Ford B-MAX, 2013

 

 

 

 

•  Ford B-MAX, 2013

The new Ford B-MAX, which is about to go on sale across Europe, features a unique design, unrivalled fuel economy and small car technology among the most advanced in Europe.

The B-MAX's Ford Easy Access Door System provides unobstructed entry and exit with hinged front doors and sliding rear doors integrating the central body pillars.

The new model also achieves class-leading fuel economy and the lowest CO2 emissions for both petrol and diesel engines.

The innovative new B-MAX is the first European car to offer SYNC, Ford's voice-activated, in-car connectivity system, with the Emergency Assistance feature. It is also the first vehicle in its segment to provide Active City Stop.

New vision for compact vehicles
Based on Ford's global B-car platform - shared with the highly successful new Fiesta - the B-MAX presents the company's vision for a premium compact multi-activity vehicle (MAV), combining outstanding space and versatility within a smart and stylish exterior.

The unique Ford Easy Access Door System delivers new levels of convenience, access and flexibility. It features conventional, hinged front doors and rear sliding doors, combined in a new body design. This integrates the traditional central pillar structure into the front and rear doors, rather than forming part of the bodyshell itself.

When both front and rear doors are open there is outstanding access to the interior, with a huge, clear aperture more than 1.5 metres wide, making it significantly easier to enter or exit the rear seats, attend to children in child seats, or load and unload shopping.

The flexible seating system features 60/40 split rear seats that can be folded flat with a simple "one-hand, one-motion" mechanism. The front passenger seat can also be folded, creating an extensive flat load floor from front to rear, suitable for loads up to 2.34 metres in length.

Engineered for outstanding safety
Ford engineers developed innovative solutions to ensure the Ford B-MAX delivers the same outstanding levels of crash protection as vehicles with a more conventional structure.

The structure of both front and rear doors has been strengthened with ultra-high-strength Boron steel in key load-bearing areas so the door frames work together to absorb energy in side impacts.

High-strength and ultra-high-strength steels account for 58 percent of the body and door structure and ensure it is strong and rigid while remaining highly weight-efficient.

Best-in-class fuel economy for petrol and diesel
The Ford B-MAX brings new standards of fuel efficiency to the compact MAV class. The 2012 "International Engine of the Year" 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine is available in 100 PS and 120 PS versions, and the 120 PS model achieves class-leading CO2 emissions of 114g/km.

Ford B-MAX is available with 95PS 1.6-litre and 75PS 1.5-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines, each offering outstanding fuel efficiency; the 1.6-litre model delivers best-in-class CO2 emissions of 104g/km.

'Right-sized' for modern motoring
The Ford B-MAX features premium technologies demanded by buyers looking to "right-size" their new car - around 40 percent of B-MAX customers are expected to choose B-MAX after previously owning a larger vehicle while 20 percent are expected to have previously owned a smaller car.

The advanced features include the Ford SYNC voice control, device integration and connectivity interface, with the Emergency Assistance feature that is designed to assist the occupants to call the local emergency services operator in the event of an accident.

High quality, contemporary materials throughout the interior emphasise craftsmanship and detailing, with comfort features including an exclusive eight-speaker Sony DAB audio system, Key Free system, Ford Power Button, Rear View Camera and full leather upholstery.

Ford B-MAX is true to the Ford fun-to-drive brand DNA with class-leading driving dynamics featuring Torque Vectoring Control for superior traction and cornering. The car offers outstanding agility and manoeuvrability designed for the cut and thrust of city driving.

It is also the first vehicle in its segment to deliver Active City Stop, designed to help motorists avoid low speed collisions with stationary or slower moving traffic in front.

Ingenious All-New B-MAX Delivers Ford Vision of More Stylish and Versatile Compact Cars

The all-new Ford B-MAX sets a new benchmark for compact cars with a unique body concept, dynamic design and stylish interior.

The Ford Easy Access Door System provides unobstructed entry and exit with hinged front doors and sliding rear doors integrating the central body pillars.

New vision for compact vehicles
Based on Ford's global B-car platform - shared with the acclaimed new Fiesta - the B-MAX presents the company's vision for a premium compact multi-activity vehicle (MAV), combining outstanding space and versatility with a smart and stylish exterior.

The Ford B-MAX is just over 4 metres in length, only 13cm longer than the Fiesta five-door and a full 30cm shorter than the C-MAX; perfectly placing it to meet the fast-growing demand for downsized cars, suited to congested urban conditions without compromising on interior space or passenger comfort.

