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Video: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 plays its new aluminum soundtrackFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford 
You've no doubt read by now everything we've had to say about the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 with its new aluminum engine. But what does it sound like? Glad you asked. We've got two clips of B-roll after the jump showing both the GT500 coupe and convertible out running on what appears to be a frigid Michigan afternoon (feel sorry for the guy driving the drop top). Fortunately, lots of time is spent mashing both their throttles so we can hear that new 5.4-liter supercharged aluminum engine howl. Question: Can a car look lighter? If so, the GT500 definitely does, especially at WOT as the car transfers its weight to the rear wheels with haste and boogies off. Follow the jump and twist the dial to 11 before you hit play.
[Source: Ford]Continue reading Video: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 plays its new aluminum soundtrack Video: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 plays its new aluminum soundtrack originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: New Matech Ford GT for GT1 racing looks and sounds gloriously evilFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, Europe, Videos, Ford, Racing
2010 FIA GT1 Matech Competition Ford GT - Click above for video after the jump
It wasn't that long ago that Ford was selling a genuine supercar, one that made no excuses as it took on the world's best. The Ford GT had one foot in the past and one foot in the present, with its '60s GT40 good looks and somewhat more modern 5.4-liter supercharged V8. Altogether, some 4,000 or so GTs were built during its production run. Sadly that program ground to a halt in 2006 and nothing has come along from the Blue Oval to replace it. Still, the GT lived on as a great platform for tuners and racers.
One race team that has grown particularly fond of the GT is Matech Competition, and the Swiss team has already raced it to championships in FIA GT3 racing in Europe. The retro roadcar was never intended for racing, but like its forebearer, it is once again hunting Ferrari and Porsche racers on Europe's most famous tracks. After successes in GT3, the GT has shown it might be ready to move up in class. While the small independent Robertson Racing has run a GT in the GT2 class of ALMS for a few seasons with mixed results, it's Matech once again that will take on the next challenge - GT1.
For 2010, Matech has developed their GT1 version of the car that builds on lessons learned during the 2009 campaign when the team ran a prototype in the same class. Although similar in overall looks, Matech tells us that the two cars share no parts whatsoever. With an all-new formula for 2010, that's not very surprising, but 2009 was a development year for the teams. After the jump you can read the press release regarding the car's initial outing, and better yet, there's a video of it in action. The clip is painfully short but will give you goosebumps when the car sprints away. Besides its wonderfully melodic tone, the car looks plain badass, definitely up to the challenge being brought by GT1 competitors like the Nissan GT-R, Reiter's Murcielagos, Aston Martin DBR9s, Maserati MC12s, and our local boys the Chevrolet Corvettes. No wonder the clip is titled "Matech Symphony No.1." Top tip, Johannes!
[Source: Matech Competition]Continue reading Video: New Matech Ford GT for GT1 racing looks and sounds gloriously evil Video: New Matech Ford GT for GT1 racing looks and sounds gloriously evil originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2011 Ford Shelby GT500 finally gets aluminum engine, loses 120 poundsFiled under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford 
2011 Ford Shelby GT500 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ever since Ford introduced the modern Shelby GT500 four years ago, almost no one has complained about the prodigious power levels produced by its supercharged 5.4-liter V8. With as much as 540 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque in the 2010 model, there was no shortage of grunt. No, the issue was an excess of mass.
Before the contemporary GT500 was born, Ford had a blown aluminum block 5.4-liter V8 in the short lived GT supercar. However, when the engineers at Ford's Special Vehicle Team developed the GT500, they opted to mount the GT's cylinder heads on the cast iron block used in the big F-Series pickup trucks. After debuting a visual refresh for the Mustang a year ago, Ford has spent the last two months announcing fresh new powertrains for the base and GT models. That process has now come full circle with SVT rolling out a heart transplant for the Shelby GT500. The 2011 model finally has the aluminum powerplant we all wanted when it debuted, and the effect is absolutely en-lightening. Read on to find out more.
Live photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 finally gets aluminum engine, loses 120 pounds 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 finally gets aluminum engine, loses 120 pounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord Suisse rolls out special edition Focus RS WRCFiled under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford
Ford Focus RS WRC special edition for Switzerland - Click above for image gallery of livery proposals
While the rest of us think "rallying", the Swiss look at their snow-capped mountains and think "skiing". That's largely because the Swiss are not known to be car people. But for every rule there's an exception.
