Ford Motor Co. helps keep teen drivers safe with the introduction of an innovative technology called MyKey that is designed to help parents encourage their teenagers to drive safer.Ford MyKey allows parents to program a special ignition key with a pre-programmed list of vehicle options designed for better safety.
For instance, parents can program the […]
Ford Motor Company further beefed up its reputation for safety and technology with the recent announcement of its latest vehicle safety breakthrough advanced “active” collision-avoidance technology called Collision Warning with Brake Support. This new technology uses radar to detect moving vehicles directly ahead.
When the device detects a possible collision, it warns the driver through an […]
Filed under: Euro, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford, Special/Limited Editions
Click above for high-res gallery of the Ford Kuga Individual
When we put the production Ford Kuga next to its progenitor, the Iosis X show car, on our test drive in Belgium, we couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. The Kuga is a fine looking cute-ute, but lacks the aggressive styling that made the Iosis X such a show stopper. Ford promised to close the gap a little with the Individual version of the Kuga, launched here in Paris.
The Kuga joins Individual versions of the Ford Mondeo, Fiesta, S-Max and Galaxy, offering overseas buyers a host of luxury options you’d normally find on higher-end automobiles. The interior trim in particular goes a long way towards addressing some of the incoherence we mentioned in our review as well. Along with the leather and stuff, the Kuga Individual gets a revised exterior package that evokes some of the touches from the concept car, like aluminum intake fascias, 20″ wheels and ground effects. The latter gives the Kuga a more road-skimming look as opposed to the Iosis X’s jacked-up stature, but it’s a nice touch all the same. The best part, however, could be the new engine option: the same Volvo-sourced turbo five from the hot Focus ST, albeit detuned to 200hp. Check out the photos in the gallery below to see the updated Kuga Individual from the Paris show floor.
Gallery: Paris 2008: Ford Kuga Individual
Gallery: Ford Kuga Individual
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Filed under: Coupes, Economy, Videos, Hatchbacks, Ford
We’re really excited for the new Ford Fiesta to hit U.S. shores, but unfortunately we have almost two more years to wait. Our friends overseas don’t have to wait at all, though, so marketing for the attractive sub-compact has already started in the UK. One such publicity stunt involved a pair of three-door Fiestas that tore up the dance floor recently near the Tower of London at the Tango at the Tower event while a 20-piece orchestra jammed the classic tune. That’s right - cars doing the tango. Hit the jump to view the well-choreographed video of the two Fiestas going toe to toe in the rain. We’re tempted to quip that these Fiestas have better moves than Kim Kardashian, but we have no desire to admit watching Dancing with the Stars.
[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading VIDEO: It takes two Fiestas to tango
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Filed under: Euro, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford, Lifestyle, Special/Limited Editions
Ford of Europe has an Individual Program that’s been rolled out for a number of old world offerings, and now the Kuga gets its turn in the wardrobe room. Inspired by the Iosis concept from 2006, the new body kit and 20-inch wheels clothe a specialized interior for the Kuga Titanium that features Ebony Nappa and Bond leathers with contrasting piping and high-gloss Piano White fixtures.
Down in front, the Kuga will benefit from a new 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder Duratec Turbo with 200 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque that comes out of the Focus ST. It should add some sporty to the spaciousness while returning 29 Imperial mpg. This gas engine is 64 hp up on the standard offering, the Duratorq TDCi diesel. Another first for the Kuga, it can be shifted with an optional 3-mode, 5-speed automatic transmission.
On another note, the Duratec puts out a more energetic sound thanks to new exhaust tuning. The Individual program and powertrain options will be available from the beginning of 2009, and the first Kuga Individual showcasing what customers will be able to do goes on display at this week’s Paris Motor Show. In the mean time, check out the gallery of high-res photos below.
Gallery: Ford Kuga Individual
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Paris Preview: Ford reveals Kuga Individual package
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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupes
The 2010 Ford Mustang teasers continue, with a darkened shot of the new ‘Stang’s seats and center console. The new thrones look mighty inviting, with a nice amount of padding and some American-friendly bolsters. The center console appears to be a little taller than the current Mustang, but we’ll have to wait until we get a chance to sit inside at this year’s LA Auto Show.
Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang Teased
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Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Tuners, Trucks/Pickups, Ford, Special/Limited Editions
Athletic governing bodies are coming down hard on steroids and HGH, which has probably led to a glut on the market. Performance West Group appears to have bought up the entire surplus and injected it into a Ford F-350 dually in order to create the Striker. Part pickup and part Ford Mustang GT500KR, the Striker will be intimidating other vehicles at this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas.
The greatest tuning minds of our generation are assisting PWG with the project. Gale Banks is tuning the PowerStroke V8 engine above its 350 hp and 650 lb-ft. Hulst Customs is fabricating the bodywork. American Lightweight will be providing the aluminum 24″ wheels. Katzkin Leather and Sony are doing duty inside to make sure you enjoy what will surely be a monster system in beauteous comfort.
PWG will then drape the entire thing in Striker Silver and Badass Blue and then probably let it loose to kill things. The rationalist in us wants to ask “What the…?” The auto junkie in us wants to stick it in the driveway and let it reek of testosterone. And then transform into a Decepticon. Which means we can’t wait for SEMA.
[Source: PickupTrucks.com]
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Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford
If you frequent every car blog on a daily basis, then you’ve probably seen these latest spy shots of the 2010 Ford Mustang in base V6 and GT500 trim, as well as completely uncovered views of the interior. We’re acutely aware, however, that some of you rely solely on Autoblog for your daily fix. Therefore, we’re bringing you these three sets of spy shots now, despite the fact they’ve been on the web for a week. We apologize for the delay, but some back-of-the-house complications kept us from publishing them sooner.
Regardless, it’s totally apparent that Ford wants everyone to see these spy shots considering how naked these prototypes are. The batch of shots showing a blue, base V6 model gives the best view of the Mustang’s redesigned front end, including the newly shaped grille, new headlights, hood and lower bumper. The two new interior shots completely give up the goods on the Mustang’s new dash design, as well. Finally, the GT500 convertible shots show that the top dog model will indeed be fierce with a giant hood bulge and its own front end design.
Unfortunately, we’ve heard that the Mustang’s engine lineup will carry over largely unchanged for the 2010 model year, though could be entirely revamped shortly thereafter to keep pace with its crosstown rivals from Chevy and Dodge.
Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang V6 - spy shots
[Source: KGP Photography]
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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Ford
The Dita Von Teese-style burlesque unveiling of the 2010 Ford Mustang continues today with another image showing the dash and steering wheel, along with brief glimpses of the new IP, seats and passenger-side door panel. Riveting, no?
We couldn’t help using our elementary Photoshop skills to lighten up the artificially dark picture, and after a couple of tweaks of the virtual knobs, the new switchgear and matching stitching on the steering wheel and seats came into view.
Compared to the current ‘Stang, the new dash is more steeply raked and the materials appear to be of a higher quality, but until we’re able to run our hands over it all at the LA Auto Show this November, we can’t be certain.
The five previous teasers are available in our gallery below, and it looks like we can expect nine more images to be “unlocked” on the2010mustang.com between now and the its official unveiling.
Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang Teased
[Source: the2010mustang.com]
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Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Euro, Hatchbacks, Ford, ROUSH, UK
Click above for high-res gallery of the Mountune Ford Focus ST
After driving the hot Focus ST at Ford’s Lommel Proving Grounds, we returned with a big smile on our faces… and an eager anticipation for the upcoming Focus RS. British customers are also anxiously awaiting the even hotter hatch, and Ford’s Team RS knows it. That’s why they’ve teamed up with ROUSH’s British subsidiary Mountune again to offer a dealer-installed package to pump up the existing ST, JUST like the one they rolled out earlier this year for the smaller Fiesta ST, and also while the orders roll in for the full-fat Focus RS.
The package includes a bigger intercooler, high-flow air filter and recalibrated ECU, all good for an additional 34 hp to boost output from 225 PS (222 hp) to 260 PS (256 hp). The extra power promises to drop the 0-60 sprint down to a scant 5.9 seconds and on to 100 in just 14.1 seconds. The best part for British enthusiasts is that the £1,120 package can be installed to any new or used Focus ST at a range of dealerships across the Isles. Ford and Mountune promise an accompanying suspension package in the near future and further mods for additional Ford models before the year’s through. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the images in the gallery below.
Gallery: Mountune Ford Focus ST
Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Ford Focus ST
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Ain’t No Mountune High Enough: dealer-installed performance kit for Ford Focus ST
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Electricity, not hydrogen, gasoline or ethanol, will fuel the cars of the future, says Ford Motor Co.’s global product development chief, Derrick Kuzak. He stressed that he was speaking as an engineer and was not commenting specifically on Ford’s future product plans. He also said that Ford will continue to develop these alternatives. He also […]
Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Crossovers/CUVs, Lincoln
Mark Fields, Ford’s president of the Americas, has confirmed that the Lincoln MKT crossover is due to be reveal this January at the Detroit Auto Show, while a refreshed MKZ will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Show in November.
We already knew the Ford Flex-based CUV was headed to Detroit, with power provided by either a 3.7-liter or a 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6. Both six- and seven-passenger seating arrangements will be offered, along with Blind Spot Monitoring and a Cross Traffic Alert system which utilizes two sonar modules to notify drivers that a vehicle has moved into their blind spot by shining a light on the corresponding outside mirror. Sales are expected to begin later in 2009 and Ford is insistent that the MKT won’t share any body panels with its platform sibling.
The facelifted MKZ sedan will sport the new split-wing grille originally found on the MKR concept. New taillights are also rumored to be part of the package and sales should begin later this year or early in 2009.
Gallery: Lincoln MKT Concept
[Source: MotorTrend]
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Filed under: Euro, Hatchbacks, Ford, UK
Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Focus RS
The fastest piece of machinery ever devised by Ford of Europe, the highly anticipated Focus RS, just had its first public showing in London and is about to be officially unveiled in Paris next month. But with delivery expected to begin sometime next year, Ford dealers in the United Kingdom alone have already taken over 1,000 orders for the new hot hatch. Color options haven’t even been officially announced yet - with only Electric Green, Electric Blue and Frozen White confirmed so far - but most customers have already specified their color choices.
We’ll be on hand next month to bring you live shots of the new Focus Rallye Sport, so stay tuned. In the meantime, we’ve got a review of the Focus ST coming your way, plus a hi-res gallery of the Focus RS below and the press release after the jump.
Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Now That’s Fast: UK Ford dealers take 1000 orders for Focus RS
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Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford, UAW/Unions
Ford is stuck between a rock (the United Auto Workers union) and a hard place (having too many unionized hourly workers). In order to get some of those workers out the door, the Blue Oval is forced to offer them heavy incentives just to leave. There are ten such incentive packages currently offered at various Ford manufacturing plants. According to reports, the magic number of workers from which the automaker would like to divorce itself is 4,200. It’s as simple as having more people than jobs, which is a concern outside of Ford as well and one reason many workers are hesitant to let go of the job they already have. To make this transition easier for current employees, Ford has set up a website that offers tips and alternative job postings for its workers to pursue. Yeah, it’s gotten that bad.
[Source: The Detroit Free Press]
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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Ford
We’ve gotten our hands on five new pics of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT and, although the tweaks are subtle and the images obscured, these shots give us a few hints about what to expect when the new ‘Stang arrives at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show.
The teaser above shows a more steeply raked hood accompanied by a new headlamp and bumper design, while the profile shot of the convertible previews a slight upkick in the beltline aft of the B-pillar. The Ford GT badge has undergone a slight revision, along with the new five-spoke wheels and a new steering wheel fitted with tweaked buttons for the cruise control.
We’re only a couple months away from the 2010 Mustang’s official unveiling, but more teasers and spy shots are inevitably on the way. Thanks to Brad for the heads-up.
Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang Teased
[Source: 2010Mustang]
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Over the past two years, Ford has achieved significant improvements in vehicle quality, making its vehicles some of the best in the industry in terms of quality. Now that the domestic auto industry is in a slump, Ford isn’t taking any chances. The automaker has set an aggressive new target – best-in-class initial quality for […]
Ford India has unveiled a new version of Endeavour 4×4 version.
