Auto 2011: Ford

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Ford Transit

The Ford Transit is a range of panel vans, minibuses, and pickup trucks, produced by the Ford Motor Company in Europe. The Transit has been the best-selling light commercial vehicle in Europe for 40 years, and in some countries the term "Transit" has passed into common usage as a generic term applying to any light commercial van in the Transit's size bracket. Although the Transit name has been in use by Ford since 1953, the first definitive Transit platform was launched in 1965. Since then, six million Transits have been produced across three basic platforms (first debuting in 1965, 1986 and 2001, resepctively), with several "facelift" versions of each. The six millionth van was built in March 2010. Unlike the British-built Transit "family", the first production Ford to wear the "Transit" badge was a van built in Ford's Köln (Cologne) plant in Germany. It was introduced in 1953 as FK 1000 (Ford Köln carrying 1,000 kg). From 1961, this vehicle was called the Ford Taunus Transit. Production of this model ceased in 1965.The German vehicle was not widely exported, and the "Mark 1" tag has commonly been applied, retrospectively, to the 1965 to 1978 British model (see below). Whilst there have been three basic Transit platforms since 1965, the various facelifts and upgrades over the years have been referred to using a conflicting range of "Mark" numbers, with some sources counting a facelift as a new "Mark", some not. Ford's own historical look back at Transit production, published for the launch of the 1994 model, avoids the issue by referring to generations of Transit by years produced. This article attempts to make mention of all the common naming systems.

2010 Ford Transit Connect Video Review - Kelley Blue Book

The first Ford Transit proper was introduced in October 1965, and has been in continuous production in three basic generations to the present day. The van was produced initially at Ford's Langley facility in Berkshire, England (a former Second World War aircraft factory which had produced Hawker Hurricane fighters), but demand outstripped the capability of the plant, and production was moved to Southampton, where it has remained. Transits have also been produced in Ford's Genk factory in Belgium and also Turkey. Transits have been produced in Amsterdam for the local market from the mid seventies until the end of 1981. This factory had ample capacity, since the Ford Transcontinental produced there had little success (total production 8000 in 6 years). Although the Transit sold well in the Netherlands, it was not enough to save the factory, which closed in December 1981. The Transit is also produced in China for the Chinese market.The second generation Transit platform appeared in January 1986 and was notable for its all-new bodyshell which was of "one-box" design (i.e. the windscreen and bonnet are at the same angle), and the front suspension was changed to a fully independent configuration on SWB versions. The engine range was carried over largely unchanged from the last of the 1978-85 generation models, although in 1989 the high performance 3.0 V6 petrol was replaced by the Cologne 2.9 EFI V6. A subtle facelift in 1992 saw the fully independent front suspension adopted across the range, whilst a redesigned floorpan allowed the use of single, rather than paired, rear wheels on the LWB derivative, further increasing payload—these models are identifiable by the slightly more rounded front headlamps.The next Transit, introduced in July 2000, was the third all-new design, and borrowed styling cues from Ford's "New Edge" designs like the Focus, and Ka. Developed by Ford in the United States, the main innovation is that it is available in either front or rear-wheel drive. Ford nomenclature makes this the V184 (rear wheel drive) or V185 (front wheel drive) model. This model features the "Puma"-type Duratorq turbo diesel engine also used in the 2000 Mondeo and Jaguar X-Type, with the petrol versions moving up to the 2.3 L 16-Valve edition of the straight-4 engine. With this engine, the Transit can reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in 21 seconds and reach a top speed of 93 miles per hour (150 km/h), returning it to car-like performance as claimed for the earliest models. A demonstration of this model's speed was shown on Top Gear in 2005, where German race driver Sabine Schmitz attempted to drive it around the Nürburgring in under ten minutes, matching Jeremy Clarkson's time in a turbodiesel Jaguar S-type; she was unsuccessful, but only by a few seconds.

The Ford Transit VJX6541DK-M is the Chinese version and it based on its predecessors of the fourth and fifth generation. This generation is only built in Nanchang by Jiangling Motors and is reserved for the Chinese domestic market. Remarkable are the much larger headlights and the larger grille. The model was launched to the market in 2006. Overall, the generation have 70 improvements to its predecessor. The interior has been changed and made more ergonomic. Power windows are standard, but ABS is optional. The Chinese Transit is available with two diesel engines and one petrol. One of them has a power of 67.6 kW (Type JX493ZQ3), the other 68 kW (JX493ZQ4). Both diesels have a capacity of 2771 cc. The Petrol version uses a Barra 190 inline-6 motor. The top speed is specified at 68.35 mph (110 km/h). The Chinese Transits have a VIN in following form: LJXBMCH1××T××××××. A number of promotional Supervans were built, combining the outline and appearance of the Transit with the chassis and performance of a sports racing car. A Mark 6 Ford Transit was used in a segment on BBC's Top Gear TV show. The show was broadcast on 10 July 2005. In the segment, Sabine Schmitz drove the Transit around the Nurburgring to see if she could beat presenter Jeremy Clarkson's time in a Jaguar S-Type Diesel of 9 minutes 59 seconds. However, her best time was 10 minutes 8 seconds despite reducing the weight of the van. A modified Mark 3 Transit was also used in Top Gear Australia's Ashes Special and Top Gear series 16 episode 2, where Richard Hammond (UK) raced the van against a Holden VE Ute driven by Shane Jacobson (Australia) in a drag race. Unknown to Hammond and the Australians, the van was powered by a turbocharged Jaguar XJ220 engine, in addition to running on wheels from the same model.

