New Ford 6.8-Liter V10 To Pull World’s Heaviest Parade Float

by Ford in the News on December 21, 2011

When a certain world-famous parade—that doesn’t like folks to mention its name without paying for the honor—hits the streets next month in Pasadena, Calif., it’s expected to boast the world’s longest and heaviest float ever—as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. But while hauling a 116-foot-long parade float weighing 50 tons sounds like it might be a challenge, the outlook will be quite rosy with Ford’s all-new 6.8-liter V10 engine doing the heavy lifting.

The gasoline-powered engine is the same mighty mill that can motivate the 2012 Ford F-650 medium-duty truck, in which it will be deployed as a class-exclusive, high-value option to the diesel units more typically found in these types of rigs. In fact, customers will be able to save an average of $8,300 when purchasing a gas-powered F-650 as compared to the diesel model. The same engine also is available in current F-Series SuperDuty chassis cabs and E-Series van, and it’s mated to a high-efficiency six-speed automatic transmission in all applications.

As for the float, it will be the latest spectacular creation for Natural Balance Pet Foods. This year’s version will showcase the talents of Tillman the Surfing Dog (and friends) by featuring “the world’s first rolling white-water surfing machine”—the canine crew will literally surf in some 6,600 gallons of water as the float uses Ford power to travel the parade route.

“Trying to set the Guinness record for the World’s longest and heaviest float is no small engineering feet. That’s why I was so happy that Ford is providing the engine and transmission to make sure our over 100,000-pound float will be okay as it rolls down the street for this year’s parade,” said Joey Herrick, president, Natural Balance Pet Foods.

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Winter Is Here—And So Are Ford’s Top 10 Winter Driving Tips

by Ford in the News on December 20, 2011

Now that winter has safely arrived, Ford wants to make sure drivers do, too, despite the potential dangers of cold-weather travel. Especially during the holiday season, when traffic volumes are up across the country, following Ford’s list of “dos”—and “don’ts”—can help make for safer driving even when the snow flies.

1. Do give yourself some extra time to clear any snow or ice from your vehicle before you hit the road. It’s particularly important to clean windows for better visibility, and be sure to remove any of the white stuff from the top of your vehicle to prevent creating a mini-blizzard for those driving behind you. And don’t forget to clear off your headlights and taillights.
2. Do remember to use windshield wiper fluid specifically designed for winter weather, so your wiper sprayer doesn’t freeze or crack. But don’t use hot water to try to melt ice on your windshield—it can crack a cold windshield.
3. Do keep your car clean of salt and dirt by washing it regularly; that is, don’t let that road grime cause your car’s body to grow old before its time.
4. Do keep your gas tank at least half full at all times; being stranded in the cold and snow is even less fun than running out of gas in the summer. In fact, don’t forget to check all relevant fluids, especially windshield wiper fluid, to ensure they’re at their proper levels; and while your at it, check that all your tires, including the spare, are properly inflated and ready to roll.
5. Do prepare for a potential emergency by keeping a blanket, shovel, flashlight (with fresh batteries) and snacks in your vehicle. Also, having a set of winter wear (boots, jacket, hat, gloves) can come in handy if you unexpectedly have to be out in the cold for any length of time. Make sure your cellphone is charged, too! When you’re laying in supplies, don’t forget kitty litter or sand, which can help provide extra traction if your vehicle gets stuck in the snow.
6. Do pay attention to the road at all times, routinely checking blind spots and paying particularly close attention to pedestrians when driving in urban areas. Don’t follow other vehicles too closely—the “rules of the road” generally call for leaving two seconds between you and the vehicle ahead of you, but that should be increased to four seconds when the going gets slippery.
7. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, do apply steady, even pressure when trying to slow or stop in slick weather. But even with anti-lock brakes—or all-wheel drive—don’t get cocky when driving in snowy or slippery conditions.
8. If you find yourself sliding on the road, do turn your steering wheel into the direction of the slide. Of course, to help prevent sliding in the first place, don’t suddenly hit the gas or try to change directions on slick road surfaces.
9. Do stay calm if you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down in bad weather. Don’t leave your vehicle, though, unless you know there is other shelter nearby. Running the vehicle to keep warm is okay, provided you ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow, preventing deadly carbon monoxide from building up in the cabin.
10. Do stay awake and alert any time you get on the road. If you’re feeling tired and drowsy while driving, please stop for a rest or a coffee. DON’T drink and drive—ever. If you think you may be imbibing too much holiday cheer, arrange for a designated driver or alternate form of transportation ahead of time.

