Archive for July, 2008
Friday, July 25th, 2008
The numbers tied to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh are impressive, if not overwhelming – but there’s one statistic especially worth eyeing.
Some 2,500 show aircraft and 650,000 visitors are expected at this year’s meet, which runs from Monday – Aug. 3. An estimated 10,000 airplanes are expected to fly in to the airport in east-central Wisconsin. And here’s the kicker: The event will feature one cool Ford Mustang.
A special one-of-a-kind AirVenture Mustang, the Mustang AV8R, will be unveiled on Sunday. The classic American car was named after the famous P-51 Mustang fighter, which played a key role in World War II as a bomber escort. Several P-51s are slated to be at Oshkosh, according to the show’s web site, AirVenture.
The team at Ford Racing helped develop the aviation-inspired Mustang AV8R. Special features on the 2009 Mustang GT include a glass roof, which is a new option on Mustangs this year; special front and rear fascias; integrated spoiler; and Shelby GT500 wheels. Ford Racing’s contributions include a handling pack (dampers, lowering springs, anti-roll bar kit and strut tower brace), supercharger and tuned exhaust that will generate 400 horsepower from the aluminum block 4.6-liter, 24-valve V-8 engine.
The Mustang AV8R is painted in Satin Silver matte paint with Black Gloss accents. The interior features distressed “bomber jacket” leather inserts and trim panels along with a “Bullitt” aluminum instrument panel appliqué and shift knob. It also has an appliqué autograph area for the aviation legends and notable enthusiasts scheduled to be in attendance, who include Edsel B. Ford II, Chuck Yeager, Jack Roush, Harrison Ford, John Travolta, Morgan Freeman and Jim Lovell.
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Friday, July 25th, 2008
With elevated gas prices and the summer travel season in full swing, Americans are looking for ways to save at the pump. Ford has some quick tips for all consumers, suggesting changes to their driving behavior.
Fuel-efficiency experts agree that learning to drive differently can increase fuel efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving behaviors such as rapid acceleration, speeding and braking can lower gas mileage significantly. Sensible driving not only helps conserve precious fuel resources while saving money, it’s also safer for all drivers.
Ford calls it EcoDriving – ECOnomical because it saves money and ECOlogical because it is better for the environment. Following are simple tips from Ford that any driver can use:
1. Slow down and maintain steady speed – Drive 55 miles per hour instead of 65 to save fuel. The EPA estimates a 10-15 percent improvement in fuel economy by following this tip. Also, aim for a constant speed. Pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine. Using cruise control whenever possible on the highway helps maintain speed and conserve fuel.
2. Relax – Aggressive driving wastes fuel and wears out components, such as brakes and tires, more quickly. Accelerate smoothly from a stop and brake softly. Avoid fast starts, weaving in and out of traffic and hard braking. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles, and anticipate traffic conditions to allow for more time to brake and accelerate gradually.
3. No idling – Today’s engines don’t need a warm up – even in cold temperatures. Start the car immediately and gently drive away. Don’t leave your car idling. Prolonged idling increases emissions and wastes fuel. Turn the engine off in non-traffic situations, such as at bank and fast food drive-up windows, when idling more than 30 seconds.
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Friday, July 25th, 2008
2008 Volvo XC60
Volvo Car UK can now announce full technical and specification details for the new XC60 crossover which arrives in dealer showrooms this Autumn. The XC60 is available to order now with prices starting at £24,750 OTR for the 2.4D S model and offers innovative standard features such as a low speed autobrake City Safety and versatile 40/20/40 split folding rear seats as well as sub 200g/km CO2 engine options.
Performance and technical specifications
The new Volvo XC60 launches with three engine variants – two diesels and one petrol. Six speed manual transmission is standard on both the 2.4D and D5 turbo diesel powerplants with six speed Geartronic available as a £1,400 option, while the high performance T6 petrol engine is available in six speed Geartronic guise only.
The frugal 163PS 2.4D and 185PS D5 variants with manual transmission both deliver 37.7 mpg on a combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 199g/km. Joining the manual in VED band F is the Geartronic version, at 219g/km. The popular D5 diesel engine generates 400Nm torque at 2000-2750rpm, while the entry level 2.4D offers 340Nm torque at 1750-2750rpm. The 285PS T6 petrol is capable of a top speed of 130mph and offers a brisk 0 to 60 performance of 7.1 seconds, while delivering 400 Nm torque from 1500 to 4800rpm. Fuel consumption is 23.7mpg with CO2 emissions of 284g/km.
Equipment levels
With three trim levels, S, SE and SE Lux, available, the entry-level S model comes with all the high quality features you would expect from Volvo including front fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and rear spoiler. While interior details include electronic climate control, information centre, cruise control, leather steering wheel with remote audio controls, brushed aluminium trim and a performance sound audio system with aux input and CD player. The award winning Volvo City Safety technology is joined by a full suite of standard safety equipment including RSC (Roll Stability Control), ROPS (Roll Over Protection System) and WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System).
The SE specification enhances equipment levels with the addition of Hill Descent Control, electric driver’s seat with three memory functions and Autofolding power door mirrors with ground lights. Added luxury also includes Eriksberg T-Tec/Textile upholstery and autodimming rear view mirrors with compass and chrome window trim.
The SE Lux is the ultimate in Swedish luxury, featuring chronographic instrument dials, leather upholstery, Nordic Light Oak natural wood trim and both front seats are both powered and heated. Further enhancements include luxury floor mats and chrome detailing. 18-inch alloy wheels, active bending headlamps, power tailgate and rear park assist are also all standard.
Styling and options
The Volvo XC60 will be available in 13 different exterior colours including the new Terra Bronze and Lime Grass Green metallic and the interior benefits from the finest materials and superb stitching to give a high quality finish. Upholstery includes Lomma textile available in S models, Eriksberg T-Tec/Textile in SE specifications and leather-faced in the top of the range SE Lux. Colours include 0ff-Black and Soft Beige, while those opting for leather-faced will have the choice of Off-Black with the new striking Lemon Green and Soft Beige with Espresso Brown. To complement the interior themes, three inlays are available to choose from including Brushed Aluminium, Classic Wood and Nordic Light Oak.
Volvo’s popular option packages are also available, including the Communications, Family and Winter Packs, plus the new Driver Support Pack which includes a host of Volvo’s safety aids including BLIS (Blind Sport Information System), ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) and LDW (Lane Departure Warning).
Go configure!
Customers can configure their own Volvo XC60 online in the ‘Build Your Own’ section of the Volvo website. The configuration tool allows customers to build and price a vehicle to their personal choice of engine, trim level, colour, upholstery and options.
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