Ford Ka owners can now personalise their car thanks to a new range of specially created exterior graphics launched this month.Known as Ka-ligraphy, the vinyl graphics complement the cute curves of the loveable small Ford and come in a variety of different styles.
Ka-ligraphy costs from just £49.99 (rrp) for the more discreet "I luv my Ka" tattoo in a choice of six vibrant colours. Alternatively there are 12 different "Zodiac" sign roof designs with spoiler graphic in either black, silver or blue at £119.99 or the full-body "Butterfly" treatment.
The "Butterfly" artwork, available in five bright colours, include a small butterfly transfer through to bolder graphics for the rear bootlid, roof and wheelarch pair.
Exclusively designed for the Ford Ka, Ka-ligraphy accessories only takes between five and 30 minutes to fit, depending on the size of the decal and the area of the car being covered. The graphics are warranted for three years and can be ordered now from all Ford franchised dealerships.
Ford's Ka re-wrote the small car rule book when it appeared more than a decade ago and the chic yet affordable 1.3-litre model continues to be a sales success. The current range offers buyers a choice of Studio, Style, Zetec and Luxury 2 sport trim levels priced from £7,095 - £9,195 on-the-road and Ka-ligraphy graphics can be applied to all Ka in the range.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Ford launches Ka-Ligraphy accessories
Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 Hits 207mph
Ford has made history today by achieving 207.279 mph with the Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999, the world's first production based hydrogen fuel cell race car. The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 is Ford's latest environmental innovation, and represents a step on the road toward commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The car was designed and built by Ford engineers in collaboration with The Ohio State University, Ballard and Roush.
The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 fuel cell car - the world's first and only production vehicle-based fuel cell race car - was a collaboration with Ballard, Roush and The Ohio State University and one of two vehicles demonstrating that fuel cell technology can set land speed records. Ford researchers also are supporting student engineers from The Ohio State University on its Buckeye Bullet 2, a streamliner type fuel cell-powered racer attempting 300+ mph.
"What we've accomplished is nothing short of an industry first," said Gerhard Schmidt, vice president, Research & Advanced Engineering for Ford Motor Company. "No other automaker in the world has come close. We are excited to have accomplished something never before done. We established this project to advance fuel cell powered vehicles and to do what has never been done before and we did it."
Schmidt said that Ford's historic run at Bonneville will further expand Ford's technological horizons with fuel cell-powered vehicles, because it is a fuel that could someday play a key role in meeting the energy needs of the transportation sector. The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 is Ford's latest environmental innovation and is another step on the road toward commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
The speed was reached during a run at the Bonneville Nationals, which are being held from Aug. 10-17.
The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 land speed record vehicle was designed by Ford engineers and built by Roush in Allen Park, Mich. Ford engineers leveraged the 2004 Buckeye Bullet's electric motor, while Ballard supplied the 400 kW hydrogen fuel cells. Ford retiree Rick Byrnes, a veteran Bonneville racer, piloted the Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 on its record breaking run.
Ohio State students have designed their streamliner, dubbed Buckeye Bullet 2, from the ground up. Ballard donated the hydrogen fuel cells for Ohio State's car, Roush its engineering services and Ford has provided overall project coordination and expertise in fuel cell drivetrains.
In 2004, Ohio State students set the unlimited land speed record for an electric vehicle by running 314 mph in the first Buckeye Bullet, dubbed BB1.
Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 Part of a Broader Effort
The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 shows one of the ways Ford is advancing environmental innovation with the goal of offering vehicles with zero impact on the environment. Multiple technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells, hybrids, E85 ethanol, clean diesels, bio-diesels, advanced engine and transmission technologies allow a flexible approach that balances customer needs, environmental impact and shareholder interests.
Ford Motor Company currently has a fleet of 30 hydrogen powered Focus fuel cell vehicles on the road as part of a worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real world testing of fuel cell technology. The 30-car fleet has accumulated nearly 580,000 miles since its inception in 2005.
Ford also is conducting tests with the world's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive. The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive uses a series electric drivetrain with an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator to give the vehicle a range of 225 miles with zero emissions.
Currently, Ford offers gasoline-electric hybrids including the Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The company will also offer hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan in 2008.
