Auto News - Ford SVT Raptor gets beadlock wheels, HIDs for 2013

Auto News - Ford SVT Raptor gets beadlock wheels, HIDs for 2013. In addition to the standard and new Limited models, Ford's freshening of the 2013 F-150 has extended to the no-job-too-big SVT Raptor, as well. Look closely and you'll see the new (optional) high-intensity discharge headlamps, the special beadlock wheels available through Ford Racing and the brand-new exterior color, called Terrain. (No, not that Terrain.)

About those wheels: Ford Racing will offer a beadlock ring kit as an option to SVT Raptor buyers. For serious off-roaders, this type of wheel is immensely helpful when the going gets rough. As Ford puts it:
Beadlock wheels secure the edges of a tire to the wheel between two surfaces so the tire is unlikely to roll off the rim if it's aired down to very low pressure, providing extra grip on the trail.

The Raptor's interior gets a slight tweak for 2013, as well, with the addition of a 4.2-inch multifunction LCD screen in the instrument cluster that's paired with the automaker's MyFord Touch infotainment system, still housed in the eight-inch screen on the center console. The powertrain has remained the same, but that's just fine – we're perfectly happy with the 6.2-liter V8, pumping out 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque.

Scroll down for the full details in the press blast.

PRESS RELEASE

Ford Raptor Redefines Factory Off-Road Truck with Exclusive New Beadlock Wheels, High Technology, Camo-Inspired Color

- Ford raises the F-150 SVT Raptor bar again for 2013, offering industry-exclusive beadlock-capable wheels to help increase grip in low-traction conditions

- SVT Raptor now offers high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps for improved visibility, SYNC® with MyFord Touch® for added connectivity and an all-new earth-toned color called Terrain

- New Raptor offerings build on internal triple-bypass FOX Racing Shox™ dampers, Torsen® front differential and front-mounted camera technologies, adding even more high-performance off-road capability

DEARBORN, Mich., June 26, 2012 – Ford is delivering higher levels of capability in the new 2013 F-150 SVT Raptor, answering the call from off-road enthusiasts for even more performance.

The latest Raptor features available industry-first, direct-from-the-factory forged-aluminum conventional wheels that can be upgraded after purchase to extra-capable beadlocks, plus other functional improvements. These include available high-intensity discharge HID headlamps that are brighter and whiter than standard lamps, significantly expanded connectivity features and Terrain, a new earth-toned exterior color.

"Ford F-150 SVT Raptor's popularity continues to grow based on its proven reputation," said Ford SVT Chief Engineer Jamal Hameedi. "It's the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup, so it's critical that we continue to push the boundaries of off-road capability. New available beadlock wheels help to improve Raptor's performance in soft sand and other challenging conditions, enabling our customers to go further."

SVT Raptor sales are up 20 percent in 2012, breaking last year's record in the January to May period.

Off-road high performance

Raptor's newly available forged wheel combines the proven reliability of a conventional wheel with the capability to convert to a true beadlock wheel.

Beadlock wheels secure the edges of a tire to the wheel between two surfaces so the tire is unlikely to roll off the rim if it's aired down to very low pressure, providing extra grip on the trail.

Raptor's wheels are unique because converting from conventional rim to beadlock only requires that customers unbolt the standard outer decorative ring, dismount the tire from its regular position and then remount the tire in the lock-enabled position with the available beadlock ring kit from Ford Racing.

This marks the first application of a wheel that has both conventional and beadlock-mounting abilities – a solution so innovative that Ford has filed for a patent on the system.

"Raptor's exclusive beadlock wheels give the customer the best of both on- and off-road worlds," said Adam Wirth, SVT chassis engineer. "Tire inflation can be dropped to a very low threshold for maximum traction under extreme conditions, yet holds tight – and stays tight – when returning to the road."

SVT Raptor connectivity

SVT Raptor features Ford's acclaimed SYNC® communications and entertainment system, allowing hands-free voice-activated control of a driver's mobile device and the truck's audio system. For 2013, SVT Raptor adds a new 4.2-inch multifunction LCD screen for the MyFord® driver connect technology.

SVT Raptor's driver connectivity can be upgraded to MyFord Touch® using an 8-inch center stack touch screen with five-way controls mounted on the steering wheel. In addition, this connectivity upgrade features the 4.2-inch productivity screen, mounted in the instrument cluster. Driver-configurable, this LCD screen includes menus for gauge setup, trip computer, fuel economy and towing/off-road applications. Truck-specific MyFord Touch offers additional button controls and rotating knobs to accommodate a driver's work gloves.

SVT Raptor can be specified with an available voice-activated Navigation System using the 8-inch screen and SD-card capability for map and points-of-interest storage.

A rear view camera is available as well.

Inside SVT Raptor

SVT Raptor is equipped with standard unique leather and cloth-trimmed seats, with driver's side power actuation and six-way adjustability. These seats feature Raptor-specific bolsters to keep the driver and first-row passenger firmly in place, regardless of terrain conditions.

The SVT Raptor interior features unique center stack and door trim appliqué finish and leather-trimmed steering wheel with thumb pads.

SVT Raptor can be ordered with an optional Luxury Package, adding numerous comfort and convenience technologies. In addition, SVT Raptor can be specified with an interior color accent package, featuring contrasting blue against a black environment and real aluminum trim components.

Cloth-trimmed sport seats are available to government and fleet buyers.

Outside, SVT Raptor is available in Race Red, Blue Flame Metallic, Tuxedo Black Metallic, Ingot Silver Metallic, Oxford White and a new Raptor-exclusive hue for 2013, desert camouflage-inspired Terrain.

SVT Raptor prowess and power

Since launching as a 2010 model, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has set the benchmark for low- and high-speed off-road performance.

Aggressive all-terrain tires, industry-exclusive internal triple-bypass FOX Racing Shox™ dampers, skid plates and standard Hill Descent Control™ have established Raptor as an off-road force to be reckoned with.

Building on this foundation, SVT engineers expanded Raptor's footprint for 2011 with a four-door SuperCrew model, joining the two-door SuperCab original.

A Raptor development imperative has been to continually improve off-road prowess in every dimension, from rock-crawling to hammer-down desert-running.

Last year, Ford began offering a front grille-mounted camera to improve driver visibility when climbing over rocks and other obstacles that might be obscured by the front of the truck. The camera transmits the captured image via the center stack-mounted LCD screen. A washer function helps keep the camera's field of vision clear in wet and muddy conditions.

The 2012 model year saw Raptor add a Torsen® limited-slip differential to the 4WD system enabling the truck to balance traction between both front wheels. If the left front wheel loses traction, the system forces torque to the right front wheel, and vice versa. The system is optimized to help minimize steering kickback when navigating challenging surfaces.

The SVT Raptor is available exclusively with a 6.2-liter V8 engine, producing best-in-class 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode and SelectShift Automatic® functionality. The 4WD system features electronic shift-on-the-fly capability for the transfer case.

The front axle features the Torsen differential with 4.10 to 1 gearing. The rear axle is also 4.10 to 1, with an electronic-locking differential.

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Auto News - Dreamworks will make Need for Speed film

Auto News - Dreamworks will make Need for Speed film. It's official: Need for Speed is going to be a movie, and it's been "fast-tracked" to arrive in theaters in 2014. Paramount-owned Dreamworks had been talking to Electronic Arts about a cinematic treatment of the video game franchise, and the two were able to close a deal. The script is ready, penned by George Gatin, the brother of Real Steel screenwriter John Gatin.

The movie is based on the entire NFS franchise, not one particular series. So what can you expect? According to the love-fest press release, you'll get "a fast-paced, high-octane film rooted in the tradition of the great car culture films of the 70s while being extremely faithful to the spirit of the video game franchise," which makes it sound like there'll be Lamborghinis, Nobles and Shelbys driven by middle-aged dudes with mustaches and huge sunglasses, and at least one afro.

A more accurate synopsis might be from a commenter at Joystiq, who wrote, "It's going to have the live-action sex doll disguised as a female cop, the snarky white guy who is the fashionabl[e] anti-hero, the token black sidekick and the bad guy who has no idea he's going to become a good guy. Oh, and hip-hop music, hip-hop music everywhere."

A potential saving grace is that it's being directed by Scott Waugh, who is just off doing the restrained and very dramatic Special Ops flick Act of Valor. A definite saving grace is that EA is letting fans suggest cars for the film cars on EA's Facebook page. Scroll down for a press release on the big-screen NFS coming your way.

PRESS RELEASE

DreamWorks Studios Picks up Need for Speed from EA
George Gatins Wrote Adaptation of Top-Selling Video Game Franchise

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- DreamWorks Studios has acquired the feature film rights to EA's (NASDAQ: EA) popular video game franchise, Need for Speed™, it was announced jointly today by DreamWorks CEO and Co-Chair Stacey Snider and EA President of Studios Frank Gibeau.

Brothers George and John Gatins developed the original story with George writing the feature's screenplay. The screenplay is based on the Need for Speed series, but is not based on an individual game. EA will produce along with John Gatins and Mark Sourian. Scott Waugh (Act of Valor) is attached to direct, and the project will be fast-tracked at DreamWorks with a target production start date for early next year, for a 2014 release.

The film adaptation will be a fast-paced, high-octane film rooted in the tradition of the great car culture films of the 70s while being extremely faithful to the spirit of the video game franchise. In Need for Speed, the cars are hot, the racing is intense and the story keeps players at the edge of their seat.

"I'm excited about getting back into the creative trenches with John and George Gatins and my partners at EA to bring to life an exhilarating script based on an epic video game that seems to have been made for the movies," said Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Chairman. "This is a big piece of business for DreamWorks and we are grateful to Frank Gibeau, Pat O'Brien, Kevin Maher and John and George for choosing us to deliver their goods."

"George, John and EA brought a very compelling story to us which we believe is going to make a fun, cool movie franchise," said Stacey Snider, CEO and Co-Chair of DreamWorks. "With such a large following around the globe, we're excited to make a film that does justice to the popular underlying video game series."

"We are thrilled to be in business with our friends Steven Spielberg, Stacey Snider and the entire DreamWorks team," said Frank Gibeau, President of EA Labels. "They are the perfect partner to take Need for Speed to the big screen by creating the exciting action film that we have always envisioned."

"It's fantastic to be working with a team that shares not only our love of cars, but also our passion for creating blockbuster action experiences. This collaboration will be greatly enhanced with the team at DreamWorks - which is a great home for the Need for Speed franchise," said Patrick Soderlund, Executive Vice President, EA Games Label. Added Pat O'Brien, Vice President of EA Entertainment: "Working with John and George to develop the script has truly been an outstanding experience."

Need for Speed is the premier racing game in the video game industry and one of EA's best-selling video game franchises. Since the release of the first title, the series has sold more than 140 million units worldwide, generating an estimated $4 billion in retail revenue, making it one of the biggest franchises in video gaming.

Need for Speed serves as a reunion with both George Gatins and John Gatins with DreamWorks. George was an executive producer on the studio's 2010 film "She's Out of My League." John's previous projects with DreamWorks include the 2005 film "Dreamer" which he wrote and directed. He also wrote the script for last year's "Real Steel" and has been working on the script for its sequel. He recently wrote the script for "Flight" which will be released by Paramount later this year.

Both EA and John and George Gatins are represented by UTA, who negotiated the deal.

More information about Need for Speed can be found at: http://www.needforspeed.com/.

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Motorsports - Circuit of the Americas announces 15,000 extra seats for U.S. Grand Prix

Motorsports - Circuit of the Americas announces 15,000 extra seats for U.S. Grand Prix. Austin Formula 1 Grand Prix organizers have said that tickets to the race sold so well that they've decided to add more seating – according to the circuit chart, everything but premium grandstand seating is all gone.

Just a few days ago, ESPN F1 reported that the Circuit of the Americas was considering more grandstands between turns 9 and 10 and turns 10 and 11 "in place of other types of seating that had been planned for those areas." Now it's done: grandstands have been added at those two spots adding space for 15,000 more butts come race weekend.

What'll it run you? A search on Ticketmaster for one ticket yielded a grandstand seat at Turn 9 for $315.24 for the three-day weekend, plus shipping and any fees. If that's too rich, General Admission tickets for $171.99, inclusive of fees, are still in stock.

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Auto News - 2013 Ford F-150 Limited unveiled as range-topping luxury truck

Auto News - 2013 Ford F-150 Limited unveiled as range-topping luxury truck. The F-150 Limited is back – more powerful, more luxurious and more expensive than any other 2013 F-150.

Ford Motor Co. is taking the wraps off the new Limited today in Dearborn. It will feature a unique look, a lush red interior and nearly every bell and whistle Ford can muster, surpassing the high-end Ford Platinum F-150.

"There's still a strong demand for luxury pickups and the Limited will help us meet that demand," said Ford spokesman Mike Levine.

Indeed, Ford says 30 percent of its pickup sales are the luxury trucks it offers such as the Lariat, Harley Davidson and King Ranch models. Each has carved out a niche, appealing to the inner street racer, biker or cowboy in need of a pickup. Currently, a Platinum F-150 rings up the top price of all F-150s, starting at $44,635. But the Limited will exceed that with its standard loaded up interior that includes everything from a moonroof and aluminum trim to heated and cooled seats.

It will also outperform its predecessor, the 2011 F-150 Limited. Ford has added its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 under this new model's red hood, giving it 365 horsepower and up to 22 mpg on the highway. There's also standard HID headlamps, 22-inch polished aluminum wheels and that special branding of the word "Limited" on the rear quarter panel.

This truck may not be for everyone, but some drivers are going to love it.

PRESS RELEASE

Ford Sets Truck Standard Again with New F-150 Limited, Offering Class-Leading Luxury and Capability

• Building on three decades of truck leadership and a decade of luxury pickup innovation, Ford marks the 2013 model year with its most refined F-150 yet
• Offering standard SYNC® with MyFord Touch®, navigation with Sirius Travel Link™, rain-sensing windshield wipers and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, F-150 Limited features an unprecedented level of customer convenience and connectivity technologies
• Featuring series-specific Limited details on the exterior like dimensional box-side lettering and unique 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, F-150 Limited has stylish red and black full-grain leather and genuine aluminum and piano black finishes


DEARBORN, Mich., June 26, 2012 – Ford, the industry's truck leader, marks the launch of the latest F-150 with a new statement on pickup luxury for 2013 – the F-150 Limited.

"The F-150 Limited signifies the highest levels of design refinement, luxury and technology that we've ever offered in a Built Ford Tough pickup truck," said Ford Group Vice President for Product Development, Raj Nair. "The F-150 Limited reflects a growing trend – more and more customers today have high expectations for luxury and convenience, yet their needs call for a truly capable truck."

Ford leads the luxury truck segment. In 1999, the company introduced the special-edition 2000 Harley-Davidson F-150. In 2001, the first King Ranch F-150 arrived. The 2009 F-150 took truck luxury to new heights with the Platinum model.

Today, more than 30 percent of F-150 sales are from these high-end trims, with MSRPs that start at more than $35,000 and reach almost $50,000.

Limited meets the still untapped and growing luxury needs of customers and dealers interested in exclusivity and fine craftsmanship who want to differentiate themselves from other high-end options. F-150 Limited surpasses the well-appointed Lariat, western-themed King Ranch and contemporary Platinum.

Refined exterior design
The 2013 Ford F-150 Limited design combines unique 22-inch polished aluminum wheels and center caps with a monochromatic exterior theme available in three handsome hues – Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Tuxedo Black Metallic and White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat.

The theme carries through the F-150 Limited exterior design with body-color front and rear bumpers, front bumper valance, sideview mirror caps, wheel-lip molding, upper fascia and grille surround.

Segment-first HID headlamps provide a signature look while delivering two and a half times more light than conventional halogen lamps. Lamp detailing even incorporates F-150 insignias.

Jewel-like chrome highlights the bold three-bar grille, tie-down hooks lining the cargo box, the single tip of the tuned exhaust and the tow hooks on 4x4 variants. "LIMITED" dimensional lettering accents the box sides.

F-150 Limited is available exclusively with a SuperCrew four-door cab configuration.

Inside Limited
Rich red and black full-grain leather seats take luxury and style to new heights in trucks – capitalizing on a trend seen in other high-end luxury vehicles. The seats also offer cooling and heating with memory functionality to remember seating preferences for two different drivers. Head restraints are four-way-adjustable and second-row seats are heated, too.

