Richmond Ford

2011 ford edge blends technology, design and class-leading powertrains in revamped package.

• Dramatic freshening of the 2011 Ford Edge and Edge Sport includes extensive exterior redesign, improved materials and craftsmanship on the interior, class-exclusive technology and new powertrains
• With available MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology, the 2011 Ford Edge crossover wraps an engaging package with superior craftsmanship, capability and performance
• Ford’s advanced engine valvetrain technology – Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) – helps Edge V6 achieve best-in-class power and torque with fuel economy of unbeatable 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (front-wheel drive, SEL and Limited)

NEW 2011 FORD EDGE MEDIA SITE

Style and technology – the hallmarks of Ford Edge since it took the midsize crossover segment by storm starting in 2006 – come together in an all-new way, offering customers even more of what they love for the 2011 model year.

“Customers told us how much they like Edge’s design and dynamic driving quality,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “We listened and made sure the new 2011 Edge delivers that and more – including fuel economy leadership, unexpected levels of quietness, a strong new design with quality materials, and MyFord Touch driver connect technology that will change how people interact with their vehicles.”

Customers made the Ford Edge the No. 1-selling vehicle in its segment in its first full year on the market, and 400,000 have been sold since its launch in late 2006. The 2011 Ford Edge now aims to redefine the segment with a wide-ranging scope of improvements.

“The new Edge demonstrates how a refresh at Ford has become more than just a few design and interior tweaks,” explains Elaine Bannon, chief engineer. “We have taken every element of the Edge and completely reworked it, including three new powertrains, two new transmissions, a bold new exterior design and a completely new interior. If you add in our industry-exclusive MyFord Touch system, you have a vehicle that will continue to stand out above all the competition on the road.”

Read Full Article:  2011 ford edge blends technology, design and class-leading powertrains in revamped package.

The 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty debuted in April

Posted by AutoWeek on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 3:39 PM

General Motors Co. is enlisting its dealers as it fires back in a horsepower battle between diesel-powered heavy-duty pickups.

Ford will begin production this week of the most powerful diesel engine ever installed in a heavy-duty pickup, Barb Samardzich, vice president of powertrain engineering, said today in a statement released here at the CAR Management Briefing Seminars.

Dealers will make sure pickup buyers who purchased Ford’s brawniest truck over the last four months get the power boost, too.

The 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel powering the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty, introduced in April, will be upgraded to 800 lbs.-ft. of torque and 400 horsepower, an increase of 65 lbs.-ft. of torque and 10 horsepower.

Source:  Ford Upgrades Diesels For Super Duty Pickups

Big crossovers keep on keeping on

Posted by James Tate on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 8:42 AM

The Internet has a way of breeding, then amplifying, rumors. Think of it as one big high-school cafeteria. That’s especially true for the handful of sites that devote themselves to covering the automotive realm, where one misplaced word from a company representative winds up as the insinuation of an all-new model to come or, in this case, the death of two products from Ford. Recently, Automotive News reported that both the Ford Flex and its sister, the Lincoln MKT, weren’t long for this world. The story centered on Ford’s desire to separate Lincoln further from its more common sibling, but according to Ford, the report is flat-out wrong.

Ford representative Said Deep said the company has no intention of putting either the Flex or the MKT out to pasture after 2013, as the Automotive News article suggests.

“Speculative reports are incorrect,” Deep said. “These full size crossovers are vital to each brand. The MKT is one of the newest vehicles in the showroom and one of the most differentiated crossovers on the road today. Flex is one of Ford’s highest-scoring vehicles in customer satisfaction, and continues to build a strong following.”

Source:  Ford Denies Rumors of Flex, Lincoln MKT Demise

By James Tate of MSN Autos

Ford

Ford has continued to build on the momentum it generated last year with the introduction of the 2010 Mustang. For 2011 the year-old muscle car is getting a fresh set of engines, and the company is also introducing its new compact, the Fiesta. While not the testosterone-soaked unveilings of last year, each should play an important role in solidifying the company’s already strong product lineup.