Its ground-breaking concept was developed following an intensive innovation project, in which Ford teams spent a considerable time observing drivers in their daily routine - going shopping or picking up their children from school - to understand exactly what customers really wanted in a compact car.

Unique Ford Easy Access Door System
The unique Ford Easy Access Door System features conventional, hinged front doors and rear sliding doors. The traditional central pillar structure is integrated into the front and rear doors, rather than forming part of the bodyshell itself.

When both front and rear doors are open there is unparalleled access to the interior, with an aperture more than 1.5 metres wide. This is around twice the width offered by competitors with alternative door concepts and makes it significantly easier to enter or exit the rear seats, attend to children in child seats, or load and unload shopping.

Ford B-MAX's twin sliding rear doors also make access easier in crowded streets or narrow parking bays. The front and rear doors can be opened completely independently, so the front or rear cabin can be accessed as required.

Flexible and easy-to-use interior
The B-MAX combines the Ford Easy Access Door System with a flexible and easy-to-use seating system. The 60/40 split rear seats can be folded flat with a simple 'one-hand, one-motion' mechanism. The front passenger seat can also be folded flat, creating an extensive flat load floor from front to rear, capable of accommodating loads measuring up to 2.34 metres in length.

The generous access makes it particularly convenient to load bulky items such as flat-pack furniture or even a small bicycle through the side doors. An adjustable load floor in the boot creates a flat load space when the rear seats are lowered, with extra room underneath for valuable items that can be hidden from view.

Drivers benefit from a higher 'command' seating position in the B-MAX, with an overall vehicle height 12cm higher than the Fiesta. This also significantly improves rear seat legroom and headroom.

Engineered for outstanding protection
Front and rear doors are reinforced with ultra-high-strength boron steel in key load-bearing areas, with high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels accounting for 58 percent of the body and door structure.

In the event of a side impact, the door frames work together to absorb the crash energy. In extreme instances, special crash catchers (which lock the doors together), a reinforced latch mechanism and an integrated central pillar combine to ensure the doors remain firmly attached to the roof and floor structure.

The new Ford B-MAX offers seven state-of-the-art airbags: driver and front-seat passenger airbags, 3D thorax side airbags, curtain airbags that run the entire length of the cabin and a driver's knee airbag. B-MAX also offers deactivation of the front passenger airbag, for those carrying a rear-facing child seat, through a standard switch mounted at the end of the instrument panel.

Ford developed and implemented a unique test procedure to prove out the new B-MAX's body concept. The five-year testing programme included 5,000 virtual collisions and 40 real-world crashes; three years alone were devoted to ensure rear-door safety. This testing process included the construction of a bespoke rig system used to test the reinforced latches.

Compact, sporty and stylish
Ford has applied its kinetic design language to create a compact, sporty and stylish car which adds its own distinctive character to Ford's vehicle line-up.

The vehicle's striking front-end features a bold new interpretation of Ford's signature trapezoidal grille. Other distinctive kinetic design elements include strong headlamp graphics, the muscular shoulder line with its powerful undercut, a characteristic window line with its kick-up behind the rear doors, and prominent wheel lips.

The bold three-dimensional surfacing of the body-sides helps to avoid the tall, blocky look which is common in this class of vehicle, and includes a unique new rocker treatment, with a stylish 'zigzag' form on the rear doors.

Spacious premium interior
The car's spacious interior features the same kinetic design approach, and the bold graphics and sculpted surfaces develop the themes found in Ford's latest small and medium cars. Distinctive features include the slim, wing-like section of the upper instrument panel which reaches out to the door panels, and the prominent centre console, which flows down between the front seats.

High quality, contemporary materials emphasise craftsmanship and detailing. The choice of premium materials extends to full leather upholstery with premium embossed leather, while an optional full-size panoramic glass roof enhances the sensation of space.

All-New Ford B-MAX - Packed with Ingenious Technology for Smart and Economical City Driving

The ingenious new Ford B-MAX, which goes on sale in European markets this summer, offers customers some of the most advanced small car technology and delivers a more connected, economical and enjoyable driving experience.

B-MAX is the first European car to offer SYNC, Ford's voice-activated, in-car connectivity system featuring award-winning Emergency Assistance, designed to assist occupants to place a call to the emergency services in the event of a crash.

Ford's low-CO2 ECOnetic Technology delivers class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions for both petrol and diesel engines.

Ford B-MAX features class-leading driving dynamics and is the first vehicle in its segment to offer Active City Stop, a system designed to help motorists avoid low speed collisions with stationary or slower moving traffic in front.

