Autoblog

Kas and Coffee at Ford's Premier Automotive Group

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

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

Look what we spotted at the weekly Cars & Coffee gathering today in Irvine. Right there amidst the Cobras, Ferraris, Ariel Atoms and Toyota 2000GTs sat a perfectly ordinary looking 2009 Ford Ka. Well, it was an ordinary 2009 Ford Ka, but its presence in California was rather surprising. After all, Ford hasn't said that they are going to be bringing this European COTY nominee to these shores any time soon.

Does this add credence to the notion that this little Fiat 500 platform-mate might be headed Stateside or is it just a typical example of models from other markets getting passed around to U.S. operations for a little looky-loo? Ford reps on hand were tight-lipped, but we did hear one mention the "Mazda1" in passing. Since Mazda shares the parking lot with Ford at this site, it's possible Mazda was taking a closer look at it as well.

Whatever the official line, we noticed quite a few show-goers giving it appreciative glances. While some were lamenting the time when these tiny European shuttles might be mandated as replacements for their high horsepower sports cars, others seemed to admire the lines and packaging, especially when price and gas mileage came up. If the special editions are part of the deal, we say bring 'em over! Whatever Ford decides to do with this little Ka, we'll try to keep you posted. Until then, check out our gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka at Cars & Coffee

Kas and Coffee at Ford's Premier Automotive Group originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Could the Fiat-Chrysler deal yield a North American Ford Ka?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Chrysler, Ford, Fiat, Rumormill

The 2009 Ford Ka - Click above for a high-res gallery

It's a long shot, but according to The Detroit Free Press, Chrysler's deal with Fiat could result in Ford offering the cutesy Ka for sale in North America. As you may recall, Ford co-developed the Ka's platform with Fiat (it shares its chassis with the 500), and the Italian automaker builds both cars in Poland. If and when Chrysler and Fiat finish dancing and commit, the Freep reasons that models built on the 500's platform might be built in Chrysler's Toluca, Mexico plant. If so, that could offer Ford the kind of economies-of-scale necessary to sell the thousands of thin-margin Kas to make the venture worthwhile.

If the Ford Fiesta takes off and Ford can keep the Ka's price down - it starts at £7,995 ($12,150 US) in the UK - the case might make itself. Sure, there are a fair number of ifs, mights, and maybes in there, but as a cheap city car for when gas prices doubtlessly skyrocket again, it's certainly worth a thought or two.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Rumormill: Could the Fiat-Chrysler deal yield a North American Ford Ka? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Ford debuts all-new Ka

John Neff — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

Click above to view high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Ka

Sure, you've these pics before (though not in high-res), but Ford has now officially revealed its all-new Ka that will be the automaker's big debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October this year. Unfortunately, they neglected to release any details about the car, instead throwing out a bunch adjectives like "fresh, funky and fun" and "fashionable, modern" and "youthful and cheeky". None of those confirm what engines will be offered or what kind of fuel economy the car achieves. We do know the Ka will share its underpinnings with the Fiat 500 and be built in the same factory in Poland, so it would be safe to assume that Ford's "cheeky" hatch will use similarly high quality materials and be built tight as a drum, as well. Engine choices are presumed to be 1.4L and 1.6L petrol powerplants and a 1.6L diesel, and a hot ST version using the 500's turbo 1.4L is rumored to be arriving later.

Thanks to the high-res images in the gallery below, we can now inspect the Ka's design inside and out. Its cockpit is very unique, with a number of different textures and contrasting colors to keep it "fresh, funky and fun." Our one worry is how far up the center console the radio has been placed. With those eency-weency buttons, it could be difficult to operate on the move. The exterior is defined by Ford of Europe's now familiar 'Kinetic Design' language, and suits the tiny three-door well. Its proportioned so that the tiny wheels aren't totally overcome by the car's visual mass, and the big headlights that dominate the front fenders in conjunction with the blacked out grille give the Ka an expressive face. Would you say the Ka's a winner, or more importantly, would you consider purchasing it if Ford chose to sell it in the U.S. one day?

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Officially Official: Ford debuts all-new Ka

Officially Official: Ford debuts all-new Ka originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Ford Ka (almost) officially revealed

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

We're less than a day away from the official unveiling of the 2009 Ford Ka, but as is often the case, more cracks are appearing in the dam. This latest leakage comes courtesy of AM-Online, with two new images showing the Ka's new rear end and, more importantly, the interior.

