There are various color themes for the Ghia and Titanium editions of the Mondeo, which include limited-edition leather touches everywhere and unique sports-style pedals and the like. The colors are beige/dark beige for the Ghia; tan/ebony and ebony/ebony for the Titanium; and light beige/ebony for both. A black/black/black Mondeo Titanium estate with the big diesel and the six-speed manual tranny, please. [Ford of Europe via Carscoop]

* 2009 Ford F-150, on sale in late fall with the most capability, most choice and most smart features of any full-size pickup, and with more than a 7 percent fuel economy improvement
* 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ sedans, on sale in early 2009, with Fusion's and Milan's four-cylinder fuel economy expected to top Honda Accord and Toyota Camry
* 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid, beginning production late this year and on sale in early 2009 - with fuel economy expected to top the Toyota Camry hybrid
* New Ford Mustang - coupe, convertible, and glass-roof models - in early 2009
* New Ford Taurus sedan - with EcoBoost engine and even more advanced safety and convenience technologies - in mid-2009
* New European Transit Connect small multi-purpose van in mid-2009
* New Lincoln seven-passenger crossover - with EcoBoost engine - in mid-2009
* New European Ford Fiesta, in both four- and five-door versions, in early 2010
* New European Ford Focus, in both four- and five-door versions, in 2010
* New Mercury small car in 2010
* New European small vehicle that will be a "whitespace" entry in North America in 2010
* Next-generation Ford Explorer - with unibody construction, EcoBoost, six-speed, weight savings and improved aerodynamics for up to 25 percent better fuel economy - in 2010

FORD REPORTS $8.7 BILLION NET LOSS FOR SECOND QUARTER 2008, INCLUDING PRE-TAX SPECIAL CHARGES OF $8 BILLION; COMPANY ALSO DETAILS ACCELERATED TRANSFORMATION PLAN+

* Net loss of $8.7 billion, or $3.88 a share, for the second quarter of 2008.
* Pre-tax special charges of $8 billion, including impairments of $5.3 billion for Ford North America long-lived assets and $2.1 billion for Ford Motor Credit Company's operating lease portfolio.
* Pre-tax loss of $1 billion from continuing operations, excluding special items.++
* Cost reductions of $1 billion, including over $600 million in North America (at constant volume, mix and exchange; excluding special items). The company remains on track to reach $5 billion in annual cost reductions in North America by the end of 2008 compared with 2005.
* Strong profitability from Ford Europe and Ford South America.
* Automotive gross cash at June 30 of $26.6 billion (including cash and cash equivalents, net marketable securities and loaned securities). +++
* Ford also today announced a significant acceleration of its product and production transformation plan with the addition of several new fuel-efficient small vehicles in North America and a realignment of its North American manufacturing.

DEARBORN, Mich., July 24, 2008 - Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today reported a second quarter net loss of $8.7 billion, or $3.88 per share, including pre-tax special items totaling $8 billion. This compares with a net profit of $750 million, or 31 cents per share, in the second quarter of 2007.

Ford also today announced a significant acceleration of its transformation plan with the addition of several new fuel-efficient small vehicles in North America and a realignment of its North American manufacturing (see related release http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28660).

"We continue to take decisive action in response to the rapidly changing business environment and remain absolutely committed to the four elements of our business transformation plan," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. "Our European and South American operations are robust and profitable. We have momentum in Asia. And we are uniquely positioned to leverage our global assets and the global strength of the Ford brand to quickly bring more small, fuel-efficient vehicles to North America."

The 2008 operating data discussed below exclude Jaguar Land Rover, which was sold on June 2, 2008. Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin data are, however, included in the 2007 data, except where otherwise noted. See tables following "Safe Harbor/Risk Factors" for the amounts attributable to Jaguar Land Rover and any necessary reconciliations to U.S. GAAP.

Ford's second quarter pre-tax operating loss from continuing operations, excluding special items, was
$1 billion, down from a year-ago profit of $483 million. On an after-tax basis, Ford's second quarter operating loss from continuing operations, excluding special items, was $1.4 billion, or 62 cents per share, compared with a net profit of $258 million, or 13 cents per share, a year ago.

Ford's second quarter revenue, excluding special items, was $38.6 billion, down from $44.2 billion a year ago. Adjusted to exclude Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin from 2007 results, revenue would have been down slightly, with lower volume, adverse product mix and lower net pricing, partly offset by favorable exchange.

