Autoblog

Retooled Ford Wayne assembly plant to be company's most flexible

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:29:00 EST

Workers building pre-production 2012 Ford Focus - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is crowing that its freshly retooled Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, MI is now the most flexible final assembly factory in its global network. The Wayne plant used to assemble the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator full-size SUVs but is now building pre-production examples of the 2012 Focus. One of the features touted by Ford for its new global C-segment platform is that it is driving down development cost by building 10 different bodystyles on the architecture using many of the same mechanical components.

At launch, the Wayne plant will build both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback variants, but those are expected to be joined by a new Lincoln compact and possibly variants like the Grand C-Max. Ford will also be building versions of these vehicles with conventional, hybrid and full battery electric powertrains. Over 80 percent of the equipment in the body shop is programmable and can run different body styles almost with the flip of a switch. Ford says this new flexibility will also allow it to quickly adjust its product mix to shifting market conditions.

Gallery: Ford Michigan Assembly Plant

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Retooled Ford Wayne assembly plant to be company's most flexible

Retooled Ford Wayne assembly plant to be company's most flexible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: New Ford Focus ST headed for Paris

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

2012 Ford Focus - Click above for high-res image gallery

As the launch of the 2012 Focus draws closer, Ford plans to roll out several variants of its C-segment people mover. And at this year's Paris Motor Show, the Blue Oval will reportedly kick off the party with the debut of a new Focus ST which could finally make its way to America next year. The Focus ST is expected to be propelled by an uprated version of the 2.0-liter Ecoboost inline-four - the same mill fitted to the Euro-market Mondeo - but with output boosted well over the current 200 horsepower.

In ST trim the engine should produce about 250 hp and close to 260 pound-feet of torque, with all that twist coming in low in the rev range to balance high-revving fun with enhanced around-town driveability. The ST should hit 60 mph in under six seconds with combined mileage of about 29 miles per gallon (U.S.). Earlier this year, Ford acknowledged that it was developing a "global" performance version of the new Focus, but never said explicitly that it would be offered in North America. Here's hoping that changes in Paris this September.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus

[Source: AutoExpress]

Report: New Ford Focus ST headed for Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Focus chief engineer leaves Ford for... yacht builder?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford

2012 Ford Focus - Click above for high-res image gallery

Jens Ludmann, the German engineer in Ford's European arm who led the development of the S-Max, Mondeo and 2012 Focus, is departing the automaker after a successful 10-year run. Where to? He's leaving the Blue Oval to join the deep blue sea, taking over as CEO of Bavaria Yachtbau, a German builder of sailing and motor yachts.

While his industry and title will change, the aim of his job won't: turn compelling ideas into profitable products. Having done that with three of Ford's best known vehicles in just ten years, Bavaria Yachtbau could have made a great score, and Ford has a massive gap to fill.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Next-Gen Ford Focus

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Focus chief engineer leaves Ford for... yacht builder? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The $16,000 Question: Jetta, Cruze or Focus? [w/poll]

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Volkswagen

Just after we flip our calendars to the year 2011, we'll have three new sedans on the street, all poised to compete against one another and priced from around the $16,000 mark - the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and 2012 Ford Focus. Each car has a lot of positives and we're sure the automotive media will be lining up comparison tests as soon as each are ready. But right now, we want to know what you, the reader, thinks has the makings of the best $16,000 sedan. Read the details and vote for your pick below.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Dimensions (inches): length: 182.7, width: 70.1, height: 57.1
Engines: 2.5-liter inline-five with 170 horsepower, 177 pound-feet of torque; 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four with 140 hp, 236 lb-ft; 2.0-liter turbocharged four with 200 hp, 207 lb-ft; six-speed automatic, dual-clutch and manual transmissions will be available
Fuel economy: Over 40 mpg for TDI diesel models
Available features: Navigation, Bluetooth, 60/40 split rear seat

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Dimensions (inches): length: 181.0, width: 70.7, height: 58.1, wheelbase: 105.7
Engines: 1.8-liter naturally aspirated inline-four with 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque; 1.4-liter turbocharged four with 138 hp and 148 lb-ft; six-speed manual and automatic transmissions available
Fuel economy: 40 mpg for Eco models
Available features: Bluetooth, USB connectivity, OnStar support

2012 Ford Focus

Dimensions (inches): length: 179, width: 72, height: 58, wheelbase: 104
Engines: 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four with 155 horsepower, 145 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic; 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four reportedly in the works with 240-plus hp and a six-speed manual
Fuel economy: 40 mpg highway targeted for base 2.0-liter model
Available features: SYNC, active park assist, navigation

View Poll

Note: Official specifications for the 2011 Jetta and 2012 Focus have not been released as of this writing, but these are the details that Autoblog has learned through industry sources.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus

The $16,000 Question: Jetta, Cruze or Focus? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Focus sedan and hatch caught, new spoiler spotted

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 11 May 2010 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

2012 Ford Focus spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The all-new Ford Focus made a pretty big splash when it debuted at the Detroit Auto Show this past January. The new car, which will be offered in both sedan and hatchback flavors, rides on the automaker's new global C-car platform, and the version that America gets won't be noticeably different from the European model. A good thing, as we've been crying for Euro-tuned Foci for years, though it's safe to assume that the hot new Focus wagon won't be headed to our shores.