Ford Raptor Blacked Out

Based upon the hugely popular F-150 range, the new SVT Raptor version features a significantly reworked suspension set-up to ensure a perfect blend of on-road dynamics and high-speed sand-racing ability.

A key difference between the Raptor and ‘stock’ F-150s - beyond the oversized grille and orange hue – is its aggressive stance, especially considering it’s 177mm wider.

Interior design is outlandish yet borders on right side of tasteful. The steering wheel is wrapped in black leather and features a molten-orange leather strip that serves as a centring sight line.

Active Ford Raptor Blacked Out

Impressive Ford Raptor Blacked Out

Ford Raptor Blacked Out Show Up

Boosting traction are a radical set of BF Goodrich All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70 tyres running on 17-inch mags, bolstered by a rear differential lock which can be engaged on the move. The range of stability systems are tailored to an off-road bias, ensuring optimal stability during dune jumping manoeuvres; ABS though, stays engaged at all times, enabling the hill descent control to function. Powering the heavily styled Raptor on display at SEMA is a 235kW 5.4l Triton V8 which also brings 529Nm to the game. The range is expected to be bolstered by a 300kW 6.2l V8 by the end of 2009, though the large capacity V8 engine – codenamed Boss by Ford insiders – had the skids put on its development cycle at the height of the oil price spike midway through 2008.

Ford Raptor Blacked Out With GPS

"With the F-150 SVT Raptor, we changed the axle, the whole front suspension is different – new upper A arm, new lower A arm, new tie rod, new half-shaft joints,” said Jamal Hameedi, Ford SVT chief engineer. “It’s well beyond what SVT has ever done with one of our vehicles.” In addition to a beefed up suspension, the F-150 SVT Raptor also boasts unique internal bypass Fox Racing Shox, the only internal bypass shocks on a street truck. It endows the Raptor with 292mm worth of wheel travel op front and 330m at the rear. A position sensitive dampening internal bypass feature allows the shock to become significantly stiffer as it travels, preventing the truck from bottoming out.

Ford Raptor Blacked Out Seats View

Cool Ford Raptor Blacked Out In Black Color

Strong Ford Raptor Blacked Out

2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid

America Does It Better

Well-known hybrids like the Toyota Prius or Honda Insight sacrifice a lot to achieve big fuel-sipping numbers. But mid-size sedans like the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid make fewer concessions. They combine an admirable thrift with greater interior space and more standard convenience features. Aimed squarely at family car shoppers who want better economy – but still need a roomy, mid-size car that's comfortable enough for everyday use – the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid ushers in a new era of American fuel efficiency.

Smart gauges

While the conventional Fusion's interior and dash layout won't get mistaken for a luxury car, the Hybrid's equivalent is a few notches above. Only this model gets Ford's SmartGauge LCD instrument panel. The electronic dials and information display are almost as entertaining as they are functional. There are several different modes that help drivers keep tabs on the eco-friendliness (or otherwise) of their motoring habits, as well as a battery charge meter, power output and more typical readouts like a rev counter and an engine temperature gauge. The SmartGauge can even display fuel economy history.

Other than the gauge cluster, the interior is essentially the same as any other Fusion, with a few exceptions. There's a 110-volt power outlet and all seats are covered with an eco-friendly fabric made from post-industrial, 100-percent recycled materials. Up front, those earth-friendly seats are deep and comfortable, and the rear seating area has adequate passenger space. Several useful storage bins make it easy to stash items like a wallet, sunglasses and keys. Ford's voice-controlled Sync system is standard; a Sony sound system, navigation and Sirius Travel Link are available as options.

Badge of quiet pride

It's hard to distinguish a hybrid Fusion from a gas-only model. But there are a few exterior design tweaks that set it apart. Some automakers feel the need to plaster the word "Hybrid" all over their gas/electric vehicles, but the Fusion uses only subtle badging, with a little green leaf on the lower part of both front doors and on the trunk lid. Fusion Hybrids also get 17-inch alloy wheels that are not available on the rest of the range.

The car looks good precisely because it doesn't advertise its presence. Shoppers seeking a standalone hybrid might not like this – they won't get "credit" for their green ways from friends and neighbors. For those who want a hybrid sedan that just gets on with it, the Fusion Hybrid works perfectly.