Special items reduced pre-tax results by $8 billion in the second quarter, or $3.26 a share, primarily reflecting charges associated with asset impairments of $5.3 billion for Ford North America and $2.1 billion for Ford Credit. Because of deteriorating economic conditions, demand has declined substantially, particularly in North America. At the same time, fuel and commodity prices have increased substantially. As a result, there has been a significant shift away from large pickup trucks and traditional SUVs in North America. This prompted a review of our long-lived North American assets and Ford Credit operating lease portfolio, which led to the pre-tax non-cash impairment charges.

Automotive gross cash, which includes cash and cash equivalents, net marketable securities, and loaned securities, was $26.6 billion at June 30, 2008, a decrease of $2.1 billion from the end of the first quarter.
The decrease primarily reflects working capital increases, upfront subvention payments to Ford Credit, and Automotive operating losses, offset partly by the proceeds of the Jaguar Land Rover sale.

The following discussion of second quarter highlights and results are on a pre-tax basis and exclude special items. See tables following "Safe Harbor/Risk Factors" for the nature and amount of these special items and any necessary reconciliations to U.S. GAAP.

SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

* Posted profits of $582 million in Ford Europe and $388 million in Ford South America.
* Launched the new Ford Kuga in Europe, a compact crossover vehicle with the best fuel economy of any AWD vehicle in the segment.
* Completed the sale of Jaguar Land Rover to Tata Motors.
* Improved initial quality of Ford brand vehicles in the U.S. at a rate faster than the industry average, according to J.D. Power and Associates. Ford was the only full-line automaker to show continuous quality improvement since 2004.
* Lincoln and Mercury finished fifth and sixth, respectively, in the latest J.D. Power survey of customer satisfaction with dealership service.

* Achieved $1 billion in cost savings, including over $600 million in Ford North America (at constant volume, mix and exchange; excluding special items). The company remains on track to achieve $5 billion in annual cost reductions in North America by the end of 2008 compared with 2005.

* Launched the 2009 Ford Flex, our all-new seven passenger crossover vehicle with fuel economy that is equal-to-or-better-than its crossover competitors, and Lincoln MKS, our new luxury sedan in North America.
* Confirmed the next-generation European Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus will begin North American production in 2010 as Ford North America adds more small cars, crossovers and fuel-efficient powertrains.

FORD ACCELERATES TRANSFORMATION PLAN WITH SMALL CAR OFFENSIVE, MANUFACTURING REALIGNMENT
* Ford adding new fuel-efficient small cars and crossovers to North American product lineup
* Six European small vehicles coming to North America from global B-car and C-car platforms
* Three large truck and SUV plants converting to small cars; retooling begins this December
* Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup to be almost completely upgraded by end of 2010
* Ford plans to be the best or among the best in fuel economy with every new product in its segment
* Hybrid vehicle production and lineup to double in 2009
* Capacity for North American four-cylinder engines to double by 2011
* Ford, Lincoln and Mercury confirmed in company's North American brand portfolio

Plant Information

DEARBORN, Mich., July 24, 2008 - Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today announced a significant acceleration of its transformation plan with the addition of several new fuel-efficient small vehicles in North America and a realignment of its North American manufacturing.

The actions represent a considerable shift in Ford's North American product plans and investments toward smaller vehicles and fuel-efficient powertrains in both the near- and mid-term in line with rapid changes in customer buying preferences.

In addition to bringing six small vehicles to North America from the company's acclaimed European lineup, Ford is accelerating the introduction of fuel-efficient EcoBoost and all-new four-cylinder engines, boosting hybrid production and converting three existing truck and SUV plants for small car production, beginning this December.

"We continue to take fast and decisive action implementing our plan and responding to the rapidly changing business environment," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. "Ford is moving aggressively using our global product strengths to introduce additional smaller vehicles in North America and to provide outstanding fuel economy with every new product."

Mulally said the company is more focused than ever on its transformation plan, which calls for:

* Aggressively restructuring to operate profitably at the current demand and changing model mix
* Accelerating the development of new products that customers want and value
* Financing the plan and improving the balance sheet
* Working together effectively as one team, leveraging Ford's global assets

"The progress we have made in working together to create a 'One Ford' global enterprise during the past two years gives us a unique competitive advantage in today's environment," Mulally said. "We are in a stronger position than ever to leverage Ford's global assets to address the North American business environment. We also are building on the past few years of progress in continuously improving our quality, reducing our cost structure and introducing strong new products."

