Ford Confirms 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost Turbo for F-150, 2.0-liter Turbo for Explorer and Edge

Over the past few months we've heard several rumors regarding the models that will get FoMoCo's EcoBoost turbocharged engines.

Now, the Detroit automaker has officially confirmed that the 2011 F-150 pickup truck will be offered with its 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 upgraded for rear-wheel-drive applications, while a new 2.0-liter inline-four turbo will find its way under the hood of the next next-generation Ford Explorer SUV and Edge CUV.

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost unit will be launched along with a smaller displacement 1.6-liter EcoBoost unit, which will be used initially on the European C-Max people mover, by the end of the year.

Ford said that over the next few years, it plans to equip as much as 80 percent of the firm's global nameplates and 90 percent of North American nameplates with EcoBoost.

The company added that by the end of 2012, 98 percent of its North American market vehicles will be equipped with more fuel-efficient six-speed transmissions and that by 2014, as many as 20 percent of its global nameplates will be fitted with stop/start systems.

Read more »

Huh? Ford Flex Voted as the 2009 Collectible Vehicle Of The Future

Take that GM and Chevy Camaro owners. According to the predictions of the Friends of the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC), from all the new cars and trucks launched in the USA in 2009, the most desirable collectible in 25 years from now will be the Ford Flex.

Yes, you read correctly, the members of the organization, which supports the automotive collection at the Detroit Public Library, believe that the vehicle most likely to turn heads at the Woodward Dream Cruise of 2034 is Ford's overgrown Scion - no pun intended.

"This selection is unique among all the 'Vehicle of the Year' awards, because it is selected by car buffs who know what future collectors will value," said Charles K. Hyde, chairman of the NAHC Board of Trustees. "We asked our members to predict which of this year's new vehicles will turn heads in the Woodward Cruise of 2034."

Since we consider Carscoop readers to be car buffs themeselves, we invite you to share your thoughts on which new vehicle launched in the U.S. in 2009 will most likely capture your attention in 25 years from now.

NAHC Previous winners are:

2008 - Dodge Challenger

2007 - Dodge Viper SRT10

2006 - Pontiac Solstice

2005 - Ford Mustang

2004 - Chrysler 300

2003 - Dodge Viper

2002 - Ford Thunderbird

1996 - Chrysler Sebring Convertible

1995 - Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Aurora

Read more »

Ford Develops Eco-Friendly Wheat-Straw Reinforced Plastics, First Application on 2010 Flex

Powertrains aside, automakers are also looking in other areas to make today's vehicles more environmentally friendly. One such example is a newly developed natural fiber-based plastic that contains 20 percent wheat straw bio-filler developed by the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, as part of the Ontario BioCar Initiative. Ford is the first automaker in the world to make use of this new bio-material on the 2010 Ford Flex's third-row interior storage bins.

According to the company, this application alone reduces petroleum usage by some 20,000 pounds per year and CO2 emissions by around 30,000 pounds per year while the bio-material is said to demonstrate better dimensional integrity than a non-reinforced plastic and weighs up to 10 percent less than a plastic reinforced with talc or glass.

But what makes this initiative even more impressive is that it also represents a sustainable usage for wheat straw which is the waste byproduct of wheat. Ford said that in Ontario alone, where the Flex is produced, more than 28,000 farmers grow wheat, along with corn and soybeans. At any given time, there are some 30 million metric tons of available wheat straw waste in Ontario.

"Wheat is everywhere and the straw is in excess," said Dr. Ellen Lee, technical expert, Ford's Plastics Research. "We have found a practical automotive usage for a renewable resource that helps reduce our dependence on petroleum, uses less energy to manufacture, and reduces our carbon footprint. More importantly, it doesn't jeopardize an essential food source."

Ford said that it is considering the use of natural fiber-based plastics for other applications in the near future including the center console bins and trays, interior air register and door trim panel components, and armrest liners.

Read more »

SEMA Show: Ford's Tricked Out Focus, Edge, Flex and Transit Models

Wrapping up the news related to the products of the Ford Motor Company that will be on display at the annual aftermarket jamboree in Sin City next week, here's the rest of the 'souped-up' Ford vehicles that include a pair of Transit vans and Focus Coupes as well as a Flex and an Edge. Details and pics after the break.

From Ford Press Release:

2010 Ford Transit Connect by Azentek and Grant Products

Azentek and Grant Products teamed up to build this unique "Travel Inn" Ford Transit Connect van. Designed for people who are always on the go, it comes complete with the Azentek in-vehicle computing and navigation radio, and a Concept DVD for watching movies.

You can cook while tailgating with your mini pull-out kitchen and even sleep in complete comfort in the upper bunk bed. You also will drive in style with the Grant Products body kit, race-inspired steering wheel and GAC interior. The vehicle features 18-inch BBS wheels with a Winona PVD chrome finish and Bridgestone Firestone tires.

2010 Ford Transit Connect by Ford Vehicle Personalization

This 2010 Transit Connect was developed by the Ford Vehicle Personalization team and it features Genuine Ford Accessories, Ford Licensed Accessories and various personalization concepts. Inspired by West Coast beaches, the vehicle is presented in a soft anodized Metallic Gold exterior paint with a large energetic side graphic depicting young people playing sports and having fun on the beach. Various racks and carriers on the exterior secure your favorite outdoor gear.

The interior is the main focus of this custom Transit Connect, showcasing the flexibility of space in the cargo area and the ability to create a realm of personal use around this vehicle rather than strictly commercial/business usage. Shown with two seats, the cargo area will house an audio wall with a custom audio/video system, a skateboard rack displaying four skateboards and a rear-mounted LCD flip-out flat-screen monitor with video game console.

2010 Ford Edge "RallyE" by Santini Paint

Santini Paint, combined with the talent of Steve Stanford Design, has taken the Ford Edge crossover to a level of design utilizing influence from the old-school British racing era, tuner cars and a little rally car, so that this "soccer mom" grocery-getter becomes the "cool" car for the family.

With a few inches out of the suspension, the big wheel and tire combination, 3dCarbon body kit, British Racing Green color and an asymmetrical competition stripe paint scheme with some interior accents added in, Santini's Ford Edge becomes a "Coolover."

2009 Ford Focus by FSWerks

In its constant search for more power, the FSWerks crew has taken a 2009 Ford Focus Coupe and pushed it to the edge. Utilizing many years of racing, fabricating and powertrain experience, this transformed Ford Focus is now pushing more than 500 horsepower, making it one serious track Focus.

2009 Ford Focus by Creations n' Chrome

Creations n' Chrome has taken green technology to the extreme with its 2009 Ford Focus. The exterior starts with an outrageous green chrome finish using Cosmichrome water-based spray-on plating technology, 3dCarbon Euro Series six-piece body kit and lightweight Work Emotion wheels. To increase engine efficiency and aerodynamics, an FSWerks turbo kit and H&R coil-over suspension are added. The interior was custom refinished from top to bottom with House of Color paint and custom Katzkin leather.

2010 Ford Flex by Falken Tire

Breaking the mold of cookie-cutter project vehicles on oversized chrome rims, Falken Tire has envisioned the perfect blend of traditional "lowrider" styling and a 2010 platform while utilizing today's finest full-size CUV, the Ford Flex. Rolling on 22-inch Falken S/TZ04 tires and wire- spoke Dayton wheels, this ride will surely earn the respect of everyone from old-school purists to new-age tuners. Break the mold and Flex Your Style.

Read more »