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Ford iosis X concept
By Mike Hanlon
Updated October 2, 2006 Ford of Europe's Design team has interpreted the Company's distinctive new 'kinetic design' form language in an exciting new crossover concept - the iosis X – which makes its debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. One of the specific purposes of iosis X is to prepare the public for the introduction of a future Ford of Europe niche model. Ford Europe’s CEO John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe. "The iosis X is intended to send a very strong message that we will be entering this market in around eighteen months from now, and that our new model will be both stylish and individual." Read More
Transparent All-wheel-drive Ford Transit revealed at Hanover Commercial Vehicle Show
By Mike Hanlon
September 23, 2006 - A new all-wheel-drive (AWD) Ford Transit has been revealed this week at the Hanover Commercial Vehicle Show in Germany. The AWD system automatically provides stepless torque flow to the front wheels when required on slippery surfaces. This new derivative is specifically targeted at customers who frequently face low friction surfaces, adding more flexibility and reliability to their transportation needs and will be rushed into production for sale in the first quarter of 2007. The 'intelligent' system increases traction without affecting road performance or ground clearance and was developed for the needs of utility companies, hotels, agricultural and forestry companies and police forces. Read More
The new Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet
By Mike Hanlon
February 26, 2006 Ford returns to the world of open-topped motoring with the elegant yet practical Focus Coupe-Cabriolet – making its preview debut this week at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. The introduction of the Focus Coupe-Cabriolet has been led by customer response to Ford's Vignale Concept, which was displayed at the 2004 Paris Motor Show. The positive reaction prompted Ford to green-light the car for production, and it has been made ready in less than two years. Read More
Triple World Rally Championship celebration for Ford
By Mike Hanlon
February 6, 2006 Ford has many reasons to celebrate overnight for Marcus Gronholm's win in the Uddeholm Swedish Rally in Karlstad; it was Ford’s 50th win in the World Rally Championship, Gronholm’s 20th WRC win (moving him to equal fifth on the all-time list) and it happened on his 38th birthday. The Finn admitted that he isn't so interested in his age anymore but his second win of the season in the Focus WRC06 was the primary reason to celebrate, having dominated the event and led from the first stage. However, of more interest to Ford its lead in the drivers championship and the manufacturers championship. It was a particularly sweet victory for Ford as despite its long and illustrious rally history (the Zodiac, Zephyr, Falcon, Anglia, Cortina, ad infinitum), the last time the marque won in Sweden was in 1978, with Bjorn Waldegard at the wheel of the Escort RS1800, when the WRC was just five years old. Gronholm’s win, and the exclusion of the third of the big three competitors in WRC, Subaru’s Petter Solberg, the bookies have now firmed Gronholm to 2.25 (5/4) clear second favourite for the drivers championship, though current world champion Sebastien Loeb remains odds-on favourite for the title at 1.70 (approx. 6/4 on). Solberg has now drifted to 8.00 (7/1) and Subaru’s Australian prodigy Chris Atkinson is fourth favourite at a staggering 80/1. Clearly the championship is a three-horse-race after just two events of the 16 event series. Read More
Gronholm scores debut win for Ford in Rallye Monte Carlo
By Mike Hanlon
January 22, 2006 New Ford driver Marcus Gronholm claimed victory on his debut in the new Ford Focus RS World Rally Car on the Rallye Monte Carlo today. The BP-Ford World Rally Team triumphed on the legendary Monaco-based event, the opening round of the FIA World Rally Championship, after three-days of demanding competition in treacherous ice and snow in the French Alps. Behind Gronholm, Sebastien Loeb (Citroen) completed a tremendous recovery to finish second after crashing on the opening day. The Frenchman overhauled Toni Gardemeister (Peugeot) on the final stage over the Col de Turini to lead home the Finn by 21.3sec. Gardemeister pulled clear of Manfred Stohl’s Peugeot to claim a comfortable podium with Subaru team-mates Stephane Sarrazin and Chris Atkinson completing the top six. It was Atkinson’s first Monte Carlo Rally and he ran as high as second outright during the event – a remarkable feat and one that augers well for the future of the young driver in only his first full season. Read More
