2011 Detroit Auto Show: Mopar Fiat 500 and Chrysler 200  

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Chrysler announced that will bring two new Moparized vehicles at this year's edition 2011 Detroit Motor Show : the 2012 Fiat 500 and the Chrysler 200 Super S.

The Mopar Fiat 500 kit includes only cosmetic mods, however, we're sure there are power upgrade kits available in the USA too. The Mopar Fiat 500 comes with new side skirts and a lot of chrome. The shiny stuff is used for the Mopar Fiat 500's exhaust tip, mirror covers, fuel cap, and grilles. The Mopar Fiat 500 also comes with various decals, a rear window-mount rack, snowboard carrier, and a strut tower brace.

Not being big on interior updates, Mopar only switched out the Fiat 500’s standard interior for one filled with Katzkin leather (black with blue accents) and different carbon fiber inserts.

The Chrysler 200 Super S is dropped three inches and sports a black and tungsten paint scheme. The bodywork gets updated with a slew of parts including lower chin and rear decklid spoilers. Riding on a set of 19-inch wheels, the 200 Super S gets a major shot in the style department... for better of for worse.


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Press Release

Chrysler Group LLC to Showcase Mopar® at 2011 North American International Auto Show

Company Continues to Leverage its Service, Parts and Customer-care Brand

  • Moparized vehicles will be front and center in each brand exhibit; more than 100 accessories to be on display
  • Accessorization Station will feature live demos showcasing installation of Mopar® accessories
  • 200 Super S is Mopar's interpretation of new Chrysler 200
  • Mopar Ram Runner kit production starts in March

Chrysler Group LLC will show Mopar® versatility at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

In each brand display for Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep® and Ram, a Moparized vehicle will be prominently displayed. In addition, vehicles throughout the exhibit will feature a variety of Mopar performance parts and accessories.

"More than 30 percent of the people who are in the market for a new vehicle are influenced by the breadth and availability of aftermarket accessories," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "With our company's launch of 16 new vehicles, Mopar is coming to the party with a truck-load of accessories that will fit a variety of lifestyles."

In its 48,800 sq.-ft. exhibit on the main floor in the middle of Oakland Hall at Cobo Center, Chrysler Group will feature more than 100 Mopar accessories and performance parts throughout its display of 57 vehicles. Customized vehicles will include the Chrysler 200, Dodge Durango, Fiat 500, Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition, and the Ram Outdoorsman.

Also in the Ram display, Mopar's Ram Runner - which was first shown at the 2010 Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah - will be prominently displayed in the back of a Ram 5500 Chassis Cab race hauler. Since its debut, the Ram Runner video has generated more than 100,000 views on social media sites. Mopar announced today that production for the Ram Runner parts package will begin in March.

In addition to Moparized vehicles, the company will also feature live demos in its Accessorization Station. To show ease of installation, Mopar accessories will be installed on the 2011 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition.

"Our goal is to show consumers how easy it is to personalize and accessorize their ride," said Gorlier. "And like we did with the introduction of our Mopar Ram Runner, we will gauge reaction to accessories that we plan to offer in the future."

Following is a selection of featured Moparized vehicles that will be on display in the Chrysler Group exhibit:

Mopar Ram Runner

The Mopar Ram Runner, inspired by Baja-style desert racing, is a 4x4 unlike any other Ram. The rigors of off-road racing require large tires, plenty of ground clearance, extreme durability and a sophisticated suspension system capable of withstanding tremendous impact. These features are combined into a package that is stable at speed and rock-solid in the corners. Inspired by trophy trucks, steel front fenders and rear bed-sides are replaced with fiberglass, allowing tremendous suspension articulation with zero interference.

