To answer the rumors that were spreading all over the Internet, the marketing manager for Ford’s electric cars, David Finnegan, issued an email that was first published in their website.

According to Finnegan’s email, the company would focus on the California and New York markets during the first phase of their production. The Ford dealers in these areas would be the first ones to schedule the retail orders. Likewise, they will be the first two markets to receive the Focus Electric car. In the spring of 2012, the rest of the markets will follow through including Durham.

The American company already made an official statement answering to the rumors by stating that there would be no delays with the launch of the 2012 Focus Electric. The official Ford statement said that the California and New York markets getting the first taste of the new cars is part of their plan.
Moreover, the statement said that the initial delivery schedule for the 2012 Focus Electric towards the end of this year would push through.

Both technologies will be available in Ford’s 2010 Lincoln MKS (see pic!). The 6F-55 transmission was developed from the successful blueprint of Ford’s 6F-50 transmission. Compared to the 6F-50 transmission, however, the 6F-55 is bulked up and strengthened to work with the EcoBoost V6’s architecture.

All changes were geared towards improved power and fuel efficiency. The modifications included friction material grooves that break up fluid flow and reduce clutch drag losses; nine wave CBLR; improved calibration measures; and a 15-degree-increase of start-to-open temperatures.

The torque of this transmission was also altered to improve the vehicle’s drivability. Together, the EcoBoost V6 and the 6F-55 automatic transmission are pegged to produce 355 horse power and 475 Nm of torque. Ford brags that this translates to higher power and better fuel-economy compared the V8 engine of Lexus GS460 and Infiniti M45.

Ford projects that both technologies will dominate their sustainability strategy for years to come. They’ve targeted that by the end of 2012, nearly all of Ford’s transmissions in North America will be converted to advanced six-speed gearboxes. Ford marks up 2013 as the year when nearly 90% of Ford’s North American vehicles will nestle EcoBoost engines.

The 6F-55 was produced at the Van Dyke Transmission Plant based in Sterling Heights, Michigan. This Ford Plant also produced the 6F-50 and 6F-35 transmissions. The plant is recognized as one of the Ford Centers of Excellence for six-speed transmissions.

The new Ka offers two available engine choices: the 1.2 litre Duratec powerplant gas engine with 68 hp, and 46 mpg in city and highway driving, and the 1.3-liter Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel engine with 74 hp and direct injection that gets a total of 56 mpg. The top speed for both types of engines is 100 mph, and their carbon dioxide emissions under 120 grams/kilometer. The only transmission offered, however, is a five-speed manual, and obviously biodiesel-ready.

According to Ford, just becase a car is subcompact doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have room to ensure the passengers’ safety and comfort. The Ka’s bodyshell has a stable crash structure, and the car also has IPS or Intelligent Protection System, which integrates seating, airbags, and restraint systems

Ford believes that safety does not have to be compromised in a subcompact car. The Ka’s bodyshell provides a strong and stable crash structure to protect passengers. An Intelligent Protection System (IPS) integrates airbags, restraint systems, and seating into a highly effective occupant safety system. The car also has thorax side and pelvis airbags, and an electric control unit which can evaluate the severity of car crashes via sensors distributed throughout the vehicle body.

Other safety features offered in Ka are the standard anti-lock braking system, anti-slip regulation, and EBD or Electronic Brake-force Distribution, which prevents wheel lock up and maintains vehicle balance.