USA - Dodge produces the fastest most powerful SUV available - and why not !

New Dodge Durango SRT starts at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $62,995 (excluding $1,095 destination)

• New 2018 Dodge Durango SRT is the most powerful three-row SUV with its 475-horsepower legendary 392-cubic-inch HEMI® V-8 engine
• Fastest and most capable three-row SUV with a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)–certified quarter-mile time of 12.9 seconds and capable of 0-60 miles per hour (mph) acceleration in 4.4 seconds
• Durango SRT out-hauls every three-row SUV on the road with best-in-class towing capability of 8,700 pounds
• New exterior performance features include widebody exterior design and functional SRT hood with center air inlet duct flanked by heat extractors, as well as a new front fascia and lower valence to house new cold-air duct and LED fog lamps
• Standard leather and suede, available high-performance Demonic Red Laguna leather seating and new carbon-fiber trim distinguish Durango SRT’s performance interior
• All customers who buy a new Durango SRT will receive one full-day session at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving
• The new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT will start arriving in Dodge dealerships during fourth quarter 2017

The Dodge and SRT brands are rocking the high-performance automotive world once again, bringing a huge burst of American power, acceleration and best-in-class tow capability to the three-row SUV segment with the new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT – the fastest SUV in its class.

 

With the proven 392-cubic-inch HEMI® V-8 under its new functional SRT hood, the new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT delivers 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, and a wicked fast time on the drag strip – from 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 4.4 seconds, covering the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds as certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). 

“The new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT is America’s fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUV,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars Brands, Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT – FCA North America. “This is what you get, when you take everything great about the Durango and combine it with the performance of the Charger SRT: a 12-second quarter mile, 8,700-pound-toy hauling, three-row muscle car.”

 

Vehicles will start arriving in Dodge dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2017 with a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $62,995 (excluding $1,095 destination).

 

The new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT is loaded with standard performance features, including:

• Proven 392-cubic-inch HEMI V-8 delivers 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque and 4.4-second 0-60 mph times
• New performance-tuned AWD system helps the Durango SRT set world-class performance marks
• Standard TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission specifically calibrated for the Dodge Durango SRT to optimize shift points and deliver maximum torque to all four wheels
• Massive new Brembo high-performance six-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) calipers and vented rotors at all four corners, measuring 15 inches (front-slotted) and 13.8 inches (rear)
• Bilstein active-damping high-performance suspension
• 20 in. x 10 in. Goliath wheel with Low Gloss Black Noise finish
• New Pirelli 295/45ZR20 Scorpion Verde all-season tires or available Pirelli P Zero three-season tires
• New widebody exterior brings the Durango SRT together as a true performance SUV
• Newly designed SRT hood with a functional cold-air duct and heat extractors to cool the engine and improve overall performance
• New front fascia and lower valence to house new cold-air duct and LED fog lamps
• New performance AWD badging on liftgate
• New interior appointments including SRT flat-bottom performance steering wheel with SRT paddle shifters, heated and ventilated front and heated second-row captain’s chairs with embroidered SRT logos
• New driver-oriented electronic T-shifter, standard on all 2018 Durango models, provides the driver with intuitive gear selection and offers an Auto Stick selector gate for added control
• Premium velour-bound floor mats with embroidered SRT logo
• New SRT rear body-color lower fascia with Gloss Black accent surrounds the 4-inch dual round exhaust tips finished in Nickel Chrome
• New 180-mph speedometer
• New SRT seven-mode drive system gives the driver the ability to precisely adjust drive settings to maximize performance or comfort
• New Sport Mode reduces shift times by up to 50 percent versus Auto Mode and delivers up to 65 percent of the 392 HEMI engine’s torque to the rear wheels
• New Track Mode delivers maximum performance track driving with 160-millisecond shifts and up to 70 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels for the most pronounced rear-wheel-drive experience
• Sophisticated Active Damping System opens and closes the Durango SRT’s suspension’s damper valves, according to which of the seven modes is chosen, giving the driver options for any driving style
• Stiffer front springs (3 percent), stiffer rear springs (16 percent) and stiffer rear sway bar (18 percent) give Durango SRT drivers outstanding high-speed cornering capability
• New exhaust system tuned to offer an unmistakably deep, high-performance Dodge SRT exhaust note modeled after the Dodge Charger SRT

Available options include 20 in. x 10 in. split-five spoke wheels with Low Gloss Black Noise finish, three-season tires, trailer tow, power sunroof, Demonic Red Laguna leather seating, rear DVD entertainment and technology group. Durango SRT also has an available premium interior, which includes suede-wrapped headliner and A-pillars, true carbon-fiber instrument panel and door bezels (late availability), and a hand-wrapped instrument panel with live black and silver accent stitch.

