Showing posts with label Ford Motor Company. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ford Motor Company. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Ford offering official reproduction restoration parts

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The automotive aftermarket is a lucrative business. Parts bring in big money, and we live in a country that loves to be original especially with our cars. So you certainly can't blame Ford for wanting a bigger piece of the pie.

Ford is now offering over 9,000 officially licensed parts for its cars and trucks going all the way back to the 1909 Model T. The Ford Parts catalog offers such niceties as complete body shells for 1967, '68, '69, and '70 Mustangs. Body shells for the first generation Bronco are also available, along with tons of other hard to find stuff.

Press Release

HELP DAD KEEP HIS FAVORITE RIDE ON THE ROAD THIS FATHER'S DAY WITH FORD LICENSED RESTORATION PARTS Ford restoration parts licensing program offers a portfolio of more than 9,000 parts for vehicles from 1909 to the early 2000s
Enthusiasts can now build nearly a complete 1967 Mustang from the ground up using brand-new reproduction components. About 98 percent of the Mustang's parts are being reproduced.
Many parts are manufactured on original Ford tooling, then carefully checked against original blueprints to ensure quality and aesthetics before being offered for sale

DEARBORN, Mich., June 7, 2010 – As Father's Day approaches, Ford is proud to support the millions of enthusiasts nationwide who keep antique and classic Ford-built vehicles on the road. And nowhere is that support more evident than through the official Ford licensed restoration parts program.

With a growing parts portfolio containing more than 9,000 part numbers, the program licenses parts for Ford-built vehicles from the Model T to those made as recently as the early 2000s. Every component is produced by one of the officially licensed suppliers, made to Ford Motor Company standards using original factory tooling. No longer do enthusiasts have to spend hours online looking for rare new old stock parts, nor do they have to wander through scrap yards looking for used parts for their classics. Chances are the part is available new and just a mouse click away.
The program is so comprehensive that an enthusiast can actually construct a "new" vintage Ford using reproduction parts.

"You can literally build a 1967 Mustang using officially licensed Ford restoration parts right from your computer, without ever visiting a wrecking yard," says Dennis Mondrach, Restoration Licensing manager, Ford Component Sales (FCS). "Complete steel bodyshells are available, Ford Racing can supply crate motors, and specialty manufacturers make all the hardware, drivetrain, interior parts and even instruments with classic or customized faces. You can build your car as a classic or upgrade the components you choose."

Ford currently offers four complete Mustang bodies covering 1967 to 1970. Later this fall, Ford will introduce its first truck-based body for restorers of the classic 1960s Bronco.

The strict licensing process helps ensure any parts bearing the company's official trademarks meet the quality standards and authenticity that classic Ford enthusiasts demand. Each approved part comes with a blue-and-white sticker with the Ford logo stating it is an officially licensed restoration part. That means the fit, function and appearance is as authentic as the original.

"When Ford stops making a part and retires the tooling, that tooling is offered to FCS," explains Mondrach. "Based on the type of component and whether we think it would be of interest to the vintage vehicle market, we then offer it to one of our 75 licensed manufacturers and they put the tooling back into service.

"The end result," Mondrach says, "is that owners of vintage Ford vehicles get a source of factory-correct parts made on Ford tooling."

Restoring a classic Ford-built vehicle in the family garage has been an American tradition for decades. Tens of thousands of fathers have shown their sons and daughters how to restore a car using a Model A, Model T, Thunderbird, Mustang or F-Series. According to Hagerty Collector Car Insurance of Traverse City, Mich., the worldwide leader in collector car insurance, four Ford-built vehicles are among the top 10 most popular cars it insures. Mustang, for example, is No. 2 on this year's list, according to Hagerty.

Accurate reproduction parts make the restoration process easier, and for those enthusiasts who decide to show the finished product, they can make the difference between a trophy and an empty-handed trip home. The Ford licensing program has been singled out for special recognition from both the Mustang Club of America and the Thunderbird Club of America for supplying components identical to original Ford parts.

"Before a supplier can sell a licensed part – even one produced on Ford tooling – they are required to submit a sample for approval," said Mondrach. "We compare the sample to original blueprints and engineering specifications and ensure the part meets or exceeds the original piece in quality, aesthetics and functionality."

