American Dream: We drive the Interceptor, the full-size sedan that could save Ford

Press the electrically triggered chrome door handle and the door pops open. The sculpted one-piece leather seats are as stiff as the suspension, and you slide onto them as into a Barcelona chair. A 21st-century "shaker" looms in your view, and the rest of the hood is long and upright...you're overlooking a similar expanse of sheetmetal as in a Chrysler 300. Hit the electronic ignition button on the headliner just aft of the header, and the 5.4-liter V-8 fires up with a rumble.

The clutch is a bit heavier than a Mustang GT's, but it releases smoothly and progressively. This big sedan is easy to drive-if you're into low-riders. It bounces along the smooth test road like a candy-colored 1964 Impala on the haunches of its hydraulics. It feels like one good bump could launch it into the air. You shift cleanly into second gear, but that's all she'll show today.

Interceptor. It's just another Ford concept car. A nice piece of eye candy designed to take your attention away from the real horror story playing out in Dearborn amid collapsing sales, massive losses, and a demoralized workforce. Don't you believe it: Even as you read this, Dearborn insiders are sweating the details on a secret plan to radically change the way FoMoCo develops new cars and trucks. And the Interceptor reveals a key part of that plan.

Two things make the Interceptor important: the way it looks and the way it drives. Especially the way it drives. Ignore the fact the Interceptor rolls on a cobbled-together Mustang platform with a nonexistent show-car suspension. It's the thinking behind the car that matters. And the thinking is this: Ford wants an all-new rear-drive sedan for North America by 2011 or 2012.



Not that long ago, rear drive was on life support at Ford. The company had axed the slow-selling Lincoln LS sedan and Ford Thunderbird, both built on the expensive DEW98platform shared with the Jaguar S-Type, and announced the plants building the Lincoln Town Car, Mercury Grand, Marquis, and Ford Crown Victoria would be closed in 2010. Under this scenario (Motor Trend, August 2006), the Mustang would be the only rear-drive Ford car on sale in America by 2011.

Now, under new CEO Alan Mulally, Ford is rethinking rear drive for North America. Insiders say Mulally has looked at what GM has done to reinvent Cadillac, seen the buzz it's generated around new rear-drive cars like the Chevy Camaro, Pontiac G8, and the Chinese-market Buick Park Avenue (all based on the Australian-developed Zeta rear-drive architecture), and asked: "Why can't we do that?"

It's more than just an obvious question. It also addresses a major dilemma for two key Ford products, the Mustang and Ford Australia's Falcon. The Mustang has been a runaway hit for Ford, but by 2011 the platform will have been in production for seven years, and its live rear axle is no match for the sophisticated independent rearends under the newer Camaro and Dodge Challenger. Down in Australia, the Falcon, Ford's rear-drive rival to GM's Holden Commodore, is getting a major overhaul for 2008, but its platform dates back to 1998.



Neither platform has the volume (2006 sales totaled 160,000 Mustangs and 50,000 Falcons and variants) to justify an all-new replacement each. So Mulally has asked for a plan to bring Ford's rear-drive cars together onto a single, global vehicle architecture. That means Mustang and Falcon. And it also means potential replacements for the Lincoln Town Car, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Ford Crown Victoria. Which is where Interceptor comes in.

Read more: Click Here

Source: Motortrend

2011 Ford Mustang GT

The Return of the 5.0 -- and a New Boss 302R Racecar

December 28, 2009 / By Frank Markus Click Here for Complete Article

First things first. With a bore of 92.2mm and a stroke of 92.7mm, the high-tech DOHC 32-valve engine under the hood of the 2011 Ford Mustang GT making its debut at the 2010 Detroit show displaces 4951cc. That figure legitimately rounds to 5.0 liters, unlike the 4942cc displacement of its pushrod predecessor. That overgenerous rounding drove some of us persnickety engineering types crazy for all those years, so right off the bat we're inclined more favorably toward this new V-8. Indeed there is a lot to like about this high-tech engine, starting with its output figures: 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque (on recommended but not required premium fuel, slightly less on regular no-lead).

Designed according to best-practices established in the design of the 3.5 and 3.7-liter V-6's as well as the 6.2-liter V-8, the Mustang GT's new 5.0 boasts cam-torque actuated variable valve-timing on the intake and exhaust cams plus a long-runner single-scroll intake manifold and tubular stainless headers to optimize breathing. Moving the alternator out of the valley opened up space for the 80mm throttle body to breathe directly into the larger intake manifold. To cope with the engine's 11:1 compression and high combustion stresses, the crank is forged steel and fully counterweighted, using forged powdered-metal connecting rods, floating wrist pins, and hypereutectic pistons cooled by oil jets. The bulkheads are also 2mm wider and the six main bearing bolts are larger than those in the 4.6. This is reportedly as large a displacement as this architecture can handle with the 1.2mm cylinder liners and the current deck height (a slightly larger bore could be accommodated by switching to a spray-lined cylinder design).

The unique new cylinder heads will not bolt up to earlier 4.6's. The exhaust cam has been moved down and outboard, so the intake cam could also move outboard a bit for a more vertical intake valve geometry. Extremely light valves and compact roller finger followers permit the engine to rev to the speeds of 7000 rpm. To cope with the extreme g-loading experienced on a track and enable a 10,000-mile oil-change interval, the oil capacity has been increased to eight quarts. Extensive baffling and redesigned oil return galleys ensure that the cylinder head oil drains and the oil pump pickup is supplied even at sustained 1g lateral loads.


The 2011 Ford Mustang GT marks the return of the 5.0 V-8 to the Mustang's engine bay, rated at 412 hp at 6500 rpm and 390 lb-ft of torque.

Read more: Click Here

Siurce: Motortrend

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ALL-NEW 2010 FORD F-150 SVT RAPTOR TAKES CUSTOMERS, TRUCK LEADERSHIP TO NEW VENUES, MORE EXTREMES

Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) taps into growing off-road enthusiast market and builds on the Ford F-150’s solid foundation to deliver the ultimate off-road performance truck – the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Internal triple bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – an industry-first on a production truck – help provide smooth ride; wider design key to harnessing all-new suspension and tire package

The F-150 SVT Raptor launches with Ford’s proven 5.4-liter Triton® V-8 engine with 320 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque for a powerful punch; an all-new 6.2-liter V-8 engine will be available in early 2010

2010 F-150 SVT RAPTOR MEDIA SITE

BORREGO SPRINGS, Calif., Aug. 17, 2009 – Preparing to blaze new trails, the all-new 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is ready for the most challenging desert adventures. But this purpose-built, high-speed off-road truck also is engineered to be versatile enough to take on the everyday commute.

“With Raptor, we’re taking the established performance of the F-150 to the next level and proving just how much Ford trucks can do,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president for Global Product Development. “The F-150 SVT Raptor doesn’t just appear to be off-road-ready. It is off-road-ready. It was built with the off-road enthusiast in mind and will give consumers an off-road experience no other vehicle can.”

Ford’s Special Vehicle Team, known for engineering high-performance vehicles such as the Ford Shelby GT500, has outdone itself with the F-150 SVT Raptor. Combining the SVT performance strategy with the iconic F-150 brand, it delivers the ultimate in “Built Ford Tough.”

The 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor was built specifically to fulfill the desires of the highly demanding and growing off-road performance market. High-performance off-road trucks are a market that is largely untapped, allowing SVT Raptor to set the bar for this type of vehicle.

“We found a niche – off-road performance – that no other major manufacturers have filled, and we took it as an opportunity to differentiate F-150 from other trucks on the market,” said Mark Grueber, F-150 marketing manager. “Raptor is going to perform well anywhere you use it.”

F-150 SVT Raptor also has a racing-ready version – F-150 SVT Raptor R – that has established its racing pedigree and performance capability.

Looks tough and fast

Built alongside the F-150 at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant, the new SVT Raptor takes the tough, chiseled look of the F-150 to a new level with a design that gives the impression it always is on the move.

Noticeable exterior differences between the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and the conventional F-150 start with a distinctive grille that has the Ford name carved into it. Additional exterior differentiation includes front bumper, front fascia and fenders, functional vented hood extractors, fender extractors with “SVT” bored out, visible FOX Racing Shox and skid plates on the underbody for protection.

Another key difference between Raptor and the base F-150 is that the SVT truck is more than seven inches wider, which was necessary to harness the wider suspension and larger tires. Designers took advantage of this difference and highlighted it with distinctive marker lamps integrated into the F-150 SVT Raptor’s front end, as opposed to on top of the cab. When lit up, Raptor’s imposing stance is immediately recognizable.

While the exterior design of the F-150 SVT Raptor is about creating an image, the interior design is about creating the feel of the truck, and both must complement each other.

Design elements from the unique grille and front fascia have been carried through to the interior on the console and dashboard. The steering wheel is wrapped in black leather and features a Molten Orange leather strip that serves as a centering sight line – which is especially useful in extreme driving maneuvers. Two-tone leather-trimmed seats have upper and lower leather bolsters with fabric and perforated leather inserts, for a more comfortable ride.

Revved up and ready

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is powered by F-150’s proven 5.4-liter Triton V-8 three-valve engine, which delivers 320 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque to power the truck through any terrain it faces. After launch, in early 2010 customers will have the option of a new 6.2-liter V-8 engine capable of an estimated 400 horsepower and 400 ft.-lb. of torque.

The Ford powertrain team performed extensive testing to ensure the engines would live up to the Built Ford Tough promise. Hundreds of additional tests beyond the normal verification of truck engines, as well as vehicle testing on a 62-mile durability loop in the desert validated the performance of both engines for reliability and longevity in the harshest conditions.

Takeoff and landing

For the F-150 SVT Raptor, Ford changed the axle and the whole front suspension – with a new upper A-arm, new lower A-arm, new tie rod and new half-shaft joints. The truck also provides 12.1 inches of usable travel in the rear suspension and 11.2 inches in the front for a smooth ride – both off- and on-road.

“Building a high-performance off-road truck is not about the horsepower – it’s about the suspension – and the F-150 SVT Raptor doesn’t disappoint,” said Jamal Hameedi, Ford SVT chief nameplate engineer. “It’s well beyond what SVT has ever done with one of our vehicles.”

Raptor’s wider track and softer suspension mean it will comparatively glide over obstacles. And when it has to be “launched,” be prepared for a soft landing.

“The suspension does all the work to keep the truck’s attitude stable,” added Hameedi. Along with a beefed-up suspension, the F-150 SVT Raptor also boasts unique internal triple bypass FOX Racing Shox – an industry-first on a production truck. The position-sensitive dampening internal bypass feature allows the shock to become significantly stiffer as it travels, preventing the truck from bottoming out.

By working with FOX internal bypass technology and applying the Ford engineering methodology, there haven’t been trade-offs to assure extreme off-road handling over on-road ride comfort.

“We took the best of both worlds, the technical knowledge and understanding of off-road, shocks and tuning that FOX has, and the SVT knowledge of on-road, and melded it together and came up with a great solution,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT chief functional engineer.

Tough truck, tough tires

The 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor also sports an SVT-tuned 35-inch BFGoodrich® All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tire, which features a special tread compound to help provide precise and predictable steering.

To improve the tire’s performance under a variety of conditions, engineering altered the compound of the tread, making the rubber softer for better performance on- and off-road. The interior of the tire also was modified to improve lateral firmness.

The tall sidewall on the 35-inch tire can handle rocks and irregular surfaces commonly experienced in an off-road environment. A 17-inch cast-aluminum wheel is designed to absorb the impact of objects the truck could encounter in some of the most extreme environments. Engineers were also able to fit a full-size spare tire on the truck for customer convenience.

Specialized technologies

The F-150 SVT Raptor provides the complete package for off-roaders, including state-of-the-art technologies and Class III 6,000-pound towing capability.

“For many years enthusiasts have been struggling with the performance of electronic technologies in the extreme off-road environment since that was not the environment they were designed for,” Hameedi said. “What SVT has done is tailor technology to function in both an on-road and an extreme off-road environment.”

The F-150 SVT Raptor offers an entire suite of connectivity features, including Ford SYNC®, SIRIUS Travel Link™, Voice-Activated Navigation and Sony® Audio System. Additional technologies on the truck include:

AdvanceTrac® with RSC (Roll Stability Control™) oversees the vehicle’s path using a sensor to detect and measure oversteer and understeer by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When the system senses wheel slip or the loss of traction, it applies braking where needed to keep the truck tracking on its intended path.

For those who want even more vehicle control, a driver can switch to two available settings – sport mode and full Off-Road Mode – by holding down a button. The sport mode optimizes traction control for acceleration and seamless torque control, allowing the driver to feel like he is in control, versus the system being in control of the truck. Allowing the vehicle to have wider yaw thresholds, sport mode still will be active once the larger thresholds are met.

Full Off-Road Mode shuts off all electronic stability programs except for the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) – and even ABS switches to an off-road setting, allowing for more tire slip, which improves stopping distances.

Trailer Sway Control works in conjunction with AdvanceTrac with RSC and can determine from the truck’s yaw motion if the trailer is swaying and take measures – such as applying precise braking or reduced engine torque – to bring both vehicle and trailer under control.

Integrated Trailer Brake Controller is factory-installed and allows direct operation of the trailer’s electronic brakes by squeezing the control module on the instrument panel with more confidence than the typical aftermarket system.

Tow Haul Mode changes points under acceleration, keeping the truck at a higher rpm and further up in the power range. Tow Haul also prevents the transmission from upshifting when the vehicle crests a hill, and it provides downhill braking that allows the transmission to downshift, letting engine-compression braking slow the vehicle and maintain a steady speed.

Electronic Locking Differential uses a true mechanical connection to lock the left and right rear axle shafts together so both turn at the same speed with the same amount of torque. This switch-controlled feature maximizes traction capability at the wheel, without having to stop the truck. Unlike other trucks on the market, the F-150 SVT Raptor’s differential can stay locked up to its 100-mph top speed.

Hill Descent Control™ on F-150 SVT Raptor is Ford’s first application of the technology. Using ABS, the driver can control hill descent without applying the brakes. The speed is set for the truck to descend the hill by pushing a button and allows for the driver to concentrate on driving, rather than on how to modulate the brakes on a steep decline.

Off-Road Mode engages a third throttle map and a third shift schedule for improved off-road performance. A third throttle map alters the throttle by changing the driver demand table so it is better suited to high- and low-speed off-road driving conditions. A third shift schedule is a unique strategy for the off-road environment that holds the transmission in each gear for a longer period of time, allowing better engine throttle modulation to control the vehicle.

Auxiliary Switch Board on the center console makes aftermarket customization easier, with four prewired switches attached to the power distribution box for electrical accessories. Also located on the Auxiliary Switch Board are two switches for improved off-road performance – Hill Descent Control and Off-Road Mode.

Ford and off-road racing

Ford trucks have been a mainstay on the off-road racing scene for more than 20 years because of their long history of capability and durability. And desert off-road racing is something Raptor does well, proved by F-150 SVT Raptor R – the racing version of production Raptor – surviving the grueling 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 this past November.

Prepared for racing in long-distance off-road endurance events, the F-150 SVT Raptor R uses stock components of F-150 SVT Raptor, including the frame, engine, steering, brakes, transmission and 4x4 system.

Along with the 2008 showing, Ford has displayed dominance in previous Baja 1000 races. Twelve Ford-powered vehicles have won the overall title for four-wheel vehicles – the most of any engine manufacturer.

Ford also is leading the off-road desert endurance championship chase in the Best in the Desert race series. With the 2009 season approaching the halfway point, drivers of Ford vehicles are leading seven of eight truck-eligible classes. The Raptor R is in second place in Class 8000.

Source: Ford

FORD TAURUS NAMED INTERNATIONAL CAR OF THE YEAR

Los Angeles, Dec. 2, 2009 – The 2010 Ford Taurus today was named International Car of the Year (ICOTY) at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The ICOTY award honors new-year model vehicles that foster an emotional connection with consumers. The all-new Ford Taurus was voted the winner of the 14th annual award by a panel of 19 automotive media from around the U.S. representing top newspapers, magazines and Web sites.

“This award is not centered on power and performance. It’s about how a car reflects our personalities, lifestyles and self-image and how well the automaker achieves that goal through the design and marketing of the vehicle,” said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY’s creator and executive producer.

With its athletic, upscale design, the 2010 Ford Taurus combines class-leading technologies with confident, engaging driving dynamics. It features an impressive set of standard and available technologies that add convenience, connectivity, safety and value for customers, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert, MyKey™ parental programmability, Ford SYNC® and Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™.

“Taurus is not just a car you need to get from point A to point B, it is a car you want to arrive in in style,” said Pei-Wen Hsu, Taurus marketing manager. “The new Taurus gives you a little blast of attitude and turns heads around every corner.”

Source: Ford

ROUSH Building Two Propane-Fueled Mustangs for NMRA

For the next season of NMRA competition Roush Performance will be building two propane-fueled Mustangs to compete. The first one being developed is a 2005 Roush Stage 3 Mustang that will be driven by Donnie Bowles with testing going this month. The second one is a 2010 Roush Stage 3 Mustang which will be driven by Susan Roush-McClenaghan, Jack Roush’s daughter. Both propane-fueled Mustangs will use a naturaly aspirated all-aluminum 5.4-liter V-8 that was originally designed for the Ford GT.

For more on these propane-fueled Mustangs check out the press release below.Press Release:

Jack Roush is highly recognized for generating horsepower and performance out of engines. Roush also has a long and successful motorsports history with the first of his numerous championships coming in drag racing. And today, Roush is finding great success in engineering, building and selling alternative fuel vehicles to the fleet markets.

So what do you get when you combine all three of these things? A pair of propane-fueled ROUSH® Mustang drag cars, ready to challenge for the NMRA championship next season.

The drag cars are an offshoot of the kits that ROUSH® Performance uses to convert gasoline-powered Ford pickups and vans to run on clean-burning propane. As a leader in the development of green technologies for the automotive industry, Roush sees several benefits in using propane as a “right here, right now” alternative fuel; he cites facts such as propane is the third most popular motor fuel (behind gasoline and diesel), and there are already more than 12 million propane-fueled vehicles on roads across the world.

On the topic of propane, Roush said, “It’s as American as NASCAR. More than 90 percent of the propane used in the United States is produced in North America, much of it from the U.S. natural gas supply. Propane has so many positive aspects and it is finally getting the recognition it deserves as an alternative fuel. Propane can help to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. Propane can help to clean up our environment. And propane can help to create new ‘Green Collar Jobs’ for displaced auto workers who can return to the lines to build alternative fuel vehicles.”

And as a green fuel, on average propane fleet vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 19 percent and create 20 percent fewer nitrogen oxides, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide, and fewer particulate emissions, as compared to gasoline. From an economic standpoint, propane used as a motor fuel can be purchased for about one dollar per gallon with applicable federal incentives.

But, one advantage that propane has, especially in a drag racing application, is that it has an octane rating of 106 (premium unleaded is typically around 93 octane). The first car being developed is a 2005 ROUSH® Stage 3™ Mustang which will be driven by Donnie Bowles and expected to be testing in mid-November. The ROUSH® engineering team is also building a 2010 ROUSH® Stage 3™ Mustang for Susan Roush-McClenaghan which should debut in February. This is Roush’s daughter who is adding the next chapters to her father’s legendary history in drag racing.

McClenaghan finished third in the NMRA Modular Muscle class this year, with Bowles one place higher. In NMCA Open Comp competition, they switched positions with Bowles finishing the season in second and McClenaghan third so both are highly skilled pilots.

Both cars will use an all-aluminum 5.4L, V-8 Ford engine that was originally designed for the Ford GT supercar. This engine will be converted to be naturally-aspirated, the compression ratio will be altered to 12.5:1, and several other changes will be required to run on liquid propane. These include CNC ported cylinder heads, high performance camshaft and valvetrain, and a wet sump lubrication system. All these changes should help this engine generate in excess of 600 horsepower.

Despite popular misconceptions, propane is actually very safe to use as a motor fuel and has a significantly lower flammability than gasoline. It is also good in cool or hot weather making it ideal for motorsports applications.

Bowles car will be on display at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas from November 3-5. It can be seen outside at the Cruisin’ Legends lot with the Ford Mustang corral.

Based in Livonia, Mich., “The Art of Performance Engineering” takes place at ROUSH Performance. To get a look behind the scenes at what goes on at ROUSH and how the vehicles are designed, manufactured and produced logon to www.ROUSHtv.com. For more information see your local ROUSH dealer, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com or telephone toll-free (800) 59-ROUSH. Follow us on Twitter @_ROUSH_ or Facebook at www.Facebook.com/roushperformance

Source: Mustang Heaven

Why Late December is the Best Time to Buy a Car

Want a good deal? Ask Santa to bring you a car in December, when they’re cheapest, say experts


Experts say that four of the best ten days to buy a new car are at the end of December.

Like everyone else in America this year, your wallet and portfolio probably took a beating and, as a result, buying a new set of wheels may be something you’re putting off until 2010. But, waiting may cost you some bucks.

Late December can actually be a great time to buy new wheels, say both consumer advocates and auto dealers, who point to the softening of the mid-level car and truck market in the last quarter as a great reason to buy now instead of waiting.

One of the best days to get the best deals is December 26, according to Jay Rosenthal, sales manager at Rallye Acura in Long Island, NY.

“People aren’t always aware of the not-always-advertised deal occurring late in the year in showrooms,” Rosenthal said. “You have manufacturers as well as dealers who are looking to hit their objectives before January, and it can get a little crazy. The manufacturers compete against each other, and that’s definitely to the consumer’s advantage.”

The same discounts apply throughout the country in December according to TrueCar.com, who recently released a report listing the ten best days of the year that consumers can take advantage of the most discounts to save them the most money. Four of them are coming up quickly; the remaining “best” days on average nationally are December 24th, 26th, 28th and 31st.

“In terms of these last days of December, this will be highest discount period, based on our survey,” said Jesse Toprak, VP of Trends and Insights at TrueCar. “A lot of dealers are trying to get their objective bonuses. After that, we see a dramatic decline in incentives and discounts in January. This is a good window of opportunity.”

TrueCar.com has done their homework, too; their findings are based on data for more than 43% of all individual US retail vehicle transactions per month from dozens of proprietary and third party sources offering reports on more than 84% of all new cars at the local level, as well as information on dealer and consumer incentive trends.

“Over the past four months, there have been great opportunities for consumers to buy a new car - from Cash for Clunkers to Black Friday,” says Toprak. “But if they missed those specials and are in the market now, December proves to be an excellent time for them to strike a deal.”

Toprak cautions, however, that consumers shouldn’t expect every car on the lot to be given away.

“Some cars won’t be discounted at all if they’re in high demand,” he says. “But if you’re looking for, say, a 2009 Dodge Durango, or other models being discontinued after this year, you can get up to 25% off. Do your homework and you’ll do ok.”

Source: This Article by Josh Max @ AOL Autos

Insider Tips On Buying A Used Car

The main "ups" of buying a used car are the lower initial purchase price, as well as lower property taxes (where applicable) and insurance costs. The main "downs" of buying a used car are that it's a used car, not new -- so there's no new car warranty and you are more vulnerable to used car problems that could cost you money, as well as aggravation.

To reduce your risk of exposure when you buy a used car, there are a number of precautionary steps you can take when shopping for a used vehicle.

These Tips to Buy a Used Car Include:

Shop for newer used cars that still have at least a portion of their original manufacturer's warranty remaining: Most late model used cars have at least three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty coverage (and often longer "powertrain" coverage on the engine and transmission). This means you'll get at least a year or so of peace of mind if you buy a used car that is less than three years old. (Important: Be sure to confirm the used car warranty is fully transferable.)

Check into Certified, Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles: These are late model used cars and trucks that typically have less than 50,000 miles and have been given multipoint inspections -- with any needed service or upkeep taken care of before the used car is put on the lot. CPO programs are backed by the automakers (Ford, GM, Volvo, etc.) and the vehicles often include a no-cost extended warranty on major parts such as the engine and transmission. CPO used cars are usually clean and well-maintained -- the "cream puffs" of the used car market.

Do a "background check" for indications that the particular used car make/model you are considering might be a problem car: One with an unusual record of either recalls or consumer complaints. You can find information about recalls and safety-related defects at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Web site, and information about consumer satisfaction at JD Power & Associates. Consumer Reports is another good place to poke around. It's also a very good idea to do a simple Google or Yahoo! Web search; just type in the make and model of the vehicle and "lemon." You can bet if the car has a history of problems, there will be complaints all over the Internet.

Screen your candidate -- the specific used car you are looking at: Even if the make/model has a great reputation for quality and reliability, that particular used car may not have been well-maintained -- even abused. Have a third-party mechanic (not one working for the dealer) look the used car over as a condition of sale. If the dealer refuses to permit this, you should consider yourself well warned -- and walk away.

Ask to see the used cars' service records: If these are available, it's usually a good sign the car was well cared-for, and perhaps more importantly, proof (if the records are complete) that there weren't any unusual repairs or problems. If the used car records are not available, you should be suspicious. It doesn't necessarily mean the used car is a bad car, but you have to wonder why the seller would not have kept such a strong selling point as evidence of proper upkeep and maintenance. In such a case, it is doubly important to have a mechanic you trust give the used car a thorough once-over before you commit to buy.

Be sure it will pass both state safety and emissions tests (where applicable): In most states, this is a legal requirement, but don't assume it is. It can cost hundred of dollars (or more) to repair a used car that fails either state safety or vehicle emissions testing -- and in many cases, you can't legally register or drive that used car until it does pass.

Lastly, jot down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): located on a stamped plate on the top of the used cars dashboard and run a CARFAX Vehicle History Report to check for information that could impact your decision about a used vehicle. Some types of information that a CARFAX Report may include are title problems, accidents, ownership and service history. A CARFAX Report costs less than $30, and is well worth the expense.

Source: By: Eric Peters | AOL Autos

Why Buy A Car At The End Of The Month?

Find Out The Reasons Why Car Dealers Are Willing To Give You The Best Deal

by: Kevin Ransom | AOL Autos

Click Here for more articles by this author

Sales data shown is of top 20 selling cars and trucks as compiled by Autodata Corporation.
Whether shopping for a new washer, a new home or a new car, everyone is always looking for the best deal, right? And why not? The capitalistic system is built on a free market where businesses compete with each other to offer the best product for the lowest -- or at least fairest -- price.

And in no other realm is the search for the best deal more coveted than in the new car dealership. Indeed, for some folks, haggling, and getting, a lower price when they buy new cars not only means more dollars in their pocket, but it can also be a badge of honor. Something about "getting a deal" -- and even better, "not being snookered" -- has always been a source of considerable bragging rights, whether at the Rotary Club, the water cooler or the corner bar.

Various theories abound on the best time to buy new cars. Some have touted the holiday season, the beginning of the week or a rainy day as among the best times to try and reel in that low low price. But one sure time that consumers can usually land a bargain when they buy new cars is at the end of the month.

That's because the sales staff at most car dealerships generally operate on a quota system, where they receive an incremental bonus (otherwise known as a spiff) each time they hit their next sales "mark" for that month. So, if a car dealer is coming up on the end of the month and he's a few cars short of that next spiff, he or she usually has an incentive to get the sales manager to knock down the price of a car in order to hit that quota.

"Actually, car salesmen receive bonuses from both the dealership and the manufacturer for meeting certain sales goals," says Michael Royce, a one-time high-volume car dealer in Southern California, who is now a consumer advocate dedicated to educating car buyers. To that end, he wrote the book 'Beat The Car Salesman' and runs the Web Site, beatthecarsalesman.com.

"These goals can and do change as the dealership's and manufacturer's needs change," says Royce. "Sometimes salesmen may receive a bonus for meeting a certain sales goal for the month. For example, if they sell 10 cars in a month, they might receive a $1,000 bonus. Or they may receive a bonus for achieving a "first" -- like a $100 bonus for selling the first car on a Saturday morning. Bonuses make selling cars more fun for the salesmen and most importantly, it supplements their income."

How To Take Advantage

Bonuses have become more and more important to the car dealers over the past few years. You can use this to your advantage when you buy new cars.

"This is because car buyers are becoming more and more savvy due to the volumes of valuable free car-buying information on the Internet," says Royce. "And because buyers are now more savvy, they are becoming better negotiators -- and therefore, paying less for their new cars. That means that the car salesmen are earning less, because they work on commission. So, the dealerships and manufacturers began pumping up the bonuses in order to keep their salesmen. Bonuses are now an integral part of the car salesmen's income."

Beyond the car salesman's fatter wallet, there's another incentive to cut a deal near the end of the month. The car dealerships themselves also have monthly quotas to hit. "If they meet or exceed their targets, the manufacturer may allocate more vehicles to that dealership," notes Royce. "That gives that dealership a larger inventory and more vehicle choices for their customers. If they don't meet their goals, the manufacturer may cut back on that dealership's incoming inventory until the excess inventory is sold."

This means that the sales managers are also more prone to shave a little off the price if the end of the month is looming and those goals have not been met. A car dealer at a Honda dealership in San Francisco, who wanted to remain anonymous, concurred. This is good information to know when you buy new cars.

"Yeah, if the end of month is approaching, and the sales manager or general manager sees that the dealership might be in danger of not hitting its sales quotes for that month -- if it looks like they won't sell enough units to make the manufacturer happy -- they will definitely get more aggressive on the pricing," said the car dealer. "If it looks like they're not going to sell enough units that month, they'll definitely do what they have to do to push extra units out the door as the 30th of the month gets closer. They definitely want to make more money -- to pay the rent, pay for the cars, etc. So they'll definitely be more willing to cut you a deal."

In fact, Royce adds, "Due to the current economy and slow car sales, some manufacturers are offering huge rebates and other incentives so large that you can actually buy a vehicle well BELOW the invoice price (the dealer's cost). If you can afford it, [right now is] a great time to buy a new car."

So the question becomes -- how much can you expect to save if you buy new cars at the end of the month?

That depends on the car dealership, the brand and the size of the market. Each car dealership has a specific minimum profit that they are willing to accept on each car, Royce points out.

"And that's usually in the neighborhood of several hundred to a thousand dollars over their cost -- their invoice price," Royce explains. "However, if a dealership is struggling to meet its monthly sales quotas, then it's not unusual for some dealerships to sell their new cars at very little profit -- or even no profit. They do this knowing that it helps them reach their sales quota -- and that they'll make it up by earning big profits from their service department."

One way to find out your dealership's "magic number" is to take note of their inventory when you buy new cars.

"If you see several vehicles of the same model you want to buy sitting there on their lot, then you can reasonably assume that the dealership needs to move them out ASAP," advises Royce. "If the car you want to buy is harder to find, then they may not be willing to go low on the price. Ultimately, it's all determined by supply and demand."

Royce also offers this tip: The largest car dealership in your area will most likely have the biggest inventory and therefore, they have the biggest incentive to move their cars out at a discount.

While the end of the month strategy is generally true, there is something else to keep in mind. Car dealers earn a higher commission on cars sold at higher prices -- which means that, if prices are being cut at the end of the month, their commissions will be lower. It all amounts to something of a balancing act, and the amount of your end of the month discount may depend on how it all shakes out for the individual salesperson when you buy new cars.

Another caveat to consider: At the end of the month, the car dealerships' vehicle inventories are down -- at least, they are if the dealer is doing a good job of moving his or her product.

So this might mean you won't get exactly the trim level or option package you're looking for. That is, you might have to settle for a black paint job instead of the silver coat you wanted. Or you might have to forego the posh amenities that come standard on a higher trim level and accept the more basic features of a lower-line edition. But that can be a small trade-off if you are one of the many car buyers out there for whom money is definitely an object when you buy a new car.

A Sneek-peak of what could be a SEMA Mustang

Ford News

Experts say GM needs another Mulally

Ask people in Washington or on Wall Street who they want to see running General Motors Co. and the answer is the same: another Alan Mulally. Without any experience in the auto industry, he ended Ford's decade-long decline in U.S. market share, changed its notoriously careerist corporate culture and secured enough financing to allow it to weather the economic crisis without resorting to a government bailout.

Mulally easily met Ford's list of qualifications

Click above to read the article in the Detroit News.

CAUGHT! Ford's Coyote Engine

By The Editors of Truck Trend
Photography by Brenda Priddy & Co.
This is an early photo of the Coyote 5.0-liter V-8 engine in the bay of a Ford F-150. The plan is apparently to phase out the current 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter eight-cylinder engines and replace them with the Coyote V-8 in 2010. The engine will be shared with the Mustang and is expected to produce approximately 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. The Mustang engine we spied earlier appeared to have an aluminum intake manifold while the 5.0-liter V-8 in the F-150 looks to have a composite intake manifold. Ford is testing the engine in every trim level of F-150, plus one very interesting test truck with seven-lug wheels—an indication the 5.0-liter V-8 might power a heavy-duty payload package version of the half-ton.

Unlike the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 scheduled to arrive in late 2010 for the F-150, the 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 won't use direct injection or turbocharging. It's a naturally aspirated motor with fuel economy that's expected to be comparable to the current 5.4-liter V-8's. It's also expected to use a cast-aluminum engine block instead of iron, to help save weight.

The 5.0-liter V-8 is said to produce power levels that are in the same neighborhood as the larger 6.2-liter V-8 that arrives in the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in February, and the 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine.

Our sources tell us Ford is already working on a version of the Coyote V-8 that will separate itself from the rest of the future V-8 engine lineup. In cartoons, the Coyote is beat only by a Road Runner. Look for a twin-turbo 5.0-liter Road Runner V-8to debut first in the Mustang GT500 by 2013 and possibly, in F-150 Harley-Davidson edition pickups.

To see the full photos, you'll have to check out the latest January/February 2010 issue of Truck Trend!

Visit www.Trucktrend.com

Dunkel Industries Luxury 4X4 Expedition Truck

Click Here to read more about this Expedition Story in Trucktrend.com, I am sure that you will enjoy it as much as I did.

2009 SEMA Show

Click Here to read the article of the top 20 at the 2009 SEMA Show. This is an article at Trucktrend.

50 of Your Finest Pickups and SUVs, Plus More!

Read this article by Clicking here and going to Trucktrend.

2011 Ford Fiesta Revealed

Small Is Good

The Ford Motor Company unveiled their 2011 Ford Fiesta at the Los Angeles Auto Show, giving small car fans something to look forward to on the domestic front. The Fiesta, a nameplate that some Americans might recall from decades ago (or more recently if they've traveled to Europe in the last few years, where the Fiesta has been a perennial hit), will go on sale next year.



Not A Carbon Copy of European Model

Despite the fact that the Fiesta has been on sale in Europe and Asia for some time, the 2011 Fiesta for North America is a decidedly different car: the exterior is tweaked and Ford claims there's only a 60% carryover from the European model. Paradoxically, this leaves a lot of enthusiasts wondering (or, hoping) that the U.S. version of the car will be similar to the European model, one that was lauded for its driving character. At this point all signs point to the two being very similar.



Efficiency

Ford claims the new 2011 Fiesta will achieve 40 MPG on the highway, something that will make it a near hybrid competitor (or in some cases, even better than a hybrid). The engine is, not surprisingly, a four-cylinder 1.6 liter. But what is surprising is the six-speed automatic transmission (an expensive and fuel-saving move by Ford), something that helps the Fiesta get that high mileage rating.



Multiple Styles

The Fiesta will be available in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback. This configuration makes sense for the U.S. market, where smaller three-door cars tend to underperform the rest of the market.



Small But Packed With FeaturesThe interesting part about Ford's strategy for the Fiesta is that the little car will come packed with features. The car comes standard with a very nice LCD display and a push-button start mechanism. Ford' SYNC system (for audio and hands-free controls) is available, as is heated seats, heated side mirrors and a sunroof. That's more than most small cars offer.

Source: Autos AOL

Ford's Inflatable Seat Belt

A new kind of seat beltAir bags have made their way to nearly every part of the automobile, from front air bags in the steering wheel and dashboard to side curtain airbags that drop down from the ceiling and from the side pillars.

But now Ford has taken it a step further: they've put air bags inside a seat belt.

Source: AOL Autos

5 Things You Need To Know About The New Ford Mustang

Ford debuted a new 2011 Mustang before the LA Auto Show this week and shocked many with some bold numbers: 305 and 30. That would be the Mustang V-6's horsepower rating (305) and its highway fuel economy number (30).

For a sports car with over 305 horsepower, that's seriously efficient. How is Ford doing it?

Click Here for the complete story at AOL Autos

FORD F-150 SVT RAPTOR WINS 4x4 OF THE YEAR AWARD; NEW POWERTRAIN TO COME IN EARLY 2010

Los Angeles, Dec. 2, 2009 – The hot-selling 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor just got hotter as it has been awarded 4x4 of the Year by Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine. This is the third award for the off-road performance truck, which went on sale in August.

Since its initial world debut in late 2008, the F-150 SVT Raptor high-speed off-road performance truck has been a hit. The Dearborn Truck Plant has been building the truck at maximum capacity to fulfill orders, and the media have been giving it stellar reviews and awards based on its off-road performance and daily drivability.

“This truck can handle anything the off-road world can dish out,” stated Doug Scott, truck group marketing manager. “The F-150 SVT Raptor has been a fantastic halo for the F-150 line, with capabilities far beyond what any other manufacturer currently offers.”

Vehicles were judged on a 1,000-mile trail that evaluated the suspension, engine, transmission, transfer case and styling, and of course, off-road performance. F-150 SVT Raptor beat out three competitors, including the Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon, Hummer H3T Alpha and Toyota 4Runner Trail.

Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development, added, “Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) worked very closely with FOX Racing Shox and BFGoodrich to give the F-150 immense off-road capability, while still being civil on pavement.”

He continued, “Even though the truck is focused on high speed, we took into account all aspects of off-road driving during development. This award is proof that the F-150 SVT Raptor is a well-rounded performer.”

“The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup handily won this year’s test, despite being pitted against top-of-the-line competition,” said Rick Péwé, editor-in-chief of Petersen’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road. “The pickup consistently placed well ahead of the competition in most areas, and great value and fun factors sent it over the top. Basic, solid construction gave us the confidence to take the truck wherever we wanted.” As one judge noted, “It looks cool, drives fast, and seems to take whatever you throw at it.”

Earlier this year, the F-150 SVT Raptor received a 2010 Automotive Excellence Award: Best Off-Road Ability from Popular Mechanics magazine. The F-150 SVT Raptor also helped power the F-150 lineup to win the prestigious Truck of Texas award from the Texas Auto Writers Association.

Available in early 2010, an all-new 6.2-liter V-8 producing 411 horsepower and 434 ft.-lb. of torque will be available in the F-150 SVT Raptor. This new engine will make Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup available. Customers will have the choice of two V-8 engines – Ford’s proven 5.4-liter Triton® V-8 or the new 6.2-liter V-8, which can be ordered beginning Dec. 1, with an MSRP of $41,995 including destination and delivery. The 5.4-liter-powered F-150 SVT Raptor starts at $38,995 including destination and delivery.

The 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor was designed as a purpose-built, high-speed off-road truck ready for adventure, and it’s also versatile enough to handle the daily commute. Key enablers to the Raptor’s impressive performance are functional design cues and impressive suspension technology. Internal triple bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road.

