Autoblog

2013 Ford models hit with trio of recalls, 465k for fire risk

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Recalls, Crossover

According to The Detroit News, Ford is issuing three separate recalls on new 2013 models, one of which affects 465,000 vehicles. That largest recall comes as the result of 600 complaints of fuel leaks, which could lead to a fire risk, the report indicates. Included in the 465k-unit recall are the 2013 Explorer, Flex, Fusion, Taurus and Police Interceptor sedan, as well as the Lincoln MKS, MKT and MKZ.

According to Ford, in a statement obtained by the Detroit News, "The condition could result in customers detecting a fuel odor, or in some cases, observe evidence of a fuel leak on the ground." Ford continues, "While a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire, there have been no reports of fires. We are not aware of any accidents or injuries attributed to this condition."

In addition to all of this, Ford is recalling 500 examples of its 2013 Lincoln MKZ equipped with engine block heaters. The Detroit News states that, according to Ford, the insulation on the engine block heater's electrical cord may crack in cold temperatures.

Lastly, an extra 23 Ford Fusion models are being recalled due to potential impairment or loss of steering control. The News says this is due to faulty steering gears that may have been built without an internal retaining clip.

Since launching, the 2013 Fusion has been the subject of a number of recalls, two of which have involved the potential for engine fires. The fresh-faced 2013 Lincoln MKZ has had its own share of problems, with early production woes leaving many dealers without cars. Instances like this are causing Ford to rethink its vehicle launch strategy, in which the automaker will work better to smooth out the new car launch process, with the goal being fewer quality issues and recalls.

2013 Ford models hit with trio of recalls, 465k for fire risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Human vs. Lincoln MKT: Who is better at parallel parking?

Zach Bowman — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Crossover, Lincoln, Luxury

Auto journalist Ezra Dyer has thrown down the parking gauntlet on the Lincoln MKT in a battle for ultimate supremacy. Dyer fancies himself a fairly skilled parallel parker, and wanted to test his mettle against the self-park feature on the MKT. Armed with a tape measure, a video camera and a healthy distrust of all things mechanical, man squared off against crossover.

How'd it go? Dyer put up a healthy fight by managing to get the Lincoln closer to the curb than the vehicle's software could manage. Unfortunately, he was also slightly more askew in the spot than the self-park feature. The final score put our inevitable robotic overlords ahead of the human resistance once again.

We'll admit that we aren't necessarily fine with notion handing over vehicle control in any situation - parking or otherwise. We'll still take solace in the fact that the MKT can't hand brake itself into that same spot. Hit the jump to check out the video, then let us know in Comments how you feel about the proliferation of self-park technology.

Continue reading Human vs. Lincoln MKT: Who is better at parallel parking?

Human vs. Lincoln MKT: Who is better at parallel parking? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lincoln waving goodbye to the waterfall grille

Dan Roth — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Lincoln, Rumormill, Design/Style

Lincoln is moving away from its current grille design, a source tells AutoWeek. Using diplomatic terms, the source says the new design will be less pronounced, which will hopefully translate to "a less disfiguring overbite" in the metal. The MKR-inspired waterfall grille has been applied across the entire line of Lincoln vehicles with varying degrees of success. What works on an MKS makes an MKT resemble a baleen whale.

There's a pile of cash being thrown at Lincoln right now, and with good reason - the brand sorely needs to differentiate itself from the lineup of parent company Ford if it has any hope of competing in the wider luxury marketplace. The new grille design may show up at the Los Angeles Auto Show on refreshed MKS and MKT models, which are expected to ride atop revised suspensions, redone brakes and updated steering.

Lincoln waving goodbye to the waterfall grille originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lincoln prices 2012 MKT Ecoboost same as old 3.7-liter V6

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Lincoln

2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost AWD - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you bought a Lincoln MKT last year, you might kick yourself for not waiting just a bit longer. Lincoln is offering up the 2012 MKT EcoBoost for the same price as the 3.7-liter all-wheel-drive MKT from 2011. That amounts to an 85-horsepower swing for the same amount of coin.

The 2012 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost enjoys 355 horses, produced by the turbocharged 3.5-liter mill and pumped out to all four corners. Starting price for that sweet, sweet torque curve is set at $46,295. All 350 pound-feet of torque kicks in at 1,500 rpm then rides a straight line up through 5,250 rpm.

