2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Price, Review and Specifications

2013 bmw 6 series Review 

information about 2013 bmw 6 series gran coupe price, review and specifications. BMW is not the first premium car manufacturer to design a four door coupe, but the Bavarians’ response to the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7 is here now and ready to make a statement. The new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe served us over the course of a weekend and at the end of a few hundred miles trip, we were left with one question: “Where have you been my whole life”?

Yes, it is that impressive and in our opinion, one of the most stylish and best looking bimmers in the current line-up. First previewed in concept car form at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show, the niche four door coupe joins the 6 Series family while sitting, price wise, between the 5 Series sedan and the flagship 7 Series.

Design – A blend of classic and avant garde

The 6er Gran Coupe offers the practicality of a four-door automobile with the sporty and elegant lines of a premium coupe. Adrian Van Hooydonk’s designing team has done an excellent job embedding the classic BMW design icons with the new design language seen across the 6er family. From the beginning the designers were concerned with proportions, just 4.5-inch longer than the 6-series coupe and convertible, yet the body gives the impression of long and lean lines, even when compared to the 7 Series. The long hood stretches out the front giving the car a road-focused look and “shark nose” with the top grill leaning forward gives the car an aggressive look. At the rear, the roof line is reminiscent of a two door coupe and the “Gran Coupe” badge in the Hoffmeister Kink reminds us of the idea behind this model.

And what’s a better place to match that design with the proper surroundings than the beautiful and scenic roads around Santa Barbara. Surrounded by vineyards and wealthy customers, the 6 Series Gran Coupe feels at home. The exterior design quickly turns heads and sparks conversations with those around: “Good looking BMW but different than what I’ve seen so far,” said a Porsche Panamera owner that just parked his car in Solvang city.  “Looks like a 6 Series but with extra doors and curvy looks.” We couldn’t agree more. 

2013 bmw 6 series Prices


information about 2013 bmw 6 series gran coupe price, review and specifications. BMW announces details and specification of the new 6 Series Gran Coupe, with prices starting from £61,390

BMW has announced full details and specification of the new 6 Series Gran Coupe, with prices starting from £61,390 for the 640i model, which is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine producing 316bhp.

Further up the range is the 640d, which starts from £63,900 and boasts 313bhp from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel unit. There will also be a 650i model sitting at the top of the range but this 450bhp model goes on sale a month after the other two variants, in July for £70,650.

Only SE and M Sport trim levels are offered throughout the line-up but the cheaper SE models still come with a lengthy standard equipment list. Sat-nav, heated front seats, leather upholstery and cruise control are all included.

M Sport models cost £4,665 more than the SE models and come with a bodykit, sports seats and larger alloys wheels.

Customers can order both the 640i and 640d now, but the 650i will only be available from July.

MSRP: $76,000 - $93,000

2013 bmw 6 series Specification


Weight
Unladen weight EU in kg : 1,825
Max. permissible weight in kg : 2,360
Permitted load in kg : 570
Permitted axle load front/rear in kg : 1,130/1,295

Engine
Cylinders/valves : 6 / 4
Capacity in ccm : 2,979
Stroke/bore in mm : 89.6 / 84.0
Max. output in kW (hp) at 1/min : 235 (320) / 5,800-6,000
Max. torque in Nm at 1/min : 450 / 1,300-4,500
Compression ratio : 1  : 10.2 / ROZ 91-98

Wheels
Tyre dimensions front : 245/45 R 18 96Y
Tyre dimensions rear : 245/45 R 18 96Y
Wheel dimensions and material front : 8 J x 18, light-alloy
Wheel dimensions and material rear : 8 J x 18, light-alloy


Fuel consumption
Urban in l/100 km : 10.7-10.5
Extra-urban in l/100 km : 6.2-6.0
Combined in l/100 km : 7.9-7.7
CO2 emissions in g/km : 183-179
Tank capacity, approx. in l : 70

