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Motor Authority - blog Category: Fusion

  • Ford wants 90% of vehicles refreshed by 2012

    Ford wants 90% of vehicles refreshed by 2012 August 7th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, August 7th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 2 Comments

    Ford wants 90% of vehicles refreshed by 2012 Despite the faltering economy - or maybe because of it - Ford will be refreshing the majority of its lineup in various regions around the world over the next three years. According to the company's CFO, Lewis Booth, Ford will be refreshing as much as 90% of its vehicle lineups in North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Africa.

    The figure of 90% refers to volume, rather than actual model numbers, indicating that Ford will be focusing on refreshing its highest selling vehicles in those various regions over the next few years. Booth explained to The Detroit News that the strategy of bringing fresh products to the market is important in... Despite the faltering economy - or maybe because of it - Ford will be refreshing the majority of its lineup in various regions around the world over the next three years. According to the company's CFO, Lewis Booth, Ford will be refreshing as much as 90% of its vehicle lineups in North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Africa. The figure of 90% refers to volume, rather than actual model numbers, indicating that Ford will be focusing on refreshing its highest selling vehicles in those various regions over the next few years. Booth explained to The Detroit News that the strategy of bringing fresh products to the market is important in strengthening Ford's bottom line, even "in the worst of economic times". But along with new product updates that will keep the Ford lineup fresh, Booth was also keen to show off the Blue Oval's recent structural changes that have reduced costs dramatically and will hopefully see it at least break even by the end of 2011. According to Booth, by 2015 Ford will have reduced its structural costs by almost half, while new vehicle development costs will be reduced by 60%. Along with facility and tooling costs, which are expected to drop by around 40%, the reduction in costs have largely been brought about by Ford's global strategy. By using global platforms that can be used for a number of different vehicles in different regions, Ford hopes to almost double the number of vehicles it builds from each platform in the next five years. Part of the way forward for Ford will also be to integrate more vehicles onto its global platform lineup, and by 2012 the automaker is hoping to have almost 80% of its volumes on global core platforms. Read More

  • Ford details powertrain plans through 2010

    Ford details powertrain plans through 2010 July 21st, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 21st, 2009 Ralph Hanson 1 Comment

    Ford details powertrain plans through 2010 The EcoBoost four-cylinder made news today with its impressive 240hp output from a small 2.0L displacement, raising hopes for enthusiasts everywhere that the engine might see use in a small and sporty hatch or sedan - or possibly even an SVO-type Mustang. But that's not the only thing Ford has in store over the coming years, and today the company took the time to detail some of its plans for the near future.

    The 355hp-365hp 3.5L EcoBoost engine already in the Ford Taurus SHO and Flex and the Lincoln MKS and MKT will begin its full production rollout this summer, featuring advanced deceleration fuel shut-off and cam torque actuated intake... The EcoBoost four-cylinder made news today with its impressive 240hp output from a small 2.0L displacement, raising hopes for enthusiasts everywhere that the engine might see use in a small and sporty hatch or sedan - or possibly even an SVO-type Mustang. But that's not the only thing Ford has in store over the coming years, and today the company took the time to detail some of its plans for the near future. The 355hp-365hp 3.5L EcoBoost engine already in the Ford Taurus SHO and Flex and the Lincoln MKS and MKT will begin its full production rollout this summer, featuring advanced deceleration fuel shut-off and cam torque actuated intake variable cam timing to improve power and efficiency under dynamic load conditions. The EcoBoost invasion will carry forward across most of Ford's lineup, until by 2013, over 90% of the company's vehicles will be available with at least one EcoBoost offering. Next on the docket is hybrid powertrains. For 2010 the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid will break new ground as the most efficient American hybrids and the most efficient midsize sedans on the market. Some of these gains will carry over to the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, but the new advanced hybrid powertrains will remain unique to the Fusion and Milan. Some of the technology that will be found in all of the Blue Oval hybrids includes a 2.5L inline four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine paired with an e-CVT transmission plus intake variable cam timing that helps bridge the transition from gas engine to electric motor and back. For more on the benefits of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and its Mercury counterpart over previous Ford hybrids, read up on our release story. Further plans for 2010 to be found throughout the Ford lineup include a new 6F six-speed automatic transmission that reduces parasitic losses, improves shift points and warms up faster to help improve fuel efficiency, and it will also be joined by a new six-speed Powershift transmission paired with the four-cylinder EcoBoost engine announced today. The end goal with all of these new powertrains is to improve fuel economy while delivering a satisfying experience behind the wheel. Ford says the EcoBoost V6 will deliver a fuel savings of up to 20% compared to a similarly powerful V8 engine. That's not to say that the V8 is out at Ford, however. A new 5.0L V8 engine dubbed 'Coyote' will be making its way into the range in 2010, including a spot under the hood of the Mustang, where power output is expected to nudge the 400hp mark. For more on the Coyote engine, read our latest coverage here. Adding even more interest is the 5.0L 'Bobcat' ethanol-injected V8 engine based on the Coyote, though that engine may be further out, with initial testing in the F-150 to begin at the end of this year.2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid2010 Lincoln MKT crossover2010 Ford Taurus SHO Read More

