The 2008 ford Focus ST benefits from a range of revisions rolled out across the rest of the Focus line-up earlier this year, created by ford TeamRS , the company’s dedicated performance vehicle arm. Fun, fast and fabulously good looking, a new version of Ford’s performance flagship Focus goes on sale at dealerships across Great Britain starts last May 1. Importantly though, while offering new technologies and features, the car’s well-honed dynamics remain untouched. At the heart of the matter is the familiar 225 PS, 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder Duratec engine. Powerful, and accompanied by a suitably sporty soundtrack, this powerhouse delivers a potential 150mph top speed in tandem with 0-62mph acceleration in just 6.8 seconds. A standard production Focus ST set a segment-leading record time of 8 minutes 35 seconds around the Nordschleife circuit at the famed Nürburgring, as a measure of this car’s ability.

The Focus ST has always provided lots of choice and the range retains its simple ST, ST-2 and ST-3 trim grades and three or five-door hatchback bodystyles. It is priced from £18,250 - £20,850. A powerful braking system is top of this list while Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Traction Control are now standard on all versions. And the Focus ST boasts 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, sports styling, body-hugging Recaro sports seats, a unique sports steering wheel, upgraded instrumentation, Easyfuel capless refuelling system and ‘Ford Power’ starter button. Upgrading to ST-2 adds a Sony audio system, bi-xenon lights, LED rear lights and Quickclear heated windscreen while the ST-3 includes an in-dash six CD player plus full leather trim.

The Ford Motor Company and the Society of Automotive Engineers will go on board this fall on an international study of a more lifelike prototype abdominal insert for pediatric crash dummies.  Pediatric crash dummies with the more lifelike abdomen will help in analyzing the risk of serious injury to children during car accidents.  Independent studies show that children ages 4 to 8 are at higher risk for injuries to the spine and abdomen.

“This effort furthers Ford’s commitment to help protect families by focusing on one of the most common collision-related injuries among children,” said Dr. Steve Rouhana, a senior technical leader with Ford’s Passive Safety Research and Advanced Engineering Department.  “It will help us better understand the effects of crash forces on children’s abdomens.”

Ford developed the more lifelike abdomen in conjunction with Dearborn-based STR Systems, a safety technology and research firm; The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Wayne State University in Detroit; the University of Virginia; and Takata Corporation, a global manufacturer of automotive safety systems.

The prototype pediatric abdomen insert is similar in size and shape to that of a 6-year-old child and is made of multiple layers of liquid silicone that, when solidified, forms a tough silicone shell.  Inside is a set of electrodes immersed in a conductive fluid that comprise the sensors for the abdomen – six electrodes at the front of the abdomen and one reference electrode at the back.

Initial testing of how the pediatric abdomen responds to belt loading was just completed.  For these tests, the abdomen was placed in a pediatric crash dummy retrofitted with a prototype pelvis created by the University of Michigan.  According to Rouhana, this pelvis is more humanlike, reflecting the rounded shape of an average 6-year-old pelvis.

Ultimately, the data gathered using both actual and virtual crash test dummies may help Ford and other members of the consortium to develop and bring to market innovative safety technologies more quickly.

Ford Says, the 6-speed automatic transmission returns 4 to 6 percent better fuel economy than the 4 or 5-speed automatics. At 2009 Ford plans on fitting its 6F35 six-speed transmission in the 2009 model year of the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and the 2009 Mazda Tribute. Currently, all are offered with a four-speed automatic.

“They also deliver improved acceleration and smoother shifting, all at a great value for consumers,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford Vice President.
Press Release:

DEARBORN, May 7, 2008 – Ford Motor Company is fitting the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner with the automaker’s newest, advanced 6-speed automatic transmission, further demonstrating its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy for customers. The new 6F35 front-wheel-drive transmission offers a 4 to 6 percent improvement in fuel economy versus conventional 4- and 5-speed automatics, in addition to improved acceleration.

“With a greater gear span, the 6F35 allows the engine to operate at more optimum combinations of speed and load to meet certain driving conditions,” said Craig Renneker, chief engineer for new automatic transmissions, Ford Powertrain Operations. “The new transmission also enables the engine to run at lower speeds on the highway, which aids fuel economy.”

The 6F35 will be mated to a new 2.5L I-4 engine and a power-improved 3.0L V-6 in the 2009 Escape and Mariner. The engine offers horsepower increases of 17hp for the I-4 and by 40hp for the V-6, while also boosting fuel economy by 1 mpg when mated to the new six-speed transmission. The 2009 Mazda Tribute also will feature the 6F35, as will two other vehicles early next year.

