Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: The rest of the best at the Ford display]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-the-rest-of-the-best-at-the-ford-display/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-the-rest-of-the-best-at-the-ford-display/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-the-rest-of-the-best-at-the-ford-display/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The rest of the Ford display - Click above for high-res image gallery

SEMA is an interesting show. We go in knowing full well that 60-75% of the cars we'll be walking past and/or covering are just trash. Sorry if this bombshell offends anyone, but your Chrysler 300C doesn't need 26-inch hoops, nor seventy gallons of sparkle orange paint. Or diamonds. But, as Doyle Brunson might say if he covered cars instead of being the Godfather of Texas Hold 'Em, that's SEMA.

We mention this in the "other Fords" post because some of these custom FoMoCos look fantastic, or at least pretty good. But 60-75% of them, well, we're not entirely sold. Let's start with the good. Despite the two-tone paint job, we're pretty darn smitten with the Fusion T4 by MRT above. More cars need big old intercoolers taking up the whole lower fascia. And while they might be an inch (or three) too big, the wheels are nice. And that white Lincoln MKS? Nice.

But then you got the other cars contained in this here gallery, and... um.... we like the Lincoln MKT, because well, we just like MKTs. But we're not sold on the Focus upgrades, especially since Ford saw fit to bring a Euro Focus RS to the show. Game, set, outmatched. And don't even get us started on the Edge they've cooked up here. Specifically, the wing on the back. No really - see for yourself.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: The rest of the Ford display


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2009: The rest of the best at the Ford display originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EdgeFlexFocusFocus RSFocusRsFordford edgeford focusford fusionFord Transit ConnectFordEdgeFordFocusFordFusionFordTransitConnectFusionLincolnLincoln MKSlincoln MKTLincolnMksLincolnMktSEMASEMA 2009SEMA ShowSema2009SemaShowTransit ConnectTransitConnectFri, 06 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Loder1899 heats up Ford's already cookin' Focus RS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/loder1899-heats-up-fords-already-cookin-focus-rs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/loder1899-heats-up-fords-already-cookin-focus-rs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/loder1899-heats-up-fords-already-cookin-focus-rs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Loder1899 Focus RS - click above image for hi-res gallery

Here at the Autoblog, we get accused of many things. From somehow making a living off of the Ford Mustang to dating other male journalists to "FAIL!" we've heard it all. In fact, we hear the latter a lot. One that particularly sticks in our collective craw is the accusation that we somehow prefer American aftermarket tuners to foreign ones. So untrue. It's really a matter of access, as in all the American tuners live here in America (where we do) and they let us drive their cars around. It's hard to do that when a PR budget is tiny and the car's in Dusseldorf. Also, sometimes, things are lost in translation -- we'll get to that later.

Case in point - here's a car we'd give canines and molars to drive - in stock form. Meet the Loder1899 Ford Focus RS. The oddly named German tuner took Ford's 300 horsepower hottie Focus and, to quote Emeril, kicked it up a notch by BAMMING the output to 345 hp. Which is exactly as much horsepower as the Porsche 928 was making in 1995, the last year of its run. And the Porsche had a 5.4-liter V8.

The Loder1899 Focus RS has but five cylinders, less than half the porker's displacement (a scant 2.5-liters and one humdinger of a turbocharger). However, they've added a Y-pipe for greater growling, a new air filter for better breathing and dropped the ride height by 35 mm (a bit more than an inch). The tires are filled with nitrogen and we love the wheels, too. Plus, they left the Insanity Green or whatever that color's called. Sounds and looks like this side of fantastic to us.

Oh, we promised you more the lost in translation part later on. Well, while Loder1899 has a whole bunch of information on their hopped up Ford Focus RS on their website, it's all in German. But we're living in 2009 baby - no problemo. Just run that stuff through Google's translator, right? Not exactly... world's first NSFW press release after the jump!


