 of the world’s greatest race car drivers, but will contribute toward finding a cure for juvenile diabetes at the same time.”
– Jamie Allison, Director, Ford North America Motorsports
“It would be a thrill to own this early VIN, one-of-one 2011 Mustang GT Glass Roof Coupe Daytona 500 Pace Car and watch it lead the famous race in February. And knowing that you helped an amazing organization like JDRF would make it even better.”
– Steve Davis, President of Barrett-Jackson
Tags: 2011 Mustang GT, Daytona, Ford, Ford Motor Company, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Mustang, NASCAR, pace car
Posted in 2011 Mustang GT - text, Ford Mustang - text | No Comments »
Look What’s New at Daytona
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
For the first time ever, American’s favorite muscle car will pace ‘The Great American Race.’
For the first time in 40 years, a Ford Motor Company car will be pacing the field for the NASCAR season-opening Daytona 500 when the 2011 Mustang GT, powered by the all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine, officially starts the race on Feb. 14 at Daytona International Speedway.
This latest version of Ford’s legendary muscle car will be a Race Red glass roof coupe with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine capable of producing 412 horsepower, while delivering a class-leading 25 mpg on the highway.
The one-of-a-kind model will feature a special Daytona 500 paint scheme, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique painted wheels, and special interior treatment, including specially branded lit sill plates.
The 2011 Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car model is one of only 50 special editions that will be built and sold to the public.
The last time a Ford served as pace car for the Daytona 500 was 1970 when a Ford Torino GT convertible led the field to the green flag.
And while Mustang may be a rookie when it comes to pacing the Daytona 500, its 45-year history is firmly entrenched in racing and winning championships. Mustang captured championships last year in the Grand-Am KONI and SCCA SPEED World Challenge, in addition to leading Robert Hight to his first NHRA Funny Car championship.
Another element that makes this year’s pace car even more unique is that it will be auctioned off for charity before the actual race. Later this week (Jan. 23), the Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car will be offered at the annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction, which is taking place in Scottsdale, Ariz. Seven-time Daytona 500 champion Richard Petty, the newest member of the Ford Racing family, will be on site to help hand over the car to the winning bidder.
All proceeds over the manufacturer’s suggested retail price from the pace car auction will go to help cure childhood diabetes through a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
About the 2011 Mustang GT
The new Mustang GT continues Ford’s powertrain offensive with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8, which uses advanced technology to deliver 412 horsepower and projected unsurpassed highway mileage of 25 mpg.
The 2011, Mustang GT adds specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, and an enhanced suspension featuring an improved rear lower control arm and stiffened rear stabilizer bushings.
For enthusiasts, a Brembo brake package, with larger rotors and calipers from the Ford Shelby GT500® Mustang, unique 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires, is offered; new fender badges herald return of the 5.0-liter engine.
Quotes
“Having the opportunity to pace America’s biggest auto race with a Ford icon like the 2011 Mustang GT is truly an honor. And to have the new 5.0-liter engine powering the car will be a great way to demonstrate its power and class-leading fuel economy.”
– Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports
“Everybody loves Mustang. That was evident last year from the fan reaction when we announced it was going to be our new model in the NASCAR Nationwide Series starting later this year. This is just another way to showcase a true American icon in its most natural environment.”
– Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports
For the first time in 40 years, a Ford Motor Company car will be pacing the field for the NASCAR season-opening Daytona 500 when the 2011 Mustang GT, powered by the all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine, officially starts the race on Feb. 14 at Daytona International Speedway.
This latest version of Ford’s legendary muscle car will be a Race Red glass roof coupe with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine capable of producing 412 horsepower, while delivering a class-leading 25 mpg on the highway.
The one-of-a-kind model will feature a special Daytona 500 paint scheme, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique painted wheels, and special interior treatment, including specially branded lit sill plates.
The 2011 Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car model is one of only 50 special editions that will be built and sold to the public.
The last time a Ford served as pace car for the Daytona 500 was 1970 when a Ford Torino GT convertible led the field to the green flag.
And while Mustang may be a rookie when it comes to pacing the Daytona 500, its 45-year history is firmly entrenched in racing and winning championships. Mustang captured championships last year in the Grand-Am KONI and SCCA SPEED World Challenge, in addition to leading Robert Hight to his first NHRA Funny Car championship.
Another element that makes this year’s pace car even more unique is that it will be auctioned off for charity before the actual race. Later this week (Jan. 23), the Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car will be offered at the annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction, which is taking place in Scottsdale, Ariz. Seven-time Daytona 500 champion Richard Petty, the newest member of the Ford Racing family, will be on site to help hand over the car to the winning bidder.
All proceeds over the manufacturer’s suggested retail price from the pace car auction will go to help cure childhood diabetes through a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
About the 2011 Mustang GT
The new Mustang GT continues Ford’s powertrain offensive with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8, which uses advanced technology to deliver 412 horsepower and projected unsurpassed highway mileage of 25 mpg.
The 2011, Mustang GT adds specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, and an enhanced suspension featuring an improved rear lower control arm and stiffened rear stabilizer bushings.
For enthusiasts, a Brembo brake package, with larger rotors and calipers from the Ford Shelby GT500® Mustang, unique 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires, is offered; new fender badges herald return of the 5.0-liter engine.
Quotes
“Having the opportunity to pace America’s biggest auto race with a Ford icon like the 2011 Mustang GT is truly an honor. And to have the new 5.0-liter engine powering the car will be a great way to demonstrate its power and class-leading fuel economy.”
– Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports
“Everybody loves Mustang. That was evident last year from the fan reaction when we announced it was going to be our new model in the NASCAR Nationwide Series starting later this year. This is just another way to showcase a true American icon in its most natural environment.”
– Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports
Tags: 2011 Mustang GT, Daytona 500, Daytona International Speedway, Ford, Ford Motor Company, NASCAR, The Great American Race
Posted in 2011 Mustang GT - text, Ford Mustang - text | No Comments »
Sleek, Stylish, Sporty… Significant
Friday, January 15th, 2010
The AutoWeek editorial staff has named Ford’s next-generation Focus the “Most Significant” vehicle of the 2010 North American International Auto Show. High praise indeed, considering the number of excellent cars and trucks at this month’s annual gathering in Detroit. The popular auto show hosted nearly 40 new vehicle premieres.
The next-generation Ford Focus made its worldwide debut Monday, Jan. 11 at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. Scheduled to go on sale in both North America and Europe early in 2011, the new Focus will offer customers more affordable technologies and features than ever in this segment, noteworthy levels of craftsmanship, outstanding fuel economy and a new standard for driving quality.
The prestigious AutoWeek award is being presented just three days after Ford received both the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Ford Transit Connect, respectively.
Sleek, stylish and sporty, the new Focus will eventually be sold in 122 markets, with up to 80 percent parts commonality. The Focus will be built on Ford’s new C-car platform, which will underpin up to 10 unique models and generate sales of 2 million units annually.
The next-generation Ford Focus will be on public display at NAIAS – along with other award-winning Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles – in Detroit’s Cobo Hall through Jan. 24.
For more information
For photos and more information on the next-generation Ford Focus, please click here to reach the global media site.
Quotes
“This was a unanimous vote, one of the few in the history of the AutoWeek award. This car gives Ford and Focus fans their car back. By that we mean enthusiasts have been crying for the European Focus for years and we’re finally getting our wish. We also think it’s a perfect platform for an SVT version. The car goes on sale in 2011 powered by a sporty four-cylinder engine mated to a DSG transmission, and we can’t wait to drive it.”
– Wes Raynal, Editor of AutoWeek and autoweek.com
“We are delighted and humbled with the initial response to the next-generation Ford Focus. The new Focus is a direct result of our new global product development system and perhaps the best example yet of what we believe a global Ford product should be – great to look at, great to sit in and great to drive. This is truly ONE Ford in action.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s Group Vice President for Global Product Development
The next-generation Ford Focus made its worldwide debut Monday, Jan. 11 at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. Scheduled to go on sale in both North America and Europe early in 2011, the new Focus will offer customers more affordable technologies and features than ever in this segment, noteworthy levels of craftsmanship, outstanding fuel economy and a new standard for driving quality.
The prestigious AutoWeek award is being presented just three days after Ford received both the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Ford Transit Connect, respectively.
Sleek, stylish and sporty, the new Focus will eventually be sold in 122 markets, with up to 80 percent parts commonality. The Focus will be built on Ford’s new C-car platform, which will underpin up to 10 unique models and generate sales of 2 million units annually.
The next-generation Ford Focus will be on public display at NAIAS – along with other award-winning Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles – in Detroit’s Cobo Hall through Jan. 24.
For more information
For photos and more information on the next-generation Ford Focus, please click here to reach the global media site.
Quotes
“This was a unanimous vote, one of the few in the history of the AutoWeek award. This car gives Ford and Focus fans their car back. By that we mean enthusiasts have been crying for the European Focus for years and we’re finally getting our wish. We also think it’s a perfect platform for an SVT version. The car goes on sale in 2011 powered by a sporty four-cylinder engine mated to a DSG transmission, and we can’t wait to drive it.”
– Wes Raynal, Editor of AutoWeek and autoweek.com
“We are delighted and humbled with the initial response to the next-generation Ford Focus. The new Focus is a direct result of our new global product development system and perhaps the best example yet of what we believe a global Ford product should be – great to look at, great to sit in and great to drive. This is truly ONE Ford in action.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s Group Vice President for Global Product Development
Tags: 2010 NAIAS, AutoWeek, Focus, Ford, Ford Motor Company, Most Significant Vehicle
Posted in Ford Cars - text, Ford Focus - text snippets | No Comments »
Is It Getting Hot in Here?
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
“I'm goin down down baby, yo' street in a… Mustang GT?” Okay, maybe the lyrics to Nelly’s “Country Grammar” didn’t used to go that way, but maybe they do now. “Street sweeper, baby, cocked ready to let it go…”
The 2011 Mustang 5.0-liter V-8 is set to make its hip-hop debut alongside Grammy Award-winning artist Nelly as part of his upcoming album’s artwork. The album, set to launch this spring, will feature a tricked-out 2011 Mustang GT customized by DUB Magazine.
The 35-year-old rapper, actor and mogul, who was most recently ranked third on Billboard Magazine’s “Artist of the Decade List,” says the Mustang is one of the hottest muscle cars ever to hit the streets.
Nelly’s tricked-out Mustang GT came to life after the artist caught a glimpse of the vehicle while inside the walls of Ford’s design studio a little more than a year ago as part of a partnership tied to the launch of the 2009 Ford Flex. Since then, Nelly has collaborated with Ford’s design team and DUB’s customization team to make the Mustang his own while still keeping the vehicle true to its muscle car roots.
The exterior of the vehicle features a custom gloss black paint job with flat black racing stripes and a Street Scenes body kit complete with custom 22- and 24-inch wheels and Pirelli tires. The vehicle also includes a billet grille, hood scoop, tinted taillights, angel eyes headlights and a Borla exhaust.
In addition, the interior is a complete suede and leather design with a custom JL Audio system that includes two 12-inch subwoofers, amps and speakers.
2011 Ford Mustang GT
The 2011 Ford Mustang GT arrives with an all-new advanced 5.0-liter V-8 engine, developed by a passionate cadre of engineers who rallied around the common goal of delivering more than 400 horsepower.
The modern 5.0-liter four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) V-8 engine in the new Mustang GT will deliver 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. At the same time, fuel economy is projected to be better than the previous model and unsurpassed in the segment.
The 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque delivered by the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8 represent significant increases versus 2010 model year output levels.
A Brembo brake package upgrade will be available for serious enthusiasts. This package includes 14-inch vented front discs from the GT500 Mustang, unique 19-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires.
Quotes
“I don’t care where you grew up, everyone knows the Mustang. At some point, you’ve had a conversation about a Mustang – and it was probably one about you wanting to get behind the wheel of one. I’ve always loved the Mustang; the vehicle has power to the point where you can’t help but want to hit the pedal. And the newest one? More power, hotter style.”
– Nelly
“I’m itching to get behind the wheel of my Mustang and really take it out on the streets. This vehicle being a part of my album artwork is just a reflection of the direction and feel that the album has. To be able to partner with Ford again on another vehicle that is going to change the automotive game is exciting.”
– Nelly
“Nelly is a true car guy, there’s no denying that. When Nelly expressed interest in wanting to partner with Ford on the all-new 2011 Ford Mustang GT, we knew it was a perfect fit. The Mustang has such appeal within the urban market. Since it was launched, the vehicle has made appearances in several of the most popular urban films. This was just a great opportunity for Ford, and we’re excited that the Mustang GT is going to be a part of one of the most anticipated albums of 2010.”
– Crystal Worthem, Ford’s Multicultural Marketing Communications Manager
The 2011 Mustang 5.0-liter V-8 is set to make its hip-hop debut alongside Grammy Award-winning artist Nelly as part of his upcoming album’s artwork. The album, set to launch this spring, will feature a tricked-out 2011 Mustang GT customized by DUB Magazine.
The 35-year-old rapper, actor and mogul, who was most recently ranked third on Billboard Magazine’s “Artist of the Decade List,” says the Mustang is one of the hottest muscle cars ever to hit the streets.
Nelly’s tricked-out Mustang GT came to life after the artist caught a glimpse of the vehicle while inside the walls of Ford’s design studio a little more than a year ago as part of a partnership tied to the launch of the 2009 Ford Flex. Since then, Nelly has collaborated with Ford’s design team and DUB’s customization team to make the Mustang his own while still keeping the vehicle true to its muscle car roots.
The exterior of the vehicle features a custom gloss black paint job with flat black racing stripes and a Street Scenes body kit complete with custom 22- and 24-inch wheels and Pirelli tires. The vehicle also includes a billet grille, hood scoop, tinted taillights, angel eyes headlights and a Borla exhaust.
In addition, the interior is a complete suede and leather design with a custom JL Audio system that includes two 12-inch subwoofers, amps and speakers.
2011 Ford Mustang GT
The 2011 Ford Mustang GT arrives with an all-new advanced 5.0-liter V-8 engine, developed by a passionate cadre of engineers who rallied around the common goal of delivering more than 400 horsepower.
The modern 5.0-liter four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) V-8 engine in the new Mustang GT will deliver 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. At the same time, fuel economy is projected to be better than the previous model and unsurpassed in the segment.
The 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque delivered by the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8 represent significant increases versus 2010 model year output levels.
A Brembo brake package upgrade will be available for serious enthusiasts. This package includes 14-inch vented front discs from the GT500 Mustang, unique 19-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires.
Quotes
“I don’t care where you grew up, everyone knows the Mustang. At some point, you’ve had a conversation about a Mustang – and it was probably one about you wanting to get behind the wheel of one. I’ve always loved the Mustang; the vehicle has power to the point where you can’t help but want to hit the pedal. And the newest one? More power, hotter style.”
– Nelly
“I’m itching to get behind the wheel of my Mustang and really take it out on the streets. This vehicle being a part of my album artwork is just a reflection of the direction and feel that the album has. To be able to partner with Ford again on another vehicle that is going to change the automotive game is exciting.”
