We're a little late, but we promise to make up for this delay with a lot of high quality images and details discussed at the press conference once our man Madhok, who has left the launch venue in Delhi, finds a stable internet connection.
For now - here's the first press release that talks about the general aspects of the vehicle -
Prices -
- Rs. 17, 99, 000 for the 3.0L 4X4 automatic transmission (Ex-Showroom, New Delhi).
- Rs. 15, 99, 000 for the 2.5L 4X2 manual transmission variant (Ex-Showroom, New Delhi).
ALL NEW 2009 ford endeavour adds contemporary design & Technology touches to its proven suv capability
All new 5-speed automatic transmission introduced in India with shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive, touch-enabled SATNAV system with reverse parking camera
New Delhi, September 9, 2009 – Ford India today launched the new design look Endeavour 3.0L with 5-speed automatic transmission and an array of contemporary features that give the new Ford Endeavour fresh appeal to go with its image of dominant toughness. Endeavour is the most capable seven-seat SUV on the road, combining best-in-class torque, active versatility, superior off-road capability and surprising levels of comfort and refinement.
The new Ford Endeavour pioneers a suite of new design elements, led by a new-look front design with a classy multi-bar chrome grille and chrome-accented lower grille combining with sleek, wraparound headlamps to create a distinctive signature style. Under its slick new shape are the unrivalled toughness and proven capability that have made Ford Endeavour a leading choice among premium SUV buyers in India.
At the unveiling of the new Ford Endeavour, Michael Boneham, president & managing director, Ford India said, “The Endeavour has established itself as an undisputable leader in the premium SUV segment. With its contemporary new design look, the dominant toughness of Ford Endeavour has never been more appealing and we believe that it will set new benchmarks in its segment.”
The New Ford Endeavour is being launched across the country in a phased manner. The vehicle was unveiled in New Delhi by Bollywood actor and successful entrepreneur Suniel Shetty, a special celebrity guest and a very proud Endeavour customer. The vehicle is launched and bookings are open from today in North and West region and will be launched in the following weeks in Southern and Eastern markets.
Priced aggressively, the new Endeavour is available in Delhi from today at Rs. 17, 99, 000 for the 3.0L 4X4 automatic transmission and Rs. 15, 99, 000 for the 2.5L 4X2 manual transmission variant (Ex-Showroom, New Delhi).
The new grille design features three, finely detailed horizontal bars that seem to float in the grille opening, the middle of which supports a proud ford oval badge. Designers sculpted the three-bar grille – a key element of ford design DNA – to convey the kind of sophistication found in luxury goods packaging. The top edge of the grille features a wide header bar with the Endeavour embossed boldly into its surface. The new Endeavour's side mirrors also include interesting design details and functionality. Their housings – matte black lowers with chrome uppers – incorporate power folding convenience with turn indicator repeater lamps and a puddle lamp feature, which illuminates the ground around the door of the vehicle as the driver approaches the vehicle and unlocks its doors by remote control.
Poised on bold, 16-inch wheels, the New Endeavour has an unmistakably confident stance that communicates this vehicle is ready to go, whether it’s around town, on a great journey or to even greater heights. The new 16-inch alloy wheel – in a unique six-spoke design – is standard equipment, fitted with 245/70r16 tyres.
Inside, the new Endeavour surrounds its occupants with car-like comfort and luxury while providing true seven-seater SUV functionality. The vehicle has outstanding seat comfort and spaciousness. It also features ergonomically crafted seats with a leather seating surfaces. Door panels are also finished in premium material close to the seats for visual appeal and design consistency. When the doors open, they reveal a distinctive chrome scuff plate with illuminated Endeavour branding.
“The new design of the new Endeavour is a more premium look that builds on the capability and robust feel that are Ford Endeavour hallmarks. We’ve added contemporary touches that give it a lot more style, but it’s the way the new design complements Endeavour’s inherent strengths that was so important for the design team to execute” said Scott Ferrier, design manager, Asia Pacific and Africa, Ford Motor Company.
Endeavour offers two highly responsive, 16-valve TDCi versions, both of which feature outstanding torque output plus impressive levels of smoothness and refinement:
* The 2.5-liter(offered with 4x2) Duratorq TDCi common-rail engine, rated at 105 kW (143PS), which delivers peak torque of 330 Nm at just 1800rpm
* The 3.0-liter(offered with 4x4) Duratorq TDCi common-rail peaks at 380 Nm of torque at 2500 rpm, and is rated at 115 kW (156PS) of power output
The 3.0L Endeavour 4x4 automatic transmission models feature an electronic shift-on-the-fly system for the convenient selection of 2WD or 4WD mode. The 4x4 system features a proven-tough Borg-Warner transfer case.
The all-new 4X4 5-speed automatic transmission is an all-terrain vehicle that can handle city, highway or hill driving with ease and agility. The automatic transmission has an overdrive option (5th gear) feature to allow driving in lower gear for greater responsiveness.
With TDCi common rail turbo-diesel power, Endeavour boasts best-in-class torque output – that’s the feeling of instant power on tap to accelerate away from a traffic light or make an overtaking maneuver. That’s the confidence, premium refinement and outstanding fuel economy of Ford’s advanced DuraTorq TDCi common-rail turbodiesel engine family.
With plenty of low-end ‘grunt’, the TDCi engine range makes Endeavour ideal for overtaking on a highway or tackling the tough off-road terrain. The DuraTorq TDCi pair make Endeavour a delight to drive in any condition.
“The DuraTorq common-rail engine family is ideally suited to the robustness and premium nature of the Ford Endeavour,” said John Lonsdale, vice president, Product Development of Ford India. “These engines provide the superior performance, capability and refinement customers in this premium SUV segment expect. We’ve engineered DuraTorq TDCi to be at the very heart of the Endeavour ownership experience,” added Lonsdale.
Endeavour’s tough chassis and confident stance – with standard 16-inch wheels give it the credentials to handle rough roads, difficult terrains or deal with tough conditions, providing ease and comfort to the passengers in the vehicle.
“Endeavour owners spend a lot of time with their vehicles and find them an invigorating part of their lifestyle. They love the versatility, toughness and capability of their vehicles but they also appreciate that its design communicates success and confidence. Our objective for the new 2009 Endeavour was to build on this emotional connection to make that vehicle-owner bond even stronger,” added Nigel Wark, executive director, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford India.
The new Ford Endeavour is the only vehicle in its segment to offer side air bags, part of an array of active and passive safety features. These 18-liter bags are designed to protect the head and thorax in the event of a side impact. The Endeavour is also equipped with dual-stage front air bags for driver and passenger. The air bags work in conjunction with three-point safety belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, another Ford safety distinction.
Active safety features – designed to help the driver avoid an accident – include the Endeavour braking system, which features Anti-lock Braking (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). The new Ford Endeavour also has Ford’s unique Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), for improved vehicle security. A uniquely coded computer chip is included on the ignition key to ensure the vehicle will not start without the correct key.
A state-of-the-art in-car entertainment and navigation system redefines luxury with a segment first touch screen (7” Inch) satellite navigation system, built-in DVD player which supports all popular file formats, a rear camera and Bluetooth compatible communication system on the Automatic Variant. This unit also has a USB Input.
The new Endeavour also boasts an RDS-capable audio system with 6 CD changer and MP3 capabilities and Aux-in port on the 4x2 variant. This allows occupants to feed connect popular MP3 players, such as the Apple iPod, into the audio system.
The new Endeavour will be available in five exterior colors, including a new Sea Grey colour and Moondust Silver apart from the colour range of Morello, Panther Black and Diamond White, using the innovative 3-Wet high-solids paint process technology.
