Ford To Build Michigan’s Largest Solar Array

Ford has teamed up with utility DTE Energy to build the largest solar array in its home state of Michigan, as well as the second-largest carport in the entire Midwest. The solar array will provide 360 covered parking spots and 30 plug-in vehicle charging stations, and is expected to generate 1.13 million kWh annually.

That’s enough energy to power about 158 average-sized American homes for an entire year, tough instead the power will be fed into the Ford World Headquarters, offsetting some 794 metric tons of carbon each year. The project is being funded by DTE Energy, and after a carport at the Cincinnati Zoo, it will be the largest carport in the Midwest. Construction will begin this September and is expected to be completed early next year, after which DTE energy has a 20-year contract to operate and maintain the solar-powered carport.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with DTE Energy to bring a more efficient, renewable energy source to our offices,” said Donna Inch, chairman and CEO, Ford Motor Land Development Corporation. “This is an innovative project that will benefit both DTE Energy and Ford, and is yet another example of our work toward building a more sustainable future.”

The two companies have previously teamed up on other solar projects, including a 500-kilowatt system at the Michigan Assembly Plant. DTE Energy has committed to produce 10% of its energy from renewable sources by the end of next year, and this massive solar array gets them that much closer.

“The SolarCurrents canopy project is another example of how DTE Energy and Ford are working to build a more energy-efficient and sustainable future,” said Irene Dimitry, DTE Energy vice president, marketing and renewables. “At the same time, this project will help us come closer to meeting Michigan’s renewable energy goals and diversify our energy portfolio.”

Source: Ford 

First Automaker To Build A 30 MPG Pickup “Wins”

American automakers know that pickup trucks are their bread-and-butter money-making machines, but increasing fuel economy standards are forcing a level of innovation not seen in decades. An executive for the Ram truck brand recently acknowledged that the first automaker to sell a legitimate, 30 MPG truck essentially “wins” the pickup wars.

That’s what Ram’s brand director Bob Hegbloom told to Automotive News in a recent interview. When asked if “30 MPG is attainable without re-engineering the truck”, Hegbloom responded by saying:

The first manufacturer that gets to 30 mpg wins. We are seeing that with our 28 mpg EcoDiesel as well as the 25 mpg on the Pentastar V-6 model that fuel economy is so important. We are seeing it in the share gains and the growth for the brand. That’s a number that is out there, but I don’t think you can stop there.

Earlier in the interview he claims that drivers of the new Ram 1500 EcoDiesel are regularly achieving in the low 30 MPG range with their oil-burning trucks. But there’s still the 2015 Ford F150 with its lightweight aluminum body and new small-displacement EcoBoost V6 to contend with, and it could match or exceed the 28 MPG rating of the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. There’s little doubt that soon, possibly very soon, one of America’s Big Three automakers will sell a truck with a 30+ MPG fuel economy rating.

Whoever gets there first may indeed win some new customers, but there’s still brand loyalty and skepticism to contend with. Not every pickup owner is ready to embrace diesel engines or aluminum bodies…and for them there’s always the Chevy Silverado. This bold statement by Hegbloom makes you wonder just how close automakers are to a 30 MPG truck.

Which automaker do you think will be the first to build a 30 MPG pickup?

Source: Gas2

2016 Ford Ranger Spotted Testing In US, Again

The Ford Ranger was, by far, the most popular small truck in America…right up to the moment Ford killed it. Many people have loudly decried this move as a mistake, and Ford may be coming around to our way of seeing things.
For the second time in a month, the 2016 Ford Ranger has been caught testing in America, this time completely uncovered in pictures sent to Jalopnik. But that doesn’t mean a new Ranger is a sure thing for the US.

Of course, it would be a great addition to Ford’s lineup, especially if it came with the 3.2 liter diesel engine capable of towing a train locomotive. The “global Ranger” as it is colloquially called, is about 10% smaller than the best-selling Ford F150, but it is capable of much better fuel economy, sometimes even managing above 30 MPG. Of course the new aluminum body structure and 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6 mean the 2015 F150 could deliver incredible fuel economy as well, but it’s still more truck than many people need, your humble writer included. A smaller, cheaper Ranger aimed at entry level truck buyers could find wider appeal in a market where fuel economy is now a primary factor when it comes to new car buying decisions.

