Showing posts with label Ford Europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ford Europe. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Geneva Preview: 2008 Ford Mondeo Full Image Gallery (Part 2)

It’s about 1:00 in Berlin, Madrid, Stockholm, Rome and Paris so since it’s the 14th of February, the embargo on the 2008 Ford Mondeo is typically over. Typically, cause practically, the embargo was broken last week with the leak of 5 images and the “light” version of the press release on the net.

While we’ve got the full press pack in our hands we’ll do everyone a favour and leave the analytical 18-page press release to the “professionals” and just rerun the “light” version which has all the information you need. Of course, we won’t do the same with the image gallery that includes photos of all versions (4d, 5d & SW)
.-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to check out both press releases and high-res image gallery







PRESS RELEASE: Ford has released the first images of the all-new Mondeo ahead of its world debut at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. The dramatic all-new Mondeo is designed to raise customers' expectations for a car in this class through a combination of style, dynamics and technology.

During its life, the Mondeo has appeared every year in the nation's top 10 favourite cars. A total of over four million Mondeo models have been built at the Genk plant since launch in 1993 with more than 1.5 million of those being sold in the UK.

"The exciting new Mondeo is very important to us", said Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain's Chairman and Managing Director. "It's probably the most elegant car we've ever launched, and it's certainly the most technologically-advanced. Like the S-MAX, Car of the Year 2007, the new Mondeo will attract many new customers to our showrooms as well as delighting our loyal UK customer base," he said.

New Mondeo Design

The new Mondeo is striking and unmistakably a member of the Ford family. It is the latest and most advanced expression of Ford's 'kinetic design'.

The distinctive front end has chamfered corners and a deep offset between the top of the bonnet and the front wings. A muscular shoulder line runs through the side of the car to a high point at the rear.

Distinctive rear lamps also feature carefully designed graphics that enhance the overall feeling of premium quality. A strong undercut line runs from the bold front wing wheel lips through the side of the car. Under this, full surfacing extends down to strong rocker panels to ensure the vehicle maintains a dynamic road presence.

The spacious interior shares the same 'kinetic design' exterior language as the exterior. The driver will enjoy the 'cockpit' driving position as the higher beltline and flow-through centre console combine to enhance the cosseted feeling for front seat occupants.

New levels of craftsmanship are evident throughout. For example, careful use of 'piano black' interior styling accents creates interest and a pleasing feel to key touch areas. Soft-touch material and ambient lighting is used extensively throughout the cabin to emphasise its quality and refinement.

New Mondeo Choice

The Ford Mondeo range has always offered a wide choice for customers, and the new Mondeo is no exception. Standard equipment across the range includes Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Ford Easyfuel capless refuelling with fuel inhibitor to prevent misfuelling, Thatcham Cat. 1 alarm, air conditioning, 'follow-me-home' lights, trip computer and an MP3 connector socket.

Three distinct bodystyles – a classic four-door, a stylish and flexible five-door and the capacious Estate – will all be available from launch. For each body style, four distinct series are available: the Edge, which provides a high level of standard equipment essential for business and family needs; the contemporary Zetec series, and, at the top of the range, the Ghia and Titanium X models.

These flagship models offer a choice of premium quality details. While the Ghia represents classic luxury, with extensive use of chrome and wood ornamentation inside, the Titanium model will appeal to those customers favouring a more contemporary, technology flavour.

New Technologies for Driver Assistance

Advanced new driver-focused technologies are available, and include keyless entry and keyless start with "Ford Power" start button, new Ford "Convers+" Human Machine Interface (HMI) instrument display, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control with Hill Launch Assist, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Furthermore, this new Mondeo is the first production Ford to feature the company's award-winning Easyfuel system. This guards against either petrol or diesel misfuelling at the filling pump as the fuel filler neck aperture has been specifically designed around the different sizes of fuel nozzles. Ford has engineered its system only to allow the nozzle that matches the corresponding fuel type of the car to enter the filler neck.

Ford Precision Drive: New Mondeo Driving Quality

The Ford Mondeo has been acclaimed for its driving quality since its original introduction in 1993. The new Mondeo aims to extend this reputation even further, and from the outset was developed with superior driving dynamics as a core attribute, combining a refined ride with minimal noise, vibration and harshness.

