2011 Ford Mustang GT: More Info Leaks on 412HP 5.0L V8, Returns 25mpg

Journalists that attended a pre-Detroit show event on the new 2011 Ford Mustang GT have spilled more beans on the new 5.0-liter V8 engine that uses an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder sleeves. We already knew that the eight-cylinder powerplant churns out 412 horsepower, but now, we've also learned that those ponies will be delivered at 6,500 rpm and that the new engine produces 390 lb-ft of torque, up from the current 4.6-liter V8's 315HP and 325 lb-ft.

In addition, it was also confirmed that the brand-new V8, which features four valves per cylinder and twin independent variable valve timing, will be linked to six-speed transmissions in both automatic and manual forms.

Last but not least, the bean spillers said that the new 2011 Mustang GT will return a fuel economy of 25mpg (9.4lt/100km), most probably on the highway.

In comparison, the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS' 6.2-liter V8 produces 426HP at 5,900rpm and 420 lb-ft at 4,600 rpm, returning 24mpg on the highway, while the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8's 6.1-liter Hemi V8 is rated at 42H5HP at 6,000 rpm and 420 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm, returning 22mpg on the highway.

Via: Autoweek and Edmunds
*Photos: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

2010 Ford S-MAX gets a New Snout and 203HP 2.0-Liter Turbo Gasoline Engine

Along with the revised Galaxy MPV , Ford -officially- unveiled today the minivan's 'sportier' sibling, the facelifted 2010 S-MAX that will also make its public debut at the 2010 Brussels auto show next January. Being twin-models, the two people carriers share most upgrades including the introduction of Ford's new 2.0-liter EcoBoost STCi petrol engine and the new diesel lineup.

However, the S-MAX's makeover is a little more noticeable that that of the 2010 Galaxy. At the front, the new S-MAX gains a redesigned bonnet, bumper and upper and lower grilles, with the high series models now featuring distinctive LED daytime running lights.

Meanwhile, at the back, the seven-seater minivan gets a more dynamically profiled tailgate, a tweaked lower fascia, and reshaped LED tail lights.

Interior upgrades concern the new multifunctional overhead console, an available one-piece panorama roof equipped with power sun blinds, a new LED interior lighting system and revised upholstery colors, graphics and materials.

Like the Galaxy, the S-MAX will be offered with Ford's new 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine featuring direct injection that delivers 203 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm.

The new powerplant is linked to Ford's dual clutch transmission that drives the front wheels. According to Ford, the S-MAX EcoBoost accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 221 km/h or 137 mph.

Ford says that the new gasoline motor will produce 189g/km of CO2 with a combined fuel of 8.1lt/100km or 29.0mpg US / 34.8mpg UK.

At the same time, Ford's diesel offering for the new S-MAX have has been improved with the upgraded 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine family now complying with Stage V emission regulations. The diesel unit is available in three power levels with 115, 140 and 163 horsepower.

The 2010 S-MAX and Galaxy will go on sale across Europe early next year.

Loder1899 Powers Up the New Ford Focus RS to 345HP

We reckon it's risky game trying to feed more ponies to the front-wheels of the new 300HP Ford Focus RS as there's a strong possibility that you'll end up ruining the car's handling, but then again we could be wrong. Fortunately for those that disagree with us there are plenty of tuners out there that can and will spruce up Ford's Euro hot hatch. Germany's Loder1899 is one of those companies as the tuner presented a new sport package for the second-generation Focus RS.
A sport exhaust system, a new air filter and some other upgrades that are not mentioned up the output of the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five by 40 ponies for a total of 345 HP. The company also promises that the new exhaust system will alert your friends, neighbors etc, etc that you've fiddled around with the engine - if you catch our drift.

Furthermore, the Focus RS's body has been lowered 35mm or 1.4 inches while Loder1899 also offers a choice of 20-inch alloy wheels in various designs.

2010 Ford Taurus and Fusion Tuning Concepts

There will be no shortage of modified Ford vehicles at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas next week as the American automaker has planned more premieres than we can list on one post without 'scrolling' you to death. We've already told you about the 2010 Mustangs, Lincolns and F-150s concept / tuned models, now it's time to brief you on the modified 2010 Taurus and Fusion sedans. Hit the break to check out the image gallery with separate descriptions for each model.


-From Ford Press Release-

2010 Ford Taurus by Tommy Z Design

The Ford Taurus lends itself quite easily to the Superlux Youthful Styling and yet it remains sophisticated. Tommy Z embellished this great vehicle with his own classic VIP luxury style and components.

