- Filed under: Car Buying, Ford, Earnings/Financials, Canada
2009 Ford F-150 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Given the state of the market, the Ford Motor Company is on a bit of a roll right now. The Blue Oval posted an 11% decline in volume for June versus the same month in 2008; a far better number than nearly every competitor from Japan or Detroit. Ford also flat-out dominated the market in the Great White North, as the Dearborn, MI-based automaker ranked number one in sales volume for the first time in 50 years.
Ford outpaced perennial market leader General Motors by a substantial (for Canada) 5,000 units. Ford posted 27,408 sales for the month; a 24.6% increase over June 2008. Toyota and Honda also were in the rear view mirror, as the Japanese stalwarts managed sales declines of 17%. Chrysler was a distant fifth place, as bankruptcy and an outdated product lineup conspired to sink sales by 58% verses June 2008. Overall sales in Canada were down 13% on the month.
Ford's increase in sales was due in part to a surprising 41% increase in CUV and SUV sales. The F-150 also posted a healthy 59% increase, with Ford's Edge was up 23%.
[Source: London Free Press]Ford reportedly tops sales charts in Canada for first time in 50 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Economy, Hatchbacks, Ford, Australia
2011 Ford Verve spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
Eagle-eyed spy shooters for Car Advice in Australia have managed to snap off a series of photos of a new entry-level Ford hatchback that's likely headed to emerging markets like India, Brazil and some areas in Europe. The car seen in these spy shots is clearly disguised as the previous-generation Ford Fiesta, but it's believed that this new machine may actually be a production version of the Ford Verve concept that was first introduced back in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
If it ever reaches production, it's likely that the Verve will feature a range of gasoline and diesel engines varying in size from 1.2- to 1.5-liters. According to Car Advice, this new hatchback is expected to get a formal green-light from Ford sometime in mid-2010 en-route to production a few months later. For what it's worth, we don't expect to see this car come Stateside, as America will already have the new Fiesta subcompact followed by a new global Focus. Click here for the rest of the shots.
Gallery: 2011 Ford Verve - spy shots
[Source: caradvice.com.au]Spy Shots: Ford Verve mule spotted banging around in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchbacks, Ford
Tanner Foust's 2009 Olsbergs MSE ROCKSTAR Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford knows better than most that the way into an American car buyer's heart is through motor racing, so the latest step in Ford's North American "Fiesta Movement" is the deployment of the compact hatchback which we've driven and enjoyed on several occasions on America's most popular rally circuits.
Following its entry in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Ford will be fielding a team of rally-prepped Fiestas in the upcoming X Games, the 15th running of the famous stunt competition and the first time Ford will participate. Piloting a trio of Fiestas prepared by the same Swedish MSE outfit that created Marcus Gronholm's rallycross car will be a star-studded line-up comprised of drift champion Tanner Foust, ten-time X Games medalist Brian Deegan and former Indy champion Kenny Brack. With that much talent behind the wheel, we'll look forward to the Fiesta Movement getting into motion at the games running in Los Angeles from July 30 to August 2. Details are available in the press release below the fold and a pair of sketches of the X Games Fiestas can be found in the gallery below.
Gallery: 2009 X Games Ford Fiestas
Continue reading Ford attacking X Games with star-studded trio of Fiesta rally cars
Ford attacking X Games with star-studded trio of Fiesta rally cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupes, Videos, Dodge, Ford
Viper-powered Mustang - Click above to watch the video after the jump
We love Ford Mustangs of all shapes and sizes, and the age-old adage of "the more power the better" definitely applies. Scott Vanderschoor, a regular on Bang Shift forums, is working on one hell of a pony car; one that carries the panache of a 'Stang and the power of a Dodge Viper - with a pair of turbochargers providing a little additional motivation. Unsurprisingly, Vanderschoor reportedly needed to move back the firewall a half foot to make room for the massive 8.4L V10 engine, but we're guessing the labor will pay off with some absolutely incredible power numbers.
Hit the jump to see Vanderschoor's big beast as it turns over on camera for the first time. The sound is a bit different than you'd expect from a typical Mustang V8 growl and we're guessing that it has a little more oomph under the hood than most pony cars on the road - even before Vanderschoor tuning gets sorted out. This is one Mustang project we're looking forward to seeing more of! Check out the gallery below in addition to the video after the jump.Thanks for the tip, Brian L!
