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Oakridge Ford's automotive expertise is a product of our sustained interest in industry trends and characteristics. We are privileged to share the latest news, promotions and events with you and hope the information will enhance your shopping experience. As you know, there are many new cars from which to choose, and we believe an informed customer is the best customer.
2013 Ford C-Max
The Ford C-Max is a seven-seat mini minivan, for lack of a better description, with sliding rear doors. Vehicles of the C-Max's ilk proliferate in Europe, but at this point, only the Mazda 5 comes close in the United States. Ford will launch the C-Max in North America in early 2012.
The C-Max is redesigned for 2011 in Europe. It's the first vehicle built on Ford's new global C platform, which is also the foundation for the soon-to-be-released Focus and the next-generation Ford Escape. The C-Max headed for North America is called the Grand C-Max in Europe. The standard Euro C-Max is identical from the B-pillar forward but rolls on a wheelbase that is 5.5 inches shorter and seats only five. Ford has no plans to sell the short-wheelbase C-Max in North America.
Specifics on U.S. models are a bit thin at this point, mostly because Ford has only started sorting through North American equipment and specifications. There are a plethora of powertrain choices in Europe, including multiple diesels, six-speed manuals and dual-clutch robotic transmissions. The standard C-Max engine in North America will likely be a 2.5-liter inline-four, similar to the base engine in the Fusion sedan, generating 150 hp to 160 hp. The upgrade will be a 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injection EcoBoost four, delivering 160 hp to 170 hp with better fuel efficiency. The standard transmission will be a six-speed, torque-converter automatic, though we retain hope that Ford might offer a manual. The C-Max is well suited to human shifting.
Even less settled are trim levels and equipment for North America. In Europe, the C-Max is offered with an array of up-market features, including blind-spot warning, the self-parking system offered on U.S. Lincolns and two different navigation systems. It's also available with performance tires on 18-inch wheels.
Ford expects to launch the C-Max in the United States in early 2012.
How's it drive?
Better than any minivan we've driven, if your predilection leans toward sharp, solid braking and quick lateral movement. The C-Max feels light and responsive as people movers go, and it's surprisingly engaging. Overall, it's smooth, quiet and impressively solid.
The C-Max's suspension is fully independent front and rear, and the European version is fitted with electronic chassis systems to rival what we expect further up the automotive food chain (including a control strategy that works like a torque-vectoring differential for the front wheels). Even in Europe, the suspension is tuned for comfort, so there's more than a hint of body roll during aggressive cornering. Yet the ride and body motions are always well damped, and the C-Max actually enjoys changing direction on short notice.
Ford's EPAS electric power steering is particularly well sorted, with good weight and feedback and excellent stability. We'd put C-Max steering in the top echelon of front-drive cars and also of vehicles with electrically boosted steering, front- or rear-drive. EPAS in the C-Max surpasses the systems used by some high-end European brands.
Conclusions are nonetheless tentative because no one is sure exactly what North America will get. Moreover, the standard European C-Max is a bit more engaging than the long-wheelbase version. The extra wheelbase on U.S.-size models presents itself as a bit more lag time before the back end follows through on what the front end commands. There's more mass that wants to come forward during quick directional changes in the long-wheelbase C-Max.
Perhaps the firmest conclusion we can draw is this: Ford's new C platform is solid and well engineered. It promises good things for the new Focus and whatever other iterations follow.
From the people- and stuff-moving perspective, the C-Max's sliding rear doors make for big openings and easy access to the rear cabin. The second- and third-row seats are particularly clever in design--stow-and-go, in effect, with a number of easily adjusted configurations. Again, Ford is only beginning to sort equipment and details for the United States but the trick rear seats and drop-down, airline-style tray tables on the front seatbacks are likely to be standard equipment.
Do I want it?
If you need a fuel-efficient, flexible people mover, maybe you do. A lot depends on price and content when the C-Max hits North America. We predict that the typical enthusiast driver--enthusiast here meaning an inclination toward good reflexes and classic European ride-handling balance--will prefer its dynamics to the typical minivan's.
