Ford Focus SEL hatchback and Pricing

Ford Focus SEL hatchback and Pricing Ford Focus 2012 is different than the present first generation that bore the second generation which is very interesting. The second-gen car was a solidly practical little car that seemed to appeal to a broad range of buyers. Pricing: 2012 Ford Focus SEL :

Base price: $22,399 Options: $5,430 (Audio Interface Package, $1,500; six-speed automatic transmission, $1,450; Parking Technology Package, $600; Engine block heater, $100; Navigation, $700; 17-inch polished wheels, $650; Stewardship Ontario environmental fee, $30) A/C tax: $100 Freight: $1,500 Price as tested: $29,329

Cheap Carbon Fiber

Car manufacturers simply love carbon fiber. Especially high end, exotic sports car makers. Yep, engineers in Italy literally live and breathe carbon fiber, and as carbon fiber has developed, it’s become more accessible and slightly cheaper up to the point where ‘regular’ car manufacturers are considering using the material once reserved for the most exotic of exotics. One problem still remains, and that’s the simple fact that carbon fiber is still too expensive.

Sure, the actual fibers used to begin the process of creating carbon fiber may be relatively cheap, but the main costs are derived from the intensive manufacturing process and considering that carbon fiber is often applied by hand, it’s easy to understand why it is so expensive. Furthermore, individual carbon filaments used to make the stuff can be five micrometers thin, and yes, that’s a lot thinner than the average human hair.

However, if Ford and Dow Automotive Systems have their way, carbon fiber should become accessible to the ‘masses.’

The two are currently researching ways to increase carbon fiber production while also making it simpler and more cost-effective to construct. The biggest reason behind the new partnership is the belief that Ford will someday, in the not too distant future, be able to construct sedans entirely out of carbon fiber, such as the Ford Fusion, but in order to do so, the duo really have their work cut out.

It’s not yet known how much this venture is costing, but we feel unless Ford and Dow really come up with the goods, the American brand may be better off investing this money elsewhere, such as improved car safety. Or perhaps that’s what this is all about, car safety.Cheap Carbon Fiber being developed by Ford and Dow Automotive Systems

Source : Topspeed.com

Ford Focus by 3dCarbon

3D Carbon is one of the tuners with a very impressive presence at the SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. Their cooperation with Ford Motor Company is quite impressive and over the years we have seen some pretty cool update package. This year their attention will be focuses on a smaller model: Ford Focus. Maybe this is the tuner’s way of telling that with the right updates any car can get cool.

Their upgrade package is a "standout style statement" and includes: 3M satin wrap, smoked windows and race red accents to bring the car’s more edgy side to life. Next to these the Focus has also received an impressive 3D Carbon body kit and Sticky Fingers racing stripes. On the functional side, a 3dCarbon upper roof spoiler, Eibach springs and Pirelli tires offer an aerodynamic and handling boost.

Topspeed.com

Ford Evos Cars with internet Connection

This is one of a futuristic car that makes it easy for the rider, where the car is equipped with internet connection. With this technology, now the car can always be connected with other cars, via social networking. Futuristic vehicles are Ford Evos. According to Ford, this vehicle allows the driver to access the information on the Internet, at any time. He can monitor the physical condition of the driver and adjust the car handling system.


The car will adjust the heating system, cooling, and the music is played to the driver. This is so that the focus of attention of drivers to road conditions improved and prevent it from overslept.


In terms of looks alone, this seems futuristic car with lights that looks like a bird with angry eyes. Extremely sporty model with gull-wing doors that must be opened up to the top.


