2007 Ford Taurus X/freestyle Limited on 2040-cars

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Ford Explorer gets appearance pack for 2015

Remember when Ford launched the totally new Explorer in late 2010, and people were skeptical about how the now-crossover would fare, after ditching its traditional SUV roots? Well, we're several years in, and I think we can assuredly say that Ford made the right decision. Sales are better than ever (in fact, May was the current Explorer's best month yet), and the crossover is finding its way into the hands of a whole host of new Ford buyers.
A wholly refreshed Explorer is still forthcoming, but to keep its strong-selling crossover fresh, Ford is offering a host of improvements for the 2015 model year, including the attractive appearance package available on the XLT trim level, pictured above. Outside, the pack gets you goodies like 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, black bodyside cladding and roof rack rails. Contrasting Magnetic Metallic accents are found on the grille, mirror caps and liftgate appliqué, and there's an "Explorer" hood badge and body-colored door handles. Inside, there are new Miko suede inserts in the seats, and the package includes the automaker's Sync connectivity with MyFord Touch infotainment.
Elsewhere in the Explorer range, the Class III trailer tow pack is now standard on the Sport, base models get new 18-inch aluminum wheels, and there are three new colors on offer: Bronze Fire Metallic and Magnetic Metallic.

Xcar flogs the 2015 Ford Focus ST

There's an inevitable dilemma that practically every auto fan eventually faces, at least other than Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld, and that's the tradeoff of performance, practicality and perhaps most importantly, money. Parking the fabled supercar in the garage might be the wish, but for most folks bigger responsibilities – like a family – just don't allow that dream to be a reality. In the view of XCar Films, this intersection of needs and wants is where vehicles like the latest Ford Focus ST provide a fantastic compromise between exciting driving and everyday practicality. Xcar hops into Ford's recently refreshed European hot hatch to illustrate its abilities as both a hauler for the small family on the move and for the driver who just wants to go. The Blue Oval left the powertrain alone for the ST's update, but sharpened the exterior styling, revised the interior and retuned the front suspension and steering. Being realistic, no one is ever going to get behind the wheel of the Focus ST and mistake it for a Porsche, but that's not really the point. Instead, buyers get to put a smile on their face from time to time and still maintain life's other responsibilities. Related Gallery 2015 Ford Focus ST (Euro-spec) View 14 Photos News Source: Xcar Films via YouTubeImage Credit: Related images copyright Ford Ford Hatchback Performance Videos ford focus st xcar xcar films

Forza Motorsport 6 shows off the Ford GT's active rear spoiler

We knew that among the many technical treats provided by the Ford GT is an active rear wing, and we knew that the domestic exotic is going to grace the cover of Forza Motorsport 6. What we didn't know is how that rear wing looked when deployed, and thanks to Forza, now we do. If the driving game is being its usual model of accuracy, then the GT wing is no joke - everyone will know when you mean business. We've seen this kind of setup on the Bugatti Veyron and, more subtly, on the McLaren P1. Like those two examples, the GT flap automatically changes its angle in different conditions, such as under braking. When Ford gave us a tour of the GT interior we noticed a lot of buttons, now we're wondering if any of them allow the driver to deploy the wing at will. There is a button marked "aero," but no associated graphic to explain what it's for. The AR12 Gaming host of the video above isn't there for the GT, though - he's responding to audience requests for 60-frames-per-second gameplay footage in Forza, and to see how the tire smoke looks while drifting. But his stop-and-go drifting efforts give us plenty of footage of the wing in action, so check it out.