2013 Ford Flex

The 2013 Ford Flex in action.

One-of-a-Kind 850-Horsepower 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Cobra Created as a Tribute to Carroll Shelby

• “Friends of Carroll Shelby” builds a one-of-a-kind 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra to commemorate the late Carroll Shelby

• In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Shelby Cobra, the new GT500 Cobra sports an 850-horsepower Ford Racing supercharged V8, Shelby American wide-body kit, and is finished in Cobra historical Guardsman Blue/Wimbledon White stripe paint

 

MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 17, 2012 – Friends of Carroll Shelby, including Ford Motor Company, Shelby American, Ford Racing and many others have built a unique 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra as a tribute to the late Carroll Shelby.

 

Ford is also announcing a renamed road at its Product Development Center in Dearborn, Mich., as a tribute to Shelby as well. Cobra has been the consistent performance label as Shelby worked with Ford for most of the last 60 years, and Shelby was instrumental in the creation of Ford performance vehicles including Cobras, the GT40 and Mustangs since the mid-1960s.

 

2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra

The unique tribute car was unveiled by Ford Motor Company board member Edsel Ford II, Ford’s group vice president for sales and marketing Jim Farley, and Shelby American president John Luft at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion where Cobra is the marque of show for 2012.

 

“Even at 89 years of age, Carroll was an inspiration to us all,” says Farley. “This year marks the 50th anniversary of the original Shelby Cobra. The one-off car we have created represents the very idea he had about making the 2013 Shelby GT500 into a true Cobra.”

 

Using the 662-horsepower 2013 Shelby GT500 as a foundation, “Friends of Carroll” created the one-of-a-kind 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra wide-body Mustang that now generates more than 850 horsepower with the help of a Ford Racing 4.0-liter Whipple supercharger.

 

Putting that much power to the ground requires plenty of traction, so the 13-inch-wide rear wheels are wrapped in massive 345-section high-performance tires for extra grip.

 

Ford Motor Company teamed up with Shelby American for several key components on the Carroll Shelby tribute car. Shelby American provided a specially designed hood, new rear wide-body kit, Shelby Wilwood brakes and new 20x13-inch rear and 20x10-inch front wheels. The bodywork is finished in the same Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White stripes that graced so many of the Cobra roadsters built in the 1960s.

 

“Carroll Shelby changed the performance world forever,” says Luft. “And while he was proud of Shelby American’s achievements, Carroll was far more interested in the next car we would build. You will find the spirit and influence of Carroll Shelby in every future vehicle we build just as you’ll find it in the rear wide-body kit and hood integrated into the 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra.”

 

“You might also know that Carroll was a philanthropist, noted for supporting causes that moved him,” adds Farley. “In that spirit, this car will be taken on tour around the country, and hopefully will be used in a special way at the end of its tour –  a way Carroll would appreciate.”

 

Before the 2013 Shelby GT500 Cobra hits the road, it will be shown at the Ford display in the expo area at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion this weekend.

 

Carroll Shelby Way

For more than half a century, Carroll Shelby inspired designers and engineers throughout the extended Ford family. As a teenager, Edsel Ford II worked for Shelby doing a variety of jobs including cleaning transmission parts.

 

Countless engineers crossed paths with Shelby over the years, from those who crafted the original GT40 to those working on the 2013 Shelby GT500. Up until his death, Carroll Shelby remained committed to developing great performance cars. Even at the age of 88, he spent more than five hours driving the most powerful production Mustang ever during engineering validation sessions at Sebring and the Arizona Proving Grounds in late 2011.

 

During and after test sessions, Carroll spent hours discussing with engineers what he liked and what needed improvement. No one who worked with Carroll will ever forget it, and his lessons in vehicle dynamics will be passed along to coming generations.

 

Ford product development engineers now will get a daily reminder of Carroll’s way as they traverse the newly renamed Carroll Shelby Way through the heart of the Product Development Center in Dearborn, Mich., to the entrance of the proving ground.

 

“Sadly, Carroll Shelby is no longer with us, but his spirit lives on with the designers and engineers he interacted with over the years and he will continue to influence Ford performance cars for many years to come,” says Farley.

2013 Ford Mustang Customizer Now Available as Downloadable App for iPad, iPhone, Android Devices

• Fans can now build dream Mustangs and take their battles everywhere

• Nearly half-a-million dream Mustangs built online since the Ford Mustang Customizer was relaunched in June

• New feature, the drift challenge, lets mobile users race their custom Mustang on nine different courses

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 17, 2012 – Mustang fans can now build their dream pony cars and pit them against other fans wherever they go with the redesigned 2013 Customizer app for iOS and Android phones and tablets.

 

“Since we relaunched the online Mustang Customizer for 2013 models in June, more than 120,000 people have registered and built more than 450,000 unique fantasy Mustangs,” said Brian McClary, Ford digital marketing manager. “With the new app, fans will be able to configure their one-of-a-kind pony car any time they have a few minutes to spare.”

 

The original Mustang Customizer app was downloaded more than 250,000 times after it was released in late 2011.

 

Once a personalized Mustang is finished, users can save their car and have it automatically entered into the battle mode where other users can vote on their favorite designs. Users earn points and up to 70 different badges for each car they build, participating in battles, wins and also individual challenges against their Facebook friends.

 

Pictures of custom Mustangs can also be saved for use as desktop wallpaper on computers, phones and tablets plus shared on Facebook, Twitter and Google+. Users can also select their favorite custom design for a chance to win one of four dream Ford Mustangs to be built.

 

A brand-new feature of the mobile app is the drift challenge. Players can select any of the custom Mustangs from their garage and race it around any of nine different courses trying to beat the best times set by their friends.

 

The new 2013 Ford Mustang Customizer app is available in the Apple^TM App Store for the iPad^®, iPhone^®and iPod^® Touch and the Google Play store for Android-powered phones.

2013 Ford Escape

Here's the all-new Ford Escape.

Ford’s Investment in Electrification Center of Excellence Delivers New Jobs, Better Fuel Economy, More Choice

• Ford now has more than 1,000 engineers working on vehicle electrification – its highest number ever; 60 engineers added in the last year, dozens more to be added in the year ahead

• Most of the 1,000 engineers are located under one roof at the newly dedicated Advanced Electrification Center in Dearborn, Mich.

• Ford is doubling its battery-testing capabilities by 2013, helping accelerate its hybrid and electric vehicle development by as much as 25 percent

• By developing more technologies in-house through investments in infrastructure and people, Ford is delivering more affordable and fuel-efficient vehicles to its customers

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 15, 2012 – Ford is adding new green jobs, doubling its battery-testing capabilities and speeding electrified vehicles to market by at least 25 percent, creating even more fuel-efficient choices for customers.

 

“The good news for customers is that they not only have more choice, but they have faster access to Ford’s latest and greatest in fuel-saving technologies and vehicles,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of Powertrain Engineering. “This stems directly from our decisions to deliver true power of choice by expanding our dedicated electrified vehicle team and further investing in our facilities.”

 

Ford is investing $135 million in the design, engineering and production of key components – including advanced battery systems – for its next-generation hybrid-electric vehicles going into production this year.

 

For example, Ford’s battery-testing capabilities will double by 2013 – to a total of 160 individual battery-test channels. This includes investing in more of the highly specialized machines that can test and simulate everything from power and performance to life and thermal behavior over a complete range of temperatures and possible operating conditions.

 

Also, Ford is dedicating a 285,000-square-foot research and development lab in Dearborn, Mich., to focus almost entirely on hybrids and electrification. The building formerly known as the Advanced Engineering Center is renamed the Ford Advanced Electrification Center and houses most of the 1,000 engineers working on hybrid and electrification programs.

 

Ford continues to build its electrified team with 60 engineers hired in the past year and dozens more positions to be filled this year.

 

Power of choice

Customers benefit from Ford’s investments in two ways – more fuel-efficient vehicle options and even better value.

 

Ford is reducing the cost of its current hybrid system by 30 percent versus the company’s previous-generation system. Plus, Ford is launching five electrified vehicles this year as part of its power of choice strategy to deliver leading fuel economy across its lineup and triple electrified vehicle production capacity by 2013.

 

The five electrified vehicles Ford is launchingfall in line with its goal of providing customers with power of choice when it comes to fuel-efficient vehicles. The five electrified vehicles are:

 

• Focus Electric: Production began late 2011; America’s most fuel-efficient compact with 110 MPGe city; charge time of four hours with the available 240-volt charging station, which is nearly half the time as Nissan Leaf
• C-MAX Hybrid: EPA-certified to deliver 47 mpg highway, 47 mpg city – at least 3 mpg better than Toyota Prius v – and 47 mpg combined with more performance and technology, and all at a $1,300-lower base price
• C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid: Coming this fall; a projected electric-mode miles per gallon equivalent that is more than three times that of Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid per EPA testing methods; 95 MPGe; total range of 550 miles
• All-new Fusion Hybrid: Coming this fall; 47 mpg expected to beat Toyota Camry Hybrid by 5 mpg highway
• Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid: Will begin production by the end of 2012; aiming to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car in the world

More information about Ford’s electrified vehicle lineup – including press releases, technical specifications and other related material – can be found online here.

 

Ford remains America’s largest domestic producer of hybrid vehicles. The company launched the Escape Hybrid in 2004 and Fusion Hybrid in 2010, with both delivering strong customer satisfaction and industry-leading fuel economy, driving dynamics and durability.

 

Battery-powered

Typical of the auto industry, Ford’s early hybrids contained batteries that involved third parties in everything from design to testing.

 

As the scope of Ford’s hybrid program expanded, however, Ford found new efficiencies by bringing research, development and production of electrified vehicles in-house, said Anand Sankaran, Ford executive technical leader, Energy Storage and HV Systems.

 

“Time is of the essence, especially when we have a specific launch date,” said Sankaran.

 

Ford’s doubling of its battery-testing capabilities is one example of how crucial time is maximized as the company no longer has to search for the right supplier with the right equipment to quickly perform specific tests.

 

The expanded battery-testing capabilities allow the team to quickly collect, analyze and apply vast amounts of data and – when needed – modify tests and easily adapt necessary changes. Projects are completed at least 25 percent faster than they were with previous-generation hybrids, Sankaran said.

 

Ford AEC: Past and present

The Ford Advanced Electrification Center, formerly the Advanced Engineering Center, is located within the company’s Henry and Edsel Ford Research & Engineering Center, the 500-acre technical complex in Dearborn that opened in 1953 and serves as the home for research and engineering efforts.

 

It was constructed on the research campus in 1993 as part of an $84 million project that centered largely on noise, vibration and harshness testing with several state-of-the-art labs within.

 

That changed in 2009. As Ford’s investment in electrified vehicles such as Fusion Hybrid increased, so did the size of the Sustainable Mobility Technologies team behind it, said Chuck Gray, Ford chief engineer, Global Core Engineering Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.

 

The rapid growth has not only brought together a large group of talented and smart engineers, it has brought together innovators from diverse backgrounds. Many have experience in aerospace working on jets, rockets, missiles, satellites and unmanned aircraft. One engineer even spent time in the driver’s seat of the Goodyear Blimp.

 

“We know what it takes to build world-class hybrids and are building on that expertise,” said Kevin Layden, director, Ford Electrification Programs and Engineering. “We’re continuing to invest so Ford can continue to lead in the delivery of top fuel economy, durability and driving dynamics in our electrified vehicles.”

Ford Dealers Now Using SHOWCASE App and Apple iPad to Improve Customer Purchase Experience

• New SHOWCASE app offers Ford sales consultants “anytime, anywhere” access to their inventory and product information

• App provides rich video content on features and technologies linked to vehicle inventory

• SHOWCASE app allows dealerships to save and share customer vehicle preferences

• The app integrates the online experience with the off-line purchase experience

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 13, 2012 – For most people, buying a new car, truck or SUV is the second-biggest purchase they make after their home, so ensuring the process is as easy and stress-free as possible is critical to customer satisfaction. The new SHOWCASE app being used by Ford sales associates with the Apple iPad^® is helping dealers find just the right car for their customers faster than ever.

“Waiting for the sales consultant to check the inventory or wandering the aisles of a car lot in search of just the right combination of colors and options can be a tedious and time-consuming process,” says Michelle Moody, Cross Vehicle Marketing manager for Ford. “If the weather is bad or the sun has gone down early in the winter months, venturing outside is even less appealing.

 

“In early 2011 we decided to take advantage of the portable technology that became available with the launch of the iPad to facilitate an improved purchase experience for our customers,” Moody says.

 

In recent years customers have become accustomed to using various shopping tools to configure and compare vehicles on the Ford.com website. The new SHOWCASE app links this experience to the showroom, giving sales associates new technology to determine what features a customer wants and to immediately check inventory to see which vehicles in stock most closely match those needs.

 

“We had tried using kiosks in the showroom to enable customers to check out our vehicles and features, but many customers were not as comfortable using these on their own,” Moody says.

 

Using the new SHOWCASE app running on an iPad, the salesperson can sit with the customer to pick out the model that person wants, then filter the selection based on trim level, colors, equipment and price. The app then displays all the vehicles in stock that match the customer’s criteria including a list of all the equipment installed on each vehicle.

 

“I have to say it has never been easier finding the right vehicle,” said Maxx Springman, a customer who recently bought a new Escape from All-American Ford in Old Bridge, N.J. “I can’t believe we were able to build the exact Escape I was looking for right there at the salesman’s desk.

