Accelerate Mpls

2011 Kia Optima

If you asked me back in January what one of the best midsize sedans was, I would have instantly shot out the name Ford Fusion.  We are now three months later and I have to say, “What just happened?”  Remember Kia and Hyundai?  You know, the Korean car companies.  They used to make cars that you really did not want but you could afford them and they seemed to be safe enough.  Them times are a changin’ and now the Korean car companies are not only making affordable cars, they are making cars you want to buy.  Crazy concept, I know.

The new Optima and Sonata are sisters.  They share their platforms and powertrains although the sheet metal and interiors are completely different.  With everything from Bluetooth to navigation, these cars are every bit the car the competition is.  In fact, as standard on two upper trim levels of the Optima, Kia has now even launched Uvo, a new infotainment system licensed through Microsoft and based on the same underpins as Ford’s SYNC.  Uh oh….

2011 Kia Optima

2011 Kia Optima Interior

With three powertrain options ranging from a 2.4 liter direct injection four cylinder that achieves 35 mpg on the highway (yes, you read that correctly) to the new hybrid, the Korean car makers are making strides.  Let’s not forget that direct injection turbo charged four cylinder 2.0 liter putting out 274 hp while still achieving 34 mpg on the highway.  That alone is impressive but really, all these numbers are impressive in their own right.

The look of both these cars is distinctive.  Exterior styling has sculpting and strong lines while interior styling in both is just terrific.  No longer are these “budget cars.”  The reality is that these are terrific looking cars.  I overheard that a certain OEM was cursing under their breath at the New York Auto Show when the numbers on the hybrid and turbo engines were released.  That in itself is a sign of the changing times.  Do not just take my word for it just look at these cars.

I have recently been telling my friends how great Hyundai and Kia have become.  They have come a long way.  They have the product but the problem for some is still perception.  Many of my closest friends (car friends and non-car friends alike) have scoffed telling me “I would never drive a Kia/Hyundai.”  When I ask why, they exclaim how “junky” (their term not mine) they are.  I am going to venture a guess that the new Optima (which is just gorgeous) and new Sonata (again, a real looker) might help change their minds.  If not, it really ends up being their loss.  I am not sitting here and blindly saying these two heavily refreshed cars are the absolute best in the segment (they will be for some consumers).  There are plenty of great cars in this midsize segment to choose from.  I am merely saying this is a wake up call and the other OEM’s need to be watching and taking notes.  Kia and Hyundai should be seen as a serious threat because they are coming for you.

2011 Hyundai Sonata

2011 Hyundai Sonata Interior

2011 Hyundai Sonata

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.

The concept behind MyFord is driver connect technology that will redesign the driver’s interface and how they interact with the car.  This is fusing together consumer electronics ease of use and the rich graphics interfaces used in them.

“MyFord Touch, combined with new SYNC functionality, creates an experience that will cause people to fall in love with their vehicles again,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “It’s not just a technology; it’s an experience – one we hope will have people across the globe looking forward to spending time behind the wheel of their vehicle.”

MyLincoln Touch

MyFord will be branded MyLincoln and MyMercury in the respective brands.  This will not be brand exclusive rather just exclusive to the Ford brands.

MyFord Touch 3D Navigation

The MyFord Touch system will be used with an available 8-inch touch screen LCD at the top of the center stack.  Also information will be displayed using two 4.2-inch on both sides of the speedometer.  Five way switches will be on each side of the steering wheel controlling the corresponding 4.2-inch screens.

“The steering wheel has all the necessary functions available in a very compact area, right where your hand falls as you grab the wheel,” said Johnson. “The five-way buttons will feel familiar to anyone who has used a mobile phone or MP3 player. Drivers aren’t forced to use a quirky or unfamiliar interface like a joystick or rotary knob.”

The left 4.2-inch display will feature information and settings for the vehicle, fuel economy, mechanical status and safety features.  The right 4.2-inch display will feature infotainment information, audio settings, climate control, phone communications and navigation menus.  The features in the right hand display will also be available in the 8-inch center stack display.  This display will replace many traditional buttons.  The MyLincoln will take the 8-inch display a step further by providing fingertip slider controls on the touch screen.  These sliders will control the audio volume and or fan speed.  When using your finger on the slider a LED chaser will give visual representation as to the changes being made.

The 8-inch touchscreen in the center stack is the key to this interface Utilizing a “four-corner” solution to the layout design.  The four corners are phone, navigation, climate and audio/entertainment functions.  Touching the desired corner will always bring up the corresponding application no matter what screen you are currently in.  Voice commands can be used to adjust most controls.

The next generation of Microsoft’s SYNC system is behind the scenes running the show.  This is no longer a add on black box.  SYNC is now a fully integrated part of the car.  MyLincoln will be standard in all future Lincoln’s beginning with the 2011 Lincoln MKX.  MyFord technology will be available in all future Ford products.  Ford pretty much just announced the iPhone of car technology.

Features available through MyFord Touch, powered by SYNC include: