The Ford Focus RS RX was designed to be the ultimate rallycross vehicle in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. Collaborating with UK-based M-Sport and Hoonigan Racing Division, Ford Performance engineers implemented the same high-tech instruments and procedures used on production vehicles to develop the Focus RS RX for competition. The first of a four-part documentary, episode one of “Project RX” highlights the design and development of the vehicle between Ford Performance headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, and the M-Sport race shop in Cockermouth, England. Hoonigan Racing Division drivers Ken Block and Andreas Bakkerud played a critical role in the development of the vehicle, providing insight from the driver’s perspective to be implemented in the build. BACKGROUND: Ford vehicles wearing the RS badge have had winning participation in rally for decades. Because the RS badge is reserved for vehicles that display the highest level of Ford Performance technology, automotive enthusiasts have been incredibly excited about the latest version of the Ford Focus RS. Their unbridled passion, in addition to the vehicle’s global release, made 2016 the perfect year for the program’s debut to a new generation of motorsports fans. DETAILS: The Ford Focus RS RX vehicle development is Ford Performance’s factory program in the FIA World Rallycross Championship series. “Project RX” takes an inside look at the development process between the Ford Performance team based in Dearborn, Michigan, the UK-based M-Sport, and Hoonigan Racing Division. Ford Focus RS RX Race Program in 2016
QUOTES: “Rallycross is a sport that requires the best…it requires you to perform at levels that are world class. We’re going to use this to prove our technologies and capabilities. The partnership [with M-Sport] is unlike anything we’ve done in the past, and this car is going to be the best.” – Dave Pericak, Global Director, Ford Performance “We’ve been doing a bit of to and fro with the design studio. At the end of the day, even the guys in the studio admit that this car is out to win races. It has to look good, but it has to perform.” – Nolan Halliday, Aerodynamics Engineer, Ford Performance “This project has been probably the most dynamic involvement of my team in a car like this. Trying to race at the highest level of the sport and doing it with factory help and with a race shop like M-Sport has been incredible.” – Ken Block, Ford Focus RS RX Race Driver, Hoonigan Racing Division <source: Ford Motor Co.>
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Clean Culture x ImportExpo struck the Orlando convention center on April 24th - just several miles from Vaccar's Florida HQ - so we had to get in on the action. Aaron Vaccar's AutoLife Tour, featuring our 2015 Ford Edge Sport was already set to be in attendance, so as a special treat we included the AVSS Ford Fusion Sport and Blood & Grease Ford Transit Connect as well. The trio showcased a variety of customization, prototyping, and styles, all originally debuted at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
From the Vaccar's Master Garage in Orlando, FL... Our team had the pleasure of taking in this classic Cadillac limo for a complete inspection and restoration evaluation. (picture credit: Bohemiam Hotel Celebration) This vehicle is owned by the Bohemiam Hotel Celebration in Florida - it adorns the establishment's front valet lot as a decorative piece, but is also put into motion for weddings and special events!
