Alfa Romeo 159

Alfa Romeo 159, 2009

The Alfa Romeo 159 is an exclusive sedan combining refined Italian style with the "elegant sportiness" of Alfa Romeo. The Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon on the other hand combines the style, performance and handling of a genuine sports car with the flexibility of use and luggage space versatility of a prestigious station wagon.

The versions exhibited two new Euro 5 compliant engines which available from the beginning of April: the 1.75 liter 200 HP TBi engine and the 2.0 liter 170 HP JTDM engine. In detail, the Alfa Romeo 159 is fitted with the new 1.75 liter TBi engine (Euro 5) - maximum output 200 HP from 4750 to 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 320 Nm at 1400 rpm - giving it a maximum speed of 235 km/h and acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in barely 7.7 seconds.

The powerful Alfa Romeo 159 sedan is offered in the TI sporting version, featuring lowered geometry, bigger tires, 19 inch alloy rims, miniskirts and large aluminum brakes with red calipers. So, a very determined-looking car with a decidedly "ground-hugging" look.
Inside, the TI environment is recognizable from the shaped sports seats in perforated leather with the Alfa Romeo logo stitched in red, plus the steering wheel with sports grip and the gear knob covered in leather with red stitching.

The internal coverings are black and the insignia are in "brushed dark aluminum". The same impression of sportiness appears in the instrument panel graphics, the pedals and the aluminum scuff plate with TI logo. Finally, this particular version comes with high-end equipment including triple-zone climate control, VDC system with Electronic Q2, Blue&Me Nav GPS and entertainment system, Bose Hi-Fi system and Cruise Control.

The public can admire an Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon equipped with the new 2.0 liter 170 HP JTDM engine (Euro 5). With this engine, the car can reach 216 km/h and takes 9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h.

Inside,
The eye is caught by the sports steering wheel with radio commands, the gear knob covered in leather with black stitching and the new sports seats covered in leather. Giving a further impression of sportiness, the head lining, the parcel shelf and the pillar fairings are black, while the badges are in "brushed aluminum" and the instrument panel employs "sporty" graphics.
The equipment (standard and optional) on this car is very high-spec: triple-zone climate control, Cruise Control, VDC system (with Electronic Q2), Bose Hi-Fi system, GPS system (with telephone and voice commands), and Visibility Pack (rain, mist and twilight sensors).

Bugatti EB 164 Veyron

Bugatti EB 164 Veyron, 2004

Bugatti Veyron 16.4

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the most powerful, most expensive, and fastest street-legal production car in the world, with a proven top speed of over 400 km/h (407 km/h or 253 mph). It reached full production in September 2005. The car is built by Volkswagen AG subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS and is sold under the legendary Bugatti marque. It is named after racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm.

History

Development of the vehicle began with the 1999 EB 18/3 "Veyron" concept car. Introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show, it was similar in design and appearance to the final Veyron production car. One major difference was the EB 18/3's use of a W18 engine with three banks of six cylinders. The Veyron was designed by Hartmut Warkuss of Volkswagen rather than Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign who had handled the three prior Bugatti concepts.

In the case of the Veyron, it will be several years before Volkswagen will be able to see if their investment in developing ground-breaking technology has paid off. One key measure is how much (if any) of the technology developed for the Veyron finds use in mass-produced cars.
The first personally owned Veyron was debuted in front of Hotel De Paris in Monte Carlo during the 2005 Grand Prix.

Specifications

The Veyron features a W16 engine—16 cylinders in 4 banks of 4 cylinders, or the equivalent of two narrow-angle V8 engines mated in a vee configuration. Each cylinder has 4 valves, for a total of 64, but the narrow V8 configuration allows two camshafts to drive two banks of cylinders so only 4 camshafts are needed. The engine is fed by four turbochargers, and it displaces 8.0 L (7,993 cc/488 in³) with a square 86 by 86 mm bore and stroke.

Putting this power to the ground is a dual-clutch DSG computer-controlled manual transmission with 7 gear ratios via shifter paddles behind the steering wheel boasting an 8 ms shift time. The Veyron can be driven by full automatic transmission. The Veyron also features full-time all-wheel drive developed by Haldex helping to transfer power to the road. It uses special Michelin run-flat tires designed specifically for the Veyron to accommodate the vehicle's top speed.
The car's wheelbase is 2700 mm (106.3 in). Overall length is 4466 mm (175.8 in). It measures 1998 mm (78.7 in) wide and 1206 mm (47.5 in) tall.
Curb weight is estimated at 4,160 lb (1890 kg). This gives the car a power to weight ratio of 529 bhp/tonne.