Performance
Top speed in km/h : 250
Acceleration 0–100 km/h in s : 5.4

source: netcarshow.com, bmw.com, autoexpress.co.uk, bmwblog.com

2013 Cadillac ATS Price, Review, Specification and Release Date

2013 cadillac ats Review

2013 cadillac ats price, review, specification and release date. Size and weight are a big part of GM’s DNA. They beat Ford not with a frontal assault on the Model T but by offering a larger, heavier, flashier car. They thought they could do the same to BMW. But, even as the Bavarians packed on the inches and pounds, car buyers “in the know” saw the additional size and weight of Cadillacs as a sign that the General either lacked technical competence or just didn’t “get it.” Well, maybe the “new GM” really is different. With the 2013 Cadillac ATS, the company has pulled out all the stops to directly challenge the BMW 3-Series with a rear-wheel-drive car that is—surprise—a few tenths of an inch smaller and a few pounds lighter. Could the people who tried to sell us the Cimmaron have gotten this one right? 

From looking at the ATS, you’d never guess that GM was swinging for the fences, because the exterior designers weren’t. Instead, they were instructed to bunt. The first CTS was a brash yet largely successful attempt by Cadillac to carve out a new visual identity. The second one smoothed off the first’s edges, but its muscular fenders and enlarged grille oozed swagger. Many people loved it, but some also hated it. The ATS’s leaner, less dramatic body sides and trimmer grille are better for aero, packaging efficiency, and not scaring off buyers who want to blend in. The longer you look at it, the better it looks, but such subtly stylish sheet metal won’t sell the ATS all by itself. Instead, it might maximize the number of people willing to check out the rest of the car. This is the opposite of GM’s past practice, where often the hope was that dramatic styling would lure buyers to overlook the rest of the car. 

2013 cadillac ats Price


2013 cadillac ats price, review, specification and release date. Cadillac's ATS is scheduled to hit dealer showrooms this summer, and General Motors has finally divulged pricing. Its smallest luxury sedan will start at $33,990 including destination, but that price will only snag you the entry-level model, powered by a 200-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a six-speed automatic. Stepping up to the turbocharged, 270-hp 2.0-liter will push the price up to $35,795, and bring all-wheel-drive and manual transmission options into play. The top-of-the-line ATS carries a $42,090 price tag and is powered by a version of the 3.6-liter V6 from the Cadillac CTS, rated at 320-hp and mated to an automatic tranny, with all-wheel-drive available.

While these prices are hard to evaluate without a full breakdown of standard equipment – which Cadillac promises in due time – we can compare them to two benchmarks, the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series and the slightly larger CTS. While Caddy does undercut the base 3 Series price of $35,795, that entry-level ATS is down some 40 horsepower. The mid-priced ATS, the one with the turbo 2.0-liter, however, trumps the 328i's 240-hp engine by almost that much. With equivalent starting sticker prices, it only makes the inevitable head-to-head battle all that more interesting.

The CTS, however, starts at $36,810, which makes the top-level ATS seem spendy at first glance. Granted, the CTS is nearing the end of its life cycle, but clearly those looking for a more luxury-oriented, V6-powered sedan are going to have to closely study the standard equipment sheet to determine what justifies the $5,000-plus price premium for the smaller car.

2013 cadillac ats specification


Interior

• 12V power outlet(s) in front
• Dual-zone
• Diversity antenna
• Anti-theft protection
• Audio system with AM/FM radio, CD player , digital media card and satellite radio
• Cargo area light
• Cargo capacity: all seats in place (cu ft): 10.2 and EPA
• Cruise control
• Front cup holders
• Carpet floor mats
• Intelligent driver front airbag, intelligent passenger front airbag with occupant switch off
• Driver seat and Front passenger seat : bucket with four 8-way power ; details: power height and power lumbar
• Front seat belts with pre-tensioners for driver and passenger
• Front seat center armrest
• Two height-adjustable front and rear seats head restraints
• Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 38.6, rear headroom (inches): 36.8, front hip room (inches): 53.0, rear hip room (inches): 52.3, front leg room (inches): 42.5, rear leg room (inches): 33.5, front shoulder room (inches): 55.2, rear shoulder room (inches): 53.9 and interior volume (cu ft): 90.9
• Driver and passenger knee airbags
• Low tire pressure indicator
• Navigation system with arrows and voice
• Remote power locks
• Vehicle speed-proportional power steering type
• Front and rear power windows with two-touch on one window
• Front and rear reading lights
• Rear seat belts for driver, rear seat belts for passenger, 3-point rear seat belts for center
• Rear seat center armrest
• Rear seats:
• Rear view mirror
• Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls
• Remote control trunk/hatch release
• Front and rear curtain airbag
• Seating: five passengers
• Main seat material upholstery
• Service interval indicator
• Front side airbag
• Smart card/smart key; ; includes keyless starter
• Seven Bose speakers
• Leather-trimmed, tilt/ telescoping steering wheel
• Tachometer
• OnStar telematics : includes engine shut down
• Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror
• Ventilation system with micro filter
• Voice activating system

