Tag Archives: ford
A Look at the Spy Shots of the 2018 Ford Mustang
Photos for the prototype for the facelifted Ford Motor Company Mustang have just been revealed. Since this is a facelift, the visible tweaks were expected to be only minimal. Still, Ford engineers went to great lengths to try to conceal whatever changes they did on the Mustang.
Based on the photos released, tweaks in the 2018 Ford Mustang are expected on the headlights. And although the shape of the enclosure won’t be changing, the internal graphics will likely be updated along with the headlamps. As for the front bumpers, expect a totally revised look, the most dramatic change being an all-new design for the lower section of the bumper. The said design will take on an “A-wing” shape for the front splitter.
As for the car’s performance, fans might be interested to know there will be some mechanical changes such as a new 10-speed automatic, which will appear on high-end models, developed by Ford and General Motors Company. The current 6-speed and automatic will be maintained for lower-spec cars.
The 10-speed automatic has already been used for the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which apparently experienced quicker shifting than Porsche’s dual-clutch transmission. A 6-speed manual, though, will remain standard on most Mustang models.
The current lineup of engines will most probably remain, except for some adjustments to improve power and gas mileage. The Mustang V-6 enjoys a production of 300 horsepower while the Mustang EcoBoost has 310 horsepower. The Mustang GT can cough up a stunning 435 horsepower while the Shelby GT350 and GT350R models produce 526 horsepower.
We’re expecting this Ford Mustang model to arrive in 2017 as a 2018 model after the sixth-generation Mustang made its final appearance in 2014 as a 2015 model. A new Mustang Shelby GT500 will also be arriving in 2018 as a range-topper model.
More updates will come in the next months. The Mustang maintains a strong lead over the Camaro in the past 22 months. In August 2016, Ford sold 8,299 Mustangs while Chevy released 5,604 Camaros.
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor Will Have 450 Horsepower
A leaked spec sheet is speculating that the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor will produce 450 horsepower, among other things. While the information is a mere rumor for now, we’re hoping it is true and we can truly see how powerful Ford’s truck can be.
That much horsepower will be reportedly packed in the Ford Raptor’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine, the photo of which came from FordRaptorForum.com, who apparently captured a screenshot of the automaker’s eSourceBook, a password-protected resource web page for dealers.
Official figures put the new Raptor’s rap sheet at being able to cough up 450 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and a whopping 510 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm.
It’s not hard to believe that the new Raptor will be able to produce such astonishing numbers. The baseline specs for the second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost is 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in the 2017 Ford F-150.
Aside from the powertrain, the leaked specs also pointed out some new features integrated into the EcoBoost such as a new roller-finger followers in the valvetrain, hollow camshafts for weight reduction, a redesigned valve-lash adjusters and new intake and exhaust valves, direct and port fuel injection, piston-cooling oil jets, a forged-steel, fully counterweighted crankshaft, and all-new turbochargers designed to delver more boost.
The Ford F-150 Raptor has big shoes to feel, and the pressure is getting stronger. Though it is not the sales king (that belongs to the Ranger), it acts as the F-150’s halo trim level. On its shoulder is the pressure to outdo off-road and on-road its first generation model. Adding horsepower and torque is the perfect way to remain relevant.
Ford has remained mum about the additional power, but engineers are hard at work to fine tune the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. Details, according to Ford, will become available when the Raptor’s release date draws to a close.
Ford Focus RS Gets Power Upgrade
Tuning company Mountune took it upon themselves to heap the Ford Focus RS with more power than ever before. Though its 345bhp does not exactly equate to being under-endowed, the guys over at Mountune thought the Focus RS would look better with 370bhp. It will also drop to going 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds.
The new power upgrade package for the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine was developed together with Ford’s Performance division. While it raises horsepower production to 370bhp, it also boosted peak torque to 376 lb. ft., which is a 30 lb. ft. increase over the standard car.
The tuned Ford’s ability to go 0 to 62 mph in just 4.5 seconds is largely thanks to the Focus RS’ four-wheel drive system. That is a 0.2-second improvement, so it now stands only 0.2 seconds below of what the Audi RS3 can accomplish. The Audi RS3 has a fancy twin-clutch auto while the Focus RS stays with the six-speed manual.
