RobertHutson.com by Thomas Ieracitano

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Ford shows off 67-mpg Focus Econetic ahead of Amsterdam debut

BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:2.1
N:ieracitano;thomas
ORG:Robert Hutson Ford Lincoln Chrysler Dodg
TITLE:Sales Manager
TEL;WORK;VOICE:229-985-6603
TEL;CELL;VOICE:229-251-2462
TEL;VOICE:1-888-509-1616
ADR;WORK:;;2316 First Ave SE;Moultrie;Georgia;31788;USA
LABEL;WORK;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:2316 First Ave SE=0D=0AMoultrie, Georgia 31788=0D=0AUSA
X-WAB-GENDER:2
URL;WORK:http://RobertHutson.com
EMAIL;PREF;INTERNET:Thomas@DigitalCarGuy.com
EMAIL;INTERNET:Thomas@RobertHutson.com
REV:20110406T193243Z
END:VCARD

Ford shows off 67-mpg Focus Econetic ahead of Amsterdam debut

by Steven J. Ewing (RSS feed) on Apr 6th 2011 at 2:00PM

Ford Focus Econetic – Click above for high-res image gallery

We may have the 40-mile-per-gallon SFE trim on the 2012 Ford Focus here in the States, but European eco-warriors will soon be able to sink their teeth into the new Focus Econetic, designed purely with efficiency in mind. Ford claims that the Focus Econetic can achieve up to 80 mpg on the European testing cycle, or about 67 mpg here in the U.S.

Ford's road to super-efficiency starts with the automaker's 103-horsepower, 1.6-liter Duratorq diesel engine. That, combined with start-stop, smart regenerative charging, Eco mode and a revised final drive ratio allow this engine to perform as efficiently as possible at all times. For reference, the standard Euro-spec Focus equipped with the 1.6-liter diesel four is good for about 55 mpg (U.S.).

Aerodynamic enhancements consist of active grille shutters on the front fascia, as well as special low-drag wheel covers. We're all for added efficiency, but it might be nice if these plastic wheel caps didn't look like they were ripped straight from a 1992 Honda Accord.

The Focus Econetic makes its official debut next week at the Amsterdam Motor Show, with the first examples hitting the streets in early 2012. Both four- and five-door body styles will be available. Follow the jump for the full details.

Gallery: Ford Focus Econetic

[Source: Ford]
Show full PR text
FORD REVEALS NEW FOCUS ECONETIC – EUROPE'S MOST FUEL EFFICIENT COMPACT CAR

- New Focus ECOnetic debuting early next year is expected to achieve 80mpg* (less than 3.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres) – better than all compact cars currently on the market in Europe

- Focus ECOnetic expected to deliver ultra-low CO2 emissions of less than 95g/km when final certification is completed later this year

- 1.6-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engine further optimised with new injection system and turbocharger, enhanced charge air cooling and friction reduction technologies

- Additional features include unique aerodynamic package with standard Active Grille Shutter, ultra-low rolling resistance tyres and revised final drive ratio

- Full range of Ford ECOnetic technologies shared with other new Focus models including Ford Auto-Start-Stop, Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode and Shift Indicator Light

- New Ford Focus ECOnetic available in five-door and estate bodystyles

Brentwood, Essex, 6 April, 2011 – Ford Motor Company today announced the new Focus ECOnetic, debuting next week at the Amsterdam Motor Show, will establish a new industry benchmark for fuel efficiency in the popular compact class.

The new Focus ECOnetic, which will go on sale in the UK early next year, leverages a host of advanced technologies that are expected to make it more fuel efficient than any other compact vehicle on the road today in Europe, including diesel, petrol and hybrid powered vehicles.

Focus ECOnetic is expected to achieve 80mpg* on the combined cycle (less than 3.5 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres). In addition, Focus EConetic is expected to deliver ultra-low CO2 emissions of less than 95g/km when certification is completed later this year.

"The Focus ECOnetic is a testament to our company's relentless drive for technological innovation and commitment to environmental leadership," says Gunnar Herrmann, Ford's global medium car line director. "It's also going to be a great car to drive."

The new Focus ECOnetic will be available in both stylish five-door and estate bodystyles.