Ford's "Kinetic" cues carry over to the Ka, with a slanted stance, large C-pillar and miniscule spoiler below the rear window. The interior has undergone a thorough update, including a new three-spoke steering wheel with brushed aluminum accents that tie into the door handles and curvaceous center stack. The new IP is a subtle blend of simplicity and functionality, with a high-mounted shifter similar to that found on the EP3 Civic Si, along with two-tone thrones that match the turquoise hue of the exterior.

Earlier reports suggest that motivation will be provided by a choice of three powerplants - a 1.4-liter or 1.6-liter gasoline engine or a 1.6-liter TDCi diesel - and a ST variant will likely follow, powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter.

Look for all the official details later today or early tomorrow.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka

[Source: AM-Online]

2009 Ford Ka (almost) officially revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Ka leaks out ahead of Paris

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:34:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Ka.

The first image of the redesigned Ford Ka has leaked out ahead of its official debut in Paris this October, and as expected, the new microcar takes all the right cues from Ford's European design language. The headlamps, front fascia and accent lines all ape the new Fiesta to good effect, and with a platform shared by the Fiat Panda/500, the new Ka should still be an engaging means of puttering around town.

Engine choices will initially be limited to two gasoline powerplants (a 1.4- and 1.6-liter), along with a 1.6-liter TDCi oilburner. Further down the line, expect the Ka ST to receive the Fiat 500 Abarth's turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, some suspension tweaks and a redesigned front clip.

Sales will begin in Europe early next year and expect the Ka to make a cameo in the new Bond flick, Quantum of Solace.

[Source: Cartribe]

Ford Ka leaks out ahead of Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ford Ka caught

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford, UK

The newest Ford Ka has been spotted by Auto Express, and the car in the flesh looks almost exactly like the Ka renderings that Auto Express published a couple of weeks ago. The grille could be a bit smaller than the one in the rendering, but it's difficult to tell without the highlights and chrome. The number of discrete elements in the GT-R-like mouthpiece, though, is the same.

Otherwise, the side swage line looks to be toned down a bit; and in the rendering, the Ford badge on the hatch that doubles as the latch has been replaced by a separate latch and key. Inside, Ford has said the car will outdo the car with which it shares underpinnings, the Fiat 500, and maintain the handling that has made it a European favorite for 12 years. All of which makes this a hot little Ka. Stay tuned for the Paris Motor Show when we see the real deal in person.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Ford Ka caught originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Ford's new Ka is coming

Merritt Johnson — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Ford

There are many vehicles manufactured by Ford that never see the United States market, and the subcompact Ka is one of those offerings. It can be found roaming the streets of Europe and Latin America (totally different versions that happen to share the same name, we're told), and it's actually quite popular in the United Kingdom where the second generation model is eagerly awaited.

The updated Ka will officially debut in September at the Paris Motor Show, but Auto Express has managed to snag an early look for itself and produced some renderings based on what was seen. The new body lines trade smooth panels for slight bulges in the fenders, while the head and tail amps also protrude from the vehicle. The front fascia even features a wide mouth opening, further increasing the model's new dynamic personality. Despite the exterior changes, the design still maintains wheel placement at the extreme edges of all four corners. This ensures continuance of the tight cornering capabilities that made the previous model so popular. The new Ka will be built on the same platform as height-endowed automotive journo Jeremy Clarkson's favorite vehicle, the Fiat Panda, and share engines with the Fiat. It's not planned for sale in the U.S., but at least its larger siblings, the Fiesta and next-gen Euro Focus, are.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: Ford's new Ka is coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Edge headed to Brazil

Dan Roth — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Crossover, Ford

It seems like America is the only place where American cars aren't popular. Buick has huge numbers in China, and Ford's having a lot of success in Brazil. Sales of the Fusion sedan took off to the point that it now leads the midsize segment there. Riding high on the Fusion's success, Ford's sending the Edge below the equator. The Edge will join a lineup that includes the new Ka compact, the EcoSport small 'Ute, and the Fiesta.

Ford's also pumping $1 billion into it's Brazilian operations to keep the stampede going. Ford do Brasil has had 15 quarters of profit and earnings are up 72-percent over last year. The infusion of cash will go into Ford's local products, which will help the rest of their lineup come closer to the Edge's excellence.

