Rides : Check out the All New 2013 Ford Flex

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Ford is certainly embracing the weirdness of its Flex crossover – at least, in terms of design – for its 2013 model year refresh. Set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week, the 2013 Flex features a restyled front fascia that strikes us as flashier and somehow more robotic than the current model. We've seen it in person, and if we're honest, we're not sure we love it.

Ford understands the fact that not all shoppers love the Flex's exterior as a whole, but the automaker maintains that prospective buyers will like the sort of retro-modern look to the new front end. As for the rest of the Flex's design, things haven't changed too much, save the addition of some new paint colors and wheel choices, as well as the now-standard Flex badging above the grille – something previously reserved exclusively for the Titanium trim. We'll have to see what future sales numbers look like before deciding if this new schnoz is a hit or a miss, though.

Behind that new front end, the Flex receives a powertrain update: the base 3.5-liter V6 now packs 20 more horsepower – 285 versus 265 – and even with that extra grunt, fine-tuning to the powerplant has yielded one extra mile per gallon in both city and highway driving modes (18/25 mpg). Of course, customers will still be able to outfit the Flex with Ford's 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, which carries over unchanged.

Inside, the 2013 Flex receives a refreshed dashboard and instrument cluster that incorporates the latest version of MyFord Touch. Other interior enhancements include pushbutton start, rain sensing wipers and the addition of more safety features including optional rear inflatable seatbelts and a host of collision-avoidance technologies.

 

Press Release

New Ford Flex Brings More Technology, Better Fuel Economy, Modern Sophistication to Seven-Passenger Crossover

• The latest three-row, seven-passenger Ford Flex offers comfort and advanced technology in a distinctive package, including sleek new front end and modern interior

• New Flex features the latest MyFord Touch® system, new safety and driver-aid features such as adaptive cruise control, Ford's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) as well as push- button start, rear inflatable belts, rain-sensing wipers and active park assist

• Under the hood, Flex is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 that delivers 20 more horsepower and projected 1 mpg better fuel economy, or the popular and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 8, 2011 – Fans of the Ford Flex have even more to love next year with an upgraded model with a sleek new look and even more technology to make driving safer, easier and more fuel-efficient.

"Flex appeals to people who want to stand out from the crowd and has the highest retention rate of any vehicle in the Ford lineup," said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. "With technologies not found in other full-size utilities, even better fuel economy and a more modern, sophisticated look, we're offering people even more reasons to choose Flex with the new model."

The seven-passenger, three-row crossover – which debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show this month – comes equipped with the new generation of MyFord Touch®, rear inflatable belts, collision-avoidance technologies, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, first-row heated and cooled seats, power-fold mirrors and an optional new Appearance Package. Plus, the base 3.5-liter engine is projected to deliver 1 mpg better fuel economy on the highway and in the city, with 20 more horsepower.

Enhanced technology

The new Flex features SYNC® with the new generation of MyFord Touch, making it easier to manage information, control features and adjust settings.

"We've listened to our customers and have improved what they love about MyFord Touch," said Kenneth Williams, systems integration engineer. "In this upgrade, the screens have a cleaner, clearer display. The words on the screens are larger and easier to read, the pressable areas on the screen look more like buttons, and we have made the functions clearer for faster navigation.

"What separates MyFord Touch is that there are multiple ways for customers to manage and control what they want through voice commands, menus accessed through the steering wheel controls, touch screen, buttons or knobs – whatever they prefer."

MyFord Touch includes two 4.2-inch screens in the instrument cluster and an eight-inch screen in the center stack. The feature pairs with the latest version of SYNC.

The base SYNC package includes:

• Hands-free, voice-activated calling via a Bluetooth®-connected mobile phone or USB-connected digital music player
• 911 Assist™, the automated emergency calling service that is free for the life of the vehicle
• Vehicle Health Report, the on-demand diagnostic and maintenance information service

Enhanced safety and driver-aid technology

The new Flex is equipped with the automotive world's first production rear inflatable belts to offer improved comfort and protection for rear seat passengers. Last month, this safety innovation was named a Breakthrough Product Award winner by Popular Mechanics, part of the magazine's seventh annual Breakthrough Awards.

The advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to such injuries.

Advances in airbag inflation and safety belt construction methods have enabled Ford and its suppliers to develop inflatable seat belts that are designed to deploy over a vehicle occupant's torso and shoulder in 40 milliseconds in the event of a crash.

