2011 Ford Edge: Along with its Lincoln platform-mate, the MKX, the Ford Edge two-row crossover gets a substantial reworking for 2011. First, the bun-shaped Edge gets a revised exterior look with a new monstrous front grille and an overall higher-end look. The interior, always a weak spot for the first version of the Edge, gets entirely redesigned with material more consistent with the vehicle's price. And Ford is making a big push for tech and gadget leadership with the Edge. It is the first Ford to use the new MyFord Touch information and entertainment interface, which uses two small screens in the instrument panel, a large screen in the center of the dash and a couple of five-way controllers on the steering wheel to herd all the Edge's myriad electronic doodads into some semblance of sense. More compelling to us is the 2011 Edge's reworked braking system — which replaces a frankly substandard system in the original Edge — a reworked suspension and wider tires to whip the Edge's handling and steering feel into shape. Ford also improved the Edge's sound-deadening abilities, which lend it a perception of quality. The Sport model for 2011 is more differentiated from the regular models. It now has an exclusive 3.7-liter, 305-horsepower V6 that is the base motor from the 2011 Mustang. The model also carries a blacked-out nose and absurdly large 22-inch polished rims.
2011 Ford Escape/2011 Ford Escape Hybrid: The 2011 Escape and Escape Hybrid are available with HD radio to go along with Active Park Assist, which parallel parks your cute-ute for you at the push of a button.
2011 Ford E-Series: The big old E-Series van celebrates its 50th year on the market with the availability of the Sync voice-activated communications and entertainment system, Ford Works Solutions suite of technology and an available navigation system and HD radio.
2011 Ford Expedition: This conventional body-on-frame full-size SUV gets a few changes for 2011 including standard Trailer Sway Control. The Sync system adds traffic, directions and information. The optional voice-activated navigation system includes HD radio. There's also a new headrest-mounted, dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system. The Expedition and its longer brother, the Expedition EL, continue on with the familiar 5.4-liter V8, although we expect that will be replaced with a version of the new 5.0-liter in the years to come.
2011 Ford Explorer: The SUV that defined an era, the Ford Explorer is back and it isn't like it used to be. First, the Explorer now makes use of unibody construction (just like those sissy crossovers) and you can no longer order a V8. It is based on a front-/all-wheel-drive platform with a transversely mounted engine instead of the old truck-style rear-wheel-drive/longitudinal arrangement. In fact, the Explorer will actually offer a turbocharged 2.0-liter 237-hp four-cylinder engine to go along with a standard 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. Ford is playing up the Explorer's off-road prowess to help differentiate it from the Flex and Chevy Traverse. The four-wheel-drive version even has what Ford calls terrain management. This system, cribbed from Land Rover, allows the driver to select the conditions in which he is driving (snow, sand, mud, etc) and the vehicle will optimize traction and throttle systems. Terrain management is limited, compared to, say, Land Rover's usage of the concept since the Explorer has no low-range gearing. It does, however, have hill descent control, which automatically applies the brakes to maintain a low speed on steep descents. The 2011 Explorer brings a couple of novel technologies to the table, too. It is the first vehicle on the market to use inflatable seatbelts. The standard second-row, outboard inflatable belts spread impact forces five times wider than conventional seatbelts, helping to reduce pressure across the neck and chest. The other new fascination is the Curve Control feature that, using steering wheel and speed sensors can sense when a driver is entering a corner too quickly and automatically apply braking force to slow and stabilize the vehicle.
2011 Ford F-150/2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor: For 2011, Ford has completely overhauled the powertrain options in its F-150 pickup. A V6 option returns to the order sheet with the addition of the 302-hp 3.7-liter V6. This engine, standard with a six-speed automatic transmission, handily beats Chevy's V6 Silverado and elevates the V6-powered, full-size pickup from the lowly fleet to something a customer might actually want to own. Replacing the weak-kneed 5.4-liter Triton V8 is the 360-hp 5.0-liter V8 related to the motor in the Mustang GT. It can tow up to 10,000 pounds. The big 411-hp 6.2-liter V8 is available in certain applications within the F-150 line and offers up to 11,300 pounds of towing capability. This motor is now standard for F-150 specialty models such as the SVT Raptor and F-150 Harley Davidson. The least predictable truck engine is the new 3.5-liter twin-turbo direct-injected V6 (known to Ford marketing as EcoBoost and to Ford engineers as GTDI). This turbo six offers 365 hp and 420 pound-feet of torque and delivers 11,300 pounds of trailer towing capability. All F-150s — except those powered by the 6.2-liter V8 — use a new electric power-assisted steering system.
The run-away hit SVT Raptor off-roading truck drops the 5.4-liter V8 that was last year's base motor and is now exclusively powered by the 411-hp 6.2-liter V8. For 2011, the Raptor is available as a SuperCrew model (with four full-size doors) in addition to the SuperCab model. Ingot Silver Metallic is the model's new-for-2011 paint color. And in addition to the "digital mud" decals that have been available on the Raptor from the start, 2011 brings optional matte-black hood graphics. The gauges now have black faces instead of the white that we've grown used to in SVT products and a 4.2-inch LCD screen is integrated in the center of those gauges. The screen offers information related to off-road and towing performance. An off-road screen informs the driver about steering wheel angle and vehicle angle on a grade during off-road maneuvers.