Ford's V10 Super Chief concept runs on hydrogen, ethanol or gasoline
By Mike Hanlon
January 8, 2006 – The Ford F-250 Super Chief concept uses what the company calls "Tri-Flex fueling", enabling the supercharged V-10 to run for 500 miles between fill-ups on hydrogen, E85 ethanol or gasoline. The tri-fuel flexibility is one possible innovation by Ford to help pave the way for hydrogen vehicles, as the nation's ethanol and hydrogen fueling infrastructure continues to develop. The concept truck and its name are inspired by the bold, American Super Chief trains of the nation's past. Super Chief is Ford's most advanced, well-appointed pickup ever – designed to build on the standard for interior excellence established by the new F-150. Read More
Ford's diesel-electric hybrid Reflex Concept features solar panelling
By Mike Hanlon
January 8, 2006 Concept cars are designed to showcase technological capability and to test market opinion. As such, the Ford Reflex concept car shown to the media for the first time today scores maximum points on both counts. The subcompact-sized Reflex is a technological showcase with its advanced diesel-electric hybrid engine, a liberal sprinkling of solar panels and advanced safety features as inflatable safety belts. More importantly, the advanced diesel-electric hybrid engine and new-generation lithium-ion batteries help deliver up to 65 miles per gallon, offering guilt free performance. Read More
Ford 4-trac pick-up concept
By Mike Hanlon
November 28, 2005 Ford has premiered an interesting concept pick-up truck at the Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok. The concept, dubbed 4-Trac, is a dynamic package that explores practical functionality, lifestyle and sporty uses for Ford pick-up trucks of the future. The concept takes a typical pick-up truck and adds a lot more sophistication, style and purpose. It’s a workhorse that offers off-road capability, rugged features and durable aluminum surfaces. At the same time, owners will be proud to use it as stylish transport for their active families and leisure time. The rear cargo area features six portable containers – inspired by offshore rescue boats – for carrying a variety of gear, including rescue equipment. Another innovative feature adding to 4-Trac versatility is a rear hatch that enables access from the cargo area directly into the cabin. Read More
Copper look at this - Ford 40 GT
By Mike Hanlon
One of the most spectacular hot rods we’ve ever seen was on show on the Ford stand at SEMA last week. With a copper body based on a 1940 Ford Roadster, the car screamed handmade and classical workmanship. Scratch (dare we say that word with so much hand=beaten copper in sight?) the surface and you’ll find a chassis and powertrain based on the same Ford GT platform that underpinned the GTX-1 and GT, the Ford 40 GT is a very different way of using the 5.4 litre 550-horsepower supercharged V-8. The entire package is absolutely breathtaking and the story behind it is equally interesting with the copper hand-beaten at a former Soviet MIG fighter aircraft manufacturing facility in Poland and the assembly by Kirkham Motorsport which usually makes beautiful hand-sculpted cars from aluminium. Read More
Ford shows its ‘Mobile Office’ for pickup trucks
By Mike Hanlon
Nov. 1, 2005 – The Ford F-Series has remained the sales leader in pickup trucks for 28 straight years by always pushing the limits of towing, hauling and cargo capability. Today, at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, Ford unveiled its new mobile office system – the marriage of “Built Ford Tough” brawn with Microsoft and Stargate Mobile brains to create the ultimate work truck for contractors. The Ford mobile office system will features a rugged but lightweight, in-truck computer running Windows XP Professional with full Microsoft Office capabilities, plus navigation with GPS, broadband internet access, printing, order submission and payment processing capability. Read More
Ford’s GTX-1 – the GT convertible
By Mike Hanlon
November 1, 2005 The Ford GT, based on the four-times Le Mans winning GT40, is appearing in a convertible version at the SEMA Show today – the appropriately named Ford GTX1 uses the 1966 Sebring-winning Ford GTX1 roadster as its inspiration. One of the most innovative aspects of Ewing's GTX1 is its configurable roof. The roof system consists of four individual hard panels. The panels can be configured as a coupe, t-top, or full convertible. Additionally, the panels are painted in the same Valencia Yellow with Tungsten Silver stripes. So, when the car is configured as a coupe, it doesn't lose any of its design appeal. GTX1 drivers won't get caught in the rain because all four panels can be stored inside the vehicle for easy access. Read More
