2012 Ford Focus Electric Teaser Photos Released Ahead of CES

We've known for quite some time now that Ford is preparing an all-electric version of its latest generation Focus subcompact, but the Detroit automaker released a set of cropped teaser images showing the car's plug-in port located on the front fender on its Facebook page today. The company also noted that it will have "big news" about the Focus EV at this week's 2011 Consumers Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Here's FoMoCo's statement: "On Friday at 11 AM PST, CEO Alan Mulally will have big news from the 2011 International CES in Las Vegas. We'll broadcast his keynote address on a Livestream tab on this page and have exclusive technology news every hour leading up to his address."

According to a previous announcements from Ford, the all-new Focus Electric will make its market debut in late 2011 in the U.S. and 2012 in Europe. The new model will be built at Ford’s retooled Michigan Assembly Plant and have an expected range of up to 100 miles or 160km.

The Focus Electric is one of five electrified vehicles Ford is planning to release over the next three years. In addition to the Focus Electric, the company will introduce the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in late 2010, followed by two next-generation hybrid electric vehicles, as well as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013.

Source: Ford Facebook

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2012 Ford Focus Gains Torque Vectoring Control for Improved Handling

The 2012 Focus will be available with a new vehicle stability control system, which uses torque vectoring to improve the car’s handling. According to Ford, the system was inspired from downhill skiing and snowboarding techniques.

“The new Focus is the first North American Ford vehicle to offer torque vectoring control”, said Rick Bolt, program manager for the Ford Focus. “This is a technology that has been offered on high-end sports cars, yet Ford is making it standard on their new small car”.

The principle is simple: the system will apply a slight braking force to the driven wheel facing the inside of a corner, thus preventing the slippage due to the fact that it travels a shorter distance, while doing the same number of rotations as the outside wheel.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not mistaking, as this is what usually a limited slip differential does, minus the brake pad wear. Still, the system is cheaper than a mechanical differential and should offer added safety for novice drivers.

“Torque vectoring control elevates the dynamic capability of the entire Focus model range, from an S series sedan through a Titanium Sport Package hatchback,” said Bolt.

The 2012 Ford Focus goes on sale in the U.S. early next year.

By Csaba Daradics

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2012 Ford C-MAX: Euro-Sourced Minivan Detailed Ahead of Detroit Show Debut

Ford is returning to the U.S. minivan market with the all-new Focus based and European developed, C-MAX, which will get its debut at the increasingly interesting North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January.

Even though Ford chose to use the C-MAX moniker for the N.A. model, the new compact family vehicle is in fact the alter-ego of the European market Grand C-MAX. The main differences between the EU-spec C-MAX and Grand C-MAX models is that the latter gets a longer wheelbase, sliding rear doors and seating for seven instead of five.

The Detroit-based automaker describes the C-MAX as a 5+2 seater, noting that it can deliver room for up to seven passengers or five occupants with a generous amount of cargo. The second row of seats is equipped with a mechanism that allows the middle seat position to fold quickly under the right-hand seat, creating a walk-through space between the two outer seats so passengers can easily access the third row, as well as two individual, bucket-like seats.

Those not interested in the 5+2 seating arrangement can omit the third row seats as a delete option.

Engine choices for North American buyers will include a base 2.5-liter four-pot and the all-new 1.6-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, both mated to Ford’s 6F35 automatic six-speed transmission.

Oddly enough, Ford has not said when it plans to sell the C-MAX in the States.

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