Source: Ford

2010 F-150 SVT Raptor

F-150 SVT RAPTOR MOST POWERFUL HALF-TON AVAILABLE, NOW EVEN MORE CAPABLE OFF-ROAD


The FR Raptor XT is nearly the same truck that finished the 2008 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 (Raptor R pictured)

Login to download images.The 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor with an available all-new 6.2-liter V-8 engine produces 411 horsepower and 434 ft.-lb. of torque, making it the most powerful half-ton truck on the market today

Building on the success of Ford Racing’s vehicle programs and Raptor’s success in the 2008 Baja 1000, Ford Racing will offer the FR Raptor XT

The FR Raptor XT offers the capability of the Baja race truck, with the comfort of the production Raptor

The FR Raptor XT off-road-only truck will have a production run of 50 units, priced at $99,950

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 3, 2009 – Just one year after Ford unveiled the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor at the SEMA show, Ford today is announcing the long-anticipated power figures for the all-new 6.2-liter premium V-8 engine now available in this ultimate high-speed off-road performance truck.

When this optional powertrain in the Raptor arrives in showrooms in early 2010, the 6.2-liter V-8 will produce 411 hp and 434 ft.-lb. of torque, making Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup available. Customers will now have the choice of two V-8 engines in the Raptor, Ford’s proven 5.4-liter Triton V-8 or the new 6.2-liter V-8, which can be ordered beginning Dec. 1, with an MSRP of $41,995 including destination and delivery.

The F-150 SVT Raptor, launched in August with Ford’s proven 320-hp 5.4-liter Triton V-8, is off to a strong start. Orders for the Raptor equipped with the standard 5.4-liter stand at more than 3,000, and the plant is at maximum capacity producing the ultimate high-speed off-road truck. In addition, Ford Racing will soon offer the 2011FR Raptor XT, making Raptor even more capable in the rough stuff, but without giving up the control and comfort found in the production Raptor.

Considered an off-road-only pre-runner, the FR Raptor XT from Ford Racing builds upon the production Raptor’s already impressive capabilities. The FR Raptor XT is nearly the same truck that finished the 2008 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, but with all the comfort and convenience you’d find in a production Raptor. Essentially, FR Raptor XT is a turnkey professional pre-runner.

Key specifications of the FR Raptor XT include:

500-hp (est.) 6.2-liter naturally aspirated engine
Six-speed automatic transmission
Electronically selectable 4x4; 4.56 gear sets; front and rear e-lockers
A-arm with uni-ball front; four-link RR suspension
15-inch front/18-inch rear wheel travel
Coil-over with bypass shocks front and rear
Chromoly “4130” rollcage; extensive skid plating
Full featured interior, including power windows/windshield and air conditioning
Factory seating with five-point restraints
Off-road beadlock wheel/tires
Unique appearance package including tubular front and rear bumper and integral lighting

The FR Raptor XT joins Ford Racing’s successful turnkey race Mustangs available only from Ford dealers. There will be a production run of 50 units carrying a price of $99,950. The FR Raptor XT is not street legal, and is intended for off-road use only. Production timing will be announced at a later date.

Source: Ford

2012 Ford Grand C-Max

Ford's big Frankfurt show splash triggers the beginning of the new, global Blue Oval. A dozen years ago, the North American Focus launched with hopes we would get a small, C-segment Ford as good as the European one. Instead, it was brought down by recall problems and lacked the European model's constant updates.

The 2011 Focus, which also underpins the C-Max and makes its debut at January's Detroit show, is different. Ford says the '11 Fiesta coming to America will share 60 to 70 percent of its parts worldwide. The '11 Focus and Focus C-Max will score more like 75- to 80-percent common parts. And suppliers to the new Focus will make the same parts and components around the world.

Europe gets both a five-passenger and a new seven-passenger C-Max, while North America is slated just for the seven-passenger C-Max, so far. There's good reason for this: Ford also will update the Escape/Mariner C-segment crossover, a big seller here but not overseas.



The U.S.-bound Focus C-Max looks much like this five-passenger model in a front-three-quarter view, but the seven-passenger model will have minivan-style sliding rear doors. It's more Mazda5 competitor than Chevy Orlando competitor.

Ford isn't talking engines, but an updated version of the current Focus' 2.0-liter four will be standard, and a new 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine will be optional in the Focus/C-Max lineup. A 2.0-liter EcoBoost four could power a hot hatch version of the Focus up to a year after the '10 launch.



Ford says it's growing its North American sub-C/D-class (Fusion/Milan/MKZ) lineup from four models (two- and four-door Focus, Escape, and Mercury Mariner) to nine: four- and five-door '11 Focus (the two-door is being cut), Focus C-Max, the Focus BEV (Ford counts its electric version as a separate car) a C-segment Mercury on the Focus platform and two '11 Fiestas, four- and five-door.

Like General Motors, Ford sees huge growth in sub-C/D cars in the coming decade. Ford and GM are selling much better-equipped compacts and four-cylinder midsize cars at higher transaction prices these days than in the recent past. This is important to Ford's strategy: Popular C-segment cars already sell for the equivalent of $25,000to $30,000 in Europe.

Read more: Motortrend

Ford C-Max Breaks Cover

Euro Version of Focus-Based MAV Debuts First

Even though Ford's small cars are going global, the European versions are breaking cover ahead of the North American versions. We've caught the five-door hatchback version of the 2011 Focus but not the four-door sedan that will be the bread-and-butter compact in North America (there will be no more two-door coupe). It's the same situation with the Focus-based C-Max multi-activity vehicle, which makes its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show September 15.

Ford teased the C-Max with the iosis MAX concept unveiled at the Geneva show earlier this year. It employs Martin Smith's "kinetic" design that will rule the look of virtually all global Fords from midsize on down in the coming years.

Competitors in North America will include the Mazda5 and the 2012 Chevrolet Orlando. Its entry into the U.S. market also reflects Ford's belief that the C-segment, or compact size, will overtake the C/D/midsize (Fusion) segment as the predominant car size here in the coming decade. General Motors concurs with Ford on this point.

The C-Max also marks the debut of Ford's first EcoBoost four-cylinder production engine, a turbocharged 1.6-liter direct-injection unit. Other C-Max features will include semi-automatic parallel parking (as introduced in the Ford Flex/Lincoln MKT) and a blind-spot detection system.


Read more: Motortrend

Revealed: 2011 Ford Mustang

New V-6 Engine Pumps 305 HP, Gets 30 MPG



It would be reasonable to expect that Ford might pass over the Mustang and instead devote more attention to its other models since it's fresh off a comprehensive revamp for the 2010 model year. However, that's not what is shaping up in the House That Henry Built.

For 2011, the Blue Oval is introducing a new 3.7-liter V6 Mustang that should give it the firepower and refinement needed to take on Chevrolet's six-cylinder Camaro and Hyundai's upstart Genesis Coupe. But it isn't just the spanking all-aluminum powerplant and its 305 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque that's making the scene for the forthcoming model year. In addition to the Cleveland-sourced mill, there are a pair of fresh gearboxes, a new V6 performance package, and a host of nip/tucks to the interior and elsewhere.

Now, we could grouse on behalf of 2010 MY 'Stang owners everywhere that these upgrades weren't part of last year's mid-life updo, but instead, we'll just be happy that these advancements are arriving at all.

Despite being smaller than the outgoing 4.0-liter V6, the dual-overhead cam 3.7-liter's horsepower and torque ratings represent massive improvements over the 2010 model (305 HP dismisses 210 HP and 280 lb-ft. plays 240 torques). In fact, that's more horsepower than the 4.6-liter V8 Mustang made just a few years ago. While the 305-horse figure only allows the Mustang to pip the crosstown Camaro by a single all-important stallion in the pony car bragging wars, Ford says the powertrain will be good for 30 miles-per-gallon on the highway when paired with its new six-speed automatic, also one notch better than the Chevy.

That impressive fuel economy figure isn't just the result of the new engine -- a suite of new pieces have been developed in order to maximize performance, including a revised air intake, a pair of new six-speed transmissions (both automatic and manual), electric power steering, and even some aerodynamic tidying, including a revised front fascia, deeper front air dam, rear-wheel tire spats, different underbody shields, and a new rear decklid seal.