All Ford restoration parts licensees must successfully complete a quality assurance survey and meet all federal and state safety regulations. To assist in the monitoring of ongoing production quality, master samples of each restoration part are retained after approval and used as quality benchmarks for future production runs.

FCS tries to ensure a supply of frequently needed components is available to the restoration community, particularly interior parts and delicate trim pieces.

"We really try to provide the common parts that might be damaged or lost in an accident," explained Mondrach. "Many of those plastic and metal parts look exactly like the originals and are made on original tooling, but benefit from improved plastics and metallurgy, resulting in a higher-quality component than what was originally supplied on the vehicle."

On the other hand, Ford licensed restoration suppliers also reproduce very specialized components – in specialized original materials – for some of the first Ford products to hit the road.

"We license original Model A and T parts like the famous ah-ooga horn and many unique brass parts," said Mondrach. "Model T enthusiasts can even get licensed replacement handmade brass radiators.

"Whether you're rebuilding a classic Ford, Lincoln, Edsel or Mercury from scratch, or simply prepping your vintage vehicle for its next show," he adds, "Ford Restoration probably has many of the parts you need."

For more information
Visit the Ford restoration parts website at HYPERLINK "http://www.fordrestorationparts.com" www.fordrestorationparts.com. Select the vehicle make and model in which you're interested to load a list of suppliers with contact information.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Ford officially kills off Mercury brand

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It was inevitable, the death of Mercury. Long dead in the eyes of enthusiasts, the brand has soldiered on with but 0.8% of Ford's market share and only a couple of recycled and rebadged Fords in its stable. It seems like decades (and it has been, actually) since we saw the likes of a performance Mercury.

Ford's President of America, Mark Fields and Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of product development confirmed in a press conference today that Mercury would be discontinued in the fourth quarter of 2010.

The demise of Mercury is also going to lead to the expansion of the Lincoln brand, which will reportedly see seven all new or refreshed models. Lincoln will also be offering EcoBoost engines in all of it's vehicles, including the next Navigator. Ford has promised that Lincoln will soon be the most technologically advanced and fuel efficient luxury vehicles available.

Press Release

FORD TO EXPAND LINCOLN LINEUP AND BRAND EMPHASIS; MERCURY PRODUCTION ENDS IN FOURTH QUARTER OF 2010
Ford is expanding its Lincoln lineup with seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years – including its first-ever C-segment vehicle
Lincoln's plan accelerates with more investment and attention on standout product design, class-leading technology and powertrains delivering top performance and fuel efficiency
Lincoln product development, marketing, sales and service resources expanding as the brand competes with Cadillac and Lexus in the marketplace
Ford will end production of Mercury vehicles in the fourth quarter of this year to fully devote its financial, product development, production and marketing, sales and service resources toward further growing its core Ford brand while enhancing Lincoln
Existing Mercury owners to receive continued access to parts and service support at Ford and Lincoln dealers; current Mercury vehicle warranties and Extended Service Plans will be honored; special offers available on new Mercury vehicles through the summer
Affected dealers to receive specialized support during the transition, as the company continues its transformation to a more profitable dealer network
DEARBORN, Mich., June 2, 2010 – Ford Motor Company will expand and enhance its Lincoln brand lineup with seven all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles in the next four years as part of an aggressive growth plan focused on standout product design, class-leading technology and new powertrains – all aimed at competing with Cadillac and Lexus in North America.

Ford also will end production of Mercury vehicles in the fourth quarter of this year to fully devote its financial, product development, production and marketing, sales and service resources toward further growing its core Ford brand while enhancing the Lincoln brand.

"We have made tremendous progress on profitably growing the Ford brand during the past few years. Now, it is time to do the same for Lincoln," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "The new Lincoln vehicles will transform luxury for North American premium customers through an unexpected blend of responsive driving enjoyment and warm, inviting comfort. We will also offer our customers a world-class retail experience through a vibrant retail network."

Lincoln's hallmarks will be refined, modern design, the most fuel-efficient premium powertrains and industry-leading technology that create a unique driver experience both in the cabin and on the road.

"Profitably growing Lincoln in North America is an important part of our One Ford plan," said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. "Our Ford brand is gaining momentum and winning customers around the world. Now, we are going to use the same laser focus to further strengthen Lincoln and deliver even more products luxury customers really want and value."