The Mountune upgrade for the Ford Focus comes with an ECU flash too, as well as an uprated turbo recirculation valve and Mountune’s RS induction kit with an alloy crossover duct and high quality silicone hoses. These features improve engine breathing by 11 percent as compared to factory fit pipes. In terms of styling and design, you can expect the Mountune badge, warning other drivers that your car can suddenly and violently accelerate.
If you want the kit, any Mountune-approved Ford dealer can install it in your car in just 90 minutes. It costs approximately $1,174, and won’t invalidate your Ford manufacturer’s warranty.
Aside from that, you also have the option of a 19-inch OZ Leggera HLT wheels that are lighter and even half an inch wider than the standard rims. Then, there’s also the Quaife differential. You can get the OZ Leggera HLT wheels for $496 per corner while the Quaife is for $948.
Spy Shots Of The 2018 Ford Fiesta ST Emerge
Ford is currently working on their next-generation Ford Fiesta hatchback. Lucky are we today that we found some spy shots of the prototype for the new ST model.
It was amazing how the engineers tried to make the 2018 prototype look like the regular Fiesta, but some clues in terms of its exterior have given way for us to take a good guess of how sporty this ST model is going to be.
The most obvious new features are the uprated wheels, tires and brakes. The Ford Fiesta ST should have multi-spokes because its maker has been trying to hide larger brakes, although the front rotors and calipers don’t actually look bigger than normal.
There are also dual-exhaust tips at the rear and a seemingly large intercooler at the front. A new spoiler is also spotted and it looks bigger than the Fiesta previewed a few weeks ago.
Based on the photos, the engineers are using the current Ford Fiesta ST as a benchmark.
In terms of powertrain, we expect the new ST to retain front-wheel drive, manual transmissions and the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. But since this is the next-generation ST and it promised to be sportier, we should see some extra horsepower.
To recall, Ford has just launched a special Fiesta ST200 to mark the impending end of the current Fiesta range. And though that wasn’t intended for the US market, its turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder should fit well with the offering in this new ST.
The same engine will produce a fairly average 212 horsepower. With this, we’re hoping there’s also a hotter Fiesta RS somewhere in the future.
This new Fiesta, including the ST model, will debut next year as a 2018 model. Reports said it can make its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
Ford is reportedly also planning to launch a next-generation Focus, which will come in as a later model compared to the 2018 Fiesta ST.
Say Hello To The New Ford Ka+
It’s time to say goodbye to Ford KA as it is about to be replaced by the new Ford KA+. Thankfully, we’re now allowed to bid farewell to the mildly disappointing car that is KA Plus’ predecessor, or even the quite good car that first wore the badge in the mid-90s.
The reason? The KA+ isn’t really a direct replacement for the KA, except maybe that it shares its name, according to a report. The outgoing KA is competing directly with the Fiat 500. They even share the same platform. The Ka+, on the other hand, will most likely go against the Vauxhall Vivas, Hyundai i10, and other cars in the segment.
The Ford KA+ is marginally shorter and taller than the ever-popular Ford Fiesta. But compared to other models, it will only have one option for now—a 1.2-liter four-cylinder that is closely related to Fiesta’s 1.25 that churns out 69 to 84bhp.
You’ll get a five-speed manual transmission gearbox with the KA+. That gives out 114g/km of CO2 and 56.5mpg. There are no details yet regarding performance, but the only thing we’re sure of right now is that the KA+ won’t be fast.
Inside, the car can fit five passengers, with plenty of cubbies and a 270-liter boot. It also gets Bluetooth connectivity, and Ford’s SYNC infotainment system for the high-end ones.
Reportedly, we’ll also see the MyFord Dock, which allows the driver and passengers to mount and charge mobile phones and portable navigation systems.
As for the exterior? Let’s just say it will take some time to get used to since it’s “unconventionally proportioned.” Ford promised, though, that it will deliver “fun-to-drive dynamics” that match the European market expectations.
The Plus, which is on sale in South America already, will be priced a little under £9K. It’s bound to enter the global market soon enough.
2016 Ford GT Le Mans To Make Track Debut At Daytona
The 2016 Ford GT Le Mans race car is set to make its debut on the race track at the 2016 Rolex 24 at Daytona before finally running the full schedule at the FIA World Endurance Championship and the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.