Ford's global small car vehicle line director Joerg Beyer said: "The B-MAX is packed full of ingenious features, from the powerful SYNC voice control system to the innovative 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine to the advanced Active City Stop system. These technologies have helped us deliver a compact car which is smarter and more connected, cheaper to run, and above all, more fun to drive."

Ford SYNC technology with Emergency Assistance
One of the most technologically advanced small cars; the new B-MAX is the first European Ford to offer the company's acclaimed SYNC system.

SYNC is an advanced voice control, device integration and connectivity interface. It enables users to connect mobile phones and music players by Bluetooth or USB, make hands-free telephone calls, and control music and other functions using voice commands.

It can automatically transfer contact information from a connected Bluetooth device to the vehicle, allows calls to be activated using straight-forward voice commands and reads text messages aloud from compatible phones connected using Bluetooth.

The system, already featured on more than 4 million vehicles in North America, is expected to feature on more than 3.5 million new vehicles in Europe by 2015. SYNC also enables B-MAX to offer the innovative new Emergency Assistance feature which is designed to assist the occupants to call the local emergency services operator in the event of an accident.

Emergency Assistance won the "Best Mobile Innovation for Automotive, Transport or Utilities" category at the 2012 Global Mobile Awards, Barcelona.

The system is capable of communicating with emergency services in more than 30 countries and is provided to customers free of charge for the life of their vehicle. Through the GPS locator in the vehicle, Emergency Assistance communicates with the emergency services operator in the correct language to call for help if needed.

ECOnetic Technologies help deliver best-in-class fuel economy
The Ford B-MAX brings new standards of fuel efficiency to the compact multi-activity vehicle class with Ford's latest petrol and diesel powertrains equipped with low-CO2 ECOnetic Technology.

The petrol engine line-up is led by the three-cylinder 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine, available in 100PS and 120PS versions. Equipped with the Ford Auto-Start-Stop system as standard, the 120PS EcoBoost engine achieves class-leading CO2 emissions of 114g/km and fuel consumption of 4.9l/100km (57.6mpg).

Other petrol engine options include the 90PS 1.4-litre Duratec unit, and the 105PS 1.6-litre Duratec engine which is paired with Ford's high-efficiency PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission with advanced dual clutch technology.

B-MAX is available with a choice of two Duratorq TDCi diesel engines, both offering outstanding performance and fuel efficiency. The 95PS 1.6-litre engine delivers best-in-class CO2 emissions of 104g/km and fuel consumption of 4.0l/100km (70.6mpg). The 75PS 1.5-litre diesel, closely derived from the 1.6-litre engine, appears for the first time in Ford's European product range. It achieves CO2 emissions of 109g/km and fuel consumption of 4.1l/100km (68.9mpg).

ECOnetic Technology is fitted as standard to all B-MAX vehicles and includes Electric Power Assisted Steering, which requires less energy than hydraulic power assisted steering systems; Gear Shift Indicator to highlight the most efficient gear changing points; and the Ford Eco Mode driver information system which helps drivers adopt a more economical driving style. Smart Regenerative Charging, which charges the battery at the most economical point in a journey, is also featured on the 1.0-litre EcoBoost and 1.5/1.6-litre Duratorq engines.

Advanced chassis technologies for more fun to drive
The new B-MAX's chassis has been meticulously tuned by the company's vehicle dynamics specialists to deliver the same fun-to-drive experience as sister model the Ford Fiesta.

In developing the Ford B-MAX, particular focus was placed on achieving the kind of agility and manoeuvrability that is especially valuable in the cut and thrust of city driving.

Key chassis technologies include standard Torque Vectoring Control - as fitted to the latest Ford Focus - for superior traction and agility. The B-MAX also features electric power assisted steering system, which features speed-dependent tuning for light steering at parking speeds together with a precise and confident feel at higher speeds.

The B-MAX is the first vehicle in its segment to provide the added reassurance of the Active City Stop system, designed to help drivers avoid low speed collisions with stationary or slower moving traffic in front.

First launched by Ford on Focus last year, Active City Stop monitors traffic ahead and applies the brakes if it detects that a collision with a vehicle in front is imminent. In tests, the system is proven to prevent collisions at speeds up to 15km/h, and reduce the severity of impacts at speeds as high as 30km/h. The system was awarded a Euro NCAP Advanced reward in 2011.

