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A new standard 6.2-liter V8 engine pumping out 411 horsepower, new technologies and a newly available SuperCrew option that gives Raptor customers more choices in cab size all ensure the 2011 Ford F150 SVT Raptor will remain the off-road performance truck champion in the new model year.

“When we launched the F150 SVT Raptor, consumers were blown away with the capability of the vehicle,” said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. “By adding the SuperCrew, we have expanded the versatility of Raptor, and now even more enthusiasts will be able to experience the no-compromise off-road performance that only Raptor delivers.”

The F150 SVT Raptor is the first-ever high-speed off-road performance truck offered by any manufacturer and highlights 33 years of Ford truck sales leadership by emphasizing F150’s Built Ford Tough durability, innovation and engineering. Developed with the DNA of an off-road pre-runner, comprehensive modifications focused on chassis and suspension enhancements.

The F150 SVT Raptor is 7 inches wider than a base F150 to make room for the additional suspension components that give Raptor its unparalleled off-road abilities. The wider stance also gives the truck an aggressive appearance. Internal triple-bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road.

Raptor also has unique cast-aluminum front control arms and SVT-tuned 35-inch BFGoodrich® All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tires. These components give Raptor 11.2 inches of front suspension travel and 12.1 inches of rear suspension travel on either SuperCab or the new SuperCrew.

The new available 145-inch-wheelbase SuperCrew offering with a 5.5-foot box adds to the extensive list of F150 SVT Raptor features. While contributing additional space and flexibility for the customer, the SuperCrew delivers performance as well.

Applying lessons learned from the SuperCab F150 SVT Raptor, engineers were able to tune the truck to handle off-road events with ease. The 12-inch-longer wheelbase on SuperCrew also delivers the benefit of a more comfortable ride, especially in rough off-road situations.

“We spent a lot of time getting the ride and suspension characteristics of the SuperCrew similar to that of the SuperCab, and we were successful in getting the same character and flavor out of the SuperCrew,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “While the SuperCab and SuperCrew both have different strengths, each is worthy of the Raptor nameplate.”

A larger 36-gallon fuel tank and increased towing capability – rated at 8,000 pounds – keep F150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew a mainstay in the desert environment, with capabilities as a chase or tow truck.

Revved up and ready

The previously optional 6.2-liter V8 engine, which produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, will now be the standard engine for the 2011 F150 SVT Raptor, the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market.

The Ford powertrain team performed extensive testing to ensure the engine would live up to the Built Ford Tough promise. Hundreds of additional tests beyond the normal verification of truck engines, as well as vehicle testing on a 62-mile durability loop in the desert that simulates the Baja 1000, validated the performance of the engine for reliability and longevity in the harshest conditions.

New color and graphic options

Raptor’s exterior also receives some new touches for 2011, in the form of an additional paint color – Ingot Silver Metallic – that will be available with the standard black interior, or the optional Molten Orange Interior Accent Package.

A new optional hood graphic adds a personalized and functional touch to F150 SVT Raptor. Inspired by older off-road racing Ford Broncos, matte black accent graphics – including the F150 SVT Raptor logo – run along the hood, also helping to reduce glare. The Raptor logo in the graphic is done in body-color bleed-through, similar to “SVT” on the side vent. “F150” and “SVT” are written in dark gray. The graphic is available with or without the box side graphics.

More capability, more technology

Key to helping customers take advantage of all the capability offered by the F150 SVT Raptor is a standard 4.2-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) productivity screen that is integrated in the center of the new instrument gauges, which have a black face, red pointers and ice blue daytime lighting. Also used on the all-new 2011 Super Duty, the technology was specifically tailored for off-road use with Raptor.

The screen includes a unique welcome animation and offers menu options giving the customer important information related to off-road and towing performance. A truck application screen provides vehicle status information for important off-road parameters such as off-road mode, Hill Descent Control™, electronic locking differential settings and AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™).

An off-road screen informs the customer about steering wheel angle and vehicle angle on a grade during off-road maneuvers. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel and is positioned between the tachometer and speedometer.

“The productivity screen is a great solution for our off-road customers,” said Hameedi. “With one glance, they can tell exactly what settings are enabled on their truck and what the driveline is doing.”

For the customer who wants more control of transmission gear selection, SelectShift Automatic transmission functionality also is introduced on Raptor. A toggle switch located on the console shift lever engages the mode, where the transmission doesn’t second-guess the driver, giving him or her total control over gear selection and performance feel. Upshifts, for instance, are not commanded at redline, and downshifts are allowed at the lowest gear possible as defined by the engine speed.

A Raptor Plus Package debuts for 2011, offering the rear view camera and trailer brake controller. The Raptor Luxury Package also receives additional features, with folding power exterior mirrors and Remote Start System with integrated key fob added to the list.