Suspension
Stage 2 Ram Runner Suspension Kit, Part Number (PN): P5155662, Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): $13,270 (production begins in March)

Stage 1 Pre-Runner Suspension Kit, PN: P5155258, MSRP: $3,129 (not on display vehicle, but currently available through Mopar)

Exterior (production begins in March: fits Stage 1, Stage 2 or available separately)
Front Ram Runner bumper, PN: P5155663, MSRP: $1,250
Tubular tire carrier, PN: P5155664, MSRP: $1,010
Front Ram Runner fenders, PN: P5155665), MSRP: $1,020
Rear Ram Runner fenders, PN: P5155666, MSRP: $1,350
Sport performance hood, PN: 82211065AD, MSRP: $978 (available now)
Cold-air intake system, PN: 77070023, MSRP: $466 (available now)
Cat-back exhaust system, PN: P5155280, MSRP: $1,135

2012 Fiat 500
The Fiat brand marks its return to the North American market with the 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento). With its beautiful Italian styling, timeless functionality, efficient design and innovative technology - the same attributes that made the original version a timeless icon - the new Fiat 500 is relevant for an entirely new generation of drivers.

Following is a list of Mopar accessories that will be featured on the 2012 Fiat 500:

Door-sill guards with 500 logo
Roof/hood decals feature a double-blue stripe
Katzkin leather interior, black with blue accents
Carbon fiber-style hand brake
Carbon fiber-style shift knob with leather boot
Rear window-mount rack
Snowboard carrier
Wheels, black gloss
Chromed exhaust tip
Chromed mirror covers
Chromed fuel door
Chromed grille surround, front and back
Wheel center caps
Key fob cover
Strut tower brace

2011 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition

The 2011 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition is based on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model and features dark Rubicon wheels in a high-gloss Mineral Gray. The vehicle's exterior color is black and features Call of Duty: Black Ops graphics on the roof and front quarter panels. The vehicle delivers legendary Jeep capability, aggressive 32-inch off-road tires, live axles with locking differentials in the front and rear, and a two-speed transfer case.

Following is a list of Mopar accessories that will be featured on the Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition:

Grab handles with coat hook (2), PN: 82207660AB, MSRP: $33
Warn 9.5ti XP Winch, PN: 82209325AB, MSRP: $1,425
Black door-sill guards, PN: 82210104, MSRP: $25
Slush mats, PN: 82210164AB, MSRP: $48
Tail lamp guards, PN: 82210270AB, MSRP: $132
Skid plate (front axle), PN: P5155353, MSRP: $299
Rock rails, PN: 82210574AC, MSRP: $572
Black fuel-filler door, PN: 82210609, MSRP: $111
Jeep emblem, PN: 82211202, MSRP: $7
Front off-road bumper, PN: P5155352, MSRP: $1,620
2-inch lift kit, PN: P5155207, MSRP: $1,510
Tube doors, PN: B5179635, MSRP: $505

2011 Ram Outdoorsman

The Ram Outdoorsman is specifically designed for hunters, fishermen, campers and boaters. The truck features standard trailer-towing upgrades, interior and exterior lighting enhancements, all-terrain tires, and a rugged exterior appearance.

Following is a list of Mopar accessories that will be featured on the Ram Outdoorsman:

Spray-on bedliner, sales code XMF, $450
20-inch x 9-inch six-spoke polished forged wheels (4), PN: 82211021, MSRP:$2,244
Hood, PN: 82211065AD, MSRP: $978
Tubular side steps, PN: 82211502AE, MSRP: $401
Rambox Holsters (2), PN 822122359, MSRP: $410
Sport utility bars, PN 82211185, MSRP: $260
Bed-mounted cargo basket, PN: TC690MOA, MSRP: $346
Cargo basket net, PN: 82209422AB, MSRP: $44.85
Front Heavy-duty rubber splash guards, PN: 82212017AB, MSRP: $41.65
Rear Heavy-dutry rubber splash guards, PN:82212019AB, MSRP: $35.10
Bed step, PN: 82212091, MSRP: $272
Glovebox lock, PN: 82211490, MSRP: $19.60
Storage bin locks, PN: 82211653, MSRP: $118
Nine-inch DVD rear-seat video, PN: 82211617AB, MSRP: $949

2011 Chrysler 200 Super S by Mopar

Chrysler introduces the new 200 mid-size sedan. Offering consumers exceptional craftsmanship inside and out, a refined and spirited driving experience, innovative technology, an abundance of standard safety features and an extraordinary level of standard content, the 2011 Chrysler 200 is an exciting alternative for customers that want style and substance, all at a surprising value.