– Nelly
“Nelly is a true car guy, there’s no denying that. When Nelly expressed interest in wanting to partner with Ford on the all-new 2011 Ford Mustang GT, we knew it was a perfect fit. The Mustang has such appeal within the urban market. Since it was launched, the vehicle has made appearances in several of the most popular urban films. This was just a great opportunity for Ford, and we’re excited that the Mustang GT is going to be a part of one of the most anticipated albums of 2010.”
– Crystal Worthem, Ford’s Multicultural Marketing Communications Manager
Tags: 5.0-litre, Ford, Ford Motor Company, Ford Mustang, NAIAS, Nelly
Posted in 2011 Mustang GT - text, Ford Mustang - text | No Comments »
By Popular Demand…
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
Ford’s innovative new MyFord Touch driver connect technology has received a Popular Mechanics’ Editor’s Choice award for best new product at the 2010 International CES.
The 2010 show marks the third time the magazine’s technology editors have selected a Ford breakthrough for the award, granted annually to products the magazine feels “will make a difference this year.
About MyFord Touch
MyFord Touch retains the traditional car interior layout that has existed for decades – instrument cluster in front of the driver, center stack dividing the dashboard – and adds even more voice control plus full-color LCD screens for much of the visual information presentation.
The information presented is customizable by the driver using a combination of voice controls, touch-screen technology and five-way cell phone-style buttons mounted on the steering wheel.
MyFord Touch 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 – similar to the one found on most mobile phones and MP3 players – controls the information displayed on the corresponding instrument panel screens.
A history of award-winning technology
Ford previously won the Popular Mechanics’ Editor’s Choice Award in 2007 for its SYNC technology, developed with Microsoft, which allows customers to seamlessly operate almost any mobile phone or digital media player in their vehicles using voice commands and steering wheel-mounted controls. The technology also received a “People’s Voice Award” that year.
In 2009, SYNC received the Bluetooth Special Interest Group’s “Best of CES” award. The SYNC Traffic, Directions & Information application, the industry’s first system to seamlessly integrate a variety of technologies to provide emergency, diagnostic and information services as well as traffic reports and directions on the road, also received the 2009 Popular Mechanics’ Editor’s Choice Award.
Quotes
“Ford innovations are a direct response to consumer trends. Technologies such as SYNC and MyFord Touch feed the demand for information in an integrated, elegant user interface. For both the auto industry and the consumer electronics industry, the best bet is to develop products that are versatile and loaded with features that make them easy to personalize.”
– Alan Mulally, Ford President and CEO, during his CES keynote presentation
“Our vision for MyFord driver connect technology is that customers can connect to friends and family, to their favorite entertainment devices, and to all of the data stored in the ‘cloud’ using voice commands, touch controls and colorful LCD graphics. They can chat with their kids, listen to their RSS feeds, scan their iPods and make dinner reservations all while driving home from work, and all while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Global Product Development Chief.
The 2010 show marks the third time the magazine’s technology editors have selected a Ford breakthrough for the award, granted annually to products the magazine feels “will make a difference this year.
About MyFord Touch
MyFord Touch retains the traditional car interior layout that has existed for decades – instrument cluster in front of the driver, center stack dividing the dashboard – and adds even more voice control plus full-color LCD screens for much of the visual information presentation.
The information presented is customizable by the driver using a combination of voice controls, touch-screen technology and five-way cell phone-style buttons mounted on the steering wheel.
MyFord Touch 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 – similar to the one found on most mobile phones and MP3 players – controls the information displayed on the corresponding instrument panel screens.
A history of award-winning technology
Ford previously won the Popular Mechanics’ Editor’s Choice Award in 2007 for its SYNC technology, developed with Microsoft, which allows customers to seamlessly operate almost any mobile phone or digital media player in their vehicles using voice commands and steering wheel-mounted controls. The technology also received a “People’s Voice Award” that year.
In 2009, SYNC received the Bluetooth Special Interest Group’s “Best of CES” award. The SYNC Traffic, Directions & Information application, the industry’s first system to seamlessly integrate a variety of technologies to provide emergency, diagnostic and information services as well as traffic reports and directions on the road, also received the 2009 Popular Mechanics’ Editor’s Choice Award.
Quotes
“Ford innovations are a direct response to consumer trends. Technologies such as SYNC and MyFord Touch feed the demand for information in an integrated, elegant user interface. For both the auto industry and the consumer electronics industry, the best bet is to develop products that are versatile and loaded with features that make them easy to personalize.”
– Alan Mulally, Ford President and CEO, during his CES keynote presentation
“Our vision for MyFord driver connect technology is that customers can connect to friends and family, to their favorite entertainment devices, and to all of the data stored in the ‘cloud’ using voice commands, touch controls and colorful LCD graphics. They can chat with their kids, listen to their RSS feeds, scan their iPods and make dinner reservations all while driving home from work, and all while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Global Product Development Chief.
Tags: Best New Product, CES, Editor's Choice, Ford, Ford Motor Company, MyFord Touch, Popular Mechanics, Technology
Posted in Ford Technology - text | No Comments »
Who’s Got the Winning Touch Right Now?
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
CNET editors awarded Ford Motor Company a “Best of CES” award for MyFord Touch™, the company’s new driver connect technology, in the car and GPS technology category.
Selected by unbiased expert editors from CNET (www.cnet.com) at the 2010 International CES, winners are recognized as having the hottest products in their respective technology categories for their unmatched innovation and creativity and their ability to excite consumers and help them explore a world gone digital. CNET editors reviewed hundreds of entries, as well as scoured the 2010 CES show floor for products to consider for the prestigious award.
The nine categories include Digital photo and video; Car tech and GPS; Cell phones and smartphones; Computers and hardware; Gaming; Green; Home Theater; MP3 and portable video players; and Televisions. In addition, there were awards given for the Best in Show product and People’s Voice, given by the thousands of online viewers who cast their votes.
Videos of the winners and finalist products can be found at http://www.cnet.com/ces.
About MyFord Touch
MyFord Touch is the all-new driver interface launching later this year on new Ford products. The interface retains the traditional car interior layout that has existed for decades – instrument cluster in front of the driver, center stack dividing the dashboard – and adds even more voice control plus full-color LCD screens for much of the visual information presentation.
The information presented is customizable by the driver using a combination of voice controls, touch-screen technology and five-way cell phone-style buttons mounted on the steering wheel.
MyFord Touch 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 – similar to the one found on most mobile phones and MP3 players – controls the information displayed on the corresponding instrument panel screens.
Quotes
“At Ford, technology innovation is driven by what consumers want, enhancing the driving experience and adding real value. We’re proud to have MyFord Touch recognized by CNET, as it positions Ford amongst the leaders in consumer electronics innovation.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“Each year, CNET editors spend hundreds of hours on the show floor to find the hottest technologies that will drive industry trends for the coming year and beyond. Ford was chosen from thousands of products at the show and demonstrates the innovation to be honored with one of our ‘Best of CES’ award.”
– Scott Ard, Editor in Chief of CNET
“Our vision for MyFord driver connect technology is that customers can connect to friends and family, to their favorite entertainment devices, and to all of the data stored in the ‘cloud’ using voice commands, touch controls and colorful LCD graphics. They can chat with their kids, listen to their RSS feeds, scan their iPods and make dinner reservations all while driving home from work – all while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President for Global Product Development
Selected by unbiased expert editors from CNET (www.cnet.com) at the 2010 International CES, winners are recognized as having the hottest products in their respective technology categories for their unmatched innovation and creativity and their ability to excite consumers and help them explore a world gone digital. CNET editors reviewed hundreds of entries, as well as scoured the 2010 CES show floor for products to consider for the prestigious award.
The nine categories include Digital photo and video; Car tech and GPS; Cell phones and smartphones; Computers and hardware; Gaming; Green; Home Theater; MP3 and portable video players; and Televisions. In addition, there were awards given for the Best in Show product and People’s Voice, given by the thousands of online viewers who cast their votes.
Videos of the winners and finalist products can be found at http://www.cnet.com/ces.
About MyFord Touch
MyFord Touch is the all-new driver interface launching later this year on new Ford products. The interface retains the traditional car interior layout that has existed for decades – instrument cluster in front of the driver, center stack dividing the dashboard – and adds even more voice control plus full-color LCD screens for much of the visual information presentation.
The information presented is customizable by the driver using a combination of voice controls, touch-screen technology and five-way cell phone-style buttons mounted on the steering wheel.
MyFord Touch 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 – similar to the one found on most mobile phones and MP3 players – controls the information displayed on the corresponding instrument panel screens.
Quotes
“At Ford, technology innovation is driven by what consumers want, enhancing the driving experience and adding real value. We’re proud to have MyFord Touch recognized by CNET, as it positions Ford amongst the leaders in consumer electronics innovation.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“Each year, CNET editors spend hundreds of hours on the show floor to find the hottest technologies that will drive industry trends for the coming year and beyond. Ford was chosen from thousands of products at the show and demonstrates the innovation to be honored with one of our ‘Best of CES’ award.”
– Scott Ard, Editor in Chief of CNET
“Our vision for MyFord driver connect technology is that customers can connect to friends and family, to their favorite entertainment devices, and to all of the data stored in the ‘cloud’ using voice commands, touch controls and colorful LCD graphics. They can chat with their kids, listen to their RSS feeds, scan their iPods and make dinner reservations all while driving home from work – all while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President for Global Product Development
Tags: Best of CES Award, CNET, Driver Connect Technology, Ford, Ford Motor Company, GPS, MyFord Touch, Tecnology
Posted in Ford Technology - text | No Comments »
Who’s Getting Charged Up About Electric Cars?
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
Plenty of people talk the talk about transforming the auto industry and personal transportation as we know it, but few walk the walk. On of the few is Ford Motor Company, which announced Monday that it will invest an additional $450 million in its aggressive electric vehicle plan, paving the way to build a next-generation hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle in Michigan beginning in 2012 and creating 1,000 new jobs.
This comes in addition to Ford’s already announced plans to invest $550 million to transform Michigan Assembly Plant from a large SUV factory to a modern car plant to build the all-new Focus starting in 2010 and Focus Electric pure battery electric vehicle in 2011. With today’s news, Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., will be the production site of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full battery electric vehicles, all of which will be built off the company’s new global C-car platform.
In addition to building the Ford Focus Electric and next-generation hybrid and plug-in hybrid at Michigan Assembly Plant, Ford said it is bringing battery system design and development in-house.
Ford will design advanced lithium-ion battery systems in-house for the next-generation hybrid in Michigan and move production of the battery packs from Mexico to Michigan. The production site will be announced at a later date.
In addition, Ford has announced it will produce hybrid transaxles at its Van Dyke Transmission facility in Sterling Heights, Mich., beginning in 2012.
Partnering with the state of Michigan has been critical to the acceleration of the electric vehicle plan, Ford said. Today, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board approved a package of incentives and tax credits totaling $188 million. The package includes job credits, brownfield site credits and battery pack assembly credits recently approved by the Michigan legislature.
Learn more about Ford’s investment announcement.
Quotes
“This investment underscores how serious we are about delivering a range of electrified vehicles to customers – including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles. Our industry is at the intersection of three critical global issues – the economy, energy and the environment. The winning companies will be those that address these issues with vehicles that are also exciting and fun to drive, without compromises.”
– Bill Ford, Ford’s Executive Chairman
“Vehicle electrification is part of our ongoing strategy to diversify Michigan’s economy and make the state a center for green and advanced manufacturing. That is why we have worked so hard to invest in and encourage development of battery and electric vehicle technology and production in the state. We applaud Ford’s leadership and commitment to Michigan and our transportation future.”
– Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm
“Battery system design and development will be a core competency for Ford in the 21st century. Building in-house expertise and leveraging our global scale is critical to developing electrified vehicles that are affordable, connected and fun to drive.”
– Nancy Gioia, Ford’s Director of Global Electrification
“Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant is quickly becoming a symbol of transformation on many different levels. Not only will the new facility enable Ford to meet increased market demand for small fuel-efficient cars, it also promises to become the hub of Ford’s advanced technology vehicle manufacturing in Michigan that will benefit the company, the UAW, the state and our customers throughout North America.”
– Jim Tetreault, Vice President, North America Manufacturing
This comes in addition to Ford’s already announced plans to invest $550 million to transform Michigan Assembly Plant from a large SUV factory to a modern car plant to build the all-new Focus starting in 2010 and Focus Electric pure battery electric vehicle in 2011. With today’s news, Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., will be the production site of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full battery electric vehicles, all of which will be built off the company’s new global C-car platform.
In addition to building the Ford Focus Electric and next-generation hybrid and plug-in hybrid at Michigan Assembly Plant, Ford said it is bringing battery system design and development in-house.
Ford will design advanced lithium-ion battery systems in-house for the next-generation hybrid in Michigan and move production of the battery packs from Mexico to Michigan. The production site will be announced at a later date.
In addition, Ford has announced it will produce hybrid transaxles at its Van Dyke Transmission facility in Sterling Heights, Mich., beginning in 2012.
Partnering with the state of Michigan has been critical to the acceleration of the electric vehicle plan, Ford said. Today, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board approved a package of incentives and tax credits totaling $188 million. The package includes job credits, brownfield site credits and battery pack assembly credits recently approved by the Michigan legislature.
Learn more about Ford’s investment announcement.
Quotes
“This investment underscores how serious we are about delivering a range of electrified vehicles to customers – including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles. Our industry is at the intersection of three critical global issues – the economy, energy and the environment. The winning companies will be those that address these issues with vehicles that are also exciting and fun to drive, without compromises.”
– Bill Ford, Ford’s Executive Chairman
“Vehicle electrification is part of our ongoing strategy to diversify Michigan’s economy and make the state a center for green and advanced manufacturing. That is why we have worked so hard to invest in and encourage development of battery and electric vehicle technology and production in the state. We applaud Ford’s leadership and commitment to Michigan and our transportation future.”
– Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm
“Battery system design and development will be a core competency for Ford in the 21st century. Building in-house expertise and leveraging our global scale is critical to developing electrified vehicles that are affordable, connected and fun to drive.”
– Nancy Gioia, Ford’s Director of Global Electrification
“Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant is quickly becoming a symbol of transformation on many different levels. Not only will the new facility enable Ford to meet increased market demand for small fuel-efficient cars, it also promises to become the hub of Ford’s advanced technology vehicle manufacturing in Michigan that will benefit the company, the UAW, the state and our customers throughout North America.”
– Jim Tetreault, Vice President, North America Manufacturing
Tags: electric vehicle, Ford, Ford Motor Company, hybrid, Michigan, NAIAS, New Jobs, plug-in hybrid
Posted in Ford and the Environment - text | No Comments »
Sweep!
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
Thank you, thank you, very much.
Ford Motor Company scored a historic doubleheader Monday, capturing both the North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year awards for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Ford Transit Connect, respectively, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). It is only the third time in 17 years that one manufacturer has won both titles.
The North American Car and Truck of the Year awards recognize vehicles based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. A jury of 49 automotive journalists in the United States and Canada vote for the vehicles, which must be “all-new” or “substantially changed” from the previous model to qualify for the award.
In the winner’s circle
The Fusion Hybrid edged out finalists including the Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf/GTI to win the North American Car of the Year award. It is the fourth hybrid vehicle in 17 years to win recognition as North American Car (or Truck) of the Year. It also is the second hybrid win for Ford – the most hybrid wins for any automaker. The Ford Escape Hybrid was named North American Truck of the Year in 2005.
