Essen 2009: Focus RS360 From Wolf Racing

Motor Authority - blog Tag: Duratec

  • Video: Ford taking on luxury carmakers with new Taurus ads

    Video: Ford taking on luxury carmakers with new Taurus ads July 31st, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, July 31st, 2009 Nelson Ireson 11 Comments

    Video: Ford taking on luxury carmakers with new Taurus ads Acura and Lexus aren't the brands you'd normally think of when you think of Ford's competition, but those are exactly the targets of Ford's latest ad campaign for the new 2010 Taurus. Featuring a series of torture tests, the ads try to convey the level of quality and value offered by the big American sedan.

    One ad depicts an interior quietness test, with a roaring jet-powered dragster between the 2010 Taurus and the 2009 Acura RL. Ford claims the Taurus is 5% quieter.

    Another ad shows the Lexus LS460 and the Taurus following a gravel truck. The hail of stones badly chips both cars' paint jobs, but the superior protection offered by the... Acura and Lexus aren't the brands you'd normally think of when you think of Ford's competition, but those are exactly the targets of Ford's latest ad campaign for the new 2010 Taurus. Featuring a series of torture tests, the ads try to convey the level of quality and value offered by the big American sedan. One ad depicts an interior quietness test, with a roaring jet-powered dragster between the 2010 Taurus and the 2009 Acura RL. Ford claims the Taurus is 5% quieter. Another ad shows the Lexus LS460 and the Taurus following a gravel truck. The hail of stones badly chips both cars' paint jobs, but the superior protection offered by the high-tech paint job on the Taurus shows visible proof of the attention to detail paid by Ford for its new powerhouse sedan. Lexus and Acura responded with some confusion as to the purpose of the commercials, noting the different target markets of each vehicle, according to The Detroit News. That misses the point of the value comparison - something Taurus buyers are likely going to be quick to pick up on. The ads are rolling out now, but you can catch the gravel truck ad below, or the jet-dragster quietness test here.2010 Ford Taurus sedan2010 Ford Taurus Gravel Truck Ad Read More

  • Report: Ford to put new Duratec V6, 400hp V8 into 2011 Mustang

    Report: Ford to put new Duratec V6, 400hp V8 into 2011 Mustang June 16th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, June 16th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 4 Comments

    Report: Ford to put new Duratec V6, 400hp V8 into 2011 Mustang Despite all the excitement over Ford's EcoBoost twin-turbo six-cylinder engine lineup, the company has yet to drop it into the most likely candidate: the Mustang. That's still the case, but at least a new 3.7L V6 is being tipped to replace the aging 4.0L V6 currently in use.

    Despite its displacement the 4.0L unit only generates 210hp (156kW) and isn't as gentle to the fuel bill as it could be. The Duratec 3.7L unit expected to replace it, however, will benefit from newer engineering and possibly also direct injection in the near future.

    The engine won't slot into the Mustang until the 2011 model year, according to TheMustangNews, leaving... Despite all the excitement over Ford's EcoBoost twin-turbo six-cylinder engine lineup, the company has yet to drop it into the most likely candidate: the Mustang. That's still the case, but at least a new 3.7L V6 is being tipped to replace the aging 4.0L V6 currently in use. Despite its displacement the 4.0L unit only generates 210hp (156kW) and isn't as gentle to the fuel bill as it could be. The Duratec 3.7L unit expected to replace it, however, will benefit from newer engineering and possibly also direct injection in the near future. The engine won't slot into the Mustang until the 2011 model year, according to TheMustangNews, leaving the better part of a year for further developments. Most enthusiasts were let down by the current 2010 Mustang's (pictured) lack of powertrain updates. There are a few handy comparisons in the Ford lineup, including the same basic 3.7L V6 as used in the 2010 Lincoln MKS. That unit is rated at a stout 273hp (204kW), and direct injection could bump that figure even higher. Add in another 0.2L of displacement, and 300hp (224kW) or more is within reach. Other rumors afoot today have a 400hp 5.0L V8 sliding into the 2011 Mustang lineup as well, leaving ample room for a potent V6 underneath. This rumor is built around a comment made by Ford chairman Bill Ford, Jr. today on CNBC. Ford said simply, "we can give you the Mustang with 400 horsepower" in the context of contrasting the car against the upcoming electric Focus, and highlighting Ford's wide range of options. Innocent slip of the tongue or preview into the next-gen Mustang? You be the judge. But of course, the cat-and-mouse game of rumor and official announcement still has to play out until early 2010 at least. Via: MustangBlog2010 Ford Mustang Read More