The 2018 Dodge Durango SRT is available in seven exterior colors, including B5 Blue (late availability), Billet Clear Coat, Bruiser Grey Clear Coat, DB Black Clear Coat, Granite Clear Coat, Octane Red Pearl Coat and White Knuckle Clear Coat.  

USA - Mitsubishi unveils the visually refreshed 16 Model year Lancer Compact Saloon, looks better than ever.

• The 2016 Lancer showcases a new design while boasting enhanced features and technology
• With a starting MSRP of $17,595, the ES trim marks the most comprehensive standard equipment package ever included on an entry-level Lancer

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today announced the fun-to-drive 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, featuring a new design and a standard features list more impressive than before. With a starting MSRP of $17,595, the Lancer is strongly positioned as a value leader in the compact sedan segment.

"The 2016 Lancer not only looks good with its updated styling, but it drives and performs at a level well beyond its value-oriented price point," said MMNA executive vice president, Don Swearingen. 

"The new 2016 Lancer builds upon the legacy of challenging what a compact car can be in terms of design, technology and performance, all at an affordable price."

Beyond its new design, the 2016 Lancer boasts an updated list of standard features at the ES trim level such as FUSE Hands-free Link System®, automatic air condition climate control, fog lights, alloy wheels and new LED daytime running lights, further enhancing the compact sedan's value story. 

The SE trim level features all-wheel control, heated front seats, rearview camera and display audio with HD radio, while the new SEL trim level adds leather seats, rain sensing wipers with auto on/off headlights, auto-dimming mirror and more. 

The GT trim level is even more fun-to-drive with sport-tuned suspension, larger disc brakes, 18 inch two-tone alloy wheels, sunroof and rear spoiler, and is available as a 5-speed manual or with the new generation CVT8. Sportronic Steering wheel paddle shifters are available for the GT trim.

Other additions for the 2016 Lancer include new seat fabrics, a newly designed center console with built-in USB port, and two new colors—Diamond White Pearl and Alloy Silver. 

Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control system is now more readily available at the lower ES trim level, and a new generation CVT8 transmission improves performance and fuel economy.

Known for its commitment to safety, the Mitsubishi Lancer has been named an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" for seven years running in 2015, and continues its record of excellence with a comprehensive list of safety features/technologies in each Lancer model, such as Mitsubishi Motors advanced Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) safety body construction system. 

Additional piece of mind is offered by the brand's industry-leading warranty that includes a fully transferable 5-year/60,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty; 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty; 7-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty and a 5-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance.

Scion launches the 2016 Model Year FR-S, New colours, New tech and a new price.

Scion’s FR-S performance sports coupe is getting its style on for the 2016 model year. With interior improvements, two new colors, a new standard audio system and a rear-view back up camera, the next FR-S also sports a new price.

           

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the six-speed manual transmission FR-S is $25,305 while the six-speed sequential automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management technology is $26,405. This price excludes the destination, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $770. 

           

The 2016 FR-S has a new premium feel with bright silver interior accents on the steering wheel bezel, shift bezel, door grip, and along the sides of the center console.  Also inside the FR-S is a new standard audio system with a large 7-inch touch-screen display and voice recognition technology.

           

For added safety, comfort and convenience, a rear-view backup camera has been integrated into the FR-S, as well.

           

Adding to the new look, two new colors will be available with a new red called Ablaze and a new blue called Oceanic.

           

The 2016 FR-S will be available in dealerships beginning in June

FORD FOCUS #4 - New Voice activated SYNC 2, makes life far easier when on the move.

