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[Automakers donating money, vehicles and supplies to Oklahoma tornado relief effort]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/automakers-donating-money-vehicles-and-supplies-to-oklahoma-tor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/automakers-donating-money-vehicles-and-supplies-to-oklahoma-tor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/automakers-donating-money-vehicles-and-supplies-to-oklahoma-tor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Oklahoma City-area tornado damage - helicopter overview

Judging by the destruction the Oklahoma City area experienced earlier this week, residents are going to need a lot of help in coming months. Fortunately, a number of automakers - including General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Honda and Toyota - have stepped up to donate money, supplies and vehicles to aid in the recovery and rebuilding processes.

Here's a quick rundown of which automakers have pitched in and what each contributed so far:
  • Ford Motor Company has donating $250,000 and a Transit Connect to the American Red Cross, and it will match all other donations made to the Red Cross (up to $250,000) using a special URL tied to the latter's website (link here). Additionally, its local Oklahoma dealers have thrown in an extra $150,000 for the United Way and the automaker will be offering an extra $500 toward the purchase of a new Ford vehicle.
  • GM has given $50,000 and a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado to a Detroit-area charity called Forgotten Harvest, which has set up a campaign called "Help 4 Oklahoma" to bring food, medical and hygiene products to the area.
  • Chrysler is donating $100,000 to First Response Team of America - a nonprofit that assists first responders and helps with disaster cleanup.
  • Toyota has announced that it is donating $250,000 to restore food service to the area, small businesses revitalization and home rebuilding, and in addition to this amount, it will also be matching employee contributions.
  • The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Honda is donating generators to the Red Cross - a big advantage of having a power equipment division.
  • Volkswagen says it made a $250,000 donation to the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity, but it isn't clear if that was a combined donation or that much was given to each organization. VW is also matching the funds of its employees.

Continue reading Automakers donating money, vehicles and supplies to Oklahoma tornado relief effort

Automakers donating money, vehicles and supplies to Oklahoma tornado relief effort originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 May 2013 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american red crosschryslerdonationsfirst response team of americafordForgotten harvestgeneral motorshabitat for humanityhondanatural disastersoklahoma disasteroklahoma tornadotoyotaFri, 24 May 2013 17:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20581683/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/24/automakers-donating-money-vehicles-and-supplies-to-oklahoma-tor/20581683/article-detail.xml 20581683 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/oklahoma-city-area-tornado-13_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/oklahoma-city-area-tornado-13.jpg <![CDATA[Ford to cease Australian automaking operations after 90 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/ford-to-cease-australian-automaking-operations-after-90-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/ford-to-cease-australian-automaking-operations-after-90-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/ford-to-cease-australian-automaking-operations-after-90-years/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Ford Falcon - front three-quarter view

Ford began manufacturing cars in Australia in 1925 with the Model T. In 2016, Ford will stop manufacturing cars Down Under, including the Falcon and the Territory SUV. Ford Australia CEO Bob Graziano has reportedly confirmed the closure of the company's Broadmeadows assembly plant and the Geelong engine plant, both in the state of Victoria. There will be 650 jobs lost at Broadmeadows, 510 sacrificed at Geelong. Of the roughly 3,000 workers the Blue Oval has in Australia, it's said it will try to retain about 1,000 of them at its R&D and product development facilities.

The writing hasn't just been on the wall, it's been a regular item in all the papers and on Ford's bottom line for years. As recently as 2003, Ford sold nearly 75,000 Falcons, but over the next four years, annual sales dropped by something like 10,000 units, and over the last two years, it has sold less than 20,000 per year. It isn't only Ford that has suffered - sales of the other large, locally produced sedan, the Holden Commodore, have also gone over the precipice, triggering the same kind of angst about Holden's continued existence. Ford is the smallest of Australia's local automakers, Holden and Toyota the others, and has posted losses of $AUD141 million last year ($136M US) and $AUD600 million ($580M US) in the past five years. Graziano said the cost of manufacturing is simply too expensive in the country, twice as high as Europe and three times as high as Asia, and there no way to make a business case for staying in the country.

In January 2012, Ford Australia announced it would stay in the country until at least 2016, but by July of the same year, most outside observers were quietly declaring that 2016 would be the last year of Ford Down Under, and even the speculation was making other observers nervous. Ford received money from the Victorian government last year to aid its refresh of the Falcon and Territory, which will continue on schedule for the 2014 model year. A front- and all-wheel-drive sedan on a global platform is predicted to replace the Falcon, with some other SUV expected to replace the Territory. The company says it still intends to expand its lineup in the country.

