DK Ford in Leduc held their annual Show and Shine event on Aug 11. They decided to put up the Koch Automotive Group's 2006 Stock Ford GT on the Dyno testing machine. They had amazing results: They hit 540 hp to the rear wheels @ 175 mph in 4th gear. They actually had people clapping and cheering!!
Proud to be a part of the Koch Auto Group
Local4Local4Local and Ronald McDonald House Northern Alberta
After our tour we were able to sit down and talk with the businesses that we are going to be closely working with over the next year. My, oh, my, what a diverse group of people: Jitterbee Pancakes, Sandy View Farms, Natural Urban Mom, Revive Wellness, Key Lime Clothing, Bellies, Arbonne, Greys Recycling, Allium Food Works, Memory and Story, couple of photographers, many more. It will make for an exciting year.
The purpose of Local4Local4Local is to bring our community together for the common good. Thus was born the idea to have local businesses be of service to the house on a rotational basis in providing a dinner per month, while also supporting local businesses by purchasing all of the food for the dinner from local providers. Our jumping off point is the Ronald McDonald House. Twice a year we will be doing something called a "Home For Dinner" in which we will come into the house bringing food and we will cook dinner for the house (by "house" I mean 30 suites of individual families). We all know that some days the last thing we want to do is cook a meal. We choose to do these dinners because they know that these families will be tired after spending the day in the hospital, dealing with the emotional roller coaster of their child’s health, and the last thing they want to think about is cooking.
A lot of people may ask, what is the Ronald McDonald house and what do they do? The Ronald McDonald House Northern Alberta has been a pillar charity in our Edmonton community since 1985. They cater to out-of-town families that are dealing with a child’s illness. RMNHA have achieved a safe place for these families and their children. It is a clean, fun and open environment. They are able to come and live in this house while their child is receiving treatment and they have access to all the amenities of the house as well as in the area. Currently the house sits over 100% capacity. The charity depends on donations and support from within our community.
Some amenities that they have are:
-On-site education coordinators, who are able to make sure that the children and the siblings are not behind in their studies during this ordeal.
-“Magic Room” A place where, when children celebrate a treatment milestone or birthday they enter this room and pick a special gift (all donation based)
-Amazing staff, from the cleaning crew, on-site managers, development managers, etc.
-Warm and inviting rooms with welcome bags waiting
-Quilt room. A child can enter the room and pick a quilt that they like the best and are able to keep it throughout and after their stay.
-Teen room, play area, crafts room, TV rooms, gym and much more.
-There are so many nooks and crannies in this place that there is never a dull moment
Please stay tuned as we go along for more updates.
Tires key to saving fuel
Specifically, the development of specially engineered, low-rolling- resistance tires designed to further improve the fuel economy of its cars and crossovers.
Four of Ford 's vehicles rated below 5.0 L/100km - Fiesta SFE, Focus SFE, Fusion Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid - come fitted with these special, fuel- saving tires. In addition, the 2011 Ford Taurus, 2011 Ford Edge, 2011 Ford Fusion and 2011 Ford Explorer have tires with enhanced technology that helps improve fuel economy.
Rolling resistance, a measure of the force required for the tire to travel down the road, is a key attribute in improving fuel economy. A 10 per cent improvement in rolling resistance leads to a fuel economy improvement of as much as two per cent, according to Ford’s tire experts. Ford’s tire team, a dedicated group of scientists studying the chemistry of tires, is also researching materials found in other products. Such as athletic shoes, to see if there is potential for automotive application. The team is working with tire suppliers and manufacturers to evaluate these materials and ultimately to bring improved tires to market faster.
The 2011 Ford Mustang coupe, for example, is the first car to achieve a combination of 305 horsepower and 6.4 L/100km (hwy).
Optimal tire pressures can also have a beneficial effect on fuel economy, which is why all Ford and Lincoln vehicles are available with tire pressure monitoring systems that alert the driver when pressure falls below a set level. Under-inflated tires can be a safety hazard in addition to lowering fuel economy.
From: Kamloops- The Daily News
Gas Saving Tips
Don't top off. Any additional gas is just going to slop around or seep out. Stop pumping at the first indication that your tank is full when the automatic nozzle clicks off.
