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15

Feb

Porsche GT3 RSR

Posted by galardo  Published in Porsche

Simona Alina
Filed in: Porsche | coupe | Porsche 911 | Porsche GT3

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Porsche unveiled today the GT3 RSR, the most most powerful race car based on the Porsche 911. The most distinguishing feature of the new GT3 RSR is the front end which received major improvements to the aerodynamics. The majority of innovations however are hidden under the weight-optimised body.


The GT3 RSR is powered by a 3.8-litre boxer engine that delivers 465 hp (342 kW) at 8,000 revs per minute and a maximum torque of 430 Nm at 7,250 revs.

The price of the GT3 RSR is 349,800 Euro plus VAT.

Specifications after the jump.

Press release

The Porsche GT3 RSR launches into the new model year with extensive modifications. The most powerful race car based on the Porsche 911, which last year scored wins at the 24 hour races of Le Mans and Spa as well as overall victory at the Nuerburgring 24 hours, competes in the GT2 class at international long distance races. The most distinguishing feature of the new GT3 RSR is the front end which received major improvements to the aerodynamics. The majority of innovations however are hidden under the weight-optimised body.

Aside from the easily recognisable additional spoilers on the front apron, so-called flicks, an optimised air ducting with newly-designed side air outlets generates more downforce and reduces drag. The rear end including the rear wing was taken over from the predecessor. Extensive changes to the suspension cinematics increase mechanical grip considerably. The range of possible suspension set-ups was broadened.

The 3.8-litre boxer engine of the GT3 RSR remains unchanged apart from slight improvements to details. It delivers 465 hp (342 kW) at 8,000 revs per minute and delivers a maximum torque of 430 Nm at 7,250 revs. The rev limiter of the efficient six-cylinder kicks in at 9,400 rpm.
Much of the know-how in the GT3 RSR’s totally new gearbox has come from the RS Spyder sports prototype. The sequential six-speed unit, developed by Porsche engineers, is considerably lighter than its predecessor. Internal friction was substantially reduced. The flat angle of the drive shafts allows teams a wider range of suspension set-ups.

Aside from the GT3 Cup and the GT3 Cup S, the GT3 RSR is the third race car based on the Porsche 911 offered by Porsche Motorsport. Thirty-five units of the fastest and most powerful long distance racer made in Weissach, apart from the exclusive RS Spyder sports prototype, are now being produced and delivered to customer teams around the globe. The price of the GT3 RSR is 349,800 Euro plus VAT.

Technical Description Porsche GT3 RSR (2008)

Engine

Six-cylinder aluminium boxer engine, water-cooled; 3,795 cc; stroke 76.4 mm; bore 102.7 mm; 465 bhp (342 kW) at 8,000 rpm; max. torque 430 Nm at 7,250 rpm; air restrictors 2 x 29.5 mm; maximum engine speed 9,400 rpm; four valves per cylinder; dry sump lubrication; individual throttle butterflies; central air intake; electronic MS 4.0 engine management;
fuel injection; fuel grade: RON 98 Super Plus unleaded.

Power transmission

Six-speed gearbox with sequential jaw-type shift; oil/water heat exchanger; single-mass flywheel; hydraulic disengagement lever; three-plate carbon-fibre clutch; rear wheel drive; limited-slip differential 45/65 %.

Body

Monocoque body (basis GT3 RS) of hot-galvanised steel; aerodynamically optimised front end with front spoiler; aerodynamically optimised front underfloor; adjustable rear wing; 90-litre safety fuel tank with fast filling function; air jack; welded-in safety cage; bucket-type racing seat (on driver’s side only) with flame-resistant seat cover; six-point seat belt adapted for use of the HANS Head and Neck Support; electric fire-extinguishing system.

Suspension

Front: McPherson spring strut axle; Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and ancillary spring); front axle arms adjustable for camber; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar on both sides; power steering.
Rear: Multi-arm axle with rigidly mounted axle sub-frame; Sachs four-way gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and auxiliary spring); rear axle tie-bar reinforced and infinitely adjustable; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar on both sides.
Complete suspension infinitely adjustable (height, camber, track).

Brakes

Brake system with balance bar control.
Front: Single-piece six-piston aluminium fixed callipers; inner-vented, 380 mm in diameter; racing brake pads.
Rear: Single-piece four-piston aluminium fixed callipers; inner-vented, 355 mm in diameter; racing brake pads.