As for what will replace the employment hole at the factories and the supplier base, no one is quite sure. Ford has said that the employees will receive their entitlements, and workers do have three years to prepare for what's coming. As well, the state and national governments have already committed tens of millions to a fund to assist the employees.

Ford to cease Australian automaking operations after 90 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 May 2013 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australian manufacturingbob grazianobroadmeadowsfordford auford australiaford falconford territorygeelongmanufacturingThu, 23 May 2013 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20580812/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/ford-to-cease-australian-automaking-operations-after-90-years/20580812/article-detail.xml 20580812 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-ford-falcon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-ford-falcon.jpg <![CDATA[Ford and Chrysler reducing summer plant shutdowns]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/ford-and-chrysler-reducing-summer-plant-shutdowns/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/ford-and-chrysler-reducing-summer-plant-shutdowns/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/ford-and-chrysler-reducing-summer-plant-shutdowns/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dodge Dart production line worker

Most domestic automaker assembly plants traditionally take a couple of weeks off during the summer. The shutdowns give each plant time for much needed repairs and maintenance, and in some cases, help better align production with demand. Not this year, though, as demand for many models is outstripping what Ford, Chrysler and General Motors plants can produce.

Ford has announced that it will shorten its annual summer shutdown for most North American plants from two weeks to one. The shorter shutdown will increase the carmaker's annual North American production by 40,000 units on top of the 200,000 extra units that it was already planning to produce this year versus last. Automotive News reports that Ford produced 2.8 million vehicles on this continent in 2012, and that output this year has already increased 13 percent through April.

Chrysler, meanwhile, is also operating at full tilt and plans to run some plants through the summer with no shutdown at all. Those not getting a break include Jefferson North where the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are assembled, Toledo North that will assemble the new Cherokee, and Conner Avenue, home of SRT Viper production. Other assembly plants will be down for a single week, while all of Chrysler's engine and transmission plants except one in Indiana will continue operating with no shutdown this summer.

Lastly, GM is keeping its cards closer to its chest. The automaker declined to comment to Automotive News about its summer production plans, instead saying that the company "does things a bit differently" now compared to the past, tying plant shutdowns to model life cycles and market demand rather than traditional annual timetables.

Continue reading Ford and Chrysler reducing summer plant shutdowns

Ford and Chrysler reducing summer plant shutdowns originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerfordgeneral motorsgmplant shutdownshutdownsummer shutdownWed, 22 May 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579690/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/ford-and-chrysler-reducing-summer-plant-shutdowns/20579690/article-detail.xml 20579690 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dodge-dart-production_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dodge-dart-production.jpg <![CDATA[The big dune jump and the damage done]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/the-big-dune-jump-and-the-damage-done/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/the-big-dune-jump-and-the-damage-done/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/the-big-dune-jump-and-the-damage-done/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Higgins Jump

The Silver Lake sand dunes see their fair share of well-built trophy trucks executing impressive jumps. Drivers build insane pieces of machinery for the express purpose of sailing through the air like mad men and women.

Mike Higgins is no stranger to the area. His heavily modified Ford trophy truck has gone flying through the sky on more than one occasion, but he recently bit off more than he could chew. After hitting a particularly lofty dune, Higgins went airborne for a ridiculous 180 feet before becoming intimately familiar with the finer points of gravity.

While Higgins nailed the jump, his landing fell short of wowing the judges. The impact very nearly broke his truck in two. Despite the mechanical mayhem, the driver walked away without a scratch, proving that occasionally miracles really do happen. You can check out the jump and the subsequent destruction below for yourself. Be warned: there's a fair bit of foul language.

Continue reading The big dune jump and the damage done

The big dune jump and the damage done originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashfordford f-150 svt raptorford jumpjumpmike higginssilver lake sand dunesvideoMon, 20 May 2013 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576404/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/the-big-dune-jump-and-the-damage-done/20576404/article-detail.xml 20576404 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/higgins-jump-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/higgins-jump-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hennessey completes first VelociRaptor SUV conversion [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/hennessey-completes-first-velociraptor-suv-conversion-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/hennessey-completes-first-velociraptor-suv-conversion-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/hennessey-completes-first-velociraptor-suv-conversion-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hennessey VelociRaptor

Start with a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor as your base vehicle for modification, and chances are high that you'll end up with something pretty cool. Now, have those modifications done by professional lunatics Hennessey Performance, make the project turning the pickup into an ultra-long SUV, and the result stands a real chance of being a total kick in the ass. Let us present the Hennessey VelociRaptor then, in all of its awesomeness.