WHAT’S NEW . . .

2011 Ford Fiesta

2011 Ford Fiesta
Ford is looking to take on cars such as the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit with its new Fiesta. The first of a series of truly global vehicles from Ford, the car is available in both 5-door hatchback and sedan body styles. A 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine provides 120 horsepower while managing up to 40 mpg thanks to well-matched 5-speed manual and dual-clutch transmissions.
Availability: Mid 2010
Price: Starts at $13,320

Compare: Ford Fiesta vs. Toyota Yaris vs. Honda Fit

2011 Ford Explorer
It’s been a very long time since Ford has given its Explorer a once-over. For 2011 the SUV that helped to start the craze will abandon its body-on-frame roots for a crossover design. Built on the same chassis that brought us the likes of the Flex, Taurus and Lincoln MKS, the new Explorer will be a bit more civil than its predecessors. When it arrives it should get its power from either a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 or a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
Availability: Late 2010
Price: Around $29,500

Bing: 2011 Ford Explorer

2011 Ford Shelby GT500

2011 Shelby GT500
Like its less potent siblings, the Shelby GT500 has been completely reworked for 2011. Under the hood, a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine delivers 550 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Impressive, sure, but Ford engineers also managed to shave over 100 lbs. from the nose of the car alone by switching to an all-aluminum block for the first time in the car’s history.
Availability: On sale now
Price: $48,645

Compare: Ford Shelby GT500 vs. Chevrolet Corvette Z06 vs. Dodge Challenger SRT8

WHAT’S BEEN REFRESHED . . .

2011 Ford Edge

2011 Ford Edge
The Ford Edge has received some much-needed attention from HQ. More than a mild fascia update, the crossover now features a lower hood line, updated headlights and new vertical daytime running lights tucked low in the front bumper. The Edge has also received some suspension tweaks that should make it more comfortable on the road, and a 305-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 resides under the hood.
Availability: Summer 2010
Price: Around $27,520

Read: New Ford Edge Debuts in Chicago

2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty
There’s an all-out torque war raging between Detroit’s Big “Three” these days, and one of the current front-runners is the 2011 F-Series Super Duty. An available 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine produces 390 horsepower and a stout 735 lb-ft of torque while returning around 20 mpg (not EPA rated). A new six-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties.
Availability: On sale now
Price: Starts at $28,020

Compare: Ford F-250 Super Duty vs. Dodge Ram 2500 vs. Chevy Silverado 2500HD

Click to enlarge picture

2011 Ford Mustang GT

2011 Ford Mustang
When Ford pulled the covers off of the 2010 Mustang last year, enthusiasts were disappointed to see the same modular 4.6-liter V8 under the hood. The 2011 model has officially taken care of that problem. Ford is now offering the Mustang with an all-new 5.0-liter V8 with 412 horsepower, as well as a new 3.7-liter V6 with 305 horsepower. The engines also allow for greater efficiency — up to 31 mpg in V6-equipped ‘Stangs.
Availability: On sale now
Price: Starts at $22,145

Read: Pony Car Throwdown – Mustang vs. Camaro

Source: 2011 Model Year Preview – Part 2

Top 10 sales leaders, and why they should be on your shopping list.

By Evan Griffey of MSN Autos

Ford F-Series Pickup

Ford F-150

Sales YTD May 2010: 193,843
Change % vs. YTD 2009: +34.9

One has to ask, “Did we learn anything from the last gas crisis if a pickup — the Ford F-150 — is still the best-selling vehicle in America?” Answer: No, no we didn’t. Regardless, the F-150 (base price $21,820) is a fantastic machine. The Ford’s solid chassis, excellent build quality and diverse cab/bed configurations have been seamlessly married to a refined, highly interactive cabin. As a result, the F-150 can put in a full day’s work on the job site and carry you home in relative comfort.

