|
The Next New Fords
|
| Concepts and production vehicles for the future. |
|
| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 21:53:53 |
| Rating |
 213 ( -30 -14.08% ) | | Author | Brian Chee |
|
|
Description:
Beyond 2002: the Next New Fords
Concepts and next-generation production vehicles...
Related Links
Ford Model Reviews:
Click here for professional and consumer reviews.
Ford Model Specs:
Click here pricing on the Ford model line-up
2002 Model Line-up:
What's new and different for 2002.
What's Next:
It doesn't stop at the GT40. Click here to learn about the next new Fords.
"The GT40 concept should do three things: go fast, handle exceptionally and look great," says Chris Theodore, Ford’s vice president of North America Product Development. "To be true to its Ford heritage, we had to create a supercar that would be uniquely a Ford..."
Comments or suggestions about this review? Send an e-mail to: editor@autobytel.com
Autobytel Inc. operates the popular automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com, and Autosite.com.
xxx
Then one night a family flipped their Explorer on a Texas highway. The clouds have been rolling in ever since. Of course, the Firestone tire recall wasn't the only thing that went wrong for Ford. Defective tires on an SUV didn't cause other vehicle recalls---or the elimination of 35,000 positions world-wide. But that was then, this is now, and---according to CEO Bill Ford---now is a brand new day, with renewed commitment on quality. That old friend sun is breaking through and shining down once again on the humbled Fords of Dearborn. "Our revitalization plan is centered on products," said Ford. "The company that builds and delivers the best cars and trucks wins, and we're going to win. I can't think of a better symbol of that winning attitude than GT40." The GT40 is indeed a fitting vehicle on which to start the long trip back, if only as a symbolic gesture. The famed race car, represents a solid model line-up, anchored as always by the incredibly successful F-Series. There's just about something for everyone, from family-haulers to youngsters:
--> Future production vehicles Expedition
Due out later this year, the Expedition improves in several key categories, including a fold-flat-into-the-floor third row seat that split 60/40 and offers a power-fold capability. An all-new chassis is 70 percent stiffer than the previous model’s, improving on-road capability. According to Ford, the first independent rear suspension on a full-size SUV improves ride and handling, while providing room for innovative passenger and cargo solutions. Also according to Ford, the Expedition's new Brake Assist feature interprets driver intent to provide full braking power in an emergency – reducing real-world braking distance by 20 percent or more. New safety technologies – side air curtain protection system and bumper beams designed for compatibility with passenger cars – increase safety during an accident.
SVT Mustang Cobra
Ford's Special Vehicle Team made a series of improvements to the SVT Cobra, primarily in power and suspension. The Cobra now features a 4.6-liter, DOHC V-8 is equipped with an Eaton™ supercharger. The engine produces 390 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 390 foot-pounds of torque at 3,500 rpm, compared with the 2001 model’s 320 hp at 6,000 rpm and 317 foot-pounds of torque at 4,750 rpm. To provide strength necessary for the substantially increased torque output, the new Cobra engine is built on a cast-iron block. This unit contains the carryover forged-steel crankshaft, which is fitted with new Manley forged "H-beam" connecting rods, forged pistons similar to those in the SVT F-150 Lightning, and an aluminum flywheel similar to the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R’s. The SVT Mustang Cobra’s independent rear suspension system receives upgraded bushings and an additional tubular cross-brace for 2003, necessary for increased loading due to the higher power output and larger tires. The Cobra coupe’s springs have higher rates compared with 2001, increased from 500 lb./in. to 600 lb./in. at the front, and from 470 lb./in. to 600 lb./in. on the rear springs. In a departure from past practice, the Cobra convertible receives its own individual suspension tuning to suit the unique characteristics of its convertible body. The convertible’s front spring rates are 500 lb./in., and the rear springs are 470 lb./in.
Escape hybrid
The Ford Escape HEV will feature an electric drivetrain that will add power to its gasoline engine. According to Ford, the HEV's power will compare to a standard V-6 Escape. Regenerative braking helps to recharge the battery, so none of that nasty plugging-in is necessary. What makes the HEV super clean, however, is the virtually instant start-stop capability of its injury--an important consideration when driving in traffic. What's unique about this vehicle isn't so much the technology behind the engine, or even the powertrain. Honda and Toyota already have hybrids available. With the Escape HEV, Ford has been able to wrap a family car around clean running, fuel efficient technology.