New standard technology features for 2011 include:

•Perimeter alarm
•Integrated spotter mirror
•Express up/down driver and passenger front windows
•110 V power inverter in the center console
•Head restraint for second-row middle seat
•Telescoping steering wheel

2010 Raptor equals hot seller
Sales of the truck are off to an impressive start, selling four times quicker than the average
F150, with the 2010 F150 SVT Raptor equipped with the 6.2-liter engine selling within 11 days of arriving at dealerships. In fact, 2010 F150 SVT Raptor sales are set to exceed the highest model year sales of the F150 SVT Lightning.

Dealers will start taking orders for the 2011 F150 SVT Raptor today, and the trucks will be available in dealerships late this year

The Ford F150 SVT Raptor, already known for its unrivaled capability, is ensuring customers have even more power on demand for their off-road adventures by making the previously optional 6.2-liter V8 engine standard for 2011.

With 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, the engine makes the F150 SVT Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market, giving customers new levels of capability. Low-speed maneuvers, such as rock crawling, driving up a grade or accelerating through deep sand, require much less throttle input because of the engine’s increased torque.

The exhaust for the 6.2-liter engine was uniquely tuned to deliver the performance-oriented, high-horsepower sound customers want. Additionally, a unique firing order gives the 6.2-liter a distinctive roar.

The 6.2-liter V8 is similar to the engine used in the all-new 2011 Super Duty, but features unique tuning and a special cam profile to produce more horsepower and torque. It’s similar to the race-prepped engine that powered Raptor R to a podium finish at the 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 in 2008 and completed every mile of the grueling 2009 Best in the Desert series.

Testing in the heat

The engine was put to the test in its element – the desert of Borrego Springs, Calif. Important factors such as engine cooling were tested on the 62-mile loop designed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team.

“We spent a lot of time developing our desert durability test so that it’s very close to replicating the Baja 1000,” said Kerry Baldori, global performance chief functional engineer. “Desert testing proved to be a very quick way to learn about the reliability of the truck, and it put another level of extreme loads on the engine that our normal durability testing doesn’t need to cover.”

Engine cooling is key on Raptor – when the truck is in a desert environment, the hot weather and deep sand put a heavy load on the vehicle, and the engine has to exert maximum power to keep the truck powering on.

There also is more airflow through the radiator at low speeds, and a large and effective cooling system is required for this extreme environment. To improve airflow to the engine, grille openings were increased by 20 percent.

Features of the new 6.2-liter V8 engine include:

•Cast-iron engine block with bay-to-bay breathing and four-bolt main bearing caps with additional cross bolts for durability

•Aluminum cylinder heads, with two valves per cylinder and two spark plugs per cylinder to more efficiently burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion

•Single overhead camshaft with roller-rocker shaft drivetrain, which creates a stiff valvetrain that allows optimized camshaft lift profiles and results in better low-speed torque. The roller-rocker shafts allow valve angles to be splayed, resulting in optimized intake and exhaust port layout for better engine breathing

•Dual-equal variable cam timing means intake and exhaust valve opening and closing events are phased at the same time to optimize fuel economy and performance throughout the engine speed range and throttle positions

Core to the improvements is using a larger bore and shorter stroke. This approach to creating power has its roots in storied Ford racing engines from the past. The large bore (102 millimeters) allows for larger intake and exhaust valves for improved engine breathing, and the shorter stroke (95 millimeters) allows higher engine speed for increased horsepower. Still, peak horsepower is generated at a relatively modest 5,500 rpm. Piston-cooling jets squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions.

Crankcase breathing also is improved to reduce windage losses and oil aeration levels at very high speeds. “That really helps get a robust lubrication system for the engine,” Baldori said. “It allows us to endure a lot of time at extreme high speeds – and that’s a must-have for customers.

How do you amp up a performance car package as complete as the new 2012 Mustang Boss 302 – already a street-legal race car in its own right? Pull out everything that doesn’t make it go faster and add in more of what does. The result is the limited-production Laguna Seca package – the ultimate 2012 Boss, named to commemorate the first-place Boss 302 finish at the 1970 Trans-Am series opener.

-Laguna Seca package pares the race-inspired 2012 Mustang Boss 302 down to its essential elements, with aggressive suspension, chassis and aerodynamic tuning creating a ready-for-racing Boss

-R-compound tires, rear seat-delete, aggressive front splitter for track use, and rear spoiler and rear cross-car bracing shave seconds off track times and boost lateral acceleration to 1.03 g

“The Laguna Seca package puts a race-ready version of the new Mustang Boss 302 directly into enthusiasts’ hands,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “Laguna Seca isn’t intended for Boss buyers who simply want an exhilarating daily driver. Think of it like a factory-built race car, which we hope avid racers and track-day fans are going to love.”

Boss Laguna Seca builds on the bumper-to-bumper improvements found on the standard Boss while further stiffening the chassis and installing an aerodynamics package carried over almost in its entirety from the Ford Racing Boss 302R.

“Drivers who know how to get the most from a tuned race car on a closed course are going to be amazed by what the Laguna Seca is capable of,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “The balance, agility and tuning of each vehicle system places the driver at the center of the machine, completely connected to everything the car is doing.”

Chassis enhancements
Laguna Seca cars are powered by the same smooth, high-winding 440-hp 5.0-liter V8 as the standard Boss, since the engine was already tuned specifically for road racing. Instead, engineers turned their attention toward delivering power to the ground most efficiently, and getting the car around a track in the quickest possible time.

“When we built the Boss, we had to step back and ask ourselves ‘How do we improve on this?’” said David Pericak, Ford Mustang chief engineer. “That car is so strong we realized the Laguna Seca package was going to have to be just a fraction of a step back from the Ford Racing 302R to top it. So we went back and threw daily-driver practicality out the window, cut some things we couldn’t cut on the volume model, like the back seat, and built it the way we would set up a production Boss for pure competition.”

Laguna Seca cars eliminate the rear seats, instead adding a cross-car X-brace that couples the structure between the rear wheels. The brace offers chassis stiffness improvements of as much as 10 percent and allows the suspension tuning – precisely calibrated by Mustang team members – to better do its job.

Standard Recaro front seats were designed by Ford SVT in cooperation with Recaro for high performance Mustang models, and are shared between the Boss and GT500. An Alcantara-covered race steering wheel provides a solid grip for hard cornering.

Engine power routes through a six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox to a standard 3.73-ratio Torsen limited-slip differential, helping the revised rear suspension deliver maximum torque and traction under the punishing conditions encountered on the track.

Higher spring rates and a larger rear stabilizer bar – all upgraded over Boss specifications – help generate unrelenting grip. And drivers can dial in exactly the level of shock stiffness a particular track requires using the four standard, independently adjustable dampers with Laguna Seca-specific valving.

The final touch for a proper race car was to add the proper wheels and tires: Laguna Seca models use lightweight 19-inch alloy racing wheels in staggered widths: 9 inches in front, 10 inches in the rear. R-compound ultra-high-performance tires, 255/40ZR-19 in the front, 285/35ZR-19 in the rear, maintain contact with the pavement – a job that ended up being trickier than expected.

“The R-compound tires on the Laguna Seca are so sticky we had to really work on the rear suspension tuning to make sure drivers can get the most out of them,” explains Pericak. “The rear stabilizer bar is the largest we’ve ever installed on a production Mustang – including any SVT product. The rear spring rate was also maximized to work with the massive rear tires and balance the car for minimal lap times.”

While standard Boss 302 cars get vented brake dust shields to help cool the rotors, Laguna Seca models receive Ford Racing front brake ducts that force outside air directly onto the 14-inch vented front rotors, helping to eliminate brake fade and ensure hard, repeatable late braking on the track. Combined, the braking changes help refine the sense for drivers of being directly connected to the pads – an essential edge during car-to-car combat on a road course.

Added up, the further improvements to Boss Laguna Seca result in the best-handling Mustang ever, with more than 1.03 g of lateral acceleration, stopping distances shortened by three feet from 60 mph over Boss, 0-60 acceleration improvements of one tenth of a second, and an overall expected lap time improvement of one to two seconds over the standard Boss on a typical road course.

Styling evokes racing, improves aerodynamics
As a race car should, Boss 302 models with the Laguna Seca package look like nothing else on the road. A bright red C-stripe offsets either Black or Ingot Silver paint, and is complemented by a red roof panel. Red also sets off the front grille, mirror caps and rear pedestal spoiler, while Laguna Seca rear badging and unique two-tone red and silver wheels complete the transformation.

Adding both to appearance and aerodynamics, an aggressive front splitter for track use adds downforce at the front of the car, while helping channel air under and around the car. At the same time, air impacting the front end is funneled into the radiator and brake ducts, supporting cooling even under grueling race conditions.

“The Laguna Seca front splitter is really a Ford Racing piece we’ve lightly adapted for our purposes,” explains Pericak. “It’s been tested and refined for the last six months on the Boss 302R to perform exactly as required on the track; we just made a few changes so it could be adapted to the production Boss – though owners will still want to avoid speed bumps and parking blocks.”

At the back, a large rear spoiler is sized to exactly complement the effect provided by the front splitter and underbody aero treatments, with the combination adding as much as 90 pounds of downforce at 140 mph.

