Ford: C-MAX news **2012 Revealed in Detroit (page 1)**
08-06-2009, 10:37 AM
#1
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
Ford: C-MAX news **2012 Revealed in Detroit (page 1)**
On Monday, we brought you the first photos of Ford’s next-generation C-Max MPV in prototype form. Today we have even better photos and confirmation from several industry sources that the C-Max will be sold in the United States.
From these photos we can see the sliding doors will make it into production, though we reckon its center support will be less radical compared to that of the iosis Max. Despite its disguise, the location of the rail of the sliding door is clearly visible above the fuel filler cap. Overall, the prototype spied today has evolved quite a bit from the cobbled together mule our spy photographers spotted last year.
All in all the production model will be a lot bigger than the show car –- but also a lot less exciting. Expect to see engine offerings similar to today’s C-Max –- plus the 2.0L EcoBoost motor Ford recently announced.
The car is scheduled to make its official debut at next year’s Paris Motor Show. U.S. production will start towards the end of 2011 at Ford’s Michigan Assembly plant in Wayne, MI.
From these photos we can see the sliding doors will make it into production, though we reckon its center support will be less radical compared to that of the iosis Max. Despite its disguise, the location of the rail of the sliding door is clearly visible above the fuel filler cap. Overall, the prototype spied today has evolved quite a bit from the cobbled together mule our spy photographers spotted last year.
All in all the production model will be a lot bigger than the show car –- but also a lot less exciting. Expect to see engine offerings similar to today’s C-Max –- plus the 2.0L EcoBoost motor Ford recently announced.
The car is scheduled to make its official debut at next year’s Paris Motor Show. U.S. production will start towards the end of 2011 at Ford’s Michigan Assembly plant in Wayne, MI.
12-20-2010, 05:39 PM
#3
Senior Moderator
Ford: 2010 C-max
I like it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY9WZX2nr_o
INDUSTRY-FIRST, HANDS-FREE LIFTGATE FROM FORD OFFERS REAL KICK FOR CUSTOMERS WITH PACKAGES
- Ford introduces an industry-first hands-free liftgate that allows customers to quickly and easily unlock and open the rear hatch even when their hands are full
- With the key fob in the owner's possession, a gentle leg motion below the center of the rear bumper activates sensors that cue the system to unlock and raise the rear liftgate
- The hands-free liftgate will debut in the seven-passenger C-MAX crossover, being shown at the 2011 North American International Auto Show
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 20, 2010 – Gesture or motion technology employed in today's video game systems is coming to the new seven-passenger Ford C-MAX crossover, designed with families in mind.
"In the new C-MAX, customers no longer need to set their packages down or fumble to locate their keys to open the rear hatch, especially when their hands are full," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "The hands-free liftgate allows them to easily and quickly open the cargo area with one simple leg motion."
The hands-free liftgate debuts on the Ford C-MAX, which is being shown at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. The C-MAX can seat up to seven and is a popular model in Europe because of its clever combination of style, versatility and fuel efficiency.
Enabled by Intelligent Access with push-button start
The hands-free liftgate is enabled by Intelligent Access with push-button start. This technology allows customers to unlock and start their vehicles without ever having to take out the key. When the key fob is in their possession – kept in a pocket, coat, purse or briefcase – a simple pull on the door handle unlocks the vehicle. Once inside the vehicle, the driver simply holds down the brake pedal and presses the power button to start the vehicle.
In conjunction with the Intelligent Access system, there are two sensors located in the rear bumper. One detects the shin and the other detects the leg motion to enable the hands-free liftgate. The customer simply needs to possess the Intelligent Access key fob and gently wave his or her foot under the bumper to operate the feature.
Additionally, the liftgate height can be programmed or adjusted manually to meet specific customer needs.
"We recognize that the C-MAX customer usually has his or her hands full. Whether carrying packages while holding a young child's hand or carrying bags full of groceries, the hands-free liftgate will make their lives a whole lot easier," said Wendy King, C-MAX brand manager.
The combination of the system detecting the key fob and leg motion is necessary to unlock and open the liftgate and safeguards against any accidental opening.
"Animals running under the car, hitting a bump on the road or similar unintended gestures won't trigger the liftgate to open," said Michael Becker, systems engineer. "This is one smart feature."
As with other technology Ford has developed, the hands-free liftgate is a customer-focused solution, like SYNC® and EcoBoost™, which can be implemented in other vehicles around the globe.
"The arrival of the hands-free liftgate on the new C-MAX is just the beginning for this technology," said Kuzak. "Customers soon will see this same technology roll out across our broader portfolio of vehicles."