The new second-row belts operate like traditional safety belts in everyday use and inflate when sensors indicate a collision event. Each belt's tubular airbag inflates with cold compressed gas, which flows through a specially designed buckle from a cylinder housed below the seat.

The new Flex also boasts available radar-enabled adaptive cruise control (ACC) and collision warning with brake support and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert. These technologies help drivers avoid potential accidents using radar to detect the relative position of other vehicles and warn the driver with a combination of visual and audio alerts.

The ACC technology uses advanced radar to scan for vehicles in front of Flex at 20 times per second. The sensor can detect vehicles up to 150 yards away and detect speed changes as small as ¼ mph. When the system is activated, it functions like normal cruise control with the exception of being able to slow down the car when vehicles in front are detected to be slowing down. When traffic has cleared, the vehicle resumes the set speed. Four distance settings accommodate a range of driving styles and road conditions. The driver can set distance, speed and the time gap between vehicles.

Fuel economy bolstered by engines, technologies

Under the hood, Flex's new base engine delivers even more efficiency and performance with the addition of twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to the 3.5-liter V6.

The upgraded 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine provides 285 horsepower – an approximate 20 horsepower increase from the previous engine – and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. The new Flex also is projected to deliver 1 mpg more fuel economy, with projected fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

This efficient V6 allows precise, variable control of valve overlap, or the window of time in which both the intake and exhaust valves in an engine are open at the same time. By adjusting overlap continuously, the engine can operate at optimum settings for peak fuel economy or peak power output as conditions demand.

The popular 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 remains on the new Flex, bringing the fuel economy of V6 engines with all-wheel-drive capability and V8-like performance of 355 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.

A key contributor to EcoBoost fuel efficiency is direct injection of gasoline. This system precisely delivers a fine mist of fuel directly into each cylinder for optimal performance, economy and emissions.

EcoBoost engines are fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance for millions of drivers around the world. By 2013, more than 90 percent of Ford's North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost technology. Ford holds more than 125 patents on its EcoBoost engine technology.

Both engines are mated to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic® transmission.

The SelectShift advanced gearbox offers the driver a choice between fully automatic operation and manual control. With SelectShift with EcoBoost, paddle shifters are integrated into the steering wheel spokes. Intuitive to operate, a squeeze back on either paddle will deliver an upshift, while a gentle push forward on either paddle will induce a matched-rev downshift. SelectShift won't second-guess the driver with an override shift; manual control is truly manually controlled. The thumb shift is new for 2013 with the standard engine models.

Both engines also are made more efficient with EPAS (electric power-assisted steering). EPAS improves fuel economy approximately 4 percent and reduces emissions while improving steering performance primarily because the steering system is powered by an electric motor connected to the vehicle's battery, instead of engine-mounted hydraulic pump steering systems.

In addition, the new Flex's battery management system operates the vehicle's power supply system in a more economical manner to save fuel. The system:

• Allows the alternator and system voltage to be controlled based on battery condition, vehicle operating state and electrical load status
• Provides feedback to the vehicle regarding battery condition for active load management and battery diagnostics
• Monitors battery temperature (higher voltage in lower temperatures, lower voltage in higher temperatures), extending the battery life

Fresh new look, touches – inside and out

Flex's new front end rounds out the previously boxy edges, creating more visual harmony between the front and the rest of the vehicle. The signature Ford blue oval has been removed from the front, which now solely bears the Flex badge.

In the rear, Flex now has standard dual exhaust and available rear appliqué.

Inside the Flex customers will find a modern, sophisticated driver zone with new clusters, steering wheel and electronic finish panels, as well as new seat trim and foam.

Class-exclusives include the available second-row refrigerated console and the latest generation of MyFord Touch with SYNC.

Appearance Package and paint, wheel choices

Also new is an Appearance Package on Limited and SEL models that includes an available two-tone roof and mirrors, 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets, leather seats, unique door trim panels and other interior upgrades for a truly distinctive, premium look and feel.

The new Flex comes in nine exterior colors, including three new colors for the 2013 model year: Ruby Red, Deep Impact Blue and Kodiak Brown. Customers also can choose from body-color roofs, or two-tone with white, gray or black available on the Appearance Package.

Six wheel styles are available for Flex as well.

Production

The Ford Flex is built at Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada

Rides : Ford Explorer now with Lane Keeping, Coffee Breaks Alert

Ford will introduce two new safety features on the new Explorer model: the lane keeping and Driver Alert technology.