Pros: Great payload/towing capability ● Innovative, stylish cabin ● Very powerful
Cons: No V6 option ● Options are expensive ● Base truck equipped like work truck

Compare: Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500 vs. Nissan Titan

Source:  America’s Top Models: Featuring F-150 Pickup Truck

Top 10 sales leaders, and why they should be on your shopping list.

By Evan Griffey of MSN Autos

Ford Fusion

Ford Fusion

Sales YTD May 2010: 92,763
Change % vs. YTD 2009: +39.3

Want to know why Ford didn’t need bailout money? Look no further than Fusion. This sedan (base price $19,695) has captured a good deal of high ground from its import and domestic competition by offering a highly fuel-efficient lineup, a highly connected, Sync-enhanced driving experience and a highly attractive pricing structure. The Blue Oval is even more of a value than the Altima, saving $805 for those with a lust for V6 thrust and $975 for those looking for leather. This is a quality car at a competitive price. While it still may have some ground to gain on the Accord and Camry, the writing is on the wall.

Pros: All-new for 2010 ● Available all-wheel drive and hybrid versions ● Tech-savvy, soothing interior
Cons: Massive snub-nose grille too bulky ● Braking system can use an update ● 7.1-sec 0-60 behind midsize sedan curve

Read: MSN Autos’ Top Value Picks

Source:  America’s Top Models: Featuring the Ford Fusion

FORD WINS MOST AWARDS IN STUDY ON VEHICLES THAT EXCITE AND SATISFY

DEARBORN, Mich., July 15, 2009 –Ford received five segment awards, more than any other brand, in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2010 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. The closely watched survey measures customer satisfaction in design, content, and vehicle performance.

In June, the Ford brand achieved the highest initial quality among all non-luxury brands in J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Initial Quality Study (IQS). For the second consecutive year Ford was the only non-premium brand to achieve above industry average scores in both J.D. Power’s IQS and APEAL studies.

In this year’s APEAL survey, owners of the 2010 Ford Fusion, Taurus, Flex, Expedition and Explorer Sport Trac, rated these vehicles highest in their respective segments for vehicle appeal, which is comprised of style, comfort, performance and other vehicle attributes.

“It’s a significant accomplishment to do so well in APEAL on the heels of receiving high marks from J.D. Power on initial quality,” said Bennie Fowler, group vice president, Global Quality and New Model Launches. “The APEAL results stand as another proof point that Ford is redefining quality. We know it’s not enough to build defect-free cars and trucks. We move to the next step by delivering an experience that exceeds our customers’ expectations with features they would expect to find only in high-priced luxury lines.”

APEAL surveys customers on what they like about the performance, execution and layout of their new vehicle after the first three months it is in service. Customers rate their level of “gratification” on a variety of vehicle attributes, including safety, fuel economy, cargo space, roominess and exterior styling.

“At Ford, we are accelerating the development of vehicles customers will fall in love with at first sight and grow even fonder of over time,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “To deliver on that promise, our goal is nothing less than product excellence in design, feature content, safety and quality at an exceptional value.”

Since “gratification” is difficult to define and even harder to measure, Ford looked for new ways to understand how customers define it. Researchers combed through surveys, looked at historical trends and studied customer satisfaction rates. They spoke with people who recommended Ford to their friends, and to those who dismissed the brand out of hand. By discovering what makes customers feel good about their cars, Ford was able to develop customer-driven standards—Ford’s product DNA.

This strict set of guidelines is designed and built into every vehicle for a consistent feel and sound that is unmistakably Ford.

This “emotional engineering,” which focuses on the senses of sight, sound and touch, is helping Ford deliver vehicles that are satisfying to own and drive.

To add structure to the efforts to build in a Ford DNA strategy and increase customer satisfaction, Ford focuses its quality efforts in three main categories:

• Basic quality – the fundamental reliability of a vehicle.
• Performance quality – includes attributes such as fuel economy and quietness
• Excitement quality – those unexpected convenience features that surprise and delight the customers.

