Ford Atlas Concept

Ford made a surprise showing of their new Atlas concept at the Detroit auto show, oddly stuck on the end of a presentation on their commercial vans. The Atlas is a concept model for a full size pickup, and is almost certainly representative of the direction they hope to move the F-series pickups. The F series, of course, is and has been the best-selling fullsize pickup, in the States anyway, for almost four decades. The unveiling of the new concept might have something to do with the two new full size pickups that GM unveiled just recently. These trucks compete for the same market, of course, and it's easy to imagine that Ford wanted to sneak in a little spotlight time.

Testosterone is definitely the name of the game here. “Built Ford Tough” has been Ford's slogan since the eighties, and each new model year seems to push that slogan even further. The raised arches over the wheel wells speaks to this, but the beastly front grille seems to bellow. While Ford reports that the Atlas explores improvements for the also-beastly fuel consumption of the F series, it is also clear that this is an exploration of the “bigger is better” theory of American auto design.

However, there are fuel-economy gains to be seen here. The Atlas boasts a “truck-enhanced” stop start system on the twin-turbo EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6. That beastly grille actually has shutters that close when the engine is cool, leading to better aerodynamics. The front dam lowers and raises at speed, allowing for better freeway mileage, but still allowing obstacle clearance when you're tooling around off-road. Technically impressive, but all told these only add about two miles to the gallon at highway speeds.

Nifty features abound in the new design. Some are pretty standard, like multiple tie-down points in the bed and cargo walls, interior knobs that are more friendly to gloved hands, and 110 volt outlets in the bed. It's also got a 360 degree camera, which is new to Ford but not to other full-size pickup trucks. More dramatic are the unique features Ford is building in, things like a tailgate step that is also a cargo cradle. There are cargo ramps that slide under the bed and a roof system for hauling longer objects. A feature found particularly intriguing is a Trailer Backup Assist, which is supposed to help novices back trailers into parking spots. (If you've ever seen a novice try to back a trailer into anything, you're probably also familiar with what a heart attack feels like.)

Of course, the Atlas is just a concept model and there's really no telling how many of these features will make into the produced F line. They do show Ford is thinking, however, and that they know the needs of their market in a way few other manufacturers do, regardless of the product. With forward-looking ideas like these, it's clear that Ford wants to stay the best-selling full-size pickup in America.

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Read the Original Article Here: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/ford-atlas-concept-photos-and-info-news

Could the Ford Focus RS Debut in 2014 with 350 HP?

If you haven't yet heard of Ford's newest hatchback, it is the 2013 Ford Focus ST. Loaded with a 2.0L turbo-four engine that holds 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, this is bound to be one of the hottest sellers on the market this year. But as if this weren't enough, Ford is now announcing that they are working on an even hotter, faster version of the Focus RS that is to be released two years from now. When released in 2014, it is rumored that it could offer up to 350 horsepower!

It is nothing new to us that a successor of the Ford Focus RS is to one day use a turbocharged 2.3L inline-four engine. Not only is this engine expected to appear in the Focus, but it has also been rumored that it will be showing up in the Ford Mustang as well, offering up to 330 horsepower engines. But for now, Ford has planted its eyes on the Focus RS, wanting to equip it with 350 horsepower.

One option for the company is to plant a larger turbocharger onto the 2.0L turbo-four engine in the Focus. However, this option would place a great deal of compromise onto the drivability and the low-end torque. As such, Team RS is advising and pushing for a larger 2.3L mill engine instead.

The older Ford Focus RS used a turbocharged 2.5L inline-five engine with 300 horsepower and opted for a limited edition RS500 with 345 horsepower. Unfortunately, this engine didn't meet emission regulations and the idea was disposed of when then Focus ST was introduced.

When you combine a hot hatchback with 350 horsepower, you get a vehicle that can reach speeds from 0mph to 60mph in just five seconds! How is this possible without the creation of torque steer and spinning tires? The answer an "E-diff". This electronically controlled device gives the computer within the vehicle the power to decide how much to differential is needed. Such determinations will be made based upon driver input, as well as on current driving conditions.

In addition, it is also reported that Ford may be adding a version of its PowerShift dual clutch transmission to the Ford Focus RS. While this transmission is already offered in the regular Ford Focus, it is not yet offered in the ST version. Ford is pushing for this addition to the vehicle as an attempt to widen its appeal, increase it's speed, and improve in competition against cars like the Volkswage GTI. Unfortunately, the PowerShift transmission can add a great deal of weight to the vehicle, so it's addition is not yet solidified.

And while all of this is rumored, that may be exactly what is. According to spokesman of Ford's Special Vehicles Team, no comments can be made on plans for the Focus RS. Within his statement he suggested that even if they were making plans, he would not be able to share them at this point in time. Still, the spokesperson did not deny that Ford is always looking to increase vehicle performance. Perhaps this can give us all hope for the future.

According to Auto Express, the Ford Focus RS may be available for purchase in the year of 2014. Price is estimated to be twenty percent higher than the Focus ST, leaving us with a price around $30 000.

Read the Original Article at: http://wot.motortrend.com/we-hear-ford-focus-rs-could-debut-in-2014-with-350-hp-287537.html