In Switzerland those exceptions include the efforts of notable speed-freaks like Peter Sauber (of F1 fame), Frank Rinderknecht (Rinspeed) and Franco Sbarro (the flamboyant coachbuilder - not the food-court pizza guy). And we can now add Ford to that list, as the Detroit automaker's Swiss subsidiary is rolling out a special edition Focus RS to pay tribute to the 40th anniversary of the company's iconic RS division, exclusively for the Swiss market.
Although mechanically identical to the existing Focus RS - not much change needed there - the Focus RS WRC edition wears a special livery submitted and chosen through an online forum. Black and green decals overlay a white background, complimented by blacked-out 19" OZ Superturismo GT alloys, while inside, a special plaque carries the Hancocks of Ford's top rally ace Mikko Hirvonen and his co-pilot Jarmo Lehtinen.
Only 50 examples will be offered, exclusively in Switzerland at a price of 55,900 Swiss francs - equivalent to about $53k in American greenbacks and representing a 2000-franc premium over the standard Focus RS. We'll see if we can grab a closer look when we descend upon the multilingual alpine nation for the Geneva Motor Show next month, but in the meantime you can view the top liveries proposed in the gallery below and, if your French, German or Italian is up to the task, check out the press release after the jump. After all, while "speed" is not among the languages commonly spoken in Switzerland, neither is English.
And if some of you longtime readers think that a 50-unit Focus WRC special edition sounds familiar, well, it should. Back in 2007, The Euro Oval did a similar package based on the Focus ST.
[Source: Ford]Continue reading Ford Suisse rolls out special edition Focus RS WRC Ford Suisse rolls out special edition Focus RS WRC originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutoblog Weekender: IRL, Making Mulsannes, a Russian Hummer Tractor Thingy, IRL, the Alfabeast ... and more IRLFiled under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Bentley, Ford, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Motorcycle, Russia
The Autoblog Weekender - Click above to find out what you missed
In February's first Weekender, NASCAR already has its Car of Tomorrow and now Indycar is planning its car of 2012. Dallara has designed three sample chassis, and while they might not make IRL any more fun to watch, they could make it far more interesting to look at. In other lands, the Alfabeast is what you get when you cross a 2.5-liter V6 and a hardtail motorcycle, Ford says "No" to manatees and monkeys, Bentley shows you how to make a Mulsanne, the new Porsche Cayenne interior looks hot as cayenne, and did you hear the one about the guy who ate a bowl of chili and crashed into a house? Yeah, neither had we. Follow the jump for all those stories and more...Continue reading Autoblog Weekender: IRL, Making Mulsannes, a Russian Hummer Tractor Thingy, IRL, the Alfabeast ... and more IRL Autoblog Weekender: IRL, Making Mulsannes, a Russian Hummer Tractor Thingy, IRL, the Alfabeast ... and more IRL originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSneak Peek: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 w/ SVT Performance Package [w/video]Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford
2011 Shelby GT500 with SVT Performance Pack - Click above for high-res image gallery.Follow the jump to watch video
The latest Ford Racing email newsletter contains some juicy stuff for Mustang fans. It confirms that the 2011 Shelby GT500 will be revealed this coming Monday, February 8, at 1:30 PM Eastern time via a live webcast, during which FoMoCo VP for global product development, Derrick Kuzak will also run down the SVT product strategy with Jost Capito, Ford's director of global performance vehicles. The newsletter includes a link to FordMediaLive.com, which is counting down the seconds to the webcast in real time. We recommend you click on the system test button, because doing so gives you a teaser reel of the 2011 Shelby GT500 (shown above), and if you've been following the leaked developments so far, it's pretty revealing. (Note: Ford has since pulled down the old test/teaser reel and replaced it with generic nature scenes.)
As you know, the Shelby GT500 order guide found its way onto the web last week. Among the new-for-2011 features mentioned (beyond the aluminum block for the blown 5.4-liter V8), are the glass roof option, which is installed on the car in the video, and the new SVT Performance Package, which is also equipped. Visual giveaways that differentiate the performance pack cars are readily evident: the hood stripes are skinnier than the ones on the standard GT500, and the body-side stripe is solid (it's bisected on the regular GT500).
