Frankfurt launch for ultra-low CO2 Fords

Ford are launching a new range of low-emissions vehicles at the 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Branded 'Ford ECOnetic', a name combining environmental concerns with Ford's 'kinetic' philosophy, the new range will offer customers from late this year an extended choice of ultra-low CO2 vehicles to complement the existing Ford Flexifuel range. Green's very much in this season.

Using a combination of the latest common-rail diesel engines coupled with features engineered to reduce emissions to the 'absolute minimum', Ford promise to bring an increased range of affordable products featuring low CO2.

"Although all of our current European models are already highly competitive in terms of CO2, we do know that more and more car buyers seek the lowest possible emissions as a key 'why-buy?', and that they have an increasing range of such vehicles to choose from in the market," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe President and CEO.

The first car to tempt consumers to Ford's new low-CO2 range will be the Focus. Emitting only 115g/km of CO2 and offering a 12g/km advantage over the regular 1.6 TDCi model, the Ford Focus ECOnetic, powered by a 106 PS, re-engineered version of the 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine, enters dealerships late 2007 or early next year. Fuel consumption is up by 10% over the standard 1.6 TDCi at an impressive 4.3l/km (65 mpg).

The new range will join the expanding Flexifuel product range, which combine conventional fuel with bio-ethanol E85 (a blend of 85% bio-ethanol and 15% petrol). The new ECOnetic models will join the existing Focus and C-MAX Flexifuel products as well as Flexifuel versions of the new Mondeo, Galaxy and S-MAX, on sale from early 2008.

Expect Ford to extend the new ECOnetic range to the Mondeo, C-MAX and S-MAX following roll-out of the Focus late 2007 or early 2008. Further details will be released nearer to the range's Frankfurt unveiling.

Facelifted Focus for Frankfurt

SHARPER FOCUS FOR 2008

• New Kinetic Design exterior
• Enhanced interior quality
• New Ford PowerShift six-speed double-clutch transmission
• New Focus ECOnetic with average CO2 of only 115g/km
• New features including Easy Fuel capless refuelling, Ford Power button, tyre pressure warning system, 230 volt socket and LED rear lights
• On sale February 2008

Winner of more than 80 awards and the only vehicle in the world to be named Car of the Year both in Europe and North America, Ford’s Focus has been something of a phenomenon since the launch of the original back in 1998.

Now in its second generation, with more than 1.1 million examples sold in the UK and a range which includes hatchback, saloon, estate and Coupé-Cabriolet derivatives, the Focus success story enters another chapter.

Following its unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford has announced that a new version of its family favourite will begin rolling off production lines from the end of 2007. Three-door, four-door, five-door and estate body styles will be first in UK showrooms, Coupé-Cabriolet and ST sporting flagship variants arriving in spring 2008.

Benefiting from Ford’s ‘kinetic design’ approach to styling, the 2008 Focus takes its inspiration from the critically acclaimed new Mondeo. The result is a classier and more distinctive appearance from a vehicle that’s now as exciting to look at as it is to drive.

Working from the front towards the rear, trapezoidal grilles, swept back headlamps, bold wheel arches, newly shaped rear glass, a contoured tailgate and new tail lamps are the key changes. Higher trim grades benefit from chrome detailing and a stylish, body-coloured upper rear spoiler.

Inside, the upmarket aura continues. New soft-touch plastics now cover the instrument panel as well as the upper front door trim and this is complemented by plush new seat fabrics plus a variety of attractive fascia finishing's. The instrumentation has been re-designed too and, along with all other interior controls, is illuminated in red. Controls for the upgraded audio equipment and two-zone air conditioning have also been ergonomically improved.

Furthermore, the Titanium now includes a newly designed centre console (optional with Zetec and part of the Sport Pack), which adopts the flowing 'kinetic design' look. In addition to a movable armrest and a four-litre-capacity storage compartment, there are storage areas for back-seat passengers or the facility to add optional items such as a 230 volt socket or the USB audio connection box. Another feature available as an option from the beginning of 2008 is the Ford Power Button, which will be positioned near the gear shifter.

The aesthetic appeal of Ford's latest Focus is matched by a range of mechanical introductions, including an all-new automated gearbox. The Ford PowerShift transmission will be available from early 2008 in the new Ford Focus as well as the Ford C-MAX, in combination with the 136PS and new 110PS versions of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine.

Jointly developed by Ford and transmission specialists GETRAG, the gearbox consists of two layshaft transmissions working in parallel, each with its own wet clutch unit. Thanks to the layout of the intermediate shafts – one carrying the 'uneven' gears 1, 3 and 5, while the other one 'even' gears 2, 4 and 6 – the next gear change can be prepared by pre-selection whilst in motion and at full power.

As a result, in this configuration, the average fuel consumption improves by around 10 per cent, and CO2 emissions will be lower, compared to a conventional six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Final homologated fuel economy and CO2 emissions data, as well as performance data for the Ford Focus with this new transmission technology, will be published closer to the car's market launch.

Another new development is the Focus "ECOnetic" which features an array of aerodynamic efficiencies and is powered by a 109 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi with standard Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Average consumption for the Focus ECOnetic is a frugal 65mpg. This corresponds to an average CO2 emission of only 115g/km, which is a class leading result for a conventional vehicle in this segment.

As a direct result of the Ford ECOnetic initiative, all Focus 1.6-litre TDCi variants will achieve 119g/km CO2 and this is regardless of power rating, body style or wheel dimensions. Flexifuel version of the 1.8-litre Duratec petrol four-cylinder engine can be fuelled with bio-ethanol E85-fuel as an alternative to conventional unleaded petrol – or in any mix of both. The Ford Focus range also includes CNG (compressed natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) derivatives both based on the 2.0-litre Duratec petrol engine.

