Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[<em>Consumer Reports</em> criticizes small turbo engines for misleading performance, fuel economy claims [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/consumer-reports-criticizes-small-turbo-engines-for-mis/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/consumer-reports-criticizes-small-turbo-engines-for-mis/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/consumer-reports-criticizes-small-turbo-engines-for-mis/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Ecoboost Engine Cover

Consumer Reports has taken aim at at small-displacement, forced-induction engines, saying the powerplants don't manage to deliver on automaker fuel economy claims. Manufacturers have long held that smaller, turbocharged engines pack all power of their larger displacement cousins with significantly better fuel economy, but the research organization says that despite scoring high EPA economy numbers, the engines are no better than conventional drivetrains in both categories. Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports, says the forced induction options "are often slower and less fuel efficient than larger four and six-cylinder engines."

Specifically, CR calls out the new Ford Fusion equipped with the automaker's Ecoboost 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The institute's researchers found the engine, which is a $795 option over the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder, fails to match competitors in acceleration and served up 25 miles per gallon in testing, putting the sedan dead last among other midsize options.

The Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Sonata Turbo and Ford Escape 2.0T all got dinged for the same troubles, though Consumer Reports has found the turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the BMW 328i does deliver on its promises. You can check out the full press release below. You can also read the full study on the Consumer Reports site, or scroll down for a short video recap.

Continue reading Consumer Reports criticizes small turbo engines for misleading performance, fuel economy claims [w/video]

Consumer Reports criticizes small turbo engines for misleading performance, fuel economy claims [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw 3 series2013 chevrolet cruze2013 ford escape2013 ford fusion2013 hyundai sonata3 series328ibmwchevroletchevrolet cruzeconsumer reportscruzeecoboostescapefordford escapeford fusionfuel economyfusionhyundaihyundai sonatasonataturboTue, 05 Feb 2013 10:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20448871/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/05/consumer-reports-criticizes-small-turbo-engines-for-mis/20448871/article-detail.xml 20448871 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/ford-ecoboost-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/ford-ecoboost-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #310]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/autoblog-podcast-310/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/autoblog-podcast-310/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/autoblog-podcast-310/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Buick GN and GNX, Ford Fiesta ST and Ecoboost 1.0, GM looks for economy from new tire tech, PopSci Best of What's new 2012

autoblog podcast logo

Episode #310 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the rumored return of the Buick Grand National and GNX, Ford adding the ST and Ecoboost 1.0 to the Fiesta lineup, General Motors looking to tire tech to improve fuel economy, and Popular Science digging cars as the Best of What's new for 2012. Zach and Dan also took some time to chat with Matt Edmonds of TireRack.com about holiday gift ideas for us gearheads. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #310:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Ford Escape SE Ecoboost
2013 Kia Sorento
2013 Nissan Murano

Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross


Runtime: 01:39:35

Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #310

Autoblog Podcast #310 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastautoblog podcast 310best of whats newbuick gnxbuick grand nationalfeaturedfiesta ecoboostfiesta stford escapeford fiesta ecoboostford fiesta STgeneral motorsgmgnxgrand nationalnissan muranopodcastpodcast 310popular sciencetire technologyWed, 28 Nov 2012 10:58:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #310Autoblog01:39:35 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20390158/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/28/autoblog-podcast-310/20390158/article-detail.xml 20390158 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Is Lincoln getting its own version of the Ford Escape?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/is-lincoln-getting-its-own-version-of-the-ford-escape/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/is-lincoln-getting-its-own-version-of-the-ford-escape/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/is-lincoln-getting-its-own-version-of-the-ford-escape/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lincoln MKD

Lincoln may be working on a new small crossover built on the same platform as the Ford Escape. Our spy photographers recently spotted this early development vehicle out on public streets around Detroit. Slightly larger than its non-luxury sire, the model may bow with a new interpretation of the Ecoboost four-cylinder. It doesn't take a keen eye to spot the larger intercooler stuck low in the hacked front fascia of the Escape. Word has it the vehicle could make use of a new 2.7-liter turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder engine, though power figures are still absent at the moment.

