autoMedia Auto News Blog : Ford

autoMedia CARnival 11-20-09: This week in Auto Blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:06:00 GMT

It's the week ending November 20, and we've browsed our favorite automotive ...(read more)

IIHS Names 2010 Top Safety Picks – Fewer Than Before

admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has announced 19 car and eight SUVs as Top Safety Picks for 2010—far less than the 94 vehicles that earned the accolade for 2009. The IIHS has made the requirements to be named a Top Safety Pick more stringent by adding a roof strength test to measure protection in a rollover accident. In addition, the Picks also factor performance in front, side, and rear crashes the Institute performs, as well as the availability of electronic stability control. Subaru again shines in IIHS tests, being the only manufacturer that has winning products in all four categories for a total of five awards. Ford and subsidiary Volvo have six winners, and Volkswagen/Audi has four. Chrysler earns four awards, continuing recent trend of improving the crashworthiness of its vehicles. This marks the second time the Institute has raised the bar for Top Safety Pick status since the awards were introduced in 2005. As with its other tests, it is expected that the rollover rating will push automakers to improve their vehicles ahead of federal mandates. And there is good motivation; The Institute estimates rollovers kill more than 9,000 people in passenger vehicles each...(read more)

All-new Ford Police Interceptor Coming in 2011

admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:22:00 GMT

Ford has announced a replacement for venerable Crown Victoria full-sized sedan will see service in 2011 as a police interceptor. Though details are slim, Ford has declared that it will have a purpose-built car ready for duty when Crown Vic production ends in late 2011. Ford has owned the police cruiser market for years, commanding 75 percent of the U.S. business. Chevrolet and Dodge have sold cars in spurts, but both the Impala and Charger have compromises compared to the roomy, rear-drive Crown Vic. Each year, Ford sells approximately 45,000 police vehicles, plus even more taxis. In developing the new car, Ford engineers have prioritized key vehicle attributes, such as safety, performance, durability, driver convenience, and comfort. The final shape and specs will be revealed next year, in ample time to court municipal business and allow for third-party outfitters to develop the essential gear to equip the sedans. This will also provide highway hooligans a chance to commit a new grille to memory. In the meantime, read " Drive Lika a Cop, Save Driving Tips ." See our last Ford Crown Victoria review ....(read more)

autoMedia CARnival 11-13-09: This week in Auto Blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:36:00 GMT

It's the week ending November 13, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each....(read more)

Ford Ranger, Ka Not Coming to America

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:50:00 GMT

Ford CEO Alan Mulally told Automotive News recently that the company would not be importing its global Ford Ranger pickup truck and Ka minicar into the United States, as previously thought. The Ranger built in Thailand, and sold throughout the world, is different and significantly newer than the model sold here, which has roots back to the 1990s. The Ka is considered too small for our market. Unstated, the Ka may also be too inexpensive to be profitable given transportation costs and exchange rates. Word of the Ranger not coming hurts. The current model is due to be phased out in 2011, and this news suggests there is no imminent replacement. The American Ranger fits an increasingly important niche beneath the full-size truck category, but it feels decidedly long in the tooth. An updated model design to from the onset to deliver significantly improved fuel economy could likely find its place. (Read our Ford Ranger review .) That may still be in the cards, though sourced locally. Pickuptrucks.com has reported that the long-speculated F-100 project may live on. Past rumors have suggested it would be a lightened F-150, though more likely it would be an unique design built for lighter-duty...(read more)

Ford Introduces Inflatable Seat-Belt Airbag

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:03:00 GMT

Today, Ford introduced an to provide rear passengers with airbag protection. The airbags are concealed within special shoulder belts. Once deployed, the disperse the force over a wider area than a conventional belt, thereby reducing injury risks. Ford points to the benefits for children and the elderly, two groups that commonly ride in the second-row and are especially vulnerable to injury. (Read “ The Dilemma of Older Drivers .”) In the event of a crash, the airbag deploys in 40 milliseconds. This is notably slower than a traditional front airbag, since the device does not need to close a gap between the belt and the occupant. After all, it is already in contact with the passenger. As it expands, the rear seat belts spread crash forces over five times more area of the body than conventional seat belts; this helps reduce pressure on the chest and helps control head and neck. The seat-belt airbag system will be first offered on the redesigned 2011 Ford Explorer, and it will be made available on other FoMoCo vehicles after that launch. See the top-10 car safety systems . Learn more about car safety ....(read more)

Modified 2010 Ford Mustangs Corralled at SEMA Show

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:59:00 GMT

In just a few more days, the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) will open its doors in Las Vegas, showcasing the latest aftermarket components and high-performance project cars. The event allows manufacturers to meet with wholesalers, establishing new business and continuing partnerships. For those in the media, it is a chance to learn about the latest chromed widgets, emerging product trends, and fuel our automotive fantasies. To that end, Ford will be celebrating the Mustang’s 45th anniversary with a diverse herd of modified Mustangs. (See our 2010 Ford Mustang review .) The Mustang is the most customized car in the $31.8 billion aftermarket industry. As proof, it is hard to find a stock Mustang outside a rental fleet. Daresay, the vast majority of pony cars are customized in some way. Ford even makes it easy with an online customizer , and an abundant catalog of cosmetic and go-fast goodies. In the aftermarket, there is a vast array of offerings from dedicated, talented companies. Some of the best examples will be on hand at the show, which in the past has drawn over 100,000 industry attendees. And a few bloggers. Ford Vehicle Personalization will display a carbon...(read more)

The Fusion 41: Announcing Ford's Latest Social Media Initiative

Brandy Schaffels — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:08:00 GMT

As the highly successful Fiesta Movement campaign draws to an end in November, Ford has created a new social media initiative to engage Web-savvy owners. Called Fusion 41, the new plan is looking for eight die-hard Fusion owners to join with four adventurous friends to provide the fodder for yet another Ford-branded online adventure....(read more)

Unveiled: 2010 Ford NASCAR Mustang

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT

In an interesting turn, Ford is introducing the Mustang to the Nationwide NASCAR Series in four races next year. Based on the Nationwide version of the Car of the Tomorrow, the templated car is given a Mustang front fascia and decal treatment. The number 16 example shown here will be driven by Truck Series 2008 Rookie of the Year Colin Braun for Roush Fenway Racing . We previewed the NASCAR Mustang in July, but this marks the first official unveiling of the car. Mustang has a storied history in motorsports and can claim more than 2,000 professional race wins worldwide. Ford hopes to further the legacy with visits to victory lane in 2010. It will first compete next July at Daytona International Speedway. Racing has long been about selling cars on Monday, though there hasn’t been the direct showroom connection in recent years. (When was the last time you saw a Fusion with full race livery?) It remains an open question what Mustang’s race involvement will mean to enthusiasts, who typically picture their pony car competing one quarter mile at a time. Read our 2010 Ford Mustang review for our take on the street version. Expand your NASCAR knowledge with: NASCAR - Common Terms and Phrases...(read more)

Automotive Recalls: They happen to imports AND domestics

Brandy Schaffels — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:52:00 GMT

So, CNN Money is reporting that Ford is recalling more than 4 million vehicles due to a potential fire hazard that can be created by a faulty cruise control deactivation switch. A friend of mine sent me an email that said " See? This is why people don't buy American. " The recall covers 1995-2003 Windstars, 2000-2003 Excursion diesels, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 F-Super Duty diesels, 1992-2003 Econolines, 1995-2002 Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 Rangers and 1994 F35 motorhomes. This is the eighth recall that involves a specific faulty switch manufactured by Texas Instruments, and brings the total to more than 16 million Ford vehicles recalled because that switch. The article at CNN Money advises that "Ford drivers should look for warnings of possible imminent fires, including malfunctioning cruise control systems and brake lights and antilock braking system and brake light warnings on the dashboard. The safety agency also said difficulty in getting the vehicle out of the park mode should be treated as a warning." Ford says it has not used that switch in any model years after 2003. It's disappointing that this is what people think...(read more)

autoMedia CARnival 10-09-09: This week in auto blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:15:00 GMT

It's the week ending October 10, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each....(read more)

Road Trip in 2010 Ford Mustang Took Unexpected Turn

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:55:00 GMT

It's every car guy's dream: To hit the highway on the ultimate road trip with dear old Dad, exploring the country in the Ford Mustang musclecar they built together....(read more)

Sneak Peek: 2010 Steeda Q Series Mustang

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:20:00 GMT

Legendary, Florida-based Ford tuner Steeda is best known for its quality Mustang transformations and aftermarket parts. The perennial centerpiece for its potent pony line has long been known as the Q, as in Q Ship, or to quote Lightning McQueen, “Quicker than quick.” Following tradition, the high-octane mechanical maestros have prepared a 2010 Steeda Q Series Mustangs, and the potent pony’s formal unveiling will be at the November Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

With hundreds of hours of computer-aided design (CAD) work completed, and extensive computer and wind tunnel analysis completed, as well as vigorous road coarse testing, Steeda is confident they have pushed the boundaries for its fabled Q Series.