Latest Low-CO2 Technologies
To achieve its outstanding fuel economy, the new Focus ECOnetic employs the latest low-CO2 technologies in its powertrain, aerodynamics and driver information systems.

The vehicle is powered by a new 105PS version of the 1.6-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel which has been optimised for enhanced fuel efficiency, with a new injection system and turbocharger, enhanced charge cooling and further friction reduction measures.

The Focus ECOnetic also benefits a number of additional low-CO2 features which have been developed specifically for this model including a unique aerodynamic package with an Active Grille Shutter, ultra-low rolling resistance tyres and a revised final drive ratio.

The new Focus ECOnetic incorporates the full range of Ford ECOnetic Technologies shared with other models in the all-new Focus line-up, including Ford Auto-Start-Stop, Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode and Shift Indicator Light.

Unique High-Efficiency Engine

The common-rail fuel injection system of the diesel engine has been completely redesigned, with eight-hole nano sac injectors operating at injection pressures of up to 1,600 bar, controlled by a more powerful engine management system. The new injection system delivers more precise control and increased combustion efficiency.

To provide more accurate control of the charge air temperature and to deliver a cooler, denser charge, the intake system features a water cooled intercooler in place of the standard air-to-air system.

Other new, or completely revised, features to enhance fuel efficiency include:

New variable geometry turbocharger design
Reduced engine friction from low-friction piston ring coatings and variable flow oil pump
Additional reduction in engine losses from low inertia vacuum pump and asymmetric crank sprocket design
Updated emissions system combining a diesel NOx-reducing catalyst with a coated Diesel Particulate Filter system

The 1.6-litre ECOnetic diesel is paired with Ford's six-speed Durashift manual transmission. This transmission is a totally new high-efficiency design which has been optimised to eliminate frictional losses, and utilises special low friction transmission oil.

A revised final drive ratio has been selected to raise the overall gearing, reducing engine speed and offering improved fuel economy when cruising in top gear. Economy is further enhanced by fitting the latest-generation dedicated low rolling resistance tyres.

Exclusive Aerodynamic Package

While the standard all-new Focus already boasts an exceptionally aerodynamic bodyshell (five-door CD = 0.295), the ECOnetic model has been designed with a number of additional features to minimise drag still further.

Much of the aerodynamic development was concentrated on smoothing the airflow underneath the vehicle. The ECOnetic derivative features additional undershields and deflectors.

Aerodynamic performance is also improved by the use of special low-drag ECOnetic wheel covers, which are more streamlined than a conventional alloy wheel design.

The ECOnetic model features, as standard, the innovative Active Grille Shutter – an advanced new system that optimises aerodynamics by using vents to control airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment.

If air is required to cool the engine the vents are opened; but if no airflow is needed, the vents are shut, thereby significantly reducing aerodynamic drag. When fully closed, the reduction in drag means that the Active Grille Shutter can reduce CO2 emissions by two per cent.

Low-CO2 Ford ECOnetic Technologies

The Focus ECOnetic incorporates as standard the full range of low-CO2 Ford ECOnetic Technologies which are shared with other models in the new Focus line-up including Ford Auto-start-stop, Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode and Shift Indicator Light. In addition the Focus ECOnetic includes:

Electric Power Assisted Steering
Low-friction engine and transmission oils
Low tension Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD)
Thermal Management Systems to optimise warm-up

Customer Availability in Early 2012

Available with either five-door or estate bodystyles, the new Ford Focus ECOnetic will be produced for the UK market at the lead Focus manufacturing plant in Saarlouis, Germany. Market introduction is scheduled to be in early 2012.

The existing Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi, which went on sale last month, and is available across all series, emits 109g CO2 /km while returning 67mpg*

*Note: Fuel economy figures quoted are based on the European Fuel Economy Directive EU 80/1268/EEC and will differ from fuel economy drive cycle results in other regions of the world.