What will Lincoln call its newest addition? Chances are the company will stick with the confusing MK-based naming structure it currently uses, and early reports hint the CUV may fly under the MKD banner. Why D? Your guess is as good as ours. The luxury CUV segment is a volume powerhouse at the moment, and Lincoln would be wise to offer buyers a product in that segment. Whether the MKD can manage to be more than a gussied-up Ford remains to be seen, however.

Is Lincoln getting its own version of the Ford Escape? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escapefordford escapelincolnlincoln crossoverlincoln mkdlincoln small crossovermkdspy shotsMon, 13 Aug 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20299800/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/13/is-lincoln-getting-its-own-version-of-the-ford-escape/20299800/article-detail.xml 20299800 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lincoln-mkd-1-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lincoln-mkd-1-628.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #292 LIVE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/23/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-292-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/23/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-292-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/23/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-292-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We record Episode #292 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight and you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below and chime in to direct our conversation. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #292
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #292 LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 cadillac ats2013 ford escape2013 mercedes benz glautoblog podcastautoblog podcast topicsford escapemercedes glnurburgringpodcast topicsMon, 23 Jul 2012 17:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20284094/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/23/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-292-live/20284094/article-detail.xml 20284094 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Center for Auto Safety expands call for unintended acceleration probe to Mazda Tribute]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/center-for-auto-safety-expands-call-for-unintended-acceleration/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/center-for-auto-safety-expands-call-for-unintended-acceleration/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/center-for-auto-safety-expands-call-for-unintended-acceleration/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2002 Mazda Tribute - silver - front three-quarter view with waterfall

Last week, the Center for Auto Safety called on Ford to recall about 470,000 Escape utility vehicles to fix an "unintended acceleration" problem they say was caused by a previous recall repair program.

Now the CAS wants the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to include 85,000 platform-sharing 2002-2004 Mazda Tribute models that could have the same issue.

CAS says that under the 2005 recall program, the Tributes and Escapes may have suffered damage to cruise control cables that could lead to the vehicles speeding up without driver input. In a statement, Mazda said, "As always, we will cooperate fully with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in any investigation."

The CAS previously said in the initial recall, Ford had sent dealers modified repair instructions that warned of possible damage to cruise control cables. CAS, however, says Mazda did not change its instructions and that "there is no reason to believe Mazda dealers would be any better at avoiding damage to the cruise control cable than Ford dealers."

Center for Auto Safety expands call for unintended acceleration probe to Mazda Tribute originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2002 mazda tribute2003 mazda tribute2004 mazda tributeauto+safetyautosafetycenter for auto safetyford escapemazdamazda tributemazda+tribute+recallmazda+tribute+recallsmazdatributerecallmazdatributerecallsnhtsarecalltributeunintended accelerationThu, 19 Jul 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20279026/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/19/center-for-auto-safety-expands-call-for-unintended-acceleration/20279026/article-detail.xml 20279026 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2002-tribute-front-3q_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2002-tribute-front-3q.jpg <![CDATA[Ford kicks off 2013 Escape assembly [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/ford-kicks-off-2013-escape-assembly-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/ford-kicks-off-2013-escape-assembly-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/ford-kicks-off-2013-escape-assembly-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The 2013 Ford Escape is now a production reality, the completely redesigned crossover now rolling off the lines at Ford's Louisville assembly plant. Still a top seller in its last model year, the brand-new 1.6-liter EcoBoost Escape gets 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and yes, the $23,295 base model does get pricey very quickly when you start ticking the reams of options boxes. Nevertheless, the Escape surpassed the 8,000-orders mark before any customer had even driven it.

Its looks have found some detractors, but we have a feeling that it won't have any problem finding new homes. Scroll down for a video of plant workers talking about production processes, and a press release on what the Escape's production has meant to the area.

