High-Tech, Fuel-Efficient All-New Ford Focus Debuts At 2010 Paris Motor Show

Tweet

• New Focus to launch in North America with class-leading technologies, features and craftsmanship; highway fuel economy projected to be 40 mpg, with automatic transmission
• Production of 2012 Focus to begin in North America in late 2010, with sales of both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback scheduled for early 2011
• Performance model – Ford Focus ST – debuts at Paris Motor Show, to be available in markets around the world, including North America, beginning in 2012

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 29, 2010 – The new 2012 Ford Focus makes its production debut today at the Paris Motor Show and will launch in North America early in 2011.

 

Ford’s North American engineering team is targeting fuel economy of 40 mpg highway for the most efficient Focus model, equipped with an automatic transmission. Research shows that 90 percent of buyers in the segment choose automatic transmissions. The new Focus will also offer North American consumers a full complement of Ford technology – including Ford SYNC®, MyFord Touch™, in-car Wi-Fi capability, active park assist and rear view camera.

 

The new Focus is the result of a global product development program bringing together Ford’s best engineers and technology from around the world. The new Focus will be sold in 122 markets worldwide and manufactured in Ford plants in Asia, Europe and North America.

 

“The new Ford Focus is a clear demonstration that our One Ford strategy is providing global consumers with great products that harness the best of Ford Motor Company,” said Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO. “The efficiencies generated by our new global C-car platform will enable us to provide Ford Focus customers with an affordable product offering quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology beyond their expectations.”

 

Next month, consumers in North America will have online access to package and pricing information for both the sedan and the five-door model. Based on early demand for the Ford Fiesta, five-door hatchback models are growing in popularity. With the launch of the new Focus, joining the popular new Fiesta, Ford will be the only full-line auto manufacturer to offer its B- and C-segment small cars in both sedan and hatch bodystyles in the U.S. market.

 

All Focus models sold in North America will be powered by Ford’s most advanced naturally aspirated engine ever: a new, 2.0-liter gasoline engine equipped with direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing – two important fuel-saving technologies. A six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission will also be offered. This advanced, dual-clutch gearbox helps reduce fuel consumption by up to 9 percent compared to conventional transmissions.

 

At the Paris Motor Show, Ford will also unveil the highly anticipated Focus ST. The new high-performance five-door Focus model is being developed for all global markets and is on schedule to launch during 2012. This will be the first time Ford has produced one of its highly regarded performance models for a global audience.

The Hatch Is Hot: Ford Fiesta Sales Show Trend Toward Five-Door Models, Paving Way For Focus

Tweet

• New 2011 Ford Fiesta hatchback sales are countering conventional wisdom about hatch popularity in the U.S. market; Ford also is preparing to launch its all-new Focus in both hatch and sedan bodystyles
• When Focus goes on sale, Ford will be the only full-line auto manufacturer to offer its B- and C-segment small cars in both sedan and hatch bodystyles in the U.S. market
• American buyers may be showing shift to the utility of hatch configurations seen in other countries; European hatch take rates approach 99 percent in C-segment vehicles

 

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 28, 2010 – The hot new Ford Fiesta is defying conventional wisdom about hatchback cars in the American marketplace.

 

Ford sales figures show more than 60 percent of early Fiesta sales have been five-door hatchback models – a take rate that is bucking the national hatchback trend of just 8.3 percent in the 2009 model year, according to Wardsauto.com, a leading industry trade publication that tracks bodystyle trends.  

 

The numbers also bolster Ford’s decision to offer the all-new Focus, to be shown in Paris on Sept. 30, in both hatch and sedan variants in the U.S. market. The addition of Focus will make Ford the only full-line vehicle manufacturer to offer both sedan and hatchback versions of its B- and C-car lineup in America.  

 

“American car buyers have grown accustomed to the convenience of hatch bodystyles after years of owning SUVs and crossovers,” said George Pipas, Ford sales analyst. “Combined with a generation of younger drivers who have been exposed via the Internet to popular high-performance hatchback offerings in Europe and Asia, we may be seeing the beginning of a shift in buyer acceptance of hatchbacks.”  

