Autoblog

Ford says 2010 Taurus resale value up by whopping 39%

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST

2010 Ford Taurus SEL - Click above for high-res image gallery

While most of the major mechanical systems of the Ford Taurus were unchanged from the 2009 to 2010 models, the all-new styling and interior has inspired people to more people to buy the shapelier four-door than its bland predecessor. Through the first seven months of 2010, sales of the Taurus have jumped by 116 percent, and apparently that newfound enthusiasm also extends to early secondhand sales of the big sedan.

According to Ford, average auction prices on used 2010 Tauruses are now 39 percent higher than comparable 2009 models. That's a jump of $7,100 and, as the Blue Oval dutifully points out, a $2,500 premium over a Toyota Avalon of the same vintage. The Taurus, like its crosstown rival, the Buick LaCrosse, clearly demonstrates the benefits of injecting a healthy dose of style and substance to a mainstream sedan. The volumes may not match the Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords of the world, but the design has inspired people to pay more, generating profits for their manufacturers. Check out Ford's official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SEL

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford says 2010 Taurus resale value up by whopping 39%

Ford says 2010 Taurus resale value up by whopping 39% originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Ford announces new turbo'd 203-hp 2.0-liter for Mondeo

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Ford

Ford C-Max at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of the more than 100 reveals at next month's Geneva Motor Show will be the new Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max. Referred to as "Multi-Activity Vehicles" by The Blue Oval, the two C-cars offer a five-seater in the C-Max and a seven-seater in its Grand sibling, that latter also providing twin sliding doors. Ford's Human Interface System bows as well, with new interactivity and operated through two five-way toggles on the steering wheel.

Beside those two debutantes will be a Ford Kuga with a new powertrain, getting a more powerful 163-horsepower, 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel, and an optional Powershift gearbox that emits less CO2. The Mondeo is another recipient of a heart transplant, benefiting from an all-new 203-horsepower, 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost SCTi gas engine. Follow the jump for all the information from Ford, and get your pre-Geneva high-res peek in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Ford C-Max at the Geneva Motor Show

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Ford announces new turbo'd 203-hp 2.0-liter for Mondeo

Geneva Preview: Ford announces new turbo'd 203-hp 2.0-liter for Mondeo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford launching nine engines and six transmissions by the end of 2010

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Technology, Ford

2010 is shaping up to be an extremely busy year for Ford's powertrain engineering and manufacturing teams. By the end of this year, the folks in Dearborn will have launched nine engines and six transmissions that are all-new or substantially redesigned. Several of these combinations have already been revealed over the past month and more will be revealed at tomorrow's Detroit Auto Show.

On Friday morning, Barb Samardzich, VP of powertrain engineering, ran down the list at a pre-show preview. Three years ago, Ford set about the process of completely revamping its powertrain lineup, and between 2008 and 2013, a total of 60 powertrain combinations will have been introduced globally, with half of those coming by the end of this year. We already knew about the new 1.6-liter inline-four and the six-speed Powershift dual clutch automatic for the Fiesta. The Mustang is getting new V6 and V8 engines that crank up output significantly while reducing fuel consumption.

Samardzich confirmed on Friday that the 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 will land in the F-150 truck later this year. The list presented also includes the previously-announced 2.0-liter inline-four Ecoboost and a new six-speed automatic transmission for transverse applications.

As we reported earlier today, while no one would get specific about exactly which vehicles these would go into, there were smiles and the usual "not ready to announce anything" when we brought up the new unibody Explorer. When the Explorer America concept debuted at the 2008 Detroit show, there was discussion of 2.0-liter and 3.5-liter Ecoboost engines, and it appears that's exactly what it will get.

Continue reading Ford launching nine engines and six transmissions by the end of 2010

Ford launching nine engines and six transmissions by the end of 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford believes it can get premium dollars for Fiesta... what do you think?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

So you're ready to be your own 2011 Ford Fiesta agent, but you'll actually be paying for yours instead of the company giving you one to drive for free. If you want one that's got all the doodads, this is what you need to do: bring money. A base Fiesta sedan starts at $13,320, but go for the pricier hatch and check a few boxes and you'll hopscotch your way past the $23,000 line -- and there will still be options left.

Ford doesn't see this car as just a small American hatchback for people who want a smaller footprint but all the style and utility. The base and lower end models fit the bill for that, but on the other end, Ford officials tell Automotive News that it sees the Fiesta as an aspirational, high tech hatch that can command attention and commensurately elevated prices. Said Ford's Jim Farley, "Americans have shown us if we bring out aspirational products, not only will they pay the base price, but go up."

We played with the Fiesta configurator and wound up at $22,970. Yes, it's easy to do, but that does give you just about everything -- we skipped the graphics packages, the smoker's kit, and a couple of other accessories. But of that $9,650 difference between the sedan's base and our wishlist hatch, about half of the cost is loaded on the front end: the SES starts at $17,120 before you do anything to it, and that goes to $18,190 if you go for the automatic. Ford's getting premium prices in Australia for the Fiesta, and it believes it can do the same here. If you think so - or don't - let us know in Comments.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

REPORT: Ford believes it can get premium dollars for Fiesta... what do you think? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford shows retouched Galaxy, S-Max with EcoBoost power ahead of Brussels Motor Show

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

2010 Ford Galaxy and S-Max -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The next generation models of Ford of Europe's popular Galaxy and S-Max people movers are about to make their introductions at the Brussels Motor Show. Both have been given modest exterior revamps, new technologies like Ford's Blind Spot Information System and so on. Most importantly, though, these are the first Fords to receive EcoBoost four-cylinder engines.

The S-Max wears a redesigned hood and front fascia with LED running lights, while its rear end gets a new tailgate and LED taillights. The Galaxy is likewise fitted with the new family look, with a bolder lower, new fog lights, and LEDs in the rear.

Both cars have updated interiors and new materials. Under their hoods, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost SCTi tops out at 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque (the latter of which is available from just 1,750 rpm). For all the info on two more of Ford's Please-Come-to-America-Offerings, have a look at the press release after the jump and check out the high-res galleries below.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Galaxy

Gallery: 2010 Ford S-Max

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford shows retouched Galaxy, S-Max with EcoBoost power ahead of Brussels Motor Show

Ford shows retouched Galaxy, S-Max with EcoBoost power ahead of Brussels Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Last Mustang Unleashed short combines magic and Las Vegas strip

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford

Steve Wyrick's Mustang Unleashed stunt -- Click above to watch video

There have been rallies and skateboards and drag races and tattoos, among other things. Now, the tenth and final film of the 2010 pony car festival that is Mustang Unleashed has gone out in smoky style, with a big Las Vegas number filmed on the strip. This time Vaughn Gittin, Jr. plays a support role to Hard Rock's illusionist Steve Wyrick, who pulls off a little sleight-of-car-and-body that channels Houdini and almost any Nicholas Cage stunt scene that has a car in it.

Like the best tricks, it isn't long but will have you wondering how it was done. If you get any ideas, the video warns you not to try this at home - not even driving - without the use of magic. Follow the jump to see it for yourself.

[Source: Mustang Unleashed]

Continue reading VIDEO: Last Mustang Unleashed short combines magic and Las Vegas strip

VIDEO: Last Mustang Unleashed short combines magic and Las Vegas strip originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fiesta U.S.-spec gets caught in Mexican factory

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Ford

Ford Fiestas being built in Mexico -- Click above for high-res image gallery

What is reported to be the coming U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta has been photographed during assembly in Mexico, and the minor changes we can glean so far center around the grille. Compared to its European counterpart, the American version gets a much chunkier front end which has pushed the leading edge of the hood back. The Ford emblem is now completely surrounded by the front clip.

Below that, the central opening is larger, ringed with chrome, and the bisecting bar on the Euro version has been moved up and fitted with a U.S. license plate holder. Outside, the single fog light has been reworked into a giant, glass covered alien eye. Make no mistake - it's still hot, and we still can't wait to see it when it's unveiled at the LA Auto Show next month.

Gallery: Dummies Ford Fiesta americano

[Source: Autoblog Spanish (translated)]

Ford Fiesta U.S.-spec gets caught in Mexican factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford teams up with American Idol on one-off, karaoke-equipped, special edition Fusion

Alex Nunez — Sat, 02 May 2009 14:37:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Ford, Specialty

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the American Idol Edition Ford Fusion Hybrid

Some of use here at Autoblog gave up on American Idol a long time ago, but we're obviously the exception, because the talent show still pulls down monster ratings on a weekly basis. In this regard, AI's been a better showcase for Ford (whose involvement dates back to season 1) than say... Knight Rider.

Ford's sponsorship now includes a sweepstakes that will ultimately net someone a new car. Each week, the Idols are featured in some cringe-inducingly terrible music video that makes one long for the understated sophistication that was The Brady Bunch Variety Hour. Anyhow, these videos are posted on the American Idol website, where visitors can register to enter the Ford Music Video Challenge for a shot at the grand prize of a trip to the show's finale and a one-off American Idol Edition Ford Fusion Hybrid fitted with headrest-mounted backseat video screens, an in-car karaoke rig, AI floormats, and an AI trunk decal that would fall victim to a heat gun if it were up to us.

You can watch this week's video here if you dare. It's briefly encouraging in that it momentarily seems as if a Fusion Hybrid is going to mow down the intensely earnest and annoying final five Idols like black-clad bowling pins, but it swerves at the last minute to turn desert into grass, with pink trees sprouting in its multicolored electrical wake. You probably think that we're kidding, but no.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion American Idol Edition

[Source: American Idol / Ford]

Ford teams up with American Idol on one-off, karaoke-equipped, special edition Fusion originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 May 2009 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2008: 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid make their debut [w/VIDEO]

Michael Harley — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Ford

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion

Ford pulled the silk sheets off the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid this afternoon. Sporting new front and rear fascias, an updated interior, and four engine choices, the mid-size Fusion is a direct shot across the bow of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. In fact, in nearly every engine combination, Ford boasts that their Fusion offers faster acceleration and better fuel economy than its Japanese rivals (plus, the automaker is quick to point out, the 2010 Fusion is available in both FWD and AWD configurations). Ford is offering the Fusion with three fuel-efficient gasoline engines: Duratec 2.5-liter I4, Duratec 3.0-liter V6, and the 3.5-liter V6 Duratec bumped to 240 hp for 2010. The hybrid model features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). According to Ford, the combo offers a bladder-busting 700-mile range in the city cycle. Expect the Fusion twins to roll (efficiently, of course) into showrooms in spring 2009.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2010 Ford Fusion LIVE

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Continue reading LA 2008: 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid make their debut [w/VIDEO]

LA 2008: 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid make their debut [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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