2011 Brussels Motor Show in Belgium, Ford announced a series of powertrain enhancements that include the addition of Stop/Start technology for its Eur

Ford Announces Powertrain Enhancements for its European Lineup, Adds Stop/Start Technology

Friday, January 14, 2011 | Categories | Diesel, Ford, Ford Galaxy, Ford Mondeo, Ford S-MAX, New Cars |

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At this week's 2011 Brussels Motor Show in Belgium, Ford announced a series of powertrain enhancements that include the addition of Stop/Start technology for its European market Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models, together with the introduction of an all-new 1.6-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine.

“The introduction of the new small-displacement diesel engine and of the Ford Auto-Start-Stop system is another important step towards even more sustainable mobility”, said Rolf Deges, Chief Program Engineer for Ford of Europe. “All through Europe there is a growing demand for frugal, smaller displacement powertrains and new technologies, and we are more than happy to address this demand with our new entries”.

Replacing the 115HP 2.0-liter diesel, the new 1.6-liter motor comes with a standard Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) producing 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque between 1,750-2,000 rpm.

“With this torque performance, it's now possible to have such a small displacement diesel engine driving even large cars like the Ford Galaxy in a more than appropriate way – and at very low fuel consumption”, said Deges.

Equipped with the new four-pot oil-burner, the Galaxy MPV's combined fuel economy is 5.4 lt/100 km (43.5 US mpg), while the Mondeo needs just 4.9 lt/100 km (48 US mpg).

Ford said these figures are also achieved by adding standard Ford ECOnetic Technologies features to the range, including Smart Regenerative Charging, the Ford Eco Mode driver information system and an Active Grille Shutter system. All of these technologies come as standard equipment on the new 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine.

In addition, the 1.6 TDCi variant can be paired with the Ford Auto-Start-Stop system, further improving fuel economy by as much as 10 percent in city driving and reducing CO2 emissions.

To better cope with the increased number of engine starts, the system features an enhanced starter motor, capable of firing up the powerplant in just 0.3 seconds after the driver presses the accelerator or clutch pedal.

The Ford Auto-Start-Stop system is also available in conjunction with the turbocharged 1.6-liter Ecoboost petrol engine.

Last but not least, the small diesel was also chosen to motivate the new Ford Mondeo ECOnetic after it was specially calibrated and coupled to modified a six-speed manual gearbox with a longer final drive.

Featuring a Start-Stop system, the Mondeo ECOnetic returns 54.7 US mpg (or 4.3 lt/100 km) in the combined cycle. Other special features include a lowered suspension and low rolling resistant tires.

The last item on Ford’s list is the Durashift 6-speed automatic transmission, which is optional for the 200HP 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. Upgraded to withstand the 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) – 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) in overboost mode, the auto box helps the Mondeo achieve an average fuel consumption of 6.5 lt/100 km (36.2 US mpg).

“The combination of the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi with the Durashift 6-tronic transmission is really a connoisseur's choice: it really delivers a powerful yet very relaxed and refined driving experience” Rolf Deges commented. “With these attributes in place, this combination is the perfect addition to our large car range, and supplements well to the already available combinations of the Ford PowerShift 6-speed double-wet clutch transmission with the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi with 140 and 163 PS”.

By Csaba Daradics

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Exclusive : 2007 Ford Mondeo Wagon Concept

UPDATE - NEW PICTURE GALLERY

And yes this is it : Ford's Paris Show star, the Mondeo Wagon Concept ! The pictures, surfaced this morning from a Spanish site called "Cocheactual". As previewed a few days ago on a scanned image from Top Gear magazine -click here: Carscoop , Ford's pre-production Mondeo is based on the Station Wagon version. Have to say, for a station wagon, it looks pretty nice -especially when compared with today's, utterly boring Mondeo SW.

Talking about design, Mondeo Wagon Concept is influenced by the last year's Iosis sport sedan concept that was previewed in Frankfurt and it's the second model in Ford's European range (after the S-MAX & Galaxy MPV's) that's styled under the "kinetic theme" design language. We also see quite a few S-MAX design elements on the Mondeo Wagon Concept such as the rear lights.

But styling is not the only thing that the Mondeo has in common with Ford's new MPV's. Mondeo uses the new S-MAX & Galaxy platform (it will also base future Volvo models). I've driven the S-MAX 2.5 Turbo and I tell you, not only is it by far the most driver orientated car of its category but it puts to shame quite a lot of mid-sized sedans. So I can imagine that the, smaller, lighter and lower Mondeo will continue its predecessor's legacy of being the most fun to drive mid-size sedan in its category.

The production model will be revealed at next year's Geneva Motor Show in March, in both sedan & station wagon versions. Although nothings official yet, the Mondeo will surely be available with S-MAX & Focus ST 225 Hp 2.5 Turbo motor and Ford's 155 Hp 2.2 TDCi diesel.

Judging from the Wagon, I have high hopes that the sedan will follow the Iosis concept's sporty, 4door-coupe design (see pictures above) -of course, don't expect any gullwing doors. If you combine that with the driver orientated S-MAX platform I mentioned before, then I believe Ford will have a serious contender for the first place in the mid-sized sedan category.

UPDATE - SEE THE FIRST PICTURES HERE: FORD MONDEO WAGON CONCEPT

In a previous post concerning this year's Paris Motor Show presentations (click here: Carscoop), one major car manufacture was absent: Ford. We've all heard several rumors to as what Ford will present at the French capitol, but nothing was sure, till now that is, as I've got an inside tip… And yes, the Mondeo will definitely make its debut at Paris in a near production form but it will also be accompanied by a, still unknown, brand new concept vehicle.

