Ram Wonders About A Raptor Competitor

While Ford is introducing an updated 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and ten-speed automatic for the 2017 F-150, the 2018 F-150 is more interesting to us. This is because Ford will be giving their full-size truck a facelift and a diesel engine. Thanks to Car and Driver, we're able to get a closer look via a set of spy shots.
We'll begin with the facelift. Ford has done a decent job with the camouflage, but we can pick out a new grille design that seems to mimic the F-Series super duty. Expect new headlights, along with new taillights and wheel choices.
We have reported previously on the venturi exhaust and a video with the noises of a diesel engine . Now we have more proof of the diesel engine. Thanks to a Ford engineer leaving the hood open, we have gotten our first clear look at the diesel engine. We can't tell much about the engine aside from there being a mess of hoses and wires. You might be asking how we know this is a diesel. Two key items give it away; a diesel fuel inlet behind the fuel filler door and a sign taped inside saying"Diesel Fuel Only!"
Everyone believes the diesel engine in question is a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 that is used in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport TD6 models. This engine produces 254 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque.
Source: Car and Driver

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While Ford is introducing an updated 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and ten-speed automatic for the 2017 F-150, the 2018 F-150 is more interesting to us. This is because Ford will be giving their full-size truck a facelift and a diesel engine. Thanks to Car and Driver, we're able to get a closer look via a set of spy shots.
We'll begin with the facelift. Ford has done a decent job with the camouflage, but we can pick out a new grille design that seems to mimic the F-Series super duty. Expect new headlights, along with new taillights and wheel choices.
We have reported previously on the venturi exhaust and a video with the noises of a diesel engine . Now we have more proof of the diesel engine. Thanks to a Ford engineer leaving the hood open, we have gotten our first clear look at the diesel engine. We can't tell much about the engine aside from there being a mess of hoses and wires. You might be asking how we know this is a diesel. Two key items give it away; a diesel fuel inlet behind the fuel filler door and a sign taped inside saying"Diesel Fuel Only!"
Everyone believes the diesel engine in question is a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 that is used in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport TD6 models. This engine produces 254 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque.
Source: Car and Driver

Ford has finally confirmed that it will be moving small car production in the U.S. to Mexico in the next two to three years. This information isn't new as we knew about it a year ago thanks to a new contract with the UAW. We learned that in 2018, the Ranger would be taking up residence at the Michigan Assembly plant, home currently home to the Focus and C-Max.
Why is Ford moving small car production to Mexico? It comes down to costs. With low gas prices, consumers are buying up crossovers and trucks at a rapid rate. This means small cars are sitting on dealer lots, costing automakers money.
“Every global manufacturer has to determine how it can best create revenue and limit expenses. Small vehicles are the most price-sensitive, so any cost-savings that can be gained offer competitive advantages. Thus moving production to a lower-labor-cost country makes particular economic sense for small cars,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book.
It doesn't hurt that labor costs in Mexico are significantly less than those in the U.S. The Detroit News reports that workers earn the equivalent of $8 to $10 an hour, compared to the $29 an hour top-tier workers in the U.S earn.
“I don’t think it’s all doom and gloom. It’s a reflection of the shrinking market share for compact cars,” said Dave Sullivan, manager of product analysis for research firm AutoPacific.
But you have to wonder if Ford could have handled this better. Especially when Presidental candidate Donald Trump ripped into Ford for this decision, vowing to put a 35 percent tariff on Ford vehicles if elected. 
Source: The Detroit News