Wheels

Front: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (11J x 18-34); central bolt;
Rear: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (13J x 18-12.5); central bolt.

Electrical System

Motec display with integrated data recording; adjustable traction control; battery: 12 volt, 50 Ah, 140 Ah alternator.

Weight

Approx. 1,225 kg complying with A.C.O. regulations, 1,200 kg complying with FIA regulations.

Source: Porsche GT3 RSR

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15

Feb

Yamaha YZF-R125

Posted by galardo  Published in Other

Anthony Kodack
Filed in: Yamaha | sportsbikes | Yamaha YZF

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  Article summary:
Page 1 :  Yamaha YZF-R125

Page 2 :  Chassis

Page 3 :  Specifications

The most advanced 125 supersport!

For 2008 Yamaha will launch the all-new YZF-R125, an exciting new member of the R-series family which is aimed at taking the number one position in the sports 125cc market.

Featuring a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine running in full-sized Deltabox chassis – and clothed in aggressive R-series style bodywork – the YZF-R125 is aimed at the young first-time 125 buyer who demands best-in-class engine and handling performance, and winning R-series style.

Engine

 

Yamaha’s first liquid-cooled 125cc 4-stroke 4-valve single

The R125’s all-new 124cc 4-stroke engine is the most advanced in the category, and just like its larger-capacity R-series brothers, it has been developed to deliver class-leading performance.

In order to achieve this goal, Yamaha’s engineers have created the company’s first ever liquidcooled 4-stroke single-cylinder 125cc SOHC engine. The new R125 benefits from a 4-valve cylinder head which delivers high levels of intake and exhaust efficiency for ultra-responsive performance.

Fuel injection

For instant throttle response, this new high-tech 125 features a compact fuel injection system fed by a large-capacity airbox which, combined with the two inlet valves, delivers optimum intake efficiency together with excellent throttle response across the rev range.

Free-revving short-stroke engine

Featuring bore and stroke dimensions of 52mm x 58.6mm, the compact short-stroke engine has a free-revving character which enables it to deliver strong acceleration. This short stroke layout – combined with the performance-boosting qualities of the 4-valve head, fuel injection system and free-flowing exhaust – gives the R125 the strongest overall performance in the 125 4-stroke class.

R6-style mid-ship muffler


Performance is also enhanced by the fitment of a free-flowing large-capacity R6-style mid-ship muffler, whose location helps to centralise mass for neutral handling performance. The exhaust system accommodates dual catalysers, as well as an air induction system which introduces air into the exhaust to enable more complete combustion of any unburnt gases, and in doing so it helps to reduce emissions to even lower levels.

6-speed transmission

To optimise the class-leading performance characteristics of its all-new high-tech 125cc liquidcooled engine, the R125 is equipped with a 6-speed transmission which ensures strong acceleration and a competitive top speed.

Technical highlights

  • Liquid-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke
  • SOHC 4-valve cylinder head
  • Wet-sump lubrication system
  • Fuel injection
  • Electric start
  • 6-speed transmission
  • R6-style mid-ship muffler
  • Dual catalysers
  • Air Induction system

 

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Source: Yamaha YZF-R125

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15

Feb

GM to sponsor 80th Annual Academy Awards

Posted by galardo  Published in Other


Although General Motors has always managed to maintain relatively strong sales in the Midwest, increased foreign competition has really hurt GM on the coasts. But with an all-new vehicle lineup and some of the greenest vehicles in the industry, GM feels that it now has the product lineup to compete anywhere in the U.S.

To get this new message across — especially to the more style and green conscious consumers of the West coast — GM will sponsor the 80th Annual Academy Awards, which will be held on February 24th.

GM will be the exclusive automotive sponsor of the event, and will provide 75 vehicles. To really show the company's green side, GM will provide GMC Yukon Hybrids, FlexFuel Yukons and Chevrolet Equinox Full Cell vehicles for transportation to and from the red carpet.

“GM’s longstanding relationship with Hollywood and our strong commitment to bringing advanced technologies to market that will help diversify fuel sources and reduce vehicle emissions makes this the perfect time for GM to drive ‘green’ to the Oscars,” Dino Bernacchi, GM Director of Marketing Alliances and Branded Entertainment, told Winding Road.

Bernacchi also indicated that several fuel-efficient GM vehicles would find their way into celebrities' garages in 2008.

Source: GM to sponsor 80th Annual Academy Awards

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15

Feb

If GM’s Lips Are Moving…

Posted by galardo  Published in Other

In January '08, GM told the world that Buick sold 12,749 vehicles, an increase of 6.1 percent over last year. But wait a minute– if you look at sales per franchise, they racked-up just four sales each (three cars and one truck) in January of both years. Multiplying the four sales per franchise by the 2700 dealers Autoweek says hang out the Buick shingle gives a total of 10,800 sales in January. So where did the other 2k cars go? My bet's on fleets, even though GM says their sales numbers are dropping because they're going through fleet withdrawal. You also have to wonder about the other lot queens that suddenly had a sales spike in January, like the Pontiac G5 (up 50.2 percent) or the Chevrolet Equinox (up 47.7 percent). Further stretching GM's tenuous credibility: their insistence that the Buick Enclave is such a hot seller they can't produce enough and have to put customers on waiting lists. If that's so, why did they start January with a 26-day supply on the dealer lots and end the month with a 41-day supply? I know: looking for transparency from GM is like fishing in a pile of dirt.

Source: If GM’s Lips Are Moving…

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15

Feb

Ford Kuga Crossover breaks cover

Posted by galardo  Published in Ford

Along with the reveal of the new Fiesta hatch, Ford also took the wraps off its new Europe-only Kuga crossover ahead of the car’s world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Based on the original iosis X Concept from the 2006 Paris Motor Show and near-production Kuga Concept from last year’s Frankfurt Show, the all-new crossover is finally ready for sale and will be appearing in showrooms across Europe by the middle of the year.

The new Kuga is based on Ford’s acclaimed C-Car architecture used in vehicles like the European Focus and C-MAX. It comes in both FWD and AWD models, the latter using a full-time Haldex set-up, and will be offered with a 136hp (100kW) 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel churning out a maximum 340Nm of torque from just 2,000rpm thanks to its overboost function. More engines including Ford of Europe’s first hybrid powertrain will be offered further down the track.

Ford’s new Kuga may be compact but there’s plenty of storage space inside for all your gear and four of your mates. The second row seating has a 60/40 split and has been designed to fold completely flat and offers up to 1,355L of storage. When the seats are up there’s still a usable 360L of space.

The Kuga will be offered with two distinct lines of trim, Trend and Titanium, both of which are differentiated with a wide range of equipment, technology and styling options. Some of the options include metallic paint, color coded interior details, and matching trim for the instrument panel and door inserts. Standard safety features include ESP, Anti Rollover Mitigation, ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, plus a stiff and rigid passenger cell.

Source: Ford Kuga Crossover breaks cover

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15

Feb

John Kerry goes bigger and less green, switches from Escape to Tahoe hybrid

Posted by galardo  Published in Other

Sam Abuelsamid
Filed under: Hybrid, MPG


Click image for photo gallery

Did you know that going from a vehicle that’s rated at 34/30 mpg to one that gets 21/22 mpg is helping to “fight global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions?” That’s what Senator John Kerry’s (D-MA) deputy chief of staff, David Wade, would have people believe. Since when is going to a vehicle with 34 percent worse mileage than the one you just had good for the environment? Apparently, Sen. Kerry has decided to get rid of his 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid in favor of the Green Car of the Year, the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. Not to take anything away from the Tahoe, because the 2-Mode hybrid system is a technological marvel and provides shockingly good fuel economy for a vehicle of this size and capability, but this isn’t a green switch.

Gallery: 2008 GM 2-Mode Hybrid SUVs

Unless Kerry is planning to cart around eight people in his Tahoe (which as a politician he may well be doing, but I doubt they ‘re all in his car) instead of using multiple vehicles, there is absolutely no way that this is a responsible move from a green standpoint. The Washington Post wrote that, “In fact, his [Wade’s] boss decided to trade in his two-year-old Ford Escape Hybrid for a shiny new Chevy Tahoe Hybrid — which won the 2008 Green Car of the Year award, he’ll have you know. (Wade says it’s a 40 percent increase in fuel efficiency.)” This obviously false/erroneous statement could not go unchallenged, so ABG tried to contact the Senator’s Washington, D.C. office.