Gallery: Loder1899 Ford Focus RS


[Souce: Loder1899 via EVO]

Continue reading Loder1899 heats up Ford's already cookin' Focus RS

Loder1899 heats up Ford's already cookin' Focus RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FocusFocus RSFocusRsFordFord Focus RSFordFocusRsLoder1899Loder1899 FocusLoder1899 Focus RSLoder1899 Ford Focus RSLoder1899FocusLoder1899FocusRsLoder1899FordFocusRsNSFWPorsche 928Porsche928Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Future Leno Show Green Car Challenge lineup leaked]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/future-leno-show-green-car-challenge-lineup-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/future-leno-show-green-car-challenge-lineup-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/future-leno-show-green-car-challenge-lineup-leaked/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Drew Barrymore takes the Green Car Challenge - Will any of these guys be able to beat Drew's lap time?

Last week, actress Drew Barrymore kicked off the Jay Leno Show's Green Car Challenge segment with a bang. Literally. Canons shot streamers and ping pong balls at the Ford Focus EV while she zipped around the track. Although the whole thing was a bit hokey, we know the segment is here to stay, hopefully with some healthy tweaking.

We say drop the second lap shenanigans, create a properly defined track and make it a real race with some interesting guests. Well, with what we just learned, we think they might be on the right track. No pun intended. It will be another Big Adventure for the next celeb to take the wheel, none other than actor Paul Reubens, better known to most of us as Pee-wee Herman. After Pee-wee has a crack at the challenge, other celebs scheduled to appear are sportscasters Bob Costas and Al Michaels, as well as the one and only, hybrid-loathing Rush Limbaugh.

Are any of these guys capable of besting Barrymore's lap time? Our money is on the lightweight Costas, although Pee Wee might be a shot in the dark. Michaels could surprise, but we doubt Limbaugh will be able to avoid the penalties that will ensue from mowing down the effigies of Al Gore and Ed Begley, Jr. What say you? Who will top the board after these guys complete the Green Car Challenge?


Future Leno Show Green Car Challenge lineup leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drew barrymoreDrewBarrymorefocusfocus evFocusEvford focusford focus evFordFocusFordFocusEvgreen car challengeGreenCarChallengejay lenojay leno green car challengejay leno showJayLenoJayLenoGreenCarChallengeJayLenoShowpee wee hermanPeeWeeHermanTue, 22 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Ford shows off new Focus EV for the <em>Jay Leno Show</em>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/video-ford-shows-off-new-focus-ev-for-the-em-jay-leno-show-em/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/video-ford-shows-off-new-focus-ev-for-the-em-jay-leno-show-em/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/video-ford-shows-off-new-focus-ev-for-the-em-jay-leno-show-em/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge Ford Focus EV - Click above to watch video after the jump

We've already showed you the first images of a new battery electric Focus that Ford has built for the guests of the new Jay Leno Show to drive in his Green Car Challenge. Now Ford has also posted a video with some of the engineers showing off their handiwork. Once the team got the Euro-spec Focus electrified, it was time for the Ford Racing crew to charge it up. Andy Slankard, Engineering Supervisor at Ford Racing, describes the work done to prepare the car for its life on the small screen. While these show cars started life as Focus ST models, their new powertrain and the added mass of a 23 kWh battery pack meant the suspension needed some beefing up. With the battery pack sitting in the cargo hold in the rear, the weight balance was undoubtedly shifted towards the back. Nevertheless, the car still looks pretty good going through the autocross, as you'll see in the video after the jump. Thanks to Clifford for the tip!


Gallery: Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge Ford Focus


[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford shows off new Focus EV for the Jay Leno Show

VIDEO: Ford shows off new Focus EV for the Jay Leno Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>focusfordford focusford focus bevford focus evFordFocusFordFocusBevFordFocusEvjay lenojay leno green car challengejay leno showJayLenoJayLenoGreenCarChallengeJayLenoShowvideoFri, 18 Sep 2009 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Pretty in Pics: Leno's electric Ford Focus gets a face, specs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/pretty-in-pics-lenos-electric-focus-gets-a-face-specs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/pretty-in-pics-lenos-electric-focus-gets-a-face-specs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/pretty-in-pics-lenos-electric-focus-gets-a-face-specs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge Ford Focus EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

The new Jay Leno Show has been given as much push as any new program in recent memory, with a constant barrage on TV, the radio and all over the interwebs. One part of the show that has really piqued our interest is Jay's Green Car Challenge, which puts celebrities behind the wheel of an electric Ford Focus. We reported on Jay's Top Gear-like challenge last week, but we hadn't gotten our hands on any pics or specs... until now.