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Ford Focus a Finalist for North American Car of the Year

by Ford in the News on December 16, 2011

Nearly two decades after it was first given, the prestigious North American Car of the Year award has never been presented to the same car twice—but that could be about to change: The Ford Focus, which earned the honor when its first generation debuted in 2000, was recently named one of just three finalists for the 2012 award. [click to continue…]

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All-new Ford Fusion Now Available for Virtual Test Drives

by Ford in the News on December 15, 2011

Even though the completely redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion won’t be introduced to the world until January—at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit—the breath-taking mid-size sedan can be experienced—and even “driven”—right now. That’s because Ford already has introduced an augmented-reality app for smartphones and tablets that allows users to explore the vehicle in an immersive, online gaming environment. [click to continue…]

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Ford C-MAX Duo Targets Top Efficiency Ratings

by Ford in the News on December 14, 2011

Fresh off of announcing the start of production for the Ford Focus Electric, the Blue Oval has now revealed further details about two more of its electrified vehicles, the Ford C-MAX Hybrid and the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid. The two multi-activity vehicles (MAVs)—which offer big-time functionality in a nimble package—are due to go on sale next year

“C-MAX is the right car for the time, as it combines the dynamics and quality of a traditional car with the versatility of a MAV and leading fuel efficiency that you cannot even get from Toyota,” said Sherif Marakby, director of Ford’s Electrification Programs and Engineering.

The lowdown: The C-MAX Hybrid is slated to return better fuel economy in all EPA measures than the Toyota Prius v, while the C-MAX Energi is expected to deliver a higher miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) rating than the Toyota Prius Plug-in, as well as a longer overall driving range than the Chevrolet Volt.

And both will also feature a wealth of other Ford technologies, including:

  • A hands-free liftgate that opens and closes with just a “gentle kicking motion” under the rear bumper
  • The latest iteration of the SYNC with MyFord Touch in-vehicle connectivity and infotainment system, now enhanced to better meet customer expectations
  • Ford’s next-generation SmartGauge with EcoGuide, which provides easy-to-read, easy-to-use feedback on driving efficiency to help drivers learn to drive more economically
  • The innovative “powersplit” system that allows the C-MAX’s gas engine to work in concert with its electric motor for optimum performance—and the highest all-electric driving speed of any hybrid on the market
  • Advanced lithium-ion batteries that are more efficient than the nickel-metal-hydride batteries from first-generation hybrids, while also being up to 30 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter
  • An all-new 2.0-liter I4 gasoline engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle for maximum efficiency

“The C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi are designed to meet the needs of customers looking to ‘plus-up’ and optimize their hybrid car experience,” said Amy Machesney, C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi Marketing manager. “These customers are living more environmentally responsible lives and may have bought a hybrid in the past. They are now ready for more hybrid choice, combined with style, better performance and additional versatility.”

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Ford Kicks off Production of Focus Electric

by Ford in the News on December 14, 2011

The Blue Oval is about to get a little greener: Production of the 2012 Ford Focus Electric—expected to be the first electric vehicle to offer more than 100 MPGe—has now begun at the automaker’s Michigan Assembly plant, located in Wayne, Mich. It’s an important next step in Ford’s new “Power of Choice” initiative, which will offer customers a range of different types of high-efficiency vehicles, with different powertrains, to meet different needs and preferences. [click to continue…]

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Ford F-150 is the Motor Trend Truck of the Year

by Ford in the News on December 13, 2011

For the fourth time in its long and storied career, the Ford F-150 has been named Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year. It’s a fitting honor for a pickup that’s well on its way to its 35th straight year as the best-selling truck in the country, with more than 500,000 units sold through the end of November.

“The 2012 F-150 is a no-compromise solution that can be tailored to fit virtually every customer’s needs, and the Motor Trend Truck of the Year award further reinforces that this is truly the best choice for America’s truck owners,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “We are proud to receive this award and even more pleased that our F-150 customers have additional validation of their top choice.” [click to continue…]

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Pre-Packaged Power: Ford Racing to Offer More Crate Engines

by Ford in the News on December 12, 2011

It turns out that some of Ford’s best thinking can actually be found inside the box: Especially when that box holds one of the new high-quality crate engines being offered this year by Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP). The latest mighty mills add to one of the most comprehensive aftermarket engine programs in the industry, featuring a lineup of high-quality crate engines designed to offer factory-fresh power upgrades for a wide range of applications—and budgets.

New blocks for the kids—and anyone else looking for Ford-engineered power plants—include:

Z363 500 HP Pushrod Crate Engine—Leveraging the same block that drives the Mustang Boss 302, this big V8 has been bored out to 4.125 inches and now rocks 363 cubic inches of displacement, 500 hp and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s an increase of 16 cubic inches, 50 hp and 50 lb.-ft. of torque as compared to the engine it replaces. The Z363 has been engineered for both street and strip use, with a forged crankshaft, aluminum heads, forged I-beam connecting rods, new Mahle pistons, floating piston pins and a hi-po oiling system.

5.0L Ti-VCT Aluminator—FRPP also is introducing a new pair of V8 engines for its growing “Aluminator” family. Both build on the strong foundation of the Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter powerplant, featuring twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT). But they’ve now been tuned for increased performance in both naturally aspirated and forced-induction applications. For the former, the engine runs on an 11.0:1 compression ratio and relies on components like Mahle forged pistons that are hard-anodized with a unique low-friction coating, as well as Manley H-beam connecting rods with ARP 2000 bolts and Boss 302 high-performance bearings. Drivers who prefer supercharged power can choose the “SC” version, with a 9.5:1 compression ratio and components optimized for forced-induction.