Hennessey has taken care in grafting a "Excursion type" rear cabin onto the Raptor, complete with an optional third row. The pictures we have show a cabin that's up to the fit and finish standards of the original Ford truck, too. The cab added over the bed also makes room for a massive load space out back, accessible via split out-folding doors and long enough for a person to lay down in (see video).

Mechanically, the truck-turned-SUV sticks with Ford's stock 6.2-liter V8, rated at 411 horsepower, or can be had with a supercharger and some 600 hp. Hennessey says the stock-motor VelociRaptor will run from 0-60 miles per hour in 7.5 seconds, while the hi-po version takes just 5.9 seconds. The SUV does take some of the off-road ability away from the Raptor, with the company saying it hasn't yet had the opportunity to test its capabilities. On-roading and "moderate off-road duties" are the current prescription.

Hennessey will build just 30 copies of the VelociRaptor per year, offered at a starting price of $149,500. If that seems like an exorbitant markup over the Raptor's $43,920, well, you're welcome to go out and build your own. Scroll down for a video walk around of the VelociRaptor, and one showing the supercharged version on a dyno.

Continue reading Hennessey completes first VelociRaptor SUV conversion [w/video]

Hennessey completes first VelociRaptor SUV conversion [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford f-150 svt raptorhennesseyhennessey velociraptorMon, 20 May 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576600/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/hennessey-completes-first-velociraptor-suv-conversion-w-video/20576600/article-detail.xml 20576600 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hennessey-velociraptor-suv-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hennessey-velociraptor-suv-628.jpg <![CDATA[Car sales in Europe up for first time in 19 months]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/car-sales-in-europe-up-for-first-time-in-19-months/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/car-sales-in-europe-up-for-first-time-in-19-months/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/car-sales-in-europe-up-for-first-time-in-19-months/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volkswagen factory's famous cylindrical car elevator garage

Automotive News reports the European automotive market has posted first gain in 19 months. Germany and Spain helped push the swell thanks to higher-than-average consumer confidence, though the EU saw registrations jump two percent overall compared to the prior year. In April, buyers took home 1.08 million new vehicles, up from 1.06 million during the same month in 2012. Analysts are hoping the news is the first sign of a legitimate recovery for a region that has suffered some of the slowest auto sales in 20 years. Even so, the market continues to suffer - four-month sales are down 7 percent to 4.18 million units.

Peugeot-Citroen saw its sales fall off by 10 percent last month. Ford and General Motors both posted declines of 0.6 percent and four percent respectively, with Chevrolet suffering through a 28-percent decline last month. There were winners in the region, however. Mercedes-Benz sales increased by 13 percent while Volkswagen registrations jumped by around 9 percent. Sales were particularly strong in the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany.

Car sales in Europe up for first time in 19 months originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salescar saleschevroleteueuropeeuropean unioneuropean car salesfordgeneral motorsmercedes-benzsalesvwMon, 20 May 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575189/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/car-sales-in-europe-up-for-first-time-in-19-months/20575189/article-detail.xml 20575189 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-factory-car-elevator-garage_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-factory-car-elevator-garage.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Fiesta ST orders off to strong start]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-fiesta-st-orders-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-fiesta-st-orders-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-fiesta-st-orders-off-to-strong-start/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 Ford Fiesta ST - front three-quarter view, red

We at Autoblog love the new little Ford Fiesta ST, and apparently, folks in Europe are pretty impressed with it, as well. According to Ford, the automaker's European arm has already logged 3,000 orders for the new hot hatch since it hit dealerships this March. The US-spec car, which will only be available as a five-door, will go on sale in the United States this summer.

What's perhaps most interesting about the Fiesta ST ordering is that the majority of customers appear to be ordering high-spec cars. According to Ford data, 60 percent of customers have opted for the leather interior with Recaro buckets, and 90 percent have selected the upgraded 17-inch wheels (seen on our test car, above). Spirit Blue has been the most popular color, commanding 27 percent of all orders. As for the technology upgrades, 19 percent of customers have ponied up for the Sony stereo with navigation.

To recap, the Fiesta ST is offered with Ford's 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, putting out 179 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. We had an absolute blast flinging the hot Fiesta through the French Alps, and we can't wait for this sharp little hatch to make its way over to the States.

Ford has already announced US pricing for the Fiesta ST, which starts at $22,195 (including $795 for destination). Load one up with Recaros, navigation, a sunroof and more, and you'll just crest the $26,500 mark.