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.co.uk

If you have any further enquiries or require publication-quality, downloadable photographs on Ford Motor Company products or services, visit our dedicated media website www.media.ford.com or contact our press officers.
Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford, Diesel

Tags: amsterdam, econetic, europe, focus, ford, ford focus econetic

2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake with 800 horsepower headed for New York

by Drew Phillips (RSS feed) on Apr 6th 2011 at 2:31PM

2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake - Click above for high-res image gallery

Shelby has no qualms about constantly upping the horsepower of its range-topping Ford GT500 Super Snake. When first introduced in 2008, the base Super Snake had a mere 605 ponies under the hood with an option for up to 725. That number increased to 750 for 2010, and now for the 2012 model year, Shelby is set to unveil the latest Super Snake with up to 800 tire-shredding horsepower on tap from its 5.4-liter supercharged V8.

Like previous Super Snake models, the latest version will come with a host of other upgrades including a sport suspension system, Baer six-piston brakes, Borla exhaust system, Alcoa 20-inch wheels, fiberglass hood and more.

We'll get our first look at the 2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake when it debuts at the New York Auto Show later this month, but until then, you can read more details about the car in the press release after the jump or check out the outgoing car in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake

LAS VEGAS– April 6, 2011 – Shelby American Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK) will unveil its new Super Snake post title package for the 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 at the New York International Auto Show. With 800 horsepower, the Shelby GT500 Super Snake will be the most powerful American muscle car introduced at the show. In addition to the Super Snake, Shelby American will also display the limited edition 2012 Shelby GT350 coupe and convertible.

"Shelby American has a rich history at the New York International Auto Show," said John Luft, president of Shelby American Inc. "The very first Shelby car was introduced there in 1962, as well as the 1968 and 2008 Shelby GT500KR and the 2006 Shelby Hertz GT-H. This year, we're returning with one of the most powerful and important Shelbys ever built."

Born on the drag strip and road course of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Shelby American and its partner Ford Racing, created an aggressive suspension and engine package that turns the Ford Shelby GT500 into a world class supercar. Even more power is available for the 2012 model year. There will be a limited production of Super Snakes available to customers starting May 1, 2011.

"With more horsepower, the 2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake is a strong performer both on the road and the track," noted Gary Patterson, vice president of operations at Shelby American. "This Super Snake will deliver the driving experience that enthusiasts expect from the Shelby brand."

The new Super Snake post title package is one of the very few vehicles that generates up to 800 horsepower on pump gas. Not only is the high performance vehicle legal in 50 states, the unique, limited production supercar allows Shelby fans the opportunity to experience the power of one of America's legendary muscle cars for under $100,000; this includes the Shelby Super Snake package and the GT500 base vehicle.

The 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake post title package includes:

• Ford Racing handling pack including dynamic adjustable dampers, lowering springs, tuned stabilizer bars and front strut tower brace
• An optional Shelby / Eibach handling pack is available
• 6-speed manual transmission with 3.73:1 rear axle ratio and short-throw shifter
• The standard tune upgrades power to over 750 HP and 590 ft./lbs. of torque
• Optional Shelby / Kenne Bell 800 horsepower tune on pump gas
• Borla exhaust system
• Shelby-designed Alcoa 20-inch wheels in durabright or anthracite
• Forged Shelby / Baer brakes with 6 piston calipers and cross drilled / vented rotors
• Front brake cooling ducts and behind the door side scoops
• Unique fiberglass hood featuring classic Shelby design and pins
• Shelby signature Super Snake stripes in either matte black or matte white
• "Super Snake" vehicle badges and official Shelby CSM interior plate
• "Shelby" lettering across the rear deck lid
• Optional two tone leather interior
• Shelby signature embroidered headrests, floor mats and other Shelby designed components

Customers can build their dream Shelby Super Snake online with Shelby American's new "Build-One" car building program at http://shelbyamerican.com/buildhome.asp.
The 2012 Shelby GT350 coupe and convertible will also be exhibited at the Shelby American booth, #1325, during the New York Auto Show. The 2012 model year car is offered in two new body colors, Race Red and Kona Blue. Those interested in a Shelby GT500 Super Snake or Shelby GT350 should call (702) 942-7325 or log onto www.shelbyamerican.com.
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Tags: 2011 new york auto show, 2012 shelby gt500 super snake, new york 2011, new york auto show, shelby, shelby gt500, shelby gt500 super snake

Fw: What We're Testing This Week: 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6

From: Mike Levine

Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 12:02 AM

Subject: What We're Testing This Week: 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6

What We're Testing This Week: 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6

Is Ford's new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 worth its $750 premium over the company's new 5.0-liter V-8 and does it perform as well as the brawny 6.2-liter V-8? That's what we plan to find out this week during a challenging 2,000 mile road test.

