Ford Racing and Roush Fenway Racing drivers Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle and David Ragan join John Force in a battle of drag racing Mustangs at ZMAX Dragway in Concord, NC.
3/31/11
3/30/11
Ford Display at 2011 Bangkok International Motor Show
Things are not so different around the world. . . Ford Show in Thailand.
1930 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan - Very Nicely Restored Original
1930 Ford Tudor Sedan that has been restored from the ground up. They have a stack of receipts for nearly every part on this car being restored or replaced. The engine, transmission and rear end have all been rebuilt and are believed to be the the originals. The body was taken off the frame and both were restored. Andalusite Blue paint which is nearly black, black fenders, and a blue gray interior really make this old Ford stand out. Under 5,000 miles since everything was redone and it shows. This is a very nice example of a stock 1930 Ford. Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate it.
3/29/11
Global RallyCross Championship Jump Practice
Nothing creates the buzz at RallyCross like the Joker Jump and 'big air.' Here are the trio of Ford Fiesta in their morning jumps.
3/28/11
Horsepower
In the auto business, we talk about Horsepower a lot and we have all kinds of numbers to measure Horsepower, and this video explains the science behind the term Horsepower. Enjoy.
3/27/11
A Great Pickup Line: Ford Delivers Best Fuel Economy, Best Power, Best Capability and Best Value
- 2011 Ford F-150 and Ranger cited by the EPA as most fuel-efficient trucks
- From small to extra large, Ford pickups – Ranger, F-150 and Super Duty – each deliver an unbeatable combination of outstanding value, capability and now fuel economy
- Ford’s two new V6 truck engines are a hit with customers, going from zero percent of sales mix to more than 35 percent of total sales in just four months. 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost™ is the fastest-turning truck in the entire Ford F-Series lineup
The Environmental Protection Agency’s 2011 list of Most and Least Fuel Efficient Trucks cited two Ford pickups, Ranger and F-150 with the 3.7-liter V6, as the most fuel efficient in their segments. That gives Ford a clean sweep of best pickup truck fuel economy numbers from smallest to largest.
The 2011 Super Duty’s new 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbocharged diesel, though not rated by the EPA, is the class leader in fuel economy, based on independent testing against General Motors and Ram diesel pickups.
The 2011 Power Stroke engine and its six-speed automatic transmission deliver a 20 percent fuel economy gain over the 2010 model, along with best-in-class horsepower and torque. No other diesel pickup engine delivers 400 horsepower and 800 lb.-ft. of torque.
According to the EPA, the 2011 F-150 with the all-new 3.7-liter V6 engine is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid full-size pickup with a combined city and highway rating of 19 mpg, while Ranger leads the compact segment with 24 mpg.
“The No. 1 unmet need for full-size pickup truck owners has been fuel economy. With the recent hike in gas prices, this need is even stronger,” said Doug Scott, Truck Group marketing manager. “The good news is the 2011 Ford F-150 has best-in-class fuel economy, best-in-class capability and power, and more powertrain choices to suit customers’ different needs.”
According to AAA, prices for regular unleaded gasoline average $3.55 a gallon nationally, making fuel economy a growing concern each day.
Fuel efficiency is a key reason people are increasingly considering Ford cars and trucks. Ford is No. 1 on new-car shoppers’ consideration lists, according to the latest Market Intelligence Brand Watch™ study from Kelley Blue Book kbb.com.
The 2011 Ford F-150 with the 3.7-liter V6 represents a no-compromise, best-in-class overall value proposition compared to the competition’s most fuel-efficient gasoline offerings.
Truck | Engine | Fuel economy: city/highway, combined | MSRP | Maximum conventional towing | Maximum payload | Horse-power | Torque |
Ford F-150 | 3.7-liter V6 | 17/23 mpg, 19 mpg best-in-class | $22,415 | 6,100 pounds best-in-class | 1,920 pounds | 302 best-in-class | 278 lb.-ft. |
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 4.3-liter V6 | 15/20 mpg, 17 mpg | $20,850 | 5,400 pounds | 1,937 pounds | 195 | 260 lb.-ft. |
Toyota Tundra | 4.0-liter V6 | 16/20 mpg, 18 mpg | $23,935 | 4,900 pounds | 1,620 pounds | 270 | 278 lb.-ft. |
Ram 1500 | 3.7-liter V6 | 14/20 mpg, 16 mpg | $20,810 | 3,750 pounds | 1,480 pounds | 210 | 235 lb.-ft. |
Comparisons between 2011 models with two-wheel drive
“The numbers speak for themselves,” said Scott. “Similar to the rest of the Ford F-Series lineup, the 2011 Ford F-150 with the 3.7-liter V6 is the ‘and’ solution, providing best-in-class capability, performance and fuel economy. Competitive full-size pickups force consumers to sacrifice one need for another. To gain better fuel economy, for example, they have to give up performance, capability and/or affordability.
