Archive for the ‘Ford’ Category

2010 ROUSH Stage 3 Ford Mustang Pricing Announced

Friday, September 25th, 2009

The 2010 ROUSH® Stage 3™ Mustang once again takes its rightful place atop the hierarchy of Jack Roush’s lineup. This vehicle packs a punch with 540hp and 510 lb-ft and is fully-loaded with the ROUSH® body components; resonator exhaust; four-piston front brakes with 14-inch rotors and painted rear calipers with slotted rotors; and the new upper billet grille which removes the fog lamps and streamlines the appearance of the new Mustang while improving cooling performance. Interior enhancements include ROUSH® leather seats with an embroidered Jack Roush signature; four-piece performance pedals; ROUSH® illuminated sill plates; short throw shifter with black or white ball; and a new interior Stage 3™ badge with the car’s serial number engraved.

The 2010 ROUSH® Stage 3™ Mustang rides on 18-inch chrome wheels with high-performance Cooper RS3 tires; 20-inch chrome wheels with Cooper RS3 tires are one of the few options available on this model. The suspension package includes ROUSH® front struts, rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear stabilizer bars and jounce bumpers.

“The ROUSH® Stage 3™ Mustang has traditionally been among the halo vehicles of our lineup and I’m really proud that it sits atop the pecking order once again,” said Jack Roush. “This new iteration of the Stage 3™ represents our highest horsepower and most sophisticated ROUSH® Mustang yet, and is sure to resonate among our fans.”

The 2010 ROUSH® Stage 3™ Mustang will have a limited production run of only 103 vehicles.

This vehicle uses the same engine that debuted in the 2009 ROUSH® P-51B™ Mustang. In order to get this type of power from the Ford 4.6L, 3-valve engine, ROUSH technicians replace many of the internal components with stronger parts including forged aluminum pistons (with an increased dish to lower the compression ratio from 9.8 to 8.6), forged steel H-Beam connecting rods and a forged steel crankshaft. The fuel rails are changed, as are the fuel injectors and an upgraded fuel pump. ROUSH® also upgrades the clutch and includes a custom-calibration for the ECM to manage the performance of the next-generation R2300 ROUSHcharger®.

As is standard with all new ROUSH® Mustangs, this car will come with the anti-wheel hop kit installed during the assembly process. This part (No. 401788) is an outstanding addition to any 2005-2010 Ford Mustang GT.

The 2010 ROUSH® Stage 3™ Mustang is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and will be available with a manual transmission only.

The specialists at ROUSH Performance Products are ready with their most powerfull – 2010 ROUSH® Stage 3™ Mustang performance kit. The 4.6 litre engine is boosted to 540hp and 680N/m of torque.

The tuning kit includes:

R2300 ROUSH charger 4.6L Powertrain System – Produces 540 hp / 510 lb-ft
ROUSH Exhaust System
ROUSH Front Fascia with Driving Lamps
ROUSH Front Chin Spoiler
ROUSH Billet Upper Grille
ROUSH Side Rocker Splitters
ROUSH Rear Valance
ROUSH Rear Decklid Spoiler
ROUSH Fender Badges and Rear Decklid Emblem
ROUSH Stage 3 Rear Dome Badge
ROUSH Stage 3 Striping
ROUSH Stage 3 Interior Serial Badge
ROUSH Center Console Badge/Button
ROUSH Front Windshield Banner
ROUSH White Face Gauges
ROUSH Vent Pod with Boost Gauge
ROUSH Sport Leather Seating
ROUSH Four-Piece Performance Pedals
ROUSH Embroidered Floor Mats
ROUSH Short Throw Shifter with Billet Shifter Arm
ROUSH 18-Inch Cast Chrome Wheel With High Performance Tires
ROUSH Illuminated Door Sill Plates
ROUSH Big Brake Upgrade
ROUSH Suspension System
POWERED By ROUSH Engine Bay Plaque
ROUSH Stage 3 Serialized Engine Bay Plaque
ROUSH Trunk Mounted Tool Kit
And there is more in the option list:

ROUSH Rear Quarter Window Louvers – $370
ROUSH Convertible Light Bar – $910
ROUSH Lower Billet Brille – $250
ROUSH 20-Inch Cast Chrome Wheel & Tire Upgrade – $1,115
Locking Lug Nuts – $60
ESCORT Passport 9500ci Radar/Laser Defense System – $2,200
The price of the performance kit is $28,200. It comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and will be available with a manual transmission only.

The car is extremely beautiful and in the same time aggressive. Typical American muscle.

