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Ford customizes three Explorers for Sema 2010

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 07:00 AM PDT

We reported recently that Ford will be displaying a selection of custom Fiestas at the 2010 Sema show, well the company have announced that they will also be displaying 3 custom Ford explorers at the event too.


The three 2011 Ford Explorer SUVs to be customized will be tuned by CGS Motorsports, Funkmaster Flex, and Galpin Auto Sports and you can see them all at the 2010 SEMA in Las Vegas.

Funkmaster Flex collaborated with Team Baurtwell to show the urban appeal of their custom 2011 Ford Explorer, Galpin Auto Sports threw in as much luxury as possible and CGS Motorsports went monochromatic.

The custom SEMA 2011 Ford Explorer SUVs are all about looks. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait a little longer for some power, performance and handling upgrades for the new 2011 Ford Explorer.

For more information read the press release below.





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Ford Press Release:

The all-new Ford Explorer has been turning heads with its eye-catching, modern design, and things will be no different when it hits the floor of the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show this year, which will be held Nov. 2-5 in Las Vegas.

"It's so new and reinvented, and the styling is standout from the inside out," said Craig Patterson, Ford Explorer marketing manager. "Explorer is the perfect choice for people to accessorize. Those who want to customize it are starting from a great base that is extremely well received, and that's where the attraction lies."

For the 2010 SEMA show, Explorer will take to the Ford stand along with customized versions of Ford Taurus SHO, Edge and Fusion Sport, as well as the all-new Lincoln MKX. The Explorers on the show floor will open up customers' minds as to the possibilities that can be created with the all-new SUV.

"We designed three different images for the Explorers at SEMA," said Melvin Betancourt, Ford specialty design manager. "The new Explorer resonates as a modern SUV, so the modifications play off all the great technology and features that the vehicle is equipped with."

An Explorer customized by Funkmaster Flex and Team Baurtwell shows off the urban appeal of the new SUV, and comes standard with street cred inside and out. The look is highlighted by three-piece forged billet wheels, which are complemented by 24-inch Cooper tires. Baer brakes provide the stopping power.

The design that sets this Explorer apart starts with the exterior, with custom touches from Team Baurtwell and Funkmaster Flex including custom logos. The interior offers Katzkin two-tone leather seats with custom interior accents and Funkmaster Flex logos. A Sony Xplod audio system ensures customers have the ultimate listening experience.
Another Explorer concept, designed by Galpin Auto Sports, takes a vehicle with luxury appointments and makes it into an ultra-luxurious ride that even James Bond would enjoy. Using the character as their inspiration, the Galpin team used 24-inch wheels, custom silver paint on the exterior and modified exterior light treatments to convey that image.

The custom interior shows off its luxury side with a leather-trimmed headliner that has suede running down the center, a look that's replicated on the seat inserts. An iPad pops up from the second-row console, and is viewable in either landscape or portrait mode.

"This is a luxury, high-end vehicle that serves multiple purposes," said Tedros Mengiste of Galpin Auto Sports. "The Galpin Auto Sports Explorer is at home going off-road or transporting you to exclusive events. It meets your discerning expectations, and does it with style and substance."

CGS Performance Products' take on Explorer shows off what a luxury vehicle for an active customer looks like. The look runs throughout the monochromatic silver Explorer, and is completed by two carbon fiber mountain bikes on the roof rack.

"This SUV is all about outdoor adventure and doing it in comfort," said Casey Scranton, president, CGS Performance Products. "This customer can use the vehicle every day and will have no problem taking it camping or kayaking on the weekends."

The luxury details are evident in the built-in video screens in the headrests, 22-inch silver wheels and the complete custom leather interior that's designed to resemble the links on a watch band. A CGS cat-back exhaust provides more power, a throatier sound, and even improved fuel economy.

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Which was the true 1st supercar? Vote for Fun

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 06:44 AM PDT

People have been arguing for years on which car was the very first and true supercar. To continue this debate we have added a voting poll to see which supercar everybody believes was the first. The contenders: Mercedes 300SL Gull Wing, Lamborghini 350GT, Ford GT40, Ferrari 275GTB, Corvette Sting Ray and the Lamborghini Miura


Make your vote below and if you want, tell us who you voted for and why in the comments box below.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.