Ford's iosis concept - four door gullwing
By Mike Hanlon
August 31, 2005 – Ford has unveiled the striking iosis concept car – a vehicle that defines an exciting new design direction for Ford of Europe. Building on the style of the Ford SAV Concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, iosis demonstrates Ford's new 'kinetic design' philosophy. The car will debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. "iosis is more than just a show car, it is sending a message about how Ford of Europe's future design will be defined,” says Martin Smith, Ford of Europe's Executive Design Director. "It sends a bold message because our future products will be bold." Read More
Ford Shelby Cobra GT500
By Mike Hanlon
March 24, 2005 The most powerful factory-built Ford Mustang in history takes to the street next year, following a unique collaboration between performance car legend Carroll Shelby and the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT). Ford took the wraps off the 450-plus-horsepower Ford Shelby Cobra GT500 show car at the New York International Auto Show yesterday. Designed in the unmistakable image of Shelby Mustangs of the 1960s, the Shelby Cobra GT500 melds SVT's modern engineering with the big-block performance that made the original GT500 the king of the road. Read More
2006 Ford 'Tungsten' GT
By Mike Hanlon
In the history of Ford Motor Company, there have been many proud moments, the two most important being Henry Ford’s “world championship” win in 1901 in the Sweepstakes car and the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hour Race. Accordingly, in 2006 it will be the 40th anniversary of one of Ford Motor Company’s proudest moments – the first of four consecutive Le Mans 24 Hour Race wins by the legendary GT40. The GT40 was reincarnated as one of the world’s fastest road cars last year and later this year there’ll be a special edition to commemorate the win. Meet the eye-catching 2006 Ford 'Tungsten' GT. Please note - this is a colour photograph! Read More
Ford's historic Thunderbird nameplate returns to the future-product vault
By Mike Hanlon
March 15, 2005 Ford Motor Company will put the legendary Thunderbird nameplate back into the company's future-product vault after production for this model year ends in July. The Ford Thunderbird first went on sale October 22, 1954, marking the birth of a new legend that would grow with each generation. During five decades, Thunderbird went through several design changes with coupes, sedans, convertibles, hardtops, mid-size and large-size configurations. It went on hiatus after the 1997 model year. Thunderbird returned in 2001 as a retro-styled roadster to serve a similar role to its 1955 forebear - create excitement for the Ford brand. His article traces the history of the legend. Read More
Ford Performance Vehicles Super Pursuit luxury high-performance Pick Up Utility
By Mike Hanlon
March 3, 2005, Ford Performance Vehicles showed a new addition to its range today at the Melbourne International Motor Show – a Super Pursuit luxury high-performance utility. Due for production in June, the FPV Super Pursuit will continue to push the boundaries of the Australian sports utility segment with its blend of luxurious appointments and outstanding performance. It will join the iconic GT and GT-P sedan and Pursuit Ute as part of FPV’s Boss 290 family, all powered by the quad cam Boss 290 V8, with 290kW of power and 520Nm of torque. Read More
Ford Focus Vignale Concept
By Mike Hanlon
March 3, 2005 A surprise star headlined the Focus collection at the Ford Australia 2005 Melbourne International Motor Show stand today - a concept car inspired by the all-new Ford Focus. Sitting alongside the all-new Ford Focus production range making its Australian debut in Melbourne, the Focus Vignale Concept explores the potential for future Focus derivatives. The overwhelming positive response to the Vignale Concept at the Paris Motor Show led to the early confirmation of a production model, due in late 2006. "We'll be watching closely to see if it receives a similar reaction here in Melbourne." ," said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman. Read More
Ford SAV Concept Targets New Market Niche
By Mike Hanlon
