Ford debuts full-size Lego model of Explorer at Chicago plant [w/video]
Filed under: Etc., Videos, Crossover, Ford, Toys/Games
Ford has created a full-size replica of the company's new Explorer crafted from Lego bricks. The sculpture was created by 22 designers over the course of 2,500 hours. All told, there are 380,000 individual bricks at work, weighing in at a hefty 2,654 pounds, and a 768-pound aluminum platform supports the creation.
Ford debuted its Lego Explorer at its Chicago assembly plant before shipping it to the new Legoland theme park just outside of Orlando, Florida. The block Explorer will ride all the way down to the sunshine state in a transporter with transparent sides so fellow motorists can view the creation.
As an attraction at Legoland, the Explorer will welcome visitors to the Ford Driving School for children, which allows kids to get behind the wheel of their own scale vehicle at a max speed of three miles per hour. Hit the jump to check out a time-lapse video of Explorer being created as well as a full press release on the vehicle.
Continue reading Ford debuts full-size Lego model of Explorer at Chicago plant [w/video]
Ford debuts full-size Lego model of Explorer at Chicago plant [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2012 Ford Explorer 2.0-liter EcoBoost to net 20 mpg city, 28 highway
Ford's reborn Explorer has been selling at a brisk clip since being introduced for the 2011 model year, with some 65,823 units finding homes through June. While that's a far cry from the line's salad days back in the '90s, that total already pips the previous generation's 2010 sales figures for the entire year. And that's with just one engine, the 3.5-liter V6.
The Explorer's naturally aspirated six is about to get a more frugal companion, with Ford finally announcing that it will deliver the promised 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost soon. The new model will arrive toting some handsome fuel economy numbers, too - 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 mpg on the highway (23 combined).
Ford is quick to note that those EPA figures mean that the 240 horsepower (at 5,500 rpm) and 270 pound-feet (at 3,000 rpm) EcoBoost engine will garner best-in-class highway economy ratings for the Explorer - some 12 percent better than the Toyota Highlander and a whopping 20 percent better than the Honda Pilot (though the latter is slated to get a new six-speed gearbox and improved mpg for 2012). Like most newer turbo DI engines, the 2.0-liter will run happily on regular 87-octane fuel.
For comparison's sake, the standard TiVCT V6 generates more horsepower - 283 ponies at 6,500 rpm- but less torque (252 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm), with commensurately lower economy figures of 17 city and 25 hwy (20 combined). That means EcoBoost intenders can expect to save about three miles per gallon across the board. Click through the jump to continue reading.
Continue reading 2012 Ford Explorer 2.0-liter EcoBoost to net 20 mpg city, 28 highway
2012 Ford Explorer 2.0-liter EcoBoost to net 20 mpg city, 28 highway originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsOptima edges Accord in CR test, Altima still favorite; Explorer lambasted *UPDATED
Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Ford, Honda, Kia
2011 Kia Optima 2.0T - Click above for high-res image gallery
The mid-size sedan battle rages on year after year. Perennial kings are dethroned while new challengers emerge boasting fresh styling and a bountiful list of standard features. Consumer Reports launched its June issue today, inside which the institute's testers have pitted four-cylinder versions of the Kia Optima and Honda Accord against each other to determine which is top dog, and then ranked them both against their peers.
As it has here at Autoblog Towers, the 2011 Kia Optima drew big praise from the Consumer Reports crew. In fact, the Korean squeezed out a higher rating than the veteran Honda Accord. It may have only beat the Honda by one point (81 to 80), but this represents a significant win for Kia. The opinion of Consumer Reports is highly valued by a large number of car shoppers, and this victory ought to push the Optima further onto the radar of the American car-buying public. Despite beating the Accord and earning a "Very Good" rating, however, the Optima is still nowhere near the top of the heap in Consumer Reports' ratings of four-cylinder mid-size sedans. The Nissan Altima (a perennial CR favorite) still holds the top spot with a rating of 91, neatly trumping the Optima in sixth place and the Accord in seventh.