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Ford Mustang Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Pricing Announced

Saturday, September 19th, 2009

I Legacy, the team responsible for introducing the stunning Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang, in concert with Galpin Ford, announced today that pricing on the iconic, limited edition cars will start at $89,950.

Built by Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters, a company known for building some of the most awe-inspiring concept cars for numerous auto manufacturers for more than 28 years, the Iacocca Mustang is a breathtaking vehicle that utilizes the latest in Ford performance technology with a style and panache that screams Mustang fastback.

The car is an exceptional piece of modern day coach building, an art dating back to the 1930s and 40s, reaching a zenith with European sports cars of the 50s and 60s. It is a hand-built example of an art form that is all but lost today.

By blending old world craftsmanship, new world technology and uncompromising integrity, Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters provides superb expertise with every car. Each of the 45 limited edition Mustangs are custom-built by a team of talented artists, using composite construction Laminates, a reinforced material that is primarily used in aerospace design.

“The Iacocca Mustang embodies all the elements of a car that will be a future collectible,” said Keith Martin, publisher of Sports Car Market magazine. “It is stunning in appearance, will be built in limited numbers and has top-flight performance. Further, given its true custom-built nature, it is being offered at a very reasonable price.”

The hand-crafted vehicles, all painted in a specially created Iacocca silver hue, are fabricated using only the finest tooling, with each part separately cured in an autoclave. As a result, every part of the Iacocca Mustang is extremely light, but very strong.

The Iacocca-designed hood crest is custom built by a distinguished jeweler and every emblem is hand-finished and polished. Front and rear wheels are cast aluminum and chrome plated for a sheen-like finish and the center caps are machined and also chrome plated.

While the exterior fastback design of the Iacocca Silver Mustang is compelling, the mechanical underpinnings are true American muscle. Two Ford Racing power options are offered for the normally aspirated 4.6-liter Ford V8 300hp – *a Ford Racing 85 mm cold air kit with 320 horsepower or *an optional Ford Racing supercharger that delivers a head-snapping 400-horsepower. Both come with a factory Ford warranty. Drivers will harness the power through a quick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission.

Inside the Iacocca Silver Mustang, the interior is resplendent with luxurious touches that highlight the car’s special heritage, including Iacocca Diamond Design leather seats with embroidery stitching, an Iacocca signature dash plaque with serial number, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with “I” badge and Iacocca-badged aluminum door sill plates.

The Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang is a collaborative effort by Lee Iacocca, designer Michael Leone, and Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters, the world-class coachbuilding and Design Company in Fountain Valley, Calif. Galpin Ford, the largest volume Ford dealer in the world, is the exclusive dealership to offer these Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustangs to the public.

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Ford Transit SportVan Official Revealed

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

Ford Transit SportVan limited edition is created for customers who want to make a bold statement. The model is based on the popular 260, short wheelbase Transit with front wheel drive, the 140PS 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine and a six-speed transmission.

The exterior features: frozen white paintwork, Le Mans-style blue bonnet stripes, twin exhausts, 18-inch ’snowflake pattern’ alloy wheels, low profile 235/45 tyres, front and rear lower spoilers, side skirts and extended wheel arches.

The interior of the Transit SportVan is equipped with: velour trim, air conditioning, six CD-player with remote ’steering-column’-mounted controls, cruise control, power windows, power and heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, tinted glass, leather gearshift knob and a perimeter alarm.

The Ford Transit SportVan limited edition is available in few different color combinations:

White with blue stripes
Panther Black with silver stripes
Sea Grey with silver stripes

Ford Transit SportVanFord Transit SportVanFord Transit SportVanFord Transit SportVan

JMS Ford Focus Facelift

Monday, August 3rd, 2009

The German tuners JMS Racelook in co-operation with Stoffler Autotechnik proudly presents two new bodykits for the Ford’s 2008 models: Focus Facelift and Focus ST Facelift.

Both cars are equipped with H&R lowering springs (181 euro), which lowers the front with 40mm and the rear with 35mm. The Wheel-Tire combination for both vehicles are Tomason TN6 8,5×19 wheels with 225/35 19 tyres (1599 euro).