 

“Then we actually found the right one on the lot without having to spend an hour walking around outside looking at different window stickers like I’ve done in the past. Thank goodness, too, because it was, like, 110 degrees out and ready to pour!” 

 

The SHOWCASE app provides instant access to more information including videos about the available features, such technology as SYNC^® and MyFord^® Touch, as well as driver assist features like adaptive cruise control and active park assist. Using the app, the salesperson can quickly demonstrate features like collision warning with brake support, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) or Lane-Keeping System, which may not be easy to show off during a test drive.

 

If the customer needs time to consider or discuss the purchase with his or her significant other, the sales associate can email the information on the specific vehicles in stock directly to the customer.

 

“Customers don’t like to wait while the salesperson walks away to check inventory,” says Rich Savino, owner of All-American Ford, a participant in the pilot program. “The SHOWCASE app helps to create a more intimate experience; it lets customers see what is available instantly and make adjustments if they don’t find what they are looking for.”

 

The SHOWCASE app was developed by Ford and user interface design specialists Razorfish over a period of several months in 2011. A pilot group of 14 Ford dealers participated in defining the app and then testing it beginning in November 2011. Open registration for all Ford dealers began on Aug. 1, 2012 and nearly 200 dealers have already signed up to use the new app.

 

Recently, the Build and Price section of Ford.com was enhanced to give customers the ability to save their builds. Ford is also working on a number of future enhancements for the Showcase app including the ability for the sales associate to retrieve custom builds previously saved by the customer and then automatically search inventory to find vehicles that match the customer’s needs.

 

The SHOWCASE app is just the latest step in Ford’s efforts to improve the customer experience before, during and after the purchase of a new vehicle.

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor: King of the Sandbox

On this episode of Ignition, Carlos Lago ditches the normal testing routine and takes the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor straight to the dirt instead. Is Ford's factory prerunner rugged enough to power slide through sand washes and conquer mountains AND refined enough to handle less demanding conditions with poise and comfort? Carlos heads to Hungry Valley SVRA to find out.

Ford Fiesta Makes KBB.com’s Back-to-School List

Ford Fiesta has made the KBB.com list of 2012 Top 10 Back-to-School cars. Here’s why Kelley Blue Book put Fiesta on its list: “The 5-door hatchback is definitely a player. With fuel economy bumping 40 mpg and a protecto-cocoon of seven airbags at the ready, the Fiesta is both smart and fun, and will look very cool with a Springfield High parking sticker clinging to the window.” Read more here.

 

Ford C-MAX Energi Delivers Industry’s Top Electric-Only Speed Among Plug-In Hybrids at the Touch of a Button

• All-new Ford C-MAX Energi delivers the top electric-only speed of any plug-in hybrid – 85 mph – more than 20 mph higher than Toyota Prius plug-in; unique EV mode button allows customers to deliver electric power on-demand

• C-MAX Energi – Ford’s first plug-in hybrid – also tops Prius plug-in in overall range (550 miles versus 540 miles), more than triple the electric-only range (20-plus miles versus six miles)

• C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid begins arriving this fall at EV Certified Ford dealers in 19 markets, followed by nationwide rollout in all 50 states in early 2013

 

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 7, 2012 – At the touch of a button, Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid drivers can enjoy the industry’s top electric-only speed among all plug-in hybrid vehicles – 85 mph.

 

Topping the Toyota Prius plug-in’s top EV-only speed by more than 20 mph, the all-new, five-passenger Ford C-MAX Energi can easily keep pace with the flow of traffic, even when the EV mode button is engaged and the gasoline engine is off.

 

“We understand customers place a high value on the zero-emission electrified driving experience,” said Ford Vice President of Powertrain Engineering Joe Bakaj. “This inspired our engineering team to equip the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid with a button that enables drivers to choose an electric-only driving mode.”

 

With a fully charged battery, C-MAX Energi is rated at 195 horsepower, versus 188 horsepower for Toyota Prius.

 

C-MAX Energi’s EV mode range is 20-plus miles – more than triple Toyota’s plug-in and well within the one-way commute range of many American motorists. C-MAX Energi – Ford’s first plug-in hybrid – also tops Prius plug-in in overall range (550 miles versus 540 miles).

 

Three EV modes

The EV mode button – conveniently mounted in the center stack – allows a driver to switch vehicle operation between three modes.

 

Drivers can opt for electric-only driving without gasoline engine power, normal hybrid mode where the powertrain melds electric and gasoline engine power as appropriate, or a battery-saving mode that reserves the pack power for later use. For an image of the EV mode button, click here.