Ford developing new engine tech with MIT
The new engine runs on normal petrol but at much higher pressures. A direct injection fuel injector pumps small amounts of ethanol into the cylinder which is said to keep the fuel-air mix from burning early preventing knock. The design would allow for much smaller engines but with the power and torque that customers demand.
Ford is also working with suppliers to bring new innovations to market earlier, reports Automotive News, and it's more open to forming joint-ventures for further developments.
Ford Ka II preview
The new design includes a hexagonal grille that might reappear later on the Fiesta, some seeply angled headlamps and a ballsy rear-end treatment.
According to the CarMagazine the images are speculative, and the sources who've seen the car recognise that the front end ismore radical that the pictures suggest.Ford's new small car concept is programmed to be presented in September at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. 
Ford says no hybrids for Europe
The price differential in bringing a hybrid petrol/electric Escape to market in Europe is about €1,940 (US$2,500) - which according to Ford is more than the European market will bear according to Automotive News. It seems Europeans are interested in greener cars, but not at a higher price - they want 'cost-neutral' solutions.
Instead of hybrids, Ford will focus on stop-start motors, improved aerodynamics and increased efficiency through technologies like low rolling resistance tires. These options still hold some potential for development, and are apparently more cost-effective than a hybrid powertrain.
Considering Europe's love for diesel motors and the efficiency they provide, the distaste for expensive hybrids is perhaps not so surprising.
Future Ford plug-in hybrids in 5 to 10 years
This is the first time Ford offered a timeline for producing plug-in hybrids. The news came from FoMoCo's CEO, Mr. Alan Mulally who said that within 10 years we will start to see this technology in our hands.
Mullaly also announced an alliance between the No. 2 American automaker and utility Southern California Edison to test 20 rechargeable electric vehicles.This alliance was made because of the relationship of the two chief executives, both being linked to Boeing Corp(according to Autonews, Mulally was Boeing's executive vice president before joining Ford in September 2006 and Bryson is a director of Boeing).
According to Ford's CEO, the rollout of the plug-in hybrids depends on the developing of the lithium-ion batteries that will be charged by the car's owners using regular household electrical outlets.
Ford engineers and the researchers from Southern California Edison will test together in the "real world" the 20 plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Many environmental advocates see the hybrid vehicles as the best available technology to reduce the petrol consumptions and with this the CO2 emissions because the plug-in hybrids are to use little or no gasoline over short distances and at lower speeds.
Ford showing interest for Romanian plant
Ford Motor Company took the lead in bidding to purchase the former Daewoo assembly plant from the Romanian government after GM dropped out the deal.
Beside General Motors, the Russian automaker GAZ,Chinese from Chery and the Indians from Tata Motors showed interest for Daewoo Automobile Craiova ."AVAS received … only one offer, from Ford Motor Co.," the agency said in a statement.
A General Motors spokesman said that the American automaker intends to increase its capacity in central and eastern Europe.Although GM has financial equity or production deals with several plants in central and easter Europe, this including Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the automaker showed great interest about the Romnian plant but for no reasons the deal went off. Mark Kempe said that GM is looking at all option around the region and this is the reason they decided not to bid.
The factory from Craiova was bought back in 2006 for $51 million plus another $10 million for debts stemming from past loans mad by the Korean automaker.The head of AVAS, Mr. Teodor Atanasiu, said he will have to ensure a minimum yearly output of 300,000 vehicles.
New Ford Fiesta Spy Photos
Behold the first photos of the 2009 Ford Fiesta, photographed while taking a break from testing on North American soil. No longer just for fuel-conscious Europeans, this next-generation Fiesta will be sold in the U.S., as confirmed by Ford officials at the previous Geneva Motor Show.
The Fiesta's design follows Ford of Europe's kinetic design language, and this look is
The next-generation Fiesta will be based on the Mazda2, and the silhouette of this three-door Fiesta prototype looks remarkably similar to the five-door Mazda2. But the styling similarities end there. The Fiesta's styling is more conventionally European, with prominent wheel arches at each corner. The C-pillar kicks ups assertively, adding a little strength to the familiar hatchback shape. The current Fiesta's Focus-inspired pillar-mounted tail-lamps will be replaced with rear lights that run along the car's belt line.