What's cool about the Vaccar's Master Garage location in Orlando, FL is that the same crew that's had their hands on the Vaccar concept and Ford project vehicles is working on your ride - any make, any model, from details to full builds! Contact the shop today. Ford Motor Company has announced plans to transform its Dearborn facilities into a modern, green and high-tech campus to foster innovation and help drive the company’s transition to an auto and a mobility company. The 10-year transformation of the company’s more than 60-year-old Dearborn facilities will colocate 30,000 employees from 70 buildings today into primarily two locations – a product campus and a world headquarters campus. More than 7.5 million square feet of work space will be rebuilt and upgraded into even more technology-enabled and connected facilities. A walkable community with paths, trails and covered walkways, the product campus will include a new design center, autonomous vehicles, on-demand shuttles, eBikes, new onsite employee services, wireless connectivity speeds up to 10 times faster than today and more green spaces. A second campus location – around the current Ford World Headquarters building – will feature a new Ford Credit facility and provide onsite employee services, improved connectivity and enhanced accessibility to the expansive green space that surrounds the building. “As we transition to an auto and a mobility company, we’re investing in our people and the tools they use to deliver our vision,” said Ford President and CEO Mark Fields. “Bringing our teams together in an open, collaborative environment will make our employees’ lives better, speed decision-making and deliver results for both our core and emerging businesses.” The company’s core auto business includes continuing to invest in designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing cars, SUVs, trucks and electrified vehicles. It also is pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience and data and analytics. Construction of the new product campus begins this month at the Ford Research and Engineering Center. The majority of work is expected to be complete by 2023. Major work on the second campus around Ford World Headquarters begins in 2021 and is expected to be complete in 2026. STORY:
Lincoln recently revealed the all-new Navigator Concept, offering a glimpse at what comes next for the brand’s best-known nameplate. "The all-new Navigator Concept reinforces our commitment to give every Lincoln client what we call quiet luxury – vehicles and experiences that are elegant, effortlessly powerful and serene," said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln. "This kind of quiet luxury sets Lincoln apart. Now, we're showing fans of large SUVs how we can exceed their expectations, without being the loudest statement on the road." Lincoln first introduced the the upscale SUV in 1997, and has now re-imagined the Navigator for modern clients interested in better performance, more space and further refinement. The design team drew inspiration from luxury sailboats and yachts while designing the new concept. This influenced everything from the clean, modern lines and 'Storm Blue' paint on the exterior that mimics the grays and blues of sea and sky, to the teak finishes, custom gear and wardrobe management system found inside. PERFORMANCE: Drivers can choose several drive modes to improve ride and handling and to find the drive experience that best suits their mood – including steering, suspension and noise levels. Each mode is accompanied by a matching digital animation in the cluster. It is equipped with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. INTERIOR: The leather-wrapped interior is rendered in a light blue. Six Lincoln-patented Perfect Position Seats adjust 30 ways to best support occupants’ different body types. The driver’s seat, for instance, includes independent deployable thigh supports for maximum comfort. A 360-degree camera and enhanced park assist features take the stress out of parking, exiting a parking spot and maneuvering. The system seamlessly integrates views from four cameras – creating an overhead image that allows drivers to see all around the vehicle. Head restraint monitors provide passengers Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing them to wirelessly share music and content from personal devices. For drivers, a central display can be customized from the digital touch screen housed in the center stack. All of this is accessed through power gullwing doors and deployable concertina steps. A special lighting sequence welcomes passengers for every journey – a signature Lincoln feature. - <source: Lincoln Motor Co.> Ford Mustang is Mr. Monopoly’s new ride in the new edition of Monopoly Empire. 2015’s best-selling sports car in the U.S. has made thousands of appearances on the silver screen and in numerous songs, and now it’s a playable piece in the iconic board game. Mustang fans can rev their engines and advance to go as they take laps around the board and build their empire of well-known brands, including Ford. The new version of the Monopoly Empire game is available now. Check out more at www.monopoly.com. <Source: Ford Motor Co.>
Ever since we first debuted the original Vaccar Fusion Sport back in 2009 at the SEMA Show, the wheel-tire and chassis setup has been a hot topic. It's got form and function, but what does it take to achieve that on a vehicle that (at the time) has no off-the-shelf products? It's called custom!
Have you ever imagined taking ownership of a Vaccar original vehicle? Now is your time to act, because ultimate Vaccar Expedition concept is for sale. It's currently available exclusively through Orlando's premium auto retailer, RTP luxury car dealer of Orlando, FL. This official Vaccar vehicle is the original concept model that debuted in the Ford Motor Company booth at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The theme was set to the “ultimate winter-wonderland exploration vehicle” as television's the Original Ice Road Trucker drove and displayed it overtop of real snow and ice at the event. The Vaccar Expedition is well-equipped to survive even the most dangerous of landscape, while at the same time comfortably seating 7 passengers in an atmosphere as riche and unique as a luxurious wilderness lodge.
Click HERE to view the listing on RTP's website. Base Vehicle
Wheels & Tires
Chassis
Interior
Created By:Vaccar Youngstown, OH & Orlando, FL www.vaccar.co 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> |
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