Foundation Set

The future of Lincoln is building from a strong base that includes the all-new flagship MKS large sedan, the all-new MKT seven-passenger crossover and a significantly refreshed MKZ mid-size sedan – all now in showrooms. The hybrid version of the MKZ will reach showrooms later this year and is expected to be the most fuel efficient premium sedan on the market.

Lincoln's product actions continue later this year with the debut of the significantly refreshed 2011 MKX crossover, the first vehicle to feature MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology.

This will be followed by another six all-new or significantly refreshed vehicles within four years developed with Lincoln's DNA of standout design, precise and confident driving experience, class-leading technology and powertrains delivering top performance and fuel efficiency.

Lincoln will be led by expanded product development and marketing, sales and service teams to support the brand's growth plan and ensure it has a strong cadence of distinct products that are well positioned in the market. Plans for Lincoln include:
Lincoln's first-ever C-segment vehicle
New Lincoln-exclusive powertrains, including an all-new V-6 engine and advanced fuel-efficient transmissions
EcoBoost engines available in all Lincolns – from the Navigator full-size SUV to the new C-segment Lincoln
Fuel economy leadership with each new vehicle – leading to Lincoln emerging as the most fuel-efficient luxury lineup on the market
More useful technology and features than any other competitor – with a special focus on comfort and convenience. New advanced features include: fully retractable glass roofs; adaptive computer-controlled suspensions; electronic, push-button gear-selectors; active noise control; and exclusive MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology

"Lincoln vehicles will reward drivers with smooth, effortless power complemented by agile handling and responsive steering," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president, Global Product Development. "The cabin is a sanctuary with segment-leading quietness, genuine materials and intuitive, useful technology."

Lincoln has started gaining traction with customers, as evidenced by market share gains during the past five years. Lincoln's share of the retail U.S. luxury vehicle market has grown from 4.5 percent in 2005 to 6.3 percent through the first quarter of 2010.

In addition, Lincoln's reputation with consumers has risen, with favorable opinion and purchase consideration reaching its highest level in the past five years. Lincoln's long-term durability was second only to Porsche's in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Survey.

Mercury

Mercury originally was created as a premium offering to Ford and was an important source of incremental sales. However, the continued strength of the Ford brand – particularly during the past three years – has accelerated the migration from Mercury to Ford for many customers.

Today, Mercury's customer profile, pricing and margins are almost identical to Ford, but Mercury's incremental sales have been declining.

The majority of current Mercury sales are to fleet buyers and customers purchasing through employee, retiree and friends and family discounts, which Ford anticipates largely can be satisfied by Ford brand vehicles.

Of Ford Motor Company's 16 percent market share in the U.S., Mercury accounts for 0.8 percentage points, a level that has been flat or declining for the past several years. That contrasts with the Ford brand, which has increased market share by 2.2 percentage points so far this year on the strength of new products and improved quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value.

Ford's strengthening financial position – including the return to profitability and positive cash flow – allows the company to absorb short-term costs associated with the discontinuation of Mercury and to consolidate future product investments into Lincoln.

Today, there are no stand-alone Mercury dealerships in North America. Ford is working closely with dealers to maintain properly located stand-alone Lincoln or Ford-Lincoln dealers, which will offer dealers and the company the greatest opportunity for long-term profitable growth.

New operational standards developed with the company's dealers will facilitate a Lincoln customer experience that exceeds the expectations of North American luxury customers.

Personal Attention

Ford will work closely with Mercury dealers and customers during the transition, including providing existing Mercury owners with continued access to parts and service support at Ford and Lincoln dealers and by honoring current warranties, including Ford's Extended Service Plans.

"We are 100 percent committed to supporting Mercury owners through Ford and Lincoln dealerships and working hard to keep them as valued customers in the future," Fields said.

"At the same time, we will work closely with our dealers to phase out Mercury franchises and continue to build a healthy, growing Lincoln with strong new products and a profitable dealer network that delivers a world-class customer experience."

Mercury owners will receive additional details in the coming days explaining the transition and assuring them that Ford and its dealers will continue to provide all necessary parts and service support for Mercury products.

Ford has notified Mercury dealers of the decision and provided details of a financial package that includes payment in exchange for resigning the franchise.

Ford today also informed dealers of special offers on new Mercury vehicles that will be available through the summer to support the sell down of current Mercury inventory and remaining Mercury vehicle production.