Ford Focus Facelift Aerodynamic Package:

Sporty Front Lip (249 euro)
Side Skirts (299 euro)
Rear Apron (299 euro)
Stoffler Autotechnik 4-Pipe High-Grade Steel Exhaust System (970 euro)
Ford Focus ST Facelift Aerodynamic Package:

Sporty Front Lip (249 euro)
Rear Apron with Diffuser (299 euro)
Fender Design Corners in 2009 Focus RS Style – available in carbon or black (149,00 euro)
Stoffler Autotechnik Duplex High-Grade Steel Exhaust System (+ 5-8 HP) with tips 1×100mm (1079.00 euro)

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2009 Ford KA Revealed

Friday, August 1st, 2008

2009 Ford KA Revealed

2009 Ford KA – The exciting new Ka, Ford’s fresh, fun and funky small car, will take centre-stage at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October. The all-new Ford Ka brings new levels of style and enjoyment to affordable city cars. Twelve years after the original Ka was launched to great acclaim, its successor captures the same youthful and cheeky spirit. The new model retains all of the qualities which made the Ka so popular – its compact size, great looks, lively dynamics and fun personality – but presents them in a fresh new package.

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KITT Recreated Latest Knight Rider Shelby GT500KR

Saturday, July 26th, 2008

KITT Recreated Latest Knight Rider Shelby GT500KR

Comic Con got underway Thursday in San Diego. The sci-fi convention is a change for many to dress up in costume and get into character. But, it’s also turning into a major marketing machine for producers, movie screenings and TV programs.

The producers of several NBC shows, both returning favorites and new hopefuls, had a chance to show off their shows. Behind the scenes of NBC’s new series “Kings.” The producers call it a contemporary re-imagining of the tale of David and Goliath.

“Heroes” actor Greg Grunberg says “it’s got the scope of a feature and it’s gonna be that way every single week. people are gonna freak out. I’m certainly gonna watch the show.”

You might recognize Greg Grunberg from “Heroes.” He moderated the “Kings” panel. Producers showed panel attendees a preview of the new show. Initial feedback, positive, albeit a bit nerve racking for one of the actresses in the new series.

“Kings” actress Allison Miller says “I’ll believe it when I see it. Really that’s what I feel. When I watched it today up on the big screen I did get a wave of goose bumps and that’s usually a marker for me that something is special about it.”

Comic Con fans were also treated to a behind the scenes look at the new Knight Rider series. The biggest star will be someone you’ll never see. Val Kilmer will be the new voice of the souped up Mustang: Kitt. And boy does that car get a lot of attention.

Knight Rider” actress Deanna Russo says “the coolest thing ever, yeah! It might blow your mind so bring a helmet.”

Comic Con runs through the July 27th at the San Diego Convention Center.

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2008 HEVT Ford F-150 Plugin Hybrid

Friday, July 25th, 2008

2008 HEVT Ford F-150 Plugin Hybrid

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc. (HEVT) unveiled the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the popular Ford F-150 pickup truck at Plug-In 2008 Conference and Exposition, the first international plug-in conference and expo. Converted with a proprietary adaptive controller and using a scaled-down version of the proprietary drive train HEVT has designed for transit buses, the F-150 has been transformed from a standard combustion engine vehicle getting about 16 MPG to a PHEV getting up to 41 MPG for a typical day’s driving.

The HEVT prototype was displayed during today’s keynote address by Dr. Andrew S. Grove, former chairman of Intel Corporation. “Trucks, SUVs and vans are the least-efficient vehicles on the road, so retrofitting them should be a high priority if we want to make a meaningful, near-term difference in oil consumption. Rapid commercialization of prototypes like HEVT’s is the way to go,” Dr. Grove said.

The prototype shows how HEVT’s plug-in hybrid drive train technology can retrofit existing PSVs (pickups, SUVs, and vans), to displace gasoline with electricity, cutting operating costs and harmful emissions and boosting performance. This is an important step toward energy security, because it reduces the fuel required to operate trucks and other large vehicles.

“One way to reduce fossil fuel use is to find ways to plug in some of the hundreds of millions of internal combustion engines already on the world’s roads,” said CalCars founder Felix Kramer. “The pioneering PHEV designs for trucks and buses from Dr. Ali Emadi and his team at HEVT are especially promising.”

Engineers at HEVT have developed a sophisticated electronics and software system called the Adaptive Control Unit (ACU) which serves to control the hybrid drive train. While driving, the ACU controls use of the electric motor and gasoline engine to optimize fuel economy and performance. An in-dash display unit monitors performance, indicating the charge remaining in the battery pack and the energy recovered through regenerative -braking.

“HEVT’s solutions apply to not just smaller passenger cars and hybrids, but almost any vehicle including larger gas guzzlers,” said HEVT founder Ali Emadi. “Our laboratory simulations show that the larger the vehicle, the greater the benefits – in gas costs, particulate and greenhouse emissions, and sound pollution. For this reason we are currently focused on PSVs and will later expand to school buses as well as transit buses.”

HEVT will begin with a small pilot program of Ford F-150 pickup truck conversions available to organizations and individuals on a custom basis. The pilot program will help HEVT’s continued development and optimization, pushing conversion costs down and lowering lifetime cost of ownership for converted vehicles.