Ford CEO Alan Mulally has been eager to leverage the Blue Oval's global resources, and the Fiesta's planned entry into the U.S. Market is a bold move in that direction. The appearance of a Fiesta prototype on the U.S. Testing scene confirms that the globalization plan is more than talk, and is actually coming to fruition. A 1.6- liter gasoline engine is the only engine likely to be offered on the U.S. Version, but Europe will certainly have diesel options, which could conceivably come our way if the U.S. Market becomes more diesel- friendly. Ford's ability to turn a profit on a sub-Focus model in the U.S. Is still in question, so we would expect the Fiesta to be manufactured in Mexico, or possibly Brazil, and arrive some time in the 2008 calendar year as an '09 model.
my dream car - IMPREZA WRX STI
High Intensity Discharge (HID) low beam and multireflector halogen high-beam headlights
STI-design instrumentation with aluminum gauge trim rings, center-mounted tachometer, gauge needles full-sweep on start-up and adjustable tachometer red-line warning with audible indicator 
IMPREZA WRX STI293-hp 2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine
290 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
MPG: (manual) 19 city / 25 highway^
SIRIUS™ satellite radio capability
STI high-performance-tuned exhaust system with single stainless-steel outlet
Leather-wrapped 3-spoke STI-design steering wheel with contrasting red stitching
STI-design front seats with fixed integrated head restraints and embroidered STI logos
Alcantara ® upholstery
120-watt 6-speaker premium audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and MP3/WMA capability
Auxiliary audio jack
The Impreza became Subaru's entry into the small-car maket segment in U.S., European, Japanese and numorous other world markets. 'Subura' a Japanese word meaning 'unite' has a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction that is represented in their more than 10 million vehicles sold worldwide.
Equipped with a flat engine (or an internal combustion engine, also called a boxermotor) the Impreza came with distinguishable Subaru characteristics. With an engine choice of 1.5: or 1.8L naturally-aspirated engines that were neither turbocharged nor supercharged.
Available in a 4-wheel drive turbo charged version that delivered 211Bhp and had the distinction of the turbo charger mounted on the right side of the engine. The intercooler is located above the engine, therefore the reason for the big central air vent on the bonnet of the Impreza. On the racing version of the Impreza, the intercooler is located in the front bumper.
The Impreza came with an engine that was mounted longitudinally, making the gearbox and transmission much easier to fit and service.
For drivers searching for a car that provides thrills without major frills, the Japanese manufacturers have gained the status of being the only ones still able to produce a car for such a low price. Subaru Impreza turbo is gaining impressive commercial success due to price to performance ratio, its racing successes and reliable features.
The Impreza turbo's commercial success has led to production of more impressive versions that aren't available outside of Japan. The Impreza GT turbo evolved into becoming a multiple World Rally Champion with three world championship titles.
Common in Japan and Europe, special editions of the Impreza were available, usually coinciding with significant victories at World Rally Championships.
For the 1997 model year, the Impreza received an updated exterior facelift that was followed by a complete interior redesign in 1998.
A first-generation Impreza, turbocharged was never received in the North American market.
my dream car - GTI
At the Worthersee 2007 meet for VW enthusiasts, Volkswagon pulled the wraps off the GTI W12 650 concept. A 6.0L biturbo 12 cylinder sits behind the front seats, dishing 650 horses to the rear wheels. Top speed is said to be over 200 mph, and it goes from 0-62 in 3.7 seconds.
But this is a Concept car.........
To me, the best is 2007 Volkswagen GTI 5-door GTI.
Volkswagen gave us its 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbo in 2005 (in the Audi A3) we marveled at the abundance of power and the lack of turbo lag. That motor is much like King Midas: everything it touches turns to car-enthusiast gold. Thanks to that sweet engine, both the Jetta GLI and three-door GTI have taken blue ribbons in our comparison tests and, with addition of a five-door GTI, Volkswagen has yet another championship contender on its hands.
Price: The price of entry for VW's sporty five-door hatch is $23,230, or $500 more than the three-door.
2008 BMW 135i will sport a 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine
The upcoming 2008 BMW 128i and BMW 135i sport coupes, which will go on sale in the spring of 2008, will be equipped with two different flavors of the same 3.0-liter inline engine. The less potent 128i will be motivated by a 230hp motor producing up to 200 lb-ft of torque, while the top of the line 135i Coupe will sport a twin-turbocharged developing more impressive 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque available at as low as 1,400 rpm.