Ford is working to extend customer quality satisfaction beyond durability and functionality to excitement quality – the parts of the vehicle that surprise and delight. Excitement quality includes features from seats specially designed for comfort, to materials and surfaces that look good and feel right, and interiors with ambiance and innovative exterior paints.

The ownership experience is also enhanced by features such as MyFordTouch in-car connectivity technology, multi-contoured massaging seats, changeable ambient interior lighting, and refined sound quality.

“When applying the three categories of quality, it’s never about either/or; it’s all three,” said Kuzak. “We’re still consumed with basic quality, but we’re now also very focused on providing appeal and excitement to meet customers’ desires.”

Source:  FORD WINS MOST AWARDS IN STUDY ON VEHICLES THAT EXCITE AND SATISFY

2011 Ford F-150 Transmission Features Faster, Smoother Shifting, Better Fuel Economy

DEARBORN — A familiar transmission – with several improvements – will manage the power produced by the all-new engine lineup of the 2011 Ford F-150. The diverse group of engines, which ranges from a 3.7-liter V6 with advanced valvetrain timing to a 6.2-liter V8, will be mated to the 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission.

This tried-and-true gearbox has been upgraded to bring available customer conveniences such as SelectShift capability with progressive range select and manual mode to the F-150 for the first time. Ford is the only manufacturer to offer a six-speed automatic transmission as standard throughout its full-size pickup lineup.

In every case the transmission has been optimized to each new engine. Available at launch are the 3.7-liter Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) V6, the 5.0-liter V8 and the 6.2-liter V8. An EcoBoost™ engine specially tuned for truck application joins the F-150 lineup after launch.

“The F-150 has a diverse set of customers, so we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach when matching the transmission to the engine,” said Bryant Grytzelius, 6R80 transmission engineering manager. “With the 3.7-liter engine, for example, that particular transmission has fewer clutch plates compared with the other engines. Everything is sized accordingly for optimum driveability, performance and fuel economy.”

SelectShift, progressive range select and manual mode added for 2011
Convenience and control are balanced by the 6R80’s SelectShift Automatic capability, which automatically shifts during routine operation and also allows complete manual control. Included are progressive range select and manual functions.

With progressive range select, a toggle on the shift lever allows the customer to reduce the range of available gears while in Drive. When the customer “taps” down into range select mode, the new available 4.2-inch LCD screen shows the available gears and highlights the current gear state. This feature allows the driver to limit use of upper gears when heavily loaded or while towing on grades.

For full manual function, customers also can pull the shift lever into “M” for manual mode and use the same toggle switch to select the gear desired. The display will show the selected gear, and the control system will lock the torque converter and hold that gear for a full manual transmission feel.

The 6R80’s tow/haul mode has been recalibrated to provide better control when hauling a heavy load or towing a trailer, especially when going down grades. The improved system, now integrated into the powertrain control module, uses an array of sophisticated electronic sensors to better predict the driver’s need for a downshift to provide engine braking and enhanced control.
A further refinement for 2011 is the addition of a one-way clutch, which allows for smoother 1-2 and 2-1 shifts, faster downshifts and helps improve fuel economy.

Balancing fuel economy and performance; robust testing
The 6R80’s gear ratios, span and shift schedule have been optimized for better off-the-line performance and improved fuel economy. The double-overdrive gear also provides better fuel economy.

The 6R80 has been tested to 150,000 equivalent miles in testing cycles that reflect the most extreme-use customer, and the box itself is rated up to 7,000 rpm. The fluid is filled for life.

“The increased capability and functionality of the transmission, backed by exhaustive testing, will help ensure this next F-150 will deliver everything our customers need and more,” Grytzelius said.

