Motor Authority - blog Tag: Styling

Just in time for summer, Ford has added its panoramic glass roof option to its restyled 2010 Mustang Coupe alongside the convertible version of the V8-powered Mustang GT, both of which are now on sale in showrooms across the country.

The glass roof is made of tinted privacy glass and features a built-in manual roller blind. This tint makes the glass roof option ideal for those who love the sun but want to cut back on sunscreen use, as 90% of the sun’s harmful rays are filtered out.

The glass roof's ability to filter the rays also reduces heat load in the cabin so that occupants remain comfortable. Furthermore, the reflective glass... Just in time for summer, Ford has added its panoramic glass roof option to its restyled 2010 Mustang Coupe alongside the convertible version of the V8-powered Mustang GT, both of which are now on sale in showrooms across the country. The glass roof is made of tinted privacy glass and features a built-in manual roller blind. This tint makes the glass roof option ideal for those who love the sun but want to cut back on sunscreen use, as 90% of the sun’s harmful rays are filtered out. The glass roof's ability to filter the rays also reduces heat load in the cabin so that occupants remain comfortable. Furthermore, the reflective glass also reduces energy used by the vehicle's air conditioner system while protecting the interior fabric from fading and deteriorating. Finally, to help improve acoustics and Mustang’s interior quietness the glass also features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise, vibration and harshness. Since its introduction in 2008, the glass roof option – which is available as a $1,995 option on both the V6 model and the GT – has accounted for 10% of all Mustang sales. The convertible, on the other hand, accounts for 25% of Mustang sales, and sell most strongly in California, Florida, Texas and Georgia. Other Blue Oval vehicles that feature the glass roof option include the 2010 Lincoln MKS and 2009 Ford Flex, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. As for the GT Convertible, the car is based on the standard Mustang GT Coupe powered by a 4.6L V8 engine with 315hp and 325lb-ft of torque and matched to a five-speed automatic. For full details on the 2010 Mustang range, click here.2010 Ford Mustang Read More

Centennial celebrations have rippled through the industry over the past several years, with General Motors, Bugatti, Mercedes Benz and Fiat among those celebrating some form of 100th anniversary recently. Audi's ongoing celebrations have already seen a unique watch called the Tachoscope, and now they're adding to the occasion with a special equipment package for European Audi cars.

The Audi A3 and A3 Cabiolet, A4, A6, TT, A5 Coupe, Q5 and Q7 will all be available with the package, which is actually composed of two parts: style and innnovation. The style portion includes a three-spoke leather steering wheel and unique alloy wheels, while the... Centennial celebrations have rippled through the industry over the past several years, with General Motors, Bugatti, Mercedes Benz and Fiat among those celebrating some form of 100th anniversary recently. Audi's ongoing celebrations have already seen a unique watch called the Tachoscope, and now they're adding to the occasion with a special equipment package for European Audi cars. The Audi A3 and A3 Cabiolet, A4, A6, TT, A5 Coupe, Q5 and Q7 will all be available with the package, which is actually composed of two parts: style and innnovation. The style portion includes a three-spoke leather steering wheel and unique alloy wheels, while the innovation portion features xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights with high-beam assist. Other custom options are also available on 100-year packages, including a special Daytona pearl exterior color, sport seats, tinted moonroof, and a special door sill design that backlights a silhouette of the legendary 16-cylinder Type C racing car. Both packages also offer huge values, cutting the price of the included options and features by as much as 40%. Pricing starts at €2,400 ($3,300) and ranges up to €6,750 ($9,400) for the style packages, while the innovation packages cover the span from €1,700 ($2,300) and €2,700 ($3,800). Unfortunately, so far the only hint we get at what the package will look like is the teaser photo above (and in the gallery below), showing off the Type C-themed door sill.100 Years of Audi Equipment Package Read More

The 2010 Ford Mustang (Coupe only) has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 5-star rating in the agency's latest round of testing, cementing the Blue Oval's position as industry leader when it comes to safety. The latest results include top scores for both the driver and passenger in front and side crash tests, as well as for rollover performance.

The Mustang’s considerable body stiffness contributes to the car’s driving performance but this also has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the new Coupe structure is approximately 31% stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the... The 2010 Ford Mustang (Coupe only) has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 5-star rating in the agency's latest round of testing, cementing the Blue Oval's position as industry leader when it comes to safety. The latest results include top scores for both the driver and passenger in front and side crash tests, as well as for rollover performance. The Mustang’s considerable body stiffness contributes to the car’s driving performance but this also has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the new Coupe structure is approximately 31% stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the convertible’s is more than twice as stiff – creating a structure that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion during an impact. The key is the use of high strength steel in the body structure and ultra high strength steel in the door intrusion beams for additional side impact protection. Other important features include special octagonal shape front rails to help spread crash forces evenly, Ford’s SYNC 911 Assist, standard AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, dual-stage airbags, and safety belt pretensioners. Incidentally, when it comes to safety, Ford (and its Lincoln and Mercury subsidiaries) is one of the leaders in the industry. Last year Ford topped the list of carmakers with the highest number of Top Safety Pick awards from rival safety board, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and the carmaker has announced that it also has more NHSTA rated 5-star vehicles than any other brand.2010 Ford Mustang Read More

The 2010 Ford Mustang was revealed in full detail at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, but today Ford released official pricing on the new pony car. Featuring a completely new exterior, thoroughly updated cabin, and a refined engine lineup, the facelifted car is primed to take on the still-new Dodge Challenger and the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro. Earlier pricing reports had different (higher) figures from the official announcement, though whether that indicates bad intel or last-minute changes by Ford is unkown.

