2011 Ford F-150 FX4 SuperCrew 4x4 EcoBoost V6 - CARS REVIEWS

Is this the best application of Ford’s blown V-6 yet?

Highs and Lows

Highs: Plenty of turbo power, engine is available in a wide variety of F-150 body styles and trims.
Lows: Fuel-economy promises fall flat, we miss that V-8 rumble.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door truck

PRICE AS TESTED: $43,065 (base price: $41,115)

ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 213 cu in, 3490 cc
Power (SAE net): 365 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 420 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 144.5 in Length: 231.9 in
Width: 79.2 in Height: 75.9 in
Curb weight: 5699 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.1 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 18.2 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 6.9 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.0 sec @ 94 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 100 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 196 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.73 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 15/21 mpg
C/D observed: 14 mpg

A twin-turbo pickup truck? Well, that just seems silly.
Sure, plenty of pickups have received forced induction - most of them with superchargers, many of them Fords—but the EcoBoost F-150 is a first among production trucks in that it uses a pair of turbos. (GMC’s Syclone, which had a larger V-6, was fed by only one turbocharger. It remains bad-ass.) This also marks the first time Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine has appeared in a rear-wheel-drive product, and it’s perhaps the vehicle in which this engine feels most at home.

Putting EcoBoost in Its Place
Tuned to produce 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque in the F-150, this iteration of the turbo 3.5-liter V-6 trumps those installed in the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT and MKS. In this truck, however, it feels much more drivable; trucks aren’t the most responsive vehicles in the first place, mitigating what minimal turbo lag exists. The EcoBoost’s plentiful torque is most useful when doing manly pickup-type tasks, like hauling or towing.
Ford has always touted the EcoBoost V-6 as a downsizing measure, claiming V-8 power with V-6 fuel economy. The power is definitely eight-pot comparable—it makes five more hp more than the F-150’s available 5.0-liter and bests that mill by 40 lb-ft of torque with a much lower torque peak—but so, too, is the fuel consumption, especially if you’re in the boost. For example, a 5.0-liter-equipped F-150 got 14 mpg in our hands, the same as this EcoBoost truck. An F-150 with the naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V-6 did only 1 mpg better.
The EcoBoost engine’s primary advantage over the 5.0—and even the Ford 6.2-liter V-8—is fleetness; of course, that requires a heavy foot. This 4x4 SuperCrew completed the 0-to-60-mph sprint in 6.1 seconds, the 5.0 we tested took 6.7, and a 411-hp 6.2-liter needed 6.3. None of those times is slow, and it should be noted that you can’t really go wrong with the 3.7-liter six, which hits 60 in 7.6 seconds. The V-8s, however, sounded best while turning in their times.
Downsizing the Volume
Our one real complaint, then: A truck this quick should make noises. You should hear it coming and going. The only sounds emanating from the EcoBoost F-150 are a faint turbo whistle and the occasional light sneeze on overrun. It’s quiet—too quiet.
As to the rest of the experience, the truck is as good as any other F-150. The smooth six-speed automatic transmission is the same as in trucks with the V-8s or naturally aspirated V-6, providing downshifts in adequate time when your right foot requests them, and manual control is available via a rocker switch on the shifter if desired. The steering offers acceptable feedback, showing none of the problems we experienced with the setup in a rear-wheel-drive 3.7-liter example. In short, the EcoBoost option requires no compromises—well, beyond the extra cost of the engine.
The cheapest EcoBoost model is a two-wheel-drive F-150 XL with a heavy-duty package and eight-foot bed ($28,185), but our test vehicle was not cheap. The FX4 SuperCrew starts at $40,365 and comes standard with four-wheel drive and the 5.0-liter V-8. Adding the EcoBoost V-6 is $750. This truck also had the FX Luxury package ($1950) with power adjustable pedals, a power sliding rear window, automatic climate control, a sound-system upgrade, backup sensors, a rearview camera, remote start, and heated power front leather buckets. When the grand total crosses the $40,000 barrier, an additional $750 is negligible. It’s a reasonable price to pay for 40 lb-ft of torque alone.