The 2008 Ford Focus range will initially be offered across Studio, Style, Zetec and Titanium trim grades. More detailed information about the UK range and prices will be release close to the car's on-sale date.

Spied: Audi Q5 Barely Disguised

Testing in Austria

The Q5 will be Audi’s answer to the X3 from BMW and Mercedes’ upcoming GLK, and will be built at the Ingolstadt factory in Germany. It’s seen here with very little disguising while undergoing cooling and brake tests in the Austrian Alps. Audi has invested 300 million Euros for the production that will keep 1700 employees busy. Based on the same new MLP (Modular Long Platform) inner structure as the A5 and upcoming A4, Audi will start the production of the Q5 in 2008.

The platform’s layout will make it possible for Audi to offer a full range of engines, meaning the brand’s various FSI-equipped four and six-cylinder engines, plus Audi's new high-efficiency diesel engines will be offered. Most likely the 2.0-litre TDI and the 3.0 litre V6 TDI. It’s even possible that the 4.2 litre V8 will find its way under the hood for an S-line version. All Q5 will have an updated version of the Quattro all-wheel-drive system with a six-speed manual or the new seven-speed DSG gearbox. Expect the Q5 to come equipped with hill-descent control and an adjustable air suspension. Unlike the Q7, the Q5 will do without the third row of seats and remain a five-seater.

Spied: Mercedes CLS Facelift Undisguised

The highly successful four door CLS coupe will get its first restyling after nearly four years on the market. Mercedes-Benz launched the CLS back in 2004 and the facelift model is scheduled for release in the spring of 2008. Our spy photographers spotted this undisguised CLS on the streets of Stuttgart.

The most notable cosmetic changes include renewed front and rear bumpers as well as a "two-chrome bar" front grille, identical to that of the bigger CL coupe front grille. Also note the renewed tail lights.

Since its launch the CLS has successfully sold roughly 60 000 units annually and now Mercedes' Munchen- and Ingolstadt-based archrivals are working on their four-door coupes. Expect Audi's A7 and BMW's CS to take on the CLS at the end of the decade. In fact, even Porsche and Aston Martin are set to launch their Panamera and Rapide streamlined sedans in the near future. Expect Mercedes to have an all-new CLS by then.

Audi R8 Convertible

It seems whenever there is some hot car floating around out there, rumors begin to fly about how the automaker plans to keep that car fresh in everyone's mind. The Audi R8 is no different.

Speculation has been out for quite some time that Audi was considering an R8 convertible. Audi has certainly not confirmed this to anyone. Certainly not helping matters is the belief that Audi will make a pretty strong unveiling at the LA Auto Show in a few days.

In response to the rumors, or possibly fueling them, some new renderings of a proposed R8 Spider have been floating around a few web sites. We stumbled upon these at Autogespot. They have a few more Photoshops on their sites.

One thing is for sure: we will be waiting (im)patiently at the Audi stand on November 14th at 11:10am California time when they begin their presentation to the media.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Design & Dimensions

• Strong statement on 4.43 meters of length
• Powerful contours lend the Tiguan an athletic overall character
• Tiguan design transfers the mastery of the Touareg to another class

The new Tiguan has a high-end, mature and astute image. It transfers the Touareg idea of the sovereign cruising and off-road SUV to another class. Just like his larger brother, the more compact Tiguan also masters the ride through both worlds – taking on asphalt as well as natural trails. The design of the Tiguan matches this character precisely.

Front end

A typical, trusted, friendly Volkswagen. And yet everything is new, everything different. The radiator grille was further developed and its design was significantly reduced compared to before. The headlights are distinctive; they form an integral unit with the grille and bumper.

The engine hood is cut into the contour of the headlamps and lends a very concentrated look to the car’s face. Shaped to be broad and powerful is the bumper beneath the headlamps, and on the sides the fog lamps complete the image in their own frames.

The actual character of the front end, however, is generated by the interplay of all design characteristics. And in the process the 1.81 meter wide and 1.67 meter tall (without roof railing) Tiguan exhibits a clarity of form and proportion that make the approx. 4.43 meter long SUV stand out distinctively from the crowd in the big city jungle. The front end of the Tiguan Track&Field – specially designed for uncompromising off-road duty – takes up a special position. With regard to achieving the greatest possible entry angle (28 instead of 18 degrees), it does not have the pronounced front spoiler with matching air inlets that is found on the Tiguan Trend&Fun and Sport&Style. Rather, here a distinctive integrated engine underbody protection plate extends diagonally from a line between the tires up to the radiator grille.

Side profile

In its side profile clarity and power also dominate the forms; here too there are no details that appear random or not thought out to completion. Viewed from the side, except for the small VW symbol in the wheel rims, there is no logo that “gives away” the Tiguan as a Volkswagen. And yet, there is no doubt that it can be made out as a Volkswagen at first glance. Clarity and power form very unique wheel arches, a window line that rises from front to back, the door and fender surfaces designed with strong modulation, as well as new, unmistakable C pillars. Each detail follows a logic of form and unifies the whole. The Tiguan thereby exhibits the same visual presence as the Touareg.

Rear end

Typical of Volkswagen is the design of the rear end. But here too it is both typical and yet entirely different. Typical, because the basic layout of the taillights follow the pattern of the Eos and the Passat Variant and are part of the powerful shoulder section. It is different, because the overall design takes new paths, the steep tailgate extends far into the bumper and is part of a design and the classic, pure SUV elements are combined with contemporary, urban forms. The lowermost segment of the bumper is similar to the front end is not painted with a view toward impact resistance for off-road duty.