This four-seat concept vehicle, first appeared in Germany, this weekend. The plan, he will also be showcased at the Auto Show Frankfurt Motor Show, in September.
Systems used in this concept car, the plan would also adopted to other Ford cars, in the future.
By : usa automotive center

Cars Ford Explorer XLT 4WD

The completely redesigned Explorer is the latest SUV to “cross over” from a truck-based, body-on-frame SUV with a solid rear axle to a unit-body crossover with a fully independent suspension. But though it’s no longer a “truck”, the 2011 Explorer is a bigger, more imposing vehicle that has graduated from “mid-size” to somewhere between that and “full-size”, very close to the size of a Chevrolet Traverse. The Explorer is about 94 mm (3.7 in.) longer and 132 mm (5.2 in.) wider than the previous Explorer, and while the corners are rounded for better aerodynamics, it has an imposing front-end with a flat hood and a massive multi-holed grille that resembles the upmarket Range Rover’s.
It may not be a truck, but it’s got attitude!
Though not quite as heavy as the old Explorer, the 4WD model still tips the scales at a hefty 2,129 kg/4,695 lbs. Despite this and a 38 per cent increase in horsepower over the previous V6, the Explorer’s new 3.5-litre V6 gets better fuel economy: official fuel consumption numbers for the 290-hp 3.5-litre V6 engine (L/100 km) are 11.9 city/8.0 hwy (24/35 mpg Imp.) using Regular gasoline, compared to the previous 210-hp 4.0-litre V6 with 15.9 city/10.7 hwy (18/26 mpg Imp.). Still, my average fuel consumption over a week in city dominated driving was 13.5 L/100 km.









The new 3.5-litre V6 has almost as much power as the previously available 4.6-litre V8 with 292 horsepower. Equipped with a towing package, the V6-powered Explorer will tow up to 2,267 kg (5,000 pounds) and includes standard Trailer Sway Control to help keep trailers from wandering side to side. The Explorer’s 5,000-lb towing capacity is decent, but the previous Explorer with the optional V8 could handle up to 3,234 kg (7,130 lbs) when properly equipped.
Later in 2011, the new Explorer will be available with an all-new turbocharged 237-hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder “Ecoboost” engine with direct fuel injection that promises even better fuel economy, but won’t be good for towing. Whether a 2.0-litre four-banger will be up to the task of motivating this 4,600 lb SUV is something to be determined!
The standard transmission in all Explorers is a six-speed automatic with a tall highway gear designed to improve fuel economy. Zero to 60 mph goes by in about eight seconds according to Consumer Reports, but as the transmission seems geared more for fuel economy than performance, shifts are sometimes slow and acceleration seems wanting at times. Perhaps that’s not too surprising given that this is a big, heavy vehicle – it would be a perfect candidate for Ford’s turbocharged 355-hp 3.5-litre Ecoboost V6 that’s available in the Flex and Taurus.

In the XLT and Limited models, the six-speed automatic includes a manual shift mode operated by a button on the side of the shift knob. This allows the driver to keep it in a lower gear for better acceleration and would be very useful when towing a trailer up or downhill. As well, a driver selectable Tow/Haul mode can be activated to alter automatic gearshifts to account for the heavier weight of a trailer when braking and accelerating.
Source : autos.ca

2011 Mopar Ram Runner - Short Take Road Test

This hop-up kit makes an ordinary Hemi truck look like a Fiat Jolly.

Highs and Lows

Highs: A la carte assembly, awesome off-road performance backed by imposing looks, standard warranty remains intact.
Lows: Subtle as a rock to the head, thirsty and ungainly on the street, not as polished as a production truck.

Specifications

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

PRICE AS TESTED: $61,863 (base price* $54,773)

ENGINE TYPE: pushrod 16-valve V-8, iron block and aluminum heads, port fuel injection

Displacement: 345 cu in, 5654 cc
Power (SAE net): 390 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 407 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 140.5 in Length: 239.0 in
Width: 85.4 in Height: 79.2 in
Curb weight: 5949 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 7.0 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 24.5 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 7.5 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.6 sec @ 88 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 100 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 211 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.67 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/hwy driving: 13/19 mpg
C/D observed: 12 mpg
*Base price includes Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4x4 with 5.7-liter V-8, 3.92:1 rear axle, and all dealer-installed Mopar accessories.
TEST NOTES: The aggressive off-road tires lack on-road prowess, thus the low lateral grip. Braking distance is long but not much worse than that of other off-road trucks we’ve tested.