2013 cadillac ats specification

Exterior 

• Body-color front and rear bumpers
• Day time running lights
• Driver and passenger power door mirrors: heated, body-color
• External dimensions: overall length (inches): 182.8, overall width (inches): 71.1, overall height (inches): 55.9, wheelbase (inches): 109.3, front track (inches): 59.5 and rear track (inches): 60.9
• Headlights: halogen with projector beam lenses
• Metallic paint
• Rear window:
• Tinted glass
• Windshield wipers with intermittent wiper
• 
  
• Performance
• Turbocharged
• Engine: 2.0L in-line four-cylinder DOHC with variable valve timing
• Premium unleaded fuel
• Gasoline direct fuel injection
• 16.0gallon fuel tank
• Power (SAE): 272 hp @ 5,500 rpm; 260 ft lb of torque @ 1,700 rpm

2013 cadillac ats specification


Handling

• ABS
• 3.450:1 axle ratio
• Brake assist system
• Four-wheel disc brakes
• Electronic traction control (via ABS & engine management)
• Immobilizer
• StabiliTrak stability control
• Independent front strut suspension with stabilizer bar and coil springs, independent rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar and coil springs
• Tire kit

2013 Cadillac ATS Release Date

2013 cadillac ats price, review, specification and release date. 2013 Cadillac ATS will release in summer 2013 in the North American market that offers some of the two four cylinder engines and v6. There is a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine capable of delivering a total of up to 200hp, while the engine is better than this explanation there are 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270HP. And the best selection of 2013 Cadillac ATS there is a 3.6-liter V6 with 318HP with a choice of manual and automatic transmission, along with the rear wheel and all-wheel drive configuration.

source : netcarshow.com, autoblog.com, thetruthaboutcars.com, www.automotivelook.com, motortrend.com

2013 Audi TT RS Review | Price | Specification

2013 Audi TT RS Review

The Audi TT RS is the pinnacle of the TT line-up and brings back a feature steeped in Audi tradition in the form of a five-cylinder engine. The AUDI TT RS was developed by quattro GmbH and is the first sports car in the RS family. The TT RS is powered by a 360-hp TFSI turbocharged direct-injection 2.5-liter five-cylinder mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The all-wheel drive quattro system transfers the power through unique five-arm-rotor-design 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires. Four piston brake calipers and 14.6-inch discs up front provide the braking to offset the extra power. To differentiate its looks, the AUDI TT RS includes unique front and rear fascias, carbon fiber engine cover, aluminium door sill inserts as well as a large wing spoiler for increased downforce. Safety features include front, side and knee airbags, tire pressure monitoring, four-wheel anti-lock brakes and stability control. The TT RS is unchanged for 2013.

2013 AUDI TT RS PRICE

MSRP : $57,200

Invoice Price : $53,196

AOL Autos Best Deal : N/A

2013 Audi TT RS Specification

Exterior Audi TT RS Specification

Length : 165.3 "

Body width : 72.5"

Body height : 53.1"

Wheelbase : 97.2"

Curb : 3,307 lbs.

Gross weight : 4,134 lbs.

Interior Specification 2013 Audi TT Rs

Front head room : 38"

Rear head room : 33"

Front shoulder room : 53"

Rear shoulder room : 48"

Front leg room : 41.1"

Rear leg room : 29.3"

Luggage capacity : 13.1 cu.ft.