Even if the global Ranger does come to America though, there’s no garauntee the diesel engine will come with it. More likely, we’d see an EcoBoost four-cylinder and V6 engine offered, whereas GM is bringing a four-cylinder Duramax diesel with its new compact trucks, the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. Which drivetrain would buyers prefer? Until we have some official MPG numbers/confirmation on the Ranger coming to America, it’s hard to make any sort of fair comparison. At the very least though, Ford seems to be considering re-entry into the small truck market.

Count me as a fan of this move.

Source: Gas 2.

Ford EcoSport 1.0 EcoBoost UK first drive review

Ford’s Fiesta-on-stilts compact SUV has some appeal, although it is less interesting to drive than it is to look at

What is it?

A startled blowfish. A cartoon character. A cheerful balloon. The look of the new Ford EcoSport has been likened to many things, but it is certainly distinctive.

The EcoSport augments the Blue Oval’s SUV range and will sit below the existing Kuga, with the larger Edge completing the three-vehicle line-up when it arrives next year.

Based on the B-class vehicle platform that also underpins the Fiesta, and built at the Chennai plant in India, Ford is anticipating that the EcoSport will mop up sales in this fast-growing segment, where buyers traditionally put more emphasis on appealing design than on price or dynamic ability. Hence the dramatically bluff front-end styling and aggressive stance.

Its looks alone could lose the EcoSport as many admirers as it wins, but in a market segment ruled by funky designs such as the Nissan Juke andRenault Captur, Ford has little room for conservatism.

Ford’s strategy with the EcoSport is to keep it simple. A limited range of engines is offered, and at present the only gearbox option is a five-speed manual, but a six-speed Powershift dual-clutch automatic transmission is due early next year on the more powerful 1.5-litre petrol variant.

There isn’t much scope for overloading the EcoSport with extras either; Ford offers all cars in Titanium trim, with the option of upgrading with a Titanium X pack which costs £1000 and adds full leather, cruise control and 17in alloys in place of the standard 16in items. Ford expects half of EcoSport buyers to choose the package.

Beyond that, there are few cost options, among them Ford’s Sync connectivity package (costing £250), metallic paint (£495) and rear parking sensors (£210).

The EcoSport is on its second generation in South America, where it was first introduced back in 2003, but this is the first version to reach Europe. It is still a rare sight on UK roads, and this was our first opportunity to drive one in this country.

What is it like?

The high-riding driving position, and the clear frontal view it affords, are the most novel aspects of the interior. The rest of the EcoSport – recognisable from other Ford products – is far less adventurous than you might expect given the car’s strong exterior lines, and lacks the pizzazz of rivals such as the Captur.

Still, it majors on practical considerations. Both headroom and legroom are very good, boot space is 310 litres and you can free up a not-inconsiderable 1238 litres by folding and tumbling both elements of the 60:40 split rear bench.

Although mounting the spare wheel on the rear door is a clever way to liberate more boot space, it does feel more like a design-led gimmick. From a practical perspective, it makes the side-hinging door rather heavy and awkward, which could be an issue if you’re grappling with luggage or shopping bags.

It’s clear from the outset that heady performance isn’t the EcoSport’s forte. In the Fiesta, this engine can sprint to 62mph in 9.4sec, while installed in this baby SUV takes a rather more sedate 12.7sec. 

On more twisting roads, though, the EcoSport shows little sign of body roll, cornering with a precision that’s quite pleasing for a supermini-on-stilts. It could even feel like a deft performer were it not for light and not particularly engaging steering that’s presumably set-up to focus on town centre manouvering. 

The ride is composed, with only the most significant of road ruts communicating to the driver. The EcoBoost engine emits its now-familiar three-pot thrum, noticeable but not overbearing during acceleration and at motorway speeds. Those used to the Fiesta might notice a touch more road and wind noise, but it’s not intrusive.

Ford says the EcoSport has some genuine off-roading capability, with 180mm of ground clearance. We did not have the opportunity to test the claim, although the lack of a four-wheel-drive variant in the UK model range suggests the only jungle this model will be seen in is an urban one.

Our short test route in the 1.0-litre EcoBoost returned fuel economy in the low 40mpg region. Although a subsequent drive in the 1.5-litre diesel version returned 45mpg over the same varied roads, the oilburner costs an extra £500.