Tighten up that gas cap. Gas will evaporate from your car's gas tank if it has an escape. Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause millions gallons of gas to evaporate each year.
Maintenance. Be serious about auto care. Always follow the manufacturer-recommended maintenance. The car's designed to run a certain way. If you neglect it, it won't be as efficient.
Nitrogen. Nitrogen replaces normal air in the tires and will save up to 10% in fuel costs in a year! This reduces corrosion inside wheel rims, tread wear, blowouts/avoidable collisions and it maintains consistent pressure levels. For more information on the Nitrogen please visit their website. www.pro-techseal.ca
Check Tire Pressure. Driving with just one tire under-inflated by 2lbs results in consuming approximately 2 weeks more of fuel per year and reduces your tire’s life by 6-9 months. 70% of vehicles have at least one tire with an inflation problem.
Ford's F-Series Super Duty lives up to its reputation
Although the sheetmetal and box sizes remain mostly unchanged, the one area that differentiates new from the so-yesterday SD is a more prominent "power dome" hood along with a bolder grille and front bumper.
Combined with a set of extra-large headlamps, the SD imparts a dominating sense of robust strength that continues to be its hallmark. Says exterior design manager Brad Richards, "The SD is not a bashful vehicle by any means."
Gasoline-engine:
· A new 6.2-litre V-8 rules the roost with 385 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque.
Diesel:
· For major muscle and sinew, the SD can be fitted with a brand new Ford-developed 6.7-L V-8 turbo-diesel that generates 390 h.p. and 735 lb-ft. of torque.
· Selecting the turbo-diesel will give you a payload capacity of 2,840 kilograms and a fifth-wheel towing capacity 12,000 kilograms.
o In addition, you can now order a factory-installed fifth-wheel hitch that will let you start pulling your yacht or mobile mansion right now.
· Connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. Plus there's a newly available "Live Drive" power take off (PTO) unit, consisting of an extra transmission output gear that can control accessories such as a snow plow, tow-truck lift or even a dump-truck-style box.
Options:
· Trailer-sway
· Roll stability control
· Hill Start Assist keeps you from rolling backward while stopped on an incline
· Hill Decent Control holds the SD at a set speed while traveling down a steep grade.
· New option prevents the lockup of the trailer's binders when the anti-lock program of the SD's brakes kicks in.
Byline: Malcolm Gunn at the Calgary Herald
Ford planning to develop three-cylinder engine
The No. 2 U.S. automaker said it will introduce a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine within the next two years. The engine will have the same performance as the widely used four-cylinder engine, but would save more fuel and lower emissions, Ford said.
"We just keep trying to find fuel economy improvements," Derrick Kuzak, Ford's head of product development, said Thursday. "The only way you keep doing that is by finding new technologies and attention to detail."
Engines of this size are seen in smaller cars and motorcycles. Kuzak said the engine is "clearly aimed for small cars."
Ford also said Thursday it would develop its own hybrid transmission and is planning an eight-speed transmission.
The move comes as automakers are developing more advanced powertrains and shaving weight from their vehicles to meet tightening U.S. standards regarding fuel economy.
By the 2016 model year, automakers' cars and trucks must get 35.5 miles per gallon on average, according to new U.S. fuel economy standards. Vehicles made by the top 14 automakers for the 2010 model year averaged 22.5 miles per gallon.
The three-cylinder engine will be used in Ford vehicles worldwide, although Ford did not specify which models.
Calgary Herald
Could Your Vehicle Seat Predict a Heart Attack?
When it comes to dangers on the road, we’re going to guess you immediately think of people who aren’t paying attention because they are texting while driving, distracted by who knows what or the like. What probably doesn’t come to mind at first is that the driver next to you could suddenly suffer a heart attack. You’re welcome for that ray of sunshine today.
But there is indeed a bright spot: Engineers at Ford have developed a prototype car seat that uses electrocardiograph (ECG) technology to monitor the heart’s electrical impulses and detect signs of irregularity, resulting in an early warning that a driver should seek medical assistance, such as for a heart attack, high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances or other cardiovascular issue.