 

European buyers have long had an affinity for hatch bodystyles. Ford C-segment sales data, covering Focus-sized vehicles, show a whopping 99 percent of the total European market is dominated by vehicle configurations with a hatch.  

 

As Ford continues to roll out global vehicle platforms like Fiesta and the next-generation Focus, the company is investing in flexible plant capacity. The flexibility will ensure Ford is able to react quickly to changing tastes, providing a vehicle mix – hatchback or sedan, base model or fully loaded – to serve varied consumer demands around the world.  

 

In addition to its 60/40 hatchback/sedan sales split, Fiesta buyers have also shown some unique preferences reflecting a shift in small car mentality. Both hatchback and sedan versions of Fiesta are proving popular when heavily optioned, contrary to the traditional American-market perception of the small car as entry-level commuter vehicle. Sales as of early September reflect the following:  

• Among Fiesta models on which it’s offered, more than 50 percent of buyers choose leather seating surfaces; nearly half of all Fiestas have heated seats
• Ford SYNC® is featured on 80 percent of Fiesta models
• Nearly 80 percent of Fiestas come equipped with the premium six-speaker sound system; more than half also include SIRIUS® Satellite Radio
• Among Fiesta models on which it’s offered, 80 percent are equipped with keyless entry with push-button start
• Nearly 24 percent of all Fiestas have a moonroof
• Top Fiesta colors, in order, are Lime Squeeze, Blue Flame Metallic, Monterey Gray, Red Candy and Black

Behind the shift in bodystyle and content levels are younger customers who have no memory of the gas crisis – and its attendant automotive sacrifices – that early hatchbacks were associated with. But they’re also not willing to make similar sacrifices in their small cars.  

 

“Growing up in well-equipped SUVs and crossovers, many of the younger buyers choosing Fiesta are accustomed to amenities,” said Pipas. “This car is full of surprising features particularly for its class, and buyers are responding, finding that a Fiesta with all the technology and convenience features they’re used to is fun to drive and well within their budget.”

2011 Ford E-Series Brochure

Tweet

Here is the 2011 Ford E-Series Brochure

 

 

Download the 2011 Ford E-Series Brochure (PDF)

2011 Ford Ranger Brochure

Tweet

Here is the 2011 Ford Ranger Brochure.

 

 

Download the 2011 Ford Ranger Brochure (PDF)

Ford lifts disguise on all-new Ranger for its worldwide premiere in Sydney

Tweet

• Bold, powerful and confident, the all-new Ford Ranger makes its world debut at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. The new face of Built Ford Tough for compact pickup truck customers in 180 markets around the world, Ranger is the result of an all-new global compact truck platform developed in Australia

• Ranger delivers an enhanced pickup ownership experience with more power and excellent fuel economy from a new engine family, more capability than ever with exceptional towing and payload capacity, and new levels of driving quality

• The show also marks the Australian debut for the amazing Ford Focus RS, which is poised to establish a new benchmark for performance. Only 315 examples of the sought-after hot hatch will be sold, and the show may be the best place to lay eyes on one standing still

• Ford is expanding the Fiesta range with the introduction of the new Fiesta sedan, making its first appearance in Sydney

• New from Ford Performance Vehicles, the GS and GT break cover at the Sydney show with unstoppable performance

 

SYDNEY, September 20, 2010 – Ford is preparing to take the wraps off a comprehensively redesigned, new-generation compact pickup developed in Australia for sale in 180 global markets. The worldwide premiere of the all-new Ford Ranger is certain to be the big news of this year’s Australian International Motor Show, where it will be unveiled on October 15, 2010.

 

The all-new Ranger is the latest in a wave of global products driven by the ONE Ford strategy. Designed and engineered at Ford’s Campbellfield product development and Geelong proving ground facilities, and based on a new global compact truck platform, Ranger has been transformed to assert true pickup truck leadership.

