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Paris 2010: 2012 Ford Focus ST hatches early

Filed under: Budget, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

2012 Ford Focus ST

2012 Ford Focus ST live debut – Click above for high-res image gallery

To say that American enthusiasts have been anxiously awaiting a properly hotted up version of Ford’s European hatchback would be a gross understatement. And while we’re still waiting for a proper Focus RS to hit our shores, we’re certainly happy to see its little brother, the Focus ST, hit the showroom floor with promises of coming Stateside in 2012 ringing in our ears.

Here’s why our interest is piqued: a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque; a six-speed manual transmission and Ford’s new torque-vectoring power control system. Throw in a Tangerine Scream paint job and some 19-inch alloys in the Blue Oval’s signature Y-spoke ST pattern and we’re tickled pink.

Sure, we’re still waiting on an official price tag, but that won’t stop us from poring over these live photos from Paris, now will it?

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus ST

2012 Ford Focus ST front 3/4 2012 Ford Focus ST profile

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus ST

2012 Ford Focus ST

Paris 2010: 2012 Ford Focus ST hatches early originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2012 Ford Focus worked out on the track

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Ford

2012 Ford Focus video

2012 Ford Focus prototype out on the track – Click above to watch the video after the jump

We can’t divulge the details about the production-spec 2012 Ford Focus just yet (you’ll have to wait for next week’s Paris Motor Show coverage), but when it comes to what Ford’s new global C-car will be like to drive, this video should explain a lot.

It’s no secret that the new Focus was heavily tuned by Ford’s European team, meaning both the hatch and sedan should prove to be pretty engaging steers – just like their Fiesta siblings. In this video, we see a nearly completed prototype running around Ford’s handling course, and judging by the sights and sounds from this two-minute clip, we’re pretty eager to get our turn behind the wheel.

If the standard-spec Focus looks this good, imagine what FoMoCo has in store for the hotted-up ST. Follow the jump to watch the video of the Blue Oval small car doing some test laps. Thanks for the tip, Yaroukh!

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus

[Source: YouTube]

Video: 2012 Ford Focus worked out on the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford introduces airbags with enhanced crash protection, debuting on 2012 Focus [w/video]

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Ford

Ford's next-gen airbag system

Ford’s next-generation airbag technology – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has given us a sneak peek at its production-ready 2012 Focus, and while our lips may be sealed about its specs and our impressions, we can now give you the lowdown on the Blue Oval’s new airbag technologies that will debut in its forthcoming C-segment stunner.

For the driver, the new steering wheel airbag uses a tether system that pulls in the lower section of the bag back toward the dashboard. This creates a small pocket that Ford engineers say will soften the blow of the airbag to the driver’s chest and ribs, reducing the threat of bodily injury in a frontal crash.

The side airbags also work to prevent injuries to the driver and front passenger by adding shoulder vents that stay open during inflation, reducing pressure for smaller occupants. Taller folks will block these vents with their shoulders, and this added pressure can actually prove to be helpful.

Along with the shoulder vents, Ford has used an adaptive venting system in its passenger-side front airbag, which diverts some of the inflation gas outside of the bags. This better protects passengers by enhancing head and neck protection by matching inflation force with the size of the occupant, which is monitored by the weight sensors already built into the seats.

As you’d expect, these safety features won’t just be limited to the 2012 Focus. Ford says that this technology will quickly spread to the rest of its model range within the next few years. To see exactly how these systems work, follow the jump to watch an instructional animated video, as well as actual crash test footage. Ford’s press release is available for your reading pleasure, as well.

Gallery: Ford’s Next-Generation Airbag Technology

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford introduces airbags with enhanced crash protection, debuting on 2012 Focus [w/video]

Ford introduces airbags with enhanced crash protection, debuting on 2012 Focus [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: 247-hp 2012 Ford Focus ST set to go global

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

2012 Ford Focus ST

2012 Ford Focus ST – Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this year, Ford promised us a hotter version of the all-new Focus, and at this month’s Paris Motor Show, the Blue Oval is sticking to its word.