Dario Orlando, the founder of Steeda Autosports, said, “In all of our Q Series of high-performance Mustangs, we never compromise or take shortcuts, our customers who demand maximum performance, bullet-proof reliability, and class-leading, race-honed styling wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Steeda is mum on details, but we know from past Q cars that their approach is thorough, with exterior and interior styling wrapped around serious powertrain and chassis upgrade. Given that the updated Mustang changed more in appearance than under the hood for 2010, it is safe to assume the previous round of power enhancements available last year will be offered, right up to (and possibly beyond) the 5.0-liter, 650-horsepower engine offered in the 2009 Q650.

No doubt, the production creation will be inspiring, and a good contender to face off against the 562-horsepower 2010 HPE550 Camaro from Hennessey Performance Engineering.

We’ll have to wait another month for the full scoop, but thought you’d appreciate a sneak peek now.

Read our 2010 Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro reviews.

Drivers Support a Texting Ban

admin — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:11:00 GMT

A national survey released by Ford Motor Company shows 86 percent of U.S. drivers describe handheld texting while driving as “very dangerous,” with 93 percent supporting a nationwide ban on texting. Yet only 42 percent of respondents believe drivers would stop texting behind the wheel if the practice was banned. This study underlines the challenges that more than 200 government officials, safety advocates, researchers, cell-phone companies, and automakers are wrestling with in Washington, D.C., this week at the Distracted Driving Summit. (Read "Automakers Support Texting Ban.")

“We must act now to stop distracted driving from becoming a deadly epidemic on our nation's roadways,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This Summit will give safety leaders from across the nation a forum to identify, target and tackle the fundamental elements of this problem.”

According to a 100-car study conducted by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver inattention that may involve looking away from the road for more than a few seconds is a factor in nearly 80 percent of accidents. (Read “Cell Phones Quadruple Chance of Crash.”)

While there is agreement on texting risks, the greater challenge will be how to curb such a prevalent behavior. One direction is highlighted by more than 75 percent of the Ford survey respondents saying they would be able to adhere to a ban if hands-free or voice-activated technologies were widely available. (Coincidently, Ford offers just such a technology with its Sync system.) However, several recent studies have shown that it isn’t just the act of texting that is dangerous, but the cognitive distraction of communicating – the attention is split between driving and carrying on a remote conversation. Of course, scanning radio station, eating a cheeseburger, or entering an address into a GPS device can also be risky.

Clearly, this cultural trend will not be easy to address. All corners of the automotive world will be watching the summit for signs of how this will be addressed down the road. Until then, be sure to focus on driving when behind the wheel. If you do, then you’ll have the rest of your life to text.

Also read:
Driving While InTEXTicated: Put Down Your Device & Drive!
AAA Study Shows More Than a Third of Drivers Feel Less Safe

Preview: 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty

admin — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 01:54:00 GMT

The mighty Ford F-Series Super Duty is significantly updated for 2011, with a meaner grille, more potent powertrains, and stronger work credentials. (Read our latest Ford Super Duty pickup review.)

Behind that imposing grille is a choice of two new engines, a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine and 6.2-liter SOHC V-8 gasoline engine. The diesel is Ford-designed, engineered, and built. Both engines are teamed with an all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection. This transmission marks the first application of Live Drive PTO (Power Take Off) in a Super Duty-class vehicle. When so equipped, the PTO output gear is linked through the torque converter to the engine crankshaft. This allows the transmission to power auxiliary equipment such as snowplows, aerial lifts, tow truck lifts, cement mixers, or dump trucks. The power is available any time the engine is running.

Ford has not released output figures yet, but the automaker is pounding its chest and citing improved towing capacity and fuel economy. This pronouncement is key, as Dodge has taken off the kid gloves with its own claims. Previously, Dodge sandbagged the published Ram capabilities, as the company used a more challenging tow test than its competitors for its ratings.

The Super Duty trucks also promise an improved ride, enhanced Work Solutions, and interior refinements for the new model year. (Learn more about Ford Works Solutions.)

Read about the 2009 F-Series Super Duty Harley-Davidson.

Also see our 2008 Ford Super Duty review. Research Ford in the new car buyer's guide.