Boston Ford Dealer - Watertown Ford: 2009 Ford Flex, Ford Sync, 88-MPG Escape, New Focus!

__________________________________________________________________ Ford EcoBoost for up to 20% better fuel economy!

• EcoBoost is Ford Motor Company's new high-volume, affordable engine technology slated for a range of global vehicles – from small cars to large trucks.
• EcoBoost uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology for up to 20 percent better fuel economy, 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions and superior driving performance versus larger displacement engines.
• The new technology will be available in half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America during the next five years – beginning with the new Lincoln MKS sedan in 2009.
• Ford Explorer America concept at the North American International Auto Show showcases EcoBoost combined with other sustainability actions; together, they deliver a 20-30 percent increase in fuel economy, depending on engine selection, versus today's mid-size utilities.

DETROIT, Jan. 6, 2008 – Ford Motor Company is introducing a new engine technology called EcoBoost that will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America during the next five years.

The EcoBoost family of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines features turbocharging and direct injection technology.  Compared with more expensive hybrids and diesel engines, EcoBoost builds upon today's affordable gasoline engine and improves it, providing more customers with a way to improve fuel economy and emissions without compromising driving performance.

“EcoBoost is meaningful because it can be applied across a wide variety of engine types in a range of vehicles, from small cars to large trucks – and it's affordable,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. 

“Compared with the current cost of diesel and hybrid technologies, customers in North America can expect to recoup their initial investment in a 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine through fuel savings in approximately 30 months.  A diesel in North America will take an average of seven and one-half years, while the cost of a hybrid will take nearly 12 years to recoup – given equivalent miles driven per year and fuel costs,” he said.

Ford will introduce EcoBoost on the new Lincoln MKS flagship in 2009, followed by the Ford Flex and other vehicles.  By 2013, Ford will have more than half a million EcoBoost-powered vehicles on the road annually in North America.

In 2009, Ford first will introduce EcoBoost on the Lincoln MKS featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6.  It will produce the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6.  In fact, with an estimated 340-horsepower and more than 340 lb.-ft. of torque, the Lincoln MKS will be the most powerful and fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive luxury sedan in the market.

More With Less
EcoBoost's combination of direct injection and turbocharging mitigates the traditional disadvantages of downsizing and boosting 4- and 6-cylinder engines, giving customers both superior performance as well as fuel economy.

With direct injection, fuel is injected into each cylinder of an engine in small, precise amounts. Compared to conventional port injection, direct injection produces a cooler, denser charge, delivering higher fuel economy and performance.

Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, for example, can deliver upwards of 340-plus lb.-ft. of torque across a wide engine range – 2,000 to 5,000 rpm versus 270 to 310 lb.-ft of torque for a conventional naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 over the same speed range.  At the same time, this V-6 gives customers an approximate 2 mpg improvement and emits up to 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions to the environment.

Direct injection coupled with turbocharging allows for the downsizing of engines that deliver improved torque and performance.  A small 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine has the capability of producing more torque than a larger 4-cylinder engine – nearly an entire liter larger in displacement – with better fuel efficiency. 

The real-world fuel economy benefit is consistent no matter the drive cycle, meaning the engine is efficient in the city as well as on the highway – unlike hybrids, which are most efficient in stop-and-go traffic.  In addition, customers who tow and haul – and have long turned to more expensive diesel powertrains for their superior towing capabilities – can find the engine performance they need from an EcoBoost powertrain.

EcoBoost – combined with multi-speed transmissions, advanced electric power steering, weight reductions and aerodynamic improvements – is part of Ford Motor Company's strategy to deliver sustainable, quality vehicles that customers want and value.  Additional hybrid offerings and diesel engines are planned for light-duty vehicles. 

Longer term, Ford plans to remain aggressive in the development of plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles.

“We know that what will make the biggest difference is applying the right technology on volume vehicles that customers really want and value and can afford,” said Kuzak.  “EcoBoost puts an affordable technology within reach for millions of customers, and Ford's systems approach adds up to a big idea that differentiates Ford's sustainability strategy in the market.”