In a report I read today, I learnt that the first batch of the speedy Ford Mustang FR500S were already delivered right to the doorsteps of their new owners. There were 25 units made of this Ford race car and the car company sure did see to it that each and every vehicle had gleaming Ford Mustang parts.

If you are interested in owning one of these vehicles, you would have to shell out $75,000. After all, you may have even set your sights on this one since it was launched during the SEMA Show which happened last year in Las Vegas.

The vehicles were not just delivered as usual vehicles are. With the Ford Mustang FR500S, there was even a special event which Ford Racing attended. BF Goodrich Tires was also there. The new owners of the vehicle were given instructions on how to use the vehicle and also were given some pointers on the special features that came with the vehicle.

While browsing the Internet for really good Valentine’s Day ideas, I found this. And so they say that pink is the new red, then this one just gotta be a good gimmick for my significant other.

Pink Jeep tours look like a lot of fun. Really. According to the site, they have tours in Sedona and in Las Vegas. So if you would like to go around the mentioned places, you could take a Pink Jeep tour.

Now if you’re just a simple person who loves pink, then you really would have a really grand day with the Pink Jeep tours. Imagine, you would be in the company of something really pink and you can have your picture taken riding the vehicle, (looking like you are) driving the vehicle, and just posing right beside the vehicle. Everything about each Jeep tour vehicle is pink - well, except the wheels maybe.

The company has been in the touring industry for over 45 years already and those who have taken a tour have been through off-road adventures. You can take a tour with a special person, with your family, or with your friends. You can go to various places which you can check out at their site.

Anyhow, that would be it for now. I do need to talk this over with my partner first before I book us a tour.

Oh yeah. Happy Valentine’s Day guys!

• The most general combination of vehicles in American households with two to four cars is a full-sized pickup truck and a standard, mid-range vehicle
• Almost 25 percent also own a pickup truck of households with two or more vehicles in which one is an SUV.
• The percentage of one-vehicle households for those earning $250,000 or more yearly is 35 percent -- about the same as households with incomes of $25,000 to $34,999

No matter how much they take good care of their Ford F-Series pickup vehicles, it seems like thieves in Texas are very much into taking it. And once again, the vehicle model has been given the title as the most stolen vehicle in the mentioned state.

The Seguin Gazette-Enterprise took the liberty of asking a Ford employee and they were able to take the opinion of the company’s Seguin branch VP and general manager, Scott Brown, who stated, “The number one pickup in Texas is also the most-stolen pickup. They’re so good even the thieves want them!”

For the top ten most stolen vehicles, the Ford F-Series takes the top rank and it is followed by Chevy and Dodge vehicles. Then they are followed by the Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Chevy Tahoe, and the GMC pickup. The Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry and the Ford Mustang complete the list.

With that in mind, if you own these vehicles, better get more than the usual number of security features for your vehicle. You may have to shell out quite some cash but at least you’ll know that your vehicles would still be right where you parked them.

• Voice technology was used for the first time as an in-vehicle, relationship marketing tool, as automated voice-delivered invitations were sent to select vehicle owners to test drive a new version of the vehicle model they currently owned. Automated messages also were used to remind owners of the need to winterize their vehicles and how to set their dashboard clocks from daylight savings to standard time.  These Dealer Connect services deliver convenience to drivers and revenue for dealers.•    Sales personnel at automobile dealerships now have a valuable on-demand resource to help new vehicle owners activate and understand their telematics systems. A new automated interactive voice application provides simple and consistent steps for subscription activation, as well as a quick and simple way to provide a showroom demonstration of telematics benefits.
• Parents of infants and toddlers no longer have to determine on their own how to best attach child safety seats to their particular vehicle model. By simply pressing a telematics information button, clear, step- by-step installation instructions are immediately available as part of a completely voice-automated, virtual owner's manual, which offers interactive in-vehicle assistance. The patented solution is designed so that content can be updated off-board and downloaded to the vehicle remotely.
• In the event their car alarm is activated, vehicle owners can be immediately notified with an automated message provided via a speech- enabled outbound dialer that listens and provides customized messages.
• Vehicle owners can download target destinations or points of interest obtained through Web searches on Google Maps or Yahoo! Maps directly to their in-vehicle navigation system. Owners receive an audio confirmation within the vehicle that the download was successful. Soon, drivers will be able to verbally request target-destination downloads from within their vehicles.

Nissan's Infiniti division released its newest entry in the crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment with the launch of the all new 2008 EX35 in all Infiniti dealer showrooms all over the country.

