Autostyling1's Blog

2012 Ford “High Performance” Mustang 5.0

AutoStyling@Berge Ford — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:30:39 +0000

2012 Ford Mustang 5.0

Steve’s Mustang 5.0 engine pays homage to the original 5.0, delivering 412 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft of torque; of course, this is achieved with premium fuel. The powerplant features twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), an aluminum engine block and cold air induction to help pump out more power. But that’s only for starters. The 5.0 also has a compression ratio of 11:1 and a cylinder head designed to optimize airflow. From the High-Energy Coil on Plug design to the cooling jets that allow the pistons to run cool, every part under the hood is designed to work in harmony. This lets the muscular engine breathe efficiently and deliver 100 percent exhilaration every time you hit the gas.

And then there’s the exhaust. Ford Racing Cat-Back Exhaust Systems are made of 409 stainless. This exhaust material is titanium stabilized ferritic stainless steel. 409 stainless is used in applications where appearance is a secondary consideration to mechanical properties and corrosion resistance and where some weldability is required. That nice throaty purr – or is it a growl? – doesn’t hurt either!

We added the Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger. This system delivers excellent horsepower and torque in a complete, street-legal kit that fits under the factory hood. The core of each system is the Eaton Gen VI 2300 TVS® Supercharger rotating assembly. Eaton’s assembly features a four lobe design with 160° of twist for maximum flow, minimum temperature rise and quiet operation for excellent drivability.

The supercharger assembly has been integrated into the intake manifold for a seamless design with minimal components, eliminating the possibility of vacuum leaks between gasket surfaces. Edelbrock’s inverted supercharger assembly is uniquely oriented, allowing for an incredible amount of intake runner length for maximizing low-end torque. An integrated bypass valve helps eliminate parasitic loss under light throttle for improved mileage potential. E-Force superchargers feature the most unique and efficient inlet configuration on the market. This results in a shorter, less restrictive intake path for improved airflow, without the need for a jack-shaft. Keeping the air cool is a high capacity air to water intercooler and low temp heat exchanger.

Finally… the Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger system is not just a performance upgrade, it also has great looks! The supercharger assembly and matching aluminum coil covers (on applicable systems) are black powdered coated for durability with highlighted fins and Edelbrock logo for a unique appearance that will give any engine compartment a custom look.

To help handle all that power, Ford Racing has developed a suspension kit for enthusiasts looking to take their car to the next level of performance. All of the components in these kits are designed as precisely balanced combinations of springs, dampers, and sway bars designed to operate as complete Mustang Suspension System. They will lower your Mustang approximately 1.5 in. Included in these Packs are a set of dampers, lowering springs, sway bars, and a strut tower brace. The dampers in these kits are uniquely tuned by Multimatic Motorsports, the same company that makes dampers for the FR500C race cars.

Falken 20” LXE wheels top off the clean, sleek look of this Mustang. Falken wheel’s LXE series was created to provide unparalleled detailed in luxury, and grand touring vehicles. Characteristic of the LXE series are chrome lip and machined finishes that provide detail and contrast on the design. Utilizing the latest in casting and finish technologies, each LXE series wheel takes an average of 1 hour to manufacture compared to an industry average of 15-20 minutes.

As you can see, we’ve taken a top-notch car to the top tier! What would “Driving your Dream!” look like?

Sources: Ford Racing, Edelbrock and Falken

Ford Fusion 2013 Trounces Competition, Adds 100 MPGe Plug-in Hybrid

AutoStyling@Berge Ford — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:50:35 +0000

Ford just took the wraps off three streamlined new 2013 Fusions, including a head-turning plug-in hybrid it claims can do 100 MPGe, or “miles per gallon gasoline equivalent,” a way of quantifying performance when measuring electricity in lieu of traditional fuel. The other two vehicles are equally impressive: a regular gasoline version Ford says will deliver 37 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city (beating all other current non-hybrid contenders), and a straightforward hybrid that’ll do 44 mpg on the highway and 47 mpg in the city (a significant step up from the 2012 Fusion hybrid’s 36 mpg highway, 41 mpg city).