The special battery-powered Focus started life in Germany as a run-of-the-mill Focus ST five-door hatch back in July, then it was shipped to Dearborn, MI for electrification. The one-of-a-kind Focus was given an extreme makeover in only six weeks, but we think the results are pretty remarkable. The Green Car Challenge Focus is bright orange, has more decals than Tony Stewart's car and packs a permanent magnet electric motor. The electric Focus weighs in at a portly 3,421 pounds due in part to the vehicle's 98 air-cooled, 60 Ah lithium ion batteries. The electric motor kicks out 141 hp (105 kW) and 235 lb-ft of torque and has a 7,500 rpm redline.

The goal of Leno's Green Car Challenge is for celebrities to achieve the best possible lap times, so Ford made sure its ecologically friendly Focus could also handle track duty. Among the added features in this Euro Focus ST are Recaro racing seats, a full roll cage and a five-point racing harness. Ford also added 12.6 inch front rotors and 11 inch discs out back to make sure this hot orange Focus could stop as well as it can go.

The Green Car Challenge Ford Focus will first hit the airwaves tonight as actress Drew Berrymore gets behind the wheel for some track time. Hit the jump for more details about Ford's converted Euro Focus ST, and click on the gallery below to see a couple great looking pics.


Gallery: Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge Ford Focus


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Pretty in Pics: Leno's electric Ford Focus gets a face, specs

Pretty in Pics: Leno's electric Ford Focus gets a face, specs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford focus2011FordFocuselectric focuselectric ford focusElectricFocusElectricFordFocuseuro ford focusEuroFordFocusfocusfocus evFocusEvfordford focusford focus evFordFocusFordFocusEvjay lenojay leno green car challengejay leno showjay lenos green car challengeJayLenoJayLenoGreenCarChallengeJayLenosGreenCarChallengeJayLenoShowlenothe jay leno showTheJayLenoShowFri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Drew Barrymore first to race Ford Focus EV on Leno's new show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/drew-barrymore-first-to-race-ford-focus-ev-on-lenos-new-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/drew-barrymore-first-to-race-ford-focus-ev-on-lenos-new-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/drew-barrymore-first-to-race-ford-focus-ev-on-lenos-new-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Apparently, electric cars are for girls. For his new prime-time TV show, Jay Leno is going to pit celebrities against one another in his new Green Car Challenge segment and the first one in the driver's seat will be Drew Barrymore. Barrymore will get behind the wheel of a prototype Ford Focus EV this Friday. Following Barrymore's initial time trial, Leno will rope other stars into racing the sponsored Focus on a special track built outside the show's new studio once or twice a week.

For Ford, the tremendous publicity of getting celebs into their upcoming electric vehicle - which is due on the market in 2011 - is a tremendous coup. Nancy Gioia, director of hybrid vehicle programs for Ford, told USAToday that the Leno tie will go a big way in making EVs seem normal. "If (electric cars are) only seen as quirky or off the beaten path, it's really hard to get people" excited, she said.

GM's Rob Peterson sees a benefit to all automakers who are bringing an EV to market. "If we walked into the showroom in 2011 with very little lead time, some segments of the population would have a tough time understanding what these vehicles can do," he said. Instead, we'll have two years of YouTube clips of famous people saying "oh, it's so quiet" to get everyone ready.


Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule


[Source: USAToday | Image: Adam Pretty/Getty Images]

Drew Barrymore first to race Ford Focus EV on Leno's new show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drew barrymoredrew barrymore ford focusDrewBarrymoreDrewBarrymoreFordFocusfocusfocus evFocusEvfordford focusford focus evFordFocusFordFocusEvjay lenoJayLenolenoTue, 15 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[All new 2011 Ford Focus to debut at Detroit Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/all-new-2011-ford-focus-to-debut-at-detroit-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/all-new-2011-ford-focus-to-debut-at-detroit-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/all-new-2011-ford-focus-to-debut-at-detroit-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Ford C-Max - Click above for high-res image gallery

The wait for an all-new Ford Focus in North America will soon be over as Ford has announced that it will debut the car at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The Detroit festivities will mark the global debut of the new global Focus that will be sold here, Europe and the rest of the world.

The Ford Focus shares its platform with the C-Max and Grand C-Max that are debuting in Frankfurt this week. North American hatchback fans will be happy hear that the five-door form factor is returning alongside the four-door sedan. Initially, we won't be getting a three-door hatch, but it's a start. The overall look will be very similar to what we see in the C-Max twins, especially at the front and along the sides.

The new Focuses for North America will be built at two U.S. assembly plants in Michigan and will go on sale about a year from now. Ford isn't announcing its powertrain plans yet, but the 1.6-liter EcoBoost will likely find a home in these cars before long.

Check out the latest edition of the Autoblog Podcast as Ford's Mark Schirmer and Mark Kaufman join us to discuss the new C-Max, EcoBoost and the rest of the C-Segment vehicles.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ford C-Max


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading All new 2011 Ford Focus to debut at Detroit Auto Show

All new 2011 Ford Focus to debut at Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 focus2011 ford focus2011Focus2011FordFocusdetroit 2010detroit auto showDetroit2010DetroitAutoShowfocusfocus hatchbackFocusHatchbackfordford focusFordFocusTue, 15 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford will sell 10 models on new C-segment platform]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/embargo-9-15-09-5am-edt-ford-to-eventually-have-10-models-on-ne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/embargo-9-15-09-5am-edt-ford-to-eventually-have-10-models-on-ne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/embargo-9-15-09-5am-edt-ford-to-eventually-have-10-models-on-ne/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford C-Max - Click above for high-res image gallery

This week's Frankfurt Motor Show marks the beginning of a new generation of Ford's new C-segment platform with the debut of the new C-Max and Grand C-Max MAVs. According to Ford, over the course of the next few years this new global compact platform will spawn as many as 10 different vehicle variants around the world. In addition to the two C-Max variants, the next Focus will be available as a four-dour sedan, three- and five-door hatchback and convertible. That still leaves a number of other possibilities that Ford hasn't announced yet, which means we'll probably be seeing some crossovers and perhaps even sports variants coming over the next few years. With the increasing importance of the compact segment, all of these variants will play a big part in Ford's future.

Check out the latest edition of the Autoblog Podcast as Ford's Mark Schirmer and Mark Kaufman join us to discuss the new C-Max, EcoBoost and the rest of the C-Segment vehicles.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Grand C-Max

fordgrandcmax---01fordgrandcmax---02fordgrandcmax---03fordgrandcmax---04fordgrandcmax---05

[Source: Ford]

Ford will sell 10 models on new C-segment platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>focusfordford c-maxford c-max mpvford c-segmentford focusford grand c-maxFordC-maxFordC-maxMpvFordC-segmentFordFocusFordGrandC-maxTue, 15 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: Jay Leno to put stars in (un)reasonably priced car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/1officially-official-jay-leno-to-put-stars-in-un-reasonably-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/1officially-official-jay-leno-to-put-stars-in-un-reasonably-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/1officially-official-jay-leno-to-put-stars-in-un-reasonably-pr/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Focus EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has confirmed rumors that the new Jay Leno show will use the an electric Ford Focus for its Green Car Challenge. From what we hear, the challenge is similar to Top Gear's "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" segment, where celebs take to the track and battle for top times. While guests on the British show tackle the track in a Chevy Lacetti, Leno's buddies will use a prototype electric car Ford will launch in 2011.

The crew at Ford Racing has retuned the suspension of the prototype Focus BEV to make it a bit more amenable to track duty and the Focus BEV will be used throughout season one of Leno's new show. Check out our own first drive of the Focus BEV here.


Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Officially Official: Jay Leno to put stars in (un)reasonably priced car

Officially Official: Jay Leno to put stars in (un)reasonably priced car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bevfocusfordford focusford focus bevford focus electricford focus evFordFocusFordFocusBevFordFocusElectricFordFocusEvjay lenoJayLenoWed, 09 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Ford Focus RS falls short of record with 8:26 Nürburgring lap time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/video-ford-focus-rs-falls-short-of-record-with-8-26-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/video-ford-focus-rs-falls-short-of-record-with-8-26-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/video-ford-focus-rs-falls-short-of-record-with-8-26-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

Point to point, the Ford Focus RS is touted as the fastest vehicle the company has ever made. It reportedly lapped Ford's Lommel test track in Belgium, where we had the chance to sample the second-fiddle Focus ST, faster than the Ford GT supercar. But it's still wasn't fast enough to set a new Nurburgring lap record for its class.

As promised, Ford took its latest hot hatch around the 'Ring in pursuit of the front-drive record currently held by the track-focused Renaultsport Megane R26.R, which set a blistering time of 8 minutes, 17 seconds. Ford's time? 8 minutes, 26 seconds. The session, which you can watch in the pair of videos after the jump, was held in conjunction with German car mag Sport-Auto, whose editor-in-chief Horst von Saurma-Jeltsch, a noted master of the Nordschleife, performed the driving duties. And while the Focus RS may have come up some nine seconds slower than the Renault, you can bet Ford will give it another shot or two before claiming defeat.


Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)


[Source: CarScoop]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford Focus RS falls short of record with 8:26 Nürburgring lap time

VIDEO: Ford Focus RS falls short of record with 8:26 Nürburgring lap time originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>focusfocus rsFocusRsfordford focusford focus rsford focus rs nurburgringFordFocusFordFocusRsFordFocusRsNurburgringNrburgringnurburgringnurburgring lap recordnurburgring lap timeNurburgringLapRecordNurburgringLapTimeringMon, 10 Aug 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Ford Focus to be built exclusively in Europe?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/next-ford-focus-to-be-built-exclusively-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/next-ford-focus-to-be-built-exclusively-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/next-ford-focus-to-be-built-exclusively-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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.


Gallery: Ford iosis MAX Concept

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]]>Blue OvalBlueOvalFocusFocus CoupeFocus hatchbackFocus SedanFocusCoupeFocusHatchbackFocusSedanFordFord FocusFordFocusSaarlouiswayneWayne Assembly plantWayne MIWayneAssemblyPlantWayneMiThu, 02 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Ford Capri to return next year?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/rendered-speculation-ford-capri-to-return-next-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/rendered-speculation-ford-capri-to-return-next-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/rendered-speculation-ford-capri-to-return-next-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Ford Capri is to Europe what the Ford Mustang is to the United States... with at least one major exception. Unlike the quintessentially American pony car, which has been in nearly continuous production since its inception way back in 1964, the Capri nameplate has been conspicuously absent from European showrooms since 1986 - making it ripe for a remake.

According to the fearless rumormongers at Auto Express, the next Ford Capri may be right around the corner. In this guise, the Capri would basically be a three-door hatchback version of the Ford Focus with a sporty take on Ford's so-called Kinetic design language. The car would be earmarked to do battle with the revived Volkswagen Scirocco and Renault's latest Mégane Coupé.

Inside, the new Capri would share the same basic guts as the Focus and feature the latest version of Ford's Human Machine Interface. Underhood would sit the buyer's choice of an EcoBoost gasoline-fed four cylinder in either 1.6-liter or high-performance 2.0-liter sizes - or perhaps one of Ford's TDCi turbodiesel engines mated up with a Powershift twin-clutch gearbox.

