Motor Authority - blog Tag: V6

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

    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
  • V6-powered TSX joins Acura’s 2010 lineup

    V6-powered TSX joins Acura’s 2010 lineup Acura teased us back at February’s Chicago Auto Show with a new V6-powered version of its TSX sports sedan, and now the car is finally ready to go sale as part of the automaker’s updated 2010 lineup. The midsize sedan picks up Acura’s familiar 3.5L V6 from its TL and RL siblings, which in the TSX is rated at 280hp (209kW).

    To handle the extra power, the car has also been updated with stiffer suspension and new control setting for Acura's Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission with F1-style paddle shifters. The V6 TSX also sports unique five-spoke 18in aluminum wheels shod with Michelin Pilot all-season tires.
    ... Acura teased us back at February’s Chicago Auto Show with a new V6-powered version of its TSX sports sedan, and now the car is finally ready to go sale as part of the automaker’s updated 2010 lineup. The midsize sedan picks up Acura’s familiar 3.5L V6 from its TL and RL siblings, which in the TSX is rated at 280hp (209kW). To handle the extra power, the car has also been updated with stiffer suspension and new control setting for Acura's Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission with F1-style paddle shifters. The V6 TSX also sports unique five-spoke 18in aluminum wheels shod with Michelin Pilot all-season tires. In addition to larger wheels, the V6 TSX is further distinguished from the four-cylinder variant with the use of a slightly revised front fascia and V6 badging. The 3.5L engine meets California's CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification and delivers an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 18/27mpg. Remaining on sale is the 2.4L four-cylinder version. Producing 201hp and 172lb-ft of torque, the four-cylinder engine comes standard with a 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic. All 2010 TSX models feature a double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension system, while the new V6 model's independent front suspension receives firmer springs and revised calibration for the dual-mode suspension dampers. Like all Acura models, the new TSX features as standard a power moonroof, automatic climate control, a premium seven-speaker sound system with XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth hands-free and USB and auxiliary ports. Optional goodies include Acura’s Technology Package, which adds satellite navigation, a reversing camera, and a premium sound system.2010 Acura TSX V6 Read More
  • Lexus wants to build RX 450h hybrid in Canada?

    Lexus wants to build RX 450h hybrid in Canada? The RX line of SUVs has been Lexus' best-selling luxury utility vehicle since its launch in 1998, and the new generation takes the vehicle into a larger, more powerful realm, while at the same time adding new efficiency-enhancing measures in the hybrid model. Currently, the RX SUV range is manufactured in Japan but it’s been speculated recently that Lexus is considering building the RX 450h petrol-electric hybrid in Canada.

    During a press event, a Lexus executive Paul Williamsen said the first hybrid built outside of Japan will go into production this summer in Ontario, Canada, reports Automotive News. Williamsen is the national... The RX line of SUVs has been Lexus' best-selling luxury utility vehicle since its launch in 1998, and the new generation takes the vehicle into a larger, more powerful realm, while at the same time adding new efficiency-enhancing measures in the hybrid model. Currently, the RX SUV range is manufactured in Japan but it’s been speculated recently that Lexus is considering building the RX 450h petrol-electric hybrid in Canada. During a press event, a Lexus executive Paul Williamsen said the first hybrid built outside of Japan will go into production this summer in Ontario, Canada, reports Automotive News. Williamsen is the national manager of Lexus College. He creates dealer courses on such topics as Lexus product knowledge and customer satisfaction. However, Toyota spokesman Curt McAllister denied the claims, stating that “Lexus does not have any plans to build the RX hybrid in Canada”. Other details suggested by Williamsen was that Lexus originally planned to produce hybrid powertrain components in North America for the RX and other Toyota and Lexus hybrids but the plans were put on indefinite hold because of Toyota's record losses as well as the cancelation of plans to produce the Toyota Prius in Tupelo, Mississippi.2010 Lexus RX Read More
  • Report: BMW to introduce upgraded 306hp twin-turbo diesel

    Report: BMW to introduce upgraded 306hp twin-turbo diesel Diesel is just beginning to make its comeback in the U.S., and BMW is ready to capitalize on that with a more powerful version of its 3.0L twin-turbo six-cylinder diesel engine. The extra grunt will help to move larger cars around more efficiently.

    And larger cars are likely to be the first beneficiaries of the new engine. The European 735d is expected to get the engine first, followed by the 535d and 335d. Other 35d models, such as the X5 xDrive 35d could also get the powerplant. The new engine rates a cool 306hp (228kW), and in typical diesel fashion, impresses with 443lb-ft (600Nm) of torque.

    Here in the U.S., both of those models are... Diesel is just beginning to make its comeback in the U.S., and BMW is ready to capitalize on that with a more powerful version of its 3.0L twin-turbo six-cylinder diesel engine. The extra grunt will help to move larger cars around more efficiently. And larger cars are likely to be the first beneficiaries of the new engine. The European 735d is expected to get the engine first, followed by the 535d and 335d. Other 35d models, such as the X5 xDrive 35d could also get the powerplant. The new engine rates a cool 306hp (228kW), and in typical diesel fashion, impresses with 443lb-ft (600Nm) of torque. Here in the U.S., both of those models are already eligible for an IRS tax credit, thanks to the efficiency of their current diesel engines. With a 4% boost over the engine in the 335d and X5 xDrive 35d right now, the new engine should also qualify for the tax credit. It's not yet clear, however, if or when BMW plans to roll the new engine out, and if the U.S. is on the distribution list. Diesels still aren't a high priority here, so it may take some time if it happens at all. Via: Autoblog.nl Read More
  • Ford releases new high-res Taurus SHO photos, configurator alongside launch event

    Ford releases new high-res Taurus SHO photos, configurator alongside launch event The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO launch event is currently underway, and driving impressions are still under wraps for a few days yet but Ford has seen fit to let our eyes feast on a new set of high-res photos of the forced-induction family sedan with a mean streak.

    The AWD, twin-turbo 365hp EcoBoost V6 Taurus SHO is set to return to the American market with a vengeance. Few cars can offer the feature set or performance that the big American sedan promises while maintaining a $45,175 price point.

    Despite Ford's mass-market positioning Lincoln, Mercury and even the Germans may get their toes stepped on by this sharp-looking, hard-driving special.... The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO launch event is currently underway, and driving impressions are still under wraps for a few days yet but Ford has seen fit to let our eyes feast on a new set of high-res photos of the forced-induction family sedan with a mean streak. The AWD, twin-turbo 365hp EcoBoost V6 Taurus SHO is set to return to the American market with a vengeance. Few cars can offer the feature set or performance that the big American sedan promises while maintaining a $45,175 price point. Despite Ford's mass-market positioning Lincoln, Mercury and even the Germans may get their toes stepped on by this sharp-looking, hard-driving special. But we won't know for sure if it lives up to its spec sheet for a few days yet. In the mean time, enjoy the photos, and try your hand at building your own on Ford's configurator site.2010 Ford Taurus SHO 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 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

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