It can be remembered that the iconic Blue Oval officially made its return at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show after nearly a decade. This marks the car’s entrance to the race track family again.
Outside, the Ford GT is easily recognizable as a GT in racing apparel, though it had extensive body modifications for maximum downforce and minimum drag. The front end, in particular, has little resemblance to the good old GT, except for the vented hood and trapezoidal grille.
The bumper is less intricate in styling and has a massive splitter. It also sports a pair of new headlamps that are shaped slightly different from the standard car.
Although Ford decided to keep the standard design for the sides, it added larger side skirts that can now handle exhaust outlets toward the rear wheels—four race-spec, ultra-lightweight rims wrapped around Michelin tires.
There are plenty of changes at the back, but these are mainly the flat spoiler and the rear bumper. The GT’s rear end is the most aggressive of any LM GTE cars, reports said.
Of course, the car is dressed in the American flag’s colors with the “24 Hours of Le Mans” racing number stickers.
Inside, it is way too loaded for a race car, although most of the gears are essential for racing. The multifunction, racing steering wheel, however, will be in front of a much simpler instrument cluster.
The Ford GT race car will make use of a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine used already on its IMSA Daytona Prototype endurance racer. This engine can produce about 500 horsepower, though this would depend on the final weight of the racer.
Capping off the drivetrain is a seven-speed, dual-clutch transaxle, which will allow the GT to reach top speeds in excess of 200mph. It can also go 0-60mph in less than 3 seconds.
Photos via TopSpeed
2016 Ford Fiesta ST Le Mans 50th Anniversary Edition Coming Soon
Ford is releasing special editions of their Focus ST, Focus RS and Mustang just in time for the Le Mans 50th anniversary. The new Ford Fiesta ST special edition, which will be covered in black livery with gray racing stripes that run from front to rear, is being built specifically for the French market.
There would only be 50 units of the Fiesta ST Le Mans 50th Anniversary Edition, reports said.
On the exterior, the Fiesta ST Le Mans is quite similar to the looks of the No. 2 GT40 from 1966. They have the same front and rear fascias, front and rear light units, radiator grille, and same wheels.
Inside, there’s the same styling and features as the current Fiesta. There’s the oversized six-speed shifter with leather accents on the center console, as well as MyFord’s Touch infotainment system as standard.
The only difference in this special edition Fiesta is the plate on the center console that read “1966-2016” and “Limited Edition 50 units.” There’s also that classic Ford racing logo from the 1960s.
Fiesta also has that “sound symposer” located under the dashboard, making you think you’re going faster than you actually are.
That being said, you’ll be more disappointed with what you find under the hood. Despite it being a tribute to Le Mans, we found nothing special on the engine. It has the same 1.6-liter, EcoBoost that produces 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque.
With a six-speed manual transmission, the Fiesta can go 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds. It has a top speed of 130 mph. It seems to be an underwhelming effort to pay tribute to the GT40. But since there are only 50 production units of the special edition Fiesta, Ford fans will certainly want to get their hands on this.
The Fiesta ST Le Mans edition will sell for $30,428, an increase of $2,684 from the current price of the regular Fiesta.
Ford Focus 1.0L Ecoboost Now Available In Automatic Transmission
The Ford Focus 1.0L Ecoboost was previously just available in manual gearbox. Although this would be the best for the car, that’s not exactly a good strategy in the US. Therefore, Ford decided to come up with the automatic transmission variant of the car.
This means the Ecoboost engine is now equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission both for the Focus 1.0L sedan and hatchback models.
According to a report, the automatic transmission version has a turbocharged three cylinder as compared to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder found on the six-speed dual-clutch on manual Ford Focus models. Having an automatic transmission means the Focus Ecoboost would lose some of the fuel economy of the smaller engine on the manual gearbox.
The automatic transmission version gets 28/40/32 mpg (city/highway/combined) compared to the manual’s 30/42/35 mpg. That’s a bit higher than 2.0-liter automatic, which is rated at 27/40/31 mpg (city/highway/combined).
It doesn’t matter what the transmission is, but the 1.0 liter engine powers up 123 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. The manual Focus 1.0L sedan originally introduced had a 0-to-60 mph time of 9.4 seconds, two seconds slower than the 2.0L Focus.