  • Report: Ford looking to spawn three sedans from new platform

    Report: Ford looking to spawn three sedans from new platform July 12th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 12th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 11 Comments

    Report: Ford looking to spawn three sedans from new platform Ford’s future models are to share common vehicle platforms across the globe, a practice that is the keystone of CEO Alan Mulally’s strategy to help shed costs and turn around the fortunes of the company. The first of these new global cars has already been launched in the form of the compact Fiesta hatch and sedan, and this same practice of using a common platform for multiple markets will eventually filter across into Ford’s global sedan lineup as well.

    On the drawing board are the designs for the next-generation Taurus, Fusion and European Mondeo. Speaking with The Detroit News, an insider has revealed that Ford plans to... Ford’s future models are to share common vehicle platforms across the globe, a practice that is the keystone of CEO Alan Mulally’s strategy to help shed costs and turn around the fortunes of the company. The first of these new global cars has already been launched in the form of the compact Fiesta hatch and sedan, and this same practice of using a common platform for multiple markets will eventually filter across into Ford’s global sedan lineup as well. On the drawing board are the designs for the next-generation Taurus, Fusion and European Mondeo. Speaking with The Detroit News, an insider has revealed that Ford plans to develop a new front-wheel-drive midsize platform that will be used for all three of the aforementioned models, replacing three separate platforms in the process. The new platform would be an evolution of the European C/D-class platform that currently underpins several midsize models, such as the Mondeo. North American models like the Ford Fusion and Edge, which are currently built on the CD3 platform, would move to this new platform, but so would larger vehicles like the Taurus, which is currently manufactured on the D3 platform. The insider explained that the next-generation Taurus would be slightly smaller than the current model. The same would also be true for the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT, two crossover models also currently based on the D3 platform. Ford neither denied nor confirmed the news but said no final decision had been made. Read More

  • Ford shuts down $15,500 Fusion Hybrid scam

    Ford shuts down $15,500 Fusion Hybrid scam May 15th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, May 15th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    Ford shuts down $15,500 Fusion Hybrid scam We've all gotten the email telling us we've won eleventy million dollars and all they need is for us to submit our bank account details and 'socal (sic) security code'. But a new and enterprising scam is offering a brand new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid for about half price - $15,500.

    Unfortunately, despite the novel premise, it's not a legit deal. Ford also recommends that people receiving the message leave it unopened and do not open any attachments.

    The real 2010 Fusion Hybrid starts out at $27,270 - before applicable tax credits - and offers the best mid-size sedan fuel efficiency available at 41mpg city/36mpg highway. For more on the... We've all gotten the email telling us we've won eleventy million dollars and all they need is for us to submit our bank account details and 'socal (sic) security code'. But a new and enterprising scam is offering a brand new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid for about half price - $15,500. Unfortunately, despite the novel premise, it's not a legit deal. Ford also recommends that people receiving the message leave it unopened and do not open any attachments. The real 2010 Fusion Hybrid starts out at $27,270 - before applicable tax credits - and offers the best mid-size sedan fuel efficiency available at 41mpg city/36mpg highway. For more on the Fusion Hybrid, check out our release story here.2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Read More

  • Ford Fusion Hybrid and Wayne Gerdes average 81.5mpg, set record 1,445mi on single tank

    Ford Fusion Hybrid and Wayne Gerdes average 81.5mpg, set record 1,445mi on single tank April 28th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, April 28th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 0 Comments

    Ford Fusion Hybrid and Wayne Gerdes average 81.5mpg, set record 1,445mi on single tank Fuel crises and economic downturns have seen the emergence of a new kind of driver in recent years - the hypermiler. For those who don’t know, hypermiling refers to a set of techniques used to maximize fuel economy, such as monitoring traffic flows to reduce braking, planning shorter routes, and coasting on idle as much as possible. Those who practice the techniques are referred to as hypermilers – a term coined up by world-record breaking hypermiler Wayne Gerdes, who was part of the team that set what Ford is calling a new world record of 1,445mi (2,325km) on a single tank, averaging 81.5mpg in a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