I choose the Mercedes 300SL Gull Wing.

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BMW 6 Series MR 600 GT by CLP

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 06:28 AM PDT

The CLP car tuners have released their latest wide body kit for the BMW 6 series and its called the MR 600 GT. This aerodynamics package also comes with a power and performance improvements.


The CLP BMW 6 Series MR 600 GT full wide body kit includes a wide front bumper that reduces lift on the front axle and helps cool the brakes, new front wings, rear fender flares, wider side skirts, a rear apron, a tailgate spoiler and a set of lambo style scissors doors.

Performance wise, the CLP BMW 6 Series package offers a power upgrade kit which raises the output to 379 hp and 490 Nm of torque.

Other exterior features includes: four new stainless steel tailpipes, new 22 inch rims and a KW Variant 3 coil-over suspension.

For more information read the press release below





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CLP Press Release:

MR 600 GT – CLP Body Kit
This year CLP has already presented its extensive customization program for the BMW 6 Series E63 and E64 at various shows. We always strive to create something special, something unique and individual.

The Aerodynamic Kit MR 600 GT by CLP (5990 Euro) is the main component of the vehicle concept. Among other things, the wide front bumper, on the one hand, complies with the dynamics of the BMW 6 Series, but on the other hand, it effectively reduces lift on the front axle and ensures optimization of the air flow for effective cooling of high-performance braking system.

The complete kit consists of two front wings, two rear fender flares, left and right side skirts and a rear apron. The tailgate spoiler (for an extra charge of 399 Euro) merged with the trunk lid is offered as a complete unit or separately at the customer's option.

As appropriate wheels, CLP installed exclusive 3-part alloy wheels with stainless steel trim rings in size of 9.5 x22 inches and 11.5 x 22 inches, equipped with high-performance tires in sizes of 255/30-22 and 285/25-22. The cost of the wheel set is 8960 Euro.

In order to optimize the road adherence without limitations, a KW Variant 3 coil-over comes into play.

As all CLP products, these packages feature the highest functional quality and perfect craftsmanship. In addition to the existing body program, an electronic performance enhancement option is available now. The cost of the software optimization (645i) to 379 hp and 490 Nm is 1290 euro.

If you invest additional 1599 euro, you'll get CLP muffler with four tailpipes made completely of stainless steel.

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2011 Mazda BT 50 pickup unveiled in Australia

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 06:08 AM PDT

Japanese automaker, Mazda has unveiled recently the new generation 2011 Mazda BT-50 pickup at the Australian International auto Show in Sydney. The new 2011 Mazda BT-50 has been developed with the Active lifestyle vehicle theme in mind and offers a refined and expressive styling and a high quality interior.


The front and of the 2011 Mazda BT-50 features the brand’s “family face” with a five-point grille and boomerang shaped headlights. The rear shows horizontally stretched taillights that aim to offer the pick-up a premium SUV look.

Unfortunately, the company has not released any details on the power plant or specs yet.

The 2011 Mazda BT-50 focuses more on its design, rather than its capabilities, We guess we’ll have to wait a little longer before we’ll be able to see what this new pickup can do.

For more information read the press release below





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Mazda Press Release:

2011 Mazda BT-50

"Active Lifestyle Vehicle"

Mazda is proud to announce a brand new direction in the utility market.

At this year's Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, Mazda is unveiling the All-New BT-50 that signifies a new direction in the utility segment. It was developed as an "Active lifestyle vehicle," and is intended to further extend the appeal of a utility from traditional business users to a wide range of customers, including families and pleasure-seekers.

The current BT-50 is Mazda's only offering in the utility segment. It is an established one-tonne utility that has won numerous awards and gained a strong following all over the world. In developing the new model, Mazda intended to expand its appeal to customers who lead active lifestyles and have needs that cannot be met by conventional utilities.

It offers all the functionality required for business use combined with passenger car-like comfort for family use; and for active customers in Australia and Europe, it is the perfect answer for all kinds of outdoor leisure activities. In this way, the new BT-50 has been developed to fulfill the varied requirements of customers in every market.