The Explorer, which has crossed the 100,000-vehicle sales mark for 2011, will alert drowsy drivers by monitoring the vehicle’s movement compared to lane markings that are tracked by a camera mounted on the windshield.
If the system detects an inappropriate driving style, a first-level chime will sound and a coffee cup warning will appear on the dashboard. In case that the driver will not pull over, and the system will continue to sense the driver is fatigued, another warning and chime will be issued.
According to the AAA 40 percent of Americans, say they have fallen asleep or nodded off while driving.
On the other hand, the Lane Keeping System is designed to help the driver avoid leaving his or her lane unintentionally. This new technology consists of the Driver Alert System, Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid.
If the driver will unintentionally change the lane, a vibration in the steering wheel will occur to naturally direct the driver’s attention to where it is required. This provides the driver with valuable time to react and steer the vehicle back into its lane.

Rides : Ford Focus and Fiesta to be well represented at SEMA

Ford is hitting SEMA with a volley of modified Focus and Fiesta models this year. The company says that the aftermarket show is the perfect venue for showing off just how customizable both vehicles can be, and with creations from the likes of Roush, Cobb Tuning and Gold Coast Automotive among others, there should be a hatch or sedan on hand in Las Vegas for everyone. Roush is doing what the company does best: plopping an R900 TVS Supercharger on top of the four-cylinder engine in the Focus for a substantial bump in power, and a full Roush exhaust ensures that the engine will breathe easy.

Cobb Tuning, meanwhile, will be going the turbocharging route with its Focus. The car will boast forged pistons, a custom turbo kit and front-mounted intercooler, as well as a unique air box, intake and exhaust manifold. No one's saying just how much power the Focus will make, but a StopTech Trophy big brake kit should ensure the car can be brought down from speed in a hurry.

The star of the Fiesta show this year will likely be from Gold Coast Automotive. With an intercooled Jackson Racing Rotrex supercharger, Wilwood braking hardware on all four corners and a custom front diffuser and rear spoiler, this GCA entrant could be the mightiest Fiesta of them all. 

 

Press Release

Ford at SEMA 2011
From mild to wild, and from old to new, this year's Ford Motor Company display at SEMA has something for everyone. We'll showcase some of the most legendary cars in Ford's storied 110-year racing history, introduce a stunning array of show vehicles, from Fiesta to the Super Duty, and reveal more about Ford's global performance vehicles, Fiesta ST and Focus ST. We're also going to yank the covers off an all-new 363-cubic-inch Ford Racing stroker engine, and introduce the latest Ford licensed restoration part that's sure to delight fans of the classic 1964-66 Mustang.

2012 Ford Focus and 2011 Ford Fiesta at SEMA

Ford's hot-selling new Focus is making its SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show debut with seven customized cars that showcase the possibilities of both the hatch and sedan. Offering just about anything a customer could want to amp up the performance and personalization of the car, the Focus models have a wide variety of upgrades and enhancements. Since launch, the new Focus has been gaining interest, with nearly 500,000 customers raising their hands to request more information about the latest small car from Ford.

"Millennials, which this car is all about, want to personalize every aspect of their lives – everything from laptop covers to body art, and even cars," said Mike Murphy, C-Car Marketing manager. "Being unique allows them to stand apart and be different, and all the Focus models we have on display at SEMA live up to that standard."

The hot-selling Fiesta adds to Ford's SEMA display, showing off the possibilities for a car with a style all its own.

"Fiesta is a natural fit for SEMA because it's a unique brand," said Lew Echlin, Ford Global Car Marketing manager. "One of the top three purchase reasons for the vehicle is that it fits the customer's personality. That's very rare. It's an emotional purchase, so owners want to personalize it, with a significant percentage of them even giving their car a name."

Project vehicles to be showcased at this year's SEMA show include:

2012 Ford Focus by 3dCarbon
A standout style statement from 3dCarbon delivers a Focus that uses 3M satin wrap, smoked windows and race red accents to bring the car's more edgy side to life. 3dCarbon's body kit and Sticky Fingers racing stripes round out the exterior upgrades. On the functional side, a 3dCarbon upper roof spoiler, Eibach springs and Pirelli tires offer an aerodynamic and handling boost.