Concept vehicles GT40 Most people remember how the GT40 dominated the Le Mans endurance race in the 60s. So when will the black 'n yellow racer begin to dominate grocery store parking lots? Stay tuned. Though Ford has announced plans to produce the GT40, they have not released any details about the production version as of yet. If they do actually build the thing, the stakes will be high--Ford must take the essence of the race car and apply it to a functional commuter. If and when it hits the streets, the GT40 will take its place next to the Thunderbird as a Living Legend Series car.
CrossTrainer
The Ford CrossTrainer, unveiled at the 2002 Chicago Auto Show, will be built at the Chicago Assembly Plant beginning in 2004. Based on a unitized body construction, the CrossTrainer is designed to combine the styling a sport utility with the benefits of a sedan – including step-in, noise reduction, vibration and harshness. Performance promises to be more sedan-like, with agile handling, feel and fuel efficiency. Unibody construction eliminates the need for a separate structural frame by designing the supporting structure into the body parts, thus saving weight and adding much desired rigidity. Unibody construction is a significant part of the CrossTrainer's design, because it will allow for higher ground clearance and lower step-in height. The CrossTrainer's power will come from a V-6 engine and new continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CVT in the CrossTrainer is the first North American application of the new, technologically advanced transmissions developed and produced under Ford’s joint venture with ZF, the world’s largest independent specialist for driveline and chassis technology.
F-350 Tonka You may never see an F-350 Tonka in your rear-view mirror. Then again, you might...in the parts and technology applied to other Ford trucks. The Tonka showcases a new look and a host of technical innovations. Based on the Tonka concept, the new F Series design will be feature a more pronaunced snout, suicide doors (rear-hinged doors that open out, increasing access room) and loads of chrome. The vehicle’s Power Stroke® Diesel Super-600 Concept diesel V-8 engine is teamed with the five-speed PowerTorq™ transmission, marking in Ford’s first application of a five-speed automatic with a diesel engine. The 6.0-liter, 32-valve, turbocharged V-8 concept engine concept is rated at 350 horsepower and delivers up to 600 foot-pounds of torque when teamed with the PowerTorq automatic. According to Ford, the Tonka's powertrain generated fewer emissions and better fuel economy than any V-8 diesel truck engine on the road today. This concept powertrain also features Hydraulic Launch Assist (HLA). The HLA system, currently under research, is designed to improve fuel economy in large trucks by an estimated 25 to 35 percent in city driving. It A reversible pump/motor attached to the driveshaft through a clutch system and an energy storage module work in tandem with the traditional powertrain. The HLA system recovers energy normally lost during vehicle deceleration, stores it in the form of hydraulic pressure and then reuses it during acceleration.
Forty-nine In case the existing Excursion wasn't big or luxurious enough, Ford has added the XLT Premium and Limited Ultimate to the line-up. There's new interior conveniences such as power door locks, adjustable pedals, automatic climate control, and a power passenger seat. The optional Rear Seat Entertainment System includes a VHS player, a flip down monitor, wireless headphones, and remote controls. Additional options include heated seats, a reverse sensing system, and second row bucket seats for the Limited Ultimate model.
--> Fusion
Dubbed an "Urban Activity Vehicle", Ford's Fusion is designed for Europe's small-car segment. Some of the ideas developed with the Fusion may also make their way stateside, such as its fuel-efficient power train (Ford’s TDCi common-rail turbodiesel offering 68 PS and 160 Nm of torque, or Ford’s Duratec 16V petrol engines, available as either a 1.4-litre, 80PS, or a 1.6-litre, 100-PS variant.), and young urban styling. Fusion design features a higher driving position to provide strong outward visibility and easy maneuvrability, ‘cubed-out’ architecture to maximize seating space. |
| Similar news: | - Ford sets fall hybrid launch - VANCOUVER -- Ford Motor Co. will become the first North American automaker to introduce a hybrid automobile when it launches a gasoline-electric version of its top-selling Escape compact sport utility vehicle this fall. The company admits it won't be ...
- Ford Aims to Reduce Explorer Rollover Risk - Ford Motor Co. will include a rollover stability control system as standard equipment on its most popular sport-utility vehicle, the Explorer, for the 2005 model year. Safety advocates said it was the first time a major US carmaker has ...
- Home > Markets > US - ISM Non-Mfg Index (Jul, 2004) - The Institute for Supply Management, formerly known as the National Association of Purchasing Management, reports on business activity in the non-manufacturing sector. Readings above 50% in the ISM non-manufacturing business activity index indicate an ...
| | Find all news similar on The Next New Fords |
|