To ensure all these aims were met, the all-new BT-50 was developed under the theme "Active lifestyle vehicle." The result is a utility that offers unique value; it has refined and expressive styling; a comfortable, high quality interior; a smooth ride with the feel of a passenger car; sporty and responsive driving dynamics that reflect Mazda's DNA; and
outstanding environmental and safety performance.

Design: "Sophisticated Beast"

We wanted to design a truck that car lovers would be deeply pleased with and proud to own. We targeted a unique and expressive design that people would find desirable, and we also wanted it to be seen as strong and dependable. This led us to define the design concept as a "Sophisticated Beast."

As Ryo Yanagisawa, chief designer of the all-new BT-50, explains: "Mazda's brand message is Zoom-Zoom, which refers to the emotion of motion first experienced as a child. With the All-New BT-50, we aimed to express this emotion through the design, and we drew a lot of inspiration from various "movements" in the world around us. For example, we had a photograph of a lion. He looked like a magnificent predator with his muscles all bunching up as though he was about to pounce on his prey. His sinews were stretched taut ready to strike, and his mane framed a sharp, masculine countenance that seemed to say, 'I am the proud king of the beasts!' In profile, that lion appeared to be both intelligent and powerful. I really wanted the design of the truck to project that kind of image. This kind of inspiration was the basis of the emotional design that we worked so hard to achieve with the all-new BT-50."

Exterior – Lively and Imposing Styling

Without detracting from the strength or the level of functionality, we wanted to give the exterior of the All-New BT-50 an athletic design, overflowing with movement, that would make people immediately want to get in and drive. The crisp lines will have owners looking on with pride.

The finished car has a beauty and individuality that can be recognized at a glance from any angle, even up to 100 meters away.

- Dynamic wedge-shaped proportions evoke an image of a large carnivore about to pounce on its unsuspecting prey. This is unlike any other utility.

- Casting off the conventional boxy image of a utility, sporty and dynamic lines are in tune with the rest of Mazda's passenger vehicle lineup.

- Further evolving Mazda's traditional prominent fenders, muscular lines flow from the fenders along the body sides.

A Front Fascia with a Bold, Overwhelming Presence and an Individual Rear End

- Mazda's family face, the five-point grille, is further evolved for a more imposing expression with the headlights and a chrome crossbar forming a large pentagon.

- The headlights have a bold boomerang shape, elaborate details and a functional beauty.

- A first in the segment — the taillights are stretched horizontally, reaching around the corners and across the tailgate, for a sporty and refined rear view that is similar to a premium SUV.

Interior – A Sporty and Personal Space

We wanted to give the interior of the 2011 Mazda BT-50 a more sporty and personal feel to complement the dynamic exterior image, and create a comfortable space to rival Mazda's current passenger car standard. The cockpit is designed to wrap around the driver and provide an environment that supports enthusiastic driving. It raises anticipation for a sporty and responsive driving experience that goes beyond any conventional utility.

- The flowing design smoothly connects the center of the instrument panel to the raised center console, which has never before been seen in a pickup truck.

- The dashboard has an asymmetric design to create optimal space on each side; it reassuringly wraps around the driver and provides an open space for the passenger.

- Four bold metallic panel strips on the door trim and sides of the center console express dynamism and seem to be supporting the interior space.

- A metallic outline highlights the two cylindrical meters and connects them via a center strip to improve readability and enhance the sporty, driver-oriented impression of the instrument panel.

- The audio control panel and the climate control switch panel, which has independent driver- and passenger-side temperature controls, form a beautifully designed human interface.

With modern and refined styling both inside and out, the 2011 Mazda BT-50 will raise the bar in the utility segment and for the first time provide a realistic alternative to the family wagon and 4×4 SUV.

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2011 Ford Ranger details released

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 05:46 AM PDT

Car manufacturer, Ford has released details and images of the new generation 2011 Ford Ranger pickup which had its world debut at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.