2010 Ford Taurus SHO by Mobsteel

The Ford Taurus SHO and Mobsteel are both committed to being anything but ordinary. So it's no surprise that the Taurus SHO by Mobsteel is one extraordinary vehicle. The trademark black-on-black Mobsteel paint job, custom fascias, and a host of trim touches and details give this 2010 Taurus SHO a tough menacing look, whether coming or going. And that's just the beginning, as this SHO has the goods both inside and out.

The bad boy rides on massive 22-inch Mobsteel forged two-piece wheels and super-low-profile Pirelli PZero Nero tires. A completely customized chassis with Air Runner front struts and Mobsteel adjustable rear air ride provide attitude to the max. The Magnaflow Performance cat-back exhaust and JL Audio equipment make this Taurus SHO sound as tough as it looks.

2010 Ford Taurus "Best of SHO" by MRT-Direct

MRT-Direct gives its signature classy touches to this Taurus SHO by adding subtle ground effect treatment, and a black cherry roof and custom vented hood. Increased performance is achieved through turbo system efficiencies, an exhaust upgrade, and wheel, tire and suspension modifications. The cabin is designed to be sporty and comfortable, while a Kicker sound system delivers the final beat.

2010 Ford Fusion Sport by Aaron Vaccar Signature Series

Young custom car designer Aaron Vaccar, most noted for his work with modern and sport compact vehicles, has taken his knowledge of next-generation styling and applied it to the new Ford Fusion Sport. Speed, style and sound – quite simply, this Fusion reveals that such a balance does exist in a sport-tuned street car. Upgraded with the thrills of a turbocharged motor, this Fusion now packs even more power to back up its stunning looks.

Noting that function needs to meet form, the entire audio and trunk enclosures have been designed to seamlessly integrate into the vehicle's styling and practicality. Tastefully mix the right combination of modifications, a bit of unique style combined with an already impressive platform, and what you get is this Aaron Vaccar Signature Series Fusion Sport.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid by M&J Enterprises

This Ford Fusion Hybrid by M&J Enterprises showcases a variety of eco-friendly accessories and aerodynamic parts. These range from air splitters to heat-reflective paint, window film and a vehicle data display. All items are either lighter in weight than the factory items, increase fuel economy or eliminate petroleum-based products.

The data display helps increase the consumer's environmental awareness. The whole package delivers a desirable, eco-friendly Ford Fusion aimed at consumers who like to customize their vehicles and are concerned with environmental issues.

2010 Ford Fusion "T4" by MRT

This custom version of the fun, sporty, fuel-efficient Ford Fusion successfully combines the best of all worlds. MRT started with clever but subtle appearance changes to the exterior trim and paint. Next, they brought the same sport feel and style to the interior with revised seating and interior trim accents. The fun-to-drive factor is kicked up a notch with a single intercooled turbocharger and Street Performance coil-over suspension.

To unleash the full potential of the awesome turbocharged powerplant, MRT skillfully exhaust-balanced the system with a high-performance stainless-steel Max-Flow h-pipe and back half exhaust system using the finest CNC Mandrel bend tube and high-flow components.

The result is a system that delivers enhanced power and truly satisfying performance-car sound. Twenty-inch wheels and tires add a final touch to set off the look and give this Fusion an even smarter, sportier stance. On the inside, a kickin' audio system from Kicker provides the perfect balance of amped-up entertainment.

Ford Said to Move Production of Kuga SUV from Europe to the USA

The continuing decline of the dollar that has fallen 18 percent against the Euro this year has lead Ford to the decision to move production of its Kuga compact SUV from Europe to the U.S., or at least that is what Bloomberg reported citing three people familiar (but not named) with the plan. The news site claims that Ford will shift production of the Kuga from its factory in Saarlouis, Germany to Louisville, Kentucky in the U.S. starting from October 2011.

One of the 'insiders' told Bloomberg that as many as 80,000 examples of the Kuga a year will be exported to Europe.

Aside from making the members of the United Auto Workers union extremely happy (and the opposite for those working in Germany), Ford's move would also mean that the cool looking compact SUV would finally make its way to North American dealerships.

In Europe, Ford's VW Tiguan challenger is offered with a 200HP 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five gasoline engine (with both automatic and manual gearbox options), and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel with 136 horsepower. However, it is very likely that Ford will add new powertrain options in the very near future as the company has already announced a http://cars-mania9500.blogspot.com/http://cars-mania9500.blogspot.com/new family of of 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol units.

Via: Bloomberg