Utente:LukeWiller/Sandbox/10
| Ford Laser | |
|---|---|
_GL_Grand_Slam_5-door_hatchback_(2008-08-24)_01.jpg) | |
| Descrizione generale | |
| Costruttore |  Ford
|
| Tipo principale | Berlina |
| Altre versioni | Hatchback Cabriolet Familiare Pick-up |
| Produzione | dal 1981 al 2003 |
| Sostituisce la | Ford Escort |
| Serie | Prima serie - KA/KB (1981–1985) Seconda serie - KC/KE (1985–1990) Terza serie - KF/KH (1989–1995) Quarta serie - KJ/KL (1994–1998) Quinta serie - KN/KQ (1999–2003) |
| Sostituita da | Ford Focus |
La Laser è stata un'autovettura prodotta dalla Ford dal 1981 al 2003 in cinque serie.
Il contesto
La Laser è stata una vettura compact venduta dalla Ford in Asia, Oceania, in alcune nazioni del Sud America e in Africa. Le versioni più comuni furono berlina e hatchback, sebbene furono disponibili su alcuni mercati anche vetture cabriolet, familiari e pick-up.
La Laser era in sostanza una versione ridisegnata della Mazda 323. La Ford infatti acquistò il 25% della Mazda nel 1979, ed il modello fu uno dei frutti della collaborazione tra le due case automobilistiche..
In Australia e Nuova Zelanda, dove la Ford aveva una forte presenza anche organizzativa, le vendite della Laser superarono quelle della quasi gemella giapponese, ma in nazioni asiatiche vicine, come Singapore, Malesia, Giappone ed Hong Kong, era il contrario. Però, le sinergie con Mazda permisero alla Ford di mantenere una certa posizione commerciale anche in quella zona. Ciò successe in Sud America, Africa e nei Caraibi, dove la Laser venne venduta, ed, in alcuni casi, anche prodotta.
La Laser venne assemblata, oltre che negli Stati Uniti[1], ad Oakville (Canada)[2], a Taiwan[3], a Shah Alam e Selangor (Malesia), a Hai Duong (Vietnam)[4], a Rayong (Thailandia)[5], a Homebush (Australia), in Giappone[1], in Nuova Zelanda[1], in Indonesia[1], in Messico[1] ed a Valencia (Venezuela).
La prima serie - KA/KB (1981–1985)
| Ford KA/KB Laser | |
|---|---|
_GL_5-door_hatchback_01.jpg) | |
| Descrizione generale | |
| Versioni | Hatchback tre porte Hatchback cinque porte Berlina quattro porte |
| Anni di produzione | Dal 1981 al 1985 |
_(front),_Serdang.jpg)
Questa generazione di Laser venne prodotta in due “sottoserie”, che erano contraddistinte con due sigle: KA, che venne prodotta dal 1981 al 1983, e KB, commercializzata dal 1983 al 1985.
I motori disponibili furono i seguenti:
- Mazda E1: 41 CV di potenza, 1,1 L di cilindrata, quattro cilindri in linea, carburatore 8V, monoalbero (disponibile sulle versioni L e GL in Nuova Zelanda)
- Mazda E3: 27 CV, 1,3 L, quattro cilindri in linea, carburatore 8V, monoalbero (disponibile sulle versioni L e GL)
- Mazda E5: 54 CV, 1,5 L, quattro cilindri in linea, carburatore 8V, monoalbero (disponibile sulle versioni L , GL e GHIA)
- Mazda E5: 59 CV, 1,5 L, quattro cilindri in linea, carburatore 8V, monoalbero (disponibile sulle versioni Sports)
- Mazda E5T: 78 CV, 1,5 L, quattro cilindri in linea, carburatore 8V, monoalbero, turbo (edizione limitata; disponibile sulle versioni Turbo)
- Mazda E5T, 85 CV, 1,5 L, quattro cilindri in linea, carburatore 8V, monoalbero, turbo (disponibile sulle versioni Turbo in Giappone)
La seconda serie - KC/KE (1985–1990)
| Ford KC/KE Laser | |
|---|---|
_Ghia_5-door_hatchback_01.jpg) | |
| Descrizione generale | |
| Versioni | Hatchback tre porte Hatchback cinque porte Berlina quattro porte Quattro porte familiare Due porte cabriolet |
| Anni di produzione | Dal 1985 al 1990 |
(meteor ?) Il primo importante aggiornamento Laser/Meteor fu nel 1985, con il lancio della sottoserie KC. Tutte le versioni di carrozzeria vennero confermate, con l’aggiunta della familiare nel 1986. Una nuova variante, la TX3, fu aggiunta, andando a posizionarsi tra gli allestimenti GL e Ghia e sostituendo la variante Sport della serie precedente. A differenza della Sport, la TX3 era offerta solamente in versione tre porte. Le versioni L e GL non erano più disponibili con carrozzeria tre porte. Un cambiamento importante fu l’introduzione di motori che potevano funzionare con benzina senza piombo, che diventò obbligatoria in Australia nel 1986. Il motore da 1,5 L di cilindrata che era opzionale sulle GL ma montato di serie sulla Ghia nella generazione KB, fu rimpiazzato da un nuovo propulsore da 1,6 L. Per la prima volta, l’iniezione elettronica era disponibile come optional sulle Ghia e sulle TX3. I clienti che ordinavano il cambio automatico con questo motore, ricevevano un cambio controllato elettronicamente a quattro velocità, che era relativamente avanzato per una vettura di piccole dimensioni del 1985. Il motore da 1,3 L era montato di serie sulla L (solo sulla hatchback, dato sulla familiare era installato il propulsore da 1,6 L). Il motore da 1,6 L era montato di serie sulla GL, sulla Ghia e sulla TX3. L’iniezione era un optional sulla Ghia (di serie sulla familiare) e sulla TX3. La gamma offerta per la sottoserie KC fu:
- Laser L
- Laser GL
- Laser Ghia
- Laser TX3
- Meteor L (solo familiare)
- Meteor GL
- Meteor Ghia
_L_5-door_hatchback_(2011-01-13).jpg)
_GL_5-door_hatchback_09.jpg)
_GL_station_wagon_(2011-11-08).jpg)
_GL_station_wagon_(2009-11-29).jpg)
_TX3_3-door_hatchback_01.jpg)
Nell’ottobre del 1987, la Ford introdusse una rivisitazione della sottoserie KC, la KE. Nell’occasione, ci furono diverse novità. Il nome Metor venne eliminato dalle versioni berlina e familiare, e ciò significò che esse ora erano denominate “Laser” come le hatchback. La TX3 era ora anche disponibile con motore sovralimentato. Su tutte le versioni era offerta, come optional, la trazione integrale. La TX3 con trazione anteriore fu molto rara, ed in seguito è diventata molto ricercata dai collezionisti. Gli esemplari con trazione anteriore erano importate dal Giappone, mentre tutti gli altri modelli erano fabbricati nel sobborgo di Sydney, Homebush.
La sottoserie KE era facilmente distinguibile dalla precedente KC da alcune differenze riguardanti la calandra, i fanali anteriori e posteriori, le protezioni anteriori e, per alcuni modelli, le ruote. Il cruscotto ed il quadro strumenti furono ridisegnati, e gli interni furono disponibili in colori differenti. A metà 1989, in preparazione alle nuove norme australiane per la progettazione delle autovetture che erano previste per il 1990, tutti i modelli ebbero in dotazione di serie la terza luce di “stop”. Quando la nuova generazione KF debuttò nel marzo del 1990, la familiare continuò ad essere offerta solo in versione GL fino al 1994, quando cessò la produzione di Laser in Australia.
