- Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Ford, UK
Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover mule - click above for high-res image gallery
Ford is enjoying early success with the Fiesta here in the United States, but in Europe, where the Fiesta has been on sale for years, it's time to start thinking about the future. Our friendly neighborhood snappers at CarPix have scored spy shots of what appears to be a high-riding Fiesta-based crossover designed to slot in below the Kuga crossover in the automaker's European lineup.
A Fiesta crossover might sound a little odd at first take, but when it comes to production, it should be roughly the same size as a Nissan Juke or Mini Countryman. That in mind, don't rule out the possibility of the Fiesta CUV making its way to the U.S. Expect to see a variety of powertrains offered for European customers including some EcoBoost options, and both front- and all-wheel drive configurations should be available. Check out our gallery of high-res pics before to get a closer look at the forthcoming Blue Oval tall boy.
[Source: CarPix]Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover headed for the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Budget, Videos, Hatchback, Ford
Ford Fiesta "You so Pimping, You so Sexy" ad by Film Riot - Click above to watch the video after the jump
Ford may have its own ad campaign for the Fiesta, but we're mildly amused by this one-off, three-minute-long ad created by the folks at Film Riot, an online how-to show about filmmaking. The Blue Oval currently sponsors the Film Riot crew, so it makes sense that the funky new Fiesta hatch (in Lime Squeeze, of course) would be the star of their ad spoof.
One part Swagger Wagon rap and one part Sprockets, the Euro-inspired dance track fits the Fiesta perfectly. Note to Ford: Edit this down to a 30-second television spot posthaste, or keep it in its entirety for next year's Super Bowl. Follow the jump to see Film Riot's ad for yourself.
Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Video: 2011 Ford Fiesta is so pimping, so sexy
Video: 2011 Ford Fiesta is so pimping, so sexy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Ford, Racing
RallyCar Rallycross at New Jersey Motorsports Park - Click above for high-res image gallery
Tanner Foust took the top spot in the first-ever Rallycross competition in the United States this past weekend, piloting an all-wheel-drive Rockstar Engergy/Etnies Ford Fiesta.
Rallycross has existed around the world for years, but the sport officially debuted in America at the 2010 X Games, where it was called Super Rally. Foust just happened to win gold in the inaugural X Games competition, too. Rallycross mixes circuit racing, off-road racing and rally competition on a short course, featuring jumps, hills, unbanked turns and quick transitions between different road surfaces. Two more Rallycross events are scheduled to take place this year, all of which will be held at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
Foust has been participating in European Rallycross events for quite some time, and he's also gained exposure by competing in Formula Drift and previous X Games competitions. What's more, Foust is one of the hosts for the U.S. version of Top Gear. Somebody get this guy a vacation.
Look for the next U.S. Rallycross event to take place on October 2-3 and follow the jump for the full release about Foust's win along with a brief video of Tanner ripping down the front straight with his rear bumper flapping in the wind.
[Source: Tanner Foust]Continue reading Tanner Foust wins first RallyCar Rallycross event in U.S. [w/video]
Tanner Foust wins first RallyCar Rallycross event in U.S. [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Crossover, Ford, Police/Emergency
Ford Police Interceptor Utility - Click above for high-res image gallery
When Ford took the wraps off of its Taurus-based Police Interceptor sedan earlier this year, we were told that a second, utility-oriented police pursuit vehicle would be coming down the pipeline. Enter the Police Interceptor Utility, based off the 2011 Explorer crossover. A Flex-styled paddy wagon would have been cool, but the Explorer's higher ground clearance makes it more versatile for law enforcement officials who require all-terrain capability.
Unlike the sedan, which will be available with two different powertrains, the Explorer Interceptor only comes with Ford's 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6, delivering "at least 280" horsepower and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations are available, and it appears that the Explorer's terrain management system will not be offered on the Police Interceptor. The latest host of driver aids like curve control and Ford's AdvanceTrac Roll Stability Control are standard on the Interceptor Utility, as are larger brakes, a tougher suspension and 18-inch steel wheels.