According to Mark Igo, vice president and general manager of Infiniti:
"We're pleased to be making the new Infiniti EX35 available just in time for that last-minute holiday shopping. With its long list of advanced technology features, EX is a perfect companion for all the other high-tech items on car enthusiasts' shopping lists. And, with its available intelligent all-wheel drive, EX is also the perfect vehicle for holiday getaways, no matter what the weather may bring."

The 2008 Infiniti EX35 is equipped with a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine under the hood capable of generating 297 horsepower. This engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with Manual Shift Mode and Drive Sport Mode (DSM). Other technical systems of the 2008 Infiniti EX35 include available intelligent all wheel drive (AWD), Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), Adaptive Shift Control (ASC).

Other highlights of the 2008 Infiniti EX35 include:

- 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels
- Around View Monitor (AVM) system with four small cameras
- Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
- "Scratch Shield" special "self-healing" clear coat
- Available RearView Monitor
- Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
- Aluminum interior trim
- 7-inch color monitor display
- 8-way power driver's seat
- Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
- XM Satellite Radio
- 11-speaker Bose Premium Audio System with Burr-Brown 24-bit DAC, two subwoofers, 6 CD in-dash changer, and iPod connectivity
- Advanced voice-activated touch-screen Infiniti Navigation System
- Available XM NavTraffic with real-time traffic information
- Available roof rails
- Available maple wood trim.

MSRP list include:

2008 Infiniti EX RWD - $31,300
2008 Infiniti EX RWD Journey - $34,850
2008 Infiniti EX35 AWD with ATTESA E-TS intelligent all-wheel drive system - $32,700
2008 Infiniti EX35 AWD Journey - $36,250

Optional packages:
- Premium Package
- Luxe Elite Package
- Navigation Package
- Technology Package

Anyway, I wonder when will Acura release the next generation model of the CL sedan equipped with Acura CL Performance Pulleys

National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) which is China’s all-powerful economic planning and regulatory body has recently approved the local production of Toyota’s SUV model RV-4 that is according to reports from the Xinhua News Agency.

Toyota’s RV-4 is to be built in an assembly line of FAW-Toyota Tianjin where 42,000 vehicles are expected to roll off every year.

The RV-4 will be made to compete with Honda’s best selling SUV model CR-V in the Chinese market that is according Xinhua News Agency.

At present the 2.4 liter engine of the RV-4 is based on the third generation of RAV-4 and is the only model sold in the Chinese market. The model came in China as an import and has a base price of 318,000 yuan or $43,125 for the comfort version and 348,000 or $47,183 for the luxury edition.

And just in case you are looking for high quality Acura CSX brake dust shields kindly just visit the link provided.

Ford Motor Company's Ford Racing Performance Group will bring a race car model to the streets soon to provide customers with an affordable way to race. For the first time ever, Ford will launch a race car that is built at the company's production facility.

Called the 2008 Mustang FR500S, this high performance race car model is poised to roll out in authorized Ford dealers all over the U.S.

"There aren't very many manufacturers that can say they build race cars right off of the production line, and we are very proud of this achievement. This new car gives customers and racers a chance to get into a high-performing vehicle that is durable, reliable and competitive." Dan Davis, director, Ford Racing Technology

The 2008 Ford Mustang FR500S was developed in conjunction with Miller Motorsports Park. This race car is equipped with a 4.6-liter 3 valve fuel-injected V-8 engine that is capable of pumping out 325 hp. Other tech feats include Ford Racing cold-air intake, 6-speed transmission with an upgraded clutch, Ford Racing short-throw shifter, unique two-way adjustable front dampers, coil springs, and adjustable anti-roll bars.

 “The new Mustang FR500S is the result of Ford Racing working with Miller Motorsports Park, the Auto Alliance International production facility and everyone with Team Mustang to produce an affordable race car that is durable and lives up to the powerful reputation of the Mustang. We were able to use production racing parts out of our own catalog to ensure this car handles and performs with the power and aggressiveness the Mustang is known for.” Jamie Allison, manager, Ford Racing Performance Group.

The 2008 Ford Mustang FR500S will be the new spec series for Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires. The event will kick off on May 2 up to May 4th and will take place at Road Atlanta, followed by other race tracks all over the U.S. including Mosport International Raceway, Burke Lakefront Airport course in Cleveland, New Jersey Motorsports Park, and of course, Miller Motorsports Park.

Unfortunately, Ford did not release the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and the availability of this new model. Why not try to upgrade your auto parts like Acura Integra fuel injectors while waiting?