"We are taking decisive action and moving into the future with the right plan to deliver profitable growth for all stakeholders," Fields said. "These moves position us to continue building momentum through strong brands, great products and an unwavering focus on the customer."

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Spy shots of Ford's new "Coyote" V8



When Ford introduced the 2010 Mustang at the LA Auto Show in November, there was some disappointment expressed over the engine lineup. The V6 was unchanged and the 4.6L was only mildly tweaked. Ford officials strongly hinted that this was just the beginning and that the Mustang would follow the pattern of the 2008-9 Escape. In 2008the Escape got new bodywork and the following year the engines got a complete revamp.



Similarly, the Mustangs are expected to get heart transplants next year. It's still unclear what base engine will replace the old 4.0L V6 although a 2.0L EcoBoost four has been rumored. The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is also expected to be an important part of the lineup. But the most die-hard Mustang fans only seem to care about V8s. A new 32-valve 5.0L is expected to replace the 4.6L and 5.4L V8s in the Mustang and the F-150. Unlike the 5.4L in the trucks, the new "Coyote" V8 uses a significantly lighter aluminum block, and based on the spy pics that have just turned up, it will also use an aluminum intake manifold in place of the plastic unit used on the current V8s. The Coyote should give the Mustang GT 400 hp to play with, putting it on par with the Camaro SS but at a lighter weight. Bring it on!



[Source: PickupTrucks.com]







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Friday, January 23, 2009

A gathering of 2010 Ford Mustang wheels



One of the features Ford had out on display in Detroit was Mustang Alley, featuring a display of hoods used over the years as well as a full lineup of wheels available for it's new pony.



Ford Racing has offered a variety of wheels before, but this appears to be a concerted effort to filter some more aftermarket bucks back to the manufacturer. From the looks of the pictures they appear to be on the right track.













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Thursday, January 22, 2009

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2009: Gone in 60 Seconds Eleanor Mustang



What better car to buy at an auction that thousands of people have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to recreate? Yes folks, this is the real deal. A 1967 Ford Mustang 2+2 fastback, a car affectionately known as Eleanor.



According to the studio, a total of eleven Eleanors were created for the flick, and only three of those machines made it through filming unscathed. The car you see here is one of those machines, used for close-ups with Nicholas Cage. In this case, the car's sundry list of components isn't all that important, but for those that care, there's a 351 cubic-inch Ford V8 underhood, mated to an automatic transmission. The gavel fell, fees were tallied and the car's new owner was exactly $216,700 poorer after Saturday night's bidding was finished.







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Tuesday, January 20, 2009

News concerning Ford's future engines, including the 5.0!

PickupTrucks.com is reporting that by the end of 2010, Ford will alter the three engine options that currently make up the engine choices in the F-150. What is coming in time for the 2011 model year will be a new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and a 5.0-liter V8 code-named "Coyote."



Subbing the V6 EcoBoost for the V8 is about providing the same power with more efficiency. Said to be the premium engine for light-duty trucks, the direct-injection gas engine will offer something like 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque while carrying an EPA rating of "at least 23 miles-per-gallon on the highway." Those power numbers handily beat what you'll get from any of the current engines on offer, even though it's down two cylinders.



The "Coyote" 5.0-liter, modular, four-valve V8 will have "huge heads," and will return the same numbers as the V6: 400 hp and 400 lb-ft. This engine will become the standard F-150 lump, returning the same gas mileage as the current 5.4-liter but with much more power. This same engine will also reportedly find its way into the Mustang. That will leave the 6.2-liter V8 (the Boss) slated for the Raptor later this year as last engine choice (unless there's a 4-cylinder EcoBoost added in 2013), and it will go into special edition F-150s and the Super Duty trucks.



[Source: PickupTrucks.com]







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Thursday, January 15, 2009

2010 Ford Taurus SHO to debut in Chicago?



Ford has launched a mini site for it's all new 2010 Taurus, in addition to pictures of the sedan in all available colors. With this launch comes a clue that potentially confirms what has been rumored for a few weeks now - that the SHO may make a comeback.



Mousing over the word "Gallery" on the site produces a menu, which at the bottom has a link for "Performance Series." Mousing over that brings up a message "Coming February 2009."