The 2011 Ford Ranger comes with a choice of engines which includes the new Dagenham-built 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi I4 diesel engine that develops 110kW (150PS) and 375Nm of torque and the new 3.2-litre, Ford Duratorq TDCi I5 diesel engine developing 147kW (200PS) and 470Nm of torque.

This new pickup comes equipped with electronically controlled transfer case that allows the driver to shift between 4×2 and 4×4 anytime during driving. In terms of gearbox options, the 2011 Ford Ranger offers a 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions.

The 2011 Ford Ranger has an increased 3,220mm wheelbase and wider track of 1,560mm on the 4×4 model and 1,590mm on the 4×2 model. The Double Cab version has a 100mm wider cargo box, it stretches 1,549mm long, 511mm high and has a maximum cargo width of 1,560mm.

Some of the new features include Adaptive Load Control, Trailer Sway Control, Voice Control and a rearview camera system.

Ford has announced that they will be gradually releasing new information and specs on the new Ford ranger in the future.

For more information read the press release below.





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Ford Press Release:

The all-new 2011 Ford Ranger – the latest in a wave of global vehicles – makes its worldwide debut today at the Australian International Motor Show. The 2011 Ford Ranger has a powerful presence and promises to give pickup truck owners more can-do capability and a transformed truck ownership experience.

From impressive gains in power and safety to exceptional towing capability, the next-generation 2011 Ford Ranger emerges as a clear segment leader. It not only builds on the tremendous

Ranger heritage of pickup truck capability, but it also gives truck owners a spacious, comfortable, feature-filled interior and sophisticated driving experience they would expect to find only in a car.

Amongst the most high-tech in its segment, Ranger is the impressive result of an all-new global compact pickup truck platform from Ford – the latest to emerge under the company's One Ford initiative – and Mazda. It replaces two previous-generation compact truck platforms currently in production to present a new face of Built Ford Tough to customers around the world.

Built on innovation, it boasts a list of technologies and features to lead the segment –
including a new Rearview Camera System, Rear Park Assist, Trailer Sway Control and Adaptive Load Control. Ford plans to reveal even more 2011 Ford Ranger technologies in the coming months.

Destined for sale across five continents and more than 180 markets, Ranger will be offered as a complete family of compact trucks – with three different cab body styles, 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains, two ride heights and up to five series choices, depending on the market.

"We know trucks so we leveraged our best expertise from around the globe to create the all-new 2011 Ford Ranger," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "Focusing our global resources on a single new compact pickup truck platform meant we could deliver significant improvements, technologies and features that owners will value, along with impressive fuel economy that alone will be a reason to buy."

The 2011 Ford Ranger reflects Ford's insight into compact pickup buyers around the world and their evolving wants.

"Compact pickups are hugely important to customers in many regions of the world," said Jim Farley, group vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service. "For many, it's the only vehicle in a household headed by a hard-working person others depend on. These people need a truck that can get the job done – and they'll be amazed how Ranger's smart new technologies make the job easier. And increasingly, they're also looking for the kinds of features, technologies, spaciousness and refinement you'd expect in a car, and Ranger is just as innovative here."

All-new model builds on strong heritage
For nearly 20 years,Ranger has been one of Ford's most popular pickups across the globe. It has provided millions of buyers with Ford Tough Truck capabilities – hauling heavy payloads, pulling trailers and absorbing punishment on the roughest roads. The all-new 2011 Ford Ranger now has even more capability but has been transformed into a taut, toned and muscular contemporary shape exuding strength and toughness.

With an all-new chassis frame, front and rear suspension and steering system, Ranger delivers more payload and outstanding towing capability. It is powered by a choice of three new, fuel-efficient powertrains, including two state-of-the-art common-rail Ford Duratorq TDCi diesels and new fuel-efficient six-speed transmissions. Add in more chassis and safety technologies, and the story of Ranger pickup truck leadership becomes as vivid as its powerful, purposeful stance.

Ranger has the flexibility to handle every chore at home or on the job.

Its transformation is perhaps most vivid in the all-new interior, which brings new levels of spaciousness to the compact pickup ownership experience. The 2011 Ford Ranger offers a comfortable and quiet ride, along with a level of features and technologies that make it second-to-none.