2012 Ford Focus by ROUSH Performance Products
This Stage 3 Focus by ROUSH Performance Products offers several powertrain upgrades including a ROUSH R900 TVS supercharger, ROUSH modified high-flow induction system and ROUSH dual-exit high- performance exhaust. Plenty of body additions differentiate this Focus, with ROUSH front fascia grille inserts, chin splitter and custom graphics. Sherwin-Williams custom matte paint and Ford Genuine Accessories roof spoiler also help it stand apart from the crowd.

2012 Ford Focus by The ID Agency
Inspired by European and Japanese tuning styles, this Focus by The ID Agency shows off attention to detail with a Wraptivo roof, Recaro Sportster seats and Top Stitch interior. Performance upgrades go along with the styling; these include a Magnaflow cat-back exhaust and Brembo big brake kit. It even offers a Ford Licensed Accessory Thule bike rack with Custom Leader bike.

2012 Ford Focus by Capaldi Racing
Capaldi Racing has taken its racing background and applied it to this new 2012 Ford Focus. Powertrain and chassis upgrades include a Borla cat-back dual-outlet exhaust, Ford Racing Performance Parts Torsen differential, Green Filter custom intake, AST Sport-Line suspension and Ford Racing Performance Parts-tuned sway bars. Exterior touches include Visteon European Focus headlamps with HID and LED technology and Capaldi Racing front splitter and dual-outlet insert.

2012 Ford Focus by Steeda
The Steeda Focus offers both street and track performance with key enhancements including Steeda cold-air intake with Cool Tube technology, Steeda rear swaybar and Steeda lowering springs. With underhood billet aluminum-appearance items, G-Track front end brace and 3dCarbon body kit, the car delivers on appearance as well. HRE P43S Monoblok 19-inch wheels and Nitto NT05 performance tires round out the additions.

2012 Ford Focus by Bojix Design
The Focus Stage 2 assembled by Bojix Design adds European flair with aggressive styling complete with Bojix body kit, 3dCarbon upper roof spoiler and Rennen M10 20-inch wheels. Interior upgrades come in the form of Katzkin leather seating surfaces and door panels, Accele rearview mirror with constant panoramic view and Alcantara®-covered surfaces. The chassis offers civil street manners with an AP Racing big brake kit, Bojix rear cross-drilled rotors and H&R Sport Springs lowering kit.

2012 Ford Focus by COBB Tuning
This Motorsports Challenger Focus was built for competition. It shows with Cosworth COBB Tuning forged pistons, COBB Tuning custom turbo kit and COBB front-mounted intercooler, intake, airbox and exhaust manifold. The chassis is upgraded with a StopTech Trophy big brake kit, Eibach Multi-Pro R2 coilover suspension and COBB Tuning suspension bushings. 2011

Ford Fiesta by M2-Motoring
The M2-Motoring Fiesta combines form and function by adding an Injen Technologies cold-air intake system and DC Sports cat-back exhaust. The chassis is upgraded with a Wilwood big brake kit and Megan Racing coilovers. Exterior enhancements include a candy purple finish by Status Motorsports, 3dCarbon body kit and upper roof spoiler. Interior treatments offer an upgraded Jensen Mobile Audio Power sound system and Audiovox flip-down touch-screen monitors.

2011 Ford Fiesta by Gold Coast Automotive
This Fiesta SE hatch is built for performance with a Jackson Racing Rotrex intercooled supercharger, Wilwood four-piston front, two-piston rear brake system and Hankook Ventus racing tires. Appearance offerings include APR Performance rear wing and custom front splitter, 3dCarbon body kit, Socal SignWorx graphic wrap and Gold Coast Automotive fender flare kit.

2011 Ford Fiesta by Aaron Vaccar Signature Series
With plenty of personalized details, this Fiesta offers a Weapon-R Secret Weapon air intake, Wilwood Dynapro six-piston big brake kit and Advanti Racing V3 Vago 17-inch wheels. The exterior features BASF custom bright silver matte metallic paint, while the interior delivers plenty of upgrades including Portage Trim red leather upholstery, Bride Vios III racing bucket seats and MB Quart Onyx Series speaker and amplifiers.

Rides : Ford Explorer hits 100,000 sales mark

The 2011 Ford Explorer is a massive improvement over the last-generation model, and the Blue Oval's sales tally supports this claim. Ford tells us that the the Explorer is flying off store shelves, with 100,000 units sold so far in 2011. Those numbers are up 290 percent compared to 2010 totals, making the Explorer the fastest-growing mid-size utility vehicle in the country. This is the first time the Explorer has hit the 100,000 mark since 2007, and there are still over two months left in the year.

