Accelerate Mpls

While I was not on hand at the 2011 Ford Fiesta media debut, TangentVector put together this video from that launch.  It is covers everything from why Ford brought this car to the U.S. all the way to the cars safety.

Key take aways from this video-

• The car feels nimble and light
• Great fuel economy
• Lots of safety equipment standard
• Well engineered
• Fun to drive factor
• Value preposition
• Small cars can be safe

Definitely a decent use of four minutes of your time.

Source - TangentVector.  Also seen on AutoBlog

2011 Audi A8

The Minneapolis Auto Show has finally arrived.  I must admit that I look forward to the show every year.  The show is not large compared to others and, in reality, many concept cars go to the larger shows and skip us.  The reason I like our show is it is local and I am on my own time.  I can go with my friends with no scheduled agenda.  The big shows like Chicago and Detroit are a lot of fun but this is just different having a show near home.

The show was busier then I expected.  I talked to quite a few people that noted how the attendance numbers were up from last year already on the second day of the show.  The economy is in a slightly better place and car sales are starting to pick up and the attendance at the show is reflecting it. I am guessing that Ford was a major sponsor this year as many new Taurus’s were strewn about outside of the entrances.  I overheard several consumers commenting on how they liked the look of the new Taurus and most didn’t even know what it was.

Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Concept

Some of the highlights included the special edition Synergy Green Camaro and the Silverado ZR2 Concept truck from Chevrolet.  Though many General Motors concept cars were missing, I was surprised to see the Cadillac Converj concept at the Cadillac Stand.  Ford had the new 2011 Edge along with the new 2011 Fiesta Sedan.  The updated 2011 Shelby GT500 Mustang was on the show floor with the hood open and, although the doors were locked, it was what was under the hood that was important.  Audi had the mighty R8 5.2 in a copper brown color with carbon fiber side blades.

2010 Audi R8 5.2

Some things I noted about the show: BMW, Porsche Infiniti were all absent.  While a few talked about Porsche, I’m not sure anyone noticed Infiniti was gone and the largest complaint of the show that I heard was “Where’s BMW?”  I spoke with one of the local BMW dealerships and they said that their research indicates that they do not sell enough cars by being at the auto show to warrant the expense. This absence just gave the competition such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz a chance to have BMW owners sit in their cars.  Another anomaly was Nissan.  They found it important to have the GT-R with a base price of $80,790 but not to have a 370Z, which starts at $29,990.  I was told that the reason was, “That is what they sent us…”.  Not a terribly good answer in my opinion.

Ross Testing the Man Step

I personally think many manufactures should take notes more from Ford.  They have been building terrific booths at the shows lately.  They engage the consumers and have a lot to look at, and I am not just talking product.  There are interactive games such as foosball and driving simulators not to mention the computers filled with information.

Overall the show was better then last year.  With more manufacturers in attendance and consumer attendance up, the atmosphere was a bit more upbeat.  The Minneapolis Auto Show’s tag line is “Your License to Dream” and I believe that is exactly what this show did for many consumers this year and with the products coming in the next year, I am sure next year will be even better for consumers.

For years people have been begging Ford to bring the same quality vehicles they are selling in Europe to the U.S.  Ford has listened and is doing just what was asked.  The 2011 Fiesta is heavily based on the European version, which is a highly regarded car in Europe.  Many people worried that the U.S. version of the Fiesta would be changed drastically by becoming watered down.  Fear not, slight changes were made due to differing safety standards, but over sixty percent of the European Fiesta made it to the U.S. version.

The Fiesta will be powered by a 1.6 liter DOCH I-4 to the front wheels.  The engine is estimated to provide 119 hp and 109 ft-lbs while achieving an estimated 40 mpg.  Two transmissions will be offered.  The first being a 5 speed manual and the second, a class exclusive six speed dual clutch transmission.  Ford’s dual clutch transmission will go under the “PowerShift” moniker.  The transmission is “sealed for life” and never requires any maintenance.  When asked if the clutches could be replaced, Ford did say yes.

2011 Ford Fiesta Sedan- note the chrome 3 bar grille

2011 Ford Fiesta Light Pipes

The Fiesta will come in both sedan and five door hatch forms.  The hatch will have a grille similar to the European model while the sedan will get a chrome, three bar grille.  The three bar grille aligns with other U.S. models such as the Focus, Taurus, and Fusion.  The grille in both the sedan and the hatchback are the exact same size, theoretically making them interchangeable.  The fog lights from the European Fiesta have been replaced with light pipes such as those on the new Taurus SHO.  The Fiesta will be the most customizable Ford to date, with tons of optional dealer installable accessories that are not bug shields.  Everything from body wrap graphics to wheel packages will be optional in order to make your Fiesta unique.

The Fiesta is composed of over fifty percent high strength steel.  This makes for a lighter, safer car.  Ultra strong boron steel is used in several critical areas.  Boron steel is even stronger than high strength steel.  Fiesta will boast class leading safety with features such as standard electronic stability control, seat belt pretensioners, rear door child safety locks, and Safety Canopy (side curtain air bags essentially).  Ford made sure to mention, “Fiesta is proof that a small car can deliver big safety.”  Fiesta offers a segment-exclusive driver’s knee air bag, developed to help reduce lower leg injuries in the event of a frontal collision and to work together with other safety features.

Many class exclusive features will be available on the Fiesta.  Everything from keyless entry and push button start, to Ford’s SYNC will be offered.  Also unique within the segment will be a tilt and telescoping steering wheel.  Standard will be Ford’s innovative EasyFuel capless fuel filler.  Ford did make one major change on the interior which is somewhat disappointing.  The U.S. Fiesta will only be available with manual climate control.  I understand meeting a price point, but the European Fiesta has available automatic climate control.  Worse yet, the controls felt somewhat cheap.

The features and technology in this vehicle is definitely class leading.  I would say the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit were just put on notice.  With 15 class exclusive technologies and the estimated 40 mpg fuel economy rating, the new Fiesta will be a force to be reckoned with.

Optional Leather Interior Package