The innovative small displacement 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is rated at 365 horsepower and 420 pounds-feet of torque. It's the first application of gasoline direct-injection twin-turbo technology in a half-ton pickup.

On paper, EcoBoost outperforms the 360 horsepower, 380 pounds-feet 5.0 in both gas mileage and power. It's rated to tow up to 11,300 pounds, the same as the 411 horsepower, 434 pounds-feet 6.2.

As we discovered in February, the 5.0 is no slouch. We loved its performance in the 2011 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 we drove. The 6.2-liter V-8 is an off-road monster in the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and it's a towing machine in the Platinum and Lariat F-150 models, as well as the Ford Super Duty.

Our EcoBoost test will push the V-6 harder than we've driven the 5.0-liter and 6.2-liter V-8s. Some might say twice as hard because we're not just testing a single EcoBoost V-6 truck. Ford has provided two identical 2011 F-150 SuperCrew FX2 two-wheel drive pickups with 3.55 rear axles.

Eb-no-beauty-560

Why are we testing duplicate EcoBoost F-150s? One pickup will be empty and the other will tow a 9,000 pound ballasted trailer. We're going to measure their individual performance and fuel economy trucking from Los Angeles to Denver in city and highway driving conditions at low and high altitudes as both trucks shadow each other.

Dyno Test

We've already completed our first test using a Dynojet Research chassis dyno, courtesy of our friends at K&N Engineering in Riverside. At the EcoBoost F-150's rear wheels, we measured 316 horsepower and 355 pounds-feet.

There are several interesting items to note about our EcoBoost's dyno results. First, peak torque occured further up the power band (4,150 rpm) than what Ford claims at the crankshaft (2,500 rpm). The turbos did an excellent job keeping torque above 300 pounds-feet from around 2,800 rpm to approximately 5,700 rpm, just ahead of fuel cutoff at 5,800 rpm. Second, horsepower showed an interesting downward blip around 5,000 rpm before hitting its peak at 5,125 rpm. Could this be for emissions reasons or to hit a higher horsepower number than the 5.0? Finally, you can see where torque and horsepower intersect at 5,252 rpm but horsepower falls from there, never crossing the torque curve.

For comparison purposes, we've plotted the 3.5 dyno results against the 5.0 that was tested on the same dyno -- corrected using SAE factors for humidity, temperature and barometric pressure.

So far, EcoBoost appears worth its $750 premium.

2011-f150-dyno-runs2

On the Road

We head to Colorado Monday morning to start the real world evaluation. We'll be stopping along the way for fuel and food. If you catch us, we'll be happy to chat and buy you a cup of coffee or a meal. We shouldn't be too hard to spot with the trailer and two Race Red FX2 F-150s.

Follow along on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

Fw: Study: Female buyers not considering many domestic vehicles

From: Chris Shunk

Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 3:02 PM

Subject: Study: Female buyers not considering many domestic vehicles

Filed under: Car Buying

We don't have a demographic breakdown for Autoblog's core audience to share, but we can tell you that the overwhelming majority of our readers are men. That said, women tend to be very specific about which vehicles they choose, and according to R.L. Polk, Asian automakers ranging from Toyota to Kia are winning over women on a grand scale.

Take a look at the graphic above, which shows the top five vehicle selections by (non-Caucasian) ethnic group. The Toyota Camry takes the top spot, scoring the number one spot in five ethnic groups. The Corolla, Civic, Accord and CR-V round out the top five, which makes sense due to the fact that those five vehicles are typically among the top-selling passenger vehicles each month. But where are the domestics?

The bottom of the chart shows the top domestic model as chosen by each ethnic group. Ford dominates the list, taking the top spot in seven of the eight ethnic groups, though judging by Polk's data, it's apparent that domestics are very low on the priority list. The only ethnic groups to choose a domestic in the top 10 are African-Americans (Malibu) and Hispanics (Ford F-Series).