PRESS RELEASE

2011 Ford Explorer With EcoBoost Delivers Class Leading MPG; 30% Better Than Current V-6 Model

DEARBORN, Mich., July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — – All-new Ford Explorer SUV offers best-in-class fuel economy with technologically advanced powertrains featuring multiple enhancements to improve mechanical efficiency

• Explorer offers an optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost(TM) I-4 engine delivering V6 power with four-cylinder fuel efficiency
• Electric power-assisted steering, battery management, fast engine warm-up and the first North American Ford application of a variable-displacement air conditioning compressor all combine toimprove drivability, increase efficiency and save fuel.

The Ford Explorer has been reinvented to shatter long-held myths about SUV fuel efficiency and performance.

The 2011 model equipped with an optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost(TM) I-4 engine will be the new class leader in the mid-size SUV segment, achieving at least a 30 percent increase in fuel efficiency compared with the current V-6-powered Explorer.

“The all-new Explorer will give a huge universe of existing and prospective customers the capability they expect and the luxury and convenience they want, all combined with the fuel economy they need,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas.

The new Explorer, due in Ford showrooms later this year, has added comfort and convenience features, while overall vehicle weight is reduced compared to the previous model. Extensive use of lighter and stronger high-strength steels such as boron add durability while saving weight. An aluminum hood is used, while a one-piece composite front bolster – the radiator support between engine and grille – is 65 percent lighter. Lighter weight equates to fuel and money saved.

Sophisticated engine controls and advanced technologies are key contributors to the Explorer’s improved fuel economy. Electric power-assisted steering, battery management, fast engine warm-up and aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff all combine to improve drive dynamics and save fuel. Explorer also features the first North American Ford application of a variable-displacement air conditioning compressor that reduces parasitic engine drag.

Powertrain advancements like twin independent variable camshaft timing and six-speed automatic transmissions help Explorer deliver responsive performance when needed combined with low-rpm efficiency when cruising.

SUV buyers placing highest priority on fuel economy can choose the available EcoBoost I-4. Delivering the power of a normally aspirated V6, this advanced engine pairs a turbocharger with direct gasoline injection to provide SUV buyers with projected class-leading fuel economy – pending EPA certification – with no compromise in performance.

Finally, all of these fuel economy enhancements are wrapped in a smooth, distinctive Explorer design that was extensively refined in wind tunnel testing. Designers and aerodynamicists collaborated to reshape sideview mirrors and harmonize the front air dam with the rear liftgate spoiler to significantly increase fuel efficiency on the highway. Reduced wind noise at speed is an incremental benefit.

“Explorer owners told us they want capability with convenience, and improved fuel economy without compromised performance,” Fields said. “We believe we’ve hit the mark with the next-generation Explorer. It has the potential to change perceptions of what a modern SUV is all about.”

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) , a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010, and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

Source:  2011 Ford Explorer With EcoBoost Delivers Class Leading MPG

When Ford originally announced its Ecoboost engine strategy in early 2008, officials talked about getting fuel efficiency improvements of 15-20 percent over larger displacement, normally aspirated powerplants. However, they also said that as new vehicles were developed that took advantage of the new engines with lighter structures, the fuel consumption reductions would get even better.

2011 Ford Explorer to get 30% mpg bump from 2.0L Ecoboost

185diggsdiggThat appears to be exactly the case with the new 2011 Ford Explorer. The new unibody SUV has been developed around smaller engines than previous generations and the base version – powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four Ecoboost engine – is expected to bump mileage numbers by about 30 percent compared to the outgoing 4.0-liter V6 while offering better performance. The 2010 V6 Explorer is rated at 14 miles per gallon city and 20 mpg highway, so we’re guessing the 2011 should hit somewhere in the range of 18-19 mpg city and 26-27 mpg highway.

Besides lower weight, the Explorer will also feature electric power steering and a new variable displacement air conditioning compressor to further improve efficiency.

Source:  2011 Ford Explorer to get 30% mpg bump from 2.0L Ecoboost