Should I buy one?

The cost of the EcoSport is competitive in relation to its main rivals, bar the budget-conscious Dacia Duster, although as Ford itself points out, buyers in this segment tend to be attracted more by design appeal than a cheap sticker price.

And whether the EcoSport’s looks appeal compared to, say, the Juke orMokka will be a purely subjective decision for the prospective buyer.

In such a competitive market sector, though, Ford has made the EcoSport stand out in key areas, particularly with its agreeable (but not dynamic) driving experience, pleasant urban manners and above-par interior space.

Ford EcoSport 1.0 Ecoboost

Price £15,995 0-62mph 12.7sec Top speed 112mph Economy 53.3mpgCO2 125g/km Kerb weight 1350kg Engine 3-cyls, 999cc, turbocharged, petrol Power 123bhp at 6000rpm Torque 125lb ft at 1400-4500rpmGearbox 5-spd manual

Source: Autocar

2015 Mustang EcoBoost Good For At Least 31 MPG?

The 2.3 liter EcoBoost engine found in the 2015 Mustang is one of the most talked-about motors of the past two years, and we finally have some hard numbers attached to it. The official ratings are 310 horsepower and 320 ft-lbs of torque, which is comparable to the Mustang’s V8 engines of just a decade ago. Now we’re getting the first reports on fuel economy, and it ain’t too shabby.

A post over on reddit from u/noname87scr claims to work at a Ford dealer, where a 2015 Mustang EcoBoost just showed up. He posted the above shot of the engine bay, and says that the Ford rep claimed he was getting 31 MPG on the highway. 310 horsepower and 31 MPG? I’m still set on getting a Tesla, but those are the kinds of numbers that make it a good time to be a Mustang fan, especially after hearing this torquey EcoBoost engine gettin’ it on at the track.

Just wait until the aftermarket gets its hands on this engine too. 400 horsepower shouldn’t take much more than an ECO reflash, a bigger exhaust, and a small shot of nitrous. The tiny turbocharger could also do with an upgrade, pushing well into Mustang GT territory. The EcoBoost engine comes at a $1,500 premium to the base V6, but is some $7,000 cheaper than the heavier V8-powered GT model, adding to my argument that the V8 muscle car is on its way out.

Ford still hasn’t revealed the official fuel economy figures, but could Ford land numbers as high as 35 MPG on the highway? If a Ford rep was really managing 31 MPG on the highway, and was driving it with any sort of gusto, 35 MPG wouldn’t be too much of a stretch.

Source: Ford

2015 Ford F-150 Makes 325 Horsepower With 2.7 Liter EcoBoost

Arguably one of the most important vehicles of the next year, the 2015 Ford F-150 has wholly embraced lightweight aluminum and small turbocharged engines in an effort to boost fuel economy. Headlining the 2015 F-150’s powertrain lineup is a new 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6 that Ford says will make 325 horsepower and 375 ft-lbs of torque. On top of that, the new F-150 loses more than 700 pounds compared with the outgoing model, thanks to that aluminum body.

Though Ford isn’t specifying exact weight numbers yet, if you subtract 700 pounds from most 2014 models, you end up well under the 5,000 pound mark. The current range of 2014 F-150 pickups range in weight from 4,685 to just over 5,900 pounds, so a 700+ pound diet is pretty substantial. In fact, the new F-150 might weigh less than 1,000 pounds more than the new (and slightly heavier) 2015 Ford Mustang, and it could even slip under the curb weight of the Tesla Model S  (approx. 4,600 pounds).

Then you’ve got the 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6, an all-new motor designed to be the fuel-sipper of the F-150 lineup. The 325 horsepower and 375 ft-lbs of torque gives it V8-like power, with a payload capacity of 2,250 pounds and towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, more than capable of handling most jobs the average home or business owner will have to endure. Alas, Ford still isn’t talking MPG numbers, the the 2.7 liter V6 does come with Auto Stop/Start and other fuel-saving features designed to put it on top of the pack.

All this technology will come at a cost though, and there have been concerns that the 2015 F-150 will cost more both to buy and repair. Will truck buyers embrace aluminum bodies on their pickup trucks? The future of America’s best-selling vehicle hinges on the answer.