[Source: R.L. Polk]

Study: Female buyers not considering many domestic vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Fw: The Ultimate in Super-Duty Expedition Vehicles

From: Mike Levine

Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 1:32 PM

Subject: The Ultimate in Super-Duty Expedition Vehicles

By Mark Williams

We've seen some well-built Super Duties in our day, but this one had us stopping in our tracks at the 2011 Overland Expo in Amado, Ariz.

Built by Global Expedition Vehicles, this UXV 550 starts with a Ford F-550 crew-cab dually frame and makes quite a few body and suspension modifications, putting military-grade airbags at all four corners with military spec rims and tires as well.

Body camper construction can be customized to order. This S84 model includes a small dining area, an oversized Teak wood bathroom, an overhead sleeping deck, all the kitchen amenities and two large swing-out windows.

The outer body uses bullet-train and marine-grade technologies to mold, support reinforce the structure and skin. Under the hood is a 6.7-liter Power Stroke engine. Two full-size spare tires are in back, with a small winch-operated bike rack held out of harm's way.

Racer (and self-described outlaw) Jesse James heard about this vehicle being built and thought it would be perfect as a support vehicle for his race team, as well as the ultimate base camp explorer. Global Expedition Vehicles doesn't sell a lot of vehicles — just a few a year — but when they do, it's something special. And it's not limited to Fords. Current models are also built on Unimog, International and Mercedes-Benz chassis.

As you might expect, these units are not cheap. Many models start at several hundred-thousand dollars and build from there. It all depends on what you want, what you need, and how deep into the backcountry you want to explore.

Fw: Ram, Mopar to Sponsor TORC Racing Series

From: Mike Levine

Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 5:34 PM

Subject: Ram, Mopar to Sponsor TORC Racing Series

Rendering courtesy of Chrysler Group LLC

By Dave Lee

The deal puts five PRO-class drivers at the wheel of a Ram truck during the 14-race TORC series, which is the one of the fastest and most punishing short-course racing series in the world. Ram and Mopar will be sponsoring the Traxxas Racing team, led by Mike and Mark Jenkins, as well as the Menzies Motorsports team owned by Steve Menzies.

Under the partnership, Ram will be the official vehicle of the series, and a Mopar Ram Runner will serve as the official pace truck. Fans at the races will have the chance to experience an off-road test drive.

"From the drag strip to the circle track, the Mopar brand has a proud heritage in racing," Mopar President and CEO Pietro Gorlier said. "We are excited to extend our presence into off-road racing, where many of our Mopar fanatics reside."

Mopar offers a conversion kit for the Ram Runner, which debuted last April at the Moab Easter Jeep Safari. The kit turns a half-ton Ram 1500 pickup truck into a hardened desert racer using components inspired by Baja trophy trucks. It includes custom body and suspension pieces such as 3-inch diameter Fox Racing internal bypass dampers at all four corners, custom upper and lower control arms for the front suspension and flared widetrack fenders.

The five drivers sponsored by Ram and Mopar are Rob MacCachren and Samuel Hubinette of Traxxas Racing and Ricky Johnson, Bryce Menzies and Luke Johnson of Menzies Motorsports.

The first race kicks off Memorial Day weekend in Buchanan, Mich.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Ford Raptor Off-Road Experience this Weekend

From: Mike Levine

Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 12:44 PM

Subject: Ford Raptor Off-Road Experience this Weekend

Vore-1-560

If you want to try a Raptor before you buy or if you own a Raptor and want to learn how to use its full capabilities, the Vegas Off Road Experience Raptor Tour is for you.

VORE is conducting their second Raptor Owners two-day off-road tour this weekend near Las Vegas. It's not a "driving school" but an "off-road driving experience". VORE has two Raptors that can be rented as well as tricked out VORE Challenge Race Trucks -- Ford V-6 powered race trucks with 25-inches to 30-inches of suspension travel.

Raptor Owners can also bring their own trucks, at a reduced rate, and learn everything their truck is capable of with the security of chase trucks and guides.

For more information, contact the off-road experts at VORE: 702-622-7770.