The Transit Connect bested finalists including the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback to win the North American Truck of the Year award. It is the sixth Ford truck to win the award – the most wins of any automaker in the 17-year history of the awards program. It also is the second year in a row that Ford has captured the title. Last year, top honors went to the 2009 Ford F-150.
Fusion Hybrid a winner out of the gate
The North American Car of the Year award is the latest in an impressive string of awards and accolades for the Fusion Hybrid. Most recently, the vehicle was honored as CAR and DRIVER Magazine’s “10Best” Cars for 2010, one of AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s 2010 All-Stars, and the entire Fusion lineup captured the acclaimed MOTOR TREND Car of the Year® award.
The all-new Fusion Hybrid arrived in dealers in March, complete with a powertrain system that combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver the optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy. The Fusion Hybrid also offers drivers a way to be more connected to the hybrid driving experience thanks to Ford’s SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster execution that helps coach them on how to optimize the performance of their hybrid.
Transit Connect fills unmet needs of small businesses and fleets
The Transit Connect was brought to the U.S. to fulfill the unmet needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs, offering them a new vehicle choice with significantly improved fuel economy, generous and accessible cargo space, and the agility and maneuverability to operate in crowded urban areas.
Powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, the Transit Connect offers double the fuel economy of full-size vans, delivering an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
The Transit Connect also has more than double the cargo-carrying capacity of the Chevrolet HHR Panel, making it suitable for a broader range of commercial-use applications. And it offers commercial users a cargo payload of up to 1,600 pounds – a larger payload than the full-size Dodge Ram 1500 standard-cab short-box pickup truck.
The Transit Connect also is available with the industry-exclusive Ford Work Solutions™, a suite of affordable technologies that provides customers with connectivity, flexibility, visibility and security to better run key aspects of their business.
Learn more about the winners: Fusion Hybrid and Transit Connect.
Quote
“Winning both of these prestigious awards is confirmation that the ONE Ford plan is working, delivering industry-leading products for our customers.”
– Mark Fields, Ford President of The Americas.
Ford Motor Company scored a historic doubleheader Monday, capturing both the North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year awards for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Ford Transit Connect, respectively, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). It is only the third time in 17 years that one manufacturer has won both titles.
The North American Car and Truck of the Year awards recognize vehicles based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. A jury of 49 automotive journalists in the United States and Canada vote for the vehicles, which must be “all-new” or “substantially changed” from the previous model to qualify for the award.
In the winner’s circle
The Fusion Hybrid edged out finalists including the Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf/GTI to win the North American Car of the Year award. It is the fourth hybrid vehicle in 17 years to win recognition as North American Car (or Truck) of the Year. It also is the second hybrid win for Ford – the most hybrid wins for any automaker. The Ford Escape Hybrid was named North American Truck of the Year in 2005.
The Transit Connect bested finalists including the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback to win the North American Truck of the Year award. It is the sixth Ford truck to win the award – the most wins of any automaker in the 17-year history of the awards program. It also is the second year in a row that Ford has captured the title. Last year, top honors went to the 2009 Ford F-150.
Fusion Hybrid a winner out of the gate
The North American Car of the Year award is the latest in an impressive string of awards and accolades for the Fusion Hybrid. Most recently, the vehicle was honored as CAR and DRIVER Magazine’s “10Best” Cars for 2010, one of AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s 2010 All-Stars, and the entire Fusion lineup captured the acclaimed MOTOR TREND Car of the Year® award.
The all-new Fusion Hybrid arrived in dealers in March, complete with a powertrain system that combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver the optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy. The Fusion Hybrid also offers drivers a way to be more connected to the hybrid driving experience thanks to Ford’s SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster execution that helps coach them on how to optimize the performance of their hybrid.
Transit Connect fills unmet needs of small businesses and fleets
The Transit Connect was brought to the U.S. to fulfill the unmet needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs, offering them a new vehicle choice with significantly improved fuel economy, generous and accessible cargo space, and the agility and maneuverability to operate in crowded urban areas.
Powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, the Transit Connect offers double the fuel economy of full-size vans, delivering an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
The Transit Connect also has more than double the cargo-carrying capacity of the Chevrolet HHR Panel, making it suitable for a broader range of commercial-use applications. And it offers commercial users a cargo payload of up to 1,600 pounds – a larger payload than the full-size Dodge Ram 1500 standard-cab short-box pickup truck.
The Transit Connect also is available with the industry-exclusive Ford Work Solutions™, a suite of affordable technologies that provides customers with connectivity, flexibility, visibility and security to better run key aspects of their business.
Learn more about the winners: Fusion Hybrid and Transit Connect.
Quote
“Winning both of these prestigious awards is confirmation that the ONE Ford plan is working, delivering industry-leading products for our customers.”
– Mark Fields, Ford President of The Americas.
Tags: Car of the Year, Ford, Ford Fusion, Ford Motor Company, NAIAS, Transit Connect, Truck of the Year
Posted in Ford Cars - text, Ford Fusion - text, Ford Trucks - text, Ford and the Environment - text | No Comments »
What’s Powerful, Luxurious and Sophisticated?
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
The 2011 Lincoln MKX, with industry-first MyLincoln Touch™ driver connect technology, is a high-tech showcase. That is true of the luxury crossover’s powertrain as well.
Its new 3.7-liter Duratec V-6 employs advanced technology and clever control strategies to increase horsepower and torque to best-in-class levels while achieving unsurpassed fuel economy.
2011 Lincoln MKX customers will enjoy a luxury crossover that delivers best-in-class power and torque versus all V-6 competitors with unsurpassed highway fuel economy of 25 mpg – all on regular fuel. Horsepower has been increased to 305 – a 15 percent increase compared with the outgoing product – while torque is up to 280 ft.-lb., marking a 12 percent improvement.
The 3.7-liter V-6 is mated to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, which gives 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.
When a lower gear is selected while descending a long downhill grade, the 2011 Lincoln MKX in SelectShift mode will hold that gear until the driver manually upshifts or returns to the fully automatic setting. To ensure safe shifting, the transmission will downshift to the lowest acceptable gear, based on a calculated maximum speed. That means if a vehicle were traveling at highway speeds, the driver could not downshift to first gear in SelectShift mode.
Improvements to engine hardware as well as the powertrain control strategies account for the gains in power and fuel economy. These improvements include:
• Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT)
• Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off; torque-based deceleration control
• Battery management: “Smart Charging”
• Engine hardware improvements
Learn more about 2011 Lincoln MKX engine improvements.
Quotes
“Fuel economy continues to be at the top of customers’ minds. But customers refuse to compromise on power. With the 2011 Lincoln MKX, they won’t have to. We’re delivering increased power and torque with unsurpassed fuel economy.”
– Greg Johnson, Lincoln Powertrain Manager
“When the system is in manual mode, engine speed matching provides faster and smoother downshifts, and the customer gets the gear they request within the limits of the rev limiter.”
– Greg Johnson, Lincoln Powertrain Manager
“The key to the performance gains and fuel economy with the 2011 Lincoln MKX is that we don’t look at power and fuel economy as being mutually exclusive. Instead, we focus on optimizing every component, every system and every control in the powertrain for greater efficiency overall, which enables increased power, better performance and response and helps to maintain the fuel economy found in smaller-displacement engines.”
– Mazen Hammoud, Lincoln Powertrain Calibrations Manager
Its new 3.7-liter Duratec V-6 employs advanced technology and clever control strategies to increase horsepower and torque to best-in-class levels while achieving unsurpassed fuel economy.
2011 Lincoln MKX customers will enjoy a luxury crossover that delivers best-in-class power and torque versus all V-6 competitors with unsurpassed highway fuel economy of 25 mpg – all on regular fuel. Horsepower has been increased to 305 – a 15 percent increase compared with the outgoing product – while torque is up to 280 ft.-lb., marking a 12 percent improvement.
The 3.7-liter V-6 is mated to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, which gives 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.
When a lower gear is selected while descending a long downhill grade, the 2011 Lincoln MKX in SelectShift mode will hold that gear until the driver manually upshifts or returns to the fully automatic setting. To ensure safe shifting, the transmission will downshift to the lowest acceptable gear, based on a calculated maximum speed. That means if a vehicle were traveling at highway speeds, the driver could not downshift to first gear in SelectShift mode.
Improvements to engine hardware as well as the powertrain control strategies account for the gains in power and fuel economy. These improvements include:
• Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT)
• Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-Off; torque-based deceleration control
• Battery management: “Smart Charging”
• Engine hardware improvements
Learn more about 2011 Lincoln MKX engine improvements.
Quotes
“Fuel economy continues to be at the top of customers’ minds. But customers refuse to compromise on power. With the 2011 Lincoln MKX, they won’t have to. We’re delivering increased power and torque with unsurpassed fuel economy.”
– Greg Johnson, Lincoln Powertrain Manager
“When the system is in manual mode, engine speed matching provides faster and smoother downshifts, and the customer gets the gear they request within the limits of the rev limiter.”
– Greg Johnson, Lincoln Powertrain Manager
“The key to the performance gains and fuel economy with the 2011 Lincoln MKX is that we don’t look at power and fuel economy as being mutually exclusive. Instead, we focus on optimizing every component, every system and every control in the powertrain for greater efficiency overall, which enables increased power, better performance and response and helps to maintain the fuel economy found in smaller-displacement engines.”
– Mazen Hammoud, Lincoln Powertrain Calibrations Manager
Tags: 2011, 2011MKX, 3.7-liter Duratec V-6, Ford, Fordmotorcompany, Lincoln, MKX, MyLincoln, MyLincoln Touch, NAIAS, SelectShift Automatic, SelectShift Automatic transmission, SYNC, Ti-VCT
Posted in Lincoln - text | No Comments »
Just Say ‘Yes’ to No Compromise Luxury
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
They say that times are tough all over, but you won’t feel that way when you get inside the 2011 Lincoln MKX. New, industry-exclusive technologies and engaging design featuring world-class craftsmanship and materials further elevate the midsize luxury crossover.
Leading the wide-ranging innovations is the all-new MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology, which delivers a smarter, safer, simpler way to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives. MyLincoln comes standard on the 2011 Lincoln MKX, providing drivers a whole new experience behind the wheel.
The dramatic freshening of the 2011 Lincoln MKX extends to all areas of the vehicle: new features and technologies not available anywhere else, new exterior design, new interior design with increased use of genuine materials, new powertrain with unsurpassed fuel economy, improved driving dynamics and new tires and wheels all combine to deliver an unparalleled luxury experience.
Introducing… MyLincoln
The industry-first MyLincoln Touch experience, powered by Lincoln SYNC®, replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, crisp LCD screens and five-way buttons like those found on cell phones and MP3 players. 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 electronic finish panel on the 2011 Lincoln MKX demonstrates all the advantages of this touch-sensitive technology in a beautiful, engaging package. Activated features display amber light. When turned off, signature Lincoln White lighting is displayed.
In addition to the usual audio and climate control features, the touch-sensitive technology also operates the volume and fan controls, which is exclusive to Lincoln.
Customers can swipe their fingers along the slider to adjust the volume. The slider features 10 distinct touchpoints; three full swipes bring the system to maximum volume. Customers also can touch anywhere along the slider to get a corresponding increase or decrease in volume.
The fan control is operated in a similar fashion. On both the volume control and the fan control, the distinctive Lincoln White lighting acts as a chaser.
Brimming with technologies and craftsmanship
Standard MyLincoln Touch and remote start lead the list of features or technologies on the 2011 Lincoln MKX, including: MyLincoln Touch, Lincoln SYNC, Easy Fuel, SecuriCode™ keyless entry, Blind Spot Mirrors, MyKey, Cross Traffic Alert and AdvanceTrac® with RSC (Roll Stability Control™).
The interior of the 2011 Lincoln MKX reflects an even greater emphasis on what defines Lincoln DNA: luxury, craftsmanship, genuine materials and sharper execution.
Gentle details that bring out Lincoln standards of quality and excellence include brightwork on the vents, genuine stitching on the doors and softer armrests with upgraded materials. The cupholders, with available ambient lighting, are found beneath the independent sliding leather-covered console lids, which feature decorative stitching. A power tilt/telescoping steering column and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel are available.
All-new leather-trimmed seats, comfort sections and standard tuxedo stripe embrace the new Lincoln DNA sew style. More genuine aluminum appliqués are standard, with aluminum accents on the door added to the spears on the instrument panel.
The two available wood accents – Olive Ash and Walnut Swirl – on the steering wheel, dashboard and doors add character and form; each selection has a livelier, natural appearance, adding even more character to the interior. Whether customers select aluminum or wood, the increased use of genuine materials in the 2011 Lincoln MKX ensures that each interior will be distinctive.
Learn more about the 2011 Lincoln MKX.
Quotes
“With its combination of style, performance and uncompromising luxury, the Lincoln MKX has brought new customers into the Lincoln showroom in a way that very few products have before. Lincoln customers tell us they care most about style and technology, and the new Lincoln MKX meets these needs perfectly. The new MyLincoln Touch technology will change the way customers interact with their vehicles while its new design language gives the vehicle a distinctive and stylish silhouette we know customers will love.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“The 2011 Lincoln MKX represents no-compromise luxury. Every attribute – technology, ergonomics, material selection, power, fuel economy, driving experience – is a standout. Plus, it’s wrapped in a beautiful package. Everything about the 2011 Lincoln MKX is vibrant and luxurious. Our MyLincoln Touch system will draw people in, helping them discover that the new Lincoln MKX delivers a total driving experience not found anywhere else.”
– Elaine Bannon, Chief Engineer of the 2011 Lincoln MKX
Leading the wide-ranging innovations is the all-new MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology, which delivers a smarter, safer, simpler way to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives. MyLincoln comes standard on the 2011 Lincoln MKX, providing drivers a whole new experience behind the wheel.
The dramatic freshening of the 2011 Lincoln MKX extends to all areas of the vehicle: new features and technologies not available anywhere else, new exterior design, new interior design with increased use of genuine materials, new powertrain with unsurpassed fuel economy, improved driving dynamics and new tires and wheels all combine to deliver an unparalleled luxury experience.
Introducing… MyLincoln
The industry-first MyLincoln Touch experience, powered by Lincoln SYNC®, replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, crisp LCD screens and five-way buttons like those found on cell phones and MP3 players. 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 electronic finish panel on the 2011 Lincoln MKX demonstrates all the advantages of this touch-sensitive technology in a beautiful, engaging package. Activated features display amber light. When turned off, signature Lincoln White lighting is displayed.
In addition to the usual audio and climate control features, the touch-sensitive technology also operates the volume and fan controls, which is exclusive to Lincoln.
Customers can swipe their fingers along the slider to adjust the volume. The slider features 10 distinct touchpoints; three full swipes bring the system to maximum volume. Customers also can touch anywhere along the slider to get a corresponding increase or decrease in volume.
The fan control is operated in a similar fashion. On both the volume control and the fan control, the distinctive Lincoln White lighting acts as a chaser.
Brimming with technologies and craftsmanship
Standard MyLincoln Touch and remote start lead the list of features or technologies on the 2011 Lincoln MKX, including: MyLincoln Touch, Lincoln SYNC, Easy Fuel, SecuriCode™ keyless entry, Blind Spot Mirrors, MyKey, Cross Traffic Alert and AdvanceTrac® with RSC (Roll Stability Control™).
