Showing posts with label s. Show all posts
Showing posts with label s. Show all posts
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Car Review Ford S MAX 2 5 Titanium
OverviewIts the most eagerly awaited new Ford since the Focus - and with sales of large family cars in freefall, its crucial to the firms success. The all-new S-MAX is the blue ovals practical vision of the future, and promises a fun driving experience and a flexible seven-seat cabin, wrapped up in a sporty body. On sale in June, the new MPV will be priced from £16,995. Its more costly than the traditional Mondeo, but is it really as good as it sounds? Auto Express got behind the wheel to find out.
Based on the daring SAV concept - which debuted at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show - the S-MAX features bold lights, a steeply slanting screen and rakish profile. As a result, it is the sportiest-looking MPV yet launched.
The styling also disguises the cars size. Longer than the current Galaxy, its only 50mm shorter than the forthcoming model - which Auto Express drove last week (issue 904). The two cars share suspension and chassis components, which will also be used to underpin an all-new Mondeo.
IN THE CABIN
Behind the wheel
The S-Maxs driving position is lower than many MPVs; its a matter of personal taste whether this suits you or not. Either way, the seats and steering wheel have plenty of adjustment, and the dash is clearly laid out and places everything in easy reach. Visibility – as with most MPVs – is compromised slightly by the four front pillars.
Space & practicality
The S-Maxs ample headroom and legroom mean that five people can sit in comfort. Access to the rear seats is good and kids will be happy there, but the low-slung seating position means adults wont relish long journeys. The five rear seats fold flat rather than lift out, and when used as a five-seater theres a huge, well shaped boot. Even with all seven seats in use, theres still space for a couple of bags.
Equipment
Every S-Max comes stuffed with airbags – there are front and side airbags for the two front seats, while window airbags cover the front two rows. Theres also an airbag next to the steering column to protect the drivers knee. Anti-lock brakes are standard, but stability control is expected to be a cost option on most models. An alarm and deadlocks are fitted to all models.
ON THE ROAD
Performance
The S-Max has two petrol engines (a 143bhp 2.0-litre unit and a 217bhp turbocharged 2.5-litre motor), and two turbodiesels (a 123bhp 1.8-litre and 138bhp 2.0-litre). So far, weve only driven the 2.5-litre petrol, which uses a version of the Focus STs engine. Our experience of the 2.0-litre diesel in the new Galaxy suggests its a good performer.
Ride & handling
Ford reckons the S-Max is an MPV for those that enjoy driving. We agree; informative steering, plenty of grip and good body control make it surprisingly sharp on twisty roads, although 2.0-litre diesel versions have a less involving steering system. When family duties take priority, the suspension is supple enough to provide good comfort.
Refinement
Although the S-Maxs large glass area creates more wind noise than many saloon rivals, it does a great job of shutting out road and suspension noise, so its an impressively quiet cruiser. Weve yet to drive all variants, but we can confirm that the 2.5-litre petrol engine is exceptionally quiet, with just a cultured rumble when extended.
Quality & reliability
The S-Maxs interior design is more conventional than rivals such as the Citroen C8 and Renault Espace, but its stylish, solidly built and there are plenty of appealing, soft-touch materials on the top of the dash and doors. Lower down and further back the plastics arent as attractive, however.
Safety & security
Every S-Max comes stuffed with airbags – there are front and side airbags for the two front seats, while window airbags cover the front two rows. Theres also an airbag next to the steering column to protect the drivers knee. Anti-lock brakes are standard, but stability control is expected to be a cost option on most models. An alarm and deadlocks are fitted to all models.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
NEW FORD S MAX STRENGTHENS EUROPEAN RANGE
Ford of Europe has named officially the production version of its acclaimed SAV Concept vehicle. It will be called the Ford S-MAX to indicate that it matches sports style and exquisite driving pleasure with flexible and spacious accommodation.
The Ford S-MAX is a new model in the Ford of Europe vehicle portfolio, building on the successful Focus C-MAX multi-activity vehicle and positioned between the Ford Mondeo Wagon and the seven-seat Ford Galaxy MPV.
It will be built alongside the new Ford Galaxy and the Mondeo, at Fords production facility in Genk, Belgium. Prices will be announced around the time the S-MAX goes on sale in the middle of this year.