• Ford demonstrates SYNC 2 that allows drivers to control key in-car systems using simple voice commands and a new high-resolution eight-inch colour touch screen
• Drivers can use simple, conversational language to operate phone, entertainment, climate and navigation systems ; MICHELIN guide helps with food choices
• Simplified dashboard features easy-to-operate, high-resolution eight-inch touch screen; navigation screen features detailed intersections, 3D junctions and landmarks

The new Ford Focus will debut SYNC 2 in Europe, Ford’s advanced connectivity system that enables drivers to control key in-car systems using simple, natural voice commands and a new high-resolution eight-inch colour touch screen.

The SYNC 2 features in the new Focus make it easier to control the car’s entertainment system, climate control, satellite navigation and linked mobile devices using voice commands. In addition, SYNC 2 also features simplified, dashboard controls.

Simply pushing the voice control button and saying “I’m hungry” will bring up a list of local restaurants. If your need for food is less urgent, you can use the MICHELIN guide to choose a restaurant. SYNC 2 will connect you by phone to the restaurant to book a table and then guide you there.

Entering a navigation address is also simplified. Rather than reciting the address in stages, you can say the full address at once, and SYNC 2 will bring up directions. For points of interest, you don’t even need an address – simply say “Picasso Museum” or “Eiffel Tower”. The SYNC 2 navigation system is supported by map services provider HERE, enabling landmarks and major junctions to be displayed in 3D.

“We have developed SYNC 2 so it is simple and intuitive for drivers to use, and it seamlessly switches between touch screen and voice commands,” said Christof Kellerwessel, chief engineer, Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering, Ford of Europe. “Drivers will be able to controlmore in-car systems than ever before, while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.”

If you’re hot, say “Max AC” to cool down quickly, or be more specific by saying “Temperature 20 degrees”.

Plug in your MP3 device and you can hear the music you want simply by asking SYNC 2 to play the artist or track you want. There’s no need to recite a string of commands. Cover art is also displayed on screen with compatible players. Connectivity is delivered via Bluetooth, USB and SD card ports.

Customers can place hands-free phone calls with the command “Call <name>”, without first having to give the command “Phone”, while the system is in audio, navigation or another mode.

SYNC 2 also features Ford’s Emergency Assistance, which directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region.

Following its debut in Europe on the new Focus, SYNC 2 will also be introduced on the new Mondeo later this year.

FORD FOCUS #1 - New Ford Focus - Advanced Technologies

• New Focus delivers sleek, new design with the bold new face of Ford and a re-designed interior
• Upgraded powertrain line-up for Europe delivers expected fuel efficiency improvements of up to 15 per cent, includes new 1.5-litre EcoBoost and 1.5-litre TDCi engines
• Class-leading Focus driving dynamics further improved with stiffer front end, revised suspension and dampers, Electric Power Assisted Steering, and industry-first Enhanced Transitional Stability system
• New Focus debuts SYNC 2 connectivity system in Europe, featuring colour touch screen and improved voice control for easy access to audio, navigation, climate control and mobile phones
• New Focus introduces hands-free Perpendicular Parking, helps drivers reverse into spaces side-to-side with other cars

The new Ford Focus elevates the world’s best-selling nameplate* with a bolder, more emotive exterior design, a finely crafted, intuitive new interior, a suite of 18 new or improved driver assistance technologies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQo7mQoWJRw) and major fuel economy improvements.

On sale from November, the new Focus also debuts SYNC 2 in Europe, Ford’s advanced in-car connectivity system, and offers a more powerful, yet frugal engine line-up, including new 1.5‑litre EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel engines.

“We weren’t satisfied with being number one; we wanted to make the best even better with a stunning new version of the Focus,” said Stephen Odell, president of Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The new Ford Focus marries modern design, advanced technology and leading fuel efficiency with the fun-to-drive DNA for which Focus is rightly acclaimed.”

Sophisticated design

Ford has crafted a more sophisticated and advanced Focus with a redesign to reflect the One Ford global design language.

Available in five -door and estate body styles, the new Focus has a lower, wider stance, with a new bonnet, front fascia and grille. The bonnet is sculpted with a dynamic shape from the front pillar to the corners of the upper part of the inverted trapezoidal grille to deliver a strong, proud look.

Slimmer, chiselled front headlamps and elongated fog-lamps add to the bolder front end. Subtle chrome details add to the feeling of elegance while the rear of the car also is sleeker with a new fascia and tailgate arrangement, as well as thinner tail lamps.

