2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Gets 41 MPG EPA Rating!

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 23, 2008 – The all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid is now officially America’s most fuel efficient mid-size car with a certified 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.

“The new Ford Fusion Hybrid not only significantly exceeds the competition but also embodies Ford’s 100 percent commitment to fuel efficiency leadership, quality, innovation and advanced technology,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “The Ford team set the bar high – to develop America’s most fuel efficient mid-size sedan – and that’s what they delivered.”

The 2010 Ford Fusion’s final fuel economy certification was completed this week at Ford’s testing laboratories in Allen Park, Mich., and the vehicle will carry an EPA label of 41 mpg for city driving and 36 mpg on the highway when it goes on sale this spring. The Fusion Hybrid, which beats even the much smaller Honda Civic hybrid by 1 mpg in city driving, can travel more than 700 miles on a single tank of gas.

To deliver the class leading fuel economy performance, Ford’s engineers spent the past three years developing in-house the vehicle’s next-generation hybrid propulsion system. It allows the Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrid to travel up to 47 miles per hour in pure electric mode, faster than the Toyota Camry and all other hybrids currently on the road. In addition, the system’s Advanced Intake Variable Cam Timing allows the Fusion and Milan hybrids to more seamlessly transition from gas to electric mode and vice-versa.

“The Fusion Hybrid’s ability to run at a much higher speed in electric mode allows drivers to maximize fuel efficiently in many driving situations,” said Praveen Cherian, Fusion Hybrid program leader. “For example, this would allow drivers to travel around their subdivision and parking areas in all-electric mode.”

Fusion’s advanced hybrid system features:

• Smaller, lighter nickel-metal hydride battery, which produces 20 percent more power than Ford’s previous hybrid system. The battery’s improved chemistry allows it to be run at a higher temperature and cooled using cabin air.
• New 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (155 horsepower / 136 lb.-ft. of torque), which is mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
• Enhanced electronic throttle control, which reduces airflow on shutdowns, reducing fueling needs on restarts.
• Smart climate control system, which monitors cabin temperature and only runs the gas engine as needed to heat the cabin. It also includes an electric air conditioning compressor to further minimize engine use.
• Regenerative brake system, which captures the energy normally lost through friction in braking and stores it. Nearly 94 percent energy recovery is achieved by delivering full regenerative braking, which means only 6 percent of braking is through traditional friction brakes

Famous Brazilian Rock Musician, Sergio Dias Baptista, And His Love Affair With A Red Mustang!

Sergio Dias Baptista is a famous rock musician from Brazil. He recently ordered a 2009 red Mustang GT from us and had us install an optional performance package to increase its horsepower. Here are images of Sergio and his Mustang.

Sergio's band was hot in Brazil in the 60s but subsequently went into hibernation during the military dictatorship's years. A few years ago he decided to reunite and expand his band and then did a tour in the U.S. in 2006. In 2009 he has plans to return to the U.S. in another tour.

To find out more about Sergio and his band, Os Mutantes, check these links:
Sergio's official web site
www.mutantes.com
Lightintheattic.net interview
Osmutantescds
mutantesonyoutube

2010 MUSTANG VIDEOS!

South Florida International Auto Show!(Click on arrows to see videos)

Lincoln MKT Concept

Mercury Mariner

Lincoln MKS

The Ford Robot

Ford Adrenalin/Mustang

Ford Explorer America

Lincoln MKT Concept

Ford F150/Flex

2010 Mustang Hood!

Mustang enthusiasts always have loved the power of America’s favorite muscle car. A glance at the hood showcases the power waiting to be unleashed as the potent nature of the 2010 Mustang is amplified by aggressive sculptural surfacing on the all-new hood. “The strong powerdome punches outward from the hood surface, further emphasizing the powerful engines underneath,” said Design Manager George Saridakis. “It’s practically bursting through the surface.”

The2010 Mustang indeed is ready to charge forward. But with that brute strength are touches of beauty and style as well. “The subtle surface changes on the fender edge make for a more dynamic design,” said Chief Designer Douglas Gaffka. “The softer, blended-in surfacing of the wheel arch creates a much-more flowing look, giving the car an appearance of a wider stance,” added Saridakis.

All the better for 2010 Mustang drivers to leap off the line.

“The 2010 Mustang is all about crafting a world-class car,” said Senior Designer Robert Gelardi. “Everywhere you look, exterior and interior, there’s attention to detail in design, engineering and manufacturing befitting this American icon.”

Another Glimpse of the 2010 Mustang Interior!

