Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #196 - with Jonny Lieberman from Motor Trend

Dan Roth — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Etc., BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Lotus

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

For Episode #196 of the Autoblog Podcast, recently departed Autoblogger Jonny Lieberman joins us from his perch atop the ivory Motor Trend tower. In between recounting stories from the land of the Buff Books, Chris, Dan and Jonny talk over some of this week's news, including the Lotus Elite, the final Ford Ranger in North America, the BMW 6 Series concept and a truckload of new Chrysler information about the 200C, the Challenger, transmissions, and more. We finish up with some of your feedback near the epic two-hour mark. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #196 - With Jonny Lieberman from Motor Trend

In the Autoblog Garage:

Chrysler 300C SRT-8
BMW 335D
Ferrari 458 Italia

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Jonny Lieberman

Runtime: 1:49:30

Get the podcast:
[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
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #196 - with Jonny Lieberman from Motor Trend originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Despite meeting with governor, Ford set to close Minnesota Ranger plant

Chris Paukert — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

2010 Ford Ranger - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to The Detroit News, Ford officials met with Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty yesterday to discuss the future of the automaker's St. Paul assembly plant. The facility, which builds Ford's Ranger compact pickup has been earmarked for closure for some time, but despite the roundtable session, the Blue Oval says it still plans to shutter its operations.

Pawlenty's administration had been hoping that the signing of a new state law in April allowing the government to offer Ford a series of tax breaks would be enough to keep the Twin Cities operations open, but apparently it wasn't enough - the plant will close, although an end-date remains uncertain.

Closing the plant will also close the book on the aging Ranger, though Ford has confirmed that the model name will live on with other, larger models in foreign markets. Thus far, rumors of a new North American Ranger (and even an on-air slip by Ford president Alan Mulally) have amounted to nothing, and with Ford committed introducing more economical engines to its F-150 full-size pickup, it appears highly unlikely that a U.S. Ranger will receive an encore any time soon.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: Despite meeting with governor, Ford set to close Minnesota Ranger plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #188 - with Mike Spinelli of 0-60 magazine

Dan Roth — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Porsche, Toyota, Design/Style

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez and Dan Roth are joined this week by Mike Spinelli, editor-in-chief of 0-60 magazine. Topics for Episode #188 of the Autoblog Podcast are the 2011 Ford Explorer, Audi's A7 Sportback, the announcement of the Hyundai Equus coming to the U.S. market, hybrid/electric Porsches and zombie-like rumors of a new Ford Ranger for North American showrooms. We also pepper poor Mike with our impressions of his fine publication. It's an hour-and-ten of stellar repartee this week, thanks for listening, see you next time!

Autoblog Podcast #188 - with Mike Spinelli from 0-60 magazine

In the Autoblog Garage:

Dodge Challenger R/T
Toyota Avalon
Toyota Sienna Limited AWD

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Alex Nunez, Chris Shunk

Runtime: 86:17

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Joystiq Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #188 - with Mike Spinelli of 0-60 magazine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market? [UPDATED]*

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Work, Ford

Alan Mulally on CNBC - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Our trusty spy photographers have captured the next-generation Ford Ranger out testing several times now, but speculation continues to swirl over whether or not this trucklet will be available for U.S. consumption. After all, there's been talk of a more entry-level F-150 that would sort of fill the void of not having a dedicated Ranger replacement, but Ford has never ruled out the possibility of an all-new small pickup.

While talking about the new 2011 Explorer on CNBC's Squawk Box this morning, Ford's president and CEO, Alan Mulally, appears to have unintentionally confirmed a new Ranger for North America. While discussing the whole lineup of Stateside Ford products, Mulally specifically says "new Ranger," which leads us to believe that all of these test mules we've seen might not just be for our overseas friends (something that we've been wondering about anyhow, as we've seen more Stateside evaluations of this 'overseas' truck than any other foreign market vehicle in recent memory). No, Mulally doesn't come right out and say that an all-new Ranger is headed our way, but we've continued to hear scuttlebutt about just such a truck from our sources, and given that his remarks were otherwise confined to North American products, we're beginning to think that a new Ranger is all but confirmed.

To see what we're on about, follow the jump to watch the CNBC interview, and pay close attention beginning around the five-minute mark for Mulally's Ranger remark. A big ol' tip of the cap to Dan!