The C-Max could make a great choice for blooming, single-car families with at least one member who really enjoys driving. Offering it with a manual transmission could go some distance in broadening its appeal and improving its enthusiast cred.
2013 Ford C-Max
Price: $20,000-$26,000 (projected)
Available: Spring 2012
Layout: seven-passenger, front-drive wagon
Drivetrain: 2.5-liter I4, six-speed automatic
Weight: 3,300 pounds (est) top
Consumer Reports: Mustang V-6 tops rival
But when the Mustang and Camaro went head-to-head for Round II in the pages of Consumer Reports' October issue, the results were reversed.
In last year's faceoff between V-8 versions of the two cars, the magazine also gave the nod to the Mustang, despite its older design. In the latest comparison, the magazine said a new V-6 didn't dilute the "fun factor" in driving the Mustang--but it did for the Camaro.
The Mustang V-6 Premium's 305-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 is more refined than the Camaro 2LT's 304-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 and also delivered stronger acceleration and better fuel economy, the magazine said. It added that while the Camaro V-6 provided decent acceleration, it wasn't as readily available.
"The Mustang is the more agile and enjoyable car to drive," David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center, said in a statement.
The magazine's editors liked the interior of both models, but they did rate one item on the Camaro as being better than the Mustang: the thick, leather-covered steering wheel.
Automotive News
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Let's Play 6.2
Up to now, most of the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor's appeal lay in the wicked off-road suspension parts tucked under its widebody sheetmetal. The truck's 5.4 liter, 310-hp, 365-lb-ft V8 just didn't live up to the bat-out-of-hell tradition of its SVT predecessor, the F-150 Lightning.
That all changed with the mid-model-year addition of the Raptor 6.2, with an all-new 6.2-liter, 411-hp, 434-lb-ft V8.
The engine has a bigger bore than its stroke to allow for larger valves and higher revs for improved responsiveness, giving the Raptor true SVT vigor. It's not as quick as the supercharged SVT Lightning of old, which posted near-6.0-second 0-to-60-mph times, but the 6.2-liter Raptor's 6.9-second time is a full second and a half quicker than the base Raptor.
Our recent test drive at Ford's proving ground near Detroit included a range of paved roads, low-traction gravel, steep inclines and enough mud to make the soggy British Midlands seem arid. The raptor 6.2 loved wallowing in the mud, thanks to its mongo internal triple-bypass Fox Racing Shox, Raptor-exclusive 35-inch BFGoodrich All-terrain 315/70-17 tires, massive 11.2-inch ground clearnace, electronic locking rear differential, stability control, traction control, hill-descent control, off-road mode--the works.
Although it's seven inches wider than a normal F-150, the Raptor also made easy work of tight wooded trails, despite mud that made steering nearly irrelevant at times. We picked our way through the rutted, sloppy backwoods two-tracks, up and down hills, with the Raptor's 6.2-liter engine providing ample assistance. Pushing up steep grades only made the engine dig deeper into its reserves, especially as the revs climbed to match power demand.
Is the Raptor for real?
So far, 7,200 buyers have stepped up to get one, with 3,000 of those orders being for the 6.2-liter version (at a premium over the base Raptor). The Raptor's average time on a dealership lot is six days.
Need more? Ford tells us that when the 2011 Raptor hits the market late this summer, the line-up will expand to include a Crew Cab model, offered exclusively with the 6.2-liter engine.
Mud, as we understand it, will be optional.
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Most Significant Vehicle at NAIAS in Detroit
The next-generation Ford Focus made its worldwide debut Monday, Jan. 11 at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. Scheduled to go on sale in both North America and Europe early in 2011, the new Focus will offer customers more affordable technologies and features than ever in this segment, noteworthy levels of craftsmanship, outstanding fuel economy and a new standard for driving quality.
The prestigious AutoWeek award is being presented just three days after Ford received both the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Ford Transit Connect, respectively.
Sleek, stylish and sporty, the new Focus will eventually be sold in 122 markets, with up to 80 percent parts commonality. The Focus will be built on Ford's new C-car platform, which will underpin up to 10 unique models and generate sales of 2 million units annually.
The next-generation Ford Focus will be on public display at NAIAS - along with other award-winning Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles - in Detroit's Cobo Hall through Jan. 24.