Continue reading Ford kicks off 2013 Escape assembly [w/video]

Ford kicks off 2013 Escape assembly [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford escapeescapefordford escapelouisvillelouisville assembly plantplantsvideoThu, 14 Jun 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20258125/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/14/ford-kicks-off-2013-escape-assembly-w-video/20258125/article-detail.xml 20258125 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/fordescapeproduction_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/fordescapeproduction.jpg <![CDATA[Ford says it already has 8,000 orders for new Escape]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/ford-says-it-already-has-8-000-orders-for-new-escape/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/ford-says-it-already-has-8-000-orders-for-new-escape/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/ford-says-it-already-has-8-000-orders-for-new-escape/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Ford Escape - front three-quarter view at sunrise

The 2013 Escape will soon arrive in dealerships, and it appears Ford has quite a few excited buyers waiting in the wings. The Detroit Free Press reports that Ford already has about 8,000 pre-sales in-hand before buyers have even had the chance to drive the handsome crossover.

That's good news for Ford for obvious reasons, but the new Escape is going to need all the sales it can muster. That's because the current Escape, which dates all the way back to 2001, has been one of the most consistently hot-selling Ford vehicles ever made. For reference, Ford managed to sell 22,679 units in March - enough to make those 8,000 pre-sales seem like the first few drops in a very large, very important bucket. In fact, in 2012, the outgoing Escape is already ahead of its 2011 sales pace by nearly 3,000 units.

At this point, it's difficult to project whether the new Escape will be able to surpass sales of the outgoing model, but we are pretty sure Ford will achieve higher transaction prices. The departing CUV features a hoard of cash incentives, but the new model features pricey options and a top-of-the-line Titanium trim model that can crest $37,000 with options. Speaking of pricing, Ford has finalized the numbers and options on its Escape configurator since we first told you about it in January, and you can check it out here.

Ford says it already has 8,000 orders for new Escape originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford escapeescapeescape salesfordford escapepre-orderssalesMon, 16 Apr 2012 10:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20216079/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/16/ford-says-it-already-has-8-000-orders-for-new-escape/20216079/article-detail.xml 20216079 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-ford-escape628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-ford-escape628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford teams up with NBC for Escape-based reality TV show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/ford-teams-up-with-nbc-for-escape-based-reality-tv-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/ford-teams-up-with-nbc-for-escape-based-reality-tv-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/ford-teams-up-with-nbc-for-escape-based-reality-tv-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2013 Ford Escape from Escape Routes

Ford is turning to prime-time TV to introduce the 2013 Escape. The vehicle will be front and center in "Escape Routes," a new NBC reality show that pits six teams of two against one another in a road-trip competition with layovers in Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Miami and San Francisco. Viewers, meanwhile, can interact with the show's contestants and participate via EscapeRoutes.com. Ford says the online community will even have a chance to impact the final outcome of the game, though it's unclear exactly how.

Currently, NBC and Ford have chosen five teams for the competition, and four more duos are currently duking it out for the last spot. According to the automaker, the team that takes home the gold in the final competition will win $100,000 and two Ford Escape models. "Escape Routes" is set to air for six episodes on Saturday nights at 8 pm EST, starting on March 31. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Ford teams up with NBC for Escape-based reality TV show

Ford teams up with NBC for Escape-based reality TV show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 escape2013 ford escapeescape routesfordford escapenbcreality televisionreality tvtvMon, 12 Mar 2012 07:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20190792/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/12/ford-teams-up-with-nbc-for-escape-based-reality-tv-show/20190792/article-detail.xml 20190792 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2013-ford-escape-escape-routes-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2013-ford-escape-escape-routes-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford recalling 244k Escape models, 200,000+ Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/ford-recalling-244k-escape-models-200-000-freestar-and-mercury/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/ford-recalling-244k-escape-models-200-000-freestar-and-mercury/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/ford-recalling-244k-escape-models-200-000-freestar-and-mercury/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2001 Ford Escape front three-quarter view

Ford is recalling nearly half a million vehicles in two separate actions announced today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Just over 244,000 Ford Escape crossovers from model year 2001 and 2002 are being recalled for potentially leaky brake master cylinder reservoir caps, while nearly 206,000 2004 and 2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans may have defective torque converter output shafts.

NHTSA says that in the case of the Escape, leaking brake fluid could cause corrosion on an electrical connector in the antilock brake system wiring harness, leading to "melting, smoke or a fire." Ford will begin notifying owners the week of Jan. 23, although a parts delay is expected to postpone repairs. "Ford will instruct owners to park their vehicles outside until such time as parts become available," says NHTSA.

The minivan recall is scheduled for the second quarter of 2012, and will result in dealers inspecting and replacing the torque converter in affected vehicles.

Read the full NHTSA recall reports after the jump.

Continue reading Ford recalling 244k Escape models, 200,000+ Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans

Ford recalling 244k Escape models, 200,000+ Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2001 ford escape2002 ford escapeescapeescape recallfordford escapeford freestarfreestarfreestar recallmercurymercury montereymontereymonterey recallnhtsarecallWed, 11 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20146152/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/11/ford-recalling-244k-escape-models-200-000-freestar-and-mercury/20146152/article-detail.xml 20146152 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fordescape09hr-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fordescape09hr-opt.jpg <![CDATA[These are Detroit automakers' top-selling vehicles of 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/these-are-detroits-top-selling-vehicles-of-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/these-are-detroits-top-selling-vehicles-of-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/these-are-detroits-top-selling-vehicles-of-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

2011 Ford F-150

The numbers are officially in for 2011, and once again, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler sold more pickup trucks than any other model. The Ford F-Series was the top-selling vehicle through November of last year with 516,639 units rolling off of dealer lots. That number handily trounces the Chevrolet Silverado in second place with 367,343 units sold. The Ford Escape and Ford Fusion fell into third and fourth places, respectively, leaving Ram Trucks to fill out the top five domestic automaker-built vehicles, with 218,750 units.

All told, GM took five spots on the list while Ford walked away with four. Chrysler only managed to crack the top 10 with its Ram offerings. Overall, American automakers sold over 1 million pickup trucks last year, proving that in the land of (still) cheap fuel, The pickup truck remains king. Hit the jump for the complete top 10 list, complete with sales figures through November.

Continue reading These are Detroit automakers' top-selling vehicles of 2011

These are Detroit automakers' top-selling vehicles of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1500best-selling domestic vehiclesbest-selling domestic vehicles of 2011chevroletchevrolet silveradocruzeequinoxescapef-150f-seriesfordford escapeford f-seriesford focusford fusionfusionmaliburamram 1500silveradoTue, 03 Jan 2012 13:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20139128/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/03/these-are-detroits-top-selling-vehicles-of-2011/20139128/article-detail.xml 20139128 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-ford-f-150-1325604134_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-ford-f-150-1325604134.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Escape to offer hands-free power liftgate]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/2013-ford-escape-to-offer-hands-free-power-liftgate/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/2013-ford-escape-to-offer-hands-free-power-liftgate/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/2013-ford-escape-to-offer-hands-free-power-liftgate/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Ford will officially debut the next-generation Escape at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month, but ahead of the crossover's official debut, we're getting our first look at one of the vehicle's new features: a hands-free power liftgate. How does it work? Simply kick your foot under the Escape's rear bumper (as long as the key fob is in your pocket) and the liftgate will open. When you're done, wave your foot under the bumper again, and the hatch automatically closes.