*UPDATE: Ford continues to tell Autoblog that the new global Ranger is not planned for North America. As we've previously reported, the new F-150 will receive an EcoBoost powertrain that should deliver similar economy figures to the Ranger while providing improved size and capability, thereby negating the need for bringing a smaller pickup in this market.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Ford T6 Ranger

[Source: CNBC]

Continue reading Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market? [*UPDATED]

Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market? [*UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado replacements spotted in the U.S. - but where will they end up?

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 28 May 2010 16:53:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, GMC

Ford T6 Ranger spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The fate of small pickup trucks in America is rather shaky. There haven't been any major new entries into the segment as of late (save the Suzuki Equator, of course, even though it's not much more than a rebadged Nissan Frontier). And though we've spied Ford Ranger prototypes testing abroad, it doesn't necessarily mean that a new model is slated for U.S. consumption. Small trucks do well in other markets, and the trucklets seem to be a dying trend here in the States.

Today, though, our spies have not only caught a new Ranger mule (above), but a small GM pickup (right) - the replacement for the aging Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon twins. Both mules look a bit larger than the models currently on the road, though still more manageable than the top-dog F-150 and Silverado.

Still, though, it's unclear what the future has in store for these new trucks. The fact that Ford and GM are testing these new mini-pickups in and around their respective headquarters in southeast Michigan leads us to believe that there may, in fact, be U.S.-spec replacements in the works. Ford has often spoke of a smaller F-100-style F-150 to replace the Ranger, and reports have shown that GM is working on a new truck to hopefully rekindle the success that the original Chevy S10 and GMC Sonoma had.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Ford T6 Ranger

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Colorado

Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado replacements spotted in the U.S. - but where will they end up? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 May 2010 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

IIHS condemns use of mini trucks and low-speed vehicles on public roads

Chris Shunk — Thu, 20 May 2010 18:39:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Ford, Smart

If you live in the U.S. sunbelt or in an upscale gated community, you've probably seen quite a few of those hopped-up electric golf carts trolling around your neighborhood. These low-speed vehicles are great for zipping to the mailbox or heading over to the clubhouse, and the vehicles are currently allowed on select public roads in 46 of the 50 United States. But even though they're perfectly legal in many areas, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has a pretty serious warning for anyone looking to take these vehicles onto high-traffic areas. IIHS tested both a GEM electric cart and a minitruck in side impact crashes, and the results were sobering to say the least.

The first test was a side impact affair between a GEM EV and a crash barrier moving at 31 miles per hour. The crash test dummy, which was buckled up and in the driver's seat, showed injuries consistent with catastrophic injury or death. IIHS then performed the same test with a Smart ForTwo replacing the barrier, but the results were very similar. The crash, which typically nets relatively low injury risk for vehicles with high safety scores, was so severe that the crash dummy's head almost hits the ForTwo's windshield. Chief research officer David Zuby said that the test shows that these vehicles "weren't designed to protect people in a crash with a microcar like the Smart ForTwo, let alone larger cars, SUVs, and pickups in everyday traffic."

After demolishing a few GEMs, the IIHS then focused its glare on the 2008 Tiger Star minitruck. The Tiger was pitted against a 2010 Ford Ranger in an offset front crash with the minitruck going 25 mph and the Ford 35 mph. The results were similarly catastrophic, with the Ranger dummy relatively unharmed while the Tiger dummy's head hit the steering wheel hard in spite of the fact that it was wearing a safety belt. Hit the jump to read over the IIHS' strongly worded press release.

[Source: The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS condemns use of mini trucks and low-speed vehicles on public roads

IIHS condemns use of mini trucks and low-speed vehicles on public roads originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford Gets An Earful: Five best and worst ideas from consumers

Zach Bowman — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Ford, Humor

Click above to peek inside the suggestion box

Ford has officially stirred up a mess of snakes by inviting consumers to submit their ideas on how to improve the company's vehicles to its website at TheFordStory.com. We've spent the better part of a day sifting through what the world has to say to Ford, and though we expected bucket loads of the web's own brand of vitriol, so far the comments were largely constructive.

We say "largely" because, as you know, the internet is still the home of LOL Cats and Chocolate Rain, and for every common sense suggestion on the site, there's one telling the company to offer an automatic pet feeder as an option. We wish we were kidding.

