Dealer Exclusive 2010 Viper SRT10s

Chrysler has announced today that it puts on sale three unique Dealer Exclusive Dodge Viper SRT10 units. The three Dealer Exclusive Dodge Viper SRT10 units are based on the 2010 version of the sportscar and are the result of an exclusive program run by the company in collaboration with 3 of its dealers.

Up first is a Race Yellow Viper SRT10 ACR Roadster designed by Woodhouse Dodge in Blair, Neb. The team at Tomball Dodge in Tomball, Texas tailored the Reverse SRT10 ACR using black and Snakeskin Green paint. Finally, there’s the SRT10 Coupe with Plum Crazy racing stripes, designed Roanoke Dodge in Roanoke, Ill.

The Dodge Viper SRT10 uses an 8.4-liter V10 engine that produces 600 hp (450 kW / 608 PS) and up to 560 lb-ft (760 Nm) of torque. After sprinting from standstill to 60 mph in under four seconds, the car is able to reach 202 mph (325 km/h).




Press Release

Dodge Announces Dealer Exclusive Program Offering Unique 2010 Viper SRT10s

June 7, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich.

The 2010 model year just got even more exclusive for the Dodge Viper. The Dodge brand is unveiling three new unique 2010 Viper SRT10 vehicles as part of its "Dealer Exclusive Program."

Dealers who sold sufficient Viper volume to qualify were given the opportunity to create their own special editions that best meet the dreams of their most loyal customers. A total of 50 cars are being built under this program, and specific combinations were determined by each Dodge dealer who volunteered to participate.

Shown here (from left to right) are the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Roadster, developed specifically with Woodhouse Dodge in Blair, Neb., featuring a Race Yellow Clear Coat exterior with yellow driver's stripe; the "Reverse SRT10 ACR" developed with Tomball Dodge in Tomball, Texas, featuring the reverse color combination of the Snakeskin Green Special Edition introduced earlier this model year; and the Black SRT10 Coupe with Plum Crazy dual racing stripes developed with Roanoke Dodge in Roanoke, Ill.

To find all of the Dodge dealers who have 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10s on order including the various special-edition models, check out the new dealer locator function at the Viper Headquarters website: http://www.viperheadquarters.com/viper_nation/dealer_locator

With this being the last model year for the current-generation Dodge Viper, 2010 continues to be the most special year of production for the 600 horsepower V-10 powered "ultimate American sports car." Approximately 500 cars will make up the 2010 model year production run, and each one is more exclusive than ever before with more than 7,000 different possible appearance combinations.

2011 Panoz Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans

Entrepreneur Don Panoz, founder of the American Le Mans Series, has unveiled his latest automotive creation, a limited-edition 600-horsepower exotic car called the Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans. The first of a limited run of 81 cars is slated to be delivered in 2013.

The hand-built Panoz Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans will be built with an engine that produces over 600 horsepower (447 kW / 608 PS) and up to 590 ft-lb (799 Nm) of torque.  Developed by American niche manufacturer Panoz, the car will be limited to 81 vehicles, and is guaranteed to be street legal in Asia, Europe, Middle East and South America.

Only 81 Panoz Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans will see the daylight, for which production will stretch on the next three years and all of the future customers will get their cars delivers at the Le Mans circuit where the automaker is also throwing in a free driving course.

The 2011 Panoz Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans will introduce the a three-stage TRIFECTA COOLING technology that improves engine performance and efficiency. The body of the 2011 Panoz Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans is built using the REAMS material technology - or Recyclable Energy
Absorbing Matrix System - that promises to offer environmental, performance and structural advantages.




Press Release

PANOZ MAKES HISTORY WITH ABRUZZI 'SPIRIT OF LE MANS'

New supercar quite appropriately unveiled at Le Mans

LE MANS, France - Don Panoz again has captured the Spirit of Le Mans. This time, one of the world's most forward-thinking entrepreneurs is pairing his newest automotive masterpiece with the legacy of the world's greatest auto race. The Panoz Abruzzi "Spirit of Le Mans" broke cover today at the Circuit de La Sarthe, an appropriate venue for the world debut of a ground-breaking automobile with a very appropriate delivery and acquisition program for its customers.