- Ford introduces an industry-first hands-free liftgate that allows customers to quickly and easily unlock and open the rear hatch even when their hands are full
- With the key fob in the owner's possession, a gentle leg motion below the center of the rear bumper activates sensors that cue the system to unlock and raise the rear liftgate
- The hands-free liftgate will debut in the seven-passenger C-MAX crossover, being shown at the 2011 North American International Auto Show
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 20, 2010 – Gesture or motion technology employed in today's video game systems is coming to the new seven-passenger Ford C-MAX crossover, designed with families in mind.
"In the new C-MAX, customers no longer need to set their packages down or fumble to locate their keys to open the rear hatch, especially when their hands are full," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "The hands-free liftgate allows them to easily and quickly open the cargo area with one simple leg motion."
The hands-free liftgate debuts on the Ford C-MAX, which is being shown at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. The C-MAX can seat up to seven and is a popular model in Europe because of its clever combination of style, versatility and fuel efficiency.
Enabled by Intelligent Access with push-button start
The hands-free liftgate is enabled by Intelligent Access with push-button start. This technology allows customers to unlock and start their vehicles without ever having to take out the key. When the key fob is in their possession – kept in a pocket, coat, purse or briefcase – a simple pull on the door handle unlocks the vehicle. Once inside the vehicle, the driver simply holds down the brake pedal and presses the power button to start the vehicle.
In conjunction with the Intelligent Access system, there are two sensors located in the rear bumper. One detects the shin and the other detects the leg motion to enable the hands-free liftgate. The customer simply needs to possess the Intelligent Access key fob and gently wave his or her foot under the bumper to operate the feature.
Additionally, the liftgate height can be programmed or adjusted manually to meet specific customer needs.
"We recognize that the C-MAX customer usually has his or her hands full. Whether carrying packages while holding a young child's hand or carrying bags full of groceries, the hands-free liftgate will make their lives a whole lot easier," said Wendy King, C-MAX brand manager.
The combination of the system detecting the key fob and leg motion is necessary to unlock and open the liftgate and safeguards against any accidental opening.
"Animals running under the car, hitting a bump on the road or similar unintended gestures won't trigger the liftgate to open," said Michael Becker, systems engineer. "This is one smart feature."
As with other technology Ford has developed, the hands-free liftgate is a customer-focused solution, like SYNC® and EcoBoost™, which can be implemented in other vehicles around the globe.
"The arrival of the hands-free liftgate on the new C-MAX is just the beginning for this technology," said Kuzak. "Customers soon will see this same technology roll out across our broader portfolio of vehicles."
12-20-2010, 05:46 PM
#4
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
Excellent engineering/tech!Great looking car inside and out!
Ford has a BIG winner here!
Love it!
12-20-2010, 05:56 PM
#5
^ ditto. the folding seat was the coolest.
I remember when a company used to be innovative like that.
I remember when a company used to be innovative like that.
12-20-2010, 06:02 PM
#6
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
^^ Yea, that center console folding into the adjacent seat is suite!!!!
12-20-2010, 06:03 PM
#7
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
Ford Motor Company has unveiled details of the 2012 Ford C-Max minivan that is based on the Focus ahead of the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. The 2012 C-Max is expected to hit US roads in late 2011. Though pricing has not been finalized it is expected to start from $20,000.
With the C-Max, Ford makes a comeback to the minivan segment where the Mazda5 is the sole competitor.
“C-MAX is just right for customers in North America seeking stylish, flexible transportation and life-enhancing technology that comes standard.” said Mark Fields, President of Ford, The Americas.
The base 2012 Ford C-Max will have a 2.5 liter DOHC iVCT inline 4-cylinder engine that can deliver 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the new 1.6L EcoBoost Ti-VCT inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine can produce 168 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. Together with a 6F35 6-speed automatic transmission both engines deliver power to the front-wheels.
C-Max has a 109.7-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 178 inches. The minivan offers five-plus-two seating arrangement with twin sliding side doors and fold-away middle-row, middle seat. American customers can forgo the third-row seat.
A unique feature of the C-Max is the foot-gesture opening for the tailgate which is the first U.S. application of the technology initially seen on Euro-spec models of the BMW 5-Series.
The minivan will be available in three trim levels namely S, SE and SEL with 17-inch wheels for all of them.
Meanwhile, the C-Max is already available in Europe, where the seven-seater version is known as the Grand C-Max and the five-passenger minivan is called the C-Max.
With the C-Max, Ford makes a comeback to the minivan segment where the Mazda5 is the sole competitor.
“C-MAX is just right for customers in North America seeking stylish, flexible transportation and life-enhancing technology that comes standard.” said Mark Fields, President of Ford, The Americas.
The base 2012 Ford C-Max will have a 2.5 liter DOHC iVCT inline 4-cylinder engine that can deliver 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the new 1.6L EcoBoost Ti-VCT inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine can produce 168 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. Together with a 6F35 6-speed automatic transmission both engines deliver power to the front-wheels.