The Explorer appears to be selling quite well in spite of mixed reviews. While the vehicle came in for 2011 North American Truck Of The Year laurels, it hasn't fared as well in a number of comparison tests. Cars.com recently ranked the Explorer sixth in its $37,000 SUV Shootout, and earlier in the year, Consumer Reports ranked the Explorer as the 17th best utility vehicle out of 19 models, with complaints centering on the CUV's MyFordTouch infotainment system.

Ford would likely counter that the company is more concerned with what CUV buyers think, and those customers appear to be giving their vote of approval with their pocketbooks, and they might also note that the Explorer's 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder model is only hitting the market as a 2012 model now (though it's already claiming about 15 percent of the model mix). 

 

Press Release

The Ford Explorer crossed the 100,000 vehicle sales mark for 2011, making it the fastest growing mid-size utility in the nation

U.S. retail sales of the Explorer are up 290 percent, compared to the same period in 2010

Since its introduction in the 2012 model year, sales of 2.0L EcoBoost equipped Explorers and Edge are running at 15 percent

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. DD, 2011 – America's love affair with the Ford Explorer is stronger than ever with more than 100,000 Explorers sold this year, making it the fastest growing mid-size utility in the nation.

"The Explorer continues to be one of the strongest vehicles in the Ford portfolio, and we are excited to see it surpass the 100,000 sales plateau for the first time since 2007," said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager. "The success of this vehicle is further evidence that we are delivering products that people want."

This year the all-new Explorer has had stronger retail sales growth than any mid-size utility, either having tripled or quadrupled sales in all regions of the country. In total U.S. retail sales of the Explorer are up 290 percent compared to that same time in 2010.

"With best-in-class fuel economy and technology like MyFord Touch, terrain management and the world's first second-row inflatable rear belts Ford has shown that our dedication to customers' needs is paying off," said Marentic.

Explorer's retail share performance has also increased dramatically. Through August of this year, Explorer accounts for 6.3% retail share of the mid-size utility segment, a 4.5 point share increase over last year, making Explorer one of the best-selling mid-size utilities in America.

Explorer sales in the U.S. have exceeded 100,000 for the first time since 2007.

2011 100,000 note: January through early October

2010 60,687

2009 52,190

Customers are choosing Utilities
The utility segment has changed over the last decade. In 2000, utility sales accounted for approximately 20% of the market. Today, utilities account for just over 30% of all vehicles sold in the U.S, an approximate 50% share increase in the last 10 years.

Rides : UAW workers in Chicago reject Ford deal, strike possible

Ford's hourly workforce is having a tough time ratifying the tentative agreement struck between the Blue Oval and United Auto Workers union last week, despite that deal being the most generous among those made this year between the Big 3 automakers and their respective unions. For example, Ford workers will receive a $6,000 signing bonus if the contract is ratified, compared to $5,000 for General Motors workers and $3,500 for Chrysler workers. GM was the first to strike a tentative deal with the UAW in September and has already seen its contract ratified, while Chrysler's deal is the most recent with voting expected to begin soon.

Earlier this week, UAW Local 900, a chapter that represents three Ford plants near Detroit, rejected the deal by a narrow margin. Automotive News is now reporting that Ford's Chicago Assembly plant is joining them in rejecting the offer, though this time "overwhelmingly." Chicago Assembly handles production of the Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS and Ford Explorer. Of the 2,317 workers who voted, 77% cast their ballots against the proposed deal.

At the same time, the UAW is reportedly making it known that, should the tentative agreement not be ratified, the organization will strike. Of the three major U.S. automakers, both General Motors and Chrysler workers lost the right to strike while those companies were restructuring in bankruptcy. Only Ford workers can strike, that company having avoided bankruptcy and its restrictions, and they may do so if the deal is not approved by the majority.

As of this writing, the UAW Ford Department Facebook page reports that 3,256 workers (45.4%) have voted to ratify the contract and 3,915 (54.6%) have voted against. That's a far cry from Ford's 41,000-strong union workforce, and the union has until October 18th to finish voting.