The Heart Transplant

Despite those incremental improvements, the centerpiece of the 2011 Mustang is obviously the 24-valve Duratec V6, and it includes Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) and polished buckets and roller finger followers in the direct-acting mechanical bucket valvetrain, among other features. Ford officials promise that V6 buyers won't miss the roar of the V8's extra cylinders thanks to a retuned air intake and throaty standard dual exhaust. At the sneak-peek event for this new Mustang motor, Autoblog had the chance to hear the new engine fire up and rev -- and it indeed sounds sporty and purposeful. To be fair, however, we only heard the powertrain briefly in an enclosed space (a large development garage on Ford's Dearborn campus), so we'll have to wait until it's out in the open and we're behind the wheel to really get a feel for the 3.7's aural character. Other noteworthy features of the drivetrain include a deep-sump aluminum oil pan that enables less-frequent 10,000-mile oil change intervals and a 7,000-RPM redline.

On the transmission front, Ford has fitted a new six-speed 6R60 automatic with hill-start assist that allows for the 30 MPG highway bogey, as well as 19 MPG in the urban cycle (a 25 percent improvement over the 2010's 16 mpg city / 24 mpg highway figures). Prefer to shift for yourself? Expect fuel economy to suffer an iota for your enjoyment, with numbers for the six-speed manual falling to 18/29 (2010 MY: 18/26).

Naturally, with an all-new powertrain and its differing weight properties, Ford's engineers also had to turn their attention to the suspension. To that end, the 2011 V6 gets new damper and spring rates, a different rear lower control arm, and stiffer stabilizer bar bushings.

A More Electrifying Steer?

We always get a bit nervous when vehicles move to electronic power steering. Such systems may improve performance by lowering parasitic drag on the engine, but they rarely do any favors for steering feel. Ford assures us that they've worked hard to build a robust "feedback loop" into the system, but again, we'll have to wait and see for ourselves. In the meantime, we'll remain curious about how effective Ford's so-called Pull-Drift Compensation system is at accounting for road crowns and crosswinds, not to mention the amusingly named Active Nibble Control, which apparently helps to exorcise high-speed vibrations caused by wheel balance issues and warped brake rotors. And about those brakes -- they're bigger. 11.5-inches in front and 11.8-inchers out back have been borrowed from the GT's parts bin, and there's also a standard limited-slip differential to help get the V6 model's newfound power to the ground.








2011 Ford Mustang

The Performance Model

What V6 Mustang are we most eager to drive? The new Performance Package model, which is scheduled to go on sale next August, as it promises to provide increased grip and go. For starters, the Perf Pack borrows the uprated front struts and rear shocks/springs from the V8 GT model, along with its thicker front and rear anti-roll bars and the rear lower control arms from the Shelby GT500. Also included is a 3.31 axle ratio for better acceleration, model-specific 19-inch alloys wrapped in Pirelli summer rubber, more lenient stability control programming with a dedicated sport mode, as well as a strut tower brace and the usual assortment of badges.

How will street spotters identify the new V6 Mustang? If the dual exhaust isn't enough of a tip-off, you'll probably have to check the glass. For 2011, all Mustangs get nifty integrated blind-spot mirrors -- and if you peek inside the driver's side window, you might catch a glimpse of the new-look instrument cluster which features a 160 MPH speedo and an 8,000-RPM tach.

How Much -- and What's Next?

Ford has yet to release any performance estimates or pricing, but despite the big jump in power and content, we don't expect pricing to increase dramatically. Given that the augmented V6 nearly shades the current 4.6-liter V8's horsepower figure (and the fact that the latter engine is comprehensively outgunned by the Camaro SS' 6.2-liter engine's 426 hp and 420 pound-feet of torque, it's no surprise that a new V8 engine is rumored, and we fully expect to see it before this domestic auto show season is out.

The takeaway from all of this? For those who thought that the rekindled pony car wars reached a fever pitch this year with the advent of the refreshed Mustang, long-awaited Camaro and still-warm Dodge Challenger, well ... we ain't seen nothin' yet.

Source: Autoblog.com

Rumormill: 2011 Ford Mustang details leak out

We have to wait a couple more weeks before we're officially "in the know" about the 2011 Ford Mustang, but it appears FoMoCo's secret information dam has a few cracks in it. Ford recently released its fleet distribution news bulletin and it offered some insights as to when the refreshed Mustang is coming and the new variants on offer. The bulletin states customers will be able to order their 2011 Mustang on January 18, 2010, with Ford's favorite stallion tentatively entering production on March 15, 2010.

The alleged news bulletin also mentions some of the new model variants on the way, including the return of the California Special. There will also reportedly be an SVT Performance package, three available 19-inch wheel options, an available six-speed automatic transmission and a Brembo Brake package. The SVT package includes 19-inch wheels, an RR spoiler, "Over the Top" stripe delete and a 3.73 limited slip. The order form also appears to confirm that the 2011 Shelby GT500 will continue to use the 5.4-liter V8 engine, which we hear will be of the all-aluminum variety. We'll learn a lot more about the 2011 Mustang when Ford reveals its vastly updated pony car at the LA Auto Show in early December.

[Source: GMInsideNews via Mustang Heaven]

Ford Fusion Named 2010 MOTOR TREND Car of the Year

The 2010 Ford Fusion is MOTOR TREND magazine's pick for its prestigious Car of the Year® award
The Fusion bested a field of 23 contenders - including the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class - to win the prominent award
Fusion is now among America's top 10-selling vehicles and the No. 1-selling domestic car
Ford Fusion is America's most fuel-efficient midsize sedan for both hybrid and conventional gasoline models. The Fusion Hybrid with an EPA estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway tops the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway, while the four-cylinder Fusion with best-in-class highway fuel economy at 34 mpg tops the Toyota Camry four-cylinder by 2 mpg
The Ford Fusion - America's most fuel-efficient midsize sedan - today was named MOTOR TREND's 2010 Car of the Year®. The award comes hot on the heels of Fusion setting record-breaking sales for 2009.

"Ford has proven its resilience in these tough times by delivering to market a car with broad appeal to a broad range of consumers," said Angus MacKenzie, MOTOR TREND editor-in-chief. "The Fusion range has matured into a competitive roster of midsize sedans, able to compete with sales juggernauts such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It is no surprise the Fusion now ranks in the top 10 best-selling cars in America."

The prestigious award from MOTOR TREND comes at a time when Fusion sales are already at an all-time high, further positioning the vehicle as a formidable contender in the competitive midsize sedan market.

"The MOTOR TREND Car of the Year award is another testament of our commitment to delivering a world-class car lineup," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development, who accepted the golden calipers on behalf of the Ford team. "Whether it is the best-in-class fuel economy or quality unsurpassed by Toyota or Honda, the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are clear evidence that Ford is serious about our car lineup."

To win the coveted Car of the Year award, Fusion outperformed the competition - including the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan - in six new categories: design achievement, engineering excellence, intended function, efficiency, safety and value.

"The Fusion brought a vast assortment of choice that has the potential to appeal to every type of driver, from the eco-conscious to the sport-minded," said MacKenzie. "The Fusion's combination of comfort, fuel efficiency, assortment and technology made it a clear winner among our panel of judges."

The 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are the most fuel-efficient sedans in America. The new models offer more power; class-exclusive technologies, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and Ford SYNC®; and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.

The Fusion lineup expanded in the 2010 model year to include all-new Hybrid and Sport models and a new selection of gas-powered engines - all paired with six-speed transmissions - that deliver even more horsepower and better fuel economy.

Fusion: A hit from the start
The Ford Fusion has been generating excitement among journalists and consumers alike since the nameplate first launched in the fall of 2005. In fact, the introductory model - which marked Ford's re-entry into the midsize sedan market - was a finalist for MOTOR TREND's 2006 Car of the Year award.

Since then, Fusion's popularity has continued to soar - and so have sales. Fusion set a sales record in April - the first full month of sales for the redesigned 2010 model and the new Fusion Hybrid - and overall sales are already at an all-time high for 2009.

With its quality unsurpassed by Toyota or Honda, best-in-class fuel economy, class-exclusive technologies and significant residual value improvement, the 2010 Ford Fusion is clearly delivering the key attributes that midsize sedan buyers want.