Aggressively Restructuring
Ford will convert three existing North American truck and SUV plants for small car production, with the first conversion beginning this December.

The moves are in addition to Ford's announcements in May and June that it is reducing its North American production plans for large trucks and SUVs for the remainder of 2008, as well as increasing production of smaller cars and crossovers.

"We are transforming Ford's North American manufacturing operations into a lean, flexible system that is fully competitive with the best in the business," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "We remain committed to matching our capacity with real consumer demand, and we are equipping nearly all of our assembly plants with flexible body shops, ensuring we can respond quickly to changing consumer tastes.

"In addition, we are adding four-cylinder engine capacity to meet the growing consumer demand, while expanding production of our new EcoBoost engines, six-speed transmissions and other fuel-saving technologies," Fields said.

Among the manufacturing realignment actions:

* Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Mich., which currently builds the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator full-size SUVs, will be converted beginning this December to production of small cars derived from Ford's global C-car platform in 2010.
* Production of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator will be moved to the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Ky., early next year.
* Cuautitlan Assembly Plant in Mexico, which currently produces F-Series pickups, will be converted to begin production of the new Fiesta small car for North America in early 2010.
* Louisville (Ky.) Assembly Plant, which builds the Ford Explorer mid-size SUV, will be converted to produce small vehicles from Ford's global C-car platform beginning in 2011.
* Twin Cities (Minn.) Assembly Plant - which was scheduled to close in 2009 - will continue production of the Ford Ranger through 2011 to meet consumer demand for the compact pickup.
* As previously announced, Kansas City Assembly Plant this year will add a third crew to its small utility line for the Ford Escape, Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner and Mariner Hybrid.

In tandem with the realignments, Ford will continue to offer targeted hourly buyouts at its U.S. plants and facilities, working with the UAW to secure competitive employment levels. Ford also said it remains on track to reduce salaried-related costs by 15 percent in North America by Aug. 1.

Ford North America still expects to reduce annual operating costs by $5 billion by the end of 2008 - at constant volume, mix and exchange, and excluding special items - compared with 2005. In addition, the company said it plans to continue to reduce structural costs beyond 2008.

The company also confirmed Ford, Lincoln and Mercury will remain in its North American brand portfolio. Ford said it will work with its dealers to broaden and accelerate its dealer consolidations, which will result in a dealer network that reflects the changing industry size and model mix.

Ford also updated its current North American planning assumptions, which include:

* U.S. economic recovery to begin by early 2010
* U.S. industry sales to return to trend levels as the economy returns to health
* Product mix changes are permanent, but some recovery will occur from the current share-of-industry for full-size pickups - though not back to levels experienced previously - as the economy and housing sector recover
* Oil prices to remain volatile and high
* No near-term relief from current level of commodity prices
* About 14 percent U.S. market share for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands

Accelerating New Products
Ford is adding several new North American products in the near- and mid-term, and shifting from a primary emphasis on large trucks and SUVs to smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles. By the end of 2010, two-thirds of spending will be on cars and crossovers - up from one-half today.

"We are accelerating the development of the new products customers want and value," Mulally said. "We sell some of the best vehicles in the world in our profitable European and Asian operations, and we will bring many of them to North America on top of our already aggressive product plans."

The new products include six European small vehicles to be introduced in North America by the end of 2012. Ford's acclaimed European products are set apart by their world-class driving dynamics, exciting design and outstanding quality.

"While we have no intention of giving up our longtime truck leadership, we are creating a new Ford in North America on a foundation of small, fuel-efficient cars and crossovers that will set new standards for quality, fuel economy, product features and refinement," Fields said.