The 1.0L engine, which is available for the SE trim level, costs $495 extra on its own, but the automatic transmission would add more on top of that. The automatic transmission adds $1,095 to the cost, but also requires $895 for the SE Ecoboost Appearance Package.
The package includes 16-inch wheels, rear disc brakes, and some LED lighting accents.
In total, the Focus 1.0L Ecoboost will be priced at $21,380 for the sedan or $21,880 for the hatchback.
The initial preference of Focus fans would be the manual transmission still because of its fuel economy, of course. But if you can’t stomach a manual transmission because of having to use the clutch, then you’ll appreciate the new powertrain option of an automatic gearbox.
2016 Ford F-150 MVP Edition Announced For Kansas City Royals
Ford is honoring baseball team Kansas City Royals for its 2015 World Series victory by announcing a limited F-150 , which is aptly called the MVP Edition. It is only fitting Ford does something for Kansas City, Missouri since this is where the brand builds about half of its F-150 pickups.
According to the company, the truck will feature a unique appearance through add-ons and bespoke badges. Suggested by a Ford customer, the MVP Edition is based on the 1986 Ford Ranger MVP Edition, the first time Kansas celebrated a professional baseball world championship.
It will include a special MVP badging, unique polished stainless rocker panels, and a spray-in bedliner.
Gary Johnson, Ford vice president for North America manufacturing, said that the team is a great example of what efficient teamwork means. He likened the team to the company’s manufacturing team at Kansas City Assembly Plant.
The customizations for the Ford F-150 MVP Edition are being added at Kansas City’s SubTropolis underground business complex. This is where Ford applies custom accessories to vehicles in its energy-efficient cave system.
The truck will remain a standard F-150 with the XLM trim level though the 302A group adds features such as a 4.2-inch productivity screen in the gauge cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear-view camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist, Class IV trailer hitch, SiriusXM radio, remote start, 10-way power front seats with heating functions, SNYC3, power-sliding rear window with privacy glass, LED cargo box lighting, and 18-inch, polished chrome wheels, chrome door and tailgate handles, a chrome exhaust tip, and chrome side steps.
The group also adds $5,245 to the XLT’s price.
Ford is requiring the 302A and Chrome packages, but Kansas City area Ford dealerships can choose the Crew Cab XLT F-150 with four engine options—2WD or 4WD—and features like Trailer Backup Assist.
Ford Debuts Its Hotter Fiesta ST200 At The Geneva Auto Show
We’ve long heard about the hotter version of the Ford Fiesta that the company is gearing to release during the Geneva Motor Show. Now, we see full videos and photos of the ST200—a model referring to the new power level of the Fiesta, thanks to Motor Authority.
Of course, we should be clear that the power reference of 200 is measured in metric horsepower. In the United States, the Ford Fiesta ST200 would have 197 hp on tap.
The car enjoys a turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine like the Fiesta ST. And although the ST did develop a 197 hp, that was temporary and was hit because of an overboost function.
On the other hand, the ST200 has its own overboost function that has peak output of 212 hp for bursts of 15 seconds. Peak torque is normally at 214 pound-feet and as much as 236 lb-ft with overboost.
Potential buyers of the ST200 can get to choose a six-speed manual transmission, which is the standard for this car. But thanks to a new 4.06 final drive ratio—down from 3.82 in the Fiesta ST—drivers can enjoy better in-gear acceleration that will make driving more enjoyable.
In terms of speed, the Fiesta ST200 can go 0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds, down from 6.9 seconds for the Fiesta ST. The top speed is at 143 mph.
When it comes to the exterior, the ST200 is not far from the Fiesta ST, so Ford decided to add an exclusive Storm Gray exterior finish for this line. There’s also the special 17-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, Recaro seats, illuminated door sills, and “ST200” badges.
Production for the ST200 will begin in June for the European market. Ford hasn’t confirmed if the Fiesta ST200 will be in local showrooms, but with its price range, I bet Ford lovers would want to get their hands on this.
As much as the new Focus RS was loved and accepted, its starting price of $36,605 leaves much to be desired. That’s where Fiesta ST200 comes in, as well as the fact that the current Fiesta will soon be unavailable because prototypes for the next generation model have already been launched.
The launch of the Fiesta ST200 at the Geneva Motor Show is a good way for the current model to bow out.