C-Max has a 109.7-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 178 inches. The minivan offers five-plus-two seating arrangement with twin sliding side doors and fold-away middle-row, middle seat. American customers can forgo the third-row seat.
A unique feature of the C-Max is the foot-gesture opening for the tailgate which is the first U.S. application of the technology initially seen on Euro-spec models of the BMW 5-Series.
The minivan will be available in three trim levels namely S, SE and SEL with 17-inch wheels for all of them.
Meanwhile, the C-Max is already available in Europe, where the seven-seater version is known as the Grand C-Max and the five-passenger minivan is called the C-Max.
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for the foot-gesture feature.
12-20-2010, 08:00 PM
#10
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
damnnnnnnnnnnn
Brilliant.
Brilliant.
12-21-2010, 07:33 AM
#12
Back From The dead
I thought the Ody was the sh!t...
12-21-2010, 10:20 AM
#16
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
12-21-2010, 10:48 AM
#17
Safety Car
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Whoa!!! Ford should win an engineering award for that center seat. That's one of the coolest, most PRACTICAL features I've seen in awhile. And kudos to just waving your foot near a sensor to open the rear hatch. VERY innovative!
12-21-2010, 03:15 PM
#21
So... what happens when you're near the car with the fob in your pocket, and something rolls or slides under the back of the car, like a ball or something? I'm sure they've tested the thing out but it seems like that could get accidentally triggered a lot.
12-21-2010, 03:19 PM
#22
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
^^ said ball has a key fob inside of it too?!?! 
12-21-2010, 03:40 PM
#23
No more than your foot does! 
I said what happens when you're nearby with the keyfob (i.e. close enough to enable the sensor) AND a ball or something rolls under it?
I said what happens when you're nearby with the keyfob (i.e. close enough to enable the sensor) AND a ball or something rolls under it?
12-21-2010, 04:18 PM
#25
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
12-22-2010, 06:42 AM
#27
Race Director
^ I'm sure there are some scenarios that Ford engineers have not thought of and will come up when large numbers of these vans are in use. I assume they were swift enough to have a way to disable the feature.
12-22-2010, 08:59 AM
#28
WAS HONDATAFIED IN
The keyless entry on the RL only works if the key is within a foot or so of the door/trunk. I can't see the liftgate being opened by accident. I'm sure the chances of being within a foot and a ball tall enough to trigger the sensor on the Ford is not a common scenario.
12-22-2010, 09:16 AM
#29
^ Hopefully not, but I agree with what biker said: there's bound to be at least a couple of scenarios that haven't been thought of, that will only show up once there are a lot of them on the street - and don't get me wrong, I'm sure there will be!
It's kind of like the whole "start button" thing... I don't know the exact differences in behavior among all the different cars that have them, but I remember reading a post on a Buick LaCrosse forum by a guy who accidentally dropped his key fob just outside of his car, at his friend's house, started his car and drove away. He was miles away when his friend called him and told him to come back for his key! If he hadn't been so lucky, he would've been screwed once he turned the car off, with no way to restart it. Again, I dunno how different manufacturers address this, but you'd think there would at least be some kind of warning chime, light or message on the dash if you're driving and suddenly your key fob is no longer detected.
It's like an ex-coworker of mine used to say: for every function there's a malfunction! That's why it's always a good idea to wait awhile before buying something big, like a car, with a radical new feature like that.
It's kind of like the whole "start button" thing... I don't know the exact differences in behavior among all the different cars that have them, but I remember reading a post on a Buick LaCrosse forum by a guy who accidentally dropped his key fob just outside of his car, at his friend's house, started his car and drove away. He was miles away when his friend called him and told him to come back for his key! If he hadn't been so lucky, he would've been screwed once he turned the car off, with no way to restart it. Again, I dunno how different manufacturers address this, but you'd think there would at least be some kind of warning chime, light or message on the dash if you're driving and suddenly your key fob is no longer detected.
It's like an ex-coworker of mine used to say: for every function there's a malfunction! That's why it's always a good idea to wait awhile before buying something big, like a car, with a radical new feature like that.
12-22-2010, 09:52 AM
#30
WAS HONDATAFIED IN
Oh I agree there will be instances where the engineers haven't thought of. We managed to lock both keys in the RL (father used the lock button on the door, he thought I would take my keys, I thought he would take the keys while stopped at a rest area) so nothing is perfect. I was more referring to the post where it said if you were inside a restaurant and a thief can open your car, the range of the keyless entry/open shouldn't be more then a foot or two.
12-22-2010, 12:12 PM
#31
Yeah, hopefully the range isn't that far that someone could steal it while you're not looking. 
My concern is more like the situation where you're walking around the car, maybe gettting kids into or out of it, and suddenly one of the kids bumps a ball, skateboard or other toy/random thing in your garage or driveway under the back of the liftgate, causing it to open inadvertantly. This would especially suck if you're in the process of closing the garage door at the time. 