Scroll down for Ford's full release about European orders.

Continue reading Ford Fiesta ST orders off to strong start

Ford Fiesta ST orders off to strong start originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 ford fiesta2014 ford fiesta stfordford fiestaford fiesta stFri, 17 May 2013 17:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573717/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/ford-fiesta-st-orders-off-to-strong-start/20573717/article-detail.xml 20573717 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2014-ford-fiesta-st-fd628opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2014-ford-fiesta-st-fd628opt.png <![CDATA[2014 Ford Mustang GT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-ford-mustang-gt-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-ford-mustang-gt-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-ford-mustang-gt-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



I was more than a year removed from my last experience with the Mustang GT and its delicious 5.0 V8 when this new 2014 example rolled up to my driveway recently. Good weather and a planned road trip across the state meant that I would get plenty of seat time in this conservatively specified example, too. In total, I logged about 400 miles in a week of driving - not a lot for some of you super commuters out there, but quite a lot for this work-from-home journalist.

The basic formula of the 5.0 has stayed the same for 2014. The 2013 model year saw a number of updates to keep the Mustang fresh until it's replaced with an all-new generation for 2015. So, for its bon voyage tour, the fifth-generation Pony Car has seen only a few modifications: a couple of new paint colors (Oxford White and Ruby Red Metallic), trim and wheel revisions and, sadly, the deletion of the Boss 302 from the Ford lineup. However, while the limited-edition Boss is likely to reappear sometime after the gen-six Mustang makes its debut in 2015, the GT Track Package cars like the one I tested provide at least a partial solution for those looking for hot laps.

Driving Notes
  • The 5.0 V8 never gets old. 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque are delivered with satisfying linearity, as the Coyote motor spins up to redline far quicker than you'd expect for an engine of this displacement. Sonically rich, with just a hint of a hard edge to the exhaust over 5,000 rpm and a satisfyingly lazy rumble at idle, the soundtrack is pure enthusiast driving pleasure at most speeds. Oh yeah... on the first day I had the car I was reminded that the 5.0 Mustang is fast as all hell, too. Don't let its ubiquity fool you, this is a serious performance machine.
  • The six-speed manual trans is quite substantial, with a positive, metallic click heard when shifting through the range. The gates are nicely spaced and the throws short. I generally enjoy using this beefy gearbox, though when trying for really fast changes - especially downshifts - a lighter, more accurate action would be appreciated. Clutch action is pretty low effort and progressive, and with so much torque that it's simple to get the GT moving - gently or in a cloud of smoke as your taste and situation dictate.
  • As I mentioned, the Mustang I drove was equipped with Ford's excellent GT Track Package. For $2,450, the track pack feels like an excellent value for weekend racers or drivers that might want to upgrade their GT substantially down the road. The options group contains a little bit of what made the Boss 302 cool, in a Bossless model year. (Automobile web editor Evan McCausland quipped to me that the test car I had was, "more of an assistant manager" than a Boss, which is about right.) The most noticeable equipment you'll get if you spec your Stang this way are the larger Brembo brakes and the Torsen helical diff with its more aggressive 3.73:1 rear axle. In a week filled with random quick corners and side-trips to back roads, I can attest that all make the GT feel a lot more sports car-like than less-endowed base GTs. For actual track work, the package's upgraded radiator (from the Boss 302) and engine oil cooler should help keep internals cool, as well.
  • Not part of the track pack, my car also had optional ($1,595) Recaro cloth racing seats. A far cry from the fully stuffed leather chairs I'm used to seeing in media-fleet Mustangs, I ended up falling in love with these Recaros. The fabric they're trimmed with is simple without looking downmarket, and the bolsters help them grip the driver firmly without squeezing too hard at the hips. Even my XL frame was a good fit. I'll admit that after about 150 miles, I was feeling the frame dig into my thighs a little bit - these probably aren't the best road trip seats - but for everyday driving or canyon road bombing, they're superb.
  • On that same road trip, I should mention that I had no trouble hitting the EPA-estimated 26 miles per gallon on the highway... if I set the cruise right around 70 miles per hour. At a more normal (for me) 75 or 80 mph, the econ drops to about 21 on the interstate. In town I was seeing roughly 11 mpg, though admittedly I was keeping the revs high quite a lot to better hear the exhaust. I think the 17 mph city estimate is doable, if you're willing to blandly shift up into fourth a lot.
  • Outside of the great seats, this interior is starting to feel pretty dated. With no navigation screen especially, there's no end to the gray and black plastic you seen in front of you. Accessing SYNC via the standard radio's buttons and knobs is an atrocious way to navigate your digitally stored music, and the voice commands feel utterly unwieldy compared to newer systems like Cadillac CUE. (Dan Roth's, Chris Paukert's and Consumer Reports' protestations to the contrary, CUE feels positively visionary after a week with this low-end, touchscreen-less SYNC.) Both iPhones and iPods were randomly spurned as "not recognized" devices; even after working the time before. And even when I could get my music to play, the sound system managed to sound both underpowered and badly voiced. It's a good thing the V8 soundtrack doesn't get old.