Premium technologies in a compact package
The B-MAX also features technical features frequently requested by buyers looking to 'right-size' their new car. Around 40 percent of Ford B-MAX customers are expected to choose B-MAX after previously owning a larger vehicle. These include an exclusive eight-speaker Sony audio system, Hill Launch Assist, Key Free system, Ford Power Button, Rear View Camera and Quickclear Heated Windscreen.

Ford Atlas Concept, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Ford Atlas Concept, 2013

Ford unveiled the Ford Atlas Concept to showcase the design, capability, fuel efficiency and smart technologies that will define future pickup trucks.

Design with purpose
The Ford Atlas Concept is inspired by decades of listening to customers at the places they work and play. The result is a purpose-driven design with prominent wheel arches, a wide stance and chiseled grille - all to reinforce its functional Built Ford Tough® image.

Designers enhanced truck functionality, while creating new advanced features(see infographic here). For example, multiple tie-down points are integrated within the cargo box walls and load floor, along with 110-volt electrical outlets in the cargo box to charge power tools. An integrated roof carrying system and hidden extendable ramps give the truck unique functionality for a variety of jobs.

The interior is themed with structural styling cues and features the latest thinking in comfort, utility and refinement. Innovative, thin, lightweight seating in comfortable leather allows for extra legroom for rear passengers - along with integrated storage for smaller items. "Floating" instrument pods and glove-friendly buttons and controls keep the interior functional and ruggedly stylish.

Leading fuel efficiency
The Ford Atlas Concept features a next-generation EcoBoost® powertrain, which introduces truck-enhanced Auto Start-Stop engine shutoff technology. Auto Start-Stop shuts off the engine when stopped in traffic to save fuel - and smartly suspends the feature when the truck knows it is towing.

EcoBoost engines use gasoline direct injection and turbocharging to deliver fuel-economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger-displacement engines. More than 500,000 EcoBoost engines have been sold globally, including 250,000 in the Ford F-150.

The Ford Atlas Concept goes further to save fuel through a combination of active aerodynamic elements that reduce wind resistance. They are:

•     Active Grille Shutters: Automatic shutters behind the grille stay open when extra engine cooling is needed, such as during low-speed stop-and-go driving or while working in hot weather. The shutters automatically close to improve aerodynamics when cruising on the highway at steady speeds
•     Active Wheel Shutters: Automatic shutters in the wheels are hidden to improve style at rest and low speeds, but automatically close at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics. Self-charging batteries use energy from the wheels' motion to power the shutters
•     Drop-Down Front Air Dam: A drop-down front wind spoiler lowers at highway speeds to improve underbody airflow. The air dam is raised at low speeds to improve ground clearance - helpful for off-roading
•     Power Running Boards: Auto-deploying running boards help passengers enter the truck at rest and tuck up against the truck when it is moving to improve aerodynamics and ground clearance

The combination of these fuel-saving features saves more than 2 mpg on the highway without diminishing towing or hauling capability.

Work and play smarter, not harder
Ford Atlas Concept is a rolling showcase of features that improve capability, durability and productivity to meet the diverse needs of pickup truck owners. Features:

•     Dual-Purpose Tailgate Step and Cargo Cradle: The acclaimed Ford Tailgate Step goes a step further by adding the ability to also act as a cargo cradle - lifting and holding extra-long cargo items above the truck and freeing valuable bed spaceTrailer Backup Assist: This segment-first innovation allows drivers to back a trailer with the twist of a knob. Ford research shows that backing a trailer is often the most intimidating task a truck customer can face
•     Dynamic Hitch Assist: Hitching a trailer can be time consuming and difficult. Dynamic Hitch Assist helps precisely line up the truck's hitch with the trailer coupling, eliminating maneuvering guesswork by showing visual cues in the truck's center display screen
•     360-Degree Point-of-View Camera: A Ford truck first, the system gives a bird's-eye view of the truck to help position the vehicle in tight places or when there are obstacles near the truck - such as on a busy job site or grocery store parking lot
•     LED Headlamps and Taillamps: Advanced LED lighting offers better road illumination than conventional halogen or HID lights and lasts longer. LED lamps also offer near-instant response, giving valuable extra warning time for following traffic
•     LED Cargo Box and Side Mirror Lighting: Advanced, powerful yet efficient LED lighting brightly lights the cargo box and job site after the sun goes down with minimal battery drain compared to standard headlights or plug-in lights
•     Hidden Cargo Ramps: Lightweight, durable loading ramps stowed below the cargo box can be quickly removed and set up to assist with loading wheeled items into the bed - from landscaping equipment to dirt bikes

Ford Escape Hybrid

Ford Escape Hybrid, 2008

The Ford Escape, America's best-selling compact utility vehicle, has a completely new look inside and out for 2008. Escape now makes a powerful statement with a bolder, rugged exterior design that bears a stronger family resemblance to the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition. The all-new interior resets the bar for small utility vehicles, with more upscale appointments, new innovative storage options, and improved comfort and quietness. In addition, chassis refinements deliver impressive fuel economy and agile driving dynamics that belie the Escape's rugged exterior.