“Balance is the key on Boss, and even more so on Laguna Seca,” said Pericak. “A winning race car has to do everything well, and we’ve had the ability to test all the engineering that went into Boss Laguna Seca on the Ford Racing 302R. It’s not for everyone: It’s stiffer, there’s no back seat, and the aero package is designed for downforce, not speed bumps in the mall parking lot. But for hard-core Mustang racers who want something they can occasionally drive on the street, to shows or whatever, Laguna Seca is the car they’ve been waiting for, and they’re not going to be disappointed.”

BBR is proud to announce a new range of performance conversions for the mighty 300 bhp Ford Focus RS MK2. BBR’s upgrades reflect its 20 years experience with Ford tuning and are available in four very distinct power levels, with an accompanying suspension upgrade package to optimise the car’s dynamic abilities.

After 18 months of meticulous testing and development, BBR is confident no other Ford tuning company worldwide has a more complete track, road and dyno tested range of conversions for the Focus RS MK2.

Phase One BBR StarChip Software upgrade

The entry level upgrade transforms the performance and driveability of the Focus RS via an ECU remap. Use of BBR’s StarChip software affords an extremely linear throttle pedal / turbo boost map, resulting in a considerably smoother driving experience than offered by the factory ECU settings. With a huge improvement in throttle response, the mid range torque and peak horsepower are substantially enhanced, with no visibly obvious mechanical changes.

Phase One Conversion includes:

Custom Mapped BBR Star Chip – With careful calibration of the standard Focus RS MK2 ECU, fuel, ignition, torque, airflow and boost requirements are carefully re-mapped for all conditions, making this conversion a worthy level one addition to our range. BBR is confident that this ECU remap represents the finest blend of drivable performance for track and road.

Silicone induction hose – During testing under full load BBR has found the original air intake hose distorting, causing an airflow restriction. Replacement of this hose is essential to release the full performance of the Phase One conversion.

BBR Focus RS Phase One Power 342 HP @ 6150RPM
BBR Focus RS Phase One Torque 369 ft/lbs @ 3350RPM

Priced at £595.00, customers should allow 2 hours for installation. A DIY kit is also available.

Phase Two BBR RS355

BBR’s Phase Two upgrade replaces the RS MK2′s standard inefficient intercooler with BBR’s own high flow unit. All inlet air box hoses to and from the air-box and to the RS’s turbocharger unit are replaced with high flow, silicon versions, removing inlet air flow restrictions in the process.

In conjunction with the replacement inlet hose kit, BBR installs a custom mapped BBR Star Chip to extract the maximum safe power from the original RS MK2′s fuel system, without any gains in inlet temperature, or the very important ‘air fuel ratio’ going weak. The stock paper element air filter is also replaced with a high flow performance unit.

In addition to the Phase One upgrade, the Phase Two Conversion includes:

BBR spec High flow intercooler – Finished in gloss black, the BBR intercooler sits discretely behind the Focus RS MK2′s aggressive front grill, utilizing the full width of the aperture. This highly efficient inlet core allows BBR to manage inlet air temperatures easily, helping to optimise performance at higher boost levels.

High Flow inlet hose set – A complete set of high flow replacement hoses are included, removing manufacturer’s inherent flow restrictions and allowing greater flow from the turbocharger.

High flow filter – BBR specifies a drop in performance air filter which improves throttle response and comes with a million mile warranty.

BBR Focus RS Phase Two Power 355 HP @ 6580RPM
BBR Focus RS Phase Two Torque 378 ft/lbs @ 3000-4600RPM

Priced at £1245.00, with a fitting charge of £195.00, customers should allow four to five hours for installation. A DIY kit is also available.

Phase Three BBR RS380

The BBR Phase Three conversion extracts the maximum safe power from the original Focus RS MK2′s turbo unit. In addition to components used in the BBR phase two upgrade, the complete exhaust system is replaced with a BBR 3″ stainless steel exhaust that includes a sports catalyst (retaining emissions legality.)

As part of the Phase Three conversion BBR also modifies the Focus RS MK2′s fuel system to cope with the higher demands required at this boost/power level, using larger fuel injectors. BBR’s Star Chip ECU software is then carefully calibrated in parallel with the larger fuel injectors to ensure no loss in drivability or fuel consumption penalty.

In addition to the Phase Two upgrade, the Phase Three Conversion includes:

A BBR spec Turbo back high flow exhaust with sports cat – a complete system including sports catalyst, highest quality aircraft grade stainless steel finished with Twin 4″ tail pipes that sit perfectly within the Focus RS MK2′s original bumper aperture.