Performance
According to Volkswagen, the final production Veyron engine produces between 1020 and 1040 metric hp (1006 to 1026 SAE net hp), so the car will be advertised as producing "1001 horsepower" in both the US and European markets. This makes it the most powerful production road-car engine in history. Torque is 1250 N·m (922 ft·lbf).

Top speed was initially promised to be 252 mph (406 km/h), but test versions were unstable at that speed, forcing a redesign of the aerodynamics. In May 2005, a prototype Veyron tested at a Volkswagen track near Wolfsburg, Germany, and recorded an electronically limited top speed of 400 km/h (249 mph). In October, 2005, Car and Driver magazine's editor Csaba Csere test drove the final production version of the Veyron for the November 2005 issue. This test, at Volkswagen's Ehra-Lessien test track, reached a top speed of 253 mph (407 km/h).

The Veyron is the quickest production car to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) with an estimated time of 2.5 seconds. It also reaches 200 and 300 km/h (124 and 186 mph) in 7.3 and 16.7 seconds respectively. It should also be noted that the Veyron's 0-200 mph (0-322 km/h)time is quicker than the McLaren F1's 120-200 mph (193-322 km/h) time. This makes the Veyron the quickest-accelerating production vehicle in history. It also consumes more fuel than any other production car, using 40.4 L/100 km (4.82 mpg) in city driving and 24.1 L/100 km (10 mpg) in combined cycle. At full-throttle, it uses more than 125 L/100 km (2.1 mpg)—at full throttle, the Veyron would empty its 100 L fuel tank in just 12.5 minutes. The car's everyday top speed is listed at 234 mph (377 km/h). When the car reaches 137 mph (220 km/h), hydraulics lower the car until it has a ground clearance of about 3 1/2 inches (8.9 cm). At the same time, the wing and spoiler deploy. This is the "handling" mode, in which the wing helps provide 770 pounds (3425 newtons) of downforce, holding the car to the road. The driver must, using the key, toggle the lock to the left of his seat in order to use the maximum speed of 253 miles per hour (407 km/h). Theoretically it can go faster but it is electronically limited to 253 miles per hour (407 km/h) to prevent tire damage. The key functions only when the vehicle is at a stop when a checklist then establishes whether the car—and its driver—are ready to enable 'top speed' mode. If all systems are go, the rear spoiler retracts, the front air diffusers close and the ground clearance, normally 4.9 inches (12.4 cm), drops to 2.6 inches (6.6 cm).

The Veyron uses unique cross-drilled and turbine vented carbon rotors for braking that draw in cooling air. Each caliper has eight titanium pistons. Bugatti claims maximum deceleration of 1.3 g on road tires. Prototypes have been subjected to repeated 1.0 g braking from 194 to 50 mph (312 to 80 km/h) without fade. With the car's fearsome acceleration from 50 to 194 mph (80 to 312 km/h), that test can be performed every 22 seconds. At speeds above 124 mph (200 km/h), the rear wing also acts as an airbrake, snapping to a 70-degree angle in 0.4 seconds once brakes are applied, providing up to 0.6 g (6 m/s²) of deceleration. Bugatti claims the Veyron will brake from 252 mph (406 km/h) to a standstill in less than 10 seconds. The braking is also so evenly applied that the car will not deviate from a straight path if the driver lets go of the steering wheel, even with the brakes fully applied starting from close to top speed.

Ford Escape Hybrid

Ford Escape Hybrid, 2008

The Ford Escape, America's best-selling compact utility vehicle, has a completely new look inside and out for 2008. Escape now makes a powerful statement with a bolder, rugged exterior design that bears a stronger family resemblance to the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition. The all-new interior resets the bar for small utility vehicles, with more upscale appointments, new innovative storage options, and improved comfort and quietness. In addition, chassis refinements deliver impressive fuel economy and agile driving dynamics that belie the Escape's rugged exterior.

