A Suite of New Airbag Designs for Ford

A Suite of New Airbag Designs for Ford
September 16, 2010
When the all-new 2012 Ford Focus arrives on dealer showrooms, it will offer an exclusive suite of innovative airbags that help customize protection in the most common frontal and side crashes. Specifically, Ford is introducing next-generation driver-side, front passenger and side airbags.
The suite of new innovations includes next-generation driver-side airbag with enhanced chest protection technology. The new airbag uses a reconfigured curve-shaped tether system that pulls in the lower section to create a pocket to help lessen the impact of the airbag on the driver’s chest and ribs in frontal crashes. Click here to watch a video that demonstrates the new airbag design.
Side airbags feature unique shoulder vents that stay open and reduce pressure for smaller occupants who typically benefit from reduced forces. Taller occupants whose shoulders block the vent could benefit from the higher pressures.
Focus also will be the first Ford car ever to feature front passenger airbags with adaptive venting technology that diverts some of the gas from the airbag inflators through vents outside of the airbags. The restraints control module – the control center of the Ford advanced safety systems – adjusts the level of venting based on seat position.
The new passenger airbag is designed to help enhance head and neck protection by better matching deployment force with occupant size. This system uses a small pyrotechnic device to force open the vent and can provide less pressure in the airbag when it’s sufficient to help protect the occupant.
The next-generation airbags will debut as standard equipment on the all-new Ford Focus on sale early in 2011 in North America. The new airbags will roll out on other Ford vehicles in the next few years.
In addition to the new airbags, the vehicle structure of the new Focus provides enhanced crash protection as well as improved vehicle dynamics.
High-strength steels comprise 55 percent of the body shell, and ultra-high-strength and boron steels make up more than 31 percent of its skeletal structure. These advanced materials help the structure meet crash regulations across world markets, while minimizing the vehicle’s weight to help maximize fuel economy.
Ford was the first automaker to begin airbag research five decades ago. It fielded an airbag test fleet in 1971, offered a driver-side airbag in 1985 and standardized driver and front passenger airbags in most vehicles by 1993. In recent years, Ford has introduced a variety of crash protection systems – ranging from canopy airbags to knee bolsters – designed to improve occupant protection. Ford has the most Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety of any automaker.
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First-ever Ford Police Interceptor Utility

The first-ever specially-designed Ford Police Interceptor utility built for the rigors of police work, and it is designed to complement Ford’s all-new Police Interceptor sedan. Click here to read more about the Police Interceptor sedan, which was introduced earlier this year. Combined, the two vehicles provide law enforcement agencies the ultimate in versatility and choice, something no other police vehicle on the road today can match.
You can watch the reveal of the Police Interceptor utility live at 3:30 p.m. EST by clicking here.
Ford, the police vehicle market leader for 15 years, developed both Police Interceptors to allow departments to maximize versatility without sacrificing quality. Ford’s Police Interceptor utility will deliver at least a 20 percent improvement in fuel-economy over the outgoing Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. Both the sedan and utility Police Interceptor vehicles will debut simultaneously and be offered without interruption when production of the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor ends in late 2011.
With the introduction of its newest Police Interceptor, Ford now provides a complete package of performance and capability designed to meet the diverse and ever-increasing needs of law enforcement agencies across the U.S.
Ford’s new Police Interceptor utility vehicle is equipped with the highly efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine. This Ti-VCT engine, delivering at least 280 horsepower and E85 compatibility, is mated to a unique six-speed automatic transmission that combines lowered initial gears for improved off-the-line acceleration and higher gearing for improved efficiency at lower engine rpm when cruising. Two drivetrain options are available, providing off-road capability teamed with a multipurpose cargo area specially calibrated for loads up to 800 pounds.
Both the sedan and utility are rated for the severe-duty cycle that police professionals undertake on a daily basis and will deliver at least 20 percent more fuel efficiency than the 4.6-liter single overhead cam (SOHC) V8 offered in the current Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.
When developing the next-generation Police Interceptors, Ford worked with its Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals to provide input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver convenience and comfort.
Like the sedan, the utility version of the Police Interceptor puts a priority on safety. Continuing Ford’s safety leadership includes engineering both Police Interceptors to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing. Currently, the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is the only pursuit sedan to meet this test.
The Police Interceptor utility vehicle features Ford’s exclusive Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbag rollover protection system that helps protect passengers in both rollover and side-impact crashes. The multiple side-curtain airbags use Ford’s unique roll-fold technology to help position them between the occupant and the side window.
Just like its sedan partner, Ford’s Police Interceptor utility vehicle has been put through its paces, undergoing a battery of torture tests to ensure its individual components can hold up to rigorous driving. Certification testing designed by the Michigan State Police and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department proved out the durability and capability of the vehicle through a variety of punishing tracks.
To make sure the utility vehicle can take the heat – quite literally – the AWD drivetrain is equipped with a water-cooled power transfer unit that guarantees capability in all conditions. Across the board, brakes have been increased in size and performance, and the cooling package features a heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator. Standard 18-inch wheels are vented, designed to work in concert with the enhanced brake system.
Both Ford Police Interceptors will be manufactured at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant.

