Archive for Detroit "Big Three" News
A new muscle car era for Gen Y’ers? 2011 Ford Mustang: High Horsepower and High MPGs
Posted by: | CommentsThe 2011 Ford Mustang EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Fuel Economy MPG (Miles Per Gallon) are in:
- Ford Mustang 3.7 liter V-6 … 300+ HP (Horsepower) and 31 mpg on the highway with an automatic transmission
- Ford Mustang GT 5.0 liter V-8 … 412 HP and 26 mpg on the highway with a 6 speed manual transmission
2011 Ford Mustang
I am not only impressed with the GT, but look at the “regular” mustang…300 HP out of their V-6! Read Ford’s Press Release. Are we in a new muscle car era? Let’s compare the 2011 Mustang specs to the classic 1969 Mustang.
1969 Mustang 250 c.i. (4.1 liter) I-6 1V Carburetor … 155 HP
1969 Mustang 302 c.i. (5.0 liter) V-8 2V Carburetor … 220 HP
1969 Mustand 428 c.i. (7.0 liter) Cobra Jet 4V Carburetor … 335 HP
See all specifications at TheAutoChannel.com
With about half the engine size (3.7 liter) the 2011 Mustang V-6 is encroaching on the HP of the massive 1969 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet. Technology is amazing!
Law Enforcement Vehicle Race Heating Up: Ford, Chrysler, GM, and Carbon Motors
Posted by: | CommentsLaw enforcement agencies have plenty to choose from when looking for a new vehicle.
2012 Ford Police Interceptor – The new Ford Taurus-based model will replace the popular Ford Crown Victoria. See the newly released specifications for the Ford Police Interceptor HERE.
Police - 2012 Ford Police Interceptor
2010 Dodge Charger Police – The Charger is gaining popularity as the Ford Crown Victoria-based car is being phased out. Check out the Dodge Charger Police Specs HERE.
Police - 2010 Dodge Charger Police
2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) – The all new rear wheel drive model. Read about the PPV specifications HERE.
Police - 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV)
And then you have a specialized vehicle manufacturer, Carbon Motors. Expected to be released in 2012, the E7 is a purpose-built vehicle platform build exclusively for law enforcement. With its diesel engine and expected life of 250,000 miles it may be a player in the law enforcement market. Check out the specifications at www.CarbonMotors.com.
GMC released the specifications today of the new 2011 Sierra Denali HD. What I like about this press release is that it highlights “Competitive Facts” focusing right in on how Sierra matches up with the Dodge Ram and Ford F-Series and Super Duty. In this Press Release, General Motors highlights the towing capability, payload capacity, new independent front suspension system, and my favorite…an exhaust brake on the Duramax diesel. This is what I would like to highlight.
The exhaust brake, which can be turned on or off by the driver, uses the turbocharger and engine compression to generate backpressure…thereby slowing the vehicle without applying the brakes. For those that have tried to keep a steady speed with cruise going down hills with a load, this is a really neat feature. It is integrated with the cruise and accounts for vehicle load and road grade. This will certainly help in prolonging brake life on downhill grades.
2011 GMC
Why Ford is Succeeding – The New American Road
Posted by: | CommentsAs the only U.S. major automaker not to take bailout money last year, Ford is emerging once again as the auto company others are striving to become. To highlight the Ford story over the last few years, a new 50 minute video was published titled “The New American Road”. This film is inspiring for those of us that still have a belief that Detroit can make quality, fuel efficient, technologically advanced automobiles.
Here is Ford’s description of the video:
“This is the story of Ford – the man – the company – and, importantly, a band of revolutionaries that are “betting it all” – defying all the odds – and in doing so, are re-establishing American automotive leadership, and reinventing the world’s automobiles for the 21st Century.”
It is a great video. You can watch it below.
The Blue Oval (Ford) Moves Up the Ranks as the Most Improved Brand of 2009
Posted by: | CommentsFord Motor Company along with its brands Lincoln and Mercury move into top spots as the most improved brands of 2009 according to a BrandIndex poll. Ford ranked #1; Facebook ranked #2; Lincoln ranked #3; and Mercury ranked #4. (See article from BrandWeek.)
