Autoblog

Sleek new Ford Fusion gets hit with SEMA's ugly stick

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Ford

The 2013 Ford Fusion is a seriously pretty car, and every time we see one, we can't help but notice the styling influence from brands like Jaguar and Aston Martin. That said, the modified Fusions that Ford brought to this year's SEMA Show don't enhance the already attractive midsize sedan. In fact, to our eyes, it's quite the contrary.

Case in point: The Tjin Edition Fusion above. When we got our first glimpse at the beige show car in teaser form, it wasn't wearing these oversized wheels, and that ridiculous front lip wasn't in place. If we're honest, it just ain't pretty. That said, we certainly won't complain about the upgraded 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine found underhood or the MagnaFlow exhaust system out back.

Elsewhere on stage the 3DCarbon Fusion takes a rather pretty black-and-white color scheme and adds some visual aggressive flare (again with an oversized front lip), the MRT Performance car is a slammed-down black-and-blue brute, and the Ice Nine Group has incorporated a matte-and-green Monster paint job to the Blue Oval baby.

Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder, so have a scroll through our attached image gallery and let us know in the comments if any of these Fusions get your motor runnin'.

Sleek new Ford Fusion gets hit with SEMA's ugly stick originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford Focus hatches wicked tuner concepts

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Ford

As popular as their vehicles are with aftermarket customizers, Ford wouldn't miss out on something like the SEMA show. And while the Mustang and various Ford trucks play a big role in the Blue Oval booth this year, a significant part of the Motor Company's exposition centers around the latest Focus.

All-in-all, seven Focus models are on display this year. 3dCarbon has busted one out in a white matte finish with tinted windows and red accents, plus roof spoiler, Eibach springs and Pirelli rubber. Roush has brought out a Stage 3 upgraded Focus complete with supercharger, custom induction and exhaust systems and body kit. The ID Agency is bridging the gap between Japanese and European tuner trends with its dark green model, packing Magnaflow exhaust, Brembo brakes, Recaro seats and even a Thule bike rack.

The only sedan among all the hatchback versions has been done up by Capaldi Racing, with a Borla exhaust, Torsen diff, AST suspension and a big orange splitter jutting out the front. Steeda's Focus hatchback packs an aftermarket intake, sway back and springs, with an engine bay filled with billet aluminum-style components and 19-inch monoblock alloys with Nitto rubber.

Bojix Design's Stage 2 show car has been done up (like the 3dCarbon and Roush models) in white, black and red, with a full aero kit, 20-inch wheels on H&R suspension packing AP Racing brakes and a full leather and Alcantara interior. Finally, COBB Tuning (best known for its Subaru work) has gone with a racing approach, complete with turbocharger, intercooler, upgraded breathing apparati, reworked suspension, and super-sized brakes.

You can check 'em all out in our high-res gallery of live images from the show floor, the factory-released renderings in the gallery below and the details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ford Focus hatches wicked tuner concepts

Ford Focus hatches wicked tuner concepts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

LA 2010: Ford Focus Race Car Concept goes global *Update

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports

Ford Focus Race Car Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford likes to tout the 2012 Focus' global credentials, because this is the first time the compact sedan and hatchback will be offered with minimal changes in nearly every market the Blue Oval operates. Interestingly, Ford has taken a similar approach with the racing version of the Focus, which it says is designed to compete in all kinds of ~~rally~~ touring car racing both in the United States and throughout the rest of the world.

Power, predictably, will come from a tuned version of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that we'll see in the upcoming Focus ST. You'll find AST performance coil-over adjustable dampers at each corner holding up anthracite 18-inch wheels and Hoosier race tires. Other suspension bits include sway bars from Ford Racing with adjustable end links and front brakes with 320-millimeter two-piece rotors and race pads.

Inside, a full FIA-certified roll cage is included, along with Recaro seats with six-point racing harnesses and a full electronics package for keeping track of essential data. Interestingly, Ford says it teamed up with a number of professional private racing teams to develop its Focus Race package, which means it should be highly adaptable to multiple series and formats.