Now, don’t imagine having to add 15 minutes to your commute in order to attach metal electrodes all over your skin before you can start the engine. Rather, this ECG seat has six built-in sensors that can detect heart activity through clothing. The sensors pick up the electrical impulses generated by the heart, turning them into signals that can be analyzed by medical experts or computer software.
Yet you’re probably thinking, when you’ve seen people in a movie having a heart episode, they’re not exactly calm, cool or collected, so you figure in the real world, a driver wouldn’t put on a turn signal, check for traffic and maneuver gracefully to the side of the road. Here’s where things get even more interesting: Ford is also testing the prototype seat to understand how it could work with other advanced systems within Ford vehicles to warn a driver to pull over and seek medical attention, possibly mitigating the consequences of a driver losing control, or even send out an alert to emergency medical workers if necessary. Connected to a system such as Ford SYNC® with MyFord Touch™, the seat potentially could use the driver’s mobile phone to send a message to medical centers, alerting doctors to irregular heart activity. The seat also could be linked through SYNC to inform emergency response teams of the driver’s heart condition before, during and after an accident.
Ford will offer start-stop in North America in 2012
Dearborn, Michigan – Ford will offer start-stop technology, which shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop, on conventional cars, crossovers and SUVs in North America in 2012. Start-stop systems, similar to those used on hybrids, are available on several vehicles in Europe, but currently only in Canada on the Porsche Panamera and Cayenne.
Ford said that its new Auto Start-Stop for gasoline engines will improve fuel economy for most drivers by at least four per cent, and depending on vehicle size and usage, can be as high as ten per cent for some drivers. The technology will be showcased on a concept vehicle in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
“For the driver, Ford Auto Start-Stop provides extra fuel efficiency without inconvenience, as it works completely automatically,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice-president of powertrain engineering. “And just like in our hybrid vehicles, the heater and air conditioner work as normal so drivers will not sacrifice comfort.”
In Europe, the system is standard on the ECOnetic models of the Ford Ka and Mondeo and is launching now on the Focus, C-Max and Grand C-Max. The system will eventually be offered in all of Ford’s global markets. When it debuts in North America, it will be available on gasoline cars with either a manual or automatic transmission. The system uses an enhanced twelve-volt battery and upgraded starter motor.
Courtesy of Canadian Driver
Courtesy of Canadian Driver
Dandelions can do what?
Dandelions can do what?The lowly dandelion, scourge of homeowners everywhere, is getting some love in a most unusual place: the auto industry, which could use the weed to make cup-holders and other interior bits.
Researchers at Ford and Ohio State University say a milky-white substance in the roots of an especially hardy strain of dandelion can be used to make synthetic rubber. It’s the latest example of nature showing us how to build cars more sustainably. Brazilian researchers, for example, are looking at bananas and pineapples as a source of more-ecofriendly plastic, while Toyota hopes to one day build a car out of seaweed.
“Synthetic rubber is not a sustainable resource, so we want to minimize its use in our vehicles when possible,” Ford research engineer Angela Harris said. “Dandelions have the potential to serve as a great natural alternative to synthetic rubber in our products.”
The dandelion in question is a Russian variety, Taraxacum kok-saghyz, being grown at the university’s Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. A milky-white substance that seeps from the roots is used to produce the rubber.
In a nutshell, the plants are carefully harvested to ensure the roots remain intact. The roots are ground to extract the milky-white latex. The latex is vulcanized, a process Ellen Lee, a researcher in Ford’s plastics research group, said involves cross-linking the polymer chains.
“Basically, if you think of the rubber molecules as long strings, vulcanizing would tie them all together to add durability, creating that rubber substance from the milky white liquid,” she said.
Ford sees the substance as a potential plastics modifier that could improve the impact strength of plastics. Should the material prove durable enough for mass production, it could be used in things like cup-holders, floor mats and interior trim.
Crazy Antics of our Shop Cat!
Crazy Antics of our Shop Cat!
Quite recently our shop cat has created some excitement. Over the weekend she happened to give birth in our shuttle to some baby kittens.