TOW, TOW, TOW YOUR BOAT MORE EASILY DOWN THE ROAD WITH 2011 FORD SUPER DUTY’S TECHNOLOGIES

DEARBORN, Mich., May 17, 2010 – Whether heading to a demanding job site or a relaxing day at the lake, 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty customers can take advantage of segment-first technologies and conveniences to tow like a pro.
With vacation season approaching, more Super Duty customers will start towing boats, horse trailers and campers, all of which are among the top items towed by F-250 and F-350 customers. The ability to tow a camper, fifth-wheel, RV or bigger camper also rates highest among both conventional and fifth-wheel towers in terms of reasons for wanting maximum towing capacity.
The 2011 Super Duty delivers not only with best-in-class capability, but also with more confidence-enhancing towing features, helping Super Duty customers tow a wide variety of loads – for work or for fun – with greater peace of mind.
“The 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty has class-leading capability, but the key is putting it to work in a way that is easy and seamless for the customer,” said Doug Scott, Truck Group marketing manager. “About 95 percent of our Super Duty customers tow. The wide array of standard and available technology in the 2011 Super Duty can help customers tow with more confidence.”
Nearly 72 percent of Super Duty customers consider towing capability as “extremely important.” The ability of the 2011 Ford Super Duty to tow maximum loads for work and recreation allows customers to work the truck hard during the week and on the weekend.
“The towing customer is the Super Duty customer,” said Scott. “That’s why it’s so important to provide the 2011 Super Duty customer not only the most capability, but also the right technology to tow more confidently.”
Trailer Sway Control added for 2011Leading these new technologies is Trailer Sway Control, which uses Ford’s AdvanceTrac® with RSC (Roll Stability Control™) to provide an additional level of confidence and control while towing. Ford’s system – standard on all single-rear wheel models and dual-rear wheel pickups – uses sensors to measure wheel speed, throttle position, steering wheel angle, yaw rate and lateral acceleration as well as an exclusive gyroscopic roll-rate sensor.
The roll-rate sensor is key to the Ford system. Unlike competitors’ systems, TSC uses real-time input instead of calculations to take countermeasures.
When the system detects the trailer yawing in one direction, it applies selective brake pressure on the tow vehicle’s opposite side – called asymmetric braking. This helps reduce the sway. TSC also can reduce engine power as part of the trailer-sway mitigation strategy. TSC:
Is designed to work even when trailers have no braking systems
Requires no hardware to be added or adapted to the trailer
Works with multiple trailer brake configurations
Can assist when trailer sway occurs due to operation in gusty wind conditions or emergency evasive maneuvers
For further peace of mind, an available integrated trailer brake controller, factory-installed and covered by Ford’s factory warranty, offers smooth and safe operation due to its ability to interface with multiple vehicle systems.
Normal braking is proportional to driver brake pressure for smooth stops at all speeds. If the vehicle’s Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is engaged, the special trailer brake algorithm kicks in to minimize the potential for trailer wheel lockup. When towing trailers with electric brakes, Super Duty trucks equipped with the trailer brake controller can apply the brakes during a sway event to help stabilize it.
The 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty also is the first full-size pickup truck to offer a factory-installed trailer brake controller that is compatible with most aftermarket electric-over-hydraulic trailer brake systems. Electric-over-hydraulic trailer brake systems use an electric signal to actuate the hydraulic or “surge” brakes in the trailer. These systems are gaining in popularity among boat trailer manufacturers because they can be operated in a wet environment.
New engine and transmission deliver class-leading capability with controlThe all-new Ford-designed, engineered and built 6.7-liter V-8 turbocharged diesel engine for the 2011 F-Series Super Duty not only has best-in-class horsepower, torque and fuel economy, it’s also an enabler to the increased control towing customers will experience. The new 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel engine’s integrated exhaust brake increases engine exhaust back pressure when needed to help slow the vehicle and trailer while in tow/haul mode.