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Ford Mustang AV8R will be unveiled at the EAA AirVenture

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

Ford Mustang AV8R

The numbers tied to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh are impressive, if not overwhelming – but there’s one statistic especially worth eyeing.

Some 2,500 show aircraft and 650,000 visitors are expected at this year’s meet, which runs from Monday – Aug. 3. An estimated 10,000 airplanes are expected to fly in to the airport in east-central Wisconsin. And here’s the kicker: The event will feature one cool Ford Mustang.

A special one-of-a-kind AirVenture Mustang, the Mustang AV8R, will be unveiled on Sunday. The classic American car was named after the famous P-51 Mustang fighter, which played a key role in World War II as a bomber escort. Several P-51s are slated to be at Oshkosh, according to the show’s web site, www.airventure.org.

The team at Ford Racing helped develop the aviation-inspired Mustang AV8R. Special features on the 2009 Mustang GT include a glass roof, which is a new option on Mustangs this year; special front and rear fascias; integrated spoiler; and Shelby GT500 wheels. Ford Racing’s contributions include a handling pack (dampers, lowering springs, anti-roll bar kit and strut tower brace), supercharger and tuned exhaust that will generate 400 horsepower from the aluminum block 4.6-liter, 24-valve V-8 engine.

The Mustang AV8R is painted in Satin Silver matte paint with Black Gloss accents. The interior features distressed “bomber jacket” leather inserts and trim panels along with a “Bullitt” aluminum instrument panel appliqué and shift knob. It also has an appliqué autograph area for the aviation legends and notable enthusiasts scheduled to be in attendance, who include Edsel B. Ford II, Chuck Yeager, Jack Roush, Harrison Ford, John Travolta, Morgan Freeman and Jim Lovell.

Douglas Gaffka, the chief designer for the Mustang, took a restrained, modern approach for the Mustang AV8R.

“We chose anodized silver for the body sides and high-gloss black for the hood, which flows through the glass roof – it was almost like having a canopy,” Gaffka said. “We also embedded the Air Force star in the glass.”

Collectors can bid on the car. Perspective owners should contact Matt Miller at 1-800-236-1025 for details about the July 31 auction. Auction proceeds will benefit the EAA’s Gathering of Eagles program, which helps provide scholarships for young people interested in aviation careers.

Donating the Mustang AV8R is the latest example of Ford’s continuing commitment to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Last year, Ford donated two tickets to the finals of “American Idol,” which sold for $16,500. Ford and Shelby Automobiles donated a Mustang Shelby GT-H in 2006, which sold for $250,000.

“The Mustang AV8R is the latest commitment from Ford in support of EAA’s effort to build the future of aviation,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president. “This stunning, one-of-a-kind automobile will be a very special addition to our Gathering of Eagles fund-raiser, which supports EAA’s aviation education and preservation work throughout the year.”

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2009 Ford Fiesta Europe Version In Details

Saturday, July 12th, 2008

2009 Ford Fiesta Europe Version In Details

This vehicle is very special to us in Ford of Europe and to our customers. Over the past 32 years, Fiesta has consistently been at the top of the list of Europe’s best-selling cars.

Over 12 million Fiestas have found homes with customers over that time and the Fiesta name continues to carry an overwhelmingly positive image in all its markets, standing for style, efficiency, driving quality and value for money. Our new model is set to continue this success story and carry Fiesta forward to a new generation of car buyers.

But this completely new model marks something of a departure for Ford of Europe. In contrast to previous generations of Fiesta, this car has been conceived and developed by the European arm of Ford’s global product development team to meet the demands and expectations of our customers around the world.

It is also the blueprint for future Ford global product development, bringing together Europe, the Americas and Asia where it will be tailored for each region and go on sale progressively between now and 2010.

I believe this is the most dramatic Fiesta since the very first model and it is the most complete and expressive interpretation yet of our kinetic design philosophy, echoing both inside and out the major elements of the exciting Verve Concept vehicles that inspired such a positive reaction around the world.

Of course, you would expect a new Ford to be great to drive and our engineers have worked hard to ensure that new Fiesta will deliver excellent driving quality. This is one of our core vehicle attributes, and one we have developed and applied consistently throughout the Ford of Europe range.

One of the development team’s greatest achievements is that it has been able to make the new Fiesta stronger, safer and more comfortable, yet lighter and more fuel efficient than the car it replaces. An exceptionally rigid body structure means a robust crash protection, even before you include up to seven airbags available as part of new Fiesta’s Intelligent Protection System.

Increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions are two qualities that our small car customers are looking for on a daily basis and new Fiesta will not disappoint. Chief amongst a range of efficiency improvements is the extension of our acclaimed Ford ECOnetic ultra-low CO2 range, with a new 1.6-litre ECOnetic Duratorq TDCi offering CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km, while each and every engine in the range has been revised and enhanced for greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

We’re also introducing an all-new 1.6-litre Ti-VCT engine and a Zetec S model for driving enthusiasts, while a host of comfort and convenience features you would normally expect to find on our much larger vehicles combine to make new Fiesta truly a compelling choice.

We’re immensely proud of the new Ford Fiesta, as the latest addition to Ford’s increasingly successful line-up of new models for Europe, and as the template for future generations of vehicles developed from the outset for our customers around the world.”

All-New Ford Fiesta – Introduction

“Everything about the all-new Ford Fiesta is new – from the styling, materials and technologies to the core development and manufacturing processes that bring it to life. It represents our future, in more ways than one.”

Marin Burela, Executive Director of Small Cars, Ford of Europe

The all-new Ford Fiesta is not just the most dramatic and distinctive Fiesta ever, it also marks a significant landmark in Ford’s history as the first Fiesta to be developed for customers around the world and as the template for the company’s future generations of global vehicles.

Since the very first Fiesta was launched in 1976, over 12 million have been sold, with over 400,000 customers in 2007 (103,000 in the UK alone) proving the enduring popularity of the model’s style, efficiency and value for money.

The all-new Fiesta is set to extend these values, while appealing to a new generation of small car buyers with its mix of kinetic design and latest big car technology. Three- and five-door all-new Fiestas will begin rolling off production lines in Europe in summer 2008, with regionally-tailored models on sale in Asia, South Africa, Australia and the Americas by 2010.

Developed for Customers Globally

The all-new Fiesta is the first product of Ford’s new Global Product Development System (GPDS) and has been designed and developed to meet the differing needs of customers as diverse as Western and Eastern Europe, North America, China, Australia and South Africa.

Extensive research by Ford in these regions provided the basis for the new GPDS process, which will dictate the future of Ford product development. All-new Fiesta is also the first product of Ford Motor Company CEO, Alan Mulally’s ‘One Ford’ vision of a single, global company designing and building cars for a single, global customer base, not divided by regional or national borders.

“It’s an incredibly exciting project,” says Marin Burela. “All-new Fiesta is a landmark moment for Ford. It’s our most significant global vehicle project since the Model T and heralds the future for Ford product development.”

Designed for a New Generation

All-new Fiesta is the latest interpretation of Ford’s kinetic design philosophy, exuding presence and individuality in a way that will appeal to a new generation of buyers.

Building on the exciting momentum of the Verve Concept and latest-generation production models like the Mondeo and Focus, all-new Fiesta brings the modern and dynamic Ford of Europe family look to the small-car segment.

It wears the distinctive, bold Ford ‘face’ including the signature lower grille and large, centred Ford oval badge that characterises both the Verve Concept and other modern Ford vehicles. Details such as chrome and brightwork accents, sleek, wraparound headlamps, bold, pronounced wheel arch lips and a strong bodyside beltline create a dynamic look, even when stationary, while a distinctive rear view is formed by a sweeping roofline that finishes in a small spoiler, with dramatic, honeycomb tail lamps.

This impact continues on the inside, with courageous use of dynamic lines, full surfaces and bold graphics, with an ambience ranging from sporty to sophisticated, created by the careful use of colors and materials in different contrasts Zetec S incorporates snowboard and street fashion designs and Zetec and Titanium feature high contrast dark gloss surfaces and high-tech metallic accents.

Executive Director of Design, Martin Smith comments: “This is the most complete, expressive and exciting Fiesta Ford has ever produced, inside and out. To me, it is a car that evokes an instant emotional response – ‘I want one’ – before you even get near it.”

Commitment to Driving Excellence

Buying a Fiesta has always meant owning a great car to drive and all-new Fiesta is set to extend that reputation even further, with key changes and an all-new ‘Zetec S’ model in the range.

Standing on virtually the same footprint, but 40 kilogrammes lighter than its predecessor, all-new Fiesta delivers a ‘light-yet-solid’ handling precision, enhanced by the first use of an Electric Power Assist Steering system in a European Ford.

An all-new Fiesta Zetec S model will be available at launch, with a new, 120 PS 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine bringing performance to the heart of the Fiesta range

At the same time, a new level of driving refinement echoes all-new Fiesta’s visual sophistication and is set to raise the standard for small cars for road, powertrain and wind noise isolation.