On Monday morning a customer by the name of Jennifer O’Neill was getting a ride in our shuttle van when she hear a strange noise in the back of the shuttle. Quickly after asking the driver to pull over she found 3 brand new baby kittens. To Jennifer's dismay the mama cat was nowhere to be found (as it had escaped when the shuttle was first used on Monday); she gathered up the kittens and took them into her vet to make sure that they were healthy and find out what to do to keep them alive.
After spending the day at the vet, the babies were sent home with Jennifer. She was taught how to nurse the babies with formula and instructed to try to find the momma asap as this would give the babies a far better chance to survive. Later that evening she returned with the kittens in hopes of finding the momma cat. With the help of Jeremy Koch and Brad Burgeson they spotted the momma cat. After many failed attempts to catch her they decided to leave the babies in the shop over night where the momma could nurse them.
The next morning Jennifer came in and shop staff notified her that the momma had been spotted with the babies but would likely not be back until later that evening when the shop. Jennifer took the kittens to the vet again to ensure their health and safety. She then proceeded to try and find a cat cage, after being told that only the representatives of the company could rent one from the humane society, she then drove around Edmonton trying to track one down finally finding one. Jeremy Koch, Brad Burgeson and Jennifer set up the cage with an assortment of food (including some tuna). A short while later, SUCCESS!!
Jennifer was gracious enough to lend her home to kittens and mother, once arriving she let out the cat in a private room so that they would be able to nurse, but alas the shop cat was absolutely distraught over the situation and the new location that she could not feed the kittens so the bottle feeding continued through the night. The next morning the vet advised that the babies and the mother should come in and that they would try to coax the mother to start feeding. Unfortunately momma cat had a different idea of how the day’s events would turn out. The momma cat escaped in a frenzy hiding herself in the floor joists of Jennifer’s basement ceiling. Crazy enough though, Jennifer caught her once again and brought her into the vet to be with her babies.
Mar 31st- The cat is now at the vets in order to be spayed-therefore avoiding this situation again. The vet is also hoping to coax her to feed her babies.
April 1st- The Momma kitty does not want anything to do with them but we did find out that she has a nasty infection in her mamory gland which is causing her alot of pain and a fever, they have been treating her with antibiotics for it. They were unable to go ahead with the spay yesterday because of the infection though. They are going to wait till next week and see if the infection has healed at all. One of the kittens has taken a bit of a turn to the worse. Let’s hope it makes it.
April 2nd- One of the babies passed away last night. Jennifer will update which one after she goes to visit the vet.
April 4th- Momma cat will be coming home today after being spayed. Also, the remaining kitten was given to a surrogate mother to nurse!
April 5th- Momma cat was released back into the shop. She is adjusting quite well
Stay tuned to hear all the latest updates and possibly some pictures!
After spending the day at the vet, the babies were sent home with Jennifer. She was taught how to nurse the babies with formula and instructed to try to find the momma asap as this would give the babies a far better chance to survive. Later that evening she returned with the kittens in hopes of finding the momma cat. With the help of Jeremy Koch and Brad Burgeson they spotted the momma cat. After many failed attempts to catch her they decided to leave the babies in the shop over night where the momma could nurse them.
The next morning Jennifer came in and shop staff notified her that the momma had been spotted with the babies but would likely not be back until later that evening when the shop. Jennifer took the kittens to the vet again to ensure their health and safety. She then proceeded to try and find a cat cage, after being told that only the representatives of the company could rent one from the humane society, she then drove around Edmonton trying to track one down finally finding one. Jeremy Koch, Brad Burgeson and Jennifer set up the cage with an assortment of food (including some tuna). A short while later, SUCCESS!!
Jennifer was gracious enough to lend her home to kittens and mother, once arriving she let out the cat in a private room so that they would be able to nurse, but alas the shop cat was absolutely distraught over the situation and the new location that she could not feed the kittens so the bottle feeding continued through the night. The next morning the vet advised that the babies and the mother should come in and that they would try to coax the mother to start feeding. Unfortunately momma cat had a different idea of how the day’s events would turn out. The momma cat escaped in a frenzy hiding herself in the floor joists of Jennifer’s basement ceiling. Crazy enough though, Jennifer caught her once again and brought her into the vet to be with her babies.