  • Capito: Ford no longer considering Focus RS hot-hatch for U.S.

    Capito: Ford no longer considering Focus RS hot-hatch for U.S. May 26th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, May 26th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 12 Comments

    Capito: Ford no longer considering Focus RS hot-hatch for U.S. It’s a well known fact that the U.S. market misses out on most of Ford’s hot products, but with a push for new global models taking shape in Blue Oval offices around the world hopefully we will start to see more of these coveted models make their way Stateside. Unfortunately, the Focus RS won't be among them, according to the latest word from Ford's RS product guru Jost Capito

    The recently launched Ford Focus RS – a 305hp (224kW) stunner based on the Focus hatchback sold overseas - can't be sold in the U.S. because the global Focus platform on which it's based isn't homologated for American safety standards. Speaking with... It’s a well known fact that the U.S. market misses out on most of Ford’s hot products, but with a push for new global models taking shape in Blue Oval offices around the world hopefully we will start to see more of these coveted models make their way Stateside. Unfortunately, the Focus RS won't be among them, according to the latest word from Ford's RS product guru Jost Capito The recently launched Ford Focus RS – a 305hp (224kW) stunner based on the Focus hatchback sold overseas - can't be sold in the U.S. because the global Focus platform on which it's based isn't homologated for American safety standards. Speaking with Autocar, Capito said, "We’d like to, but the base car isn’t homologated for North America, and that’s too costly a job to carry out just for a niche vehicle like the RS." In April, Ford’s director of advanced product creation and global performance, Hermann Salenbauch, told Automotive News that a U.S. launch of such a car would depend on the level of interest generated by local Ford fans, for example, Focus SVT owners. Ford is looking for "feedback from the media and customers," Salenbauch explained. "How much do they like it? Is it really what they want? We are pretty confident that it is." However, there remains a loophole. The U.S. Focus RS would have to wait until the next-generation of the car, which will be based on the new global-engineered 2011 Focus, which is intended for sale in America and will therefore be homologated, overcoming the main hurdle. Salenbauch revealed that the American version of the RS would be based on this new platform and would be assembled locally, if it is approved. Salenbauch’s comments also suggested that Ford is in fact considering building a high-performance RS version of its next-generation Focus. In March reports emerged claiming the current Focus RS would be the last of its kind, but these latest comments go a little way towards discrediting them.Ford Focus RS ConceptFord Focus RS hatch Read More

  • Ford reopens Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 for EcoBoost production

    Ford reopens Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 for EcoBoost production February 27th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, February 27th, 2009 James Martinez 1 Comment

    Ford reopens Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 for EcoBoost production After shutting down its storied Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 back in 2007, Ford has kicked the site back into life with production of its brand new EcoBoost engines starting today. The plant is the first manufacturing site in the world to build the EcoBoost engine and the first examples are destined for the 2010 model-year Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT, Ford Taurus SHO and Ford Flex crossover.