I guess I just wonder how easy it is to set the thing off accidentally. Almost makes me wanna go test drive one, just to get a few minutes to play around with that liftgate mechanism.
My concern is more like the situation where you're walking around the car, maybe gettting kids into or out of it, and suddenly one of the kids bumps a ball, skateboard or other toy/random thing in your garage or driveway under the back of the liftgate, causing it to open inadvertantly. This would especially suck if you're in the process of closing the garage door at the time. I guess I just wonder how easy it is to set the thing off accidentally. Almost makes me wanna go test drive one, just to get a few minutes to play around with that liftgate mechanism.
12-22-2010, 08:36 PM
#32
New Ody looks sharp, if they have taking care of a few problems.
12-22-2010, 11:36 PM
#33
Senior Moderator
Nice!
01-10-2011, 10:29 AM
#34
Senior Moderator
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-...-detroit-2011/
Small MPVs are all the rage in Europe, but here in North America – the land of "bigger is better" – these moderately-sized people-haulers have never quite sold in droves. Ford firmly believes that it's time to bring the small MPV segment back to North America, and the 2012 C-Max is its first foray into offering this sort of pint-sized family-hauling package here in America.
We've already driven (and enjoyed) the European-spec Grand C-Max, and the good news is that not much will change mechanically before the car arrives here in the States. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine will be the base powertrain with an all-new 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four being the up-level mill. The C-Max offers seating for seven (or "five plus two," as Ford says), and the latest crop of Blue Oval tech will be found inside.
The C-Max will go on sale later this year shortly after production begins at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant. We've just finished perusing the new C-Max live at Cobo Hall during the opening hours of the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, so scroll through our high-res gallery of live shots to see the new MPV in the flesh.
We've already driven (and enjoyed) the European-spec Grand C-Max, and the good news is that not much will change mechanically before the car arrives here in the States. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine will be the base powertrain with an all-new 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four being the up-level mill. The C-Max offers seating for seven (or "five plus two," as Ford says), and the latest crop of Blue Oval tech will be found inside.
The C-Max will go on sale later this year shortly after production begins at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant. We've just finished perusing the new C-Max live at Cobo Hall during the opening hours of the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, so scroll through our high-res gallery of live shots to see the new MPV in the flesh.
01-10-2011, 11:29 AM
#35
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
nasty color.....but great vehicle
01-10-2011, 11:32 AM
#36
Senior Moderator
Ford is getting a lot right these days but the one thing they have absolutely nailed down is styling. Everything they make right now is the best looking vehicle in its respective segment.
Honda should head over to Dearborne and start stealing designers one by one.
Honda should head over to Dearborne and start stealing designers one by one.
01-10-2011, 11:37 AM
#37
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
I'd love to see a diesel in this car!
01-10-2011, 12:32 PM
#38
Midnight Marauder
Thanks for the profits on my stocks Ford!
01-10-2011, 04:55 PM
#39
Safety Car
when i first saw the video clip above, i thought this car would be great..
not sure if it's the color, but this car is not as good looking as i expected
sorta makes me feel it's ugly, except the front, which is just overall ford line ups 'family look'
is it just me or it that car kinda tall and not wide enough for its height?
not sure if it's the color, but this car is not as good looking as i expected
sorta makes me feel it's ugly, except the front, which is just overall ford line ups 'family look'
is it just me or it that car kinda tall and not wide enough for its height?
06-09-2011, 12:42 PM
#40
Race Director
http://www.washingtonpost.com/busine...ONH_story.html
Ford is making a minivan that will become its first U.S. vehicle sold only as a hybrid.
Ford sells hybrid versions of some gas-powered cars, but it’s got nothing like the Toyota Prius, which is only sold as a hybrid.
Ford’s minivan is based on a five-passenger van, the C-Max, which is already sold in Europe but runs on gasoline.
Ford had planned to introduce a seven-passenger, gas-powered C-Max in the U.S. next year. But it’s scrapping that so it can build more hybrid-only C-Maxes. The van goes on sale next year.
The minivan will get more than 41 miles per gallon. A plug-in version will also be sold. It will be similar to the Chevrolet Volt, which can drive in all-electric mode but has a backup gas engine.
Ford sells hybrid versions of some gas-powered cars, but it’s got nothing like the Toyota Prius, which is only sold as a hybrid.
Ford’s minivan is based on a five-passenger van, the C-Max, which is already sold in Europe but runs on gasoline.
Ford had planned to introduce a seven-passenger, gas-powered C-Max in the U.S. next year. But it’s scrapping that so it can build more hybrid-only C-Maxes. The van goes on sale next year.
The minivan will get more than 41 miles per gallon. A plug-in version will also be sold. It will be similar to the Chevrolet Volt, which can drive in all-electric mode but has a backup gas engine.