Mar 31st- The cat is now at the vets in order to be spayed-therefore avoiding this situation again. The vet is also hoping to coax her to feed her babies.
April 1st- The Momma kitty does not want anything to do with them but we did find out that she has a nasty infection in her mamory gland which is causing her alot of pain and a fever, they have been treating her with antibiotics for it. They were unable to go ahead with the spay yesterday because of the infection though. They are going to wait till next week and see if the infection has healed at all. One of the kittens has taken a bit of a turn to the worse. Let’s hope it makes it.
April 2nd- One of the babies passed away last night. Jennifer will update which one after she goes to visit the vet.
April 4th- Momma cat will be coming home today after being spayed. Also, the remaining kitten was given to a surrogate mother to nurse!
April 5th- Momma cat was released back into the shop. She is adjusting quite well
Stay tuned to hear all the latest updates and possibly some pictures!
You Should Know! Tips on Car Safety for Dogs!
Everyone knows that dogs love car rides. Ask a dog if he wants to go for a ride in the car and he's likely to jump for joy. If you're going to travel in the car with your dog, you should heed these safety tips to make sure your dog's car ride is a safe and happy experience.
Traveling with your dog offers an opportunity for him to run away:
- Always make sure that your dog's leash is on and someone is holding it firmly before you open the car door.
- Your dog should always have a collar with an ID tag. Maybe on the tag put your phone number so that you can be contacted directly if your pup is lost.
- If you're going to be away for any length of time, consider getting a second ID tag with your local address.
- Microchips are another way to make sure your dog will find his way back to you if he's lost.
- Keep a current photo of your dog in your glove compartment that you can photocopy or on your phone that you can easily print. This will allow you to show it to others or post if need be.
Dogs shouldn't be allowed to ride in the front seat because they can jump or climb on you while you're driving. This could distract you and cause an accident. Like people, dogs riding in cars have to be secured.
- One option is to use a pet carrier. Keep in mind that if you use a pet carrier, it must be secured to the car or it could fly forward in a collision, injuring the dog or people in the front of the car.
- Instead of a pet carrier, you can use a restraining harness that connects to your car's seat belts. The harness has the advantage of giving the dog freedom to move around, while at the same time keeping him safe in case of an accident.
Just like people, dogs can get car sick. Car sickness in dogs can be possibly due to stress and not the actual motion of the car.
- Don't feed your dog a heavy meal just before embarking on a car tip. A light meal a couple of hours before the trip would be best.
- Take water and a bowl along and schedule breaks every hour or two to let your dog walk around and do his business.
- Take along cleaning wipes and some air freshener to deal with any accidents that may happen inside the car.
Don't leave your dog inside a hot car with the windows rolled up. You shouldn't leave your dog alone in the car at all, but if you must, make sure it's not for a long period, try to park in the shade if it's a warm day, and crack the windows enough to let air circulate.
Major Vehicle Trends
Infotainment: 10 years ago: In Dash CD Players and cruise control systems were a luxury and are now standard. The days of packing a clumsy binder CDs are gone. For instance, satellite radio was not available in cars. Now Ford vehicles come equipped with SYNC which can stream Internet radio like Pandora or can play music from USB plugged-in digital music players or memory sticks.
The desire to have access at information at any point in time and has helped to spawn new technologies such as voice-activated controls, real-time traffic and Wi-Fi mobile hot spots.
Taking out the guesswork: New Curve Control, available on the 2011 Explorer, monitors a driver’s speed entering fast, sharp corners then corrects the vehicle. Other examples: collision warning systems, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and cross-traffic alert.
Today’s vehicles are equipped with new technologies that make driving easier, including self-parallel parking, rear back-up cameras and rain sensing wipers. Terrain management lets the driver select the type of terrain the vehicle is driving through, whether it is sand, snow or pavement. The vehicle then adjusts wheel spin, throttle inputs and other inputs accordingly.