"This is culmination of equal parts time, effort and dreams," said Panoz, founder of the Panoz Motor Sports Group. "The Panoz brand always has prided itself on hand-building and delivering an exotic automobile and experience to our customers. Our new offering takes this to a completely new level."

The Abruzzi "Spirit of Le Mans" is more than a technological masterpiece from Panoz Auto Development (PAD), based in Hoschton, Ga. It represents a new chapter in automotive production and delivery, tied into the world's most demanding auto race.

The super sports car will be offered as a strictly limited edition. Only 81 Abruzzi "Spirit of Le Mans" vehicles will ever be produced, corresponding to the number of Le Mans 24 Hour contests between the inception of the race in 1923 and the race to be held in 2013.

Abruzzi: The Car
The hand-built Abruzzi "Spirit of Le Mans" is a unique, front-engine, rear-transaxle and rear-radiator super sports car - road-legal in Europe and many countries of Asia, the Middle East and South America. The powertrain will deliver 600-plus HP with 590 ft.-lbs. of torque. Advanced design and aerodynamics offer astounding downforce and road-holding.

Performance is just one facet that sets the Abruzzi apart from other exotics. It also breaks new ground in environmental design and construction starting with the unprecedented implementation of the R.E.A.M.S.® - Recyclable Energy Absorbing Matrix System - body system that offers environmental, performance and structural advantages like no other automobile body system on the planet. Never used before on any road-going automobile, the multi-layer composite system is lighter than carbon fiber yet equally strong. Unlike carbon fiber however, it is dent-resistant, shatter-proof and recyclable.

Abruzzi also introduces TRIFECTACOOLING® technology. In addition to a normal high-efficiency radiator, there are stage two and stage three systems that lower coolant temperature on both the inflow to and the outflow from the radiator.

"These are advancements that will open up a new era of automotive design," Panoz said. "Dating back to our first road car - the AIV Roadster - PAD has been a believer in efficient construction and design. This philosophy continues with our Abruzzi."

Abruzzi: The Experience
The Panoz Abruzzi harkens back to a day where drivers would pilot their cars to Le Mans, race it twice around the clock then drive back home. It essentially captures the "Spirit of Le Mans" with a never-before-seen acquisition program that sets a new standard for personalization and delivery.

Given the roots of Panoz's automotive dreams, it is only appropriate that the Abruzzi "Spirit of Le Mans" will be delivered to its owners at the famed Circuit de la Sarthe, shipped directly there from the Panoz factory. Each automobile will be linked to a specific Le Mans 24 Hour race, with the chassis number also containing that specific race date and the initials of the winning drivers and the history of that year.

Professional drivers will instruct owners in driving the car on the Bugatti Circuit at Le Mans. Service and repairs also will be attended to at the ACO facilities of the Circuit 24 Hours of Le Mans.

New vehicle owners also will be invited to the 24 Hours of Le Mans as guests of the ACO and Panoz at the ACO's hospitality facilities in the "Model Sportif" at the circuit. New owners also will have the unique opportunity to drive a parade lap of the full 8.3-mile circuit at that year's event.

During the Le Mans race week a "Spirit of Le Mans" reception will be held at the clubhouse of the famed Golf Des 24 Heuers in the historic town of Arnage. The new owners for that year will be the guests of the ACO officials and past "Spirit of Le Mans" award winners such as Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell.

"Being associated with the ACO and Le Mans is something very special to me," Panoz said. "Being able to stand side-by-side with the heroes and legends of Le Mans gives me a sense of appreciation and passion for this grand event. I felt it was important to give our customers the same experience, and I am grateful to our partners at the ACO for helping make this happen."