Mopar lowered the car three inches and created its own interpretation of the Chrysler 200 while adding the following accessories:

Black and Tungsten paint scheme
Gloss black grille surround
Recessed wing badge
Gloss black mesh grille
Gloss black lower mesh grille
Fog light bezel with light bar
Brake induction openings
Vented hood
Lower chin spoiler
19-inch wheels
Aero sill cladding
Mopar ghost decal
Gloss black belt molding
Gloss black mirror cap
Mopar Katzkin leather seats
Decklid spoiler
Tungsten painted license plate visor
Rear valance
Bright exhaust tip

2011 Dodge Durango Citadel "Black & Tan"

Dodge views the new Citadel as the ultimate expression of the 2011 Dodge Durango, the perfect canvas for the distinguished SUV enthusiast. First shown at the 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, the vehicle was developed as a representation of the current trend in tasteful customization.

This special edition of the Citadel utilizes the clean lines of the 2011 Dodge Durango. Its stunning, shiny black paint color is the perfect backdrop for the evolution of the modern urban SUV. Its 22-inch custom-forged aluminum Super Alloy wheels are highly polished with hyper-silver accents. The Citadel also features an exclusive chrome-textured grille and polished stainless steel tips of the Mopar/Corsa custom exhaust. The Citadel "Black & Tan", riding on Pirelli tires, was dropped with Mopar lowering springs, complementing its stunning new stance.

The shiny black exterior is matched on the inside with an all-new interior, crafted by the new Chrysler interior studio that is bent on redefining American quality and unparalleled comfort. The timeless design features sculpted soft panels throughout with world-class fit and finish, complete with the liberal use of premium materials and three rows of gorgeous Nappa leather seats. The new "Black & Tan" interior combo was inspired by some of the finest super cars in the world.

Following is a list of Mopar accessories that will be featured on the Dodge Durango Citadel "Black and Tan":

Bike carrier, PN: TH912RWY, MSRP: $192
Chromed tube steps, PN: 82212298, MSRP: $549
Kayak carrier, PN: TC883KAY, MSRP: $157
Gold EVTS Service Package, PN: 82212613, MSRP: $249
Uconnect® Web, PN: 82211856, MSRP: $499

Mopar-First Features
Mopar has introduced numerous industry-first features including:

  • Camper trailers: first to introduce off-road camper trailers
  • Vehicle-information smartphone apps: first to introduce smartphone vehicle-information applications, a new channel of communication with consumers
  • Electronic owner manuals: first to introduce traditional owner manuals in a DVD and brief user-guide format
  • Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS): first to introduce new vehicle tracking system that sends owner a text when vehicle is driven too fast or too far based on set parameters
  • 2011 Challenger Drag Pak: first to introduce a 500-plus cubic-inch V-10 drag-race package car
  • WiFi: first to offer customers the ability to make their vehicle a wireless hot spot
  • WiTECH: first to support vehicle diagnosis and software updates leveraging off-the-shelf personal computers and a dedicated wireless tool network

About the Mopar Brand
Mopar is Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand.

Mopar distributes approximately 280,000 parts and accessories in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original-equipment parts for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram Truck vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered and tested with the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram Truck vehicles - a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide. A complete list of Mopar accessories and performance parts is available at www.mopar.com

More than 70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Mopar (a simple contraction of the words Motor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s-the muscle-car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "special parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.