BBR spec high flow fuel injectors – Drop in replacement fuel injectors, with careful BBR Star Chip software calibration, BBR injectors are optimised for this power level.

BBR Focus RS Phase Three Power 382 HP @ 6080RPM
BBR Focus RS Phase Three Torque 388 ft/lbs @ 3000-4650RPM

Priced at £2495.00, with a fitting charge £345.00, customers should allow six to eight hours for installation. A DIY kit is also available.

Phase Four BBR RS400

The highest level of BBR Focus RS Mk2 conversion is for those customers looking for a genuine 400bhp upgrade. As part of the BBR Phase Four upgrade, the RS original turbocharger is replaced with our higher flow motorsport spec item and further modifications are made to the fuel system. This conversion delivers true supercar performance from the Ford Focus RS Mk2.

In addition to Phase Three upgrade, the Phase Four Conversion includes:

BBR specification high flow fuel pump – The BBR high flow fuel pump directly replaces the stock item, as the fuel flow required at this level surpasses that available from the OEM Ford unit.

BBR Hybrid turbo charger – This is a fully overhauled unit, with extensive modifications including; All bearings and seals replaced, a CNC re-profiled compressor cover, a billet motorsport 360° thrust bearing and thrust washers, a billet larger diameter inlet compressor wheel,cutback turbine wheel, central core rotational housing balanced to motorsport spec, ported and flowed compressor cover, turbine housing and wastegate valve.

BBR Focus RS Phase Four Power 404 HP @ 6220RPM
BBR Focus RS Phase Four Torque 408 ft/lbs @ 3380RPM

Priced at £3895.00, with a fitting charge of £595.00, customers should allow a full day for installation. A DIY kit is also available.

* All MK2 Focus RS conversion levels for DIY fitment require the ECU to be sent to BBR to allow for software installation.

BBR Focus RS suspension upgrades

BBR has been busy developing its own high performance springs, and along with well known suspension specialists Koni, its own BBR/Koni adjustable dampers. BBR has discovered that the standard Focus RS suspension is extremely harsh and uncomfortable for every day. Fed up with RS hash ride of the original set up, BBR has produced a highly effective suspension solution.

BBR Focus RS Performance Spring set

BBR’s very own track and road developed performance springs are designed to work with the car’s existing standard dampers, or our own adjustable dampers for a more comfortable ride, whilst gently lowering the Focus RS’s ride height.

DIY Price £195.00, fitting charge £300.00, including a full geometry setup.

BBR Spec Focus RS Koni adjustable dampers

BBR has found that many of its Focus ST clients have reported the rough and bumpy ride on the STD RS is far from enjoyable on longer journeys.

BBR’s solution is a set of adjustable BBR spec Koni dampers which are compatible with either the standard Ford springs or BBR’s own performance spring set.

DIY Price £795.00, fitting charge £300.00, including full geometry setup.

The 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 combines two rich traditions into an extraordinary package for customers who crave capability and long for the open road. With authentic styling, a new standard 6.2-liter V8 engine and plenty of technology upgrades, it’s the most powerful and capable Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 yet.

-2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 combines the smooth handling and legendary durability of America’s best-selling line of trucks with the authentic styling of Harley-Davidson

-New standard content for 2011 includes the voice-activated Navigation System, a 4.2-inch productivity screen, power moonroof and Remote Start System

“The new 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 perfectly blends the flexibility and capability of F-Series trucks with the free spirit of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles,” said Eric Kuehn, chief engineer. “Both companies have a passion for the road, which shines through in our specialized truck.”

The successful collaboration between these two icons of the open road has produced nine F-150 models, as well as six Super Duty F-250 and F-350 models, and in 2009, the first Harley-Davidson F-450 edition truck. The exterior of the 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 offers a bold front fascia and six-bar-shaped billet-style satin chrome grille and boasts “Harley-Davidson” satin chrome badging. The truck also has a lowered appearance because of a standard, fully integrated deployable running board.

Also standard are 22-inch Euroflange forged wheels with a polished center wheel cap and low-profile performance tires. The paint selection is classic Harley-Davidson – Tuxedo Black and Ingot Silver.

New graphics on the hood and body side of the truck are executed in an engine-turned finish and feature dimensional satin chrome “Harley-Davidson” lettering. The graphics are reminiscent of the “speed scallops” used on hot rods.

Interior trim panels are covered in Tuxedo Black paint, while the door scuff plate and console lid also carry the engine-turned finish. All interior chrome surfaces feature a new satin finish. Premium leather-trimmed seats come with accent color inserts and a unique cloisonné badge.

New engine, more power
Ford tapped into a bit of its proud racing heritage to create the new 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine, which uses big-bore architecture to produce impressive horsepower and torque. The new gasoline engine delivers 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque and provides improved maximum trailer towing capacity of 9,300 pounds.