The interior of the 2011 Lincoln MKX reflects an even greater emphasis on what defines Lincoln DNA: luxury, craftsmanship, genuine materials and sharper execution.
Gentle details that bring out Lincoln standards of quality and excellence include brightwork on the vents, genuine stitching on the doors and softer armrests with upgraded materials. The cupholders, with available ambient lighting, are found beneath the independent sliding leather-covered console lids, which feature decorative stitching. A power tilt/telescoping steering column and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel are available.
All-new leather-trimmed seats, comfort sections and standard tuxedo stripe embrace the new Lincoln DNA sew style. More genuine aluminum appliqués are standard, with aluminum accents on the door added to the spears on the instrument panel.
The two available wood accents – Olive Ash and Walnut Swirl – on the steering wheel, dashboard and doors add character and form; each selection has a livelier, natural appearance, adding even more character to the interior. Whether customers select aluminum or wood, the increased use of genuine materials in the 2011 Lincoln MKX ensures that each interior will be distinctive.
Learn more about the 2011 Lincoln MKX.
Quotes
“With its combination of style, performance and uncompromising luxury, the Lincoln MKX has brought new customers into the Lincoln showroom in a way that very few products have before. Lincoln customers tell us they care most about style and technology, and the new Lincoln MKX meets these needs perfectly. The new MyLincoln Touch technology will change the way customers interact with their vehicles while its new design language gives the vehicle a distinctive and stylish silhouette we know customers will love.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“The 2011 Lincoln MKX represents no-compromise luxury. Every attribute – technology, ergonomics, material selection, power, fuel economy, driving experience – is a standout. Plus, it’s wrapped in a beautiful package. Everything about the 2011 Lincoln MKX is vibrant and luxurious. Our MyLincoln Touch system will draw people in, helping them discover that the new Lincoln MKX delivers a total driving experience not found anywhere else.”
– Elaine Bannon, Chief Engineer of the 2011 Lincoln MKX
Tags: 2011, 2011MKX, AdvanceTrac, Blind Spot Mirrors, Cross-Traffic Alert, easy-fuel, Ford, Fordmotorcompany, Lincoln, MKX, MyKey, MyLincoln, MyLincoln Touch, NAIAS, roll stability control, RSC, SecuriCode, SYNC
Posted in Lincoln - text | No Comments »
My Goodness, What a Touching Display
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
Based upon the new MyFord Touch driver connect technology announced at the 2010 International CES, MyLincoln Touch is designed to be a powerful yet intuitive interior design for drivers, blending strengths of the most proven interfaces in consumer electronics – including MP3 players and mobile phones – with a new generation of Lincoln’s award-winning SYNC® system.
MyLincoln Touch redesigns the in-car interface, mirroring how consumers interact with most devices in their lives: touch-sensitive controls, touch screens, thumb-wheel controls and voice recognition.
In that respect, MyLincoln is instantly familiar. Using reconfigurable displays and simplified voice commands, though, MyLincoln also can present multiple layers of information, just as the driver wants it.
MyLincoln Touch layout
MyLincoln Touch retains the traditional car interior layout that has existed for decades – instrument cluster in front of the driver, center stack dividing the dashboard – and adds even more voice control plus full-color LCD screens for much of the visual information presentation. The information presented is customizable by the driver using a combination of voice controls, touch-screen technology and five-way cell phone-style buttons mounted on the steering wheel.
MyLincoln Touch 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 left display, which is controlled by the left five-way controller, features information and settings for the vehicle: fuel economy, mechanical status, safety features.
The right display, controlled by the right five-way controller, contains infotainment information: audio settings, climate control, phone communications and navigation menus.
Those same right-hand functions also appear in the vehicle’s center stack, now augmented with capacitive switches and touch-screen technology, which subtly replaces most traditional knobs and switches.
Lincoln center stack applications will take touch-sensitive technology to the next level with fingertip “slider” controls for audio volume and fan speed. Occupants will slide a finger along the touch-sensitive slider bar to adjust settings as an LED chaser gives a visual representation of volume or fan speed.
Touch-screen display
The 8-inch touch-screen center stack display is the key interface on MyLincoln Touch. Designers employed a four-corner solution for its layout, representing the four activities most important to customers: phone, navigation, climate and audio/entertainment functions.
Regardless of what menus customers are viewing, a single touch on the appropriate corner will always bring up the desired functionality, and in most cases, a voice command also can be used to adjust the controls.
With the four-corner layout, functions are where they’re expected to be, and they’re always visible on the screen, so it’s clear and easy for users to understand where they are in the system.
Color is also used to give drivers intuitive visual cues between the central 8-inch MyLincoln Touch display and the instrument-panel-mounted 4.2-inch display. Phone and communications functions always are presented with an orange background, navigation with a green background, climate control with a blue background and audio/entertainment functions with a red background.
SYNC – behind the scenes
Behind the displays of MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology, the next generation of the company’s award-winning SYNC system runs the show, built using the latest Microsoft Auto operating system.
No longer just a “black box” add-on providing voice-activated control for mobile devices, SYNC has become a fully integrated operating system for Lincoln vehicles – a technology that will become the global interior architecture for all future Lincoln products.
Quotes
“MyFord Touch, combined with new SYNC functionality, creates an experience that will cause people to fall in love with their vehicles again. It’s not just a technology; it’s an experience – one we hope will have people across the globe looking forward to spending time behind the wheel of their vehicle.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“MyLincoln really is about managing information. Driving is the priority when you’re behind the wheel, so we’ve made it possible to simplify the content management so customers can drive with minimal distraction. In the end, what MyLincoln displays is really up to the driver.”
– Jason Johnson, User Interface Design Engineer
“The steering wheel has all the necessary functions available in a very compact area, right where your hand falls as you grab the wheel. The five-way buttons will feel familiar to anyone who has used a mobile phone or MP3 player. Drivers aren’t forced to use a quirky or unfamiliar interface like a joystick or rotary knob.”
– Jason Johnson, User Interface Design Engineer
MyLincoln Touch redesigns the in-car interface, mirroring how consumers interact with most devices in their lives: touch-sensitive controls, touch screens, thumb-wheel controls and voice recognition.
In that respect, MyLincoln is instantly familiar. Using reconfigurable displays and simplified voice commands, though, MyLincoln also can present multiple layers of information, just as the driver wants it.
MyLincoln Touch layout
MyLincoln Touch retains the traditional car interior layout that has existed for decades – instrument cluster in front of the driver, center stack dividing the dashboard – and adds even more voice control plus full-color LCD screens for much of the visual information presentation. The information presented is customizable by the driver using a combination of voice controls, touch-screen technology and five-way cell phone-style buttons mounted on the steering wheel.
MyLincoln Touch 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 left display, which is controlled by the left five-way controller, features information and settings for the vehicle: fuel economy, mechanical status, safety features.
The right display, controlled by the right five-way controller, contains infotainment information: audio settings, climate control, phone communications and navigation menus.
Those same right-hand functions also appear in the vehicle’s center stack, now augmented with capacitive switches and touch-screen technology, which subtly replaces most traditional knobs and switches.
Lincoln center stack applications will take touch-sensitive technology to the next level with fingertip “slider” controls for audio volume and fan speed. Occupants will slide a finger along the touch-sensitive slider bar to adjust settings as an LED chaser gives a visual representation of volume or fan speed.
Touch-screen display
The 8-inch touch-screen center stack display is the key interface on MyLincoln Touch. Designers employed a four-corner solution for its layout, representing the four activities most important to customers: phone, navigation, climate and audio/entertainment functions.
Regardless of what menus customers are viewing, a single touch on the appropriate corner will always bring up the desired functionality, and in most cases, a voice command also can be used to adjust the controls.
With the four-corner layout, functions are where they’re expected to be, and they’re always visible on the screen, so it’s clear and easy for users to understand where they are in the system.
Color is also used to give drivers intuitive visual cues between the central 8-inch MyLincoln Touch display and the instrument-panel-mounted 4.2-inch display. Phone and communications functions always are presented with an orange background, navigation with a green background, climate control with a blue background and audio/entertainment functions with a red background.
SYNC – behind the scenes
Behind the displays of MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology, the next generation of the company’s award-winning SYNC system runs the show, built using the latest Microsoft Auto operating system.
No longer just a “black box” add-on providing voice-activated control for mobile devices, SYNC has become a fully integrated operating system for Lincoln vehicles – a technology that will become the global interior architecture for all future Lincoln products.
Quotes
“MyFord Touch, combined with new SYNC functionality, creates an experience that will cause people to fall in love with their vehicles again. It’s not just a technology; it’s an experience – one we hope will have people across the globe looking forward to spending time behind the wheel of their vehicle.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“MyLincoln really is about managing information. Driving is the priority when you’re behind the wheel, so we’ve made it possible to simplify the content management so customers can drive with minimal distraction. In the end, what MyLincoln displays is really up to the driver.”
– Jason Johnson, User Interface Design Engineer
“The steering wheel has all the necessary functions available in a very compact area, right where your hand falls as you grab the wheel. The five-way buttons will feel familiar to anyone who has used a mobile phone or MP3 player. Drivers aren’t forced to use a quirky or unfamiliar interface like a joystick or rotary knob.”
– Jason Johnson, User Interface Design Engineer
Tags: 2011, 2011MKX, Ford, Fordmotorcompany, Lincoln, MKX, MyLincoln, MyLincoln Touch, NAIAS, SYNC
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Picture Your Favorite Technologies in Sharp Focus
Monday, January 11th, 2010
The synergies between automotive and digital technologies have never been better integrated than they are in the next-generation Ford Focus. The global C-car debuts with the Ford’s new technology that changes the way people interact with their car’s vehicle information, entertainment features and even Bluetooth-enabled devices.
MyFord retains the traditional automotive interior layout – instrument cluster in front of the driver, center stack dividing the dashboard – and adds LCD screens to provide much of the visual information.
Drivers decide what – and how much – information is presented by using a combination of voice controls and five-way cell phone-style buttons mounted on the steering wheel. It’s easy to use, thanks to its layout and design. Plus, it’s tremendously scalable given all the functions available through the LCD screens and the power of SYNC®, the operating system behind MyFord.
Interacting with MyFord
MyFord divides information in a familiar fashion: left-hand and right-hand. A five-way switch, similar to the one found on most mobile phones and MP3 players, exists on each side of the steering wheel crossbar to control the information.
On basic MyFord trim levels, display duties are handled by two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens, one in the center of the instrument panel and another atop the center stack. Higher-specification versions use a 4.2-inch LCD in the center of the instrument panel and an 8-inch touch-screen display in the center stack.
The instrument panel display, controlled by the left-side five-way controller, contains information about the vehicle: fuel economy, mechanical status, safety features and other information typically found in the vehicle message center. The center stack display, controlled by the five-way controller on the right side, contains information relating to the vehicle occupants: entertainment system settings, climate control information and communications functions.
On MyFord models, a traditional telephone-style keypad and key command buttons surround the center stack display to provide quick access to commonly used features. Focus models with a touch-screen use a combination of on-screen buttons and the right-hand five-way controller to manage information.
How MyFord driver connect technology accommodates all types of drivers
To ensure the MyFord system is an instant hit with Focus buyers, designers prioritized four key attributes of the interface design:
Why design a new interface?
In recent years, the variety of in-car communications, navigation, audio and entertainment technologies that consumers demand has outgrown the traditional “button and knob” interface. Consumers have been suffering “button fatigue,” even as they’re demanding more in-car connectivity, more options and more information, which is likely to grow still further.
For example, consumers still were required to interrupt much of their communications, information flow and music when entering the vehicle. Once inside, the focus often was on song selection, making a phone call or setting up the navigation system rather than on driving.
The original SYNC system helped provide a seamless flow of information and entertainment to drivers. It now has even more capability available, and MyFord will help manage the immense functionality available to drivers. MyFord is the next major Ford technology geared toward helping drivers complete their tasks while keeping the focus on safe, attentive driving.
Quotes
“This isn’t a new dashboard or a new instrument cluster or an interior redesign. MyFord rethinks how information is presented to drivers and how drivers are able to personalize the way they relate to the information or entertainment the car makes available to them. It’s a groundbreaking, intuitive interface that puts tremendous power at the hands of Focus owners.” – Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“With MyFord, we’re not asking drivers to relearn how to turn up the heat or change the radio volume. Those basic controls are exactly where you expect them. For those inclined to dive deeper and make their in-vehicle experience truly their own, though, there’s much more information and more control available with a few clicks of a steering wheel button.” – John Schneider, Chief Engineer, Ford Connected Services Solutions Organization
“The steering wheel has all the necessary functions available in a very compact area, right where your hand falls as you grab the wheel. And the five-way buttons will feel familiar to anyone who has used a mobile phone or MP3 player. Drivers aren’t forced to use an unfamiliar interface like a joystick or rotary knob.” – Gary Braddock, Ford Group Chief Designer
“Everything has been designed around usability. Our goal was to provide the means – multiple means, in many cases – for drivers to accomplish what they want to do. More importantly, we had to keep the focus on driving and not confuse drivers with a huge collection of buttons. MyFord was designed to work with the driver, not force the driver to work with it.”
– Tom Cullen, Project Manager for MyFord
“When we started work on MyFord, we saw this huge groundswell of new functionality and capability hitting consumers and expanding right before our eyes. We knew that unless we devised an intuitive interface for these capabilities, they would detract – and possibly distract – from the driving experience.”
– Gary Braddock, Ford Group Chief Designer
MyFord retains the traditional automotive interior layout – instrument cluster in front of the driver, center stack dividing the dashboard – and adds LCD screens to provide much of the visual information.
Drivers decide what – and how much – information is presented by using a combination of voice controls and five-way cell phone-style buttons mounted on the steering wheel. It’s easy to use, thanks to its layout and design. Plus, it’s tremendously scalable given all the functions available through the LCD screens and the power of SYNC®, the operating system behind MyFord.
Interacting with MyFord
MyFord divides information in a familiar fashion: left-hand and right-hand. A five-way switch, similar to the one found on most mobile phones and MP3 players, exists on each side of the steering wheel crossbar to control the information.
On basic MyFord trim levels, display duties are handled by two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens, one in the center of the instrument panel and another atop the center stack. Higher-specification versions use a 4.2-inch LCD in the center of the instrument panel and an 8-inch touch-screen display in the center stack.
The instrument panel display, controlled by the left-side five-way controller, contains information about the vehicle: fuel economy, mechanical status, safety features and other information typically found in the vehicle message center. The center stack display, controlled by the five-way controller on the right side, contains information relating to the vehicle occupants: entertainment system settings, climate control information and communications functions.
On MyFord models, a traditional telephone-style keypad and key command buttons surround the center stack display to provide quick access to commonly used features. Focus models with a touch-screen use a combination of on-screen buttons and the right-hand five-way controller to manage information.
How MyFord driver connect technology accommodates all types of drivers
To ensure the MyFord system is an instant hit with Focus buyers, designers prioritized four key attributes of the interface design:
- Attentive: MyFord uses controls, screens and other interfaces with which most users are already comfortable and familiar through popular consumer electronics devices.
- Approachable: MyFord is attractive, using rich graphics, vibrant colors, high-definition screens and easy-to-use buttons that are appealing to the eye and the touch.