BrandIndex Poll
Why has the Ford increased so dramatically? Maybe because they are the only U.S. automaker that didn’t take bailout money from TARP (Trouble Asset Relief Program). Chrysler and General Motors took billions. Maybe it is because they are making cars people actually want to drive and buy. The Ford Fusion Hybrid has won a ton of awards. Whatever the reason, Ford may once again be the king automaker that it once was (in the 1920s half the cars in the world were Ford Model Ts).
MyFord Touch Driver Connect Technology Powered by SYNC
Posted by: | Comments
MyFord Touch Powered by SYNC
Below are the features available through the MyFord Touch system:
Media Hub
* Additional USB port for a total of two USB 2.0 inputs
* SD Card slot
* RCA A/V input jacksInternet Connectivity
* Full WiFi capability including Internet “hot spot” connectivity and a built-in browser for use while in “Park” (late availability)
* Integrated browser supports tabbed page navigation, “drag” to pan and scroll and a provides a 3-D carousel for bookmark browsing
* Support for on-screen and USB-connected keyboards
* RSS feed aggregator and text-to-voice reader
* Mobile in-car WiFi “hot spot” capability through USB-installed air card or USB mobile broadband modemPhone
* Phone book contact photo download and 3-D carousel browsing
* Birthday reminders
* Enhanced error correction and reportingVoice Recognition
* Direct speech commands and “flattened structure” for quicker, more responsive voice control
* Voice-command activation of selected climate control functions
Voice commands will be available for most radio functions, including AM/FM, HD RadioTM Technology and SIRIUS/XM® Satellite Radio
* SIRIUS Game Finder application will facilitate automatic voice tuning for desired sporting events using commands such as “Tune to Detroit Lions game” or “Show NFL games”Navigation
* Improved visual presentation of SYNC Traffic, Directions & Information app adds directional arrows, street names and distance markers
* Map-based navigation app provided by TeleNav via an optional SD Card
* SD Card navigation includes SIRIUS Travel LinkTM services such as weather maps, movie listings, gas prices, and sports scores
* SD Card navigation also adds cities point-of-interest information including ratings and amenities
* Map data includes 3-D visual landmarksClimate Control
* MyTemp personalization allows the driver to store a preferred temperature, which is then accessible with a single touch of the MyTemp button
* Different MyTemp settings can be programmed to different keys; multiple drivers in a household can each have unique MyTemp settingsAudio
* AM/FM/CD, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, USB-connected MP3 players and memory sticks
* New HD Radio capability
* Song tagging capability via HD Radio Technology, allowing listeners to identify song information and store it for later use
* Browse tracks by artist, scan lists of tracks with identical names, and browse through devices without having to change audio sources
* 3-D carousel album cover art and photo viewing displays allow easy scanning of available material, especially combined with Gracenote Media Management
* Media player equipped with new “Podcast” source category
* Enhanced Bluetooth® audio support including metadata, which allows additional command and control functions for capable mobile devicesVehicle Setting Personalization
* Ambient lighting color control using a 3-D carousel browser
* Custom welcome messages
* Saved and transferrable user profiles that can be ported between Ford vehicles equipped with MyFord
* Door keypad code control using on-screen menus
* Where available, Active Park Assist and Rear View Camera displays
* Image and video uploading via SD card slot or USB 2.0 portsSYNC Apps & Services
* Traffic, Directions & Information offers personalized traffic reports and routing from INRIX, turn-by-turn directions, business search, sports, news and weather via SYNC and the user’s mobile phone
* Downloadable destinations when coupled with the SD card navigation function; SYNC Service Delivery Network (SDN) will be able to send a destination directly to the vehicle
* Vehicle Health Reports will download service reminders and vehicle information directly to the in-car displays
* Improved 911 Assist™ capability with GPS location can call for help in the event of an air bag deployment
Check out this video from Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com Video MyFord Touch
Ford F-150 vs Dodge Ram 1500 – Towing Tested by RamZone
Posted by: | CommentsMost truck buyers want great towing capacity in their truck. To compare towing pound for pound Dodge Ram Engineers put the Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie against Ford F-150 Lariat by creating a gross combined weight trailer towing test of 15,500 lbs – on actual roads – at wide open throttle.
Check out the video below.
