Ford Transit Connect

Ford Transit Connect is a compact van panel is designed and Ford Europe design Peter Horbury, introduced in 2002 to replace older Ford Escort and Fiesta based Courier van range, which ceased production in the same year.

Ford Tourneo Connect, recreational vehicle, a Transit Connect with side windows and rear seats. All North American Transit Connect destined for the United States are imported as a car to get around 25% of the "chicken tax" on imported trucks light .

Transit Connect uses front-wheel drive Ford C170 platform of the original Ford Focus-International same platform with used Ford Focus North America 2012 model. Besides the name, it shares some components with the Transit. Connection is made by Otosan in all new plant in Gölcük near Kocaeli, Turkey, and in September 2009 in the Romanian Automobile Craiova.

Ford Transit Connect was awarded "Van of the Year 2004" Professional Van and Light Truck Magazine. In his first year in North America, Transit Connect was awarded "North American Truck of the Year 2010" at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

Since mid-2009, Transit Connect has been imported into the United States and Canada. It was first shown in the U.S. in 2008 and 2010 Chicago Auto Show the production model was presented at the exhibition next year on February 11, 2009. The introduction of the North American version has coincided with a mid-cycle facelift which includes a restyled front grille, deeper front bumper and a new dashboard with the image of the device and the instrument pod on the C307 Focus.

Initially, only the long-wheelbase version of the van, equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder petrol engine and 4-speed automatic transmission was offered in North America and in other places, 1.8L diesel engine and 5 speed manual transmission was only available transmission. An electric version is to follow in about a year after launch, Azure Dynamics Corporation is converted at the facility in the U.S..

To create interest and awareness in North America, the Transit Connect as a specially equipped "mobile showrooms" were delivered to the industrial parks and other appropriate locations in 13 U.S. urban areas in May 2009 to offer a 3000 test drives for small business owners.

Starting in 2011, Ford will offer the Transit Connect XLT Premium Wagon in the U.S. and Canada, more stylish and personal version of a utilitarian wagon. It will include a room for five, the rear windows that are open for ventalation, BLIS blind spot awareness, rearview camera, large alloy wheels, body-color grille, and front fog lights. Universal Transit Connect will be the first Ford vehicle with a 2007 cease Freestar, but it is closer in size to a standard length Ford Aerostar for sale from 1986 to 1997.

Conversion to cargo van

To circumvent the 25% tariff on imported trucks light, Ford transit connect all imports as cars with rear windows, rear seats and rear seat belts. Vehicles exported from Turkey to cargo ships owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, arriving in Baltimore, and turn to commercial vehicles WWL Vehicle Services Americas LLC object: .. rear windows replaced with metal panels and the rear seats removed (except for cars) removed parts, and then reworked exploits a loophole in the process of determining the customs cargo van. As the load does not require seat belts or the rear window, the availability of these items exempt from the commercial vehicle status of the vehicle. The conversion process costs hundreds of dollars a Ford van, but it saves having to pay thousands for a chicken tax. Partly because of this, only with a long wheelbase, high roof configuration is exported to North America. In most places, high-roof Transit Connect, Ford, like most vans Econoline, can not access the multi-storey parking lot because of his height (6'-6 ").

Taxi

Transit Connect was one of three finalists (along Karsan V-1 and winner of the Nissan NV200) for a taxi in New York tomorrow. Winning model was unveiled in early May 2011 and will be awarded a 10-year contract to exclusively serve the city.

Transit Connect Electric
In 2009 Chicago Auto Show, Ford has confirmed the development of battery-powered version of the Transit Connect. Later in the Geneva Auto Show that same year, Ford showed a prototype electric version of the Ford Tourneo Connect passenger van, which is closely related to the Ford Transit Connect. Ford initially announced Smith Electric Vehicles will install electric powertrain and lithium-ion batteries in vehicles, but they later collaborated with Azure Dynamics Corporation instead, Johnson Controls-Saft as a supplier of batteries.

Production
Ford Transit Connect has an electric all-electric range of up to 80 miles (130 km). Production began in December 2010 and will reach full capacity in April 2011 to 600 to 700 units per year. Transit Connect is manufactured using electrical vehicles glider (a vehicle produced no transmission) in the Transit Connect assembly plant in Kocaeli, and then sent to the Azure Dynamics U.S. upfitter, AM General in Livonia, Mich., where the group Drive ™ electric drive and other components are added to the vehicle. Azure Dynamics has partnered with Johnson Controls-Saft to produce lithium-ion batteries used in the Ford Transit Connect Electric.