The combination of traditional SUV capability and crossover construction made the original Escape an instant success. More than one million Escapes have been sold since its introduction as a 2001 model - more than any other small utility vehicle or crossover of any size. Six years later, Escape remains the sales leader of the small-utility segment, a remarkable feat considering the segment has almost doubled, from 800,000 sales in 2000 to a projected 1.5 million in 2006.

Bolder, Tougher Exterior Design
The high beltline is further emphasized by the new blacked-out B-pillars, integrated running boards, available 17-inch wheels, and the deletion of the original Escape's molded-in color fascias and lower bodyside molding.

To integrate the higher beltline, the hood has also been raised and now features a unique "reverse crease" design that draws the eye to the detailed surface. The new front fascia has headlamps that sweep up toward the front corners of the vehicle to short side marker lamps. The new headlights bracket the dramatic new grille.

Refined and Recycled Interior
The 2008 Escape is believed to be the first U.S. automotive application of seating surfaces made from 100 percent post-industrial materials, supplied by InterfaceFABRIC, Inc. InterfaceFABRIC estimates that Ford's use of post-industrial materials, rather than virgin fibers, could conserve an estimated 600,000 gallons of water, an estimated 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents, and the equivalent of more than 7 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually.

Escape also showcases Ford's first use of a "top of dash" display positioned at eye level on the dashboard, which shows ambient temperature, radio functions and climate-control readouts. This simple, efficient design puts much of the vehicle's information in one place at the top of the dashboard, making it easier to reference when driving.

Improving ease-of-use is the clean, uncluttered center console. Rather than the traditional "brick" design for the radio and temperature controls, Escape features dials and buttons that "poke-through" the center console. The instrument panel houses audio and climate controls, a standard MP3/iPod audio jack, and controls for the available heated seats and in-dash navigation system.

Escape's interior also features the first use of Ford's new, signature Ice Blue interior lighting. The cool blue lighting replaces the traditional green on the instrument cluster, the center console, the redundant controls on the steering wheel, and the door lock and window switches. Ice Blue presents a cool, crisp, easy-on-the-eyes light for night driving and enhances the overall feel of the interior.

Escape's center console is large enough to hold a laptop computer, and there are three levels of storage space. In addition, the center console features two removable bins with innovative dovetail mounting points, which allows the bins to be hung from the front passenger side and rear of the console for additional storage.

Refined, Quiet Interior
Engineers made a host of changes to the 2008 Escape to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels inside the vehicle.

The 2008 Escape is one of the first Ford Motor Company vehicles to use speed-sensitive Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), a sophisticated system that helps correct for road irregularities and improves overall steering feel.

Conventional power steering systems use an engine-driven hydraulic gear, which saps power and efficiency from the engine. The 2008 Escape's new EPAS system uses an electric motor, rather than the engine's accessory drive. This new system helps improve fuel economy and eliminates the hydraulic noises typical of conventional hydraulic power-assisted steering systems.

New recessed channels in the vehicle's roof panel are designed to improve airflow over the top of the vehicle, while horizontal ribs in the roof also strengthen the body structure and help reduce boom noise in the cabin. A new acoustic laminate sandwiched between two glass panels in the windshield and an acoustic headliner also help decrease wind noise. New interior carpeting, which is up to 50 percent thicker, further improves the isolation from road and wind noise.

Compared with the previous model, the 2008 Escape is 12 percent quieter on the highway (30.8 sones to 27 sones at 80 mph in the wind tunnel) and 20 percent quieter in high velocity crosswinds.

Standard Safety Equipment and Fuel-efficient Powertrains
Under its skin, the 2008 Escape has one of the most advanced safety packages in the small SUV segment. Escape comes standard with Safety Canopy™ side air curtains, which provide head and neck protection for the first- and second-row passengers, as well as standard side-impact air bags that deploy out of the upper portion of the front seats to protect the upper and lower torso of the driver and passenger. In addition, I-4 and V-6 Escape models come standard with Ford's exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control).

The 2008 Escape's standard 2.3-liter, 16-valve Duratec 23 I-4 produces 153 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 152 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The available 3.0-liter, 24-valve V-6 Duratec 30 engine makes 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 193 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. With a four-speed automatic, the V-6 powered Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Ford Escape Hybrid continues to be a "full" hybrid. This means that, unlike other "mild" hybrid vehicles, Escape Hybrid can run on 100 percent electric power up to about 25 mph, maximizing in-city fuel economy.