The 2009 Chicago Auto Show is in February, which leads to the natural assumption that Ford will introduce this "Performance Series" in that venue. We don't know for sure if it will indeed be the SHO, but spy shots showing the moniker have led to speculation. Stay tuned to see exactly what Ford has in mind.







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Monday, December 29, 2008

Ford Taurus SHO to make a comeback?



The Ford Taurus SHO still has quite a following, experiencing a long lasting popularity. The original SHO featured a 220hp Yamaha built 3.0L V6, and was heralded during it's heyday for being an M3 contender for half the price. The original Taurus' design received much praise for being way ahead of it's time.



And now Jalopnik has published many images of the new Taurus, showing the SHO moniker on the passenger side dash of a 2010 Taurus. One would think that maybe Ford is producing a Taurus SHO concept car that could debut after the base car's reveal at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show next month.



It's also a possibility that the SHO could be powered by Ford's new EcoBoost V6, producing 350hp and 350lbft of torque. But this is all just mere speculation, and we'll have to wait and see just what Ford has up it's sleeve for this one. A new SHO would at the very least generate some interest for the rebirth of the Taurus, a car in desperate need of an image makeover.







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First 2010 Shelby GT500 to be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson



Continuing what has become a tradition at Barrett-Jackson, the first Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will be auctioned off next month in Scottsdale. Last year, the Corvette ZR1, Dodge Challenger, and Shelby GT500KR made their way across the block, and this year it will be the Chevrolet Camaro along with a trio of Fords.



In addition to the very first 2010 Shelby GT500, Ford will bring the very first Mustang GT and Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. This all but confirms that the "big announcement" that Ford has promised will indeed be the new GT500, bowing a few days before the Scottsdale auction.



Proceeds for the auction will be donated for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.







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Monday, December 22, 2008

2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 order guide leaked online



At the 2010 Mustang's debut in L.A., Mark Fields told the crowd that "another chapter in the Mustang story" would be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January. With all sorts of camouflaged Shelby GT500's running around Detroit, the assumption is the next generation GT will be the "next chapter."



While Ford has not announced any details about the new Shelby or when it will be released, a leaked order guide posted on MustangBlog.com confirms that the car will be produced as a 2010 model and reveals some details about the new car.



In addition to the new sheetmetal, the Shelby benefits from 19 inch wheels, while the convertible gets 18 inchers. The car will come equipped with an aluminum hood complete with a power dome and a single functional heat extractor.



The supercharged 5.4L remains, but power levels are unknown. A 3.55 ratio is now standard, and the suspension is tuned by SVT. An optional electronics package provides voice activated navigation and and dual climate control. The leather seats will feature a stripe that color coordinates with the exterior stripes as well as Alcantera accents. New exterior colors will correspond with the standard 2010 Mustang and include Grabber Blue, Kona Blue, Sterling Grey, and more.







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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Ten of the fastest Mustangs ever produced

The 2010 Ford Mustang has been tested with a 5.3 second 0-60 time and a 13.9 second quarter mile at 101.7 mph. Solid numbers indeed, but how does it stack up with other production Mustangs?



Certainly there will be more powerful iterations of the car, as Ford has already strongly hinted that it will have an announcement next month which we presume will be about the next Shelby GT500. This is great news, as the next Chevrolet Camaro seems poised to easily outrun the GT.



Motor Trend recently dug through it's old stories and brought back ten of the fastest Mustangs it has ever tested. Each of these will outrun a new GT, but to be fair, they also have their fair share of mods. Stay tuned to see what Ford has up their sleeve for the newest pony car in their stable.



2003 Mustang Mach 1 Vortech. 1/4 mile: 12.0 sec @ 121.2 mph 0-60: 3.9 sec.



2008 Ford Shelby GT500 KR. 1/4 mile: 12.4 sec @ 118.1 mph 0-60: 4.1 sec.



2007 Ford Shelby GT500. 1/4 mile: 12.7 sec @ 114.2 mph 0-60: 4.4 sec.



2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra. 1/4 mile: 12.8 sec @ 113.2 mph 0-60: 4.7 sec.



1998 Saleen S351. 1/4 mile: 12.9 sec @ 116.8 mph 0-60: 4.6 sec.



2008 Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang. 1/4 mile: 12.9 sec @ 111.3 mph 0-60: 4.3 sec.