The flagship of the new range is the 2011 Ford Ranger XLT Double Cab model unveiled in Sydney in lustrous Aurora Blue, showcasing a gutsy fuel-efficient new 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi 110 kW (150 PS) diesel engine with an impressive 375 Nm of available torque.

"This 2011 Ford Ranger we're revealing to the world today is compelling evidence of what we can achieve by harnessing the power of One Ford," said Gary Boes, vehicle line director for Ford's new compact truck platform.

"The 2011 Ford Ranger responds to what pickup truck owners all around the world want in a vehicle and it was designed and engineered by a team with unrivalled truck expertise. It's being tested in the most demanding conditions in the most gruelling testing environments on five continents to prove its world-class credentials. Ranger respects truck owners and it will earn their respect day in and day out," Boes said.

'21st Century Tough' styling inside and out
The all-new 2011 Ford Ranger creates a bold and purposeful presence, with a fresh, contemporary exterior design that exudes the famous Built Ford Tough personality. Designers call the look '21st Century Tough'.

Taut, toned muscularity and a bold, confident stance instantly signal the strength and capability of an ultra-modern pickup truck. Yet it also communicates a transformed, more sophisticated and refined style that appeals to a new generation of truck owners.

"In many areas of the world, the role of Ranger has changed," said Craig Metros, chief designer. "It still has to be a work vehicle with a durable interior and the ability to carry a heavy payload, but it also serves a dual role with refinement, comfort and more consumer-friendly features topping the list for many buyers."

Metros said extensive research among truck customers around the world revealed surprising similarities in taste and design expectations.

While needs and expectations may differ in the 180 markets where it will be sold, the 2011 Ford Ranger Tough Truck design resonates around the world.

"Good design is long lasting and transcends all markets," said Metros. "Cute gimmicks don't cut it with this group. It's a robust truck that gets the job done, first and foremost."

According to Metros, Ranger looks very tough but not in the more chiselled style of Ford's larger North American F-Series trucks. The contemporary design will be just as at home on city streets outside trendy restaurants in Cologne or Melbourne as it is in the Outback or on a luxury property development site.

Reflecting the diverse uses of compact pickups around the world, the all-new 2011 Ford Ranger product range will offer everything from basic work trucks with hose-out interiors to high-series models, such as the Ranger Limited and Ranger Wildtrak, both yet to be revealed.

The best of Ford's design language also have been applied to the interior. Borrowing cues from ergonomically-designed power tools like DEWALT®1, and encasing instruments in a protective shell like a G-Shock®2 watch, designers were inspired to blend form and function while ensuring the instruments are clearly visible for the driver.

Inside, trim panels are designed to be easily substituted. A single basic instrument panel is assembled off-line and simply installed in the vehicle. While the trim styles vary, all parts are designed to be interchangeable.

"Look closely and you'll see that regardless of the model, we didn't stray from the basic layout and design," Metros explained. "All the exterior and interior shapes and panels are identical."

Small details received careful attention to ensure quality and craftsmanship in every model. From graining on interior panels to tonal colour choices, the execution exudes a premium feel throughout the interior.

On the instrument panel, designs were used that would easily accept modular parts – such as radios, and heating and ventilation controls – to ensure build quality was maintained to eliminate any unsightly gaps.

According to Debbie Pascoe, Ford's colour and trim design manager, the materials used throughout the cabin have to be especially durable. Seats have to be comfortable but also able to withstand commercial customer usage.

"The typical pickup driver needs space and we designed an interior that is comfortable, easy to slide in and out of, with controls that are larger to accommodate work gloves, for example. When you design a truck interior, special considerations have to be taken to ensure the cabin will be just as durable as the rest of the vehicle. But tough doesn't have to mean rough," she said.

Interior materials are subjected to constant abuse and have to withstand punishing rigours not seen in a passenger car. Seating materials must be able to take a beating from tools that are flung into the cabin or forgotten in a back pocket. Door panels can't be easily scuffed or scratched by dirty boots. And truck customers increasingly want an interior that's stylish and comfortable for personal use.