- Clear: Rather than an imposing cluster of buttons, switches and dials, MyFord is clean-looking with controls that fall readily to hand and displays that are exactly where users expect to find them. Most major functions can be controlled through voice commands without the driver’s hands ever leaving the steering wheel.
- Connected: For technophiles, MyFord can be configured to display the information they want in the way they want it. For technophobes, radio, heating and air-conditioning controls are still accessible via familiar stack-mounted controls, so there’s no need to learn a host of new commands to operate the vehicle.
Why design a new interface?
In recent years, the variety of in-car communications, navigation, audio and entertainment technologies that consumers demand has outgrown the traditional “button and knob” interface. Consumers have been suffering “button fatigue,” even as they’re demanding more in-car connectivity, more options and more information, which is likely to grow still further.
For example, consumers still were required to interrupt much of their communications, information flow and music when entering the vehicle. Once inside, the focus often was on song selection, making a phone call or setting up the navigation system rather than on driving.
The original SYNC system helped provide a seamless flow of information and entertainment to drivers. It now has even more capability available, and MyFord will help manage the immense functionality available to drivers. MyFord is the next major Ford technology geared toward helping drivers complete their tasks while keeping the focus on safe, attentive driving.
Quotes
“This isn’t a new dashboard or a new instrument cluster or an interior redesign. MyFord rethinks how information is presented to drivers and how drivers are able to personalize the way they relate to the information or entertainment the car makes available to them. It’s a groundbreaking, intuitive interface that puts tremendous power at the hands of Focus owners.” – Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“With MyFord, we’re not asking drivers to relearn how to turn up the heat or change the radio volume. Those basic controls are exactly where you expect them. For those inclined to dive deeper and make their in-vehicle experience truly their own, though, there’s much more information and more control available with a few clicks of a steering wheel button.” – John Schneider, Chief Engineer, Ford Connected Services Solutions Organization
“The steering wheel has all the necessary functions available in a very compact area, right where your hand falls as you grab the wheel. And the five-way buttons will feel familiar to anyone who has used a mobile phone or MP3 player. Drivers aren’t forced to use an unfamiliar interface like a joystick or rotary knob.” – Gary Braddock, Ford Group Chief Designer
“Everything has been designed around usability. Our goal was to provide the means – multiple means, in many cases – for drivers to accomplish what they want to do. More importantly, we had to keep the focus on driving and not confuse drivers with a huge collection of buttons. MyFord was designed to work with the driver, not force the driver to work with it.”
– Tom Cullen, Project Manager for MyFord
“When we started work on MyFord, we saw this huge groundswell of new functionality and capability hitting consumers and expanding right before our eyes. We knew that unless we devised an intuitive interface for these capabilities, they would detract – and possibly distract – from the driving experience.”
– Gary Braddock, Ford Group Chief Designer
Tags: Ford, Ford Focus, Ford Motor Company, global C-car, MyFord, NAIAS, SYNC, Technology
Posted in Ford Cars - text, Ford Focus - text snippets | No Comments »
How to Get Focused on Fuel Economy
Monday, January 11th, 2010
Everyone knows that smaller cars mean better fuel economy, but there’s more to the story than mere size.
The reveal of the next-generation Ford Focus at the 2010 North American International Auto Show includes the first in a series of powertrain technology developments coming from Ford that give its new global C-segment leader a combination of power, exhilarating performance and unsurpassed fuel economy.
Ford has disclosed that North American models of the new Focus will be equipped with a responsive, fuel-efficient combination of a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) and direct injection (DI) plus a dual-clutch PowerShift transmission.
The new engine is designed to deliver an estimated 155 horsepower and 145 ft.-lb. of torque to give customers ample performance and a refined driving experience.
The 2.0-liter Ti-VCT I-4 also serves as another example of Ford delivering fuel economy leadership by using advanced technologies to produce surprising power from minimal displacement. The engine can deliver outstanding fuel economy and emissions along with the throttle response, performance and flexibility expected from a world-class engine.
Core engine technologies
As a DOHC design, the 2.0-liter I-4 uses two camshafts: one to open the intake valves and one to open the exhaust valves. Traditionally, camshafts have only been able to open the valves at a fixed point, defined during engine design and manufacture. But with modern variable cam timing systems, the camshafts can be rotated slightly relative to their initial position, allowing the cam timing to be advanced or retarded.
Ti-VCT takes this technology and applies it to both the intake and exhaust camshafts of its DOHC design, using electronic solenoid valves to direct high-pressure oil to control vanes in each of the camshaft sprocket housings. By using one oil control solenoid per camshaft, controlled by the Electronic Control Module, each intake and exhaust cam can be advanced or retarded independently of the other as engine operating conditions change, providing an exceptional degree of valve timing control.
Attention to detail yields fuel economy improvements
Complementing the efficiencies introduced by Ti-VCT and DI, every aspect of the proven 2.0-liter I-4 was examined to identify ways fuel economy could be improved. Key strategies focused on reducing internal engine friction and reducing overall weight.
Computer modeling indicated areas where friction reduction strategies would pay the most dividends. The valvetrain received a fine surface treatment to present the smoothest surface possible. Piston skirts are treated with a special low-friction coating, and the oil pump and its drive ratio are sized for the exact capacity requirements of the new 2.0-liter engine.
PowerShift: A different kind of automatic
An all-new PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission that combines the responsive performance and fuel economy of a manual gearbox with the convenience of a traditional automatic transmission promises to be another key Focus powertrain technology.
Twin internal clutches keep the PowerShift in constant mesh, continuously optimizing for maximum responsiveness and fuel efficiency, depending on engine speed, vehicle speed and input from the driver’s foot on the accelerator pedal. The new technology provides significant fuel economy improvement, and for the driver, it retains the operational ease of an automatic with noticeably quicker and smoother shift quality.
PowerShift is a dual dry clutch transmission, operating with sealed internal lubrication, reducing friction and contributing to Focus fuel economy improvements. The lack of pumps and hoses reduces complexity, saves weight and contributes to fuel efficiency.
Learn more about the Ford Focus’s fuel economy.
Quotes
“Combining a direct-injected engine and the dual-clutch PowerShift transmission will help Focus redefine fuel economy and flexibility in the C-car segment. The refinement and sheer fun-to-drive nature of the new Focus will surprise a lot of drivers.”
– Barb Samardzich, Vice President for Ford’s Global Powertrain Development
“Using direct injection and Ti-VCT, and coupling that to a dual-clutch transmission, we’ve been able to make a quantum leap in fuel economy and performance. We’re meeting the goals of our global powertrain strategy, and we now have another key powertrain for use around the world.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“The overlap control via Ti-VCT helps us eliminate compromises in the induction and exhaust systems. Drivers will notice improved low-end power and better fuel economy. And there are benefits they won’t notice too, like reduced emissions overall, especially at part-throttle.”
– Jamie Hanshaw, Ford VCT Technical Specialist
“The DI system creates an incredibly fine spray of gasoline that’s injected directly into the combustion chamber at the precise moment it’s needed, eliminating a lot of the compromises on traditional fuel systems. It sounds simple, but months of testing and computer simulation went into finding the exact injector spray pattern, where in the cylinder to aim the spray, and even the piston dome design.”
– Scott Makowski, I-4 Engine Manager
“PowerShift is a transmission that changes the game. Our fuel economy leader is now a PowerShift automatic. Previously, a C-segment driver needed a manual transmission and a clutch pedal to enjoy the greatest fuel efficiency.”
– Barb Samardzich, Vice President for Ford’s Global Powertrain Development
“When the new Focus launches in late 2010, it will be among the global leaders in fuel economy and CO2 emissions. We will continue to pioneer new technologies beyond launch, including a true zero-emission model launching in North America in 2011. Throughout its life cycle, Focus in all forms, in all regions, will demonstrate the Ford commitment to deliver unsurpassed fuel economy on a truly global scale.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development
The reveal of the next-generation Ford Focus at the 2010 North American International Auto Show includes the first in a series of powertrain technology developments coming from Ford that give its new global C-segment leader a combination of power, exhilarating performance and unsurpassed fuel economy.
Ford has disclosed that North American models of the new Focus will be equipped with a responsive, fuel-efficient combination of a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) and direct injection (DI) plus a dual-clutch PowerShift transmission.
The new engine is designed to deliver an estimated 155 horsepower and 145 ft.-lb. of torque to give customers ample performance and a refined driving experience.
The 2.0-liter Ti-VCT I-4 also serves as another example of Ford delivering fuel economy leadership by using advanced technologies to produce surprising power from minimal displacement. The engine can deliver outstanding fuel economy and emissions along with the throttle response, performance and flexibility expected from a world-class engine.
Core engine technologies
As a DOHC design, the 2.0-liter I-4 uses two camshafts: one to open the intake valves and one to open the exhaust valves. Traditionally, camshafts have only been able to open the valves at a fixed point, defined during engine design and manufacture. But with modern variable cam timing systems, the camshafts can be rotated slightly relative to their initial position, allowing the cam timing to be advanced or retarded.
Ti-VCT takes this technology and applies it to both the intake and exhaust camshafts of its DOHC design, using electronic solenoid valves to direct high-pressure oil to control vanes in each of the camshaft sprocket housings. By using one oil control solenoid per camshaft, controlled by the Electronic Control Module, each intake and exhaust cam can be advanced or retarded independently of the other as engine operating conditions change, providing an exceptional degree of valve timing control.
Attention to detail yields fuel economy improvements
Complementing the efficiencies introduced by Ti-VCT and DI, every aspect of the proven 2.0-liter I-4 was examined to identify ways fuel economy could be improved. Key strategies focused on reducing internal engine friction and reducing overall weight.
Computer modeling indicated areas where friction reduction strategies would pay the most dividends. The valvetrain received a fine surface treatment to present the smoothest surface possible. Piston skirts are treated with a special low-friction coating, and the oil pump and its drive ratio are sized for the exact capacity requirements of the new 2.0-liter engine.
PowerShift: A different kind of automatic
An all-new PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission that combines the responsive performance and fuel economy of a manual gearbox with the convenience of a traditional automatic transmission promises to be another key Focus powertrain technology.
Twin internal clutches keep the PowerShift in constant mesh, continuously optimizing for maximum responsiveness and fuel efficiency, depending on engine speed, vehicle speed and input from the driver’s foot on the accelerator pedal. The new technology provides significant fuel economy improvement, and for the driver, it retains the operational ease of an automatic with noticeably quicker and smoother shift quality.
PowerShift is a dual dry clutch transmission, operating with sealed internal lubrication, reducing friction and contributing to Focus fuel economy improvements. The lack of pumps and hoses reduces complexity, saves weight and contributes to fuel efficiency.
Learn more about the Ford Focus’s fuel economy.
Quotes
“Combining a direct-injected engine and the dual-clutch PowerShift transmission will help Focus redefine fuel economy and flexibility in the C-car segment. The refinement and sheer fun-to-drive nature of the new Focus will surprise a lot of drivers.”
– Barb Samardzich, Vice President for Ford’s Global Powertrain Development
“Using direct injection and Ti-VCT, and coupling that to a dual-clutch transmission, we’ve been able to make a quantum leap in fuel economy and performance. We’re meeting the goals of our global powertrain strategy, and we now have another key powertrain for use around the world.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“The overlap control via Ti-VCT helps us eliminate compromises in the induction and exhaust systems. Drivers will notice improved low-end power and better fuel economy. And there are benefits they won’t notice too, like reduced emissions overall, especially at part-throttle.”
– Jamie Hanshaw, Ford VCT Technical Specialist
“The DI system creates an incredibly fine spray of gasoline that’s injected directly into the combustion chamber at the precise moment it’s needed, eliminating a lot of the compromises on traditional fuel systems. It sounds simple, but months of testing and computer simulation went into finding the exact injector spray pattern, where in the cylinder to aim the spray, and even the piston dome design.”
– Scott Makowski, I-4 Engine Manager
“PowerShift is a transmission that changes the game. Our fuel economy leader is now a PowerShift automatic. Previously, a C-segment driver needed a manual transmission and a clutch pedal to enjoy the greatest fuel efficiency.”
– Barb Samardzich, Vice President for Ford’s Global Powertrain Development
“When the new Focus launches in late 2010, it will be among the global leaders in fuel economy and CO2 emissions. We will continue to pioneer new technologies beyond launch, including a true zero-emission model launching in North America in 2011. Throughout its life cycle, Focus in all forms, in all regions, will demonstrate the Ford commitment to deliver unsurpassed fuel economy on a truly global scale.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development
Tags: Ford, Ford Focus, Ford Motor Company, fuel economy, NAIAS
Posted in Ford Cars - text, Ford Focus - text snippets | No Comments »
Isn’t Time You Got Into Focus?
Monday, January 11th, 2010
People are a-buzz about Ford Motor Company’s revitalized commitment to automotive excellence, and no car better represents its laser-like… Focus.
The next-generation Ford Focus makes its worldwide debut providing customers with more affordable technologies and features than ever in this segment, as well as detailed craftsmanship, outstanding fuel economy and a new standard for driving quality.
Sleek, stylish and sporty, both the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles of the next-generation Focus are previewed prior to their production start for Europe and North America late in 2010 and market launch early in 2011.
The new Focus will be nearly identical in all markets, with 80 percent parts commonality around the world.
Engineered without compromise
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.
In developing the vehicle for global markets, the product team in Europe was able to call on the experience acquired from recent programs like the much-acclaimed new Ford Fiesta, and was supported by the expertise of vehicle and powertrain technology specialists located in Ford’s engineering center in Dearborn, Mich.
Ford’s global development and sourcing strategy made it possible to provide a level of performance and feature content that is unrivaled for this vehicle segment and surprising even to drivers of larger, more premium vehicles.
Taking kinetic design to the next level
The no-compromise approach to the new Ford Focus is immediately evident from the striking exterior design of the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback models that take center stage at the 2010 NAIAS.
The two models share a sporty and dynamic character, marking the next evolution of Ford’s acclaimed kinetic design form language, which has contributed to the growing popularity of the company’s latest small and medium cars.
The kinetic design approach uses bold vehicle designs to capture the feeling of energy in motion, so that cars look like they are moving – even when they are standing still.
With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the new Focus clearly telegraphs the rewarding driving experience that awaits customers when they take to the road.
This dynamic quality is reinforced by the distinctive design of the interior. The new Focus has an extremely modern, cockpit-style interior, with the stylish center console wrapped around the driver and providing outstanding access to the vehicle’s major controls and display panels.
A key element of the interior is the quality of craftsmanship. The cabin’s bold and contemporary graphics, the sculptured shape of the soft-touch instrument panel and the choice of superior trim materials all help to give occupants the feeling that they are traveling in a premium-class car.
Intuitive technology enhances convenience and safety
The next-generation Focus will bring C-segment customers around the world an exciting array of advanced technologies generally found in larger, more premium vehicles. The global scale of Ford’s C-car program makes more technologies and features economically viable than ever before for cars in this segment.
The technology package of the new Focus promises not only clear leadership in the C-segment, but also includes features customers in larger, more premium segments would find surprising.
Within the cockpit, the most significant innovation is the company’s next-generation driver connect technology, MyFord, which provides the driver with a state-of-the-art combination of controls and display screens to operate the key vehicle features. On high series vehicles, the MyFord system includes an 8-inch touch screen, allowing the driver to control a wide range of functions via a clear and intuitive color display.