It's a neat-o-nifty feature, no doubt, but this isn't the first time we've seen this technology. In fact, Ford first showed it to us on the now-dead seven-passenger C-Max, and the folks at BMW debuted this feature on the European-only 5 Series wagon. Regardless, it's a bit of added convenience that other vehicles in the segment don't yet offer. Click past the jump to see a video demonstration of the hands-free liftgate, and be sure to check out our latest batch of Escape spy shots if you missed them earlier this week.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Escape to offer hands-free power liftgate

2013 Ford Escape to offer hands-free power liftgate originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford escapeescapefordford escapehands-freelift gatelift-gateliftgatepower liftgatetailgatevideoTue, 01 Nov 2011 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20095860/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/01/2013-ford-escape-to-offer-hands-free-power-liftgate/20095860/article-detail.xml 20095860 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/escapevideo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/escapevideo.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen Ford Escape caught with very little cover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/next-gen-ford-escape-caught-with-very-little-cover/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/next-gen-ford-escape-caught-with-very-little-cover/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/next-gen-ford-escape-caught-with-very-little-cover/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Ford Escape Spy Photos

We haven't seen the forthcoming 2013 Ford Escape up close since last March when our spy photographers caught it heavily adorned with camouflage. Until now, that is.

New shots of the small Ford crossover reveal plenty of details, from its Focus-like front fascia and vents on the front fenders to the sleek rear profile and small back window. Narrow headlamps and taillamps recall the Ford Vertrek concept, as does the upturned D-pillar. In fact, the Vertrek's styling looks to be carried over almost completely, with even the strong character lines on the new Escape's hood visible under the adhesive mask.

Our photographers have caught more than one Escape out in the wild, and we notice that both single and dual exhaust versions are being tested. The white Escape with single exhaust appears to be a base trim, as it is riding on steel wheels, while the black, dual exhaust prototype is wearing larger alloys with shorter sidewall tires.

We've previously speculated that Ford will offer the new Escape with three engine options: A base 2.5-liter four cylinder that's a carryover from the current model, and turbocharged fours in 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter displacements. We can only hope that the rumored 247-horsepower EcoBoost is what's hiding under the hood of that black Escape.

Ford is expected to introduce the 2013 Escape at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, so shouldn't be long before we find out.

Next-gen Ford Escape caught with very little cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford escapeecoboostescapefordford escapelos angeles auto showspy shotsvertrekMon, 31 Oct 2011 16:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20094615/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/31/next-gen-ford-escape-caught-with-very-little-cover/20094615/article-detail.xml 20094615 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2013-ford-escape-spy-shots-001-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2013-ford-escape-spy-shots-001-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ford receives nearly 17,000 applications for open positions in Louisville]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/ford-receives-nearly-17-000-applications-for-open-positions-in-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/ford-receives-nearly-17-000-applications-for-open-positions-in-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/ford-receives-nearly-17-000-applications-for-open-positions-in-l/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford Louisville Assembly Plant

Here's a measure of how bad the economy is. Ford is getting ready to start assembling the upcoming all-new Escape at its Louisville Assembly Plant after having built the Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer there since 1990 (see the last one ever made in the mob of people above). To that end, the company recently began accepting applications for 1,800 open positions to shore up the 1,100-strong workforce already there. According to reports, nearly 17,000 people showed up to apply - 16,837 souls to be exact.

Unfortunately, most of those people don't have much of a shot at becoming part of the Blue Oval family. According to USA Today, the open spots will first go to Ford workers laid off at the Louisville plant since production of the Explorer was moved to Chicago, then to workers laid off at other Ford plants around the country. If there are any spots left after that, Ford will hold a lottery to determine who gets to move on for consideration, but even then, current Ford workers can refer friends and family as potential applicants, making the lottery pool that much larger.

What do they get if they make it to the factory floor? $15.51/hour, which is the lower second-tier wage that's now being offered to new workers, a concession the United Auto Workers granted Ford in its last contract negotiations.