Rides : Prior Design Makes a Meaner Looking Ford Mustang

The 2005-and-up Ford Mustang is extremely popular, so it should come as no surprise that customizing it is extremely popular, too. Sure, there are more performance parts for the first Mustang developed in the 21st century than there are grains of sand on the beach, but peruse any Mustang or high-performance Ford magazine at your local newsstand (You do remember what a newsstand is, don’t you?) and you’ll see ad after ad hawking body kits and other appearance-altering parts for the latest iterations of the ur-pony car.

Naturally, since the Mustang is built in and whose largest market by far is the United States, most of the companies that sell restyling parts are based on these shores. But the ‘Stang’s appeal doesn’t recognize international borders, as you will find Mustang clubs in all four corners of the globe. Thus, it isn’t entirely surprising that a German company – Prior Design – has now joined the Mustang body kit manufacturer roll call.



You might remember Prior Design for its tasty reimagining of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe. Now the company has worked similar magic on the 2005 to 2009 Mustang. The body kit consists of a new front bumper, a new rear bumper with an integral diffuser, and side skirts. The end result doesn’t shout “Look at MEEEEEEEEE,” but for us, that’s a good thing. It looks tailored, rather than tacky, something that unfortunately can’t be said for every automotive body kit under the sun.



If you want to complete the transformation, Prior also offers a smattering of custom wheels, plus a stainless steel spot exhaust system. Granted, you could bring together similar parts to achieve similar results yourself, and we have nothing against that. But by the same token, wouldn’t it be fun to truthfully say your Mustang has been sprinkled with a hint of German engineering?

 

 

Rides : 2012 Ford F-150 gets driveline and cosmetic Upgrades

Ford's F-Series is one of the brightest jewels in the Blue Oval crown, and the 2012 Ford F-150 has been given more sizzle with new appearance options and more meat on the bones underneath it all with expanded driveline features and options. We've posted the full press release after the jump, but here are some highlights:

Down where tall blades of grass tickle the underbits, Ford has equipped every 2012 F-150 with Hill Start Assist to make starting off on grades less stressful. Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum F-150s are given a new four-wheel drive system that includes an automatic mode to augment its four modes in each range. All 2012 F-150 4X4 models have the ability to be flat-towed in neutral, and an electronic-locking rear differential is available for EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V8 F-150s. Wheelbase and payload tweaks are made, as well, and your bladder will certainly notice the 756-mile range of the 2012 F-150 EcoBoost 4X4, made possible by a new 36-gallon fuel tank.

The most visible addition for 2012 is the available FX appearance package that adds visual badassery to F-150's exterior with flat black stripes, red badging, unique head- and tail-lamps, chrome exhaust tip, and a black grille. Wheels for the FX package are flat black 20-inchers, too. The FX package also tarts up the interior with black leather on the seats set off by red piping and perforations. The steering wheel continues the theme with red stitching. Black and satin-metallic accents complete the FX package's interior high points. There's also a new FX Luxury package that adds heated and cooled front seats.

Ford has also launched a new Head to Head Pickup Comparison tool to help buyers figure out which configuration and powertrain best suits their needs. The tool also shows how the F-150 compares to its competition.

Rides : Check Out The New Ford Mondeo

After the old generations of the family four-door saloon were nothing but jokes in the eyes of automotive journalists, Ford decided to do something about this and this new generation seems to be what the model needed. With an exterior design inspired by the Evos concept car, we can say just this: Insignia, watch out!

According to autoexpress.co.uk, the new generation of the Mondeo will go green and even if the hybrid technology won’t be offered from launch, the 2.0 liter engine mated to an electric motor will soon follow, offering the vehicle a 50 mile full electric drive range and about 500 miles between fill-ups.

Autoexpress.co.uk also says that besides the “eco-friendly”, Ford will offer the 1.6 and 2.0 liter EcoBoost petrol turbo units, where the larger version will deliver around 200 BHP while returning a 36 mpg fuel economy, and the 1.6 liter, also found in the C-Max, will deliver 150 and 180 BHP. Diesel lovers, don’t despair, because the automaker will also offer the 1.6 TDCi (112 BHP) and 2.0 TDCi with 137 and 16 BHP.
The technologies considered something worthy of the S-Class until a few years ago, like the stop / start system or the brake energy regeneration and active aerodynamics that close the grille at high speeds to improve fuel efficiency will also be fitted on the new Mondeo generation.
Ford says that the gap between its model and the BMW, Audi or Opel rivals will be closed thanks to impressive fit and finish high-quality materials used inside, along with some interesting new gadgets.
The new generation of the Ford Mondeo is expected to be officially unveiled during the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March and we may be looking at the 2013 Car of the Year.

