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2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost already hitting 12-second quarters

The arrival of a new Ford Mustang means many things to many people, but not least of them is drag racers. The pony car has always been a mainstay of the drag strip, and the Ford Racing team aims to carry that reputation forward with this latest generation. So it cooked up a few basic modifications on three new 'Stangs and headed to the strips at US 131 and Milan Dragway to see what they could coax out of 'em.
Impressively, the 5.0-liter V8 Mustang GT with a few modifications (but no forced induction) managed to clock a quarter-mile time of 11.77 seconds. Another Mustang GT fitted with a supercharger clocked a blistering 10.97 seconds. But just as intriguing was the modified EcoBoost model that, with only four cylinders and 2.3 liters of displacement, still passed the gates in just 12.56 seconds - nearly half a second better than expected. This with modification limited to a new subframe, half-shaft, drive shaft loops, exhaust, engine calibration, slicks, roll cage and bucket seat. Well done, boys.

8 automakers, 15 utilities collaborate on open smart-charging for EVs

We're going to lead with General Motors here. GM is one of eight automakers working with 15 utilities and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) at developing a "smart" plug-in vehicle charging system. Why did we start with GM? Because it's the first automaker whose press release we read that mentioned the other seven automakers. Points for sharing. For the record, the collaboration also includes BMW, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Chrysler, Mitsubishi and Ford. The utilities include DTE Energy, Duke Energy, Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas & Electric. The idea is to develop a so-called "demand charging" system in which an integrated system lets the plug-ins and utilities communicate with each other so that vehicle charging is cut back at peak hours, when energy is most expensive, and ramped up when the rates drop. Such entities say there's a sense of urgency to develop such a system because the number of plug-in vehicles on US roads totals more than 225,000 today and is climbing steadily. There's a lot of technology involved, obviously, but the goal is to have an open platform that's compatible with virtually any automaker's plug-in vehicle. No timeframe was disclosed for when such a system could go live but you can find a press release from EPRI below. EPRI, Utilities, Auto Manufacturers to Create an Open Grid Integration Platform for Plug-in Electric Vehicles PALO ALTO, Calif. (July 29, 2014) – The Electric Power Research Institute, 8 automakers and 15 utilities are working to develop and demonstrate an open platform that would integrate plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) with smart grid technologies enabling utilities to support PEV charging regardless of location. The platform will allow manufacturers to offer a customer-friendly interface through which PEV drivers can more easily participate in utility PEV programs, such as rates for off-peak or nighttime charging. The portal for the system would be a utility's communications system and an electric vehicle's telematics system. As the electric grid evolves with smarter functionality, electric vehicles can serve as a distributed energy resource to support grid reliability, stability and efficiency. With more than 225,000 plug-in vehicles on U.S. roads -- and their numbers growing -- they are likely to play a significant role in electricity demand side management.

2016 Ford Explorer order guide revealed

The configurator for the refreshed 2016 Ford Explorer is already up and running. However, if you're the type of person that really likes to dig into the nitty-gritty of a vehicle's features, then the order guide for this latest Ford is now available (pictured right). While the documents don't list fuel economy, engine power or pricing, they give a precise idea of all of the differences separating each of the five trim levels: Base, XLT, Limited, Sport and Platinum. In addition to the tweaked styling across the board, even the Base model now features a rearview camera with a washer. There are also three new colors available: Shadow Black, Blue Jeans Metallic and Guard Metallic. Base, XLT and Limited trims are available with either a 3.5-liter V6 or new, optional 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. All of them are mated to a six-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive is optional with either engine. The new Platinum trim basically loads the Explorer up with everything imaginable. Power comes from the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, matched with all-wheel drive. Plus, the Platinum trim gets standard luxuries like a dual-pane moonroof, adaptive cruise control, a premium sound system and Ford's super-soft Nirvana Leather covering the seats. There are also some new tech features throughout the rest of the lineup. For example, an updated auto-parking system is also available on the Limited but comes standard on the Platinum. Furthermore, a 180-degree front camera and second-row USB charging are optional on the Sport but are standard on the Limited and Platinum. Check out the gallery for even more of the changes. Featured Gallery 2016 Ford Explorer View 30 Photos Related Gallery 2016 Ford Explorer Order Guide View 20 Photos News Source: FordTip: P Design/Style Ford Car Buying SUV order guide