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The Ford Motor Company has been forced to recall over 70,000 Ford Escapes and nearly 16,000 2013 Ford Fusions due to an issue with overheating that may cause the cars’ engines to catch on fire. The recall is only for select models that were sold in Canada and the United States. This comes after several other recalls Ford has had in the recent past.

The recall is for Fusion SEL and SE models with the 1.6 liter engine, and the Escape SEL and SE models. Other Fusions and Escapes aren’t included. This is due to drivers reporting that their engines were giving them various warnings about overheating. “Engine over temp, stop safely” and “Engine Power Reduced to Lower Temps.”

Director of Ford’s Automotive Safety Office offered this statement. “We have identified an issue and are taking actions in the best interest of our customers. It is important that affected customers not ignore this recall and contact their dealer as soon as possible. While we recognize the inconvenience recalls cause our customers, we are taking these actions on their behalf to help ensure their safety.”

No injuries have been reported in relation to the engine problem. Unfortunately, there’s no repair solution in place yet, but owners can get a replacement vehicle in the meantime through their local dealer. When Ford does roll out a fix, the owners will be notified so that they can bring their car in for service. Recently, Ford has also had to recall various 2013 Escape vehicles due to coolant and fuel leaks and issues with the carpet messing with the pedals.

[via WSJ]

Ford recalls Fusion and Escape due to spontaneous engine combustion is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Ford has just announced that they will be updating SYNC, which is their Microsoft-powered in-car entertainment and connectivity platform that comes alongside with the MyFord Touch interface, and these will debut in the 2014 Ford Fiesta. The updated SYNC in the 2014 Ford Fiesta is said to boast of a spanking new 6.5-inch LCD touchscreen display, but apart from that aesthetics, the system will also feature a smarter voice recognition system alongside improved accuracy, in addition to a more natural manner of engaging with it courtesy of a flattened audio command structure.

With the new and improved SYNC, drivers are able to just say “play ” in order to request a specific artist, song, album or genre. Not only that, drivers are also able to mention “play FM 101.9″ instead of having to explicitly inform the system as to whether you would want to tune in to regular radio or satellite radio. Imagine just blurting out “play CNN”, and the system is smart enough to figure out that you would want to tune in to a satellite radio station. Ford claims it is more accurate than ever before, and we will just have to take their word for it.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: GM to be the first to incorporate Siri’s Eyes Free feature in its cars come 2013, 2027 Maglev Train Carriage Unveiled,

For all of Ford’s emphasis on Sync, it’s hard to deny that Fiesta drivers usually sit on the bottom rung of the automaker’s technology ladder when they’re denied MyFord Touch and the related perks of larger vehicles. Pick up the keys to a higher-spec 2014 Fiesta, however, and you’ll be in for a treat. The compact will stuff a 6.5-inch touchscreen and MyFord Touch into the center stack, with a few software upgrades over what we’ve already seen in cars like the Focus and Fusion. The highlight is undoubtedly the more direct voice command system — the Nuance-driven recognition no longer demands that we specify music categories or radio formats to start playing tunes. Bluetooth smartphone pairing and navigation by address should be streamlined at the same time. Motorists will have to wait until 2013 to reap the rewards, but it could be worth the wait to drive away with Ford’s better electronics in an affordable ride.

Continue reading 2014 Ford Fiesta gets MyFord Touch, smarter Sync voice commands

Filed under: Transportation

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Source: TechCrunch

Ford has announced EPA-certified efficiency numbers on the all-new 2013 C-Max Energi. This vehicle is a plug-in hybrid and has been EPA certified at 108 MPGe in the city, 92 MPGe on the Highway, and 100 MPGe combined. Ford estimates that the vehicle will save drivers about $7000 in fuel costs over five years.

One of the most impressive features of the C-Max Energi is its driving range on a single tank of fuel and a fully charged battery. The vehicle can go 620 miles with a full tank and a topped off battery, which is 80 miles further than Toyota’s Prius plug-in. Despite the longer driving distance and impressive EPA certified economy figures, the C-Max Energi is the most affordable plug-in hybrid vehicle in America.

The car carries an MSRP of $29,995 after federal tax credits. A driving range of 620 miles with a full battery and a full tank of gas is enough to get owners from Detroit to New York City or Los Angeles to Las Vegas on a single tank of fuel. The vehicle can also drive up to 21 miles in electric mode only, which is over three times as far as the Prius plug-in can travel in electric mode alone.

The C-Max Energi has 195 net system horsepower with a fully charged battery, which is 60 more than Toyota’s plug-in hybrid. The vehicle can also travel up to 85 mph in electric mode, giving it the ability to cruise even the fastest highways. The car also has Ford’s EV+ system allowing the vehicle to stay in electric only mode for longer durations by learning frequent destinations.

Ford C-Max Energi offers the most range of any plug-in hybrid is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Ford has announced a new seven-passenger people mover called the Transit Connect Wagon. Despite being a large vehicle with tons of interior space, the car is expected to achieve 30 mpg on the highway using EcoBoost power. The Transit Connect Wagon has sliding doors, fold-flat second and third-row seating, and 1200 pounds of payload capability.

The vehicle can be had with a rear lift gate or symmetrical side-hinged cargo doors. Ford says that the Transit Connect Wagon drives like the car, has the flexibility of utility, and can haul payloads the size of a full-size pickup. The vehicle can also tow up to 2000 pounds when properly equipped.

The Transit Connect Wagon will offer two four-cylinder engine options, including a 2.5-liter and an optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost. Both engine options we use the same six-speed automatic transmission. The Connect Wagon will be available in five or seven-passenger versions and can be had with a full-glass panoramic roof, rearview camera, 6.5-inch touchscreen displays, and lots more.

The vehicle is also available with an electric windshield defroster to clear icy windshields in wintry climates. The vehicle has a number of safety features, including first-row frontal, pelvis, and side airbags with first second and third-row side curtain airbags in the longer wheelbase models. Pricing is unannounced at this time and the vehicle will be on dealer lots in Q4 2013.

Ford unveils 2014 Transit Connect Wagon is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.