"We haven't forgotten that many of these vehicles are not only used for work but are also primary transportation in many areas of the world as the family vehicle," Pascoe said.

Three passengers can easily fit into the second row of the 2011 Ford Ranger Double Cab. It offers ample knee clearance and better foot clearance between the B-pillar and the seat. That means getting in and out of the 2011 Ford Ranger has never been easier for rear-seat passengers.

Ample storage is provided throughout the interior cabin with up to 20 storage locations. Double Cab pockets in all four doors can easily fit water bottles and, on selected models, a deep centre console keeps beverages cool. The glove box is large enough to accommodate a laptop computer. Storage for mobile phones and other small items can be found in the console.

Underneath the rear seats, a convenient hidden storage area for electronic items and small packages is provided, while on selected Ranger Double Cab models, an armrest in the centre rear seatback fold includes two cup holders.

To help reduce Ranger's ownership costs, especially at the fuel pump, a wide range of design features were optimised to improve fuel efficiency. Using the same leading-edge simulation technology as Formula One teams, aerodynamicists performed more than 1000 full-vehicle aerodynamic simulations to perfect the shape of the vehicle.

Using this technology, engineers demonstrated that with a hard line at the fender top, wind flow was divided and resistance lowered. The backlight was positioned more vertically, A-pillars optimised and a small spoiler was added to the top of the tailgate. A front airdam plays a significant role in controlling the airflow underneath the vehicle, leading to a significant reduction in the drag coefficient.

"Decreasing wind resistance was a start. Small incremental gains in fuel efficiency quickly add up and help meet fuel economy targets," Metros said.

More muscle under the bonnet – three new engines
With a body that is lean and taut, the muscle lies beneath the bonnet. The 2011 Ford Ranger powertrains have been engineered to give customers an uncompromised combination of power and torque.

Ranger introduces three new engines to Ford's compact pickup truck range globally:
A new 2.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi I4 diesel engine with peak torque output of 375 Nm and power output of 110 kW (150 PS).
A highly responsive and efficient new 3.2-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi I5 diesel engine with a powerful 470 Nm of torque and power rated at 147 kW (200 PS).
A 2.5-litre Ford Duratec I4 petrol engine with more power at 122 kW (166 PS). It can be configured for E100 flexible fuel capability or aftermarket upfitted to run on CNG or LPG.
"This all-new engine family demonstrates our commitment to making Ranger the best option for today's pickup truck customer," said John Tatge, Ranger chief programme engineer. "We're bringing the best engine technology from the Ford powertrain range to make Ranger the clear choice for capability and fuel economy, particularly with our world-class Duratorq diesels. Their torque makes Ranger the truck to own."

Developed in Australia and tested and validated around the world, Ranger powerplants are designed to run on a variety of locally blended fuels with different octane ratings.

Selected Ranger powertrains benefit from the advantages of lower engine rpm and reduced wear and tear, with six-speed automatic and manual transmissions available across selected models. Increased fuel economy, coupled with other advances to facilitate maintenance and serviceability, help reduce annual ownership cost.

"The all-new 2011 Ford Ranger is a driver's pickup truck," said Rob Sharples, powertrain programme team leader. "It's inviting to drive, and all of its driver inputs and vehicle controls work together in harmony."

Transmissions and final drive ratios have been carefully matched to deliver exceptional acceleration, excellent fuel efficiency and a quiet ride.

The new Ford 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission has been extensively tuned to deliver smooth, quick shifts almost imperceptibly to the driver, reinforcing the car-like refinement of the 2011 Ford Ranger. In Normal mode, the calibration focuses on comfort and fuel economy. For sportier driving, a quick flick of the shifter changes the transmission into Sport mode. This provides later shift points and the driver can manually select gears through a forward (downshift) or rearward (upshift) movement.

It also features another smart Ford technology – Grade Control Logic. It automatically downshifts on a downhill grade when sufficient brake pressure is sensed, adding to the 2011 Ford Ranger's towing and hauling capabilities.

The 6R80 automatic transmission has been designed for both 4×2 and 4×4 versions. It is lightweight and includes strengthened internals that have been designed and tested to Ford's global commercial vehicle standards.