Even more obvious are the different wheels, 19 x 9.5 inches in front, and 20 X 10 inches in back) that are exclusive to the SVT Performance Package. Finally, in the shot of the car's rear end, the spoiler with Gurney flap is plainly visible. Regular GT500s don't get the flap.(Never mind; I forgot that the 2010 GT500 rear spoiler had the flap, too. - Nunez) As specified in the leaked order sheet, the performance pack cars also get upgraded to a 3:73 rear axle ratio over the base GT500's 3:55s.On top of all that, The Detroit News reports this morning that the tweaked, aluminum-block 5.4 gets another 10 horsepower over the iron-block version, raising total output to 550 HP.
There's more to tell, but unfortunately, we're sworn to secrecy until 1:30 sharp on Monday. What we will say is this: The Mustang V6 and GT aren't the only ponys in the stable that get better for 2011. As good - great, even - as the 2010 Shelby GT500 is, the 2011 improves on the formula. Stay tuned for some pretty hot stuff on Monday. Thanks to Murray for the heads-up, and to commenter Mike for the Detroit News link.
Update: The teaser video has been posted to YouTube, and is now embedded after the jump.
[Source: Ford Media Live via TeamShelby.com, The Detroit News, YouTube]Continue reading Sneak Peek: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 w/ SVT Performance Package [w/video] Sneak Peek: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 w/ SVT Performance Package [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Ford issues TSB fix for brake pedal on Fusion/Milan Hybrid models [w/video]Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Videos, Ford, Mercury 
Consumer Reports explains Ford Fusion Hybrid braking issue - Click above to watch the video after the break
It would seem that Toyota isn't the only automaker with braking issues on its hybrid vehicles, as Ford has reportedly issued a technical service bulletin (or "Customer Satisfaction Program" in Ford-ese) outlining a software update for its 2010 Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid sedans. The problem was experienced and reported by Consumer Reports a little while back; here's their explanation of what happened:
As one of our senior engineers slowed for a stop sign at the turnoff to our test facility in East Haddam, Connecticut, the brake pedal went unexpectedly further down than normal but the car barely slowed. He zoomed through the turn, with brake-system warning lights illuminated on the dash. The car more or less coasted to a stop, with what our engineer described as minimal brake feel.
After switching off the engine and then restarting it, everything returned to normal - no warning lights and full braking capability.
That doesn't sound very good, eh? As it turns out, Ford was aware of the potential problem. Sayeth the Blue Oval: "The software threshold to transition from regenerative brakes to conventional brakes can cause the system to transition to conventional brakes unnecessarily." Fortunately, Ford claims that while drivers "may initially perceive the condition as loss of brakes... the vehicle has full braking capability. When this occurs, our system maintains full conventional brakes and full ABS function."
In an effort to resolve the issue in a timely manner, Ford has initiated a repair program and will notify all known owners by mail starting in early February 2010. Anyone who owns a Fusion or Milan Hybrid made on or before October 17, 2009 can see their dealer regarding Ford's "Customer Satisfaction Program 10B13." Click past the break for a video explaining the issue and the official statement from Ford regarding the solution.
[Sources: Consumer Reports, Ford]Continue reading Report: Ford issues TSB fix for brake pedal on Fusion/Milan Hybrid models [w/video] Report: Ford issues TSB fix for brake pedal on Fusion/Milan Hybrid models [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsNissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottomFiled under: Truck, Safety, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Nissan, Toyota 
IIHS compact pickup crash tests - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested five compact pickup trucks for both rollover and side impact crashes, and overall, it would seem that the trucks' performances were pretty dismal. Only the Nissan Frontier was given a 'Good' rating from the IIHS for rollover protection, with the Ford Ranger falling to second place with an 'Acceptable' rating and the Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Dakota and Toyota Tacoma earning lowly 'Marginal' scores.
Side impact scores also failed to live up to expectations for some trucks, with the Frontier, Ranger and Tacoma getting 'Good' ratings and the Colorado getting the lowest 'Poor' rating. Equally as disturbing, though, was the performance of the Dakota, which was tested with optional side air bags (all the other trucks come standard with the bags) that failed to deploy in IIHS testing. Chrysler has reportedly identified the software glitch that caused the air bags not to deploy and is working on a fix. The Dakota will be retested with properly functional air bags at a later date.