Lincoln has decided to discontinue the all-wheel-drive 3.7-liter-equipped MKT for 2012. The front-wheel drive 3.7-liter 2012 MKT starts at $44,300, which is the same price as the 2011 model.

Check out the full press release posted after the jump for more information on the 2012 Lincoln MKT.

Continue reading Lincoln prices 2012 MKT Ecoboost same as old 3.7-liter V6

Lincoln prices 2012 MKT Ecoboost same as old 3.7-liter V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lincoln debuts new MKT Town Car and Limousine

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Ford, Lincoln, Specialty

Lincoln MKT Town Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Lincoln Town Car is a the ride of choice for limousine companies and car services around the world. One problem, we're rapidly approaching the official death knell of the panther platform, and that means that soon enough no more new Town Cars are going to be built. Lincoln is ready to fill that upcoming void and is using the 2011 Internation Limousine, Charter and Tour Show as a platform to debut its MKT Town Car and Limousine.

Comfort is the name of the game with livery operators, so Lincoln has pushed the rear seats of the MKT further back to add 1.5-inches of legroom. The rear seats can also recline and the right rear can access even more legroom by controlling the front passenger seat.

Cargo room is improved compared to the outgoing Town Car. The MKT Town Car offers 39.6 cubic feet of space, which means passengers can cram in more luggage, golf clubs or cases of cheap beer for post prom-night activities.

In addition to the MKT Town Car, Lincoln has an MKT ready to do serious limo duty thanks to a a heavy-duty chassis that can be streched up to an additional 10 feet in length. The MKT Town Car is available with either front or all-wheel drive while all-wheel drive comes standard on the MKT Limo.

Read more about both versions in the full press release after the jump. You can also check out photos of the MKT Town Car's interior in the gallery below.

Gallery: Lincoln MKT Town Car

[Source: Lincoln]

Continue reading Lincoln debuts new MKT Town Car and Limousine

Lincoln debuts new MKT Town Car and Limousine originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lincoln MKT limousine, livery models announced, will replace Town Car

Chris Shunk — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Lincoln, Luxury

2010 Lincoln MKT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lincoln MKT sales have been less than stellar since the three-row crossover arrived back in 2009, but Ford is getting creative to change that. The Blue Oval is developing a pair of livery-ready MKT models to cover everything from school dances and weddings to executive transport.

The first MKT variant is aimed squarely at the livery market, which until now has happily relied on the aging Lincoln Town Car to ferry executives to and from the airport. The third row will be removed and the second row extended to emulate the Town Car's prodigious rear leg room. The second MKT variant is for the limo market and will be built on a heavy duty chassis that allows for up to 120 inches - 10 feet! - of additional wheel base stretch.

Both vehicles will come standard with Wi-Fi and the Sync infotainment system. They'll also be available with all-wheel drive to help make up for the loss of the Town Car's familiar rear-wheel-drive architecture.

Considering the Town Car will soon be toast, it makes sense for Ford to invest in a new livery vehicle for the 21st century so as not to lose those customers. With the MKT's inviting interior, connectivity options and optional all-wheel drive, we think their choice makes sense to serve best both the livery and limo segments. We can't wait to see what an MKT with a 10-foot stretch looks like, but the livery version will arrive first with production starting in early 2012.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost AWD

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Lincoln MKT limousine, livery models announced, will replace Town Car

Lincoln MKT limousine, livery models announced, will replace Town Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #189 - Flex sunsetting, NHTSA stars, saleable Sebrings and a cruise in the Cruze

Dan Roth — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Government/Legal, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Hyundai, Lincoln, Rumormill

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

Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan Roth are back for Episode #188 of the Autoblog Podcast. Topics this time around include rumors of a Ford Flex/Lincoln MKT phase-out after 2013, changes to the way NHTSA crash rating scores are given, patent images that could be the next Chrysler Sebring and the Chevrolet Cruze. Your feedback is incorporated throughout this hour and twenty minute extravaganza, too. Thanks for listening, see you next time!