Rides : How California's laws are holding up the Ford Mustang Boss 302's TracKey

Ford promised its Mustang Boss 302 customers that their car was perfect for both the street and the track, and that the dual nature of the sports coupe could be personified with the TracKey. Pop that lovely little device into your ignition and your Boss 302 takes on a different attitude. Hundreds of parameters are changed to work in concert as the car takes on a more track-focused mindset. The TracKey has Boss 302 owners salivating at the prospect of owning sporty daily driver and track star, which occupies a singular spot in their garage.

There's a bit of a problem, however, and it seem that Mustang owners have California to blame.

Ford is butting heads with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the stalemate has left Boss 302 owners without their TracKeys. The folks at CARB know that the TracKey alters the emissions leaving the tailpipes of the Boss 302, and they have a problem with that. Until these issues are sorted out, Ford won't be able to deliver any TracKeys to Boss 302 owners.

As you can imagine, that has the car owners a bit peeved. One owner in particular has decided to vent his frustrations in a manner befitting our Internet-adled brains. Turning to the surprisingly popular Hitler video meme, he has applied his thoughts to the video antics of Adolf.

Rides : Ford making live operators standard with Sync service

After a successful round of beta testing, Ford is ready to put you in touch with a live operator by way of its Sync Services system. Should you feel the need to speak to an actual person, Ford will put you in touch with an operator who is standing by, as it will henceforth be included as a standard feature in Sync's suite of functions.

Live operators can assist with turn-by-turn direction while also sending any relevant information about your destination to your phone. According to Ford, relaying the live information will help drivers keep their eyes on the road while the person on the other end does the data digging. Customers who are new to Sync will receive 60 complimentary sessions, while current Sync customers will receive a set number of complimentary sessions based on how much time is remaining on their agreement.

 

Live Operator Assistance Now Standard Feature of Ford SYNC Services Following Successful Trial

After successful beta test, Ford adds live operator assist as standard feature of SYNC Services, providing another free enhancement to the SYNC® owner experience

Customers driving SYNC Services-equipped Ford cars and trucks now can talk to live operators when seeking directions or searching for business addresses

SYNC Services provides access to information about traffic, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, stock quotes and movie listings along with business searches and turn-by-turn directions
DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 20, 2011 – In a step to further enhance the SYNC® experience, Ford is adding Operator Assist, a new free service that allows users to connect with a live person, as a standard feature of SYNC Services.

Previously in beta test trial phase, the service is now available as part of SYNC Services and joins the growing list of cloud-based driver assistance features offered by Ford Motor Company.

"This isn't just about offering customers a back-up option to the services we have already. This is about giving customers a variety of choices when it comes to how they would like to receive information," said Doug VanDagens, director, Ford Connected Services Solutions Organization.

How it works
Cloud-based, on-demand, voice-activated SYNC Services provides access to information about traffic, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, stock quotes and movie listings along with business searches and turn-by-turn directions. Seventy percent of all SYNC Services calls are for business searches and from those seeking turn-by-turn directions, said David Gersabeck, product manager, SYNC Services.

Using advanced vehicle sensors, integrated GPS technology and comprehensive map and traffic data, the SYNC Services automated voice recognition system delivers turn-by-turn directions to the user. Further, with access to more than 14 million business listings, SYNC Services directs users to the businesses they seek. Operator Assist works with both the business search and directions options.

At any time during a business search or directions interaction between the user and the SYNC Services automated system, the user can say, "Operator," confirm his or her request to speak with an operator, and connect to a live operator.

In the event a user says an address or business that the voice recognition system can't identify, the user will be prompted with the option to connect to a live operator. If the user confirms he or she would like to speak with an operator for further assistance, the system automatically connects the user to the live operator.

"This is more than getting from point A to point B," said Gersabeck. "It's about delivering a level of connectivity that provides fast, hands-free connections to businesses or residences without the need for drivers to take their eyes off the road."

A beta test trial phase – started in spring and ended with the official launch of Operator Assist – found that drivers really like having the option of talking to a live person, said Gersabeck.

"The feedback was very positive," he said. "Our operators were told by customers that they were very happy and surprised to have an option for additional help, especially when they realized it was a free service. They expected Ford to charge for these services like our competitors do."