“This engine has tons of torque and already has been proven in the field with both the F-150 SVT Raptor and Super Duty,” said Mike Harrison, V8 engine program manager. “The exhaust for the Ford Harley-Davidson edition has been specially tuned to feature a throaty V8 rumble customers will love.”

Benefits of the new 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine include:

SOHC valvetrain with roller-rocker shafts: The single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per cylinder head design results in a stiff valvetrain that allows optimized camshaft lift profiles and results in great low-speed torque. The roller-rocker shafts allow valve angles to be splayed, resulting in optimized intake and exhaust port layout for better breathing.
Dual-equal variable cam timing: Intake and exhaust valve opening and closing events are phased at the same time to optimize fuel economy and performance throughout the engine speed range and throttle positions.
Two spark plugs per cylinder: Due to the large bore size, two spark plugs per cylinder are used to more efficiently burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, enabling better fuel economy and increased engine torque. The twin plugs also help the engine maintain a smooth, stable idle.
Dual knock sensors: A knock sensor on each bank of cylinders of the V8 engine allows the spark timing of each cylinder to be individually optimized real-time, throughout the engine speed range. The engine learns the optimum timing via an adaptive algorithm.
Taking convenience to the next level
The 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 adds plenty of technology options to give customers what they are looking for. Key to helping customers take advantage of all the capability offered by the Harley-Davidson F-150 is a standard 4.2-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) productivity screen.

This screen offers menu options, giving the customer important information related to fuel economy and towing performance. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel and is positioned between the tachometer and speedometer.

Additionally, the 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 comes equipped with a standard voice-activated Navigation System that integrates several functions including voice-recognition destination entry, climate control and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio into one easy-to-use system, displaying them on an 8-inch touch screen.

For the customer who wants more control of transmission gear selection, SelectShift Automatic™ transmission functionality is available. A toggle switch located on the console shift lever engages the mode, where the transmission doesn’t second-guess the driver, giving him or her total control over gear selection and performance feel.

Other standard features on the 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 include:

Power moonroof
Rear view camera
Second-row heated seats
Ambient lighting
Remote Start System
Customized Harley-Davidson appeal
The 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 interior is customized to appeal to the truck buyer who appreciates the attention to detail for which both Ford and Harley-Davidson are renowned.

Examples are the seats and console lid, which feature handmade cloisonné badges that are produced by the same company that makes badges for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles; the console has a limited-edition serialization plate, which is numbered individually.

“We take creation of the Ford Harley-Davidson trucks very seriously, but it’s also something we have a lot of fun with along the way,” said Design Manager Brad Richards. “We hope that comes through in each of the finished trucks.

“We ensure Ford Harley-Davidson trucks exude the same bold personality as the legendary motorcycles,” Richards added. “We take two brands that are undeniably unique and forge a product that embodies the best qualities of both.”

Ford Explorer – the vehicle that defined a segment – has been completely reinvented, raising customers’ expectations of sport utility vehicle (SUV) fuel efficiency, safety, technology, capability and quality.

“The all-new Explorer will deliver today’s SUV buyers the attributes they really want and value, and a few they might not even have dreamed of,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “We’re proud to introduce the new Explorer to customers and fans around the world today and pleased to begin a whole new era that blends strong SUV fuel economy and performance.”

The all-new Explorer launches today to its Facebook friends in a unique social media initiative, followed by reveal events throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Shattering SUV fuel economy and performance expectations
“The new Explorer simply does everything well,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “It raises the bar for ride and handling on the road and transforms the off-road experience. It’s the hands-down winner for towing capability and ease. All this capability – and three rows of seating – with amazing fuel economy will make Explorer the absolute right choice for families with a sense of adventure.”

The 2011 Explorer with V6 power is expected to deliver more than 20 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 model, shattering conventional expectations for SUV fuel efficiency. When equipped with the available 2.0-liter EcoBoostTM I-4 engine, Explorer fuel economy is expected to improve by more than 30 percent and exceed the 2010 Honda Pilot and 2010 Toyota Highlander V6.

Chief Nameplate Engineer Jim Holland said the team targeted two key objectives when developing the 2011 Ford Explorer.

“It had to look modern and contemporary – inside and out – yet be instantly recognizable as an Explorer,” said Holland. “Next, the new Explorer needed to deliver the fuel economy today’s customers want, combined with the performance, capability and empowerment they expect from an SUV.”