Maximum cargo capacity 24.7 cu.ft. 

Standard seating : 4

source : netcarshow.com , autos.aol.com

2013 Renault Clio 4 Review, Price Interior & Exterior

2013 Renault Clio 4 Review, Price Interior & Exterior

Since the launch of the original model in 1990, some 11.5 million Clios have been sold in more than 115 countries. Today, a new chapter in Renault Clio's history is about to be written with the unveiling of the fourth-generation version.

"New Clio is set to make a real mark. In addition to an unprecedented package of innovations, its design marks a major shift from that of previous models." Carlos Tavares (Chief Operating Officer)

New Renault Clio, an incarnation of the brand's new styling identity

New Renault Clio is the first production model to give full expression to the Renault design renaissance inspired by Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Design. The promise was to take the style and emotion of the brand's latest concept cars and carry them over to production models. Renault's new supermini fulfils that promise.

"New Renault Clio was conceived as a piece of sensuous sculpture which stimulates desire. Like muscles, its curves express the dynamism radiated by the DeZir concept car. No acute or aggressive angles, just voluptuous curves that make you want to go up to it and caress it." Laurens van den Acker (Senior Vice President, Corporate Design)

Balanced, dynamic exterior proportions

New Clio stands out through its front-end design which features a prominent Renault logo, set bold and upright to a gloss black background, an arrangement first seen on the DeZir concept car. This frontal treatment is further emphasised by the headlights - the lower edge of which is picked out in chrome - and LED daytime running lights. Offered only in five-door form, New Renault Clio has a sporty silhouette, accentuated by integrated rear door handles concealed close to the rear quarter lights. In comparison with its predecessor, it packs extra dynamism and personality thanks to a lower ride height, wider tracks, wheels pushed out wide within the arches, and a reduction in the gap between the wheels and wheel arches. From launch, New Clio will be offered in a choice of eight body colours, including the launch colour which is derived from the red used for DeZir.

A fresh, welcoming, occupant-friendly cabin

Safe, protective and refreshing, the interior of New Renault Clio perfectly complements the exterior style to inspire confidence and energy. Comfort goes hand-in-hand with a modern feel and user-friendliness thanks to the dashboard sculpted in the shape of an aircraft wing, the optimally-positioned multimedia system on the centre console, a wide range of colour options, a digital speedometer, comfortable seats and chrome and gloss-black trim highlights.

Broadest-ever personalisation programme & long list of affordable options

Exterior and interior personalisation was dialled into New Renault Clio's design process at the outset. From launch, buyers will be able to personalise the outside of their car with a selection of colour touches to the front grille, rear and side door inserts. To personalise the interior, the menu covers the dashboard, door panels, steering wheel, grab handles, gear lever and air vent surrounds, upholstery materials and optional floor mats. Thanks to attractively-priced option packs, buyers are able to choose the look and feel they prefer.

New Renault Clio: packed with innovations

When it comes to innovation, Renault's new supermini retains Clio's tradition of redefining expectations within its class and raising the standards for small cars.

Renault R-Link - an integrated tablet connected to the car and internet

Having been first with notable innovations such as steering wheel-mounted radio controls (1982, R11 Electronic) and in-car navigation (1994, Safrane), after bringing keyless entry to the volume market (in 2001) and GPS navigation with a high-resolution screen (Carminat TomTom® priced at £450 for Clio in 2009), and having launched on-board connected navigation in the shape of Carminat TomTom® LIVE for Clio, Renault continues its stream of innovations with Renault R-Link.