Autoblog Podcast #189 - Flex sunsetting, NHTSA stars, saleable Sebrings and a cruise in the Cruze

In the Autoblog Garage:

Ford F250 Super Duty
Ford Mustang GT Convertible
Hyundai Sonata SE

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk

Runtime: 84:26

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 #189 - Flex sunsetting, NHTSA stars, saleable Sebrings and a cruise in the Cruze originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #189

Dan Roth — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Safety, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Rumormill

Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes

It's time again to put your thinking caps on and ask our podcast crew anything you want to know. Don't forget to vote on which questions deserve our attention the most, though we'll try to get to as many as we can. Discussion topics for Autoblog Podcast #189, which we'll record tonight, can be found below. Finally, subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already to hear your question answered.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #189

Subscribe to the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #189 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Lincoln MKT, Ford Flex to be phased out at end of 2013?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Lincoln, Rumormill

2010 Lincoln MKT - click above for high-res image gallery

Doesn't it seem like only yesterday that Ford was in charge of seven different brands? Now The Blue Oval is down to two, Ford and Lincoln, after today's sale of Volvo to Chinese automaker Geely and the pending execution of Mercury. This means more energy and money will be available to plot success for Ford and Lincoln, and according to a report in Automotive News, that means Lincoln could get "a compact, front-drive car or crossover" (Lincoln Concept C, anyone?) and perhaps a model based on the next Ford Mondeo. Not exactly what we would have expected from Ford's luxury brand, but times change.

A small taste of what's in store for Lincoln: the MKX will get a redesign next year, the same year that the venerable Town Car dies, and, according to AN, a brand-new MKX with a design less like the Edge will appear in 2014. The MKZ gets a new look in 2013, which could be the last year for the controversial Ford Flex/Lincoln MKT and Navigator, perhaps replaced by an Explorer-based crossover or an SUV with more chops for rough terrain. Hopefully, they'll also rework that whole MK-Random-Letter approach to nomenclature as well.

The more germane revelation is this: Ford apparently believes Lincoln's success is contingent on putting lots of daylight between Ford and Lincoln engineering. Lincoln models need to be more distinct from their Ford counterparts in everything from engines to styling to feature sets. That might mean a lot more luxury features and refinement could be making their way into Lincolns soon - and that's something increasingly anxious Lincoln dealers ought to be able to get behind.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost AWD

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Lincoln MKT, Ford Flex to be phased out at end of 2013? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS awards Top Safety Picks to Audi, Ford, Hyundai and VW on strength of roofs

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Safety, Audi, Ford, Hyundai, Lincoln, Mercury, Volkswagen

2010 Insurance Institute For Highway Safety rollover tests - click above for high-res images

Perish the thought, haters! The above Lincoln MKT is getting its roof caved in not on aesthetic grounds, but rather to test its ability to survive a rollover accident. If you haven't guessed by now, the MKT did so well in the roof-crush test that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) handed parent company Ford a much coveted Top Safety Pick award. Actually, the IIHS handed FoMoCo a hefty total of five rollover-related Top Safety Pick awards. However we should note that one of the Ford products earning top marks is in fact the soon to be extinct Mercury Millan, so really Ford only nabbed four - but who's counting? Other good-to-rollover-in Ford products include the Flex, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ.

Speaking of thick-sculled corporate cousins, Audi and Volkswagen were handed a couple of Top Safety Picks, too. The 2010 Audi A4 and Q5 as well as the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen all earned top marks from the IIHS. As far as the Jetta goes, that's just one more reason to choose wagon over sedan. Finally, the new 2010 Hyundai Tucson gets the coveted TSP, and having recently driven the overly-stiff compact CUV, we're not at all surprised that its roof holds up to crushing. To get the dirt on the IIHS's methodology/read the press release, make the jump.

