This feed contains the latest All feed items for the FORD FOCUS CC model. http://www.motortorque.com/ Copyright 2013 MotorTorque All Rights Reserved. Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss Automotive Website Framework Engine (2.9.1208.1803) American car giants Ford has announced that it will undertake a £24 million investment programme at its high-tech Bridgend engine plant in Wales, in order to produce a new fuel-efficient 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. Ford has designed and produced the EcoBoost technology to deliver the power of a larger engine but with smaller unit fuel consumption. The company's engine plant is one of the locations benefitting from Ford's planned £1.5 billion investment. Announced back in 2010 the money is to be ploughed into the research, development and manufacturing of low-CO2 technology for vehicles over a five year period. Ford's Bridgend engine plant produces 2,668 four-cylinder engines each day, with some of the units being exported to Spain, Sweden, Germany, Russia, Belgium and the USA. These exports deliver an annual export value of £1.5 billion when combined with other Ford UK operations. Helping the plant to maintain its excellent production figures, employment at Bridgend will rise to 2,300 this year - the most in its 33-year history. Edwina Hart, Welsh Government Minister for Economy, commented: 'The Welsh Government has worked closely with Ford to secure this investment and is delighted to confirm a support package of £12 million towards this exciting programme. This will help safeguard and create high quality production and engineering jobs in Wales.' Managing director at Ford of Britain, Mark Ovenden, added: 'The Welsh Government has greatly assisted in maximising the full potential of Ford's own investment in Bridgend and we are pleased to meet today with the Welsh First Minister and the Minister for Economy to recognise this successful partnership.' The Bridgend engine plant is the long term European production base for the new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine, as well as the existing 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine - first introduced in 2011. Production of the new unit will start in 2014, ramping up over the following two years to ensure that the Bridgend output is maintained at optimum capacity during the period. Written by Glenn Doyle. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/ford-to-make-multi-million-pound-investment-at-bridgend-plant-22052.aspx Glenn Doyle Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Rear view camera technology is the most popular ticked box when buyers are scrolling down the options list. According to a survey carried out by TNS over 11,000 ford owners in the UK added rear view camera technology to the equipment list when buying a new Ford car. Ford has already introduced cameras across the vast majority of the range, including Fiesta, B-MAX, Focus C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, Mondeo, Galaxy and S-MAX. Ford also sold more than 100,000 vehicles in Europe equipped with Active Park Assist, the second best-selling aid, which helps drivers parallel park at the touch of a button, and without touching the steering wheel. "Parking is the latest example of a tough, stressful task rendered simple by technology," said Ford chief engineer Christof Kellerwessel. "Before GPS, you had to read a map or ask directions. Technology that was once unaffordable or far-fetched can now improve the lives of many." Ford's kit is pretty nifty and able to show obstructions such as low obstacles, animals and children, on a screen in the instrument cluster or in the rear view mirror. It debuted on the Ford Kuga in 2008 and was then introduced on the Mondeo, Galaxy and S-MAX in 2010. It has since has been rolled out across the Focus, Grand C-MAX, C-MAX, Fiesta and B-MAX. Ford's Active Park Assist system, which was launched on the Ford C-MAX in 2010 and is also available on the Focus and the new Kuga, uses ultra-sonic sensors to identify suitable parking spots. Active Park Assist automatically steers the vehicle while the driver controls the gears, throttle and clutch. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/rear-view-camera-is-most-popular-kit-on-ford-cars-21990.aspx Simon McBride Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Ford will celebrate 50 years of continuous Mustang production this year before launching the car as a right-hand drive option in the UK. The iconic muscle car has been a staple of US performance car culture for half a century and the brand is celebrating its success with a new logo. Featuring the famous Mustang design, the new logo adds the words '50 years' and will be placed on a host of new merchandise to celebrate the achievement. 'During its first 49 years of production, Mustang has come to evoke a variety of emotions in our customers - freedom, independence and being true to one's self - just to name a few,' said John Nens, Ford's team lead for Global Brand Licensing. 