 

“Australia has played a leading role in the development of this latest global Ford product,” said Joe Hinrichs, president, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. “Ranger is symbolic of how our great product development capability is being leveraged by the ONE Ford plan like never before.”

 

The taut, toned new design of the all-new Ford Ranger establishes a powerful presence on the motor show stage. It will be the first time for the public to see the next-generation Ford compact pickup without its camouflage.

 

New Ranger prototypes – disguised under heavy black padding, tape and decals to obscure their true identity – have been shot by automotive spy photographers all over the world, as development units clocked more than 1 million kilometres of testing in the toughest conditions, from the Outback to the deserts of the Middle East to the Alps in Europe.

 

Now, under the lights at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, the covers will come off to reveal a dazzlingly contemporary new look for the future of Ford Ranger pickup truck capability. It makes a powerful promise – backed by Ford’s Australian and global expertise – to owners around the world. 

 

From impressive gains in power and fuel economy – the result of its new engine family – to outstanding pickup truck capability that includes exceptional towing and payload capacity, the next-generation Ford Ranger emerges as a clear segment leader. It not only builds on the tremendous Ranger heritage of capability, but it also gives owners a spacious, comfortable, feature-filled interior and sophisticated driving experience that they would expect only from a car.

 

The wait is over: Introducing the hot Ford Focus RS
There’s even more big news from Ford at the show, which marks the introduction in Australia of the renowned Focus RS. 

 

The buzz of excitement surrounding Focus RS has been growing since Ford announced recently that it would be offering a limited number of the legendary hot hatch for sale in Australia. 

 

With only 315 Focus RS models being made available to the clamouring enthusiast community, the Sydney show may be the best place to lay eyes on one. First introduced in Europe last year, Focus RS has won a host of motoring awards and widespread critical acclaim for its outstanding combination of high-performance road car technology and everyday Focus practicality. 

 

“The show will be a great opportunity to see the car that’s set to spawn a whole new generation of performance car enthusiasts,” said Marin Burela, president and CEO, Ford Australia. 

 

The hot-performing three-door hatch boasts a turbocharged five-cylinder engine that develops near V8 performance levels with 224 kW (305 PS) of power and 440 Nm of torque.

 

Blowing the covers off the new GT
The Ford performance story will also continue at the show, with Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) launching its first-ever supercharged V8 engine to be fitted to its hero GT and new GS model ranges.

 

The new engine is based on the lightweight Mustang V8 but has been developed locally for FPV’s Falcon-based performance models.

 

FPV’s supercharged models join its turbocharged six-cylinder F6 range in Australia’s most respected high-performance model lineup.

 

Ford Fiesta range to expand
Visitors to the Australian International Motor Show will see the debut of the newest members of the Ford Fiesta range, with the new Fiesta sedan and diesel models making their appearance.

 

Available in both diesel and petrol versions, the four-door model will add to Ford’s successful Fiesta range and is expected to introduce even more new customers to the Fiesta lineup.

 

“Fiesta has been extremely successful in Australia,” said Burela. “Since its launch in early 2009, Ford’s share of the light car segment has grown from 4.7 percent to 8.3 percent. We fully expect that the new sedan and diesel variants will attract even more new customers to the Fiesta range, along with the availability of the new 1.6-litre PowerShift automatic transmission.”

 

Visitors to the 2010 Australian International Motor Show can experience the exciting lineup of Ford vehicles, along with a host of interactive activities for motoring enthusiasts and families, from October 15-24 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

2011 Ford Focus Brochure

Tweet

Here is the 2011 Ford Focus Brochure

 

 

Download the 2011 Ford Focus Brochure (PDF)

2011 Ford Explorer: Torture-Testing Traction, Air Conditioning In The White-Hot Sands Of Dubai

Tweet

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 8, 2010 – The 2011 Ford Explorer has been redesigned from bottom to top, inside and out to meet the needs of SUV drivers from Dubuque to Dubai. While the atmospheric conditions of eastern Iowa can be closely replicated in Ford’s Dearborn, Mich., facilities, there’s no substitute for being there when validating vehicle capabilities for Dubai customers.