Sales and prices
The first units were delivered to several companies in the U.S. and Canada in December 2010, including AT & T, Canada Post, the New York Power Authority and Southern California Edison. Transit Connect Electric costs U.S. $ 57 400, which is more than twice the price of gas-powered version, even after the federal and any state or local incentives for electric vehicles is discounted.

The test fleet of 14 will be exported to the UK for Ultra-Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator program of the Government.

Ford Transit Connect X-Press
Ford Transit Connect X-press is much faster version of the Ford Transit Connect. It was created by a group of engineers using the Ford 212BHP engine from the Ford Focus, RS, as shown on Fifth Gear.

2011 Ford Transit Connect
2011 Transit Connect Wagon is a 4-door, 5-passenger full size van, available in two trims, XLT and ... read more XLT Premium.

After the introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 136-horsepower engine that achieves 21 miles per gallon city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

2011 Transit Connect Wagon is rolling in 2010.

2011 Ford E-Bike Concept

2011 Ford E-Bike Concept

If you are in Frankfurt are bathed in an atmosphere of all these concepts and supercars, and you happen to see a futuristic look at the bike showroom, not to be confused, because the bike is actually a part of Frankfurt as part of Ford.

Bike called E-Bike and is presented as a concept electric bike, which may well be the future of bikes, as we know it. Apparently, the bikes will be equipped with engines of its own. Go figure.

In any case, Ford E-Bike comes with aluminum and carbon frame that weighs only 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds). This frame comes with a giant 110mm SLR Carbon stem and Selle Italia SLR XC saddle. It also has Shimano Alfine 11 speed internal hub transmission, 2012 Shimano Rapidfire shift, and where the old bike chain before, E-Bike now has a drive belt system Carbon.

2011 Ford E-Bike Concept

We never thought that we associate a "bicycle" with the word "power", but incredibly, E-Bike concept is powered by a front wheel hub motor that produces 350 watts output with a maximum speed of 25 km / h (15.5 miles / h ) to electrical energy. The electric motor is connected 340Wh, 36V, 9.3Ah lithium-ion battery that offers a driving range of up to 85 km (53 miles), and the batteries can be re-charged to 85% capacity in just two hours, and 100% within three to four hours.

Ford gave no indication of whether this concept bike will be given the go signal for the production. Given all the technology present in the general setting the bike, we venture to suggest that we do not see a production version soon.

2011 Ford E-Bike Concept and iPhone

2011 Ford E-Bike Concept

Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

The Shelby Mustang SVT Cobra was a pony car built by Ford Motor Company and Shelby Special Vehicle Team It is a high performance version of the Mustang built by Ford, sitting in the model range above the Mustang GT model. On three occasions, Ford also produced a higher-performance Cobra R variant.

The 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra was launched during the 1992 Chicago Auto Show. It was the premier vehicle of Ford's newly established SVT division, designed to showcase SVT's four hallmarks of Performance, Substance, Exclusivity and Value. The exterior of the 1993 SVT Cobra does not represent a radical departure from the year's GT model: However, there are subtle differences, as explained below.

The true redesign and upgrade occurred beneath the bodywork: The powertrain was driven by a 302 CID V8 (5.0L) motor, producing 235 hp (175 kW) and 280 ft·lbs (380 N·m) of torque. According to Road & Track, this could send a Cobra through the 1/4 mile in 14.5 seconds at a trap speed of 98 mph (158 km/h). Acceleration from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) took 5.9 seconds. The drivetrain received an upgraded transmission, rear disc brakes, and for the first time on a factory Mustang, 17" unidirectional wheels. The suspension was not neglected, either: Cobra models received a softer, more compliant ride compared to the GT model. This was accomplished with model-specific springs and sway bars.

The 1993 SVT Cobra's short block (cylinder block, crankshaft, rods, and pistons) was carried over from the GT model. To this, Ford SVT engineers added the following performance items:

• Cylinder Heads: GT-40 "High Flow" Cast Iron heads were installed. They were milled for 62.5cc combustion chambers. Valves measure 1.84" (46.7mm) intake, and 1.54" (39.1mm) exhaust. The valves are actuated by Cobra-specific 1.7 ratio roller rockers, constructed of aluminum and produced for Ford by Crane Cams. Part Numbers: F3ZZ-6049-B (head), F3ZZ-6507-A (intake valve), F3ZZ-6505-A (exhaust valve), F3ZE-6529-AB (rockers).
• Intake Manifold: The Cobra upper manifold was unique to the 1993 Cobra and had a 2.75" (70.0mm) diameter round throttle body opening, diverting air into (8) round staggered ports, each 1.64" (41.7mm) diameter. The lower manifold was identical to the GT-40 manifold used by Ford Racing; it redirects airflow to a rectangular port configuration as needed by the cylinder heads. Part Numbers: F3ZZ-9424-C (upper manifold),F3ZZ-9424-D (lower).
• Camshaft: The cam is of the hydraulic roller type (same as the GT). However, the Cobra cam has unique specifications of 0.479"/0.479" (12.2mm/12.2mm) intake/exhaust lift, (209°/209°) duration at 0.050" (1.27mm), and a lobe separation of 118.3°, Part Number: F3ZE-6250-CA.