Inside, new seats have been fitted up front with reductions in side bolstering to accommodate an officer's utility belt, and the gear shifter is now mounted on the column in order to provide space for computer equipment in the center console. Much like the Taurus Interceptor, Ford specifically designed the spacing between the seats to ensure that existing police equipment can be carried over to the new vehicles without issue. Things aren't exactly luxurious in the rear seats (duh), but occupants out back do get their own climate control system (Ford says this is ideal for K9 units) as well as stab plates in the front seat backs to keep the driver and passenger safe.
Ford has also gone the extra step to rework some of the Explorer's interior functions to better suit police needs. The steering wheel buttons, for example, are remappable and can be programmed to operate a host of auxiliary functions (lights, sirens, etc.). What's more, Ford's SYNC system is on hand and can be used to voice-activate the different police communication and audio equipment.
Don't expect to see the Police Interceptor Utility out on the road until 2012 at the earliest. Ford says that production will begin in late 2011 alongside the sedan at the automaker's Chicago assembly plant. For now, check out our high-res galleries of both live and official images, and follow the jump for the presser.
Live photos Copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL
[Source: Ford]Continue reading Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility prepares to serve and protect
Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility prepares to serve and protect originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Porsche
Ford Focus RS vs. Porsche Boxster - Click above to view the video after the jump
When it comes to a German-American face-off, you could do a lot worse than pitting the BMW M3 against Ford's 5.0-liter V8 powered Mustang. How much worse? How about a comparison test between a base Porsche Boxster and Ford's turbocharged, torque-steering Focus RS.
Granted, the rationale for the shoot-out came down to cost. Across the pond both the Boxster and the Focus sticker for about the same amount. But that's about where the similarities end. Almost.
While the Focus channels over 300 horsepower to the front wheels, it also tips the scales 3,200 pounds. Compared to the 2,900-pound, 255-hp, rear-driven Boxster, Ford's hottest hatch comes off as rather portly, although both manage to run to 60 mph in under six seconds.
But beyond the stats and the all-too-important lap time, the real question is how best to spend your sports car money and which vehicle is the most entertaining to drive. For that, you've got to jump.
[Source: AutoExpress]Continue reading Video: AutoExpress pits Ford Focus RS against Porsche Boxster
Video: AutoExpress pits Ford Focus RS against Porsche Boxster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Ford, GM, Nissan, Electric
Remember the documentary "Who killed the Electric Car?" Director Chris Paine created the film in 2005 and 2006 to bemoan the decision of some automakers to kill off their electric car programs. It's now five years later and Paine and company are back with a vengeance videotaping "Revenge of the Electric Car."
In the original film, General Motors was reviled for its decision to deep-six the innovative EV1 all-electric two-seat car. But thanks to the impending production of the Chevrolet Volt, GM is now considered one of the reasons that the EV is on the comeback trail. Paine and his crew were allowed access to The General's Detroit Hamtramck plant to witness - with cameras rolling - the assembly production of pre-production Volt number 100. And to think that five years ago Rick Wagner and his crew would have been more likely to lend a size 14 boot to Paine's rear end than allow him to film inside one of the company's most important plants. My how times have changed.
There is no solid timetable for the release of "Revenge of the Electric Car" right now, but the documentary will likely align very well with the release of the Volt and Nissan Leaf, which are followed by an electric Focus not long after.
[Source: Revenge of the Electric Car]Revenge of the Electric Car coming to a theater near you... sometime originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Crossover, Ford
In case you thought installing SYNC into Ford vehicles was a ho-hum-whatever affair, that's not the case - Ford puts a lot of thought into it. The Blue Oval's latest assembly line advance is to have SYNC's infotainment software installed into the 2011 Ford Edge via WiFi. Made possible by the the latest version of SYNC with WiFi access, the new process allows Ford to save money on parts and inventory by using a common module among vehicles in different cars and made in different plants. After the Edge, the Lincoln MKX and 2011 Explorer will gain the same systems. Follow the jump for the press release.