“Chevrolet’s hybrid matches the 23 mpg on the highway from our 3.7-liter V6, but the Chevrolet hybrid’s suggested retail price is nearly $16,000 more than ours.”
That Ford F-Series commitment to providing capability, performance and fuel economy carries through the entire all-new powertrain lineup for the 2011 F-150, which also includes new 5.0-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines as well as the first application of Ford’s award-winning EcoBoost™ technology in a truck.
Core truckers embrace new F-150 with EcoBoost
The 2011 Ford F-150 equipped with the 365-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo engine and six-speed automatic transmission achieves 22 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the city. No other truck with comparable horsepower can match the F-150 EcoBoost in highway or city fuel economy.
The one-two-three punch of Ford Motor Company’s EcoBoost technology – capability, performance and fuel economy – opens a new era for committed truckers.
“The 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine is a shining example of the uncompromising nature of Ford’s EcoBoost technology: more power and better fuel economy,” said Scott. “What’s important for truck customers is that this all-new engine delivers best-in-class capability where it matters most: towing and hauling. Now they’re getting great fuel economy, too.”
Manufacturer | Engine | Fuel economy: city/highway, combined | Maximum conventional towing | Horse- power | Torque |
Ford | 3.5-liter EcoBoost | 16/22 mpg, 18 mpg best-in-class | 11,300 pounds best-in-class | 365 | 420 lb.-ft. best-in-class |
Chevrolet | 5.3-liter V8 | 15/21 mpg, 17 mpg | 10,000 pounds | 315 | 335 lb.-ft. |
Ram | 5.7-liter V8 | 14/20 mpg, 16 mpg | 10,450 pounds | 390 | 407 lb.-ft. |
Toyota | 5.7-liter V8 | 14/18 mpg, 16 mpg | 10,400 pounds | 381 | 401 lb.-ft. |
Nissan | 5.6-liter V8 | 13/18 mpg, 15 mpg | 9,500 pounds | 317 | 385 lb.-ft. |
Comparisons between 2011 models with two-wheel drive; Chevrolet Silverado XFE is rated at 7,000 pounds maximum towing and
15/22 mpg city/highway fuel economy (18 mpg combined)
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost truck engine produces best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque, helping enable best-in-class maximum towing of 11,300 pounds and maximum payload of 3,060 pounds, all with unsurpassed fuel economy.
The 3.7-liter V6 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost account for a combined 35 percent of the sales mix for the 2011 F-150, and the 2011 F-150 EcoBoost is the fastest-turning truck in the entire F-Series lineup.
New 5.0-liter V8 also a strong package
For customers desiring a traditional V8 engine, the new 5.0-liter V8 for the 2011 F-150 delivers an unbeatable combination of capability, power and fuel economy as well.
Manufacturer | Engine | Fuel economy: city/highway, combined | Maximum conventional towing | Horsepower | Torque |
Ford | 5.0-liter V8 | 15/21 mpg, 17 mpg best-in-class highway | 10,000 pounds best-in-class | 360 best-in-class | 380 lb.-ft. best-in-class |
Chevrolet | 4.8-liter V8 | 14/19 mpg, 16 mpg | 7,200 pounds | 302 | 305 lb.-ft. |
Toyota | 4.6-liter V8 | 15/20 mpg, 17 mpg | 8,600 pounds | 310 | 327 lb.-ft. |
Ram | 4.7-liter V8 | 14/19 mpg, 15 mpg | 7,650 pounds | 302 | 329 lb.-ft. |
Comparisons between 2011 models with two-wheel drive
2011 Super Duty has more power, most towing and best fuel economy
Launched in spring 2010, the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty has best-in-class fuel economy with both the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel and 6.2-liter V8 gas engines. The diesel has 20 percent better fuel economy while the gas has 15 percent better fuel economy compared with the outgoing products.
The Power Stroke is rated at best-in-class 800 lb.-ft. of torque and 400 horsepower and the Super Duty is the undisputed tow leader with 24,400 pounds of best-in-class fifth-wheel towing.
The reliable Ford Ranger continues to outpace the competition with EPA ratings of 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, which is 3 mpg and 2 mpg, respectively, better than its nearest competitor.
The class-leading fuel economy of Ford’s pickups is part of the company’s broader corporate strategy to lead or be among the leaders in fuel economy in every segment in which it competes.
Ford offers six-speed transmissions in nearly all its North American lineup of Ford and Lincoln brand luxury vehicles. Ford is the only automaker with 12 sales segment fuel economy leaders, and four vehicles EPA-certified at 40 mpg or higher.
3/26/11
3/25/11
Pothole Testing by Ford in Europe
Ford engineers use an array of methods to determine the suspension requirements of vehicles and ensure they are met and, as always with Ford products, the demands of the customer are the main focus.