Ranger can also be fitted with Ford MT82 six-speed manual transmission with its short, car-like shifter – well-positioned ergonomically for the driver – that provides crisp, precise shifting matched perfectly to the generous torque output of the new diesels. An upshift indicator in the instrument panel helps coach drivers on the best gearing for fuel economy.

The 2.5-litre petrol engine is offered standard with the proven Ford MT75 five-speed manual transmission.

The 2011 Ford Ranger four-wheel drive models are equipped with a well-proven electronically controlled transfer case that allow drivers to shift from 4×2 to 4×4 anytime via an electronic switch conveniently located on the console. If extra torque or additional downhill braking is needed, low-range gearing also can be enabled.

Select four-wheel-drive Rangers also can be equipped with either an electric locking differential or a limited slip differential in a wide array of final drive ratios.

While fuel economy certification will take place closer to the start of production, Ford is forecasting that the 2011 Ford Ranger powertrain range will contribute to significant savings at the pump.

New levels of ride quality and chassis control
The same level of detail that makes Ranger stand out in a crowd will set it apart from the competition with an entirely new chassis that provides even more capability along with car-like comfort, reduced steering effort, more precise handling and better on-road stability.

Off-road performance has been improved with a stiffer frame, ground clearance of up to 232 millimetres and driveline components that have been strategically mounted above the frame rail and out of harm's way.

Despite an increased 3220-millimetre wheelbase – and wider track for the 4×4 model of 1560 millimetres and 4×2 model of 1590 millimetres at the front and rear – the 2011 Ford Ranger's turning circle makes it easily manoeuvrable in parking and on narrow city streets. Its rack-and-pinion steering system has been thoroughly designed to provide robust performance while delivering more precise steering.

Up front, the entire suspension is brand new. A new coil-over-strut suspension allows for better tuning of the upper and lower wishbone design. The suspension set-up, while similar for two- and four-wheel drive models, has unique capabilities and has been tuned with specific damper valving and spring rates on all models to compensate for weight, centre of gravity, engine torque and drive distribution.

At the rear, an entirely new suspension system provides a smooth, firm comfortable ride with a rear leaf suspension design that has been carefully tuned for a variety of road conditions while still delivering outstanding payload capacity.

The rear suspension also provides Ranger with a firmly planted ride for high-speed driving on dirt roads, common in South America, with reduced sway and less vehicle 'skate' on corrugated or rough surfaces.

Considering customers in areas of the world where monsoons cause frequent flooding, Ranger's key electrical components and air inlets are strategically placed high in the engine compartment. This contributes to impressive water-wading capability.

Offering the biggest brakes in class, stopping power for Ranger is excellent.

All Ranger models are equipped with larger front rotors measuring 302-by-32 millimetres and twin-piston callipers. The brake calliper features a pair of phenolic pistons which reduce weight and improve thermal performance.

Two-wheel-drive vehicles use a 270-by-55-millimetre rear drum, whilst the Hi-Rider and 4×4 vehicles use a 295-by-55-millimetre rear drum.

The brake system has been subjected to extreme environmental conditions and customer driving requirements – at minus 30 degrees Celsius in Sweden, in the intense heat in California's Death Valley, the congestion of city traffic, the German Autobahn and the unforgiving roads of the Australian Outback.

The largest brake system in segment provides excellent fade resistance, particularly with maximum payload. While competitive systems start to fade and stopping distances increase, the Ranger is engineered to keep performing.

For superior braking performance, Ranger is available with Ford's Electronic Stability Program (ESP) system that includes four-wheel traction control, yaw control and roll-over mitigation.

Invisible to the driver, the ESP system includes sensors located at all four wheels that independently monitor wheel speed and detect wheel slip during acceleration or braking. If a slip is detected or the vehicle is swerving (yaw), brakes are individually applied to ensure the vehicle stays on its intended path.

Under extreme conditions, the Traction Control System reduces engine torque by managing spark and fuel delivery.

The top level brake system includes Emergency Brake Assist to provide maximum boost for the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and is automatically triggered during panic stop situations. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution accurately maintains brake pressure in rear brake lines to help provide decreased stopping distances. Flashing hazard lights automatically alert following vehicles when an ABS stop is triggered.