'We're marking this Mustang milestone with a distinctive collection of licensed products from select manufacturers that will carry the unique Mustang 50 Years logo.' UK customers will be able to celebrate as well because a Ford Mustang will be sold on these shores for the first time from 2014. The angular muscle car will use retro styling when it arrives and will be fitted with a 3.5-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine developing 360bhp. The engine is one of the most powerful in the EcoBoost range, the selection of more powerful but also more efficient petrol engines that begin with the 1.0-litre three-cylinder option used in the new Ford Fiesta. Ford has not released prices and specification for the new 2014 Ford Mustang but it will renew its rivalry with the Chevrolet Camaro in one of the best-known car rivalries of all time. The Camaro was launched in the UK last year in a single, high-spec trim priced from around £35,000 and the Ford Mustang is expected to cost around the same for a similar-spec version. Meanwhile, much of the 50 years-branded merchandise will be sold in the US where production of the Mustang has continued unhindered for five decades. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/new-ford-mustang-logo-celebrates-50-years-21794.aspx Stephen Hurrell Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Read more about the Ford EcoSport After a long awaited arrival Ford enthusiasts finally got a glimpse of the new EcoSport SUV at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Like many other compact SUV's, the EcoSport is based on a smaller supermini sibling - the Ford Fiesta - combining it's compact body with SUV styling. This mini-SUV offering will give the Ford brand new appeal and help it keep up with competition like the Nissan Juke and the recently revealed Renault Captur. Our team got a quick look at the new Ford EcoSport on scene at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRgESREhS6Q http://www.motortorque.com/videos/motorshows/new-ford-ecosport-sneak-preview---geneva-motor-show-2013-21613.aspx New Car Reviews Motorshows Richard Bush Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Ford revealed the European version of its all-new EcoSport model at this week's Geneva Motor Show, adding to its growing SUV line-up in Europe - as part of the company's product-led transformation. Ford's product-led transformation involves offering compact and agile SUV which offer space, modern designs and smart technology - something which the EcoSport offers in abundance. Built on Ford's global B-segment platform, the compact EcoSport vehicle will blend the agility and fuel efficiency of a small family car with the flexibility, spaciousness, high driving position and 'go anywhere' appeal of an SUV. The new EcoSport will offer a range of efficient powertrains, including the 'International Engine of the Year': 125PS 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine, a 110PS 1.5 litre petrol engine and a 90PS 1.5 litre diesel engine - expected to deliver class-leading efficiency. Nick FitzGerald, chief programme engineer for EcoSport, commented: 'All-new Ford EcoSport for Europe is extremely economical, flexible and stylish, and will - alongside the new B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle, the best-selling Fiesta and all-new Tourneo Courier - complete a comprehensive small car line-up for Europe.' FitzGerald further added: 'The EcoSport has already achieved iconic status in South America. EcoSport for Europe builds on that success and brings this attractive car to the European consumers.' Our MotorTorque video team are currently at the Geneva Motor Show, reporting back on all of the cars and concepts from the week. You can watch our day two round-up video below. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/geneva-motor-show---ford-ecosport-21590.aspx Glenn Doyle Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Ford has debuted its new EcoSport at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The manufacturer's new SUV is finally in production, and features a wealth of technological features including Ford's acclaimed SYNC system. The EcoSport will be amongst the first European Fords to offer the Sync AppLink system, which allows drivers to control their apps via voice-activation. Ford promises motorists will be treated to an agile, small family car experience combined with the "go anywhere" appeal of an SUV. The car features Ford's 'International Engine of the Year', the 125 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost. The car will also come with a choice of a 110 PS 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 90 PS 1.5-litre diesel unit. The car features a strong front grille, a short bonnet and raked front pillars. Angular headlamps are also present to give the car a modern feel. The EcoSport also features a number of additional assistance technologies including an Electronic Stability Program and Hill Launch Assist. But it's the car's SYNC system which is attracting the most attention, with Ford insisting that "the role of the car is evolving." "We are entering the age of the connected car and debuting EcoSport at Mobile World Congress underlines just how important advanced vehicle technology is to customers and to Ford," says Paul Mascarenas, Ford chief technical officer and vice president, Research and Innovation. "Customers want to be able to safely enjoy the same level of connectivity in their cars as they would do at home, and SYNC AppLink enables then to do just that. "By maximising the potential of apps, Ford can offer customers a class-leading range of smartphone app capabilities while on the move." The car also features SYNC Emergency Assistance. The car will be available to order later on in the year, with full prices and specifications revealed closer to the car's launch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPmMWOEXZz8 http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/ford-reveal-new-compact-and-connected-ecosport-model-21417.aspx Ant Bradshaw Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT John Eliss, Ford's global technologist for connected