It will be well-positioned on price, shaving $1,000 to $2,600 off its primary competitors with the starting price of $20,995 for the... The 2010 Ford Mustang was revealed in full detail at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, but today Ford released official pricing on the new pony car. Featuring a completely new exterior, thoroughly updated cabin, and a refined engine lineup, the facelifted car is primed to take on the still-new Dodge Challenger and the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro. Earlier pricing reports had different (higher) figures from the official announcement, though whether that indicates bad intel or last-minute changes by Ford is unkown. It will be well-positioned on price, shaving $1,000 to $2,600 off its primary competitors with the starting price of $20,995 for the entry-level V6 model. Stepping up to GT trim and a V8 engine will cost another $7,000, however, with the entry GT priced at $27,995. In between those two lies a convertible V6 at $25,995 - a $5,000 premium for the cloth top - with a similar premium for the convertible GT, which starts at $32,995. The GT500 coupe starts at $46,325 and the convertible will run $51,225. A variety of options packages are also available, including a glass roof, which can be installed on any of the coupe models, for $1,995. For more on the benefits and drawbacks of the glass roof, check out our review of a 2009 model year car here. The biggest change to the iconic muscle car for the new model year is its new interior, which sports a more athletic look and hunkered down stance. The front end on all models is lower and appears wider with strong wheel arches pushing up and out of the muscular fenders. Dynamic character lines emerging from above the grille sweep rearward into a more powerful, sculptured hood. The aggressive look is enhanced by larger grille openings flanked by slimmer headlamps, which now incorporate integrated turn indicators. Designers have also integrated some modern touches include LED tail lamps and HID head lamps. The team further enhanced the agile design by stripping away unnecessary clutter. That included minimizing overhangs, eliminating the rear key-hole cylinder, chamfering the rear corner and simplifying the pedestal spoilers to a more compact design. The antenna, previously on the front fender, is now much shorter and relocated to the rear of the 2010 Mustang. The result is a clean, sporty design that looks smart and efficient. As for the powertrain lineup, the 2010 Mustang will be available with a 4.0L V6 engine, which is rated at 210hp and 240lb-ft of torque, and a 4.6L V8 engine, which is rated at 315hp and 325lb-ft of torque. Each is mated to five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions. Horsepower gains on the V8 are achieved by a new cold-air induction system pioneered through Ford Racing Technology. The intake is tucked behind the driver-side headlamp, mounted in an air box specific to the Mustang. The redline for the V8 is also increased 250rpm to 6,500. Both the V6 and V8 engines also have larger exhaust tips, growing to 3 and 3.5in, respectively, up 0.5in from the previous model. The V8 exhaust features polished tips. Other parts of the mechanical package include a three-link rear suspension with a panhard bar as standard on all models. New for 2010, also, is Ford’s AdvanceTrac traction control and anti-lock brakes. AdvanceTrac uses sensors to detect and measure yaw, or side-to-side skidding conditions, by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When it senses wheel slippage, it reduces engine torque and applies the brakes as needed. Ford engineers also adjusted the springs, stabilizer bars and shocks to better balance the ride, steering and handling for all models. Tires are increased by an inch across the Mustang line, with 17in tires standard on the V6 and 18in tires standard on the V8. A 19in Pirelli Summer tire is late available as an option for those seeking higher performance. Inside, the manual model features a genuine polished-aluminum transmission knob and a leather-wrapped shifter, which support a short-throw performance original designed for the Bullitt model. The instrument panel and console now flow as one shape, and the seats and arm rests have softer materials with high-quality stitching. The new center stack design adds the latest version of Ford SYNC, with new features 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report. Drivers also can customize their ambient and instrument lighting through the My Color system, which features 125 color options. The 2010 Mustang is built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan.2010 Ford Mustang2010 Ford Mustang Read More

The four-door coupe segment is rapidly growing, but the modern progenitor of the niche, Mercedes-Benz's CLS, is still powering along. Today the company released an all-new special edition of the CLS dubbed the Grand Edition.

Mercedes' obsession with tying cars to fashion finds another outlet in the CLS Grand Edition. Presented by Mercedes model and brand representative Julia Stegner to help cement the car's tie-in to the accessory-rich world of design and style, the CLS Grand Edition is mechanically unchanged from the standard edition, instead relying on styling and materials to differentiate it from the pack.