Source: Gas 2.

New Ford SVT Raptor Could Go EcoBoost As Well

Slowly but surely, Ford has been usurping the status quo with its pickups, first by offering the 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 as a V8 replacement, and then wholly embracing an aluminum body. Now Ford is reportedly tinkering with the formula to the popular SVT Raptor, a no-holds-barred off-road truck that has become of of the most beloved Blue Ovals.

AutoGuide reports that spy photographers caught the new SVT Raptor test mule, and said it sounded more like an EcoBoost V6 than the 6.2 liter V8 from the last model. That would be a radical departure from the Raptor we know and love, but it’s the direction Ford needs to go.

Without a hybrid or small diesel engine for the 2015 F-150, Ford is going to have to rely on the new 2.7 liter “Nano” EcoBoost V6 to provide the fuel economy boost its trucks need. While the 5.0 V8 will still be offered though, taking the Raptor down EcoBoost Street will prepare enthusiasts for what’s next.

With the 2015 Mustang EcoBoost offering a four-cylinder turbo for the first time in almost three decades, the Blue Oval banking on performance enthusiasts embracing downsized engines. The Focus ST and Fiesta ST led the way, but now with big dogs like the Mustang and Raptor (probably) offering EcoBoost engines, the slow-but-inevitable push towards dropping big V8s is beginning.

It won’t be a quick or sudden change, and the Mustang at least is likely to always offer a V8 of some kind. But it’s likely that the V8 engine will be reserved for the Shelby or other high-end models, while smaller EcoBoost engines pick up the slack. It’s the only way Ford can continue to meet fuel economy standards that are increasing both here and abroad.

As far as the Raptor is concerned, nothing is set-in-stone. The 6.2 liter V8 that powered earlier models will still be offered in the 2015+ Ford Super Duty models, but it was a 3.5 liter EcoBoost that helped a F-150 breeze through the Baja 1000. Head over to AutoGuide to check out the spy pics.

An EcoBoost Raptor is the right move Ford; don’t disappoint!

Source: Ford

Volvo V40 Polestar To Rival Ford Focus RS

Polestar is to Volvo as AMG is to Mercedes – a company whose mission in life is to take ordinary production cars and turn them into performance oriented road rockets. While AMG has been bought by Mercedes and made part of the company, Polestar continues as a separate entity that continues to work closely with Volvo.

Polestar came to prominence recently when it took the C30 race car that won the 2009 Swedish Touring Car Championship, and turned it into a street legal road car. With 405 hp, all wheel drive, enormous Brembo brakes and a straight through exhaust all wrapped up in electric blue, the C30 Polestar certainly got noticed!

According to Auto Express, Polestar is applying its talents to the Volvo V40, and will use the all-new 315 horsepower turbo and supercharged four-cylinder engine, though there’s room to grow. The supercharged and turbocharged engine will produce as much as 400 horsepower from the next generation hybrid XC90. Couple that to a performance oriented chassis fitted with stiffer springs, upgraded dampers and bigger brakes and you end up with a car that is seriously quick and has the handling of a racer. 0 – 60 in under 6 seconds is certainly possible, and there’s always the potential for a hybrid version with even more power. The V40 Polestar will be Volvo’s answer to the upcoming Ford Focus RS, the Audi S3 and the BMW M135i.

At the moment, Volvo is analyzing the business case for the V40 Polestar. Part of that discussion will be whether or not to give the car all-wheel drive capability. The V40 Cross Country already has AWD, so the hardware is available, but price will be an important consideration. If the V40 Polestar is to be competitive with other models in the marketplace, all-wheel drive might be too costly an option to take on other hot hatchbacks.

One thing buyers will not get is the Rebel Blue exterior that Polestar is famous for. Production cars will only be available in red, black or silver. Red would be nice, but that Electric Blue is something else.

Source: Gas2

Hybrid Sales War: Ford Fusion Outsells Chevy Volt in June

The battle for plug-in hybrid supremacy has been heating up month after month, but June saw – for the first time – the Ford Fusion Energi PHEV take the sales crown from the Toyota Prius/Chevy Volt powerhouses. It was a surprise, for sure – but, the more I looked at it, the less surprising that seemed.

