Ford Police Interceptor Official Test Drive 2 -- Wet Pad

On a giant skid pad flooded with water, the officers push the limits of handling and control in a Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility, Chevrolet Tahoe and Dodge Charger Pursuit.

Ford Police Interceptor Official Test Drive 2 -- Wet Pad

Ford Brings New Solutions to Help Fleet Customers Manage Costs; New Transit to Get 25+ Percent Better Fuel Economy

• Ford’s expanding lineup of fuel-efficient engines and alternative-fuel technologies – including EcoBoost^®, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, B20 biodiesel and CNG/LPG – leads the industry in reducing emissions and operating costs for rental, government and commercial fleet customers

• In addition to Ford’s award-winning, fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, the U.S.-built Ford Transit cargo and passenger vans also will feature a new diesel engine option when production starts in 2013

• The new Transit vans will achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy compared to similar E-Series vans, thanks to advanced powertrains and smart weight savings

• Ford fleet experts have developed a new tool designed to give customers a clear picture of annual fuel costs and fleet emissions based on location, fuel source and vehicle application

DETROIT, March 27, 2012 – Ford’s industry-leading lineup of fuel-efficient engines and alternative-fuel technologies for fleet customers will further expand next year when the all-new Ford Transit commercial van comes to market with a new clean diesel and EcoBoost^® V6 engine. The new Transit will achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy than current E-Series vans.

 

“With fleet operators facing skyrocketing fuel prices and constant pressure to reduce costs, Ford continues to expand its range,” said Kevin Koswick, director, North American Fleet, Lease and Remarketing Operations for Ford. “By offering multiple options to help solve these challenges, Ford is giving fleet customers true power of choice in finding solutions that best meet their specific needs.”

 

Speaking to the Automotive Press Association in Detroit today, Koswick said Ford is committed to continuing to provide customers a range of options to reduce their operating costs through a lineup of industry-leading fuel-efficient engines and alternative-fuel technologies, including EcoBoost, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, biodiesel and CNG/LPG.

 

Diesel engine for new Ford Transit

To meet diverse needs in the full-size van segment, Ford has confirmed it will offer an all-new North American diesel engine option for the new Ford Transit cargo and passenger vans when production starts in Kansas City in 2013. This will be in addition to the fuel-efficient, powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 gasoline engine that is already winning raves from Ford F-150 customers.

 

The return of a diesel engine option to Ford’s full-size van lineup answers customers’ calls for more choice when seeking a van with superior fuel economy and balanced capability.

 

In addition, EcoBoost technology is fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement gasoline powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance.

 

Overall, the new Transit will achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy compared to similar E-Series vans, due to its advanced gas and diesel powertrains and smart weight savings that will trim at least 300 pounds. That means commercial and retail customers could save potentially thousands of dollars in operating costs from fuel savings alone.

 

In addition to the new Transit, certain E-Series bodystyles will continue to be available through most of the decade in North America, even after the U.S.-built Transit goes on sale.

 

Fleet emissions calculator

Beyond providing fleet customers with a range of fuel-efficient engine choices for vans and other vehicles, Ford also has developed a specialized new tool to help optimize fleet purchases based on specific fuel types and operating locations.

 

Called the Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Cost Calculator, the new tool is designed to help fleet customers understand their current carbon footprint and to model various scenarios based on the types of vehicles they choose for their fleets. The tool incorporates important information to evaluate fuel costs and emissions, providing a unique opportunity for fleet managers to quickly evaluate multiple options.  

 

The Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Cost Calculator utilizes such information as vehicle type, fuel type and traffic conditions (stop-and-go city traffic or on the highway, for instance), along with the geographic region in which the car will be used to generate information about the efficiency of a fleet.

 

The proprietary program, which must be used in conjunction with the support of a Ford representative, will create customized scenarios for customers by using special formulas and variables to determine the environmental impact and fuel costs of specific vehicles.

 

“This tool will help our customers make the most informed purchase decision possible – one that will meet their business needs, help promote energy security and help protect the environment,” said Sandy Winkler, senior researcher with Ford Research and Innovation and developer of the tool.

 

For example, the tool can demonstrate how operating an electric vehicle in Portland, Ore., has different environmental ramifications from operating one in Philadelphia. This is due to hydropower being a common source of electricity in the Pacific Northwest, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, compared with the mostly coal-based electricity used in the East Central region.

 

Built – and building – Ford Tough

Ford has gained major market share in key commercial vehicle segments as the economy rebounds from the industry lows of 2009. In vans, where Ford E-Series has been the best-seller for 32 years, market share grew from 49.8 percent in 2008 to 53.7 percent in 2011, even as new competitors entered the market.

 

Ford F-Series has been the best-selling truck for 35 years and the best-selling vehicle for 30 years.

 

The Ford F-150 – the most fuel-efficient light-duty pickup truck – is able to tow up to 11,300 pounds with either a traditional 6.2-liter V8 or a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that is rated at up to 22 mpg on the highway. Additionally, the 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 engines are flex fuel-capable.