At low speeds, power is delivered by a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor, producing 70 kw @ 5,000 rpm and 330V maximum voltage. When additional power is required, the Escape Hybrid's 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine seamlessly engages, contributing 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 124 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm. The net result is 155 horsepower with 0-60 times comparable to a 200 horsepower V-6 engine and a boost in city-driving fuel economy of nearly 75 percent. Escape Hybrids are equipped with a smooth-shifting, electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

For 2008, Escape Hybrid engineers made revisions to software in the control system to improve transparency, or the transition between gasoline and electric operation. The transition from all-electric to gasoline power to a combination of the two is now even more seamless and virtually imperceptible to the driver.

Dodge Avenger RT

Dodge Avenger RT, 2008

The Dodge brand is running on all cylinders, introducing the 2008 Dodge Avenger — an all-new mid-size sedan that combines bold, aggressive Dodge styling with innovative interior features, high-levels of safety and reliability, exhilarating performance and excellent fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon (mpg) (32 mpg based on 2007 EPA fuel economy standards).

This all-new mid-size sedan also marks a milestone in the Dodge brand's car renaissance. From Viper to Caliber and every segment in between, Dodge now offers an extremely competitive car.

The 2008 Dodge Avenger will be available in U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2007 and in global volume markets, in both left-hand and right-hand drive, by mid-2007. Four models will be offered in the United States: Dodge Avenger SE, Dodge Avenger SXT and Dodge Avenger R/T, and a first for Dodge in the mid-size segment, Dodge Avenger R/T AWD (late availability).

Bold, Aggressive Dodge Styling

The 2008 Dodge Avenger builds on the bold, aggressive styling, performance and excitement of the Dodge Charger.

From the front, there's no mistaking Dodge's heritage in Avenger's aggressive exterior lines. The brand's signature crosshair grille and large, modern quad headlamps housed in black add to Avenger's menacing glare. The Dodge Avenger's chrome grille with black texture accentuates the vehicle's serious, almost sinister appearance. A stamped formation carries the vertical lines of the crosshair grille over the hood.

Avenger's side profile shares more family traits with the Dodge Charger. Muscular rear shoulders, large wheels and tires and a sleek rear spoiler embody the Dodge brand attributes of bold, powerful and capable. Avenger's long greenhouse is created by black appliqués on the B-pillars, which make this mid-size sedan look like it's pouncing forward, even when it's at a standstill.

From the rear, large, expressive taillamp modules placed at the corners frame the deck lid, which includes a sleekly integrated, finely tuned body-color spoiler. This spoiler and chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets communicate the performance capability of the Avenger R/T's 3.5-liter engine.

Impressive Interior Makes Bold Statement
Graphic design elements, which set the new 2008 Dodge Avenger's exterior design apart from the competition, also are evident throughout the vehicle's spacious interior.

Carefully matched grains and low gloss levels contribute to Avenger's rich-looking interior surfaces. The instrument panel top pad and center stack feature a Franklin grain with low-gloss finish to match the defroster grille, driver cubby and Dodge logo on passenger side surrounds. From the cluster bezel to climate control knobs, circles are a primary graphic element repeated throughout the Dodge Avenger's interior.

Unique to Dodge Avenger in the mid-size segment is Chill Zone, a chilled beverage storage bin that is standard on all Avenger models. Housed in the passenger side upper instrument panel, the bin can hold and chill as many as four 12-oz. beverage cans.

Avenger's interior provides comfortable seating for the driver and as many as four passengers. Drivers sit 2.5 inches higher than they did in Dodge's previous mid-size sedan, giving them a command-of-the-road seating position. The interior cabin also is extremely spacious with 100.9 cu. ft. of room, which is an additional 7 cubic feet of interior passenger volume compared with the vehicle it replaces. There are 2.5 inches more headroom, 1.2 inches more shoulder room and an inch more hip room in the front seat. Luggage volume in the trunk is a competitive 13.35 cubic feet.

