Autoblog

Ford begins using WiFi to install Sync on assembly lines

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:32:00 EST

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.

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2011 Ford Mondeo gets spiffed up

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:58:00 EST

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.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mondeo revealed

[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.

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Ford unveiling Boss Mustang on August 13th?

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford

Ford Mustang Boss 302R - Click above for high-res image gallery, and watch video after the jump

With all-new powertrains debuting in the 2011 Ford Mustang, you knew it was just a matter of time before a new limited-edition model was introduced. Well, it looks like that time may be next week. As you all know very well by now, the 2011 Mustang GT has the new Ford 5.0 V8 underhood. Since the new race version (above) wears the Boss 302R moniker, a new street-going Boss 302 seems like a no-brainer.

During a recent Grand-Am race, the announcers let slip that the consumer-spec Boss 302 would debut in mid-August at Laguna Seca as part of Pebble Beach week. (The exact date spinning around the rumormill is August 13.) The Boss reportedly delivers about 430 horsepower with a price in the low $30,000 range. Ford's motorsports partner, Multimatic, is apparently building some special parts for the Boss 302, but we'll have to wait until next week to find out those specifics if indeed this rumor is true. Check out the video after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Boss 302R

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Ford unveiling Boss Mustang on August 13th?

Ford unveiling Boss Mustang on August 13th? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ford Fiesta takes care of the 'Honey Do' list, Ken Block style

Zach Bowman — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Humor

Ken Block takes out the trash - Click above to watch video after the jump

At some point during the development of the American vernacular, the term "grocery getter" became a term of condescension. Thing is, lugging around a few bags of consumables and clipping apexes don't have to be mutually exclusive. Ford is hoping the average U.S. car buyer has outgrown the prejudices of his forebearers and is willing to jump into something with a hatchback. To help dispel any lingering thoughts of boredom, the Blue Oval has called on none other than Ken Block to use his guano-crazy Fiesta WRC rally racer to take care of a few household chores. Sideways.

The quick clip after the jump is filled with the kind of car control we've come to expect from Block, even with his recent run of bad luck in the WRC. If you like what you see in the video, you can register for a chance to win a 2011 Fiesta worked up to look just like Block's racer. Something tells us the grand-prize car won't be all-wheel drive, though. Hit the jump to watch the video, as well as check out the full press release with details on the drawing.

Gallery: Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Ford Fiesta

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Video: Ford Fiesta takes care of the 'Honey Do' list, Ken Block style

Video: Ford Fiesta takes care of the 'Honey Do' list, Ken Block style originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unsurprising News of the Day: Ford Explorer Sport Trac is toast

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Crossover, Ford

Ford Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin - Click above for high-res image gallery

When it comes to a new Explorer Sport Trac for 2011, the only real surprise would have been if Ford had actually opted to build one. With the standard Explorer moving to a unit-body architecture, there are no plans for a new pickup truck version, a vehicle that probably would have been something akin to the Honda Ridgeline.

Since the Ridgeline hasn't exactly been flying off dealer's lots, Ford has wisely decided to focus on its full-bodied version, the Explorer. The Blue Oval hasn't made a habit of breaking out Sport Trac sales from its SUV kin, but the Explorer only totaled 52,190 in 2009, so the pickup's volume probably wasn't a huge seller. According to Automotive News' sources, Sport Trac sales usually totaled about 20 to 25 percent of Explorer sales over the last decade, but that number strikes us as curiously high. Over its entire life, we never saw a ton of them - even on the roads around Michigan where domestic pickups are commonplace.

Gallery: 2008 Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Unsurprising News of the Day: Ford Explorer Sport Trac is toast originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Explorer reaches 30,000 Facebook fans, celebrates with grille shot

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

2011 Ford Explorer grille - Click above for teaser gallery

Earlier today, Ford hit its 30,000 fan for the 2011 Explorer Facebook page, so the automaker could give away one all-new unibody 'ute to a lucky follower. To celebrate meeting its goal, Ford has posted yet another teaser, showing off the new Explorer's grille. But enough with the teasers. When can we actually see it in person? Glad you asked...