So far, attempts to reach Mr. Wade have been unsuccessful. Several calls to Kerry’s office over the last two days have resulted in messages left with other staffers for Mr. Wade to call ABG. We still have not heard back. Wade no doubt has bigger concerns than this little corner of the ‘net. If a vanity search turns up this post and Wade would care to respond, we’ll be glad to publish his side of this tale.

It was certainly possible that Mr. Wade simply did not know the facts about the mileage ratings of the two vehicles. It’s also possible that the Post misquoted Mr. Wade. However a “respected” journalistic institution like the Washington Post should have caught such a blatant error. At any rate, the Tahoe hybrid doesn’t get better mileage than the Escape hybrid and the improvement over the standard Tahoe isn’t 40 percent either. The Tahoe hybrid does do 50 percent better in urban driving and 30 percent better overall than the non-hybrid version, though. If you’re going to pick a number, at least pick a real one.

[Source: Washington Post, John Kerry’s office]

Source: John Kerry goes bigger and less green, switches from Escape to Tahoe hybrid

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15

Feb

VW Recalling New Beetle Special Edition Triple White

Posted by galardo  Published in Other

Volkswagen USA has issued a recall for 510 MY 2008 New Beetle Special Edition Triple White models due a faulty adhesive that may have been used to attach the roof spoiler to the rear glass of the car. If the incorrect adhesive was used, the spoiler could become loose or fall from the vehicle without warning, even though initially the spoiler may feel secure. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the consequences of a flying spoiler taking off on a highway… According to VW, dealers will replace the roof spoiler on these vehicles at no cost.

Source: VW Recalling New Beetle Special Edition Triple White

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15

Feb

2009 Ford Fiesta Fully Revealed Prior To Geneva Debut

Posted by galardo  Published in Ford

Now isn’t this a pleasant surprise from Ford’s behalf; the all-new Fiesta has remained as close as possible to the Verve Concept (click here for details and pics) that we first saw at the Frankfurt Show last month. Due to be unveiled to the public at next month’s Geneva Show, the Fiesta will go on sale in Europe in both 3door & 5door body styles this fall.

Not located in Europe? No need to worry as Ford announced that by 2010, the new Fiesta will be on sale in markets across Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and North America in a variety of regionally tailored models derived from a common platform.

Talking about platforms, the Fiesta shares its architecture with the all-new Mazda2. Additionally, like the Mazda hatch, Ford states that the Fiesta is actually lighter than its predecessor despite the fact that it stands on virtually the same footprint as before. In Europe the Fiesta will be initially powered by a total of five engine units, thee petrol, 1.25-litre (60 and 80 PS), 1.4-litre (91 PS) and 1.6-litre (115 PS), and two diesel engines, 1.4-litre (68 PS) and 1.6-litre (90 PS). –Details and pics after the jump








Press Release:

FIESTA FOREVER: FORD’S NEW-GENERATION GLOBAL SMALL CAR PREVIEWED AT 2008 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

  • Next generation, all-new global small car signals fresh chapter in Ford Fiesta success story
  • The worldwide name is confirmed – Ford Fiesta
  • Stylish ‘kinetic design’ and dynamic flair combines with traditional Ford strengths to deliver confident, contemporary, fun-to-drive package
  • Fiesta brings a host of big-car features to the small car segment for the first time
  • Fiesta stays compact but is lighter and stronger. Ultra high-strength steels and a comprehensive safety package that includes a driver’s knee airbag
  • Exciting three-door body remains true to Verve Concept
  • Futuristic interior from Verve Concept becomes production reality, including integrated HMI centre stack inspired by mobile phones
  • 115 PS Duratec 1.6-litre Ti-VCT petrol engine joins Fiesta range; one of five fuel efficient and clean engines
  • Fiesta will expand Ford ECOnetic ultra-low CO 2 range, delivering less than 100g/km emissions
  • New Fiesta is the first product of Ford’s new global product development process, with versions due for launch also in Asia and the Americas between 2008 and 2010
  • European production of new Fiesta begins in autumn 2008

COLOGNE , 15 February, 2008 - Ford of Europe is reinventing its small car range for a new generation of customers in 2008, starting with a stylish and exciting all-new Fiesta. First Details of the three-door model are released today, and the car will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Designed and developed in Europe for sale in Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and the Americas between 2008 and 2010, the new Fiesta is the first major product of Ford’s new global product development process. Its stylish and dynamic flair combines with all the traditional Ford small car strengths to create a confident, contemporary introduction to the next chapter of the Fiesta success story.