The 2012 Ford Focus ST will be the brand’s first high-performance model developed under the watchful eye of its global performance vehicle team, and while the hatch you see here is being billed as a “design study,” make no mistake – this will form the basis of the ST coming to market in early 2012.

Power is provided by an EcoBoost 2.0-liter inline four churning out 247 turbocharged horsepower, and Ford promises that the ST’s handling and aural delights will live up to the marque’s performance heritage. FoMoCo also makes it clear that the ST is bound for “all global markets from early 2012” so those of us in the States should finally get a crack at what’s traditionally been a Euro-only affair.

Joining the Focus ST in Paris will be the new Mondeo and C-Max, both powered by Ford’s new range of fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel-powered drivetrains. Make the jump for the full details.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus ST

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Paris Preview: 247-hp 2012 Ford Focus ST set to go global

Paris Preview: 247-hp 2012 Ford Focus ST set to go global originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Ford Focus EV to use liquid-cooled lithium-polymer battery

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Hatchback, Electric

Ford Focus EV prototype

Ford Focus EV – Click above for high-res image gallery

When the 2112 Ford Focus Electric debuts in late 2011, it and the Chevrolet Volt will have a common feature in addition to their LG Chem lithium polymer cells. Ford confirms that the Focus EV will employ a liquid-cooled battery pack with automatic thermal management, just like the Chevy.

Ford opted for active thermal management solution in order to help maximize the Focus EV’s battery performance and lifespan. By protecting the battery from overheating, the system can help prevent the development of cracks in the electrodes. Those imperfections eventually reduce the pack’s ability to hold a charge. Conversely, warming the cells when cold will improve the battery pack’s winter performance. When the car is plugged in, the thermal management system will use grid power to precondition the battery before charging actually starts.

So far, Nissan and Mitsubishi are the only major EV manufacturers that are sticking with passive air cooling for plug-in vehicles. Nissan has committed to an eight-year warranty, but it remains unclear how well the battery will hold up over regular use in differing climates.

Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2012 Ford Focus EV to use liquid-cooled lithium-polymer battery

2012 Ford Focus EV to use liquid-cooled lithium-polymer battery originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Defender expected in 2014 but Land Rover suffering from lack of focus?

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover, Military, UK, Off-Road

Land Rover Fire and Ice edition Defender SUVs

Land Rover Fire and Ice Defenders – Click above for high-res image gallery

Land Rover seems to be having some trouble figuring out how to go about putting its plan for the successor to the Defender throne into motion. According to Autocar, the company knows what attributes the vehicle should have, but doesn’t know how to go about engineering the platform using existing components from the company’s parts bin. Word from the web had previously said that Land Rover had planned to use the company’s T5 steel platform for Project Icon (the internal name for the next Defender), though according to the report, the company now thinks that the chassis would be too heavy to be a viable option.

So what will the next-generation Defender look like? If anyone at Land Rover knows for sure, they certainly aren’t telling the scribes at Autocar. According to the article, all we know for sure is that the vehicle will still wear the Defender name. Otherwise, there’s just a few shady hints that the company’s fancy Electric Rear Drive Axle Drive technology may show up both on civilian and military models.

Speaking of the Defender’s military service, the Autocar report says that Land Rover is interested in winding down that area of its business, reducing the number of Defender body variations at the same time. With Tata having given the okay (and the funds) to proceed with the 2014 project, here’s hoping Land Rover works its way through this mess in a hurry.

Gallery: Land Rover Defender Fire & Ice editions

[Source: Autocar]

Next Defender expected in 2014 but Land Rover suffering from lack of focus? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: AutoExpress pits Ford Focus RS against Porsche Boxster

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Porsche

Ford Focus RS vs. Porsche Boxster – Click above to view the video after the jump

When it comes to a German-American face-off, you could do a lot worse than pitting the BMW M3 against Ford’s 5.0-liter V8 powered Mustang. How much worse? How about a comparison test between a base Porsche Boxster and Ford’s turbocharged, torque-steering Focus RS.

Granted, the rationale for the shoot-out came down to cost. Across the pond both the Boxster and the Focus sticker for about the same amount. But that’s about where the similarities end. Almost.