• Air/Fuel Delivery: The increased airflow and fuel consumption of the Cobra required these upgraded components: Larger (compared to the GT) 24 lb/hr fuel injectors, 2.75" (70.0mm) MAF meter, 2.56" (65.0mm) throttle body, and matching EGR plate handle the increased breathing of the motor. A specially calibrated X3Z EEC-IV engine control unit runs the system. Part Numbers: F1TZ-9F593-C (injectors), FIZF-12B579-AA (meter), F3ZF-12A650-CA (ECU).
• Accessories: The crankshaft pulley diameter decreased by 14% (as compared to the GT) in order to under-drive the alternator, A/C, and smog pump, all to increase power. The water pump pulley also decreased in diameter by the same amount in order to preserve the ratio of pump speed, and thus coolant flow. These smaller accessory pulleys necessitated a shorter serpentine belt. Part Numbers: F3ZZ-6A312-A (crank pulley), F3ZZ-8509-A (water pump pulley), F3ZZ-8620-A (belt).
• Exhaust: To extract the maximum amount of power from the Cobra's powerplant, Ford engineers used tuned mufflers with lower restriction (as compared to the GT). While the factory headers and H-pipe remained the same, the tailpipes were similar to that of a Mustang LX 5.0L (Sport) model in that they had straight stainless steel tips (instead of turn-down tips on the GT). This is because the Cobra had a revised rear fascia, allowing (unlike the GT) for an exposed dual exhaust. Part Numbers: F3ZZ-5230-A, stamped F3ZC-5230-CC (RH muffler), F3ZZ-5230-A, stamped F3ZC-5232-DC (LH muffler)

In the wake of the '93 R’s unexpected success, SVT engineers developed a more powerful R-model based on the 1995 Cobra. Top priority became addressing customer requests for a larger, more powerful engine and more fuel capacity. In response to those requests, SVT replaced the Cobra’s 5.0 L V8 with an SVT modified version of Ford’s 5.8 liter Windsor V8, re-engineered to produce 300 horsepower (220 kW) and installed a Kevlar 20 U.S. gallons (76 L) fuel tank. To handle the torque of the more powerful engine, a Tremec 3550 5 speed manual transmission was installed. See also 5-speed T-5 manual. Again, weight-savings was targeted, so there was no back seat, radio, power windows/seats or air-conditioning—not even fog lights, which were omitted to provide ducts for getting cool air onto the front disk brakes. Heavy-duty progressive-rate springs, thicker stabilizer bars and a front strut tower brace helped improve handling on the racetrack. Only 250 vehicles were built, available only in white with saddle cloth interior, each with a unique center-tiered fiberglass hood tall enough to clear the engine and induction system.

With the introduction of the "new edge" Mustang in 1999, came a new SVT Cobra. All 1999-2001 Cobras featured independent rear suspension, unique to the Cobras. They were not supercharged like the 03 and 04 were. They also used a newer returnless fuel system which helped Ford meet tightening emission standards. The new Cobra had an upgraded 4.6L DOHC engine with 320 hp (239 kW) and 317 ft·lbf (429 N·m) of torque. The 4.6 L Cobra was not produced in 2000. Ford replaced the intake manifold, exhaust and computer components to produce 320 hp (240 kW). The Cobra came back in 2001 with the same power rating, close to its GM competition, the Camaro SS and Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air WS6 package that produced 325 hp (242 kW). While the 2001 Cobra shares almost all the same components of the 1999, some changes were made including:

