2008 Ford Taurus named Top Safety Pick
The 2008 Ford Taurus enters dealership showrooms this summer boasting ?Top Safety Pick? status by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety due to exemplary performance in front-, side- and rear-impact collisions combined with the availability of electronic stability control. Additionally, Taurus achieved five-star crash ratings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in all crash test categories. Along with the similar 2008 Mercury Sable, the Taurus stands as the only large family car in the world to earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick and ace the NHTSA?s battery of tests.
Responsible safety features include a well designed vehicle crush zones, Safety Canopy airbags utilized in both side-impact and rollover collisions, advanced occupant classification systems and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control.
Source and image: Ford media
High performance flex-fuel Ford concept car to debut at Detroit Auto Show
Ford Motor Company will unveil a flexible-fuel high performance muscle car capable of running on E85 ethanol at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Based in platform on the popular Ford Mustang, the Interceptor Concept employs a 5.0-liter V8 Ford Racing "Cammer" engine delivering 400 horsepower even while burning bio-fuel. The powerplant was derived from the current 4.6-liter V8 used in Mustang GT models and has a racing history that includes victories in the Grand Am Cup's GS class.
Fuel economy will be interesting in this vehicle, as ethanol contains less energy than gasoline by volume. Vehicles running E85 often experience drops in fuel efficiency between 25 and 30 percent. However, the Interceptor is in no way a dedicated "go-green" vehicle, but instead simply highlights the performance potential of bio-fuel. Another Interceptor innovation is the four-point seat belt system with inflatable rear belts, a design currently being explored to potentially improve occupant safety in the future.
Source and image: Ford media
All-new 2008 Ford Escape SUV utilizes fully recycled seating surfaces
Ford Motor Company?s redesigned 2008 Escape and Escape Hybrid compact SUVs will employ fabric seating surfaces made from 100-percent recycled materials. This achievement drastically surpasses the company?s year-2009 goal of manufacturing seating fabrics with 25 percent post-industrial content. According to Ford, over 80,000 vehicles will eventually include the earth-friendly seating surfaces.
Ford developed the material in a collaboration with InterfaceFABRIC Inc., an Atlanta, Georgia manufacturer of green floor coverings and fabrics. Polyester used to construct the seats is sourced from the resin from recycled soda bottles. InterfaceFABRIC says that Ford?s eventually widespread use of the technology will annually save 600,000 gallons of water, 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents and over seven million kilowatt hours of electricity.
Source: Green Car Congress
Image: Ford media
Ford Expedition diesel SUV: coming soon
Ford Motor Company has not finalized a date or details surrounding the introduction of a diesel-powered full-size Ford Expedition SUV model, but has confirmed a diesel engine for the sport utility vehicle is in development and awaiting final company approval.
More than likely, Ford will unveil the compression engine simultaneously with the release of the full-size Ford F-150 pickup truck diesel model, which is currently scheduled for 2008 or 2009. The Expedition SUV utilizes the same front-end platform as the next-generation Ford F-150, so substituting the diesel powerplant should be relatively simple once installation in the truck is determined.
Ford anticipates the diesel will be a popular choice for the extended length Ford Expedition EL model that replaced the now-discontinued Ford Excursion. According to Ford, approximately 60 percent of Excursions sold included a diesel engine. Displacement is expected to exceed the 3.6-liter V8 diesel employed by some European-model Land Rovers, although the company emphasizes that fuel efficiency and economy are fundamental to the proposed powertrain?s performance.
Source: Automotive News [Subscription required]
Image: Ford media [2007 Ford Expedition]
Ford Fairlane production model will mirror concept vehicle
The radical Ford Fairlane ?people-mover? concept vehicle that first appeared at the North American International Auto Show two years ago in Detroit, MI will soon reach showrooms nearly intact. During an interview with Wards Auto, Ford?s chief design officer J Mays remarked, ?it looks almost exactly the same. There are people within the company that can?t see the difference ? and that?s not a criticism of people in the company, it?s a comment on how closely it resembles the concept.?
Along with a Lincoln variation, the Ford Fairlane crossover utilty vehicle is expected to debut in 2008. However, the name Fairlane will not be used, according to Ford, although the alternative is not yet known. The vehicle officially replaces the Ford Freestar minivan that heads out of production next year.
The "people-mover" description is a somewhat comical reflection of America's adversion to the "minivan" title. In Mays' often dramatized speech, he characterizes the Fairlane as far more evocative than past people-moving machines. "This is a vehicle with the power to move people emotionally as well as physically," he once said.
Source: Wards Auto and Ford media
Image: Ford Motor Company
Ford Taurus sneaks out of production
It?s been 14 years since the Ford Taurus first earned the title of America?s best selling car. The former darling of the automotive industry in the passenger sedan segment sold 410,000 units in 1992 and almost seven million total vehicles in its 21-year tenure, which began in 1985. Back then the car was hailed as ?futuristic.? Today, well, antiquated is more apt. Ending its five-year best selling run in 1996, the rental car favorite failed to incite enthusiasm in potential buyers for almost a decade as more and more consumers latched onto the sport utility vehicle (SUV) craze of the 1990s.