The Ford, Lincoln, Mercury line will be almost completely upgraded by the end of 2010, including:

* 2009 Ford F-150, on sale in late fall with the most capability, most choice and most smart features of any full-size pickup, and with more than a 7 percent fuel economy improvement
* 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ sedans, on sale in early 2009, with Fusion's and Milan's four-cylinder fuel economy expected to top Honda Accord and Toyota Camry
* 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid, beginning production late this year and on sale in early 2009 - with fuel economy expected to top the Toyota Camry hybrid
* New Ford Mustang - coupe, convertible, and glass-roof models - in early 2009
* New Ford Taurus sedan - with EcoBoost engine and even more advanced safety and convenience technologies - in mid-2009
* New European Transit Connect small multi-purpose van in mid-2009
* New Lincoln seven-passenger crossover - with EcoBoost engine - in mid-2009
* New European Ford Fiesta, in both four- and five-door versions, in early 2010
* New European Ford Focus, in both four- and five-door versions, in 2010
* New Mercury small car in 2010
* New European small vehicle that will be a "whitespace" entry in North America in 2010
* Next-generation Ford Explorer - with unibody construction, EcoBoost, six-speed, weight savings and improved aerodynamics for up to 25 percent better fuel economy - in 2010

With every new product, Ford expects to be the best or among the best for fuel economy. This is aided by one of the most extensive powertrain upgrades ever for Ford. By the end of 2010, nearly all of Ford's North American engines will be upgraded or replaced. In addition, within two years, nearly all of Ford's North American lineup will offer fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions.

The improvements build on several Ford fuel economy leaders today, such as:

* 2009 Ford Flex, which is the most fuel-efficient standard seven-passenger vehicle on the market, topping the 2009 Honda Pilot
* 2009 Ford Focus, with highway fuel economy of up to 35 mpg - better than the smaller 2008 Honda Fit and 2009 Nissan Versa SL and a key reason Focus retail sales are up 50 percent
* 2009 Escape, with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission delivering best-in-class highway fuel economy of 28 mpg - ahead of Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V
* 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, delivering 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient utility vehicle available

Coming in 2009 are the first applications of Ford's new EcoBoost engines. EcoBoost uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology for up to 20 percent better fuel economy, up to 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions and superior driving performance versus larger-displacement engines.

EcoBoost V-6 engines will be introduced on several vehicles next year, beginning with the Lincoln MKS and Ford Taurus sedans, and Ford Flex crossover. Four-cylinder EcoBoost engines will debut in 2010 in both North America and Europe. Ford will offer EcoBoost on more than 80 percent of its North American lineup by the end of 2012.

Ford also plans to double capacity for North American four-cylinder engines to more than 1 million units by 2011, to meet the consumer trend toward downsized engines for fuel economy. The smaller engines will deliver significant fuel savings.

In addition, Ford plans to double its hybrid volume and offerings next year - and is looking to expand further going forward. Production of the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid begins in December - with fuel economy expected to top the Toyota Camry hybrid.

With these new models, the Ford Escape Hybrid - now in its fifth year of production - and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Ford will offer four hybrid vehicles. That will make Ford the largest domestic producer of full hybrid vehicles in North America, second only to Toyota in sales volume.

Ford also is introducing six-speeds with PowerShift that offers the fuel economy of a manual transmission and convenience of an automatic; start-stop engines that shut off when the vehicle stops; electric power steering; direct injection, and Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing engines. These technologies will be progressively introduced within the North American lineup by 2012.

"One Ford"
Driving Ford's product transformation is the company's "One Ford" global product development vision, which will deliver more vehicles worldwide from fewer core platforms, further reduce costs and allow for the increased use of common parts and systems.

In the next five years, Ford will build more than 1 million vehicles a year worldwide off its global B-car platform and nearly 2 million units worldwide off its global C-car platform.

"Ford is investing most where consumer growth is taking place - and that's in highly fuel-efficient global small cars," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. "One of every four vehicles in the world today is a 'C' or Ford Focus-sized vehicle, and we expect the segment to grow more than 20 percent to 6 million units in North America and 25 million worldwide by 2012. We see similar strong growth in the B-segment, where the Fiesta competes."

With Ford's global product development plan, all of the company's vehicles competing in global segments will be common in North America, Europe and Asia within five years. In addition to B- and C-sized small cars, the company's Fusion- and Mondeo-sized C/D cars and utilities will be common globally. The same will be true for commercial vans.

Ford said it is uniquely positioned to take advantage of its scale, already acclaimed global products and the strength of the Ford brand around the world to respond to the current changing marketplace and to begin to grow profitably. The company said its success in growing market share and profits with smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles in Europe is now the template around the world.

