Accelerate Mpls

Mitchell Hislop on location for Accelerate Mpls getting the inside scoop on the OnStar Mobile App being demonstrated at CES.

Full Disclosure- My NAIAS travel and accommodations were provided by General Motors

Full Disclosure- My NAIAS travel and accommodations were provided by General Motors

Full Disclosure- My NAIAS travel and accommodations were provided by General Motors

Full Disclosure- My NAIAS travel and accommodations were provided by General Motors

Full Disclosure- My NAIAS travel and accommodations were provided by General Motors

Full Disclosure- My NAIAS travel and accommodations were provided by General Motors

2011 Lincoln MKX

The current Lincoln MKX is not a bad vehicle.  It is just not an outstanding vehicle.  It has decent looks on the exterior with a nice interior but lots of hard plastic.  The engine is nothing to write home about and nothing really stand out overall.  Lincoln is looking to change all that with the new 2011 MKX.

The 2011 MKX will be the first vehicle to feature MyLincoln.  This is the system that was revealed last week at CES.  It works in conjunction with the latest iteration of Microsoft SYNC.  The MyLincoln system takes the MyFord system one step further with sliders.  Customers can swipe their finger along the screen to change stereo volume or fan temperature.  In addition to the standard HD radio, you now have iTunes tagging which is a first in a factory installed HD radio.  When you hear a song you like you can push the TAG button.  The songs information is then stored on the cars stereo.  When an iPod is plugged into the SYNC system it transfers the song information (up to 100 songs can be stored at a time).  When the iPod is plugged into a computer with iTunes next it will transfer this new playlist and you may purchase the songs.

MyLincoln

Other technologies included in the new MKX include adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support.  A blind spot information system along with Cross Traffic Alert is a feature that can help detect vehicles in your blind spot.  The cross traffic alert system can help detect traffic approaching from the sides when reversing out of parking spots.  Lincoln’s MyKey and Easy Fuel Capless fuel system are also standard.

The exterior of the 2011 MKX is modern with flowing design.  The design is embracing the signature Lincoln split-wing grille.  The body has new brightwork and the treatments for taillamps and exhaust tips finish off the new look.  18 inch wheels are now standard while 20 inch wheels are optional.  The new rear taillamps are now two distinct pieces that are employing an indirect LED system which hides the light source while still allowing light to shine through.  The exhaust tips are now 4-inches in diameter.

Ford’s internal preliminary data show the 2011 MKX scores better in speech recognition, wind noise and sound package than competitors from Lexus and Audi.  Lincoln is utilizing sound pack and acoustic glass the reduce noise levels inside the MKX.

Larger brake rotors are included in the refresh for enhanced braking power.  Also included are key brake related features.  Hill Start Assist which helps reduce rollback on hills while Trailer Sway Control helps with towing stability.

The 2011 MKX is getting more power and better efficiency which is never a bad combination.  Power is being supplied by a 3.7 liter Duratec V6.  This 3.7 liter is not low tech, featuring Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing) which helps increase horsepower and torque while improving fuel economy.  The 3.7 liter will provide best in class power over other competitors V6′s while achieving best in class 25 mpg on the highway all on regular fuel.  Pushing out 305 hp and 280 ft-lb to either the front wheels or through optional all wheel drive.  The power is handled through a six speed SelectShift automatic with manual shift capabilities.  The manual mode the transmission does not over ride the drivers selection.  Upshifts will not come at redline if the driver does not request them.

“Everything about the 2011 Lincoln MKX is vibrant and luxurious,” said Bannon. “Our MyLincoln Touch system will draw people in, helping them discover that the new Lincoln MKX delivers a total driving experience not found anywhere else.”

More power, luxury refinement are things that are necessary to stay in the game.  Lincoln is playing for keeps and bringing all of the necessary changes.  It seems the luxury crossover market keeps heating up and it looks like things just got a bit hotter.

Episode 10 starts by discussing the past week on both of our respective blogs, AutoBird Blog and AccelerateMpls. The week in review included 2009 sales numbers, and my post about why strippers are important.  We move along to talk about NAIAS (the Detroit Auto Show) and the things we will be seeing.  That list includes the next generation Ford Focus, the Chevrolet Aveo RS concept, Ford’s MyFord, and the Buick Regal GS concept.  Next we discuss the new Dodge naming scheme and announced Chrysler powertrain updates.  The last topic continues to be the Saab story that continues to unfold.