Gallery: 2010 IIHS Top Safety Picks – Rollover

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS awards Top Safety Picks to Audi, Ford, Hyundai and VW on strength of roofs

IIHS awards Top Safety Picks to Audi, Ford, Hyundai and VW on strength of roofs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #176 - Beijing, Bailout and Bucks (profits, that is)

Dan Roth — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Government/Legal, BMW, Ford, GM, Kia, Lincoln, Earnings/Financials, Beijing Motor Show

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

Chris Shunk, Dan Roth, Chris Paukert and Jonny Lieberman mull over what we just saw at the Beijing Motor Show, the general public's changing opinion of which nations make quality automobiles, General Motors' loan repayment, and Kia's profits. Of course there's the Autoblog Garage and your questions bookending those topics, and we're done at the hour and sixteen minute mark. See you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #176: Beijing, Bailout and Bucks

In the Autoblog Garage:

Long-term Subaru Legacy 2.5GT
BMW X5M
Lincoln MKT

Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert, Dan Roth, Jonny Lieberman

Runtime: 1:13:46

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 #176 - Beijing, Bailout and Bucks (profits, that is) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Spy: Next Ford Explorer with Lincoln-esque grille caught in LA?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

Lincoln-grilled 2011 Ford Explorer spy shot - Click above for high-res image gallery

Granted, these aren't the clearest set of spy photos you're going to see this week. Regardless, they are interesting as they show what appears to be a next-gen 2011 Ford Explorer with the familiar face of the current Lincoln lineup grafted in place. Sure, it's not terribly surprising to see a luxurious Lincoln created from a more pedestrian Ford product - it happens all the time - but why the Explorer?

Consider that Lincoln already offers a pair of crossovers that are based on existing Ford models, namely the MKX and the MKT. Consider too that the next Explorer will migrate to a smaller, car-based crossover platform... and one wonders just how many CUVs the Lincoln brand could support.

So, just what is this camo'd vehicle we see roaming the streets? Could it be a new Navigator (or a revival of the ex-Explorer-based Aviator), just a cobbled together mule from spare parts that doesn't have any production intent whatsoever, or something new altogether? Beats us. Feel free to take a look at the pictures and judge for yourselves. Thanks for the images, George!

Gallery: Ford Explorer spy shots

Reader Spy: Next Ford Explorer with Lincoln-esque grille caught in LA? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DetNews: Ford's slow revival of Lincoln taking heat from dealers

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Lincoln, Luxury

2010 Lincoln MKT - click above for high-res image gallery

In a nutshell, the problem with Lincoln is that on the Taurus SHO launch, Ford brought along an Audi A6 4.2 for comparison's sake. Says one Lincoln dealer, "It's hard to sell a $48,000 MKS when the Ford guy down the street has a Taurus with the same features for $10,000 less." Put another way, despite the polarizing new sheetmetal, it's still obvious to consumers that the MKZ is a Fusion, the MKS is a Taurus, the MKX is an Edge and the MKT is the Flex.

"I have more dedicated Lincoln-Mercury employees than Ford Motor Co. does. They don't have any executives who wake up every day thinking about these brands." Says Lincoln/Mercury dealer owner Chris Lemley to The Detroit News in what might just be the "ouch!" comment of the year.

Part of the problem is without question the not-so-great state of the economy, with luxury sales tanking by nearly 25 percent in 2009. Still, with Lincolns priced lower than the competition, one might think they'd be selling better. For instance, the Lincoln MKT (priced at $49,995 with all the fixins) matches up quite well with the much more expensive Audi Q7 ($61,825). However, "If people were cross-shopping Audi and Lincoln, that would be great," said one analyst. "Audi buyers are shopping for a style statement. They're not even looking at Lincoln. Lincoln still has not gotten back up to first-tier luxury." Hence all that dealer fury.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost

[Source: The Detroit News]

DetNews: Ford's slow revival of Lincoln taking heat from dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost AWD has a good personality and great moves

John Neff — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Lincoln, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost AWD - Click above for high-res image gallery

Approaching the 2010 Lincoln MKT for the first time is like meeting a blind date. You've been told by friends she has a good personality, which immediately has you wondering what she looks like. From a distance you see your fears confirmed: She's a big girl with a toothy grin and a weird hump. If super models are your thing, you'll be disappointed by this three-row crossover sitting alone in the corner with a red carnation in her hair. But if you meet her with an open mind, you'll find that a good personality goes a long way.