Are there some flaws in the test? You decide. But I would like to see Ford Engineers create their own test to explain the differences. Then again, maybe they can’t explain this.
Automotive Marketing is Changing – Ford Fiesta uses Online Reservation System
Posted by: | CommentsWithin a week after launching its new website for the Fiesta, Ford has received over 1000 reservations. (See official press release.) In a year where automotive manufacturers are cutting advertising costs (automakers spent 30% less this year as compared to last year to date – see source) Ford is finding ways to attract buyers to their Fiesta. As an incentive, buyers that reserve the Fiesta receive the following: prioritized order handling, build updates, a personal Fiesta reservations consultant, and a premium sound package and SYNC valued at $595 for no cost. With an estimated mpg of 30 in the city and 40 on the highway (pending EPA verification), the Fiesta may cut into sales of the fuel sipping Honda Civic (25 city/36 hwy) and Honda Fit (28 city/35 hwy). Check out the Ford Fiesta and the reservation system below.
2011 Ford Fiesta
Dual Clutch Automated Manual Transmission – Ford Fiesta’s way to Get More MPGs
Posted by: | CommentsEarlier this year, Ford Motor Company announced a paradigm shift for transmissions – the double clutch automated manual transmission. Ford calls it the PowerShift. This new transmission will be available on the 2011 Ford Fiesta.
Below is Ford’s explanation of the new transmission:
GETRAG-Ford PowerShift technology is intelligent and revolutionary in its operation. To explain, the six-speed PowerShift transmission consists essentially of two layshaft transmissions working in parallel, each with its own clutch unit. The layout of the intermediate shafts – one carries the uneven gears 1, 3 and 5 whilst the other carries the even gears 2, 4 and 6 – allows the next gear to be pre-selected whilst the vehicle is in motion and the engine is at full power.
With the next gear pre-selected, the gear change occurs through the opposed activation of both clutches. The double-clutch activations are co-ordinated such that no torque interruption occurs.
In contrast to a conventional automatic transmission, the basic technical configuration of the GETRAG-Ford PowerShift transmission offers numerous advantages. It does not require any complex sub-systems such as a torque converter, planetary gear sets, multiple wet clutches and multiple bands – all of which significantly reduce the efficiency of a conventional automatic transmission due to increased inertia and drag torque effects.
The result is impressive: the PowerShift transmission provides the ease of operation and permanent motion of a conventional automatic transmission as well as the driving performance of a manual gearbox.
It also delivers quick and sporty shifts while maintaining a high degree of shift smoothness and refinement. To read more, click HERE.
Outstanding! Less complex sub systems and more efficient. What a great technological advancement.
Ford Motor Company uses Wheat Straw to Make Plastic
Posted by: | CommentsFord Motor Company announced on Wednesday November 11th that it will be the first automotive manufacturer to use wheat straw-reinforced plastic, a more environmentally friendly product than plastic used previously, in a vehicle.
This natural fiber based plastic will be used in the production of interior storage bins on the 2010 Ford Flex. Even though the usage is small, Ford predicts it will reduce CO2 emissions by 30,000 pounds per year. What is great is that it creates a sustainable product for wheat straw, wheat’s waste byproduct.
Read the complete press release. Click below for a larger image.
WHEAT STRAW-REINFORCED PLASTIC
Ford’s Inflatable Seat Belt
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to the Wall Street Journal, Ford Motor Company announced today that they will be combining air bags with traditional seat belts to add a new level of safety for rear occupants of vehicles – especially children. Check out this video from NBC’s Today Show.
Ford's Inflatable Seat Belt
Here is the video released from Ford…
OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Service Pays Off
Posted by: | CommentsGM’s OnStar recently paid off for a California resident. Some 2009 and newer model year GM vehicles have the option of OnStar’s advanced service – Stolen Vehicle Slowdown.
According to OnStar, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown “gives our subscribers added security by allowing OnStar Advisors, who work with law enforcement, to send a signal to the stolen vehicle to gradually slow it down. The service is also expected to help reduce the risk of property damage, serious injuries or fatalities resulting from high-speed pursuits of stolen vehicles.” (See OnStar’s video explanation on how this service works.)
MSNBC reported that the thief’s plan was foiled when OnStar disabled the vehicle remotely during the chase.