So a capable powerplant has found its best fit, giving the F-150 one more in a lineup of solid engine choices, but the EcoBoost once again fails to live up to the efficiency hype of its name. Aside from its fleetness, it doesn’t make a strong case for upgrading from the 5.0. Luckily, though, there’s no wrong decision.
Source : Caranddriver.com

Read more »

2011 Ford F-150 4×4 SVT Raptor Review – The most off-road capable truck Ford has ever built

By contributing editor David Colman
Hits:

• Now with four full-size doors with the Supercrew version
• New cab configuration increases interior volume and allows for more comfort for rear passengers
• Large 36 gallon fuel tank
• Unique Raptor motor roar
• SelectShift automatic transmission as close to a manual transmission as an automatic can be

Misses:

• Large 36 gallon fuel tank
• Uncomfortable upright rear seating position

If Popeye owned a pickup, the Raptor would be it. When you fit the 6.2 liter, 411hp engine to this 4×4’s beefy frame, you’ve got way more muscle than a tin of spinach. No other truck in our care has ever engendered so many conversations. Most of them began with the question, “Is that the Raptor?” because lots of truck fans have been on the lookout for this stout rig since it was announced at the beginning of the 2010 model year. However, the mid-year addition of the $3,000 optional 6.2 liter V-8 motor, which produces 434lb-ft of torque, is just what the hefty 5,850 lb Raptor needed to make it fly. If you need a power boost for passing, the 6.2 is your ticket to the fast lane. On back roads, just drop the massive shift lever into second or third gear, and the Raptor will jump obligingly when you prod the accelerator. On the freeway, in the “Drive” gate, a stomp of the gas pedal instantly drops the rig into passing gear. The 6.2 liter V-8 rocks the truck slightly at idle, and sounds like a motorboat at full chat. It’s a delightful motor that failed to use a full tank of gas during a week of heavy-footed driving.

What’s really going to sell the Raptor is its appearance. Without question, this is the best looking sport truck on the road today. The compendium of stylistic innovations is ingenious. Because the front bumper has been eliminated in favor of a pair of resilient pads, the snout of the Raptor looks clean and nasty. Gigantic “F-O-R-D” letters are so skillfully integrated into the flat black grill matrix that you hardly notice them at first. A bevy of orange running lights cover the front end and illuminate whenever you open a door or lock the truck. They match the shocking “Molten Orange” metallic finish of the exterior. Large operative heat exhaust grills atop the hood mimic nostrils, and a pair of SVT-logo extractor vents add interest to the front flanks. Running boards that look like dinosaur backbones help lift you into the cab.



Once inside, you’ll slide into mildly bucketed seats and face a full bevy of instruments, including small gauges for water and oil temp, amp meter for battery charge and fuel gauge. Under them lie the large 7,000 rpm white tachometer face decorated with SVT logo and accompanying speedometer dial. The aluminum trimmed center console features a series of auxiliary switches and buttons for ride control and hill descent. The door panels match the aluminum trim of the console and contribute an upmarket feel to the cabin. SVT logos adorn the rubber floor mats, and Raptor embossments distinguish the front seat headrests. A large and effective $2,430 optional Sony Navigation screen completes the front dash array. A pair of small suicide doors to the rear of the cab can be opened once you’ve released the front doors. The rear seat is uncomfortably vertical, but will accommodate 3 adults in a pinch. Ford has thoughtfully equipped the rear of the center console with sizeable air vents for back benchers.

The Raptor is really all about fast off road travel, and to that end, Ford has not stinted in the suspension department. Clearly visible in every fender well is a remote reservoir “Internal Bypass” Fox Racing Shox featuring a blue anodized SVT cap piece. The front lower A-arms are massive cast aluminum pieces, and the SVT 12 spoke, 8.5 x 17” alloys carry serious off-road wear: 315/70R17 BF Goodrich All Terrain T/As with tri-cord 3-ply sidewalls. The stiffly sprung Raptor squishes these donuts like Play-Dough. Between the tires, the suspension system and the 4×4 geometry there isn’t a piece of terrain that will escape the Raptor’s mighty wrath.