Consider that Ford’s Fusion is not only a good-looking hybrid, but a good-looking car, rife with styling influences from Jaguar and Aston Martin (both former Ford properties). Add to that the fact that Ford’s Fusion is a larger, roomier hybrid than Chevy’s Volt – and that it’s about the same price! – and maybe you, too, can start to see what people see in the thing.

One more Fusion bonus: it doesn’t shout “Hybrid!”

As far as the numbers go, the Ford Fusion chalked up 1,939 deliveries and beat out the consistent-selling “competition” at GM, which sold just 1,777 Chevy Volts – despite drastic discounts at dealers in key markets like California and Florida.

So, does this mean that Ford’s hybrid star is on the rise, or is this just a result of Chevy Volt and Toyota hybrid shoppers holding out until the all-new 2016 Chevy Volt and Toyota Prius models arrive? Let us know what you think in the comments, below.

Source: Green Car Reports.

Ford Figo 1.0 Liter Engine Launched

Ford Figo 1.0 Liter Engine Launched

Brunt cheap car Ford Figo popularity in Brazil will likely increasingly heated brother. New in February 'release' its 2014 edition at the Auto Expo event, news has now emerged that there will be a 1.0-liter engine variants latest month of July.

This proves the automaker optimism against Ford Figo or also known as the Ford KA. How not, as of the beginning of this year alone there are three models of the new Ford Figo officially been marketed in various parts of the world, such as the Ford Figo in 2014 as well as two variants of the sedan in India and Brazil.

According to reports indianautosblog, the new Ford Figo's offspring will carry only choice runway, the engine-powered 1.0-liter three-cylinder 86 hp with a peak torque of 105 Nm.

The output carries the new hatchback is to be the number one in his class, align the notch with its rival the VW Up! and the Nissan March in the Samba nation.


Still according to the same alerts, mounts the birth of the Ford Fiesta platform, but with a solid body and lighter weight will also soon have a version of the sub-4 meter sedan that reportedly slid early next year.

Ford Figo 1.0 Liter Engine Launched

Ford Focus ST Spesial Tanner Foust Edition

Ford Focus ST Spesial Tanner Foust Edition

Ford Focus ST is now a special variant of the sedan seriously worked on by Ford . Through the special figure , this new retainer is now being targeted modification of the Tunner world .



Coinciding with the SEMA auto show last year , the ST series has undergone a lot to get a touch of the modifier . Continued until nearly entered the mid- 2014, the Ford Fiesta ST hot though emerging from Cobb tunning with Tanner Foust Edition .

Shown through the all- new physique , the Focus ST comes with impressive strength . According to the autoevolution some time ago , the 2.0-liter EcoBoost power invested him apparently increased to 300 hp .



The performance increase is capable fed through an enlarged intercooler , sport exhaust system , intake system plus the latest ECU has been set back .

Cosmetic exterior also somewhat more sporty appearance thanks to an update formula grille design front splitter , side skirts and diffuser . On the hood modifications , plastered ventilation to compensate for the heat the machine , so it is not just physically getting cool , but also a machine that stays cool .

Ford attracted by MPV Car Cheap

 

Ford attracted by MPV Car Cheap

New Delhi - Of the many car manufacturer in India , Ford has not only plunged into segemn ensure cheap MPV . Now the car manufacturer from the United States will begin to look cheap MPV segment in India .

Certainty is obtained after Ford Figo sedan version displays at the prestigious Auto Expo in New Delhi . The chassis and the platform is supposedly the basis of selection of Ford MPV in India .

Figo sedan version called Ka Concept 4 door has a longer wheelbase than the hatchback Figo thus considered suitable for a 7 passenger vehicle capacity .

Well , drivespark reported on Tuesday (02/25/2014 ) , Figo sedan model not enter India , but that 's MPV model based sedan will be introduced in India .

No news of the new Ford -related news , but reportedly affordable family car Ford will launch two more years in the Indian car market .

To note the Ford news enliven MPV segment cheap already crowded reported since 1 year ago . Only Ford was still shut up .

Ford CEO Alan Mulally joined Ford never asserted interest MPV in ASIA program from the introduction of Ford EcoSport in Bangkok last year , but there is no certainty .

If proven true , then the cheap Ford MPV will compete with the Honda Mobilio , Maruti Ertiga , Chevrolet MPV Enjoy and Hyundai .