SEPTEMBER 15 FORD E-NEWS

Hot Focus ST on the horizon

Enthusiasts of the much-loved SVT Focus, take heart, and start your engines. Ford will deliver on its promise of a high-performance version of the next-generation Focus, previewing a muscular Focus ST at the Paris Motor Show Sept. 30. Targeted for global launch in 2012, ST will be Ford's first high-performance model developed under its global performance vehicles strategy. With its own 2.0-liter EcoBoost™, ST will offer enthusiasts an intoxicating mix of exhilarating performance and handling, not to mention a most addictive sound.

Mark Schirmer | [email protected] | 313.390.8647

Tech-savvy ad campaign puts new Ford Edge on the map

It's not every day you're thumbing through a magazine and a full-page photo of ruby red lips jumps out at you. These sultry, larger-than-life lips are part of a newly launched print ad for the 2011 Ford Edge. The caption reads, "The Edge understands 10,000 word commands," but it's not until you get to page 2 that you actually see a beauty shot of Ford's newly redesigned crossover, and the caption, "What other car can say that?" Look closely at those ruby red lips, and you'll see embedded in their cracks an assortment of voice commands that MyFord Touch™ understands. Part of a multimedia marketing campaign, the ad is expected to draw a lot of attention to the Ford Edge, a vehicle that is redefining what it means to be a crossover.

Anne Marie Gattari | [email protected] | 313.323.7809

F-150 SVT Raptor: Looks to match its performance truck creds

Besides offering renowned capability and power, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor also provides an extra dose of personalization with two graphic choices for 2011, both rooted in the realm of extreme sports where this performance champ plays. Raptor's optional hood graphic is reminiscent of the matte black hoods from racing Ford Broncos of the '70s. The digital mud graphics – a combination of matte and glossy black paint splashed across the box side of SVT Raptor – are inspired by snowboard and ski equipment design. The digital mud debuted on the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, with 43 percent of owners opting for the graphic.

Henry Platts | [email protected] | 313.248.8812

Ford E-Series celebrates 50 years of success, looks to the future

The Ford E-Series debuted as the Econoline in 1961 with three bodystyles – Pickup, Delivery Van and Station Bus. Customers loved it, and they still do. Now the E-Series, America's best-selling full-size van for 31 straight years, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the production of its 2011 model that is still meeting customer needs by offering state-of-the-art Ford Work Solutions™, SYNC® and a Navigation System with HD Radio™. Ford also is offering a commemorative 50th anniversary edition XLT model, the van's premium package.

Anne Marie Gattari | [email protected] | 313.323.7809

A 650-hp Fiesta in the hands of Ken Block: What's not to love?

Ford's hot-selling Fiesta is the star in the next chapter of rally driver Ken Block's Gymkhana video series that just debuted on YouTube. Gymkhana THREE Part 2; Ultimate Playground: L'Autodrome, was filmed at Autodrome de Montlhéry in France and shows the modified Fiesta doing stunts only Block can pull off. Built by Olsbergs Motorsport Evolution, the 2,425-pound Gymkhana THREE Fiesta sports a purpose-built engine capable of up to 850 brake horsepower, restricted to 650 horsepower to give Block the torque band needed to control the car. Equipped with a six-speed paddle-shift sequential transmission, this Fiesta is capable of 660 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm and needs a mere 1.9 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph.

Brent Maurer | [email protected] | 313.203.7185