 

When plug-in power is available, drivers can change modes with each press of the EV mode button. The mode currently selected is displayed in the driver’s left instrument cluster screen.

 

EV: Auto

“In EV: Auto mode, the vehicle automatically takes advantage of plug-in charge,” said Kevin Layden, Ford director of Electrification Programs and Engineering. “When the charge is depleted, C-MAX Energi operates as a full hybrid.”

 

The powertrain computer automatically selects the appropriate blend of battery usage and engine usage based on demand and the state of battery charge.

 

EV: Now

In EV: Now mode, the vehicle operates in EV mode using plug-in power. The gasoline engine will not operate unless an override setting is selected or certain conditions are present such as the accelerator pedal being fully depressed and the driver enabling the gas engine. EV: Now also activates a special Manage EV screen to monitor functionality.

 

To achieve the EV range estimate shown on the corresponding gauge, drivers are given coaching cues to maximize EV mode. Additionally, use of climate power and energy gauges will further help drivers manage vehicle energy use.

 

EV: Later

The EV: Later setting saves plug-in power for later use, like transitioning from highway to lower-speed residential neighborhood use. C-MAX Energi operates in normal hybrid mode, using both gas engine and electric motor. Plug-in power is reserved until the driver switches to the EV: Now or EV: Auto setting.

 

“C-MAX Energi uses technology in new ways to provide customers smart choices in maximizing their energy usage based on where and how they drive their vehicles,” Bakaj said.

 

Built at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., the all-new C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid begins arriving this fall at EV Certified Ford dealers in 19 markets, followed by nationwide rollout in all 50 states in early 2013.

Driver Assist Tech Interest Growing Among Midsize Sedan Buyers; Ford Fusion Offers Unprecedented Level of Content

• Preliminary data suggest all-new Ford Fusion shoppers are especially interested in the Driver Assist package that features advanced technologies previously limited to more expensive luxury vehicles

• New Ford Fusion build-and-price test site shows growing interest in backup cameras and MyFord Touch^®

• Midsize segment buyers may seek more technology as affordability makes advanced technology accessible in the segment

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 7, 2012 – Advanced technology hasn’t traditionally played a large role in the purchase consideration in the midsize sedan segment, but this may be changing, according to consumers searching online for more information about Ford’s all-new Fusion sedan.

 

Of the more than 155,000 online shoppers who built and priced the 2013 Ford Fusion on a recent test site, nearly 25 percent opted for the Driver Assist package that includes Ford’s most advanced technology such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®), Lane-Keeping Aid, automatic high beams and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

 

“Even if it was just out of curiosity, we were surprised to see how many in our survey built out a Fusion online with the Driver Assist package,” said Samantha Hoyt, Ford Fusion Marketing manager. “Technology traditionally hasn’t been a big driver for consideration with midsize intenders, but this could be changing as we increase the affordability of these features.”

 

Backup cameras and MyFord Touch^® in particular are drawing increasing interest with online shoppers. Ford Marketing has found online shoppers searching for Fusion online often include “backup camera” in their search.

 

Ford is aggressively positioning its new Fusion as a leader in driver assist technologies. Fusion Titanium includes standard features like MyFord Touch and the rear view camera and has other driver assist features available like adaptive cruise control and the Lane-Keeping System. These types of technologies are typically only available on luxury makes as part of very expensive option packages.

 

The all-new Fusion brings together the most complete suite of technology at the most affordable price point ever offered. In order to get all of these capabilities from BMW, a customer would have to step up to the top-of-the-line 760Li at more than $140,000, and even at nearly $100,000 a Mercedes-Benz S550 customer can’t get active park assist. Every one of these features is available in the Fusion SE, Titanium and Hybrid. In fact, a customer can order a Fusion SE with these features for $29,885. The new Fusion has a base price of $21,700 – the same price as the current model with an automatic transmission.

 

“Research shows customers are looking for more value from their vehicles,” says Hoyt. “From Auto Start-Stop to the Lane-Keeping System, an automobile’s content is becoming a top factor when purchasing a new vehicle.

 

“Numerous Fusion packages provide unprecedented amounts of content and features over the previous model-year car, which continues to be a top seller and has enjoyed four record sales months in 2012,” Hoyt adds.

 

Where style meets substance

The all-new Fusion offers a portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond.

 

The 2013 Ford Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and then help parallel park – even aiding drivers backing out of a parking space where visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include Lane-Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and BLIS with cross-traffic alert.

 

For more on the new Ford Fusion, check out FordFusionStory.com, a special mobile site featuring plenty of unique content including articles, videos and graphics that are easily shareable directly from your smartphone, tablet or computer browser to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or blogs.