Fuel economy: It used to be that bigger was better. Now consumers are looking more for fuel efficiency now more than ever. Hybrids, EVs, Electric have really shown us what the future might hold.
Creature comforts: Consumers today enjoy a more comfortable ride: better interior materials, sleeker interior designs, heated and cooled seats, memory seats, remote start and more storage capacity. Even a hands-free power lift gate that opens with the wave of a foot underneath the rear bumper can be found on Ford’s new C-MAX.
Security: Keyless remotes, alarms and warning systems and anti-theft systems have come a long way toward making life on the go safer for many. Ford and Lincoln offer: SYNC’s 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report, MyKey, Intelligent Access with push-button.
And what does the future hold? Expect more revolutionary change for the auto industry. Look for better lithium-ion batteries, alternative fuels, more advanced safety technologies and more connectivity such as vehicle-to-vehicle systems that will allow vehicles to “talk” to each other via wireless communications embedded into the car.
Ford B-MAX Concept Debuted
March 2nd, 2011
The B-MAX concept showcases a unique new body design which eliminates the traditional B pillar between the front and rear doors, and features twin rear sliding doors. This innovative format – which has already been engineered for production – promises best-in-class access to the cabin, together with unmatched convenience and flexibility.
The innovation continues inside the cabin, where the interior offers exceptional space and versatility for such a compact vehicle. The use of high quality materials highlights the vision that small, practical cars can also be comfortable and well-equipped. The B-MAX concept combines the integrated B-pillar door format with a flexible and easy-to-use seating system, resulting in an interior which offers unmatched practicality and versatility.
Having folded the 60/40 split rear seats and the front passenger seat to create an extensive flat load floor, the side access is particularly convenient to load bulky items such as flat-pack furniture or even a bicycle.
The B-MAX concept is just 4.3 inches longer than the Fiesta five-door, and is approximately one foot shorter than the new C-MAX. With this highly compact footprint, the B-MAX concept is ideally placed to meet the fast-growing demand for downsized cars which are better suited to congested urban conditions, but without sacrificing interior space and comfort.
The B-MAX concept is powered by an ultra-low-CO2 powertrain, featuring the 1.0-liter Ford EcoBoost® gasoline engine unit combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing to achieve significant reductions in fuel-consumption and CO2 emissions.
Simple resolutions to help you drive smarter and be safe
Simple resolutions to help you drive smarter and be safer
Today's vehicles are filled with features and technologies to help keep you safer. Knowing how to use them properly can make you a better driver. Some features can help minimize injuries from crashes, while others can help you avoid dangerous situations all together. Ford offers a list of safety resolutions and tips for car owners who are safe and in control in the drivers' seat.
--Click it -- Always buckle that safety belt. Isn't alone worth taking that extra two seconds to click on the belt when you travel -- and make sure your passengers do, too?
--Keep your eyes on the road -- not on your cellphone. Avoid unnecessary distractions. That means no texting -- no message is that important.
--Read a good book -- like your owners' manual. Reading it will give you valuable safety information and could even save you some money.
--Scrape that ice -- On wintery mornings, don't be one of those people trying to negotiate the roads while peering through a tiny hole of visibility in the windshield. That's just plain dangerous.
--Use technology to keep you safer -- Today's vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that can help keep you safer, but it always helps if drivers understand these features. Take your anti-lock-brake system, for example. ABS pumps the brakes automatically at a much faster rate than you could do it manually and allows better steering control.
--Listen to your mother -- Sit up straight. Make sure your seat and headrest are adjusted correctly in your vehicle to give you the optimum support. Your legs shouldn't be overstretched to reach the pedals; you should be able to glance up and out at your mirrors with ease.
--Check pressure on all four tires -- and the spare. Don't confuse the "maximum tire pressure" written on the side wall of the tire with the "recommended tire pressure" provided by the manufacturer -- that's found in that handy owner's manual you've resolved to read.
--Take a cue from the Scouts -- Be Prepared. You never know what cold weather will bring, so make sure you're carrying the essentials in case you get stuck or stranded: water, blankets, granola bars or beef jerky, a few road flares, a good flashlight (and extra batteries), jumper cables and a bag of cat litter to help gain traction if you're stuck in snow.