See the results of the testing in our image gallery below and click past the break for the official press release from the IIHS.
[Source: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]Continue reading Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsDinner with Ken Block, Gymkhana coming to Top Gear and a surprise Fiesta at Sno*Drift 2010 *UPDATEFiled under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Ford 
Ken Block/Ford Fiesta at the 2010 Rally America Sno*Drift - Click above for high-res image gallery
The initial motivation for this piece was a pre-Sno*Drift dinner with Ken Block and members of the new Monster World Rally Team last Thursday, followed the next day by a ride in the shotgun seat of Block's new Fiesta rally car. As for the ride along, we were anticipating some no-holds-barred, looking-through-the-side-windows-to-steer, make-the-media-guy-puke action, but as is so often the case with most things regarded as insanely fun, some last-minute rule interpretations ruled out the scheduled media rides.
 Whether or not there was some friction between Ford's media efforts and the Rally America staff was unclear, but it was all moot anyway when the Fiesta's broken suspension bits took Block out of the action late Friday, after just seven stages. At least the dinner went off without a hitch, save for some discrepancy with the waitress on whether or not a chicken Caeser salad was actually ordered by yours truly. If you're confused right now, you're not alone.
UPDATE: Ford assures us there wasn't any friction between the Blue Oval and Rally America, at least outside the normal race day jitters experienced at any event such as this. According to Ford Racing, Rally America was "awesome to work with" and given the crazy-icy conditions for the event, we can understand both the extra concerns for safety and the need to keep the playing field leveled.
We did have a chance to noodle around inside Block's cranium for a couple hours though, and we learned he'll be headed to the Top Gear studios in April to film, among other things, an all-new Gymkhana session with the rally Fiesta. The new car is actually the same Fiesta Rallycross car that Marcus Gronholm piloted up Pikes Peak last year, though the 800 horsepower has been tuned back to something in the 330 range. We also learned the new car has a healthy torque advantage from his old ride, and as good as Subarus sound with a tight exhaust, the Fiesta has a delicious wail that sounds suspiciously like the WRC-spec Focus he'll be campaigning in Mexico next month.
Is he excited about driving in the World Rally Championship? Absolutely, but he also confessed to having virtually no seat time in the Focus thus far, which Block describes as "night and day" from the Fiesta. It would've been nice to see the Fiesta again on Saturday, or any sort of Monster World Rally Team presence for that fact, and there were certainly an abundance of fans who would agree. Instead, the Fiesta team packed up the broken car and headed south in the wee hours of the morning, leaving the rest of us with nothing but Red Bull to drink.
That is, until another Fiesta showed up...
[Driving shots of Fiesta: Mike Prouix/www.worldrallysport.com/Rally America]Continue reading Dinner with Ken Block, Gymkhana coming to Top Gear and a surprise Fiesta at Sno*Drift 2010 *UPDATE Dinner with Ken Block, Gymkhana coming to Top Gear and a surprise Fiesta at Sno*Drift 2010 *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRumormill: 350-hp Focus RS Clubsport coming, next-gen RS to get hybrid powerFiled under: Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford 
2009 Ford Focus RS - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's no secret that we openly covet the Ford Focus Rallye Sport. Unfortunately, the Blue Oval never found it in its heart to let the hottest version of its Focus hatchback into the United States... or any version of the European Focus for that matter. As such, we're certainly not expecting to see the rumored Clubsport model that Auto Express claims will be the current car's swan song before the new version is unveiled based on the all-new Focus.
Too bad, as the idea of 350 horsepower from Ford's highly lauded 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine sounds just peachy, as do the lightweight racing seats, lowered and stiffened suspension and suitably sticky rubber. If there's any truth to all of this, expect the run to 60 to be dispatched in just about five seconds flat. Don't be too saddened by the news, though.
The next juicy bit of internet rumormongering is that a new version of the RS has been greenlit, based on the new Focus platform that was recently unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. This model would seemingly have a much better chance of coming Stateside, being that the next Focus will be a true global vehicle.
If you're the type that likes to save fuel while scorching asphalt, you'll like the rumored inclusion of a hybrid powertrain centering on Ford's 2.0-liter Ecoboost four cylinder. That boosted mill would reportedly drive the front wheels while an electric motor would send torque to the rear, resulting in an all-wheel drive arrangement, estimated 0-60 run of (again) five seconds and a top speed of 155 miles per hour.
Interestingly, AE reports that this is the same powertrain Peugeot used in its SR1 concept, and the French automaker is said to have co-developed the hybrid drivetrain with Ford. We won't know whether or not any of this is accurate for quite some time, as the car reportedly won't be ready for another three years, but a 240-horsepower Ecoboost Focus ST may be on the way within the next 18 months. We'll see...
[Source: Auto Express]Rumormill: 350-hp Focus RS Clubsport coming, next-gen RS to get hybrid power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutoblog Podcast #164 - Return of the LiebermanFiled under: Podcasts, Recalls, Safety, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Jaguar, Jeep, Lincoln, Toyota, Tesla 
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
The prodigal Jonny Lieberman phones in this week for episode #164 of the Autoblog Podcast, joining Chris, Sam, and Dan for the ensuing hijinks. Despite the massive preoccupation with Toyota recalls, which does lead us off, our quartet manages to hit some other topics, too.
Hyundai's 2011 Sonata and its pricing gives us relief from recall madness, followed by the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee's pricking and packaging details. Very quiet Mercury has rumors of a Focus-based C-Segment car coming up, and we return to Toyota - this time with better news - a potential high performance division. That's your hour-and-a-half for this week, see you next time!
Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget - Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #164 - Return of the Lieberman Autoblog Podcast #164 - Return of the Lieberman originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Four-cylinder EcoBoost Ford Edge coming to ChicagoFiled under: Chicago Auto Show, Spy Photos, Technology, Ford, Rumormill 
2011 Ford Edge spy shots - Click above for high-res image galleries
Here's some very exciting news, especially if you're into that whole forced-induction cult thing: Ford is reportedly set to show off its new four-cylinder EcoBoost engine under the hood of the overhauled-for-2011 Edge. To refresh you memory, EcoBoost is Ford speak for turbocharging plus direct injection. In the case of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost found in cars like the Ford Flex EcoBoost, the forced induction, direct injected motor makes much more power than the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 (355 horsepower compared to 262 hp), yet gets identical fuel economy (16 city/22 highway).
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost that The Detroit News promises is coming in the substantially refreshed Edge is said to be as powerful as a 3.0-liter V6. We'll take that to mean about 240 or so horsepower. Sure, that's not a very exciting power figure in the Edge, but it will probably make for some sexy fuel economy figures. And just image how thrilling this news will be when the 2.0-liter EcoBoost Focus comes out? Or, Mulally willing, an EcoBoosted Fiesta! Even a Fusion with this new motor (and a manual transmission) would be very, very welcome. We should know much more next week in Chicago.
[Source: The Detroit News | Images: KGP Photography]Report: Four-cylinder EcoBoost Ford Edge coming to Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Motor Trend gets first ride in 2011 Ford Mustang V6, Camaro and Challenger comparedFiled under: Coupe, Videos, Ford 
2011 Ford Mustang V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery
The 2010 Ford Mustang was by all accounts a pretty significant refresh compared to the 2009 model, with a vastly superior interior, better ride and handling and, some would say, improved outward aesthetics. But there was still something missing. The Blue Oval used carry-over powertrains, and in the case of the 210-horsepower V6 model, nothing changed.
For the 2011 model year, Ford is rectifying that mistake two-fold. The 5.0-liter V8 gets a great deal of press for its impressive 412 hp and 390 pound-feet of twist, but many members of the Autoblog team are just as excited to get their hands on the new 305 hp, 280 lb-ft 3.7-liter V6 offering. We'll likely have to wait a bit longer to curb that urge, but the folks over at Motor Trend have already been given a taste.
MT's Arthur St. Antoine was invited to Ford's Arizona proving grounds to spend some seat time behind the wheel in the passenger seat of the updated ponycar, and though he didn't get to drive he liked what he experienced. St. Antoine calls the new V6 mill "plenty strong," adding that the engine is smoother, stronger and sounds better than the outgoing 4.0-liter six ever could. After some gentle strolling around Arizona, St. Antoine meandered back over to the proving grounds for some laps in a Performance Package V6 model with vehicle dynamics engineer (and Top Gun-level driver) Jamie Cullen. From the perspective of the right seat, the 3.7-liter Stang reportedly was able to handle anything thrown its way with flat cornering, strong braking and near constant contact between the tires and the track. Head over to Motor Trend to read the report from the passenger seat and make the jump for the video.
[Source: Motor Trend]Continue reading Video: Motor Trend gets first ride in 2011 Ford Mustang V6, Camaro and Challenger compared Video: Motor Trend gets first ride in 2011 Ford Mustang V6, Camaro and Challenger compared originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsPastrana puts competition on ice at Rally America Sno*DriftFiled under: Motorsports, Ford, Subaru 
Rally America Sno*Drift 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Travis Pastrana has no shortage of critics who claim the daredevil is skating on thin ice. Okay, that was a terrible segue into this year's Sno*Drift, the opening event in the Rally America Championship series, but yes, Pastrana and co-driver Christian Edstrom did skate to a fourth straight Sno*Drift victory on Saturday, trumping the second place team of Antoine L'Estage and co-driver Nathalie Richard by more than a minute. Not too bad for a guy who just had surgery for a broken collar bone. Meanwhile, William Bacon and Peter Watt finished third overall as the highest-placing privateers. Ken Block, sporting his trademark goatee and a new Ford Fiesta rally car, retired after just seven stages due to suspension failure.
Organized around the snowy gravel roads of Northern Lower Michigan, Sno*Drift 2010 wasn't so much with the snow thanks to a warm spell and thorough soaking of rain, followed by a quick dip into sub-zero temperatures-all within a week of race day. Roads turned into rivers of glare ice, and since studded tires aren't allowed in the series, automotive hilarity reminiscent of Snoopy on Ice was the order of the day. Just ask Pastrana's team mate Dave Mirra, who crossed the final mark literally dragging his Subie's front bumper and headlights thanks to a late-stage disagreement between himself, Sir Issac Newton, and a tree.
More to come on Pastrana, Block, and Rally America; in the meantime spy the Rally America gallery while we search Wikipedia for frost bite remedies and tips on removing champagne from blue jeans.
Photos by Christopher Smith / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Pastrana puts competition on ice at Rally America Sno*Drift originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Mercury planning C-segment vehicle for 2012Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Rumormill 
Lincoln Concept C - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to Automobile Magazine, Ford is putting Mercury on its list. Sorry, we couldn't help ourselves. Specifically, the list in question contains the names of 10 vehicles the Blue Oval plans to build off its global compact car platform. Mercury will supposedly be getting one of the new C-segment vehicles based on the architecture used for the recently unveiled 2012 Ford Focus, which also shares its guts with the Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max MPVs.
Says Lincoln-Mercury spokesman Mark Schirmer, "Certainly, one [variant of the global compact car architecture] will be a Mercury... It'll give us something to put into showrooms, and help energize the Mercury brand." We're glad to hear that, as the Mercury brand is in some serious need of rejuvenation.
Best guesses for what form the new compact Mercury for 2012 might take range from a slightly upmarket version of the Ford Focus (we certainly hope it'd be more than just a shoddy badge-job) or something along the lines of the Lincoln Concept C from the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. If it's going to be one or the other, we cast our official vote for the latter. We'll see.
[Source: Automobile Magazine]Report: Mercury planning C-segment vehicle for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Ken Block tests his Ford Fiesta Rally ahead of Sno*DriftFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Racing 
Ken Block's inaugural outing in his new Ford Fiesta Rally car took place on Thursday ahead of today's opening of the Sno*Drift Rally America Series, and the crew at Monster have released some footage of Block's maiden run.
After the jump, you'll find a two and a half minute clip of Block pounding down the icy roads of Gladwin, MI, blowing past trees at triple-digit speeds and topping out in sixth gear during one insanely long straight.
Live updates from the event are available at Rally America's website. Follow along today and tomorrow, but in the meantime... jump.
Continue reading Video: Ken Block tests his Ford Fiesta Rally ahead of Sno*Drift Video: Ken Block tests his Ford Fiesta Rally ahead of Sno*Drift originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord releases two new crate engine options for racersFiled under: Motorsports, Ford 
Ford 427 FE crate engine - Click for high-res image gallery
Racers and project car builders have two fresh engine options to choose from in the Ford Racing parts catalog. Fans of the classic 302 cubic inch V8 and a lighter budget can opt for the 340 horsepower X302 crate engine. At $3,495, the X302 offers the classic cast iron block and aluminum cylinder heads mated with forged aluminum pistons and die cast aluminum valve covers.