"Even at a time when industry-wide sales are down 26 percent, Fusion sales continue to grow," said Ford Sales Analyst George Pipas.

The new Fusion Hybrid model has played an important role in Fusion's success. The vehicle delivers an EPA estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. It also offers innovative new technology - SmartGauge(TM) with EcoGuide - that coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.

According to Fusion Marketing Manager Jonathan Richards, car buyers are so passionate about Fusion that they are choosing to buy the high series models - Hybrid, SEL and Sport.

"Data show that high series models account for 50 percent of sales," he said. "Customers are also embracing technology offerings like voice-activated navigation, SYNC and Sony® Audio."

Richards says the introduction of a Sport model is also drawing praise from Fusion customers, as is the new six-speed gearbox with SelectShift(TM) transmission.

About Ford Motor Company

Source: Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F - News), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

Review: 1967 Classic Recreations Eleanor Mustang is the real movie deal

1967 "Eleanor" Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

H. B. Halicki was a used car salesman who wanted to make a movie. With a little money, one big idea, and a 1971 Mustang Mach 1, he made Gone in 60 Seconds. And in that particular way that movies, especially '70s movies, can be, it wasn't all that good, but it was awesome. Fast forward to Michael Bay's remake in 2000, and the Mach 1 was replaced by a 1967 Shelby GT500. When we got a call offering us the actual car from that movie for the weekend, we felt obliged to say yes... and then drive it like we stole it. The verdict: Eleanor is the hottest piece of car we've spent a weekend with in quite some time.

To bring up another enduring movie character, do you know why so many people quote Tony Montana? Because he had a way with words, and those words were often right, such as when he said, "First you get the money, then you get the power, then you get the woman." A common shortcut is to swap "the power" part of that equation for "a hot car," and then you can go straight to step three.

There are different kinds of hot, though; more often than not, when a guy buys a car, he's just a guy in a hot car. On rare occasions, and in rare cars, however, the combination of driver and car instantly renders a guy – and everything he touches – hardcore hot. The kind of car that makes people want to call you "Wolf," or "Hawk." The kind of car that makes hot women stand in your vicinity twirling their hair, hoping you know how to combine the words "love" and "dashboard light." The kind of car that is like putting on a cape.

That car is Eleanor.



A 1967 Mustang Fastback isn't enough to pull off that transformation on its own. To go all the way, to ring the bell, you have to go to – of all places – Yukon, Oklahoma. That's where the crew at Classic Recreations will, after you've given them at least $109,000, turn an ordinary Mustang into Nicolas Cage's greatest desire.

The transformation is comprehensive. An in-house 401 c.i. racing engine with aluminum heads goes up front, topped with an aluminum crossflow radiator, two 12-inch cooling fans, Mass Flo fuel injector system, Concept One serpentine belt drive system and ceramic coated headers. Power runs straight back to the rear wheels via a five-speed Tremec TKO manual (or an optional six-speed Tremec, or an automatic, if you're that guy) and Posi-Traction. The base model puts out 535 horsepower. At the other end, the engine has been worked to 770 hp and will relieve you of $189,000. The vintage body is held in check from twisting around all that power with enough bracing to qualify as scaffolding.









Inside, the car is overhauled with new seats bearing five-point harnesses, Classic's in-house gauges, a wood and aluminum steering wheel at the end of a Flaming River column, and the interior treatment from the deluxe versions of 1967 Mustang models. A feature you could not have gotten on your 1967: a NOS system with an "Armed" toggle on the dash and a "Go Baby Go" red button on the shift knob. The decision to add such accelerated go gas eliminated the possibility of a trunk; there is a space back there behind the rear window, but it's occupied by a giant tank of nitrous.

Underneath, the modern mech theme is upheld by a Total Control suspension conversion that puts coilovers and sway bars front and rear. And behind those Classic Recreations wheels are Baer brakes holding fast to slotted and cross-drilled rotors.

Outside is where we had only minor hesitations about a thoroughly beautiful car. We don't fault Classic because it is merely recreating a movie car. The issue is with Eleanor herself. She's a bit... busy. Mainly up front, and only in certain places and from certain angles, we just kept feeling "Hmm, there's a lot going on." We think it's the number of curves and bulges running from the hood bulge down to the lower grille and the twin, center-mounted lamps; that area of arc and shadow is quite a contrast to the otherwise straightforward lines of the car. It's still a hot piece, and call us blasphemers if you like, but we do prefer it to the 1971 Mustang from the original film.







Outside, though, doesn't matter when you get inside, which is our favorite attribute of Eleanor. And our favorite thing about the inside is this: it's simple. Spend a few moments getting locked into your harness, after which you'll realize that there's nothing to do in Eleanor but drive her. The windows are manual. The locks are manual. The climate controls are Mesozoic: heat comes from the engine, the air conditioning isn't worth fiddling with because even with it on, you will sweat in this car. There are no LEDs to adjust the color of. The key is a tiny, flat piece of metal. Compared to today's lumps of plastic, Eleanor's key looks like something you'd open a suitcase with. The only buttons in the entire car are on the stereo.

Stick that little key in the slot on the dash, turn, and unleash a barrage of rambunctious. The dual 2.5-inch pipes running through Spintek mufflers and exiting just behind the doors barely contain the engine's explosions. Eleanor is easily the loudest car we've ever driven – it set off at least two car alarms every time we took it out. So loud that we practically avoided cemeteries out of respect for the dead. So loud that you could turn a corner and see people already looking down the road for you, trying to figure out where to run to escape the bellow. So loud that wholesome, innocent bystanders would shake their heads as you drove by, thinking "That's a bad, bad man."

You damn right.









That sweet, sweet thunder rendered the sole buttons inside the car, on the Panasonic stereo, useless. Don't be fooled by that speaker array, either – it's just for show. Well, not actually, but it might as well be because you've got to have the volume cranked up so high that it feels like your ears are being assaulted on another flank. And that's before you hit the gas. When you do that, forget about hearing anything.

So you turn the stereo off and you play with the gas as often as possible, for the sound and the fact that the 550 horsepower in the car we had makes a 1967 Mustang run like Niagara. We welcomed the chance to stop at any light, not only for the opportunity to take off, but just to get 60 seconds to play with the throttle. Highway cruising is pure ease, and when you drop down a gear and turn the noise up to "Battleship Engine Room," you exercise the pedal and the car bolts. The suspension is on the firm side but not at all uncomfortable, doesn't squat, and only gets snippy with when going over large, sharp bumps.





Yet for all of the changes made to the car, we can't tell you how it drives at the limit. This is the actual car from the movie, and it's owned by Denice Halicki, the widow of the man who made the original film in 1974, H. B. Halicki. She lives in the hills and didn't want to get a workout every time she turned the wheel, so Eleanor is set up to drive somewhat like an old Buick. The power steering boost comes on so strong and so quickly that when you turn the wheel a fraction in either direction, the wheel practically turns itself after that. One finger – no, make that one knuckle – is enough to explore the limits of lock. That meant we couldn't quite tell where the wheels were, so we couldn't get them placed quickly on the twists.

What we could tell from broad sweepers, where you could set the wheel and then test how quickly you could run through the turn, leads us to believe that the car's abilities are also far beyond those of a stock 1967 Mustang. Sure, with no electronic aids, if you get gimme-gimme with the accelerator, especially out of a turn, you are going to have some issues with the back end. But if you refrain from stabbing, put the knife away, and chauffeur with a sound mind, the 275/40 tires out back hold on to the road at speeds we'd be happy with in any modern sports car.



While we would certainly love to find out what Eleanor can really do, we have to admit we'd be more than happy with the limits of the movie car even if it does have Park Avenue steering. It can still do plenty, it's a perfectly raw dog, and the sensations trigger all the right areas of the brain. This is one of the terrifically few cars that can actually make you a star.

Just a few months ago, this particular blogger hadn't driven a Mustang in donkey's years. Now, a new one seems to come every other month, and each one is better than the last. We had to go back before we were born to top the last one, but we're pleased to announce that the streak continues. Eleanor is – ready for it? – our new favorite Mustang. Go, baby, go...

Source: Autoblog