"We remain absolutely committed to creating an exciting, viable Ford going forward - and to transforming Ford into a lean global enterprise delivering profitable growth over the long term," Mulally said. "We continue to make progress on every element of our transformation plan, and we are taking decisive steps in the near term to ensure our long-term success."
Risk Factors

Statements included herein may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, forecasts and assumptions by our management and involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated, including, without limitation:

* Continued decline in market share;
* Continued or increased price competition resulting from industry overcapacity, currency fluctuations or other factors;
* An increase in or acceleration of market shift away from sales of trucks, sport utility vehicles, or other more profitable vehicles, particularly in the United States;
* A significant decline in industry sales, particularly in the United States, Europe or South America, resulting from slowing economic growth, geo-political events or other factors;
* Lower-than-anticipated market acceptance of new or existing products;
* Continued or increased high prices for or reduced availability of fuel;
* Currency or commodity price fluctuations;
* Adverse effects from the bankruptcy or insolvency of, change in ownership or control of, or alliances entered into by a major competitor;
* Economic distress of suppliers that has in the past and may in the future require us to provide financial support or take other measures to ensure supplies of components or materials;
* Labor or other constraints on our ability to restructure our business;
* Work stoppages at Ford or supplier facilities or other interruptions of supplies;
* Single-source supply of components or materials;
* Substantial pension, postretirement health care and life insurance liabilities impairing our liquidity or financial condition;
* Inability to implement Retiree Health Care Settlement Agreement with UAW to fund and discharge retiree health care obligations because of failure to obtain court approval or otherwise;
* Worse-than-assumed economic and demographic experience for our postretirement benefit plans (e.g., discount rates, investment returns, and health care cost trends);
* The discovery of defects in vehicles resulting in delays in new model launches, recall campaigns or increased warranty costs;
* Increased safety, emissions (e.g., CO2), fuel economy, or other regulation resulting in higher costs, cash expenditures, and/or sales restrictions;
* Unusual or significant litigation or governmental investigations arising out of alleged defects in our products or otherwise;
* A change in our requirements for parts or materials where we have entered into long-term supply arrangements that commit us to purchase minimum or fixed quantities of certain parts or materials, or to pay a minimum amount to the seller ("take-or-pay" contracts);
* Adverse effects on our results from a decrease in or cessation of government incentives;
* Adverse effects on our operations resulting from certain geo-political or other events;
* Substantial negative Automotive operating-related cash flows for the near- to medium-term affecting our ability to meet our obligations, invest in our business or refinance our debt;
* Substantial levels of Automotive indebtedness adversely affecting our financial condition or preventing us from fulfilling our debt obligations (which may grow because we are able to incur substantially more debt, including additional secured debt);
* Inability of Ford Credit to access debt or securitization markets around the world at competitive rates or in sufficient amounts due to additional credit rating downgrades, market volatility, market disruption or otherwise;
* Higher-than-expected credit losses;
* Increased competition from banks or other financial institutions seeking to increase their share of financing Ford vehicles;
* Changes in interest rates;
* Collection and servicing problems related to finance receivables and net investment in operating leases;
* Lower-than-anticipated residual values or higher-than-expected return volumes for leased vehicles; and
* New or increased credit, consumer or data protection or other regulations resulting in higher costs and/or additional financing restrictions.

We cannot be certain that any expectation, forecast or assumption made by management in preparing forward-looking statements will prove accurate, or that any projection will be realized. It is to be expected that there may be differences between projected and actual results. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of their initial issuance, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For additional discussion of these risks, see "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our 2007 Form 10-K Report.

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 229,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

Given that the Chinese auto market has yet to cool, this is probably more a matter of the Mondeo not fairing well against the other sedans it is normally pitted against. At this price level it is competitive with the very similar 2009 Mazda6 and the Volkswagen Passat. Either way, Ford wants to take advantage of that thirsty market. [China Car Times]

