Detroit Show: Ford Explorer America Concept – Unibody Construction & 2.0-liter Turbo Engine!

Ford’s really shuffling the deck with the Explorer America Concept that promises to give us a hint of what to expect from the upcoming generations of the SUV. First of all, the Explorer America does away with the current body-on-frame in favour of a modern unibody construction that not only reduces weight, but also promises to deliver better driving dynamics.

The concept also utilizes Ford’s upcoming Ecoboost engine line-up that feature turbocharging and direct injection technology (see details here). According to the American carmaker, the powertrain lineup includes a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter turbo V6 delivering about 340 hp. Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today’s V6 Explorer. -Details and high-res pics after the jump

PRESS RELEASE (SCROLL DOWN FOR THE IMAGE GALLERY)

FORD TO REVEAL NEW FUEL-SAVING CONCEPT IN DETROIT

The Ford Explorer America concept showcases a new kind of utility for the vehicle customers have known and loved for years: even better fuel efficiency.

“Customers are smart. They value vehicles – the more efficient, the better,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president of Marketing and Communications. “Ford gets it.

“Innovative technologies can transform people’s favorite vehicles. Look at SYNC, the Ford system that connects people and their favorite portable devices, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, while in their vehicles.”

Technologies and engineering innovations help Explorer America concept deliver an approximately 20 to 30 percent fuel-economy improvement, depending on engine selection, while providing room for six and their gear as well as moderate towing and off-roading capabilities.

This smarter utility concept simplifies Ford Motor Company’s systems approach for delivering sustainable vehicles, specifically demonstrating:

• A powertrain lineup that includes a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp. Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today’s V-6 Explorer
• Migration from current body-on-frame to unibody construction, reducing weight and delivering superior driving dynamics
• A fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission with auto shift control, allowing the driver to select and hold a lower gear with just the turn of a dial when conditions warrant it
• A weight reduction of 150 pounds for the V-6 version thanks to its downsized – yet superior performing – engine, as well as more lightweight materials, suspension and chassis components
• Fuel-saving electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and other engine actions that deliver a fuel savings benefit of about 5 percent. Between 80 to 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will have EPAS by 2012

In addition to its fuel-efficient powertrain and technologies, the Explorer America concept addresses how the SUV market has changed in the past 15 years.

In the 1990s, customers were drawn by SUVs aligned with people’s adventurous, more rugged lifestyles. Today’s consumers are more discerning, demanding products that are capable and flexible – but more intelligently executed.

The Explorer America concept looks the part, too, with a modern, muscular design language that belies its ability to harness today’s active lifestyles. Its integrated three-bar grille, defined power dome hood, wrap-around rear glass panel window and sliding rear door give the appearance that this concept is ready for modern Lewis-and-Clark types to explore, from their own neighborhoods to the trail head.

Inside, intelligent features abound, including: single-touch stackable, sliding seats that allow for convenient access to the second row; a work table with seats deploy from the tailgate; and a three-dimensional compass and navigation unit with a topographical map built right into the instrument panel.

Ford Verve Sedan Concept Unveiled In China

Along with the production version of the Mazda2 Sedan (click here for details and images), FoMoCo pulled the curtains off the Ford Verve Sedan Concept at this week’s Guangzhou Motor Show in China. Based on the Verve 3door concept which was revealed at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show in September (click here), Ford’s B-Segment sedan concept is identical up to the B-pillar with the hatch while its rear-end is apparently inspired from the liftback version of the new Mondeo. Whereas we loved the 3door Verve concept's looks, we cant say the same about the sedan version. -Continued after the jump

From what we’ve been told, the production version of the Verve Sedan will be introduced during the second-half of 2008, but it remains unknown whether it will be available worldwide or only in developing markets like China, Russia, South America and Eastern Europe.

2008 Ford Kuga Update: Press Release

Continuing our Frankfurt Show updates, Ford released the first official details of its beautifully designed Kuga crossover, the first pictures of which we showed you last night. To be produced at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany, the Focus based Kuga will be available in Europe in the first half of 2008. There’s no word about it coming to the States, and to be honest, we wouldn’t be betting it on it. The show car is equipped with a 136 Hp 2.0 turbo-diesel engine which will be available along with a wide range of petrol and diesel units. Ford also notes that the Kuga will be offered with 'intelligent' 4WD and FWD systems. -Follow the jump for the press release or click here for the image gallery

FRANKFURT PREVIEW FOR NEW FORD KUGA CROSSOVER

COLOGNE, Germany, September 5, 2007 – Ford is releasing the first details of its new Kuga crossover at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, where the car will be previewed ahead of production early in 2008. The Kuga will be previewed alongside the new Ford Verve Concept small car and other exciting new products yet to be revealed on the show's first press day, September 11th.

