Dearborn Development Center 2007 product program The new Center is simply incredible. There are 8 different areas and tracks for various types of testing. The Vehicle Dynamics Area is where we were given the opportunity to pilot a GT500 through an autocross course. Adjacent to the dry dynamics areas is the wet dynamics area. Here, we experienced first hand Ford's new AWD (all-wheel drive) system around a peanut type course (figure 8). One of the most intriguing tracks is the steering and handling course. It features various amplitude changes mixed into sharp chicanes with a hairpin turn and increase and decreasing radius curves. Here we tried out the GT500, the 4-cylinder Fusion and Mercury Milan and the Focus. Lastly, the High Speed track played host to the MKZ with its 3.5L V6 and a selection of Ford trucks.
Driving Impressions: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Start the engine and swim in the V8 burble. This thing has tons of torque
and gargantuan power. The clutch is heavy and the shifter needs to be firmly pushed into gear. Dropping the clutch results in massive wheel spin and tall rooster tails of water (the dry test track was drenched). The GT500 is impressively nimble and easy to navigate through cones. Steering is direct and communicative. With a gentle application of throttle, the tail end will gladly break free and indulge the driver with oversteer. The chassis is forgiving and pliable; it really makes the driver think that he or she can drive. I know that this is how it made me feel.
Ford Fusion AWD The Fusion AWD (V6 only) left me perplex at first: I f
elt nothing while negotiating the Peanut (figure 8 track with different sized ovals). The Fusion, once engaged in the curve, oversteers slightly and tracks out beautifully when power is applied. The entire process is seamless. So faultless in fact that other journalists and myself asked to do the same exercise with a FWD (front-wheel drive) Fusion V6. The result was very conclusive. The FWD Fusion is nowhere near as capable to pull the car out of a curve. The most important revelation was that Ford's AWD system, which can split torque 50/50 front and rear, is by far more agreeable than the Haldex system found on the Five Hundred and Freestyle.
Lincoln MKZ I was only able to drive the 3.5L MKZ for a very brief period but what I
can say is that the new V6 hauls. From a standing-start, the entry-level Lincoln takes off with way more authority than with the 3.0L. Around the high-speed oval, the MKZ remained very stable and quiet.
Ford F-350 SD King Ranch Power Stroke Diesel For fun, I took this road monster for a swing around the High Speed track. I was impressed by how easy it was to keep the truck on course. The turbo-diesel V8 provides awesome torque.