The combination of traditional SUV capability and crossover construction made the original Escape an instant success. More than one million Escapes have been sold since its introduction as a 2001 model - more than any other small utility vehicle or crossover of any size. Six years later, Escape remains the sales leader of the small-utility segment, a remarkable feat considering the segment has almost doubled, from 800,000 sales in 2000 to a projected 1.5 million in 2006.

Bolder, Tougher Exterior Design
The high beltline is further emphasized by the new blacked-out B-pillars, integrated running boards, available 17-inch wheels, and the deletion of the original Escape's molded-in color fascias and lower bodyside molding.

To integrate the higher beltline, the hood has also been raised and now features a unique "reverse crease" design that draws the eye to the detailed surface. The new front fascia has headlamps that sweep up toward the front corners of the vehicle to short side marker lamps. The new headlights bracket the dramatic new grille.

Refined and Recycled Interior
The 2008 Escape is believed to be the first U.S. automotive application of seating surfaces made from 100 percent post-industrial materials, supplied by InterfaceFABRIC, Inc. InterfaceFABRIC estimates that Ford's use of post-industrial materials, rather than virgin fibers, could conserve an estimated 600,000 gallons of water, an estimated 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents, and the equivalent of more than 7 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually.

Escape also showcases Ford's first use of a "top of dash" display positioned at eye level on the dashboard, which shows ambient temperature, radio functions and climate-control readouts. This simple, efficient design puts much of the vehicle's information in one place at the top of the dashboard, making it easier to reference when driving.

Improving ease-of-use is the clean, uncluttered center console. Rather than the traditional "brick" design for the radio and temperature controls, Escape features dials and buttons that "poke-through" the center console. The instrument panel houses audio and climate controls, a standard MP3/iPod audio jack, and controls for the available heated seats and in-dash navigation system.

Escape's interior also features the first use of Ford's new, signature Ice Blue interior lighting. The cool blue lighting replaces the traditional green on the instrument cluster, the center console, the redundant controls on the steering wheel, and the door lock and window switches. Ice Blue presents a cool, crisp, easy-on-the-eyes light for night driving and enhances the overall feel of the interior.

Escape's center console is large enough to hold a laptop computer, and there are three levels of storage space. In addition, the center console features two removable bins with innovative dovetail mounting points, which allows the bins to be hung from the front passenger side and rear of the console for additional storage.

Refined, Quiet Interior
Engineers made a host of changes to the 2008 Escape to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels inside the vehicle.

The 2008 Escape is one of the first Ford Motor Company vehicles to use speed-sensitive Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), a sophisticated system that helps correct for road irregularities and improves overall steering feel.

Conventional power steering systems use an engine-driven hydraulic gear, which saps power and efficiency from the engine. The 2008 Escape's new EPAS system uses an electric motor, rather than the engine's accessory drive. This new system helps improve fuel economy and eliminates the hydraulic noises typical of conventional hydraulic power-assisted steering systems.

New recessed channels in the vehicle's roof panel are designed to improve airflow over the top of the vehicle, while horizontal ribs in the roof also strengthen the body structure and help reduce boom noise in the cabin. A new acoustic laminate sandwiched between two glass panels in the windshield and an acoustic headliner also help decrease wind noise. New interior carpeting, which is up to 50 percent thicker, further improves the isolation from road and wind noise.

Compared with the previous model, the 2008 Escape is 12 percent quieter on the highway (30.8 sones to 27 sones at 80 mph in the wind tunnel) and 20 percent quieter in high velocity crosswinds.

Standard Safety Equipment and Fuel-efficient Powertrains
Under its skin, the 2008 Escape has one of the most advanced safety packages in the small SUV segment. Escape comes standard with Safety Canopy™ side air curtains, which provide head and neck protection for the first- and second-row passengers, as well as standard side-impact air bags that deploy out of the upper portion of the front seats to protect the upper and lower torso of the driver and passenger. In addition, I-4 and V-6 Escape models come standard with Ford's exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control).