Press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Gallery: Ford Ka

Gallery: Ford EcoSport

Gallery: Ford Fiesta ST Mototune

Continue reading Ford Edge headed to Brazil

Ford Edge headed to Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: New Ford Ka spotted in Sao Paulo

John Neff — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford

click above image for a few more pics

The new Ford Ka is set to be unveiled next week in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but spy photogs there have already caught the new model motoring around with the current Ka. As you can see from the pic above, the Ka, at least for the Brazilian market, is ditching its current design for something a bit more mainstream. Whereas the current car is eclectic and full of round shapes and curvy lines, the new one is much more traditional with large headlamps and conventional fender flares at each corner. Unfortunately, we think the current Ka is infinitely cooler than this three-door hatch with its unique design. Though even if this car does debut in Sao Paulo next week, we may yet see a different design for the rest of Europe. This may be, however, the quickest way to get yourself into a Fiat 500, as Ford and the Italian automaker are reportedly sharing platforms for both vehicles.

[Source: autoestrada.uol.com.br]

Spy Shots: New Ford Ka spotted in Sao Paulo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Mondeo deemed allergy free

Chris Shunk — Tue, 22 May 2007 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Ford

For anybody that suffers with environmental allergies, spring and summer can be brutal. Dust mites and pollen can wreak havoc on sinus cavities, ears, and eyes whether inside or outside your car. Many automakers have taken precautions to help minimize the pain of allergy sufferers, and Ford seems to have gotten the formula down... at least in Europe.

The soon to be available for purchase Ford Mondeo has received the coveted "Allergy-tested seal of approval" from the German TÜV Rhineland group. The vehicle earned this honor as the result of eliminating materials like chrome and nickel from the cockpit, using low-emission adhesives, and allergen-tested textiles and leathers. The Mondeo also has a high-tech pollen filter that eliminates pollen from the air. Ford's newest example of Kinetic design joins the Focus, Ka, S-MAX and Galaxy as the only vehicles on earth to earn TÜV allergy certification.

For whatever reason, Ford's Euro-lineup always seems to be better-looking and more richly-appointed than what we can get here in the States, and we're often left wanting. Now even those with allergies are left with something to sneeze at. We know, that was bad. The press release is available after the jump.

[Source: Ford media site]

Gallery: 2008 Ford Mondeo

Continue reading Ford Mondeo deemed allergy free

Ford Mondeo deemed allergy free originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2007 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blow out the candles: The Ford Ka turns 10

Alex Nunez — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Ford

The Ford Ka went on sale September 11, 1996. Over the last ten years, it's sold over one million units in a dizzying array of trim levels (special models have been quite common throughout its run). Oddly fetching even though it resembles an Air Jordan with wheels, the Ka's exterior appearance has remained unchanged throughout, save for minor tweaks like more athletic bodywork on the SportKa. Its New Edge styling has shown remarkable staying power and has even spawned the great-looking StreetKa roadster, which is marketed as a standalone, upmarket product.

Ford has updated the cars under the skin (for instance, a new wiring system was introduced in 2005, enabling them to offer higher levels of equipment), and the interior has seen every treatment imaginable -- from basic cloth seats and few options to fully-loaded, leather-swathed luxury. Two four-cylinder gasoline engines provide the cars' motivation -- a 1.3L (70hp / 45mpg) and a 1.6L (94hp / 35mpg). The bigger motor sees duty in the more performance-oriented SportKa and StreetKa.

For MY 2007, the UK gets seven different Ka models -- and that's not including the StreetKa, which is sold as a separate vehicle altogether. After 10 years, it doesn't look like the Ka's going to leave us anytime soon. Happy Birthday, little guy.

(Pics, Release after the jump)

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Blow out the candles: The Ford Ka turns 10

Blow out the candles: The Ford Ka turns 10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Sep 2006 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Ford Ka to be presaged by Fiat 500 revival

Chris Paukert — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Trends, Budget, Geneva Motor Show

While Ford's Fiesta is set to grow in its next iteration, the company's cheap n' cheerful bottom rung Ka hatchback will look to get by with a little help from an Italian friend: Fiat. The Ka replacement won't appear until 2010, but Fiat will revisit its historic 500 nameplate by producing their own version of the baby Blue [Oval] city car beginning next year.

Fiat showed a sensational looking spiritual successor to the 500, dubbed the Trepiùno concept, two years ago in Geneva. Click here for a refresher.

[Source: Auto Express UK, Car Design News]

Next Ford Ka to be presaged by Fiat 500 revival originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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