--Remember the two-second rule -- The vehicle in front of you should be passing a road marker two seconds before you to assure you're not tailgating.
Electric Focus charges faster than Nissan's Leaf
Fri Jan 14 2011
Byline: Michael Bettencourt
Byline: Michael Bettencourt
Ford will launch an all-electric version of its compact Focus hatchback by the end of 2011 in the U.S., and in Canada in 2012, Ford of Canada confirmed this week.
Though Nissan's Leaf, which is scheduled to arrive this fall, will be the first battery electric vehicle available in Canada, the Focus BEV offers a strong Canadian connection, with the entire electric powertrain developed by Aurora.
The Focus Electric, as it is officially called, will be recharged through a port on the driver's side fender.
-It has a high-tech illuminated ring that flashes in quadrants as the battery is "filling up"
-Solid ring means a fully charged battery.
-A full charge will take about half the time of the Nissan Leaf's, at three to four hours
-It uses a 240-volt home charging station.
-This charge time suggests that it has a smaller battery than the Leaf, which would also mean less range.
-Ford said this week it will match the Leaf's stated 100- mile (160-km) maximum range.
Ford's five-door Focus BEV seats five, just like the regular Focus and one more than its Volt notchback rival, but sports a unique front-end design that could have come straight off an Aston Martin.
2011 CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc.
2012 Ford CMAX- Exclusive Hands Free Liftgate
Monday, December 20, 2010
The C-Max will have an exclusive feature when it goes on sale in the U.S. and Canada next fall — a liftgate with hands-free opening:
-The C-Max liftgate can open with the wave of a foot under the back of the minivan. The van will only open for the person possessing its key.
-Ford said the North American version of the C-Max will be the first vehicle on the market with this technology.
-The C-Max has been on sale in Europe since 2003, although a seven-seat version wasn't sold there until this year.
Ford Focus platform
-The C-Max is built on the underpinnings of the Ford Focus, and is part of the company's plan to build 10 Focus-based vehicles worldwide by 2012.
-Ford will sell the seven-seat version of the C-Max in North America, a configuration that will make it unique in the small minivan market.
-The Mazda5, its closest rival in size, seats six.
-Ford provides an additional seat in the second row that can be folded away under the right-hand seat.
-Buyers will be able to get the third row removed if they prefer to have five seats.
-Ford tried to mask the twin sliding doors and also make the C-Max fun to drive, so it could overcome the minivan's reputation as a boring family-hauler.
Unveiling of the New Electric/Hybrid Concept
Tue Jan 11 2011
Byline: Tony Van Alphen
Automakers unleashed more electric models and hybrids in efforts to gain an edge in the emerging trend away from the internal combustion engine.
Surging Ford Motor Co. muscled into the market with the release of two more models at the North American International Auto Show after unveiling its electric version of the Focus at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week.
Toyota, the world's current hybrid leader, introduced more members of its Prius "family," while other automakers dotted the show with "green" models, that feature the latest advances in fuel economy and distance capabilities without recharging.
Ford spent its entire presentation showing off 10 small fuel-efficient cars, including the C-Max Energi, plug-in hybrid electric "multi-activity" vehicle, and the C-Max hybrid. Both vehicles will be available in North America next year.
In addition to the Focus electric car, which Ford developed with Aurora-based Magna International, the company said it will sell a seven passenger Ford C-Max that has the industry's first hands-free lift gate and looks like a small minivan.
Begley noted the Focus' much faster recharging prowess of three hours and Ford's assistance in setting up home plug-in facilities.
As thousands of paper butterflies floated from the ceiling of the Cobo Hall at the end of the Ford presentation, Begley remarked: "Who is the company that brings you those butterflies?"
On the floor of the show, other automakers ranging from Honda to Mercedes-Benz displayed electric concept cars. One Mercedes car was emblazoned with the message "zero-emission, e-cell, Blue efficiency."