It's our job to go on blind dates with vehicles before you do, and despite the MKT's controversial design, we're glad we sat down and got to know her. Now, if you can't get over seeing a beached whale in your driveway every morning, stop reading; no twin-turbo direct-inject V6 engine, advanced infotainment features or luxurious appointments will change your mind. We'll agree to disagree and you'll probably pass judgment on the MKT from afar, not even giving it the courtesy of a test drive before shacking up with that German model. Will you regret not getting to know the MKT like we did? Read on to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost AWD

Continue reading Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost AWD has a good personality and great moves

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost AWD has a good personality and great moves originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford EcoBoost Engines see high take rate, customers see higher transaction prices

Chris Shunk — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln

2010 Lincoln MKT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has been pushing its EcoBoost engines hard since they came out of the gate, with almost as many commercials touting its twin-turbo technology as we've seen all other Blue Oval spots combined. And all that marketing mojo appears to be paying off, as the Ford Motor Company has told The Detroit News that EcoBoost has really taken off on the showroom floor.

Ford just started offering EcoBoost in July, but the early returns show that customers are very interested in Ford's promise of V8 performance with V6 fuel economy. Lincoln MKS sales have been 30 percent EcoBoost, while the Taurus SHO is currently accounting for 20 percent off all sales of Ford's new large sedan. The MKT has only been on the market for a month, but early returns show that over 40 percent of customers want 355 horsepower in their giant crossover. The Ford Flex is seeing a 13 percent EcoBoost take rate, nearly double the expected 8 percent figure.

In fact, Ford says all four EcoBoost-equipped vehicles are exceeding expectations to date, and the engine tech also appears to be bringing in conquest customers at an accelerated rate. For example, an impressive 44 percent of Taurus buyers come from another OEM, while the number jumps to 54 percent with the EcoBoost-equipped Taurus SHO. The MKT has a similar 10 percent conquest boost courtesy of turbo power. And those conquest wins at the dealership also add to Ford's bottom line, as EcoBoost-equipped vehicles carry a $5,000 to $10,000 MSRP bump versus their naturally aspirated counterparts.

While the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine looks like an early success, the real turbo test comes when other, higher volume EcoBoost engines hit the market. Some future boosted Ford engines will come in 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter displacements, and the DetNews is reporting that a much smaller, 1.0-liter three-cylinder version is on the way for applications like the new Fiesta and Focus. Engines as small as 1.0-liter are sure to be an efficiency boon for the Blue Oval, with potential paybacks in the high 40 MPG range in the EPA highway cycle.

The next vehicles to receive EcoBoost will reportedly be the F-150 and Ford Explorer toward the end of next year. Ford is hoping to push the engine tech on 90 percent of its models within the next few years, with up to 1.3M global EcoBoost sales.

[Source: Detroit News]

Ford EcoBoost Engines see high take rate, customers see higher transaction prices originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: The rest of the best at the Ford display

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Ford

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

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

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

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

Gallery: SEMA 2009: The rest of the Ford display

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

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Ford and Canadian Auto Workers reportedly reach a deal

Dan Roth — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, UAW/Unions, Canada

Ford Motor Company and the leadership of the Canadian Auto Workers union have reached a tentative agreement after a marathon four-day wrap-up to negotiations. Union membership needs to approve the deal, which will guarantee a Great White North presence for Ford until at least 2012. Voting is underway this weekend, and if approved, the CAW will be responsible for building 10 percent of Ford's North American production, down from the current 13 percent, which the union had been trying to hold on to.

Workers did agree to time off reductions, and pledged that new employees will have to pay into their pensions. Ford's given its word that the company will build as many vehicles in Canada as it sells there, and the union deemed the pledge good enough to grant GM- and Chrysler-style concessions to Ford.

The Panther platform has been given its last rites; the St. Thomas Assembly plant is the only Ford location currently building the body-on-frame biggies, and that plant will close in September 2011. The 1,600 people in Ontario who build Town Cars and Grand Marquis are understandably unhappy about word that Ford intends to shutter the plant, but the Panther has cheated death more than once. This time, it may stick.

Better news for CAW members is that Ford's Oakville assembly complex, also in Ontario, has the go-ahead to add a third shift when needed. Ford also says it will manufacture a new vehicle at Oakville, which currently builds the Edge, Flex, MKX, and MKT crossovers, but that will likely come after the current labor agreement expires.