Curious ? Well, no problem as it's a matter of days -let's say, four, maybe even five days, depending on where you live, before Ford comes out with the official pictures and info on both vehicles. In the meantime, take a look at the scanned pictures from Top Gear magazine that give us a pretty good idea to as what the 2007 Mondeo will look like.

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Update : New Ford Mondeo Wagon Concept Pictures

A new set of pictures have surfaced on the net giving us an even more detailed look on Ford's Mondeo Wagon Concept. The new pictures reveal an "S-MAX" interior with the main difference being the two centre air vents -instead of three, and of course the LCD display panel on the dashboard. Same goes for the rear lights that look like an exact copy. See the rest of the pictures and read more here: Ford Mondeo Wagon


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Paris Show : Ford Mondeo Wagon Concept official press release & pictures

Ok, no more scanned images and blurry pics as Ford officially released the press kit on its Mondeo concept that previews next years production version. According to the press release, full series information, technical specifications and data for the new Mondeo range will be revealed early in 2007.

Press Release: New Mondeo Design - Energy in Motion : The new Mondeo is striking and unmistakably a member of the Ford family. It takes the company's 'kinetic design' form language to a new level.

A comprehensive range of core bodystyles will be launched concurrently in the new range, but the Ford of Europe design team has chosen the new wagon as its Paris hero.

"The wagon bodystyle is very important in the CD segment so it is appropriate that we show this derivative in Paris first," said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe's Design Director. "The new Mondeo's wagon bodystyle really emphasizes the sporty, dynamic and premium appearance of the new range," added Smith. "Above all, we've managed to achieve this kinetic look without compromising luggage capacity. I believe new Mondeo will challenge everyone's perceptions of a big Ford car, and prove that we can once again deliver style with substance in a desirable form."

The new Mondeo clearly demonstrates how Ford of Europe's 'kinetic design' language is shaping the company's new models. This form language will be progressively applied to future Ford vehicles in an appropriate way, depending on individual vehicle or market segment tastes.

"With the purest expression of 'kinetic design' revealed in the Ford iosis Concept at Frankfurt 2005, we then introduced the first elements into volume production on the new S-MAX and Galaxy," Smith added. "Now, the new Mondeo takes the next major step along our journey towards a more expressive and emotional Ford range."

Immediately evident in the new model's appearance is the distinctive front end, with its chamfered corners and the deep offset between the top of the bonnet and the front wings. Seen from above, the three-plane plan view of the frontal area is immediately obvious, and a key visual link between the new Mondeo and the 2005 iosis Concept vehicle, emphasizing their proportional relationship.

Key 'kinetic design' elements:
Dynamic lines
Three-plane plan front-end view
Full surfaces
Strong shoulders
Bold wheel lips
A rising belt line
Distinctive kick-up of the window graphic at the C-pillar

The new family face of Ford is further represented at the front end by a premium-feel, large upper grille opening, and an inverted trapezoidal lower grille. Large and distinctive headlamps and lower foglamps are a key design element, and draw the eye around the chamfered corners, neatly disguising the volume required to meet the latest pedestrian protection requirements.

A muscular shoulder line runs through the side of the car to a high point at the rear. This produces a dynamic window graphic when the so-called "daylight opening" (DLO) is viewed in profile, and an upward kick at the rear of the DLO further emphasizes the feeling of motion. 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 undercut and full surfaces are key graphic elements of 'kinetic design' and are already becoming familiar as new S-MAX and Galaxy become more visible on European roads.

'Kinetic design' themes are carried through to the all-new interior, which features high quality surfaces, materials and finishes.

Here, dynamic lines and full surfaces are again evident, and the low profile instrument panel provides very generous cabin space for front seat occupants. The flow-through centre console allows the gear shifter to be located high and within easy ergonomic reach of the driver.

The design team has also paid great attention to interior detailing, and examples of this include new generation infotainment systems, plus the next generation of Ford's Human Machine Interface (HMI). This easy to use system features the same steering-wheel toggle switches seen on new Galaxy and S-MAX, but introduces the availability of a large central LCD screen with full colour graphics situated between the main analogue instruments in front of the driver.

Rear seat headroom and legroom have also come in for scrutiny by the Mondeo development team, and these have been maximized for occupant comfort and safety.

"New Mondeo will deliver premium levels of comfort in a class-leading package," says Steve Adams, Ford's Vehicle Line Director for Large Cars. "You can also expect innovative and top-of-the-range new technology features, particularly those aimed at assisting and pampering the driver."

New Technology Combined with Driving Quality : The 2007 Mondeo range will feature many of the new technologies seen on Ford S-MAX and Galaxy, and also introduce some new features unique to the new model.

The Ford team is also determined to ensure that new Mondeo will maintain its position as the best CD car for driving quality, with superior driving dynamics, and targeting best-in-class steering, ride and handling.

Engines : A wide range of dependable Ford powertrains will be offered, from the powerful and well-proven Ford Duratorq 2.0-litre TDCi diesel and a high-performance 2.5-litre turbocharged Duratec petrol engine derived from that fitted to the new S-MAX, to efficient 1.6-litre Duratec petrol and 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines with outstanding fuel economy. Full series information, technical specifications and data for the new Mondeo range will be revealed early in 2007.

"The new Mondeo Wagon we are previewing at Paris is aimed at preparing our customers for the most exciting and high quality Ford CD car we have ever delivered," concluded Joe Bakaj, Ford of Europe's Vice President of Product Development. "The finer technical details will be kept secret for a few more months, but we believe that the Paris showcar's dynamic and kinetic exterior design and stylish, spacious new interior will give a clear indication of how different the new Mondeo range will be. We can't wait to launch it!"

Uncensored : 2007 Ford Mondeo Sedan Production Version Pictures !

Ok, 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


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