Those in need of a bit more oomph can opt for the new 427 FE, based on the Boss 351 block with four-bolt main bearings carrying the forged steel crankshaft and rods. The block is topped with Ford Racing aluminum cylinder heads with 10.5:1 compression ratio, netting 535 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque and commanding $8,800. Both engines get the standard Ford Racing one year warranty. Press releases are after the jump.
[Source: Ford]Continue reading Ford releases two new crate engine options for racers Ford releases two new crate engine options for racers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord earned $2.7B profit in 2009, predicts repeat in 2010Filed under: Ford, Earnings/Financials 
Ford Motor Company has reported a fourth quarter profit for 2009 that helped the Dearborn, MI-based automaker end the last fiscal year in the black, its first yearly profit in about four years. While Ford's 2009 Q4 income was $868 million versus a loss of $5.9 billion the year prior, the effect on the year as a whole put $2.7 billion in the automaker's pockets versus a loss of $14.8 billion in 2008. What's more, Ford's Chief Financial Officer Lewis Booth forecasts a profitable 2010 and raised the company's outlook in 2011 from "break-even or better" to "solidly profitable."
Booth did caution that much of last year's profit had to do with debt restructuring, but Ford also lowered its structural costs in Q4 by $500 million and $5.1 billion for all of 2009, which also beat the company's own goal of a $4 billion reduction.
While financial numbers are difficult to understand and even harder to explain, there is one thing Ford announced that we're sure everyone can understand. The company will raise its first quarter production levels in North America by 20,000 units, from 550,000 to 570,000. This will help Ford meet rising demand for its cars and trucks and keep inventory hovering around a 60-day supply, the industry standard.
[Source: Ford, Automotive News - sub. req. | Image: Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty]Ford earned $2.7B profit in 2009, predicts repeat in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord employees take Motor Trend calipers to Disney World, hit TSA snag in DetroitFiled under: Sedan, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Ford  When we look at Motor Trend magazine's golden calipers, we think of a prestigious trophy awarded each year to the publication's top car and truck of the year. Apparently, the Transportation Security Administration officials at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport see a weapon of mass destruction. Or something.
The proud engineers at Ford have been taking their well-deserved 2010 Ford Fusion Car of the Year award all over town, taking pictures and having a little fun, mimicking what athletes do when they win Lord Stanley's Cup in hockey or the Lombardi Trophy in football. Ford Research & Advanced Engineering employee Tony Phillips went as far as Disney World with the award, but apparently not before coming to the attention of the TSA at Detroit Metro airport. Phillips had rightly brought the sizable trophy onto the plane as a carry-on - after all, who would want to tell Allan Mulally that they lost the trophy at baggage claim?
MT's shiny hardware was eventually let on the plane after "some interesting discussion, and it made its way to Orlando to ride some rides and hang with Mickey. Surprisingly, the Orlando TSA agents were more familiar with Ford's award than were the security agents in the Motor City, and congratulations were given to them on the accomplishment. Just as an FYI for Ford, you can bring by your trophy to Autoblog headquarters any time you wish. We won't even frisk you at the door.
[Source: @Ford Online]Ford employees take Motor Trend calipers to Disney World, hit TSA snag in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMulally: Mercury's star still shining bright... for nowFiled under: Ford, Lincoln, Mercury 
You'd be forgiven for assuming Ford would be willing to let Mercury die a slow, drawn out death. In fact, it seems like that's what's taking place naturally, what with the stunning lack of interesting new product over the last few years decades. According to Ford head honcho Alan Mulally, though, that's not the plan, at least for now.
Speaking at the Washington Auto Show, Mulally reportedly said, "That's our plan - to continuously improve the Mercury and Lincoln brands," reiterating twice that this is the plan "right now." Some are taking this to mean that Mercury's future may actually be up in the air, seeing the phrase "right now" as Mulally's way of saying the plan could soon change.
In any case, Ford's stated goal with the Mercury brand's lineup continues to revolve around small, premium vehicles that aren't necessarily available in nearly identical across the aisle in the Ford dealership. Whatever happens, we're just hoping that Ford finds a place in its heart to keep Jill Wagner around as a spokesmodel.
[Source: Inside Line]Mulally: Mercury's star still shining bright... for now originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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