Panoz Auto Development produces leading-edge, fully certified automobiles and is best known for the first US-manufactured AIV (Aluminum Intensive Vehicle) - the Panoz AIV Roadster. The Panoz Esperante body and chassis also extensively employs aluminum for performance, safety and efficiency. The Panoz Esperante GTLM earned world-famous stature as a race car by winning the GT2 category at both the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a single year - 2006.

2011 Saleen S302 debuts this weekend

The first Saleen vehicle launched this year, following the successful launches of the 435S and S281 in 2009, is the 2011 Saleen S302, which will make its official debut this weekend at the Carlisle Ford Nationals. Based on the 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0, the S302 is available in both coupe and convertible body styles

The performance machine is based on Ford’s latest 5.0-liter Mustang GT but picks up a performance air filter and exhaust to liberate a total 425 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 395 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. Drive is sent rearward via a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential. Stopping power comes from 12.4 inch vented discs up front and smaller 11.8 inch discs out the back.

Exterior features include 20-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero high-performance tyres, a strong but elegant front grille and a simple integrated rear wing.

For its interior, the S302 has leather sport seats with Ultrasuede inserts, chevron-like Ultrasuede red tabs in the seatback bolsters, and it also offers unique treatments of the gauges, steering wheel, center console and shifter. Contrasting Saleen logos are seen in the door panels. The door sill plates also have Saleen logos that illuminate when the door is opened.

This speedy ride is equipped with safety features such as Advance Trac with Electronic Stability Control, dual-stage front airbags, front seat side-impact airbags, SOS post-crash alert system, SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, LATCH child seat system, remote keyless entry, and illuminated entry.





Press Release

Saleen Performance Vehicles is unveiling the latest product in its premiere line of high-performance cars, the 2011 Saleen S302. The debut will take place this weekend at the Carlisle Ford Nationals in Carlisle, PA. This is the first Saleen vehicle launched this year, following the successful launches of the 435S and S281 in 2009.

The Saleen S302 is based on the 2011 Ford Mustang 5.0 and builds on the Saleen tradition of offering limited-edition, high-performance vehicles for enthusiasts who are looking for an exhilarating driving experience, with refined drivability for real-world road conditions.

Available in both coupe and convertible body styles, the S302 boasts a premium level of design consideration, both exterior and interior, with performance to match.

"We've taken high performance vehicles to the next level with this S302 Saleen," said Michael Timarac, Brand Manager, Saleen Performance Vehicles. "The S302 is being built now and will be in dealerships in the coming weeks. I'm proud of this product and those who value performance vehicles will agree that the S302 is one of the best American exotic vehicles available on the market."

The S302's exterior design features carefully crafted sculptural detailing, with lines and forms that flow naturally and suggest suppleness, power and agility. It features an understated yet imposing grille and front fascia, and a refined treatment of the familiar Saleen extended rear fascia and trunk lid with a simple, elegant, integrated wing.

The S302's 5.0-liter V8 engine produces 425 hp and 395 lb.-ft. of torque, sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential with 3.73:1 final drive ratio.

The interior features new, leather sport seats with Ultrasuede inserts, highlighted by chevron-like Ultrasuede red tabs in the seatback bolsters, and unique treatments of the gauges, steering wheel, center console and shifter. There also are contrasting Saleen logos in the door panels, and Saleen logos in the door sill plates that illuminate when the door is opened.

Additional exterior highlights include unique, 20-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero high-performance tires, and Saleen S302 fender badging.

About Saleen Performance Vehicles

Saleen Performance Vehicles is a manufacturer of limited-edition, high-performance cars and trucks, headquartered in Troy, Michigan. Saleen vehicles embody sophistication in engineering, styling and performance, resulting in a dynamic driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined. For more information, please visit the Saleen Performance Vehicles website at www.saleen.com.