    Ford has invested more than $55 million for tooling and equipment upgrades at the Ohio plant, and approximately 250 employees are needed for each shift. To ensure top level quality and reliability, a new database system attaches a sophisticated... After shutting down its storied Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 back in 2007, Ford has kicked the site back into life with production of its brand new EcoBoost engines starting today. The plant is the first manufacturing site in the world to build the EcoBoost engine and the first examples are destined for the 2010 model-year Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT, Ford Taurus SHO and Ford Flex crossover. Ford has invested more than $55 million for tooling and equipment upgrades at the Ohio plant, and approximately 250 employees are needed for each shift. To ensure top level quality and reliability, a new database system attaches a sophisticated “birth history” to each engine, which allows plant engineers to track every stage of production. The engine history, maintained in a microchip database, will include hundreds of metrics and allows engineers to trace the precise path taken by any part so any quality control issue can be traced back to its source. The first EcoBoost engine is a 3.5L V6 unit with 355hp (265kW) at 5,700rpm and 350ft-lb (474Nm) of torque from 3,500rpm. Thanks to a combination of direct-injection and turbocharging technologies, a 10-15% fuel-economy benefit is expected versus normally aspirated V8 engines found in the same class as the Ford vehicles equipped with an EcoBoost engine. The V6 unit is the first in a wave of EcoBoost engines coming from Ford as part of a strategy to bring affordable fuel efficiency to millions, with more than 90% of the company’s North American lineup to be fitted with EcoBoost technology by 2013.Ford EcoBoost technologyFord EcoBoost range Read More

  • Ford unveils global-engineered Transit Connect van, electric version coming in 2010

    Ford unveils global-engineered Transit Connect van, electric version coming in 2010 February 9th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, February 9th, 2009 James Martinez 2 Comments

    Ford unveils global-engineered Transit Connect van, electric version coming in 2010 We rarely cover news about commercial vehicles on this site but Ford’s new 2010 Transit Connect has some significance as it is the first of a new range of globally designed and engineered vehicles being brought over to the U.S. market. Aimed at small business users, the Transit Connect is a spacious and fuel-efficient alternative to larger commercial vehicles and it is set to make its debut at this week’s Chicago Auto Show.

    The vehicle was first launched in Europe back in 2003 but the latest 2010 model has been extensively updated for sale global markets. Several design details, including the grille and interior touches, have... We rarely cover news about commercial vehicles on this site but Ford’s new 2010 Transit Connect has some significance as it is the first of a new range of globally designed and engineered vehicles being brought over to the U.S. market. Aimed at small business users, the Transit Connect is a spacious and fuel-efficient alternative to larger commercial vehicles and it is set to make its debut at this week’s Chicago Auto Show. The vehicle was first launched in Europe back in 2003 but the latest 2010 model has been extensively updated for sale global markets. Several design details, including the grille and interior touches, have been updated to lend the vehicle a fresh, new look for its American launch. It is built on a dedicated FWD commercial vehicle platform and is powered by Duratec 2.0L four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a four-speed automatic. This engine is rated at 136hp at 6,300rpm and 128ft-lb of torque at 4,750 rpm. Fuel economy is expected to come in at 20mpg in the city and 24mpg on the highway. Inside, there is 135 cubic feet of cargo space, split rear cargo doors that open at a standard 180 degrees, or an optionally available 255 degrees, almost 60in of ceiling load height, 47.8in of load width, and 72.6in of load length. Ford commands roughly 40% of the U.S. commercial vehicle market and with new models such as the Transit Connect this should only increase. The first models will hit showrooms by the middle of the year with prices starting at $21,475, including destination charges. The story doesn’t end there as the Transit Connect will play a second major role for the Blue Oval. The vehicle will serve as the platform for Ford’s first battery-powered electric vehicle. Set to go on sale next year, the vehicle will have a range of 100 miles and is being developed in collaboration with Britain’s Smith Electric Vehicles. The electric van will be just the first of Ford’s new zero-emission vehicle range, with an all-electric compact car set to go on sale in 2011 and a new plug-in hybrid vehicle due one year later.2010 Ford Transit Connect for USA Read More

  • Full specs for production Ford Focus RS revealed

    Full specs for production Ford Focus RS revealed January 28th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, January 28th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 47 Comments

    Full specs for production Ford Focus RS revealed Ford’s upcoming Focus RS sports hatch was first revealed in concept form at the London Motor Show back in July, and then again at the Paris Motor Show, but development work is coming to an end and sales are expected to start soon. Full details about the car have now come been released by Ford ahead of the car's official retail debut.