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2011 Cadillac CTS-V Racing Coupe Revealed  

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Cadillac will be unveiling its new CTS-V Coupe race car – which is set to take part in the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT racing series this season – in Detroit at the 2010 North American International Auto Show next Monday.

The CTS-V Coupe will have to undergo plenty of modifications to meet up to the SCCA standards, but Cadillac has yet to announce what the changes for the future race car will include. Of course, the fact that the standard coupe gets a 556 HP V8 engine is reason enough for some teams to be shaking in their performance tires.

The sports car got some decent changes to its setup, like a carbon fiber body work, a ventilated hood, an aggressive diffuser, and a massive rear wing.


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Press Release

CTS-V Coupe Race Car Photography


Cadillac announced today it will return to racing in 2011 with a race-prepared version of its CTS-V Coupe competing in the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge, North America’s top production-based racecar series.

The move returns Cadillac to a series where it competed from 2004 to 2007. Competing in the GT Class with the CTS-V Sport Sedan, Cadillac captured the Manufacturer’s Championship in 2005 and 2007 and the Driver’s Championship in 2005.

Cadillac will field two teams in the upcoming SCCA World Challenge GT Class with a racecar based on the CTS-V Coupe. The CTS-V line, which also includes the CTS-V Sedan and CTS-V Wagon, was recently named to Car and Driver magazine’s 10 Best list for 2011.

“Returning to racing in the SCCA World Challenge is a great way to demonstrate the performance and capability of the CTS-V Coupe,” said Don Butler, vice president for Cadillac marketing. “The racecars in this series are production based, which allows us to validate our performance against the best of our competitors on the track, and not just the showroom.”

Cadillac is working with Pratt & Miller, a New Hudson, Mich., engineering firm which specializes in motorsports, to develop the CTS-V Coupe racecar. While some of the production CTS-V components will be modified due to the unique demands of racing or to meet the SCCA series’ technical rules, every effort is taken to maintain as much production content as possible.

“The SCCA World Challenge lends itself well to a natural transfer of knowledge,” said Jim Campbell, GM vice president for Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “The series will become a key test-bed for Cadillac. We anticipate using what we learn on the racetrack to ensure the V-Series stays on the cutting-edge of performance.”

The first event in the SCCA World Challenge is March 25-27 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Johnny O’Connell, a three-time GT1 champion in the America Le Mans Series, and Andy Pilgrim, who won the 2005 SCCA World Challenge GT class in a Cadillac, will be behind the wheel of the CTS-V racecars.

Introduced for the 2003 model year, the CTS-V has quickly earned a reputation among luxury sports car buyers. For the 2011 model year, Cadillac added the CTS-V Coupe and the CTS-V Sport Wagon to the CTS-V Sport Sedan, creating an impressive family of performance vehicles. The CTS-Vs feature Brembo brakes, a supercharged 6.2L V8 delivering 556 horsepower and a Magnetic Ride Control suspension system that can read and react to the road 1,000 times a second.

Started in 1944, the SCCA organizes and supports racing at all levels from amateur to professional. The World Challenge series is designed to provide teams, manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers a competitive production-based race series in which to prove their products. The races follow a 50-minute maximum time limit, with the number of laps and total distance determined by track configuration, lap times and race conditions.


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Ford Focus Electric Revealed【Video】  

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This is the new Ford Focus Electric, just unveiled at CES 2011, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The Ford Focus Electric will become the first electric production car from Ford, and the first of five electric or electrified (hybrid) vehicles that Ford will put on sale in North America and Europe by 2013.

The all electric powertrain is designed for reliability and smooth instant responsiveness. Top speed is electronically limited to 84 PMPH. It will have “agile and sporty” acceleration and ride and handling with a more silent though very similar performance to its gas powered Focus sister.

Visually, the Focus Electric has an improved aerodynamics package to improve drag, incorporating a new front fascia that looks like something right out of the Aston Martin school of design. (Too bad this isn't the Cygnet, huh?) The only other major design changes are the addition of a charging port with an LED ring to the left of the driver's door and a new set of 15-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in low-rolling resistance tires. And speaking of LEDs, while the gasoline-powered Focus' LED eyebrow above the headlamp is only available in Europe, Ford tells us that the North American-spec Focus Electric will wear this bit of accent lighting when it hits production.

Inside, the cabin features recycled fabrics, a keyless ignition, a Sony audio system, an EcoGuide instrument cluster, and a unique version of MyFord Touch. The latter system displays information such as battery status, estimated range remaining, and the electrical demands of vehicle accessories such as the air conditioner.  This particular version of MyFord Touch has also been optimized to work with the MyFord Mobile app which allows users to remotely lock and unlock doors as well as setup a charging schedule so the vehicle can be recharged at night when electricity rates are cheaper.

Ford, having learned the art of milking better than a dairy farmer, says the CES nugget is only a tease, and more info about the Focus EV is to come. The Focus EV is based on the not-yet-launched 2012 gasoline Focus small car, meaning that Ford didn't have to create a unique (read expen$ive) electric-car chassis.


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Press Release

INTRODUCING ALL-NEW FOCUS ELECTRIC - GO FUEL-FREE WITH FIRST ZERO-EMISSIONS PASSENGER CAR FROM FORD

  • All-new Ford Focus Electric is the first fuel-free, rechargeable passenger car from Ford and one of five new electrified vehicles Ford will deliver by 2013 in North America and Europe
  • Focus Electric will offer a mile-per-gallon equivalent better than Chevrolet Volt and competitive with other battery electric vehicles
  • The all-electric Focus is capable of fully recharging in three to four hours at home using the available wall-mounted 240-volt charge station - charging in half the time of the Nissan Leaf
  • The new Focus Electric offers value charging, powered by Microsoft, to help owners in the U.S. charge their vehicles at the cheapest utility rates, lowering the cost of ownership
  • Focus Electric provides a special version of MyFord TouchTM driver connect technology especially for electric customers and introduces MyFord Mobile, a smartphone app and website for monitoring key vehicle functions and charge settings while mobile

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 7, 2011 - Ford Motor Company unveiled today its all-new Focus Electric - the company's first-ever all-electric passenger car. The zero-CO2-emissions, gasoline-free version of Ford's popular small car is the flagship of the company's growing fleet of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles coming to North America and Europe by 2013.

"Focus Electric is the flagship of our new family of electrified vehicles, showcasing our commitment to offer consumers choice when it comes to fuel-efficient or fuel-free vehicles," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president for Global Product Development. "Its advanced powertrain will deliver significant energy efficiency advantages and zero CO2 emissions without compromising driving enjoyment. And its suite of smart driver information technologies will transform the way customers think about energy usage and their transportation needs."

The Focus Electric will launch in late 2011 and is designed to offer enough range to cover the majority of daily driving habits of Americans. It will offer a mile-per-gallon equivalent better than Chevrolet Volt and competitive with other battery electric vehicles.

A full recharge is expected to take three to four hours at home with the 240-volt charge station -half the charge time of the Nissan Leaf.

Focus Electric introduces new features and technologies - including a unique version of the MyFord Touch driver connect system especially for electric vehicles, a new value charging feature powered by Microsoft and a smartphone app called MyFord Mobile that helps plug-in owners control their vehicles remotely.

The sleek and stylish five-door hatchback leverages Ford's global C-car platform shared by the gasoline and diesel-powered Focus models, which debuted at the 2010 North American International Auto Show and were launched at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Both Focus gasoline and electric variants to be sold in North America will be built at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., with production powered in part by one of the largest solar energy generator systems in the state.

For European markets, a decision on where the Focus Electric will be built is currently being finalized.