Ford has split its internet suggestion box into six categories ranging from performance and driving dynamics to safety, and while we dig ideas like trimming weight through the use of structural adhesives and the implementation of rear fog lights, a few themes rose above the rest to grab our attention. We've cataloged five we think Ford could do well to listen to, along with another five the company could skip all together.

Follow the jump to peek inside the suggestion box.

Continue reading Ford Gets An Earful: Five best and worst ideas from consumers

Ford Gets An Earful: Five best and worst ideas from consumers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Ranger global quad-cab spotted

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Work, Ford

Ford Ranger spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has done a lot of work over the past few years to really improve its F-Series line of pickups, in both standard F-150 and Super Duty forms. And while the Blue Oval's "Built Ford Tough" motto stands true to the latest and greatest versions of these pickups, the smaller Ranger has been greatly overlooked over the past decade.

These most recent spy shots show Ford's new Ranger, but don't get too excited. Despite the long-in-the-tooth truck's aging underpinnings and FoMoCo's push to standardize platforms with it's "One Ford" initiative, the all-new Ranger most likely won't make it to the States (despite our best hopes).

Our spies indicate that this new Ranger will be slightly larger than the version currently on sale in other markets, but that it's actually somewhat smaller than the truck currently sitting at U.S. dealerships. We think that may be a visual trick of the camouflage and the four-door configuration, however, as this vehicle is expected to be larger than the current North American model, as it will go on duty in countries where Ford doesn't offer the F-150. Still, should the Blue Oval perform an about-face and bring the truck to America, we don't think this would hinder Ford's overall sales too much, and this much-needed overhaul would make the model better positioned to compete with the likes of the Toyota Tacoma, as well as the Nissan Frontier/Suzuki Equator twins in markets abroad.

Gallery: Ford Ranger - Spy Photos

Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Ranger global quad-cab spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

7 Million Ford Rangers can't be wrong?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

2010 Ford Ranger - Click above for high-res image gallery

It may have taken 28 years to get here, but the Ford Ranger is ~~living~~ inanimate proof that determination eventually pays off. Or something like that. Automotive News reports (via PickupTrucks.com) that Ford built its 7 millionth Ranger last month at the assembly plant in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The Ranger has gone through a number of revisions, trim levels and price increases (thanks a lot, inflation!) on its way from being a $6,289 single-cab, 73-horsepower work truck to today's $17,820 143-hp pickup. As an interesting side point, the original Ranger weighed in at 2,532 pounds and could tow 3,300 pounds. Today, the 3,030-pound Ranger can tug a total of 5,860 pounds. Progress!

All good things must come to an end, though, as Ford has announced that it will cease production of the North American Ranger in 2011. The jury's still out on the current truck's replacement, though rumors swirl that a smaller version of the next F-150 called, imaginatively enough, the F-100 may be in the offing. What are the chances that truck will have a 30-year lifespan and 7,000,000-plus sales?

Gallery: 2010 Ford Ranger

[Source: Automotive News, PickupTrucks.com]

7 Million Ford Rangers can't be wrong? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Safety, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Nissan, Toyota

IIHS compact pickup crash tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested five compact pickup trucks for both rollover and side impact crashes, and overall, it would seem that the trucks' performances were pretty dismal. Only the Nissan Frontier was given a 'Good' rating from the IIHS for rollover protection, with the Ford Ranger falling to second place with an 'Acceptable' rating and the Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Dakota and Toyota Tacoma earning lowly 'Marginal' scores.

Side impact scores also failed to live up to expectations for some trucks, with the Frontier, Ranger and Tacoma getting 'Good' ratings and the Colorado getting the lowest 'Poor' rating. Equally as disturbing, though, was the performance of the Dakota, which was tested with optional side air bags (all the other trucks come standard with the bags) that failed to deploy in IIHS testing. Chrysler has reportedly identified the software glitch that caused the air bags not to deploy and is working on a fix. The Dakota will be retested with properly functional air bags at a later date.

See the results of the testing in our image gallery below and click past the break for the official press release from the IIHS.