Shelby adds SCCA-ready version to the GT350 Mustang

Shelby American has added a normally aspirated version to the 2011 Shelby GT350 lineup. Shedding off the supercharger to abide by the SCCA regulations, the Mustang-based model still keeps intact the full brake, suspension and aerodynamics package.

For an additional $7,000, the model may still be purchased with a supercharger.

"When we brought back the GT350, people wanted to race it like they did with our Shelby GT," said Shelby American Founder Carroll Shelby. "Others asked for an automatic transmission. So we’re dropping the supercharger, retuning the engine and adding an automatic. This gives people more choices with the GT350."

The SCCA racer GT350 is powered by 5.0 liter V8 coupled to a 6 speed transmission producing 412hp. The street version of this model will come with the same engine tuned to deliver more than the factory 412hp, although exact numbers have not yet been calculated. The super-charged GT350 will produce over 500hp and will be mated to a six-speed manual. All cars will be painted in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes and will get a new front fascia, tail light trim, front splitter, rear deck lid filler panel and rear fascia.

The base GT350 uses a 5.0-liter V8 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.  Six-piston caliper brakes with 14" rotors are included, as is an upgraded suspension with parts from Ford Racing.

Excluding the price of the Mustang GT, the GT350 package will cost $26,995, while the supercharged GT350 will be available for $33,995.





Press Release

SHELBY AMERICAN EXPANDS GT350 LINE WITH TRACK ORIENTED, AUTOMATIC VERSIONS OF MODERN PONY CAR

* Shelby Expands 2011 Shelby GT350 Line with Normally Aspirated Model

* Engine Retuned without Supercharger

* Demand for a Track Oriented Model and 6 speed Automatic Stimulates Option

LAS VEGAS - May 5, 2010 - Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK) will expand the 2011 Shelby GT350 program to offer a normally aspirated version aimed at competition in Sports Car Club of America events and allow the street car to be ordered with an automatic transmission. The GT350 will be offered in both normally aspirated and supercharged versions as part of a post-title program through select dealers across the United States.

The normally aspirated version of the GT350 was driven by consumer demand. SCCA racing rules typically preclude a post-title added supercharger and the stresses of a forced induction are typically too much for an automatic transmission in a high performance car.

"When we brought back the GT350, people wanted to race it like they did with our Shelby GT," said Shelby American Founder Carroll Shelby. "Others asked for an automatic transmission. So we're dropping the supercharger, retuning the engine and adding an automatic. This gives people more choices with the GT350."

One of the goals for the Shelby GT350 is for it to be eligible for Sports Car Club of America racing, much like the 2007-2008 Shelby GT. Those piloting a Shelby GT dominated the top spots in both the women's and men's F stock class with Sam Strano capturing the national championship last year.

"The GT350 is a street car that is perfect for track day and solo racing activities," added John Luft Shelby president. "Beginning with the small block Ford Mustang GT, we worked with Ford Racing, Borla, Goodyear and Baer to create a car that should be competitive right out of the box."

The GT350 is an enthusiast's dream. It is powered by the 5.0 liter V8 coupled to a 6 speed transmission. The front calipers are Shelby 6-piston and 14" rotors with ERADISPEED rotors on the back and cooling ducts for all four corners. The suspension features new Ford Racing springs, struts, sway bars and adjustable caster/camber plates. The Goodyear 19" tires are a new, aggressive compound.

Each GT350 will be clad in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes. The car also receives a new front fascia, tail light trim, front splitter, rear deck lid filler panel and rear fascia. Functional scoops are located on the side rockers and hood. GT350 badges on the outside and inside include a Shelby serial number.

"We plan to have development finished and begin building normally aspirated versions of the GT350 by late summer," said Shelby American vice president of production Gary Davis. "This ensures that the car will be fully sorted and ready for fun on the street or track."

The Shelby GT350 is a post title program based on the new Ford Mustang GT. A customer purchases a car from a local Ford dealer, which is turned into a GT350 by the Shelby American Team. A limited number will be built in the 2011 model year. A Ford Mustang GT can be dropped shipped by a Ford dealer to Shelby's Las Vegas facility for conversion or a customer can arrange to have a properly specified car transported to the factory.