3/24/11
Ford Fiesta Gets Personal for 2012, Gives Owners Bursts of Color, Customization Inside and Out
The new interior package delivers a custom look with two-tone seating surfaces, door trim inserts, steering wheel and interior components, and is available in both Race Red and Oxford White.
- Ford Fiesta continues to deliver personalization options for customers, with the debut of three new packages for 2012. The offerings include two interior packages and one exterior package
- Forty percent of buyers purchase at least one accessory for their Fiestas, with more than 26,000 Ford Custom Accessories items already sold
- The new interior package delivers a custom look with two-tone seating surfaces, door trim inserts, steering wheel and interior components, and is available in both Race Red and Oxford White
- Inspired by the European Ford Focus RS, the premium sport appearance package offers customers several blacked-out components, along with a performance improvement when ordered with a manual transmission
The new packages build on the success of the current personalization choices Fiesta customers enjoy today, with nearly 40 percent purchasing at least one accessory. To date, more than 26,000 Ford Custom Accessories items have been purchased by Fiesta owners.
“The Fiesta customer loves accessories and personalization. These packages extend the desire the customer has to make the car more tailored to his or her own personal tastes,” said Lew Echlin, Global Car marketing manager. “Personalization has been key since the Fiesta launched, and with the new packages we’re featuring the latest design trends so customers can do even more with their car.”
A recent study by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) found that accessories drive sales, with the availability of accessories influencing more than 1 million new vehicle sales each year.
“The appeal of accessories reflects on other trends in society, including the desire to personalize phones, computers and clothing,” said Sheryl Connelly, manager of Ford Global Trends and Futuring. “People don’t customize to stand out from the crowd; they do it to create a more meaningful connection.”
The new premium sport appearance package takes cues from the European Focus RS with several blacked-out components that feature Tuxedo Black paint, including:
- Side mirrors
- Headlamps
- Grille surround
- License plate header
- Upper rear hatch spoiler
The package also offers 16-inch polished alloy wheels along with improved performance when ordered with a manual transmission. The package delivers improved performance through a shorter final drive ratio of 4.25 versus the base model at 4.07.
Interior touches
The new premium interior packages for the 2012 Fiesta draw inspiration from the runway. Available on high-level Fiesta SEL and SES models, the packages feature high-contrasting interior accent colors in Oxford White or Race Red that are strategically placed throughout the interior of the vehicle, similarities that can be seen in the latest collections in fashion and home design.
“The inspiration for this package is mainly a result of the trends we’re seeing in fashion,” explained Mark Conforzi, chief designer, Ford Vehicle Personalization. “Designers like Stella McCartney use bold, contrasting color similar to these interior packages, adding a one-of-a-kind design that looks amazing.”
The contrast color is used on the center stack bezel, door panels and vent trim rings. The two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel also offers a color-matched insert with contrast stitching, while the shift knob comes in black leather for even greater distinction.
The theme also carries through to the seats, where contrast-color leather seat cushions and seatback surfaces with perforated inserts are used. Contrast-color seams are applied in the bolsters, head restraints and seat surfaces. The seats also feature a debossed “Fiesta” logo and black leather bolsters.
Personalized Fiesta
There are plenty of options for customers looking to personalize their Fiesta in other ways as well. Ford Custom Accessories offers almost anything an owner would need to put a creative touch on Fiesta or give the car even more functionality. If an owner is looking to light up the interior, for example, there are several choices. An illuminated gear indicator shift knob comes with a digital gear display, while illuminated door sill plates add special effects with an LED Fiesta logo.
There’s also an interior light kit that includes one LED-generated light in the cupholder area and a light bar in the footwells. Owners can set a mood with their choice of seven colors that create the perfect ambience.
A rear roof spoiler exclusive to the hatchback is a chiseled head-turner that can be painted to match one’s Fiesta color, or painted in a contrasting color for even more flair. A four-piece, race-inspired body kit comes with a sculpted front air dam, side skirts and sleek rear valance.
Introduced for the first time in North America last year, a unique body-side tattoo graphic for Fiesta is being offered. Guaranteed to get looks, this striking tattoo, available in black or silver, spells out “Fiesta” on the side panel. It’s made of heavy-duty, weather-resistant vinyl and is precision-cut to fit the car’s curves.
Another option features Ford Custom Graphics by Original Wraps, which lets customers choose the size and design of several body-side and hood graphics or racing stripes from a portfolio of images. More than 22 designs are available in several different colors, and include a cityscape, bubbles, flames and even ninja blades. Check out the graphics at http://www.fordcustomgraphics/.
Nearly a year after Fiesta’s North American introduction, the Fiesta accessory offerings continue to be well received. While some customers prefer appearance items, others are all about functionality. To date, the most popular accessories are custom manual transmission shift knobs, the Euro-style upper rear hatch spoiler and the Fiesta tattoo graphic.
Additionally, 10 percent of all manual-transmission Fiestas are ordered with the Illuminated Interior Accessory Package and Metallic Interior Accessory Package.
3/23/11
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