Ford’s commitment to driving quality will feature in all-new Fiestas, whether built in Cologne, Germany, Valencia, Spain, or Nanjing, China, but with each tuned to suit regional driving conditions and customer preferences, under Ford’s global engineering approach.

“We wanted to make sure that driving quality remains at the heart of all-new Fiesta – we had to ensure that the driving experience delivered on the promise made by its dynamic kinetic design”, says Dieter Schwarz, Vehicle Engineering Manager for global Fiesta development. “I am confident we have fulfilled that promise.”

Stronger, Safer, Lighter

Under all-new Fiestas’ stylish exterior is a robust body structure, crafted from high-strength steels, to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

More than 55 per cent of the body structure is high-strength steel, making all-new Fiesta approximately 10 per cent stiffer torsionally than its predecessor and providing an exceptionally rigid safety cell for all occupants.

Supporting this is all-new Fiestas’ Intelligent Protection System, offering up to seven airbags, including the first use of a driver’s knee-airbag in a small Ford car.

This intense focus on safety extends to those outside the car, with an array of pedestrian protection features, from the shape and structure of all-new Fiestas’ front bumper, bonnet and windscreen, to small details such as the shape of its headlamps and wiper blades.

“All-new Fiesta is a clear example that making a safe car doesn’t mean making a large car, or a heavy car. There is no need to compromise between safety and good design or driving character”, says Bernd Liesenfelder, Body Engineering Manager for Ford of Europe.

Big Car Features and Clear Series Choice

All-new Fiesta brings an array of ‘big car’ premium features to the small car segment, which customers will notice even before they turn the key for the first time.

All-new Fiestas’ striking centre console features a mobile phone-inspired entertainment system that is styled very differently to traditional automotive switchgear, to provide a completely intuitive interface.

Keyless entry, combined with a ‘Ford Power’ start button, adds to the all-new Fiesta premium experience, with other ‘surprise and delight’ options available including automatic, projector headlamps, automatic windscreen wipers, Ford’s sophisticated Human Machine Interface with large 89 mm (3.5 inch) screen and cruise control.

The driving position is given a ‘cockpit’ feel, with improved position and adjustment to both the driver’s seat and steering wheel, while passengers receive more personal and luggage space overall than the previous Fiesta, despite the stylish, sweeping exterior profile. Stowage space abounds from a boot capable of swallowing 295 litres, to ingenious storage areas throughout the cabin, including charging points for mobile phones and MP3 players.

While all-new Fiesta has been designed and engineered to meet a wide range of customer requirements, a clear series choice makes selecting the right model a simple task, with options from feisty to frugal, ultra-modern to traditional and a comprehensive list of standard features at all levels.

A simple six-series range provides maximum choice from the affordable and well-equipped Studio and the popular Style and Style Plus, or the modern, techno style of Zetec, Zetec S and Titanium.

A high level of equipment provides items such as power door mirrors as standard across the range. Completing the premium feel are features on Zetec and Titanium, such as the Aesthetic Lighting Pack, which bathes the centre console, gearshift area and passenger side dashboard area in a soft red glow.

“You immediately feel the quality of a bigger car that will be at the core of the all-new Fiesta ownership experience. When we consider all the comfort and convenience features in the new Fiesta range, we think of it not as our new small car, but our smallest large car”, says Giovanni De Pasca, Driving Environment and Occupant Package Manager for Ford of Europe.

New, Revised and Enhanced Powertrains

All-new Fiesta combines newly-developed, revised and enhanced powertrains with its overall weight reduction to deliver better performance, fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

All-new Fiesta’s engine range comprises four 16-valve Duratec petrol and two Duratorq TDCi diesel engine choices, refined to deliver a potential annual saving of over 11,000 tonnes of CO2 across Europe, versus the previous Fiesta.

A key development is the new Fiesta ECOnetic, offering the impressive torque of the 1.6-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi engine with target CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per kilometre (g/km), achieved through careful engine calibration, lowered suspension and aerodynamic improvements and a no-maintenance, coated Diesel Particulate Filter (c-DPF). The sub-100g Fiesta ECOnetic joins the sub-140 g/km Ford Mondeo and sub-120 g/km Ford Focus ECOnetic models as Ford achieves its commitment to deliver a range of ultra-low CO2 models at the heart of its product portfolio.

Other Duratorq TDCi engines also benefit from refinements to their state-of-the-art common rail injection systems to deliver enhanced fuel economy, lower CO2 emissions and improved performance.