Available as standard from Dynamique upwards for New Clio, Renault R-Link provides a bridge between the car and the connected world outside thanks to:

• A wide seven-inch (18cm) touchscreen, intuitive voice commands and, as a market first, a home page that can be personalised by the user for safe and simple access to essential functions, without the driver having to take his or her eyes off the road.
• TomTom® connected navigation includes Live services and boasts the market's best real-time traffic information, helping to minimise journey times and fuel consumption.
• Among other benefits, a connection with the car's own electronic systems permits access to an advanced eco-driving function (Driving eco²) which analyses the driver's behaviour and provides advice to help reduce fuel consumption.
• Thanks to the Renault R-Link Store, the automobile world's first ever Application Store, users can easily view or download a comprehensive and varied range of apps from their car or computer (via 'My Renault').
• The scope of Renault R-Link's connected functions will continue to expand thanks to 'Paris Incubateurs' (a Paris-based hot-house for young talent) and to an appeal extended to start-ups at the LeWeb'11 show. Over and above the services provided by TomTom® LIVE and the COYOTE app, which alerts the driver to dangerous situations (in countries where this feature is available), R-Link users can also check their messages, for example, manage their diary, locate the nearest service station or place to park, or send a tweet….

One Renault R-Link app - Renault R-Sound Effect - enables the audio experience inside New Clio to be personalised by immersing the cabin in a specific sound environment. It can simulate six different engine sound profiles, each with a specific, attractive signature and perfectly synchronised with driving parameters such as speed and acceleration.

A world first: Bluetooth® radios with the Renault Bass Reflex system

All versions of New Renault Clio are available with a clever sound system integrated into the front doors' loudspeakers. Known as Renault Bass Reflex, this system delivers the volume and listening enjoyment of a 30-litre home speaker system. Bass frequencies are more powerful and the threshold of saturation and distortion is pushed much higher.

The entire New Clio range features Bluetooth®-equipped radios for hands-free telephone operation and audio streaming from portable music players with excellent sound quality. All radios incorporate USB and jack sockets.

New Renault Clio: a pleasure to drive, and targeting number one status for fuel economy and low CO2 emissions

New Renault Clio combines low fuel consumption with driving pleasure thanks to a significantly updated range of petrol and diesel engines. The two petrol engines (Energy TCe 90 and TCe 120) combine very low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions with responsive performance and mid-range acceleration. The significantly improved new-generation Energy dCi engines bestow New Renault Clio with record-breaking fuel economy for the same driving pleasure.

New Energy TCe 90 petrol engine

New Clio is the first Renault model to feature the new three-cylinder petrol turbocharged Energy TCe 90 engine. This is the first three-cylinder powerplant ever produced by Renault and, from launch, will provide a remarkable balance between driving pleasure and fuel economy:

• This three-cylinder, turbocharged 899cc unit comes with Stop&Start and delivers the performance of a normally-aspirated 1.4-litre powerplant,
• An ultra low-inertia turbo for satisfying response from low engine speeds: 90hp and 135Nm at 2,000rpm (90 per cent of peak torque available from 1,650rpm to 5,000rpm),
• An economy-optimised version with taller gear ratios and fuel consumption of 65.7 mpg, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 99g/km,
• A 21 per cent fuel consumption and CO2 emissions savingc compared to the TCe 100 it replaces.

New diesel Energy dCi 90
The latest addition to the Energy family is a new 90hp version of the 1.5 dCi, equipped with Stop&Start:

• A four-cylinder 1.5-litre engine with 220Nm of torque available from 1,750rpm, an increase of 20Nm over the current dCi 85,
• An economy-optimised version with taller gear ratios which also qualifies for the Renault eco2 signature with fuel consumption of 88 mpg, equivalent to CO2 emissions 83g/kmc.

New TCe 120, paired with six-speed EDC automatic transmission

New Clio will be available with the new, dynamic TCe 120 engine mated to six-speed EDC transmission (Efficient Dual Clutch), a first for Renault in the B segment:

• A four-cylinder 1.2-litre engine with the performance of a normally-aspirated 1.6 engine,
• Direct fuel injection and turbocharging for peak power of 120hp and 190Nm of torque from 1,750rpm.

This engine is currently in the process of being homologated and will become available in the first half of 2013. It will be among the most powerful, yet most economical, engines in its class.

Along with the availability of EDC dual clutch transmission for the dCi 90 engine in the first half of 2013, New Renault Clio will mark a further step in expanding access to the driving pleasure and seamless gearshifts delivered by this responsive and frugal automatic transmission.

Systems designed to promote economical driving

Over and above these engineering features, New Clio offers drivers an integrated suite of efficient solutions to help them reduce their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions:

An ECO mode allows drivers to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent by modifying the car's performance parameters at the push of a button.