March 3, 2005 Ford Europe's SAV Concept demonstrates a fresh approach in two ways. Firstly it defines a new breed of car, the Sports Activity Vehicle: a three-row mono-space that is athletic both in its appearance and the way it drives. Secondly, the Ford SAV Concept provides a suitably dynamic form to reveal the emergence of a new design direction for Ford of Europe. Sleek and purposeful, the Ford SAV Concept demonstrates new ideas for people- and load-carrying flexibility. For Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s recently appointed Executive Director of Design, it marks the first indication of a new form language for the Blue Oval brand. Read More
Diesel/Electric Ford Transit Hytrans
By Mike Hanlon
February 17, 2005 - Visitors to the opening of the Green by Design exhibition at Gaydon Heritage Centre in Warwickshire UK got more than they expected on the weekend when they were among some of the first to see Ford's latest low carbon technology on display. The Ford Transit HyTrans is the first medium commercial vehicle in Europe featuring stop/start technology for greater fuel economy and reduced emissions. Read More
Ford's new performance RS model
By Mike Hanlon
Ford didn't need any persuading to announce the next generation Ford Focus ST performance model on Tuesday when Toni Gardemeister drove the Focus RS WRC into the lead of the World Rally Championships in Sweden over the weekend. Ford will show the car to the public at the 75 th Salon International de L'Automobile in Geneva. God was smiling on Ford when the short-priced Citroen of Sebastien Loeb didn't make the finish and Gardmeister's third place snared both the driver and manufacturer leads in the title chase. The WRC Team has been contributing to the Ford 'shared technologies' global engineering strategy which is designed to bring technologies to market quicker than ever before. Read More
Ford and Gardemeister Lead World Rally Championship
By Mike Hanlon
February 14, 2005 The World Rally Championship took an interesting turn at the Rally of Sweden this weekend with WRC favourite Sebastien Loeb (Citroen) and Swedish event favourite Marcus Gronholm (Peugeot) were both forced into retirement while battling for podium positions. Subaru's Petter Solberg sealed his first victory in the event by 2min 11.1sec but the big news was that Ford's Toni Gardemeister took the World Rally Championship lead with a third place finish and Ford now leads both the drivers' and manufacturers' standings in the World Rally Championship. Read More
2006 FORD HARLEY F-150
By Mike Hanlon
January 4, 2005 As we've seen before, automotive marketing often sees strange bedfellows seeking to leverage each other's brand values. Ford used the Detroit (North American International Auto Show aka NAIAS) auto show next week to launch another "king of the road" by joining with another motoring giant with a view to giving performance enthusiasts a new definition of custom cool - the 2006 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150. Read More
Ford's Mercury Meta One concept
By Gizmag Team
November 20, 2004 Details of Ford’s Mercury Meta One concept have emerged in the lead-up to the 2005 North American International Auto Show. With an emphasis on high-tech, pro-active new safety features such as "Lane Departure Warning" and "Collision Mitigation by Braking", the Meta One also promises a world-first advanced powertrain, and enhanced electronics in a design that explores the adaptation of the Mercury DNA to a crossover vehicle. Read More
Formula Ford revamped after 40 years
By Mike Hanlon
The world's most successful racing car category will undergo its most radical upgrade since its launch in the late '60s, with the introduction of a new 1.6 litre Ford Fiesta road-car engine and front and rear aerodynamic aids. Ford has announced a new engine and aero package for Formula Ford in 2006 to complement its five-year financial commitment to Formula Ford. Read More
New hydraulic hybrid technology developed by EPA and Ford.
By Mike Hanlon
A new hybrid technology known as hydraulic launch assist system (HLA) promises dramatic improvements in fuel efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Initially developed by the Environment Protection Authority in the US, initial tests on the proof-of-concept chassis has since led to remarkable progress with the release of a Ford F-550 commercial demonstration vehicle earlier this year. The HLA has a regenerative braking system that can reportedly improve fuel efficiency by 25 to 40 percent. It works by recovering some of the energy wasted as heat by the vehicle's brakes when slowing. This energy is harnessed and used to propel the vehicle the next time it needs to accelerate. The hydraulic system offers great advantages for vehicles operating in stop and go conditions because the system can capture a large proportion of the energy lost to the automobile when the brakes are applied. Read More
Freedom Glen
- November 25, 2009 @ 02:47 UTC