Building on its rich history of street machines and wheel-standing drag cars, Chrysler’s Mopar group is now entering the mud-spattered off-roading arena with this, its answer to Ford’s F-150 SVT Raptor. True to the brand’s character, the Mopar Ram Runner package for the Ram 1500 is to the unpaved realm what the Dodge Challenger Drag Pak is to the quarter-mile.
Unlike the Raptor ($42,930 base price), the Ram Runner is a not a regular-production vehicle. Instead, it is a collection of  bits available from Mopar that can be fitted to any current-gen Ram 1500 4x4 with a six-foot-four-inch bed. Co-developed with Kroeker Off-Road Engineering, the Ram Runner’s Stage 2 package ($13,270) leverages the latest Ram’s all-coil-spring suspension for maximum off-road potency.
It’s a serious upgrade over Mopar’s bolt-on Stage 1 kit ($3129), with Stage 2 adding lengthened and reinforced front control arms, heavy-duty tie-rods and ball joints, and fat, 3.0-inch Fox internal-bypass front and rear shocks. Those monster dampers support 14 inches of wheel travel at both ends, with the truck’s overall height rising 3.5 inches (to 79.2) with the recommended 35-inch-tall tires. Ground clearance gets a similar lift, to 13 inches.
Nearly $7000 in other Mopar parts makes up the full Ram Runner package and further transformed our $34,690 SLT 4x4 Quad Cab tester into a $61,863 desert truck: flared fiberglass fenders ($1020) and bed sides ($1350) that increase overall width by 6.0 inches to a driveway-choking 85.4, a gnarly tube front bumper and skid plate ($1250), a bed-mounted spare-tire carrier ($1010), an aluminum hood ($978), a cat-back exhaust system ($1135), and a set of all-weather floor mats ($70). The not-so-subtle Mopar vinyl wrap seen on our test vehicle might actually be added to the catalog, for those determined to assist Mopar’s marketing efforts.
Additional aftermarket bits include a pair of super-bright LED light bars ($1400) and HID auxiliary lights ($600), 17-inch Pro-Comp wheels ($940) with BFGoodrich Mud Terrains ($1500), a full roll cage ($1000), and Mastercraft front seats with five-point harnesses ($1200).
The Runner shined on the sand dunes of Michigan’s Silver Lake State Park, where the suspension’s initial stiffness gave way to a mechanical cushion that, at highway speeds, soaked up launches and knee-high obstacles. Thanks to the Hemi’s ample grunt and the truck’s limited-slip rear differential, it was easy to steer with the throttle, and the wider track and big tires helped plant the chassis during high-speed cornering. The overall look and feel is more feral than the Raptor’s and, indeed, the Ram Runner lacks the refinement of a factory-prepped vehicle.
Such a focused package is about as at home on the street as it would be on water, even if the kit does not affect the truck’s factory warranty or its street legality. With its added width, football-field–sized turning radius, and humming mudders, the Ram Runner is predictably clumsy on pavement. Its lowly 0.67 g on the skidpad, even worse than the Raptor we tested most recently (0.70 g), was accompanied by great steaming chunks of cast-off tread. Acceleration from the stock 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is adequate, pulling the truck’s 5949 pounds (about 250 more than stock) through the quarter-mile in 15.6 seconds at 88 mph. But the 211-foot stop from 70 mph had us wishing for more-pavement-oriented tires. The stock truck’s fuel economy (13 mpg city and 19 highway) also took a hit, as we averaged only 12 mpg on the street and 5 mpg off-road.
Unfortunately, our test was cut short by a transfer-case failure incurred while powering out of deep sand. We suspect the truck’s past beatings might have had something to do with this and that what may be considered “excessive abuse” could affect warranty repairs. The failure highlighted two things: the brutality of off-roading and the fact that the Ram Runner conversion does not touch all of the base truck’s key components.
Chrysler has yet to say if  it will offer a factory version. Depending on your budget and skill level, the Mopar parts can be ordered a la carte for home installation or added to your new or used truck at the dealership. That makes for an attractive alternative to the Raptor for those who don’t want to go whole hog or simply cannot betray their chosen brand. In our minds, the kit’s flexibility makes it all the more attractive if you start with a less-expensive Ram model. As with the equally thirsty Raptor, you’ll need the money you save for fuel.