“The vision was to add more emotion to the design of Focus by incorporating our very latest ‘face of Ford’,” said Joel Piaskowski, director, Design, Ford of Europe. “The new Focus is more toned, and more athletic, with more refined surface language; and clearly offers a promise of the drive experience to come.”

When redesigning the interior of the new Focus, Ford listened to customer feedback and responded with a more intuitive layout, complemented by a steering wheel and central stack with fewer controls and switches. The new black satin trim and chrome detailing contribute to a cleaner, more modern look.

The redesigned centre storage console offers more space as well as a new sliding, integrated armrest. The adjustable console accommodates a variety of bottles and cups with the capacity to hold a one-litre water bottle and a 0.4-litre cup simultaneously.

“We’ve responded to a clear customer desire for more simplicity inside the car, creating a clearer visual connection between the key components and significantly reducing the number of buttons in the cabin,” Piaskowski said.

Fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive

The new Focus offers fuel efficiency improvements of up to 15 per cent compared with the current model, and a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions across the range.

For the first half of 2014, one in three Focus models in Europe were sold with the 1.0‑litre EcoBoost engine that this year was named the International Engine of the Year for an unprecedented third successive year.**

New Focus also will continue to offer a 99 g/km CO₂ 100PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine variant, the previous version of which earlier this year became the first non-hybrid petrol family car in Europe to achieve sub-100 g/km CO₂ emissions.***

The new Focus also will be offered with Ford’s new fuel-efficient 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, available with 150PS and 182PS with a new six-speed automatic gearbox. When mated to the six-speed manual gearbox the engine will deliver a seven per cent fuel efficiency improvement compared with the outgoing 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine that offered equivalent power. In 2015 it also will be offered with a six-speed automatic transmission.

It will also be offered for the first time with Ford’s 1.5-litre TDCi diesel, available with 95PS or 120PS, and a 10 per cent fuel efficiency improvement compared to the 1.6-litre engine it replaces. The 150PS 2.0-litre TDCi model with six-speed manual gearbox will deliver a 15 per cent improvement over the previous 140PS model.

With enhanced handling and steering, the new Focus takes the model’s class-leading driving dynamics and acclaimed fun-to-drive DNA to a new level. Ford engineers have delivered a more solid, responsive and connected-to-the-road feel by increasing the structural stiffness at the front, revising the suspension geometry, increasing lateral stiffness of “steering-relevant” suspension bushes, and retuning the shock absorbers.

The Electric Power Assisted Steering has been retuned to make the driver feel even more connected to the road. Ford’s industry-first Enhanced Transitional Stability system monitors vehicle speed and the driver’s steering input to predict a loss of traction before it actually happens and triggers Electronic Stability Control sooner to enhance safety and help deliver smoother journeys.

The new Focus will also be available with paddle-shifters that enable drivers to control gear changes while keeping their hands on the steering wheel. Paddle-shift controls will be available as an option with all automatic and PowerShift transmissions, diesel and petrol.

The highly acclaimed driving experience is further refined with improvements to noise, vibration and harshness that help deliver best-in-class levels of interior quietness in Focus, and contribute to a more relaxing and stress-free environment. Among the changes that contribute to improved interior quietness are thicker carpets, thicker side window glass, and improved engine bay insulation.

Touch screen control with SYNC 2

The new Focus will be the first vehicle in Europe to offer SYNC 2, Ford’s advanced connectivity system. SYNC 2 features a high-resolution, eight-inch colour touch screen and advanced voice control of audio, navigation, climate control and mobile phones.

SYNC 2’s navigation system also offers for the first time in Europe a split-screen display with detailed intersections, spoken street names, 3D highway junction and landmark views, and the MICHELIN guide.

Drivers are able to issue simpler “one-shot” navigation destinations, and to ask the system to “play” a desired artist. Simply pushing the voice control button and saying “I’m hungry” will bring up a list of local restaurants, which you can then get directions to via the navigation system.

Advanced driving technologies

The new Focus is the first Ford to offer Perpendicular Parking, a new hands-free parking technology that helps drivers reverse into spaces alongside other cars.