The major modifications include:

  1. · Wider track
  2. · Optimised front suspension design
  3. · New rear suspension design
  4. · Isolated rear subframe
  5. · Optimised steering system

Refined Suspension System
Ford has specified the trusted MacPherson front suspension system for the new Mondeo incorporating features to enhance the Mondeo driving experience such as isolated subframes, control arm hydro bushings, S-shaped springs and dual path strut mounts.

At the rear a new version of the proven multi-link rear suspension design also benefits from an isolated subframe mounting system. This concept is already familiar in the Ford S-MAX "Control Blade" design and uses four links to control each wheel precisely.

Reduced Noise, Vibration and Harshness and Improved Sound Quality
New Mondeo promotes stress-free, relaxed driving through low noise levels which enables easy communication inside the vehicle and optimum use of the internal audio equipment even at high speeds.

The combined effect of all the engineering actions, in terms of noise, is a reduction of 3dB across the whole frequency range, compared with the current model. Wind noise, measured in Ford's state-of-the-art aero-acoustic wind tunnel is the lowest in its class, and reinforces the quality ambience of the interior.

Powertrains
The new Mondeo is available with a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, including:

  • · 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi 100PS or 125PS diesel with 5-speed manual transmission. The 125PS version can also be specified with a 6-speed manual transmission.
  • · 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi 140PS diesel with 6-speed manual transmission.
  • · 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi 130ps diesel with a new Durashift 6-speed automatic transmission
  • · 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT 110PS or 125PS petrol engines with 5-speed manual transmission.
  • · 2.0-litre Duratec HE 145PS petrol engine with Durashift 5-speed manual transmission.
  • · A new 2.3-litre Duratec HE 161PS 4-cylinder petrol engine with Durashift
    6-speed automatic transmission.
  • · Range topping, performance-orientated 2.5 litre Duratec 5-cylinder 220PS petrol engine with Durashift 6-speed manual transmission
Technorati: Ford+Mondeo, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Friday, February 9, 2007

Geneva Breach: 2008 Ford Mondeo Images and Press Release leak on the web

One of this year's main attractions at the Geneva Show, the 2008 Ford Mondeo has broken cover about a week before the embargo ended thanks to a leak on the web. Although we actually have access to the full press pack we’ll play fair and stick to the short-press release and the 5 pics we found on several web-sites and forums like automotoportal, thecarlounge etc.

Now a few things about the all-new Mondeo that could go global finding its way even into the US market as several Ford execs recently admitted. According to several Ford people we spoke to, the 2008 Mondeo will hold all the key-elements of the current model (excellent chassis with sporty road manners, spacious cabin & competitive prices) ditching away two of its most serious cons: dull interior and exterior design and the mediocre plastics of the cabin. For the moment, we can only comment about its design which has as much to do with its predecessor as the Escort did with the first gen Focus. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the rest of the article and the image gallery

Practically, the new Mondeo is the sedan version of the COTY 2007 winner, the S-MAX with whom it shares the platform, engine range, most of the interior and of course the “Kinetic” design language. Apart from the 145Hp 2.0, 220Hp 2.5T petrol and 110 / 125Hp 1.8 TDCi, 130 / 140Hp 2.0 TDCi diesel engines from the S-MAX, the 2008 Mondeo will also be available with two new petrol engines, a 110 /125Hp 1.6 Ti-VCT and a 161Hp 2.3-litre. Sales of the new Mondeo (4d, 5d and SW) are expected to start Euro-wide in April. Via: Automotoportal , thecarlounge

Technorati: Ford+Mondeo, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images


PRESS RELEASE: Ford has released the first images of the all-new Mondeo ahead of its world debut at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. The dramatic all-new Mondeo is designed to raise customers' expectations for a car in this class through a combination of style, dynamics and technology.

During its life, the Mondeo has appeared every year in the nation's top 10 favourite cars. A total of over four million Mondeo models have been built at the Genk plant since launch in 1993 with more than 1.5 million of those being sold in the UK.

"The exciting new Mondeo is very important to us", said Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain's Chairman and Managing Director. "It's probably the most elegant car we've ever launched, and it's certainly the most technologically-advanced. Like the S-MAX, Car of the Year 2007, the new Mondeo will attract many new customers to our showrooms as well as delighting our loyal UK customer base," he said.

New Mondeo Design

The new Mondeo is striking and unmistakably a member of the Ford family. It is the latest and most advanced expression of Ford's 'kinetic design'.