Source : Caranddriver.com

Automakers Forecasted to Lead the United States Market in 2011

 

General Motors wants to be the plug-in leader with the Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid with 40 miles of electric range and 500 miles per gasoline fill-up range. Chevrolet will deliver over 10,000 in 2011. GM has a complete Voltec Propulsion System roadmap that envisions added offerings of pure battery-electric, E85, and diesel. The second plug-in offering from GM is likely to be a Chevrolet Crossover SUV. Look for a range versus cost battle with Toyota, as the Volt achieves more electric range by adding to vehicle cost with a 16kWh battery.
Nissan will be the first automaker to put over 10,000 pure battery-electric cars on U.S. highways. 20,000 have made deposits for Nissan Leaf and several cities are in major partnerships. The LEAF can be purchased starting at $32,780 or $349 per month. The Nissan LEAF is battery-electric with a 100-mile range per charge. LEAF Test drive. This 5-door, 5-seat, hatchback has the right size and range for many who drive under 100 miles daily, or for households with more than one car.

Ford will be selling at least two electric cars by the end of 2011 and five models by the end of 2012. The best seller will be the Ford Focus Electric, a battery-electric that we expect to aggressively compete with the Nissan Leaf. Ford will be taking orders for a 2012 C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, an exciting Crossover SUV that seats 5. In the future, the Ford Focus available any way the customer wants it: battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid, or fuel-efficient sedan. Ford is already selling the Transit Connect Electric compact van.
 
Tesla is the first to sell 1,000 electric cars for the U.S. highways. Tesla owners are the first to put 10 million electric miles on the road. Like its Roadster, the company is going zero to sixty in less than four seconds. Tesla is also developing a roomy Model S hatchback that starts at $57,400, about half the price of the Roadster. The Roadster is battery-electric with a 240-mile range; the Model S will have remarkable electric range options of 130 to 300 miles per charge. Tesla is working with shareholder Toyota to bring back the Toyota RAV4 EV, an electric SUV. Tesla is working with shareholder Daimler to put Smart EDs on U.S. streets this year. In the future, the Tesla Model X will be a Crossover SUV for those that want more premium styling and interiors than alternatives from Chevrolet, Ford, and others.
 
Fisker Karma is a luxury sports plug-in hybrid with prices starting around $90,000. With 20kWh of lithium batteries, you could go 50 miles before the 2L turbo engine is engaged. The Karma invites you to accelerate, using two electric motors that deliver 403 horsepower, so your mileage may vary. In theory it’s a 4-seater; good luck fitting someone in the back seat. The Karma is about sex appeal, performance, and luxury. A more affordable family sedan is planned for 2012.

Toyota, world-leading seller of hybrids, will offer both plug-in hybrids and pure battery electric cars. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) looks like another Prius until you spot the J1772 plug for smart charging. Six hundred PHV are in fleet trails from cities to car sharing services. Next year, you can order the Prius PHV. Toyota will initially control costs by only using a 5kWh battery for a 14-mile electric range. In 2012, Toyota is likely to also offer the RAV4 EV SUV and a pure battery-electric FT-EV small city car.
Honda is preparing the Honda Fit EV and a plug-in hybrid for sale in the U.S. in 2012. The Fit EV is in demonstration program in fleets such as Google and Stanford University. We speculate that the new EV will use Blue Energy lithium-ion batteries and will price below $29,900.

Mitsubishi is currently the electric car market leader in Japan with the iMiEV.
In 2012, the U.S. version of the Mitsubishi I will price at less than $29,900. This fun-to-drive 5 door, 4 seat hatchback, will have a wheel base 5 inches wider for the U.S. market, but the micro-compact will still be able to get those precious city parking spaces that no other car can take except the Smart. The more powerful U.S. version will have an electric range of 50 to 80 miles with a 16kWh lithium battery.
 