One of the most immediately... The four-door coupe segment is rapidly growing, but the modern progenitor of the niche, Mercedes-Benz's CLS, is still powering along. Today the company released an all-new special edition of the CLS dubbed the Grand Edition. Mercedes' obsession with tying cars to fashion finds another outlet in the CLS Grand Edition. Presented by Mercedes model and brand representative Julia Stegner to help cement the car's tie-in to the accessory-rich world of design and style, the CLS Grand Edition is mechanically unchanged from the standard edition, instead relying on styling and materials to differentiate it from the pack. One of the most immediately noticeable features of the CLS Grand Edition is the matte platinum paint. Just as white is being dubbed the new black, so too is matte overtaking gloss finishes among style-conscious carmakers. The Lamborghini Reventon is a notorious example. Obsidian black, iridium silver, carneol red and flint grey metallic finishes are also available for the Grand Edition, however. In addition to the self-styled 'avant garde' paintwork, the CLS Grand Edition also gets a unique Grand Edition insignia on the front wings, unique 18in 5-spoke AMG alloy wheels wrapped in 245/40 (F) and 275/35 (R) rubber. Inside, the car gets a roof lined in Alcantara, a tilt/slide glass roof, leather upholstery, laurel wood trim - available in both matte and gloss finishes - and a wood/leather steering wheel. Aluminum and brushed stainless steel trim elements finish off the cabin's unique look. Four standard engines will be available in Grand Edition trim, including the CLS280 with the entry-level V6 and the CGI direct-injection engine found in the CLS350 CGI, which generates 292hp (215kW) while managing fuel efficiency of 25.8mpg (9.1L/100km). The car goes on sale today in Europe at a starting price of €67,294.50 ($93,700) (including VAT). No word yet on U.S. availability.Mercedes-Benz CLS Grand Edition Read More

Click here for all the details on the 2010 Ford Mustang.

With rising fuel prices and increased environmental concerns pushing customers towards smaller cars, Ford is well aware of the negative image its brawny Mustang projects on new car buyers. Due late next year for the 2010 model year, Ford will be updating its iconic muscle car with a number of changes to its exterior as well as a complete revamp of its powertrain lineup to appease those concerned about fuel-economy. According to new information leaked today, the car's price will put it on par with competition like the Challenger and Camaro, with the GT Premium package starting at... Click here for all the details on the 2010 Ford Mustang. With rising fuel prices and increased environmental concerns pushing customers towards smaller cars, Ford is well aware of the negative image its brawny Mustang projects on new car buyers. Due late next year for the 2010 model year, Ford will be updating its iconic muscle car with a number of changes to its exterior as well as a complete revamp of its powertrain lineup to appease those concerned about fuel-economy. According to new information leaked today, the car's price will put it on par with competition like the Challenger and Camaro, with the GT Premium package starting at $30,095. Options for the car could drive the price up another $5,000-$6,000 on fully outfitted cars, but that includes the GT Track package's upgraded brakes, lower differential ratio and tweaked stability control, plus a huge array of features found in the electronics package, including Ford's Sync system and a touchscreen satellite navigation setup, according to the MustangBlog. More details and information will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show unveiling on Wednesday. Until then, however, we have the teaser and spy photos to look at. This final teaser image, plus spy shots posted on the Great Lakes 4X4 forums, show some of the car's highlights and hint at the slimmer styling that Ford is giving the Mustang. The latest in the long line of teasers - 14 in total - reveals the rear fascia of the car, including the taillights and a duck-tail rear deck spoiler. Still no revolutionary redesigns, but rather a freshening of the existing car's lines. This teaser is expected to be the last to come before the car's reveal to the press at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week. The previous teaser photo shows the shiftknob as well as part of the center console, giving a good taste of the interior. The shot of the front right quarter panel in the spy photos, meanwhile, reveals that the new car will indeed try to look slimmer, though as the previous video and images revealed, a definite connection to the current car's styling will remain. Nevertheless, there are a few subtle details that have been changed. Despite the smaller styling, the updated model will share the same the overall length and width as the current model. Speaking with Automotive News, Ford’s North American design director, Peter Horbury, explained that the new car’s lines have been designed to make it look as though the wheels are “further out, further forward and further rearward”. The new car will be on show at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Horbury points out that the bulky and old-tech look of the Challenger, and even the all-new Camaro, will turn off customers in a climate where buying trends are largely motivated by fuel economy or at least the perception of fuel economy. As for the engine lineup, Ford has reportedly sped up the introduction of its next-generation engines because of the tough new CAFE fuel-economy regulations. The 4.0L V6 engine will remain, however the V8 line-up could be replaced with a new EcoBoost V6 engine for better efficiency with V8 power levels, though a 5.0L SOHC V8 is also still a possibility. The 6.2L Boss V8 program has been suspended, however, making a new 'Boss' version unlikely, at least in traditional form. You can read up more details about the changed powertrain line-up in our previous story by clicking here.2010 Ford Mustang Teaser images2010 Ford Mustang facelift spy shots2010 Ford Mustang teaser Read More