This coming Monday, Ford will reveal the Explorer at live events across the U.S., including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and at the "glass house" in Dearborn, MI. At a preview of the Explorer in Dearborn earlier this week, marketing VP Jim Farley discussed how Ford plans to drum up interested in the Explorer, and based on the success of last year's Fiesta Movement social media campaign, the Explorer will be omnipresent online and elsewhere in the lead-up to the on-sale date late this year.

According to Farley, the Fiesta campaign required only 10 percent of what a typical new vehicle launch costs, but it overwhelmingly succeeded in establishing name recognition for the small car well ahead of its arrival in showrooms. Given that America already knows the Explorer, Ford will be focusing on how it's "reinvented the SUV for the 21st century." We can't tell you more at the moment, but look forward to full details this Monday 12:01 AM EDT.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer Teasers

[Source: Ford]

Ford Explorer reaches 30,000 Facebook fans, celebrates with grille shot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #187

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:00:00 EST

It's Monday afternoon and you know what that means. It's time to submit your questions for this week's podcast. We've got a list of topics to discuss below, starting with a supercar question to get our resident curmudgeon warmed up. Got a question for our intrepid team of podcasters? Now's the time to ask away. Don't forget to vote on which questions deserve our attention the most, though we'll try to get to as many as we can. Discussion topics for Autoblog Podcast #187, which we'll record tonight, can be found below. Finally, subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already to hear your question answered.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #187

Subscribe to the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #187 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-Fiesta Movement cars will live on at Team O'Neil Fiesta Rally Experience

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Budget, Hatchback, Ford

The real revolutionaries in the Fiesta Movement - the cars themselves, not the agents - have more work to do even though they're kind of on sale now and the revolution is over. Ford is giving 43 of the 100 Fiestas from the movement to the Team O'Neil Reilly Rally School in New Hampshire, where the hatchbacks will be refitted for student racing duty.

They'll form the core of the Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience, the only manufacturer-backed rally school on the continent. One- and two-day courses start at $495, and your gravel guide will be a man who's coached Travis Pastrana and Ford's WRC driver, Ken Block. Maybe while you're there you'll find out what made Reilly quip, "Driving the Fiesta is like driving an expensive German car." All the info you need on how to get there you can find in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ex-Fiesta Movement cars will live on at Team O'Neil Fiesta Rally Experience

Ex-Fiesta Movement cars will live on at Team O'Neil Fiesta Rally Experience originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2011 Ford F-150 to get 3.7L V6, 5.0L V8 and 3.5L Ecoboost V6

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford

Ford F-150 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the 2011 Ford F-150 arrives this Fall, it will reportedly get an all-new powertrain lineup. Ford already officially confirmed several months ago that the light-duty pickups would be getting the first rear-wheel drive application of the 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6. The transaxles in the current Ecoboost applications are torque-limited, so when the twin turbocharged and direct injected V6 lands in the truck, it could produce as much as 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

The current 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter are also expected to be supplanted by the newer, more powerful and efficient engines that debuted in the 2011 Mustang earlier this year. The F-150's new base engine will reportedly be the 3.7-liter V6 with 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, while the top engine will be the new 5.0-liter Coyote V8. The 5.0-liter will likely be re-tuned from the Mustang's 412 hp and 390 lb-ft to give it more torque and further elevate the model's 11,000+ pound towing capacity. The V6-powered trucks could be the first light-duty full-size trucks to hit 25 mpg on the highway, a figure that's even better than General Motors' hybrid trucks.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Ford F-150

Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: 2011 Ford F-150 to get 3.7L V6, 5.0L V8 and 3.5L Ecoboost V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX configurators up and running

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln, Luxury

The 2011 Ford Edge and 2011 Lincoln MKX configurators have gone live for your shopping - or time-wasting - enjoyment. The Edge SE starts at $27,220 for the 3.5-liter V6, but you can hit it out of the park before even leaving the first page by selecting the Edge Sport all-wheel drive for $38,070. That'll get you a 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 canvas to play with. There isn't much more you can add to it, but after stuffing it like a turkey we got it up to $45,171. For those with a mind to be a kinder on wallets and Mother Earth, there are SEL and Limited trims on offer, as well as the 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine (...eventually).