    ... Fuel crises and economic downturns have seen the emergence of a new kind of driver in recent years - the hypermiler. For those who don’t know, hypermiling refers to a set of techniques used to maximize fuel economy, such as monitoring traffic flows to reduce braking, planning shorter routes, and coasting on idle as much as possible. Those who practice the techniques are referred to as hypermilers – a term coined up by world-record breaking hypermiler Wayne Gerdes, who was part of the team that set what Ford is calling a new world record of 1,445mi (2,325km) on a single tank, averaging 81.5mpg in a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Gerdes, whose antics have seen him drafting 18-wheeler semi-trailers with his engine turned off, and NASCAR star Carl Edwards teamed up with Ford behind the wheel 2010 Fusion Hybrid. The team, which also counted several Ford engineers among its numbers, raised more than $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) by exceeding the goal of 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas. The attempt started on April 25th in Mt. Vernon, Virginia, taking 69 hours of continuous driving to get to Washington D.C.. While Gerdes had no trouble keeping above the required 57mpg, NASCAR star Carl Edwards came away impressed with how easy the car made it to save fuel. "There’s no question that the Fusion Hybrid will help consumers save fuel when they drive it," said Edwards. "Having driven the car, I feel strongly about how great it is – so strong that I’ve purchased one myself." The Fusion Hybrid used in the challenge was a factory produced model with no modifications or alterations and ran on regular 87 octane petrol. According to Ford, using eco-driving techniques such as gradual acceleration and smooth braking, coasting to red lights, not using air-conditioning and utilizing momentum, is what allowed the car to return its unexpectedly high 81.5mpg average. Ford's engineers had previously pegged 70mpg as the best they could hope for. The Fusion is officially rated at 41mpg (5.7L/100km) on the highway and 36mpg (6.9L/100km) in the city for fuel economy, while its driving range is stated as 700 miles. If you want to apply some of hypermiling's best techniques to your own commute, this list from Gerdes might be able to help: * Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure; * Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking; * Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions; * Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear; * Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine; * Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag; * Applying the “Pulse and Glide” technique while maintaining the flow of traffic; * Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle’s kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed; and * Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid hypermiling challenge Read More

  • Ward’s Auto announces 2009 Interior of the Year winners

    Ward’s Auto announces 2009 Interior of the Year winners April 8th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, April 8th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 2 Comments

    Ward’s Auto announces 2009 Interior of the Year winners While we all like to go on about horsepower or differentials or suspension arms when discussing new cars, we often overlook the place where you and your car will spend the most time together - inside the cabin. In order to recognize this aspect of vehicle development, Ward’s Auto releases a list every year for the best car interiors in a number of different vehicle segments.

    After driving the vehicles over a two month period, judges evaluated the them during their daily driving cycles and awarded points for design, material selection, fit-and-finish, ergonomics, driver information, safety, value and comfort.

    For 2009, the awards were... While we all like to go on about horsepower or differentials or suspension arms when discussing new cars, we often overlook the place where you and your car will spend the most time together - inside the cabin. In order to recognize this aspect of vehicle development, Ward’s Auto releases a list every year for the best car interiors in a number of different vehicle segments. After driving the vehicles over a two month period, judges evaluated the them during their daily driving cycles and awarded points for design, material selection, fit-and-finish, ergonomics, driver information, safety, value and comfort. For 2009, the awards were not dominated by luxury car brands that like to swathe their interiors in leather and wood as you might think - rather than that it was the cheaper end of the spectrum that impressed the judges most. For example, taking out the top prize for an economy-priced car was the Honda Fit Sport, which managed to capture the judges' attention thanks to its high-quality feel and clever design. Kia's new Soul was given the award for the “grooviest interior”, and with its red dashboard and lights that flash to the beat of music we would probably have to agree with that one. Interestingly, the award for the best interior in a premium priced car was given to the Acura TL, while the award for the best interior in a popularly-priced car went to the Volkswagen CC. For sports cars, the new Nissan 370Z in Touring trim managed to claim the best interior award, while the Dodge Ram won in the popularly-priced truck category. The Ford Flex took out the award for premium-priced trucks, while the Ford Fusion hybrid won for best graphic display - giving Ford two winners in the competition, more than any other manufacturer. Meanwhile, the new Audi A4 won the award for the best interior redesign, and the premium Lexus RX 450h won an award for having “design harmony”. Finally, the award for best brand expression went to the Cadillac CTS-V, with the judges noting the car's handsome instrument stack and long list of electronic gadgets as some of the highlights. This year’s winners are as follows: - Honda Fit Sport (Economy-priced car) - Volkswagen CC (Popular-priced car) - Kia Soul (Grooviest Interior) - Acura TL (Premium-priced car) - Nissan 370Z Touring (Sports car) - Dodge Ram (Popular-priced truck) - Ford Flex (Premium-priced truck) - Audi A4 (Best Redesign) - Ford Fusion Hybrid (Best Graphic Display) - Lexus RX 450h (Design Harmony) - Cadillac CTS-V (Best Brand Expression) Read More

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