For the first time since 2002, an ‘RS’ badge will adorn a Ford vehicle.

A brand new Ford Focus RS will hit the streets in 2009, though North Americans may not want to hold their breath waiting for one, as it’s currently only slated to hit Europe.

The Focus RS looks the part of a sporty compact hatchback from the second you lay eyes on it. It has a lowered ride, revised front and rear quarter panels to incorporate wider wheel arches and a wider track, triangular, RS-badged vents, a new front bumper that incorporates a deep front airdam with a large, mesh lower grille in an extended trapezoid and chromed xenon headlamps.

The interior gets the performance treatment as well, started off by Recaro sports seats that match the vehicle’s exterior colour. Even the rear seats feature higher side bolsters and a microfibre finish to echo those up front. The centre console is finished in carbon-look trim, and Ford says aluminum highlights can be found on everything from air vents, door grab handles, and the switchgear, to the gearshift surround and RS-branded scuff plates on the door sills.

Brushed aluminum highlights adorn the inside of the Focus RS and the driver makes use of a sporty three-spoke steering wheel as well as aluminum pedals. The RS also gets three additional gauges that are angled toward the driver.

Even the heart of the Focus RS is specially designed for the vehicle. It gets a new version of Ford’s 2.5-litre turbocharged 5-cylinder Duratec engine. Ford RS engineers developed unique camshafts, a revised cylinder head and gasket and revised intake and exhaust manifold system to make for a significant increase in power.

Though the Focus RS is front-wheel drive, the development team still managed to create an excellent-handling vehicle according to Ford thanks to what it calls an ‘innovative front suspension system’ known as a ‘RevoKnuckle’. This system is designed to reduce unwanted steering disturbance and torque steer, by using a traditional McPherson strut arrangement, but with geometry settings that minimize steering disturbances and torque steer.

Jost Capito, Ford of Europe’s Vehicle Line Director for Performance Vehicles, spoke of the consideration for all-wheel drive in the RS:

“As you would expect, we gave all-wheel-drive careful consideration, but by combining and tuning these elements and learning from Ford’s expertise in industry-leading handling, we have managed to eliminate the weight of AWD from the car and still have been able to target a class-leading balance of traction, handling and performance.”

He also says that the inclusion of electronic stability program was purely for safety.

“We are refining all the handling characteristics of Focus RS without ESP, to hone its natural responses, rather than use ESP to help its handling. In Focus RS, ESP is a pure safety device”, explained Capito.

The Focus RS uses 19-inch wheels, low profile tires, as well as a 40 mm wider track compared to the regular Focus.

By AutoNet

Ferrari welcomed us all a little bit early to the Hotel California, and yes, it’s a lovely place. In fact, check out the lovely face on the new 2009 Ferrari California just to see if we’re wrong. Despite being told we’d need to wait at least another week before shots would officially go live, the prancing stallions at Ferrari have revealed three press photos of the new Ferrari that’s been alternately called the “Ferrari GT,” “Ferrari California GT,” “Ferrari Dino” and “Ferrari Little Tiny One” in the spy photos. OK, maybe not that last one. But the rest of them are accurate. Whatever we used to call it in the spy photos, it’s now set to take on a bit of West Coast flair. We’ll be pleased as punch to see it in person in Paris later this year.

The first official photographs have been published of the Ferrari California, the latest addition to the new generation of Ferraris launched in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti and added to more recently with the 430 Scuderia. The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse’s 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment. The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque’s history in the mid-front position. In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California’s 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a “flat” crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari. As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car’s performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking. In addition to sporting the marque’s classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari’s own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down. The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Car Show.

By Jalopnik

At last, the wait is over. Ford’s new Fiesta has arrived, and Auto Express is first to drive it! In a world exclusive, we’ve driven and tested the first example of the supermini to hit UK soil so we can deliver the definitive verdict on the most important new model of the year.

And after Ford’s success with the Focus, Mondeo and Kuga, expectations are running high. For starters, it is going to turn heads with its large, swept-back headlamps, steeply rising waist and high-mounted rear lights. There are three and five-door styles, and Zetec S trim also adds a neat bodykit.

The cabin has Mondeo-style dials and a centre console design that’s been influenced by mobile phones. Crowned by a large LCD display screen, it helps to give the interior the same fresh look as the outside. Our only gripe is the quality of plastics, as some don’t match those of the class leaders.

Despite being only marginally bigger than the outgoing car, the latest Fiesta fits five adults easily, and the boot is 281 litres. The cabin lacks the clever seating systems of the Honda Jazz and Nissan Note, but there are lots of features more commonly seen in big cars. Our range-topping Titanium model had optional keyless start, cruise control, a trip computer, powered mirrors, automatic lights and wipers, plus five airbags – but no sat-nav, even as an option.

So there’s lots of extra equipment – but the Fiesta’s weight has dropped by 40kg to improve performance, while boosting fuel economy and lowering emissions…

By AutoExpress

Ελβετικό, με Body Kit και επέμβαση στα ηλεκτρονικά…

By BlogAuto