The 2008 Escape's standard 2.3-liter, 16-valve Duratec 23 I-4 produces 153 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 152 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The available 3.0-liter, 24-valve V-6 Duratec 30 engine makes 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 193 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. With a four-speed automatic, the V-6 powered Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Ford Escape Hybrid continues to be a "full" hybrid. This means that, unlike other "mild" hybrid vehicles, Escape Hybrid can run on 100 percent electric power up to about 25 mph, maximizing in-city fuel economy.

At low speeds, power is delivered by a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor, producing 70 kw @ 5,000 rpm and 330V maximum voltage. When additional power is required, the Escape Hybrid's 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine seamlessly engages, contributing 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 124 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm. The net result is 155 horsepower with 0-60 times comparable to a 200 horsepower V-6 engine and a boost in city-driving fuel economy of nearly 75 percent. Escape Hybrids are equipped with a smooth-shifting, electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

For 2008, Escape Hybrid engineers made revisions to software in the control system to improve transparency, or the transition between gasoline and electric operation. The transition from all-electric to gasoline power to a combination of the two is now even more seamless and virtually imperceptible to the driver.

Ford Explorer America Concept

Ford Explorer America Concept, 2008

The Ford Explorer America concept showcases a new kind of utility for the vehicle customers have known and loved for years: even better fuel efficiency.

"Innovative technologies can transform people's favorite vehicles. Look at SYNC, the Ford system that connects people and their favorite portable devices, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, while in their vehicles."

Technologies and engineering innovations help Ford Explorer America concept deliver an approximately 20 to 30 percent fuel-economy improvement, depending on engine selection, while providing room for six and their gear as well as moderate towing and off-roading capabilities.

This smarter utility concept simplifies Ford Motor Company's systems approach for delivering sustainable vehicles, specifically demonstrating:

* 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

The Ford Explorer America concept addresses how the SUV market has changed in the past 15 years.

In the 1990s, customers were drawn by SUVs aligned with people's adventurous, more rugged lifestyles. Today's consumers are more discerning, demanding products that are capable and flexible - but more intelligently executed.

The Ford Explorer America concept looks the part, too, with a modern, muscular design language that belies its ability to harness today's active lifestyles. Its integrated three-bar grille, defined power dome hood, wrap-around rear glass panel window and sliding rear door give the appearance that this concept is ready for modern Lewis-and-Clark types to explore, from their own neighborhoods to the trail head.

The inside, intelligent features abound, including: single-touch stackable, sliding seats that allow for convenient access to the second row; a work table with seats deploy from the tailgate; and a three-dimensional compass and navigation unit with a topographical map built right into the instrument panel.

FPV Super Pursuit (Ford)

FPV Super Pursuit

The ultimate sports utility, the FPV Super Pursuit is packed with unrivalled performance matched by exquisite interior and exterior styling.
Matching the increased power is a premium FPV performance brake package, the FPV Super Pursuit features 355 x 32mm front rotors with Brembo six-piston calipers, and 328 x 26mm rear rotors with single red piston caliper.

FPV Super Pursuit styling

Never to be mistaken, the FPV Super Pursuit features new unique, high-impact badging on the tailgate, while the bold styling is highlighted by the unique front grille treatment, side striping and V8 bonnet bulge accented with the newly designed hood decal.

The new Dark or Mid Argent headlight accents are matched to the 19-inch machine faced alloy wheels with Dark Argent accents.
The performance FPV Super Pursuit is equipped with a 'power bulge' hard tonneau and spoiler as standard.

Inside the cabin, the FPV Super Pursuit features Super Pursuit logo embroidered sports seats in Shadow cloth with suede-feel bolsters and silver stitching. Shadow Leather sports seats are available at no extra cost.
The cabin is bursting with features to ensure a premium driving experience, including sports leather steering wheel with cruise control and audio mounted switches, new unique FPV starter button, and dual zone temperature control, power windows and alloy pedal covers.

V8 Boss 315

The Boss 315 has been completely re-calibrated to maximise response and driveability, and an improvement in volumetric efficiency allows the engine to breathe better.
Importantly, the increased power does not compromise on fuel economy and in automatic guise; the FPV Pursuit and FPV Super Pursuit boast fuel economy figures of 14.4L/100km.

Safety

The sports utilities feature Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), driver and passenger airbags, side head/thorax air bags mounted on the driver and passenger seats and Beltminder technology for the driver.
The sports utility range is protected by a remote alarm and FPV's ID Datadot identification.