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.

QUICK FACTS:

• Focus RS will be first car in North America to offer a winter tire and wheel option as a factory accessory
• Focus RS Winter Wheel & Tire Package includes Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 tires, 18-inch silver-painted wheels, tire pressure monitoring sensors, and center caps all fully mounted and balanced
• Package is certified to Ford Performance standards; arrives at dealerships ready for installation

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;

• The all-new Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers that produces a projected 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque [1] is designed for smooth, responsive, yet quiet power.
• Lincoln Drive Control provides the driver a choice of three settings – comfort, normal and sport – adapting steering and suspension settings to tailor ride and handling. Available adaptive steering helps optimize steering response, enabling the vehicle to react more smoothly and precisely to driver input.
• Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection uses radar and camera technology to scan the roadway ahead and, if a collision risk with a vehicle or pedestrian is detected, provides a warning to the driver. If the driver does not respond in time, the system can automatically apply up to full braking force to help reduce the severity of or even eliminate some frontal collisions. Effortless assistance for the daily commute is available with optional adaptive cruise control, which can automatically slow Continental in stop-and-go traffic – resuming speed when traffic clears.
• To take the stress out of parallel and perpendicular parking, the new 360-degree camera system uses views from cameras mounted in the grille, decklid and 180-degree side mirrors, then seamlessly stitches these snapshots together to create an image in the screen so the driver can see around the car – as if a camera is overhead.
• Lincoln’s new flagship welcomes drivers with a brand-exclusive lighting sequence. As the driver approaches the car with the key, LED signature lighting in the lower front fascia and taillamps subtly engages, while signature lighting in the headlamps awakens in a fluid motion. Lincoln mat lights then brighten the pavement around the front doors, helping show any hazards, while select interior lights warmly illuminate the cabin.
• Continental door handles are designed to offer elegant and effortless entry with new E-latch door release. The release is discreetly integrated within the beltline, leaving the body side clean. With the gentle touch of a button, the vehicle’s doors pop open, then use available power-cinching technology to automatically close and secure.
• One highlight is Lincoln’s new Perfect Position Seats – inspired by private jets and high-end office furniture – that can be adjusted up to 30 ways.
• Rear passengers can enjoy first-class travel amenities, too, with such available features as audio and climate controls, sunshades, and reclining, heated, cooled and massaging seats. The streamlined interior provides generous rear legroom.
• Continental occupants also can enjoy an available Revel® audio system developed to work in concert with the interior design and acoustics, transforming the cabin into a personal amphitheater with three distinct listening modes – Stereo, Audience and On Stage. Use of the E-latch release enables optimal speaker positioning in the Continental doors, alongside the conveniently located seat controls.
• For those seeking the highest expression of Lincoln luxury, three Lincoln Black Label designer themes are available – Chalet, Thoroughbred and Continental-exclusive Rhapsody.
• All models feature new design details. Stitching on the seats is specified at six to seven stitches per inch for a couture-like appearance, and the slats of the center console door are laser-cut to maximize consistency of the grain pattern.

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)