MyFord is complemented by a new generation of Ford’s powerful SYNC® connectivity package, which includes a sophisticated voice control system, Bluetooth and satellite navigation, along with connection points for a wide variety of external devices and media players.
Learn more about the Ford Focus.
Quotes
“The new Ford Focus is a clear demonstration that our ONE Ford strategy is providing global consumers with great products that harness the best of Ford Motor Company. The efficiencies generated by our new global C-car platform will enable us to provide Ford Focus customers with an affordable product offering quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology beyond their expectations.”
– Alan Mulally, Ford’s President and CEO
“Global customers increasingly want smaller cars with outstanding fuel economy, but without sacrificing any of the style, technology, connectivity and driving quality they demand from larger vehicles. Our next generation of C-cars – led by the exciting new Focus – will clearly show that Ford is ready to meet that challenge.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s Group Vice President of Global Product Development
“The all-new Focus is at the center of convergence for automotive trends. We’ve designed it with an acute understanding of global customers, yet it’s tailored for each individual region. Focus combines the best from Europe, North America and Asia to deliver a level of emotional driving enjoyment never before experienced in a car this size.”
– J Mays, Ford Group Vice President of Design and Chief Creative Officer
“We believe the new Ford Focus will provide consumers with an unmatched driving experience, together with an unrivaled ownership experience. The Focus brand always has been very special to Ford, and this new global model shows our commitment to developing another generation of exciting and appealing cars.”
– Jim Farley, Ford Group Vice President, Global Marketing
The next-generation Ford Focus makes its worldwide debut providing customers with more affordable technologies and features than ever in this segment, as well as detailed craftsmanship, outstanding fuel economy and a new standard for driving quality.
Sleek, stylish and sporty, both the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles of the next-generation Focus are previewed prior to their production start for Europe and North America late in 2010 and market launch early in 2011.
The new Focus will be nearly identical in all markets, with 80 percent parts commonality around the world.
Engineered without compromise
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.
In developing the vehicle for global markets, the product team in Europe was able to call on the experience acquired from recent programs like the much-acclaimed new Ford Fiesta, and was supported by the expertise of vehicle and powertrain technology specialists located in Ford’s engineering center in Dearborn, Mich.
Ford’s global development and sourcing strategy made it possible to provide a level of performance and feature content that is unrivaled for this vehicle segment and surprising even to drivers of larger, more premium vehicles.
Taking kinetic design to the next level
The no-compromise approach to the new Ford Focus is immediately evident from the striking exterior design of the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback models that take center stage at the 2010 NAIAS.
The two models share a sporty and dynamic character, marking the next evolution of Ford’s acclaimed kinetic design form language, which has contributed to the growing popularity of the company’s latest small and medium cars.
The kinetic design approach uses bold vehicle designs to capture the feeling of energy in motion, so that cars look like they are moving – even when they are standing still.
With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the new Focus clearly telegraphs the rewarding driving experience that awaits customers when they take to the road.
This dynamic quality is reinforced by the distinctive design of the interior. The new Focus has an extremely modern, cockpit-style interior, with the stylish center console wrapped around the driver and providing outstanding access to the vehicle’s major controls and display panels.
A key element of the interior is the quality of craftsmanship. The cabin’s bold and contemporary graphics, the sculptured shape of the soft-touch instrument panel and the choice of superior trim materials all help to give occupants the feeling that they are traveling in a premium-class car.
Intuitive technology enhances convenience and safety
The next-generation Focus will bring C-segment customers around the world an exciting array of advanced technologies generally found in larger, more premium vehicles. The global scale of Ford’s C-car program makes more technologies and features economically viable than ever before for cars in this segment.
The technology package of the new Focus promises not only clear leadership in the C-segment, but also includes features customers in larger, more premium segments would find surprising.
Within the cockpit, the most significant innovation is the company’s next-generation driver connect technology, MyFord, which provides the driver with a state-of-the-art combination of controls and display screens to operate the key vehicle features. On high series vehicles, the MyFord system includes an 8-inch touch screen, allowing the driver to control a wide range of functions via a clear and intuitive color display.
MyFord is complemented by a new generation of Ford’s powerful SYNC® connectivity package, which includes a sophisticated voice control system, Bluetooth and satellite navigation, along with connection points for a wide variety of external devices and media players.
Learn more about the Ford Focus.
Quotes
“The new Ford Focus is a clear demonstration that our ONE Ford strategy is providing global consumers with great products that harness the best of Ford Motor Company. The efficiencies generated by our new global C-car platform will enable us to provide Ford Focus customers with an affordable product offering quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology beyond their expectations.”
– Alan Mulally, Ford’s President and CEO
“Global customers increasingly want smaller cars with outstanding fuel economy, but without sacrificing any of the style, technology, connectivity and driving quality they demand from larger vehicles. Our next generation of C-cars – led by the exciting new Focus – will clearly show that Ford is ready to meet that challenge.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s Group Vice President of Global Product Development
“The all-new Focus is at the center of convergence for automotive trends. We’ve designed it with an acute understanding of global customers, yet it’s tailored for each individual region. Focus combines the best from Europe, North America and Asia to deliver a level of emotional driving enjoyment never before experienced in a car this size.”
– J Mays, Ford Group Vice President of Design and Chief Creative Officer
“We believe the new Ford Focus will provide consumers with an unmatched driving experience, together with an unrivaled ownership experience. The Focus brand always has been very special to Ford, and this new global model shows our commitment to developing another generation of exciting and appealing cars.”
– Jim Farley, Ford Group Vice President, Global Marketing
Tags: Ford, Ford Focus, Ford Motor Company, fuel economy, NAIAS, Technology
Posted in Ford Cars - text, Ford Focus - text snippets | No Comments »
It’s a Twin-Win Combination
Friday, January 8th, 2010
You thought it was just crazy talk when you heard the rumors, but lo and behold it’s a reality. Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) will allow drivers of the 2011 Mustang GT to balance high performance and fuel economy. What a concept!
Ti-VCT provides extremely precise variable – yet independent – control of timing for intake and exhaust valves. Drivers of the 2011 Mustang GT will notice abundant torque and class-leading fuel economy. An additional benefit of Ti-VCT is a reduction of emissions, especially in situations when the throttle is partially open.
Independent adjustment of intake and exhaust valve timing allows maximum fuel economy at part-throttle, while delivering optimized power in full-throttle situations. An added benefit is improved drivability and responsiveness across the torque curve.
How Ti-VCT works
The new 5.0-liter V-8 in the 2011 Mustang GT is a double-overhead-camshaft configuration that employs two camshafts per cylinder bank – one camshaft to operate the intake valves and one camshaft to operate the exhaust valves. Ti-VCT rotates the camshafts to advance or retard the cam timing, based on several measures including throttle opening.
An element unique to the Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8 application is that Ti-VCT is actuated by camshaft torque, with assistance from pressurized oil. Using camshaft torque energy provides faster throttle response and maximizes use of existing energy, to aid fuel economy. Camshaft torque energy Ti-VCT actuation is a Ford innovation, introduced first on the 3.0-liter V-6.
Working like a ratchet, the one-way valves allow precise timing of camshaft events, continually optimizing timing to provide maximum thrust or fuel economy, based on driver input.
Quotes
“Ti-VCT is a win-win-win technology. It helps our new range of engines to deliver high performance with unsurpassed projected highway fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and reduced emissions.”
– Barb Samardzich, Vice President, Global Powertrain Development
“Ti-VCT technology will continue to proliferate across the Ford powertrain portfolio. By 2013, you can expect to see this advancement available on 90 percent of our nameplates.”
– Barb Samardzich, Vice President, Global Powertrain Development
Ti-VCT provides extremely precise variable – yet independent – control of timing for intake and exhaust valves. Drivers of the 2011 Mustang GT will notice abundant torque and class-leading fuel economy. An additional benefit of Ti-VCT is a reduction of emissions, especially in situations when the throttle is partially open.
Independent adjustment of intake and exhaust valve timing allows maximum fuel economy at part-throttle, while delivering optimized power in full-throttle situations. An added benefit is improved drivability and responsiveness across the torque curve.
How Ti-VCT works
The new 5.0-liter V-8 in the 2011 Mustang GT is a double-overhead-camshaft configuration that employs two camshafts per cylinder bank – one camshaft to operate the intake valves and one camshaft to operate the exhaust valves. Ti-VCT rotates the camshafts to advance or retard the cam timing, based on several measures including throttle opening.
An element unique to the Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8 application is that Ti-VCT is actuated by camshaft torque, with assistance from pressurized oil. Using camshaft torque energy provides faster throttle response and maximizes use of existing energy, to aid fuel economy. Camshaft torque energy Ti-VCT actuation is a Ford innovation, introduced first on the 3.0-liter V-6.
Working like a ratchet, the one-way valves allow precise timing of camshaft events, continually optimizing timing to provide maximum thrust or fuel economy, based on driver input.
Quotes
“Ti-VCT is a win-win-win technology. It helps our new range of engines to deliver high performance with unsurpassed projected highway fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and reduced emissions.”
– Barb Samardzich, Vice President, Global Powertrain Development
“Ti-VCT technology will continue to proliferate across the Ford powertrain portfolio. By 2013, you can expect to see this advancement available on 90 percent of our nameplates.”
– Barb Samardzich, Vice President, Global Powertrain Development
Tags: 2011 Mustang GT, Ford, Ford Motor Company, Ford Mustang, Ti-VCT, Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing
Posted in 2011 Mustang GT - text, Ford Mustang - text | No Comments »
Who’s the Boss?
Friday, January 8th, 2010
Forty years after its namesake became a road racing legend, the BOSS is back on track for 2010 with a new 5.0-liter V-8 engine.
In honor of the 40th anniversary of Parnelli Jones’ 1970 Trans-Am championship in a Mustang BOSS 302 prepared by Bud Moore Engineering, Ford Racing is introducing the BOSS 302R, a factory-built race car ready for track days and road racing in a number of Grand-Am, SCCA and NASA classes.
Ready to race
The Mustang BOSS 302R is a serialized off-road-only vehicle ready to race. Each base model will come with a 5.0-liter four-valve engine and a six-speed manual transmission with a roll cage, race seats, safety harness, data acquisition and race dampers/springs, and a Brembo brake and tire package, starting at an MSRP of $79,000.
And, with a special Grand-Am Homologation Package (M-FR500-BOSS R1), it will also be ready to compete in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series (formerly known as KONI Challenge), starting with the season-opening race in Daytona on Jan. 29, 2010. As of today, five BOSS 302R race cars will be delivered to customers ready to race in Daytona. MSRP of the BOSS 302R1 is $129,000.
The Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge-ready Mustang BOSS 302R will feature a sealed high-output race engine with an upgraded cooling system, a close-ratio six-speed transmission with integral shifter, a seam-welded body, race suspension/KONI dampers and ABS brake tuning, race performance exhaust and a high-speed balance one-piece driveshaft.
A winning track record
The BOSS 302R follows in the very successful footsteps of its most recent road racing predecessor – the Mustang FR500C from Ford Racing. In 2005, when the Mustang FR500C debuted at Daytona, the first car was delivered on Wednesday of that week and won the KONI Challenge race on Friday.
In five years of competition since then, the Mustang FR500C has won three Triple Crown championships of driver, team and manufacturer’s titles in KONI competition including back-to-back (2008 and 2009). The FR500C has also seen success in FIA GT4 competition winning the 2007 and 2008 driver’s championships.
Each Ford Racing factory-built production-based turnkey race car has won its competition debut.
Available through Ford dealers, a total of 50 BOSS 302R Mustangs will be built by Ford Racing. Delivery is anticipated in the third quarter of 2010.
For more information on Ford Racing Performance Parts, please visit www.fordracingparts.com.
Quotes
“To keep pace with consumer demand, the Ford team has built modern versions of the most iconic performance Mustangs over the years. From Shelbys to Bullitt, Mach and Cobra Jet, it is now time for BOSS to join the list of America’s most coveted Mustangs. The original BOSS 302 was a championship-winning legend and the new Mustang BOSS 302R will carry on the tradition. The Mustang was born to race from the start, and this new Mustang is bred to win.”
– Jamie Allison, Director, Ford North America Motorsports
“We expect the BOSS 302R to continue the successful tradition of winning with factory-built production-based race cars from Ford Racing. The FR500C and FR500S road racing Mustangs, and the Mustang FR500CJ (Cobra Jet) for drag racing have proven to be great cars for our customers, helping teams win races and championships. We believe that the BOSS 302R will provide that same sort of competitive product for our customers with the tradition you can only get from Ford Racing.”
– Jamie Allison, Director, Ford North America Motorsports
“Racing has long served as a technical proving ground for production engines. What’s good enough for the streets is now good enough for the racetrack. The 5.0-liter block and architecture in the Mustang BOSS 302R is the same as the 2011 Mustang GT.”
– Jamie Allison, Director, Ford North America Motorsports
“We have a great team on the BOSS 302R project. Between our partners at AutoAlliance International, where the Mustang is built, Team Mustang, Multimatic and the entire Ford Racing team, we have once again proven to be a leader in turnkey production-based race cars.”
– Andy Slankard, Ford Racing Engineering Supervisor and the Lead Engineer on the BOSS 302R project
In honor of the 40th anniversary of Parnelli Jones’ 1970 Trans-Am championship in a Mustang BOSS 302 prepared by Bud Moore Engineering, Ford Racing is introducing the BOSS 302R, a factory-built race car ready for track days and road racing in a number of Grand-Am, SCCA and NASA classes.
Ready to race
The Mustang BOSS 302R is a serialized off-road-only vehicle ready to race. Each base model will come with a 5.0-liter four-valve engine and a six-speed manual transmission with a roll cage, race seats, safety harness, data acquisition and race dampers/springs, and a Brembo brake and tire package, starting at an MSRP of $79,000.
And, with a special Grand-Am Homologation Package (M-FR500-BOSS R1), it will also be ready to compete in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series (formerly known as KONI Challenge), starting with the season-opening race in Daytona on Jan. 29, 2010. As of today, five BOSS 302R race cars will be delivered to customers ready to race in Daytona. MSRP of the BOSS 302R1 is $129,000.
The Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge-ready Mustang BOSS 302R will feature a sealed high-output race engine with an upgraded cooling system, a close-ratio six-speed transmission with integral shifter, a seam-welded body, race suspension/KONI dampers and ABS brake tuning, race performance exhaust and a high-speed balance one-piece driveshaft.
A winning track record
The BOSS 302R follows in the very successful footsteps of its most recent road racing predecessor – the Mustang FR500C from Ford Racing. In 2005, when the Mustang FR500C debuted at Daytona, the first car was delivered on Wednesday of that week and won the KONI Challenge race on Friday.
In five years of competition since then, the Mustang FR500C has won three Triple Crown championships of driver, team and manufacturer’s titles in KONI competition including back-to-back (2008 and 2009). The FR500C has also seen success in FIA GT4 competition winning the 2007 and 2008 driver’s championships.
Each Ford Racing factory-built production-based turnkey race car has won its competition debut.
Available through Ford dealers, a total of 50 BOSS 302R Mustangs will be built by Ford Racing. Delivery is anticipated in the third quarter of 2010.
For more information on Ford Racing Performance Parts, please visit www.fordracingparts.com.