 

 

“The sweltering heat and humidity conditions of Dubai have helped us develop a better Explorer,” said Chief Engineer for Vehicle Engineering Don Ufford. “With midday temperatures pushing 125 degrees Fahrenheit – aggravated by high humidity near the sea coast – Dubai represents an ideal environment to test and validate vehicle performance in some of the world’s most extreme conditions.”

 

Ufford and his team make the trek to Dubai for more than the opportunities that are inherent in the extreme-condition testing the humid desert climate provides. They are here to listen to customers, too.

 

“We regularly sell close to 10,000 Explorers per year in the Middle East market,” Ufford says. “SUV drivers in this part of the world regularly use the broad range of capabilities these vehicles offer. Our rationale for testing in Dubai is simple: If we can perform well here, we can do well anywhere.”

 

A recent Dubai trip for Ufford and the team offered the opportunity to test interior air conditioning effectiveness and occupant comfort in the combined desert heat and high humidity of the adjacent Gulf of Oman. With a 50 percent humidity factor, the equivalent temperature can exceed 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Engineers fitted an Explorer test vehicle with interior temperature sensors in the very places where occupants would be sensitive. A majority of the adjustments the team makes to improve air conditioning performance will find their way into all Explorers.

 

“Fine-tuning vehicle performance for these extreme conditions helps us deliver a better product for all of our Explorer customers,” Ufford said. “Nearly all of the adjustments we make to optimize for conditions in Dubai are integrated back into the global product program.”

 

Dubai also offers unique terrain characteristics to validate Explorer 4WD capabilities.

 

 

“The intense heat and sweltering humidity combine to turn the fine-grained white sand into a deep, soft proving ground to evaluate the sand setting on Explorer’s terrain management system,” Ufford said. “Customers here regularly drop tire pressure and head off into the sand dunes for off-road vehicular recreation. We wanted to make the terrain management system on the new Explorer easy and intuitive to use so customers have the confidence to go off-road without worrying about whether they have properly engaged all the vehicle systems.”

 

Terrain management sand mode allows for some wheel spin at initial throttle tip-in to gather momentum, while limiting slip as vehicle speed increases. Once in motion, the sand setting on Explorer’s terrain management system constantly monitors traction to send the right amount of torque to the wheels for optimal performance in the soft and hilly conditions, without the need for customer intervention.

 

Intelligent 4WD with terrain management – including the sand setting – will be an added convenience to experienced SUV drivers and a confidence-builder for those new to the segment.

 

The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer – delivering capability, refinement and fuel economy – will be available in North American Ford dealerships later this year with exportation to more than 90 markets globally.

Class-Exclusive Technologies Help Keep 2011 Ford Edge a Safety and Security Leader

Tweet

• 2011 Ford Edge has class-exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) standard, one of several technologies further enhancing the safety capability of the popular midsize crossover
• Traction control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and available all-wheel drive also can bring peace of mind to customers
• Several class-exclusive driver assistance technologies available on 2011 Ford Edge include adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support and cross-traffic alert

 

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 3, 2010 – The wealth of available class-exclusive features added to the 2011 Ford Edge include driver assistance technologies that bring peace of mind.

 

Leading the safety technology for the popular midsize crossover is Ford Motor Company’s exclusive AdvanceTrac with RSC. This electronic stability control system helps maintain a driver’s intended path by measuring side-to-side yaw through steering angle, lateral acceleration and yaw rate sensors and automatically making braking and throttle adjustments.

 

When wheel slip is sensed, AdvanceTrac reduces engine torque and applies selected brakes. RSC is an additional vehicle control software module that monitors and helps control vehicle roll rate.

 

“With class-exclusive safety technology and solid unibody construction, the 2011 Ford Edge will continue to be a leader in safety,” said Elaine Bannon, Edge chief engineer. “For families who place a premium on safety, the new Edge features several new available technologies that can help avoid an accident.”

 

New available driver assistance and convenience technologies added to the 2011 Ford Edge and how they help include:

• Adaptive cruise control allows the driver to set the vehicle’s cruising speed, using advanced radar technology to monitor traffic ahead and scan for slower vehicles. The system slows the vehicle to adapt for traffic conditions and maintain the preset distance between vehicles. Once traffic clears, the set speed returns. Gap distance settings can be customized from four predetermined options.
• Collision warning with brake support helps reduce speed, automatically pre-charges brakes, provides a red warning light on the windshield as well as an audible beep and engages an electronic brake assist system to help drivers stop more quickly when the system detects a collision is imminent.
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert is a feature that can help detect vehicles in blind spots during normal driving, as well as traffic approaching from the sides when reversing out of parking spots.
• MyKey® is designed to allow parents to encourage teenagers to drive safely and more fuel efficiently, and increase seat belt usage. The standard MyKey feature allows owners to designate keys that can limit the vehicle’s top speed, audio volume and other features.
• Rear view camera automatically engages when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The camera is located in the liftgate above the license plate, and video is shown on the available 8-inch center stack touch screen with an image providing vehicle centerline, rear bumper orientation and trajectory lines to relate an object’s proximity to the rear of the vehicle.
• Hill start assist helps keep the vehicle from rolling backward, making it easier to pull away when on a slope or hill. With the brake pedal pressed, if sensors detect the vehicle is on a slope, the system is automatically activated. Brake pressure is held in the braking system and the vehicle remains stationary on the slope for up to two seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal.

Ford Uses Innovative Liquid-Cooled Battery System To Help Focus Electric Owners Maximize Range

Tweet

• The all-new Ford Focus Electric, which debuts in late 2011 in the U.S. and 2012 in Europe, will be powered by a lithium-ion battery system that utilizes cooled and heated liquid to regulate battery temperature, extend battery life and maximize driving range   
• The innovative thermal management technology helps the Focus Electric operate efficiently in a range of ambient temperatures
• Focus Electric is one of five new electrified vehicles Ford will deliver over the next three years in North America and Europe. The Focus Electric will be built at Ford’s retooled Michigan Assembly Plant

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 2, 2010 – The all-new Ford Focus Electric, which debuts in the U.S. late next year and in Europe in 2012, will be powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery that utilizes heated and cooled liquid to help maximize battery life and gas-free driving range.

 

Thermal management of lithium-ion battery systems is critical to the success of all-electric vehicles because extreme temperatures can affect performance, reliability, safety and durability. Ford has chosen an advanced active liquid-cooling and heating system to regulate the temperature of its lithium-ion battery packs, which are designed to operate under a range of ambient conditions.

 

“All-electric vehicles do not have a conventional engine on board, so it is critical we maximize the performance of the battery under various operating temperatures,” said Sherif Marakby, Ford director, Electrification Program and Engineering. “Active liquid systems are more effective than air systems at regulating lithium-ion battery temperature. As a result, the active liquid system on Focus Electric will play a key role in providing our customers with the best performance possible.”

 

The active liquid cooling and heating system also enables the Focus Electric to automatically precondition the battery pack temperature during daily recharging. When the vehicle is plugged in to the power grid, the vehicle system will be able to warm up the battery on cold days and cool it down on hot days.

 

The Focus Electric will be built at Ford’s retooled Michigan Assembly Plant and will be available in late 2011. The vehicle will have an expected range of up to 100 miles and use no gasoline at all. 

 

Battery thermal management in action
While air-cooling methods work well for many of today’s smaller car battery systems, the larger, more complex lithium-ion battery technology powering Ford’s all-electric vehicles calls for an aggressive thermal management system.

 

An active liquid system heats or chills a coolant before pumping it through the battery cooling system. This loop regulates temperature throughout the system against external conditions.

 

On hot days, chilled water absorbs heat from the batteries, dispersing it through a radiator before pumping it through the chiller again. On cold days, heated water warms the batteries, gradually bringing the system’s temperature to a level that allows it to efficiently accept charge energy and provide enough discharge power for expected vehicle performance.

 

“Extreme temperatures impact a battery’s life and performance, making it crucial to have an effective cooling and heating system to regulate temperature for these demanding applications,” said Anand Sankaran, Ford executive technical leader, Energy Storage and HV Systems.

 

The liquid cooling system also plays a role in charging the vehicle. When the all-electric Focus is plugged in to recharge, the vehicle control system will automatically precondition the battery, if needed, to the optimal temperature before accepting charge. If the battery is already at the optimal temperature, the system will automatically accept charge and maintain an optimal temperature.

 

“We are working closely with our technology partners to accelerate the development of our lithium-ion battery systems to help our future EV customers get the most out of their vehicles,” Marakby said. “Our goal is to build an electric vehicle that delivers on the quality and performance customers have come to expect from Ford.”

 

Focus Electric is one of five electrified vehicles Ford will release over the next three years. In addition to the Focus Electric, the Ford Transit Connect Electric small commercial van arrives in late 2010, followed by two next-generation hybrid electric vehicles, as well as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013.

 

Electrified vehicles are one part of Ford’s broader strategy to offer a wide range of environmentally friendly, advanced technology solutions to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions affordably for customers around the world.

First-Ever Ford Police Interceptor Utility Debuts, Offers Portfolio Of Choice For Law Enforcement

Tweet

• Ford’s new Police Interceptor utility is designed to complement the sedan introduced earlier this year and give law enforcement agencies a comprehensive choice for pursuit vehicles
• The purpose-built sedan and utility Police Interceptors will deliver at least 20 percent better fuel economy than the current Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
• Ford’s utility and sedan Police Interceptors will debut simultaneously when production of the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor ceases in late 2011

 

 

Chicago, Sept. 1, 2010 – Ford Motor Company today revealed its newest pursuit-rated vehicle – Ford’s first-ever specially designed Police Interceptor utility built for the rigors of police work.

 

The new vehicle is designed to complement Ford’s all-new Police Interceptor sedan, which was introduced earlier this year. Combined, the two vehicles provide law enforcement agencies the ultimate in versatility and choice, something no other police vehicle on the road today can match.

 

“We understand today’s police departments require adaptability,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Ford is committed to remaining the nation’s largest provider of police vehicles, and we’re offering law enforcement officials a complete portfolio of options that are purpose-built, capable and delivered with the safety, technology and performance they need to excel at their jobs.”

 

Ford, the police vehicle market leader for 15 years, developed both Police Interceptors to allow departments to maximize versatility without sacrificing quality. Both vehicles will debut simultaneously and be offered without interruption when production of the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor ends in late 2011.

 

Meeting a spectrum of needs
With the introduction of its newest Police Interceptor, Ford now provides a complete package of performance and capability designed to meet the diverse and ever-increasing needs of law enforcement agencies across the U.S.

 

Ford’s new Police Interceptor utility vehicle is equipped with the highly efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine. This Ti-VCT engine, delivering at least 280 horsepower and E85 compatibility, is mated to a unique six-speed automatic transmission that combines lowered initial gears for improved off-the-line acceleration and higher gearing for improved efficiency at lower engine rpm when cruising. Two drivetrain options are available, providing off-road capability teamed with a multipurpose cargo area specially calibrated for loads up to 800 pounds.

 

Both the sedan and utility are rated for the severe-duty cycle that police professionals undertake on a daily basis and will deliver at least 20 percent more fuel efficiency than the 4.6-liter single overhead cam (SOHC) V8 offered in the current Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.

 

Police input key to development
When developing the next-generation Police Interceptors, Ford worked with its Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals to provide input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver convenience and comfort.