Nevertheless, our spies have spotted the 2012 Focus testing near Ford's proving grounds in Dearborn, Michigan, and good news - the fresh styling hasn't been dumbed down any from the original models that debuted in Detroit. Aside from more road-worthy wheels and tires, the only noticeable difference is a small spoiler on the sedan, which will more than likely be either an option or a trim level designation. If we're honest, we much prefer this car with a spoiler-less rear end, or maybe with a subtle lip spoiler at most. (Sidebar: If you squint your eyes, does anyone else see a bit of the Escort ZX2 echoed in the Focus sedan's rear shape?)

Don't expect to see the showroom-ready Focus for quite some time, though - its 2012 model year designation means that we have to wait until the new calendar year before seeing these little guys on the road. Click through the gallery below to see high-res shots of both the sedan and hatchback prototypes.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Focus

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Next-Gen Ford Focus

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Focus sedan and hatch caught, new spoiler spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: Ford to build seven-seat C-Max in Spain for export to U.S.

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 10 May 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Ford

2011 Ford C-Max seven-seater - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Ford announced its new seven-seat Grand C-Max last fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show, it also revealed that the new model would be coming to North America for the first time. In conjunction with the announcement today that Ford's plant in Valencia, Spain would produce hybrid versions of the five-seat C-Max, Ford also announced that the same plant would be exporting the seven-seater to America late next year.

The larger C-Max is based off of Ford's new c-segment platform shared with the Focus and is similar in size to the Mazda5. This marks Ford's return to the sliding door van market that was abandoned when the Freestar was discontinued in 2006. Ford hasn't said what powerplant will go into the C-Max for export, but we would bet on the same 2.0-liter direct injected four that will power the new Focus with an optional 2.0-liter Ecoboost. Now that General Motors has decided not to sell the Chevrolet Orlando in the U.S., Ford and Mazda are currently the only entrants in this small minivan segment, with vehicles like the conventionally doored Kia Rondo lurking on the fridges.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Grand C-Max

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ford C-Max

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Confirmed: Ford to build seven-seat C-Max in Spain for export to U.S.

Confirmed: Ford to build seven-seat C-Max in Spain for export to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford starts production of six-speed dual clutch PowerShift transmission

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Ford

Ford PowerShift transmissions on the line - Click above for high-res image gallery

The new Ford Fiesta will be the first product vehicle from any of the Detroit automakers to have a dual clutch transmission, and production is starting today. The Ford PowerShift gearboxes are being built at the Getrag Americas joint venture factory in Irapuato, Mexico. At launch the plant is employing 200 people, a number that will double later this year when the plant also starts building the same transmissions for the 2012 Focus.

A dual clutch transmission can almost be thought of as two traditional manual transmissions, each with its own clutch operating in parallel and alternating shifts. The Ford unit is a six-speed with one clutch acting on gears 1, 3 and 5 and the other used for 2, 4 and 6. As first gear is engaged, the 2-4-6 clutch is disengaged and the second gear cogs are engaged. At the appropriate time, the 1-3-5 clutch is disengaged the other is engaged. While in second gear, the other side moves from first to third. The process is repeated with quick smooth shifts and none of the of the efficiency loss normally associated with torque converters.

The Ford gearbox also uses dry clutches, which are more efficient than the wet clutches previously used in some earlier Volkswagen DSG gearboxes.

The 1.6-liter Fiesta with PowerShift transmission is expected to get an EPA highway rating of at least 40 miles per gallon. The new Focus will use a 2.0-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine with the PowerShift transmission and may also approach 40 mpg, something Ford is surely hoping for in light of the just announced 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco and its unofficial highway mpg of 40 mpg or more.

Gallery: Ford-Getrag PowerShift transmission plant

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford starts production of six-speed dual clutch PowerShift transmission

Ford starts production of six-speed dual clutch PowerShift transmission originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: 2012 Ford Focus Wagon is a stylish C-segment tease

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Ford, UK

2012 Ford Focus Wagon - Click above for high-res image gallery

We'll be honest - we're all pretty excited about the 2012 Ford Focus as it's set to add new levels of refinement and technology to the booming C-segment in the United States. And while we're pleased to see the return of the five-door hatchback, we'd be lying if we said we weren't a bit jealous that other markets will be getting this haul-ready wagon variant.

