More Performance – and More Economy – from Ford EcoBoost Power
At the heart of the appeal of the next-generation Focus ST is a high-output 250 PS derivative of the efficient and advanced new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder petrol engine.
Succeeding the turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder unit of the current European model, this unique 250 PS Ford EcoBoost engine is being specially developed for the new Focus ST to ensure that the car gets the muscular performance – and the inspirational sound – which it deserves. It also marks the first application of the four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine in a high performance model.
Compared to the 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine used in other Ford vehicles, the 250 PS unit features re-designed intake and exhaust systems and a unique engine calibration to deliver the desired level of power and responsiveness. The engine retains the strong torque delivery which is a feature of Ford EcoBoost designs, with a broad, flat torque curve offering a maximum output of 360 Nm.
One of a completely new generation of downsized, high-efficiency, low-CO2 petrol engines from Ford, the 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost is a lightweight, all-aluminium design which combines three technologies – high-pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing – to create an advanced combustion system which brings new levels of performance and fuel efficiency to petrol engines in this power range.
This ultra efficient 250 PS engine therefore not only delivers over 10 per cent more power and torque than the current 2.5-litre unit, it is also estimated to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by more than 20 per cent.
The standard transmission for the Focus ST is a 6-speed manual gearbox, optimised with more sporting ratios carefully matched to the performance characteristics of the engine.
Genuine Performance and Handling
Ford Team RS performance vehicle specialists have a mission: to ensure that the new Focus ST delivers the pure performance and handling everyone expects from a genuine Ford ST model.
Compared to the standard Focus, the ST model will feature a comprehensive range of enhancements including a chassis lowered by 10mm, a substantially different variable ratio steering system, high performance brakes and unique suspension tuning, that will enable the vehicle to deliver the acclaimed ST handling agility and poise.
Naturally, the ST will also benefit from the performance improvements being delivered by the next-generation Focus vehicle architecture. Features like a stronger, stiffer body structure, optimised front and rear suspension system designs, and a new electric power assisted steering (EPAS) system all contribute to superior vehicle dynamics and improved refinement.
Unprecedented Level of Smart Technologies
Focus ST drivers will also be able to take advantage of the unprecedented level of smart new technologies incorporated in Ford’s latest global C-car platform, including advanced new driver assistance, powertrain, chassis and active safety features.
Many of these features, such as the advanced new Torque Vectoring Control system – which acts like a torque vectoring differential to enhance cornering stability and agility – have a direct impact on improving driving quality to an even higher level.
“This is the third generation Focus ST and we are determined that the new car will continue the strong heritage of affordable, high performance ST models into the future,” said Jost Capito. “The technology on offer with Ford’s new global C-car platform will also help to ensure that the Focus ST provides enthusiasts with an exceptional riving experience.”
Unique High-Performance Exterior
The new Focus ST features a highly distinctive sports exterior, providing significant functional and aerodynamic benefits and clearly differentiating the ST derivative from other models in the new Focus family.
While sharing the already sleek and dynamic profile of the new Focus five-door, the ST features unique front- and rear-end designs, together with muscular extended rocker panels and striking new alloy wheels based on the classic Y-spoke ST pattern.
“The changes we have made to deliver superior aerodynamics and vehicle performance have made the new Focus ST even more sporty and distinctive,” explained Martin Smith, Executive Design Director. “Exciting new design treatments at the front and rear give the ST a much more dynamic and purposeful character, making it very clear that this is definitely a sporting Focus.”
The more sporting design language is particularly evident at the front end, where the twin upper and lower grilles of the standard car are replaced by a prominent new one-piece design.
Representing the sportiest definition yet of Ford’s signature trapezoidal grille, the bold one-piece design is placed higher on the nose of the vehicle, and incorporates a distinctive hexagonal mesh finished in high gloss black.
The front spoiler has a completely new configuration, with a deep central splitter framed by small motorsport-inspired spoiler blades on either side, which sweep round and encompass the fog lamps. The spoiler blades are linked to the rest of the body lines through the grille structure, which is reminiscent of the similar treatment in the current Focus RS model.
The more assertive, sporting character of the front end is completed by details like the gloss black finish to the headlamp bezels, and the bold red ST badge on the one-piece grille.
From the side, muscular extended rocker panels emphasise the lowered chassis, and the bold wheel arches are filled with 19-inch alloy wheels which are the latest evolution of the classic Y-spoke ST wheel.
Dynamic Rear End Treatment
The rear bumper and lower fascia is also completely new, with prominent diffuser-style vents on either side which mirror the form of the front spoiler blades. Rear lamps with a dark smoked tint enhance the sporty feel.
The new Focus ST has a high-performance exhaust system, which exits the vehicle through a central dual-pipe outlet. The exhaust outlet has been given a highly-distinctive design treatment with a strong kinetic form which emulates the design themes on the rest of the car.
