Flagship Refined: 2013 Ford Taurus

MSRP: $26,600; price as tested: $32,795

Though it made its mark as a middleweight, Ford’s Taurus moved up in class three years ago. It was fully redone in 2010, when it vacated its title as perennially popular midsize, in favor of a new role as a contender in the large car ranks.

If the 2010 makeover was a reinvention, the byword for 2013 is refinement. Ford’s flagship rolls into showrooms with a bagful of tasteful tweaks and new technology.

Taurus is offered in one body style (four-door sedan) and three trim levels (SE, SEL and Limited). Front wheel drive and all wheel drive versions are available, with a high performance SHO model rounding out the 2013 lineup. Prices start at $26,600. My test drive was in a Taurus Limited with all wheel drive.

The most obvious changes to the new Taurus are those that the eyes can see. The latest look is more aggressive, and starts with a shield shaped front grille. Active shutters embedded there reduce aerodynamic drag at speed, which in turn helps boost gas mileage. The grille is bordered by a pair of long, narrow projector headlamps, and capped by a new, beveled hood, with a lowered, muscular form. The stand-out differences in back are the LED taillights, which provide an upgrade in both looks and visibility.

Sliding inside, the interior’s improvements for 2013 key on comfort and convenience. A carryover from the 2010 redesign is plenty of cargo space and passenger room. The trunk measures a generous, 20.1 cubic feet. The narrow trunk opening hinders the loading of bulky items, and the liftover height to access the space is moderately high.

Leaving the luggage behind, Taurus very comfortably accommodates adults in both rows. It’s a little quieter in the cabin now, thanks to added insulation behind the dash and inside the A-pillars. Soft-touch material is wrapped around most anything you come in contact with, including the sides of the center console.

MyFord Touch (the company’s electronics interface) and SYNC (Ford’s voice-activated communications and entertainment control system) have improved functionality for 2013. The driver can check system information on the eight inch display atop the center stack, as well as in a pair of 4.2-inch color screens nestled on either side of the speedometer. You can also access this system via voice activation, or the five-way toggle switches on the steering wheel.

Speaking of touch, the HVAC system is controlled by touch pad buttons mounted low on the center stack. The buttons are a fairly small target to zero in on while driving, and tough to hit accurately — especially with a winter-gloved hand. Upsizing would also help the font size of the temperature readouts on the main display. Their small size is potentially distracting for the driver. Highlights from the option sheet include a heated steering wheel, power, rear window sunshade, auto high beams, rain sensing wipers and contoured, massaging front seats.

The performance-minded SHO (which we will feature in a future test drive) gets Ford’s 3.5 liter, 365 h.p. EcoBoost V-6 engine. Newly available for 2013 is a 2.0 liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. Taurus is the first, North American model to receive this motor, which, like the other EcoBoost offerings, employs direct injection and turbocharging. It also offers the promise of up to 31 mpg’s on the highway. We’ve not yet had access to the 2.0 liter for testing, and it will be interesting to find out how the four-cylinder feels when powering the two-ton Taurus. My drive time was spent with the volume leading, 3.5 liter DOHC V-6. Standard on all SE, SEL and Limited models, this six is rated at 288 horsepower, and 254 lb. ft. of torque. Like all Taurus models, it’s matched with a six speed automatic transmission. The six/six engine/transmission combo work well together, and return very solid mileage numbers, too. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 19 city/29 highway (FWD), and 18/26 (AWD).

The real corner carver in the Taurus family is the SHO. But, extensive driving of the Limited over twisty, wet and sometimes gravel covered roads revealed it to be very competent and stable feeling. New technology lends a hand, in the form of torque vectoring control and curve control. The former feature places a slight amount of braking force on the front, inside wheel when accelerating out of a corner, for greater control. The latter slows the car if you’re carrying too much speed into a turn (note: these are safety aids, not a license to Drive Dumb. No system is enough to overcome a truly meat-headed motorist). Still on the topic of “whoa,” a bigger brake master cylinder and revised booster tuning give the driver better pedal feel. All Taurus models now enjoy Electronic Power Assisted Steering. Ford has also retuned the hard mounted steering rack, spring and damper rates for balanced ride and handling.

The Taurus competes in the full-size segment with cars like the Buick Lucerne, Hyundai Azera, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300 and Nissan Maxima. While this sector may be low key, it’s filled with high quality offerings. Ford’s slant with Taurus is to take the traditional full-size sedan values — room, comfort — wrap them in handsome, new sheet metal, and enhance the package with smart technology. The bigger, bolder Taurus was impressive when it first rolled out three years ago. The latest version is a better car, not thanks to any one big splash, but rather by waves of refinements.

Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Flagship-Refined-2013-Ford-Taurus-3452946.php#ixzz1r06JDLCE

Ford Explorer Gets EcoBoost V-6 and a Touch of Swagger

 

On Wednesday, Ford introduced the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, a performance version of its bread-and-butter S.U.V.

In a media release, the automaker said the vehicle, which would represent the top of the Explorer model line, was the first-ever high-performance model for its venerable Explorer nameplate. That may be true, though some Wheels readers may remember the Sport designation on a two-door version of the S.U.V. offered in the 1990s and 2000s.

The Explorer Sport shares the carlike body-chassis unit found on the 2012 Explorer, but instead of that model’s 290-horsepower V-6 and EcoBoost 4-cylinder engines, the Sport gets a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 that, according to Ford, generates at least 350 horsepower. The engine is backed by a paddle-shifted 6-speed automatic. A somewhat stout 3.16:1 final drive ratio is said to provide a balance of responsive acceleration and economical low-r.p.m. cruising.

A reinforced chassis, electric power steering with a quicker ratio and stouter suspension calibration are intended to improve the vehicle’s handling. Brakes have grown, too, though the disc and caliper sizes were not disclosed.

 

If Ford’s projected fuel-economy figures of 16 miles per gallon in city and 22 m.p.g. in highway driving are verified by the E.P.A., the vehicle would better the fuel economy of the 2012 Jeep Cherokee and Dodge Durango, which share a 360-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine, by 3 m.p.g. and 2 m.p.g. in their respective categories.

In a reminder of shifting corporate allegiances, Ford compared the Explorer’s fuel economy with that of the Land Rover’s Range Rover Sport. The model was developed under Ford’s stewardship of the British S.U.V. builder, before the marque was sold along with Jaguar to Tata Motors in 2008. The Explorer Sport would have the edge by 3 m.p.g. in city and 4 m.p.g. in highway driving.

Subtle exterior cues give the Explorer Sport a somewhat more aggressive appearance than currently available trim packages. These include painted 20-inch wheels, various black trim pieces and a low-gloss gray-mesh grille with glossy black bars spanning its width.

Standard and optional features do not differ from those available at other trim levels and include 4-wheel drive, dual-zone temperature control, first-row heated power seats, rear-view camera, the MyFord Touch infotainment system and a premium sound system with 12 speakers.

Pricing for the Explorer Sport will be announced closer to its sale date this year, but as the new range-topper, it would be expected to exceed the price of an Explorer Limited with 4-wheel drive, which begins at $40,680.

 

source: NYtimes

2015 Ford Focus RS To Drop A Cylinder, Gain Two Doors

The Ford Focus RS won praise from the world’s motoring press for its sophisticated suspension design and gutsy turbocharged five cylinder engine.

Its muscular three-door body also attracted plenty of fans, and the Focus RS had just the right amount of “show” to match its “go”.

For the next generation model, rumour has it that the Focus RS will be built as a five-door hatch only, with a four-cylinder engine instead of the previous Volvo-sourced inline five.

Power from the 2.3 litre Ecoboost four-pot is expected to hover around the 240kW mark – 15kW above the last RS and well above that of competing hot hatches like the RenaultSport Megane and Scirocco R.

In fact, that’s more power than a

2012 Motor Trend Truck of the Year Contender: Ford F-150

Written by: Motor Trend Staff on December 6 2011 12:00 PM

Editor’s Note: starting today with the Ford F-150, we’ll be previewing each of our 2012 Motor Trend Truck of the Year contenders leading up to the official announcement on Monday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. eastern time.

We had a pair of F-150s for our 2012 Truck of the Year testing that represent two of the more popular trim levels: a Platinum Edition EcoBoost and an XLT 5.0-liter V-8. Also new for this year (although not on hand for our test) are Ford’s entry-level 302-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 and the range-topping 411-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8. We extensively tested all four engine options early this year, so we’re very familiar with power levels and delivery of the entire lineup.

2011 Ford F-150 Mashup review: Ecoboost V6 Twin Turbo vs 5.0L V8

( http://www.TFLcar.com ) The 2011 Ford F-150 Ecoboost Twin Turbo has been a surprise grand slam for Ford. Not only has this V6 Twin Turbo pick-up proved to be the most popular engine choice in the country’s most popular vehicle but it also surprised many automotive journalist and buyers with it’s fuel economy, towing capacity and 365 horsepower. So which is the better F-150? The traditional V8 or the brand new twin turbo V6 Ecoboost? Check out this video as we compare the two Ford best selling pick-ups to each other.