2010 FORD F-150 4×4 SVT RAPTOR

• ENGINE: 6.2 liter 2V EFI V-8
• HORSEPOWER: 411hp
• TORQUE: 434lb-ft
• TRANSMISSION: Six-speed automatic overdrive with tow/haul mode
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: N/A
• FRONT 4×4 SUSPENSION: Coil-on-shock, long-spindle double-wishbone independent, aluminum
  lower control arm, forged-steel upper arm, FOX Racing Shox™
• REAR 4×4 SUSPENSION: Hotchkiss-type non-independent live, leaf springs and outboard shock
  absorbers, FOX Racing Shox
• PRICE AS TESTED: $48,175

Source : http://reviews.carreview.com/

Read more »

Ford Start Concept Cars MEGA CITY

For parts of the world that are growing increasingly urban, the future of the automobile looks small, green, smart and fun in the eyes of Ford designers who created the Ford Start Concept. It's a design vision inspired for the transportation needs of the world's mega cities.

2011 Ford Start Concept

Making its global debut at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show, the Ford Start Concept is more than simply a design exploration into the feasibility of a small car. It also demonstrates how Ford will extend the promise of its EcoBoost engine technology story even further – previewing a fuel-efficient petrol Ford EcoBoost engine with just three cylinders and 1.0 litre of displacement, yet the power of a larger, 1.6-litre I4 engine.

Start Concept was inspired in part by a growing global trend toward mass urbanisation. The world's top 20 mega-cities are home to consumers whose needs, attitudes and expectations may have more in common with mega-city dwellers in other nations than with their own countrymen. While these consumers share the challenges of living in an urban society, they also increasingly seek out product solutions that bring the best the world has to offer.

When it comes to designing eco-friendly urban transportation, automakers have tried just about everything. They've drawn up bubble cars, autonomic pods, even semi-robotic unicycles. Ford however, has decided against cribbing from the pages of a sci-fi novel and opted for something far more conventional: a three-door hatchback. Specifically, the Start concept the automaker unveiled at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show.

“Our ambition was to design a car that transcends the practical realities of commuting in these mega cities, and goes beyond just dressing the technology,” said Freeman Thomas, design director. “We wanted to design a car you would also love.”

There’s little not to love about the Start, Ford’s first concept in three years, and the first developed under the global auspices of the “One Ford” mantra. Although the Start shows traces of Ford’s “kinetic” design language, its rounded form is much more elegant. Angular edges are limited to both the shoulder lines and the slender, LED-powered headlamp and taillights. Thomas says the Start features “refined surface language” usually found on premium vehicles, and we’d agree -- from some angles, the Start almost resembles Audi’s new A1.

Function doesn’t necessarily follow form, however, as stylists made an effort to improve the car’s aerodynamics. Many surfaces, including the windshield, side window glass, and center stop lamp, are flush with the body, while an underbody aero pan further reduces the Start’s drag. The interior is as equally stylish and functional -- the floating dual-cockpit dashboard lends a sporty look, but a conceptual infotainment system, billed as “MyFord Mobile,” incorporates a multi-function touch screen to simplify the center stack.

While the Start’s form allowed Thomas’ team to flex their creative muscle, the mechanicals beneath the car are firmly rooted in reality. Ford’s teased the idea of an EcoBoost three-cylinder, but this is our first look at such an engine. The turbocharged, 1.0-liter I-3 utilizes a cast-iron block, but a cylinder head and sump fabricated from cast aluminum. Ford won’t talk power figures, saying only that early tests suggest it can produce power on par with its 1.6-liter I-4, which is rated at 120 horsepower in North America. Power is routed to the front wheels via an ordinary five-speed manual transaxle.