The All-New Ford Kuga in Brief

• Stylish Ford Kuga crossover will be previewed at Frankfurt Motor Show in near production form ahead of sales launch in early 2008
• Inspired by the iosis X Concept that was revealed at the 2006 Paris Motor Show
• Kuga is the latest showcase for Ford's 'kinetic design'
• Impressive on-road driving dynamics with substantial off-road ability
• Model range features 'intelligent' 4WD and FWD systems
• Powered by Ford's acclaimed 2.0-litre 136 PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engine
• Benefits from strong Ford Focus lineage
• First crossover designed and developed in-house by Ford of Europe
• To be produced at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany

Ford of Europe's product portfolio is expanding again – and in another new direction. The new Ford Kuga is an exciting 4WD crossover that combines style with technology and promises impressive on-road dynamics coupled with substantial off-road ability.
The new Ford Kuga will go on sale throughout Europe during the first half of 2008. "When we unveiled the stunning iosis X Concept car at the 2006 Paris Motor Show I promised that in less than two years we would enter this segment with an all-new vehicle developed and built in-house," said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe.

"In delivering that promise, the commitment we also gave in Paris two years ago to add new and exciting niche vehicles to a newly energised Ford of Europe portfolio was also kept," Fleming added.

"Kuga offers a rare blend of a wagon and SUV features together with coupé-like sporting qualities," said Stephen Odell, Vice President for Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe.

"A major element of our strategy to return the Ford of Europe business to sustained profitability is the introduction of exciting new products – like Kuga – that attract new customers to the brand," explained Odell. "The S-MAX proved to us that there is demand for vehicles which offer the customer universal usability for work, leisure and family roles and where "driving pleasure" is also very important."

Unmistakably a Ford
One of the challenges of the Kuga development team was to give the vehicle Ford's acknowledged driving quality while at the same time delivering substantial off-road ability.

For this reason, the Ford Kuga will be available with an intelligent four-wheel-drive system which contributes positively to normal road use and helps give the vehicle an almost sporty dynamic ability. The fact that the Kuga will also be available as a front-wheel-drive only version simply emphasises the crossover concept of the vehicle.

Kuga's powertrain will feature Ford's established and highly fuel efficient 2.0-litre, 136 PS Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engine mated to a Durashift 6-speed manual transmission. Further details of the Kuga powertrain will be released closer to launch in early 2008.

Kuga Design - Standing Out
"Our kinetic design form language is very flexible and is giving an exciting look to all our new vehicles," said Martin Smith, Executive Design Director, Ford of Europe. "The iosis XConcept demonstrated how kinetic design could be adapted to the C-sized crossover segment of the market. All the expressive design elements of iosis X are clearly visible in the production vehicle. The new Ford Kuga is a dramatic addition to the Ford portfolio which develops our brand significantly."

Kuga closely follows the proportions and basic dynamic forms of the iosis X. This relationship is enhanced by the paint finish in the same unique 'Ice White' body colour and the bold wheel arches are filled with the same alloy wheels, as seen on iosis X which will be available to customers as a 19-inch option. Strength and athleticism in the design are key attributes of Ford's 'kinetic design' philosophy. Kuga demonstrates this through its dynamic lines, full surfaces and muscular presence. This athletic form language is highlighted with the bold kinetic graphics such as the trapezoidal front grills, rising belt-line and kick-up of the rear window graphic and the dramatic swept back headlamp shapes.

For the production Ford Kuga the coupé-like roof profile of the iosis X Concept has been adjusted to a slightly higher silhouette offering comfortable accommodation for five people.

The luggage compartment is accessed via a split tailgate and this, together with the divided rear lights, ensures the maximum full load width is available for loading and unloading.

Finally, the rear end design of Kuga also incorporates the graphic elements of 'kinetic design' such as the high mounted tail lamps, facetted rear glass and sculptured rear bumper. The rear bumper neatly integrates the tailpipes into the contours of the diffuser.

Kuga Interior – Space and Comfort
The interior of the new Ford Kuga has a spacious feel – and not just because of the large panoramic glass roof fitted to the preview model and available as an option in production.

The clean, ergonomic design of the instrument panel and centre stack converge into a voluminous centre console for maximum accessible storage. These interior components contribute to a comfortable surrounding for the driver and front seat passenger. The high seat and shoulder line position of the doors offers the opportunity for maximum glazed areas to give a light and airy environment for passengers and provides the driver a commanding view of their surroundings.

The materials chosen for Kuga's interior also demonstrate the close links to the iosis X Concept. In Kuga we see once again technical materials, fine leathers and striking orange piping. The Ebony interior is set off by a centre console and details in the door which also feature the piano-white finish from iosis X. All these elements together show how Ford intends to enable Kuga customers in the future to personalise their vehicle.

A hint of the technology coming in Kuga is seen in the new Blaupunkt navigation system which incorporates a 7" colour display to also show images from a rear view camera incorporated into the tailgate. This new feature, to aid reversing manoeuvres, will find its way to the production version of the Kuga.

"We're very excited about Kuga, and believe that its blend of great looks, compact exterior dimensions, superb on-road driving quality, spacious and high quality interior and good off-road ability will allow it to stand out from the crowd," said Fleming. "We can't wait to see it on and off road early next year"

Video: Ford Verve Concept

Deemed as one the most interesting concepts of this year’s Frankfurt Show, the Verve is what we all wish that next year’s production version of the Fiesta will look like. Of course, we’ll probably be like “duh” in 2008 when Ford takes the wraps of the new Fiesta covered in semi-colored bumpers and 14-inch wheels, but what else is new. In this official video, Ford Europe’s head of design, Martin Smith and his team, explain the philosophy behind the creation of the Verve Concept.