Ford C-Max : 2011 family cars

Designed for young families, the long-wheelbase C-Max has an expressive, dynamic exterior that shuns conventional people-carrier styling.the C-Max will premier at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

C-max Features:

hands-free bootlid (you put your leg under the bumper and it opens), panoramic glass roof, park assist, keyless entry, start, front rear parking sensors, leather interior w/heated front seats, rear-view camera w/satellite navigation system, and keyless entry.

Ford C-Max Interior

New 2012 Ford Explorer Simple Preview

The new 2012 Ford Explorer provides the best value, greatest practicality, best reliability, accomplished gas mileage, best assurance appearance and acceptable looks you appetite in a 2012 Ford Explorer review.



For the 2010 model year, the Explorer is available with the familiar base XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trim levels.Included is an impressive array of standard equipment: monochromatic paint, 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control (with an auxilliary rear climate control, 6-way power front passenger seat and 10-way power memory seat for the driver, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals with memory, heated exterior mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio/cruise controls, and a premium sound system with an in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Dented Wallets and Square Wheels: The 10 Worst Cars of 2010

In the age of high gas prices, hybrids and everyone supposedly going green like the government would make you think, the 2010 class of cars, SUV's and trucks took another hit this year with depreciation and upkeep costs. Just about all the top companies took a good hit in both categories of big and roomy and the supposedly fuel-efficient compact variety which is not as a big hit to people as many would tell you. Here's a listing of the worst performers of 2010 and vehicles you should avoid. These are not in any specific order. (contributed by Design 911)

Cadillac Escalade - Type: Luxury SUV

It's hard to say really what tipped the "experts" off on this vehicle. It did rank poorly amongst safety and value but the one statistic that really stuck out was this vehicle got top honours for the most stolen vehicle out of everything that's out there. "Pimp My Ride" apparently does not apply here.

Chevrolet Aveo - Type: Compact

The Chevrolet Aveo5 1LT overall value is at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to even more expensive models such as the Volkswagen Golf and Honda Civic. Consumer Reports concludes that "the ride is jittery and noise is constant." . What would you expect from driving something as small as a golf cart?

Chevrolet Colorado - Type: Pickup Truck

This vehicle has been rated poorly in just about in every aspect so I'm not going to waste my time telling you about it because what does matter is the fact that GM is soon doing away with this model as well as the Canyon. So, of course the best medicine would be to stay away from these models.

Dodge Nitro - Type: SUV

The SLT model is just another version of the Jeep Liberty but with lower marks. Consumers complained
how noisy this SUV is and how it lacks agility. There tended to be some sort of body lean which added difficulty for people steering. This would be the equivalent of pushing a baby stroller in gravel.

Ford F-250 - Type: Truck

The 2010 Ford F-250 Lariat was ranked the worst on gas mileage getting on average just 10 mpg. This was a diesel engine model as well. Hate to see how an unleaded version would do. At this bad a rate of miles per gallon, one would think you'd have to get a bank loan just to get back and forth to work every three months.

Jeep Wrangler - Type: SUV

The Unlimited Sahara was the main gripe but Jeep Wrangler overall has plummeted 23% in sales since the beginning of the year. Apparently it does well off-road but fell short when driven on-road. Handling is a challenge with vague steering and low cornering limits. It's reliability was another negative for consumers.

Chrysler Sebring - Type: Midsize

Car experts ridicule this unpopular gem for its cheap interior and poor performance. It is considered the worst midsize car for the money due to the high ownership costs. Its rate of depreciation is almost faster than watching paint dry.

Mercury Mountaineer - Type: SUV

Top honours for worst midsize SUV for the money, the Mountaineer (and its twin, Ford Explorer, which ranked right behind it) is truck-based. So therefore it makes it use more fuel than the competition and not something suited for city and suburban driving. If you live in this type area, the handling may cause a vein to pop out of your forehead as well.See another worst car 2010 here.

All-New Ford Ranger Compact Pickup Truck Revealed but it's not for "U.S."

The wraps are off the all-new for 2011, Ford Ranger pickup truck which makes its worldwide debut at this week's Australian International Motor Show in Sydney before going on sale in 180 markets around the world but not -you guessed it- in the USA.

Like its predecessor, Ford's new Ranger was developed in cooperation with Mazda, which will also unveil its version of the compact pickup truck called the BT-50 in Sydney.

The new Ranger moves a step closer to passenger cars in terms of styling, interior appointments as well as technology features. It will be available in three different cab body styles, 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, two ride heights and four series choices.

It is powered by a choice of two new common rail Ford Duratorq TDCi diesels, a 2.2-liter TDCi four-cylinder unit with 150HP and 375Nm [277 lb-ft], or a 3.2-liter TDCi inline-five rated at 200HP and 470Nm [347 lb-ft], and new six-speed automatic and manual transmissions.

The 4WD models are equipped with an electronically controlled transfer case that allows drivers to shift from 4x2 to 4x4 through an electronic switch located on the console, while low range gearing can also be enabled.

Ford said that the cargo box of the new Double Cab is more than 100mm wider than before - 1,549mm long by 511mm high and with a maximum cargo width of 1,560mm. Volume is rated at 1.21 cubic meters.

All Ranger models will come equipped with a new Electronic Stability Program (ESP) system that includes four-wheel traction control, yaw control and roll-over mitigation, as standard. Other new technologies include Rear Park Assist and new Rearview Camera system, plus the availability of side curtain airbags on all cab styles for the first time.

Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe, said: "The new Ranger is an exciting and dynamic vehicle that will undoubtedly raise the bar in the pickup market. The scope of its capability and technology are further evidence of how powerful the One Ford initiative is in helping us globally to develop a whole range of all-new class-leading vehicles. We look forward to bringing new Ranger to European customers by 2012 and I am confident it will exceed their expectations."

The new Ford Ranger will be built at three sites with series production scheduled to begin next summer, initially in Rayong, Thailand. Ford said it is also planning to manufacture the new pickup truck at its plants in Argentina and South Africa.

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VIDEO: Ford Shows Off 2012 Focus ST on the Road

For anyone secretly hoping that the Ford Focus ST Paris Show car would look better in motion, we're sorry to say it does not. Somehow this video makes that 'gaping mouth' grille look even worse, and all the odd creases and curves stand out even more. That 'Tangerine Scream' paintwork isn't doing it any favors either.

Admittedly, the Paris Show Car makes the old, pre-facelift ST look boring and understated by comparison, but is it really better to be garishly ugly than conservatively dull? At least things are better under the bonnet. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder good for 250 hp should make the new ST a real corker when it launches in 2012, as will the rumored dual-clutch Powershift 'box.

Here's hoping Ford reconsiders the styling before then. Oh well, at least if you're driving it, you can't see that hideous gaping grille.

By Tristan Hankins

SEMA Preshow: Ford Teases Customized F-Series Trucks

The onslaught of Ford's SEMA Show tuning products continues, this time with a sneak peek of the firm's F-Series truck proposals that will make their way to the Las Vegas Convention Center on November 2. Show-goers will have the chance to see customized versions of both the F-150 and Super Duty models.

"These trucks sell imagery across the board," said Melvin Betancourt, Ford specialty design manager. "Customers in the truck world want to go off-roading, or at least have the image that they can, or have a truck they can cruise in. We have trucks that fit everything in those categories." Scroll down for details and pictures on Ford's SEMA Show F-Series trucks.

2011 Ford F-150 by Godfather Customs
Godfather Customs is demonstrating that going green can still mean style with its Ford F-150 with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. Modifications include a 2.5-inch cowl induction hood, bumper cover and roll pan and handle relocator. A tonneau bed cover and liner and halo taillamps round out the customizations.

2011 Ford F-150 by A.R.E. Accessories
This Ford F-150 by A.R.E. Accessories promotes the mission of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to educate, honor and preserve the history of professional football. Featuring hall of fame styling, the truck is painted with a stadium silhouette and features pigskin leather and materials reminiscent of the gold hall of fame jackets inside. The bed will display notable hall of fame memorabilia, while a wrap on the interior of the bed will simulate the hall of fame enshrinement gallery.

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2011 Ford F-150 by Mickey Thompson
The Mickey Thompson Project TTC F-150 is the perfect off-road vehicle, with the new 35-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claw TTC Radical tires, Fabtech 6-inch suspension, PIAA auxiliary lighting and Warn Industries winch recovery gear. The interior comes with Katzkin leather and aftermarket audio, video and navigation enhancements. For additional utility, the truck features a BedSlide cargo management system and AMP Research power steps.

2011 Ford F-150 by The Custom Shop
On this Ford F-150 with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine by The Custom Shop, shaved handles, lightweight tonneau cover, lightweight rims and low-rolling-resistance tires help enhance looks and mileage. The green theme carries into the styling, with a custom show paint job with a detailed pinstripe border using a low-VOC-emissions DuPont paint. The interior matches the exterior styling with custom Katzkin tan and black leather.

2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Rize Industries
This Ford F-350 is a motocross concept that uses top-quality products with the highest standards in craftsmanship. The truck features a Rize Industries 8-inch quad-link suspension that offers additional ground clearance. The bed comes complete with a built-in loading ramp, power washer, air compressor, built-in motorcycle stand and storage space for riding gear.

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2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Cars by Kris and Airhead Kustoms
Cars by Kris and Airhead Kustoms delivers the Pit Boss, the ultimate tow and support vehicle built off a Ford F-350 Super Duty platform. Built to haul a race car to the track and serve as a mobile pit, the truck offers a bed-mounted tire cage and custom swing-case toolboxes. The interior features custom headliner and leather upholstery, along with sound-deadening material and an in-dash computer system.

2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Skyjacker Suspensions
Skyjacker Suspensions' Ford F-350 Super Duty is made to appeal to the active lifestyle of the Super Duty owner. A Skyjacker-developed 8.5-inch suspension offers a bold lift for work and play, and will let the owner go deeper into the field. Heavy-duty front and rear Fab Fours bumpers are added along with a Warn Industries winch and lights to round out the tough look.

2012 Ford Focus to get 160HP 2.0-liter with Direct-Injection and 40mpg

Ford today revealed new details on the 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that will be offered on the North American market 2012 Focus when it arrives in U.S. showrooms next year. This newly designed powerplant marries direct injection technology with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) and E85 flex fuel capability. The latter gives drivers the choice of using less-expensive E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

The 2.0L engine's output rated is at 160-horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. torque, which represents a gain of 20HP and 10 lb-ft respectively over the four-cylinder unit found in the current generation 2011 Focus.

According to the Dearborn-based automaker, the 2012 Focus with the new 2.0-liter four-banger can achieve an estimated 40 mpg US on highway when paired to an automatic transmission. That's a significant improvement over the 140HP 2011 Focus with an auto box that returns 35mpg / highway.

"By combining direct injection and Ti-VCT, we've been able to make a quantum leap in fuel economy and performance," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "We're meeting the goals of our global powertrain strategy, and we now have another key engine in our lineup."

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