FORD EXTENDS LARGE CAR RANGE WITH NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE DIESEL ENGINE AND ADDED SERIES

Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy customers now have even greater powertrain and series choices with the launch of a new high performance 2.2-litre diesel engine and sporty new versions of the popular 'Titanium' series.
Developed for performance, the new 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi is the largest displacement and most powerful diesel engine available in Ford of Europe's passenger cars. It gives a sustained 400 Nm of torque at 1,750rpm and 420 Nm of transient overboost provides the necessary power for brisk and confident overtaking manoeuvres. Maximum power of 175 PS is delivered at just 3,500rpm.
The engine has been developed and engineered by Ford and PSA Peugeot Citroën as part of the longstanding co-operation on diesel engines between the two companies. In its first applications with Ford, the engine has been specifically calibrated to provide performance, quietness and smoothness of operation in the company's large and luxury models - new Mondeo, Galaxy, and S-MAX.
"Exceptional quality and reliability are an accepted fact when it comes to our powertrains and this new engine is no exception," explained Nick FitzGerald, Chief Programme Engineer, Large and Luxury Products, Ford of Europe. "The power and torque available is equivalent to a much larger gasoline engine, but in diesel form gives improved like-for-like fuel economy."
New Unique Features
Delivering 400 Nm of peak torque - with a transient overboost of 420 Nm - the engine boasts two new features that are unique to this engine in the Ford line-up: A third-generation common rail and the turbo system with specifically-calibrated pedal mapping.
Third-generation common rail
This high-tech engine features Bosch piezoelectric injectors with seven-hole nozzles which use multiple injection capability and up to 1,800 bar of injection pressure.
Like other diesel engines in the Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy ranges, the diesel injection combustion process of the 2.2-litre provides five injections per combustion stroke. The time lapses between each injection are controlled electronically depending on the rpm and engine load, engine temperature and air intake temperature.
This combustion process enhances the premium feel of the vehicle, as it makes the engine very refined by reducing noise and vibration.
Turbo system and pedal mapping
A variable-geometry turbo ensures good efficiency and throttle response. Pedal map sensors that are specifically calibrated give the driver a sensitive and responsive throttle pedal feel, which contributes to an easy and convenient driving experience. The turbocharger is calibrated to offer superb responsiveness at low revs and seamless acceleration under part load conditions.
Good responsiveness at low revs contributes to good control in parking and manoeuvring situations. As the engine is switched off a throttle shut-down system lessens any vibration.
Performance and Emissions
The performance of this engine is demonstrated by its target acceleration figures; all Ford models using this engine can reach 100 km/h from a standing start in less than ten seconds.
A fully optimised combustion system also contributes to reduced emissions. The Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models using this engine respectively emit 165, 176 and 179 g/km of CO2. "Given the power and torque, and therefore the acceleration of this engine, these figures are very reasonable indeed," said FitzGerald
The 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine is a Euro IV compliant engine equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) which is designed and manufactured for zero-maintenance.
Uniquely, in Ford Motor Company products, the engine is equipped with an 'intelligent oil condition monitoring algorithm'. The system was developed by Ford engineers and is designed to ensure that the engine oil is maintained at optimal performance levels. An information lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates when the system recommends that the oil should be removed and replaced. This useful driver feedback is designed to give superior engine reliability and durability by tailoring the maintenance of the engine oil to the car's use. This is coupled to a 'variable' service interval of up to one year or 20,000km. Full technical specifications can be seen in the Technical Data section.
Sound Quality and Vibration
The best possible Sound Quality and Vibration (SQ&V) is an important aspect of all Ford powertrains and the new 2.2-litre diesel engine is no exception. The engine is fitted with balancing shafts to further diminish vibration.
Paired with Ford's acclaimed 6-speed Durashift manual transmission, this combination offers a powertrain with lots of torque - maximum 400 Nm at 1,750rpm - something that contributes to relatively few gear shifts and reduced driver fatigue. Twin pilot injections for the combustion process simultaneously optimise emissions, fuel economy and play a significant role in reducing the conventional noise of a diesel engine to contribute to the most pleasant acoustic behaviour.
"Conventional diesel technology is by no means dated thanks to the actions we take in developing the engines and calibrating them specifically to our range. Many drivers like the familiarity that a diesel engine gives them with the combined fuel economy, long service life and reliability and modern refinements in our portfolio where this engine will be available," explained Phil Lake, Chief Engineer, Powertrains, Ford of Europe.
Joint Ford and PSA Peugeot CitroënDevelopment
"The development of this engine has joined the skills, experience and techniques of engineers from Ford Motor Company and PSA Peugeot Citroën to achieve high goals and objectives for this engine," said Steve Adams, Ford of Europe's Vehicle Line Director for Large and Luxury cars. "Thanks to the utilisation of system engineering, and modern digital simulation, a team comprising 200 people from both companies have developed the engine in just three years. A further 300 people are now assigned to the production of this engine."
New Sporty Titanium S series for Mondeo and S-MAX
The Mondeo and S-MAX ranges have been expanded by the introduction of a new sporty Titanium S model. Based on the highly specified Titanium models, new features and elements have been added to give both cars even greater styling presence and a highly sporty character.
"The 'Titanium' series features and styling details complement perfectly the 'kinetic design' elements of both vehicles, and with over 50 per cent of customers ordering this series, we know it is a success," said Adams. "Now, with the sporty Titanium S we have added more overt styling elements and features to create a new and individual series derivative."
Exterior Styling
The Titanium S series is available on new Mondeo five-door and wagon bodystyles plus the S-MAX.
A standard, full body styling kit gives the vehicles a unique and sporty look. Side skirts and a rear spoiler are a standard feature on the S-MAX and are now offered as an option on Mondeo, and are finished in body colour.
The lower trapezoidal front grille situated in the body-coloured front bumper skirt has a lower grille frame in a contrast colour of silver or anthracite, depending on the body colour. The upper and lower grilles of the Mondeo Titanium S have a unique honeycomb design for series differentiation. A new front fog lamp kit also features bezels - on the Mondeo Titanium S models - in the contrasting shades. The body-coloured rear bumper skirt incorporates an integrated diffuser in a contrasting shade that surrounds the tailpipe finishers on the exhaust.
Tailored Technology
Standard sports suspension gives a 10 - 15mm lower ride height than the regular suspension, and the set-up is unique, offering more stability over uneven surfaces, less body roll and more direct steering thanks to the use of harder damper settings, stiffer springs and suspension bushes. The Sports suspension complements the sporty nature and agility of the Titanium S, as do the 18-inch alloy wheels.
For Mondeo Titanium S customers choosing the option of Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC) with Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD), the sports suspension is not required and subsequently not fitted.
Ford's enhanced Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) is also fitted as standard to Mondeo and S-MAX Titanium S models, and gives the driver the swivelling and cornering headlight functions. Additional Titanium S features have been tailored to each car line; the S-MAX, for example, gains privacy glass while the Mondeo acquires a standard Ford Power start button.
Interior Styling
Soft-touch surfaces to key contact areas and the use of piano black and brushed aluminium surfaces have already become a signature of the high quality materials and craftsmanship of the established Titanium series. With the new Titanium S, further detailed changes to interior components, materials and finishes give the passenger compartments a sporty feel that is characteristic of the new series.
A new 'Carbotex Sport' appliqué is used on the door spears and areas of the instrument panel. Piano black surface areas have been extended forward to surround the multimedia unit and in-car entertainment controls. The Sports seats are partially trimmed in leather and red thread used in a running stitch frames and divides into sections the seat squab and cushion.
The same red stitching is also applied to the gear shift gaiter, the armrest of the centre console and - for the Mondeo Titanium S - the interior door panels. The leather steering wheel trim has been divided into four areas and the positions where the driver's hands would most naturally fall are finished in a special perforated leather trim which extends around the toggle switches and thumb rests. Red stitching has been applied to the inner radius of the steering wheel in a substantial diamond design. The interior look is completed by black velour carpet mats that are edged by a red surround.
Further Personalisation
The Titanium S models still leave scope for customers to further personalise their cars through the creation of an 'S Upgrade Pack'. Applicable to both Mondeo and
S-MAX Titanium S, customers can select aluminium pedal covers, HID
Bi-Xenon units in place of the AFS headlights and Alcantara seat trim in place of the partial leather.
New Galaxy Titanium
Until now, the most luxurious Galaxy series available is the Ghia. The Galaxy Ghia model features additional chrome exterior styling, a full length overhead centre console and automatic headlights and windscreen wipers.
"Galaxy customers like the layout and technology that the car gives them but they have also been telling us that they like the modern 'techno' and contemporary elements of the successful Titanium series used in the Mondeo and S-MAX," said Adams. "What appeals is the high level of equipment, the unique styling features such as the brushed aluminium finishes, and the driver assistance features like the Ford Convers+ full colour instrument display."
Responding to this customer feedback, a new Galaxy Titanium series is placed at the same high level as the existing Ghia model in the range, and includes the same high levels of standard equipment:
• Automatic headlights
• Automatic wipers with rain sensor
• 'Quickclear' heated front windscreen for most European markets
• Cruise Control
• Power operated and heated door mirrors with puddle lamps
• Rear air conditioning
In addition, the technology and driver assistance features are further enhanced by new styling features; many of which will be familiar from existing 'Titanium' Mondeo and S-MAX models.
The use of brushed aluminium in areas where chrome is used on the Ghia model and machined 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels are the key exterior alterations.
Inside the Galaxy Titanium, sports seats finished in Alcantara trim and the integration of privacy glass enhance the interior ambience while the standard fitment of the Ford Convers+ display in the instrument cluster enhances interaction between car and driver.
Ford's Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) headlights are fitted, equipped with lights that swivel plus additional halogen cornering bulbs. Sports suspension has been added to reinforce the sportier appearance of the exterior styling.
"We believe our customers will appreciate the detail touches made to the interior and exterior of the Titanium S series in our large car range, the availability of the new Galaxy Titanium as well as the performance of the new 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi 175 PS engine." Said Adams.