Among segment leaders with an exceptional towing capacity, sure-footed grip and stability is ensured with the available Trailer Sway Mitigation and Adaptive Load Control.

If a trailer begins to sway, brakes are selectively applied to slow down the truck-and-trailer combination. To ensure that Ranger maintains a stable ride when carrying full loads of cargo, Adaptive Load Control determines the payload and applies the necessary measures to maintain a straight and level ride.

Like all contemporary Ford products, the 2011 Ford Ranger is engineered to provide comprehensive safety protection, starting with a highly protective body structure utilising high-strength steel throughout to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

Engineers used sophisticated computer modelling to hone the crashworthiness of the 2011 Ford Ranger. This included more than 9000 full-vehicle crash simulations before the first prototype vehicle was subjected to a physical crash test.

The all-new 2011 Ford Ranger offers new passive safety technologies, including the availability of side curtain airbags on all cab styles for the first time.

Other 2011 Ford Ranger technologies – including Rear Park Assist and new Rearview Camera system – not only aid pickup drivers in everyday use, but also help them avoid potential contact with pedestrians.

Payload capabilities
Carrying a crew of five? Headed to the job site with large appliances, building supplies, sand or gravel? Loaded with produce for sale at the local farmer's market? Whatever the payload, all are easily stored within the cargo box of the new 2011 Ford Ranger double cab – even with a full passenger load.

Measuring 1549 millimetres long, 511 millimetres high and with a maximum cargo width of 1560 millimetres, the cargo box of the double cab is more than 100 millimetres wider. Volume is an impressive 1.21 cubic metres.

Width between the wheel arches is 1139 millimetres on all models and special provisions are provided in the cargo box to place struts of lumber in pockets that are located above the wheel arch. This allows plywood or sheet rock to be stacked flat. Width at the rear tailgate opening at the top of the box is 1330 millimetres.

New from the ground up – more to come
It's not often that engineers and designers have the opportunity to build a new pickup truck from the ground up, and the 2011 Ford Ranger is evidence of how Ford seized that opportunity.

When Ranger begins production in less than a year, it will set new benchmarks in many categories including a stand-out design, road manners that are smooth and refined, a chassis that is off-road capable and powertrains that are fuel efficient, clean and live up to the global Built Ford Tough promise.

The 2011 Ford Ranger will be manufactured around the world in three volume production sites geared for regional reach, especially in growth regions.

A progressive production ramp-up is slated to begin next summer (Northern Hemisphere) in Rayong, Thailand, for the Asia Pacific region. Ford is transforming plants in Argentina and South Africa for additional capacity to eventually serve other key regions as the launch cadence progresses. The new manufacturing strategy for the single global compact truck platform will drive new levels of product commonality for the 2011 Ford Ranger all around the globe.

Although not planned for introduction in the United States or Canada, the 2011 Ford Ranger will eventually be marketed in 180 countries, making it one of Ford's farthest reaching products. This reflects the importance of compact pickup trucks to consumers in many parts of the world and the significance of the Ranger in Ford's global product portfolio.

Ranger also symbolises how Ford is leveraging its global product resources more efficiently. Its product development team was headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. The full-range product development facilities at Ford's Melbourne-based Broadmeadows Complex and nearby proving ground facilities in Geelong became an ideal base for the global Ranger team.

"One Ford brought all of our strengths together to create the 2011 Ford Ranger," Kuzak said. "When you look at how important compact trucks are around the world, it was the ideal candidate to be our next global product."

Ford will progressively reveal more members of the Ranger family in coming months.

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Mitsubishi Evo Rally Car Crash: Video

Posted: 27 Oct 2010 03:37 AM PDT

This video shows a Mitsubishi Evo rally car crash which took place during one of the stages of the TCR 2010 rally. The Evo hits a ditch at high speed which sends the car flying into the air and into a roll.


The accident involves a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X rally car with South American driver Francisco “Pancho” Gorostiaga at the wheel. Fortunately the driver and co-pilot escaped with minor injuries.





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