Explorer America – A Sustainable Showcase
To help explain its vehicle sustainability strategy, Ford has created the Explorer America concept for the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

The Explorer America concept delivers an approximately 20 to 30 percent fuel-economy improvement – depending on engine selection – while providing room for six and their gear, along with moderate towing and off-roading capabilities. 

The concept aims to highlight for customers and auto show attendees a number of innovations tied to Ford's systems approach, including:

• A powertrain lineup that includes a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp.  Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today's V-6 Explorer
• Migration from current body-on-frame to unibody construction, reducing weight and delivering superior driving dynamics
• A fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission with auto shift control, allowing the driver to select  and hold a lower gear with just the turn of a dial when conditions warrant it
• A weight reduction of 150 pounds for the V-6 version thanks to its downsized – yet superior performing – engine, as well as more lightweight materials, suspension and chassis components
• Fuel-saving electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and other engine actions that deliver a fuel savings benefit of about 5 percent.  Between 80 to 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will have EPAS by 2012
• Aerodynamic and other parasitic improvements that add up to a 5 percent fuel economy gain

The production model of the Explorer changed the landscape when it arrived on the scene in 1990 as a 1991 model, delivering an experience as unique as the owners who would eventually shape the design of the Explorer America concept. 

Today's Explorer leads the mid-size SUV segment in sales.  Since its introduction 18 years ago, Explorer has sold more than 6.5 million vehicles.

For 2008, Explorer adds several new features, including Ford's award-winning SYNC system that it developed with Microsoft.  SYNC connects people and their favorite portable devices while in the vehicle, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones.  In addition, Explorer receives Ford's EasyFuel capless refueling system, which is fitted as standard and new available 20-inch polished aluminum wheels.

Ford Explorer received 5-star ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's frontal and side-impact crash tests for the second year in a row.  Explorer comes standard with six air bags, including front seat and side-curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac with class-exclusive Roll Stability Control, an electronic stability enhancement system that actually measures what other manufacturers' systems ignore or can only estimate.

©media.ford.com
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Ford's 'Flex-ible' design a winner

2009 Ford Flex
Jim Kerr, The StarPhoenix
Published: Friday, June 27, 2008

The ultimate box? At first glance, the new Ford Flex is an example of the classic two box styling design -- a small box for the engine compartment and a big box for the passenger compartment.

Look a little closer and it looks more like a concept vehicle right off the car show circuit. The Flex is a custom looking vehicle with some unique features that combine passenger utility with passenger convenience.

Available in front wheel drive or all wheel drive, the Flex is available in two trim levels. The Flex SEL comes equipped with heated cloth seats and eight-way adjustable seats for both front seat occupants. Dual zone automatic climate control, steering wheel audio controls, ABS braking, Roll Stability control, traction control, 18-inch alloy wheels, touchpad keyless entry and reverse sensing system are a few of the many standard features on this model. The option list is long, including leather seating, DVD rear seat entertainment system, voice-activated navigation system, Ford SYNC media system and even a rear console refrigerator that operates independently from the conventional vehicle air conditioning system.



The Flex Limited model adds HID headlamps, power liftgate, 19-inch wheels, wood and leather steering wheel, leather seating with perforated leather front seats, power adjustable pedals, Sony 10-speaker audiophile speaker system, SYNC, a 110-volt power inverter and second row footrests that make passengers feel very pampered.

Again, the option list is very long and our test vehicle included the refrigerator, nav system, remote start and the Vista roof glass panel for rear seat passengers. One panel on the outside but looking like three separate glass panels on the inside, it really lights up the interior. Manual sunshades bang if you release them quickly, but they are easy to use.



Six-passenger seating is standard equipment, with a second row bench seat for seven-passenger capacity a no-cost option. Front seat room is very good, but second row space is exceptional. I have been in limousines with less interior room. The third row will accommodate adults and access to them past the push button operated flip-up second row seat is fair.

The interior fit and finish of the Flex is excellent and worthy of a vehicle costing much more. The dash design is clean and uncluttered, with controls readily at hand. The interior space is remarkable and there is still 415 litres of cargo space behind the seats. Third, second row and even the front passenger seat fold flat for cavernous cargo space.