The distinctive front end has chamfered corners and a deep offset between the top of the bonnet and the front wings. A muscular shoulder line runs through the side of the car to a high point at the rear.

Distinctive rear lamps also feature carefully designed graphics that enhance the overall feeling of premium quality. A strong undercut line runs from the bold front wing wheel lips through the side of the car. Under this, full surfacing extends down to strong rocker panels to ensure the vehicle maintains a dynamic road presence.

The spacious interior shares the same 'kinetic design' exterior language as the exterior. The driver will enjoy the 'cockpit' driving position as the higher beltline and flow-through centre console combine to enhance the cosseted feeling for front seat occupants.

New levels of craftsmanship are evident throughout. For example, careful use of 'piano black' interior styling accents creates interest and a pleasing feel to key touch areas. Soft-touch material and ambient lighting is used extensively throughout the cabin to emphasise its quality and refinement.

New Mondeo Choice

The Ford Mondeo range has always offered a wide choice for customers, and the new Mondeo is no exception. Standard equipment across the range includes Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Ford Easyfuel capless refuelling with fuel inhibitor to prevent misfuelling, Thatcham Cat. 1 alarm, air conditioning, 'follow-me-home' lights, trip computer and an MP3 connector socket.

Three distinct bodystyles – a classic four-door, a stylish and flexible five-door and the capacious Estate – will all be available from launch. For each body style, four distinct series are available: the Edge, which provides a high level of standard equipment essential for business and family needs; the contemporary Zetec series, and, at the top of the range, the Ghia and Titanium X models.

These flagship models offer a choice of premium quality details. While the Ghia represents classic luxury, with extensive use of chrome and wood ornamentation inside, the Titanium model will appeal to those customers favouring a more contemporary, technology flavour.

New Technologies for Driver Assistance

Advanced new driver-focused technologies are available, and include keyless entry and keyless start with "Ford Power" start button, new Ford "Convers+" Human Machine Interface (HMI) instrument display, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control with Hill Launch Assist, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Furthermore, this new Mondeo is the first production Ford to feature the company's award-winning Easyfuel system. This guards against either petrol or diesel misfuelling at the filling pump as the fuel filler neck aperture has been specifically designed around the different sizes of fuel nozzles. Ford has engineered its system only to allow the nozzle that matches the corresponding fuel type of the car to enter the filler neck.

Ford Precision Drive: New Mondeo Driving Quality

The Ford Mondeo has been acclaimed for its driving quality since its original introduction in 1993. The new Mondeo aims to extend this reputation even further, and from the outset was developed with superior driving dynamics as a core attribute, combining a refined ride with minimal noise, vibration and harshness.

The major modifications include:

  1. · Wider track
  2. · Optimised front suspension design
  3. · New rear suspension design
  4. · Isolated rear subframe
  5. · Optimised steering system

Refined Suspension System
Ford has specified the trusted MacPherson front suspension system for the new Mondeo incorporating features to enhance the Mondeo driving experience such as isolated subframes, control arm hydro bushings, S-shaped springs and dual path strut mounts.

At the rear a new version of the proven multi-link rear suspension design also benefits from an isolated subframe mounting system. This concept is already familiar in the Ford S-MAX "Control Blade" design and uses four links to control each wheel precisely.

Reduced Noise, Vibration and Harshness and Improved Sound Quality
New Mondeo promotes stress-free, relaxed driving through low noise levels which enables easy communication inside the vehicle and optimum use of the internal audio equipment even at high speeds.

The combined effect of all the engineering actions, in terms of noise, is a reduction of 3dB across the whole frequency range, compared with the current model. Wind noise, measured in Ford's state-of-the-art aero-acoustic wind tunnel is the lowest in its class, and reinforces the quality ambience of the interior.

Powertrains
The new Mondeo is available with a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, including:

  • · 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi 100PS or 125PS diesel with 5-speed manual transmission. The 125PS version can also be specified with a 6-speed manual transmission.
  • · 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi 140PS diesel with 6-speed manual transmission.
  • · 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi 130ps diesel with a new Durashift 6-speed automatic transmission
  • · 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT 110PS or 125PS petrol engines with 5-speed manual transmission.
  • · 2.0-litre Duratec HE 145PS petrol engine with Durashift 5-speed manual transmission.
  • · A new 2.3-litre Duratec HE 161PS 4-cylinder petrol engine with Durashift
    6-speed automatic transmission.
  • · Range topping, performance-orientated 2.5 litre Duratec 5-cylinder 220PS petrol engine with Durashift 6-speed manual transmission

Friday, January 26, 2007

2008 Ford Fiesta Rendering

In the next couple of years Europe’s going to see a whole new batch of superminis dropping into the market including the all-new VW Polo, Seat Ibiza, Citroen C3 and the jointly developed Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 successors. Autoexpress mag takes on the task of previewing the next generation Fiesta through a couple of nicely conceived renderings which draw several design cues from Ford Europe’s latest models like the S-MAX and the new Mondeo.