Chrysler LLC is now entering the hybrid market with the recently launch of not just one, but two all new full size sport utility vehicle (SUV) models equipped with hybrid powertrain systems. The Auburn Hills-based automaker introduces the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid and the 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid that will compete with other hybrid models in the segment.

According to Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development for Chrysler LLC: “The new 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid vehicles will offer our customers the sought-after blend of performance, utility, capability and vastly improved fuel economy — all in one package. Combined with Chrysler’s Multi-displacement System (MDS), our advanced, two-mode hybrid technology immediately delivers a more than 25-percent fuel economy improvement to our full-size SUVs - and up to a 40-percent improvement in the city.”

Both the 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid and the 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid will be equipped with a monstrous 5.7-liter HEMI engine that is expected to deliver powerful performance as well as improved fuel economy. This power unit is capable of pumping out 385 horsepower.

The HEMI engine will still feature the MDS system that allows the engine to seamlessly switch between four-cylinder and V8 mode, depending on the driving situation. For example, the driver can switch into V8 mode if more power is needed for acceleration, or the 4-cyclinder mode for additional fuel economy but with lesser power.  In addition, both the 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid and the 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid is equipped with the advanced two-mode full hybrid system, co-developed with General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW.  A low and high speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) completes the powertrain package.

Watch out for these two models to arrive in dealer showrooms in mid 2008. Anyway, maybe you could upgrade your auto parts like Acura heater core while waiting.

The holiday season is the time where a lot of shoppers spend some time to check for items and prepare for Christmas. This only means that parking lots will be congested with vehicles and this is an advantage for car thieves.

That is why LoJack Corporation, a company that offers wireless tracking devices for the automotive industry advices car owners to be aware and careful to avoid theft. The company also suggests some significant tips to help car owners get rid of thieves. Check them out!

1.    Use Common Sense Measures. LoJack said owners should not leave valuables/purchases visible in car. Owners should not leave personal information inside the vehicle like bank statements, mail, or wallet/purse.  Park in a well lit and high trafficked area. Never leave keys in the car with the engine running.. Close all windows and lock all doors when leaving your vehicle.
2.    Use Theft Prevention Products. According to LoJack, thieves will not steal your car if it has visible and audible warning devices like a wheel lock or alarm system, and Immobilizers, like smart keys, kill switches and fuel cut-off devices.
3.    Use a Tracking and Recovery System. Some of car thieves can disarm most theft prevention devices. That is why owners should have recovery systems installed on their vehicle. Recovery systems are directly integrated into law enforcement that uses radio signals to recover your car in case of theft. 

Meanwhile, Patrick Clancy, Vice President of Law Enforcement for LoJack added: "Today's clever thieves are particularly vigilant for thefts of opportunity, particularly during the holiday season. These thieves can not only drive away with your vehicle and newly purchased gifts, but your identity as well if you leave mail, bank statements or a purse/wallet in your vehicle. Some important common sense tips are to hide valuables from view, take personal information out of vehicles, and park in well lit, highly trafficked areas."

Follow these tips from LoJack to avoid your car from (like Acura CSX with Acura CSX brake pad set) theft.

Volvo Cars design team and Aria has come up with a stunning Surf Rescue Concept that is inspired by lifeguard vehicles seen at California beaches. The XC70 Surf Rescue Concept is equipped with a 3.2-liter engine that revs up 235 hp and rides on top of a 5-inch lift suspension, oversized tires and heavily altered body panels.

And since it’s a Surf Rescue vehicle expect for life-saving equipment and custom rescue surfboards loaded on it. Just like every SEMA concept from Volvo, all of the XC70 SR’s standard safety equipment is intact and fully operational. Moreover, the 2008 Volvo XC70 is all new and integrates the leading edge of passive and preventative safety systems.

The XC70 Surf Rescue Concept with its Volvo wheel hub assemblies will make its world debut at this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association tradeshow.

According to Ingrid Skogsmo, Director of Volvo Cars Safety Center, "We developed the all-new XC70 with the goal that it should be the safest vehicle in its segment. The XC70 model shares the same sophisticated network of interacting safety systems as the all-new Volvo S80. The patented body structure absorbs energy in a highly efficient way. And the interior safety system includes the latest generation of side airbags and whiplash protection. Furthermore, we are introducing a world innovation in the field of child safety."

The XC70 display a true demonstration of versatility by combining a height-adjustable integrated booster cushion which is a world’s first with an extended inflatable curtain that provide an unmatched passenger  safety system for precious cargo in the rear seat.

Additional technological updates include a new, stronger side structure that optimizes side-impact protection that is ideal especially for kids’ passengers. The entire body structure is made stronger and lighter thanks to the combination of high-tensile steel of different grades.