As you probably see on the pictures (credit: BMW), the cars are available with BMW's charismatic M Aerodynamic Kit, which is optional for the 128i but comes as standard with the 135i.
Inside, the vehicles feature 60/40 split rear seats, BMW's controversial iDrive controller with an optional navi, and two flavors of leather upholstery.
Safety equipment includes six airbags, crash-optimized seats with three-point inertia-reel seat belts and headrests, as well as safer driver's pedals, which move back automatically when the certain level of vehicle's body deformation is achieved.
Active safety features include DSC with DTC system, which can be disabled manually, and the relatively fresh Active Steering system. Unfortunately, the latter comes only as an option.
Smart goes Hybrid!
On July 6, smart unveiled a fortwo with a micro hybrid drive (mhd) engine, a combination of an electric motor and a combustion engine, available both in petrol and diesel versions. The hybrid drive concept will reduce diesel consumption by 12%, from 3.3 litres to 2.9 litres per 100 kilometres, making it the most fuel-efficient car on the market.
The 45 bhp combustion engine and the 27 bhp electric motor work either together or separately, enabling emission-free city driving whilst offering a total 72 bhp for those occasions, where power comes handy! The acceleration time from naught to 100 km/h has been reduced by four seconds compared to the fortwo cdi standard diesel.
Production of the smart fortwo hybrid drive will begin on October 15, 2007.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
New Ford Fiesta Spy Photos
Confirmed for U.S.A
Behold the first photos of the 2009 Ford Fiesta, photographed while taking a break from testing on North American soil. No longer just for fuel-conscious Europeans, this next-generation Fiesta will be sold in the U.S., as confirmed by Ford officials at the previous Geneva Motor Show.
The Fiesta’s design follows Ford of Europe’s kinetic design language, and this look is
expected to be sold virtually unchanged on each side of the Atlantic. According to Ford of Europe design chief Martin Smith, quoted in a Motor Trend article by Paul Horrell: “Cars with one design theme will be sold in the other market”, meaning that the demarcation between Ford’s U.S. And European design language will become more flexible, and will likely disappear altogether. Horrell reports: “The new Fiesta will look almost exactly the same in the U.S. As it will in Europe. It was signed off on before the decision was made to sell it here. Minor engineering changes, including a slightly longer nose, will be necessary to federalize the U.S. Model, but it will be ‘a kinetic-design car, absolutely,’ says Smith.” Those predictions appear accurate after viewing this prototype.
The next-generation Fiesta will be based on the Mazda2, and the silhouette of this three-door Fiesta prototype looks remarkably similar to the five-door Mazda2. But the styling similarities end there. The Fiesta’s styling is more conventionally European, with prominent wheel arches at each corner. The C-pillar kicks ups assertively, adding a little strength to the familiar hatchback shape. The current Fiesta’s Focus-inspired pillar-mounted tail-lamps will be replaced with rear lights that run along the car’s belt line.
Ford CEO Alan Mulally has been eager to leverage the Blue Oval’s global resources, and the Fiesta’s planned entry into the U.S. Market is a bold move in that direction. The appearance of a Fiesta prototype on the U.S. Testing scene confirms that the globalization plan is more than talk, and is actually coming to fruition. A 1.6- liter gasoline engine is the only engine likely to be offered on the U.S. Version, but Europe will certainly have diesel options, which could conceivably come our way if the U.S. Market becomes more diesel- friendly. Ford’s ability to turn a profit on a sub-Focus model in the U.S. Is still in question, so we would expect the Fiesta to be manufactured in Mexico, or possibly Brazil, and arrive some time in the 2008 calendar year as an ‘09 model.
Ford showing interest for Romanian plant
Ford Motor Company took the lead in bidding to purchase the former Daewoo assembly plant from the Romanian government after GM dropped out the deal.
Beside General Motors, the Russian automaker GAZ,Chinese from Chery and the Indians from Tata Motors showed interest for Daewoo Automobile Craiova .”AVAS received … only one offer, from Ford Motor Co.,” the agency said in a statement.