The price for the normally aspirated GT350 upfit package is $26,995.00 plus any options, not including the base Ford Mustang GT. The supercharged version of the GT350 post title package by Shelby American has a MSRP of $33,995 and does not include the price of the base car.

Customers interested in either a supercharged or normally aspirated GT350 should call (702) 942-7325 or log onto gt350.shelbyamerican.com.

About Shelby American, Inc. and Carroll Shelby Licensing
Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby American Inc., (www.shelbyamerican.com) manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. Shelby American is a division of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI.PK). Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., also a wholly owned division, is the exclusive holder of Carroll Shelby's trademarks and vehicle design rights. It also holds trademark rights for Shelby-branded apparel, accessories and collectibles. Information is at www.carrollshelbyinternational.com.

Indigen Armor Unveils Extreme Off-Road Defense Vehicle

INDIAN LAND, SC - (May 4, 2010) - After nearly 7 years of relative obscurely manufacturing purpose-built armored vehicles for U.S. Special Operations groups, Defense Venture Group, through its subsidiary, Indigen Armor, has designed, engineered and manufactured a Non-Standard Tactical Truck (NSTT) for commercial release. Check out the video of company executives that sat in the vehicle while it was shot at with an AK-47 assault rifle. If it is good enough for our troops to ride in then it is good enough for the guys who made it to prove that it works.

The NSTT is an armored, 4-door, 4-wheel drive, turbo diesel pick-up truck. This truck is purpose-built, literally built from the ground up. The NSTT was designed to afford soldiers greater mobility in urban, desert, woodland, jungle, mountainous, and arctic terrain. The chassis, suspension, power train and armored occupant safety cell were engineered specifically to carry large payloads across rough landscape in denied areas.

The NSTT offers scalable armor packages to meet multiple threat levels. Its 6.0 turbo diesel engine runs on JP8 and other military diesel fuels. Internally transportable in an MH-47 helicopter, the NSTT can accommodate a variety of low-profile or overt tactical body styles. This allows the end user to change the vehicle's profile.

An ideal, lightweight alternative to heavy legacy vehicles, the NSTT comfortably accommodates four operators with their combat gear, communications equipment, and C4ISR technology. It is perfect for special operations, defense, paramilitary and security organizations that require a reliable and robust off-road capability in high threat environments.

GM to launch Chevrolet in Korea

Daewoo may be General Motors’ only established brand in the Korean auto market, but it will soon add another: Chevrolet. GM revealed today at the Busan motor show that it will begin selling bowtie-badged vehicles in South Korea in 2011.

The Alpheon is being positioned in the Korea market as a luxury model at the top of the Daewoo range. It is fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission. GM Daewoo said the car will go on sale in the second half of the year.

GM Daewoo says the "Alpheon becomes a stand-alone luxury product brand in GM Daewoo's product portfolio." Much like its Korean couterpart, Hyundai, have made inroads into the luxury sedan segment with the Genesis model.






Press Release

GM Daewoo's All-New Luxury Sedan Debuts at 2010 Busan International Motor Show

Alpheon is GM Daewoo's entry into the upper-midsize segment

Busan, Korea - GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (GM Daewoo) unveiled its much-anticipated luxury sedan, the Alpheon, at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show today.

"With the introduction of the all-new Alpheon luxury sedan, we have added another attractive model to our product portfolio and our first entry in the fast-growing upper-midsize segment in Korea," said GM Daewoo President and CEO Mike Arcamone. "I am confident that the Alpheon will surpass the demands of the most sophisticated luxury sedan buyers in Korea."

Another highlight of the GM Daewoo stand is a seven-seat compact multi-purpose vehicle, the Orlando show car, which is making its first appearance at an international motor show in Asia.

In addition, GM Daewoo has on display the Lacetti Premiere and GentraX race cars, and a Matiz mini-car artistically wrapped in pink.