La versione L è abbastanza rara, dato che era principalmente rivolta alle flotte aziendali. Essa aveva delle ruote in acciaio color argento di 13 pollici di diametro senza coprimozzo, un orologio analogico nel pannello strumenti, gli interni in vinile, ed era senza specchio retrovisore lato passeggero, protezioni posteriori, tergicristallo del lunotto ed infine lo schienale abbattibile dei sedili posteriori era ad un pezzo unico. La radio era solamente AM, e non c’era il riproduttore di cassette. L’aria condizionata non era disponibile. L’unico motore offerto era quello da 1,3 L di cilindrata, che era accoppiato ad un cambio manuale a quattro rapporti (non era disponibile il cambio automatico). La versione L familiare aveva lo stesso livello di allestimento, ma un motore diverso, da 1,6 L, anche se il cambio era il medesimo.
La versione GL fu la più popolare. Essa montava le stesse ruote della L, ma con coprimozzi con cromatura satinata a metà larghezza (che coprivano solo il centro della ruota), un orologio digitale, gli interni in tessuto, delle protezioni laterali, il tergicristallo posteriore, i pannelli rivestiti in castoro ed il divanetto posteriore frazionabile. L’autoradio era in grado di trasmettere le frequenze AM/FM ed aveva il riproduttore di musicassette. L’aria condizionata era offerta come optional. Il motore installato di serie era quello di 1,6 L di cilindrata, che era accoppiato con una cambio manuale a quattro velocità (il cambio manuale a cinque rapporti e la trasmissione automatica a tre velocità erano offerte come optional). Le berline e le familiari avevano di serie il cambio a cinque rapporti.
L’allestimento Ghia era al top dell’offerta. Erano in dotazione delle ruote nere da 14 pollici con copriruota di plastica che rivestiva l’intera ruota, il servosterzo, i paraurti e gli specchietti in tinta, gli interni in velluto, il contagiri, una console centrale con emblema della Ghia, un alloggiamento porta-guanti, il sedile del guidatore con sagomatura a supporto della regione lombare regolabile in altezza, un cassetto sotto il sedile anteriore del passeggero, gli interni particolarmente ricercati, lo specchietto sul parasole lato passeggero, il portabiglietti nel parasole lato guidatore
The Ghia was the top of the range model. It had black 14" steel wheels with full-size plastic wheel covers, power steering, body-coloured rear-view mirrors and bumpers, velour interior trim, tachometer, centre console with Ghia emblem, lockable glovebox, driver's seat with lumbar support and height adjust, storage drawer underneath the front passenger seat, full-size interior door trims, vanity mirror in passenger sunvisor, ticket holder in driver's sunvisor, felt interior hoodlining (?) and sunvisors, rear headrests, additional warning lights in the instrument cluster, central locking with illuminated driver's door lock barrel, remote exterior mirrors (chiusura centralizzata con blocchetto illuminato lato conducente, specchietti esterni regolabili dall'interno), front door map pockets, front seatback pockets, additional reading lamps, chrome insert strips in the body side mouldings and bumpers, red tailgate garnish and orange beaver panel garnish (?). Air conditioning and power windows were optional. The stereo was a digitally-tuned AM/FM unit, which featured a cassette player with Dolby enhanced sound. The 1.6-litre engine was fitted as standard, with EFI optional (standard on wagon), with either 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission (EFI automatic was 4-speed).
The TX3 was half-way between GL & Ghia in specification. It came standard with 14" satin-chrome alloy wheels, sports cloth interior trim, red insert strips in the body side mouldings and bumpers, black tailgate and beaver panel garnishes, and all other Ghia appointings. EFI was standard, and automatic transmission was not available. The TX3 also had a unique front fascia with quad headlights and the parker lamps incorporated into the indicator lenses (una calandra integrale con fari sdoppiati e frecce incorporate nelle plastiche degli indicatori di direzione) (L/GL/Ghia had the parkers inside the main headlight unit) and two-tone paint.
_GL_Redline_5-door_hatchback_(2008-05-07).jpg)
_GL_Livewire_sedan_(2008-12-21)_02.jpg)
Half-way through KE production (A metà della gamma KE), Ford introduced two limited edition versions, called "Redline", and "Livewire". The Redline was baed on the GL hatch, while the Livewire was based on the GL sedan and hatch. The Redline featured the TX3's alloy wheels, two-tone paint and red inserts in the body-side mouldings and bumpers, air conditioning, and a tachometer. The Livewire featured yellow inserts in the body side mouldings and bumpers, air conditioning, and a tachometer. Both models had 5-speed manual transmission (as opposed to the standard 4-speed) as standard, with 3-speed automatic transmission as an option.
KE model range;
- Laser L - Hatch or wagon
- Laser GL - Hatch, sedan or wagon
- Laser Ghia - Hatch, sedan or wagon
- Laser TX3
- Laser TX3 Turbo
- Laser TX3 Turbo AWD
Engine specifications:
- Mazda E3, 49 kW (66 hp) 1.3 L Carb 8V SOHC ('L' and 'GL' models)
- Mazda E5T, 85 kW (114 hp) 1.5 L EFI 8V SOHC Turbo ('Cabriolet' Japan models)
- Mazda B6, 53 kW (71 hp) 1.6 L Carb 8V SOHC ('GL' and 'GHIA' models)
- Mazda B6, 62 kW (83 hp) 1.6 L EFI 8V SOHC (option on 'GHIA' models and standard on 'TX3' models)
- Mazda B6T, 100 kW (130 hp) 1.6 L EFI 16V DOHC Turbo ('TX3 Turbo' and 'Turbo 4WD' models)
|production = 1985–1990 (sedan, hatchback)
1986–1994 (wagon)
|engine = 1.3 L E3 I4
1.6 L B6 I4
1.6 L B6T I4
KF/KH (1989–1995)
Template:Infobox automobile Engine specifications:
- Mazda B3, 47 kW (63 hp) 1.3 L Carb 16V SOHC ('XL')
- Mazda B6-2E, 64 kW (86 hp) 1.6 L Carb 16V SOHC ('L', 'XL', 'GL', 'Horizon', 'Livewire' and 'Indy' models)
- Mazda BP SOHC aka B8, 76 kW (102 hp) 1.8 L F/I 16V SOHC ('GHIA', 'S' and 'GLi' models)
- Mazda BP DOHC, 92 kW (123 hp) 1.8 L F/I 16V DOHC ('TX3 non-turbo' models)
- Mazda BPT, 117 kW (157 hp) 1.8 L F/I 16V DOHC Turbo ('Turbo 4WD' models)
_GL_Livewire_sedan_01.jpg)
KJ/KL (1994–1998)
The Japanese built KJ Laser represented a major change in design; looking very different to the previous KH model. The new KJ Laser was introduced in 1994 with variants, facelifts and engine driveline improvements continuing up until the last of the KJ series were released in 1998. The KJ Laser was the first Laser manufactured wholly in Japan, following Ford Australia's decision to close their Homebush plant. However, the KJ was disappointing in sales numbers mainly because of the smaller Festiva and other cheaper Korean models to which many conservative buyers flocked (a causa della presenza della più piccola Festiva e di altri economici modelli coreani a cui molti clienti dai gusti tradizionali si orientavano).
Engine Specifications:
- Mazda B6, 80 kW, 1.6L, 16V, DOHC ('LXi' models)
- Mazda BP, 92 kW, 1.8L, 16V, DOHC ('GLXi' and some 'LXi' models)
KN/KQ (1999–2003)
_GLXi_sedan_02.jpg)
The KN Laser was the last new shape of Laser to be introduced. Released in Australia in May 1999, the model range was a carbon copy of the outgoing KJ/KL Laser. With the KN, the Laser was almost completely identical to the Mazda 323 on which it was based, which was the first time since the KE Laser (il che era la prima volta dall'epoca della KE Laser). In February 2001, the KN received a minor facelift and became the KQ Laser. The big news with the KQ Laser was the addition of a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine for the new top-spec "SR2", which was also the first sports-oriented Laser variant in almost five years, since the unpopular Laser Lynx was discontinued in 1996. A new "SR" level of trim, which sat below SR2 was also introduced at this time. The KQ can be distinguished from the earlier KN, with a new grille with chrome moulding, new headlights, revised tail lights, different exterior colours, and slightly revised interiors. In March 2002, due to falling sales, Ford made one last attempt to restore the Laser's popularity to its former glory, by announcing minor upgrades to the SR2, and added three new exterior colours to the range, being "Goldrush", "Red Revenge", and "Electric Blue". Three engines were available, a 1.6-litre that was fitted to the LXi, a 1.8-litre that was fitted to the GLXi & SR, and a 2.0-litre that was exclusive to the SR2. Despite Laser having a good reputation with buyers in the marketplace, and many attempts from Ford to re-ignite interest in the model, it still failed to sell in reasonable numbers. In September 2002, Ford decided to discontinue the Laser in Australia, replacing it with the European-sourced Focus.
Model range;
Markets
The Ford Laser was sold in several markets over the vehicle's lifespan.
Japan
Platform and assembly-line sharing with the locally produced Mazda Familia allowed the Laser to be offered with a plethora of engine, paint and trim configurations not available anywhere else in the world. This was most notably evident during the 1980s with multiple turbocharged variants, 'unique' bodyshells such as the Cabriolet, and full-time 4WD models all available years before their debuts in other markets (and in some cases, never making it offshore at all).
Along with the Japanese produced Ford Telstar and Ford Festiva the Laser was sold at special 'Autorama' dealerships (la Leser venne venduta attraverso una speciale rete di vendita Autorama).
The first Lasers went on sale in late 1982 as the BE series, which was identical to the Australian KB Laser. Fuel-injection and a 115 PS turbocharged model were added in July 1983; these variants were never offered for sale outside of Japan.
January 1985 saw the advent of the BF series Laser (KC/KE in other markets). For the first time a Diesel version was offered, as well as a factory 2-door cabriolet, a DOHC 16-valve Sport version, and a potent 140 PS DOHC turbo model with full-time 4WD drivetrain (trazione integrale permanente) (identical to the contemporary Mazda Familia BFMR). This added up to an extremely convoluted product line, which was later streamlined in 1987 with a mid-life model refresh (Questo portò ad una gamma estremamente contorta, con venne snellita nel 1987 con un restyling di mezza età) (KE series in other markets).
The model refresh dropped E-series engines in favour of all-new B-series equivalents, poorer-selling variants were discontinued, and minor changes were made to exterior styling and interior trim.
The BG series of 1989-1994 (KF/KH) went on to be the most popular Laser sold in Japan, with the new "coupe" (liftback) version an instant success. Again, a DOHC turbo model with full-time 4WD was offered as a companion car to the Mazda Familia GT-X, now producing 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) from an increased displacement of 1.8 litres.
Unfortunately, all sporting models were discontinued when the BHA (KJ/KL) model was released in 1995 in the wake of poor sales and financial returns as Mazda scaled back operations and sought to rearrange market focus (sulla scia delle scarse vendite e dei ritorni finanziari, poichè la Mazda ridimensionò i suoi programmi e cercò di reinquadrare gli obiettivi del mercato). As a result the Laser was renamed Laser Lidea and popularity waned further towards the end of the 1990s, until production of the final BJ (KN/KQ) model ceased at the end of 2002, to be replaced by the imported Ford Focus, which was already sold there since 2000.
Australia
The Laser replaced the rear-wheel-drive Escort in Australia in 1981, proving hugely popular as a hatchback in both 3 door and 5 door varieties, as well as the sedan known as the Meteor. Ford Australia marketed them as separate vehicles, providing a worthy rival to Japanese models like the Toyota Corolla; the Meteor nameplate died in Australia when the KE sedan was launched in 1987, but survived in South Africa until 1995.
Local production of the Laser in Australia ceased in 1994 when Ford closed its plant in Homebush in Sydney, and imported the model from Japan. The Laser was finally replaced by the Focus in 2002.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, the Laser was sold as both a hatchback and sedan, and was later assembled alongside the Mazda 323 at the Vehicle Assemblers of New Zealand (VANZ) plant in Wiri, Auckland in a joint venture between Ford New Zealand and Mazda. The KC/KE Laser wagon was also assembled locally, alongside its Mazda 323 equivalent, until 1996. When the plant closed in 1997, Ford dropped the Laser and introduced the Ford Escort hatchback and sedan, having already introduced the Escort wagon. It later reintroduced the Laser in 1999, and was not replaced by the Focus until 2003.
South Africa
The Laser was introduced in South Africa in 1986, as a hatchback, with the sedan version being sold as the Meteor. Replacing the Ford Escort, it was produced alongside the Mazda 323 by Samcor. The Laser was already sold in Zimbabwe, where the previous generation model had been introduced in 1981. The KC/KE Laser and Meteor remained in production in South Africa until 1995, when the Escort was reintroduced. However, Ford introduced an entry-level model called the Tonic, a rebadged version of the last version of KF hatchack Mazda 323 (VI gen) (Una versione rimarchiata dell'ultimo modello della Mazda 323 a due volume), which was sold until 2003.
North America
In 1987, a version of the Laser built in Mexico was exported to the USA, where it was known as the Mercury Tracer. In Canada, Ford opted to import Mercury Tracer from Taiwan instead. The Laser was the basis of later Escort models sold in North America, which is not to be confused with the model of the same name sold in Europe. In 1991, the American Ford Escort was replaced by a version of the Laser/323, although the Escort name was retained. The Escort Wagon seen in North America during that generation was unique to that continent and was not part of the Laser ranges elsewhere.
Latin America and Caribbean
The Ford Laser was also assembled and sold in some countries in Latin America, such as Colombia and Venezuela, and was sold in right hand drive markets in the Caribbean such as Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
Asia
As well as being produced in Japan, the Laser was also assembled in Malaysia and Indonesia (in right hand drive). It was also assembled in left hand drive markets like Taiwan and the Philippines. In Taiwan, (where it was assembled by local joint venture Ford Lio Ho), the Laser sedan was replaced by the Tierra, with distinct styling. Updated versions of this model have also been sold in Thailand as the Laser Tierra, while in Malaysia, the Laser was renamed the Lynx. In Indonesia, it was used by local taxi companies before being replaced by the Toyota Soluna and the Toyota Vios. [senza fonte]
Europe
The 1981 Laser was also sold in Cyprus, being similar to the Australian model.
Replacements
The Laser has now been replaced in most markets around the world by the European-sourced Focus, designated as one of Ford's 'world cars'. The Mazda 323's replacement, the Mazda3, is also based on the same platform as the new model Focus, meaning that both companies' products in this market segment will use the same platform around the world.
Updated versions of the Laser known as the Laser, Laser Tierra, Laser Lance, Laser Lynx RS, Laser RS, and Tierra were marketed in Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Taiwan, respectively, but were eventually replaced by the Focus.
Altri progetti
Wikimedia Commons contiene immagini o altri file su LukeWiller/Sandbox/10
Note
- ^ a b c d e Davis, 1992
- ^ (EN) Oakville Assembly Complex - Ford Motor Company Newsroom, su media.ford.com. URL consultato il 04-03-2012.
- ^ (EN) Ford Lio Ho Motor Co. Ltd. - Ford Motor Company Newsroom, su media.ford.com. URL consultato il 04-03-2012.
- ^ (EN) Haiduong Assembly Plant - Ford Motor Company Newsroom, su media.ford.com. URL consultato il 04-03-2012.
- ^ (EN) AutoAlliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd. - Ford Motor Company Newsroom, su media.ford.com. URL consultato il 04-03-2012.
Collegamenti esterni
- (EN) Contains a discussion board for Laser owners and a range of technical information
- Sorting out worldwide Ford compact models
- List of Ford Laser models with pictures and details on engine used
- Website dedicated to Ford Laser modification
- Ford Club Philippines :: The online Filipino Community for Ford Owners.