The car’s aerodynamic package is completed by a highly effective integrated roof spoiler, which has been optimised to deliver improved high-speed stability and reduced drag. With a larger, more exaggerated design than the spoiler on the current Focus ST, it incorporates ducting to the rear screen and has been carefully integrated with the vehicle tailgate and roof.
Dramatic New Body Colour
The Paris preview car is finished in a dramatic new ’Tangerine Scream’ body colour, which reflects the exciting and energetic new character of the Focus ST.
A spiritual successor to the signature Electric Orange finish of the current Focus ST, Tangerine Scream is a very intense and vibrant high-saturation metallic yellow-gold tone created using an experimental process with multiple layers of tinted lacquer.
“Such an exciting new car deserves an exciting new finish and we believe that this vibrant new colour will prove just as memorable as Electric Orange,” said Martin Smith. “You can expect to see a very similar shade when the ST reaches the showroom.”
To complement the vibrant exterior colour, the 19-inch alloy wheels have a warm, anodised Golden Graphite finish. Their sophisticated five-spoke design is contrasted by the brake calipers which are brightly painted in body colour.
Bold High-Contrast Sports Cockpit
The performance theme from the exterior is echoed inside the car, with a very bold high-contrast sports cockpit featuring Recaro seats, unique instrumentation and modern, highly technical finishes.
Dramatically-bolstered and rally-inspired Recaro leather and fabric front seats provide an ideal balance between sporting support and long-distance comfort, and form the centrepiece of the cabin.
The seats are finished in high-quality Charcoal Black leather, offset by bold orange gold panels in a neoprene fabric and vibrant yellow-gold contrast stitching. The central Charcoal Black fabric seat panels feature a rugged embossed design in the style of a performance tyre tread pattern. The rear Recaro seats are finished in the same distinctive style.
Throughout the cabin, unique details ensure that the Focus ST clearly signals its sporting intent. Three additional gauges for turbo boost, oil pressure and oil temperature are housed in a dedicated binnacle on the upper instrument panel; the instrument cluster features unique ST sports graphics with red needle pointers; and the centre console has a technical carbon-effect finish.
The interior has the signature ST treatment of a dark interior environment, with black headlining, bespoke steering wheel and a gear knob featuring the ST logo, plus metal racing pedals.
The premium sports feel of the cabin is enhanced by a generous use of Charcoal Black leather with vibrant yellow-gold contrast stitching on many of the interior surfaces, including the seats, door panels, central armrest, steering wheel, gearshift gaiter and the top of the instrument binnacle.
“The Focus ST will be a serious driving machine, and we have developed a purposeful exterior combined with a cockpit that blends sporting function with impressive comfort,” said Stephen Odell. “The approach of form following function is a key part of the ST DNA, and we have remained true to that both inside and outside the vehicle.”
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6 Airbag Safety Tips
Practicing airbag safety in your vehicle is more than just having an airbag installed and letting it do its job. An airbag is made of a highly elastic material, which inflates at a very high speed if there is an accident. The airbag functions as a cushion, thereby protecting the inhabitants of the vehicle from collisions with hard objects and the vehicle itself. When used with seat belts, airbags help save many lives. However, because airbags deploy at very high speeds with tremendous force, they come with their own risks, which can results in serious injury and even death, if proper precautions are not observed.
Tip 1: Wear Your Seat Belt
In the absence of a seat belt, an airbag can be very dangerous. The occupants of the vehicle can be propelled forward at high speeds. When they collide with the airbag at such speeds, the results can be fatal. Some vehicles have separate lap belts and shoulder belts, both of which should be worn when traveling.
Tip 2: Seat Children under 12 in the Rear of the Vehicle
Children under the age of 12 are safest in car seats. They must also be properly and securely strapped in. a young child may not be properly secured with a seat belt, which may be loose. It is important to set up the car seats in the back of the vehicle. This is because if they are kept in the front of the vehicle, the children may be too close to the dashboard. In the event of a collision, the airbag may be deployed and can strike the children at very high force. This force can seriously injure young children.
Tip 3: Never Place a Rear-facing Infant Car Seat in the Front
A rear facing car seat must always be placed in the back seat of the vehicle. If a rear facing car seat is placed in the front and if the airbag is deployed, it can hit the car seat at a great force that can be life-threatening to a young infant. Never hold an infant in the lap while driving.
Tip 4: Sit a Safe Distance Away from the Dashboard
Whether you are a driver or a passenger in the front seat, it is important to keep a safe distance from the dashboard. Keep your seat pushed back as much as is comfortable. This will prevent the airbag landing at close proximity. It will also reduce the chances of burns from the hot gas that is used in airbags.
Tip 5: Avoid Leaning against the Side if Your Vehicle has Side Airbags
Never lean against the side of the vehicle or its window. Be aware of the airbag placement in your vehicle and ensure that all the passengers follow the same safety precautions.
Tip 6: Never Store Objects between Yourself and the Airbag
If you keep any objects between yourself and the airbag, they could be deadly in the event of a collision. When the airbag is deployed, these objects become wedged between yourself and the airbag. Thereby increasing the chances of fatal injuries.