One vehicle that didn't do so well in the June issue of Consumer Reports? The 2011 Ford Explorer. Three mid-size sport utility vehicles were rounded up for testing: the Explorer, Volkswagen Touareg TDI and Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Of the 19 mid-size SUVs that Consumer Reports has rankings for, the Explorer came in at 17 with just 65 points. The Touareg TDI, meanwhile, landed in fourth place with a score of 82 and the Highlander Hybrid beat all with a top rating of 89.
If you won't get the latest issue of CR in your mailbox, check out the official press release after the jump for more details.
UPDATE: The information in this article has been corrected concerning which vehicles were compared against each other in the June issue of Consumer Reports and where they ranked overall.
Continue reading Optima edges Accord in CR test, Altima still favorite; Explorer lambasted *UPDATED
Optima edges Accord in CR test, Altima still favorite; Explorer lambasted *UPDATED originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 May 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord’s second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start *UPDATE
Filed under: Safety, Technology, Ford, Lincoln
In 2010, Ford reinvented its SYNC system with the launch of the refreshed Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. But the new integrated system - MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch or what's known as "SYNC generation 2" - has been plagued by more than a few bugs. And part of the problem is due to its design.
If one of its various functions trips up - navigation, phone or entertainment, among others - the system can restart. This can leave the driver faced with a blank display and a restart procedure that can take two to three minutes. Double bummer: It usually wipes out your paired phones and indexed music.
After talking with several colleagues who have experienced similar issues (including one where the volume was stuck on max while the A/C continued to blow cold air in 42-degree weather) and experiencing these issues first hand for ourselves, we called up Ford's Head of Technology Communications, Alan Hall, and got on the phone with one of the Blue Oval's engineers to see what's causing the issues and how the automaker is addressing them.
Continue reading Ford's second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start...
*UPDATE: Official statement from Ford added after the jump.
Continue reading Ford's second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start *UPDATE
Ford's second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideos: Ford pits Police Interceptor pair against the competition
Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Etc., Ford, Police/Emergency
2011 Ford Police Interceptors - Click above to view the videos after the jump
The long-serving Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor will take its final bow this year, leaving behind a legacy of protecting and serving that outstrips even the legendary Chevrolet Caprice. To fill the void left by the stout-but-dated Crown Vic, Ford is releasing a fleet of new Police Interceptors, and they've got a legacy to uphold.
Ahead of their launch, Dearborn pitted the new Interceptors against their competition from Dodge and Chevrolet, the Dodge Charger and the Chevrolet Tahoe. Ford is releasing 2011 Explorer and 2011 Taurus versions of the Interceptor, with the Explorer getting a 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6 making 300 horsepower and the Taurus available with either a 3.5-liter 280-hp V6, or the 365 hp 3.5-liter EcoBoost mill from the SHO.
Ford is offering the Interceptors in front or all-wheel drive guise, eschewing the Crown Vic's rear-drive-only platform. Click past the jump to see how Ford's efforts stack up to the competition.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Videos: Ford pits Police Interceptor pair against the competition
Videos: Ford pits Police Interceptor pair against the competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Nelly shows off Ford Explorer audio system, commercial director adds unnecessary zazz
Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Ford, Celebrities, Humor
Nelly disapproves of back-up dancers and falling snow - Click above to watch video after the jump
The audio system in the 2011 Ford Explorer was created by Sony and features Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Technology being pumped through 12 speakers, including a subwoofer. The crisp-sounding system can pick up HD Radio channels and tag songs so you can buy them later with iTunes. Ford tapped multiple Grammy Award-winner Nelly to discuss the virtues of this setup.
Ford also got a hold of a director that thinks Nelly and the 2011 Ford Explorer are not enough to make a stand-out commercial. He decides to add some pizazz, and Nelly feels it's not needed. The premise sounds iffy but the results are surprisingly hilarious. Check out the clip for yourself by clicking past the jump. Now if you'll excuse us, we're going to go brush up on our Country Grammar...
[Source: YouTube]
Video: Nelly shows off Ford Explorer audio system, commercial director adds unnecessary zazz originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: 2011 Ford Explorer plays on seesaw at Chicago Auto Show
Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, SUV, Videos, Crossover, Ford
Click above to watch Autoblog Short Cuts: 2011 Ford Explorer demonstrates Terrain Management
Ford has set up a display to show off the multiple Terrain Management modes on the 2011 Explorer at this year's Chicago Auto Show. As you may recall, the tech keeps an eye on a laundry list of parameters, including specs like engine speed, throttle position, transmission shift patterns and the stability and traction control systems.