When a live operator assists with a business search, the user can choose to receive turn-by-turn directions to the business, receive a text message with name, address and phone number information about the business (applies to certain phone carrier networks), or be directly connected to the phone number of the business. When a live operator assists with address entry, the user can have the directions sent directly to the vehicle. When the information is sent or the user is connected to a business, a "session" has been completed.

New customers eligible for a three-year complimentary SYNC Services account will receive 60 Operator Assist sessions. Customers with an active SYNC Services account receive a number of complimentary sessions depending on the remaining duration of their SYNC Services account:

Less than a year remaining, 20 complimentary sessions
Between one and two years remaining, 40 complimentary sessions
Between two and three years remaining, 60 complimentary sessions
Owners of Ford cars and trucks can go to syncmyride.com/support to:

Buy a one-year SYNC Services subscription for $60, which includes 20 complimentary Operator Assist sessions
Purchase additional Operator Assist sessions
View how many Operator Assist sessions are available on their account
No in-vehicle software upgrade is required. The live operator services are provided by MyAssist, a leading live assistance and telematics service company for individuals and businesses based in Stevens Point, Wis.

 

Rides : Video - Doug the puppet pitches new Ford Focus to Automobile Magazine

Doug the puppet and his handler John trekked to the headquarters of Automobile Magazine in order to show off the 2012 Ford Focus. John and Doug arrive in the office of editor Jean Jennings, and things don't exactly get off on the right foot.

After their initial introductions, Doug and John discuss the 2012 Ford Focus in front of the magazine staff. A boring PowerPoint presentation leads to some track time with the car, and it's all captured in five short videos.

Rides : The End Of An Era - Last Ford Crown Victoria build documented by St. Thomas Assembly

Pour a 40 out, dance a dervish or do whatever your people do to celebrate the dead, because yesterday, the final Ford Crown Victoria rolled off the assembly line at St. Thomas Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada. Workers from the plant have been documenting the wind-down on a Facebook page, and you can check out some choice build pictures of the last-ever Vicky in our gallery. The final Crown Victoria was a white model with tan interior and optional rear-seat air conditioning for a customer in Saudi Arabia. With the long-serving Lincoln Town Car also ending production, only 250 of the plant's roughly 1,200 workers will be kept through December to help decommission the facility.

On sale for roughly 32 years, the Crown Victoria was a mainstay of the Ford lineup that refused to modernize. Aside from the Lincoln, it was the only rear-wheel-drive, body-on-frame sedan left on sale in America. You could get it with a column-mounted shifter. You could order two bench seats and seat six comfortably (front bench seats in passenger vehicles are now officially dead in America). It rode on the oldest continuously produced platform on sale in America, Ford's tough-as-nails Panther platform that was first used back in 1979. Lastly, it always offered a V8 no matter what gas was going for at the corner station. Click through the jump to continue reading...

Related GalleryLast Ford Crown Victoria assembled at St. Thomas plant

Perhaps the biggest testament to the Crown Victoria's significance is how many different vehicles it will take to replace it in our daily lives. Since 2008, the Crown Vic has only been sold as a fleet vehicle to its bread-and-butter customers: police officers and taxi drivers. With its death, law enforcement is flush with options for the first time in decades. Dodge had already been stealing market share away from Ford the last few years with a cop-spec version of the Charger that's been redesigned for 2011, and General Motors is re-entering the fray this year with a long-wheelbase version of Australia's Holden Commodore (formerly our Pontiac G8) that fittingly resurrects the Chevrolet Caprice name. Lastly, Ford is hoping that law enforcement embraces its own replacement for the Crown Vic – an all-wheel-drive Taurus Interceptor with beefed up mechanicals and a twin-turbo EcoBoost V6.

Like the police, taxi and livery companies are also going to miss the Crown Vic's innate simplicity, sturdy construction and wealth of replacement parts. There are many companies waiting in the wings to fill the Crown Vic's role as taxi cab, including Ford itself with a taxi version of its Transit Connect Van commercial van. A mandate by some large municipalities saw hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius and Ford's Escape Hybrid begin to chip away at the Crown Vic's ubiquity on city streets, and the largest municipality of them all, New York City, has chosen the Nissan NV200 van as Gotham's next official ride to the airport.

All of this is to say that even though the Crown Victoria was a dinosaur, what it lacked in refinement, efficiency and style it more than made up for in utility, ruggedness and sheer volume. An era has truly ended.