Ford receives nearly 17,000 applications for open positions in Louisville originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escapefordford escapeford hiringford louisvillehiringlouisville assembly plantmercury mountaineerFri, 15 Jul 2011 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19992542/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/15/ford-receives-nearly-17-000-applications-for-open-positions-in-l/19992542/article-detail.xml 19992542 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/lastmountaineer-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/lastmountaineer-opt.jpg <![CDATA[New York Taxi Commission moves to ban Lexus RX 450h]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/new-york-taxi-commission-moves-to-ban-lexus-rx-450h/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/new-york-taxi-commission-moves-to-ban-lexus-rx-450h/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/new-york-taxi-commission-moves-to-ban-lexus-rx-450h/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NYC Taxi

With over 13,000 taxis in Manhattan, it's easy to blend in. Over half of those taxis are of the Crown Victoria variety, while a quarter are Ford Escape models. Hybrids are beginning to enter the New York taxi fleets in solid numbers, but a certain model has been singled out as being "too powerful."

The New York Times reports that The Taxi and Limousine Commission has recently passed a regulation removing the Lexus RX 450h from the list of approved cabs. We've never thought of the RX hybrid as "too powerful," but that doesn't seem to matter to the commission.

The move, while a bit odd, will only affect six cab owners. But those owners dropped over $40,000 for their high-end taxis, and more money was spent adding the required yellow paint, lights, a camera and television screen. The owners are hoping to have their Lexus cabs grandfathered in before the Nissan NV200 van is officially ushered in as the Taxi of Tomorrow, but the Taxi and Limousine Commission isn't commenting on the issue.

For our money, it seems as though the Commission is a bit off on this one. After all, most any passenger is going to enjoy the luxury taxi experience, especially since the fares are the same as they are in an Escape or Crown Vic. And "too powerful?" Seriously?

New York Taxi Commission moves to ban Lexus RX 450h originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 May 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabcrown victoriaford escapehybrid taxilexus rx taxi bannedlexus RX450hnew york cityWed, 18 May 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19943151/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/18/new-york-taxi-commission-moves-to-ban-lexus-rx-450h/19943151/article-detail.xml 19943151 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/gyi0063759493_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/gyi0063759493.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner under investigation for rear glass that shatters]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/ford-escape-mercury-mariner-under-investigation-for-rear-glass/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/ford-escape-mercury-mariner-under-investigation-for-rear-glass/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/ford-escape-mercury-mariner-under-investigation-for-rear-glass/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 ford escape
2010 Ford Escape - Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating 2010 and 2011 Ford Escapes and Mercury Mariners due to several complaints of shattering rear glass. According to The Detroit News, there have been 18 reported complaints of the glass braking "simultaneously" while opening or closing the liftgate, and one of the incidents reportedly resulted in the vehicle owner and a 10-year-old child receiving cuts from the glass.

The NHTSA investigation adds that Ford issued a technical service bulletin to dealers last November for 2010-2011 Escape and Mariner models. The TSB states that the incidents tend to occur in colder temperatures, and instructs technicians to inspect the glass for signs of impact or external damage, followed by glass replacement.

The investigation covers 200,000 vehicles built on or before October 15, 2010, but that total pales in comparison to a Ford recall that has already been issued for the same problem. In 2004, Ford recalled 955,000 2002 and 2003 Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers for liftgate glass issues. Ford received more than 5,000 complaints for that recall - far and above what NHTSA has received for this latest issue.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid


Photos copyright (C)2011 Chris Shunk / AOL

[Source: The Detroit News]

Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner under investigation for rear glass that shatters originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford escape2011 ford escapefordford escapemercury marinernhtsatailgate glass shatterMon, 02 May 2011 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19929290/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/02/ford-escape-mercury-mariner-under-investigation-for-rear-glass/19929290/article-detail.xml 19929290 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/10escapehybrid2010reviewopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/10escapehybrid2010reviewopt.jpg <![CDATA[Cab Cannonball? Men take taxi ride from New York to Los Angeles [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/cab-cannonball-men-take-taxi-ride-from-new-york-to-los-angeles/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/cab-cannonball-men-take-taxi-ride-from-new-york-to-los-angeles/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/cab-cannonball-men-take-taxi-ride-from-new-york-to-los-angeles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

men take ford escape taxi cab across the country
Men take taxi ride from New York to Los Angeles - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We've taken a couple crazy cab rides in our lifetime, but we've never paid up for a ride that took us from New York to Los Angeles. John Belitsky and his buddy Dan Wuebben have done the deed, though, with cabbie Mohammed Alam providing the yellow Ford Escape taxi. The cost? $5,000. The media attention from paying a cabbie five grand to take you cross country? Priceless.