Visitors can ride shotgun over a number of surfaces, including a seesaw that transitions from a steep, slippery incline into a similarly aggressive descent and a deep sand section. The multiple surfaces are designed to flex the Explorer's all-terrain muscles, at least in the climate-controlled comfort of McCormick place.
Our own Drew Phillips cooked up a quick video of the ride along for your viewing pleasure. The clip after the jump includes all of the gravity-defying action of the Explorer all-terrain system when viewed from both the cabin and from the safety of the show floor. Follow the jump to check out the video for yourself.
Continue reading Video: 2011 Ford Explorer plays on seesaw at Chicago Auto Show
Video: 2011 Ford Explorer plays on seesaw at Chicago Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsHow Mulally put the Ford Explorer on a crash diet
Filed under: SUV, Etc., Technology, Crossover, Ford
2011 Ford Explorer - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to Bloomberg, the Ford Explorer can thank Alan Mulally for its stay of execution. When the former Boeing executive took the helm at FoMoCo, the powers that be urged him to make a decision on the then-ancient SUV. Mulally said that the nameplate could live on, but only if the company's engineers could find a way to seriously cut weight and increase fuel economy at the same time. The new vehicle was not only able to meet those demands, but was able to offer a larger package with much of the same off-road ability as well.
That meant sacrificing the body-on-frame blue print for a unibody design and exploring alternative engine solutions - engines like the upcoming Ecoboost four-cylinder. In the end, the Blue Oval boys were able to shed 100 pounds off the platform.
Ford has since interpreted that same quest for svelteness into a company-wide strategy, and Bloomberg says that the Dearborn automaker is now on par with automakers like BMW when it comes down to aggressively stripping weight from a vehicle. You can read the full story on how Mulally's obsession with reducing weight changed Ford for the better here. Thanks for the tip, Andrew!
Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: Bloomberg]
How Mulally put the Ford Explorer on a crash diet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideos: Ford’s 2011 Explorer and 2012 Focus go off the wall
Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Videos, Crossover, Ford
2012 Ford Focus plays tag with a wall - Click above to watch video after the jump
Ford has been testing its upcoming 2012 Focus extensively, and it's already put the compact through 12,000 crashes in both the virtual and real worlds. Ford says that the Focus features advanced restraint systems as well as next-generation airbags that feature upgraded chest-protection technology. The C-Segment car is not stealing all the focus (*ahem*), however, because the all-new 2011 Explorer has clearly received plenty of attention from the safety engineers. For the first time in the Explorer's history, it has landed on the IIHS list of Top Safety Picks.
Enough talking, because you're ready for some automotive snuff films, right? Hop the jump to watch a 2012 Ford Focus and 2011 Explorer make out with a wall. While you're over there, be sure to check out Ford's official press release.
[Sources: Ford, YouTube]
Continue reading Videos: Ford's 2011 Explorer and 2012 Focus go off the wall
Videos: Ford's 2011 Explorer and 2012 Focus go off the wall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Ford Explorer orders nearly double expectations
Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Ford
2011 Ford Explorer - Click above for high-res image gallery
The 2011 Ford Explorer is a drastic departure from its predecessors, ditching body-on-frame construction in favor of a unibody structure, and sharing its platform with the Taurus sedan (as well as the Flex, Lincoln MKS and MKT). This shift to a traditional crossover construction has not turned away buyers, however, and Ford reports that Explorer pre-orders have nearly doubled original projections.
According to The Detroit News, Ford has received roughly 15,000 orders for the 2011 Explorer. This includes about 3,000 retail and 7,500 dealer orders, as well as an additional 4,500 orders from companies.
Jason Mase, Ford's manager of utility vehicles, told The Detroit News that about 55 percent of buyers are opting for the trailer tow package, and 64 percent want all-wheel drive. Mase says that consumers don't really care if the vehicle is a crossover or an SUV, the major concern is that the vehicle fits their specific needs. So far, so good, and Ford expects this trend to continue after the Explorer officially hits dealerships in early 2011.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: The Detroit News]
Report: Ford Explorer orders nearly double expectations originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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