The British magazine says that the renderings are very close to the production model (expected sometime in 2008) due to the fact that they used top-secret information. Then again, have you ever seen renderings of any sort or make that don’t imply top-secret info from the car manufacture? Anyway, judging from the newer Ford models, expect the new Fiesta to have a hugely revised interior in terms of design and quality materials maintaining at the same time all its pros like interior space and driving-dynamics. Via: Autoblog.com & Autoexpress

Technorati: Ford+Fiesta, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, images, pictures, 2007


Tuesday, December 5, 2006

2008 Ford C-MAX – Official pics


As we said in our previous post last night, it was only a matter of time for Ford to put up the official pics of its 2008 C-MAX compact MPV. If we wanted to put a headline to it, we’d say that Ford is attempting to add a little “S-MAX” magic to the C-MAX, not only by changing its name (from Focus C-MAX) but also in terms of design and especially the redesigned front end that tries to imitate the S-MAX. Other changes include the new rear ligh-clusters and the slightly redesigned interior. There’s no word out yet if there’s any mechanical changes.

Technorati: Ford+C-MAX, Ford+Focus+C-MAX, Bologna+Motor+Show, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop

Monday, December 4, 2006

Ford to preview 2008 C-MAX at the Bologna Show

While Ford is keeping the official pics to itself –for now that is, they came out with a teaser press release announcing that they’ll premier the facelifted version of the Focus C-MAX (compact MPV version of the European Focus) at the 31st Bologna Motor Show (7-17 Dec).

First of all, we have a name change here as the 2008 model distinguishes itself from the Focus range, as it’ll be called C-MAX instead of Focus C-MAX thus following in the steps of its big-bro, the S-MAX MPV. As for the real changes, according to FoMoCo, the 2008 C-MAX gets a redesigned front end with distinctive air intakes, new one-piece bumper integrates vertical fog lights and a new three-plane bonnet. At the rear, the C-MAX receives a redesigned bumper and new LED rear lights. Finally, in the interior, changes include redesigned instrument panel, centre console and door trims along with more premium quality materials. Stay tuned as we’ll have more on the 2008 C-MAX.

Technorati: Ford+C-MAX, Ford+Focus+C-MAX, Bologna+Motor+Show, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop

Monday, November 13, 2006

2007 Car of the Year: Ford S-Max grabs the title

Ford’s S-Max managed to grab the first place in the COTY awards this year with a margin of only two points from the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa. Ford should feel proud for another reason too as the S-Max is only the second MPV (after the Renault Scenic in 1996) in the contest’s 44-year history to win the award.

Having seen and driven all (with the exception of Citroen’s C4 Picasso) I agree 100% with the S-Max’s first place as it’s a truly driver orientated MPV packed with style and practicality. But, I totally disagree with the Opel Corsa’s second place. I can’t understand what they found in it to give it 233 points (!). Stylish yes, but that’s about the only attribute I can find in it in comparison with the other cars in the B-Segment category. What so new in the Corsa? In what way is it better than the Renault Clio for example?

I also disagree with the 5th placing of the Civic (5door Euro version) that managed to gather a mere 148 points. Its spacious interior is dressed in an outer-space design (in and out) and it has powerful but economical engines. In other words it brings a breeze of fresh air in a conventional, not to say boring category without loosing any of the assets that come with a C-Segment hatch.

  • 1. Ford S-Max - 235
  • 2. Opel Corsa - 233
  • 3. Citroen Picasso - 222
  • 4. Skoda Roomster - 189
  • 5. Honda Civic - 148
  • 6. Peugeot 207 - 144
  • 7. Volvo C30 - 141
  • 8. Fiat Grande Punto - 138
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Friday, November 3, 2006

SCOOP: 2007 Ford Mondeo factory pics

We've already seen how the 2007 Ford Mondeo will look like -hey we've even seen the car in live action through the James Bond - Casino Royal movie trailer, but I'm sure this is something that white collar Ford workers wouldn't want us to see: the production version of the 2007 Mondeo Ford's factory in Genk Belgium. For obvious reasons, we put a black patch on the Ford worker that's giving us a thumb up...