There’s no button to push; the diesel powertrain calibration automatically increases the engine exhaust back pressure when needed, making it seamless to the customer.
The all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission has SelectShift capability and several enhanced customer-driven features, like Progressive Range Select, Manual Mode and tow/haul mode, that are useful when towing.
Progressive Range Select allows a customer, through a toggle on the shift lever, to reduce the range of gears while in Drive. When the customer “taps” down into Range Select mode by pressing the toggle switch on the shift lever, the display shows the gears available for the transmission to shift to, and also continuously updates the current transmission gear.
Customers also can switch to Manual Mode and use the same shift toggle to select the gear desired. The torque converter aggressively locks up while in this manual mode and holds the gear to provide manual transmission-like control, yet is smart enough to downshift if the driver comes to a stop and forgets to downshift.
The enhanced tow/haul mode provides better control when hauling a heavy trailer load, especially when going down grades. The improved system uses an array of sophisticated electronic sensors that better predict the driver’s need for a downshift to provide engine braking and enhanced control. Manual Mode delivers greater control when low gears are needed, like pulling a trailer out of a boat ramp.
Another significant control strategy is Hill Start Assist, which is a sensor-based system that will hold the brakes for up to 2.5 seconds to prevent rollback when stopping or starting from rest on an incline. The system employs a digital accelerometer to measure slope incline and activates automatically when the incline exceeds 3 percent.
New productivity screen can aid towing novicesHelping customers of the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty take full advantage of this leading capability is the class-exclusive available 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel. Of particular use to towing customers are screens that allow trailer tow customers to:
Name and delete trailers; log mileage for guess-free maintenance intervals. It also tracks mileage and remembers the gain settings for multiple trailers
Access information on features such as Trailer Brake Controller (TBC), tow/haul mode and electric-over-hydraulic brakes
Select the type of trailer connection and view a checklist of conventional, fifth-wheel and gooseneck options
Three distinct checklists can be accessed, and include the following prompts:
Ball coupler connected and locked?
Tongue jack raised?
Mirrors adjusted?
Electrical wiring connected?
Lights functioning correctly (running lights, left/right turn and brake lights)?
TBC gain setting adjusted?
Wheel chocks removed?
Safety chains connected?
More ready-to-tow conveniences added; more towing options from inside the bedThe 2011 F-Series Super Duty also offers customers more ready-to-tow options from within the cargo box with an available factory-installed class-exclusive fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch prep package. This package is warranted by Ford and includes an integrated, patent-pending under-bed frame-mounted crossmember for added strength. It is compatible with either type of hitch accessory kit through Ford Custom Accessories. It’s available for $370 MSRP, significantly less than many aftermarket installations.
Five laser-cut holes in the pickup box provide access to the fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch attachment points. The attachment points are finished with trim bezels and closeout covers to maintain a flat cargo bed. A seven-pin connector is integrated to the pickup bed inner wall on the driver’s side to allow for a clean installation.
Additional driver aids and conveniencesConventional trailer hookups are made easier with the rearview camera option. After shifting into reverse, a full-color image from the tailgate-mounted camera is displayed in the rearview mirror or on the available navigation system’s 6.5-inch screen.
Also available are class-exclusive PowerScope™ trailer tow mirrors that adjust, fold and telescope almost 3 inches at the touch of a switch; this option includes integrated clearance lights and turn signals, plus heated glass with manually adjustable spotter mirrors.
“The 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty delivers class-leading towing capability that the customer can manage seamlessly and confidently, which is a combination our competitors can’t match,” said Scott