Driving enthusiasts are not forgotten, thanks to an all-new, 120PS, 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine, available in the new Fiesta Zetec S and Titanium models. Despite its feisty character and 20 extra horsepower, the new Duratec Ti-VCT is even more fuel efficient than the 100 PS, 1.6-litre engine in the previous Fiesta. The Fiesta Zetec S can accelerate from zero to 0-62 mph in 9.9 seconds, while still achieving a combined fuel economy of 47.9 mpg and CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.

Three other 16-valve Duratec petrol engines are offered for all-new Fiesta, in 1.25- and 1.4-litres and outputs from 60 PS to 96 PS, with an automatic transmission option available on the Duratec 1.4-litre. An added feature on all-new Fiesta is Stall Prevention, designed to assist in low speed manoeuvres by altering the engine’s ignition profile to increase the amount of available torque and tuned for each individual powertrain.

Overall, all-new Fiesta achieves a 22 per cent improvement in 0-62 mph acceleration and 14 per cent better in-gear acceleration in passing manoeuvres, versus its predecessor, thanks to its reduced weight and improved powertrain calibration.

“Thanks to its mix of careful calibration and latest powertrain technology, all-new Fiesta is a tailored driving experience, carefully and precisely tuned to respond to all drivers and driving styles,” says Joerg Beyer, Chief Carline Engineer for all-new Fiesta.

Low Cost of Ownership

It is not just in its contemporary styling and new technologies that all-new Fiesta will be attractive to a discerning and demanding generation of customers – extensive thought and effort has ensured it still stands for value for money and reliability.

Helping owners minimise running costs was key, with fuel economy at the top of the list. All-new Fiesta boasts increased efficiency across the range, with owners of the 1.4-litre Duratorq TDCi saving approximately a tankful of fuel a year – 45 litres over 9,300 miles – through efficiency improvements alone.

Insurance premiums and repair costs are kept low by an intelligent approach to manufacturing. Bake-hardened steel on front wings offers better resistance to low-speed bumps and scrapes, while headlamps and tail lamps are positioned high, away from potential impacts and specially shaped ‘crash cans’ are designed as sacrificial parts, collapsing predictably in an impact to prevent more extensive damage and higher repair costs.

Durability has been assessed at each stage in its development, with a total of 2.2 million miles of on-road testing and over 300,000 test operations on doors, bonnet and tailgate in real world environmental conditions.

All-new Fiesta is manufactured with sophisticated techniques more commonly found in big-car production, all part of delivering higher quality than ever for customers across the world.

“All-new Fiesta proves how you can make a small car affordable and reliable, without compromising style, quality or features”, concludes Joerg Beyer. “That’s the key to making all-new Fiesta truly desirable.”

32 Years of Success

For the past 32 years, Ford Fiesta has provided practicality and driving pleasure to millions of customers across Europe. From its origins in 1976, as the product of a mission to build a new European small car with modern features and a respectable price tag, the Fiesta name became ingrained in European culture and is now known across a variety of markets in Asia and South America. Fiesta is a brand that has attracted a loyal and dedicated following.

Fiesta has always been at the forefront of Ford’s commitment to driving quality and innovative technology. In 1983, the Mk II Fiesta was one of the most economical cars in the world and the only vehicle of its size to offer diesel power. In 1989 Fiesta introduced anti-lock braking to the small car market and in 1994 a driver’s airbag came as standard.

Accolades have abounded for the car during its lifetime, from rallying and motorsport success to prestigious titles such as ‘Car of the Year 1989’, ‘Best Small Car in the World’, ‘Smartest Small Car’, and ‘Best City Car’.

2009 Ford Fiesta Europe Version In Details2009 Ford Fiesta Europe Version In Details2009 Ford Fiesta Europe Version In Details2009 Ford Fiesta Europe Version In Details

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2008 SMS 25 Anniversary Mustang Concept

Thursday, July 10th, 2008

2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept

Twenty five years focused on performance automobiles takes a great deal of commitment and passion. From his early automotive days spent race preparing his personal cars, to his inevitable entrance into the professional racing world, and finally into the domain of the automotive business, automotive icon Steve Saleen has done it all. Steve set the course for his automotive future in his first race on August 19th, 1973 at Riverside International Raceway, where he took his GT350 to the winners circle, and he never looked back.

Steve Saleen moved up through the amateur and then professional ranks of closed and open-wheel racing during the 70s and 80s, racing and winning against drivers such as Bobby Rahal, Gilles Villeneuve, Danny Sullivan etc. His racing career eventually intertwined with his USC business degree when, in 1983, he formed Saleen Autosport and produced his first vehicle, a 1984 white and blue high performance Saleen Mustang, the first of thousands of vehicles that would eventually be built based on his innovative niche manufacturing, certification and racing business model.