Focus Electric is one of five new electrified vehicles included in Ford's electrification strategy. Initial deliveries of Transit Connect Electric began in North America at the end of last year and the vehicle will be launched in Europe later in 2011.

A real car
Not only is Focus Electric designed to provide outstanding energy efficiency and reliable operation, it also delivers real driving enjoyment. The all-electric powertrain and single-speed transmission provide immediate responsiveness and smooth acceleration when the driver pushes down the accelerator, up to a top speed of 84 mph (136 kph).

Much of Focus Electric's steering, handling and braking feel is shared with the agile, sporty, fuel-powered Focus models upon which it's based, making Focus Electric a dynamic driver's car. At the same time, the absence of a gasoline or diesel engine and outstanding aerodynamics lead to a remarkably quiet, comfortable in-car experience.

"More than any other electric vehicle on the market, Focus Electric loses none of the dynamics and quality of driving a traditional car," said Sherif Marakby, director of Ford's electrification programs and engineering. "It shares many of the same premium components and features as its gasoline-powered counterpart, while delivering distinct efficiencies and a uniquely exciting driving experience."

Focus Electric offers a host of standard safety and security features including six airbags and electronic traction control, along with hands-free SYNC® telephone connectivity and MyKey® for North America. Extensive eco-friendly materials, such as bio-foam seat cushions and recycled fabrics also are featured in the vehicle.

Other standard features on Ford Focus Electric for North American customers include a unique execution of MyFord Touch driver connect technology, 15-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels, a 60/40 split rear bench seat, push button start, AM/FM/CD/MP3 Sony® Audio with nine speakers, Sirius® Satellite Radio with Travel Link, HD RadioTM and voice-activated Navigation System.

Plug and play
Future owners of the Focus Electric will likely recharge the car's advanced, Ford-engineered lithium-ion battery pack at home on a daily basis, using the recommended 240-volt wall-mounted charge station that will be sold separately or the 120-volt convenience cord that comes with the vehicle.

When plugged in, the Focus Electric onboard charger converts AC power from the electric grid to DC power to charge the liquid-cooled/heated battery pack.

"We're very excited about the potential of Focus Electric in the marketplace. With so many of us accustomed to recharging mobile electronics on a daily basis, we're confident our customers will take to the vehicle recharging process just as easily, because that's exactly what it is - easy," said Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Global Electrification. "Not only have we made the practice of plugging in simple and straightforward, we're working with leading technology companies and the utility industry to make the EV experience empowering and engaging."

An empowering experience
Focus Electric owners will be provided with a suite of driver information systems - on-board and off-board - designed to help them manage the recharge process, manage the most eco-friendly route on-board, monitor battery state of charge and maximize energy efficiency to optimize their driving range. This carefully engineered set of tools is designed to give Focus Electric the edge over competitive products, providing new electric vehicle owners the information they need to enjoy all the freedom gas-free driving has to offer.

Among these tools is a unique execution of MyFord Touch driver connect technology. Thoughtfully developed for electric vehicle owners, it offers innovative presentation of vehicle information, such as battery state of charge, distance to charge point, the corresponding range budget and expected range margin. The system's MyView feature allows drivers to access even more vehicle data including the electrical demands of vehicle accessories such as air conditioning, which can impact driving range.

Just as the growing leafy vine of first-generation SmartGaugeTM with EcoGuide represents fuel efficiency in the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the cluster display in Focus Electric uses blue butterflies to represent the surplus range beyond one's charge point destination - the more butterflies there are, the greater the range.

Ford designers were inspired by the phenomenon known as "the butterfly effect," in which a small change, like choosing to drive an electric vehicle, can have an enormous impact. To reinforce the message, at the end of each trip a display screen provides distance driven, miles gained through regenerative braking, energy consumed and a comparative gasoline savings achieved by driving electric.