With "Advancing Style" as its theme for this year's Busan International Motor Show, GM Daewoo has 18 vehicles on display that showcase its automotive industry design expertise.

Alpheon - Stylish Luxury Sedan

The Alpheon is based on the same GM global architecture as the Buick LaCrosse, one of the three finalists for 2010 North American Car of the Year.

GM designers and engineers from Asia, Europe and North America targeted the luxury sedan as a global product that would meet the highest quality and performance standards in the most sophisticated markets.

At first glance, the Alpheon's sculpting design flows in all directions, giving the vehicle a tightly wrapped appearance and a fast, coupe-like profile. Its dynamic and elegant body styling is highlighted by sharp side lines, short overhangs and fenders wrapped precisely around large wheel housings, giving it the presence of an upscale large sedan (2,837-mm wheelbase and 4,995mm body length).

With a unique emblem on its front "waterfall" grille, the Alpheon becomes a stand-alone luxury product brand in GM Daewoo's product portfolio.

The innovative design philosophy continues in the Alpheon's interior. The flowing shape of its instrument panel design offers a distinct, confident and upscale impression. The refined look is an integrated center stack design that incorporates ice-blue light-emitting diode (LED) ambient lighting along with premium infotainment features. Adding to the use of soft-touch materials and low-gloss trim panels rather than traditional wood applications is indicative of exceptional and luxurious craftsmanship.

Powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 engine combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Alpheon will ensure responsive performance when it is launched in the second half of this year in Korea.

Ford Fiesta S1600 Special Edition

Ford has announced a limited series sport variant of the Fiesta model - the Fiesta S1600 - for the U.K. market.

The Ford Fiesta S1600 is based on the Fiesta Zetec-S and comes with a range of extra equipment. The power of the Ford Fiesta S1600 comes from the 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine that develops 120PS which can be fitted with a Mountune engine upgrade package.

The Fiesta S1600 is based on the Zetec-S trim level and adds a range of sport equipment such as heated leather sports seats, motorsport-branded floor mats and scuff plates, and alloy pedals.

The exterior sports a body-styling kit including a new front bumper, large rear spoiler and diffuser, 17” white alloy wheels and a choice of white or blue body colour with motorsport stripes.

On the interior, the Fiesta will get heated, stitched leather sports seats with standard side-airbags, leather steering wheel, handbrake cover, and gearknob, plus Motorsport-branded floor mats and scuff plates.

The Fiesta S1600 will be limited to only 650 units and is now avaiable for order at Ford dealers in the U.K..
Prices start at £16,665 (€19,152).




Press Release

NEW FORD STAR WITH STRIPES - FASTER FIESTA CONTINUES PROUD HERITAGE

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 26 April, 2010 - The thoroughbred lineage of fast Fords has a new addition to the family, in the eye-catching new Fiesta S1600.

Based on the popular Fiesta Zetec-S - with a generous standard specification that includes alloy pedals and Quickclear windscreen - the sporty Fiesta S1600 interior adds heated, stitched leather sports seats with standard side-airbags, leather steering wheel, handbrake cover and gearknob, plus Motorsport-branded floor mats and scuff plates.

On the outside, the sporting pedigree is made clear, through a comprehensive

body-styling kit that includes a unique front bumper with flared lower valence panel, extended side skirts, large rear spoiler and rear diffuser, finished with 17-in, white alloy wheels (16-in on diesel models). The newcomer's special paint finish is available in Frozen White or Performance Blue, with contrasting motorsport stripes.

Performance comes from a choice of Fiesta's responsive 1.6-litre, 120PS Duratec

Ti-VCT petrol engine, or improved 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine, now with 95PS. For performance enthusiasts, a further engine upgrade package will be offered via Ford's established performance tuning partner, Mountune.

Fiesta S1600 continues a 30-year sporting Fiesta bloodline that began with the Mk1 XR2 in 1981 and has included Supersport, XR2(i), Si, RS and ST models.