For more information
For photos and more information on the next-generation Ford Focus, please click here to reach the global media site.
Quotes
"This was a unanimous vote, one of the few in the history of the AutoWeek award. This car gives Ford and Focus fans their car back. By that we mean enthusiasts have been crying for the European Focus for years and we're finally getting our wish. We also think it's a perfect platform for an SVT version. The car goes on sale in 2011 powered by a sporty four-cylinder engine mated to a DSG transmission, and we can't wait to drive it."
- Wes Raynal, Editor of AutoWeek and autoweek.com
"We are delighted and humbled with the initial response to the next-generation Ford Focus. The new Focus is a direct result of our new global product development system and perhaps the best example yet of what we believe a global Ford product should be - great to look at, great to sit in and great to drive. This is truly ONE Ford in action."
- Derrick Kuzak, Ford's Group Vice President for Global Product Development
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Ford Fusion Named Motor Trend 2010 Car Of The Year
Automotive News
November 17, 2009 - 2:01 pm ET
DETROIT (Reuters) -- Ford Motor Co.'s Fusion mid-size sedan today was named Motor Trend magazine's 2010 "Car of the Year," adding to the perception that changes to the No. 2 U.S. automaker's vehicle lineup are gaining traction. The Fusion was chosen best of 23 new or significantly upgraded vehicles that were eligible for the award after a week of testing, Motor Trend said. The magazine said the full range of Fusion models was impressive to the judges, from the four-cylinder entry level vehicles to the all-wheel drive sport and hybrid versions. The Fusion, which has become one of the top 10 selling vehicles in the United States and was redesigned for 2010, exceeded its previous annual sales peak earlier in November. The car was launched initially by Ford in 2006. Ford posted a nearly $1 billion third-quarter profit that surprised Wall Street analysts this month and is the only large U.S. automaker not to reorganize in bankruptcy with U.S. government support in 2009. U.S. 2009 sales of the Fusion were up 15 percent through October at 148,045 ... in the mid-size sedan segment, one of the key areas in the U.S. market. Ford's sales of the Fusion surpassed the previous full year sales record of 149,552 vehicles earlier in November. That record was set in 2007. |
"Fusion outranks Accord and Camry"
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Fiesta del Ford
Fun can come in really small packages
...Even sitting at the curb, the Fiesta looks fun to drive, from its sculpted hood and flamelike headlamps, to its wheels-at-the-corner stance, to that look-at-me paint job. It might be small, but the Fiesta wants to be noticed.
It drives that way, too, its MacPherson-strut front and torsion-beam rear suspension holding tight to the road even during sportier maneuvers. Steering is sharp and responsive, if a little artificial-feeling at times, mostly because of its electrically assisted setup. Its peppy little 1.6 liter Duratec four-banger delivers an acceptable 118 hp and 112 lb-ft of torque in surprisingly smooth fashion for such a small engine, but getting at that power is made all the more fun by a lively five-speed manual with gears spaced just right to keep you in the fat of the power band without constant rowing...
But the Ford ultimately wins the battle of the bodies, as its longer hoodline gives the Fiesta a less stubby-nosed front-end apperance, while in back, the higher-placed tail lamps and more sloping roofline give it a less blocky feel...Materials in our test Fiesta were of top-notch quality, and the funky styling on the dash and center stack--all controls laid out in a big V-like arrangement, ringed by a brushed-aluminum-like surround--injected the car with a healthy dose of fun...AUTOWEEK
ATTENTION 6.0 LITER DIESEL OWNERS!
Gail Banks is on Board!
We just installed our first Gail Banks Ram Air intake, Intercooler, and PowerPack Diesel Tuner in a 6.0l diesel---Holy Cow Batman. There are 5 additional tuner programs on top of the original factory settings for the Ottomnind6 system. Number 2 is the Economy mode, and 3-6 are all increasing horsepower modes. I'll post the performance improvements once it stops raining (can't get traction from the dual rear wheels in the wet). Banks claims over 100 hp and over 175 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels. I was skeptical about their claims. Not so much now-----WOW!!
Smiley
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WHAT'S IN A NAME?
The 2010 Taurus, rolling into dealer showrooms this summer, is different. Way different. In fact, because of the use of technology in design and engineering, Ford moved the car up a year; it was supposed to be a 2011 model-year vehicle......This new Taurus is bigger and more luxurious than any car before it wearing the badge. Even though Ford has so far been the only Detroit automaker to stave off bankruptcy, it has had its back to the wall in recent years. Having those realities staring you in the face has a way of focusing your attention on the details. These details are where the 2010 Taurus shines as a car......AUTOWEEK
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SHO Reborn
Hot-rod Taurus lives again
When the Ford Taurus SHO debuted in 1989, it was all about the engine. Ford engineers dropped a 200-hp V6 developed and built by Yamaha into a four-door Taurus, and the Super High Output legend was born.
For 10 years and 100,000 cars, the SHO surprised many people in stoplight-to-stoplight runs with only subtle badging hinting at the performance car beneath the standard faily-car Taurus sheetmetal.....
In August, the SHO flame will once again burn brightly.
The 2010 Taurus SHO is still all about the engine. A 365-hp, 350-lb-ft, 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 is the only engine available and the first application of Ford's new line of EcoBoost engines. EcoBoost features direct gasoline injection that ensures a well-mixed and cool-air fuel charge. The result is improved throttle response, reduced cold-start emissions and improved fuel economy.....
For those wanting more performance, Ford offers a track package with bigger brakes, the ability to switch the ESC completely off, a 3.16 final drive ratio and 20-inch performance rubber.
While the 2010 SHO may not be as groundbreaking as the original, it may be just as significant because of the debut of EcoBoost. Performance muscle with fuel-sipping efficiency would seem to be appropriate for the times. AUTOWEEK
C-Max: Ford's New People Mover
Ford calls the C-Max a multiactivity vehicle. You could call it a small minivan because of the sliding doors and fold-flat rear seats.
The five and seven passenger C-Max range for Europe was unveiled last week in Frankfurt. While the five passenger model, called the C-Max in Europe, will not be sold in North America, the seven passenger model, called the Grand C-Max in Europe, will be sold in North America as the C-Max.
Ford has not said where the U.S. version will be assembled. Insiders say it likely will be built in Wayne, Mich.
The seven passenger model has a trapezoidal lower grille, rising beltline and sculpted side surfaces.
The vehicle lacks the flat sides that make some minivans resemble "refrigerators on wheels," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development.
The track for the sliding doors is hidden in the exterior design's "character line, a very strong undercut line" that rises as it flows to the end of the vehicle, said Kuzak, who spoke last week at a media preview in Dearborn, Mich. "it is really hard to pick up the track for the sliding door."
Inside, the C-Max and Grand C-Max are unmistakably minivan. They have three-row seating. The seats in the second and third rows fold flat into the floor. A baby stroller can be stored behind the third-row seat.
The model for the United States will offer such upmarket features as blind-spot detection, a power tailgate and a semi-automatic parallel-parking system. The vehicle will be powered by a four-cylinder engine. Ford did not release specifications.
Ford's first minivan was the reardrive Aerostar, offered from 1985 to 1997. The company introduced the front-drive Windstar in 1995 and later re-engineered the vehicle and changed its name to Freestar before abandoning the segment in 2007.
Kuzak said the opportunities are now in what the industry calls the C segment, the largest segment in the world and North America. The Focus is in the C segment...
..."People are starting to recognize that, unlike maybe in the past with smaller cars, you are not compromising anything in terms of potential technology, features, comfort, convenience, quietness," Kuzak said. "At the same time, you are gettting essentially better fuel efficiency."
Ford says 10 models will be created for North America on the re-engineered Focus platform. In addition to the U.S. version of the C-Max, they include four and five door versions of the Focus, the electric Focus, the next generation Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner crossovers and a Mercury sedan. Three other models are under consideration.
The gasoline powered Focus models will debut in late 2010, while the other models will debut later.
Said Kuzak: "The trend to small cars is real and sustainable."
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Ford Fusion Hybrid, Transit Connect win Car and Truck of the Year awards