 Daimler is bringing the Smart Fortwo ED to the United States. 250 Smart Fortwo ED will be put into U.S. test this year using Tesla battery packs, but smart is currently targeting the 2013 model year for the first commercial electric car. It will start taking consumer and fleet orders in 2012. Daimler also owns 5 percent of Tesla. Mercedes hybrids. BMW will accelerate electric plans in a couple of years. Mercedes is putting into fleet tests two 5-seat hatchback electric cars – the A-Class E-CELL battery-electric car with 120-mile range and the B-Class F-CELL, which adds a hydrogen fuel cell to double the range.
 
Think has been selling its smaller battery-electric City car in Europe for years. With new capital from EnerDel, Valmet, and Kleiner Perkins, Think hopes to have its financial struggles in the rear view mirror and be on U.S. roads within a year.

 

 

 

U.S. Electric Car Forecast

Accenture forecasts 1.5 million electric vehicles in the United States by 2015. Over 10 million electric vehicles are possible by 2020, especially if oil prices continue to rise as battery prices fall. Single electric utilities have scenarios for charging over one million electric vehicles in their own service area by 2020. With renewable energy investment required of utilities in 30 states, these utilities are most interested in night time charging of electric vehicles with wind, geothermal, and hydropower. Utilities are also implementing smart grids and incentives for off-peak charging.
By 2011 year-end, competition will be intense for electric car leadership. The above Top 10 describe our best guess about the market share leaders for delivered plug-in vehicles on the United States roads in 2011. Battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles with range extended by engines or fuel cells were all considered.
Over 100 competitors will be fighting for U.S. share by the end of 2012. Some may be struggle to get significant share due to the time and cost of safety and other regulatory approvals, delays in funding, unpleasant surprises from a battery, drive system, or component supplier. It’s a tough business. Even Tesla had to add 700 pounds and two years to get the first Roadsters in customers’ hands.

Asia Prepares for the U.S. Market

For three years, we have read about China’s plans to bring electric cars to the U.S. Although China’s U.S. ambitions have slipped badly, its automakers cannot be ignored. China has over 100 million light electric vehicles, e-bikes and e-scooters in daily use. It’s new 5-year plan calls for 100 million electric charging stations in China by 2020. BYD, with gold-plated investors such as Warren Buffett, has only put a few hundred electric vehicles on the road in China and continues to delay introduction to the United States. CODA’s $45,000 sedan continues to seek DOE loans and more investors and has delayed sales until Fall 2011, or later. Volvo, now owned by China’s Geely has the new C30 Drive E Electric. I was impressed with my test drive, but the Volvo electric car will be selling only in Europe in the short-term. SAIC, Chery, and hundreds of players are also preparing EVs for Chin
India might bring us a Maharinda Reva or Nano EV that under prices everyone, but not this year which is the basis for this Top 10 Report.

European Innovation

By 2020, Europe with higher fuel prices and fewer oil subsidies, is forecasted to have more electric cars by 2020 than the U.S. Better Place may deliver 100,000 of the Renault Fluence with its switchable battery to Israel, Denmark, and other countries. Volkswagen may teach everyone how to extend range by making vehicles light. The concept Up Light weighs just over 1,500 pounds, but it’s only a concept. I loved test-driving the Volkswagen Golf Blue E-Motion, but don’t plan on buying it in the U.S. before 2014. You will likely be able to buy the Audi E-Tron sooner. BMW’s first U.S. electric car commercial offering, the Megacity Vehicle, may be a hit in 2013. For fun in the city in 2013, the Fiat 500 EV may be what you want. In other words, there is a lot of European innovation that did not make this Top 10 List, which focuses on the U.S. market for the next 12 months.
Please bookmark this Top 10 List and check back as we update. Exciting new electric cars are being driven on the U.S. streets and freeways. Nissan is an early mover with battery-electric cars and General Motors with plug-in hybrids. Competition will start to heat-up with offerings from Ford, Toyota, Honda, and dozens of Asian, European and American innovators. The winner will be the customer.
Source : cleanfleetreport.com