Further details and technical specifications will be released to coincide with the cars public debut at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show in March.
A new name for a new type of vehicle
The Ford S-MAX demonstrates the potential within the large car market for a non-traditional three-seat-row vehicle with the profile, proportions and appearance that reflect an active lifestyle. It also indicates the potential for even more diversity in the heart of the Ford family car range, taking Ford into a new segment of the market. S-MAX customers will be able to specify the vehicle with either a two or three seat row version of the new Ford Fold Flat System (FFS) providing a 5-seat, or 5+2 seating configuration. This takes the flexible accommodation offered by Fords other MAX vehicle, the Ford Focus C-MAX, one step further, while its S designation indicates that maximum space is provided in a sporty profile, and without sacrificing driving pleasure or style.
Ford design and engineering
With the Ford S-MAX and the new Ford Galaxy, Ford is expanding its presence significantly in the large car market. To do this the company has executed the programme completely in-house, in contrast with the joint venture that produced the highly successful, previous Ford Galaxy model. The S-MAX is the first production model from the company to feature elements of the kinetic design direction first shown on the iosis concept vehicle at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year.
This has been made possible by Ford’s shared technology approach, which has the potential to create more diverse body styles and vehicle formats.
Production in Belgium
The Ford S-MAX is being produced in Genk, Belgium, home of the Ford Mondeo, where a 715 million Euro investment programme is currently being implemented, primarily in a new flexible manufacturing system.
More than 12 million vehicles have been built at Fords Genk plant since it opened in 1964. The Belgian facility is one of the most modern vehicle assembly plants in Europe and a cornerstone of Ford of Europes lean manufacturing strategy. Genk will also produce the next generation Mondeo from 2007.
The plant is currently working in two shifts and employs 4,946 employees. Last year 207,163 vehicles were produced at Genk.
source:media.ford.com
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The Ford S-MAX is a new model in the Ford of Europe vehicle portfolio, building on the successful Focus C-MAX multi-activity vehicle and positioned between the Ford Mondeo Wagon and the seven-seat Ford Galaxy MPV.
It will be built alongside the new Ford Galaxy and the Mondeo, at Fords production facility in Genk, Belgium. Prices will be announced around the time the S-MAX goes on sale in the middle of this year.
Further details and technical specifications will be released to coincide with the cars public debut at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show in March.
A new name for a new type of vehicle
The Ford S-MAX demonstrates the potential within the large car market for a non-traditional three-seat-row vehicle with the profile, proportions and appearance that reflect an active lifestyle. It also indicates the potential for even more diversity in the heart of the Ford family car range, taking Ford into a new segment of the market. S-MAX customers will be able to specify the vehicle with either a two or three seat row version of the new Ford Fold Flat System (FFS) providing a 5-seat, or 5+2 seating configuration. This takes the flexible accommodation offered by Fords other MAX vehicle, the Ford Focus C-MAX, one step further, while its S designation indicates that maximum space is provided in a sporty profile, and without sacrificing driving pleasure or style.
Ford design and engineering
With the Ford S-MAX and the new Ford Galaxy, Ford is expanding its presence significantly in the large car market. To do this the company has executed the programme completely in-house, in contrast with the joint venture that produced the highly successful, previous Ford Galaxy model. The S-MAX is the first production model from the company to feature elements of the kinetic design direction first shown on the iosis concept vehicle at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year.
This has been made possible by Ford’s shared technology approach, which has the potential to create more diverse body styles and vehicle formats.
Production in Belgium
The Ford S-MAX is being produced in Genk, Belgium, home of the Ford Mondeo, where a 715 million Euro investment programme is currently being implemented, primarily in a new flexible manufacturing system.
More than 12 million vehicles have been built at Fords Genk plant since it opened in 1964. The Belgian facility is one of the most modern vehicle assembly plants in Europe and a cornerstone of Ford of Europes lean manufacturing strategy. Genk will also produce the next generation Mondeo from 2007.
The plant is currently working in two shifts and employs 4,946 employees. Last year 207,163 vehicles were produced at Genk.
source:media.ford.com
Friday, July 5, 2013
2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Roadster
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| 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Roadster |
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| 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Roadster Exterior |
The new 4.7-litre V8 finally brings the Vantage’s bark in line with its actual bite. Where the old car sounded fast and then tended to be just a little flatter than you imagined, the new one feels infinitely more brawny. It’s a strange one because the figures aren’t all that different from the old car; bhp is up from 380 to 420 giving just 0.1 of a second’s edge 0-62mph. There’s also ‘only’ a 5mph increase in top speed to 180mph, but its in the mid-range (overtaking, corner-exit) that you’ll notice. This car goes hard and looks good.
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| 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Roadster Exterior |
> Two-seat, two-door coupe or soft-cover convertible top body style
Engine:
> All-alloy quad overhead camshaft, 32-valve 4735 cc V8
> Max power 321 kW (430 bhp/436 PS) at 7300 rpm
> Max torque 490 Nm (361 Ib ft) at 5000 rpm
> Acceleration 0—100 km/h (62 mph) 4.6 seconds (predicted)
> Max speed 305 km/h (190 mph)
Transmission:
> Rear mid-mounted ‘Sportshift ll’ seven-speed automated manual transmission
> Alloy torque tube with carbon-fibre propeller shaft
> Umited-slip differential
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| 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Roadster Interior |
> Full-grain leather interior
> Piano black facia trim with Graphite centre console finish and Iridium Silver surround
> Leather sports steering wheel
> Electrically adjustable Sports seats with side airbags
> Dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags
> Poweríold exterior heated mirrors
> Trip computer
> Cruise control
> Bluetooth® telephone preparation
> Satellite navigation1
> Rear parking sensors
> Tyre-pressure monitoring1
> Alarm and immobiliser
> Remote-control central door locking and boot release
> Machined black ‘S’ theme tread plates
> Embroidered ‘Vantage S’ seat and carpet logo
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| 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Roadster Interior |
> 160 W Aston Martin audio system with six-CD autochanger
> Integrated Apple iPod® connector2
> USB connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Player (WMA) and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility
> 3.5 mm auxiliary input socket
2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Roadster Price: £98,995 - £110,700
Thursday, July 4, 2013
2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S
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| 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Coupe |
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| 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Front |
2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Coupe its heart sits a potent 4.7-litre engine, producing 430 bhp and 490 Nm, mated to a bespoke seven-speed ‘Sportshift ll’ paddle-operated transmission and short fina l-drive ratio delivering exceptional in-gear acceleration for a searing sense of urgency. Featuring race-winning aerodynamics honed in GT racing, and unique interior detailing, theVß Vantage S ¡san overtly sporting Vantage. Aimed at the keenest of drivers, its sensational performance, ride and handling characteristics make the V8 Vantage S the benchmark sports car.
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| 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Back |
> Two-seat, two-door coupe or soft-cover convertible top body style
Engine:
> All-alloy quad overhead camshaft, 32-valve 4735 cc V8
> Max power 321 kW (430 bhp/436 PS) at 7300 rpm
> Max torque 490 Nm (361 Ib ft) at 5000 rpm
> Acceleration 0—100 km/h (62 mph) 4.6 seconds (predicted)
> Max speed 305 km/h (190 mph)
Transmission:
> Rear mid-mounted ‘Sportshift ll’ seven-speed automated manual transmission
> Alloy torque tube with carbon-fibre propeller shaft
> Umited-slip differential
 |
| 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Interior |
> Full-grain leather interior
> Piano black facia trim with Graphite centre console finish and Iridium Silver surround
> Leather sports steering wheel
> Electrically adjustable Sports seats with side airbags
> Dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags
> Poweríold exterior heated mirrors
> Trip computer
> Cruise control
> Bluetooth® telephone preparation
> Satellite navigation1
> Rear parking sensors
> Tyre-pressure monitoring1
> Alarm and immobiliser
> Remote-control central door locking and boot release
> Machined black ‘S’ theme tread plates
> Embroidered ‘Vantage S’ seat and carpet logo
 |
| 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Interior |
> 160 W Aston Martin audio system with six-CD autochanger
> Integrated Apple iPod® connector2
> USB connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Player (WMA) and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility
> 3.5 mm auxiliary input socket
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