A driving style monitor (green, yellow or orange) and a Gear Change Indicator (GCI) on the dashboardd help drivers improve their driving style to reduce their fuel consumption.

The Driving eco²app available through Renault R-Link provides drivers with a full suite of information, enabling them to analyse their driving style and take corrective measures in order to reduce their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

New Renault Clio: a pledge of quality and safety

Manufactured in Flins (France) and Bursa (Turkey), New Renault Clio is built to Renault's exacting quality standards. It is an affordable model that sets high standards in quality, with nothing to fear from larger or more expensive models. New Clio is built on a new version of the Alliance's B platform which has been optimised for outstanding comfort, manoeuvrability and low noise levels.

Safety runs in the family: in 2005, Clio III became the first B-segment model to achieve a five star EuroNCAP crash test rating. Thanks to the comprehensive list of safety features it offers, New Clio, too, seeks to deliver the highest level of safety.

www.clio.renault.[country]

Renault is celebrating the launch of New Clio with an innovative, interactive digital strategy delivered in three principal parts:

• From July 4, 2012, internet users will be able to view New Renault Clio from all angles, plus photos and videos, at www.clio.renault.[country],
• From July 12, 2012, Renault will be inviting the website's visitors to take a virtual test drive of the car by immersing themselves in an interactive film,
• Lastly, in September 2012, users will experience the final phase of the launch with a surprise linked in to the promotional film.

From July 4, this range of personal and interactive digital experiences will be available at www.clio.renault.[country], a promotional toolkit which will function on computers, tablets and smartphones. 

The Clio success story: 22 years, and counting!

Launched in 1990, Clio can already look back at a career spanning 22 years, with more than 11.5 million cars sold in more than 115 countries. During that time, Renault Clio has played a pivotal role in the history not only of Renault but also of the European market for small, versatile cars. Its trademark throughout has been to draw the segment upwards by bringing the qualities and equipment levels of superior classes to a wider audience. Clio is the only car to have been awarded the Car of the Year title twice.

• 1990: Clio I goes on sale, winning the Car of the Year award for 1991.
• 1991-1993: Introduction of Clio Williams and Clio Baccara, highly regarded sports and premium versions.
• 1998: Launch of Clio II, the first car in its segment to earn a four-star EuroNCAP crash test rating. It also popularised the separate display for the radio, automatic climate control and navigation with a colour screen.
• 2000: Renault Clio Renault Sport and Clio V6 explode onto the sports scene.
• 2005: Debut of Clio III, the first B-segment model to score a five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating. Widespread take-up of the Renault-card keyless entry system.
• 2006: Clio III is named Car of the Year.
• 2007: The segment's first 1.2 litre petrol turbo engine.
• 2008: For the first time, Renault Clio is available in Sport Tourer form.
• 2009: Launch of Carminat TomTom®, bringing navigation to the volume market.
• 2010: Renault Clio celebrates its 20th anniversary, as sales reach more than 11 million units.

source: netcarshow.com

2012 Ford Focus Electric Review

Ford Focus Electric

Ford Motor Company unveiled the all-new Ford Focus Electric - the company's first-ever all-electric passenger car. The zero-CO2-emissions, gasoline-free version of Ford's popular small car is the flagship of the company's growing fleet of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles coming to North America and Europe by 2013.

"Ford Focus Electric is the flagship of our new family of electrified vehicles, showcasing our commitment to offer consumers choice when it comes to fuel-efficient or fuel-free vehicles," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president for Global Product Development. "Its advanced powertrain will deliver significant energy efficiency advantages and zero CO2 emissions without compromising driving enjoyment. And its suite of smart driver information technologies will transform the way customers think about energy usage and their transportation needs."

The Ford Focus Electric will launch in late 2011 and is designed to offer enough range to cover the majority of daily driving habits of Americans. It will offer a mile-per-gallon equivalent better than Chevrolet Volt and competitive with other battery electric vehicles.

A full recharge is expected to take three to four hours at home with the 240-volt charge station - half the charge time of the Nissan Leaf.