If there is indeed any truth to these rumors, we can expect the next-gen Capri to debut at an unknown auto show sometime in 2010.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: Ford Capri to return next year? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford capri2010FordCapri2011 ford capri2011FordCapriCapriFocusford capriFord FocusFordCapriFordFocusThu, 28 May 2009 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ford passes on bringing current Focus RS to America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/report-ford-wont-bring-current-focus-rs-stateside/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/report-ford-wont-bring-current-focus-rs-stateside/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/report-ford-wont-bring-current-focus-rs-stateside/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

UPDATE: Ford just wrote us to clarify that while the all-new Focus RS just introduced in Europe won't be for sale in the U.S., "Ford intends to bring some new RS' to the US (as we've already seen in the spy photos of the white car) to use as marketing assets for feedback from enthusiasts" and media.


Ford Focus RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an interview with Jost Capito, head of Ford's global performance, it came out that - yet again - the picture of the Focus RS above is the closest Americans will get to the Blue Oval's hottest hatch. As quoted in UK's Autocar magazine, Capito's exact words are: "Sadly, no. We'd like to, but the base car isn't homologated for North America, and that's too costly a job to carry out just for a niche vehicle like the RS."

Note that this doesn't contradict what was said last time - that the next-generation RS might come to the U.S. since the coming Focus is being developed as a global platform with North American federalization in mind. So let's put this one to bed so we can all get on with our lives and cease pining for the current Focus RS, shall we? We need to turn our attention now to pining for the next Focus RS...


Gallery: Paris 2008: Ford Focus RS LIVE


[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Ford passes on bringing current Focus RS to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupefocusfocus rsFocusRsfordford focusford focus rsFordFocusFordFocusRshatchbackhot hatchHotHatchspecial editionSpecialEditionukWed, 27 May 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: World's Fastest Jet Pack vs. Ford Focus RS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/12/video-worlds-fastest-jet-pack-vs-ford-focus-rs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/12/video-worlds-fastest-jet-pack-vs-ford-focus-rs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/12/video-worlds-fastest-jet-pack-vs-ford-focus-rs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above to watch video after the jump

We're all for alternative forms of transportation here at Autoblog, and we're not just talking about hydrogen fuel cells and lithium ion batteries, either. We're talking jet packs! Eric Scott is a 46-year-old Go Fast! Jet Pack pilot from Denver who became the first jet-propelled man to cross the 1,053ft-wide Royal Gorge Canyon in his home state of Colorado last year. This past week he also became the fastest jet-propelled man alive when he was clocked going 68 mph at Knockhill Racing Circuit in Scotland. What better way to follow up a record-setting jet pack run than to drag race a Ford Focus RS? The impromptu race occurred at the circuit with BTCC champ Gordon Shedden behind the wheel of the lime green Focus RS. Who do you think won? We'll tell you now because it's not altogether obvious in the video after the jump. The jet-propelled man narrowly beat out the Focus, but considering Scott's rig can only carry 30 seconds worth of fuel, we think the Ford could take him with a little more road.

[Source: YouTube via TarMag]

Continue reading VIDEO: World's Fastest Jet Pack vs. Ford Focus RS

VIDEO: World's Fastest Jet Pack vs. Ford Focus RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eric scottEricScottfocusfocus rsFocusRsfordford focusford focus rsFordFocusFordFocusRsjet packjet pack focusjet pack versus focusjet pack vs focusJetPackJetPackFocusJetPackVersusFocusJetPackVsFocusworlds fastest jet packWorldsFastestJetPackTue, 12 May 2009 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fiesta winning hearts and minds - and wallets - in Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/ford-fiesta-winning-hearts-and-minds-and-wallets-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/ford-fiesta-winning-hearts-and-minds-and-wallets-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/ford-fiesta-winning-hearts-and-minds-and-wallets-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Ford Fiesta - Click above for a high-res gallery

The Ford Fiesta has already won us over -- twice - and we can't even buy the car yet. But European buyers are nabbing so many Fiestas that the Blue Oval is now enjoying a 10% market share in Europe based on the strength of the compact's sales alongside the Focus and Transit. It's the first time that Ford has had a double-digit European market share since September 2001, and it keeps Ford solidly in the number two spot overall behind Volkswagen.