The new Fiesta opens another chapter in the story of the popular Ford small car that has sold more than 12 million units since its introduction in 1976. Charismatic and individual, the new model makes major strides in craftsmanship, quality of materials and product choice while continuing to represent Fiesta’s traditional strengths of practicality, value for money, agility and safety. It also brings a host of big-car features to the small-car segment for the first time.

New Fiesta clearly embodies the hallmarks of ‘kinetic design’, which has so convincingly infused emotion into the core of the Ford range in Europe. The Geneva debut confirms that new Fiesta will bring the most appealing elements of Verve, a trio of concept cars shown recently around the world, to production reality.

It also ends speculation surrounding the name of Ford’s new-generation small car for global markets.

“This new car embodies the very essence of Fiesta – fun, vitality and emotion,” said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe. “We know there isn’t a better name for the new model, and we have over thirty years of investment in the Fiesta brand to consider.

“We’re confident that the combination of dynamic new ‘kinetic design’ exterior, great interior design and craftsmanship, and a host of new technologies and features will provide compelling reasons for a new generation of customers around the world to take a fresh look at the Ford Fiesta. I know they will be both surprised and delighted with what they see and feel,” Fleming added.

Small Car with Global Plans

The new Ford Fiesta is closely related to the exciting Verve Concept vehicle that was revealed to great acclaim at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Frankfurt car was one of three Verve Concepts, with the others, both four-door sedans tailored for regional market tastes, shown recently at Guangzhou in China and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Together, these concepts paved the way for the company’s new global small car programme for the 2008 to 2010 period, with the European Fiesta first to debut in production guise.

Ford designers and product development engineers in Europe have led the vehicle’s global development process.

“For Ford, this is truly a world premiere,” said Joe Bakaj, Vice President of Product Development, Ford of Europe. “The new Fiesta is the first car born from our new global product development process. More than ever, we’re leveraging our global product development expertise, and this car sets the scene for future great products for customers around the world that are already being developed behind it in the Ford Global Product Development System pipeline.”

European production of the new Fiesta commences in the autumn of 2008 at the company’s Cologne plant in Germany. Later, as production ramps up, the Valencia Assembly Plant will bring additional Fiesta capacity on line in 2009.

“Fiesta has its heart in Europe but its eyes on the world,” said Marin Burela, Ford’s Global Executive Director for small-car development. “We’re building on Ford’s hertitage of excellence in small car development to give the new Fiesta truly global reach and identity. By 2010, this new small-car family will be manufactured in Europe, Asia and the Americas and be marketed as Fiesta in all of the world’s key automotive markets.”

The new vehicle range will introduce several Ford firsts for a small car, including – from later in 2008 – another model in the new Ford ECOnetic range promising CO 2 emissions of fewer than 100 grams per kilometre.

Fit and Trim

  • New model retains predecessor’s compact size, but is lighter and stronger
  • Intelligent Protection System includes new driver’s knee airbag
  • Detailed enhancements to acclaimed driving character include Electric Power Assisted Steering (E-PAS) and reduced road, wind and powertrain noise

Unlike key competitors in the European small-car segment which have grown in size and weight, the new Fiesta stands on virtually the same footprint as before. The new-generation Fiesta is actually lighter than its predecessor.

“Staying small and resisting weight gains were key objectives of the new Fiesta development process,” said Joerg Beyer, Fiesta Chief Carline Engineer. “We’ve been absolutely committed to keeping Fiesta a compact car and having a razor-sharp focus on cutting weight. That really pays off when it comes to fuel economy and CO 2 emissions.”

Component by component, the Ford development team scrutinised for weight but refused to compromise on key areas that are important to customers. One of the biggest is safety, where new Fiesta makes a bold step forward with an extremely robust safety structure and the Intelligent Protection System of safety technologies that brings a driver’s knee airbag to Fiesta for the first time.

The new Fiesta makes extensive use of ultra high-strength steels in its body structure. A remarkable amount of these specialist steels, including boron steel and dual-phase steel, is the secret to Fiesta’s quantum leap in structural stiffness for its light weight. These steels are used particularly in safety critical areas, such as the A-pillar and B-pillar, part of the ultra-rigid ‘door ring’ structure of the Fiesta bodyside.