It is the unique styling of the Flex that will probably attract viewers first. A side view of the Flex makes it look long and low. It reminds me of the chopped custom cars from the Fifties, with its high beltline and narrow windows. Part of this image comes from the two-tone paint scheme. With the roof a light colour, the rest of the Flex body seems to be lower than it is. No, you don't have to duck to climb in. Roof rack rails are optional and I prefer the styling without them.



The rear view is the most attractive part of the exterior, with a ribbed aluminum trim panel extending from tail light to tail light. The ribs are a continuation of the body side ribs and provide continuity to the look. The large 18 and 19 inch wheels contribute to the custom vehicle look.

One wonderful feature of this body design is how the rocker panels are now part of the door design. With the door open, the sill is close to the seat area, making it easy to step in and out of the Flex and keep your pants clean.

Power for the Flex comes from a 3.5-litre V6 engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain is smooth and is also used in the Ford Edge, but with a new intake and exhaust system. A revised torque converter and different throttle programming provides a more direct link between the driver and the vehicle response. The Flex won't win races, but it cruises nicely and can tow up to 4,500 pounds when equipped with the factory tow package.

Whether you look at the lowest priced Flex or the top of the line, you will find a quiet, roomy, stylish vehicle that lives up to its name.

It's flexible to meet many needs.

©Canada.com
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Ford gives 88-MPG flex-fuel, plug-in Escape Hybrid to Department of Energy

Posted Jun 19th 2008 7:01PM by Jonathon Ramsey
Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative , SUVs , Government/Legal , Green , Ford

©Autoblog.com
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SYNC your car, phone, music and more.

Introducing Sync – a fully-integrated, voice activated in-car communication and entertainment system for your mobile phone and digital music player. Some of Sync’s unique features are:

Smart Voice Recognition: It’s true-Sync lets you talk to your iPod! Sync’s sophisticated technology allows you to operate a variety of portable digital music players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones with simple voice commands.

Factory-Installed: Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, Sync is offered Exclusively through Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products in North America.

Sync Compatible: Most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones support hands-free calling through Sync. Most popular media players work with Sync. Want to see more information and print a list of devices and Sync features they support?

Click here to learn more!

©SyncMyRide.com

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2008 Ford Focus Starts Under $15,000; Delivers New Design, More Safety, Better Fuel Economy and Sync!

* Value Leader – 2008 Ford Focus starts at $14,695 and offers the best value in its segment along with an all-new design, fuel economy in the mid-30s and such available class-exclusive features as Ford Sync™ and factory-installed ambient lighting.
* Ford Sync™Debuts – as an industry-exclusive, hands-free way to use cell phones and portable music players using voice commands. Ford Sync™ comes standard on 2008 Focus SES models and is available on Focus SE models.
* Fun to Drive – Acclaimed Focus driving dynamics are further improved with new suspension tuning and chassis refinements. Improved NVH levels provide a quieter ride.
* New Features – Standard safety equipment now includes side air bags, side air curtains and tire pressure monitoring system. An audio input jack, tilt steering wheel and air conditioning are standard on all models. SIRIUS® Satellite Radio is now available.

SEATTLE, Sept. 17, 2007 – The new 2008 Ford Focus goes on sale this fall with a long list of improvements that make it better than ever, including 35 miles per gallon highway fuel economy and a starting price under $15,000.

The new Focus is redesigned from the inside out, is available as a sedan or new coupe body style, is 30 pounds lighter, 10 percent quieter, has 3 percent more horsepower, more safety features, exceptional driving dynamics and fuel economy better than many smaller vehicles. With a starting price of $14,695, Focus pricing is essentially unchanged from last year – even with the addition of new standard safety features like side-curtain air bags.

The Ford Focus also introduces two new factory-installed technologies: programmable LED-powered ambient lighting and Ford Sync. Sync is a Ford-exclusive technology developed with Microsoft that allows users to control most portable digital music players and Bluetooth-enabled cell phones using voice commands.