This car's first appearance in competition will be at the 2011 British Touring Car Championship, but it will also circle tracks in China and at the 24-hour race at Nürburgring in Germany. Even more importantly, Ford says the upcoming 2012 Focus ST will benefit from the experience gained by racing its track-developed sibling.

In addition to the Focus Race Car Concept, also hitting the LA Auto Show floor will be three Focus models tuned with various aftermarket products. One will come from Ford's own Vehicle Personalization group while the others will be presented by FSWerks and 3dCarbon, respectively.

Hit the jump for all the details in the complete press releases.

Update: Ford tells us the Focus is its corporate touring car racer while all rally duties will be handed off to the Fiesta.

Gallery: Ford Focus Race Car Concept

Gallery: Ford Focus Tuner Cars

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading LA 2010: Ford Focus Race Car Concept goes global *Update

LA 2010: Ford Focus Race Car Concept goes global *Update originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA Preview: Fiesta to dominate Ford booth

Chris Paukert — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Budget, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta at SEMA - Click above for image gallery

We've only just gotten over our jet lag from the Paris Motor Show, but there's no stopping the yearly auto expo schedule and the aftermarket insanity that is the annual SEMA show is just around the corner.

This year's show will see the Ford Motor Company continuing to make a lot of noise with its effervescent little subcompact juggernaut, the Fiesta, along with a string of debuts planned from various tuners. But that isn't stopping the Blue Oval from bringing a little heat of its own to the Las Vegas show floor, including a concept car that features a 350-horsepower 2.3-liter four-pot (a bored-out version of the production 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine) and a slew of off-the-shelf Ford Racing Performance parts.

Also on the floor will be a series of other Fiesta showcars including models put together by 3dCarbon, H&R Springs, FSWerks and Steeda Autosports, among others.

We'll be on-hand to capture all the zaniness that is SEMA from November 2 through November 5, so stay tuned. While you're waiting, however, be sure to check out our gallery below and Ford's official release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Fiesta to dominate Ford booth

SEMA Preview: Fiesta to dominate Ford booth originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta by Ford Custom Accessories - Click above for high-res image gallery

While introducing the folks at the LA Auto Show to the American-market 2011 Ford Fiesta, Ford decided to go a step further. They didn't just show the production sedan and hatchback, they also showed off the possibilities the platform presents as well. They had four customized Fiestas on display, done up by companies like H&R, 3dCarbon, FSWerks, and Steeda, as well as Ford's in-house Racing and Custom Accessories team. And just for good measure, they also brought along that wicked Kenny Brack X-Games Rally Fiesta as well.

There's a full press release after the jump, but here is a brief summary of the four featured vehicles:

Black Fiesta:

This car was put together by Ford Racing and Steeda Autosports. It features Steeda's cold air intake, a Borla/Ford Racing Performance cat-back exhaust system, Steeda/Ford Racing suspension upgrades, Ford Racing multi-spoke Euro wheels and Brembo anchors.

Blue Fiesta:

The blue car was built by H&R Special Springs. Naturally, it received some suspension tuning with an H&R Street Performance monotube coil-over kit and a set of spiffy 18-inch OZ SuperTurismo GT wheels. It's also the beneficiary of some Euro reverse-engineering via "Sticky Jewell custom graphics, custom Euro hood vents, stealthy blacked-out headlamps and a Ford Custom Accessories upper rear hatch spoiler."

White Fiesta:

The white Fiesta (above) features Ford Custom Accessories, so it ought to be the easiest model the Average Joe to copy. Nearly every styling element can be purchased from the Ford Custom Accessories, Ford Licensed Accessories or Ford Racing Performance Parts catalogs. And get used to those graphics, because Ford has taken this opportunity to add a whole new line of them for the Fiesta. You can see the whole collection at fordfiestagraphics.com.

Red Fiesta:

Last, but certainly not least, is the red Fiesta by 3dCarbon and FSWerks. It's the only one of the four that has some serious rejiggering underhood. It features an FSWerks Stage 2 intercooled turbo kit and 2.25-inch exhaust system. It also sports a 3dCarbon body kit with an "aggressive front air dam, aerodynamic side skirts and rear lower accent trim."