    The 2.5L turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine generates 300hp (224kW) at 6,500rpm and 325lb-ft of torque (440Nm)between 2,300 and 4,500rpm. Acceleration from a stop to 100km/h (62mph) takes just 5.9 seconds and the car carries on to a top speed of 263km/h (164mph). Pricing in Europe will reportedly... Ford’s upcoming Focus RS sports hatch was first revealed in concept form at the London Motor Show back in July, and then again at the Paris Motor Show, but development work is coming to an end and sales are expected to start soon. Full details about the car have now come been released by Ford ahead of the car's official retail debut. The 2.5L turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine generates 300hp (224kW) at 6,500rpm and 325lb-ft of torque (440Nm)between 2,300 and 4,500rpm. Acceleration from a stop to 100km/h (62mph) takes just 5.9 seconds and the car carries on to a top speed of 263km/h (164mph). Pricing in Europe will reportedly be set at €39,000 ($51,644). Despite the rapid performance, it's fairly efficient, rated at 33.6mpg US (7.0L/100km) extra-urban and 17.5mpg (13.4L/100km) in town for a combined average of 25mpg (9.4L/100km), which translates to an average CO2 emissions of 225g/km. Both are due in part to the relatively low 3,227lb (1,467kg) curb weight. Based on the same core as the Focus ST, the RS adds power, handling and appearance modifications to improve the car’s ability to put its power to the ground and direct it down the road, track or gravel path. To keep the potent engine from creating unmanageable torque steer, the engineers designed the car with a unique suspension called the ‘RevoKnuckle,’ which enables the car to keep the intended direction of travel even under heavy throttle. This works in conjunction with a Quaife automatic torque biasing limited-slip differential. Combined, the Focus RS obviates the need for AWD and the attendant weight gains of the extra differential and driveshafts. “Front-wheel-drive was our preference all along. All-wheel-drive systems add cost, weight, inertia and consequently, fuel consumption. Compensating for the significant weight of an all-wheel-drive system requires dynamic compromises we preferred not to make," said Team RS Chief Engineer, Dirk Densing. "If you can achieve the performance you want without steering disturbance, then front-wheel-drive is a better performance car – lighter and with a more precise, linear steering response than AWD. With the work of our advanced research team in Aachen, we were able to achieve this and deliver something genuinely different.” Changes to the standard Duratec 2.5L block include unique camshafts, a revised cylinder head and gasket and revised intake and manifold system. As well as the extra power, the Focus RS also receives a 40mm wider track, 19in wheels, 235mm tires, upgraded springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. But serious performance isn't Ford's only goal for the RS - they want the car to look the part as well. “Imagine a Focus WRC roaring through a stage in Monte Carlo – you know immediately what it is from front graphics, flared arches, and distinctive livery. Our intention is to make Focus RS equally and immediately recognizable,” said Ford of Europe’s Executive Director of Design, Martin Smith. To that end, customers will have three color options from launch, including the vibrant blue seen above, as well as green and white. Customers will also be able to match the interior trim with the exterior color or pick a full black leather option. Other features of the cabin include Recaro bucket seats, brushed aluminum accents and standard micro-fiber trim. The performance driving environment is completed by three additional gauges from the Focus ST, including a boost gauge, sitting atop the center console and angled toward the driver. When it’s launched in the coming months, the new Focus RS will mark the return of the storied Ford ‘RS’ badge, last seen on the first-generation Focus RS in 2002 and with a heritage stretching back 38 years including Fiesta, Escort and Sierra models.Ford Focus RS ConceptFord Focus RS hatchFord Focus RS teaser Read More

More Headlines