"The new Focus is arriving at exactly the right time, with consumer interest in both small cars and technology surging," said Barry Engle, general manager, Ford Brand Marketing. "With new a new design, great handling, fuel economy in the mid-30s and now Sync, we have something truly unique to offer consumers."

Cutting-Edge Technology

The 2008 Focus is the first vehicle to offer the company's industry-exclusive Ford Sync technology this year. Sync – a voice-activated, hands-free, in-car communications and entertainment system – fully integrates mobile phones and media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity. It seamlessly integrates the Focus with the popular portable electronic devices of today and is updatable to support the devices and services of tomorrow.

Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, Sync will be offered exclusively on 12 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles this year. It will be standard on Lincoln vehicles and widely available on Ford and Mercury vehicles. In most cases, Sync will be included as standard equipment on high-series models from Ford and Mercury. On models where Sync is optional, it will be priced at $395.

Tapping the emerging trend of configurable lighting, Ford is making its ambient lighting system available to Focus customers as a factory-installed option. The feature lets customers set the mood inside the vehicle with subtle LED lighting in the cupholders and in the front and rear footwells. The driver or front-seat passenger can choose from seven different colors – red, blue, aqua, purple, white, green and yellow – by cycling through a dash-mounted switch.

Great Value

For the 2008 model year, an all-new Focus coupe complements the sedan model. Three trim series – Focus S, Focus SE and Focus SES – are available for both body styles. Base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the 2008 Focus S coupe starts at $14,695, while the new Focus S sedan begins at $14,995. SE models are an additional $1,000. All prices include a $620 destination and delivery charge. The top-of-the-line Focus SES coupe and sedan, with Sync standard, begin at $16,695 and $16,995, respectively.

All-new features on the 2008 Focus include a standard audio input jack for MP3 players, Ice Blue instrument backlighting, new wheel designs, along with Ford Sync and SIRIUS™ satellite radio. Newly standard features include driver and front passenger seat side impact air bags, side curtain air bags, tire pressure monitoring system and air conditioning.

©Weblogs, Inc.

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Fully re-designed 2008 Ford Escape

Introduction
Ever since its introduction seven years ago, the Ford Escape has been a winner for the company and has often ranked as the best-selling compact SUV in America. For 2008, the Escape has received a "top-half" revamping, meaning the exterior and interior got a complete makeover, while the mechanical components remain mostly unchanged.
When it debuted, the Escape was one of those "we got it right the first time" vehicles. Ford's small car-based SUV was roomy for four, fun to drive (thanks to chassis co-development with Mazda) and peppy (thanks to its sprightly V6). In light of this success and its challenged financial situation, Ford evidently hoped that giving the Escape a tougher look and a nicer cabin for 2008 would be enough to keep the entry-level SUV competitive.

With its bolder grill, taller beltline, higher hood and Edge-inspired headlights, the Escape is a handsome little rig. More functional changes were made to the Escape's cabin, including the first use of recycled materials for a vehicle's upholstery, a multifunction display at the top center of the dash and cool blue instrument lighting. To promote a quieter cabin, the Escape features an acoustic laminate within the windshield and new carpeting that's much thicker than before.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2008 Ford Escape is a compact four-door SUV that comes in three trim levels: XLS, XLT and Limited. The XLS comes with air-conditioning, keyless entry, full power accessories, a CD player and an auxiliary input jack. The XLT adds 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, automatic headlights, foglights, a power driver seat, upgraded cloth upholstery and cruise control. The top-of-the-line Escape Limited includes color-keyed grille and side mirrors, leather seating and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Options include a moonroof, an upgraded 320-watt audio system with a subwoofer and a DVD-based navigation system. For the Limited only, you can get a chrome accent package as well as a luxury package, which includes heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and reverse parking sensors.


Safety
Antilock brakes, a tire-pressure monitor, traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags with a rollover sensor are all standard on the 2008 Ford Escape. A reverse-sensing parking system is optional on the Limited. Safety scores have not been published as of this writing but we expect them to be similar to those of the '07 model.

©Edmunds.com