2011 Ford Focus RS500

Ford just revealed the official details on the special edition RS500 set to be revealed at the New York Auto Show. The RS500 will be limited to only 500 units with prices being announced at a later date. Ford will start taking orders in May with the first deliveries being made in September.

The Focus RS500 is powered by an improved version of the 2.5L 20 V DOHC RS engine from the standard RS. The addition of an improved induction kit and a revised exhaust system will allow the engine to deliver a total of 345 hp (up from standard 300) and a peak torque of 339lb ft. The result is a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 163 mph.

The RS500 will be painted in matte black with the brake calipers finished in red. The interior will get a plaque on the center console with the car’s edition number.

Updated 30/31/2010: Ford revealed today the first official video of the new Focus RS500. Check it out!

Press release after the jump.

Press release A new and powerful limited edition Focus RS model, called the RS500, is being launched as the ultimate performance Ford and will provide the definitive driving experience for serious performance car enthusiasts. Making its global debut at the 2010 Leipzig Motor Show in Germany on April 9, the new model has been given the RS500 designation to highlight its strictly-limited production run of 500 individually-numbered vehicles, all of which will be offered for customers to purchase. The new Focus RS500 features a muscular 350 PS 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine, which generates 15 per cent more power than the standard Focus RS and delivers truly exhilarating performance. The RS500’s breathtaking power is matched by an equally dramatic appearance. The limited edition model sports a unique matt black ’foil’ paint finish with matching alloy wheels to deliver a powerful visual impact which is unlike any other production Ford. “We were determined to mark the end of production for the current and acclaimed Focus RS with something even more special,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford of Europe’s vice president for Product Development. “From its stunning looks to its intoxicating performance, we have no doubt that the RS500 will be appreciated and quickly snapped up by performance car enthusiasts. “This vehicle joins a long line of iconic RS Fords and is a worthy recipient of the RS500 name, which became synonymous with success on the road and track with the legendary Sierra RS500 Cosworth that dominated saloon car racing during the late 1980s,” Bakaj added. Strictly Limited Production Run of 500 Individually Numbered Vehicles The RS500 marks the end of production for the current generation Focus RS, with the last vehicles scheduled to leave Ford’s Saarlouis Assembly Plant in Germany during September 2010. While overwhelming customer demand has ensured that total Focus RS output is expected to exceed 11,000 units (significantly more than the 7,000 to 8,000 originally forecast), production of the RS500 will start at Ford’s Saarlouis plant in Germany during May and will be strictly limited to 500 customer vehicles for twenty European markets. Each RS500 will carry a metal plaque on the centre console, hand-engraved with a unique identification number from 001 to 500. A small number of pre-production vehicles produced for internal Ford use – such as product development or press demonstrators – will have their own unique numbering scheme, to ensure the exclusivity of the 500 customer cars. Demand for the RS500 is expected to exceed supply by a considerable margin, and the full production run of just 500 vehicles is being allocated across 20 European markets in line with the anticipated level of interest. For some countries, the very small number of vehicles allocated means the RS500 will, indeed, be a very exclusive purchase for its customers. A dedicated website – www.focusrs500.com – will allow customers and enthusiasts to gain further information, including projected quantities of available vehicles by market, plus access to download photography and video clips. The site will also provide links to national Ford websites so customers can identify dealers and prices. Focus RS also has its own Facebook page – www.facebook.com/fordfocusrs – with more than 13,500 fans from across the world, and RS500 launch activities will be shared on this site. Upgraded 350 PS Powertrain “The more urgent engine sound and sheer thrust of the mid-range performance tell the driver immediately that this is not a standard Focus RS,” said Gunnar Herrmann, Ford’s Global C-Car Vehicle Line Director. “With 15 per cent more power and the same gutsy, sporting character, our new powertrain gives the RS500 the special engine it deserves.” To provide the RS500 with a fitting power unit, the 305 PS turbocharged Duratec RS 2.5-litre engine from the standard Focus RS has been upgraded to deliver significantly more top-end and mid-range power, but without compromising the base engine’s strength and responsiveness at lower revs. Peak power is increased by 45PS to 350PS at 6,000rpm, while torque has been increased from 440 to 460Nm, delivered across a broad speed range from 2,500 to 4,500rpm. To achieve the required balance of muscular mid-range and top-end performance, the engine has benefitted from a comprehensive package of enhancements aimed at improving the engine’s breathing and combustion. The changes include a significantly larger air-to-air intercooler to deliver a cooler, denser charge; a larger air filter box for increased airflow; larger diameter exhaust downpipe; and an uprated fuel pump, along with an updated software calibration to optimise the performance of the revised engine. “The engine’s improved breathing has allowed us to increase power without having to raise turbo boost pressure significantly,” explained Herrmann. “This has made it possible to enhance peak performance while maintaining the excellent driveability, fuel consumption and emissions of the standard Focus RS.” Preliminary performance figures for the Focus RS500 indicate that it achieves 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, with a top speed similar to the 263 km/h in the standard RS. Engineered by Performance Car Enthusiasts The Focus RS500 