2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty: The Ford Super Duty pickup's front end is so big and bold and vaguely cartoonish that it can be expressed in a few keyboard strokes. Behind that bigness is the new 6.2-liter V8 pumping out 385 hp and a heapin' helpin' of torque (405 lb-ft). Bigger and more powerful news comes in the form of the new Ford-designed 6.7-liter PowerStroke turbodiesel V8. This lump pumps out 390 hp and a staggering 735 lb-ft of torque (at an equally staggering 1,600 rpm). Both engines are mated to the new TorqShift 6R140 six-speed automatic transmission. This unit has a refined tow-haul mode with integrated engine exhaust braking. Ford also says that through recalibration of the suspension it has made the Super Duty more comfortable and confidence-inspiring. Ford's Trailer Sway Control, which is integrated into the truck's stability control system, is now standard on all single-rear-wheel configurations.
2011 Ford Fiesta: With all of Ford's fevered marketing of the Fiesta, it seems as if the little hatch and sedan have been around a while. But, indeed, 2011 is the first model year for the Honda Fit/Toyota Yaris competitor. Mildly modified from the successful European version, the North American-market Fiesta is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 120 hp and is offered with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, which takes the place of a conventional automatic in the lineup. Built in Mexico, the Fiesta is projected to return 30 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway when equipped with the dual-clutch tranny. To our eyes, the five-door version is a great-looking little thing, much less dorky than the tall-looking sedan. It might not quite live up to the party-on-wheels that its name suggests but it is fun to drive.
2011 Ford Flex: How would you feel about a Ford Flex that starts at just a hair under $46,000? That's the base price on the new-for-2011 super Flex, the Flex Titanium. It comes with Ford's excellent 355-hp EcoBoost V6 (the Titanium is also offered for less money with the naturally aspirated V6) and unique exterior trim and wheels, and comes standard with a host of standard equipment including the popular Convenience package, which includes adjustable pedals, memory driver seat, power heated mirrors, a power liftgate and a 110-volt inverter. All Flex models head into 2011 with HD radio for the available voice-activated navigation system package. And yes, the second-row refrigerator is still available.
2011 Ford Focus: This Focus, the model in which Sync debuted several years ago, is essentially a lame-duck model. An all-new Focus that is effectively identical to its European counterpart will debut early in 2011 as a 2012 model. As Ford builds out the remainder of these old-model Focuses, it has dropped the two-door model. All 2011 Focuses are four-door sedans.
2011 Ford Fusion/Fusion Hybrid: Heavily reworked as an early 2010 model, the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are little changed for 2011. HD radio is now offered, as are rain-sensing windshield wipers. A Luxury package with either Ginger or Charcoal Black interior "environments" is offered with leather trim with contrasting stitching, machined aluminum pedals and illuminated door sills.
2011 Ford Mustang/2011 Ford Shelby GT500/2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302: The 2011 model year is another big one for Mustang. You'll recall that the Mustang was redesigned inside and out for 2010. Now the Mustang gets a stronger engine and transmission lineup. Award for most improved must go to the standard V6 Mustang, which for 2011 ditches the boat-anchor 4.0-liter in favor of the lighter, smaller, more fuel-efficient and much more powerful 3.7-liter V6. The 305-hp V6, which can be had with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, catapults the Mustang V6 out of wimpy, poseur-car status and into the realm of respectability. The base Mustang's suspension has been retuned to provide better cornering response and it also gets a standard limited-slip differential. Nice. Want to take it a step further? There's the new Mustang V6 Performance package to consider. It includes a shorter axle ratio (3.31:1), firmer Mustang GT suspension settings, 19-inch wheels wearing summer tires, a strut-tower brace and a unique stability control calibration with a Sport mode for aggressive driving.
The bigger news for longtime Mustang fans is the return of the 5.0-liter V8 to the Mustang GT's engine bay. This 412-hp all-aluminum V8 shares nothing but its displacement with the old 5.0, but the name still carries weight with Mustang guys. The 5.0 can be had with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Like the V6-powered Mustang, the GT now comes with electric power-assist steering, has a slightly revised suspension tuning and benefits from NVH improvements.
Here's what the Shelby GT500 did not need: more horsepower. But while SVT was working up some changes for the 2011 model, it found an extra 10 hp, bringing the GT500's total to 550 hp. More importantly, the 5.4-liter supercharged motor now uses an aluminum block in place of the old iron lump. This saves 102 pounds of weight — right where the GT500 always needed to shed a few pounds, over the front axle. To up the handling ante a bit more, SVT created the Performance package, which includes expensive and hyper-aggressive Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G: 2 tires. The wheels to which they are mounted are a bit lighter than standard, the rear axle ratio is shorter and the ride height is lowered on stiffer springs. The convertible version of the GT500 gets some much needed structural improvements. All GT500s get a new freer-flowing, noisier exhaust and, oh yeah, road noise is reduced through the use of more sound-deadening material.