Let’s talk about the hybrid plug-in, which Ford calls a “Fusion Energi.” That 100 MPGe is 8 MPGe more than Chevrolet’s Volt, claims Ford, and “more than the projected efficiency of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid model.” If that number proves realistic in independent tests, it’ll be impressive indeed (and without offending our aesthetic sensibilities, like 2010′s X-Prize winning but extremely fugly-looking Very Light Car No. 98, the first “consumer friendly” vehicle to top 100 mpg, though it did so running on E85, a gasoline-ethanol blend).

Another interesting development: All three Fusions run on 4-cylinder engines ranging from a 1.6-liter EcoBoost (179 horsepower) or 2.0-liter EcoBoost (237 horsepower — this one replaces the V6) to two 2.0-liter naturally aspirated hybrid versions to a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated version (170 horsepower). Fords says the engines come with automatic start-stop systems (the engine powers off at stops, then turns on again when the brake pedal’s released, which Ford says reduces fuel consumptions and emissions “by approximately 3.5 percent”), front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive and will be available with both manual six-speed or automatic transmissions.

The new Fusions will also include Ford’s “Lane Keeping” system tech, Ford SYNC (the company’s voice recognition system), blind spot checking, the MyFord Touch entertainment system, adaptive cruise control and active park assist (for parallel parking).

And just look at the thing in picture (up top) — Ford swapped out the three-bar blade-style front grille on its older model Fusions for something that looks suspiciously like the nose of an Aston Martin (though retaining the pronounced lower side lights, which makes the front end look a little stacked).

Ford says it’s also improved safety standards, increasing overall vehicle body strength by 10% through the increased use of high-strength steels like boron. And the company’s including size- and shape-friendlier airbag tech, adding dual first-row knee airbags as well as frontside airbags that adapt to each occupant’s size and position by modulating the way the bags vent and tether.

By MATT PECKHAM Techland

2011 Federal Economic Stimulus and Commercial Truck Savings to Expire 12-31-11

AutoStyling@Berge Ford — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:09:16 +0000

Berge Ford Work Trucks

MESA, ARIZONA – A smart businessperson puts considerable thought into what and when they buy for their business. Right now the Economic Stimulus Act is making the timing of business purchases easy. You’ll benefit from the bonus depreciation tax deduction provided under IRS section 168(k) and the tax deduction allowed under Section 179 when you make qualifying business purchases before December 31, 2011.

Both of these provisions currently offer businesses a tax deduction equal to 100% of the cost of most new equipment. In the case of vehicles, the new equipment must have a gross vehicle weight rating over 6,000 pounds. This includes the purchase of qualifying Ford F-150 and Super Duty trucks and/or E-Series Vans.

The only catch: You must make your purchase and put the vehicle to use in your business before December 31, 2011.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FROM BERGE FORD COMMERCIAL TRUCKS

In addition to the tax and bonus depreciation benefits, Berge Ford is also offering some great incentives on their lineup of commercial vehicles. During Commercial Truck Season, you may also be eligible for up to $2,500 in upfit incentives in addition to other customer cash and financing incentives. “We have been preparing for this for months now,” said Scott Dietrich of the Berge Ford Commercial/Fleet department. “Our inventory has never been better to support this government program. We literally have hundreds of qualifying vehicles ready for immediate delivery.” Dietrich advises, “Take the huge Berge Ford discounts coupled with the tax depreciation benefits; this is the best opportunity for small business owners ever.”

“Timing is key,” adds Mike Williams, Berge Ford Commercial/Fleet Department, “All signs

2012 Ford F250 CrewCab

indicate the depreciation deduction for 2012 will be reduced to 50% of the cost of new equipment. And the allowable deductions will drop back down to pre-2007 levels.”