The current Focus introduced Active Park Assist, the parallel parking aid that, at the push of a button, uses ultrasonic sensors to locate parking spaces and steer the vehicle while the driver controls the accelerator and brake. The addition of two new sensors to the rear of the new Focus enables Perpendicular Parking to operate in the same way.

The extra sensors also enable Ford to offer technologies for the time in Europe that help drivers as they manoeuvre out of parking spaces:

• Cross Traffic Alert warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them. Operating with radar at a range of up to 40 metres (131 feet), the system will issue three distinct warning signals if it detects a vehicle approaching from either side
• Park-Out Assist helps drivers as they exit a parallel parking space. After the driver has chosen either the left or right hand side the system operates the steering while the driver operates the accelerator and brake

Ford also has improved its Active City Stop collision avoidance system, which uses sensors at the front of the vehicle to look for stationary objects in the road ahead and pre-charges the brakes if the vehicle is approaching an object too quickly. If the driver still does not respond, the system reduces engine torque and automatically applies the brakes to reduce the impact of collisions. Active City Stop now operates for the new Focus at speeds of up to 31mph, increased from 19mph.

In the case of moving objects Active Braking works in a similar way to Active City Stop but with a vehicle detection range of between 5mph (8km/h) and 112mph (180km/h). It supports drivers at higher speeds, for example on the motorway, by issuing warnings and applying braking as required.

Existing Adaptive Cruise Control technology enables Focus drivers to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, even when that vehicle is travelling more slowly than the cruise speed. For occasions when Adaptive Cruise Control is not active, Ford is now introducing to Europe Distance Indication, which enables drivers to set a preferred distance they would like to maintain with the vehicle ahead. Should the driver get any closer, the system issues a three-stage dashboard display warning – from grey to yellow to red.

New Focus will also be equipped for the first time with Ford’s MyKey technology. MyKey enables owners to programme a key – usually for younger drivers – that restricts the top speed, reduces the maximum volume of the audio system, and can disable it altogether if driver and passengers are not using safety belts. The system can prevent the driver from deactivating safety technologies.

Lighting the way

The improved Adaptive Front Lighting System now adjusts the beams of the new Bi-Xenon HID headlamps to best suit the road layout. The system assesses the ambient light surrounding the car, as well as objects in the road ahead and then adjusts the headlight beam angle and intensity to one of seven settings depending on the vehicle’s speed, steering angle and distance to an object in front.

At high speeds, such as on a motorway, the headlights will be raised to project a longer, straighter beam for visibility further ahead; in towns where speeds are lower and street lighting more intense, the beam will spread out downwards to more intensely illuminate the road immediately ahead. When cornering at lower speeds, the system will project a beam towards the side of the road to make cyclists and pedestrians more visible. The system will support drivers cornering at higher speeds by directing light further into the bend.

The new Focus will continue to offer innovative features that drivers have come to appreciate and rely on, such as the industry-first Door Edge Protector, which provides a buffer against accidental damage by extending a protective flap that covers the door edges a split-second after the door is opened.

“New Focus offers a host of new and cutting-edge features and technologies, but at the same time this latest version has been refined and simplified,” said Jim Baumbick, Ford’s global medium car vehicle line director. “The sophisticated redesign has given Focus a new, fresh and modern style both inside and out, but the soul of Focus is the fun-to-drive feeling you get when you’re behind the wheel, and we’ve not compromised on that – in fact, we’ve improved it.”

Ford will also offer the new Focus ST, revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifVo-rjmvXs&list=UU-uGdDHxmwi_eH5t_ph9uuw), which will be available for the first time with both a petrol and a diesel powertrain. The most advanced Focus ST yet offers new chassis control technologies, tuned suspension and steering, and bespoke tyre specification that ensure an even more responsive, balanced and refined driving experience.

Ford first launched the Focus in 1998 and since then more than 12 million have been sold worldwide, including 6.9 million in Europe – where Ford builds a new Focus every 90 seconds. To meet growing customer demand for Focus, which is sold in more than 140 markets, Ford has now ramped up capacity worldwide to build the car in eight plants on four continents. Factories in Germany, U.S., Russia, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan and Argentina have a combined capacity to produce more than 1.5 million Focus vehicles annually.