Quotes
“To keep pace with consumer demand, the Ford team has built modern versions of the most iconic performance Mustangs over the years. From Shelbys to Bullitt, Mach and Cobra Jet, it is now time for BOSS to join the list of America’s most coveted Mustangs. The original BOSS 302 was a championship-winning legend and the new Mustang BOSS 302R will carry on the tradition. The Mustang was born to race from the start, and this new Mustang is bred to win.”
– Jamie Allison, Director, Ford North America Motorsports
“We expect the BOSS 302R to continue the successful tradition of winning with factory-built production-based race cars from Ford Racing. The FR500C and FR500S road racing Mustangs, and the Mustang FR500CJ (Cobra Jet) for drag racing have proven to be great cars for our customers, helping teams win races and championships. We believe that the BOSS 302R will provide that same sort of competitive product for our customers with the tradition you can only get from Ford Racing.”
– Jamie Allison, Director, Ford North America Motorsports
“Racing has long served as a technical proving ground for production engines. What’s good enough for the streets is now good enough for the racetrack. The 5.0-liter block and architecture in the Mustang BOSS 302R is the same as the 2011 Mustang GT.”
– Jamie Allison, Director, Ford North America Motorsports
“We have a great team on the BOSS 302R project. Between our partners at AutoAlliance International, where the Mustang is built, Team Mustang, Multimatic and the entire Ford Racing team, we have once again proven to be a leader in turnkey production-based race cars.”
– Andy Slankard, Ford Racing Engineering Supervisor and the Lead Engineer on the BOSS 302R project
Tags: BOSS, Bud Moore Engineering, Ford, Ford Motor Company, Ford Racing
Posted in 2011 Mustang GT - text, Ford Mustang - text | No Comments »
It’s Breakthrough Technology on Wheels!
Thursday, January 7th, 2010
America’s most innovative sedan, the hot-selling 2010 Ford Taurus, is the winner of the first-ever Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award. The announcement was made today at the 2010 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas.
The Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award is presented to vehicles that set the standard for intuitive, practical and affordable technology that enhances safety and convenience
for drivers and passengers. Any new vehicle available for sale within the U.S. within the last year is eligible to receive the award.
With its expressive styling, the Taurus offers more user-friendly technology than other cars twice its price, including 10 class-exclusive technologies not available from any other manufacturer.
Other class-exclusive features include:
In addition to receiving the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award, the Taurus is serving as the official vehicle of CES, and the 2010 Taurus SHO was dubbed Esquire magazine’s first-ever “Car of the Year.” Since going on sale in August 2009, Ford's all-new Taurus has received more than a dozen awards from an array of leading consumer and automotive publications.
For additional coverage of the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award, visit http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/.
Quotes
“We chose the 2010 Ford Taurus to receive the first annual Edmunds.com Breakthrough Technology Award because the vehicle offers an extensive and impressive array of electronic amenities that also represent an excellent value for consumers.”
– Doug Newcomb, Senior Technology Editor, Edmunds.com
“In addition to the innovative Ford SYNC® system that provides voice-activated Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and free features such as 911 Assist™ and turn-by-turn navigation, the Taurus also has heated and cooled Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion™, Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert, SIRIUS Travel Link™ and SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad.”
– Doug Newcomb, Senior Technology Editor, Edmunds.com
The Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award is presented to vehicles that set the standard for intuitive, practical and affordable technology that enhances safety and convenience
for drivers and passengers. Any new vehicle available for sale within the U.S. within the last year is eligible to receive the award.
With its expressive styling, the Taurus offers more user-friendly technology than other cars twice its price, including 10 class-exclusive technologies not available from any other manufacturer.
Other class-exclusive features include:
- Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel Filler – a self-seal system without a traditional fuel cap. No lost, dangling or spinning caps. It seals automatically every time.
- Sony Audio® System – a surround-sound system that delivers Dolby® Digital
5.1 sound through 12 high-quality Sony speakers. - Available EcoBoost™ V-6 – a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers the output of a V-8, 365 horsepower, without compromising its V-6 fuel economy.
- MyKey™ – a programmable feature that allows parents to limit top speed and audio volume and set speed alert chimes to encourage safer driving.
In addition to receiving the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award, the Taurus is serving as the official vehicle of CES, and the 2010 Taurus SHO was dubbed Esquire magazine’s first-ever “Car of the Year.” Since going on sale in August 2009, Ford's all-new Taurus has received more than a dozen awards from an array of leading consumer and automotive publications.
For additional coverage of the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award, visit http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/.
Quotes
“We chose the 2010 Ford Taurus to receive the first annual Edmunds.com Breakthrough Technology Award because the vehicle offers an extensive and impressive array of electronic amenities that also represent an excellent value for consumers.”
– Doug Newcomb, Senior Technology Editor, Edmunds.com
“In addition to the innovative Ford SYNC® system that provides voice-activated Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and free features such as 911 Assist™ and turn-by-turn navigation, the Taurus also has heated and cooled Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion™, Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert, SIRIUS Travel Link™ and SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad.”
– Doug Newcomb, Senior Technology Editor, Edmunds.com
Tags: 2010 Ford Taurus, CES, Consumer Electronics Show, Edmonds.com, Ford, Ford Motor Company, Technology Breakthrough Award
Posted in Ford Taurus - text, Ford Technology - text | No Comments »
What’s technophile savvy, yet technophobe friendly?
Thursday, January 7th, 2010
Ever wonder how to better integrate your technological needs into your driving experience? Wonder no more.
Ford introduced a smarter, safer, simpler system to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives today at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
Building on its leadership with the award-winning SYNC® device connectivity system, Ford has combined a variety of technologies into one powerful, intuitive connected driver experience called MyFord, which will begin rolling out on vehicles this year.
This new in-vehicle connectivity experience replaces many of the traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges. With more voice commands, clear, crisp LCD screens that can be customized and five-way buttons like those on cell phones and MP3 players, drivers can choose which information is front and center through a button click, voice command or touch-screen tap.
Driven by trends
Ford decided to undertake a sweeping and ambitious redesign of the automotive interface after studying consumer electronics trends and the many new ways in which drivers were using technology inside their Ford vehicles.
Recent years have seen a massive expansion in the variety of in-car communications, navigation and infotainment technologies consumers regularly use. The expectations of average drivers have outgrown the traditional “button/knob/gauge” interface used in cars for the past 100 years, as most consumer and household electronics have moved to colorful digital displays and multi-function touch-sensitive buttons.
Consumers are insisting on simpler interfaces even as they’re demanding more in-car connectivity, more options and more information – a dilemma known as “simplexity.” Plus, the pace of advancement is expected to continue unabated, posing a new opportunity for drivers and engineers alike.
For example, prior to SYNC, drivers often were required to either leave behind their communications, digital information and favorite music while on the road or split their attention between driving and selecting songs, making phone calls or using the navigation system.
Influenced – and powered – by SYNC
When launched, Ford SYNC, developed with Microsoft, helped provide a seamless transition – and seamless flow of information and entertainment – from the moment drivers entered their vehicles to the moment they got out. As Ford began to develop additional SYNC capabilities and add other signature content, the company realized it was redefining the interior environment and ownership experience.
Accommodating all types of drivers, all types of vehicles
In the initial planning stages of redesigning the interior experience, Ford collaborated with IDEO, a world leader in helping consumers connect with technology. As a result, the company identified four key attributes of successful interfaces:
A global future for MyFord driver connect technology
As a signature offering, and one with the potential to help reduce driver distraction, Ford knew widely offering MyFord driver connect technology was a priority from the start.
MyFord also will be expanded across world markets. As new and refreshed models continue to arrive, nearly all Ford passenger vehicles will be outfitted with MyFord driver connect technology. There will be minor variations across car lines, but the interface will be instantly recognizable in Ford vehicles around the globe.
MyFord will arrive later this year on the redesigned 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers, before appearing on the all-new 2012 Ford Focus for global markets. By 2015, approximately 80 percent of Ford’s North American models are expected to have MyFord driver connect technology, with similar percentages predicted for the world market.
Quotes
“MyFord delivers a premium interior experience that will help consumers fall in love with their vehicles again. It integrates all our signature features so customers will know exactly what they’re going to get in any Ford vehicle they may find themselves driving, no matter where they are in the world.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“As we began developing MyFord’s capability, we saw this groundswell of new technology, new functionality and incredible capability opening up to consumers. It was readily apparent that unless we devised an intuitive interface to help drivers manage these capabilities, they could detract – and possibly distract – from the driving experience.”
– Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas
“With MyFord driver connect technology, we realized we weren’t necessarily competing with other automakers, but we were really redefining how customers interacted with their cars. We had to look very closely at the evolution of hand-held devices in terms of user interface, connectivity, productivity and entertainment applications. Our goal is to set the benchmark for the automotive user interface, just as we’ve done for device connectivity with SYNC.”
– Jim Buczkowski, Ford Director of Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering
“The driving experience is not just about getting from A to B. It’s about the approach to the car, how it responds to you when you get in, and how it responds to you while you drive. It’s the anticipation, the welcome and the continuing conversation. Keeping these principles in mind helped us ensure we made decisions for the right reasons.”
– J Mays, Ford Group Vice President of Design
“Democratization of technology is a key aspect of our product plan. With MyFord, we didn’t want to create an upscale electronics package and just put it on our highest-end vehicles. This technology will be available across our full range of vehicles: From our affordable small cars to the ultimate Lincoln, we’re going to make a premium, appealing and intuitive experience available to everyone.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“We’ve developed an environment that will make every Ford vehicle feel like a Ford. Across the country, across the globe, all of our products will have the same type of feel, making them instantly comfortable to the drivers who know and love them, and MyFord will become a key part of the joy of owning and driving a Ford product.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development
Ford introduced a smarter, safer, simpler system to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives today at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
Building on its leadership with the award-winning SYNC® device connectivity system, Ford has combined a variety of technologies into one powerful, intuitive connected driver experience called MyFord, which will begin rolling out on vehicles this year.
This new in-vehicle connectivity experience replaces many of the traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges. With more voice commands, clear, crisp LCD screens that can be customized and five-way buttons like those on cell phones and MP3 players, drivers can choose which information is front and center through a button click, voice command or touch-screen tap.
Driven by trends
Ford decided to undertake a sweeping and ambitious redesign of the automotive interface after studying consumer electronics trends and the many new ways in which drivers were using technology inside their Ford vehicles.
Recent years have seen a massive expansion in the variety of in-car communications, navigation and infotainment technologies consumers regularly use. The expectations of average drivers have outgrown the traditional “button/knob/gauge” interface used in cars for the past 100 years, as most consumer and household electronics have moved to colorful digital displays and multi-function touch-sensitive buttons.
Consumers are insisting on simpler interfaces even as they’re demanding more in-car connectivity, more options and more information – a dilemma known as “simplexity.” Plus, the pace of advancement is expected to continue unabated, posing a new opportunity for drivers and engineers alike.
For example, prior to SYNC, drivers often were required to either leave behind their communications, digital information and favorite music while on the road or split their attention between driving and selecting songs, making phone calls or using the navigation system.
Influenced – and powered – by SYNC
When launched, Ford SYNC, developed with Microsoft, helped provide a seamless transition – and seamless flow of information and entertainment – from the moment drivers entered their vehicles to the moment they got out. As Ford began to develop additional SYNC capabilities and add other signature content, the company realized it was redefining the interior environment and ownership experience.
Accommodating all types of drivers, all types of vehicles
In the initial planning stages of redesigning the interior experience, Ford collaborated with IDEO, a world leader in helping consumers connect with technology. As a result, the company identified four key attributes of successful interfaces:
- Be attentive: Use controls, screens and other interfaces with which most users already are comfortable and familiar.
- Be approachable: Create an attractive environment with rich graphics, vibrant colors and buttons/screens that are appealing to the eye and the touch, and consistent with what consumers expect from certain functions.
- Be clear: Rather than an imposing cluster of buttons, switches and dials, create a clean-looking interface, with controls that fall readily to hand and displays that are exactly where users expect to find them. Provide maximum control without the driver’s hands ever leaving the steering wheel.
- Be connected: For technophiles? Let drivers display all the information they want in the way they want it. For technophobes? Make sure basic controls, like radio and HVAC settings, still are accessible via familiar stack-mounted controls, so users don’t have to learn a host of new commands to operate the vehicle.
A global future for MyFord driver connect technology
As a signature offering, and one with the potential to help reduce driver distraction, Ford knew widely offering MyFord driver connect technology was a priority from the start.
MyFord also will be expanded across world markets. As new and refreshed models continue to arrive, nearly all Ford passenger vehicles will be outfitted with MyFord driver connect technology. There will be minor variations across car lines, but the interface will be instantly recognizable in Ford vehicles around the globe.
MyFord will arrive later this year on the redesigned 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers, before appearing on the all-new 2012 Ford Focus for global markets. By 2015, approximately 80 percent of Ford’s North American models are expected to have MyFord driver connect technology, with similar percentages predicted for the world market.
Quotes
“MyFord delivers a premium interior experience that will help consumers fall in love with their vehicles again. It integrates all our signature features so customers will know exactly what they’re going to get in any Ford vehicle they may find themselves driving, no matter where they are in the world.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“As we began developing MyFord’s capability, we saw this groundswell of new technology, new functionality and incredible capability opening up to consumers. It was readily apparent that unless we devised an intuitive interface to help drivers manage these capabilities, they could detract – and possibly distract – from the driving experience.”
– Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas
“With MyFord driver connect technology, we realized we weren’t necessarily competing with other automakers, but we were really redefining how customers interacted with their cars. We had to look very closely at the evolution of hand-held devices in terms of user interface, connectivity, productivity and entertainment applications. Our goal is to set the benchmark for the automotive user interface, just as we’ve done for device connectivity with SYNC.”
– Jim Buczkowski, Ford Director of Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering
“The driving experience is not just about getting from A to B. It’s about the approach to the car, how it responds to you when you get in, and how it responds to you while you drive. It’s the anticipation, the welcome and the continuing conversation. Keeping these principles in mind helped us ensure we made decisions for the right reasons.”
– J Mays, Ford Group Vice President of Design
“Democratization of technology is a key aspect of our product plan. With MyFord, we didn’t want to create an upscale electronics package and just put it on our highest-end vehicles. This technology will be available across our full range of vehicles: From our affordable small cars to the ultimate Lincoln, we’re going to make a premium, appealing and intuitive experience available to everyone.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“We’ve developed an environment that will make every Ford vehicle feel like a Ford. Across the country, across the globe, all of our products will have the same type of feel, making them instantly comfortable to the drivers who know and love them, and MyFord will become a key part of the joy of owning and driving a Ford product.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development
Tags: Ford, Ford Motor Company, In Vehicle Connectivity, MyFord, SYNC
Posted in Ford Technology - text | No Comments »
33-peat
Thursday, January 7th, 2010In sports, teams that three-peat are dubbed “dynasties.” So, what do you call something that repeats its dominance 33 years in a row? That’s easy: an F-Series pickup truck.
For the 33rd year in a row, Ford’s award-winning F-Series is America’s best-selling truck with 2009 sales of 413,625. F-series outsold its nearest truck rival by more than 97,000 units, the largest margin in three years.
In addition, for the 28th consecutive year, F-Series is once again America’s best-selling vehicle of any type – car, crossover, SUV, truck or van.
F-Series sales for 2009 totaled 413,625, which increased its segment share by 4 percentage-points. December sales for F-Series were 48,209, a 16 percent increase over December 2009 and the best sales month since March 2008.