[Source: Bang Shift]Continue reading VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper V10-engined Ford Mustang looks to be one sick pony
VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper V10-engined Ford Mustang looks to be one sick pony originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupes, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchbacks, Ford
2009 Ford Iosis Max concept - click above for high-res gallery
Since it first came to the market in 2000, Ford's Focus has been consistently lauded for its crisp "European handling," and thanks to a Ford of Europe press release yesterday, that bromide sounded like it was about to become truer than ever. The release in question announced that the next all-new Focus is to be sourced from a single location - the Blue Oval's Saarlouis Plant in Germany. Quite understandably, that proclamation caused a bit of consternation here in the States, with some news outlets reporting that North American Focus models will also originate from the German facility. Not so.
Autoblog spoke with Lincoln, Mercury communications manager Mark Schirmer this morning (despite his title, Schirmer has been tasked with preparing for the U.S. launch of the 2010 car) and he has re-confirmed that all North American Focus models will originate from a freshly renovated Wayne Assembly Plant in Michigan (something that Ford officials initially promised back in May).
The intention of FoE's confusingly worded statement was to note that Saarlouis is to be the single point of origin for all European Focus models. In addition to Saarlouis and Wayne, Ford will also likely produce the next Focus at a plant somewhere in Asia, but a location announcement has not yet been made.
Next Ford Focus to be built exclusively in Europe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford
Ford tuning specialists Steeda Autosports have been teasing the 2010 version of their Q-Series Mustang for quite some time, and apparently for some of their customers, it can't come soon enough. To help deal with requests, the Florida-based company has introduced a Sport Edition model that utilizes an array of parts already in the Steeda catalog.
This particular steed is tweaked to handle, with upgraded billet lower control arms, sport springs, and 20-inch chrome wheels wrapped with Nitto NT05 high-performance tires. Other modifications include a sport shifter, underdrive performance pulleys, a performance air cleaner, and distinctive Steeda graphics. At $8995 $6,995, the pricing seems pretty steep, especially without any significant power upgrades, but we have to admit it's one good looking pony car.
[Source: Muscular Mustangs]
*UPDATE: Steeda representatives have contacted Autoblog with correct information regarding the new Sport Edition, including a different, wallet-friendlier package price of $6,995 (the source article cited incorrect information). The full, official press release has been added after the jump.
Continue reading Steeda announces 2010 Sport Edition Mustang [*UPDATED]
Steeda announces 2010 Sport Edition Mustang [*UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Time Warp, Tuners, Sports/GTs, Auction Action, Ford
1989 JBA Dominator GTA Mustang - Click above for an image gallery
The Fox body was hardly a high point in the history of the Ford Mustang. But every kingdom must have a king, and in the late-'80s and early-'90s this was it: the JBA Dominator GTA. Commissioned from J Bittle American by Ford in 1989, the Dominator took the pony car to new heights, installing what was likely the first independent rear suspension on a Mustang along with a long list of features that differentiated this custom muscle car from stock. The Lightning 351 engine features the iron heads from the GT40 and the intake manifold from a Cobra. A custom exhaust and aircraft-derived fuel system kept it breathing, while 17-inch rims obscured race-spec disc brakes at all corners.
The list goes on and on, and during its reign, the Dominator received plenty of media attention. The Mustang was featured on the cover of Road & Track in November 1989 in a shoot-out against other factory-backed custom muscle cars and went on to star in various hot-rodding and Ford-specific magazines. The JBA even has its own website, which will transfer to the buyer willing to pony up the $34,500 asking price for this piece of Mustang tuning history. Check it out in the gallery below and the video after the jump, or follow the link to the eBay auction page to make an offer.
[Source: eBay Motors via BAT]Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: 1989 Mustang Dominator, straight off the cover of Road & Track [w/VIDEO]
eBay Find of the Day: 1989 Mustang Dominator, straight off the cover of Road & Track [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Tech, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM, Honda, Nissan, Toyota
Diesel's near-term prospects in America took a huge hit with the revelation that nine diesel-powered 2010 models are on hold. Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have put the kibosh on rolling out more oil burners due to cost and perception issues.
Toyota's obviously on a hybrid run and doesn't want to expel the effort or expense of investing in diesel for the American market -- and having to overcome America's dirty diesel perceptions. The others, as mass market manufacturers, simply need more justification for the cost and complexity of oilburners in order to make the case for consumers to spend more.
Additionally, diesel's benefits are weighted differently according to EPA or CAFE standards. The EPA mileage numbers present diesels well, but CAFE's differing fuel mileage equation makes gas-hybrids look better than diesels, and CAFE is something all automakers are looking at. However, you'll notice that German brands aren't mentioned -- their price premium and European diesel volumes make a worthwhile case for diesels, so those diesel Jetta Sportwagons won't be going away any time soon.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Dead Diesels: Six automakers reportedly kill plans for oil burners originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet, Ford, GM
Despite having fewer model variations on the market, pent up demand for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro appears to have been enough to send the bad Bowtie past Ford's redone Mustang in June. Sales figures for the month are beginning to trickle in today, and General Motors says it shifted 9,320 Camaro units last month, as compared to the Blue Oval's 7,632 Mustangs.
Whether Chevrolet's victory will be sustainable over the long haul remains to be seen, but as The General has a backlog of 10,000 sold orders to fill (equating to less than a seven day supply), the streak is likely to continue for at least the next few months. Presently, GM offers just two main Camaro models, the V6 RS and the V8-powered SS, while the Ford Mustang has more bodystyles and trims than you can shake a stick at (arguably making the Camaro's achievement seemingly that much more impressive).
Sales of the third leg of 2009's pony car table, the Dodge Challenger, trail far behind, with just 1,369 units cleared last month.
As the industry heads into the dog days of summer, it looks like America's renewed pony car war is just heating up. Who will take the crown for the whole year? Sit tight, muscle fans.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Alex Nunez / Weblogs, Inc.
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.BREAKING: Chevrolet Camaro outsells Ford Mustang in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Videos, Ford, Lifestyle
2005 Ford F-150 Jet Truck - Click above to watch the video after the break
Here we have what may quite possibly be the World's Coolest Hybrid. It may not be particularly adept at saving fuel - owner Chris Lentz of Jackson, Michigan, says it burns one to five gallons of kerosene per minute (though presumably it could also run on biodiesel like Jay Leno's EcoJet) but we aren't aware of any other hybrid vehicles that can put out 2700 horsepower at 516 miles per hour.
While half of the 2005 Ford F-150 STX's drivetrain consists of the stock FoMoCo 4.6-liter V8 and four-speed automatic transmission, the truck's coup de grâce is certainly the 1950s-era Czechoslovakian Motorlet M-701 turbojet mounted discreetly in the bed. The 728-pound jet engine is reportedly capable of punching out 1,962 pounds of thrust at 15,500 RPM.
Coupled together, the two engines can push the truck down the quarter mile at 103 miles per hour and up to a measured top speed of 140 mph, though it could likely go faster with a slightly modified mounting arrangement. Speed, though, is only a small part of the story. Click past the break for a video of Lentz's truck in action.
[Source: Automobile]VIDEO: Michigan man builds awesome jet-powered F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Ford
It shouldn't be entirely uncommon to run across a Ford Fiesta here in the United States now that the Blue Oval has handed the keys to a hundred of 'em to various "agents" all across the country as part of its Fiesta Movement program. What is unusual, though, is seeing a Fiesta sedan, but that's exactly what Domino Vitali, a spy shooter for our friends at WebRidesTV Blog, managed to snap a few shots of just north of the Motor City in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Though the Ford Fiesta Sedan is already available in China, the American version of the car will differ slightly to conform with U.S. regulations. We'll likely get revised fascias front and rear along with bumpers that offer a smidgen more protection in low-speed impacts. Fortunately for those of us who prefer the utmost in practicality, FoMoCo is also expected to send the hatchback (in both three- and five-door configurations) to America in addition to this new sedan when the Fiesta finally goes on sale as a 2011 model.
[Source: WebRidesTV Blog]Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta sedan caught in The D originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Earnings/Financials
2010 Ford Taurus - Click above for high-res image gallery
More good news comes from the Blue Oval camp today as Ford CEO Alan Mulally has said that the automaker plans to "[increase] production to support the desirability of Ford products." Despite a downturn in new car sales, Ford - the only member of the Detroit 3 automakers that has not filed for bankruptcy protection in the last two months - has actually managed to gain a few ever-important percentage points of market share from its global rivals, including fellow American automakers General Motors and Chrysler.
In related news, Mulally says that Ford is well on its way to returning to profitability in 2011 as planned. Last year, Ford recorded its worst-ever loss of $14.8 billion and expects to continue posting smaller losses through 2009 and 2010, but Mulally is confident the company has sufficient funds on hand to finance the turnaround plan made possible by the $23 billion the automaker raised in 2006 shortly before the global economy hit the panic button.
A major portion of Ford's turnaround plan is based on "more and more electrification, both hybrids and battery electric vehicles," said Mulally, which is consistent with stated goals set out by the Obama Administration. Earlier this week, Ford accepted $5.9 billion in U.S. Department of Energy loans to retool factories to build more environmentally friendly cars and trucks.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]Mulally: Ford boosting production to meet demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Auction Action, Supercars, Ford
Ford GT National Rally II - Click above for high-res image gallery
Still grumbling over having missed the chance at buying a Ford GT when it was still in production? Well, if you've got the cash on hand, there are probably dozens of examples up for sale by owners who need the liquid assets more than they need the retro supercar. But few are as enticing at what Ford and RM Auctions have going on this August.
At both the Meadow Brook and Monterey concours the month after next, RM will be auctioning off an early VIN example to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The sixth example produced, decked out in red with white stripes, will be on offer at Meadow Brook, with the seventh Ford GT, in white with blue stripes, up for grabs in Monterey. Each is expected to fetch between $150,000 and $200,000 for the medical research endowment, so if getting your hands on Motown's hottest piece of machinery in decades wasn't cause enough, altruism ought to do the trick. Details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: RM Auctions]Continue reading RM auctioning off two Ford GTs to benefit juvenile diabetes research
RM auctioning off two Ford GTs to benefit juvenile diabetes research originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Trucks/Pickups, Etc., Videos, Ford, Lifestyle
Raptor: Born in Baja -- Click above to watch video
Autoblog went to the premiere of Raptor - Born in Baja, and while the film is on the long side, it's an enjoyable flick. We wrote before that the truck "only" came in third (out of four total trucks in Class 8), but to finish the Baja 1000 at all is an achievement -- especially when the overall attrition rate is close to 50%. Throw in a truck that had been built in three months and hadn't been tested in any other race before and you've got a little adventure on your hands.
The movie provides plenty more. There's never a good time for things to break, but the Raptor R chose a couple of the most abysmal moments to get sick: it was compelling irony to watch the whole race team wearing "Built Ford Tough" t-shirts gathered around a truck that wouldn't start 90 minutes before the race began.
And if it wasn't the Raptor, it was other trucks in the road holding things up. Still, not only did they get it started, but the Raptor R got to the end with all of its panels and, as far as we could see, no dents -- and it came within minutes of taking second place.
But you'll have to watch the movie to truly glimpse the eye of the tiger... and the thrill of the fight. You can view it on Speed TV on Sunday, July 12 at 4 p.m. EST -- and when you do, look for Pickuptrucks.com's Mike Levine, Jalopnik's Ray Wert, and our own Drew Phillips who make cameos during the SEMA coverage. In the meantime, you can check out the trailer after the jump.
Continue reading Quick Review: Raptor - Born in Baja is Rocky for pickup trucks
Quick Review: Raptor - Born in Baja is Rocky for pickup trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Ford, Autoline on Autoblog
Ford Transit Connect: Case Study in Overregulation
The Ford Transit Connect is a cool little van unlike anything else on the American market. In fact, I think it has the capability of becoming something of a cult car. But it's also a shining example of why the auto industry faces too much regulation.
Even though the Transit Connect is already sold in 55 countries around the world it had to undergo numerous modifications before it could be sold in the American market. And while it's not at all unusual to modifiy imported vehicles up to our standards, it's hard to see how some of these changes will help the health or safety of American citizens.
Some of these changes are so ridiculous and inconsequential that it's actually funny to see what they are. Funny, that is, until you realize all they're doing is driving up the price of the product.
____________________________________________________________________________________
John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:57:00 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 4×4 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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