services, recently stated: "It's open, it's global, it's live, let's hack!" He was referencing Ford's SYNC AppLink software, which is now ready to utilise user-generated applications. By 2014, Ford estimate that there will be 14million app-capable Ford vehicles on the road and, with no cost for the software development kits or a royalty fee, as well as free advice at developer.ford.com, there is plenty of incentives for any and all novice developers to start work on applications. According to Eliss, all new Fords will be compatible with the software and the applications themselves can be downloaded onto Android or iOS devices. Currently, Pandora, Amazon Cloud Player, BeCouply and Kaliki are four of the 63 in-car applications that make use of the microphones, speakers, control panels and smartphone connectivity that is all found in the dashboards of Ford vehicles. With the aforementioned software development kits being available and free of charge, the listed applications above are the first of a flood of applications that will provide useful content and services which help the driver without causing distraction - as well as utilising voice commands to avoid awkward keypad text entry. Eliss also mentioned that Ford only has three rules for potential developers of the applications: no text-heavy applications, no movies or video content and, definitely, no games. He stated that the idea of the software is to enhance the driving experience safely and keep the driver's eyes and attention on the road. Ford's SYNC AppLink software is similar to other systems featured in cars on the market, such as the Vauxhall Adam's 'Intellilink' and Renault Clio's 'R-Link'. The difference, however, is that these other systems and software do not allow non-company developers to create applications to use in-car. For this reason, potential developers have more reasons to get excited about Ford's SYNC AppLink software than the others listed. Developers could think about creating an application which changes the music depending on the mood of the driver - so if it picks up any shouting through the microphone, for example, then the software will play calm and soothing melodies to help the driver relax and focus on their driving. So if you want to try and develop an application to be used on the SYNC AppLink software, then get your hands on the free software development kit and get to it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZVPPrhFo3I http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/fords-sync-applink-ready-for-in-car-applications-21017.aspx Glenn Doyle Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Ford will allow developers to create custom applications compatible to operate on Ford's SYNC onboard computer, a feature becoming increasingly standard across the manufacturer's new model range. Starting from this week the company is launching its Ford Developer Programme for use with Ford's SYNC gadget through Ford's AppLink system. The SYNC AppLink service is yet to reach Ford customers in Europe; however it has since been announced by the manufacturer that'll do so later in 2013. It's been described by Ford as the world's first open developer programme for the automotive industry. The standard Ford SYNC device is available on several models in the current Ford range, including the Focus, C-Max, Grand C-Max and B-Max. The Ford Fiesta also gets the SYNC gadget as part of its 2013 model refresh, which makes first deliveries this month. The technology allows drivers to connect mobiles and music players to the car, with the driver using voice commands to transfer contact information, answer calls, plus listen to text messages which are read out and then respond with pre-set messages using the voice function only. All potential developers can start viewing examples of code, as well as terms and licences by developing developer.ford.com online. The creation of the custom apps for Ford SYNC is licence and royalty free and should in theory at least be able to incorporate the voice function control regardless of the nature of the app created. However while people will be able to create any sort of app they like for consideration, Ford will only approve certain kinds to be approved for mass installation on SYNC from the public. It's believed Ford are looking specifically for apps focused on music, productivity, health and networking to be accepted for installation on SYNC. Any app outside these categories will likely be rebuffed. Furthermore all custom made apps for Ford SYNC will have to blank out the car's onboard phone screen during use, to make the app less distracting to drivers when in use. The first example of user-made apps for Ford cars with SYNC onboard could start appearing across the UK during the second half of this year. Written by Stephen Goldasz http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/ford-enables-custom-apps-within-their-cars-20892.aspx Stephen Goldasz Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Keep up to date with all the goings on at Paris 2012, and join the discussion with MotorTorque's 48-hour live blog. Ford will reveal the new EcoSport mini-SUV to the public tomorrow at the Paris Motor Show. Extensive details have already been revealed for the model, which represents part of Ford's expansion of its SUV range for Europe. Within the next 18 months Ford's plan will also see the launch of a new generation Kuga crossover SUV and a larger model called the Edge. Ford has yet to give an exact released date for the EcoSport, but UK customers may need to wait until 2014 at the latest. The platform and rivals