2009's Safest Vehicles

Ford #1 in Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has come out with their annual list of the safest vehicles on the road. Who makes the safest cars.....FORD!

Ford and Volvo put 16 vehicles in the top 72, that is 22% of the top vehicles were Ford's. Honda came in second with 13.

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27896106/

Ford #1 in Reliability

And, it isn't just the IIHS that ranks Ford #1. JD Power ranks Ford higher than Toyota and Honda across all of their brands, in reliability. While some of the Luxury vehicles take the highest rankings, the combined rankings of all their car lines puts Ford above GM, Honda, and Toyota.

http://www.jdpower.com/autos/ratings/sales-satisfaction

Come in and get one of the safest and most reliable vehicles at Thoroughbred Ford.

Employee Pricing

Employee Pricing

Ford has announced that now through the end of the year all vehicles will be sold at Employee

price. AND, you get the rebates. This is only the second time that Ford has offered all of their vehicles at employee prices. The only exceptions to this are the 2009 F-150's and the Shelby's. Come and get your new car before they are all gone.

We at Thoroughbred Ford have a large selection and are eager to help you find your new Ford.

Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant employees celebrate the production ofthe new Ford F-150

Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant employees celebrate the production of the new Ford F-150, originally uploaded by Ford Motor Company.

The Kansas City Ford plant was named the primary assemby plant for the 2009 F-150. This means a lot to the guys at the plant, and to us, because it means we are going to keep building the truck. October is Truck Month at Ford, it is time to buy! We have up to $7500 off of the 2008 F-150's and the 2009's will be here any day.

Search our inventory here:

http://www.thoroughbredford.com/inventory/searchnewthoroughbred.php

2009 Ford Flex Reviews

2009 Ford Flex

What an incredible achievement this is for Ford.

The critics Love it!
The customers Love it!
You will Love it!

http://www.fordvehicles.com/crossovers/flex/ Ford's Flex site

http://www.fordflex.net/ general and customer information

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB0z7c9MmR8 Road Fly review

http://www.newcartestdrive.com/sneakpreview.cfm?ReviewID=157 New Car Test Drive review

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=125899 Edmunds review

Automobile Magaizine review

http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-flex.html Left Lane news

http://www.fordflexforum.com/ Ford Flex Forum

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diyZPeeoMp8 You tube Ford Video

http://www.youtube.com/user/fordvideo1 More Ford Videos

Fiat Group Plans New Sports Cars For Abarth, Lancia And Alfa

Today it is reported by Autoblog that three Italian automakers that are under the Fiat Group umbrella have plans to develop three new sports cars. The Fiat Group controls most of the Italian automotive industry, including Fiat, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati and Ferrari.

An unique sports car has the biggest possibility. As previously reported Fiat as plans to revive the Abarth performance brand with new cars. It is highly rumored that the Abarth roadster would take an Elise-style approach, and could even borrow underpinnings from Lotus. Power could come from the turbo four in the Punto and 500 Abarth.

There are parallel reports of a new Lancia coupe-cabrio on the horizon. This in addition to the rumored Aurelia flagship, expected to be unveiled in Geneva next March. The Lancia convertible could also have an Alfa Romeo variant.