Created by a global team of designers working at Ford's Irvine (Calif.) Strategic Concepts Group Studios, this sporty, futuristic concept combines near-production Ford EcoBoost engine technology and slick aerodynamics in an environmentally friendly package with reduced greenhouse emissions, all wrapped in an exciting design.

Ford says the EcoBoost three-cylinder would allow the Start to emit well under 100 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer. That’s not a crucial figure here in North America, but it is in Europe, where Ford sells the similar-sized Ka. We doubt the Start is destined for production anytime soon, but look for the turbo-three to land in some small European Fords in the near future.

“The Ford Start Concept is the first pure concept we’ve developed under our ‘One Ford’ approach,” says Moray Callum, executive director, Americas Design. “J Mays, Martin Smith and I worked with Freeman and his team to deliver a concept that visually reinforces the fun to drive element that is at the core of the Ford brand DNA.”

Read more »

2011 Ford Fusion price

Text With a Spin:
The 2011 Fusion is evaluated among $20,000 and $29,000 hinging on motor decision and selection of headlines. The standard Fusion offers 23 MPG in the burb and up to 34 MPG on the highway.

2011 Ford Fusion


2011 Ford Fusion


2011 Ford Fusion

This may be helped by preferring the hybrid rendition, which racks up 41 MPG out on the interstate. Motor decisions for this vehicle combine a juiced up four barrel and several special V6 outlines. The essential four barrel sits at around 175 horsepower, and the broad selection of special powertrains makes this a highly flexible decision for mid range shoppers.
2011 Ford Fusion





2011 Ford Fusion






2011 Ford Fusion




2011 Ford Fusion

Read more »

Ford to invest $450 million in new Thailand plant

Ford Motor Co, a US based leading car maker, today announced that it is planning to invest heavily (about $450 million) in the Thailand market, in a bid to establish a new manufacturing plant and expand its operations in the Asia Pacific region. The new plant, which will be built in the eastern province of Rayong, will be used for manufacturing the Ford Focus model from year 2012. This will be the first ever fully-owned plant of Ford Motors in Thailand.

Company's new and highly flexible plant is the latest proof point in its aggressive expansion strategy in the Asia Pacific and African region, said Mr Joe Hinrichs while briefing to the reporters. The establishment of new plant will certainly affirms the vital role that Thailand has and will continue to play as a global production and export base for Ford Motor Company, he added.

The new assembly plant, which will be spread over 750,000 square metre (8.07 million sq ft) will initially have an annual production capacity of 150,000 units and about 85% of this capacity will be used for exports made to markets outside Thailand. According to Mr Peter Fleet, Ford's president for the 10-country Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the company is looking forward to develop a more successful relationship in Thailand. The company has invested over $3 billion to aggressively expand its operations since the year 2006, and ensure that it is not only competing in this region but actually driving its growth as well.

Source:- Ford to invest $450 million in new Thailand plant - New Cars

Read more »

Ford India employees union looks for Govt intervention

The employee union at Ford India, which has recently been formed, wants the government to intervene to initiate union's negotiations with the car maker. The union has sent a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Labour requesting him to take necessary action so that Ford India starts negotiations with it, said Ford India Employees Union general secretary A. Satish Kumar, in a statement given to a leading news agency. Mr Kumar added that the union came into existence a month back and the company was informed about the same through post.



On the other hand, the company has stated that the open dialogue between employees and management has always been encouraged by Ford India. The company is happy that the partnership among all employees contributes to its growing success. The statement also adds that the company prefers to keep the employee-management discussions internal so that their confidentiality can be respected.



This is not the first time when Ford India workers have formed a union, as in the year 2003, an employees union was formed at the company, though it was not registered with the Labor Ministry. Ford India has around 3,000 employees at its Maraimalai Nagar plant from where it has recently started exporting engines to the Thailand market. The company is in the process of recruiting another 1,000 employees at this plant in a bid to start a second shift to catch-up with the rising demand for its recently launched compact-hatch-back Figo in India.