The Lincoln MKX puts less on the table when it comes to varieties: the front-wheel drive starts at $39,145, the AWD at $40,995. Both get that 3.7-liter V6, six-speed SelectShift transmission and SYNC as standard fit. If you go the package route, your work is just about finished, because they cement quite a few exterior and interior choices. But don't take our words for it - click the links and get to configuratin'. Hot tips, Drew and Tony!

Gallery: First Ride: 2011 Ford Edge Sport

Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKX at Detroit Auto Show

[Source: Ford, Lincoln]

2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX configurators up and running originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fiesta shipments delayed due to hurricane, damaged railroads *UPDATE

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Ford

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

Those waiting patiently for one of the most anticipated new vehicles of the year are going to have wait just a little bit longer. According to Automotive News, Ford has been forced to delay the initial shipments of the 2011 Fiesta by 10 to 14 days due to Hurricane Alex, which hit Northern Mexico in late June, and Tropical Storm Bonnie, which made landfall shortly thereafter.

It seems there are a number of damaged railroads around Ford's factory near Mexico City, and the automaker has been forced to reroute some of its shipments. Ford is reporting that it has collected about 2,000 down payments from customers waiting for the 2011 Fiesta, and some of those vehicles will be arriving later than initially planned.

While nobody wants to wait any longer than necessary for their brand new cars, an extra 10 days or so shouldn't cause too big a problem, right? Especially when it's due to... an Act of God.

*UPDATE: A Fiesta fan on Facebook has uploaded some images that show the damaged railroads in Mexico, one of which can be seen to the right. Click here for more.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Ford Fiesta shipments delayed due to hurricane, damaged railroads *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deep Dive: Curve Control on the 2011 Ford Explorer [w/video]

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Safety, Technology, Crossover, Ford, Deep Dive

Curve Control on the 2011 Ford Explorer - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the new 2011 Explorer goes on sale later this year, Ford plans to highlight the new unibody 'ute's safety and fuel efficiency. The Explorer will be exclusively powered by four- and six-cylinder EcoBoost engines, which are expected to increase efficiency by 20-25 percent, while delivering the power consumers crave. Expect more drivetrain details to be forthcoming, but before then, Ford invited us out to its Dearborn proving grounds to see what it has in store on the safety front.

Ford confirmed last fall that the Explorer would be the first vehicle to get its new inflatable rear seat-belts, but the latest - and arguably more interesting - feature on the Explorer is dubbed "Curve Control." The system is a software enhancement built on top of the existing roll stability control (RSC) and electronic stability control (ESC) systems, and we had a chance to experience it first hand. Make the jump to find out more.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer curve control demonstration

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Deep Dive: Curve Control on the 2011 Ford Explorer [w/video]

Deep Dive: Curve Control on the 2011 Ford Explorer [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford plans unique delivery strategy for new Fiesta owners

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Ford

Ford Fiesta ownership application - Click above for high-res image gallery

Social media has been a critical element of Ford's marketing strategy during the run-up to the 2011 Ford Fiesta launch, so it comes as no surprise that it'll play a part in the customer delivery experience as well. In-showroom kiosks will play Fiesta Movement videos and act as photo booths for new owners. Before driving off the lot, Fiesta owners receive a USB thumb drive pre-loaded with an audio tutorial explaining the Fiesta's features and and how to use them. Naturally, this can be played back through the Sync system right in the car.

Once in front of a computer, drivers can then use the thumb drive to install a program that lets them access and modify their delivery photos, then share them with other Fiesta owners. The desktop application also provides a wiki with tips on how to use the Fiesta, get podcasts and other related information. It'll be interesting to see how Ford follows up the Fiesta launch when the new Focus arrives at the end of this year.

Gallery: Ford Fiesta delivery experience

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford plans unique delivery strategy for new Fiesta owners

Ford plans unique delivery strategy for new Fiesta owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Jun 2010 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford reveals refreshed 2011 Mondeo with 237-hp 2.0L Ecoboost

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Ford

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

Ford of Europe has dropped the first official photos of the refreshed 2011 Mondeo, along with some details on the mechanical updates. The only substantive visual change is a reshaped front fascia with a larger trapezoidal lower grille similar to the Fiesta and the upcoming 2012 Focus, as well as reworked driving lights.

Behind that new grille Ford has added the same type of active shutters the Focus is getting to restrict air-flow at higher speeds or colder temperatures, reducing turbulence and aerodynamic drag.

The rest of the engine compartment is occupied by two new powertrain options, including a more powerful 237 horsepower version of the 2.0-liter Ecoboost inline-four that debuted earlier this year. At 179 grams per kilometer of CO2 emissions, the new Ecoboost will have the same fuel consumption as the lower power unit and 20 percent less than a V6 of similar power. This more powerful unit is likely the one that we will get in the Edge and Explorer for 2011. All of the Ecoboost engines are mated up a six-speed dual-clutch Powershift gearbox similar to the unit that just debuted in the Fiesta in North America.

The second new engine is a reworked 2.2-liter diesel inline-four that now puts out 197 hp, a 12 percent bump from the previous edition. The new Mondeos will will be shown publicly at the Moscow Motor Show in August and go on sale in the fall.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mondeo

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford reveals refreshed 2011 Mondeo with 237-hp 2.0L Ecoboost

Ford reveals refreshed 2011 Mondeo with 237-hp 2.0L Ecoboost originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Mustang V6 runs 776.5 miles on one tank, 48.5 mpg [w/video]

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Ford

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

On Tuesday, June 23, a group of Ford engineers hit the track at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee in a completely stock 2011 Mustang V6. When Mustangs are on a track, usually the drivers are in search of outright speed, but that wasn't the case this time around. Instead the team of five drivers alternated every hour to see how far they could make the Mustang go on just one tank of gas. The new 3.7-liter V6 in the Mustang is rated at 305 horsepower and 30 mpg on the highway, and the team's goal was to cover 1,000 laps of the 0.533-mile "bull-ring" track.

Twelve and a half hours after they started, the car rolled to stop having covered 1,457 laps at an average speed of 43.9 miles per hour. The 16-gallon tank had been depleted at the rate of 48.5 miles per gallon. Not bad for a 305-hp sport coupe, and as they say, your mileage will vary. A lot.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang 1,000 lap challenge

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2011 Ford Mustang V6 runs 776.5 miles on one tank, 48.5 mpg [w/video]

2011 Ford Mustang V6 runs 776.5 miles on one tank, 48.5 mpg [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Explorer teasing continues - My, what big pillars you have

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Ford

2011 Ford Explorer Facebook teaser shots - Click above for image gallery

The slow burn of Ford Explorer Facebook teasers continues today as the Blue Oval has seen fit to update its online photo gallery with three new images showing off various bits of its new 2011 unibody-based sport ute. This time, we're teased with a view of an open rear cargo hatch (above), a gearshift lever conspicuously absent of PRNDL markings and a power liftgate button. Sure, they may not be the three most interesting photos you lay your eyes upon today, but there are useful bits of info to glean with a closer look.

For instance, just how thick are those D-pillars? Judging by the size of the suitably active outdoorsey family being focused on, it would appear that the rearmost pillars could swallow an entire fleet of subcompacts in the rearview mirror. Also, unless there are some super tricky optical-illusions going on due to an awkward camera angle or there's some sort of dual opening rear hatch arrangement, it sure looks like the cargo opening is a wee bit compromised for the sake of style and/or structural integrity (the last thing Ford execs want is more Explorer rollover headaches).