All-wheel Drive, Sport Suspension and Performance Steering Accentuate Avenger R/T's On-road Attitude

The Avenger R/T also is the Dodge brand's first mid-size sedan to offer all-wheel-drive capability (late availability). Avenger's all-wheel-drive system, available on models sold in the United States, works on demand, driving only the front wheels until power to the rear wheels is needed. All-wheel drive also is used on dry pavement between speeds of 25 and 65 mph to enhance handling during performance driving. This system provides added traction on snow, ice and other low-traction surfaces without having to be switched on and off. All-wheel drive, combined with a sport-tuned suspension, performance steering and ESP with Traction Control, all combine to give Avenger R/T its on-road performance attitude.

Powertrain Options Deliver Excellent Power, Fuel Efficiency and Flex-fuel Availability

Three engine options power 2008 Dodge Avengers sold in the United States: the new standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine, an available flex-fuel 2.7-liter V-6 engine and an available 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick.

The 2008 Dodge Avenger SE and SXT feature a standard four-cylinder engine that rivals the best in the mid-size car segment when it comes to fuel economy. Avenger's 2.4-liter World Engine with dual variable valve timing delivers fuel efficiency in the city of 21 mpg (24 mpg using 2007 EPA standards), an excellent 30 mpg on the highway (32 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards), as well as smooth, quiet operation. Mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle, this new engine provides a 15 percent increase in horsepower (173 horsepower vs. 150 horsepower) and an 8 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with the 2.4-liter engine it replaces.

The Dodge Avenger SXT features an available Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) 2.7-liter V-6 engine that provides value- and performance-conscious consumers the power of a V-6 engine with a price that compares with the competitions' four-cylinder engines. Avenger's 2.7-liter V-6 engine produces 189 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque, providing more low-end torque (at an rpm 850 lower) compared with the 2.7-liter engine it replaces. This 2.7-liter V-6 engine achieves 19 mpg in the city (22 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards) and 27 mpg on the highway (30 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards). It also can operate effectively on any blend of gasoline and fuel-grade ethanol up to E-85.

Dodge Avenger R/T and R/T AWD sedans sold in the United States feature a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 235 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle that comes standard with Auto Stick. The combination of the upgraded 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transaxle delivers excellent performance and fuel efficiency, as well as smooth, quiet operation.

The 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T's six-speed automatic transaxle provides quicker standing-start acceleration than a four- or five-speed transaxle because of its numerically higher first gear ratio. A more robust differential with increased torque capacity enhances launch performance by requiring less torque management, electronically limiting the torque that is available during the initial stages of standing-start acceleration. Smaller steps between ratios also make for a smoother, quieter ride, as the engine speed doesn't change as often with each shift. In addition, more ratio choices, more appropriate ratios for quicker acceleration and a lower overall top gear ratio provide a quiet ride and improved fuel economy at highway speeds.

Innovative Technologies Make Life Easier and Safer

Many unique features set Dodge Avenger apart in the extremely competitive mid-size car segment. These features include:
* Chill Zone — a storage compartment in the top of the instrument panel that holds up to four standing 12 oz. beverage cans. Depending on ambient temperature and air conditioning settings, the bin can keep beverages cool
* A heated/cooled front cupholder that keeps cold beverages cool and hot beverages warm. The system heats to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or cools to 35 degrees Fahrenheit
* YES Essentials Fabric — an easy-care, soil-repellent and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration
* Heated cloth seats
* An available DVD rear-seat entertainment system that includes AM/FM stereo radio with MP3 capable CD/DVD player, six-disc CD/DVD changer and SIRIUS Satellite Digital Audio Radio
* Light-emitting Diode (LED) interior lighting with high-focus white lights that provide directional lighting in both the front and rear seats
* MP3 play capability on all audio systems

Safety Features and Structure Combine to Protect Vehicle Occupants

Safety and security are a top priority among mid-size car buyers in the United States, and the all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger offers a unique combination of class-leading safety features that are designed to keep occupants both safe and secure. Avenger's safety cage is constructed with dual-phase, high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel components designed to protect occupants in all driving situations. Avenger's extremely strong safety cage is complemented with a combination of standard safety items demanded by buyers in the mid-size segment, including:

* Advanced multi-stage front air bags
* Side-curtain air bags
* Front-seat-mounted side air bags

Chrysler GEM Peapod

Chrysler GEM Peapod, 2009

Clean and green transportation gets a new look and feel as GEM, a Chrysler LLC company, introduces the next generation of clean, gas-free and emission-free, battery electric vehicles.