Ford Focus Electric introduces new features and technologies - including a unique version of the MyFord Touch driver connect system especially for electric vehicles, a new value charging feature powered by Microsoft and a smartphone app called MyFord Mobile that helps plug-in owners control their vehicles remotely.

The sleek and stylish five-door hatchback leverages Ford's global C-car platform shared by the gasoline and diesel-powered Focus models, which debuted at the 2010 North American International Auto Show and were launched at the Paris Motor Show in September 2010.

Both Focus gasoline and electric variants to be sold in North America will be built at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., with production powered in part by one of the largest solar energy generator systems in the state.

Ford Focus Electric is one of five new electrified vehicles included in Ford's electrification strategy. Initial deliveries of Transit Connect Electric began in North America at the end of last year and the vehicle will be launched in Europe later in 2011.

A real car

Not only is Ford Focus Electric designed to provide outstanding energy efficiency and reliable operation, it also delivers real driving enjoyment. The all-electric powertrain and single-speed transmission provide immediate responsiveness and smooth acceleration when the driver pushes down the accelerator, up to a top speed of 84 mph (136 kph).

Much of Ford Focus Electric's steering, handling and braking feel is shared with the agile, sporty, fuel-powered Focus models upon which it's based, making Focus Electric a dynamic driver's car. At the same time, the absence of a gasoline or diesel engine and outstanding aerodynamics lead to a remarkably quiet, comfortable in-car experience.

"More than any other electric vehicle on the market, Ford Focus Electric loses none of the dynamics and quality of driving a traditional car," said Sherif Marakby, director of Ford's electrification programs and engineering. "It shares many of the same premium components and features as its gasoline-powered counterpart, while delivering distinct efficiencies and a uniquely exciting driving experience."

Ford Focus Electric offers a host of standard safety and security features including six airbags and electronic traction control, along with hands-free SYNC® telephone connectivity and MyKey® for North America. Extensive eco-friendly materials, such as bio-foam seat cushions and recycled fabrics also are featured in the vehicle.

Other standard features on Ford Focus Electric for North American customers include a unique execution of MyFord Touch driver connect technology, 15-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels, a 60/40 split rear bench seat, push button start, AM/FM/CD/MP3 Sony® Audio with nine speakers, Sirius® Satellite Radio with Travel Link, HD Radio™ and voice-activated Navigation System.

Plug and play

Future owners of the Ford Focus Electric will likely recharge the car's advanced, Ford-engineered lithium-ion battery pack at home on a daily basis, using the recommended 240-volt wall-mounted charge station that will be sold separately or the 120-volt convenience cord that comes with the vehicle.

When plugged in, the Focus Electric onboard charger converts AC power from the electric grid to DC power to charge the liquid-cooled/heated battery pack.

"We're very excited about the potential of Ford Focus Electric in the marketplace. With so many of us accustomed to recharging mobile electronics on a daily basis, we're confident our customers will take to the vehicle recharging process just as easily, because that's exactly what it is - easy," said Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Global Electrification. "Not only have we made the practice of plugging in simple and straightforward, we're working with leading technology companies and the utility industry to make the EV experience empowering and engaging."

An empowering experience

Ford Focus Electric owners will be provided with a suite of driver information systems - on-board and off-board - designed to help them manage the recharge process, manage the most eco-friendly route on-board, monitor battery state of charge and maximize energy efficiency to optimize their driving range. This carefully engineered set of tools is designed to give Focus Electric the edge over competitive products, providing new electric vehicle owners the information they need to enjoy all the freedom gas-free driving has to offer.

Among these tools is a unique execution of MyFord Touch driver connect technology. Thoughtfully developed for electric vehicle owners, it offers innovative presentation of vehicle information, such as battery state of charge, distance to charge point, the corresponding range budget and expected range margin. The system's MyView feature allows drivers to access even more vehicle data including the electrical demands of vehicle accessories such as air conditioning, which can impact driving range.

Just as the growing leafy vine of first-generation SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide represents fuel efficiency in the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the cluster display in Ford Focus Electric uses blue butterflies to represent the surplus range beyond one's charge point destination - the more butterflies there are, the greater the range.