One more thrill and one more dollar saved

The Fusion Hybrid is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 41 miles per gallon in the city. Hybrids typically do better in this test, because low-speed driving allows the electric motors to take over more often and that means using less gas. With a combined city/highway EPA rating of 39 mpg, the Fusion Hybrid beats the Camry Hybrid for fuel economy, which is estimated to get 33 mpg in combined driving.The combination of gas and electric motors means the Fusion Hybrid is quick off the line, with more muscle left in reserve for passing.The Fusion Hybrid's meager thirst nearly matches that of the smaller Honda Insight. One reason for this is that the Fusion Hybrid can run in electric-only mode at speeds of up to 47 mph. It's possible to "trick" the car into running on just its batteries by lifting off the accelerator and then pushing it again lightly. This is especially easy to do on major boulevards where the speed limit is 35 or 40 mph.

However, Ford engineers haven't focused solely on great economy. The Fusion Hybrid also has excellent driving dynamics. This is largely due to the fact that the base Fusion is nimble and even somewhat fun to drive. The extra weight of hybrid components like batteries and electric motors could squash the fun out of any car, but thankfully, the Fusion Hybrid retains the nimble personality of its gas-only sibling. There's also plenty of power when required. The combination of gas and electric motors means the Fusion Hybrid is quick off the line, with more muscle left in reserve for passing.

Not all hybrids are created equal

There are less expensive hybrids than this Fusion (MSRP: $28,100), but that's hardly the point. Smaller cars like the Honda Insight cost less (from $19,800), but they are less car for the money. The Camry Hybrid is also cheaper ($26,400), but the Fusion Hybrid is more fun to drive and has features like carpeted mats, Bluetooth, voice control for a connected phone and iPod, plus a six-disc CD changer as standard.

One alternative to the Fusion Hybrid comes from Ford's other brand. The Lincoln MKZ is also offered in gas/electric form, but is far more expensive (from $34,225). The most obvious competitor is the Toyota Camry Hybrid, despite a tangible difference between the two. The Fusion is sharper handling and has arguably more style than the Camry. Nissan's Altima Hybrid ($26,780) is a little roomier inside, but, like the Camry Hybrid, falls far short of the Fusion's impressive 41 mpg in the city and 39 mpg combined.

When picking a hybrid, fuel economy is usually a primary concern. Hybrid SUVs may not do much better than 20 miles per gallon or so, but that's pretty good for a large vehicle. Mid-size hybrid sedans should have an EPA estimate in the high 30s at least. The ability to run in all-electric mode is also crucial, because that will net the most fuel savings. Because hybrids are typically more expensive than their non-hybrid counterparts, look for one with a lot of standard features. Big-ticket items like a navigation system will still be optional, but seek out nicer wheels and some upgraded electronics as part of the standard hybrid package.

It's rare to find a car that combines performance, style and great fuel economy so effectively, but that's exactly what the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid does. It's great looking, handles better than most other hybrids, yet delivers when it comes to sipping fuel. For those who actually enjoy driving, but still want the most miles per gallon, the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid is the best of both worlds. Never before have fun and frugality been blended so well.

2011 Ford Edge

Ford Edge

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Ford are considering following General Motor’s example and develop their next rear-wheel drive global platform here in Australia.

falcon1.jpg

Australian engineers will develop the drivetrains for the new Mustang as well as Fairlane-based long-wheelbase limousine platforms for the Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car which are scheduled to arrive by 2011.

Perhaps most promising of all is that Ford are considering manufacturing these vehicles here in Australia and then exporting them to the Middle-East and parts of Europe. Only a few days ago it seemed Ford Australia were in dire straits, and now their outlook could not be more promising.

Ford Australia boss, Tom Gorman has talked down the proposal, assuring the public that these decisions are still very much in their early stages and nothing is certain.

    “We have a fantastic rear-wheel-drive product. The product development team globally understands how strong our product is. We are actively in discussions about that but it is still very, very early days. There have been no decisions made whatsoever.”

He continues by explaining that the discontinuation of the iconic inline-six will further progress Ford Australia toward becoming a more global brand.

    “It brings us one step closer to better integrating with Ford’s global product development. The longer that we remain an ‘orphan’ in terms of our technologies in Australia, the less likely we are to fully participate in all the activity that’s under way in rear-wheel-drive.”

The new global Ford 3.5-litre V6 which is to replace the inline-six will be introduced on the Falcon in 2010. In base form, the engine produces roughly 196kW of power but a twin-turbo performance version could produce 309kW of power and 542Nm of torque. Ford says the twin-turbo can combine V8 performance with V6 fuel consumption.

The plans also stipulate that the Mustang may be engineered and sold locally which – if approved – will be the fastest car Ford Australia has released, powered by a 309kW twin-turbo V6.

All petty rivalries aside, both Ford and Holden Australia are doing us proud by producing vehicles of global quality as well as increasing global recognition of our capabilities in both manufacturing and engineering.