 

The entire Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup truck and chassis cab lineup is available with gasoline, diesel, biodiesel B20 and CNG/LPG-dedicated or bi-fuel capability, while Ford F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks can be optioned for gasoline, biodiesel or CNG/LPG operation. In addition to biodiesel and CNG/LPG offerings, the 6.2-liter V8 can also be operated on E85.

 

E-Series full-size vans and cutaways are available with flex fuel or CNG/LPG gaseous engine prep package fuel systems.

New Ford Explorer Sport: Fuel-Efficient, High-Performance SUV Features Inspired Design Cues, EcoBoost V6 Engine

• Ford Explorer Sport is a new addition for the 2013 model year, featuring EcoBoost^® 3.5-liter V6 engine for greater performance feel and projected top fuel economy among gasoline-powered, high-performance sport utility vehicles

• Explorer Sport gives customers an interior inspired by designer accessory fashions, sporty exterior design cues and specially tuned suspension components

 

DEARBORN, Mich., March 28, 2012 – The first-ever performance version of the Ford Explorer arrives this year with the highest projected fuel economy among gasoline-engine-powered, high- performance SUVs.

 

With a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost^® V6 engine making at least 350 horsepower and four-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System^™, Explorer Sport delivers enhanced on-road dynamics with sporty design cues inside and out.

 

“Adding an EcoBoost drivetrain to Explorer Sport delivers even more fuel efficiency and performance to the lineup,” said Bill Gubing, Explorer chief engineer. “This is our highest- performance, most capable Ford Explorer ever.”

 

Power, capability, fuel efficiency

Completely new for 2011, the Ford Explorer has been winning over customers with its improved on-road handling, impressive comfort and convenience technologies, and fuel economy never before delivered by an SUV.

 

For the 2013 model year, Explorer Sport brings high-performance SUV power and projected fuel economy of up to 16 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway – anticipating 3 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg on the highway than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T 5.7-liter Hemi engines. It scores 3 mpg higher in the city and 4 mpg higher on the highway than the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

 

“Explorer Sport makes no compromises,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “By carefully beefing the chassis and suspension, precisely calibrating the Terrain Management System and adding comfort and convenience features, we’ve delivered an SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance  – while towing up to 5,000 pounds.”

 

The Explorer Sport features a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic^™ transmission with a unique 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio to provide the balance of responsive acceleration and economical low-rpm cruising for better fuel efficiency.

 

The chassis also has been specially reinforced, making Explorer Sport stiffer and improving its handling.

 

Explorer Sport also brings a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack with a faster ratio, providing more responsiveness to drivers both on-road and off.

 

Ford’s newest SUV comes standard with larger brakes for shorter stopping distances and better performance while towing.

 

Explorer Sport also has received special terrain management settings for tackling sandy, snowy, rutted mud and hill descent.

 

“Upgrading to Sport specification enabled us to maintain the standards of traditional Explorer capability plus delivering the highest highway fuel efficiency among gasoline-engine-powered, high-performance, three-row SUVs,” Widmann said.

 

Subtle, sporty design elements

Sport builds on Explorer’s muscular, sculpted form with subtle cues to differentiate it from other models in the lineup. Available in four exterior colors – Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Tuxedo Black Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic – Explorer Sport has unique 20-inch painted and machined wheels, features blacked-out headlamp and taillamp treatments, black roof rack rails, sideview mirror skull caps and a liftgate appliqué.

 

The Explorer Sport’s special grille is a low-gloss Sterling Gray mesh, with contrasting ebony high-gloss bars. The black front lower fascia features a functional opening for additional cooling. Explorer logotype in billet-like black adds a bold identity statement. Subtle Sport and EcoBoost badges at the rear finish the liftgate.

 

Inside, the high-end feel continues. Charcoal Black leather-trimmed seating is available with and without contrasting Sienna inserts.

 

The interior design contrast was inspired by fashion, mirroring two-tones that are currently seen in leather accessories and apparel from design houses Balenciaga and Prada. Stitching is emphasized to lend a handcrafted appearance while highlighting Explorer Sport’s sculptured seats.

 

Explorer Sport also has unique steering wheel stitching, a technical look to instrument and door panel appliqués, unique Sport-logo floor mats and illuminated scuff plates.

 

Comfort, convenience, connectivity

As the top of the Explorer line, Sport offers a robust array of standard and optional customer-focused technologies that make driving more comfortable, convenient and connected. These include:

 

• 4WD with Terrain Management System
• Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
• 10-way power driver’s seat with power recline and lumbar
• Six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar
• First-row heated seats
• Compass and exterior temperature display
• Rear view camera
• SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^® driver connect technology
• Sony^® Premium Audio System with HD Radio^™ and 12 speakers

Explorer Sport can be tailored to individual preferences with the following options as well:

 

• Active park assist
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) with cross-traffic alert
• Inflatable rear seat belts
• 110-volt outlet
• PowerFold mirrors
• Intelligent access with Push-Button Start
• Remote Start
• Adjustable pedals with memory
• Dual-panel moonroof
• Power liftgate
• Class III trailer-towing package

Explorer Sport is manufactured at Ford’s Chicago production facility. It will arrive in dealerships later this year.