Driven by the commitment to give customers unsurpassed fuel efficiency with each new vehicle, Ford attacked every detail to transform Explorer with significantly improved fuel economy:

Twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT)
Latest Ford EcoBoost engine
Six-speed automatic transmissions
Electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to significantly reduce parasitic power loss
Intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD)
Variable-displacement air-conditioning compressor
Optimized tires for reduced rolling resistance
Slippery aerodynamics with harmonized front air dam and rear liftgate spoiler
Weight reduction is a key element in improving Explorer fuel efficiency. While adding significant content to the vehicle, engineers were able to reduce total vehicle weight by almost 100 pounds through the use of lighter materials such as an aluminum hood. Explorer weight loss is even more impressive, as the latest versions of Honda Pilot and Toyota 4Runner have added pounds versus previous models.

Explorer’s available advanced 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 delivers the power of a normally aspirated V6 without compromising four-cylinder fuel economy. Aimed at the SUV buyer whose top priority is fuel economy, this turbocharged and intercooled I-4 engine delivers a projected 237 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,700 through 4,000 rpm. The EcoBoost employs direct injection of gasoline, Ti-VCT, direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valve lifters and four valves per cylinder.

Explorer’s standard powertrain combines front-wheel drive with a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, delivering an estimated 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. Ti-VCT allows individually optimized camshaft timing of valve opening and closing events to improve mechanical efficiency while delivering increased power and reducing part-throttle emissions. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, this powerful, flexible and efficient V6 is projected to deliver more than 20 percent better fuel economy versus the previous Explorer V6 model.

Explorer’s variable-displacement air-conditioning compressor provides a fuel economy benefit with less drag and smoother transition for improved driveability.

Each Explorer engine is paired with a unique six-speed automatic transmission, combining lowered initial gears for improved off-the-line acceleration and higher gearing for improved efficiency at lower engine rpm when cruising.

Explorer V6 models are available with an intelligent 4WD system that adds terrain management. Situation-selectable, this powertrain advancement takes the guesswork out of 4WD range choice.

A driver need only turn the console-mounted knob to the proper setting among snow, sand, mud and normal modes. This system also includes a hill descent mode.

Simpler and more convenient for SUV veterans, the system will be a confidence-builder for drivers new to the segment.

Contemporary design with segment-leading craftsmanship and quietness
In addition to its clean, modern design inside and out, Explorer aims to please SUV shoppers with a thoughtful, flexible interior package that abounds with clever storage capacity. The new SUV features more head and shoulder room, three rows of flexible seating, and room for everything families want to take along on their adventures.

The Explorer design – inside and out – is executed with world-class craftsmanship. Tight margin gaps are just one indication of the immense attention to detail applied to craftsmanship across the spectrum, from design to engineering to manufacturing.

The Chicago facility where Explorer will be produced raised the bar on initial quality measures with the recent Taurus launch, which is good news for customers.

“Crafting a high-quality vehicle is like preparing a gourmet meal,” said Peter Bejin, craftsmanship supervisor. “You start with high-quality ingredients, execute your recipe with flawless preparation and finally, present it with flair and panache.”

Quietness – another profound advancement in the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer – also will signal quality to customers.

The team enhanced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control for the all-new Explorer using an advanced technology called NoiseVision. A ball with hundreds of tiny cameras and microphones, NoiseVision allows engineers to pinpoint and address potential noise issues earlier in the development process.

Explorer is expected to be superior to in-segment competitors and rival premium SUVs in quietness and NVH control.

Explorer safety – strength, technology and innovation
The all-new Explorer targets top safety ratings with a stiff unibody structure and a class-leading suite of active and passive safety features and technologies, plus another Ford safety innovation – the world’s first second-row inflatable rear belts.

Rear seat passengers – often children or mature passengers – can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries. Ford’s unique inflatable rear belts spread impact forces across more than five times the area than conventional seat belts, reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion. Belt comfort should also help increase usage rates. Studies show inflatable belts to be more comfortable for passengers due to padding.

From the boron front bumper beam through the hydroformed front frame rails and high-strength steel side-impact tubes, Explorer’s rigid body structure is designed to provide robust protection for occupants. In the instance of a crash, these elements come together to protect Explorer driver and passengers inside a safety cage of strength.

Standard Explorer safety features include:

AdvanceTracwith RSC features Curve Control functionality to provide braking – optimized by each individual wheel
Second-generation first-row airbags, side seat airbags
Belt-Minder® for driver and first-row passenger
Front passenger sensing system
Energy-management system pretensioning for height-adjustable first-row seat belts
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for outboard second-row positions, for safely securing child safety seats
SOS Post-Crash Alert SystemTM
Safety Canopy® side curtain airbags
Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Available Explorer safety features include:

Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support
BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert

Stretching the breadth of capability
The 2011 Ford Explorer redefines customer expectations for driving dynamics and comfort – on any road, anytime, anywhere – while stretching the breadth of SUV capability. Transforming Explorer’s driving quality was central to creating an SUV for 21st century customers.