Extending Fiesta’s traditional excellence in driving dynamics was also a priority. The new Fiesta will have a dynamic character to match its poised, ‘kinetic design’ style hinting at energy in motion. Ford’s acclaimed dynamics engineers also worked hard to enhance Fiesta’s ride comfort and isolate road, wind and powertrain noise from the cabin, and to give the new model an impressively quiet driving quality for a small car.

New Fiesta retains the MacPherson strut front suspension and twist-beam rear suspension layout that has been one of its traditional strengths, but the new suspension and steering system has undergone an array of enhancements.

Electric-Power Assist Steering (E-PAS) is introduced in the Fiesta for the first time. E-PAS provides the right balance of low-speed assistance and excellent feel and responsiveness.

E-PAS has another key benefit. It is another key facet of new Fiesta’s initiatives to reduce fuel consumption.

The electric power steering pump only operates when steering-effort assistance is required, unlike traditional hydraulic PAS pumps that operate constantly when the engine is running. This brings a fuel consumption reduction.

Efficient Powertrain Choices

  • Total of five powertrain choices at launch from efficient 68 PS Duratorq TDCi diesel to new Duratec 1.6-litre Ti-VCT petrol engine which delivers 115 PS
  • Fiesta ECOnetic ultra-low CO 2 model will deliver less than 100g/km emissions

With a broad array of powertrain choices, the new Fiesta is a responsive, yet efficient, performer.

New to the Fiesta range for European markets is the popular Ford Duratec 1.6-litre Ti-VCT engine. The 115 PS engine with variable intake cam timing, provides a well-balanced blend of performance and economy. It brings a 15 PS performance improvement over the outgoing Fiesta without a fuel consumption penalty.

The Fiesta range also retains:

  • 1.25-litre (60 and 80 PS) and 1.4-litre (91 PS) Duratec petrol engines
  • Both Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines, the 1.4-litre (68 PS) and the 1.6-litre (90 PS – available with Diesel Particulate Filter) which have been enhanced with revised injection technology and electronic control sophistication.

Fiesta will be offered with Ford Durashift 5-speed manual transmission or the Durashift
4-speed automatic transmission (available with 1.4-litre (91 PS) Duratec engine).

Concept becomes Reality

  • Production Fiesta is clearly related to Verve Concept
  • Futuristic interior from Concept makes production with integrated HMI centre stack
  • New technology highlights include keyless vehicle technology, ‘Ford Power’ engine start button, Ford Easyfuel capless refuelling, USB connectivity and ambient interior lighting

The new Ford Fiesta brings the radical Verve Concept exterior and interior styling to production reality and incorporates features and technologies normally found in larger, more expensive vehicles. It rejects the notion that an affordable small car has to be basic or boring.

The highlight of the Verve Concept interior – the futuristic, mobile phone-inspired, human-machine interface technology of the instrument panel centre stack – will be a core feature of the new Ford Fiesta when it hits the road.

Gone is the flat, upright centre stack of the instrument panel, a feature typical of many small cars driven by the need to package a large radio head unit behind the fascia panel. New technology allows Fiesta to separate the key elements of audio system – the control buttons, display and underlying electronics – in a distributed architecture that gives designers more freedom to create aesthetically pleasing, functional shapes.

Many customers of the new-generation Ford Fiesta were raised with mobile phones and they will be instantly comfortable with the design of the car’s Ford Convers+ system, which follows the centre stack contours to frame a large-screen display and control panel with key buttons for audio, in-car phone and vehicle settings.

Convenient toggle switches incorporated into the steering wheel allow the driver to control the system’s key functions easily and intuitively.

The Ford Convers+ feature – already available on the Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models – represents a major step forward for the small car buyer. It is just one of several new features and technologies in the new Fiesta, including keyless vehicle technology symbolised by the distinctive ‘Ford Power’ button on the instrument panel.

The advanced technology of Convers+ will not be offered solely on high-spec vehicles. Ford expects more than 85 per cent of Fiesta orders to feature one of two available multi-function displays.

Another Verve Concept feature – the lozenge shaped array of large twist dials for the heating and ventilation systems at the midpoint of the centre stack – is retained in the production Fiesta design. This feature was inspired by the design of contemporary power showers.