Q. What is the advantage of the Section 179 deduction?

A. Section 179 of the tax law allows a company to take 100% tax deduction for the purchase of qualified property that is placed in service. For tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2011, this deduction is limited to $500,000 of purchased equipment. This limitation is decreased by one dollar for every dollar the company spends over $2,000,000 on new equipment.

Q. I would like to take advantage of bonus depreciation but do not want to pay cash or use available credit.

A. Yes. Whether you need 1 or 100 commercial vehicles, Ford Credit can help you get them quickly and easily with a Commercial Line of Credit (CLOC). Once you establish a CLOC with Ford Credit, you can acquire additional vehicles when you need to. Just sign and drive.

Important: make your purchase before December 31st to qualify!

Call: Berge Ford for additional information and details on QUALIFIYING VEHICLES. 800-652-3090

Berge Ford Commercial & Work Trucks: See what we have to offer-Call today!!

Ford Grows Best-Selling Commercial Vehicle Lineup

AutoStyling@Berge Ford — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:44:44 +0000

Ford Grows Best-Selling Commercial Vehicle Lineup with New Products, Features to Meet Greener, Leaner Customer Needs

Ford sells six of the top 10 commercial vehicles in the U.S., according to Polk U.S. registration data
By 2012, half of Ford vehicles will be capable of running on alternative fuels, including Ford commercial trucks, which will be available with flex fuel (E85), biodiesel, compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas, hybrid and battery electric powertrains direct from Ford or from certified partners
All-new Ford Transit full-size van to be built in the U.S. by 2013 will live up to Econoline’s Built Ford Tough reputation plus achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy, lowering CO₂ emissions and customer operating costs
2012 Ford F-650 with new 6.8-liter V10 gas engine option and fuel-efficient six-speed transmission promises to save municipal customers with tight budgets an average of $8,300 per vehicle compared to the F-650 diesel model

Check out what Berge Ford Fleet has to offer! 480.497.7580

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 7, 2011 – Ford Motor Company, the best-selling commercial vehicle manufacturer in the U.S., will grow its product lineup in 2012 with a new medium-duty truck, two all-new Police Interceptors and a next-generation limousine to meet the rapidly changing needs of its commercial customers.

2012 Ford Police Interceptors

Ford’s commercial vehicle lineup is the most diverse and capable yet for 2012.

“Though they often go unnoticed, commercial vehicles play an important role keeping the nation’s economy moving and protecting people’s lives,” said Kevin Koswick, director, North American Fleet, Lease and Remarketing Operations.

Ford sales prove the company is on the right track. Ford sells six of the top 10 commercial vehicles in the United States according to Polk U.S. registration data. And as the economy rebounds from the industry lows of 2009, Ford has gained major market share in key commercial vehicle segments.

In vans, where Ford E-Series has been the best-seller for 32 years, market share has soared from 49.8 percent in 2008 to 53.7 percent in 2011, even as new competition has tried to enter the market.

In heavy-duty (commercial use only) pickups, Ford F-Series Super Duty – the best-selling line of trucks in the U.S. for 34 straight years – has seen its market share rise from 45.3 percent in 2008 to 47.1 percent in 2011.

As the nation’s commercial vehicles head back to work in greater numbers, Ford is committed to implementing and working with leaders in sustainable technologies and alternative fuels without compromising the capable performance its customers (and their customers) depend on.

No-compromise fuel savings

By 2020, Ford is targeting a 30 percent reduction in CO₂emissions from Ford vehicles in the U.S. and Europe
Certified clean-burning CNG/LPG alternative fuel gaseous engine prep packages are available across Ford’s truck lineup, helping lower commercial customer operating costs along with emissions

Ford offers a broad range of fuel-saving and alternative fuel powertrains for its commercial vehicles.

The Ford F-150 – the most fuel-efficient light-duty pickup truck – is able to tow up to 11,300 pounds with either a traditional 6.2-liter V8 or a 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® V6 that is rated at up to 22 mpg on the highway. Ford expects to sell more than 100,000 EcoBoost-equipped F-150s in 2011, less than a year after the engine first went on sale. Additionally the 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 engines are flex fuel-capable.