While the Focus channels over 300 horsepower to the front wheels, it also tips the scales 3,200 pounds. Compared to the 2,900-pound, 255-hp, rear-driven Boxster, Ford’s hottest hatch comes off as rather portly, although both manage to run to 60 mph in under six seconds.

But beyond the stats and the all-too-important lap time, the real question is how best to spend your sports car money and which vehicle is the most entertaining to drive. For that, you’ve got to jump.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Continue reading Video: AutoExpress pits Ford Focus RS against Porsche Boxster

Video: AutoExpress pits Ford Focus RS against Porsche Boxster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Catfight! IIHS criticizes NHTSA for losing focus on driver safety

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

Crashed Cars The insurance industry-funded Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is calling out its governmental counterpart, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for distracting drivers from genuine safety concerns.

Consumer Reports cites a release penned by IIHS president Adrian Lund as saying that unintended acceleration and distracted driving have drawn focus away from other threats, thanks largely to the efforts of NHTSA and the national media. Instead of focusing on runaway sedans and texting teens, Lund says that we should really be worried about speeding drivers and running red lights. IIHS says that last year, those two factors alone were responsible for 13,500 deaths and millions of injuries.

Compare that against the 6,000 deaths associated with distracted driving, and the IIHS point becomes clearer. So, why are the feds so concerned with an issue that’s (statistically, at least) half as dangerous as speeding and running red lights? Lund says it’s because the general public isn’t exactly warm to the idea of more legislation to curtail speed.

What do you think? Is the IIHS position more valid than NHTSA’s? Is it the other way around? Follow the jump for an informal poll on the matter.

[Source: Consumer Reports | Image: Mr. Wabu via CC 2.0]

Continue reading Catfight! IIHS criticizes NHTSA for losing focus on driver safety

Catfight! IIHS criticizes NHTSA for losing focus on driver safety originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM high performance division put back to work, focus on small cars

Filed under: Performance, GM

Chevrolet Aveo RS concept

Chevrolet Aveo RS concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

In early 2009, General Motors announced it would be putting all high-performance vehicle projects on indefinite hold, citing that the engineering team responsible for these power-happy cars would be moved to different areas within the company. Since then, the only new performance models to come out of GM have been the CTS-V Coupe and Sport Wagon, leaving a huge void in the General’s affordable small performance portfolio. The Chevrolet Cobalt SS and HHR SS were discontinued, and the demise of Pontiac and Saturn did away with any GXP and Red Line products.

However, all of this may change in the not-too-distant future. Automotive News reports that Jim Campbell, GM’s vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports, has said his company has a tremendous opportunity for new performance entries in the small and compact car markets. This means we should expect higher-output versions of the new Chevrolet Cruze, as well as the upcoming redesigned Aveo – and not just trims that look quick, but go quick too.

We already got a taste of a hotter Aveo in concept form (pictured), and we certainly wouldn’t mind a more enthusiastic Cruze, especially since GM still has that 260-horsepower 2.0-liter Ecotec turbocharged four-cylinder engine laying around. We certainly didn’t hate the Cobalt SS (far from it), and we think this mill could do wonders in the larger Cruze. What’s your vision of the next small performance car from GM? Let us know in the comments.

Gallery: Chevrolet Aveo RS concept

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Report: GM high performance division put back to work, focus on small cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: The Ford Focus ST is dead, long live the Focus ST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

Ford Focus ST

Ford Focus ST – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Euro 5 emissions standards have struck again, contributing to the (timely) death of the current generation Ford Focus ST.

The ST is yet another high-powered Euro-only offering to meet its end at the hands of the upgraded emissions regs, joining the ranks of the recently axed Honda Civic Type-R, Mazda RX-8, V6-powered Alfa Brera and the 5.0-liter V10 turbodiesel fitted to the Volkswagen Touareg and a handful of other VAG products.

While the turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder found in the Ford is being retired for duty, fear not. An all-new ST is rumored to debut at the Paris Motor Show this October, likely packing a turbo’d 2.0-liter four mated to a dual-clutch gearbox and sending 200 horsepower to the front wheels. We can’t wait.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST

[Source: Autocar]

Report: The Ford Focus ST is dead, long live the Focus ST originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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