Ford Engines Get Smaller As MPG Grows

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Ford engineers have been creating a new generation of engines that utilize advanced technology. As a result, engines are becoming smaller, more fuel-efficient, yet they’re more powerful than ever before.

As fuel-efficiency and emissions become a major concern world-wide, all automakers are working to transform automobile engines, without boosting costs. Ford is leading the way with its EcoBoost engine, featuring twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) and direct injection to maximize efficiency and power.

“From Fiesta to Super Duty, Ford has invested a record amount in new engines, transmissions and cutting-edge technologies to meet our commitment to lead or be among the leaders in fuel economy in every segment in which we compete,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of powertrain engineering.

Ford Fiesta: Best Subcompact For The Money

Delivering big value in a small package, the all-new Ford Fiesta has been named the Best Subcompact Car for the Money 2011 by the editors of U.S. News & World Report. It’s a notable recognition of how the Fiesta not only offers a strong value at the time of purchase, but also keeps that value for the life of the car. The honor is based on an evaluation of the vehicle’s reliability and safety data, as well as U.S. News analysis of 25 published reviews and test drives of the Fiesta from the country’s leading auto resources.

In fact, the publication points out that “Reviewers are nearly unanimous in saying that the 2011 Ford Fiesta sets new benchmarks for the affordable small car class,” while also complimenting it for:

• Being fun to drive
• Having high build quality
• Showcasing a comfortable, upscale cabin for the price
• Posting hybrid-like fuel economy

Contact Mooresville Ford to scheduale a test drive.

PowerShift Automatic: Ford’s Secret Weapon For High MPG

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Ford’s new PowerShift transmission blends the sporty feel of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic. But it has also been an important factor in helping the Fiesta achieve its class-leading fuel economy.

The PowerShift weighs nearly 30 pounds less than the four-speed automatic transmission in the current 2011 Focus. Less weight ultimately helps improve fuel economy. Additionally, the PowerShift is also the most sophisticated transmission ever offered by the Blue Oval, and it helps the Fiesta and the all-new 2012 Focus get as much as 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

“The Ford PowerShift transmission is a technological leap over the competition,” said Piero Aversa, PowerShift engineering manager. “Now that it’s available in the new Focus as well as Fiesta, PowerShift gives us two great small cars that not only lead in fuel economy, but are more fun to drive as well.”

Contact Mooresville Ford for more information.

Ford’s SYNC infotainment system has been a popular feature among car buyers. That’s why Ford its eager to bring the system to other markets around the world. New languages will be available first in Europe in 2012 with introduction in the Ford Focus. In total, SYNC will offer 19 languages.When SYNC was launched in 2007, the system offered just three languages. Today, Ford will offer voice recognition capability, powered by Nuance Communications, in more languages than any other automaker offering voice control.“We are pleased to announce that SYNC will soon be available to customers around the world,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. “It is a smart and simple way to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives.”

“Ford is committed to making voice recognition the primary user interface inside the car throughout the world, helping all drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel,” said Jim Buczkowski, a Henry Ford Technical Fellow and director of Electrical and Electronics Systems for Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. “This expansion of SYNC language capabilities is a huge step forward in bringing voice technology to every market Ford serves.”

2011 Ford F-150 at Mooresville Ford

With a range of all-new engines, reviewers say the 2011 Ford F-150 deserves to continue its reign as America’s best-selling pickup.

The 2011 Ford F-150 is available in 11 different trims, not including the different cab configurations (regular, extended or crew), bed lengths (5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, or 8 feet), or engine choices (two V6’s and two V8’s).

For 2011 the F-150 comes with a slew of new engines. A base 3.7-liter V6 produces 302-horsepower and a 5.0-liter V8 with 360-horsepower are the two bottom rung engines. Surprisingly positioned above the 5.0-liter V8, Ford is introducing a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with 365 horsepower. F-150s equipped with the twin-turbo mill are capable of towing 11,300 pounds, just as much as the top line 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. Off-road oriented SVT Raptor, luxurious Lariat Limited and special Harley-Davidson edition F-150s come standard with the 6.2-liter V8. All models receive a six-speed automatic transmission.

Other changes include a 4.2-inch LCD display in the gauge cluster that displays information about fuel economy, towing and off-roading. A new three-point safety belt now rests in the middle passenger position of bench-seat equipped F-150’s. Driver’s also benefit from integrated spotters mirrors in the side mirrors.

Visit Mooresville Ford for more information.

2011 Ford Explorer Named 2011 North American Truck Of The Year

When the all-new Ford Explorer was named 2011 North American Truck of the Year just prior to the opening of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, it marked the third straight time that a Ford product had taken home the honor.

“It’s a proud moment for Ford, our employees and our customers to have Explorer named North American Truck of the Year,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “Winning this honor for the third consecutive year confirms our One Ford plan is working to deliver vehicles people truly want and value, with industry-leading quality, fuel efficiency, safety and smart technology.”

It’s also a direct reflection on Ford’s leadership role in powertrain innovation—a key driver of the Explorer’s success. The standard engine in Ford’s SUV is an advanced 3.5-liter V6 that leverages technologies like twin independent variable camshaft timing to give the Explorer both the best highway fuel economy in its class (a full 25 mpg, to go with a notable mark of 17 mpg city) as well as a robust 290 hp. Also notable: Later this year, the Explorer will be available with one of Ford’s innovative 2.0-liter Ecoboost I4 engines for even better fuel efficiency.

Visit or call Mooresville Ford

Ford Fiesta Earns Top Safety Ratings Worldwide

The Ford Fiesta has officially become the first car in its segment to achieve top safety ratings in Europe, China, and the United States.

Thanks to an extensive use of ultra-high-strength steel, along with a slew of standard and available safety features, the Fiesta continues to win praise by safety testing agencies worldwide.

“Ford is committed to safety and to delivering top crash test ratings that customers look to when choosing new vehicles,” said Sue Cischke, Group Vice President of Sustainability, Environment and Safety. “Fiesta is the latest example of that safety commitment, and it shows that a small, fuel-efficient car can deliver top-level safety.”

Ford Fiesta at Mooresville Ford