2010 Ford S-MAX with all-new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost SCTi engine

2010 Ford S-MAX with all-new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost SCTi engine

When the S-Max was launched back in 2006, the model was a winner for Ford of Europe from the start. It promptly took the European Car of Year Award prize and went on to be a sales success and a favorite of consumers and auto journalists alike. Now the S-Max is due for a mid-generation facelift and Ford needs to keep the model fresh without compromising its hard-won credentials with the public.

The 2010 Ford S-MAX will be available with significant detail changes to the exterior including a strongly sculptured bonnet and all-new front fascia, emphasised by the bolder graphic of the gloss black lower front trapezoidal grille. This gives Ford S-MAX a distinctive new presence on the road and a new lower front bumper which, on high series models comes with distinctive LED daytime running lights (optional for Trend series), further strengthens the car’s purposeful stance. From the side, Ford S-MAX is instantly recognisable and now stands out even more with its window profile enhanced by a chrome strip, which surrounds the whole glass area to enhance the car’s sleek and sporty lines.

2010 Ford S-MAX with all-new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost SCTi engine

The rear of new Ford S-MAX has also been re-designed with a more dynamically profiled tailgate, a lower fascia, and new LED tail lights that extend deep into the rear side flanks, creating an even stronger athletic appearance. Peer at the nose and slightly repositioned air intakes with adjacent foglights coming into view. Above them, a shapelier hood with twin design lines adds a sporty flavor to the otherwise bland van. Boosting its premium appeal while further distinguishing the new car is a horizontal satin chrome bar, which runs between the LED tail lights and is embossed with the distinctive S-MAX logo.

2010 Ford S-MAX with all-new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost SCTi engine

The Ford S-MAX offer an all-new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost SCTi engine. Featuring lightweight all-aluminium construction, the latest-generation high-pressure direct injection system, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing. The 2.0-litre EcoBoost SCTi engine has a maximum output of 203 PS (149kW) at 5,500 rpm, combined with maximum torque of 300 Nm, which is delivered across a broad 1,750-4,500 rpm range. With this new powertrain, the Ford S-MAX achieves 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 221 km/h (137 mph).

All New Design Mitsubishi GT Prototype Sport SUV

Mitsubishi GT Prototype Sport SUV

Mitsubishi recently announced at the New York International Auto Show the Outlander GT Prototype, an all-new design intended to improve upon the performance and technology found in the current Outlander. And while Mitsubishi refers to the Outlander GT Prototype as a “design study,” the automaker also states that the vehicle “infuses performance and design inspiration from Mitsubishi’s Lancer sport sedans and provides clear indicators of the future of Outlander.” That makes it a pretty sure bet the Outlander GT will see production for the 2010 model year.

According to a Mitsubishi executive, the Outlander GT Prototype is “packed with technology, performance and premium features that are uncommon in the compact SUV class.” Borrowing both design and technical inspiration from other current Mitsubishi models, the Outlander GT Prototype features an enhanced V-6 engine, upgraded shifting program, a technologically advanced all-wheel-drive system, a sport-tuned suspension with upgraded wheels and brakes, and several advanced in-vehicle technologies.

Mitsubishi GT Prototype Sport SUV

The prototype is packed with a host of new technologies, such as Idle Neutral Logic, which automatically shifts the transmission into neutral during vehicle standstill. Other highlights include improved performance and fuel economy from its more powerful 3.0-liter SOHC MIVEC V6 engine, and a Super-All-Wheel-Control System offering improved handling and control.

Despite the updates up front, it doesn’t look like the Outlander’s hind-quarter received any attention from Mitsubishi’s design department.

The Diamond white Outlander GT Prototype infuses performance and design inspiration from Mitsubishi's Lancer sport sedans and provides clear indicators of the future of Outlander.

A front grille design inspired by the Lancer Evolution's "jet fighter" look is clearly in play on the Outlander GT Prototype, which sports complementary new design elements, such as a reshaped front bumper, side mirrors, fenders and hood. Reshaped Bi-Xenon HID headlamps, a new rear bumper and side sills, plus a bold polished finish on the already standard aluminum roof panel accentuate the sporty appeal. It reengages at the slightest lift of the foot off the brake pedal, thereby providing instantaneous response.

The aluminum roof gets a polished finished for the show car, but don't expect to see anything like it on a production version.

Mitsubishi GT Prototype Sport SUV