Ford Fiesta

Focus ST 2012

 

Ford Fiesta ST gets the green light

You�ve seen the wildest Focus ever � now meet its crazy little brother! Ford is preparing to unleash a Fiesta ST � and with power from an all-new turbocharged engine, delivering at least 180bhp, it should finally unlock the supermini�s potential for fine roadholding.
Ever since we first drove the Fiesta, and experienced its beautiful balance and appetite for corners, we�ve been waiting for a more powerful version to enter production. And now Ford is ready to deliver!

The ST is a result of the �One Ford� philosophy, which commits the firm to building a handful of global models � including the Fiesta and new Focus. A hot ST variant of the latter has already been confirmed. The economies of scale that this produces mean the manufacturer can now justify building faster machinery.

Despite a Ford spokesman dismissing our claims that new spy shots � which you can see at www.autoexpress.co.uk � were of an ST, we know different. He said the car was one of four modified US-spec Fiestas prepared for this year�s LA Motor Show. But there are a handful
of fundamental differences which disprove his theory.

Spotted close to Ford�s global headquarters in Dearborn, near Detroit, the prototype seen on our website is a European-spec car. It features a green sticker in the bottom corner of the windscreen indicating that the model was built in Ford�s factory in Cologne, Germany instead of in Mexico.

The mule boasts some telling addenda too, such as an intercooler clearly visible in the lower front grille, confirming that there�s a turbocharged engine under the bonnet. That almost certainly points towards the 180bhp direct-injection 1.6-litre EcoBoost unit first introduced on the C-MAX people carrier.

While no performance figures are available yet, the ST is likely to deliver the 0-62mph sprint in less than seven seconds and a top speed of more than 140mph. This will allow the Fiesta to take the fight to VW Group rivals such as the Skoda Fabia vRS and Volkswagen Polo GTI. To compete with these cars and their hi-tech DSG gearboxes, expect Ford to fit the fast Fiesta with a six-speed Powershift dual-clutch transmission, controlled via wheel-mounted paddles. Twin exhaust pipes, a rear diffuser and a bodykit will improve the Fiesta�s sporty �kinetic design� even further and boost the car�s high-speed aerodynamics. An extended roof spoiler will also help to mark out the ST.

The Fiesta will make its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and go on sale in summer � three years after the basic model first arrived in showrooms

Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility prepares to serve and protect

Ford Police Interceptor Utility � Click above for high-res image gallery

When Ford took the wraps off of its Taurus-based Police Interceptor sedan earlier this year, we were told that a second, utility-oriented police pursuit vehicle would be coming down the pipeline. Enter the Police Interceptor Utility, based off the 2011 Explorer crossover. A Flex-styled paddy wagon would have been cool, but the Explorer's higher ground clearance makes it more versatile for law enforcement officials who require all-terrain capability.

Unlike the sedan, which will be available with two different powertrains, the Explorer Interceptor only comes with Ford's 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6, delivering "at least 280" horsepower and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations are available, and it appears that the Explorer's terrain management system will not be offered on the Police Interceptor. The latest host of driver aids like curve control and Ford's AdvanceTrac Roll Stability Control are standard on the Interceptor Utility, as are larger brakes, a tougher suspension and 18-inch steel wheels.

Inside, new seats have been fitted up front with reductions in side bolstering to accommodate an officer's utility belt, and the gear shifter is now mounted on the column in order to provide space for computer equipment in the center console. Much like the Taurus Interceptor, Ford specifically designed the spacing between the seats to ensure that existing police equipment can be carried over to the new vehicles without issue. Things aren't exactly luxurious in the rear seats (duh), but occupants out back do get their own climate control system (Ford says this is ideal for K9 units) as well as stab plates in the front seat backs to keep the driver and passenger safe.

Ford has also gone the extra step to rework some of the Explorer's interior functions to better suit police needs. The steering wheel buttons, for example, are remappable and can be programmed to operate a host of auxiliary functions (lights, sirens, etc.). What's more, Ford's SYNC system is on hand and can be used to voice-activate the different police communication and audio equipment.

Don't expect to see the Police Interceptor Utility out on the road until 2012 at the earliest. Ford says that production will begin in late 2011 alongside the sedan at the automaker's Chicago assembly plant. For now, check out our high-res galleries of both live and official images, and follow the jump for the presser

Ford Mondeo 2011

2011 Ford Explorer SUV Unveiled

The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer SUV has just been launched and is going to be purchased in the US at the end of the year with the starting price of $27,995. The new Ford Explorer was tuned from a heavy body-on-frame to the same unibody structure with separating front and rear suspension alike that of the Ford Taurus sedan and Flex crossover. In all, the all-new Explorer will be manufactured in three trim series levels including base, XLT and Limited. Let�s take an in-dept look at this latest series as follows:

In terms of the specs, Ford�s SUV will be equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine offering an estimated 290HP and 20 percent better fuel economy. In addition, the Ford Explorer can come with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol delivering 237HP at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,700 rpm. Both engines are connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder Ecoboost is supplied in front-wheel drive configuration whereas the V6 model can feature a new, intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

2011 Ford Explorer SUV goes with 290HP 3.5-liter V6 and 235HP 2.0-liter Turbo

The fuel economy improves by over 30 percent, helping the SUV in line with sedans including the 2010 Toyota Camry V6

In terms of its interior, this latest edition will consist of MyForddriver connect technology with 4.2-inch LCD screen, MyKey owner control feature, or air filtration system

The Explorer XLT model also includes heated sideview mirrors with LED signal indicators and security approach lamps, SecuriCode keyless entry keypad, and reverse sensing system

Explorer Limited additionally feature PowerFold sideview mirrors with driver�s side memory, ambient lighting, Intelligent Access with push-button start, or universal garage door opener

The standard AdvanceTrac with RSC system with Curve Control functionality offers braking optimized by each individual wheel, the optional Adaptive cruise control, collision warning with brake support, and Blind Spot Information System

This edition will be reduced in terms of total vehicle weight by 100 pounds thanks to the use of lighter materials like an aluminum hood

Three models containing base, XLT and Limited will be also debuted at the end of this year in the US