Gill Palmer, Ford of Britain's Fiesta Product Manager, said: "Since its introduction, Fiesta and sporting pedigree have never been far apart and the latest incarnation of that is S1600, bringing extra motorsport feel to the award-winning Fiesta style and driving quality."

Fast Ford fans are encouraged to act quickly, with only 650 of these special faster Fiestas being created. They are available now from Ford dealers, priced from £16,665 on-the-road.

Ford MyTouch Adds Eco-Route Feature to Save Fuel [Video]

Ford unwrapped its new MyFord Touch infotainment system at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January, The fuel-efficiency of an engine is one way to save gas, but how that engine is used greatly effects fuel economy too.

The MyFord system also offers up a bar chart next to the fuel display that shows real-time fuel economy performance along with mpg averages for the past 5, 10, and 30 minutes. Impressive stuff, but Ford has some competition. Garmin's similarly titled ecoRoute software offers many of the same options--it maps the most fuel efficient routes, tracks fuel usage over time, and features a report that keeps track of mileage and fuel use on a per-trip basis.

The new system also provides sophisticated data feedback on the car's fuel consumption that can "coach" drivers to maximize efficiency by pointing them towards the most economical driving techniques.

MyFord Touch will launch on the 2011 Ford Edge this summer, and then in 2012 on the Ford Focus. MyLincoln Touch will be standard on new Lincoln vehicles, starting with the 2011 Lincoln MKX.





Press Release

NEW MYFORD TOUCH ‘COACHES' DRIVERS TO IMPROVE FUEL EFFICIENCY;
NAVIGATION ADDS ECO-ROUTE FEATURE

• New MyFord Touch^TM driver connect technology provides an
  array of real-time feedback on fuel efficiency performance that helps
  coach drivers to optimize their miles per gallon

• MyFord Touch map-based navigation offers an Eco-Route option, which
  instantly calculates the most fuel-efficient route for the driver. Ford
  testing shows Eco-Route can help achieve fuel economy gains of up to 15
  percent

• MyFord Touch launches this summer on the 2011 Ford Edge and will be
  available globally on the 2012 Ford Focus. MyLincoln Touch will be
  standard equipment on new Lincoln vehicles beginning with the 2011
  Lincoln MKX

DEARBORN, Mich., April 15, 2010 - When it comes to achieving the best
possible fuel mileage the way you drive can be nearly as important as the
vehicle you drive.

Ford's advanced new in-vehicle system - MyFord Touch^TM -
offers an array of real-time information on fuel economy performance that
can coach drivers to get more miles to the gallon and save on fuel costs. In
addition, MyFord Touch's map-based navigation system offers an

Eco-Route option that quickly calculates the most fuel efficient route a
driver can take to get from A to B.

MyFord Touch is the latest innovation from Ford to help drivers optimize
fuel economy. It builds on the fuel efficiency "coaching" concept Ford
pioneered on its SmartGauge^TM with EcoGuide cluster for the 2010
Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid as well as the all-new 2011
Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The system provides real-time fuel economy data and
promotes fuel-efficient driving by showing a graphic of growing leaves and
flowers.

"We have learned that when we provide drivers the information and tools
in an interactive and entertaining way, they want to drive more fuel
efficiently," said Jim Buczkowski, director of Global Electrical and
Electronics Systems Engineering. "MyFord Touch provides an unprecedented
level of information and interaction so drivers can make the choice to be
more fuel efficient."

The green road home

When a driver provides a destination to the navigation system, MyFord Touch
accesses historical and real-time traffic data as well as posted speed
information to calculate three navigation options: Fastest, Shortest and
Eco-Route.

Eco-Route is not necessarily the fastest or shortest route but is the
most fuel efficient. Typically, it charts a course that avoids congested
freeways while maximizing the use of major roads where the driver can
maintain an efficient rate of speed. When Ford of Europe engineers tested
the feature, they achieved up to a 15 percent improvement in fuel economy
using the Eco-Route.