[Source: CBC News, Photo: Ford/CC]

Ford and Canadian Auto Workers reportedly reach a deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost has soul of a sports sedan, controversial looks

Chris Shunk — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Lincoln, First Drives, Luxury

2010 Lincoln MKT - Click above for high-res image gallery

In 1998, Lincoln's overall sales made it the number one luxury brand in America. The Navigator, Continental and Town Car weren't exactly world beaters - let alone an enthusiast's cup of Darjeeling, but the typical Lincoln buyer was getting precisely what he or she expected: soft, cozy, squishy cruisers for soft, squishy old people. In the decade that followed, Ford's U.S. luxury arm has seen about as much success as a modern day typewriter salesman. Mistakes have been made. The Blackwood. The Aviator. The LS. All big-time blunders - tragically so with the Romulan cloak-inspired design of the LS, as it was a pretty good car under that anonymous sheetmetal - and all consigned to history.

It's easier than ever to tell a Lincoln from 100 yards out.

Fast forward to 2009, and yesterday's gaffes have been replaced with a group of indecipherably-named vehicles that don't seem to be catching the eye of the car-buying public. The MKS, MKZ and MKX are nice enough, with tons of tech and luxury amenities, but America's buying public doesn't seem impressed.

Admittedly, the biggest reason Lincoln was kicking ass on the luxury sales charts last decade was the Navigator. It was big, it could haul heavy loads and it had an over-the-top style that affluent Americans were looking for at the time. Today's Lincoln lineup continues to feature the Navi, but the hefty SUV is no long the toast of the town and its massive girth and lousy fuel economy are borderline synonymous with PR losers like global warming and dependence on foreign oil. The 2010 Lincoln MKT is sized to replace the Navigator, but with the improved packaging, comfort and efficiency of a car-based crossover. We exercised a pair of EcoBoost-powered luxury barges through the twists and turns of Ann Arbor, Michigan to answer one simple question: does the 2010 Lincoln MKT have what it takes to become the spiritual successor to the Navigator and help shake the Lincoln brand of its decade-long sales slump? Hit the jump to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost has soul of a sports sedan, controversial looks

First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost has soul of a sports sedan, controversial looks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Labor unrest in India to cause Ford to idle key NA crossover plant

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:47:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln, India

Rico Auto Industries in India makes transmission parts for Ford's Flex and Edge, along with its upscale Lincoln MKT and MKX twins. Unfortunately for the Blue Oval, Automotive News is reporting that Rico's operations are in flux because of persistent troubles between labor and management. A few weeks ago, some of the supplier's workers went on strike after members were suspended and fired by management. On October 18, the striking workers marched to the factory and got involved in an altercation with "unidentified men" supposedly "acting at the behest of Rico Auto's management." During the brawl, a 26-year-old worker was killed.

In the meantime, Ford reportedly hasn't got the parts it needs to build the crossovers it makes at its Oakville, Ontario plant and will be forced to idle the key facility next week. Ford is watching the situation in India closely - if production isn't restored soon, the lack of parts could impact other plants in addition to Ontario and its 3,000 workers.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd. | Image: Simon Hayter/Getty]

REPORT: Labor unrest in India to cause Ford to idle key NA crossover plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders

Chris Shunk — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover

Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year nominees - Click above to view high-res gallery

When Motor Trend picks its favorite sport utility vehicle, the winner will have bragging rights for an entire year. And we'll know all about it, because the victorious company behind the winning crossover or SUV will shout it from the rooftops (and in print, TV and web advertisements) about their shiny golden award. We can argue all day long about whether many of the nominees can be legitimately be considered sport/utlility vehicles, but either way, this year, there are 11 vehicles up for consideration, with pedigrees ranging from a single traditional body-on-frame SUV to a brace of competent and efficient family haulers and richly appointed luxury crossovers.

As Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus McKenzie points out on the magazine's blog, there is only one traditional SUV on the list, and it takes the size and shape of the Toyota 4Runner. The rest of the vehicles are crossovers, with seven of the 11 candidates sporting luxury badging, three coming from General Motors and one stablemate to last year's SUV of the year, the Subaru Outback. When choosing the SUV of the year, MT says it looks at packaging, presentation and intended function, along with obvious criteria like aesthetics and performance. Hit the jump to look over the candidates for the award, click below to check out our high-res gallery, or head over to Motor Trend for more details.

Gallery: 2009 Motor Trend SUV of the Year

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders

Motor Trend announces SUV of the Year contenders originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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