If you're thinking that this sounds like the script to a movie, Belitsky is probably thinking the same thing. CNN reports that the investment banker and son of a cab driver is heading to Hollywood to pitch the story as a movie idea, adding "we're going to take it to some movie people when we get there and see what happens."

We're all for a good (and we stress "good") road trip movie, but we're more impressed with the fact that Belitsky was able to convince a cab driver to take the fare in the first place. The traveling pair reportedly asked more than a few cabbies if they were up for the journey, but only Alam was interested in risking the hefty fare. But even at $5,000, Belitsky got off easy on the trip. We're guessing the trip would have cost at least three times as much if the meter were actually running, and the cab driver still had to get his Escape all the way back to the Big Apple.

Hit the jump to watch a WBIR video report about the trio's momentous road trip.

[Source: CNN]

Continue reading Cab Cannonball? Men take taxi ride from New York to Los Angeles [w/video]

Cab Cannonball? Men take taxi ride from New York to Los Angeles [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5000 cab rideescapeford escapeford escape taxiJohn Belitskynew york taxinew york to LA cab rideny to lataxivideoTue, 26 Apr 2011 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19922717/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/26/cab-cannonball-men-take-taxi-ride-from-new-york-to-los-angeles/19922717/article-detail.xml 19922717 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/ford-escape-taxi-cab_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/ford-escape-taxi-cab.jpg <![CDATA[Study reviews break-even point for hybrid vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/14/study-reviews-break-even-point-for-hybrid-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/14/study-reviews-break-even-point-for-hybrid-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/14/study-reviews-break-even-point-for-hybrid-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
2010 Ford Escape Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Buying a hybrid is a responsible environmental move but, given their premium over standard cars, they aren't always a money-saving purchase. A study by CarGurus showed that gas would have to top $7 a gallon to make most hybrids the economical choice.

Hybrids command, on average, a 17-percent markup over their standard-powertrain counterparts, which stunts their economy at the pump. The $7-a-gallon break even point is an average. For some cars, the break-even is point is even higher. For a Cadillac Escalade Hybrid to make you money, gas will need to climb to $15 a gallon.

On the lower side of the scale are the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid. The Toyota's break-even point came out to $4 a gallon, while the Ford bucked the trend, breaking even at $2.50 a gallon.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid


Photos copyright (C)2011 Chris Shunk / AOL

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Study reviews break-even point for hybrid vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford Escape Hybrid2011 toyota camry hybridford escapehybridtoyota camryMon, 14 Mar 2011 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19877993/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/14/study-reviews-break-even-point-for-hybrid-vehicles/19877993/article-detail.xml 19877993 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/lead10escapehybrid2010review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/lead10escapehybrid2010review.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2013 Ford Escape caught!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/03/spy-shots-2013-ford-escape-caught/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/03/spy-shots-2013-ford-escape-caught/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/03/spy-shots-2013-ford-escape-caught/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Ford Escape Spy Shots
2013 Ford Escape Spy Shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

We may not know whether Ford will stick with the Escape name when the vehicle's successor comes along in 2012 as a 2013 model, but thanks to the quick shutters of our crack team of spy photographers, we now have a vague idea of what the machine will look like. Peek beneath all of that camouflage and you're likely to see a vehicle that borrows nearly all of its proportions from the recently-unveiled Vertrek Concept. That boxy aft-end appears to be nothing but floppy camouflage designed to hide the vehicle's arching rear hatch.

The Escape successor is slated to ride on the Blue Oval's global C1 platform - the same bones that make up the Focus, C-Max and Transit Connect, among other future products. There's word that Ford will banish the V6 in favor of an Ecoboost 2.0-liter engine at the top of the line. At this point, it's unclear whether that four-pot will be a 1.6-liter or a larger 2.0-liter mill. Lower rung trims will likely still pack a 2.5-liter four-cylinder lump.