Source:- Ford India employees union looks for Govt intervention - New Cars

Read more »

Ford Figo In S. Africa, Engines In Thailand

The recent news about Ford India is that the company has now started shipping out diesel and petrol engines to Thailand. Apart from this the company is also shipping the fully built Ford Figo small cars to South Africa. A top company official said that till now 21,000 Figos have been booked already. Around 16,000 have already been delivered. President and MD of Ford Inida, Michael Boneham said "We have recently started exporting diesel and petrol engines to Thailand.



The monthly demand there is around 3,000 units. It is difficult to comment on the future volumes as it depends on the demand in the Thailand market as well as other markets the Thailand plant serves," Boneham also added , "While we are exporting Figo model to South Africa, new overseas markets are being explored,". According to him the company will soon start a second shift at its plant in Maraimalai Nagar. This second shift will definitely increase the production capacity.



He said, "With the second shift the production capacity will go up to 140,000 units. The additional production will bring down the waiting time for Figo. We will be increasing the headcount in the plant by 1,000,". Till now the Ford India company is getting good market response. "The good response is due to an overall package - price and cost of ownership in terms of fuel economy, cost of parts", said Boneham. Regarding Figo sales, he said that sixty percent of it comprises of only the diesel engines.

Source:- Ford Figo In S. Africa, Engines In Thailand - New Cars

Read more »

Ford Figos’ Rapid Sales

Ford India has started putting its best foot forward. The launch of its compact car Ford Figo is touching new heights of success every day. Ford is gaining all the attention in auto industry these days because everybody can see a rapid growth in its sale of Ford Figo. In a short span Ford has delivered around 16,000 Figos and the company is really lucky to have 21,000 bookings on hand. It has been just 14 weeks of the new introduction and the company is all set to start its second shift from next month and this second shift means more production, more sales and of course, more success!



The second shift will result in the increased capacity of 1.40 lakh units. Michael Boneham, Ford India President and MD, who was giving the keys to the 1000th customer (MPL Ford Dealership outlet), said , "We have crossed the total production figure of last year (about 30,200 plus units) a week-and-a-half ago. Our second shift will begin from July to respond to the significant demand,” .



Though the input costs are rising but still Figo is giving competition in the B-segment which is growing 35% on an yearly basis. Wagon R, Alto, Swift, Punto,Estillo, Beat, Polo, Spark,Micra and i10 are some of the brands which are participating in this competition , pegged to be one lakh units. Boneham while talking about the success of the company said that localization has also helped a lot which has reached to the level of 85%.

Source:- Ford Figos’ Rapid Sales - New Cars

Read more »

Ford India sales increased three-fold during May 2010

Ford India, a subsidiary of US based leading car maker, on Tuesday posted a three-fold increase in its May 2010 sales. The company managed to sell 8,080 units of its cars in India during this month as against 2,168 units it sold during the May 2009.

The main contributor to this high growth was the volume sales of its recently launched compact hatchback Ford Figo which is receiving an overwhelming response from the Indian buyers. In just two-and-a-half months of its launch in India the company has managed to achieve more than 20,000 bookings for this car.



According to Mr Michael Boneham, Ford India President and Managing Director, the company has achieved more than 20,000 bookings since launch and is happy to see more and more Ford Figos gaining visibility and presence on road.

The company is planning to start a second manufacturing shift at its Chennai plant so that it can catch-up with the whooping demand and increasing backlog. The company is planning to invest heavily on its Chennai facility to increase the production capacity to 2 lakh units annually from existing 1 lakh units.



All portfolio models of Ford India performed well during this month including Ikon, Fiesta and Endeavour.