• The engine block was changed from the Teksid block to the Windsor Aluminum Plant or WAP block. The WAP block is regarded to be weaker than the previous Teksid block. Some 2001s received the Teksid, either from the factory or as a replacement motor
• Revised cylinder heads.
• Cobra-specific seats with a combination of leather and alcantara [suede-like microfiber] inserts - 1999 Cobras had normal Mustang seats.
• A rear bumper that reads "COBRA", instead of "MUSTANG", as the 1999 Cobra had.
• A rear badge on the trunklid was changed to say "SVT" instead of "SVT Cobra" as the 1999 Cobra had.
• The wheels for the 1999 and 2001 are 17x8. The '99 & '01 were sold with silver powdercoated aluminum wheels. The 2001 had the option of polished wheels in the same style.
• The T-45 transmission in the 1999 model was replaced by the 3650 in the 2001 model.
• The axleshafts and differential were changed from 28 splines in 1999 to 31 splines in 2001.
• The spoiler was redesigned.
• The CD player was upgraded to a 6 disc unit.
• The center console and trim were redesigned.
• The emergency brake was fitted with a 'boot' of leather to cover the hole in the console where it protrudes.
• The headlights were changed from a chrome background to a black background. The newer headlights are sometimes referred a "smoked" or "tinted" but this only refers to the black background. The actual lenses are clear and identical to that of the 1999.
• The color of the odometer digits and instrument cluster lighting was slightly changed.

In the pictures at right showing the two blocks of the SN-95 2 SVT Mustang Cobra, note the extra ribs designed to impart strength to the weaker WAP. Also, note the hatching in valley of the Teksid is square, while the WAP has diagonal hatching.

A similar Cobra model was produced in the US in 2002 for export to the Australian market.

Ford C-Max

The Ford C-Max (written Ford C-MAX and often called the Ford Focus C-Max) is a compact MPV produced by Ford in Saarlouis for Europe since 2003 and in North America from 2011. Although C-MAX was initially available only in Europe, the first generation was partially available in New Zealand. The North American model will launch with the second generation. With the introduction of the new large MPVs S-Max and Galaxy, the C-Max is the smallest multi-purpose vehicle of Ford's lineup.

C-Max Mk I was the first product to use the Ford C1 platform, also used by the Ford Focus Mk II and the compact MPV Premacy/Mazda5. Its internal code name is C214.

It seats five passengers and has a large amount of cargo space, which can be increased by folding the rear seats flat. Some models feature diagonally sliding outer rear seats. It also shares the control blade independent rear suspension from the Focus.

Engines and transmissions

The available four-cylinder engines are the same as the Focus.
1.6 L Duratec was the basic engine for C-Max, 1.6 L Ti-VCT Duratec was also available.
1.8/2.0 L Duratec HE are the rest of available petrol engines
1.6/2.0 L Duratorq Ford/PSA made diesels were available along with Ford's 1.8 L Endura engine which is upgraded and named Duratorq

Transmissions matted with engines are Ford IB5 (1.6/1.8 Duratec), Ford Durashift (2.0 Duratorq), MTX-75 (2.0 Duratec / 1.6-1.8 Duratorq) manual and Ford Powershift double-clutch transmisison available with 2.0 Duratorq. Only automatic transmisison available was 4F27E matted with 2.0 Duratec.

In December 2006, the facelifted version of the C-Max was revealed at the 2006 Bologna Motor Show and went on sale in late spring 2007. The pre-facelift version of the car (2003–2007) was called the Ford Focus C-Max. The name change to C-Max is attributable to Ford's MPV strategy of creating a 'Max' branded line of MPVs, starting with the Ford S-Max, launched in 2006.

The facelift brought the car in line with Ford's 'Kinetic Design' design language, evidenced through its twin trapezoidal grilles, large wheel arches and angular headlights. However, as the car does not have a bodyshell originally designed for 'Kinetic Design,' Ford officially states that the car contains only 'elements' of the design language.

Alongside the third generation Ford Focus Mk III, the second generation C-Max (C344) is built on Ford's new Global C platform. The appearance is inspired by the Iosis Max concept, shown at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. In addition, Ford added a long wheelbase, seven-seat variant of the C-Max, the Ford Grand C-MAX

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Early European models include 5 seats, and 7-seat models entered the market at the end of 2010 (except Russia, where there is only the 7-seat model). At the 2011 North American International Auto Show, Ford announced a 7-seat C-MAX for the North American market. However, this model was cancelled prior to launch.

Features

The new MK III platform is the first in its class to support Torque Vectoring Control (TVC).

The redesigned C-Max features flat folding third row seats, a hands free power lift gate, rear view camera, park assist, and panoramic sunroof. HD Radio, Sirius XM, Sync, dual-zone climate control system, and navigation system come as standard or as available options on the different trim lines.

The aerodynamics (drag coefficient, cw) of the car has been improved, being 0,30 for the 5 seater and 0,32 for the Grand C-Max.