The new benchmark
The F-150 was redesigned inside and out for 2009 and set a new benchmark for full size pickups with new high-strength, lighter-weight chassis that delivers more class-leading towing and hauling capability and unsurpassed fuel economy.
During the past six years, the “core trucker” – those who use their truck’s towing and hauling capability for work and play – has jumped to 40 percent from 30 percent of the light-duty full-size pickup market. In the commercial/fleet portion of this core trucker sub-segment, Ford F-Series continues to dominate. The F-150 has 44 percent of the light duty commercial/fleet market; and Super Duty is stronger still with over 56 percent of heavy duty commercial/fleet market.
Options galore
New to F-Series for 2010 is the F-150 Harley-Davidson and the off-road F-150 SVT Raptor, winner of the 2009 Truck of Texas.
F-Series also offers the industry-first Ford Work Solutions, an innovative suite of options including an in-dash computer with Internet access, Tool Link to track tools, Crew Chief technology to dispatch workers and reduce vehicle operating costs and Cable Lock to improve security of tools and equipment.
When the 2011 F-Series Super Duty hits dealership showrooms this spring, it will feature an all-new Ford-designed, Ford-engineered and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbocharged V-8 diesel engine.
Top-sellers
The top-selling Ford truck dealerships in the country are located in Texas, Nebraska and Missouri. Among them: Woodhouse Ford, Blair, Nebraska; Philpott Ford, Port Neches, Texas; Planet Ford, Spring, Texas; Midway Ford Truck Center, Kansas City, Missouri.; Five Star Ford, North Richland Hills, Texas; Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford, Carrollton, Texas.
Quotes
“When it comes to trucks, only one stat matters – how customers vote with their wallets. And the results are clear – the capability, productivity, technology and value of Ford F-Series is unmatched.”
– Doug Scott, Ford Truck Group Marketing Manager
Tags: Best Selling Truck, Ford, Ford Motor Company, Raptor
Posted in Ford F-150 - text snippets, Ford Trucks - text | No Comments »
Is Winter Driving Stressing You Out?
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
As Americans fight through the most stressful time of the year, Ford Motor Company and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are embarking on a plan to study driver workload and identify new opportunities to use in-vehicle technologies to improve driver safety by lowering stress.
While holiday shoppers recover from fighting long lines, crowded parking lots and icy roads, Ford and MIT researchers are focusing on how the car can potentially enhance overall human wellness, become an oasis from stressful situations, and increase driver attention and safety.
Studying stress factors
Partnering with MIT's renowned AgeLab, the project will identify specific stress-inducing driving situations, monitor a driver's reaction to the situations using biometrics, and evaluate methods to incorporate new stress-reducing features into the next generation of Ford products. A six-month effort beginning this January will focus on human interaction with a specially equipped 2010 Lincoln MKS, a vehicle already recognized for its advanced safety features.
The goal of this program is to take this one step further by creating the most comfortable driving environment possible so that our driver is always relaxed, calm and able to perform at peak performance.
Ford and MIT – partners in driver wellness
This current undertaking is the next step in an ongoing effort to study and, eventually, significantly improve driver wellness. Since 2004, Ford and MIT’s AgeLab – in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s New England University Transportation Center – have been working to develop vehicle systems that detect the state of a driver at key points in time. This project envisions using this information to adjust systems in the car in ways that reduce driver stress. One of the goals of this work is to help the driver recapture the wellness experience that driving once promised.
By identifying specific situations and the physiological effect they have on the driver, Ford and MIT are seeking solutions that can bring the driver from a heightened stress level back to an optimal operational state and thereby make their commute safer and more comfortable, renewing the positive experience of driving and riding in an automobile.
By monitoring biometrics such as heart rate, skin conductivity and eye movement, researchers at MIT have been working to develop a specific set of parameters for an embedded detection system that could be engineered into future Ford vehicles.
Increasing human-vehicle connectivity through biometrics may provide the next major breakthrough in vehicle safety and lead the development of aware vehicle systems.
Diet, exercise, rest...and a stress-free car
Today’s consumers are seeking every edge they can in the pursuit of a healthier and happier life, including diet, exercise and rest. Ford is committed to introducing in-vehicle technology that minimizes anxiety and actively mitigates stress levels so that the vehicle can serve a beneficial role in a human's life like a healthy diet or regular exercise, and ultimately be part of the total wellness solution.
Ford and MIT expect to conclude this phase of the study in July 2010. Findings of the study will be made public shortly after its conclusion.
Quotes
“We strongly believe that driving can be made safer by reducing the stress load placed on a driver. Through the use of our existing technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning or SYNC, our voice-activated communications system, we are proactively guiding drivers away from difficult situations. We have the opportunity to recast the driving experience not as a source of stress, but as a refuge from the daily grind and an opportunity to refresh the driver “
– Jeff Rupp, Ford Manager, Active Safety Research
“Today’s driver is feeling a greater level of anxiety than in the past, both from situations inside and outside the vehicle. This arises in part from the chronic stress in individuals’ daily lives combined with longer commute times, increased driving demands due to traffic congestion and deteriorating infrastructure.”
– Joseph Coughlin, Founder and Director of MIT's AgeLab
While holiday shoppers recover from fighting long lines, crowded parking lots and icy roads, Ford and MIT researchers are focusing on how the car can potentially enhance overall human wellness, become an oasis from stressful situations, and increase driver attention and safety.
Studying stress factors
Partnering with MIT's renowned AgeLab, the project will identify specific stress-inducing driving situations, monitor a driver's reaction to the situations using biometrics, and evaluate methods to incorporate new stress-reducing features into the next generation of Ford products. A six-month effort beginning this January will focus on human interaction with a specially equipped 2010 Lincoln MKS, a vehicle already recognized for its advanced safety features.
The goal of this program is to take this one step further by creating the most comfortable driving environment possible so that our driver is always relaxed, calm and able to perform at peak performance.
Ford and MIT – partners in driver wellness
This current undertaking is the next step in an ongoing effort to study and, eventually, significantly improve driver wellness. Since 2004, Ford and MIT’s AgeLab – in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s New England University Transportation Center – have been working to develop vehicle systems that detect the state of a driver at key points in time. This project envisions using this information to adjust systems in the car in ways that reduce driver stress. One of the goals of this work is to help the driver recapture the wellness experience that driving once promised.
By identifying specific situations and the physiological effect they have on the driver, Ford and MIT are seeking solutions that can bring the driver from a heightened stress level back to an optimal operational state and thereby make their commute safer and more comfortable, renewing the positive experience of driving and riding in an automobile.
By monitoring biometrics such as heart rate, skin conductivity and eye movement, researchers at MIT have been working to develop a specific set of parameters for an embedded detection system that could be engineered into future Ford vehicles.
Increasing human-vehicle connectivity through biometrics may provide the next major breakthrough in vehicle safety and lead the development of aware vehicle systems.
Diet, exercise, rest...and a stress-free car
Today’s consumers are seeking every edge they can in the pursuit of a healthier and happier life, including diet, exercise and rest. Ford is committed to introducing in-vehicle technology that minimizes anxiety and actively mitigates stress levels so that the vehicle can serve a beneficial role in a human's life like a healthy diet or regular exercise, and ultimately be part of the total wellness solution.
Ford and MIT expect to conclude this phase of the study in July 2010. Findings of the study will be made public shortly after its conclusion.
Quotes
“We strongly believe that driving can be made safer by reducing the stress load placed on a driver. Through the use of our existing technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning or SYNC, our voice-activated communications system, we are proactively guiding drivers away from difficult situations. We have the opportunity to recast the driving experience not as a source of stress, but as a refuge from the daily grind and an opportunity to refresh the driver “
– Jeff Rupp, Ford Manager, Active Safety Research
“Today’s driver is feeling a greater level of anxiety than in the past, both from situations inside and outside the vehicle. This arises in part from the chronic stress in individuals’ daily lives combined with longer commute times, increased driving demands due to traffic congestion and deteriorating infrastructure.”
– Joseph Coughlin, Founder and Director of MIT's AgeLab
Tags: 2010 Lincoln MKS, Ford, Ford Motor Company, Saftey
Posted in Ford Safety - text, Lincoln - text | No Comments »
Back by Popular Demand!
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
The 5.0 is back! The 2011 Ford Mustang GT arrives with an all-new advanced 5.0-liter V-8 engine, developed by a passionate cadre of enthusiastic engineers who rallied around the common goal of delivering more than 400 horsepower.
The modern 5.0-liter four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) V-8 engine in the new Mustang GT will deliver 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. At the same time, fuel economy is projected to be better than the previous model and unsurpassed in the segment.
Ti-VCT
A critical element in the 5.0-liter V-8’s ability to deliver 412 horsepower, with improved drivability, tractability and fuel economy over the 2010 Mustang GT powertrain, is enhanced Ti-VCT.
For a high-performance application, the Ford powertrain team specified cam-torque-actuated variable camshaft timing. Using existing cam torque energy, with assistance from pressurized oil, meant that minimal upgrades to the oil pump were required, resulting in less parasitic drag. Increased volumetric and thermal efficiency gives faster Ti-VCT response at all engine speeds.
The all-new aluminum four-valve-per-cylinder heads feature a compact roller finger follower valvetrain layout leaving more room for high-flow ports for free-breathing performance. Head structure was designed to support higher cylinder head pressures and cross-flow cooling for sustained high-rpm use. Head bolt size was increased from 11 to 12 millimeters to contain the higher combustion pressures.
The aluminum block was developed for optimized windage and oil drainback under lateral conditions and high rpm, such as a track-day outing for an enthusiastic owner and driver. Increased main bearing bulkhead widths and nodular iron cross-bolted main bearing caps with upsized bolts were also employed to accommodate the significant performance increase.
Performance and fuel economy
The 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque delivered by the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8 represent significant increases versus the 2010 model year output levels.
The six-speed automatic transmission on the 2011 Mustang GT will deliver up to an estimated 25 mpg highway and 17 in the city. This is up from 23 mpg highway and 17 city for the 2010 model. Six-speed manual transmission Mustang GT models for 2011 are projected to deliver 24 mpg highway and 16 city, matching the 2010 model but delivering significantly more horsepower and performance feel.
2011 Mustang GT fuel economy is enabled by the Ti-VCT, the six-speed transmissions in automatic or manual variations, EPAS and an additional rear decklid seal to enhance aerodynamics.
Fuel economy also is aided by engineering a lightweight powertrain. The engine, as shipped, weighs just 430 pounds. This represents a weight savings of more than 20 percent versus the previous 5.0-liter offering. Lower mass can be attributed to the aluminum block and heads, the lightweight composite intake manifold, composite cam covers and hollow camshafts.
Improved driving dynamics
EPAS has made a dramatic contribution to Mustang GT driving dynamics, delivering quicker on-center steering response, increased effort at highway speeds and reduced effort required in low-speed parking maneuvers. EPAS allows specific tuning for the Mustang GT application.
The 2011 Mustang GT features an enhanced rear lower control arm to add stiffness, improve powertrain NVH control and sharpen handling. A stiffened rear stabilizer bar for better on-center steering is also included. Stabilizer bar diameters, spring rates and dampers all have been tuned for improved dynamics.
A Brembo brake package upgrade will be available for serious enthusiasts. This package includes 14-inch vented front discs from the GT500 Mustang, unique 19-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires.
Read more about the new 5.0-liter Mustang GT.
Quotes
“This all-new 5.0-liter engine is the next chapter in the development of the world-class Mustang powertrain portfolio. It’s a thoroughly modern engine for the times, delivering the performance and fun-to-drive factor that enthusiasts want, while improving fuel economy.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President, Global Product Development
“This powertrain honors Mustang’s heritage by raising the bar on performance while increasing fuel economy. For enthusiasts, such as the passionate members of the 5.0-liter V-8 team, it’s like having your cake and eating it, too.”
– Barb Samardzich, Vice President, Powertrain Development
Tags: 2011 Mustang GT, Ford, Ford Motor Company
Posted in Ford Mustang - text | No Comments »
Getting Your New Favorite Songs Has Never Been Easier
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
iTunes Tagging and crystal-clear radio sound through HD Radio technology are the latest features on Ford’s growing list of factory-installed customer conveniences and technologies that will be newly available in 2010.
HD Radio receivers pull in digital radio signals and play them with dramatically improved sound. FM stations, for example, have near-CD quality, making it convenient for customers to select songs they want to download and purchase.
In 2010, Ford vehicles will offer familiar terrestrial radio, HD Radio technology, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio as well as Internet radio through Ford SYNC® from a Bluetooth®-streaming audio-capable smartphone.
Like the song? You can tag it
The world’s first implementation of iTunes Tagging in a factory-installed HD Radioreceiver will launch in 2010 on select Ford vehicles. Through the SYNC system, iTunes Tagging will provide Ford customers with the ability to capture a song they hear on the HD Radio receiver for later purchase. With a simple push of the “TAG” button on the radio display, the song information will be stored in the radio’s memory.
Up to 100 tags can be stored on SYNC until the iPod is connected to receive the download of metadata. When the iPod is then synced to iTunes, a playlist of “tagged” songs will appear. Customers then can preview and, if desired, purchase and download tagged songs from the iTunes Store.
All HD Radio-enabled receivers in Ford vehicles also will provide Program Service Data – information that appears on the radio screen and includes song title, artist name and more.
Quotes
“iTunes Tagging and HD Radio technology are strong new additions to the growing collection of Ford convenience features and technology we’re offering customers to make driving even more enjoyable. This is another example of Ford’s commitment to bring the widest variety of factory-installed customer-focused technology, features and conveniences to millions of people.”
– Mark Fields, President of The Americas, Ford Motor Company
“Ford continues to lead the market in bringing advanced capabilities to popular vehicles. We are very pleased that HD Radio technology is an integral part of Ford’s broad offering of new features.”
– Jeff Jury, COO of iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of HD Radio technology.
Tags: Ford, Ford Motor Company, iTunes, SYNC
Posted in Ford Technology - text | No Comments »
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While on a job site a Peterbuilt Semi became stuck in the mud. The driver asked me if I could pull him out of the mud because he didnt want to have to call a Semi recovery vehicle. I hooked up to the Semi with a doubled \"snatch strap\" and I put the truck in 4 wheel drive and took off. I pulled the Semi out with literally no resistance.. Job well done Ford!!
in feb of 2007 I bought a 1995 Ford Ranger XLT, It had 241 000 Miles on it, I had been a previous Chevy S10
Owner. I want to say this is by far the best truck I have ever had. Right now she has 257000 miles on the original engine. She has never given me a major problem. I still get 26MPG Highway, she has only failed to start once time and that was because I left the lights on and killed the battery. This truck means alot to me because I bought it from the Adoption agency that handled my son\'s adoption. I nicknamed her \" black betty\" after the Bad Company song. I also turned her into a ha
They’ve been around awhile – a snippet of advice here, an old adage there. They’re the guidelines that are supposed to help keep cars running in top condition. Problem is, most of them aren’t based in fact – or they’re just plain outdated.
Ford Police Interceptor Concept: Ford, the market leader in the law enforcement vehicle segment, reveals details on its next-generation, purpose-built Police Interceptor that will exceed the durability, safety, performance and fuel economy of the outgoing Ford Crown Victoria.
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