Gallery: IIHS Compact Pickup Tests

[Source: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom

Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #162 - Paukert Redux

Dan Roth — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:17:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Podcasts, BMW, Bugatti, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Ferrari, Design/Style

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

He won't admit it, but Editor Paukert is fully addicted to joining us on the Podcast. He sat in again with Chris, Sam and Dan for Episode #162 of the Autoblog Podcast, and there was much rejoicing. First up, Ed Whitacre's somewhat inscrutable claims about the Chevrolet Volt's pricing and profitability. Staying with talk of prices, we move on to mooted pricing figures for the 2011 Ford Mustang. Staying in Dearborn, we touch on the likelihood that a version of the Ford F-150 will replace the severely aged Ford Ranger. Adding some spice, we head to the Mediterranean to discuss Ferrari 458 Italia pricing, and stay on the Continent to consider Bugatti Veyron operating costs. Updates round it out, with the updated-for-2011 BMW 3 Series and SMax/Galaxy tweaks bookending some talk of the just-unveiled 2011 Shelby GT350. We wrap it all up with some of your questions and tie a bow on it at an hour-and-a-half. See you next week!

Until then, fill in with Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #162 - Paukert Redux

Autoblog Podcast #162 - Paukert Redux originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Ford undecided on Ranger replacement, but F-150 likely to be pressed into service

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford, Australia, Rumormill

2010 Ford Ranger - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is deliberating, according to reports, over whether to replace the Ranger in the North American-market. The compact pickup is the second most popular in its class, at 55,600 units last year selling roughly half as many as Toyota does the Tacoma, and it was once the segment's best seller.

According to Pickuptrucks.com, Ford's Derrick Kuzak believes that most customers buying the Ranger use their vehicle like they would a car, rather than taking advantage of its inherent load-lugging utility. With that in mind, Kuzak says a more fuel-efficient F-150 - on which they're currently working - and new global small cars like the Fiesta and Focus could very well effectively replace Ranger in the North American market.

As it is, the most efficient 2010 Ranger is the base rear-wheel drive 2.3-liter four-cylinder model with a five-speed manual transmission, and it only achieves 22 miles-per-gallon city and 27 highway. When you look at that model with an automatic though, it nets 19/24. That's not all that much better than the much more capable F-150 with the three-valve 4.6-liter V8 and six-speed automatic, which gets 15/21. What's more, with an Ecoboost V6 F-150 widely expected in the not-too-distant future, we're betting on very similar economy numbers to the current automatic-equipped Ranger.

Development is still ongoing in Australia on the next-gen version of the foreign-market Ranger, which is a completely different truck from that sold in North America. However with the Fiesta, Focus and soon the Mondeo/Fusion abandoning their regional entrenchments in favor of global universality, the prospect of bringing the Australian Ranger home to roost still isn't outside the realm of possibility, but doesn't sound all that likely, either.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Ranger

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: Ford undecided on Ranger replacement, but F-150 likely to be pressed into service originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #152 - Paukert enhanced!

Dan Roth — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

The usual suspects of Chris, Sam, and Dan are joined this week by Autoblog Editor Extraordinaire Chris Paukert. It's a packed 'cast, starting with the apparent go-ahead of the Cadillac Converj. The future of the Dodge Viper figures in to a few minutes of debate, as does Chrysler's marathon presentation about the company's plans going forward. Moving from Chrysler to the company's former overlords at Daimler, we talk about Mr. Paukert's Wild Ride in the AMG SLS, and take a complete left turn into Ford Ranger land and talk about the one we won't be getting. Toyota's floor mat/throttle controversy finishes up the topics before we take a couple questions and call it a night. A good, solid hour and a half for your enjoyment.

Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Gallery: Podcast listener pictures

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #152 - Paukert enhanced!

Autoblog Podcast #152 - Paukert enhanced! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Mullaly says global Ranger and Ka won't be offered in Ford's U.S. showrooms

Chris Shunk — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Hatchback, Ford

Global Ford Ranger - Click above for high-res gallery

Ford has been working hard to integrate its product lineup on a global scale, but it appears that some models available overseas may never make it to U.S. shores. Ford CEO Alan Mulally has apparently told Automotive News that the Thai-built global Ranger and the A-Segment Ka likely won't be going on sale here in the States. Mulally had previously stated that both vehicles were under consideration for U.S. sale, but now the prognosis appears to be far more dire.

The global Ford Ranger is a far more modern entry-level pickup than its U.S. counterpart which is scheduled to cease production in 2011. While the future of the Ranger is looking pretty bleak here in the States, it appears there is some hope that the shelved F-100 project could once again be in Dearborn's plans. Pickuptrucks.com is reporting that its sources indicate that the F-100, which is a lighter, shorter version of the popular F-150, is still being considered. The F-100 is said to be bigger in all dimensions than the global Ranger.