Illustration: William Clay Ford Jr. addresses reporters at the Detroit auto show. David Cooper/Toronto Star
© 2011 Torstar Corporation
2011 Ford Fusion Sets the Standards
Airdrie City View
Fri Jan 14 2011
Page: 14 Section: News
Source: Rocky View Publishing
Page: 14 Section: News
Source: Rocky View Publishing
Ford claims its redesigned Fusion was the best-selling domestic car in 2009, and feels very confident in its abilities going forward.
The current 2011 model features:
- bold, aggressive attitude
- well-judged suspension, braking and steering systems
- Much of the interior features a soft-touch skin that looks and feels upscale
- Seats have plenty of side support and the coverings are also richer in appearance
- The gauges are well lit using an easy-to-read three-dimensional effect
- Ambient lighting that brightens up the footwells and floor-console.
- Capless fuel-filler system automatically opens and closes when you insert and then remove the pump nozzle.
- The optional blind-spot warning system puts lights in the side mirrors to warn of approaching traffic
- SYNC, Ford's voice-activated communications system, operates cell phones, audio programming, vehicle diagnostics and emergency-call placement.
- Ford claims the Fusion Hybrid achieves 4.6/5.4 l/100 km, city/highway.
It can comes in a variety of engine sizes like:
- The base 175-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder remains in most models
- Or the optional 3.0-litre V6 returns with 240 horsepower
- The all-wheel-drive Sport model features a class-competitive 263-horsepower 3.5-litre V6
- The Hybrid combines a 156-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 106-horsepower electric motor for a net output of 191 horses.
2012 Focus is to move like a Skier
http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/
The new 2012 Ford Focus
Engineered to increase novice-driver confidence by adding a finer sense of control in curves, the next-generation Focus will please enthusiast drivers as well with the addition of a vehicle-stability control system previously reserved for premium sports cars.
Just as a downhill skier or board rider shifts weight to their outside edge in transition from schuss to edge — adding balance and stability to carve through a turn — torque-vectoring control provides slight braking force to the wheel and tire that is subject to potential slippage to help the driver and vehicle gracefully negotiate the curve.
The pressure applied is imperceptible.
Torque-vectoring control uses the Focus braking system to imitate the effect of limited-slip differential, constantly balancing the distribution of engine output between the driven front wheels to suit driving conditions and road surface.
When accelerating through a tight corner, the system applies an imperceptible degree of braking to the inside front wheel, so that more engine torque goes to the outside wheel, providing additional traction, better grip and improved vehicle handling.
The system is designed to delight experienced and enthusiastic drivers but also to provide less- experienced drivers with confidence and a better sense of vehicle control, especially in difficult driving conditions.
Ford Prototype Car Talks to Other Cars
Technology today is progressing at an alarming rate. Now as our road ways become more cluttered, this prototype will communicate with other vehicles. Just imagine if you were to recieve a message saying that someone is about to do run a light that will end up in a t-bone accident that will endanger you and your precious cargo. This will reduce the number of accidents both light or fatal accidents. Sometimes there just needs to be that extra set of eyes.
Ford is building a prototype car that “talks” to other cars through WiFi to warn if the cars ahead slow down too quickly, and of other hazards.
No it won’t let you send other drivers messages like “Slow down you idiot.” But cars will send each other automated signals using an advanced form of WiFi (See video below). If a vehicle is running a red light or if it enters your blind spot, you get a warning.
The special WiFi system for “talking cars” could be included in smartphones or GPS products that could connect to the car radio as in the Sync.
Ford’s system relies on WiFi using a form of dedicated short-range communications on a secured channel allocated by the Federal Communications Commission, said Ford. The technology is called Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC).
2012 Ford Focus EV
Ford's electric Focus can have its battery fully recharged at home with a 240-volt system in as little as four hours, the company says. That's about half the time that it takes to fully recharge the battery of a Nissan Leaf, the first fully electric car to go on sale by a major auto maker.
Ford, in fact, used Detroit to unveil three new hybrid and electric vehicles. They are all part of a plan to provide more choices for fuel efficient transportation than any other manufacturer.
By 2012, Ford said its family of electric vehicles will include a plug-in hybrid and gasoline hybrid version of the C-Max, as well as a battery-powered Focus Electric compact car.
© 2011 CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc
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