Many cite the Ford Taurus as one of the most influential vehicles ever developed in the automotive industry. American manufacturers had previously embraced V8-powered rear-wheel-drive vehicles, so the Taurus?s debut as an economical front driver that also boasted aerodynamic styling and lively handling was revolutionary. Next week it bows out for good.
Source: Bloomberg
Image: Ford Media
Ford Edge CUV overview
Ford Motor Company is positioning the 2007 Ford Edge crossover sport utility vehicle as a segment leader in styling, AWD affordability, driving dynamics, powertrain performance and safety. Pricing for front-wheel-drive (FWD) models will come in under $26,000, say Ford officials, while all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants will ring up below $28,000. Two well equipped trim models signal Ford?s commitment to providing luxury-oriented cars and trucks at competitive prices.
Base 2007 Ford Edge SE models include air conditioning, cloth seats, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control, seat-mounted side impact airbags, Safety Canopy curtain airbags, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system and 17-inch steel wheels wrapped in 235/65-series all-season tires.
Upscale Ford Edge SEL models add 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, front fog lights, chrome exhaust tips, six-way power driver?s seat adjustment, a six CD changer, nine stereo speakers, audio controls built into the steering wheel, dual illuminated visor mirrors, an overhead console and a message center/compass.
Options are plentiful and include all-wheel-drive, a trailer tow package, automatic headlights, number pad keyless entry, a center console-mounted auxiliary audio jack, SIRIUS satellite radio, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rear cargo storage system.
Those Ford Edge customers who opt for SEL trim gain exclusive access to several available features such as leather upholstery, power passenger seat adjustment with a fold-flat feature, heated seats and exterior mirrors, driver?s seat memory, electronically folding second row seats, automatic climate control, DVD rear seat entertainment, audiophile sound, navigation, climate controls on the steering wheel, 18-inch chrome wheels inside 245/60-series all-season tires, reverse sensing and the huge glass Panoramic Vista Roof.
All 2007 Ford Edge models arrive equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine outputting a maximum 265 horsepower and 250 foot-pounds of torque. A sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission handles gear change duties and contributes to fuel economy expected in the mid-20 mpg range on the highway. Ford Edge acheives an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV-2) rating.
Although the Ford Edge is primarily a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, available Intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) is capable of sending 100 percent of available torque to both the front and rear axles. Coupled with Ford?s AdvanceTrac stability control system, this AWD system delivers power exactly where required to maintain traction.
Ford touts its AdvanceTrac as the only stability control system in the industry to employ gyroscopic sensors monitoring both yaw rates and roll movement. The automotive industry standard, when applicable, is for yaw to monitored by a gyro, but not roll motion. This single sensor approach attempts to calculate roll rate via the yaw reading, but Ford believes their dual sensor system functions better.
Fully independent MacPherson front and four-link rear suspension delivers car-like composure, while power rack and pinion steering allows precise vehicle articulation. Four wheel disc brakes with ABS eliminate velocity from the Ford Edge when applied. Base curb weight measures 4,073 pounds in FWD from and 4,282 pounds in AWD trim.
While the Ford Edge specification sheet will surely look impressive to the consumer, Ford Motor Company hopes dearly that the exterior sheetmetal will generate the same positive reaction. Recent Ford vehicles such as the Five Hundred full-size sedan and Freestyle crossover wagon have been criticized harshly for their bland appearances. However another newcomer, the midsize Ford Fusion sedan, has so far resonated well visually with customers. Ford Edge borrows many of the Fusion?s critical styling components.
A chrome three-horizontal-bar grille that Ford deems ?bold? defines the front fascia. L-shaped headlights slide back into the front fenders and include quad-beam lamps. Combined with the sleek rear roof-mounted spoiler, these headlights yield that ?swept back? feeling of motion. The windshield rakes back aggressively, while the hood bulges. Ford describes the bonnet as a ?powerdome.?
Ford has stretched the wheelbase to the maximum inside the 15-foot, 5.7-inch vehicle, creating short overhangs and a poised stance. Blacked out B- and C-pillars yield uninterrupted swaths of glass along the sides. Clear lens taillights emphasize the Edge?s refinement as the crossover utility vehicle flies by.
A cleanly executed interior, when properly equipped, provides a supple and engaging experience. Tall rectilinear HVAC keep fresh air moving through the cabin. The grand center console may be reconfigured to accommodate large items such as a laptop. An auxiliary audio jack and 12-volt power point are both concealed within the console for security and ease of operation.
Ford Edge?s Panoramic sunroof includes a huge 27.3-inch by 29.4-inch tilting and sliding front glass panel and a substantial 15.8-inch by 31.3-inch fixed rear panel. Electronically controlled dual sunshades may be positioned to block sun glare.
Independent from its design, mechanical aptitude and equipment levels, Ford Edge?s success rests largely on the staying power of the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment. Ford predicts that CUV sales will eclipse traditional Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) this year, totaling over 2.4 million. Many buyers of large SUVs in the 1990s have turned away from the massive vehicles due to energy concerns, environmental awareness and social stigma. Big sport utes just aren?t ?hip? anymore.
Crossovers preserve the upright seating, cargo capacity and AWD capability that consumers today cannot live without. Unlike large truck-based SUV, however, fuel efficiency, agile handling and precise interior execution also characterize the Edge. Think of Ford Edge as a conglomerate of vehicle types whose sum is larger than its parts.
Source and photos: Ford media