EcoBoost direct injection and turbocharging technology also powers Ford’s next-generation Police Interceptor sedan. The Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility recently passed the extreme testing conducted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and proved to the public and the law enforcement industry that Ford delivers purpose-built, pursuit-rated Police Interceptor vehicles. Both the Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility are capable of operation on E85. In addition, Ford Police Interceptor is the only police vehicle available with all-wheel drive. To date, more than 85 percent of Police Interceptor orders have been with all-wheel drive. Ford will begin delivering the new Police Interceptors to cities across America beginning in early 2012.

The entire Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup truck and chassis cab lineup is available with conventional, diesel, biodiesel B20 and CNG/LPG-dedicated or bi-fuel capability, while Ford F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks can be optioned for biodiesel or CNG/LPG operation. In addition to biodiesel and CNG/LPG offerings, the 6.2-liter V8 can also be operated on E85.

The Transit Connect small van is available with either conventional, CNG or a battery electric drive system that’s capable of up to 80 miles of range with zero emissions.

E-Series full-size vans and cutaways can be optioned with flex fuel or CNG/LPG gaseous engine prep package fuel systems, or with a hybrid system from a Ford upfit partner.

Current generation Ford Transit - Europe

Next-generation Ford Transit to replace Ford E-Series

Ford will migrate its commercial vans around the world to a common, global platform in 2013, when Kansas City Assembly Plant workers begin producing the full-size Transit for North American customers.

The new Transit van, a predecessor of which is available in Europe, will eventually replace the venerable Econoline wagon and van in North America. The Transit will be a truly global cargo and people hauler with improvements in handling, fuel economy and technology.

This is another example of the company’s One Ford strategy to serve customers with world-class vehicles and leverage global assets, including common platforms, as well as bring new jobs to the greater Kansas City area.

Transit will also achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy compared to similar Econoline vans, thanks in part to smart weight savings that will trim at least 300 pounds from the vehicle compared to a similar E-Series van. That means customers will potentially save thousands of dollars in operating costs from fuel savings.

2012 Ford F-650 gas model with 6.8-liter V10

Berge Ford 2012 F650

For municipalities and others seeking a cheaper alternative to replenish an aging medium-duty truck fleet, Ford offers the 2012 Super Duty F-650 with a gas engine – a class exclusive in the medium-duty truck segment. The gas variant costs thousands of dollars less than diesel trucks of its size.

Ford has heard from municipalities around the country that they need a lower-cost, yet highly capable medium-duty truck to help keep their streets clean of dirt and snow.

In response, Ford has created the new 2012 F-650 with a 6.8-liter V10 gas engine option and fuel-efficient six-speed transmission that promises to save municipal customers with tight budgets an average of $8,300 per vehicle compared to the F-650 diesel model.

All 2012 Ford F-650 and F-750 models will have available SYNC^® technology to help keep drivers better connected without them having to divert their eyes from the road. Last month, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued a ruling prohibiting Interstate commercial truck and bus drivers from using hand-held electronics while behind the wheel. Ford SYNC allows drivers to communicate wirelessly without sacrificing safety.

Next-generation limousine

Ford Motor Company also knows that its commercial customers want durable yet sophisticated vehicles to transport their door-to-door customers safely and efficiently. In response, the company has delivered the next-generation limo/livery vehicle in the Lincoln MKT Town Car.

The new Lincoln MKT Town Car offers a higher roofline, roomier, more sophisticated seating, a spacious trunk plus even easier passenger entry and exit.

The Lincoln MKT Town Car is available in two bodystyles, Livery and Limousine, maintaining Lincoln’s position as the dominant brand in this segment for 20 years. Lincoln’s share of the chauffeured transport industry is over 70 percent and the next-generation products have been designed to continue this leadership position.