The First Minivan
The 1936 Stout Scarab came about in the early 1930s when William B. Stout, head of the Stout Engineering Laboratories in Dearborn, Michigan, dreamed of rear-engine/rear-wheel drive. Stout created the 1936 Stout Scarab so that drivers would have better visibility. His Scarab, with its flush glass and electric door locks, bore scant resemblance to any car on Depression-era roads.
Although the Scarab looked long -- like an old Greyhound bus with postwar "bathtub" Nash overtones -- the dimensions weren't terribly startling. The 135-inch wheelbase was on the long side, but the overall length of just over 16 feet-about the same as a 1936 Pontiac-allowed only minimal overhang at each end. And the rear-mounted engine couldn't be more commonplace: an 85-bhp flathead Ford V-8 hooked to Ford's three-speed gearbox. On a 6000-mile trip, Stout's car got a creditable 18.8 mpg.
Scarab interiors were as unique as their bodies. Only the driver's seat was fixed. All the others could be moved around the big, flat floor-even positioned around a fold-down table if desired.
A Stout ad in Fortune announced that 1936 production would be "limited to 100 cars," with prices starting at $5000. Scarabs actually cost a lot more to build, however, and nearly all of them went to Stout board members, including such notables as Phillip Wrigley and Harvey Firestone.
Ahead of its time? Absolutely. Not everyone falls for the unorthodox shape, but they all take notice if a Scarab glides into view. Just a glance at that elegantly fanned rear grillework confirms that the Scarab was -- and is -- something special.
Which of these is believed to be the oldest plantation in the United States?
Monticello
Bremo
Carter's Grove
Shirley
See answer under Car Doctor.
Winter Auto Maintenance Checklist
By Matthew Wright
In addition to the added perils of winter driving, the change in weather can bring peril to your car's systems. Freezing temps, salted roads and wintery precipitation can gang up on your car if you don't give it a baseball-bat sized maintenance session. These winter maintenance jobs will keep you out of trouble.
• Check your antifreeze
Your antifreeze (the juice that goes in your radiator) is an essential part of your car's winter protection. Your car contains a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. Make sure the level is full and the mixture is close to 50/50. Many service stations and repair centers will check this mixture free, or you can buy a tester for around $5. You did remember to perform a radiator flush last spring, didn't you?
• Inspect your tires
The last line of defense between you and an oak tree are your tires. Winter is not the time to get cheap about your tires, so take the time to check the tread depth. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board says you need at least 2/32" of depth to be safe. It's been my experience, especially in winter weather, that anything less than 4/32" (1/8") be replaced soon. The old penny test is as reliable as anything to find out whether your treads are ready for winter action. Also, be sure to check your tire pressure. Believe it or not, they lose a little pressure when it gets cold, so pump 'em up.
• Replace your wipers
Wipers? What do your windshield wipers have to do with winter weather? Two things. First, anything falling from the sky is going to end up on your windshield, and unless you have a team of beavers riding on the hood of your car the task of clearing it falls on your wipers. Second, in areas that see snowfall in the winter, you're also driving through that soupy muck that's left on the road once the highway department does their thing. This muck includes a lot of sand and salt, both of which end up on your windshield. It takes wipers that are in top shape to keep your windshield clean and safe.
• Check your windshield washer fluid
You'll be using lots of washer fluid as you try to keep your windshield sparkly. A mile stuck behind an 18-wheeler will have your windshield looking like a Desert Humvee if you're low on washer fluid. *Tip: Don't fill your washer fluid reservoir with anything except washer fluid, it won't freeze!
Annual Maintenance Procedures
On top of the checks you need to perform to ensure safe winter driving, now's a good time to do some annual maintenance. These aren't necessarily specific to winter driving, but it's a good point on the calendar to get around to doing this stuff.
• Clean your battery posts
Starting problems are a bummer any time of year. Regularly treating your battery to a cleaning can keep electrical gremlins at bay.
• Inspect your spark plug wires
Cracked up plug wires affect performance, gas mileage and general reliability. Be sure yours are in top shape.
• Inspect your brakes
Brakes are not a good area to cut corners. Be sure your brakes have enough meat left to get you through the season.
• Check Your Engine Oil
This should go without saying and should be done at least monthly. But in case you're an amnesiac ... you should also do an oil change!
Cold weather safety should be a concern for anybody living in a cold climate. These tips will give you the upper hand when Old Man Winter tries to put a chill on your winter travels. If you're extra curious about staying generally safe in winter weather, the National Weather Service has an excellent Winter Safety & Awareness guide that covers everything from how storms brew to a list of history's billion dollar winter wonders.
Make sure that your automobile is up to date on its service schedule.
Click Here to schedule a service appointment at your nearest Hall Automotive Service Center.
The correct answer is Shirley
It was originally called Shirley Hundred and was built in the 1723. During the Civil War, Shirley served as a Union military hospital. Carter's Grove was built in 1750.
