Car Blog

‘Best of the Year’ Award from Motor Press Guild Praises Kbb.com’s 2010 Ford F-150 Raptor Video; Latest in Collection of Accolades Mounting for Kbb.com’s Informative, Entertaining Videos

Kelley Blue Book  announces that kbb.com’s popular 2010 Ford F-150 Raptor video recently won the ‘Best Audio-Visual’ award during the 2010 Dean Batchelor Awards from the Los Angeles-based Motor Press Guild (MPG), the largest automotive media association in North America.

The lauded video, first published to both Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com and the company’s YouTube channel in April 2010, details the nine things one should definitely do behind the wheel of the Ford F-150 Raptor.  The title of the video – 2010 Ford F-150 Raptor:  On Land, Through Water, In the Air – suggests the adventurous visual treat revealed by kbb.com Video Road Test Editor Micah Muzio and contributing videographer/video editor Michel Delano during the five-minute feature video.

“The Ford F-150 Raptor is without a doubt the most exciting pickup truck we’ve ever driven, and we wanted to show our kbb.com video enthusiasts a sampling of the extreme fun they could have in this hardcore Baja-style trophy truck,” said Kelley Blue Book’s Muzio.  ”We are truly honored to be recognized by our automotive journalism peers for the video we created for kbb.com to showcase the off-road masterpiece that is the 2010 Ford F-150 Raptor.” Read the rest of this entry »

The all-new 2012 Ford Focus is the first beneficiary of a new class-exclusive Ford technology that employs downhill skiing and snowboarding moves to increase vehicle stability in turns.

Engineered to increase novice driver confidence by adding a finer sense of control in curves, the next-generation Focus will please enthusiast drivers as well with the addition of a vehicle stability control system previously reserved for premium sports cars.

“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.”

Just as a downhill skier or board rider shifts weight to their outside edge in transition from schuss to edge – adding balance and stability to carve through a turn – torque vectoring control provides slight braking force to the wheel and the tire that is subject to potential slippage to help the driver and vehicle gracefully negotiate the curve.

The slight braking pressure applied to just one driven wheel is imperceptible to the driver. The behind-the-wheel experience is an improved sense of stability and control throughout the curve. This increased vehicle stability in cornering situations is sure to please enthusiast drivers yet serves as a confidence builder for novice drivers as well.

Torque vectoring control uses the Focus braking system to imitate the effect of limited-slip differential, constantly balancing the distribution of engine output between the driven front wheels to suit driving conditions and road surface. When accelerating through a tight corner, the system applies an imperceptible degree of braking to the inside front wheel, so that more engine torque goes to the outside wheel, providing additional traction, better grip and improved vehicle handling. Read the rest of this entry »

Ford’s popular fuel-saving technology that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop – a feature found today on the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid and some Ford cars in Europe – will soon be added to conventional cars, crossovers and SUVs in North America.

Ford’s patented new Auto Start Stop system for gasoline engines will improve fuel economy for most drivers by at least four percent. The gain can be as high as 10 percent for some drivers, depending on vehicle size and usage. It can also reduce tailpipe emissions to zero while the vehicle is stationary or waiting at a stop light. Ford has more than 244 patents for its Auto Start-Stop technology and will showcase the feature on a concept in January at the North American International Auto Show.

Auto Start-Stop is the latest example of Ford moving aggressively to bring affordable advanced fuel-saving technologies to all customers. Ford has already introduced electric power steering, dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmissions and other fuel-saving features as part of the company’s commitment to lead or be among the leaders in fuel economy in every segment.

Ford’s global Auto Start-Stop technology is smooth, quiet and seamless, and it requires no changes to the driver’s behavior. In city driving when the vehicle is stopped, the engine restarts the instant the driver’s foot leaves the brake pedal. When the engine is off, all of the vehicle’s accessories function normally. Read the rest of this entry »

Building on the momentum of Kia’s growing lineup of new generation vehicles, the all-new 2011 Kia Optima midsize sedan has received the highest possible crash safety rating of “Good” in all four tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and has been recognized as a “Top Safety Pick,” the top award handed down by the organization.

“We are honored that the all-new 2011 Optima has earned the IIHS ‘Top Safety Pick’, joining five other Kia products and underlining the brand’s dedication to the highest levels of vehicle safety and quality,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA).  ”Kia’s design-led transformation has been delivering stylish new vehicles that combine outstanding performance and innovative technologies and convenience features with a long list of standard safety equipment, and the highly anticipated Optima will further increase consumer awareness and consideration of Kia and attract new customers to the brand.”

Arriving in showrooms now, the 2011 Optima joins five Kia products that were previously named Top Safety Picks including the  2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle, 2010 Forte compact sedan, 2011 Sorento compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV), 2011 Sportage CUV, and Sedona minivan.  The Sedona was the first Kia vehicle to receive the IIHS “Top Safety Pick,” along with the “Safest Minivan Ever Tested” distinction in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Read the rest of this entry »

With its iconic rear-wheel drive proportions, elegantly sculptured bodyside, world-class craftsmanship and refinement, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 series proudly delivers the distinction, innovation and premium large sedan features at a legendary value, while setting a new course for the American brand.

With more than 55 years of elegant proportions and head-turning style, the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 delivers contemporary styling with design details unexpected in the segment. At the front, an all-new grille features seven deeply sculpted horizontal blades that express precision. The liquid-chrome finish of the blades and the new Chrysler wing badge provide a unique contrast against the beautifully drawn bright chrome grille surround. Illuminating the road ahead are signature “key slot” headlamps with a scalloped lower edge. Inside, bi-functional projector headlamps are nestled next to LED-illuminated daytime running lamps, which together form a “C” shape for unmistakable on-road presence.

The profile of the all-new Chrysler 300 features the distinctive proportions of its predecessor with added design refinement for a more tailored appearance. Dramatic front-fender forms rise above the sculpted hood and are echoed by rear-quarter forms which rise above the deck lid and travel down the vertical taillamps for an unmistakably bold signature silhouette. For improved aerodynamics and visibility, the all-new Chrysler luxury flagship’s windshield has been raked back 3 inches, while rolled-framed doors with thinner pillars improve outward visibility by 15 percent. To take in the sky above, a new dual-pane panoramic sunroof provides Chrysler 300 passengers with twice the outward visibility of a standard sunroof. For a more contemporary appearance, the 2011 Chrysler 300 features a clean bodyside with a distinct windswept A-line that emphasizes the sedan’s long wheelbase and spacious cabin. Delivering a touch of world-class sophistication, the all-new Chrysler 300 is highlighted by chrome daylight openings, chrome front- and rear-fascia accents and available 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels. Read the rest of this entry »

With lower temperatures, rain, fog and snow, driving in winter can become extra challenging. And your car can be even more affected by cold temperatures than you are.

Follow these tips to help minimise the risk of breakdown or accident in different winter driving conditions.

Reduced visibility:

• Check your battery. Driving in winter means less daylight. You’ll use the lights and heating much more, which drains the battery.

• Other conditions affect your visibility, like snow, sleet or rain mixed with dirt stuck on the windscreen. Rather than clearing just a small area, carefully clean everywhere: driving requires good peripheral vision and being aware of every other road user is vital.

• Cleaning your headlights can improve visibility. Dirt often forms a thick film which reduces their effectiveness. It also means that others can’t see you as clearly.

• Inspect your windscreen wiper blades. Even when it’s not raining, the vehicles in front of you often spray back enough dirty water to make cleaning the windscreen necessary. If your wipers are old, you can replace them with new winter wipers which prevent ice from collecting on the blade. Read the rest of this entry »