“Our objectives for Explorer dynamics were threefold,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “The first element was to greatly increase on-road comfort, capability and driving dynamics. The second was to maintain the ‘any road, anytime, anywhere’ capability of the previous model. Finally, we aimed to apply technology to the task of safely towing, as V6 Explorer models are rated up to 5,000 pounds. We think customers will be pleased with the next-generation Explorer on all three counts.”

The theme of the all-new Explorer dynamics development was balance. The team sought to provide an engaging driver experience in harmony with the extended breadth of 4WD capability to build driver confidence.

The shift to a unibody construction platform enabled a reduction in road noise and significantly decreased Explorer body roll in dynamic cornering situations. Independent front suspension is of the short- and long-arm configuration with a 32-millimeter front stabilizer bar. Independent rear suspension is the SR1 configuration, so-named for its one-to-one shock absorber ratio, which enables precise ride control.

Explorer’s EPAS system allows for variable rates of assistance based on speed, turn-in and direction. In addition to optimized steering feel, tight on-centering and appropriate resistance, EPAS provides a fuel economy benefit in comparison to traditional hydraulic power assist systems. EPAS also enables a competitive turning radius for optimum maneuverability in parking situations, combined with increased assistance at low speeds for parking ease.

EPAS allows for the addition of Curve Control, a new feature that senses when a driver enters a turn too quickly and applies brake pressure to stabilize the vehicle.

In addition, EPAS enables the optional active park assist technology. When activated, the system scans for a suitable spot, calculates the trajectory, and steers the vehicle. The driver continues to control brake and throttle inputs, but the system steers the vehicle throughout the parking maneuver.

Off-roading standout on a variety of surfaces
The key to Explorer 4WD capability is Ford’s new terrain management system.

Replacing the traditional SUV transfer case configuration, the new system takes the guesswork out of maximizing 4WD and the capabilities it enables. Rather than employment of four-high, four-low and auto settings, Explorer terrain management is selectable by situation. The four settings – available by shift-on-the-fly – include normal, mud, sand and snow.

Each setting provides unique engine behavior, throttle tip-in, transmission shift scheduling and calibrations for traction and stability control systems. Terrain management also includes Hill Descent ControlTM, which provides engine braking to increase driver confidence and control when descending a steep incline.

Explorer models with V6 power are rated to tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds. To aid with hookup – especially when alone – a reverse camera with zoom-in functionality is available, allowing a driver to back up to the trailer on-center. The Explorer towing package includes trailer sway control – a stability package shared with the Ford F-150 pickup – to help minimize trailer sway. Trailer brake controller wiring is also included, as is a tow/haul mode. Engaging tow/haul mode increases engine braking to help slow the vehicle and trailer when descending steep grades.

Loaded with features, convenience and connectivity
The all-new Explorer is available in three trim series levels – base, XLT and Limited. Each offering presents a robust array of standard features, with a class-leading selection of additional convenience and connectivity options so a buyer can tailor a new Explorer to his or her individual needs and desires.

Standard convenience features include:

MyForddriver connect technology including 4.2-inch LCD screen
MyKeyTM owner control feature
Air filtration system
Media hub
Easy Fuel® capless fuel filler system
Cruise control
Power windows, with one-touch down for driver
Power door locks with child safety rear door locks
Tilt/telescoping steering column
Four 12-volt power points
Cargo hooks
Explorer XLT includes standard content and adds:

Automatic headlamps
Six-speed SelectShift AutomaticTM
Heated sideview mirrors with LED signal indicators and security approach lamps
SecuriCodeTM keyless entry keypad
Reverse sensing system
Perimeter alarm
Explorer Limited includes all base and XLT content, plus:

PowerFold® sideview mirrors with driver’s side memory
Ambient lighting
Adjustable pedals with memory functionality
Cargo net
Dual-zone electronic temperature control
10-way power driver’s seat, with power recline and lumbar
Electrochromic interior mirror
Rear view camera
Remote start system
110-volt outlet
MyFord Touchdriver connect technology
Intelligent Access with push-button start
Universal garage door opener
“We spent our time listening to customers and addressing their needs to launch an SUV that reinvigorates the Explorer nameplate and delivers on Ford’s promise of high-quality, fuel-efficient and technologically advanced vehicles with industry-leading safety,” said Holland. “The all-new Explorer will change market perceptions about SUV style, fuel efficiency, technology and user-friendliness.”

The 2011 Explorer will be assembled at Ford’s Chicago manufacturing facility. Production begins late this year, and Explorer will be available in dealerships this winter.