engine has been modified by a team enthusiast engineers from Ford TeamRS in partnership with Revolve Technologies, the automotive engineering firm which develops Ford approved performance upgrades through its Mountune brand. The shared development and testing programme ensured that the 350 PS Duratec RS engine achieved the specified performance targets while also delivering the standards of durability and serviceability expected by Ford RS customers. The comprehensive engineering details already developed for the 305 PS Focus RS engine – including a revised cylinder head gasket, ultra-durable metal sprayed cylinder bores, revised pistons and new connecting rods – have ensured that no further mechanical changes were required to cope with the increased performance of the 350 PS RS500 unit. Advanced Front Wheel Drive Chassis A key factor in the success of the latest generation Focus RS has been its advanced front wheel drive chassis, which combines a wider track, the unique ‘RevoKnuckle’ front suspension design and a Quaife helical limited slip differential to deliver responsive steering, outstanding traction and a minimum of unwanted torque steer. The same chassis design has proved equally effective in handling the increased torque levels of the Focus RS500, and the specification is unchanged for this application, helping to retain the same sporting and responsive dynamic character which is central to the appeal of the acclaimed standard Focus RS. The high-performance braking system, and the 19-inch wheels and 235/35/R19 tyres, are also carried over unchanged from the standard vehicle, although red brake calipers and a dramatic black finish for the alloy wheels are unique to the RS500. Performance Tested to the Limit In recognition of the extreme performance potential of the Focus RS500, the limited edition model has been subjected to a series of concentrated durability tests which have focused on the car’s track capabilities. The development programme included a dedicated endurance test at the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, where Ford TeamRS engineers were joined by three Ford-employed racing drivers working in shifts to complete 10,000km of non-stop driving, equivalent to competing in ten consecutive Nürburgring 24-hour races without a break. “We wanted to be sure that serious enthusiasts could drive the Focus RS500 to the limit on track, without any concerns about the car’s stamina,” said Matthias Tonn, Focus RS500 Chief Programme Engineer. “This meant going beyond our standard test routines, and pushing the car to the edge of its performance envelope. After 500 non-stop laps of the Nürburgring, we are very confident of its durability and delighted at the way it performed, with an 8-minute lap time within reach”. Unique Matt Black ’Foil’ Paint Finish for Maximum Visual Impact The standard Focus RS already creates a lasting impression with its functional yet striking design, but the unique matt black ’foil’ paint finish of the Focus RS500 makes this limited edition car even more special. Stunning matt black bodywork is combined with matching metallic black alloy wheels, and the gloss black finish of the trapezoidal lower front grille and splitter, twin-blade rear spoiler and the rear venturi, which manages airflow beneath the rear of the car. Small flashes of colour around the vehicle – including the red brake calipers, blue RS badges, and the special blue and red RS500 badge on the tailgate – only serve to emphasise the car’s unique appearance. “We deliberately set out to ensure that the Focus RS500 looks like no other production vehicle,” added Tonn. “With its dramatic black finish and imposing stance, this car really is mean, moody and magnificent!” The matt black foil finish for the RS500 was developed in partnership with the technology company 3M, which specialises in advanced film products for the automotive industry. All Focus RS500 vehicles will be painted in a standard Panther Black metallic colour, before being shipped to a dedicated 3M facility near Frankfurt, Germany, where a special foil film will be applied to the bodywork to create the matt black effect. The film is extremely durable, and is specifically designed to resist superficial marks and scratches in automotive applications. In the event of damage to the bodywork, Ford dealers will be fully supported by a Europe-wide network of 3M agents who can replace the film on the affected panels. Special Focus RS500 Interior Detailing Attention to detail on the RS500 exterior is also reflected inside the car, with a series of special features which are unique to this limited edition model. The centre console is distinguished by the car’s individually-numbered metal plaque, and by a unique carbon-effect finish to the bezel which carries a distinctive RS pattern. In contrast to the blue detailing on the standard Focus RS, the RS500 features a special red colour scheme, notably on the stitching of the leather trim on the steering wheel, door trim and gear lever gaiter, and on the floor mats. Customers also have the option of specifying the bespoke Recaro front sports seats in full red leather, to further enhance the visual impact. Premium Specification for All Vehicles All Focus RS500 vehicles will be equipped to a very high specification as standard, with only two features available as optional items. In addition to the comprehensive equipment levels on the standard Focus RS, the RS500 includes the following features as standard: Dual-zone automatic climate control Heated windscreen Rear parking distance sensors Tyre deflation detection system Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers Auto dimming rear-view mirror Ford key-free start Enhanced connectivity with Bluetooth®, voice control and USB port Sony 6-CD audio system Recaro sports front seats with partial leather trim The two optional features are touchscreen DVD navigation and audio system, and the full leather Recaro front seats in red. “We believe that customers lucky enough to secure one of the limited edition Focus RS500 models will be getting a real collectors item,” said Joe Bakaj. “From its stunning looks, to its immense driver appeal and its complete specification, the Focus RS500 provides enthusiasts with the ultimate performance Ford for the road.”

2011 Dodge Challenger will come with new improvements

With the new Camaro and Mustang improving all the time, it’s no wonder that Dodge tries to keep up. However, lets face it, the current and forever on-going muscle car war is pretty between Chevrolet and Ford. But what about the Challenger? Revealed at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, the Challenger created quite a fiery sensation, but then fizzed out. Now it appears that Dodge is stirring the remaining embers to get consumers to remember that they too have a muscle car in their line-up.

For 2011 model year, the Challenger will get a long list of improvements, including more powerful engines. Don’t get to excited, though, the exterior look will remain the same except for the lower opening that was flipped upside down and made taller. The interior will receive major updates. Dodge is putting in a new Garmin navigation system and will be improving the dashboard. They will also offer high quality materials.

As for the engines, the SE version will get a Pentastar V6 engine with an output between 290 and 300 HP, if the direct injection is added. For the RT version the engine will remain the same. The biggest change will be made for the SRT8 version that will get a new 6.4-liter Hemi engine delivering 480 HP and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine will feature cylinder deactivation, helping real world gas mileage.

Chevrolet Camaro once again poised to pace Coke Zero 400 NASCAR race

As if the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro hasn’t been getting enough publicity, we just got word that the American sports car has been once again tapped to be the pace car for the Coke Zero 400 NASCAR race. The race, which will be held at the Daytona International Speedway on July 3, will also be the second time the Camaro has acted as pace car for the Coke Zero 400, having served the exact same purpose only a year ago.


As a matter of fact, the car has unofficially become the de facto pace car for a number of American races, including the two most celebrated races in US soil, the Daytona 500 (2009) and the Indianapolis 500 (2009 and 2010).