Technological devices like OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Service is not only a service to customers, but also to police that are charged with chasing and arresting the carjackers. By eliminating the need for high speed chases, lives are being saved.
To learn how OnStar works, check out this HowStuffWorks.com article.
When do you think all vehicles will have this technology?
Your 18 Year Old Ford Vehicle May Have a Recall
Posted by: | CommentsIf your Ford is equipped with a Texas Instruments speed control deactivation switch, your vehicle could be at risk. Ford Motor Company is recalling some 4.5 million vehicles (see notice). The majority of vehicles within the recall are ten years old or older…my question is…how many of these vehicles are already in the salvage yard?
Ford Motor Company Recalls Vehicles
In 1996, GM discontinued its full-size, body-on-frame car architecture – ending the Caprice Police Car production. But 15 years later, GM plans to emerge as a leading provider of vehicles to law enforcement centers. The all new 2011 Chevy Caprice Police Car has the following special features:
• Powerful 6.0L V-8 with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology and E85 capability delivers expected best-in-class 0-60 acceleration (sub six seconds) and top speed; a V-6 engine will also be offered, beginning in the 2012 model year
• Optional front-seat-only side curtain air bags allows a full-width rear-seat barrier for greater officer safety
• Two trunk-mounted batteries, with one of them dedicated to powering various police equipment
• Designed for five-passenger seating, meaning the upper-center section of the dashboard can be used for equipment mounting without the concern of air bag deployment interference
• Compatibility with in-dash touch-screen computer technology
• Special front seats designed for the long-term comfort of officers whose car is their effective office, including space that accommodates the bulk of a typical equipment belt
• A larger interior volume – 112 cubic feet / 3,172 liters – than the Ford Crown Victoria, including nearly 4 inches (101 mm) more rear legroom
• The barrier between the front seat and rear seat is positioned farther rearward, allowing for full front-seat travel and greater recline for officer comfort
• At 18 cubic feet (535 liters) free space (beyond battery located in trunk), the Caprice’s trunk volume is large enough to accommodate a full-size spare tire under a flat load surface in the trunk storage area.
• High-output alternator
• Engine oil, transmission and power steering coolers
• Standard 18-inch steel wheels with bolt-on center caps
• Large, four-wheel disc brakes with heavy-duty brake pads
• Heavy-duty suspension components
• Police-calibrated stability control system
• Driver information center in the instrument cluster with selectable speed tracking feature.
Read the full press release.
2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle
What do you think? Will the new Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle become the leading choice among law enforcement agencies over the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor and the Dodge Charger Police Vehicle?
“Ford Super Duty Tough” – The 2011 Ford Super Duty presented by Dirty Jobs’ Mike Rowe
Posted by: | CommentsIf you want a tough truck, you buy a Ford. If you want a really tough truck, you buy a Ford Super Duty. The highly anticipated 2011 Ford Super Duty was revealed this week at the Texas State Fair. To help illustrate all the features, technological advancements, and Ford “toughness” – a series of webisodes were created and hosted by tough guy Mike Rowe (see press release).
2011 Ford Super Duty Features - Hosted by Mike Rowe
To access all the specs, press releases, technology fact sheets, and photos of the new Ford Super Duty check out Ford’s media site… Media.Ford.com
Here is a snippet…
* The 2011 F-Series Super Duty boasts all-new powertrains, led by the Ford-designed, Ford-engineered and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel engine, which delivers significantly improved torque and horsepower as well as class-leading fuel economy while maintaining best-in-class towing and payload capability; new engine also has biodiesel compatibility up to B20
* A new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine also is added to the lineup; it also delivers significantly improved torque and horsepower as well as class-leading fuel economy; new gas engine can run on regular-grade gasoline, E85 or any blend in between
* An all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission gets the new diesel engine’s low-end torque to the ground faster; the six-speed transmission has full SelectShift™ capability, giving customers the convenience of a manual gearbox
* Available Ford Work Solutions™ plus a new flow-through console with 110-volt inverter, new seats and locking underseat storage add even more productivity in the Super Duty’s role as office on wheels; new 4.2-inch LCD Productivity Screen delivers array of information
* The new 6R140 transmission is available with segment-exclusive Live Drive Power Take Off (PTO) with the new diesel