We'd probably mix and match among these mods, perhaps the H&R suspension, the Brembos from the Steeda car, the OZ wheels and that FSWerks turbo setup. Or maybe we'd just take Brack's car. Check out the gallery by clicking below and more details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta Customs

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Ford]

Continue reading LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities

LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2009: Pick your Mustang, any Mustang

Drew Phillips — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:19:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Ford Mustangs at SEMA - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last week we showed you a preview of some of the Mustangs that were going to be at SEMA, and now we can bring you live photos of them from the show floor. Despite the common platform, each of the Mustangs has a unique look and even a unique color. We especially liked the versions from Street Scene Equipment and H&R Springs, although we weren't feeling the gold and black theme on the Mustang built by Ford Vehicle Personalization.

If none of those suit your tastes, you can also pick 3dCarbon's take on the 2010 Mustang, Steeda's new Q-Series Mustang, or the drag-themed pony car from Paul's High Performance. Just browse through the high-res gallery below and pick your favorite.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: The Ford Mustangs

SEMA 2009: Pick your Mustang, any Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford Fusion 3dCarbon last of previewed SEMA vehicles

John Neff — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Ford

The Jalopanese folk have just posted pics and info of last of three vehicle Ford previewed for the media today, the 3dCarbon Fusion. Though it's basically just a six-piece body kit for the Fusion, the look is sharp and, like the F-150 FX2 Sport Extreme reminded us of the SVT Lightning, the 3DCarbon Fusion has us pulling out old photos of the SVT Contour and sighing repeatedly. Many of you will no doubt appreciate 3dCarbon leaving off the silly graphics, stripes and paint on this vehicle and letting us see it in a more natural state of execution. The body kit includes a front air dam with a two extra chrome bars (bringing the total of chrome bars on the Fusion's face up to five), side skirts, a rear lower skirt, an upper deck spoiler and a rear deck spoiler, all manufactured in urethane instead of fiberglass. Plus, this particular Fusion has all-wheel drive and 3dCarbon added Brembo brake calipers and drilled rotors for some visual panache. All told, Ford would be hard pressed to make a factory-backed sport edition of the Fusion look better than this kit. 3dCarbon is bringing tuned versions of the Edge, Lincoln MKZ and MKX to the SEMA show, as well. Follow the Read link for pics of the 3dCarbon Fusion from more angles.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Ford Fusion 3dCarbon last of previewed SEMA vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Oct 2006 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford brings the bling to SEMA

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 06:54:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

We've already reported on GM's plan to capitalize on the urban trend of throwing dubs on Grandma's Buick by crashing SEMA with 11 customized Lucernes. Ford intends on bringing their own brand of bling in the form of two custom Edges, a pair of worked-over Lincolns and one turbo'd Fusion.

The Ford Edge pictured above spent a considerable amount of time with the H&R crew and the resulting pimpage is far from subtle. The customized Edge is bathed in Tangerine Orange gloss and fitted with a custom front-fascia that serves as a home to a pair of Hella Celis fog lamps. The hood gets a dose of black paint to give it the boy-racer look, which sets the tone for the both the roof and the 22x10-inch Modern Society wheels. The aggressive stance is courtesy of H&R's very own Sport Spring kit, equipped with wheel spacers and camber adjustment bolts to bring the body down approximately two inches below stock. The only power mod is the addition of a MagnaFlow cat-back exhaust which gives the prerequisite burble when rolling up to the show stand.

Of the other four vehicles to be debuted, three of which were created by 3dCarbon, with an emphasis on refinement and streetablity and the last, a Fusion, was 'tuned' by MRT. Along with the FoMoCo customs, Ford will also have a set of Mustang GT500s and will show their 2008 Ford Super-Duty pickup for the first time. Details on all the vehicles, along with photos are available after the jump.

[Source: Ford Motor Co.]

Continue reading Ford brings the bling to SEMA

Ford brings the bling to SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Oct 2006 06:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments