Ford Tweaks 2013 Taurus for a Better Ride
Big Ford sedan offers significant changes for 2013.
The 2013 Ford Taurus isn't even out yet, but this vehicle will reflect some important changes when it debuts in early 2012. Ford's full-size sedan was all-new for the 2010 model year, thus the changes with the 2013 model represent a mid product cycle upgrade, what manufacturers do to keep a product fresh and extend its life cycle.
Driving Dynamics
Ford says that the updated Taurus will offer improved driving dynamics. That will be in evidence through it hard-mounted steering rack with a faster ratio, springs and dampers, which have been optimized to offer improved sedan handling, combined with improved ride quality. Torque vectoring control, is an important safety enhancement, a nearly seamless method of increasing braking force on the inside front wheel while cornering.
On the exterior, the 2013 Ford Taurus was benchmarked against the Audi A6 for fit and finish. The look is similar except for larger wheels and tires and a more robust hood, but the new Taurus makes use of auto high beam technologies that utilizes a sensor to switch headlamps to high beam when no oncoming traffic is detected. Rain-sensing wipers also detect moisture penetration and pick up or reduce speed based on the amount of rain or snow that is falling.
Refined Interior
Inside, the updated Taurus gains a new heated steering wheel to go with its heated and cooled seating surfaces. This model also features push button start, a rear view camera with an 8-inch screen and a rear window power sunshade.
As before, Ford is big on offering navigation and audio connectivity choices across the entire Taurus line.
New Engine Choice
The most significant change for the 2013 Ford Taurus will be what is found underneath of its hood, at least in some models. You'll still be able to get the standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Ford will also make available a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four cylinder engine and pair that with a six-speed automatic transmission.
While an engine of this size seems quite small for such a large vehicle, Ford has demonstrated that by including turbocharging with direct fuel injection and valve lift technology, it can produce a smaller engine with outsized power. Moreover, this engine is expected to deliver 31 mpg highway, an impressive number for a large car.
Ford originally estimated that the engine would deliver 237 horsepower and 250 foot-pounds of torque. However, as available in the 2012 Ford Explorer and 2012 Ford Edge, this engine delivers 240 horsepower and 270 foot-pounds of torque, comparable to what many V-6 engines offer while offering better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Technology Enhancements
Lastly, the 2013 Ford Taurus gains a number of technology enhancements including MyFord Touch, powered by the latest version of SYNC, its award-winning voice control system. The car will also feature more expanded use of soft-touch, high-quality materials, a flock-lined glovebox and console storage, and new switchgear, rounding out a vehicle that performs well in the competitive full-size premium sedan segment.
The 2013 Ford Taurus isn't even out yet, but this vehicle will reflect some important changes when it debuts in early 2012. Ford's full-size sedan was all-new for the 2010 model year, thus the changes with the 2013 model represent a mid product cycle upgrade, what manufacturers do to keep a product fresh and extend its life cycle.
Driving Dynamics
Ford says that the updated Taurus will offer improved driving dynamics. That will be in evidence through it hard-mounted steering rack with a faster ratio, springs and dampers, which have been optimized to offer improved sedan handling, combined with improved ride quality. Torque vectoring control, is an important safety enhancement, a nearly seamless method of increasing braking force on the inside front wheel while cornering.
On the exterior, the 2013 Ford Taurus was benchmarked against the Audi A6 for fit and finish. The look is similar except for larger wheels and tires and a more robust hood, but the new Taurus makes use of auto high beam technologies that utilizes a sensor to switch headlamps to high beam when no oncoming traffic is detected. Rain-sensing wipers also detect moisture penetration and pick up or reduce speed based on the amount of rain or snow that is falling.
Refined Interior
Inside, the updated Taurus gains a new heated steering wheel to go with its heated and cooled seating surfaces. This model also features push button start, a rear view camera with an 8-inch screen and a rear window power sunshade.
As before, Ford is big on offering navigation and audio connectivity choices across the entire Taurus line.
New Engine Choice
The most significant change for the 2013 Ford Taurus will be what is found underneath of its hood, at least in some models. You'll still be able to get the standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Ford will also make available a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four cylinder engine and pair that with a six-speed automatic transmission.
While an engine of this size seems quite small for such a large vehicle, Ford has demonstrated that by including turbocharging with direct fuel injection and valve lift technology, it can produce a smaller engine with outsized power. Moreover, this engine is expected to deliver 31 mpg highway, an impressive number for a large car.
Ford originally estimated that the engine would deliver 237 horsepower and 250 foot-pounds of torque. However, as available in the 2012 Ford Explorer and 2012 Ford Edge, this engine delivers 240 horsepower and 270 foot-pounds of torque, comparable to what many V-6 engines offer while offering better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Technology Enhancements
Lastly, the 2013 Ford Taurus gains a number of technology enhancements including MyFord Touch, powered by the latest version of SYNC, its award-winning voice control system. The car will also feature more expanded use of soft-touch, high-quality materials, a flock-lined glovebox and console storage, and new switchgear, rounding out a vehicle that performs well in the competitive full-size premium sedan segment.
Matthew C. Keegan is editor and publisher of "Auto Trends
Magazine." Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and
affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts
including Ford Excursion parts and Ford F-350 parts.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan
publié par Unknown @ 13:04
0 commentaires
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire
Abonnement Publier les commentaires [Atom]
<< Accueil