Aluminum trims the center panel and console, lending a sophisticated yet technical touch that complements the piano black accents. Ambient lighting can shift the mood of the F-150 Limited interior, offering five accent colors.

A standard moonroof provides the upward view, while the rear view camera aids maneuvering visibility. Voice-activated navigation offers a bird's-eye view via a centrally mounted 8-inch LCD screen. A power-sliding rear window features privacy tint and defrost functionality.

Connectivity comes standard with MyFord Touch® powered by SYNC®. Designers have optimized the physical interface for MyFord Touch to accommodate truck users who may be wearing work gloves by providing easy access to climate controls and audio presets on the center stack.

Limited offers a unique gauge cluster design with a 4.2-inch driver-programmable productivity screen that can be customized to monitor various vehicle systems. The new series level also includes a media hub with USB ports, an SD-card reader and RCA video input jacks. A powerful Sony® Audio System is standard.

Built Ford Tough
F-150 Limited brings uncompromised capability for entrepreneurial and lifestyle pursuits with an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode, trailer tow package, trailer brake controller, Reverse Sensing System, power-deployable running boards and a 110-volt power inverter.

PowerFold side mirrors keep warm and dry in inclement weather and help ensure driver visibility with heated glass, memory position functionality, puddle lamps, turn signals and self-dimming actuation.

F-150 Limited is powered exclusively by Ford's ground breaking 3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost® engine, featuring:
• 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
• Unsurpassed 22 mpg highway for 4x2 model
• Twin independent variable camshaft timing for improved fuel economy
• Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors
• Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm

To complement that power, sport-tuned dampers are fitted front and rear for confidence-inspiring road dynamics.

F-150 Limited arrives at dealerships this fall.

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Auto News - Jaguar F-Type prototype to take the hill at Goodwood

Auto News - Jaguar F-Type prototype to take the hill at Goodwood. Jaguar is taking its still-in-development F-Type to the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month. Mike Cross, Jaguar's head of vehicle integrity, will be piloting the all-aluminum convertible up the hill, and we guess he'll probably have the 380-horsepower, supercharged V6 underhood that we'll see when the production car is introduced next year, though a V8 is also possible. We're just hoping that Jag sees fit to delete the F-filled camouflage on the model seen above and show us the car in all its glory.

Jaguar's new kid should fit nicely with this year's Goodwood theme of "young guns." Scroll down for a press release on the F-Type's appearance.

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Auto News - Toyota to build Yaris in France for North America

Auto News - Toyota to build Yaris in France for North America. Toyota has already made it abundantly clear the company intends to scale back production in Japan in an attempt to combat the ever-strengthening Yen, and now it looks as if we know one of the ways the automaker plans to do so. Toyota has announced it will manufacture U.S. and Canadian-spec Yaris models in its Onnaing-Valenciennes facility in France. The plant has been producing the Yaris hatchback for European buyers since 2001, though this marks the first time in Toyota history that the automaker has built a vehicle in Europe and imported the model to the States.

North American-spec Yaris models differ slightly from their European counterparts. In addition to using different fascia designs front and rear, the NA model comes available with an automatic transmission and a market-specific 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. There is some differentiation in safety equipment between the two models as well.

Japanese automakers have recently revealed that building cars in Japan and exporting them around the globe is quickly becoming a money-losing proposition. Honda has made it clear the company is seeking alternatives to producing models like the Fit and CR-Z in Japan due to the high costs associated with exporting the vehicles.

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Video - Yes, Virginia, you can drift a 17-horsepower Renault Twizy

Video - Yes, Virginia, you can drift a 17-horsepower Renault Twizy. On one side of the Renault Twizy ledger you have a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive "coupe" with instant torque and a RenaultSport-tuned suspension. On the other, you have the equivalent of 17 horsepower. None of those figures would keep Autocar's Steve Sutcliffe from getting to the bottom line, which was to see if he could make the Twizy drift.

Before you ask, no, the video does not contain any electronic music nor a panda in a suit. But it's still worth watching the segment below. As an added bonus, we've included a video of the scissor-doored city car hooking up on the dyno, as well.

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