Connectivity is another new Fiesta strength. The new centre console features a convenient tray for MP3 players complete with built-in jack sockets for an auxiliary (AUX) audio cable and a USB, along with the traditional 12 Volt outlet. This allows the car’s audio system to control and charge the MP3 player.

Bluetooth ® connectivity with Voice Control is also offered in the new Fiesta, along with more big-car technologies, including:

  • Ford Easyfuel, the convenient capless refuelling system recently introduced with the Ford Mondeo designed to prevent accidental misfuelling
  • Reach and rake steering wheel adjustment
  • New ambient lighting features that provide a softly elegant red glow to discreetly highlight the interior of the vehicle
  • ‘One shot’ up and down driver window with anti-trap technology

Bold, Dynamic, Sculpted

The bold colours, dynamic shapes and sculpted surfaces of the new Ford Fiesta indicate how deeply the spirit of the Verve Concept has been carried into production as the latest model of Ford’s ‘kinetic design’ family.

Exciting and vibrant new production colours include ‘Squeeze’ and ‘Hot Magenta’, which is a production version of the unique colour developed for the three-door Verve Concept car.

“We were so pleased with the positive reaction to the body colour of the first Verve Concept, that we decided to adopt this colour for inclusion in the range soon after launch,” said Burela.

The dynamic, coupé-like profile and sporty stance of the new Fiesta demonstrates that none of the emotional appeal of the concept cars has been lost.

“All the vital elements of ‘kinetic design’ combine to create a visually rich, dynamic exterior shape that is very close indeed to the original concept car,” said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s Executive Director for Design. “Full surfaces, bold graphics and dynamic lines combine coherently and harmoniously to create a dynamic spirit of fun and energy in motion.”

With a feeling of toned muscularity, the new Fiesta asserts an air of confidence, stylishness and individuality. Its aggressively contoured bonnet and front wings convey a broad-shouldered stance, and its face features a distinctive signature element – a bold lower trapezoidal grille that draws attention and reinforces the key Ford attribute of sporty driving dynamics.

Chrome and brightwork are used selectively, like jewellery accents, to convey elegance and sophistication.

Large and full of character directly from the Verve concepts, Fiesta’s bold headlamps become part of the shoulder shape and extend aggressively rearward almost as far as the stylishly raked A-pillars. The headlamp units incorporate all primary front lighting and signal functions – complemented on the lower bumper flanks by round, chrome-ringed fog lamps.

New Fiesta’s profile emphasises its new, cab-forward shape and an attitude of poised, sporty style. The sweeping roofline extends appealingly from the forward-stretching A-pillar rearward, framing the bold graphic of the Fiesta side window profile to create the sporty feeling of a coupé for both three-door and yet-to-be-revealed five-door bodystyles.

“The Design team put as much importance on the shape of the five-door as the three-door,” said Stefan Lamm, Chief Designer Exterior, Ford of Europe. “Both cars are based on the same body, which makes them sporty and dynamic, almost coupé-like.”

The Fiesta side windows combine to create a unified profile window graphic – a key ‘kinetic design’ element that communicates dynamism. An elegant accent of chrome frames the lower edge of the side glass and accentuates the signature Ford “kick-up” at its rear.

The new Fiesta also features the signature bold wheel arches that communicate the vehicle’s stance and dynamic capabilities, giving visual emphasis to new 17-inch alloy wheels.

Dynamic, ‘kinetic design’ lines arc from side to side, uniting the upper corners of the tail lamps with the distinctive spoiler, which incorporates a slim LED stop lamp array. The sculpture of the body shapes is accented by elements like the new tail lamp – another Verve element that feels like it is an integral part of the body – and the V-shaped tailgate’s chamfered rear glass.

“I’ve been saying just wait for the new Fiesta to see how kinetic design can be translated into a small car,” said Martin Smith, Executive Director of Design for Ford of Europe. “But now the wait is over. New Fiesta evokes an instant emotional response that says ‘I want one’ which extends the traditionally practical values of the Fiesta brand to appeal to a new, style-conscious generation of small car buyers.”

Full technical details of the new Fiesta range will be released closer to the launch of the production model in autumn 2008.

Source: 2009 Ford Fiesta Fully Revealed Prior To Geneva Debut

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