In any case, we should be privy to a full web debut sometime in July. At that time, all our questions will be answered, but in the meantime, check out all the teaser images in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer Teasers

[Source: Ford Explorer Facebook]

2011 Ford Explorer teasing continues - My, what big pillars you have originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Ford Mondeo coming with 2.0L Ecoboost

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 27 May 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Ford

The Ford Mondeo is due for a mid-cycle refresh for the 2011 model year and all signs point to a debut at the Paris Motor Show this September. But ahead of its big reveal, spy photographers have caught the new Mondeo out in the open, and while the basic shape hasn't changed, there's something far more interesting under the hood.

The major stylistic upgrades are up front, where the Mondeo's fascia picks up a few cues from the Fiesta and the 2012 Focus, including a larger lower grille and slimmer upper section. The front foglamps have been re-shaped and a strip of LED running lamps tie the design into Ford's B-segment hatch.

At the back, the tailgate gets a subtle re-shaping above the license plate pocket and it appears the lights have been modified under the camo tape. The most important changes will be in the engine compartment, where the Mondeo will get the new 2.0-liter Ecoboost inline-four and the Powershift dual-clutch transmission. Expect all the details to be revealed shortly ahead of the Paris show this fall.

[Source: Secret New Cars]

Spy Shots: 2011 Ford Mondeo coming with 2.0L Ecoboost originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 May 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 is a heart-starting jolt

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 27 May 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford, First Drives

2011 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 is so good we don't even want to associate the word "Mustang" with it anymore. Not that there's anything wrong with the Mustang - particularly the revised 2011 model. But as a sports car, the word "Mustang" conjures images of something much less than refined. If a Porsche is a scalpel, a 'roided up 'Stang is the Jaws of Life: it'll get the job done, but it ain't gonna be pretty.

However, if a Mustang is a mauling maw, the Shelby GT500 is a defibrillator. Perhaps not pinpoint precise, but it hides a sting, a little bit of burn and you can put it right where you want. And once you're there, you can use it to deliver a glorious shock to the system. Follow the jump to find out why.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 is a heart-starting jolt

First Drive: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 is a heart-starting jolt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 May 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Zach Bowman — Wed, 26 May 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford, Celebrities

Jay Leno reviews the 2011 Ford Mustang - Click above to watch video after the jump

It was only a matter of time before Jay Leno got his hands on the new 2011 Ford Mustang GT. It's no secret that the guy is a fan of Detroit ponies - he owns a minty 1965 Shelby GT350 that he claims is one of his favorite cars to drive. Now it looks like he's added the newest generation 5.0 to the flock. As you might expect, he's been so kind as to share his impressions with the interwebs via an episode of Jay Leno's Garage.

You might be surprised to hear what the comedian has to say about the car. On more than one occasion, he compares the new Mustang to high-end metal from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. This isn't the first time we've seen that connection drawn. Hop the jump to see the video.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes 2011 Ford Mustang GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford said to be preparing Explorer-based pursuit-rated SUV for police fleets

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 May 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Crossover, Ford, Police/Emergency

When Ford introduced its Police Interceptor based on the Taurus, it said it had another vehicle in the works that "would share most parts with the Taurus and be available in a utility version." Speculation was that it would be a Flex based on the component spec, but according to The Detroit News, it turns out the as-yet-unseen 2011 Ford Explorer has got the nod.

Ford won't say much about it at the moment as it hasn't been announced officially, but it is understood that the model will be pursuit-rated and pack all-wheel-drive. The latter distinction arguably puts it atop the category: there is a pursuit-rated Chevrolet Tahoe that many police forces already use, but it's only two-wheel-drive. The four-wheel-drive Tahoe, also already employed by rural and urban forces, isn't pursuit-rated.

Ford hasn't given a timeframe for when the police-spec unibody Explorer will be here, but in addition to its arrival giving units like K9 and SWAT a better mobile command post, it ought to help Ford's efforts to maintain its 70-percent share of the police market after the current Crown Victoria-based PI goes out to pasture. Hat tip to Matthew.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Ford said to be preparing Explorer-based pursuit-rated SUV for police fleets originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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