Engines and transmissions

Like the previous C-Max new also comes with range of petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines which are shared with Focus.
1.6 L Duratec Ti-VCT is available in two spec, 105 hp (78 kW) and 125 hp
1.6 L EcoBoost comes with 150 hp (112 kW) or 182 hp (136 kW) variant, same as in Focus
1.6/2.0 L Duratorq Ford/PSA made diesels are upgraded, Ford's 1.8 L Endura engine is not availabe any more.

Transmissions matted with engines are Ford IB5 (1.6 Duratec Ti-VCT), B6 (1.6 EcoBoost/1.6 Duratorq), Durashift MMT6 (2.0 Duratorq) manual and Ford Powershift double-clutch transmisison available with 2.0 Duratorq.

Ford unveiled the Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid and the C-Max Hybrid at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, which are scheduled for market launch in 2012 in North America and 2013 in Europe. The C-Max Energi has a projected driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km). Like the conventional C-Max, the C-Max Energi and Hybrid are five-seat only. They replace the Mercury Mariner Hybrid since Ford discontinued the Mercury brand after the 2011 model year. For the North American market, the C-Max Energi and C-Max Hybrid will be assembled alongside the 2012 Focus and Focus Electric at Ford's Wayne plant in Michigan. All European versions will be built in Valencia, Spain.

Production

C-Max production takes place in Valencia, Spain, to allow lower production costs, and the production of the electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric versions will take place in Wayne, Michigan.

Ford C-Max
Manufacturer    Ford Motor Company
Production    2010-
Assembly    Valencia, Spain
Predecessor    First generation C-Max
Body style    5-door MPV
Platform    Ford Global C platform
Engine   
1.6 L Duratec Ti-VCT I4
1.6 L EcoBoost I4
1.6 L Duratorq TDCi I4
2.0 L Duratorq TDCi I4
Transmission  
5-speed manual
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
Wheelbase    2,648 mm (104.3 in)
Length    4,380 mm (172.4 in)
Width    1,828 mm (72.0 in)
Height    1,626 mm (64.0 in)
Curb weight    1,374–1,550 kg (3,030–3,400 lb)
Related    Ford Focus MkIII

Ford Grand C-Max
Manufacturer    Ford Motor Company
Production    2010-
Assembly    Valencia
Body style    5-door MPV
Platform    Ford Global C platform
Engine   
1.6 L Duratec Ti-VCT I4
1.6 L EcoBoost I4
1.6 L Duratorq TDCi I4
2.0 L Duratorq TDCi I4
2.5 L iVCT (NA only)
Transmission    6-speed automatic
Wheelbase    2,788 mm (109.8 in)
Length    4,520 mm (178.0 in)
Width    1,828 mm (72.0 in)
Height    1,684 mm (66.3 in)
Curb weight    1,477–1,697 kg (3,260–3,740 lb)
Related    Ford Focus MkIII

2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback

The 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback is offered in 1.8 S and 1.8 SL models, each equipped with a 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine. The Nissan Versa Hatchback S is available with a choice of 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, while the Hatchback 1.8 SL is offered exclusively with Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT® transmission.

The 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback long 102.4-inch wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs create a sporty dynamic look. The Versa Hatchback exterior also features body-color front and rear bumpers and body-color dual remote-controlled outside mirrors. Versa Hatchback has a coefficient of drag of 0.31. Versa Hatchback 1.8 SL models add a higher level of performance styling with a roof-mounted rear spoiler, lower body side sill extensions, unique front and rear fascia and standard fog lights.
The 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback is available in nine exterior colors: Red Alert, Metallic Blue, Blue Onyx, Espresso Black, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Gray, Super Black, Fresh Powder and Arctic Blue.
Every 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback comes equipped with a standard 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine rated at 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. Three transmissions are offered – a 6-speed manual (1.8 S), an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic with overdrive (optional 1.8 S), and Xtronic CVT™ transmission (standard on 1.8 SL).
Fuel economy for the 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback is rated at 28 mpg City/34 mpg Highway with the Continuously Variable Transmission; 24 mpg City/32 mpg highway with the 4-speed automatic transmission; and 26 mpg City/31 mpg Highway with the 6-speed manual transmission.
All 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchbacks are equipped with an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension, with front and rear stabilizer bars. Other standard equipment includes Electric Power Steering and power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is also standard.
Nissan Versa Hatchback 1.8 S models feature 15-inch styled steel wheels with covers and P185/65HR15 Continental all-season tires. Nissan Versa Hatchback 1.8 SL models offer standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with Continental P195/55R16 all-season tires, while 6-spoke 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are optional on 1.8 S models equipped with the 4-speed automatic transmission.
The 2012 Nissan Versa Hatchback is manufactured at Nissan’s Aguascalientes and Cuervanaca, Mexico assembly plants.