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2012 Ford Focus Sedan

The Focus has been a staple in the Ford line up since 1998. Originally available as both a sedan and a hatch, the car was versatile and overall a great value. Things have changed in recent years and the Focus is currently only available in sedan form. Further along those lines of change, the car is no longer the game changer it once was. Ford is looking to change all that with this next generation Focus.

2012 Ford Focus Sedan

The new Focus will be the car that truly launches and embodies the “ONE Ford” strategy. That is one car sold globally. Focus will share over 80% of its parts with the European version. Even further, the European model and U.S. model will launch at the same time. Production will start simultaneously in Europe and North America in late 2010 with sales beginning in early 2011. The platform will be used for 10 global C-class cars. This will amount to almost two million units in annual production by 2012.

2012 Focus 5 Door Hatchback

Arriving both in sedan and hatchback form the Focus will target exceptional fuel economy while advancing the level of technology and quality in a C-segment vehicle. The Focus will feature kinetic design language recently seen on the new Fiesta. “The all-new Focus is at the center of convergence for automotive trends,” said J Mays, Ford group vice president of Design and chief creative officer. “We’ve designed it with an acute understanding of global customers, yet it’s tailored for each individual region. Focus combines the best from Europe, North America and Asia to deliver a level of emotional driving enjoyment never before experienced in a car this size.”

2012 Ford Focus 5 Door Hatchback

Ford is promising new levels of agility and responsiveness being brought to the C-segment with the new Focus. Utilizing multilink rear suspension and semi-isolated front and rear subframes, Ford is saying this will help achieve the desired driving characteristics. Complimenting all this is a all new electric power steering system. This system has been tuned for responsiveness at highway speeds while still remaining light for parking lot speeds.

2012 Ford Focus Sedan

The global powertrain line up in the new Focus will have everything from an EcoBoost four cylinder to a Duratorq TDCi common rail diesel. The North American Focus will launch with a all new DOHC 2.0 liter gasoline engine featuring both DI (Direct Injection) and Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing). This 2.0 liter is estimated to put out 155 hp and 145 ft-lb through a six speed PowerShift transmission. PowerShift is Ford’s new dual clutch transmission that is also being used in the new 2011 Fiesta. The new 2.0 liter will be E85 capable unlike most engines with DI.

PowerShift 6 speed transmission

2012 Focus Interior

The PowerShift dual dry clutch transmission is sealed. The transmission is said to be maintenance free. The removal of pumps and hoses not only saves weight but helps achieve better fuel economy. Additionally, the new Focus will feature a Hill Start Assist function. This system is sensor based and will activate when an incline is greater then 3 percent. The system will “hold” the brakes for an “instant” (2.5 seconds) which will prevent rollback when stopping or starting on an incline.

The innovative MyFord system announced last week at CES will be available on the new Focus. This will compliment the latest generation Microsoft SYNC system which includes a sophisticated voice control system, bluetooth, and satellite navigation.

2012 Focus Interior

“When the new Focus launches in late 2010, it will be among the global leaders in fuel economy and CO₂ emissions,” said Kuzak. “We will continue to pioneer new technologies beyond launch, including a true zero-emission model launching in North America in 2011. Throughout its life cycle, Focus in all forms, in all regions, will demonstrate the Ford commitment to deliver unsurpassed fuel economy on a truly global scale.”

High strength steel is used heavily in the next generation Focus especially in the body shell. The high strength steel comprises 55 percent of the body shell. More then 26 percent of the vehicles overall structure is ultra high strength steel and Boron Steel. This is more then any other Ford product to date. This helps with safety and weight. Due to the extensive use of these materials, the next generation Focus has 25 percent greater torsion rigidity.

“We believe the new Ford Focus will provide consumers with an unmatched driving experience, together with an unrivaled ownership experience,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Global Marketing. “The Focus brand always has been very special to Ford, and this new global model shows our commitment to developing another generation of exciting and appealing cars.”

The Focus promising to be a lot of things. On paper it sounds great. It even has room for growth with future engines like a sport EcoBoost model in North America perhaps, or possibly a SVT version. The fact remains, we as Americans have been asking for the Focus that Europe has had for years. It seems we will be receiving a car that is in large part just that.  The new Focus should have Honda and Toyota up at night.