Slacker Radio is now compatible with the Ford SYNC AppLink

AutoStyling@Berge Ford — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:58:12 +0000

If you have a Ford vehicle with the SYNC Applink, you’re in luck because Slacker Radio is now compatible. With the Slacker Radio app on your Android phone you can select Slacker stations by using your car’s voice or audio system controls. You can even skip songs, ban songs, or set favorites. When you travel to areas with limited data connectivity, you can still listen to your stored music.

If you already have a Ford car with the SYNC Applink, all you need to do is update your Slacker app in the Android Market. SYNC AppLink is available on the 2012 Ford Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Fiesta, Mustang, F-150, F-150 SVT Raptor, Super Duty, Expedition, E-Series and Shelby GT500. The 2012 Lincoln MKZ, MKZ Hybrid and Navigator feature SYNC AppLink as standard equipment.

Ford First to Integrate Slacker Radio App Providing In-Car Command and Control by Voice Using SYNC AppLink

Slacker Radio joins the lineup of smartphone apps that Ford drivers can control with their voice through available SYNC® AppLink™

Slacker Radio offers users the widest range of personalized music and information content through its free and subscription radio services

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 29, 2011 – Ford drivers with SYNC® AppLink™ now have another entertainment option with the addition of Slacker Radio to the portfolio of available SYNC-compatible smartphone apps.

AppLink builds on the award-winning SYNC connectivity system by enabling drivers to access and control apps on their smartphones by simply using their voice and allowing their hands to stay on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road.

“Customers now have so many options for accessing music and information. Ford SYNC AppLink allows us to not only keep pace with what they are listening to, but how they are listening to it,” said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford Connected Services. “With its huge music library, Slacker Radio dramatically increases the content options for Ford drivers.”

“Slacker listeners can create their own custom stations by selecting their favorite artists and songs, or listen to any of more than 150 stations curated by expert DJs who love the music they play,” said Steve Cotter, senior vice president of Business Development at Slacker Radio. “When they’re not in the mood for music, Slacker listeners can tune in to a wide variety of personalized talk content including personalized comedy, ABC News and ESPN Radio stations.”

Slacker Radio offers a fully customizable and personal online radio experience that includes the most varied and compelling range of content offered by any interactive Internet radio service. The Slacker Radio experience includes over 150 expert-programmed music stations, ABC News, ESPN sports, comedy, custom artist-hosted showcase stations and leading music festival stations. Also, announced today in conjunction with ABC, Slacker lifestyle stations featuring lifestyle highlights from ABC’s Good Morning America and ABC’s key content partners will be available shortly. With exclusive interactive talk programming and a music catalog that is over ten times larger than the leading radio competitor, Slacker Radio gives listeners the ultimate personal radio experience.

Ford drivers will be able to use their voice or the audio system controls to select Slacker stations to play, skip songs, set favorites or even ban a song or artist they don’t want to hear again. When driving into areas with limited or even no data connectivity, drivers can still listen to their favorite music by storing content directly to their phones for uninterrupted listening. In order to use Slacker with AppLink, drivers just need to update the Slacker Radio app on their smartphones to the latest version. Slacker with AppLink is now available on Android and BlackBerry with iOS pending approval. Download the SYNC-enabled version of Slacker today by visiting http://www.Slacker.com from a supported device or by searching the application store for Slacker Radio.

• Blackberry: Available now Slacker version 4.1.22 or higher
• Android: Available now Slacker version 3.2.86 or higher
• iOS: Pending approval Slacker version 3.6 or higher

SYNC AppLink is available on the 2012 Ford Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Fiesta, Mustang, F-150, F-150 SVT Raptor, Super Duty, Expedition, E-Series and Shelby GT500. The 2012 Lincoln MKZ, MKZ Hybrid and Navigator feature SYNC AppLink as standard equipment.

Original Article by Robert Nazarian

The Beauty & the Beast – Ford Style!