Plans for bringing the wagon to the States haven't been completely ruled out, and executives have said that if market demand is there, Ford will answer (we've heard this one before). Still, Europe should be relatively impressed with the 2012 Focus Wagon, what with its new Kinetic design, optional MyFord Touch system, and a range of both petrol and diesel engines. Click through our attached gallery to see live shots of the not-for-U.S. Focus Wagon.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Ford Focus Wagon

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus Wagon

Continue reading Geneva 2010: 2012 Ford Focus Wagon is a stylish C-segment tease

Geneva 2010: 2012 Ford Focus Wagon is a stylish C-segment tease originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Ford Focus Wagon to be shown in Geneva

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Ford

2012 Ford Focus wagon - Click above for high res-image gallery

With the debut of the 2012 Focus Wagon at the Geneva Motor Show, Ford has reached the halfway point in the roll-out of its new C-segment platform. When Ford first announced the new C-Max and Grand C-Max at the Frankfurt Motor Show last fall, it said the C platform would eventually spawn at least 10 different variants. The two MPVs were joined by the four- and five-door Focus at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The new station wagon is number five and we expect it to be joined by a three-door hatch and coupe-convertible in the coming months. Ford also revealed that a small SUV will join the C-segment lineup soon.

While the new wagon will likely be a popular configuration on the continent, there are currently no plans to make the estate available in North America. Frank Davis, executive director of North American product programs at Ford, told Autoblog that when a wagon was last offered as part of the U.S. Focus lineup, the market share never got over 14 percent and only hit four percent in the final year of availability.

Davis wouldn't rule out offering a wagon in the U.S. at some point if it were justified by market demand. Since Ford will be using common manufacturing processes for the new Focus globally and the lines are flexible, it would not be difficult to add production at the Michigan Assembly Plant where the North American Focus will be built. Davis emphasized that over 80 percent of the parts on the new Focus are common globally, considerably more than the 60 percent commonality on the new Fiesta.

Design-wise the new Focus wagon differs little from the sedan and five-door hatch. It is identical back to the B-pillars with only the extended roof-line and cargo area setting it apart. Ford has integrated the cargo rails into the roof in order to maintain the sleek looks of the latest iteration of its Kinetic design.

Inside the wagon gets the same up-scale interior shown in the sedan and hatch including the first European availability of the new MyFord Touch system as part of the latest generation of Sync technology. Unlike here in the U.S. where we will initially get only one 2.0-liter engine, Europeans will get a range of updated gas and diesel engines to choose from. Production of the Focus starts simultaneously late this year in Europe and the U.S.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus Wagon

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2012 Ford Focus Wagon to be shown in Geneva

2012 Ford Focus Wagon to be shown in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AB's Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Etc.

We love auto show season, mostly for the chance to see all the coolest new cars and concepts that the world's best automakers have to offer. This year at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, though, there weren't nearly as many new models to point our DSLR lenses at... for rather obvious reasons.

As such, we've cut the typical Top 10 in half and compiled a list of the Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Keep in mind that there are a number of reasons why a vehicle might be interesting or important, and we've run the gamut to represent all different types on our list.

Interestingly, you'll only see Detroit-based automakers in our Top Five. That conclusion wasn't reached on purpose, we simply judged each new model on its own merits and this is how our musings turned out. For an added bonus, each of us in attendance picked our own personal favorite. So, without further ado, click here to see our Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

[Image: Bryan Mitchell/Getty]

Continue reading AB's Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

AB's Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Next-gen Ford Focus a C-segment savior [w/video]

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:04:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford, Electric

Next-gen Ford Focus live unveiling - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's taken far too long, but an all-new Ford Focus has arrived and we've just seen it in the metal here at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Complete with a new platform, new engine, some shapely sheetmetal and a host of tech, this new Focus that we'll finally be sharing with Europe and the rest of the world promises to set a new bar for the small car C-segment.

The Focus will initially be available in the U.S. in both four- and five-door hatchback body styles, with a three-door hatch and coupe likely in the works as well. A new 2.0-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque will be the only engine at launch, but buyers will have a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and Ford's new six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Ford also confirmed during its press conference this morning that a Focus Electric is due to arrive in 2012, with a hybrid version arriving the next year - both of which will be built in Michigan.

For all the details, hit up our deep dive of the next generation Ford Focus after checking out our first live shots from the Detroit Auto Show in the gallery below. Hit the jump to watch video of the 2011 Ford Focus live reveal.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Next-Gen Ford Focus

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Follow our coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show live all day on Twitter at http://twitter.com/therealautoblog

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Next-gen Ford Focus a C-segment savior [w/video]

Detroit 2010: Next-gen Ford Focus a C-segment savior [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill Entry No. 3,256 - North America could get next-gen Ford Focus RS

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Rumormill

2010 Ford Focus RS - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Could the North American market finally get the Ford Focus RS? According to the latest reports, it could happen. But not until after the next-generation model debuts in a couple of years. Like the new Fiesta, the next Focus is being developed as a global product, with the North American market in mind as much as those overseas. And with the amalgamation of Ford's performance divisions in the United States and Europe - SVT and Team RS, respectively - an RS version could reach American shores in a few years' time.

According to Automotive News, Ford's global performance guru Hermann Salebauch says the potential for a U.S.-market Focus RS depends entirely on demand. That is, if enough American buyers want an RS, it could happen. So what do you think, should Ford give its home market a smokin' hot hatch based on the next Focus? Leave your thoughts in the comments section because... well... who knows?

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

Gallery: Paris 2008: Ford Focus RS LIVE

[Source: Automotive News]

Rumormill Entry No. 3,256 - North America could get next-gen Ford Focus RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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