The high ground clearance of the all-new XC70 plus its relatively high positioned bumpers create a greater risk of damage to an oncoming passenger car with lower positioned bumpers. To further reduce the risk of injury in a collision, the front suspension sub-frame is supplemented with a lower cross-member positioned at the height of the bumper in a conventional car.

The lower beam is integrated into the XC70’s structure and is concealed behind the spoiler. In case of a collision, the lower cross-member is directed to strike the incoming’s car protective structure while activating its crumple zone in order to protect the occupants.

Ray Palermo, director of public relations for Response Insurance, a company that provides insurance benefits for the automotive industry is concerned about our fellow peeps in their late 50s and 60s (in short... senior citizens!) that still manage to go behind the steering wheels and hit that gas pedal. Palermo said: "With old age come changes that can greatly impact the ability to drive. Unfortunately it's borne out by the fact that older drivers have higher rates of fatal crashes than any other age group except teenagers. One of the most important things is recognizing when it's time to give up driving altogether. It's often a painful and difficult decision, but absolutely necessary if you are putting yourself or others at risk."

As a result, Palermo also recommends these driving guides for seniors to ensure safety. Ask your grandma and grandpa to remember these tips the next time they hit the road to avoid getting into car trouble and damaging auto parts like BMW X5 parts.

Vision
"As they age, drivers should be cognizant of their ability to see clearly, particularly at night, the discernment of contrasts, peripheral vision, the ability to adjust to changing conditions and depth perception, all of which impact safe driving. To avoid on-coming headlights, focus your eyes to the right side of the lane and speak to your doctor about yellow, night-driving glasses. Have wide-angle rear and side view mirrors installed to increase your view and to reduce blind spots."

Hearing
"Hearing should be checked regularly. If a hearing aid is needed, be sure to ask about its effect on separating out background noise."

Motor Skills
"Advancing age is often accompanied by a reduction in strength, which can affect the ability to brake or steer in an emergency. Stiffness in joints or arthritis, can also limit a driver's ability to turn his or her head sufficiently or to steer properly. Regular exercise will enhance flexibility, strength and stamina. Keeping limber will expand the overall range of movement."

Reaction Time
"Often a person's reaction time slows with age, which increases the possibility of accidents, or reacting to road hazards. Keep a longer distance between you and the car ahead to compensate for slowing reflexes."

Medications
"The effect of all medications taken should be addressed by a doctor."

Mental Acuity
"Aging often results in a decrease in the ability to multi-task. Limit the use of the radio. Have passengers handle directions and map navigation."

I feel a little uneasy that the GM is second only to Toyota brand now. I mean, GM is making quality cars right? But I guess people are now looking for cheap cars that do what the luxury cars can do. As for Toyota, we all knew about the Prius right? I guess they are selling because their cars are of great quality and can even compare to the luxury cars but with pocket-friendly price.

Toyota is one of those who plan to build diesel cars in the future. And if you can recall, Ford Motors Company promised us that very soon, they would be revealing a light-duty diesel of its F-150. And after that, there have been a lot of car makers that wants to do the same thing---GM is one of them. According to the US car maker, they will be releasing new trucks and vehicles that sports 4.5-liter diesel V-8 as their engine parts. These truck models will be in the form of a Hummer H2 as well as the GMC Sierra which is a light bodied 1500 version and the Chevy Silverado. These new vehicle will be coming in 2010.

While everybody is going crazy over hybrid cars, GM and Toyota are one among those who prefer to offer their car buyers with a choice. Diesel-propelled cars were meaner than the hybrid ones but at this time, both companies are exerting much of their efforts on producing cleaner diesel engines. GM’s Duramax Turbo-Diesel Sports is a proof of diesel propelled vehicles that would soon be introduced.

According to the US car manufacturer, the new car will revs up 520 lb-ft of torque and will produce more than 310 horsepower. Sierra will also have the V-8 that runs on gas and produces 415 -ft of torque and 400 horsepower. GM has also added that both Silverado and Sierra will have a 10,500-pound maximum. …Hmmm very interesting…

Of course, the US has stricter emission rates standards and therefore GM should be able to meet that. The Duramax was made to produce lesser carbon dioxide as well as nitrogen emission, which is better than its previous brands. GM is hoping that it would pass the standards of 50 states in the US. The fuel efficiency rate is about 25% better than the gasoline propelled vehicles according to Tom Read, a powertrain spokesman of GM.

I just wish that when they revealed these new vehicles with greener diesel engines, it would sell. I just hope they are doing their home works well.