ACC is the cruise control technology that protects against complete idiots. By mounting a radar unit behind the front grille, it can calibrate speed so that the vehicle can maintain a safe between the car ahead. The system is also capable of recognizing those jackasses who decide to randomly slow down on desolate stretches of interstate. If it spots one of those nitwits, it will slow your vehicle to match the other guy's speed.

While the lazy bastard in me is green with envy over ACC, but my bank account couldn't give a damn. ACC is a $2,000 option on the Mondeo (Lincoln MKS pricing has not been announced yet). Then again, it is a safety feature, and you can't put a cost on life.... Blah. Blah. Blah.[Gizmag]

The Bavarian tuner presents innovative concepts for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante and the new Ford Mondeo

Loder1899 sends two luxury racers to the 2007 Essen Motor Show

For this year´s Essen Motor Show (1.-9.12.2007) the Bavarian Tuner Loder1899 presents the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante and the new Ford Mondeo.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante

The newly created Loder1899 wheel Vertigo Viginti has its debut at the Essen Motor Show. The 20 inch wheel in hyper-alloy look has a fascinating design, and hamonizes perfectly with the luxurious form of the British racer.

Aerodynamic real carbon fiber accessories from one of Germany´s leading tuner Loder1899, embellish the latest Aston Martin. These elegant parts: front-lip, rear diffusor and engine cover are extremely light weight and of the highest quality.

In addition, Loder1899 sport exhaust system includes a stainless steel sport catalytic converter. At 4000 rpm the flap control opens, which allows the engine to breathe out more effectively. Thanks to this optimised exhaust system not only does the sound have more substance, but the power also increases from 385 hp to 425 hp. To finish off the look, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante´s beautiful and dynamic lines are displayed to their fullest by Loder1899´s 35mm lowering kit.

Loder1899 gears up the new Ford Mondeo in a special edition designer outfit
The Ford Mondeo shares the podium at this year´s motor show with the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante. The frost white Ford Mondeo coolly holds its own with a body styling kit made out of real carbon fiber. The discreet front lip and the 35mm lowering kit accentuate the sporty lines of the new Ford bringing it closer to the street. The elegant roof spoiler, the rear skirt and the two branch stainless steel exhaust system (75x105mm), take care of a powerful finish. Rounding off the look nicely is the hand-polished Loder1899 bonnet in a special edition Stainless steel look in a silver, glossy finish.

The wheel/tire combination for the elegant Ford is the 9x20 inch alloy wheel Sins in a shiny, black finish. Alternatively Loder1899 offers the 9x20 inch design wheel W1 in a special edition Polish glam also in a black, glossy finish with polished spokes.

The standard 220 hp Ford Mondeo gains 50 hp, thanks to the up-to-the-minute motor management from Loder1899 and the sport exhaust system.

Loder1899 offers for both vehicles a 4-way adjustable sport suspension system. This enables the driver to adjust vehicle height, gradient, pressure level and strut compression to personal taste and requirements. [Source: Loder1899]