A General Motors spokesman said that the American automaker intends to increase its capacity in central and eastern Europe.Although GM has financial equity or production deals with several plants in central and easter Europe, this including Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the automaker showed great interest about the Romnian plant but for no reasons the deal went off. Mark Kempe said that GM is looking at all option around the region and this is the reason they decided not to bid.
The factory from Craiova was bought back in 2006 for $51 million plus another $10 million for debts stemming from past loans mad by the Korean automaker.The head of AVAS, Mr. Teodor Atanasiu, said he will have to ensure a minimum yearly output of 300,000 vehicles.
Future Ford plug-in hybrids in 5 to 10 years
This is the first time Ford offered a timeline for producing plug-in hybrids. The news came from FoMoCo’s CEO, Mr. Alan Mulally who said that within 10 years we will start to see this technology in our hands.
Mullaly also announced an alliance between the No. 2 American automaker and utility Southern California Edison to test 20 rechargeable electric vehicles.This alliance was made because of the relationship of the two chief executives, both being linked to Boeing Corp(according to Autonews, Mulally was Boeing’s executive vice president before joining Ford in September 2006 and Bryson is a director of Boeing).
According to Ford’s CEO, the rollout of the plug-in hybrids depends on the developing of the lithium-ion batteries that will be charged by the car’s owners using regular household electrical outlets.
Ford engineers and the researchers from Southern California Edison will test together in the “real world” the 20 plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Many environmental advocates see the hybrid vehicles as the best available technology to reduce the petrol consumptions and with this the CO2 emissions because the plug-in hybrids are to use little or no gasoline over short distances and at lower speeds.
Ford Edge by H&R
Combining sport utility capability with the driving dynamics of a sports car, H&R Sport Springs lower the Edge 2″ for improved handling and superb ride. H&R Trak+ Wheel Spacers provide a precision fit H&R stance and dynamic side profile while H&R Triple C Camber Adjustment Bolts keep everything in spec.
Big 22 X 10 OZ Giotti 3 - 3 piece wheels and Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico 295/30R22 tires give the H&R Edge a powerful, muscular stance and athletic maneuverability that is perfect for both the hairpin turns of the Pacific Coast Highway or the busy streets of New York City.
The Gemballa bright orange exterior is eye-catching whether bathed in sunshine or silhouetted in moonlight and the subtle Pearl-Ghost world graphics add a hint of mysterious elegance. The exclusive panoramic Vista Roof lets the sun shine in with an expansive view that spans nearly 40% of the total roof area. The H&R Edge also features a blacked-out race-like hood, a Camtec custom composite front bumper light pod with an integrated wind-splitter and Hella Celis LED lamps that give a high-tech night effect for cool city cruising.
When you're on an extended road trip, great sounding music keeps you on track and entertained. The H&R Edge showcases the Ford factory premium stereo system which features an AM/FM stereo, 6-disc CD changer, 4 speakers, MP3, Sirius Satellite Radio and a touch-screen DVD-Based Navigation System.
To look good you must feel good, and the Waimea Cliffstone leather interior coddles you in relaxing splendor. Combined with Mauna Loa Ash Mica accents that enrich your comfort therapy, you'll want to drive forever.
Freedom of mobility with ease spotlights the Edge as a capable, more practical SUV. The H&R Edge is the ultimate road cruiser that can take you where you want to go… from high-altitude to high society. The Edge is the car to do things and be seen doing. Drive to the edge of your world!
H&R 2007 FORD EDGE - " Edge of the World " specifications
Exterior:
• Special Gemballa orange paint with Pearl Ghost world graphics.
• Blacked-out race-look hood.
• Camtec Custom composite front bumper light pod with integrated wind-splitter.
• Hella CELIS lamps - with CELIS LED halo-effect.
• Panoramic VISTA ROOF
Wheels & Tires:
• 22 X 10 OZ Giotti 3 three-piece wheels
• Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico 295/30WR22 tires
Chassis/Suspension:
• H&R Sport Springs• H&R Trak+ Wheel Spacers
• H&R Triple C Camber Adjustment Bolts
Interior:
• Custom interior with perforated and non-Perforated Waimea Cliffstone leather tastefully utilized on door panels, seats and head-rests.
• Interior accents painted in Mauna Loa Ash Mica.
• Custom matching floor mats.
• Ford factory premium stereo system with MP3, Sirius Satellite Radio and touch-screen DVD-Based Navigation System.