While there is still hope for a smaller truck in the Blue Oval's arsenal of products, there doesn't appear to be any pulse at all for an A-Segment hatch. Mulally reportedly told AN that the Ka is just too small to be successful in America, adding "Fiesta is about the smallest vehicle that we think will be a real success in the United States." The tiny Ka, which shares hardware with the soon-to-be-sold in the U.S. Fiat 500, is a full 25 inches shorter than the Fiesta.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2010 Ford Ranger (EU)

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka

[Sources: Automotive News - subs req'd; Pickuptrucks.com]

REPORT: Mullaly says global Ranger and Ka won't be offered in Ford's U.S. showrooms originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Chrysler retiree saves two men in fiery pickup crash with his power washer

Chris Shunk — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Safety, Ford, Canada

Retired Chrysler worker Stipe Botica is a hero today after putting out an engine fire after a single-vehicle accident, likely saving the life of the passenger. The accident occurred at 4 am when two men in a Ford Ranger crashed into a vacant house next door to Botica's residence at Forest Glade in Windsor, Ontario.

When Botica went outside, he found the two men crying for help, so he helped pull the driver out of the vehicle. He then discovered that the passenger was wedged against the dashboard and unable to move while a fire was brewing in the Ranger's engine compartment. Botica ran into his backyard and grabbed a power washer that he'd been using to clean his pool and returned to the wreck, where he doused the engine bay and the passenger. Botica claims it took about five minutes to extinguish the fire, and it later took about an hour to remove the passenger from the wrecked Ranger. Botica told the Windsor Star that the area around the vehicle smelled of alcohol and there were no obvious signs of braking in the area around the incident.

We weren't at the scene of the accident, but we're thinking that two young men were mighty lucky Botica was home, alert and had a power washer handy when they crashed in the middle of the night. Who knows, perhaps Chrysler could fly Botica and his power washer to Auburn Hills to put out some fires at his former employer!

[Source: Windsor Star | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

REPORT: Chrysler retiree saves two men in fiery pickup crash with his power washer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Ford Ranger mule caught testing in Dearborn

John Neff — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Ford

Ford Ranger mule - Click above for high-res image gallery of spy shots

As we've previously reported, Ford engineers in Australia are hard at work on the next-generation Ranger pickup, reportedly codenamed T6. While the Ranger name is used on various Ford pickups sold around the world that are different from our long-in-the-tooth U.S. model, word has it that Ford may be leveraging this new global pickup platform to replace the latter truck here in the States when it goes away after the 2011 model year. These new spy shots lend some serious credence to those rumors, as this Ranger mule wasn't snapped in Australia... it was caught in Dearborn, MI near the headquarters of Ford Motor Company.

Never mind the Mazda-looking front end, which likely just hides the bones of this next-gen global Ranger. And while details are scare, talk of a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 175 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque refuses to go away. Check out the rest of the high-res spy shots in our gallery below and let us know if a new, more economical Ranger is just what the doctor for Ford in the States.

Gallery: Ford Ranger - spy shots

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Ford Ranger mule caught testing in Dearborn originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Aussie-market 2012 Ford Ranger spotted?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Ford, Australia

As previously reported, Ford's Australian arm is currently developing a new global small truck platform that will underpin the next Ford Ranger here in the United States. Codenamed T6, the truck is likely to be offered in both standard and extended cab configurations and offer various gas and diesel powerplants depending on the country it's sold in.

An eagle-eyed spy shooter in Australia managed to snap off a series of photos of the T6 Ranger out and about in the land of Oz being tested in predictably camouflaged form. Although it may look like a mangled Mazda BT-50, those body panels have only been fitted to mask the pickup's true identity. Previous reports suggest that a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder powerplant with roughly 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque will be offered here in the States. Assuming the new truck does in fact make the trip to America, expect it to show up in 2012.

[Source: CarAdvice.com.au]

Spy Shots: Aussie-market 2012 Ford Ranger spotted? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Is this the next-generation Ford Ranger? And if so, will we get it?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Ford

Ford's recent strategy of combining all of its vehicles from around the world on a single set of platforms may finally bring a new Ranger small pickup truck to the United States once the current model loses its long-running lease on life after the 2011 model year. Spy shooters from the other side of the world have snapped off a series of photos of Ford engineers out testing what appears to be the Blue Oval's next-gen small truck platform in both right- and left-hand-drive configurations.