AutoStyling@Berge Ford — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:06:13 +0000

This dynamic duo isn’t a Disney flick! Our “Beauty” is a black Ford F150 4×4 with black & silver American Racing ATX Series rims. She sparkles next to her “Beast“, a matching black F250 FX4 with XD Series rims. Both these trucks come with our 3 year Warranty INCLUDED!

It would be a shame to break-up a set like this! A prefect gift set for the holidays.

All of our kits come with:

6″ lift kits
3 Year/36,000 Mile Powertrain Warranty INCLUDED
3 Year/36,000 Mile Parts & Labor Warranty INCLUDED
6 Month/6,000 Mile Alignment Warranty INCLUDED

Installation, Mount, Balance and Alignment

35″ Tires
Chrome Alloy Wheels

Here’s an example of the F150 Performance 6″ Off-Road Package:

PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION

Pro Competition 6″ Suspension System
Gas Charged Performance Shocks

CUSTOM WHEELS & TIRES

18 X 9 Pro Comp 6 Spoke Chrome Alloy Wheels
35/13.50r-18 Pro-Comp Xtreme All Terrain Tires

PERFORMANCE COMPONENTS

Performance Engine Tuning (Programmer)
High-Flow Performance Intake System w/ Cold Air Dam
Ford Racing Dual Rear Exit Cat-Back Exhaust System
Stainless Steel Front Skid Plate

APPEARANCE COMPONENTS

Upper and Lower Custom Mesh Grilles
White Face Gauge Insert
Red Epoxy Painted Brake Calipers
Ford Racing Front Floor Mats
Ford Racing Billet Emblems (Front Grille and Rear Tailgate)
Ford Racing Bed Decals

WISH LIST

Electric Running Boards
High Performance Tint
High Performance Paint & Interior Protection
Specialty Alarms, Sound Systems & Entertainment Systems
Remote Start
Billet Grills
Euro packages
Tonneau Covers

Many other upgrade packages available. Ask Joe or Shawn about them or come out to Berge Ford at US60 & Mesa Drive, Mesa, AZ and check them out!

For details!

2011 L.A. AUTO SHOW: Ford hits a home run with the ALL-NEW 2013 Escape!

AutoStyling@Berge Ford — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:50:21 +0000

2013 Ford Escape: A sleeker, more aerodynamic design that takes its cues from the Ford Focus.

Photo credit: FORD

The Ford Escape’s success over the past decade has been built on a simple formula: conservative styling and bang-for-the-buck SUV capability combined in a compact, affordable package. The plan has paid off handsomely: The Escape has overtaken the Honda CR-V this year and is poised to become the U.S. crossover champ.

With the 2013 Escape, Ford is making a major break from that formula with a sleeker, more aerodynamic design that takes its cues from the Ford Focus. The redesigned Escape, to be introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show today, will be offered with loads of new technology, as Ford hopes to build on its strengths in one of the industry’s fastest-growing segments, the entry-level crossover.

“Customers love the utility of the Escape,” Mark Fields, Ford Motor Co.’s president of the Americas, told reporters at a preview event. “Now we’re injecting the style aspect into the Escape.“

Aaron Bragman, an analyst for IHS Global Insight, says: “The Escape is taking a giant step in the direction of being a more carlike crossover.“

Technology

Ford is billing the Escape as a “smarter utility vehicle” that will make customers’ busy lives easier.

The Escape will be available with technologies usually found in luxury vehicles:

• An available hands-free power rear liftgate operated by motion-sensing technology. Customers can activate it by making a gentle kicking motion under the rear bumper.

• Ford’s Sync system with the upgraded version of MyFord Touch controls that are simpler, faster and easier to operate than those on the former version.

• Parallel parking assist.

• Blind-spot detection.

• Curve Control, a system that automatically slows the vehicle when it’s going too fast in a corner, and Torque Vectoring Control, a four-wheel drive system that uses the brakes to balance the distribution of torque between the front wheels for greater stability during corners.

