2003 Ford F250 Lariat 4x4-power Stroke V8-turbo Diesel (super Duty) on 2040-cars

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Ford adding stop-start to all major model lines

Ford has gone all-in on its efforts to offer most of its new vehicles with a fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine, but the automaker is reportedly preparing to take another big step toward improving vehicle efficiency. Automotive News is reporting that Ford will soon expand the availability of start-stop technology, which was first offered - presumably the first non-hybrid vehicle, that is - on the 2013 Fusion (equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine) as a $295 option.
The benefit of start-stop is reduced fuel consumption as it shuts the engine off at long stops, and AN quotes Ford as saying that drivers can save more than $1,000 on fuel costs over five years. Despite this, the option hasn't been popular on the Fusion thus far, but it could be more beneficial on bigger vehicles like the F-150. Ford also said that the next-gen Edge, which was previewed in concept form at the LA Auto Show, will be equipped with auto start-stop to help make the EcoBoost engines even more efficient.

Ford to spread all-wheel drive across performance range

Car and Driver took a closer look at the all-wheel-drive system in the Focus RS, Ford reps having made "broad hints" about it being applied to other performance vehicles. One spokesperson even said that he "can see this as one of those technologies of the future." That would make sense because, as C/D notes, it couldn't have been an inexpensive job to engineer the torque-vectoring unit for the Focus – one that can send 70 percent of torque to the rear wheels, and send 100 percent of that portion to either wheel if needed. C/D also clues into the system's close similarity to the AWD unit in the recently updated Range Rover Evoque, which is manufactured by Sweden's GKN Driveline. In the Evoque, torque vectoring is brake based and two electronically controlled clutches turn the Range into a front-wheel-drive crossover under 22 miles per hour. Ford wouldn't comment on the GKN Driveline connection, or even if there is one. No matter where it might come from, more performance Fords are good for every enthusiast, and we do not look an AWD, torque-vectoring gift horse in the mouth. Featured Gallery 2016 Ford Focus RS News Source: Car and Driver Ford Technology Hatchback Performance

Ford taps Canada-based Multimatic to build carbon fiber Ford GT

Ford has given Canadian firm Multimatic the nod to build the carbon fiber body on the new GT – The Blue Oval says it has worked with this company for 30 years. The global supplier provides parts and engineering to various automakers, and while based in Markham, Ontario it has 12 plants in Canada, the US, Mexico, England, and China. When announcing the decision at the Canadian International Auto Show, Ford says it chose them "because they have specialized equipment for carbon fiber production and expertise in carbon fiber assembly," and we've heard that the 600-horsepower coupe will be produced in a purpose-built facility at Ford's factory in Markham. Even better than that – for GT purposes and for possible hints at a Le Mans run – the Multimatic Motorsports division can be contracted for engineering and race team management. They currently produce the Boss 302R racecar in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, worked on the FR500C, and their Multimatic Motorsports Lola B2K/40 won its class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2000. The first models will roll off the line at the end of next year. Production numbers are rumored to be in the low hundreds, with a six-figure price tag around $200,000. They'll go into production in time for some sort of 50th anniversary celebration of the GT40 taking the the top three spots at Le Mans in 1966. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Ford GT: Chicago 2015 View 30 Photos News Source: CBCImage Credit: Live images copyright 2015 Drew Phillips / AOL Plants/Manufacturing Ford Coupe Luxury Performance Multimatic