With virtually everyone having a camera in his or her possession these days, spy photographers are ubiquitous; to protect its secrets from professional and amateur photographers alike, Ford uses advanced camouflage technology. Modern camo technology is easier and faster to use than ever, while also allowing for more accurate testing of vehicle features and technologies. Ford uses sticker camo for the majority of development, but vinyl cladding is still used in a small percentage of testing. Source: Ford Motor Company
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OUR THOUGHTS: I truly believe that there's several reasons to applaud Ford for this option for the RS. Aside that they're leading the marketing by being the first to offer such a package, it shows that they did their research - they know their customers. Picture, you've just taken delivery of your all-new 350-horsepower Focus RS - why wouldn't you want to shred the roads year-round? It's my opinion that the majority of future RS owners will want to fully utilize their vehicle - it's fun and functional, and they're going to get the most enjoyment and use out of this investment. Don't get me wrong, I'm all-in on purpose built street, race, and even show cars - but I think this vehicle will best serve the year-round fun-haver. I'll also admit, that there will be (and I hope so!) very large groups of owners pushing the limits of the Focus RS in various niche and high-performance segments. Let's just say, we've yet to imagine the full potential of this AWD beast. - Aaron Vaccar Lead Design, VACCAR THE OFFICIAL WORD: DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 17, 2016 – Customers of Ford’s all-new all-wheel-drive 350-horsepower Focus RS will now be able to order a fully certified winter tire kit for great driving enjoyment in the snow. The Focus RS Winter Wheel & Tire Package offers customers a unique set of wheels and tires – the first time an original equipment manufacturer is making a check-the-box winter tire option available in North America. “We started this project knowing what our RS customers really want out of their cars,” says Adam Wirth, chassis supervisor, Ford Performance. “This tire package allows RS owners to continue spirited driving even in the snow.” Ford Performance developed this package so the most demanding Focus customers can be outfitted with optimum equipment for winter conditions. The challenge was that normal vehicle testing procedures require certification with production wheels and tires; winter-only standards had never been authored. To bring this package to owners, the first step Ford Performance had to undertake was creating a new set of standards specifically suited for brutal winter conditions. These new standards were put to the test in extreme cold and snow in Northern Michigan and Sweden, to guarantee the quality and performance Ford customers expect. Engineers and technicians tested a wide variety of high-performance winter tire and wheel setups to determine the optimum combination for ride, handling and performance in various wintry conditions. The winning setup is a 225/40R18 Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 tire mounted to a new 18x7.5-inch wheel, which looks very similar to the base Focus RS option, but is finished in sparkle silver to hide salt spray. The set is complete with tire pressure monitoring sensors and center caps fully mounted and balanced and ready for installation at the dealer. The wheel and tire are narrower, to provide improved snow traction, while the overall diameter is smaller, so owners can fit chains if necessary. “We fully expect our more extreme-weather customers to take advantage of the ability to use snow chains,” Wirth says a smirk. The Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive fitted to Focus RS will take full advantage of these new winter tires. “Settings are completely driver-preference,” notes Wirth. “Customers are able to utilize all four drive modes to suit their driving style in winter conditions.” Focus RS Winter Wheel & Tire Package is available only in North America – a $1,995 option. For customers in Canada, the package comes standard on Focus RS. The Focus RS arrives at dealerships in North America this spring. <Info Source: Ford Motor Company> I'll be the first to say that in the world of exotic and luxury tuning, it's the Euro & JDM brands that take the cake – or should I say, they've been served the cake? Aftermarket manufacturers having been continually supported with product for brands such as BMW and Lexus, and tuning houses have catered to elite restyling of Mercedes and Jaguar – but why haven’t we seen Lincoln tossed in the mix?
Maybe its always been the allure of a foreign brand – or more likely, it's because the American platforms might not have inspired or possessed the traits that the market was looking for. I'm here to say that the all-new Lincoln Continental could put the Dearborn brand back in the game. While being stuffed with plenty of power, it also simply oozes luxury. But, it's also just a little too early to make 100% bet as to if it will stick or not – yes, the consumer world should bite on the hot new model in general – but what the aftermarket does is of another story. The auto enthusiasts droll over customized Bentley and Porches – but how would they feel about a finely tuned Continental? At least as far as full-size luxury and VIP tuning goes, I think this Lincoln has a solid base to build upon. Let's look at some pictures and details;
Will Vaccar offer restyling and performance options for the all-new Lincoln – or perhaps a bespoke Vaccar Continental for special customer order? Perhaps. It definitely has our attention. - Aaron Vaccar Lead Design Vaccar <Info Source: Lincoln Motor Company> News from Dearborn (1/15/16): The 1st all-new Ford Focus RS has rolled off the line in Saarlouis, Germany! We love the 350HP it comes stocked with, but we're really excited about all-wheel drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring – which will basically alter the handling, grip, and cornering speed experience. The RS features selectable drive modes, including drift mode that allows controlled oversteer drift - and launch control! (Read the original press release, below) ALL-NEW FOCUS RS ROLLS OFF THE LINE IN GERMANY; HOT HATCH SET TO ARRIVE AT U.S. DEALERSHIPS THIS SPRINGDEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 15, 2016 – With U.S. sales of Ford’s performance cars outpacing the overall industry, production kickoff for the company’s long-anticipated, 350-horsepower hot hatch couldn’t come at a better time. The first all-new Focus RS has rolled off the line in Saarlouis, Germany. *UPDATE 3/4/16: Now available at LEGO stores! Click here to visit LEGO store! Exciting news for both kids and adults, Ford and LEGO Speed Champions have introduced a new line of LEGO sets featuring two iconic vehicles at the 2016 North American International Auto Show.
A Mustang and F-150 Raptor play set will be available as soon as March 1st in LEGO stores and Toys 'R US nationwide, Priced around $14.99, the 185-piece Mustang kit includes a time board and race driver. The larger 664-piece Raptor set includes a custom-looking Model A hot rod atop a trailer, drag racing Christmas tree, as well as race shop equipment and crew – priced a bit steeper at $49.99 What makes is so cool? Joe Hinriches, Ford president, says “Many of us grew up plaing with LEGO, so this is a dream project for all of us – including our engineers.” The LEGO team worked hand-in-hand with Ford licensing and design teams throughout development and design, collaborating on everything from the smallest product details to packaging. I'm personally going to need a couple sets – one to build, and one to experimenting! Any ideas on what other vehicles you could custom-create using the parts and pieces from these play sets? - Aaron Vaccar Lead Design Vaccar <Info Source: Ford Motor Company> |
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