Picture above: Fulvia concept from Frankfurt 2003

Spy Shots: Dacia Mid-Size Sedan Spied

Dacia is working really serious to extend its lineup. They have already confirmed development of a new SUV, but these latest shots taken in Romania reveal the automaker is currently working on an all new mid-size sedan.

A modified version of the Dacia Sandero platform provides the underpinnings of the new model but with an expected length of 4.6 meters, it will be considerably longer whilst maintaining the same wheelbase. The conservative Logan styling remains on the Dacia sedan which will be positioned above the Logan. Although we can only see glimpses of the design cues through the camoflage, we can conclusively say it shows a striking resemblance to the facelifted Logan hatchback that spotted totally uncovered last month.

The new model variant will be launched early next year and will be built in Renault’s renovated factory in Bursa in Turkey.

Gallery: Dacia's Mid-Size Sedan

Video: The New Opel Astra Spied

Opel is testing the next generation Opel Astra and there's even a video to prove it. The footage above shows a testing prototype on the Nurburgring circuit with heavy disguise.

The five-door prototype caught shows the model’s sloping roof line plus the trapezoidal-shaped c-post resulting a more elegant appearance. The front fascia is to receive a complete overhaul with the grille looking similar to that of the Insignia whereas the rest appears to take more unique appearance. The rear will get a new huge bumper and redesigned taillights.

Other than the 5-door version which is likely to debut at next years Geneva Motor Show, the Astra range will also get an estate, convertible(twin-top) and 3-door (GTC) versions as well. Sales are expected to commence in the summer of 2009 as a 2010 model.

New Ford Ka Leaks Out

The Ford Ka is on the market for 12 years, and it's exactly the time for Ford to change it with a successor. The first pictures of the new Ka have surfaced net-wide reveal the all new model.

The new Ka shares its underpinnings with the Fiat's successful 500 including its engine range. Petrol engines range from an entry level 69 bhp 1.2-litre along with a 100 bhp 1.4-litre, and a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel option is available too. The Ford Europe also states we can expect to see a ST version as well powered by the same 135bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine found in the Fiat 500 Abarth, although power is said to be slightly boosted up to 150 bhp for the Ford version.

Following its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, it is expected to see a 2+2 convertible version further down the line and even a hybrid version. Pricing should start at around £7500(€9500,€14775) raising to £12,000 (€1500,$23640) for the ST.

Gallery: New Ford Ka

Honda To Show New Hybrid In Paris

Honda plans to regroup its hybrid efforts. So in addition to a new Civic hybrid, the automaker revealed that a production hybrid based on the CR-Z concept is also in the works. We also know that a third hybrid model is being developed and we'll see it this September at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

This third hybrid will be smaller than the Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius and use a new version of Honda's mild hybrid Integrated Motor Assist system. In addition to great fuel economy, Honda is also targeting lower carbon-dioxide emissions than gas- or diesel-powered competitors. Honda is claiming that selling hybrids at a lower cost will create the demand, which relatively expensive Civic Hybrid never got.

Its new hybrid will have a base price of €16,000 to €20,000 (the Prius starts at €24,000 in Europe, the Civic Hybrid at €23,800). The Japanese automaker plans 200,000 units to be produced annually, with half earmarked for North America.

Spy Shots: New Infiniti FX

The new Infiniti FX was snapped by the photographers. And we have to say; it really looks weird. Especially the weird front end. Thankfully the rear view isn't ugly as the front end.

The current model has a very good design. This will take some getting used to. And probably some of us will never get used to it.

Gallery: New Infiniti FX

SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Corolla Debuts

We got finally official shots from Toyota of the 2009 Corolla. It's the European Corolla only with different engines.

Along the shots we've even a little information: The 2009 Corolla will come in five trims: Standard, LE, XLE, the S and the XRS. The car is about the same size as the last model. The S and XRS models get a body kit that includes a chin spoiler, fog lamps, rocker moldings, spoilers and even an underbody engine cover to improve airflow beneath the car.