 

“The combination of both the sedan and utility versions of the Police Interceptor allows Ford to deliver a complete, diverse and efficient solution to all of law enforcements’ pursuit needs,” said Ken Czubay, vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service. “These vehicles were developed step-by-step with our valuable Police Advisory Board, so we have had customer feedback throughout the development process and provided an efficient solution for fleet managers.”

 

Keeping it safe
Like the sedan, the utility version of the Police Interceptor puts a priority on safety. Continuing Ford’s safety leadership includes engineering both Police Interceptors to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing. Currently, the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is the only pursuit sedan to meet this test.

 

The Police Interceptor utility vehicle features Ford’s exclusive Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbag rollover protection system that helps protect passengers in both rollover and side-impact crashes. The multiple side-curtain airbags use Ford’s unique roll-fold technology to help position them between the occupant and the side window.

 

Staying in control
Unique to the utility vehicle is Ford’s state-of-the-art curve control technology, designed to help drivers maintain control of their vehicles when taking curves at high speeds. Curve control senses when a vehicle is entering a curve too quickly, and can apply four-wheel smart braking to reduce vehicle speed by up to 10 mph in approximately one second and help drivers follow their intended path.

 

Rigorously tested, police-tuned
Just like its sedan partner, Ford’s Police Interceptor utility vehicle has been put through its paces, undergoing a battery of torture tests to ensure its individual components can hold up to rigorous driving. Certification testing designed by the Michigan State Police and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department proved out the durability and capability of the vehicle through a variety of punishing tracks.

 

To make sure the utility vehicle can take the heat – quite literally – the AWD drivetrain is equipped with a water-cooled power transfer unit that guarantees capability in all conditions. Across the board, brakes have been increased in size and performance, and the cooling package features a heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator. Standard 18-inch wheels are vented, designed to work in concert with the enhanced brake system.

 

Even so, the utility vehicle is light, precise and easy to handle. “Officers won’t need any special training to drive this,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “The advanced technologies and similar driving dynamics of Ford’s new Police Interceptors provide officers the flexibility, convenience and ease of driving utility or sedan police vehicles.”

 

Functional, inside and out
Inside, the functionality continues, with the vehicle’s interior package uniquely designed for the needs of police, maximizing officer comfort and cargo capacity. The front seats are designed with a lower bolster to accommodate utility belts, and just like the sedan, Ford’s Police Interceptor utility offers a column shift, designed to leave the console area free for the ever-increasing amounts of equipment necessary for officers to do their jobs.

 

The second row features a vinyl, easy-to-clean bench seat that folds flat for versatility. Because police require a lot of gear, additional space in the utility provides plenty of room for K-9 officers and SWAT operations, including room for the full-size spare tire to be stored safely under the cargo area.

 

The new utility vehicle also features:

• Ford SYNC®: The Ford-exclusive, hands-free information system provides officers the ability to operate their various communication and audio equipment by voice control.
• BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System): The system uses two radar sensors located in the rear quarter panels to detect vehicles in the surrounding lanes. If a vehicle enters the driver’s blind spot zones, the system alerts the driver with a warning light in the sideview mirror.
• Cross-traffic alert: This system uses the existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic when slowly backing out of a parking spot. This industry-exclusive system functions only while the vehicle is in reverse and warns when cross traffic appears within three car-widths.
• Rear view camera: When the vehicle is in rear camera mode, a color image with guidance markers on the rearview mirror will assist the driver in backing up.
• Reverse Sensing System: An audible tone will alert the driver to certain objects up to 6 feet behind the vehicle.
• Remappable steering wheel controls: Helping officers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, remappable steering wheel controls offer the police the flexibility to work specifically with police aftermarket equipment to customize voice-controlled lights and sirens at the push of a button.
• Standard AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™): This system helps maintain the intended path by measuring side-to-side yaw, or skidding, by the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When wheel slip is sensed, AdvanceTrac reduces engine torque and applies selected brakes.

Both Ford Police Interceptors will be manufactured at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant.

 

For more information
Please click here to access the live Webcast of the Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicle reveal.