The cluster is also integrated with the MyFord Touch map-based Navigation System using the vehicle's center stack 8-inch touch screen. After adding their driving destinations, including their next charge point, into the vehicle's Navigation System, the vehicle will coach drivers on how to achieve the desired range - or if travel plans need to be adjusted. The on-board Navigation System provides an EcoRoute option based on characteristics of efficient EV driving.

Remote control
Off-board, Focus Electric owners in North America will be able to maintain constant contact with the car anywhere they have mobile phone access using the Ford-developed MyFord Mobile app.

MyFord Mobile is an app that enables access via a smartphone or web-based interface to:

  • Receive instant vehicle status information
  • Perform key functions remotely
  • Monitor the car's state of charge and current range
  • Get alerts when it requires charging or has finished charging
  • Remotely program charge settings and download vehicle data for analysis

The feature also allows the owner to program the vehicle to use electricity from the grid to heat or cool the battery and cabin while plugged in - called preconditioning. For example, during hot summer months, owners can preprogram the car the evening before to be fully charged - and fully cooled to a particular temperature - by a certain time the following morning. Users can also locate the vehicle with GPS, remotely start the vehicle and remotely lock and unlock the car doors.

Working with MapQuest®, MyFord Mobile can communicate charge station and other points of interest to Focus Electric using SYNC's Traffic, Directions and Information (TDI). Turn-by-turn guidance is provided by the in-car map-based Navigation System. Drivers can also get up-to-date charging station information in their vehicle directly through SYNC TDI simply by connecting to SYNC Services.

Value charging
The new Focus Electric offers a unique value charging feature, powered by Microsoft, to help owners in the U.S. charge their vehicles at the cheapest utility rates, lowering the cost of ownership.

"Value charging allows our customers to reduce their electricity costs by taking advantage of off-peak or other reduced rates from their utility without a complicated set-up process," said Ed Pleet, manager, Ford Connected Services Organization. "This is a ‘set it and forget it' approach for the customer to reduce energy cost."

The tool is designed to help customers avoid unnecessary expense by providing an optimized charge. In the future, these smart charging habits will help utility companies understand and better manage the demands placed upon the electric grid because of electrified vehicles.

Getting charged up
Focus Electric owners are likely to handle one of the vehicle's charge cord connectors two or more times each day. That's why Ford worked with supplier Yazaki to provide an industry-standard five-point plug that is ergonomically comfortable to hold as well as durably and distinctively designed.

The plug handle uses a matte-finished black rubber that allows for a comfortable, non-slip grip. The plug head is shielded with a protective glossy white plastic.

When the cord set connector is plugged into the vehicle's charge port, which is conveniently located between the driver's door and front wheel well, it activates a light ring that loops around the port twice in acknowledgement of connectivity. The light ring then illuminates in quadrants as the vehicle charges. Flashing quadrants represent charge in progress and solid-lit quadrants show stages of charge completion. In the unlikely event of a fault, the entire ring will flash. When the entire ring is solidly lit, the vehicle is fully charged.

Batteries included
Focus Electric will be powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery system engineered by Ford in cooperation with supplier LG Chem. The battery system utilizes heated and cooled liquid to help maximize battery life and fuel-free driving range.

Thermal management of lithium-ion battery systems is critical to the success of pure electric vehicles. Focus Electric uses an advanced active liquid cooling and heating system to precondition and regulate the temperature in its larger, more complex lithium-ion battery system.

The active liquid system heats or chills a coolant before pumping it through the battery cooling system. This loop regulates temperature throughout the system against external conditions. On hot days, chilled liquid absorbs heat from the batteries, dispersing it through a radiator before pumping it through the chiller again. On cold days, heated liquid warms the batteries, gradually bringing the system's temperature to a level that allows it to efficiently accept charge energy and provide enough discharge power for expected vehicle performance.

"Focus Electric is the culmination of years of research and development," said Kuzak. "More importantly, it's the start of an exciting new era for Ford and our customers."



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