The attention to detail and passion of everyone involved with the 2010 Mustang to make it the best ever are evident looking across the beautiful cockpit of America’s favorite muscle car. For 2010, for example, the genuine aluminum trim panels are precisely inset to and fully encapsulated by the soft-touch instrument panel. “The world-class fit and finish of the aluminum panels and soft-touch IP will be immediately apparent,” says Mustang Chief Designer Douglas Gaffka. “The instrument panel was carefully sculpted out and the genuine aluminum panels were placed within the shape, as opposed to just layed upon it,” says Mustang Senior Designer Robert Gelardi. “This sculptural craftsmanship and inset location means the soft IP is the first touch-point.

“The new ‘dogbone’ shape of the aluminum panels not only reinforces the double-brow design, a critical part of Mustang DNA, but also allows the centerstack display to be placed higher and closer to the driver.”

Incorporating a higher centerstack required a new air register design. “You’ll see a definite family connection to our heritage Mustangs in the 2010 air register design,” says Mustang Design Manager Gary Morales. “The combination of circular and rectangular register shapes is well-represented in Mustang DNA,” adds Gelardi, “but the forms are definitely modern, inspired by exhaust outlets drilled into the aluminum, each capped off with a precisely located chrome ring.”

The genuine aluminum is also present on the modern, yet classic, steering wheel, which is wrapped in leather. “All three spokes are genuine aluminum,” adds Morales, “and there is a special focus on driver comfort. Both the spokes’ shapes and the audio controls have been ergonomically designed.” Even the steering-wheel badge received special attention. “This badge is genuine stamped aluminum, incorporating the new 2010 pony design,” says Gelardi. “We worked very closely with the engineering and manufacturing teams to be certain the features of the pony were sharp and detailed, right down to the mane and eyes.”

“Incorporating both brushed and polished finishes meant achieving the small details was challenging,” adds Morales. “But like everything else on the 2010 Mustang, we wouldn’t rest until it was right.”

Metro Ford Is Now Metro Ford Lincoln Mercury!

Metro Ford Acquires Miami Lincoln Mercury!
All operations to be conducted at Metro Ford’s location.

Metro Ford, Miami’s only 100% family-owned and operated Ford dealership, has announced the acquisition of Miami Lincoln Mercury, located at 8101 NW 7th Ave, Miami. All of Miami LM operations, including sales, parts, service and body shop, will be conducted at Metro Ford’s location at 9000 NW 7th Ave., just off I-95, Miami, phone: (305) 751-9711.



Effective October 1st, Metro Ford Lincoln Mercury will be welcoming Lincoln Mercury customers who desire to service their vehicles. Metro Ford Lincoln Mercury will also be taking over the sales of Lincoln Mercury parts and make available its body shop to all Lincoln Mercury customers. The dealership will carry an extensive inventory of new 2008 and 2009 Lincoln and Mercury models, in addition to the entire line of new Ford cars and trucks.

“We are extremely proud to integrate these two very prestigious American brands into the Metro Ford operation”, said Lombardo Perez Sr., President.



Metro Ford is celebrating its 25th anniversary and recently inaugurated a brand new multi-million dollar showroom designed to enhance the sales and service experience to achieve 100% customer satisfaction.

Lombardo Perez Jr., Vice-president of Metro Ford stated: “Our recently expanded state-of-the-art showroom will provide all our customers a most comfortable and convenient surrounding while they explore the full-line of Ford and Lincoln-Mercury products and experience our award-winning Metro Ford LM treatment.”

2010 Mustang Interior Revealed!

Welcome to your reserved seat in the new 2010 Mustang. A fresh and modern cockpit amplifies the high-performance driving experience with upgraded, luxurious materials and driver-focused ergonomics. “The console is a key element to the new interior design,” says Mustang Senior Designer Robert Gelardi. “It’s defined by a single dramatic arc sweeping from the IP up to the padded armrest. Besides creating a clean appearance, it also gives you unobstructed arm movement when shifting gears.”

“It’s a clean, modern evolution of the classic Mustang console that is also very functional,” adds Mustang Chief Designer Doug Gaffka. “You’ll definitely see the heritage connection in the shapes and surfaces,” says Gelardi. “Every element on the console was re-thought and upgraded in design and materials.” For example, the cupholders and armrest have a few surprise features. “Dual cup holders, concealed beneath a flip door, are deeper for increased capacity,” said Design Manager Gary Morales. “The console stowage bin under the armrest features a discrete key lock.”

“The door armrest shape is the same arc as the console,” continued Morales. “It underscores the cockpit design and also improves ergonomics - your desk chair has the same armrest shape on both sides, so it made sense to do the same thing in your car.” The cupholders and door panels are also part of the available Ambient Lighting option, which coordinates with the MyColor cluster in the new Mustang.

The seats also have received special design attention for 2010, with upgraded leather and contrasting stitching for the Premier and Color Accent Packages. “We worked to create the perfect combination of form, material and detail,” says Mustang Color & Materials Designer Jennifer Atanasovski Schultz. “It’s not only about the kinds of materials we used, but how we used them in conjunction with the sculpted forms that completes the Mustang experience.”

