Ford eNews – May 11, 2011
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Weed 'em and reap: Ford finds a use for dandelions When homeowners see dandelions sprouting, they start thinking of ways to get rid of the weed, but researchers at Ford and The Ohio State University see a plant that can serve as a new sustainable resource for rubber. Not all dandelions are created equal, meaning not all can be used as a sustainable resource for rubber, but the Russian dandelion, Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS), is a suitable species. TKS is being grown at the university's Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. A milky-white substance that seeps from its roots is used to produce the rubber, and could potentially find its way into plastic parts in Ford vehicles including cupholders, floor mats and interior trim. Dan Pierce | [email protected] | 313.594.0949 |
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Ford developers look to use Google API to optimize vehicle performance Ford researchers are harnessing the power of cloud computing, analytics and Google innovation to identify technologies that could make tomorrow's vehicles smart enough to independently change how they perform to deliver optimal driveability and fuel efficiency. This week, Ford researchers are presenting a conceptual case of how the Google Prediction API could alter the performance of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle at the 2011 Google I/O developer conference in San Francisco. The Google API can convert information such as historical driving data – where a driver has traveled and at what time of day for example – into useful real-time predictions, such as where a driver is headed at the time of departure. Alan Hall | [email protected] | 313.594.3744 |
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Ford sweats the details at the Nürburgring to deliver an even more engaging Focus ST If a new Ford Focus with eye-catching paint, ground-hugging suspension, big wheels and tires and a telltale dual exhaust passes you on the freeway, chances are it's one of the development prototypes for the all-new Focus ST. Ford Team RS and SVT are putting 60 preproduction prototypes through a punishing regime on the road and at the track to fine-tune the car's driving dynamics and performance. Ford's first global performance car, the all-new Focus ST brings the ST badge to North American and Asian customers for the first time starting next year. Powered by a high-performance version of the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost™ engine, Focus ST is targeting an exhilarating 246 horsepower, while still delivering significantly better fuel economy than the previous-generation Focus ST sold in Europe. Mark Schirmer | [email protected] | 313.390.8647 |
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1 million and counting: Retiree hits a mileage milestone in Ford F-350 When Gary Mueller's 2002 Ford Super Duty F-350 was nearing 300,000 miles, people told him it was probably time for a new truck. That was more than 700,000 miles ago. Mueller, a 69-year-old Ford retiree, uses his Super Duty to haul and deliver camper RVs across the United States and Canada, and has put more than 1,020,000 miles on it doing so. Mueller has no plans to retire the truck, because, he says, his F-350 maintains its durability, reliability and comfort – along with that special bond some truck owners have with their vehicles. Richard Truett | [email protected] | 313.323.7045 |
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Ford Mustang fans choose 'Mayhem' as new package name The Ford Mustang V6 Performance Package delivers on "fun, fast and affordable," and now it has an all-new name to go along with that. After Ford reached out to the nearly 1.4 million fans on the Mustang Facebook page, "Mayhem Mustang Package" has been chosen as the new name. More than 3,000 submissions were made to the Facebook page and nearly 6,700 users installed the "You Name It" app. The winner, from North Carolina, receives a three-year lease on a 2012 Mustang with the Mayhem Mustang Package.The package combines the lightweight 305-horsepower all-aluminum V6, a 3.31 performance rear axle and Mustang GT-based suspension and braking components. Unique 19-inch wheels and Pirelli performance tires provide superb grip and an aggressive appearance. Octavio Navarro | [email protected] | 313.845.2387 |