GRUMPY MECHANIC: Time with 2014 Fords
I was recently invited to Ford’s 2014 New Model Review held in Dearborn, Mich. This event gives the media an opportunity to evaluate the latest offerings before the new models are released to the public.
F150 TREMOR
At the end of the early-morning presentation, Ford unveiled its 2014 F-150 Tremor, the automaker’s first sport truck powered by its EcoBoost V-6 engine. Mated to a 6-speed transmission, the 3.5-litre, twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 delivers the goods — 365 horsepower and 420 pound/feet of torque. Given the impressive power delivery, perhaps Ford should have named the truck “Earthquake.” (Naming vehicles is a tricky business ...)
As a regular cab with a shortwheelbase, the Tremor features Ford’s FX Appearance Package with flat-black accents, 20-inch wheels, body side graphics and badges with red lettering.
Interior features include black leather bucket seats with red piping and brushed-metal accents throughout.
Although I didn’t get to drive the Tremor, I participated in the F150 test session that saw participants roll through a neat off-road course located at Ford’s test facility.
There were hill climbs, steep downhills, a boulder/rock-crawling stretch and a chassis supertwist.
The test started off with a small climb, and then quickly got into the chassis tweak and twist section. Honestly, I did expect the test truck to squawk, chirp, groan, or pop in protest, but there was not a sound from the chassis, much to my amazement.
A rock-crawling section will often reveal flaws in a 4X4 buggy, but again the F150 rolled through “Boulder Village” without breaking a sweat.
Yes, the unit was a new truck, but it is still a testament to the quality being delivered at Ford.
The other feature that impressed me was Descent Control. When engaged, Descent Control will significantly slow the vehicle down steep inclines, so the driver can concentrate on picking a good line without having to worry about braking.
It works great.
FIESTA
According to Ford, the Fiesta brings an unparalleled combina- tion of fuel efficiency and fun to the masses. It offers best-in-class fuel efficiency with 41 m.p.g. highway, and in late 2013, the 1.0L EcoBoost comes to North America. I can only hope that this engine will be mated to the slick, sweet shifting six-speed manual transmission. This combination would make perfect sense to me, but I suspect that these cars will come with the Powershift automatic.
The Fiestas I drove were equipped with a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine.
Through the slalom course, the Fiesta proved to be fun, with really good road manners beyond the limit of sane driving. I see the base Fiestas as great commuter cars — more than enough options and goodies to ensure the occupants don’t feel hard done by, and at the same time, it gives the driver a really good driving experience.
As a clever marketing ploy, the media were allowed to look at, touch and sit in (but not drive) the Fiesta ST, the way-bad version of the Fiesta.
Endowed with 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque, I cannot wait to get some seat time in this car and I anticipate it will be a blast to drive when I finally do get the green light.
FUSION ENERGI HYBRID
The tester had a very nice leather interior.
The car is extremely quiet when under electric power.
When more power is required, the internal combustion engine kicks in for an extra boost. I enjoyed the excellent road manners and the responsive feel to the chassis.
According to the company, hybrid sales are strong, especially on the West Coast, where fuel prices are high.
If I was looking for a four-door sedan, I would give this car serious consideration.
EXPLORER
For every Explorer model except the base version, bigger and better brakes are standard. The steering gear is now hardmounted, to improve road feel. I had the chance to drive a new Asian competitor back to back against the Explorer.
The competitor exhibited a large amount of body roll and tire squeal when driven at the limit, whereas the Explorer just seemed to be planted more firmly despite its obvious heft and size.
Ford has been doing many things right in the past number of years.
It is obvious to me that there has been serious time, effort and money spent to develop vehicles that handle well, deliver very good fuel economy and are pleasant to drive.