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Saturday, October 21, 2006

2007 Ford Mondeo revealed in new James Bond Casino Royal trailer



About time wasn't it, meaning that we've already seen a bunch of pictures from the 2007 Ford Mondeo that will appear in the upcoming Casino Royal movie. Actually, this teaser trailer is part of a Ford TV promo add for the Focus in the UK, but who cares anyway !

Click here to see large pictures and the press release : 2007 Ford Mondeo

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Wednesday, October 4, 2006

2007 Ford Mondeo Update : To be revealed in the UEFA Champions League final, plus new info on engines


During the Paris Show I talked to a few Ford PR's who informed
me among other things, that the product version of the Mondeo concept will be officially revealed to the public during the 2007 UEFA Champions League soccer final match in Athens, Greece on the 23rd of May 2007.

Of course we've already seen how the production vehicle will look like through a dozen or so pics from the "fake" model that will play in the James Bond movie -click here to see a large-sized gallery: Carscoop.

Another interesting thing I learnt was that, besides its new, Kinetic themed design, the Mondeo will be the first model in Ford's future Euro line-up that will feature a new generation of engines, starting up with a brand new 1,6 litre 4cylinder petrol motor that will produce about 125 to 130 Hp. According to Ford personnel, the company has just started pumping money into the engineering department as it doesn't want to be left behind in this area.

Don't forget, Ford is probably one of the few remaining companies in Europe that hasn't announced (yet) any future plans for Turbo engines.

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Monday, October 2, 2006

2007 Ford Mondeo - New set of pictures

Just got my hands on a bunch of new 2007 Ford Mondeo pictures including some straight from the James Bond Casino Royal movie set that will open in cinemas worldwide on November 17.

According to Ford, although 007 (played by Daniel Craig) will use an Aston Martin as his personal vehicle, the new Mondeo will be the first car to appear in the film as Bond drive's to a hotel after arriving in the Bahamas on the trail of a terrorist cell.


The Mondeo featured in the movie is a specially-built 5-door example Ford's upcoming mid-size sedan, fitted with a sports bodykit. But despite its near to production looks, this is not a real car: it's a look-alike (drivable though), made from wood and fiberglass!

It was constructed by hand at Ford of Europe's Design Studio in Cologne, Germany, in January, 2006 and it was then shipped under great secrecy to the filming location in the Bahamas, where the short driving sequence was filmed.



"The new Mondeo was essentially still on the drawing board when we were asked to supply the vehicle for filming in February 2006," said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe's Executive Director for Design. "As volume production for the car doesn't start until the second quarter of 2007, we had to create a one-off, driveable model based around a design studio property!"

"This team normally builds the clay and fiberglass models of all of our future products, so they are used to demanding timeframes and making full-scale models look like real vehicles," Smith added.

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Sunday, September 24, 2006

Uncensored : 2007 Ford Mondeo Sedan Production Version Pictures !


O
k, last week we got our share of leaked pics from the Mondeo Wagon Concept before its official Paris unveiling. But that was only a few days before and anyway, it was a concept, so not much harm done. This time though, thanks to Fordeurope (unofficial site) we get to see a whole gallery of "uncensored" pictures from the 2007 Mondeo Sedan production version -6 months ahead of it's official debut at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show in March ! The reportage says that these pics where taken during the filming of 007's Casino Royal Film, where the 2007 Mondeo has a role in it.


But enough with that, lets go back to the car itself. Got to hand it to Ford's design team for managing to keep as close as possible to last year's wonderful Iosis concept. Finally we've got a Ford sedan that doesn't look like a french toast on four wheels. And that's not all cause by the looks of the new S-MAX MPV on which the 2007 Mondeo is based on, its seems that Ford's engineers got their way and maintained Mondeo's predecessor's excellent road handling. We'll have more on the 2007 Mondeo after the Paris Show. via: Autoblog.com & Fordeurope.net

Technorati: Ford+Mondeo, 2007, Ford+Mondeo+Wagon+Concept, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, Mondial+de+l'Automobile, 2006, cars, automotive, vehicles,Paris+International+Motor+Show

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