2014 Ford Mustang GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 ford mustang2014 ford mustang gtfordford mustangford mustang gtquick spinFri, 17 May 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571331/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/2014-ford-mustang-gt-quick-spin-review/20571331/article-detail.xml 20571331 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/002-2014-ford-mustang-gt-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/002-2014-ford-mustang-gt-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Project Ugly Horse: Part VIII]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Now With More EcoBoost



There's an EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in there somewhere, and it's headed straight for Ugly Horse.

For the second time in my life, I'm staring at an engine in the back of a truck with no concept of how to get it safely into the garage by my lonesome. The first time this happened, I dragged home a $300 International 345 V8 in the back of my Scout Terra only to discover that the bounds of my manliness terminated well before my ability to muscle that 800-pound cast iron block out of the pickup bed.

Now you know the story of how and why I bought my first engine puller.

Some six years later I'm playing out the same dance, though a Ford F-250 has stolen the Scout's starring role, and there's a towering pallet of thick cardboard boxes in place of the old International mill. It's not that the boxes are particularly heavy. They're just stacked too high to get in the garage. Each one is emblazoned with a massive Ford Racing Performance Parts logo and wrapped in enough plastic to keep both prying fingers and the persistent rain at bay. Good thing, too. There's an EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in there somewhere, and it's headed straight for Ugly Horse.

Project Ugly Horse is an ongoing series. Need to catch up? You can find the previous articles here.

Continue reading Project Ugly Horse: Part VIII

Project Ugly Horse: Part VIII originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1989 ford mustangecoboostecoboost fox body mustangecoboost mustangfeaturedfocusfocus stfordford focus stford mustangproject ugly horseugly horseFri, 17 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20570764/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/project-ugly-horse-part-viii/20570764/article-detail.xml 20570764 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/slot-a-tab-b-628-1368799270_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/slot-a-tab-b-628-1368799270.jpg <![CDATA[Ford sued over alleged 3.5-liter EcoBoost defects]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ford-sued-over-alleged-3-5-liter-ecoboost-defects/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ford-sued-over-alleged-3-5-liter-ecoboost-defects/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ford-sued-over-alleged-3-5-liter-ecoboost-defects/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford Taurus SHO - Ecoboost engine closeup

Three Ford owners from Ohio have filed a lawsuit against the automaker over defects that they allege exist within the company's twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine. Automotive News reports that the lawsuit claims the engine "contained serious latent design, manufacturing, or assembly defects." Those defects, the suit claims, cause the vehicle to shake, misfire and lose power quickly.

Two of the plaintiffs, a married couple, own a 2010 Ford Taurus SHO, and allege they experienced a loss of power and stalling, while the third, an F-150 owner, claims he lost power while accelerating. In addition to the Taurus SHO and F-150, the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine is also available in the Ford Flex, Explorer Sport and Lincoln MKT and MKS. Other three- and four-cylinder EcoBoost engines are not included in the suit. There have been no recalls associated with 3.5-liter V6 engine, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently not investigating the matter.

The plaintiffs, however, claim Ford has known about the problem, citing several technical service bulletins issued to dealers of the F-150 that suggest possible fixes. Ford had no comment for Automotive News, saying that it's yet to review the lawsuit, which was filed last Friday in Columbus, OH.

Ford sued over alleged 3.5-liter EcoBoost defects originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.5-liter ecoboostecoboostengine defectfordford ecoboostford lawsuitlawsuitnhtsaThu, 16 May 2013 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572622/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/ford-sued-over-alleged-3-5-liter-ecoboost-defects/20572622/article-detail.xml 20572622 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-ecoboost-v6-sho-engine-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-ecoboost-v6-sho-engine-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ford family keeps special voting rights]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/ford-family-keeps-special-voting-rights/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/ford-family-keeps-special-voting-rights/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/ford-family-keeps-special-voting-rights/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ford Motor Company has a dual-class stock structure of Class A and Class B shares. The roughly three billion Class A shares are for the general public like you and me, while the roughly 71 million Class B shares are all owned by the Ford family. Each Class A share gets the shareholder one vote, each Class B share is worth 16 votes, the result being that Common Stock holders control about 60 percent of the company while the Ford family controls 40 percent even though it holds far fewer shares. The only way that could ever change would be if the Fords sell their Class B shares, but even so, Class B shares revert to Class A when sold outside the family, so they'd have to sell a whole bunch of them.

