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2013 Ford Taurus SHO Revealed
Posted by in Uncategorized on May 13, 2011
Ford unveiled their 2013 model of the Ford Taurus SHO at the pre-New York Auto Show event and made quite a spectacle of it. After building suspense amongst the crowd, the model was uncovered and Ford executives explained the latest and greatest additions to the new SHO. Train, a famous pop artist, then took the stage and rocked the Ford party attendants for an hour worth of hits.
Ford Taurus Super High Output enthusiasts are going to have to wait until spring 2012 to get their hands on the 2013 Ford Taurus SHO, but that won’t stop them from salivating over the recent release. The design, technology additions and improvement to performance have kicked the 2013 Taurus SHO up a notch to battle with the large sedan powerhouses.
Ford utilized their resources and tapped into their loyal SHO enthusiasts and forums for guidance on what to put into the latest model to take it to the next level. “Listening to SHO buyers and enthusiasts encouraged us to strengthen the design and the driving quality for the new 2013 model,” explained Gordon Platto, Chief Designer at Ford. “For us, this was a clear indication that SHO customers have passionate feelings about aesthetics and design as well as performance.”
Ford design members took that information and put their heads together to construct the 2013 SHO that improved the design and performance of the car. Ford’s approach with the SHO brand typically had the higher performing model blend in with the standard model. The only difference you would typically see was when the turbocharged engine revved up and took off on the streets. Ford switched their stance slightly with the 2013 Taurus SHO and took a subtle step to differentiate itself in looks from the regular model.
A performance, black mesh grille exclusive to the SHO model, and high-powered headlamps give a sporty front edge to the new SHO. Rocking unique, 19″, premium all-season tires give the SHO a more sporty but muscular attitude to the car. Ford also replaced the taillights with new LED lights and kept the two chrome exhaust tips on the back side. On the interior, Ford reworked the cabin layout to provide a brand new center stack, steering wheel and instrument panel display.
Under the hood, the 2013 Ford SHO is powered by the fuel-efficient, 3.5L, twin turbo, Ecoboost V6 engine expected to unleash an estimated 365 horsepower and equipped with the all-wheel drive system. Ford enhanced the SHO’s Electric Power Assisted Steering system (EPAS), responsible for driver control, response and cornering on the road. The new optimized EPAS system helped to boost the efficiency for the 2013 SHO on the highway to 25 mpg and added the new active park assist technology that allows the car to park itself.
The ultimate technology improvement with the 2013 Taurus SHO is the addition of SYNC® with My Ford Touch™. Knobs and gauges have been taken out and replaced with beautiful, rich LCD screens and steering wheel control buttons to toggle through the My Ford Touch™ system. The system connects with cell phones, mp3 players, USB drives and other media devices. Drivers have the access to perform 10,000 commands at their fingertips on the steering wheel or with a simple voice command. The SYNC® with My Ford Touch™ technology aims to keep driver’s eyes on the road and safety as the main priority. Unique features of the system include integrated hands free cell phone use, customizable instrument display views for individual driver preferences, the ability to plug a smart phone in and create a router for laptops to surf the net while driving, and a turn-by-turn navigation system.
“Taurus already brings an arsenal of class-exclusive technologies that no other competitor can match,” said Chief Program Engineer Bill Gubing. “Our team understands how important it is to continue expanding our technology offerings to keep the next Taurus and its customers at the top of their respective games.”
The extensive technology boost that the SYNC® with My Ford Touch™ system brings to the 2013 Ford Taurus SHO puts Ford ahead of its competitors and directly meeting the wants of consumers in a technology-driven world.
The 2013 Ford Taurus SHO has made huge strides to improve its look, technology, performance and functionality for its drivers. The vehicle looks to make a splash in the large sedan marketplace and certainly has a lot of style and buzz to take it into the release of spring 2012.
2012 Infiniti M Hybrid Provides Performance and Efficiency
Posted by in Uncategorized on May 7, 2011
Heading into the spring of 2011, the all new 2012 Infiniti: M Hybrid is about to change every thought as to what a luxury sedan hybrid should include. With a previously thought impossible combination of power, luxury and efficiency, the M Hybrid looks to burst through the doors of Infiniti retailers nationwide.
With these all new technologies, the new M Hybrid is the first vehicle to ever deliver a V6 engine that produces V8 horsepower with the fuel efficiency of a 4-cylinder engine. Inspired by the hybrid technology found in the Infiniti Essence, the new M Hybrid is the only vehicle today with more than 350 horsepower and 30 mpg.