Source:- Ford India sales increased three-fold during May 2010 - New Cars

Read more »

Ford to hike Figo price from 1st June

Ford India, a subsidiary of US based Ford Motors, is all set to increase the price of its recently launched Figo model in India due to the rise in price of raw materials and steel. The company has decided to hike the prices of its best-seller Figo small car starting 1 June, 2010, it said in a statement. The rise would only be on the Figo small car models and would not be more than 2 per cent on any of the variants. The rising cost of steel and the steady increase in other raw materials is the main cause for this hike, said Ms. Diptee Sethi, Corp Communication Head, Ford India, in a statement given to a leading auto magazine.



The company had launched the Figo model with a very competitive price tag as against its competitors in this segment like Volkswagen Polo, so an small increase in the price will not affect its sales in India. However, price of the other models of Ford India portfolio will remain unchanged.



The Figo model was launched in India in the month of March this year in both diesel and petrol versions, at the starting price tag of Rs 3.5 lakh. Since its launch in India, the Figo model is receiving a very good response from the Indian buyers, as its bookings has crossed the 20,000 mark in India in just 3 months of its launch in the country. The Figo model is competing with some of the most popular compact hatchbacks in India including Chevrolet Beat, Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 and Volkswagen Polo.

Ford Ikon, Ford Fiesta, and Ford Endeavour are the other models in company's portfolio in India.

Source:- Ford to hike Figo price from 1st June - New Cars

Read more »

2010 FORD MUSTANG ROUSH BARRETT-JACKSON EDITION REVIEW AND FEATURES

The new Ford Mustang Roush Barrett-Jackson Edition combines racing and performance heritage of ROUSH Performance Products with the sleek new Planet Color "Barrett-Jackson Collector Color Series paints" and finishes with 25 custom colors, mid-coats and top-coats, including 'Black in Black' and 'Red Hot Chilli Pepper' which are prominently displayed on this concept vehicle as the base color and graphics respectively.
Apart from the custom color scheme, the 540HP Ford Mustang Roush Barret-Jackson Edition comes fully loaded with the ROUSH R2300 ROUSH charged 4.6L Powertrain System.


The major features are :-

• TVS Technology ROUSH charger
• Intake manifolds
• Inter-cooler & radiator
• Cold air induction system
• Secondary sheave FEAD
• Forged aluminum pistons
• Forged steel H-beam connecting rods
• Forged steel crankshaft
• Unique high flow fuel injectors (52lb/hr)
• Unique fuel rail
• Dual 60mm electronic throttle body
• Upgraded fuel system
• Aluminum flywheel
• Upgraded clutch and ROUSH calibrated engine control module
  

In addition to these features, the Ford Mustang Roush Barret Edition has aero body styling to add to the vehicle's appearance, exhaust for the deep V-8 rumble, 4-piston front brakes with 14" rotors and painted rear calipers with slotted rotors and upper and lower billet grille which improves the appearance and cooling performance.

The interior features include sport leather seats with an embroidered Barret-Jackson logo, 4-piece performance pedals, illuminated ROUSH sill plates, short throw shifter with black ball and an interior badge with the serial number ‘CONCEPT’ engraved. The vehicle has 20" chrome wheels wrapped in high performance Cooper RS3 tyres. The suspension consist of front struts, rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear stabilizer bars and jounce bumpers. Other major features are:- 5-speed manual transmission, 3.55 ratio limited slip axle, ambient lighting, auto-dimming mirror, bright aluminum accent dash appliqués, bright chrome door speaker surrounds, gloss paint center stack and console, leather steering wheel with brushed spokes, satellite radio, leather, 6-way power adjustable driver seat, Shaker 500 stereo system and SYNC.

Read more »

Ford Focus 2010

Ford Focus 2010

Ford Focus 2010

Ford Focus 2010

Ford Focus 2010

Read more »

2011 Ford Focus RS500 Car Pictures

2011 Ford Focus RS500 Front View

2011 Ford Focus RS500 Car Wallpaper

2011 Ford Focus RS500 Side View

2011 Ford Focus RS500 First Look

2011 Ford Focus RS500 Interior

2011 Ford Focus RS500 Image

2011 Ford Focus RS500 Rear View

2011 Ford Focus RS500 Picture

Read more »