Steve and his vehicles have dominated the competition wherever they raced around the world, having won nine championships, countless races and set track records from Daytona to Le Mans and every track in between. And Steve is still racing, he is currently testing one of the two European Le Mans Series Championship winning S7Rs in preparation for his return to competition in the American Le Mans Series later this year.

For 25 years, Steve Saleen has been the leading pioneer in lifestyle performance automobiles, with his companies building an amazing array of high performance, sports, race and collector cars that are coveted by enthusiasts and celebrities alike from Tim Allen to Tom Cruise. His companies have created everything from the worlds fastest production Mustang, the S302 Extreme, to the Saleen S7 and S7R the most victorious supercar based racing vehicle ever, bar none, with 171 Top Tens, 118 Podiums, 84 Pole Positions, 76 Fastest Laps, 72 Wins and 9 GT Championships. Amazing cars are not the only thing associated with Steve Saleens name and ingenuity, his companies are also credited with an impressive array of patented automotive technological innovations.

As an entrepreneur, his endeavors encompass more than simply delivering the performance hardware. In 2006 he was the driving force behind the opening of his companys first automotive retail experience. With as much visual impact and excitement as one of his supercars, Maxim Magazine awarded it Best Automotive Retail Store.

To celebrate his illustrious automotive career, Steve Saleen and his new company SMS have developed a truly innovative and exceptional celebratory vehicle – the 2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept. To find out more about the 720 hp SMS concept car, we talked to its creator, Mr. Steve Saleen.

Comments by Steve Saleen, Chairman and CEO of SMS

In celebration of my 25 years in the niche manufacturing business I wanted to create a personal car for myself that appropriately marks this very special Anniversary. The functional aesthetic innovations that we have developed are truly exceptional in every way. Though this car is not going to be for sale, it nevertheless demonstrates the technological advances present at SMS.

With the SSC, SA-10, SA-15 and SA-20, I used those platforms to introduce new technology to the automotive market. In keeping with that tradition, this concept car incorporates many important advances developed by SMS. In particular our patented SMS Red Butterfly Induction System and SMS Light Blade LED Taillight System are definitely the coolest things that any Anniversary car has ever had! When those butterflies crack open under throttle, people stop and stare, you can be sure you will see those on our future products. And when you are passed by this car and the full width sequential turn signals come on, you will be just as awestruck!

Along with the main features, the supporting cast of innovation developed by SMS is just as deep, including; SMS Side Splitters and Diffuser Fences in carbon fiber, SMS billet aluminum signature elements, a beautiful SMS Two Tone Leather interior and the unique SMS Chromosome Silver paint with the signature anniversary yellow, white and black graphic accents.

My Anniversary cars were always the most powerful of the breed and this car continues that tradition, as this engine produces 720 Horsepower at the crank and 612 Horsepower at the rear wheels! And the exhaust note truly is something else. Topped with 670ft lbs of Torque it is quite a steed to tame, thus it is equipped with SMS Cross Drilled 15 6-Piston Front Brakes and a completely new SMS Billet Aluminum Watts Link System that is robust, durable and attractive.

The performance is astounding; the SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang has reached nearly the same levels of performance as was previously achieved in the S7 Twin Turbo! It is not everyday that the word Supercar is associated with a Mustang, but in this case it is appropriate. The team and I are very excited about the vehicle as it incorporates an entirely new platform of technological advances by SMS, and it is a testament to what our company is capable of. We look forward to it touring the show circuit this summer to show that we are in the business of power!

Key functional and aesthetic innovations:

-SMS 720 HP Supercharged 5.0L Aluminum Block V8
-SMS CNC Ported Saleen Supercharger
-SMS CNC Aluminum Heads
-SMS Red Butterfly Induction System
-SMS Light Blade LED Tail Light System
-SMS Billet Aluminum Watts Link System
-SMS Cross Drilled 15 6-Piston Front Brakes
-SMS Cross Drilled 12 Rear Brakes
-SMS Two Piece Billet Aluminum Hood Vents
-SMS Carbon Fiber Side Splitters
-SMS Carbon Fiber Diffuser Fences
-SMS Red Butterfly Quarter Intakes
-SMS Chromosome Silver Paint
-SMS Leather Grip Billet Aluminum Shifter and Shifter Bezel
-SMS Leather Dash
-SMS Leather Two Tone Door Inserts
-SMS Leather Two Tone Seats
-6-Speed Transmission

Performance:
720 HP/612 WHP
667 TQ/565 WTQ

2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept2008 SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary Mustang Concept

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