Engines include the base 1.8L four-cylinder with dual-VVT-i producing 132 HP and 162 ft-lbs. of twist. The XRS will only available with a 2.4L producing 154 HP and 162 ft-lbs. of torque.

We don't know anything about pricing yet, but the 2009 Toyota Corolla will be available in dealerships this February.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla

SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Matrix Unveiled

Along with the new 2009 Corolla, Toyota unveiled its closest sibling, the 2009 Corolla Matrix at the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Toyota's sport inspired vehicle comes with either a 1.8L four-cylinder producing 132 HP or a 2.4L four generating 158 HP, both of which are shared with the Corolla sedan. Trim levels for the Matrix are the Standard, S and XRS. Both engines are available with any trim level, and are matched with either a five-speed manual or four-speed auto with the 1.8L engine and five-speed auto with the 2.4L engine.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Matrix

New Renault Kangoo Express

Renault has launched the new Kangoo Express, the follow-up to the successful Kangoo that has sold over 1.3 million units since its launch in 1997.

The new Kangoo Express is bigger and wider than the model it replaces.The engine range includes three diesel powerplants (70 hp, 85 hp and 105 hp variants of the 1.5 dCi engine) and two petrol variants, the 90 hp 1.6 8V and the 105 hp 1.6 16V. The 85 bhp diesel will sip 5.2 liters per 100 km with 137g of carbon dioxide per kilometer.

Gallery: Renault Kangoo Express

New Honda Jazz/Fit Details

The new Honda Jazz/Fit has been officially unveiled by Honda. And here are the some first details of the car.

The new Honda Jazz/Fit is longer than the previous generation by 55 mm at 3,900mm and has a longer wheelbase by 50 mm at 2,500 mm. It's height remains the same. It's also wider and the interior height has increased by 10mm to 1,290mm.

There are two engine options for the new Honda Jazz/Fit in Japan. A 1.3 liter i-VTEC engine with 100PS. This is mated to a CVT which now comes with a torque converter. The sport version called Jazz/Fit RS and has a larger 120 PS engine.

The second generation Jazz/Fit comes with the Ultra Seats. The Ultra Seats have four modes: A utility mode that increases luggage space to a flat length of 1,720mm, a long mode which places the front passenger seat folded flat down for a further increased length of 2,400mm, a tall mode where you fold up the rear seat cushions to fit in a tall item, as well as a refresh mode where the front seat headrests can be removed and the front seats can be folded down to create a long stretched rest area within the car. This front passenger seat also hides a storage compartment.

Gallery: Honda Jazz/Fit

All-New Citroen C5 Unveiled

Citroen has unveiled today both sedan and estate versions of the all-new C5.The all-new C5 introduces some new features such as a second-generation fixed-centred controls steering wheel, a seat back massage function and a choice of suspension set-ups. With 4.78m length (the estate is 5cm longer), 1.86m width and 1.45m height, it's longer and wider than the model it replaces.

The interior is more comfortable and stylish. The new C5 introduces a second-generation fixed-centred controls steering wheel, with membrane-covered controls, providing easy access to key functions such as the cruise control, radio or telephone. The model can also be specified with Citroën’s new-generation NaviDrive system, featuring a 7-inch central display screen and voice activation of the built-in GSM telephone, audio system and satellite navigation. New C5 is equipped with the very latest safety technology, including up to nine airbags.

The new C5 is available with a wide choice of engines. The petrol powerplants include 127bhp 1.8i 16V and 143bhp 2.0i 16V units,while there are four HDi diesel engines – HDi 110, HDi 138, HDi 173 and HDi V6 208 units – each fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter System that virtually eliminates particle emissions. A selection of manual or automatic gearboxes is offered.

The all-new Citroen C5 will be on sale in UK early 2008.

Gallery: Citroen C5