2011 Ford Ranger: The near-dead small pickup from Ford gets stability control with Ford's Roll Stability Control function for 2011 along with a standard Class III trailer hitch. A new Ranger was unveiled recently by Ford but alas, it is not destined for the U.S.
2011 Ford Taurus: There isn't much happening with these big sedans for 2011. The standard Taurus sedan is available with three new paint colors: Bordeaux Reserve Red, Kona Blue and Sterling Gray. Nothing's new on the SHO model for 2011.
2011 Ford Transit Connect: There's a surprising amount of stuff happening with the Transit Connect for 2011. Ford will offer its little cargo van in compressed natural gas and liquid propane prepped versions primarily for fleets. There is also a taxi prep package that includes a repositioned rear seat, vinyl seat surfaces, a rear air/heat blower and a wiring block connector for taxi-specific accessories and electrical equipment. Also for 2011, the Transit Connect is available in the XLT Premium Wagon Mobility Motoring package with additional grab handles and pre-wiring for mobility accessories. Ford is also offering commercial customers an online program that they can use to create their own custom graphics using a library of shapes, lettering and colors or they can upload their own images to the site. A battery-electric version of the Transit Connect enters the lineup at the beginning of 2011.
2011 Lincoln MKS: Lincoln's big sedan, available in both normally aspirated and turbo forms, is little changed for 2011. Four new colors are available (Bordeaux Reserve Red, Kona Blue, Sterling Gray and Silver Diamond). And four colors are canceled (Atlantis Green, Cinnamon, Ingot Silver and Steel Blue). The MKS also gets an updated audio-navigation system with an internal disc drive, a 10GB music jukebox and Sirius Travel Link along with THX II 5.1 surround sound, HD Radio and an in-dash single slot for discs.
2011 Lincoln MKT: The MKT gets the same upgraded audio-navigation system as the MKS. For 2011, the MKT can also be had in three new paint colors (Bordeaux Reserve Red, Earth Metallic and Kona Blue, which sounds, you know, ugly). Cinnamon, Steel Blue and Sterling Gray are no longer available. The one-touch power-fold-and-tumble third-row seat is now included in the Elite package.
2011 Lincoln MKX: The MKX, along with its two-row crossover cousin, the Ford Edge, receives a quite substantial reworking for 2011. Most noticeable is the new look with the split-grille or "bow-wave" grille that's made its way through all recently redesigned Lincolns. The rear-end styling was also substantially changed with LED taillamps. The interior has actually undergone an even more significant transformation, going from mediocre to class-competitive in a tough class. The biggest gee-whiz feature is the debut of the MyLincoln Touch system, a new entertainment and information interface. It is exactly like the MyFord Touch system that debuted on the 2011 Edge except...you know, more Lincoln. This means in place of the garish colors used by Ford, the Lincoln has a jewel-tone scheme. Should you hate buttons and *****, your MKX will please you with its touch-sensitive (iPod style) controls. We think they're gimmicky. The MKX is a more convincing luxury vehicle than the model it replaces and is available with just about every nicety available anywhere within the Ford world. It's powered by a version of the Mustang's 3.7-liter V6 bolted to a six-speed automatic. It can be ordered in front-drive or all-wheel-drive form.
2011 Lincoln MKZ: The big news for Lincoln's little sedan is the availability of a new hybrid model. Just as the standard MKZ shares many of its parts with the Ford Fusion, so the MKZ Hybrid apes the Fusion Hybrid. There's no shame in that. We think the Fusion Hybrid is one of the best-driving hybrids on the market. The MKZ Hybrid uses the same 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder as the Ford version combined with a 275-volt sealed nickel-metal hydride battery, a CVT (continuously variable transmission), a 70 kW electric motor and regenerative braking to deliver a combined output of 191 horsepower while returning an estimated 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The MKZ line gets three new paint colors and sheds three others. It also gets new HD Radio capability and a new available voice-activated communications and entertainment system.
2011 Lincoln Navigator: The shine might be off the full-size SUV market, but this big boy is still a profitable endeavor for Lincoln (as long as the corporation builds the Ford Expedition, it might as well continue to build the more profitable version). Headlining the changes for 2011: 20-inch polished aluminum wheels replace 20-inch chrome aluminum wheels. So there's that. The interior gets a trim makeover with burnished bronze accents replacing satin-nickel, Olive Ash wood trim takes over for Fineline Ebony and Walnut Swirl Wood trim replaces Figured Maple. The 2011 Navigator, like most of the Lincoln line, gets an updated voice-activated "LincolnSync" stereo-navigation system.
2011 Lincoln Town Car: Nothing at all changes for 2011. In fact, we'll let you in on a little secret: The photos of the Town Car above were actually taken in 2007. But Lincoln says nothing has changed since then, and since the company hasn't bothered to shoot any newer photos, they said we should just use those. The Townie's date with the gallows is set for before September 1, 2011. It is available to private, non-livery customers, but it's a special factory order deal. A version of the MKT crossover will take over the livery duties for the venerable Town Car.

 

Moving to 'Other Fords,' but will leave a link for a day . .