The new Endeavour comes with a 2.5L, 143PS engine. The interiors include an in-dash CD changer, dual AC with independent controls for rear seat and foldable rear seats. The SUV comes with ABS and dual stage driver and passenger airbags. The Endeavour is now available in 3 models - A limited edition 4×4(XLT), 4×4 XLT and 4×2 XLT.
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Podcasts, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Hatchbacks, Ford, GM, Suzuki
It’s nice to be back in the swing of things. We’re once again cranking out weekly podcasts, and #63 is a compact one. We start off salivating over the news that the next generation Suzuki Swift will be headed for US shores. We devolve from discussing an unsubstantiated rumor into wistful praise for the current can’t have it Swift, and even make mention of Swifts from nigh on twenty years ago. The dustup over Alan Mulally’s work of fiction at the New York Auto Show keynote draws our ire next. This one has it all, lies, grandstanding media with agendas, attacks, grandstanding media with agendas, misinformation, grandstanding media with agendas, disinformation, and finally, grandstanding media with agendas. Speaking of grandstanding, we nearly go as far as calling Lutz’s bluff on the announcement that the hotly anticipated RWD cars from GM are on hold ’till regulators get their shizzle together. Whatevs. The entire GM turnaround is on hold? Not bloody likely. The consensus we come to is: Bad Lutz. So, turn on, tune in and peel out for our latest slice of podcast goodness.
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Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Podcasts, Coupes, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks
After a far-too-long hiatus, we’re back with podcast #62, in which we recap the New York Auto Show. A large contingent of Autobloggers attended the show, and we’re hot to talk about what we saw. The first target we take aim at is Subaru, which trotted out its newly restyled Impreza, WRX and Tribeca. Caspar Milquetoast, your cars have arrived. Ford actually did something bold by translating the Fairlane concept in to the Flex production vehicle. Opinions are split on whether it’s exciting, or just some kind of bastard offspring from a MINI/Scion xB tryst. Let’s just call it a modern interpretation of the Country Squire, without the woodgrain vinyl appliqué. Also over at the Ford stand was special-edition Mustang #6,463: the Shelby GT500KR. Whoopdedooyeeha! Sure, it’s badass, what more needs to be said? GM had three well-turned-out microcars that we were all calling the Triplets. The Groove, Beat and Trax are variations on a theme, and they definitely generated buzz. We’re glad to see the General doing small cars, as well as some of the new developments over at the HUMMER area.
Speaking of buzz, the Hyundai Genesis concept takes aim at high end luxury/performance sedans from German and Japanese manufacturers. As is their wont, Hyundai will be pricing it around 30 grand to start, and offering V8 power sent to the rear wheels, all wrapped in a handsome (if derivative) skin. Speaking of handsome skin, Infiniti dropped the G37 on us, and it’s not only a significant upgrade from the outgoing G35 coupe, it stands apart from the G35 sedan, as well. While ogling the G37’s tight lines, we bumped into the EX concept that was exceptionally well done. We wrap up by briefly touching on the de-cuted Liberty, the Lexus LX570, which no longer looks like a Land Cruiser with a different grille, and finally, our visit to Mercedes on our way back to the windowless confines of the media room.
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Filed under: New York Auto Show, Ford, Jaguar
Plain and simple, Alan Mulally is keeping the cat in the house. While admitting that there is a ways to go in the Ford turnaround plan, he asserts that, unlike Aston Martin, Jaguar will remain in the stable, citing the fact that “Jaguar is on a really good plan” as the reason “why we’re investing in them.”
It’s been really hard to get a solid bearing on the future of Ford’s leaping feline. Mulally’s Ford, which is clearly not afraid to make ruthless cuts, sold Aston just as it climbed into profitability and began unveiling stunning future models. Jaguar, however — in spite of last year’s recall of every 2006-2007 XJ, the marque’s 62% drop in sales from 2002-2006, and a 26.8% drop in year-on-year sales up to now — is envisioned as a high-end niche maker with high-end niche profits. Jaguar remains a critical darling, like a movie showered with awards but seen by only four people: the new XJ, XK and C-XF are awash in trophies, and the brand still wins quality and sales satisfaction surveys.
While the brand new XJ and the production XF can’t come soon enough, if they don’t come correct, it is hard to believe Mulally won’t rid the PAG of its house pet.
[Source: The Car Connection]
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