2006 Ford E350 12 Passenger Van on 2040-cars

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Ford's new Focus RS hatches hot and heads for America

The hot hatch market is heating up, and heating up fast. What you see here is Ford's new challenger for pocket-rocket supremacy, the third iteration of the breed and the 30th model to wear the Rallye Sport designation. But perhaps best of all, it will be the first time Ford will offer a new Focus RS in America. Following yesterday's leak, the latest Ford Focus RS is now ready to step out into the light and light up its tires. Answering the call is the same 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo four as you'd find in the new Mustang, but upgraded with a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger, larger compressor and intercooler, freer-flowing intake, large-bore dual-pipe exhaust with electronically controlled valve and upgraded internal components. The result is a 6,500-rpm redline (closer to that of Ford's atmospheric performance engines) and an output quoted as "well in excess of 315 horsepower" – which is already 5 more than the EcoBoost Mustang and a good 63 more than the existing Focus ST. Power is transmitted to the tarmac through a new performance-focused all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring that can send as much as 70 percent of available twist to the rear wheels (and as much as 100 percent between them). The system works in tandem with the brake-based torque vectoring system and stability control, and will even divert torque to the outside rear wheel under cornering to keep it flat and under control while reducing understeer. Those still suspicious of dual-clutch gearboxes will also be pleased to read that Ford has stuck with a conventional six-speed manual. We'll reserve judgement on the inclusion of the electric power steering until we get a chance to drive it, though. Of course the small team of global Ford Performance engineers who developed the new Focus RS – and the Gymkhana legend Ken Block who consulted on the project – didn't just tinker with the powertrain and leave it at that. The suspension features stiffer spring rates, bushings and anti-roll bars than the Focus ST, augmented by two-mode switchable dampers. 19-inch alloys wear Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber, with optional Pilot Sport Cup 2 semi-slicks for track-day enthusiasts. Ford has yet to detail the brakes on its new hot hatch, but you can bet they've been upgraded as well.

Ford Transit Skyliner Concept is a Gulfstream for the road

If you are afraid to fly or just want to arrive at your ultimate destination in absolute comfort, then the Ford Transit Skyliner concept might be the perfect vehicle for you. Built by Galpin Auto Sports and based on a 2015 Transit, the van is basically a private jet on wheels. It even has a touch of Transformers about it with the ability to switch between four modes by pressing a button in a smartphone app.
Based on the long wheelbase, high-roof model with 487 cubic feet of cargo space and 6 feet, 9.5 inches of interior height, the Skyliner has movable captains chairs that shift around among four modes. In theater mode, the seats turn and recline to face a 52-inch retractable movie screen with 7.2 surround sound. For business, a motorized table unfolds, and the chairs gather around it. There is a mode for tailgating where the door opens four-feet wide, and, when traveling, passengers can recline back with footrests that extend for maximum comfort.
To make the ride even plusher, there is a satellite and media server to meet your entertainment needs, and there is even a built-in bar in the back. If this Ford had a bathroom, you could live in it. Of course, you would need to hire a driver to enjoy all the amenities in the back.

2016 Ford Focus RS shows up in Geneva, still bound for America [w/video]

Representing the super-hot hatchback movement at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, we have the 2015 Ford Focus RS, the third-generation to wear the performance-focused designation. Bound for America for the first time, it's fair to say we're darn excited for the Focus RS and its 2.3-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder. With at least 315 horsepower under the hood and the long-awaited inclusion of an all-wheel-drive system, there's little arguing that the RS will be seriously quick off the line. It should be darn good through the bends, too. The all-wheel-drive system packs a Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control system that sends up to 70 percent of the power to the rear axle. On top of the AWD's torque vectoring ability, the Focus RS adds a brake-based torque vectoring system, which transfers power laterally, as needed. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires should only help keep the RS glued to the tarmac. A three-pedal setup is the sole transmission option, which should delight purists. According to Ford, both the clutch and the trans itself have been bolstered to handle the 2.3-liter's power. Ford also comprehensively upgraded the looks of the Focus RS relative to the lesser Focus ST. Its enormous rear wing and the back bumper's rear diffuser complement the car's menacing face. The ST's center-exit exhaust has been ditched for a meaty set of pipes, while the car on display in Geneva shows off a different set of alloys than what we saw during the car's original debut. Check out our full gallery of live photos of this hot Ford, available up top. And be sure to check out our Short Cut of the new hot hatch by scrolling down. All-New Ford Focus RS; High-Performance Hatch with Innovative All-Wheel Drive Set for U.S. Debut - Third-generation Ford Focus RS will be available in major markets around the world and for the first time in the United States; Focus RS follows the reveal last month of the new Ford GT supercar – a new era of Ford performance that will deliver 12 new vehicles by 2020 - All-new Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control paired with a powerful 2.3-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine will provide impressive performance - Aggressive, functional design inside and out makes Focus RS the most powerful production Focus ever, with highly capable performance on both road and track - Professional rally driver and star of Gymkhana films Ken Block teamed with Ford as a consultant on development of Focus RS Cologne, Germany, Feb.