A contingent of Class A shareholders think the dual-class system is unfair, and for the past few years a vote's been held during the annual shareholders meeting to end it. It has failed every time, as it just did again during the meeting held this week. A smidge over 33 percent voted to end the dual system, outvoted by the 67 percent who are happy with the way Ford is going - unsurprising in view of a corporate turnaround that will be part of business-class curricula for years to come.

On the sidelines, Ford elected Ellen R. Marram to the post of independent director, the first woman to hold the job. The former Tropicana CEO and 20-year Ford board member replaces retiring board member Irvine Hockaday who helped bring Alan Mulally to the CEO position.

Ford family keeps special voting rights originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill ford jr.board of directorsellen marramfordford familystocksFri, 10 May 2013 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564983/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/ford-family-keeps-special-voting-rights/20564983/article-detail.xml 20564983 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bill-ford-alan-mulally-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bill-ford-alan-mulally-628.jpg <![CDATA[American automakers fall in latest Fortune 500 rankings]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/american-automakers-fall-in-latest-fortune-500-rankings/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/american-automakers-fall-in-latest-fortune-500-rankings/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/american-automakers-fall-in-latest-fortune-500-rankings/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fortune 500

Not that it means anything beyond bragging rights, but if you're fixated on the positions of domestic automakers on the annual Fortune 500 list, both General Motors and Ford are still on it but they've slipped a couple of notches. The list ranks American companies and they're ordered solely by revenue. GM, fifth last year, came in seventh, while Ford fell from ninth to tenth even though both companies saw small gains in annual revenue.

GM's $152.3 billion in revenue was less than a third of that of the first company on the list: Wal-Mart, which regained the title from Exxon Mobil. Berkshire Hathaway and Apple are the firms that moved GM down. Ford, displaced by energy company Valero, had $134.3 billion in revenue.

On a side note, profitability isn't a factor, but both GM and Ford were down in this year's list compared to last year's: GM declined from $9.2 billion to $6.2 billion, Ford fell from $20.2 billion to $5.6 billion. If profits were included, Exxon Mobil would probably still be king: although the energy company made almost $20 billion less in revenue than Wal-Mart's $469.2 billion, it posted $44.9 billion in profit compared to Wal-Mart's $17 billion.

American automakers fall in latest Fortune 500 rankings originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordfortunefortune 500gmprofitrevenueFri, 10 May 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562799/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/american-automakers-fall-in-latest-fortune-500-rankings/20562799/article-detail.xml 20562799 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fortune-500_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fortune-500.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra prototype]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Over the last decade or so, competition in NASCAR has led to some pretty funky looking racecars. And when the sport was still up and coming, the tight competition actually led to some interesting production cars. The Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Superbird are perhaps the most well-known cars of the sport's "aero wars" era but the Ford Torino King Cobra might have been the most memorable of all, if not for some different homologation rules established in 1970. The Torino King Cobra never made it to production and never competed in NASCAR, but three examples exist including this one now for sale on eBay.

Designed as a successor for the aero-tuned Torino Talladega, the Torino King Cobra has a sleeker front end with hidden headlights and a sloped nose. As the story goes, NASCAR made a rule change in 1970 requiring 3,000 of the vehicles to be produced, which was substantially more than the 500 units required by the previous rule. One of the three prototypes ever built - and the only one built with the Boss 429 engine - is now for sale on eBay with a starting bid of $500,000. With a little more than three days left on the auction there are still no bids, but in the grand scheme of things this seems like a relatively fair price for a rare piece of automobile and racing history.

eBay Find of the Day: 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With a new boss at the helm, Ford is looking at new ways to improve its vehicle launches in North America to prevent recent issues that have popped up with models like the Lincoln MKZ, Ford Escape and Ford Fusion. Speaking with Automotive News, Ford's new president of the Americas, Joe Hinrichs, revealed a few ways the automaker plans to avoid early build issues such as the engine fires on certain 2013 Escape and Fusion models and months-long delays for customers to receive their MKZs.

