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2017 Focus RS Rolls off the Line in Germany; Hot Hatch Set to Arrive at U.S. Dealerships This Spring With U.S. sales of Ford’s performance cars outpacing the overall industry, production kickoff for the company’s long-anticipated, 350-horsepower hot hatch couldn’t come at a better time. The first all-new Focus RS has rolled off the line in Saarlouis, Germany. The arrival of Focus RS in the United States this spring adds to a potent hot hatch lineup. Ford’s Focus ST and Fiesta ST both have enjoyed critical acclaim and success. Sales of the Focus ST increased 9 percent last year while Fiesta ST saw a gain of 4 percent. The Ford Performance U.S. lineup is set to grow by three models in 2016. Focus RS will be joined by F-150 Raptor this fall and the all-new Ford GT supercar that goes into production late this year. Along with Focus ST and Fiesta ST, the lineup already includes Shelby® GT350 and GT350R, which debuted late last year. Record-breaking Focus RS Focus RS is one of 12 performance vehicles Ford will bring to customers globally through 2020. Developed by a team of Ford Performance engineers in Europe and the U.S., Focus RS is powered by a specially engineered version of Ford’s new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine. Its 4.7-second 0-62-mph sprint makes the high-performance hatchback the fastest-accelerating Ford RS model ever. Focus RS pioneers innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring for a new level of handling, grip and cornering speed. For the first time, the RS model gets selectable drive modes – including industry-first drift mode that allows controlled oversteer drifts – and launch control.

New Ford Escape to Launch in Spring with Fresh Interior, New Driver-Assist Technologies New 2017 model year Ford Escape to reach showrooms in the spring with innovative and environmentally friendly Auto Start/Stop technology standard on two new EcoBoost® engines – the 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter twin-scroll; Auto Start/Stop shuts off the engine during common stops, eliminating unnecessary fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions Ford’s newest SUV offers advanced driver-assist technologies such as Enhanced Active Park Assist, a lane-keeping system, and adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support; a first for Ford, SYNC® Connect allows drivers to use a smartphone app to start their Escape, lock doors and check fuel level from anywhere 2017 model builds on nameplate success: in 2015, Escape set an all-time sales record with 306,492 units sold; 2016 Escape was tied for Highest Ranked Compact SUV in Initial Quality in the most recent J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Study < 2017 Ford Escape Order Guide > FORD ESCAPE FORUM – The Ford Escape – the vehicle that helped popularize one of the largest automotive segments – is being significantly updated for model year 2017 with more of what Escape customers said they wanted – the latest driver-assist technologies, connectivity and two new fun-to-drive and efficient EcoBoost® engines. Escape is currently one of the best-selling vehicles in its class. In 2015, a record 306,492 Escapes were sold in the U.S., making it Ford’s number two nameplate behind F-Series, the best-selling vehicle line in the U.S. for 34 straight years. The new Escape, scheduled to launch in the spring, features available SYNC® Connect mobile access and driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, a lane-keeping system, and Enhanced Active Park Assist – all packed in a vehicle that’s been redesigned from the inside out. Escape is the first Ford vehicle to make Auto Start/Stop technology standard with either of two new-to-Escape EcoBoost engines – a 1.5-liter EcoBoost and a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged EcoBoost. Auto Start/Stop technology shuts off the engine during common stops, so the vehicle burns no gas and emits zero tailpipe emissions. “To improve an already-great vehicle, it was important that we listened to our customers,” said Milton Wong, Ford Escape chief engineer. “Escape owners drove these changes by telling us how we could make one of the best-selling vehicles in the segment even better.” Changes to the interior began with a new push-button electronic parking brake, which replaces the large, traditional hand-actuated parking brake. This change dramatically enhanced the front-row experience for the driver. The gear shifter was repositioned rearward to give improved access to climate controls on the center stack. In addition, a media bin was added at bottom of the stack, offering access to a USB port and a covered power outlet. The redesign also features improved cup holders, two new storage bins and a larger center armrest. The new Escape features an all-new steering wheel with easy-to-work buttons for audio and climate system controls, and a new “swing-bin” glove box gives provides easier access to stored items. “Virtually every surface a customer will touch is new, in design or material,” said Chris Mazur, Escape program manager. “In some cases, it’s the minor changes that have the greatest impact on driver or passenger comfort.” On the exterior of the vehicle, design changes to the front and rear give the new Escape a more confident, rugged persona. The redesigned hood and raised trapezoidal upper set a wider stance – evoking a more prominent feel for the front of the new Escape. More of the smart technologies that drivers want Escape will be available with two new-to-Escape powertrains – a 1.5-liter EcoBoost and a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged EcoBoost – and both will include Auto Start/Stop technology as standard equipment. Base models are powered by a 2.5-liter i-VCT four-cylinder engine. The Ford Auto Start/Stop system senses when a vehicle is sitting idle and shuts off the engine to conserve fuel. When shut off, an engine burns no fuel and emits zero harmful emissions. “Auto Start/Stop is the equivalent of turning off the lights when you leave a room, or turning off a water faucet when you’re done washing dishes,” said Wong. “It’s a high-tech approach to more efficient driving.” Since its introduction for the 2001 model year, Ford Escape has been a leader in offering advanced driver-assist technologies. The 2017 Escape carries on that leadership. In addition to other favorite features such as a hands-free liftgate and SYNC 3 driver-connectivity system, the new Escape features these available technologies: Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning and Brake Support: Sensors detect when Escape is approaching a slow-moving vehicle and adjusts cruise control accordingly SYNC Connect: Lets owners use a smartphone app to start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle Enhanced Active Park Assist: Provides automatic steering assistance to park the vehicle in a parallel or perpendicular parking spot, and pull out from tight parallel parking spots Lane-Keeping System: The system includes lane-keeping assist, which alerts drivers when they drift unintentionally from their lane, and lane-keep aid, which provides steering assistance to guide an unintentionally drifting vehicle back in its lane Driver Alert System: Using data from the lane-keeping system, Driver Alert detects signs of fatigued driving and provides a warning on the instrument cluster

I would almost guarantee that's it's done at Flat Rock - I am not aware of a place outside of Flat Rock elsewhere that they would do it at. You can post your question for the Flat Rock employees here: http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?/forum/136-flat-rock/

Lincoln is making design changes to speed up its comeback Lincoln Continental.org - One of the big stories in the surging US auto market is the comeback of Lincoln. Ford's top brand was headed for the dustbin of automotive history after the financial crisis, but then CEO Alan Mulally was convinced to keep the marque, which had largely gotten lost in the luxury shuffle. At this week's LA Auto Show, Lincoln pulled the cover off a significant refresh to its MKZ midsize sedan. The big story is the front end. The Lincoln revival won't be led by the swoopy, beak-like front design that has probably both helped the brand's cars stand out — but also held it back with potential buyers who simply couldn't warm to the Gallic flair of the look. The new grille is drawn from the design of the all-new Continental, a large-and-in-charge sedan that Lincoln revealed at the New York Auto Show early this year. Lincoln has also dropped a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 under the hood, good for 400 horsepower. A new look, more power, and even a ditching of the "EcoBoost" name to describe the turbo. The new MKZ gets just a simple "3.0T," which executives told Business Insider resonates better with the luxury customers the brand is aiming to woo. READ MORE HERE

Lincoln Just Reminded Me Of The Biggest Mistake I Ever Made Lincoln, Ford’s luxury brand, just revealed the production model of its Continental sedan at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show. The car, in shimmering white, drives home Ford’s strategy for reviving the brand. And it shows that Lincoln is zigging where everyone else is zagging. Unlike the rest of the industry, which is showing off bold designs, horsepower and technology – the Continental is characterized as “an elegant, effortlessly powerful, serene full-size sedan that delivers quiet luxury to the industry’s most discerning customers.” It’s because, for the people Lincoln wants to sell cars to, the Continental was never a numbers game. Executives say that in focus groups, the specs never really came up. I used to knock Lincoln for not having a rear-wheel drive options, something that BMW, Mercedes, and Cadillac consider the price of entry for the luxury market. But Lincoln is satisfied to go with all-wheel-drive, and to stick with a 3.0-liter V6 that – with turbocharging – makes a respectable 400 horsepower, and it’s betting its customers will be too. The new Continental was also a stark reminder of the biggest mistake I ever make in covering the car business. . . . .And it isn’t just a marquee car like the Continental that shamed me. Lincolns lineup of crossover and SUVs means that it has enjoyed a sales boost over the past two years, as consumers have flocked back to these vehicles amid plunging gas prices. I’m very sorry, Lincoln. I was wrong. I wish I could take it all back. READ MORE HERE

I agree with the T & C name being dated My thoughts exactly about it becoming a trim level. I see more Caravans in Ontario and Quebec too compared to the T & C.

Still Unmatched: All-New Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew Is America's Favorite High Performance Off-Road Pickup Truck click here for the F150 Raptor photo gallery For more multimedia and all news from Detroit visit our 2016 NAIAS Collection here Roomier: All-new Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew adds room for passengers and gear, expanding choice and versatility in the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 Raptor ever More agile: Enhanced suspension, use of advanced materials, all-new EcoBoost engine technology plus smart engineering saves up to 500 pounds, for improved power-to-weight ratio for even better off-road agility than previous F-150 Raptor Unmatched performance: All-new high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost, all-new 10-speed transmission and torque-on-demand transfer case make F-150 Raptor even more powerful, efficient and easy to drive off-road Better traction: Segment-exclusive redesigned beadlock-capable wheels help increase grip in low-traction conditions; unique Avalanche Grey color signifies Raptor’s Ford Performance tie click here for the F150 Raptor order guide DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2016 – Eagerly anticipated and still unmatched by any auto manufacturer, Ford – America’s truck leader – introduces the all-new F-150 Raptor SuperCrew, adding agility, versatility and roominess to the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 Raptor ever. Developed with the DNA of a Baja race truck, F-150 Raptor is unique among off-road and performance vehicles, with a purpose-built engine, chassis and suspension that enables it to travel fast over challenging desert landscapes or crawl over rocky terrain. F-150 Raptor SuperCrew with four full-size doors provides rear passengers with more legroom and comfort on the trails and more space to stow gear while exploring the American and Canadian wilderness. SuperCrew’s 145-inch wheelbase is 12 inches longer than the standard Raptor SuperCab 133-inch wheelbase. “F-150 Raptor means superior off-road capability, from rock crawling to sand running,” said Dave Pericak, Ford Performance global director. “With the addition of SuperCrew, F-150 Raptor customers can leave the pavement behind – without sacrificing comfort and space.” Advanced materials – including high-strength steel and high-strength, military grade, aluminum alloy – help save up to 500 pounds versus the prior Raptor for improved off-road prowess. Combined with all-new EcoBoost engine technology, the next-generation F-150 Raptor’s power-to-weight ratio has been improved, making the truck even more agile off-road. Toughest F-150 Raptor ever The all-new F-150 Raptor starts with a purpose-built fully boxed frame – the backbone of the truck – that is the strongest in the F-150 lineup, featuring more high-strength steel than the outgoing Raptor. F-150 Raptor’s chiseled looks are reminiscent of Trophy Trucks – the fastest and most powerful class of off-road pickups. F-150 Raptor is 6 inches wider than standard F-150 for enhanced stability off-road. The all-new F-150 Raptor also boasts its first-ever dual exhaust and new 17-inch wheels with next-generation BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires designed for off-road performance. Smartest F-150 Raptor ever F-150 Raptor is powered by Ford’s new, second-generation high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine that produces more power with greater efficiency than the current 6.2-liter V8, which is rated at 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque. The high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost is a Raptor-exclusive in the F-150 lineup paired with an all-new 10-speed transmission for improved efficiency. An all-new four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand transfer case, with advanced, easy-to-use off-road mode driver-assist technology, further improves Raptor’s performance so it is easy to drive off-road across varying terrain. F-150 Raptor’s new transfer case, which manages power distribution between the front and rear wheels, combines the best attributes of clutch-driven, on-demand all-wheel drive with durable, mechanical-locking four-wheel drive to send power to the wheels in slippery conditions. F-150 Raptor’s pioneering off-road driving mode technology has evolved into an all-new Terrain Management System™ that enables the driver to select modes to optimize driving dynamics to environmental conditions – from snow to mud, sand and more. Six preset modes help the truck power through different terrain and driving conditions: Normal mode for everyday driving Street mode for higher-performance, on-road driving Weather mode for rain, snow or ice Mud and sand mode for muddy and sandy trails and terrain Baja mode for high-speed desert running and Rock mode for low-speed rock crawling Most capable F-150 Raptor ever An available Torsen front differential increases off-road capability further. The system increases grip significantly for the front end of the truck and allows it to pull itself over obstacles and up steep grades – even when traction is split between the front tires. F-150 Raptor comes standard with new FOX Racing Shox with custom internal bypass technology that works to damp and stiffen suspension travel over rough terrain, helping prevent the truck from bottoming out. Front and rear shock canisters have grown from 2.5 inches to 3 inches in diameter for improved performance. They feature more suspension travel than the current Raptor’s 11.2 inches at the front and 12 inches at the rear. All-new F-150 Raptor will be built at Dearborn Truck Plant and goes on sale in the U.S. and Canada this fall. F-150 foundation Ford F-150 – the same hard-working light-duty truck available from XL work truck to Limited, the most luxurious F-150 ever – is the foundation of every F-150 Raptor. F-150 is part of Ford F-Series, America’s favorite truck for 39 straight years and America’s favorite vehicle for 34 straight years.