"When drivers use Eco-Route - particularly in combination with MyFord
Touch's fuel-economy feedback and fuel-efficient driving techniques - they
can achieve a noticeable increase in fuel efficiency," said Jennifer Brace-Mezigian,
Ford user interface design engineer.

In addition to its Eco-Route feature, MyFord Touch enables drivers to
monitor and track their vehicle's real-time fuel economy performance and
mile-per-gallon averages for the past five, 10 and 30 minutes in the form of
a bar chart next to the fuel gauge on the display. Drivers can customize the
amount of information provided to meet their needs and hone their
eco-driving skills over time.

"MyFord Touch not only gives drivers information they can use to improve
their driving habits, but also expands on that capability by engaging the
navigation system to give drivers a variety of options," Brace-Mezigian
said. "The benefits will be greater because MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch
will be widely available in the future."

Eco-driving tips

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the U.S. uses about
150 billion gallons of gasoline annually. If every driver practiced
eco-driving techniques, which can result in an EPA-estimated 15 percent
benefit in fuel economy, more than 22 billion gallons of gas would be saved.

Eco-driving techniques tested by Ford showed that motorists coached in
eco-driving can significantly improve the fuel economy performance of their
vehicles. Here are simple tips that any driver can use:

1. Slow down and watch speed - Drive 55 mph instead of 65 to save fuel.
   EPA estimates a 10 to 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. Accelerate and brake smoothly - Accelerating smoothly from a stop
   and braking softly conserves fuel. Fast starts, weaving in and out of
   traffic and hard braking wastes fuel and wears out some of the vehicle
   components, such as brakes and tires, more quickly. 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. 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.


4. Check your tires - Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended
   tire pressure. This alone can reduce the average amount of fuel use by 3
   to 4 percent. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and
   reduce fuel economy. They also wear more rapidly. Check the vehicle's
   door-post sticker for minimum cold tire inflation pressure.


5. Be kind to your vehicle - Maintain proper engine tune-up to keep
   vehicles running efficiently. Keep the wheels aligned. Wheels that are
   fighting each other wastes fuel. Replace air filters as recommended. Use
   a fuel with good detergent additives to keep the vehicle engine clean
   and performing efficiently. Always consult the owner's manual for proper
   maintenance.


6. Travel light - Avoid piling a lot of luggage on the roof rack. The
   added frontal area reduces aerodynamics and will hurt fuel economy,
   reducing it by as much as 5 percent. Remove excess weight from the
   vehicle. Unnecessary weight, such as unneeded items in the trunk, makes
   the engine work harder and consumes more fuel.


7. Minimize use of heater and air conditioning - Use heating and air
   conditioning selectively to reduce the load on the engine. Decreasing
   your usage of the air conditioner when temperatures are above 80 degrees
   can help you save 10 to 15 percent of fuel. Use the vent setting as much
   as possible. Park in the shade to keep the vehicle cool and reduce the
   need for air conditioning.


8. Close windows at high speeds - Don't drive with the windows open
   unless you keep your speed under 50 mph. Driving with the windows open
   at highway speeds increases aerodynamic drag on the vehicle and lowers
   fuel economy.


9. Choose the right oil - Use good-quality oils with the viscosity
   grade recommended in the owner's guide. Ford recommends SAE 5W-20 oil
   for most cars and trucks to provide the best fuel economy. Only oils
   "certified for gasoline engines" by the American Petroleum Institute
   with the starburst symbol should be used.


10. Consolidate trips - Plan ahead to consolidate your trips. This will
    enable you to bypass congested routes and lead to less idling.

For additional information on how to save on gas, visit the Driving
Skills for Life Web site and click on the "eco-driving" module. Ford's
eco-driving initiative builds on the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers'
comprehensive nationwide effort to promote eco-driving at
www.EcoDrivingUSA.com.