This year, the Camaro model that will serve as pace car will be a 2SS model that comes with an automatic transmission and a Red Jewel Tintcoat finish with the traditional pace car graphics attributed to the Coke Zero 400 race. And if we’re being honest, this car has been dressed up so well that we wouldn’t mind watching it on TV instead of all those stock cars.

 

2011 Honda CR-Z

The automotive term EV comes with an unnecessary stigma of being slow and boring. However automakers like fisker and Tesla are creating fun to drive sports cars with green power trains and zero emissions, but the ability to have your cake and eat it too comes at a price. However the world’s largest engine builder tried to make things different when they introduced the CR-Z sports coupe concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon.




Honda has finally unveiled the long awaited production version of the CR-Z hybrid coupe at the 2010 North American International Auto Show with sales slated to begin as early as summer and will be followed up with a European version later on in the year. The CR-Z is powered by an IMA hybrid system made up of a 1.5 Liter gas burning engine combined with an electric motor that provides an additional 14 HP for a grand total of 124 HP and 131 lb-ft of torque. The concept’s design remains mostly unchanged for the production version with its low slung roof line, sporty rear spoiler, aggressive profile and LED lights that are being used for the first time in one of Honda’s production vehicles.

UPDATE 06/16/2010: Jason Barlow, once co-host of the popular BBC show Top Gear, appears as the celebrity star of Honda’s new promo video for the 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe. Check out the video after the jump.

Updated 06/22/2010: Honda announced today prices for the 2011 CR-Z sports car. Sales will begin on August 24 at a price of $19,200, plus a destination and handling charge of $750. The CR-Z is available in two equipment grades – the well-equipped CR-Z (base) and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. Standard features on the CR-Z include an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more. Full prices list after the jump.

Press release after the jump.



Press release

The all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe, making its U.S. production debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, introduces sleek styling and sporty handling to the hybrid segment, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.



"The CR-Z is a personal sport hybrid coupe for people with a spirit of adventure and an elevated sense of responsibility toward the environment," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "It’s the first hybrid designed to maximize style and fun, in addition to efficiency and economy."



Set to go on sale late summer in the U.S., the CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda’s compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. The two-passenger CR-Z introduces a new three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between Sport, Econ (Economy) and Normal driving modes.



The exterior’s distinctive "one-motion" wedge form originates from its low-slung hood to form a broad forward stance. A side profile with a deeply inset beltline conveys a dynamic tension, while the short wheelbase and large, wide front grille accents the vehicle’s athletic presence.



The futuristically styled interior offers a high-tech appearance and ergonomically intuitive controls. Instrument panel meters illuminate with a three-dimensional, vibrant blue color theme resulting in a multi-layered appearance. Set against a motif of textured black materials and aluminum-style trim accents, the upper portion of the dashboard extends toward the driver to provide a wrap-around cockpit environment. The passenger zone offers an open, comfortable space. Premium sport-oriented cloth seats are designed to provide excellent lateral support along with everyday driving comfort. A mid-ship console behind the front seats optimizes cargo space. A hard-shell separator can be closed to create additional hidden storage.



The two trim levels include the well-equipped CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. Standard features on the CR-Z include Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more. The CR-Z EX adds, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD premium audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System1 with voice recognition.



The CR-Z represents the sixth unique version of Honda’s original IMA technology since the launch of the 2000 Insight, the first hybrid vehicle available in North America in December 1999. The foundation of the CR-Z’s hybrid powertrain is a 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single overhead cam engine with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the IMA system’s DC brushless electric motor. The i-VTEC system controls the opening and closing of one intake valve per cylinder to enhance combustion at low RPMs. The 10-kilowatt electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that recharges the 100-volt IMA nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops to improve efficiency.



The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 horsepower2 at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft. of torque2 at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm (123 lb-ft on CVT-equipped models). Preliminary fuel economy estimates are anticipated to result in a rating of 36 city/38 highway miles per gallon3 on CVT-equipped models. Manual transmission models are anticipated to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 31 city/37 highway miles per gallon3. The CR-Z is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).