The new platform is apparently codenamed T6 and it is being developed in Australia. Here in the States, the next Ranger (if we get one) is likely to be offered with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine fortified with Ford's EcoBoost technology. Expect around 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque from the turbocharged and direct injected mill. Unfortunately, we're not likely to see Ford's 3.0-liter Duratorq TDCi four-cylinder turbodiesel engine in the U.S., though we'd love to have access to its 280 lb-ft of twist. Ah well, can't win 'em all.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Spy Shots: Is this the next-generation Ford Ranger? And if so, will we get it? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva 2009: Euro Ford Ranger taunts American light-truck buyers

Chris Shunk — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:41:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Geneva Motor Show, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the Euro Ford Ranger

The U.S. edition of the Ford Ranger has gotten by with little more than cosmetic changes and minor mechanical upgrades since its last redesign in 1993. In Europe, there is another Ford Ranger all together with four full-sized doors, a choice of 2.5L or 3.0L Duratorq diesel engines and styling that comes from the 21st century. We caught a glimpse of the Winning Blue Ranger four-door at the Geneva Motor Show, and we're guessing this mid-size pickup would look much better in a Ford showroom than what we have today. Fortunately, Ford is looking to introduce an all-new U.S. market Ford Ranger in 2011 and the Euro model could be an indicator of things to come.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2010 Ford Ranger (EU)

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ford Ranger (Euro)

Geneva 2009: Euro Ford Ranger taunts American light-truck buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva Preview: Ford Ranger gets European makeover

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Euro Ford Ranger

While those of us in the States have to make due with the mildly reworked 2010 Ford Ranger until its replacement arrives in 2011, the rest of the world gets to enjoy the thoroughly updated version you see here. The new Ford Ranger will bow at next month's Geneva Motor Show and once sales begin in April, owners will be able to choose from three body styles: the standard single cab, a double cab or the RAP (Rear Access Panel) variant, which features a set of rear-hinged panels aft of the front doors.

Ten colors will be available including five new hues - Copper Red, Desert Bronze, Highland Green, Lagoon Blue and Wining Blue - with power provided by either a 2.5- or 3.0-liter Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel. Either oilburner will be available in either 4x2 or 4x4 configurations and mated to a choice of a five-speed automatic or manual gearboxes, and both engines are able to tow 6,600 pounds, with the 2.5-liter unit putting out 145 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter mill delivering 156 hp and ~~180~~ 280 lb-ft of torque. The interior gets all the usual amenities, including air conditioning, power windows and a MP3-compatible stereo. Production will begin in Thailand in March and there's chance this is the best preview yet of what the U.S. will get in 2011. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ford Ranger (Euro)

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Ford Ranger gets European makeover

Geneva Preview: Ford Ranger gets European makeover originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #196 - with Jonny Lieberman from Motor Trend

Report: Despite meeting with governor, Ford set to close Minnesota Ranger plant

Autoblog Podcast #188 - with Mike Spinelli of 0-60 magazine

Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market? [*UPDATED]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado replacements spotted in the U.S. - but where will they end up?

IIHS condemns use of mini trucks and low-speed vehicles on public roads

Ford Gets An Earful: Five best and worst ideas from consumers

Spy Shots: Next-gen Ford Ranger global quad-cab spotted

7 Million Ford Rangers can't be wrong?

Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom

Autoblog Podcast #162 - Paukert Redux

Report: Ford undecided on Ranger replacement, but F-150 likely to be pressed into service

Autoblog Podcast #152 - Paukert enhanced!

REPORT: Mullaly says global Ranger and Ka won't be offered in Ford's U.S. showrooms

REPORT: Chrysler retiree saves two men in fiery pickup crash with his power washer

Spy Shots: Ford Ranger mule caught testing in Dearborn

Spy Shots: Aussie-market 2012 Ford Ranger spotted?

Spy Shots: Is this the next-generation Ford Ranger? And if so, will we get it?

Geneva 2009: Euro Ford Ranger taunts American light-truck buyers

Geneva Preview: Ford Ranger gets European makeover

Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market? [UPDATED]*