2013 Taurus SHO details released

Ford’s 2013 Taurus SHO performance package will feature a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine mated with the automaker’s 6F55 six-speed transmission and torque-sensing all-wheel drive.

Other features include a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer-than-normal springs to enhance traction, and a special braking system with high-performance pads and 18-inch calipers.

This enthusiast’s Taurus can deliver 365 horsepower at 5,500 r.p.m. and 350 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 to 5,250 r.p.m.

Exterior changes are more pronounced, including a black mesh grille, with SHO-specific HID headlights. There are also 20-inch painted premium wheels.

SOURCE: http://www.freep.com/article/20111120/BUSINESS06/111200435/2013-Taurus-SHO-details-released

Airaid’s NEW EcoBoost F-150 Cold Air Intake – Adds 20HP & 39TQ!!!

Airaid F-150 EcoBoost V6 Cold Air Intake #400-239 :: 2011+ EcoBoost Ford F-150 V6 parts for sale

- ADD 20 HORSEPOWER!!
- ADD 39 FL-LBS OF TORQUE!!!

- Bolt On Performance
- Super Easy Installation
- Massive High Flow Air Filter

Airaid Cold Air Intake #400-239 for EcoBoost Ford F-150 V6 for Sale

 

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO AND MORE INFORMATION!!

Ford Focus ST-R racer will cost you $100,000

If you have a thousand Benjamins burning a hole in your pocket, may we recommend heading to your local Ford dealership? Ford has unveiled the track-prepped sibling to itsFocus ST sports compact, the ST-R, with a price tag just under a hundred grand.

The stripped-down commuter car comes kitted out with FIA regulation roll cage, uprated brakes and suspension components, and a more powerful 2.0 liter, four cylinder Ecoboost engine. The car itself is only the start of Ford’s plans with the ST-R, which should be the beginning of a global motorsports and trackday campaign. Ford will first send out the ST-R to North American racing teams for competition in Grand-Am ST, World Challenge TC and the Canadian Touring Car Series. For once, Ford is starting its enthusiast fare in North America, and then moving across the Atlantic, taking the ST-R to racetracks across Europe, not least of which being the ever-growing 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Rather than restricting this high-speed PR machine to top-flight racing events, Ford will sell the Focus ST-R to “seasoned hardcore professional drivers, amateur racers and track day enthusiasts” on order from Ford dealerships. If Ford’s international motorsports strategy means that the dealer down the street can sell me a full-on track racer, then let me give three cheers for globalization!

http://jalopnik.com/5840660/this-ford-focus-racer-will-cost-you-100000

Ford calls 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine a “hero”

Ford says its 1.6-liter EcoBoost delivers the best of both worlds – “performance combined with lower emissions.” We won’t argue against that. No doubt, the 1.6-liter gasser is an impressive mill. Apparently, Ford is so thrilled with the versatility of its tiny four banger that it says 1.3 million of these engines will power at least six of its vehicles within the next three years.

Demand for the 1.6-liter EcoBoost is soaring, according to Ford. That’s why the automaker has announced that its Bridgen Engine Plant in the UK is working at full tilt to pump out the four-cylinder mill.

Despite its relatively small capacity, the 1.6-liter EcoBoost powers the Ford Focus from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.9 seconds, while returning near best-in-class fuel efficiency. The 1.6-liter’s impressive performance, combined with its fuel-sipping status, has led Ford to tag the engine a “hero” for the automaker.

http://green.autoblog.com/2011/07/09/ford-calls-1-6-liter-ecoboost-engine-a-hero/

2012 Formula Ford brings EcoBoost to open-wheel racing

We’re officially grabbing our helmets and ready to go racing. Ford has pulled what must have been an unusually creased sheet off of its 2012 Formula Ford racecar, and while the shape is similar to Formula F racers from years past, it somehow appears altogether modern thanks to angular items like angular air inlets and funky lightweight wheels.

The 2012-spec Formula Ford will power its way into Great Britain’s 2012 Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship with 1.6-liter EcoBoost motivation and a sequential six-speed gearbox at the driver’s command. While 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque from the production-based engine might not sound like much, the lightweight steel-tube single-seater should have no problem providing thrills for both racer and spectator alike in the many feeder series it will eventually race in. Check it out in our gallery below and learn more about the car in the official press release reprised after the jump.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/2012-formula-ford-frankfurt/

Next Page »