“This was a CAD–led design process,” says Gelardi. “Defining and confirming shapes and surfaces early allowed plenty of time to engineer robust construction and locate sound insulation so the signature Mustang exhaust roar is the primary sound you’ll hear.”

Ford Gets Closer To Reveal 2010 Mustang!

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 27, 2008 – Curious about what the 2010 Ford Mustang looks like? Its new pony badge offers a clue. Like the upcoming restyled Mustang, the new pony is more defined, more muscular and sure to catch the eye of Mustang enthusiasts.

“It’s just a faster-looking steed,” said George Saridakis, Design manager for the 2010 Mustang.
A stronger, more dynamic pony badge with defined edges and crisper forms in a subtly toned tinted-chrome finish will charge across the grilles of the V-6 and GT versions of the 2010 Mustang. For the first time, a black-chrome version of the Mustang pony badge will be available on the new GT grille.

“We wanted to give the Mustang pony a more realistic feel,” said Douglas Gaffka, chief designer for the 2010 Mustang. “We lifted the head to make the pony more proud, tipped the neck into the wind to give it a feeling of greater speed and better balance.

“It’s more chiseled and more defined and looks more like a wild horse,” Gaffka added. “It’s more realistic in terms of proportion to an actual Mustang.”

Senior Designer Rick Howard spent hours researching images of horses and understanding their appearance in natural, wild settings. That effort, along with his personal riding experience, helped bring forward the design of the Mustang pony badge.

Like the Mustang itself, which was revealed at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the Mustang emblem has a proud heritage. The original Mustang logo was drawn by Phil Clark for the Mustang I. The Mustang logo then was refined for the Mustang II in 1974 by Charles Keresztes, a former member of Hungary’s Olympic equestrian team. The pony continued on the front grille through 1978 when it was replaced by “FORD” in block letters through 1982. The iconic Ford Blue Oval graced the front of Mustangs through 1993. The pony emblem returned in 1994 with some refinements. The logo was updated again in 2005.

For Howard and the team, creating the new badge was a labor of love.
“We’re very much concerned with detail and precision in our cars at Ford, and that includes the art we do,” Howard said. “We want our Mustang pony badge to be as good as the rest of the car.”

German Company Specializes In Homologation!

Olaf Bach, our customer in Germany, who recently purchased two new Mustangs from us, has informed us that his company is equipped to do the homologation on American cars for use in Europe.

Here is his explanation of the process to have the cars meet the Euro 4 guidelines:

• The turning signals are installed in the housing of the rear lamps.
• Rear and fog lamps are installed underneath the rear bumper.
• By special request the rear and fog lamps are installed within the rear bumper.
• It takes a couple of days for the entire process.

Contact information for Olaf Bach:

USmobil.de

Tel./phone: (+49) o 2223 / 900-711

Fax: (+49) o 2223 / 900-712

eMail: 1@USmobil.de

web: www.USmobil.de

Here are the two Mustangs that he has for sale:

German TV Commercial: Shelby GT500!

Video of 2009 Ford Fiesta!

German customer visits Las Vegas' Shelby Factory!

One of our customers in Germany recently visited the Shelby factory in Las Vegas. His name is Olaf Bach. He resides and does business in Konigswinter, in the Rhine Valley, Germany.

Olaf is quite an entrepreneur. He owns several businesses: a car dealership, a car electronics distributor, and a homologation company.

Olaf recently purchased two Mustangs from Metro Ford, is currently doing the homologation on them and will be making them available for sale for anybody who resides in Europe. You can see these two Mustangs in his web site: www.USmobil.de.

Here is the contact information for Olaf. And below some photos taken by him at the Shelby factory.

USmobil.de

Tel./phone: (+49) o 2223 / 900-711

Fax: (+49) o 2223 / 900-712

eMail: 1@USmobil.de

web: www.USmobil.de

Ford Sees The Light: European fuel-efficient cars on the way!

Ford has announced that due to the current economic conditions, and the drastic change in consumer's preference for more gas-efficient vehicles, it will convert several truck manufacturing facilities to build European-styled cars.

In Europe Ford has been phenomenally successful in marketing small but very stylish cars with great performance and fuel economy. For years customers and dealers have clamored for these types of vehicles, but in Detroit the auto executives were in love with the gas-guzzling trucks and suvs.

The recent turn of events was the straw that broke the camel's back and those same executives finally saw the light and made a huge u-turn. Ford is planning to start marketing these highly-desirable vehicles in 2010. Here is some of what you can expect to see in our showrooms in less than two years:
Ford Ka


Ford Fiesta 3-door
Ford Fiesta Convertible
Ford Fiesta 5-door
Ford Kuga

The Ford Flex Debuts in Miami...continued!

Click on image above to see video