The Ford EcoSport may be classed as an SUV but it's a compact model based on the same platform as the Ford Fiesta supermini. The main rivals for the EcoSport will be similar sized SUVs including the Nissan Juke and the upcoming Vauxhall Mokka, which is also appearing at the Paris Motor Show. The Mokka is in fact based on the same platform as the Corsa - one of the Fiesta's arch-rivals in the supermini market. Ford's global B car vehicle line director, Nick Collins, comments: "Ford EcoSport combines the value, quality, and fuel efficiency of Fiesta, with the exciting look and feel of a modern SUV." Like other cars in this category the EcoSport is unlikely to be well-suited for tackling off-road conditions, but Ford will focus efforts on it providing a comfortable drive and an imposing presence. Styling and equipment The EcoSport may share a platform with the small Fiesta supermini, but that doesn't stop this SUV from having a tall and rugged looking body. At the front is a large and distinctive open mouth grille situated below a pair of slim headlights. Emphasising the SUV look further is the cladding panels on both the side sills and the bumpers. Inside the EcoSport will feature various onboard gadgets including Ford's SYNC system, which allows the driver to answer phone calls and select music from devices using voice control. The EcoSport can connect to both Bluetooth and various USB devices. Another onboard gadget is Ford's Emergency Assistance which will automatically contact local emergency services in the event of an accident. Other safety features will include electronic stability, anti-lock brakes and Hill Launch Assist. Engine options Engine choices for the Ford EcoSport are set to include the manufacturer's 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with outputs of 99bhp or 118bhp. This particular unit has been highly publicised after it took the 2012 International Engine of the Year accolade, and it looks set to arrive on every new and current Ford model over the next 18 months. Other engines set to arrive to the EcoSport will include a 94bhp 1.6-litre diesel, connected to a dual-clutch gearbox, and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel unit. All engine options for the EcoSport reported so far for the UK market will only come on a two-wheel drive powertrain. A four-wheel drive version of this SUV is in fact available in Brazil, but the chances such a set-up will come to these shores are uncertain. The idea has yet to have been ruled out however. Pricing No details have been given yet on UK pricing for the Ford EcoSport, although expect it start in a region similar to its rival the Nissan Juke, which currently starts at £13,395. Ford developed the EcoSport specifically in South America and the car has already gone on sale in Brazil during this month. By the time the EcoSport reaches the UK market, its price could undercut its rival the Juke, starting in a region of £12,000 to £13,000. Written by Stephen Goldasz http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/paris-2012---ford-ecosport-suv-first-look-19605.aspx Stephen Goldasz Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new mini-SUV based on the Ford Fiesta will go on sale in the UK within the next 18 months, according to the brand. The Ford EcoSport will compete against similar-sized compact SUVs like the Nissan Juke and the upcoming Vauxhall Mokka, which is also based on a supermini, the Corsa. When it goes on sale the EcoSport will join up with an expanded and strong looking Ford SUV line-up, which will include the new Kuga and debut the all-new Edge. The Ford Edge is a large crossover SUV which will be bigger in size compared to the Kuga. Already on sale in the USA, the Ford Edge will likely hit the UK market around the same time as the EcoSport. While details are currently short on the UK-spec Ford Edge, the American manufacturer has revealed engine specifications and equipment details for the EcoSport. The Ford EcoSport will be available with a frugal 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine, boasting 99bhp or 118bhp. This unit won the prestigious honour of International Engine of the Year earlier this year, and is already available to order on current Ford models including the Focus, the C-Max and the B-Max. The 1.0-litre EcoBoost will also spread out to other future Ford models including the 2013 Fiesta and the 2013 Mondeo range. The Ford EcoSport will also be available with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. Reports also suggest the mini-SUV could get a 94bhp 1.6-litre diesel combined with a dual-clutch gearbox. So far only two-wheel drive powertrains have been confirmed for the Ford EcoSport, but four-wheel drive setups have yet to be ruled out. The EcoSport's equipment list will include Ford's SYNC connectivity system, which allows drivers to make phone calls and respond to text messages with voice-activated controls. The SYNC device also has an Emergency Assistance which automatically contacts emergency services if an accident occurs. Other standard safety features on the Ford EcoSport includes anti-lock brakes, electronic stability and a hill-launch assist. No pricing details have been released yet on the Ford EcoSport, but it will likely start in a region close to the Nissan Juke, which is currently available from £13,395. The larger Ford Edge SUV meanwhile could start from around £17,500 when it reaches the UK. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/all-new-ford-suvs-set-to-reach-uk-by-2014-19433.aspx Stephen Goldasz Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT