Blue Oval Guide
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Ford Motor Company Launches New Warranty for Ford Genuine and Motorcraft® Parts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0wRMAd-gGA
Ford Motor Company will announce at the annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) trade show on Nov. 6 the launch of a new warranty on Genuine Ford and Motorcraft service parts. The new warranty provides unlimited mileage coverage for 24 months from time of purchase or installation. Ford will also now reimburse fleets and independent repair facilities up to $150 in labor coverage. Ford continues a No Commercial Exceptions policy as a commitment to fleet customers.
“The Ford backing, clarity of terms, labor coverage and access to our nationwide network for coverage, provides greater value and peace of mind for all our customers whether they are general consumers, fleet operators or independent repair facilities,” said Jay Davis, General Sales Manager, Ford Motor Company.
Ford’s part warranty provides customers towing reimbursement for repairs completed at any Ford or Lincoln Dealership. The warranty also provides Independent Repair Facilities the ability to complete repairs for customers by securing parts from a dealership or Ford Authorized Distributor. All customers benefit with more options on how they can have their vehicles serviced.
Ford’s previous service parts warranty was 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurred first, and labor was covered if the part was installed by a Ford or Lincoln dealership. Labor was not covered on parts sold over-the-counter to a fleet or installer. -
If you need more Shelby GT350, there's a forum specifically to you - the SHELBY GT350 FORUM and there's even a forum for the SHELBY GT350 R
Enjoy!
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If you need some extra assitance with your Ford SYNC system, you can also visit the http://www.FordSYNCForum.com.
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MKZ pushes Lincoln dealer profits up
Brand's sales could rise 20% in 2014, analysts say; retooling expected to help numbers
Karl Henkel / Detroit News
A profitable new MKZ sedan boosted Lincoln dealer profits last year, despite the lowest number of cars and SUVs sold in recent history.
Sales of Lincoln vehicles overall fell 0.6 percent in 2013 to 81,694. But a 15 percent rise in sales of the luxury brand’s most popular vehicle, which is selling for about $6,000 more than during the previous year, has Lincoln dealers hoping that the brand’s reinvention — which could include sales gains of 20 percent this year — may be ahead of schedule.
“When you see the new cars that are coming, this is what’s going to resurrect the Lincoln brand,” said Jere Law, general manager at Varsity Lincoln in Novi.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
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2015 Ford Transit Production, Ordering and Scheduling
Initial Order Acceptance:
14 January 2014
Production Scheduling Begins:
13 February 2014
Start of Production JOB1:
Not yet set
check back for updates @ http://www.FordTransitForum.com
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The last order date for the 6.8L Econoline was on 17 January 2014.
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Here are some 2015 Ford Transit production dates -
Initial Order Acceptance:
14 January 2014
Production Scheduling Begins:
13 February 2014
Start of Production JOB1:
Not yet set
updates @ http:/www.FordTransitForum.com
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Ford Focus Energi Forum
We've developed a site for the possible Ford Focus Energi, which can be found here.
There are some articles gathering from news sites on the forum and a topic asking your thoughts on the Focus Energi here.
If you have a Facebook account, you can login to the site using your Facebook details.
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Click here to check out the Lincoln MKC builder and color guide.
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2015 Lincoln MKC Order Guide Builder
The Lincoln Motor Company has launched their online build one tool for the 2015 Lincoln MKC. Click here to build your MKC now and check out the Lincoln MKC available colors below.
Karat Gold
Midnight Sapphire
Ruby Red
Silver Sand
Smoke Quartz
Tahitian Pearl
Tuxedo Black
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The last of the retro-Mustangs - nice
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Check out this screen shot from Ford's dealer network, which shows the addition of the 2015 Ford Shelby GT350!
More at the Ford Shelby GT350 Forum
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Join us at the Ford Shelby GT350 Forum to answer some trivia questions for FREE Shelby swag! More here.
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Check out this screen shot from Ford's dealer network, which shows the addition of the 2015 Ford Shelby GT350!
More at the Ford Shelby GT350 Forum
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While the 2015 Ford Transit won't be available in the United States until the summer of 2014, Ford has started to populate the Transit's website with a cool build tool and some options, like color.
This handy tool allows you to select your model: Wagon vs. Cargo / Wheelbase / Roof Height and finally, Color. More @ Ford here.
Little by little we're starting to see Ford Transit build options appear - new are the color options, including school bus yellow, which was made famous on the 1970 Boss 302 Mustang and revived for the 2013 Boss 302 Mustang Laguna Seca. More @ Ford here.
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SHELBY AMERICAN BRINGS BACK ICONIC SHELBY GT FOR 2014 WITH WORLD-CLASS POWER, AND PERFORMANCE
Supercharged Optioned Shelby GT/SC Offers up to 624 HP
FORD SHELBY GT350 FORUM – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), returned one of its most popular cars to the lineup today by unveiling the Shelby GT at the L.A. Auto Show. The new generation Shelby GT is based on the 2014 Ford Mustang GT with an incredibly attractive base price and 430 HP. The optional Shelby GT/SC supercharged model comes in either a 525HP or a staggering 624 HP version, making it the most potent version of the car ever made.
"The Shelby GT was one of the most important vehicles in modern day Shelby history," said John Luft, president of Shelby American. "It kicked off Shelby's rebirth in Las Vegas by putting a Mustang-based small block car into Ford dealerships. Ever since the Shelby GT went out of the production, people have clamored for its return."
In 2007, Ford Division, Carroll Shelby and Ford Racing created the Shelby GT. Beginning as 4.6L Mustang GT's assembled at Ford's Flat Rock, Mich. plant, they were shipped to Shelby in Las Vegas for transformation. The 320HP 2007 Shelby GT coupes were all Performance White or Black with silver stripes. In 2008, Shelby added Vista Blue and a choice of coupe or convertible. About 8,000 Shelby GT's were built.
The Shelby GT was wildly popular and the people who snagged one have been one of the most passionate owner groups. The cars were often tailored with custom parts to fit an owner's personality and then driven hard on both the street and track. The Shelby GT totally dominated its SCCA racing class in 2007 and 2008.
"Based on the standard Mustang GT, the total cost of our entry-level 2014 Shelby GT is only about $45,000, yet offers so much more than the previous model," said, Gary Patterson, Shelby American VP of Sales. "The performance-to-price ratio makes the Shelby GT perfect for any serious pony car enthusiast."
The new Shelby GT is a post-title program; Ford dealers send a customer's Mustang GT coupe or convertible to Shelby for upfit. Every material performance aspect of the car is enhanced or replaced to create a potent, balanced performer worthy of the Shelby name. Entry-level package upgrades include a Ford Racing suspension, Shelby branded exhaust, intake and engine tune for 430 HP, specially designed wheels andtires, short shifter, hood and Le Mans stripes that make it uniquely Shelby. Every Shelby GT version is 50 state emissions legal and runs on pump gas.
One of the car's most appealing aspects is the opportunity for personalization. Choosing from an array of options, customers can opt for a more hard-edged suspension, better braking and supercharger upgrades, as well as a vast selection of performance and styling parts from Shelby Performance Parts.
"While the Shelby GT is very affordable for such an exclusive vehicle, a post title program allows us to take performance to new levels," said Shelby American VP of Production, Gary Davis. "Working with partners like Ford Racing, it is docile enough to be a daily driver and still dominate the track on the weekends."
The 624 HP Shelby GT/SC version is expected to blast from 0-60 mph in about 3.7 seconds; the quarter mile time should be in the mid 11 second range. The car should also pull over 1 G on the lateral skid-pad.
"No other carmaker offers this level of performance, heritage and iconic styling at this price, making the Shelby GT the best all-around American car in its class," said Luft. "Each car will be issued a Shelby American CSM number for documentation in our Shelby American Worldwide Registry to help maximize potential future value."
The price of the base Shelby GT package, not including the car, is $14,995, making a nicely equipped car about $45,000 in total. The Shelby GT/SC package begins at $27,995. Customers can build their Shelby GT online at www.shelbyamerican.com/2014shelbygt.
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Shelby GT Standard Features
430 Horsepower
-Caster/Camber plate set
-Shelby/Barton short shifter
-Panhard suspension bar
-Shelby/Borla exhaust
-Shelby GT dash plaque and Engine Plate
-Billet upper grille with Ford running pony emblem
-"Powered by Ford" side badges
-SHELBY trunk letters
-20x9 wheels, silver
-BFG G-Force Comp2 tires
-Shelby GT front fascia
-Shelby GT fiberglass hood
-Shelby GT carbon laminated hood louvers
-SHELBY head rest covers
-Shelby GT LeMans and side stripes
Shelby GT/SC Additional Features
525 or 624 Horsepower
-Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple supercharger, 525HP, black or polished
-Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple supercharger, 624HP, black or polished
-Shelby/Wilwood 6-piston front brakes, red
-Shelby/Wilwood 4-piston rear brakes, red
-Michelin Pilot Supersport tires
-A-Pillar gauge pod with boost, fuel and oil pressure gauges
-Shelby GT/SC side stripes
Additional Options:
Functional
-Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple supercharger, 525HP, black or polished
-Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple supercharger, 624HP, black or polished
-Shelby/Kenne Bell supercharger
-Shelby GT aluminum driveshaft
-20x9 Wheels, black
-Shelby/Wilwood 6-piston front brakes, red or black
-Shelby/Wilwood 4-piston rear brakes, red or black
-Shelby billet Watts link
-Eibach sway bar kit
-Eibach coil-over kit
-Shelby cooling system
-Front Spoiler
Styling and Interior:
-Shelby GT front spoiler
-Shelby GT500 rear spoiler
-Quarter window covers
-Light bar w/3rd brake light (convertibles only)
-Shelby/Kicker audio system
-Shelby interior upgrade
-Shelby GT lighted door sill plates
-Serialized car cover
-Shelby Wide Body Kit*
-Factory Delivery -
Lincoln's MKC Is Latest Step Towards A Comeback
Alex Davies - Business Insider
Lincoln MKC Owners - Ford has revealed the Lincoln MKC, a small luxury SUV.
About a year ago, Ford announced a big plan to relaunch Lincoln, its once great, now lame luxury brand. The plan started with the MKZ, an eye-catching sedan that fell short of our expectations.
But Ford kept critics at bay with the mantra: This is a long process that doesn't hinge on the success of a single car, and we're going to put out four new cars in the next four years.
Today, Ford gave us our first look at car number two: the 2015 Lincoln MKC.
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Will the 2015 Lincoln MKC Transform Ford’s Luxury Brand?
John Rosevear - The Motley Fool
LINCOLN MKC OWNERS - Ford on Wednesday unveiled the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC, a "small premium utility vehicle" that will soon join the white-hot compact-luxury crossover segment.
The MKC is the latest move in Ford's long-range plan to turn Lincoln into a relevant -- and global -- premium brand. Ford said in a statement that the MKC is "the second of four all-new Lincoln vehicles to fuel the brand's reinvention."
The first was the mid-sized MKZ sedan, which hit Lincoln dealers earlier this year. The MKZ is selling well, but it hasn't -- yet -- proven to be Lincoln's breakout product.
Should Ford have higher hopes for the MKC when it arrives at U.S. dealers next spring?
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Ford’s Lincoln-Unique MKC Welcomes BMW Buyers
Craig Trudell - Bloomberg
LINCOLN MKC OWNERS - Ford Motor Co. is trying to revive its Lincoln line, said its newest utility vehicle will share little in common with the similarly sized Ford Escape in a bid to lure BMW and Audi buyers.
The MKC utility debuts in mid-2014 with the brand’s first Lincoln-exclusive engine, said Lisa Drake, the model’s chief engineer. An approach-detection feature will light up the MKC’s headlamps, taillamps and door handles when owners approach with their key fob. LEDs beneath the side mirrors project Lincoln “welcome mats” on the ground alongside the doors.
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‘Lincoln Experiences’ Use Technology to Make Driving More Engaging
- With the unveiling of the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC small premium utility, The Lincoln Motor Company introduces Lincoln Experiences to cater to today’s progressive luxury car buyer
- Featuring highly crafted new products, luxurious automotive features and an enhanced dealership experience, Lincoln Experiences are at the heart of Lincoln’s drive to reinvent the iconic luxury brand
- With Approach Detection, MKC responds to its owner’s arrival and issues a warm welcome that includes illuminated welcome mats next to both front doors and soft lighting in the door-handle pockets
LINCOLN MKC OWNERS - It isn’t just about making luxury cars; it’s about creating unique driving experiences. The Lincoln Motor Company – with the reveal of its all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC small premium utility vehicle this morning – introduces Lincoln Experiences, a suite of customer-focused comforts designed to enhance the buying and ownership experience.
Lincoln Experiences are at the heart of the company’s drive to reinvent the iconic luxury brand by thoughtfully implementing technology that creates a more personalized car-ownership experience.
“Lincoln Experiences are about creating a warm, personal driving experience every time a Lincoln owner approaches their vehicle,” said Matt VanDyke, Director, Global Lincoln. “Today’s premium car buyer is more demanding than ever. Our goal is to create vehicles that not only meet those evolving demands, but exceed them and redefine what the luxury car-buying and driving experience should be.”
Vehicles in the small premium utility segment are no strangers to high-tech offerings. Lincoln offers a fresh point of view in how the brand integrates technology to create a warmer, more personal driving experience.
From the warmth of Approach Detection, to state-of-the-art features like the all-new embedded modem and MyLincoln Mobile™ app, technology plays a lead role in helping every MKC owner interact with the vehicle.
Lincoln Experiences begin before a driver gets behind the wheel of an MKC. Approach Detection senses an approaching owner from up to nearly 9 feet away and the vehicle responds by illuminating 3-foot by 1-foot “welcome mats” on the ground next to both front doors. Simultaneously, signature lighting in the headlamps activates and the door-handle pockets glow with soft lighting tuned to the vehicle’s exterior color.
Drivers can interact with the vehicle remotely using the smartphone-enabled MyLincoln Mobile app. An embedded modem on each vehicle communicates with the app which allows owners to start, lock, unlock and locate the vehicle. Drivers also can use the app to perform a variety of other functions such as place a call for roadside assistance; monitor the vehicle’s fuel level; check the tire pressure and battery status; and program engine start times.
Production of the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2014 at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Ky. Vehicles will begin arriving to Lincoln dealerships next summer.
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Sporty 2015 Lincoln MKC Small Premium Utility is Elegant by Design
- Lincoln design DNA showcased in the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC gives luxury consumers a unique, fresh, sporty option in the small premium utility segment
- With low shoulders, Lincoln’s signature split-wing grille, and a unique wraparound liftgate, MKC stands out from the small premium utility crowd
- Push-button transmission shift, hand-crafted leather trim and a Panoramic Vista moon roof are among the many unique MKC interior highlights
LINCOLN MKC Owners - Some luxury car buyers seek elegance. Others desire superb comfort. And others crave performance. Now, drivers in the small premium utility segment can have it all in one vehicle.
The Lincoln Motor Company revealed this morning the elegantly sporty 2015 Lincoln MKC.
Entering as the rapidly growing small premium utility segment, the Lincoln design team faced the dual challenge of meeting the ever-changing demands of younger luxury vehicle consumers while further defining the Lincoln design DNA. The result is a vehicle that stands out, both in how it looks and how it performs. From any angle, it is unmistakably a Lincoln.
From its signature split-wing grille flanked by High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps to its hands-free, wraparound liftgate featuring full-width LED tail lamps, MKC’s design is a convergence of elegance, sportiness and customer-focused technology.
Continuing a design ethic that was first introduced on the all-new Lincoln MKZ midsize sedan, the sleek, sculpted body of the MKC stands apart from other small premium utility vehicles. Its high beltline and low shoulders create a sturdy, athletic presence, while attributes such as pedestal side mirrors add a dash of elegance. Features such as soft exterior lighting and an available Panoramic Vista glass roof add to MKC’s luxurious, sophisticated personality.
“We’re confident we’ve created an all-new vehicle that will attract new customers to the brand while meeting the expectations of long-time Lincoln drivers,” said Max Wolff, director, Lincoln Design. “The execution of the new liftgate is a prime example of how a signature premium design element can create a better customer experience.”
The MKC Concept, shown at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, introduced a uniquely crafted wraparound liftgate, a design feature that carried over to the production model after an enormous collaborative effort from the Lincoln design and engineering teams. Its side-cut design gives MKC an uninterrupted rearview to epitomize elegance, while its hands-free feature is another example of Lincoln’s commitment to build customer-friendly vehicles.
Those aspirations also carry through to the interior, where the merging of craftsmanship and technology combine to offer a warm, luxurious environment. Featuring an architecturally unique instrument panel that showcases Lincoln’s signature push-button gear shifter, MKC creates an open, welcoming interior. Inviting leathers and available Bridge of Weir leather and real-wood trim accentuate MKC’s elegance and grace.
“We gave attention to every detail to convey a stylish, luxurious vehicle,” said Soo Kang, Lincoln interior design chief. “The structure of the interior allows for openness, and that space contributes to the overall ambience. We want this vehicle to not only meet but often exceed the expectations of the new Lincoln customer.”
To be more consistent with the Lincoln driving experience, an all-new Lincoln steering wheel debuts on MKC and will be available on all future Lincoln vehicles. This highly tactile leather-wrapped wheel provides better feeling and control and puts the brand’s new design DNA in the driver’s hands.
“The Lincoln nameplate was built around high-quality, luxury vehicles that were instantly recognizable, and MKC continues that legacy,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Ford Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “Today’s luxury customer is looking for something different, something unique. MKC is further proof that Lincoln is intent on providing that unique driving experience.”
Production of the Lincoln MKC is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2014 at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Ky. Vehicles are due in showrooms next summer.
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All-New 2015 Lincoln MKC Small Premium Utility First to Offer 2.3-Liter EcoBoost Engine
- Underscoring the commitment to craft uniquely Lincoln vehicles, the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC small premium utility will be the first to offer the 2.3-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder turbocharged engine
- This all-new engine will offer projected best-in-class horsepower per liter and best-in-class torque per liter
- Featuring a twin-scroll turbocharger and a three-port integrated exhaust manifold (IEM), the 2.3-liter EcoBoost advances The Lincoln Motor Company’s efforts to build powerful and fuel-efficient vehicles
An all-new vehicle deserves an all-new engine.
LINCOLN MKC OWNERS - The all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC small premium utility, unveiled earlier today, adds a key new option to The Lincoln Motor Company lineup of premium vehicles, an available all-new engine - a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant.
“Core to the Lincoln reinvention is creating new vehicles that are unique not only to the brand, but also to the premium automotive market,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Ford Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “The 2.3-liter EcoBoost helps us achieve that in the all-new 2015 MKC by setting a new standard in the balance of performance and efficiency.”
The 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder offers best-in-class performance even when measured against competitors’ six-cylinder engines. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost offers projected best-in-class horsepower per liter and best-in-class torque per liter, generating 275 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, according to preliminary test data.
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost, standard on MKC, generates 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, according to preliminary test data.
The 2.3-liter EcoBoost was specifically engineered for higher performance. Two factors pivotal to the success of the newest entry in the benchmark EcoBoost engine lineup are a three-port integrated exhaust manifold cylinder head and a twin-scroll turbocharger.
“The three-port IEM design is the key driver for performance because it improves airflow and optimizes exhaust energy pulses through the turbocharger,” said Pete Pandolfi, 2.3-liter Engine Supervisor for Lincoln. “The three-port IEM and twin-scroll turbo design really opened us up to have outstanding power and refinement.”
The exhaust flows from the inner and outer pairs of cylinders are kept separate as they go through the three ports into the two scrolls of the turbocharger. Separating the exhaust pulses until they hit the turbine wheel minimizes the backflow into the next cylinder that fires, preserving energy to help spin up the turbo.
Turbo lag is virtually eliminated for quicker response when the driver needs power for passing while enabling the exhaust valve to stay open longer for lower emissions and up to 15 percent better fuel economy than comparable six-cylinder engines.
Production of the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC will begin in the second quarter of 2014 at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Ky. Vehicles will begin arriving to Lincoln dealerships next summer.
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Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Switches to Ford EcoBoost Power for 2014 United SportsCar Championship Season
- Ford bringing advanced technology of its 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost® engine to racing in the 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship
- Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates switches to Ford’s powerful and efficient EcoBoost engines in pursuit of 8th championship in sports car racing
- Scott Pruett, the team’s lead driver, winner of 59 major sports car events, including a record five Rolex 24 At Daytona wins, returns to Ford, where he began his career
- Bringing modern engines to USCC program continues strategy of showcasing power and fuel-efficiency advantages of Ford’s global EcoBoost brand
FORD ECOBOOST FORUM - Telca/TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS), winner of seven of the last 10 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototype Championships, will switch to the power and fuel-efficiency advantages of the new Ford EcoBoost sports car engine package starting next year.
The announcement was made Tuesday during the Ford press conference at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.
GGRFS will utilize Ford’s 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost® racing engine for the 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship (USCC), with Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas returning to pilot the team’s Riley Daytona Prototype starting with January’s Rolex 24 At Daytona race. Pruett and Rojas have combined for 27 victories since 2007.
“We’re excited about Chip Ganassi Racing choosing Ford EcoBoost power going forward in sports cars,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “We believe they will be the perfect partner going forward to work with us to further develop the advantages of our EcoBoost engines.”
Ford EcoBoost branding has appeared on various Ford race cars around the world the past two seasons as part of a strategy to raise brand awareness of the growing Ford line of production engines, which are now available in 1.0-liter, 1.5-liter, 1.6-liter, 2.0-liter and 3.5-liter versions.
“This opportunity with our racing program will highlight the core advantages of Ford’s EcoBoost technology – its unbeatable combination of performance and fuel economy,” said Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “Chip’s sports car team is a champion in the sport, and we look forward to having Scott Pruett behind the wheel of a Ford again showcasing the modern technology and advantages of EcoBoost, on and off the track.”
Ford celebrated the building of its two millionth EcoBoost engine in September, and now versions of the award-winning powerplant are available in 90 percent of the vehicles Ford offers to consumers.
“This new Ford EcoBoost race engine shares 70 percent of its parts with the 3.5-liter V6 engine that a customer can buy today in their Taurus SHO,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “This is Ford engine technology at is best – direct injection, turbocharging and high efficiency. And there may not be a better place to continue to develop and improve it than endurance sports car racing.”
Ganassi Racing is one of the most well-known teams in professional racing today, fielding six major entries across the IZOD IndyCar, NASCAR Sprint Cup and USCC race series.
“We are very excited to be switching to Ford power for our sports car program,” said Chip Ganassi. “Over the last 10 seasons we have been able to experience a great deal of success in GRAND-AM and now with the dawn of the new United SportsCar Championship we feel that Ford power will be a key ingredient to writing the next chapter of our sports car program. I can’t wait for the 24 hours of Daytona to get here.”
With CGRFS, Ford adds a team that has not only won 17 championships at the top levels of North American motor sports, but also has five Rolex 24 At Daytona wins to its credit, including a win in January.
“Partnering with Chip and his championship-caliber organization in this new sports car series is a critical ingredient to our Ford EcoBoost program in USCC,” said Allison. “Chip's team has a legacy of winning in endurance sports car racing, excellent technical capabilities, and race proven experiences – all elements we were looking for to field our Ford EcoBoost racing program.
“All of us at Ford and Ford fans are thrilled to have Scott Pruett return to Ford at this stage of his career. He is a champion, and his record as a driver speaks for itself, and we know he will be a great asset as we develop this program in the coming years.”
Pruett returns to Ford, where he started in 1985 with two races in the IMSA GTO series. He was signed to run full-time as a Ford factory driver in 1986 and promptly won four IMSA and SCCA Trans-Am championships in three years before moving to Indy car racing.
His two career Indy car wins also came with Ford power, and his one full season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series came behind the wheel of a Ford Taurus.
“Coming back to Ford is the perfect way to bookend my career,” said Pruett. “To be honest, without Ford, there is no Scott Pruett. Ford gave me the chance to drive my first real race car – the front-engine Mustang GTP in 1983 – and then they were willing to take a chance on me when no one else did in 1985 and 1986.”
“It’s exciting to be back with them to work on an exciting new program like the Ford EcoBoost engine effort. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel in off-season testing and feel what I have been hearing all about.”
Ford recently announced as part of its continuing strategy to introduce product-relevant technology into racing, the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost® racing engine would enter the 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship series.
Michael Shank Racing was the first team to sign up to campaign the engine, and MSR recently took the engine and the new-look Daytona Prototype car – created with Ford corporate design influence – to Daytona, where driver Colin Braun set a new closed course speed record of 222.971 mph, as well as FIA records for standing start 10-mile and 10-kilometer runs.
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2015 Ford Transit Van Begins Production
in Transit Forum
Posted
2,000 New Ford Kansas City Employees Celebrate Start of Production of Game-Changing 2015 Ford Transit Van
FACT SHEET: Kansas City Assembly Plant
FACT SHEET: 2015 Ford Transit Available Configurations
Supported by 2,000 new employees and a $1.1 billion investment, the all-new Ford Transit van rolls off the line at Kansas City Assembly Plant today, as Ford aims to strengthen its leadership in the commercial vehiclesegment.
On sale this summer, Ford’s next-generation full-size van family will provide tradespeople and businesses with increased capability and innovative new configurations in the growing commercial vehicle market.
FORD TRANSIT CLUB.com - It is another example of the company’s One Ford strategy to serve customers with world-class vehicles leveraging global assets, including common platforms. The move results in bringing new jobs to the greater Kansas City area.
“Producing our Built Ford Tough Transit lineup in Kansas City is a big deal for the local community,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Our investment in Kansas City Assembly Plant for Transit production is about delivering world-class commercial vans for a new generation of commercial customers – while building on our decades of leadership in the market and supporting new jobs throughout the region and across America.”
The 2,000 new Ford employees at Kansas City Assembly Plant puts the company more than 75 percent toward its goal of creating 12,000 hourly jobs in the United States by 2015. In 2014 alone, Ford will hire nearly 5,000 new hourly and salaried employees in the U.S. to support overall growth.
“Today represents much more than a next-generation vehicle rolling off an American assembly line for the first time, it represents another huge milestone for Missouri as we continue to lead the rebirth of the American auto industry,” Gov. Jay Nixon said. “With the all-new Transit, Ford’s historic investment in Missouri has brought another outstanding vehicle to consumers and thousands of good manufacturing jobs to our state. Today, the ‘Made in Missouri’ brand is back and stronger than ever.”
Ford Transit transformation
Transit is born from nearly a century of experience delivering two distinct full-size vans to customers in America, Europe and other global markets.
In the U.S., Transit eventually will replace America’s best-selling van for 35 years, the E-Series van, first sold in 1961 as Ford Econoline. E-Series vans and wagons still will be available and sold side-by-side with Transit into the 2014 calendar year, providing a seamless transition for Ford customers. Additionally, the E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis will continue to be built and sold through most of the rest of the decade.
Transit was introduced in Europe in 1965 and has been the best-selling commercial van in the UK for 49 years. Transit is currently sold in 118 markets on six continents.
The high-roof Transit – with best-in-class 81.5 inches of maximum interior cargo height – provides enough headroom for a person 6 feet 8 inches tall to stand upright in the cargo area.
The new Transit van offers as much as 487 cubic feet of cargo volume and 4,650 pounds of maximum payload capacity – more than competing vans from General Motors and Chrysler. The Transit van delivers a maximum towing capacity of 7,600 pounds.
In some configurations, Transit offers as much as 75 percent more cargo volume than the largest E-Series, helping customers save in fuel costs and time associated with having to make a second trip. Maximum payload increases more than 600 pounds across the Transit van lineup versus comparable E-Series vans.
Transit will be available in three body lengths, two wheelbases on van and wagon and three roof heights; in van, wagon, chassis cab and cutaway body styles; and in XL and XLT trim levels, offering more choices than ever from a Ford commercial van vehicle.
Moving from an all-gasoline engine lineup of two V8s and a V10 in E-Series, Transit comes standard with a 3.7-liter V6 engine and offers the Ford F-150’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine, along with a globally proven available 3.2-liter Power Stroke® diesel option. Each engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission for efficient rear-wheel-drive operation.
Transit has been tested to Built Ford Tough truck standards at Ford proving grounds and in the hands of real-world fleet customers in North America.
Kansas City Assembly Plant investment
In addition to Transit, Kansas City Assembly Plant produces Regular, Super and Crew Cab versions of Ford F-150. The plant employs 4,878 hourly workers on three crews. The third crew was added in the third quarter of 2013.
“The good news keeps rolling in for the dedicated, hard-working men and women of UAW Local 249,” said Jimmy Settles, UAW vice president, National Ford Department. “The addition of Transit to the Kansas City Assembly Plant line is a testament to the great work our members here and across the nation are doing every day, and helps solidify the future of Kansas City Assembly.”
Ford has invested $1.1 billion to retool and expand the facility for Transit production and support surging customer demand for F-150. Expansion projects include the addition of a 437,000-square-foot stamping facility and a 78,000-square-foot paint shop that will employ the three-wet and two-wet monocoat paint processes. Both processes are more environmentally friendly and take less time than conventional paint processes.
“These upgrades have helped make the Kansas City plant the global standard for Ford’s new manufacturing facilities across the world,” said Bruce Hettle, Ford vice president, North America manufacturing. “To support Ford’s global growth, in 2014 we will open three new manufacturing facilities – two of them in Asia Pacific and one in South America.”
The investment has also contributed to close to 550 new robots in the body shop, more than 700 new assembly tools in trim and chassis, and 18 new conveyor systems totaling 5,565 feet.
The new investment also will support Kansas City Assembly’s production of the all-new Ford F-150 in 2015, after the truck launches at the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant in late 2014.
The 2015 Ford F-150 is the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever – setting the standard for the future of trucks. The truck’s signature fully boxed ladder frame is all-new, with more high-strength steel than ever – making it stronger and lighter. High-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloys – already used in aerospace, commercial transportation, energy and many other rugged industries – are used throughout the F-150 body for the first time, enhancing dent and ding resistance and also saving weight. Overall, as much as 700 pounds of weight have been saved, helping the F-150 tow more, haul more, accelerate quicker and stop shorter, and contributing to efficiency.
F-150 is part of the Ford F-Series lineup. Now in its 66th year, F-Series has been the best-selling truck in America for 37 consecutive years, the best-selling vehicle in America for 32 consecutive years.
Community impact
The addition of Transit has had a significant impact in the Kansas City-area community. Kansas City Assembly Plant works with more than 100 suppliers nationally and eight suppliers locally that have grown their businesses because of the new Transit.
Stamping provider Cosma International, instrument panel assembler Piston Automotive and headliner manufacturer Grupo Antolin built brand-new facilities near Kansas City Assembly to support Transit. Additionally, seat supplier Magna International expanded its current Kansas City manufacturing facility in preparation for the start of Transit production. Furthermore, companies like Knapheide and Utilimaster, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, have established local facilities near the plant to upfit Transit vans.