Engines and fuel economy

Ford will offer the Escape with a 1.6- and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder version of its EcoBoost engine. Ford will no longer offer a V-6. Though the engine hasn’t been EPA-certified, Ford says the 1.6-liter engine gets 5 mpg more than Ford’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. That would mean the Escape should get about 33 mpg.

Ford will position the 2.0-liter engine as a direct competitor to six-cylinder offerings available in vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4. Ford believes its 2.0-liter powerplant will crank out more torque than the RAV4′s V-6.

Ford will offer an updated version of the normally aspirated 2.5-liter engine, but only on the base S series. All other models will come standard with the 1.6-liter engine. Ford expects about 90 percent of volume to come from the two EcoBoost engines, said Greg Johnson, North American manager of powertrain operations.

Ford killed the Escape Hybrid, choosing to offer a hybrid powertrain in the C-Max hatchback when it rolls out next year.

Interior

The Escape’s interior will feature upgraded materials, including a soft-touch instrument panel and deeper armrest cushions than on the previous-generation Escape.

The carpets will contain about 25 recycled plastic bottles and sound-absorbing materials will include recycled jeans, sweaters and T-shirts from landfills.

In the United States, the Escape’s main competitor has been the Honda CR-V. Honda is also introducing the latest CR-V in Los Angeles.

Competitors

The two vehicles have dominated the segment. Last year, the CR-V topped the Escape by 12,688 sales.

This year, the Ford was the sales leader through October at 206,896 units, up 31 percent from a year earlier. Honda has sold 180,361 CR-Vs , up 11 percent. Entry-level crossover sales shot up 23 percent through the first 10 months.

“It is one of the segments that is going to be expanding quite a bit just because of arrival of competition,” says Bragman.

Indeed, by Ford’s count, the segment accounted for just 5 percent of industry volume a decade ago. Today it accounts for 14 percent, Fields says.

The European version, to be branded the Kuga, will debut at the Geneva auto show in March. Europeans will be able to buy diesel-powered Kugas. The Kuga will be launched in China next spring.

Bradford Wernle www.autonews.com

Week-end Racing at a glance!

AutoStyling@Berge Ford — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:15:47 +0000

Edwards Finishes Second at Phoenix; Takes Points Lead into Homestead

Carl Edwards, No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion – PIT LANE INTERVIEW “We have never gone into Homestead with the points lead. You know they give a boat away if you win that thing. I saw that boat and I would like to go down there and win it. That would be fun to put a cap on this season. That is what our mission is. We feel we have the cars and pit crew and have shown that we can gut it out on these really tough days when maybe we don’t have the fastest car. This is going to be good.”

Of coarse we are all wondering why Vickers got a pass on his retaliation on the #17 car at PIR this past weekend. NASCAR parked Busch for the same bad behavior. Mixed messages are not good for the kids!

Latvala Wins Rally GB

NOV. 13, 2011 Ford claims podium clean sweep!!

Cardiff, Wales — Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team’s Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila today won Wales Rally Great Britain as Fiesta RS World Rally Cars powered to a 1-2-3 finish on the final round of the Federation Internationale de L’Automobile World Rally Championship. The Finns claimed their fifth world rally victory, and their first since July last year, as the Fiesta RS WRC took eight of the top nine places in the demanding four-day event.

Countdown Struggles End NHRA Championship Run

NOV. 13, 2011 By Team Ford Racing Correspondent

Pomona, Calif. — In what is becoming one of the great new rivalries in Funny Car drag racing, Matt Hagan beat Robert Top Gun Hight by .038 of a second in a classic final round Sunday to win the 47th annual Auto Club Finals and apply an exclamation point to his first Full Throttle Championship.

MSR To Run With Ford Again In ’12

NOV. 10, 2011 Columbus, Ohio — Michael Shank Racing is looking forward to the 2012 Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series season, and confirmed Thursday that the team will once again utilize Ford power in the squads Riley Daytona Prototype effort.