It sounds like the root of the problems may have been Ford's relationship with suppliers compounded by the fact that the product surge came on the heels of the recent industry-crippling recession, and in the AN article, Hinrichs says improvements are being made to reduce problems during the launch of new or redesigned models. Three such improvements that were implemented during the first quarter of this year including more rigorous quality comparisons, better use of computer technology to catch major problems sooner and hiring engineers to work closer with suppliers.

Ford rethinking vehicle launch strategy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford motor companyjoe hinrichslincolnquality controlTue, 07 May 2013 16:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559123/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/ford-rethinking-vehicle-launch-strategy/20559123/article-detail.xml 20559123 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-lincoln-mkz-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-lincoln-mkz-fd.jpg <![CDATA['Born of a Blue Sky' brings the Amelia Island Concours to you]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/born-of-a-blue-sky-brings-the-amelia-island-concours-to-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/born-of-a-blue-sky-brings-the-amelia-island-concours-to-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/born-of-a-blue-sky-brings-the-amelia-island-concours-to-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance has more clout every year and is getting a reputation as Pebble Beach minus the madness. Held in March this year, it celebrated Ducati and the 50-year anniversaries of Lamborghini, the Corvette Sting Ray, Porsche 911 and the Ford GT40.

Justin Lapriore was there, and seemingly everywhere, getting footage of the various wares on display on the lawns and the sand and the runway. The resulting video, Born of a Blue Sky, is a 16-minute survey of some of the finer sights and plenty of engine sounds. Check it out below.

Continue reading 'Born of a Blue Sky' brings the Amelia Island Concours to you

'Born of a Blue Sky' brings the Amelia Island Concours to you originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amelia islandborn of a blue skyducatifordford gt40lamborghiniporscheporsche 911videovimeoFri, 03 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557121/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/born-of-a-blue-sky-brings-the-amelia-island-concours-to-you/20557121/article-detail.xml 20557121 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/amelia-island-concours-overview_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/amelia-island-concours-overview.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

No Prius Killer

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid

As much as we enthusiasts like to rail on the lowly Toyota Prius as the harbinger of death for all we hold dear, there's no denying the machine's absolute and interminable grip on the hybrid market in the United States. Toyota has so thoroughly sunk its teeth into the segment that you can clearly hear the automaker's incisors clacking against one another with the conclusion of each financial quarter. And there's little wonder why. Buyers can plop down less than $25,000 and have a runabout that can return up to an estimated 51 miles per gallon in the city, leaving every other entry on the market with precious little gristle to gnaw on.

Enter the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. With its claimed 47 mpg combined, the funky little hatch from Europe already falls behind the 48 mpg city offered by the Prius, but that marginal sacrifice in fuel economy could be a small price to pay for buyers who want a credible alternative to the stalwart Toyota. Unfortunately, like the Fusion Hybrid, the C-Max Hybrid had trouble even approaching its Environmental Protection Agency estimates during our time with the car.

Continue reading 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford c-max hybridfeaturedfordford c-maxford c-max hybridreviewreviewsThu, 02 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20555314/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-review/20555314/article-detail.xml 20555314 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-review.jpg <![CDATA[Ford to add more than 2,000 jobs in Kansas City]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/ford-to-add-more-than-2-000-jobs-in-kansas-city/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/ford-to-add-more-than-2-000-jobs-in-kansas-city/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/ford-to-add-more-than-2-000-jobs-in-kansas-city/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ford Kansas City

Continued high demand for the Ford F-150, along with the addition of the all-new Transit series of commercial vehicles, has led Ford to announce that it will add over 2,000 jobs at its Kansas City Assembly Plant. At the time of the announcement, the plant boasts 2,450 hourly employees working on two shifts. All told, Ford will invest $1.1 billion in the Kansas City plant to expand truck production and begin producing the Transit series.

According to the automaker, fullsize truck sales are up 19 percent through April of 2013, leading to an additional 900 workers and a third shift of production for the F-150. Production of the Transit series will begin in the fourth quarter of this year, requiring an additional 1,100 workers. In addition, Ford estimates that a total of 18,000 jobs will be created by suppliers to its Kansas City plant to support the additional vehicle production.

Want to know more? Scroll down for the complete press release.