The vehicle's innovative, groundbreaking design, with its striking pod-like shape and sleek lines, reflects the environmentally friendly nature that has been the hallmark of GEM since its founding 10 years ago.

The user-friendly mood of the vehicle, named the GEM Peapod, is enhanced with the newly designed center console that will offer iPod integration, as well as hands-free operation of the customer's iPhone. Other innovations include ergonomic, supportive, mesh seating, which enables air circulation for comfort and uses eco-friendly recycled and recyclable materials.

The Peapod represents the first in a series of product launches that will redefine the future of electric vehicles, said the company's CEO Bruce Coventry.

The GEM cars are in six models: two-, four- and six-passenger cars and three utility vehicles. GEM neighborhood electric vehicles have a top speed of 25 miles per hour, a range of up to 30 miles per charge (battery charge is extended through use of regenerative braking) and are street legal in more than 40 states. The vehicles can be recharged anytime, anywhere with a standard 110-volt outlet. Recharge time is approximately six to eight hours.

By replacing conventional vehicles, GEM vehicles can reduce overall emissions of pollutants, particularly during short trips when conventional vehicles create the most tailpipe emissions. GEM vehicles have been driven a combined 200 million miles and averted more than 150 tons of pollutants from reaching the air, while saving 10 million gallons of gasoline.

Chevrolet Corvette GT1

Chevrolet Corvette GT1, 2009

The Chevrolet introduced the limited production Corvette GT1 Championship Edition.

Championship Edition (Regular Production Option GT1) commemorates the success of Corvette Racing and the Corvette C6.R:
* Eight American Le Mans Series GT1 manufacturers and team championships
* Five-time 24 Hours of Le Mans class champions
* 74 victories in international sports car competition

GT1 Championship Edition package:
* Graphics inspired by C6.R livery feature Corvette Racing
* ZR1-style body color full-width spoiler and chrome wheels
* Custom leather-wrapped ebony interior with exclusive yellow accent stitching
* GT1 embroidery on leather seats, instrument panel, and center console armrest
* Special engine cover with carbon pattern and yellow Corvette lettering
* Windshield banner

Ford Explorer America Concept

Ford Explorer America Concept, 2008

The Ford Explorer America concept showcases a new kind of utility for the vehicle customers have known and loved for years: even better fuel efficiency.

"Innovative technologies can transform people's favorite vehicles. Look at SYNC, the Ford system that connects people and their favorite portable devices, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, while in their vehicles."

Technologies and engineering innovations help Ford Explorer America concept deliver an approximately 20 to 30 percent fuel-economy improvement, depending on engine selection, while providing room for six and their gear as well as moderate towing and off-roading capabilities.

This smarter utility concept simplifies Ford Motor Company's systems approach for delivering sustainable vehicles, specifically demonstrating:

* A powertrain lineup that includes a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp. Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today's V-6 Explorer
* Migration from current body-on-frame to unibody construction, reducing weight and delivering superior driving dynamics
* A fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission with auto shift control, allowing the driver to select and hold a lower gear with just the turn of a dial when conditions warrant it
* A weight reduction of 150 pounds for the V-6 version thanks to its downsized - yet superior performing - engine, as well as more lightweight materials, suspension and chassis components
* Fuel-saving electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and other engine actions that deliver a fuel savings benefit of about 5 percent. Between 80 to 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will have EPAS by 2012

The Ford Explorer America concept addresses how the SUV market has changed in the past 15 years.

In the 1990s, customers were drawn by SUVs aligned with people's adventurous, more rugged lifestyles. Today's consumers are more discerning, demanding products that are capable and flexible - but more intelligently executed.

The Ford Explorer America concept looks the part, too, with a modern, muscular design language that belies its ability to harness today's active lifestyles. Its integrated three-bar grille, defined power dome hood, wrap-around rear glass panel window and sliding rear door give the appearance that this concept is ready for modern Lewis-and-Clark types to explore, from their own neighborhoods to the trail head.

The inside, intelligent features abound, including: single-touch stackable, sliding seats that allow for convenient access to the second row; a work table with seats deploy from the tailgate; and a three-dimensional compass and navigation unit with a topographical map built right into the instrument panel.