Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award goes to the 2010 Ford Taurus

On January 7, at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Edmunds.com awarded the 2010 Taurus its first-ever Technology Breakthrough Award. The award is presented to vehicles which set the standard for intuitive, practical and affordable technology that enhances safety and convenience for drivers and passengers. Any new vehicle available for sale in the U.S. during 2009 is eligible.

“We chose the 2010 Ford Taurus to receive the first annual Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award because the vehicle offers an extensive and impressive array of electronic amenities that also represent an excellent value for customers,” said Doug Newcomb, senior technology editor, Edmunds.com. 

As a substantial departure from its predecessor, Ford Taurus has brought modernity to the classic American full-size sedan. With a thorough overhaul of design, technology, safety and driving dynamics, it delivers a much more engaging driving experience. From the sleek aerodynamics and generous sound insulation that quiets wind and road noise, to the unique sport-tuned suspension, the 2010 Ford Taurus is a driver’s car.

Bridging the gap between the family sedan and luxury car, the Taurus offers 10 class-exclusive* technologies.

In addition to the groundbreaking available voice-activated SYNC® communications and entertainment system that pairs most Bluetooth®-enabled phones and MP3 players, new functions such as turn-by-turn navigation, up-to-the-minute weather updates and real-time traffic alerts are included. Taurus is also available with adaptive cruise control, Navigation System with integrated SIRIUS® Travel Link™ and standard SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad.

The 2010 Taurus is powered by a standard 3.5-liter V6 that produces 263 horsepower and 249 lb.–ft. of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The Taurus SHO features a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged direct-injection twin-turbocharged EcoBoost™ V6 engine that produces 365 horsepower and 350 lb.–ft. of torque, delivering V8 power without compromising its V6 fuel economy.**

Safety features include standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, AdvanceTrac® electronic stability and traction control, Safety Canopy® System with side curtain airbags and rollover sensor. Optional features include BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert, the Reverse Sensing System and a rear view camera.

Other class-exclusive features include:

• MyKey™. This is a programmable feature that lets parents limit top speed and audio volume and set speed alert chimes to encourage safer driving.
• Sony® Audio System. Twelve-speaker, Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound.
• Easy Fuel capless fuel filler. This is a self-seal system without a traditional fuel cap. It seals automatically every time, so no more lost, dangling or spinning caps.

Edmunds Inc. publishes four Web sites that empower, engage and educate automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders. For additional coverage of the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award, visit http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/.

*Class is Full-Size Non-Luxury Sedans.  **EPA-estimated 17 city/25 hwy mpg, AWD with EcoBoost® engine.

2011 Mustang V8 - the one and only 5.0

Everything you heard about the legendary Mustang 5.0 is true again. With its innovative 32-valve, 5.0–liter V8, the 2011 Mustang 5.0 churns out 412 horses* and lays down 390 lb.–ft. of torque. And while numbers like these always look good in print, their true character can only be experienced from behind the wheel when your traffic light turns green. Part of the power story comes from the 5.0 V8’s use of cam torque–actuated twin independent variable–cam timing (TiVCT). TiVCT allows variable control of intake and exhaust valve closing, independently, to optimize combustion and performance throughout the engine speed range.

The 5.0 also has a compression ratio of 11:1 and a cylinder head designed to optimize airflow. From the high-energy coil-on plug design, to the cooling jets that allow the pistons to run cool–every part in the engine is designed to work in harmony. This lets the muscular engine breathe efficiently and deliver 100 percent exhilaration every time you hit the gas .

The driving dynamics of Mustang 5.0, with its enhanced six–speed transmission and reconfigured strut and shock tuning, are also designed to enhance the total driving experience. Electronic power–assisted steering (EPAS) puts control and responsiveness directly in the driver’s hands. And the standard limited–slip differential that will surprise and delight you even in inclement weather.

No doubt about it, this is a driver’s car.  But Ford’s innovative thinking didn’t stop with power, performance, handling and looks. The 5.0 also manages a 26 mpg hwy.**

So, are you ready for the passions that’ll be fueled when you hear the throaty growl of the 5.0’s powerful V8? Well, you’d better be, because the prior Mustang 5.0 built a reputation by leaving anything timid in the dust.

* Horsepower achieved using premium fuel.    **EPA-estimated 17 city/26 hwy/20 combined mpg with six-speed manual transmission.

Ford Transit Connect Named 2010 North American Truck of the Year

The 2010 Ford Transit Connect handily hauled home the 2010 North American Truck of the Year. The award was announced January 11, 2010, at a news conference at the North American International Auto Show.

The Transit Connect is part of the Ford global portfolio of products, and was introduced to North America in 2009 to meet the unique needs of small business owners. The Transit Connect is a spacious, fuel-efficient alternative to larger commercial vehicles, and it’s ideal for navigating U.S. cities.

The North American Truck of the Year recognizes the most outstanding vehicle of the year based on many factors, including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value. To be eligible, vehicles must be all-new or substantially changed from the previous model. The jury is comprised of 49 automotive journalists in Canada and the United States, representing newspapers, magazines, web sites, television and radio shows.

This is the 17th year of the award, and the 2010 Ford Transit Connect was selected above nine other competitors. Ford has a bit of experience winning this award. Most recently, the F-150 was the 2009 North American Truck of the Year. A Ford vehicle has taken home the honors five times; more than any other brand.

The 2010 Ford Transit Connect is a global Ford product that can be adapted to multiple commercial business applications. It has more than double the cargo-carrying space of the Chevrolet HHR Panel, and it offers users a cargo payload of up to 1,600 pounds, which means that it can carry a larger payload than the full-size Dodge Ram 1500 standard-cab short-box pickup truck.

With 135 cubic feet of Transit Connect cargo volume, no other vehicle in the American market can deliver this combination of capacity and fuel economy.

Transit Connect is powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. The vehicle offers best in class fuel economy with a rating of 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.