In all but three of Europe's 19 markets, Ford says it has improved its showing. Already this year, there have been 108,000 Fiestas sold, with 52,800 of those coming in March alone. The market share triumph is even sweeter seeing that overall industry sales took a double-digit fall, but Ford is getting more of what's left. There was no cheating with fleet sales, either: retail sales were up 13% year-on-year. Only France, Switzerland, and Italy showed declines. Appreciate the tip, Preston.


Gallery: Ford Fiesta in NYC


[Source: Ford]

Ford Fiesta winning hearts and minds - and wallets - in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compactearningseuropefiestafinancialsfocusfordford europeford fiestaford focusford of europeford transitFordEuropeFordFiestaFordFocusFordOfEuropeFordTransithatchbackmarket shareMarketSharetransitThu, 16 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill Entry No. 3,256 - North America could get next-gen Ford Focus RS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/rumormill-entry-no-3-256-north-america-could-get-next-gen-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/rumormill-entry-no-3-256-north-america-could-get-next-gen-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/rumormill-entry-no-3-256-north-america-could-get-next-gen-for/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Ford Focus RS - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Could the North American market finally get the Ford Focus RS? According to the latest reports, it could happen. But not until after the next-generation model debuts in a couple of years. Like the new Fiesta, the next Focus is being developed as a global product, with the North American market in mind as much as those overseas. And with the amalgamation of Ford's performance divisions in the United States and Europe - SVT and Team RS, respectively - an RS version could reach American shores in a few years' time.

According to Automotive News, Ford's global performance guru Hermann Salebauch says the potential for a U.S.-market Focus RS depends entirely on demand. That is, if enough American buyers want an RS, it could happen. So what do you think, should Ford give its home market a smokin' hot hatch based on the next Focus? Leave your thoughts in the comments section because... well... who knows?


Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)


Gallery: Paris 2008: Ford Focus RS LIVE


[Source: Automotive News]

Rumormill Entry No. 3,256 - North America could get next-gen Ford Focus RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 focus2011 ford focus2011Focus2011FordFocus2012 ford2012 ford focus2012Ford2012FordFocusfocusfocus rsFocusRsford focusford focus rsford rsford team rsFordFocusFordFocusRsFordRsFordTeamRsnext-generation ford focus rsNext-generationFordFocusRssvtteam rsTeamRsMon, 06 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Yet another next-gen Ford Focus photoshop]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/05/rendered-speculation-yet-another-next-gen-ford-focus-photoshop/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/05/rendered-speculation-yet-another-next-gen-ford-focus-photoshop/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/05/rendered-speculation-yet-another-next-gen-ford-focus-photoshop/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ford's design language can be largely distilled to three words: "let it ride." 2005's Iosis Concept created the template for kinetic design, and ever since then Ford has cashed in a number of winning bets on that language. Next up is the 2010 Ford Focus, based on the Iosis Max concept, and all of the speculation so far hints at a fine-looking, capable performer.

Powering the Focus will be a range of EcoBoost engines ranging from an 89 hp 1.0-liter to a 1.6-liter with 197 hp. Look for the Europeans to also get a diesel lineup that that tops out with a 197-horsepower 2.0-liter oil-burner. The available powerplants are expected to be mated with either a manual transmission or a Powershift twin-clutch setup.

The car's handling and refinement will be improved, and options are are expected to include a panoramic glass roof, Ford's Human Machine Interface, and a reversing camera. The next Ford Focus is expected to go on sale later this year in China, then in the U.S. shortly thereafter along with the C-Max compact people mover.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: Yet another next-gen Ford Focus photoshop originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford focus2010FordFocusc-maxecoboosteconomyfocusfordford c-maxford focusFordC-maxFordFocushatchbackmpvrendered speculationRenderedSpeculationSun, 05 Apr 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Next Ford Focus mules caught testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/spy-shots-next-ford-focus-mules-caught-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/spy-shots-next-ford-focus-mules-caught-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/spy-shots-next-ford-focus-mules-caught-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The next Ford Focus is being prepared in sedan and wagon formats, and the first mules have been caught. Judging from what we see here and what we've already heard, the coming Focus will take its design cues from the Iosis-Max concept shown at Geneva last month.

One thing we didn't see on the Iosis-Max, however, was the high-rise stance the Focus mule is sporting. We aren't sure why the mule has such elevated ground clearance, a state which seems to affect the sedan more than the wagon - perhaps there's some clandestine CUV testing or tuning going on?

Regardless, we can't wait to see the looks of the final car. And who knows... maybe even a Focus wagon will once again find its way over this way?

[Source: NextAutos]

Spy Shots: Next Ford Focus mules caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossovercuvestatefocusfordford focusFordFocusiosis maxiosis max conceptIosisMaxIosisMaxConceptsaloonsedanspy shotspy shotsSpyShotSpyShotswagonThu, 26 Mar 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Ford's next Euro Focus to spawn Scirocco-fighting coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/08/rendered-speculation-fords-next-euro-focus-to-spawn-scirocco-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/08/rendered-speculation-fords-next-euro-focus-to-spawn-scirocco-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/08/rendered-speculation-fords-next-euro-focus-to-spawn-scirocco-f/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Having driven the current European Focus in sporty ST trim and with the even hotter RS version rolling off the assembly line, we can tell you that our friends across the Atlantic have one fine-handling hatchback on their hands. And for the next generation, Ford is planning to give the Focus the styling and rakish profile its chassis deserves.

The next Focus, which we hope will replace the American version as well, will spawn several body-styles. First up to bat will be the C-Max minivan, but while the standard five-door will continue as the mainstay model, a new coupe variant is also in the works. Following the lead of Volkswagen, whose Scirocco cuts a sleeker profile than the Golf/Rabbit on which it's based, and Renault, whose new Megane looks startlingly different in coupe and five-door guises, the Focus coupe will feature a sportier shape while retaining usability. You can bet the design for the new Focus range will follow the cues set down by the Fiesta (which we also drove in Europe), with the coupe adopting more pronounced wheel arches, a higher beltline, angled C-pillars, a sloping tail and sporty aero bits. Inside, the cabin will benefit from a complete redesign, with a central controller that we hope works better than BMW's iDrive. Bank on a lineup of gasoline and diesel engines ranging from 89 horsepower all the way up to 197 ponies. The next-generation ST and RS should up the ante even further. Expect to see the Focus coupe debut later next year, with other variants to follow. We hope and pray Dearborn follows the One Ford plan and brings its best hatchbacks home. Thanks for the tip, Colin!

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: Ford's next Euro Focus to spawn Scirocco-fighting coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>focusfocus coupeFocusCoupefordford focusford focus coupeFordFocusFordFocusCoupeSun, 08 Feb 2009 15:07:00 EST<![CDATA[True Blue: First Focus RS rolls off Ford assembly line in Germany]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/true-blue-first-focus-rs-rolls-off-ford-assembly-line-in-german/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/true-blue-first-focus-rs-rolls-off-ford-assembly-line-in-german/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/true-blue-first-focus-rs-rolls-off-ford-assembly-line-in-german/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Ford Focus RS

Ford reconnected this week in earnest with the 38 year history of its RS badge when the first production Focus RS rolled off the assembly line in Germany. The 300 horsepower front-drive hot hatch is being built at Ford's Saarlouis plant, alongside the rest of the European-spec Focus line-up, but with the performance bits (including a trick differential) installed by a dedicated team of technicians.

The Focus RS is the most extreme performance version of the company's staple hatchback, taking the Focus ST we drove in Belgium as its point of departure, and then dialing it up to 11. Unfortunately, while 20 European countries are slated to receive the Focus RS when it hits the market in April, it isn't slated to reach the American market; at least not in its current incarnation. But with Ford's new focus (sorry) on integrating its products globally - including the merger of the European (TeamRS) and American (SVT) performance engineering divisions - maybe, just maybe, we could see an RS version of the next Focus Stateside.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)


Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (blue)


[Source: Motor Authority]

True Blue: First Focus RS rolls off Ford assembly line in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>focusfordford focusford focus rsford focus rs productionford saarlouisFordFocusFordFocusRsFordFocusRsProductionFordSaarlouisRSWed, 21 Jan 2009 16:29:00 EST