2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R. 1/4 mile: 12.9 sec @ 110.8 mph 0-60: 4.4 sec.



2008 Racecraft 420 S. 1/4 mile: 12.9 sec @ 110.0 mph 0-60: 4.4 sec.



2008 Ford Shelby GT SC. 1/4 mile: 13.0 sec @ 110.2 mph 0-60: 4.6 sec.



2006 ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang. 1/4 mile: 13.0 sec @ 109.7 mph 0-60: 4.5 sec.







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Dodge Challenger sculptures, 2010 Ford Mustang Hot Wheels



'Tis the season for giving, and what better to give your muscle car fan than some toys? Grown up toys, that is. And here's a couple of toys for that Challenger or Mustang fan in your life.



Bent Rod Garage is offering a 12 inch sculpture of the Dodge Challenger, which comes in three factory colors. Each is limited to a run of 300 units, and will cost you $120.



Next is the 2010 Ford Mustang Hot Wheels. Shortly after the LA Auto Show introduction of the new Mustang, Mattel announced that it would be producing it's own replica of the new model. Mattel partnered with Ford to produce a nicely done model that closely resembles the real thing.









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Sunday, December 14, 2008

More 2010 Ford Mustang Review goodness


Ford is handing out test drives with aplomb, and this time it's Autoblog that has the goods. Another reviewer, more positive comments, as the folks at Autoblog are very impressed with the new pony car. And we are too. Call us jealous as they were able to test one in our personal favorite color, grabber blue. When Ford decides to offer the new Mustang with a Boss 302 package, we'll certainly be waiting in line for one...







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Friday, December 12, 2008

2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost



More power, coupled with more fuel economy. That's the simple premise behind Ford's EcoBoost engines. Few can argue with the concept, as it pretty much pleases everyone. Except those who yearn for the sound of a V-8, in this case.



Real truck owners need the towing power and the practicality of a truck. Not everyone can drive a small and economical car. Not to mention that small cars bring high insurance premiums with them, that all but relegate fuel costs when gas prices are as low as they are right now.



The obvious solution has been for automakers to put diesel engines in their trucks, but with diesel prices being roughly a dollar a gallon more than regular gas, the thinking has changed for now. Instead, Ford has been developing a direct injected, turbocharged V-6, targeted to be more powerful than a V-8 but return better gas mileage.



Such engines are cheaper to develop than diesels, and less than a $1000 more than the cost of a comparable V-8. That thousand bucks buys you more power, expected to top the targets of 340 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque from the 3.5-liter turbo V-6, compared with the 320 and 390 for today's 5.4-liter Triton V-8.



It will also return 15-20 percent better mileage, Ford engineers predict. That extrapolates to 16 mpg city/23 highway for the EcoBoost engine, compared with 13 and 18 for the V-8 today.



Towing and other hard work won't tax the EcoBoost engine, even though conventional wisdom would suggest that a smaller-displacement engine would have to work harder and that a turbocharged engine could be stressed by heavy loads. The direct injection of gasoline has the effect of cooling the combustion chamber, as the fuel absorbs heat when it evaporates. According to an engineer who is developing the EcoBoost F-150, "cooling has not been an issue."



One challenge will be the sound characteristics of a turbo six-cylinder, which will be different from the familiar mellow rumble of a V-8. The company is looking at solutions, including a simplified active sound-cancellation system that will mold the sound waves that emerge from the exhaust pipe, but without a complex closed-loop system using microphones to monitor and adapt to the sounds being produced. The system would instead use a simple data map to know what it should do under different circumstances.



EcoBoost-powered F-150s will arrive in showrooms in 2010 for the 2011 model year.







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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Video: 2010 Ford Mustang gets busy


Introducing the 2010 Ford Mustang

From all accounts, the new 2010 Ford Mustang is a marked improvement over it's predecessor in every way. We had to wait an agonizingly long time to see the car in it's entirety, and now we have to wait to drive or purchase one.



But in the meantime we can take solace watching some Ford drivers take the pony car through it's paces for the cameras. What you will witness here is 44 seconds of an intoxicating exhaust note along with a nice donut and smoky burnout. Is there any other way to drive one?



Okay, so it's obviously CGI. And it's the same video you see when you go to the official 2010 Mustang site. But hey, it's all we got right now.







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