Continue reading Ford to add more than 2,000 jobs in Kansas City

Ford to add more than 2,000 jobs in Kansas City originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford f-150ford kansas city assembly plantford transitkansas cityThu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20555539/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/ford-to-add-more-than-2-000-jobs-in-kansas-city/20555539/article-detail.xml 20555539 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-kansas-city_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-kansas-city.jpg <![CDATA[How the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor became a reality]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/how-the-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-became-a-reality/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/how-the-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-became-a-reality/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/how-the-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-became-a-reality/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor prototype testing camouflaged in the deserve - video screencap
The camouflaged Ford F-150 SVT Raptor prototype captured above blazing its way across the desert during a test run left company engineers giggling in amazement, reveals Jamal Hameedi in a new Autoweek video. Ford's global performance vehicle chief engineer, accompanied by senior exterior designer Bruce Williams, sat down with the publication to discuss the concept and development of the automaker's super off-road F-150.

Designing a high-performance pickup in 2008, right when the cost of gasoline was going through the roof, seemed insane at the time, but the team pushed forward with the innovative vehicle regardless. The interview includes plenty of Ford B-roll footage as visual candy, and the conversations include discussions about exterior design, ride comfort, anti-lock brake tuning, suspension engineering, weight reduction and why it was necessary to make the Raptor visually different than Ford's standard F-150. The model's origin story is very interesting, and you can learn more about it by watching the video below.

Continue reading How the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor became a reality

How the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor became a reality originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford f-150 svt raptorfordford f-150ford f-150 svt raptorford svt raptorjamal hameediorigin storysvtvideoWed, 01 May 2013 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553904/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/how-the-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-became-a-reality/20553904/article-detail.xml 20553904 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/svt-raptor-lead-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/svt-raptor-lead-628.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA launches investigations into Ford Crown Victoria police cars, Dodge Viper and Porsche 911]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nhtsa-launches-investigations-into-ford-crown-victoria-police-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nhtsa-launches-investigations-into-ford-crown-victoria-police-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nhtsa-launches-investigations-into-ford-crown-victoria-police-ca/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

​2005 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor - dead-on front view

Reuters reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating certain Ford Crown Victoria, Porsche 911 and Dodge Viper models for potential defects. NHTSA is currently looking into 2005-2008 Crown Victoria police car models for steering column failures that could cause the upper and lower portions of the steering shaft to separate. Such a condition would lead to a loss of control. So far there are 195,000 vehicles involved with 15 warranty claims.

Meanwhile, 10,000 Porsche 911 sports cars are under investigation for a faulty cooling hose fitting. The loose hose could cause a rapid loss of coolant that could not only damage the engine, but cause a slick road surface that could pose a danger to other traffic. The investigation is only concerned with models equipped with 2001-2007 models. There have been 10 owner complaints of failures, with one owner saying the coolant caused him to loose control and spin the vehicle off of the road.

Investigators are also looking into certain 2005-2006 Dodge Viper models for a rear suspension knuckle failure. Two owners have filed complaints after crashes, and NHTSA is now looking into 2,500 of the vehicles.

Note: these probes aren't recalls, but can lead to them if NHTSA or the automakers find sufficient evidence of danger to drivers.

NHTSA launches investigations into Ford Crown Victoria police cars, Dodge Viper and Porsche 911 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodge viperfordford crown victoriaford crown victoria police interceptorford police interceptornational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsanhtsa investigationnhtsa probeporsche 911viperWed, 01 May 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554541/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/nhtsa-launches-investigations-into-ford-crown-victoria-police-ca/20554541/article-detail.xml 20554541 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2005-ford-crown-victoria-police-interceptor-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2005-ford-crown-victoria-police-interceptor-628.jpg <![CDATA[Detroit automakers gain Q1 market share simultaneously for first time in 20 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/detroit-automakers-gain-market-share-simultaneously-for-first-ti/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/detroit-automakers-gain-market-share-simultaneously-for-first-ti/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/detroit-automakers-gain-market-share-simultaneously-for-first-ti/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

General Motors, Ford and Chrysler logos

While monthly sales figures might be an easy way of tracking the progression of the auto industry and individual automakers, looking at market share might be more indicative of how each company is actually standing up against its competitors. For the Detroit Three automakers, they have collectively lost almost 30 percent of the market over the last 20 years, but now, for the first time since 1993, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler have each posted market share gains at the same time in the first quarter of 2013.

According to Automotive News, Ford's share increased the most by 0.7 percent, GM was up 0.5 percent and Chrysler rose marginally by 0.2 percent, giving the Detroit automakers a total market share of 45.6 percent. As for the Japan's Big Three, the article reports that Toyota is up by 0.7 percent, Nissan is down the same amount and Honda has seen "little change."

Detroit automakers gain Q1 market share simultaneously for first time in 20 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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