“As hybrid technology has gotten more sophisticated, so have hybrid drivers. Where it was once enough to offer fuel efficiency alone, today’s hybrid buyers need performance and handling to go along with the ‘green’ attributes – and that’s where the new Infiniti Hybrid delivers like no other,” said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore.
A key element to this unprecedented hybrid is the innovative one motor, two clutch parallel hybrid system. This gasoline and electric drive train ensures that zero emissions electric propulsion is used more often, for longer periods and at higher speeds than in typical hybrids.
The 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 combines with an electric motor and high power battery to produce 360 horsepower. Combining two new technologies are what set the M35h above all competition. First, a Lithium-ion battery pack has been installed over the conventionally used hybrid Nickel-Metal Hydride battery. This Lithium-ion battery has twice the power which allows it to quickly alternate between charging and discharging. Second, the M35h provides direct power to the rear wheels through the 7-speed automatic transmission.
The 2012 M Hybrid is also equipped with the world’s first steering and braking technologies, which have been designed to deliver both environmental benefits as well as a natural feel for the driver.
The steering component is an electro-hydraulic system with “on-demand” assistance. With this system consumers can enjoy the natural and smooth feel of hydraulic power steering and the improved fuel efficiency of an electric system. The assist motor cuts in only when the wheel is turned, which further boosts fuel efficiency.
The Electric Driven Intelligent Brake System has been designed to suit the traditional sport sedan buyer’s needs, while adhering to the fuel efficient design of the vehicle. An electric booster motor is utilized to operate the brake cylinders, saving on the weight that a reserve pressure tank would add.
The Forest Air® system, first introduced on the Infiniti M, attempts to recreate the refreshing climate and natural breezes of a relaxing forest setting. System sensors automatically open and close air intake ports to reduce the intrusion of dust, exhaust or unpleasant odors into the cabin, while the special Grape Polyphenol filter and Plasmacluster air purifier help filter allergens, mold and viruses out of the cabin.
The all new 2012 Infiniti: M Hybrid brings together an unconventional combination of power, elegance and efficiency that sets itself apart from any other hybrid to date. As the only hybrid to provide 350 horsepower and 30mpg, the M Hybrid sits alone atop of the sedan hybrid class.
2011 Lincoln MKX Offers Excellent Value
Posted by in Uncategorized on May 3, 2011
Fuel economy and SUV’s generally do not mix well together but the Lincoln MKX proves wrong; this vehicle is one of the most efficient in its class. With hip touch screen functions and state of the art radar technology, the MKX is one of the most tech savvy SUV’s in the crossover segment. It’s built on the same platform as the Ford Edge, except the MKX comes with more amenities and sweet extras.
A touch screen system is in place which enables the driver to manipulate vital functions such as the temperature, navigation system and music player all by touch. Cargo space stands at 32.3 feet and if you fold down the second row seat you get 68.6 cubic feet. Genuine wood trim accents can also be added for a warm and inviting ambiance.
When it comes to the interior the MKX is a real winner; it perfectly blends luxury with functionality. The 2011 MKX’s interior is much nicer than the models of yesteryear; Lincoln has really stepped it up a notch. The ambient lighting is also a nice touch; drivers get to select from seven different colors including teal, amber, white and blue. Standard features include temperature controlled and can be heated or cooled according to your preference. An optional temperature controlled steering wheel is available; perfect for keeping hands warm during the frosty summer months.
The MKX is a great looking vehicle and gets lots of admiring glances on the street thanks to its remarkable and handsome grille. Its lines are sleek and contemporary and its good looks are accentuated with chrome exhaust tips. 20 inch wheels are available for an even bolder and edgier look; a number of wheel choices available ranging from 18″ to 20″. The HID headlights are adaptive and actually move in the same direction that the steering wheel does allowing for better visibility and lighting. The MKX is powered by a six cylinder 3.7 Liter engine with 305 HP. Gas mileage stands at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the freeway.
When it comes to ride quality, the MKX is all about comfort and luxury. The four wheel independent suspension offers superb handling and absorbs shocks and bumps for a smooth drive. However, it lacks the sportiness and high performance that some drivers crave. A 6 speed automatic transmission is in place which also can be used in manual mode.
As you would expect from Lincoln, a ton of safety features have been included. The vehicle has an advanced radar system which can detect an impending collision and warn you if it senses one. Radars are in place which can sense vehicles in your blind spot. Pricing starts at around $39k; a fair price for one of the most competitive vehicles in the luxury crossover market.