[Source: Ford]Continue reading Ford begins using WiFi to install Sync on assembly lines
Ford begins using WiFi to install Sync on assembly lines originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Ford
2011 Ford Mustang V6 DUB Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery
Back in May, Ford showed off the first of what will likely be many special edition Mustangs based on the 2011 model: the DUB Edition Package. Available on the Mustang V6, the DUB Edition features an assortment of Roush aero components, a Ford Accessories hood scoop, stripe package, lowering springs, 3:31 gears, DUB-embroidered headrests and, of course, 20-inch TIS wheels with Pirelli tires.
Starting next week, the DUB Mustang will be available at Ford dealers across United States and Canada, kicked off by a launch party at Galpin Ford in Van Nuys, CA this weekend. Pricing has also been announced for the package, which carries an MSRP of $3,599.00 plus an additional $100 for shipping. DUB says that its contract calls for at least 1,000 of the limited edition pony cars to be built through 2012, with the possibility of a V8 version being added in the future.
[Source: Galpin Ford]DUB Edition Mustang hits dealers, package priced at $3,599* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Safety, Technology, Ford
Ford's inflatable seatbelt - Click above for high-res image gallery
While we're all accustomed to seeing crash test vehicles packed with loveable dummies, the truth is that manufacturers can't always rely on high-tech mannequins to get the information they need. Sometimes, they have to resort to other testing procedures to research how new safety tech will impact the human body. And, as Jalopnik points out, those other procedures involve genuine human cadavers.
Now, don't start thinking that your favorite manufacturer has a covert team of grave robbers on the pay roll. According to the Jalop, automakers typically partner with universities that have the facilities for that kind of work. In every case, the family members of the deceased are informed of what kind of research their loved ones' body is being used for, and the cadaver is disposed of respectfully and properly after the trials.
So why use a body when we have all of these fancy computer models at our disposal? Because unfortunately, neither dummies nor our modeling systems have caught up with the complexities of the human body. Most recently, Ford used the deceased to test the impacts of its inflatable seatbelts on internal organs. Head over to Jalopnik to read the full piece.
[Source: Jalopnik]How Ford made vehicles safer with a cadaver's help originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Ford, UK
2011 Ford Mondeo - Click above for high-res image gallery
When a car comes with a 48-page press release, well, you know its maker has some special things in mind for it. The 2011 Ford Mondeo, in five-door and wagon styles, is just such a car, with The Blue Oval calling it "the most stylish and technologically advanced Mondeo ever." Visually, the car's main lines haven't changed, but the details have been made sharper: a sleeker front bumper with new LEDs and more aggressive lip, the twin character lines down the side, the chrome trim all around the windows and the new chiseling in the rear valance.
Inside is the familiar story of upgraded materials wrapped around new techno bits. Ambient LED illumination falls from overhead, where also resides a new woven headliner. Driver aids include Lane Departure Warning system, Auto High Beam, Driver Alert, Smart Regenerative Charging and Active Grille Shutter, which opens and closes the grille aperture automatically to promote either cooling or increased aerodynamic efficiency.
Under the hood are new engines, including the Mondeo's first crack at Ford's 237-horsepower, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder EcoBoost. That will be an option alongside the current, 203-hp version. There's also a reworked 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel putting out 197 hp, the most powerful such engine yet.
It goes on sale as soon as next month at the same starting price as the current Mondeo, £17,295 ($26,842 U.S.), although the Titanium trim gets bumped up £200 to £19,945 ($30,958 U.S.). Follow the jump for an abridged version of the presser, and take your time perusing our huge gallery of high-res photos below.