Gallery: 2013 Ford Escape Spy Shots


[Source: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: 2013 Ford Escape caught! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford escapeescapeescape spy shotsfordford escapeford escape spy shotsspy shotsvertrekThu, 03 Mar 2011 15:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19867023/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/03/spy-shots-2013-ford-escape-caught/19867023/article-detail.xml 19867023 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/01-630-1299180714_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/01-630-1299180714.jpg <![CDATA[Ford investing $400M in Kansas City plant for unnamed new car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/19/ford-investing-400m-in-kansas-city-plant-for-unnamed-new-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/19/ford-investing-400m-in-kansas-city-plant-for-unnamed-new-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/19/ford-investing-400m-in-kansas-city-plant-for-unnamed-new-car/#commentsFiled under: ,

2009 Ford F-150 at Kansas City Assembly Plant

Ford has announced plans to invest $400 million in its Kansas City Assembly plant in Missouri. The company is shifting production of the Escape from that facility to its Louisville, Kentucky plant, which will open up a line for an unnamed model. There's some indication that the FoMoCo crew is planning to build the Transit Connect alongside the F-150 at the Kansas City facility. Regardless of what model Ford plans to build there, the company's investment will go toward new tooling, a new body shop and other improvements, while managing to save 3,750 jobs in the process.

Ford will receive around $150 million in tax breaks over 10 years for keeping the Kansas City plant up and kicking as part of the 2010 Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act. The legislation provides tax incentives for automakers who retain jobs through new investments.

The Blue Oval is now in the process of retooling a total of four plants for upcoming products. The company just recently announced that it is investing $600 million in the Louisville, Kentucky plant to produced the next-generation Escape. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Sources: Ford, Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Continue reading Ford investing $400M in Kansas City plant for unnamed new car

Ford investing $400M in Kansas City plant for unnamed new car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escapefordford escapeford transit connectkansas citykansas city assembly planttransit connectWed, 19 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19806789/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/19/ford-investing-400m-in-kansas-city-plant-for-unnamed-new-car/19806789/article-detail.xml 19806789 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/kansas-city-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/kansas-city-630.jpg <![CDATA[Top ten most and least expensive cars to insure in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/11/top-ten-most-and-least-expensive-cars-to-insure-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/11/top-ten-most-and-least-expensive-cars-to-insure-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/11/top-ten-most-and-least-expensive-cars-to-insure-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

2011 Chrysler Town and Country minivan

With the calendar year changing from 2010 to 2011, insurance adjusters have recompiled their actuarial tables and that means a new list of the cheapest and most expensive vehicles to insure for the new year. In this case, Insure.com recently conducted a survey of the nations six top insurance carriers and complied a list of 40 vehicles that take top honors in each category.

The study goes past the specific model and narrows down vehicles by trim. Somewhat unsurprisingly, the least expensive vehicles are dominated by minivans, while the most expensive list is filled with high-powered German machines. We cut down the list of 40 to show you the top 10 from each side of the fence and included the average annual premium for each vehicle after the jump.

[Source: Insure.com]

Continue reading Top ten most and least expensive cars to insure in 2011

Top ten most and least expensive cars to insure in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martin DB9aston martin db9 volantebmw 750ibmw 750lichrysler town and countryford escapehonda odysseyinsuranceinsurance ratesjeep wranglermercedes-benz cl600mercedes-benz g55 amgmercedes-benz s65 amgmercedes-benz sl63 amgmercedes-benz sl65 amgnissan muranoporsche 911 carrera stoyota highlandertoyota siennaTue, 11 Jan 2011 19:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19795286/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/11/top-ten-most-and-least-expensive-cars-to-insure-in-2011/19795286/article-detail.xml 19795286 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01-2011-chrysler-t-and-c-1284484117_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/01-2011-chrysler-t-and-c-1284484117.jpg -1 2