Ford recalls more than 350,000 F-150 pickup trucks

American automotive giant, Ford, has recalled some 363,000 F-150 pickup trucks in the country. It is a strong blow to an American car company who has enjoyed the pride of producing quality vehicles in the nation. The sole reason these pickups have been called back is due to the faulty door issue in its vehicles.

According to the automotive experts and analysts, Ford F-150′s have an eerie problem with its door handles. The spring of the latch will fail to come back or move to its normal position if it is involved in a side impact accident, as the passenger in the vehicle will allegedly be stuck inside.

The issue has been noticed by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], and they have asked Ford to rectify it. Ford had now requested the owners of the F-150′s to bring in their trucks to the nearest Ford dealer and replace them with new handles. The notification of the recall will be provided to the F-150 owners across America from the 14th February. As of now there are no reports of any accidents or even deaths due this issue.

Ford F150 MI Automaker Facing Fiery Recall as Unattended Trucks May Burn

Dec 31, 2010 – DETROIT, M.I. – Ford F150 MI trucks have always been perceived as the pride and joy of Ford Motor Corp., but today may have put a damper on some of the favoritism. These “tough” trucks are now facing a recall of 14,737 vehicles in the United States as they may have the ability to burst into flames while not running.
This is not the first time this year the F150 has been put under the microscope of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Only three months ago 1.4 million Ford F150 models from 1997 to 2001 were being investigated as complaints arrived about the fuel tank falling from the frame due to the corrosion of straps, which caused the tank to to drag underneath the vehicle.
[Rewind: Ford F150 Being Investigated by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Back in 2009, Ford F-Series Super Duty was hit hard with recalls along with seven other Ford vehicles like the Ford Windstar, altogether totaling 14 million vehicles. This recall included a glitch in Ford’s cruise control system and had the possibility of causing a fire even while the car was turned off. Two deaths were linked to these fires, and home fires were also reported.
It is obvious that Ford is not new to problems with its vehicles, and this recall will be added to the list. At one point, the Michigan automaker felt strong enough about the power and stability of its Ford F150 MI trucks that it declined a Truck vs. Truck challenge with General Motors, stating there was no need to have a competition when the top sales reports did all the talking for the trucks. Ford may be seeing a shift in F150 sales after this recall.
[Recall: Detroit MI Challenge from General Motors Declined By Ford]
The Ford F150 MI vehicles are joined in the current recall by the Ford Edge, Ford F250, Ford F350, Ford F450, Ford F550 and the Lincoln MKX; all of the 2011 model year.
On Nov. 16, a 2011 Ford F150 truck was found at the Dearborn Assembly Plant smoking with flame. It was then that Ford started an investigation believing the issue to be the Body Control Module (BCM).
On Dec. 5 another Ford F150 MI truck was found in the same condition. At this point Ford put a stop ship on the trucks. According to the NHTSA report, it was then found that a new operator failed to properly clean a soldering machine during four production shifts from Oct. 25 to Oct. 30 which resulted in a small number of printed circuit boards with contaminants that could result in a short circuit. This short circuit could cause overheating which could then lead to an unattended vehicle fire.
Owners with any of these Ford models can visit MI Ford dealers to get the BCM replaced if necessary for no charge. The recall is going to begin Jan. 10. All owners can contact Ford at 866-436-7332. Also for more information, owners can call the NHTSA at 888-327-4236 or visit ww.safercar.gov.
MI Auto Times covers all Michigan automotive news all the time, featuring newly released vehicle recall information, relevant Michigan automaker news, vehicle ratings and comparisons, and everything else auto-related Michigan and world readers need to know.
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2011 Ford Taurus

2011 Ford Taurus Photo Gallery

Ford Taurus

2011 Ford Fiesta Photos

Ford Fiesta

 Ford Fiesta Photos

2011 Ford Fiesta RS WRC

2011 Ford Fiesta RS WRC The Ford Fiesta RS WRC testament pee its competition unveiling for the 2011 FIA World Assemblage Title in Assemblage Sverige, the initiatory global of the 2011 FIA Earth Gather Title, on 10 – 13 February. The new Concern Effort Car, derivable from the best-selling Fiesta traveling car, is state industrial by Writer of Continent and its gather partner M-Sport.

Using as a foot the Ford Fiesta S2000 gather car, which won the legendary Monte Carlo Recuperate on its launching antepenultimate Jan and new global and someone rallies in 2010, Fording of Europe’s decoration aggroup and M-Sport jazz worked unitedly to fine-tune the styling of the bodywork and aerodynamic collection of the new Fiesta to create an breathtaking substitution for the extroversive Concentration RS WRC.

The Fiesta deed car give overdraw four-wheel traverse transmitting and a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, based on the all-new Fording EcoBoost engine house, to comply with new regulations. Specializer engineers from Author and M-Sport score co-operated closely in the processing of this 1.6-litre engine, with highly-respected French wireless Pipo Moteur transfer further skillfulness to the country pass.

The Ford Fiesta RS WRC appearing at the Town Motorial Pretending precedes the car’s original better trial syllabus with the replete 2011 engine specification on gravel roads in Espana next period. The car has already completed near 3000 kilometres of testing in Kingdom and Author, powered initially by the rife WRC engine and statesman late by a image 1.6-litre President EcoBoost turbo organisation.
2011 Ford Fiesta

 

The Ford Fiesta RS WRC faculty interchange the record-breaking Pore RS WRC as Ford’s title contestant. The Ford RS WRC won back-to-back manufacturers’ grouping titles in 2006 and 2007, and its success in New Sjaelland in May was the Uncheerful Oval’s 75th at WRC point, making Crossing the most palmy business in experience title record.

North American 2011 Ford Fiesta debuts on Sunset BLVD. (w/ Poll) Posted: Dec 02, 2009

Press Release:

2011 FORD FIESTA: FUEL-EFFICIENT, PROGRESSIVE DESIGN OFFERS VERSATILITY, PERSONALITY

“¢ The all-new Ford Fiesta features an expressive, vibrant design, with sharp reflexes and a global track record that will redefine U.S. small car customers” expectations

“¢ Fiesta offers 15 class-exclusive technologies, adding luxury and convenience usually found in vehicles at significantly higher price points

“¢ Fiesta is projected to deliver best-in-class highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, with a responsive 1.6-liter DOHC I-4 engine, advanced PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission and Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS)

“¢ Designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable, Fiesta is expected to deliver best-in-class safety, convenience and connectivity with segment-exclusive SYNC® voice- activated communications system, an expressive color palette and available graphics

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2, 2009 ““ Ford”s hot-selling new Ford Fiesta will deliver more than just great looks and top fuel economy of any vehicle in its segment when it goes on sale in North America next year. The 2011 Fiesta ““ available in four- and five-door body styles ““ also will set a new small car benchmark for safety, connectivity and powertrain technology.

In fact, Fiesta will offer North American buyers a stylish new choice of 15 class-exclusive technologies and projected highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, besting the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris and Corolla.

“Customers are savvy. They want expressive cars that deliver not just great fuel economy but also high quality, new technologies and a fun driving experience,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “We plan to answer the call with Fiesta; an all-new vehicle in North America we hope will set a new standard for small cars.”

Fiesta is the next milestone under the ONE Ford plan to design and develop vehicles that meet the differing needs, wants and expectations of customers around the world. More than 500,000 Fiestas have already sold to customers in Europe and Asia.

When developing the new Fiesta, Ford conducted extensive global customer research. Findings clearly indicated the need for style topped the list of customer desires everywhere in the world. In Europe, across North America and in the Asia Pacific region, customers are looking for a distinctively designed small car that offers world-class quality, convenience, comfort and connectivity.

The anticipated new Ford Fiesta arrives in North America with strong consumer awareness, thanks to the Fiesta Movement program. With 100 social media mavens chronicling their experiences of driving European market Fiestas on American roads, Fiesta has generated more than 675,000 Flickr views and more than 5.5 million YouTube video views.

Kinetics and aesthetics
Kinetic design imparts a sense of movement ““ even while standing still ““ harmonizing character elements to reflect global Ford identity, enabling Fiesta to project its own air of confidence, style and individuality. Fiesta targets a youthful “design progressive” mind-set, a consumer group that values style and diversity as worthy assets.

“These influential, prospective Fiesta customers relate to the design philosophy of “˜energy in motion” because it reflects their personal outlook and lifestyle,” said Kevin George, Fiesta design manager.

Up front, Fiesta sports the global Ford face, centering the Blue Oval badge on the grille over the signature inverted trapezoid lower grille opening. These subtle cues engender familiarity across the portfolio, providing aesthetic linkage between the distinctive new Taurus, the fuel-efficient midsize Fusion and the bold Fiesta.

Adding eyes to the Fiesta face are sweeping, elongated headlamps that frame and connect the hood to muscular, sculpted front fenders. Available in sporty five-door hatchback or four-door sedan body styles, Fiesta provides ample space for occupants and their gear.

At the rear of the car, many design elements merge, including the chamfered rear liftgate glass, the low roofline sweeping into a spoiler and dramatic taillamps with honeycomb detailing mounted high in the five-door”s corners. Muscular rear quarter panels, wrapped tightly, draw the eye to the wheels and Fiesta”s confident stance.

The Fiesta design is further enhanced with a choice of nine vivid new colors. From Bright Magenta through Lime Squeeze to Blue Flame, Fiesta”s broad color palette ““ more available colors than any other segment competitors ““ instills vibrant individuality.

Inside Fiesta
Fiesta is as dramatic on the inside as it is on the outside. Boldly sculpted surfaces, contrasting colors and comfortable, supportive materials make the interior as individual as the driver.
The instrument panel centerstack ““ focal point of the new Fiesta interior ““ was designed to feel as useful and familiar as the keypad on a mobile phone.

The North American Fiesta features first-row bucket seats with a 60/40 split second-row seat. Cloth or leather seating surfaces vary by trim level offering comfort, style and individuality. High series Fiestas also offer leather with sporty contrast accent color piping.

Soft, sculptured surfaces and the centerstack layout provide the Fiesta with a sense of harmony. Intuitive switchgear placement, comfort zone seating and available ambient lighting allow a driver to maximize the mood with seven complementary colors ““ switchable among three levels of intensity ““ for interior accent lighting.

And Fiesta keeps it green; 25 percent of volume series SE seat fabric inserts are comprised of recycled content.

Fun, with fuel efficiency
Fiesta”s flowing sculpted hood covers a 1.6-liter DOHC I-4 engine with an estimated 119 horsepower and 109 ft.-lbs. of torque. Spirited performance and fuel-efficient economy are signature attributes with the Fiesta expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy at 40 mpg.

Fiesta”s advanced 1.6-liter engine features Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) allowing the engine to be downsized for fuel economy while continuously optimizing camshaft phasing for throttle response, performance and flexibility.

Big results from a small package are possible with several new technologies in this new
global engine, including an advanced new front end accessory drive (FEAD) belt with stretchy dynamics to improve the engine”s thermal dynamics. The elasticity in this new drive belt eliminates the need for a belt tensioner and contributes to overall fuel economy.

Fiesta features a standard five-speed manual transaxle with gear ratios selected to offer spirited off-the-line performance and exceptional fuel economy for drivers who desire three pedals and a stick shift to maximize driving experience.

Specially tuned front struts, bushings, dampers, stabilizer bars and a rear twist-beam axle keep Fiesta sure-footed and firmly planted. Sporty, European driving dynamics prevail.

Automatically game-changing
An available all-new North American industry-exclusive PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission combines the responsive performance and fuel economy of a manual transmission with the convenience of a traditional automatic in one advanced, dual dry-clutch package.

“Fuel economy leaders have traditionally been manual shift models,” said Pierro Aversa, team leader for transmissions. “Fiesta changes the game by offering an advanced PowerShift six-speed automatic that delivers maximum fuel economy.”

Twin internal clutches keep the PowerShift in constant mesh, always optimizing for maximum responsiveness or fuel efficiency, depending on input received from the driver”s foot on the accelerator pedal.

This “dry” transmission operates with sealed internal lubrication, reducing internal friction and adding to Fiesta fuel economy. The lack of pumps and hoses reduces under-hood complexity, saves weight and also contributes to fuel efficiency.

PowerShift has been proven in Ford”s European market and will redefine North American small car segment expectations for responsive shifting and fuel efficiency.

Power steering conserves fuel
For confidence-inspiring on-road dynamics, Fiesta features Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) which reduces complexity while saving weight and fuel. This advanced system is speed-sensitive ““ providing optimized assist based on speed, cornering forces and acceleration or deceleration.

Ford is aggressively moving to EPAS across its product lineup. The system already is available in several Ford, Lincoln and Mercury nameplates, and by 2013 nearly 90 percent of Ford”s lineup will offer this fuel saving technology.

EPAS also includes Pull-Drift Compensation to help Fiesta track true regardless of road crown or side wind conditions. In addition, active nibble control helps detect and compensate for tire balance irregularity. Both features ““ enabled by EPAS ““ are class-exclusives.

Strength, safety, quality and quiet
More than 50 percent of Fiesta”s welded body structure is made from high-strength steel, with ultra-strong boron steel used in several critical areas. This rigid body shell contributes to Fiesta”s confident road-holding, best-in-class occupant safety and quiet composure.

Fiesta safety is enhanced by an array of features including dual-stage first-row air bags, a class-exclusive driver”s knee air bag, side air bags and side curtain air bags. AdvanceTrac® with ESC (Electronic Stability Control) is standard on Fiesta, along with seat belt pretensioners, rear door child safety locks and a Safety Canopy® system with rollover sensors.

Tested and proven on virtually every continent where you can drive a car, Fiesta arrives with proven quality and customer readiness.

“For North America, the global Fiesta was tweaked, not re-designed or re-developed.” said Steve Pintar, chief engineer. “We built on the success of the European Fiesta and are really proud of how little has changed.”

Fiesta NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) control is taken to a new level of quiet for this segment, helped in part by a specially laminated, class-exclusive windshield that was chosen to help absorb and contain noise. Engine noise is subdued by a hood blanket, with enhanced door seals keeping wind noise minimized.

Special padding behind the instrument panel and foam baffles mounted inside the pillars keeps Fiesta quiet. Even the headliner material was specified for its sound-deadening qualities.

Much of Fiesta”s sound-absorbent materials are comprised of recycled content, helping to conserve resources as it preserves peace and quiet. In addition, Fiesta aerodynamics contributes to both NVH control and fuel efficiency.

Features and functionality
From class-exclusive automatic climate control to a standard aux input, Fiesta offers customers a number of standard and available features that increase convenience and add connectivity. Among them is Ford SYNC®, integrating a driver”s mobile phone with Fiesta”s onboard, voice- activated communications and entertainment system.

Fiesta also offers keyless entry and push button start, a feature unique within the segment. Drivers of all sizes can adjust the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel to suit their individual preferences. Reflecting Fiesta”s versatility and adaptability, adjustable cup holders can accommodate Red Bull cans and Big Gulps along with every container size in between.

Fiesta also features Ford”s EasyFuel® Capless Fuel-Filler System, a North American industry- exclusive, as standard equipment.

Fiesta sales success
Fiesta is continuing its sales momentum as Europe”s No. 2-selling car and Ford of Europe”s top-selling vehicle, helping increase Ford”s share in Europe”s main 19 markets. More than 500,000 Fiestas have been sold since the car was launched last autumn. In Europe, the Fiesta name has long been synonymous with outstanding drive quality, design and value. It”s winning enthusiastic media reviews in Asia. Now, the all-new Fiesta offers North American consumers a stylish, fuel-efficient alternative.

2011 Ford Focus

First Look

If you are thinking of buying a 2010 Ford Focus, we’ll recommend you wait for few months. This wait of few months will get you car that’ll make you feel kick yourself if you get the current Focus. The 2011 Ford Focus is a completely redesigned version of the current model and is radically improved than its precursors. Among the things that make the 2011 Focus even more tempting, there is the exclusive ease of Ford’s Sync system and the fact that the 2011 Focus offers trouble-free, fuel-efficient transportation. On a whole the new Focus has got all that it takes to be a class leader, and we are pretty sure of that.

What’s New for 2011 Ford Focus?

The Ford Focus coupe has been withdrawn from the 2011 lineup and now you are only left with the sedan.

Body Styling and Features

The equipment list for the base S model includes 15-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, power locks, a 60/40-split rear seatback, air-conditioning, a four-speaker stereo with CD player, a tilt-only steering wheel and an auxiliary audio jack.

The SE trim adds 15-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors and windows, and satellite radio. If you are getting optional Ford Sync Equipment Group then you will be getting real-time traffic, voice-activated controls, Bluetooth, directions assistance, auto-dimming mirror, iPod control, a leather-swathed steering wheel with mounted audio controls and cruise control.

The 2011 Focus SEL trims comes with 16-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, foglamps, heated leather front seats, the Ford Sync Equipment Group and heated mirrors in addition to the equipments from SE.

The last SES trim is also similarly equipped but comes with particular rear and front fascias, 17-inch wheels, but not the heated leather seats. You can get both SES and SEL trim with the Moon and Tune package; this adds a nine-speaker sound system along with a subwoofer and a sunroof.

Under The Hood

The 2011 Ford Focus has a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine pumping under its hood and churning 140 horsepower of maximum power and 136 pound-feet of maximum torque. There is a cleaner version of the engine available for California-emissions states. It gets PZEV tailpipe-emissions certification and generates 132 hp of maximum power and 133 lb-ft of maximum torque.

The four-cylinder engine is mated with a five-speed manual transmission on all the trims, except for the SEL, that comes with a normal four-speed automatic. The same transmission is optional on other trims. The estimated fuel economy for the vehicle is 28 mpg.

Safety Equipments

The standard safety equipments for 2011 Ford Focus includes antilock brakes front disc, rear drum, stability control, side curtain airbags and front-seat side airbags. The focus also has Ford’s programmable MyKey system as its standard safety system. It lets the parents specify the limit of their vehicle speed and stereo volume for their teenage drivers.

Verdict

The 2011 Ford Focus offers steadfast transportation, but still falls short of being a perfect small car, although it is a considerable option, but there definitely are better alternatives available than this.

2011 Ford Focus

2011 Ford Mustang

First Look:

The 2011 Ford Mustang in one word would be “Different”. It surely is not like the other Ford vehicles that we’ve seen in the past or which many of you might have in your garages. The ford Mustang enters the model year 2011 with plethora of updates in terms of styling and functionality (modernized styling, new-fangled features and comfortable interiors). After seeing the 2010 Ford Mustang we were pretty sure that the there aren’t going to be any significant improvement in the 2011 model year. But, it looks like the cut throat competition in the modern auto world the Ford engineers decided to go step further and started resolving the very primary problem with the 2010 Ford Mustang, which was its “Powertrain”. So the Ford Motors Co is not the one who will sit back and relax after giving a top notch car in the market, they likes to constantly improve.

So the 2011 Ford Mustang has overcome the Powertrain problems of 2010 model and is even better now. So get ready for this luxurious ride with monstrous engines under the hood.

What’s New for 2011 Ford Mustang?

The 2011 Ford Mustang carries the enhancements like upgraded interiors and exteriors, made in the earlier Ford Mustang, but on top of this the car gets all new powerplants for model year 2011. All these reasons make the 2011 Mustang a compelling car in the market. There are plenty of other enhancements available as well to make it an even more powerful model in the market.

Body Styling and Features:

The 2011 Ford Mustang will enter the market in two body styles: coupe or convertible and will be available in four trim levels: V6, V6 Premium, GT and GT Premium.

The standard equipment set for base V6 trim of Mustang comprises of 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, cruise control, a limited-slip rear differential, complete power accessories, side spotter mirrors, air conditioning and for music crazy people it has a CD audio system having auxiliary jack.

The V6 trim brings 17-inch wheels, color-adjustable gauges, a power driver seat, Ford’s Sync system, leather upholstery, a leather-swathed steering wheel, upgraded interior trim, and a Shaker 500 stereo system.

The GT trim gets a powerful V8 engine under the hood and for equipments it has 18-inch alloys, a back spoiler apart from all V6 features and foglamps.

The last GT Premium trim comes loaded with disparate 18-inch wheels and all the equipments of V6 Premium.

Under The Hood:

The Ford Mustang V6 trim has a new-fangled 3.7-liter engine pumping a maximum power of 305 hp and maximum torque of 280 lb-ft, while for the Mustang GT there is an all new 5.0-liter V8 engine pumping maximum power of 412 hp and 390 lb-ft of maximum torque. Both the abovementioned engines are mated with a six-speed manual transmission, which also is standard transmission here, though there is an option of a six-speed automatic.

The 2011 Ford Mustang sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 4.8 seconds. the estimated fuel economy for the Mustang is expected to be 19 mpg in city and 31 mpg on highway.

Safety Equipments:

The safety in 2011 Ford Mustang is ensured by antilock four-wheel disc brakes, stability control, and front-seat side airbags and side spotter mirrors. These are standard safety equipments on all Ford Mustangs, and in addition to this, the other standard equipments includes Ford’s MyKey system that lets the car owners to limit driving speeds for their young drivers.

Verdict:

The 2011 Ford Mustang is the best Ford in the market, and if you liked the 2010 Mustang, then you are going to like it even more.

2011 Ford Edge – A Strong Midsize Contender

First Look

With the all new styling features and an outstanding grille, which reminds us of the midsize Fusion sedan, the 2011 Ford Edge will go on sale this summer. But there aren’t only design enhancements in the car, there are plenty of other developments that put the car just above the conventional mid-lifecycle refreshes.

The changes that we are talking about here are mostly under the hood, where the buyers will get an option to pick from the three engine choices. Apart from under the hood developments, there are plenty of enhancement and upgrades for the car for its interiors as well, so the car not only offers a wide range of powering options, but also gives you a decent amount of luxury and lavishness with its improved features.

Body Styling and Features

The 2011 Ford Edge is a midsize sedan, and has got the looks and styling that echoes the styling of yet another midsize sedan, the Ford Fusion. Some of the advanced features and equipments for the 2010 Edge includes its newly “MyFord Touch” gauge cluster that can be reconfigured, Ford’s all new MyFord Touch entertainment and information control system that will also be making use of that reconfigurable screens shown in the gauge cluster and a huge touchscreen shown in the huge center console. The standard wheel choices for the car is of 18 to 20 inch wheels, though the sport package of the car is suppose to have a 22 incher as well. The best thing about the features and interiors of the 2010 Edge is that, the car makes use of decent quality material, which makes the cabin quieter and comfy.

Under The Hood

The 2011 Ford Edge offers three engine choices to its buyers. Starting from the first engine option, there is a 2.0 liter EcoBoost inline 4 engine, which wont be available until this year end. But as per Ford, that engine will be delivering around 15 percent higher fuel economy than the recently running 3.5-liter V6 engine capable of penciling out fuel economy of 21 mpg for city and 30 mpg for highways.

The other two engine options for ford edge are its two new V6 engines, which include an immensely reworked variant of 3.5 liter V6 engine that churns out maximum power of 285 horsepower and maximum torque of 253 pound-feet. The another variant is of Ford Mustang’s 3.7-liter V6 engine capable of pumping maximum power of 305 hp and maximum torque of 280 lb-ft.

Safety Equipments

The 2011 Ford Edge will be having an upgraded barking system, which will be enhancing the safety in the car, and apart from this there will be all the essential safety equipments that you want.

Verdict

The 2011 Ford Edge definitely is a strong contender in its overly crowded midsize crossover category.

Ford Edge