Ford designers were inspired by the phenomenon known as "the butterfly effect," in which a small change, like choosing to drive an electric vehicle, can have an enormous impact. To reinforce the message, at the end of each trip a display screen provides distance driven, miles gained through regenerative braking, energy consumed and a comparative gasoline savings achieved by driving electric.

The cluster is also integrated with the MyFord Touch map-based Navigation System using the vehicle's center stack 8-inch touch screen. After adding their driving destinations, including their next charge point, into the vehicle's Navigation System, the vehicle will coach drivers on how to achieve the desired range - or if travel plans need to be adjusted. The on-board Navigation System provides an EcoRoute option based on characteristics of efficient EV driving.

Remote control

Off-board, Ford Focus Electric owners in North America will be able to maintain constant contact with the car anywhere they have mobile phone access using the Ford-developed MyFord Mobile app.

MyFord Mobile is an app that enables access via a smartphone or web-based interface to:

• Receive instant vehicle status information
• Perform key functions remotely
• Monitor the car's state of charge and current range
• Get alerts when it requires charging or has finished charging
• Remotely program charge settings and download vehicle data for analysis

The feature also allows the owner to program the vehicle to use electricity from the grid to heat or cool the battery and cabin while plugged in - called preconditioning. For example, during hot summer months, owners can preprogram the car the evening before to be fully charged - and fully cooled to a particular temperature - by a certain time the following morning. Users can also locate the vehicle with GPS, remotely start the vehicle and remotely lock and unlock the car doors.

Working with MapQuest®, MyFord Mobile can communicate charge station and other points of interest to Ford Focus Electric using SYNC's Traffic, Directions and Information (TDI). Turn-by-turn guidance is provided by the in-car map-based Navigation System. Drivers can also get up-to-date charging station information in their vehicle directly through SYNC TDI simply by connecting to SYNC Services.

Value charging

The new Ford Focus Electric offers a unique value charging feature, powered by Microsoft, to help owners in the U.S. charge their vehicles at the cheapest utility rates, lowering the cost of ownership.

"Value charging allows our customers to reduce their electricity costs by taking advantage of off-peak or other reduced rates from their utility without a complicated set-up process," said Ed Pleet, manager, Ford Connected Services Organization. "This is a 'set it and forget it' approach for the customer to reduce energy cost."

The tool is designed to help customers avoid unnecessary expense by providing an optimized charge. In the future, these smart charging habits will help utility companies understand and better manage the demands placed upon the electric grid because of electrified vehicles.

Getting charged up

Ford Focus Electric owners are likely to handle one of the vehicle's charge cord connectors two or more times each day. That's why Ford worked with supplier Yazaki to provide an industry-standard five-point plug that is ergonomically comfortable to hold as well as durably and distinctively designed.

The plug handle uses a matte-finished black rubber that allows for a comfortable, non-slip grip. The plug head is shielded with a protective glossy white plastic.

When the cord set connector is plugged into the vehicle's charge port, which is conveniently located between the driver's door and front wheel well, it activates a light ring that loops around the port twice in acknowledgement of connectivity. The light ring then illuminates in quadrants as the vehicle charges. Flashing quadrants represent charge in progress and solid-lit quadrants show stages of charge completion. In the unlikely event of a fault, the entire ring will flash. When the entire ring is solidly lit, the vehicle is fully charged.

Batteries included

Focus Electric will be powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery system engineered by Ford in cooperation with supplier LG Chem. The battery system utilizes heated and cooled liquid to help maximize battery life and fuel-free driving range.

Thermal management of lithium-ion battery systems is critical to the success of pure electric vehicles. Ford Focus Electric uses an advanced active liquid cooling and heating system to precondition and regulate the temperature in its larger, more complex lithium-ion battery system.

The 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 liquid absorbs heat from the batteries, dispersing it through a radiator before pumping it through the chiller again. On cold days, heated liquid 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.

"Ford Focus Electric is the culmination of years of research and development," said Kuzak. "More importantly, it's the start of an exciting new era for Ford and our customers."

source: netcarshow.com