The standard six-speed manual transmission is engineered for optimal acceleration performance in gears one through five and for optimal fuel economy in sixth gear. When starting on steep inclines from a stop, hill start assist temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards during the moment between releasing the brake, depressing the throttle and releasing the clutch (for a duration of approximately 1.5 seconds). The available CVT provides the convenience of an automatic transmission with a seamless transition between minimum and maximum ratios, while also keeping the engine within an optimal RPM range for overall efficiency. To increase the performance potential of the CVT, paddle shifters located on the steering wheel allow the driver to manually simulate the stepped holding pattern. In Sport mode, the paddle shifters will hold and maintain a selected ratio.

The CR-Z’s three-mode drive system allows the driver to select between individual modes of performance for Sport, Normal and Economy driving styles. The system is activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel.



The Sport mode enhances multiple vehicle systems for performance including the engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist. The inner ring of the tachometer illuminates red when the vehicle is in Sport mode.



During Econ mode operation, the engine’s responsiveness is tuned for optimal economy, the electric motor assist gives priority to fuel efficiency and the air conditioning system can reduce its overall load on the engine. The inner ring of the tachometer transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in Econ mode, with the green representing more ecological driving.



Normal mode provides standard settings for steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning. Similar to Econ mode, the tachometer ring transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in normal mode, with the green representing more ecological driving. Like the Honda Insight, the CR-Z offers an Eco Guide and Eco scoring feature to help drivers track progress of efficient driving styles.



The front MacPherson strut suspension and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension settings are tuned to provide a sporty, solid and dynamic driving experience. All models are equipped with 16x6-inch aluminum wheels with 195/55 R16 86V tires. Accessory 17x7 alloy wheels with 205/45R17 84V tires with are available. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) uses ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The low vehicle height and placement of the battery and other hybrid components beneath the rear cargo area further contribute to a low center of gravity, which is key to the new CR-Z’s responsive, sporty handling. Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering enhances steering performance and improves efficiency.



In addition to being environmentally responsible, the CR-Z demonstrates a commitment to safety in its design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure helps protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

Model Transmission MSRP1 City/Hwy/Combined

CR-Z 6-Speed Manual $19,200 31/37/34

CR-Z CVT $19,850 35/39/37

CR-Z EX 6-Speed Manual $20,760 31/37/34

CR-Z EX CVT $21,410 35/39/37

CR-Z EX with Navi 6-Speed Manual $22,560 31/37/34

CR-Z EX with Navi CVT $23,210 35/39/37

The Mercedes SLS AMG Was Originally Supposed To Be The Next-Generation Dodge Viper

Here’s a little secret you might not have known about the Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing; it turns out that before the SLS AMG became the supercar of our dreams, it was originally pegged to be the next-generation Dodge Viper. Hard to come to grips with? Not so much if you really think about it.

According to Inside Line, the car’s all-aluminum chassis and new suspension design was already in the oven for the next-gen Viper when Mercedes decided to put the SLS AMG in the development pipeline as well. The big thing to remember here is that, at that time, Daimler still ownedchrysler and had the means to borrow some of Chrysler’s brand designs, including that of the next-generation Viper.

Continued after the jump

Here’s where the twist happens. Due to the economic crisis that took the legs out of Chrysler, plans for the next-generation Viper were eventually scrapped and the Daimler-Chrysler alliance fell by the wayside when the former decided to cut ties with the latter, but not without the SLS AMG project continuing. So when plans for the next-generation Viper were halted, the green light was on for the SLS AMG. And the rest, so they say, is automotive history. As for now, the Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing has become one of the most sought-after supercars in the world while questions surrounding the Dodge Viper’s future remain up in the air, although there are already plans on bringing the American sports car back in 2012. In the meantime, we’re left thinking just how big of an impact the financial crisis had on the entire auto industry, so much so that it pretty much changed the course of history. The Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing - and the history behind it - will certainly attest to that.