5.0L Ti-VCT Coyote “Sealed” Racing Engine—It’s the same 412 hp “Coyote” V8 found in the 2012 Ford Mustang GT, but its internal components have been “sealed” to prevent changes and qualify for spec racing series like the National Mustang Racer’s Association “Coyote Stock” class.

2.0-Liter I4 Crate Engine Concept—With more and more drivers flocking to new Ford products using the automaker’s 2.0-liter I4 engines, the company is preparing to cater to their need for speed, too. The first step was the recent introduction of a naturally aspirated I4 “Crate Engine Concept” that sets the tone for future four-cylinder power plants. This new engine is an enhanced version of the direct-injection I4 with Ti-VCT that’s used in the Ford Focus, and it makes an estimated 160-175 hp and 145-155 lb.-ft. of torque. A wide range of production I4 crate engines are on their way as well, including some with Ford’s EcoBoost technology. According to the automaker: “The new four-cylinder lineup will form the widest range of production-based crate engines since the debut of FRPP’s successful 5.0 V8 crate engine program.”

For more information on engines designed to meet your crate expectations, contact Ford Racing Performance Parts at 1-800-FORD-788 (1-800-367-3788) or visit www.FordRacingParts.com.

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Two Ford Power Plants Make Ward’s Auto ‘2012 Best Engines’ List

by Ford in the News on December 9, 2011

Ford’s industry-leading engine technologies gained more fans recently, when the noted experts at Ward’s Auto named two different Blue Oval power plants to their roster of “Best Engines” for 2012.

This included the Ford Edge’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost I4, which displayed both an “uncanny ability to motivate the Edge” and fuel economy that “deserves plaudits in this segment.” The specs here put an exclamation point on those comments, as the engine’s direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) combine to deliver 240 hp, 270 lb.-ft. of torque and an EPA line of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/24 mpg.

“Fuel efficiency is important to our customers,” said Amy Marentic, Ford’s group marketing manager, Large Cars and Crossovers. “Adding the EcoBoost engine to the new Ford Edge crossover makes for 13 vehicles delivering 30 mpg or more in the Ford showroom.”

And remember, the same award-winning 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine also is available beneath the hood of the Ford Explorer, where it returns a class-leading 28 mpg highway, to go with ratings of 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

Also joining the “Best Engines” list—for the second straight year—is the big-time 5.0-liter V8 leveraged by the Ford Mustang Boss 302. Building on what was already the automaker’s most powerful naturally aspirated production V8 (when used in the Mustang GT), the engine in the Boss 302 has been retuned to reach 440 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s courtesy of enhancements that include a revised intake, CNC-machined heads, a lightened valve train and a strengthened reciprocating assembly.

The result is a power plant that helps the 2012 Boss serve as the perfect homage to its classic 1969 predecessor.

“In keeping with the spirit of the original, the new Boss 302 engine achieves its maximum power output at speeds at or above 7,500 rpm,” Mike Harrison, Ford V8 engine program manager “Unlike the original engine, however, low-speed torque and drivability are uncompromised thanks to twin independent variable camshaft timing technology and computer-aided engineering design tools.”

Consider it another way Ford’s under-the-hood innovations provide big advantages over the competition.

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Ford Fiesta is a Great Car for Less than $20,000

by Ford in the News on December 9, 2011

According to the motoring mavens at MSN Autos, “never before has the marketplace been so rife with competent, attractive and truly affordable new vehicles”—and that includes the 2012 Ford Fiesta, recently chosen by the website as one of its “10 Great Cars for Less than $20,000.”

The Fiesta, of course, starts well under that ceiling, with an MSRP that begins at just $13,200. Yet the car still delivers standard features that include Ford’s AdvanceTrac electronic stability control system, integrated blind-spot mirrors, air conditioning, a four-speaker AM/FM stereo, rear-seat heat ducts, the Easy Fuel capless fuel filler, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, a driver-friendly suspension setup and the segment’s only driver’s knee air bag.

Also in the mix, according to MSN: “a class-leading interior, a refined mechanical essence and lively driving dynamics,” along with EPA ratings that “maintain the frugality without infringing on the fun.” Specifically, the Fiesta is capable of attaining 29 mpg city/38 mpg highway/33 mpg combined right out of the box, while the Fiesta SFE can up that highway mark to 40 mpg, thanks to Ford’s innovative PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission.

Which brings up another point noted by the website: Ford’s new subcompact offers drivers a number of different configurations—all starting well under the $20K limit—to provide models for a wide range of different customer preferences. The Fiesta can be purchased in both five-door hatch and four-door sedan body styles, with manual or automatic transmissions, and can be kitted out with a significantly high level of comfort and convenience equipment, including Ford’s SYNC in-car connectivity system.

And while it hasn’t been approved for production—yet—Ford did preview the hi-po Fiesta ST at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show, showcasing a rally-inspired, Ecoboost powered hot hatch that packs 180 hp and 177 lb.-ft. of torque into a car that weighs only about 2,600 lbs.

“True, Ford isn’t the only maker to have recently revised its recipe for small-car goodness,” according to MSN Autos’ Andrew Wendler, “but the sum of the Fiesta’s parts yield a particularly well-rounded example for a bargain price.”

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