[Source: Ford]Continue reading 2011 Ford Mondeo gets spiffed up
2011 Ford Mondeo gets spiffed up originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Minivan/Van, Recalls, Safety, Ford
Back in May, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started investigating cases of rear axles breaking in late model Ford Windstar minivans after receiving hundreds of complaints from owners. Over three months later, an official recall has just been announced that covers 575,000 1998-2003 Windstars sold in "Salt Belt" states - places where road salt is used to melt away snow and ice during the winter months. Road salt can accelerate corrosion on the rear axle, which can cause the axle beam to break completely.
Ford says that only a small number of reported cases involve instances of the rear axle beams actually snapping, even though NHTSA supposedly received over 200 complaints from owners. Still, Ford will be notifying owners of this potential hazard starting on September 27, and naturally, the problem will be fixed free of charge.
Interestingly enough, this recall does not mention anything about the Windstar's front subframes - another easily corroded area that triggered a second NHTSA investigation in late July. More than 900,000 vehicles could have been affected by this, and we assume that NHTSA's findings did not warrant a full recall. Still, this rear axle issue will be the eleventh recall placed on the Windstar, a model that was only built for a total of nine years.
[Source: Associated Press via Google]Official: Ford Windstar recalled over rear axle risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Minivan/Van, Ford
Best Buy is looking to save a few bucks on fuel while adding functionality to its Geek Squad fleet, so the big box store is looking to Ford Motor Company's commercial vans to for an answer. The ubiquitous electronics and entertainment store is replacing some of its larger cargo vans with a fleet of 290 fuel-thrifty Transit Connects.
Best Buy will hand over the Transit Connect vans to GS employees responsible for delivering, installing and servicing home appliances. The Transit Connect definitely fits in with the unique look of the typical Geek Squad mobile, and the van's side access panels will give technicians easier access to tools and diagnostic equipment.
The still new Transit Connect gets top billing here, but the bulk of Best Buy's fleet purchase goes to the tried and true E-Series vans with a sizable order of 738 vehicles. Best Buy Fleet Manager Jason Pucely says the Ford cargo vans have smaller, more efficient engines than the vehicles they will replace, saving the global retail outlet a significant chunk of change.
[Source: Ford]Continue reading Best Buy Geek Squad fleet adds Ford vans
Best Buy Geek Squad fleet adds Ford vans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Ford
Roush 2011 Mustang 5.0 ROUSHcharger - Click above for high-res image
Mustang owners have always had a healthy appetite for the aftermarket, and it looks like the new 5.0 will provide plenty of opportunities for warranty-busting horsepower upgrades. Ford Racing just unveiled its supercharger system good for up to 624 horsepower, and now Roush has introduced its own ROUSHcharger system for the 5.0-liter V8.
The Roush system utilizes the TVS2300 supercharger first seen on the P-51A Mustang (replacing the old Eaton M90-based blower) and requires professional installation and calibration. A 90mm pulley good for seven psi, with 47 lb/hr fuel injectors, high-flow fuel rails and a twin 60mm throttle body included in the kit. Roush says that the system can produce up to 550 horsepower and 470 pound-feet torque with the stock fuel pump, and even more with additional upgrades. Pricing is set at $5,999, and Roush offers a 90-day parts warranty. A full system complete with a Roush calibration and a full warranty will be coming later this fall. Hit the jump for full details on the new ROUSHcharger system for the 2011 Mustang.
[Source: Roush]Continue reading Roush supercharger system now available for the 2011 Mustang 5.0
Roush supercharger system now available for the 2011 Mustang 5.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford
2010 Ford Ranger - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to The Detroit News, Ford officials met with Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty yesterday to discuss the future of the automaker's St. Paul assembly plant. The facility, which builds Ford's Ranger compact pickup has been earmarked for closure for some time, but despite the roundtable session, the Blue Oval says it still plans to shutter its operations.
Pawlenty's administration had been hoping that the signing of a new state law in April allowing the government to offer Ford a series of tax breaks would be enough to keep the Twin Cities operations open, but apparently it wasn't enough - the plant will close, although an end-date remains uncertain.
Closing the plant will also close the book on the aging Ranger, though Ford has confirmed that the model name will live on with other, larger models in foreign markets. Thus far, rumors of a new North American Ranger (and even an on-air slip by Ford president Alan Mulally) have amounted to nothing, and with Ford committed introducing more economical engines to its F-150 full-size pickup, it appears highly unlikely that a U.S. Ranger will receive an encore any time soon.
[Source: The Detroit News]
Report: Despite meeting with governor, Ford set to close Minnesota Ranger plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities, Specialty
Jay Leno's 300-horsepower Ford Festiva - Click above to watch video after the jump
Ford is hosting a round-the-world trip in its new Fiesta, and somehow that led Motor Trend to visit Jay Leno's Garage and have a look at his '80s-era Ford Festiva Shogun. There's no way a bog-standard 63-horsepower runabout could last longer than a fruit fly in Jay's garage, so this one does its best impression of a Renault 5 Turbo down to the engine in the rear and the blistered arches and vents.
For those who don't know what a Shogun is exactly, it's the perfect marriage of a Taurus SHO's original 3.0-liter Yamaha V6 and a Ford Festiva. You take the motor and drivetrain from the Taurus SHO and place it front-to-back in the Festiva, then season to taste with wheels and body kit. Leno's Shogun is also boosted by nitrous oxide for a total of about 300 horsepower, which is pretty good for a Korean-built subcompact from 1989.
Leno cites two compelling reasons for the Shogun: "Because there are certain parts of the world where people are going to chase you," and "I live in a hilly area." Of course, Jay, of course. Follow the jump for the Shogun's story.
[Source: Motor Trend]Continue reading Video: Who's got a 300-horsepower Ford Festiva Shogun? Jay Leno, who else?
Video: Who's got a 300-horsepower Ford Festiva Shogun? Jay Leno, who else? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'FORD' Category
Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Economy, Green, Tech, Hatchbacks, Ford, Lincoln
Play the word association game with an average American, and when the topic is "Lincoln," you're likely to hear words like "traditional," "big," and "limousine." Terms describing compact hatchbacks like the Concept C shown above simply won't be on the tips of anyone's tongues. So what gives? Has Dearborn finally looped it? Take a closer look, and what at first seems like a designer pet project reveals a good deal more forethought and finesse.
Yes, the Concept C is small. Said to be underpinned by the next-generation Ford Focus platform, this is a C-segment car, much shorter than any current Lincoln, and indeed, much shorter than any Lincoln we can recall. But how about that width? Emphasized by its sizable fenders and the strong shoulder-line in the doors (said to be inspired by the saddle tanks on go karts), the Concept C may be as long as a Focus, but it's roughly as wide as a MKZ sedan. The extra width and the upright greenhouse (there's almost no tumblehome at all) mean that the C can accommodate two rows of three full-sized adults in surprising comfort. The bustle back shape reminds of a number of Gallic automobiles, including the previous Renault Megane, but rather amazingly, the formal roofline, twin wing grilles and full-width rear light bar that are Lincoln hallmarks don't look out of place. Click on the gallery below or follow the jump to read more about the Concept C and check out the official press releases.
Posted in World Cars, FORD, Concept Cars | No Comments »
Friday, December 12th, 2008
Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Ford
Even though Ford hasn't admitted it, we all know what's coming to Detroit. The 2010 Ford Taurus that's been spied and rendered is on its way, and although FoMoCo's design director, J Mays, won't go on the record as saying that the new Taurus will be unveiled in Motor City, he did say the automaker will show off the next iteration of its global styling theme this January.
Ford's North American and European design teams have been working together for the last two years on the successor to the automaker's "kinetic" design language that made its production debut with the Mondeo and continued with the Fiesta and Kuga. Mays calls the new theme "post-kinetic" and says it will "have the best attributes of kinetic, but ... is going to be possibly a little more simple, a little more elegant." The rendering above - "inspired" by a singular spy shot and created by Joshua Byrnes - is a good indication of what's to come, and if that's what Mays means my "simple" and elegant," we're sold.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, FORD, Concept Cars | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 9th, 2008
2010 ford taurus, 2010 taurus, 2011 ford taurus, 2011 taurus, ford, ford taurus, ford taurus 2010, new ford taurus, next ford taurus, spy photos, taurus, top
Well, it looks like Ford just got rolled by the 600 lb. gorilla of Edmunds on the spy photo of the 2010 Ford Taurus. They've decided to toss the Dearborn, MI-based automaker around like a toy doll, pasting the spy photo of the new Taurus we first showed you yesterday back up on top of the Inside Line, with not a care in the world for Ford's threats of lawsuit or a "changed relationship with Ford" PR. We're guessing...
...a site with a big consumer side like Edmunds' Inside Line's able to just beat back those big bullies and take those "big" threats and file them in the "idle" category. Sadly, all we've got is Gizmodo. Not that they're anything to sneeze at, we're just sayin.' Anyway, we're just happy to have blazed the trail for the consumer car sales-lead giant because if there's one thing we can be sure of — that's definitely the 2010 Ford Taurus.
The radical change could be the result of an overwhelmingly positive response to Ford's Mondeo sedan, a midsize four-door sedan already on sale in Europe but too expensive to import to the U.S. It was penned by Ford's European design group led by Martin Smith. Up to this point, a U.S. design group, currently led by Peter Horbury, has worked on U.S-specific models like the Taurus.
Expect to see this Taurus sporting a version of Ford's new EcoBoost V6. The new turbocharged engine promises V8-like power with the efficiency of a four-cylinder. Big promises for sure, but even if it doesn't quite meet those goals, the 2010 Taurus should be one of the more powerful sedans in its class without sacrificing too much in the way of fuel mileage.
Expect to see the official unveil of the 2010 Ford Taurus at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show next January. Sales should begin in the fall of 2009.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, FORD, Sedans,Saloons | No Comments »
Thursday, July 19th, 2007
Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Euro, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford
Sometimes, you have to wonder if Ford really favors Europeans over Americans. After all, look at the product portfolios. Sure, we have the Mustang and the trucks, which are great, but Europe wins pretty much everywhere else. The Mondeo tops the Fusion, their Focus is worlds better than the bizarre-looking thing we're about to get, and now they've announced that Europe's receiving a small crossover that's likely to make Escape look ponderous by comparison. Obviously derived from the Iosis X concept, that car is the Ford Kuga, and while the name's not the greatest (sounds like a Bostonian saying "Cougar"), the sketch above shows a very sporty-looking ride that applies the Ford of Europe "kinetic design" philosophy to a 4x4 crossover. Assuming it's similarly-sized, Kuga is to Escape what Mondeo is to Fusion. That means the Europeans win and we lose. Again.
The car will debut in September at the Frankfurt show and go on sale throughout Europe in 2008. Follow the jump for Ford's press release. We've also included a gallery of the 2006 Iosis X concept below.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, FORD | No Comments »
Thursday, April 19th, 2007
Ford and DJ Funkmaster Flex, the hip hop guru of car customization, are turning the Funkmaster’s red hot Ford Expedition concept into a limited-edition production SUV. The stylized version of the full-sized SUV, dubbed the 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, will hit Ford dealer showrooms later this fall.
- Limited-edition 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition set to arrive in dealerships in the fall of 2007.
- Funkmaster Flex breaks barriers to become one of the first African American and hip hop artists in history to have a mass-produced production vehicle.
- Funkmaster Flex Edition features custom two-tone paint, a complete 3d Carbon body kit and custom interior.
In launching the Funkmaster Flex Edition, Ford is positioning itself for continued growth in the vehicle personalization marketplace with an expressive SUV that doesn’t lose any of its Expedition authenticity, but highlights its style and presence.
“Once Ford and I finished the concept Expedition, we knew we had something serious! It was poppin’!” said Funkmaster Flex. “We then started showing it at auto shows, to dealers and to my fans and realized we hit on some themes that we could turn into a limited-edition production ride.”
“Funkmaster Flex is finding ways to connect with new customers,” said Barry Engle, general manager, Ford Division Marketing. “He is a perfect fit for the Ford brand because he brings so much energy and enthusiasm to the table. He knows what customers want and he can really deliver.” Ford research shows that nearly half of all new-vehicle buyers are adding unique touches to their vehicles and Expedition is no exception. Modifications to the Expedition are as diverse as the needs of buyers – from adding additional off-road capability, to custom cargo storage, to adding touches for increased urban street appeal. Funkmaster Flex, a major influence in hip hop culture, has developed a young fan base of urban automotive enthusiasts who take pride in their personal style. Their vehicle often defines their lifestyle. Ford wants to reach these buyers with this new customized Expedition. Last year, Ford opened its Dearborn design studio doors to Funkmaster Flex to look at how to customize the new Expedition. Flex went to work with Ford designers to create an expressive concept that delivered the Expedition’s SUV authenticity with a unique urban style and presence.
The limited-edition run of Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, based of the existing short wheelbase, Limited model, will arrive at dealerships in the fall of 2007.
2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition
Funkmaster Flex has strong opinions on customizing vehicles. Here, he shares some these thoughts and describes the new Expedition Funkmaster Felx Edition.
- Step one is a custom paint job. “The scheme developed shouldn’t be too busy or overloaded with color. You want to make a statement at a stop light with no overkill! Two-tone paint works best,” says Flex. For his Expedition, he chose a two-tone Colorado Red and Black paint scheme with Orange pinstriping. The two-tone goes up and over the A-pillar into the power dome hood so that they don’t distract from the most expressive part of the new Expedition, its front grille.
- “Quality body kits are essential to any customization,” says Flex. “They need to be expressive and distinctive without compromising drivability.” Funkmaster Flex and Ford Design called upon Ford’s longtime partner 3d Carbon in Newport Beach, Calif. to develop a complete body kit for the Expedition. 3d Carbon currently provides official Ford licensed body kit for the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ. The kit on the Expedition features an expressive custom front fascia with integrated fog lamps, side skirts, rear fascia and trailer hitch cover. The traditional roof rack has been removed.
- Exterior personal touches are a must. “Make sure to add anything that you like as long as it’s not gaudy. Get guidance from experts with these additions. Trust their advice. Chrome accents and custom badges can really define a vehicle,” says Flex. The Expedition features custom Funkmaster Flex FMF chrome badges that accent the 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.
- “The interior needs to continue the theme of the exterior,” says Flex. A matching Colorado Red center console bezel, shifter and switch bezels highlight the cabin. The seats feature appointed quad captain black leather skins with red-stitching and FMF red logo headrests. A red-stitch steering wheel and armrest center console accent the seats. FMF floormats rounds out the package. As an added touch, each Expedition will feature an exclusive numbered dash plaque signed by Funkmaster Flex.
- Make sure the vehicle has all the options and a strong sound system. Based on the Expedition Limited, the Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition is available with the same interior standard and optional features. They include a standard 340-Watt Audiophile® Sound System, MP3 player audio input jack, Powerfold™ third-row seat, heat and cooled front seats and optional navigation system, power liftgate, air suspension and rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition Highlights
Exterior
- 3d Carbon body kit with custom front/rear fascia and side skirts
- Two-tone Black and Colorado Red paint with Orange pinstriping
- Funkmaster Flex badges on fenders
- Trailer hitch cover
- SIRIUS™ Satellite Radio
- 2nd row captain’s chairs Interior
- Black leather interior with contrasting Colorado red stitching
- Colorado red shifter, center stack and door appliques/bezels
- Funkmaster Flex stitched logo headrests
- Limited-edition Funkmaster Flex numbered dash plaque
- 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
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