Snapshots: SEMA Rides, Riders

NOV. 04, 2011 Dearborn, Mich. — The center of the Ford Motor Company display at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show highlighted the 110th anniversary of Ford Racing with a flair for the future. Several with Ford Racing ties came to celebrate the event, including John Force, Mike Neff, Bob Tasca III, Carroll Shelby, Parelli Jones, Jamie Allison, Edsel B. Ford II, Jost Capito, Robert Hight, Trevor Bayne, Tanner Foust, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Ken Block and Brian Deegan.

That had to have been a fun event – all the Octane Boys were there!!

It’s the New Ford Flex!

AutoStyling@Berge Ford — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:36:51 +0000

November 9th, 2011

Ford Social posted this article yesterday. It has a great picture of the new 2013 Ford Flex!

The upgraded 2013 Ford Flex isn’t set to officially debut until November 16 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but here’s your first look at the new crossover, which gets a fresh look and loads of technology!

Among the changes to the seven-passenger, three-row Flex is a new base engine, a 3.5-liter V6, which makes 285 horsepower (that’s about 20 more horses than the previous engine) and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA estimates should come in around 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. If you’ve been lusting after the EcoBoost®, no worries, that 3.5-liter V6 is still available, bringing home 355 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. Both of these engines are hooked to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic® transmission, giving you the option of fully automatic operation or manual control. The EcoBoost Flex has paddle shifters integrated into the steering wheel spokes.

Another biggie in terms of changes has to do with the look of the Flex. You probably spotted the new front end, which includes the removal of the Ford blue oval from the front; now it sports a Flex badge. Out back, there’s standard dual exhaust and an available rear appliqué. The inside got a redo too: new clusters, steering wheel, electronic finish panels, and seat trim and foam. There’s also a new Appearance Package for the Limited and SEL models, which nets you a two-tone roof and mirrors, 20-inch machined-aluminum wheels, leather seats, special door trim panels, and other interior improvements to classy up the joint even further. And a class exclusive is an available second-row refrigerated console. That right there is a great conversation-starter.

Three new exterior colors are available for the Flex, bringing the grand total to nine. The new faces are Ruby Red, Deep Impact Blue and Kodiak Brown.

Technology is another biggie for the Flex. For starters, SYNC®, is available with the new-generation of MyFord Touch®, with improvements customers specifically asked for, making it faster, easier to use, and with a cleaner display. Safety technology is also on tap, with the Flex gaining the availability of auto world’s first production inflatable seat belts for rear-seat passengers. There’s also an available radar-enabled adaptive cruise control (ACC) and collision warning with brake support and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert. These technologies help with avoiding potential accidents, using radar to detect the relative position of other vehicles and warn the driver with a combination of visual and audio alerts.

Octane Academy: Foust, the Fearless! His biggest stunt to date!

AutoStyling@Berge Ford — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:54:40 +0000

I realize that Tanner’s jump took place back in May! But it’s still cool and with the Octane Academy filming starting this month with Brian Deegan’s camp I thought it would be neat to see the guys in action. So enjoy the vids.

The Yellow Driver of Team Hot Wheels breaks the world record for distance jump in a four-wheeled vehicle at the Indianapolis 500 on May 29th 2011. Watch as the Yellow Driver, Tanner Foust, drops 10 stories down 90 feet of orange track and soars 332 feet through the air. (To stay up to speed with the latest Team Hot Wheels news, visithttp://www.Facebook.com/HotWheels)

XGames star and Metal Mulisha General Brian Deegan on Truck Racing in the Lucas Offroad Racing Series (Ford Raptor and Ranger) and where his future is headed.

Ken Block Gymkhana Bonus footage (all new unseen footage).
GYMKHANA.DCSHOES.COM

Vaughn Gittin Jr. rips his Monster Energy Drink Falken Tire 2011 Ford Mustang around Drift Valley at Road America in Brasleton, GA.