Ford begins using WiFi to install Sync on assembly lines
Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Crossover, Ford
In case you thought installing SYNC into Ford vehicles was a ho-hum-whatever affair, that's not the case - Ford puts a lot of thought into it. The Blue Oval's latest assembly line advance is to have SYNC's infotainment software installed into the 2011 Ford Edge via WiFi. Made possible by the the latest version of SYNC with WiFi access, the new process allows Ford to save money on parts and inventory by using a common module among vehicles in different cars and made in different plants. After the Edge, the Lincoln MKX and 2011 Explorer will gain the same systems. Follow the jump for the press release.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Ford begins using WiFi to install Sync on assembly lines
Ford begins using WiFi to install Sync on assembly lines originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX configurators up and running
Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln, Luxury
The 2011 Ford Edge and 2011 Lincoln MKX configurators have gone live for your shopping - or time-wasting - enjoyment. The Edge SE starts at $27,220 for the 3.5-liter V6, but you can hit it out of the park before even leaving the first page by selecting the Edge Sport all-wheel drive for $38,070. That'll get you a 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 canvas to play with. There isn't much more you can add to it, but after stuffing it like a turkey we got it up to $45,171. For those with a mind to be a kinder on wallets and Mother Earth, there are SEL and Limited trims on offer, as well as the 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine (...eventually).
The Lincoln MKX puts less on the table when it comes to varieties: the front-wheel drive starts at $39,145, the AWD at $40,995. Both get that 3.7-liter V6, six-speed SelectShift transmission and SYNC as standard fit. If you go the package route, your work is just about finished, because they cement quite a few exterior and interior choices. But don't take our words for it - click the links and get to configuratin'. Hot tips, Drew and Tony!
[Source: Ford, Lincoln]
2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX configurators up and running originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2011 Lincoln MKX gets 19/26 MPG ratings, Ford claims best-in-class
Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln
2011 Lincoln MKX - Click above for high-res image gallery
The 2011 Lincoln MKX delivers 15 percent more horsepower (305 ponies in all) and 12 percent more torque (280 pound-feet) than the outgoing model, and that added power comes with the added bonus of improved efficiency. The Environmental Protection Agency has rated the 2011 MKX at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg around the highway, besting the Lexus RX350 by one mpg in the city and on the highway. That's a combined 21 mpg, which Ford says is enough to best its nine closest competitors.
Ford was able to crank up ponies while also ratcheting up efficiency by adding twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to its 3.7-liter V6 engine. TI-VCT enables a larger torque-curve while also improving power by 10 percent and efficiency by 4.5 percent versus an engine without the technology. The 3.7-liter engine, which is also available on the 2011 Mustang and the 2011 Edge Sport, also utilizes aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff to further increase efficiency. Basically, the engine shuts down whenever the driver doesn't need engine torque.
The EPA has also rated the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, which scores 36 mpg on the highway and 41 mpg in the city. That's the same numbers as the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which shares a common powertrain, and six mpg better than the smaller Lexus HS250h. Hit the jump to read over the Ford presser.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading 2011 Lincoln MKX gets 19/26 MPG ratings, Ford claims best-in-class
2011 Lincoln MKX gets 19/26 MPG ratings, Ford claims best-in-class originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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