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Ford has finally confirmed that it will be moving small car production in the U.S. to Mexico in the next two to three years. This information isn't new as we knew about it a year ago thanks to a new contract with the UAW. We learned that in 2018, the Ranger would be taking up residence at the Michigan Assembly plant, home currently home to the Focus and C-Max.
Why is Ford moving small car production to Mexico? It comes down to costs. With low gas prices, consumers are buying up crossovers and trucks at a rapid rate. This means small cars are sitting on dealer lots, costing automakers money.
“Every global manufacturer has to determine how it can best create revenue and limit expenses. Small vehicles are the most price-sensitive, so any cost-savings that can be gained offer competitive advantages. Thus moving production to a lower-labor-cost country makes particular economic sense for small cars,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book.
It doesn't hurt that labor costs in Mexico are significantly less than those in the U.S. The Detroit News reports that workers earn the equivalent of $8 to $10 an hour, compared to the $29 an hour top-tier workers in the U.S earn.
“I don’t think it’s all doom and gloom. It’s a reflection of the shrinking market share for compact cars,” said Dave Sullivan, manager of product analysis for research firm AutoPacific.
But you have to wonder if Ford could have handled this better. Especially when Presidental candidate Donald Trump ripped into Ford for this decision, vowing to put a 35 percent tariff on Ford vehicles if elected. 
Source: The Detroit News

Ford today took the wraps off the newest addition to the growing Transit Connect family. Called the Transit Connect Wagon, Ford is careful not to call it a minivan. As a reflection of the versatility of the Transit Connect it is built on, the TC Wagon will be available in 2 wheelbases, 5 or 7 passenger seating, and have a choice of either a 2.5 naturally aspirated 4-cylinder or a 1.6T 4-cylinder with Ecoboost. Configured as a short wheelbase version with the Ecoboost engine, the TC Wagon's fuel economy is estimated at over 30mpg.
On the utility side of things, the short wheelbase version has a cargo capacity of 120 cubic feet with the long wheelbase version bumping that number up to 150 cubic feet once the fold flat 2nd and 3rd row seating is lowered. Payload capacity checks in at over 1,200lbs and with a tow rating of 2,000lbs. Ford is quick to point out the TC Wagon's payload rating is higher than the more more fuel hungry Dodge Grand Caravan and Toyota Tacoma Double Cab with towing capability 500lbs more than a 4-cylinder Toyota Highlander.
An option that should be popular around the halls of CheersandGears.com, the TC Wagon will be available with either a liftgate or side-hinged cargo doors.
Ford is marketing the Transit Connect Wagon as a mini-van alternative in a compact car package. Ford has lacked an entry in the mini-van market in the US since the Ford Freestar went out of production in 2007. The 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon marks a return to that market... just don't call it a mini-van until the Ford guy turns his back.
Gallery:
Ford Press release on page 2
Ford Introduces New Seven-Passenger People Mover with a Difference: Transit Connect Wagon First to Exceed 30 MPG
Ford brings the compact Transit Connect Wagon to market, a vehicle so unique it is a revolution in seven-passenger transportation Transit Connect Wagon expected to deliver at least 5 mpg better fuel economy on the highway and 2 mpg better in the city than a seven-seat Toyota Sienna minivan, and more cargo space and passenger seating than Mazda5, yet hauls a heavier payload than a Toyota Tacoma Double Cab pickup or Dodge Grand Caravan Anticipating up to 30 mpg-plus on the highway with EcoBoost® power, Transit Connect Wagon offers a choice of two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, two wheelbase lengths and three series models – XL, XLT and range-topping Titanium Transit Connect Wagon takes adaptability to a new level with the convenience of sliding side doors, fold-flat second- and third-row seating, a 1,200-pound-plus payload, and choice of a rear liftgate or symmetrical, side-hinged cargo doors DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 13, 2012 – Ford, the most fuel-efficient full-line manufacturer, introduces the first seven-passenger people mover expected to break the 30 mpg-plus highway barrier with the all-new Transit Connect Wagon, which drives like a car, has the flexibility of a utility and can haul the payload of a full-size pickup.
“Transit Connect Wagon gives young families and people on the go the fun-to-drive and efficient vehicle they’ve been looking for,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas. “It’s an all-new, smaller seven-seater that has better mileage than larger vans and creates a segment of its own. Customers also will love the unique combination of style, adaptability and affordability this wagon brings.”
Transit Connect Wagon is offered in two wheelbase lengths, in five- and seven-passenger configurations, and in XL, XLT and Titanium series levels. No other wagon in the market today offers the convenience of fold-flat seating, at least a 1,200-pound payload and more than 100 cubic feet of cargo space.
When properly equipped, this versatile wagon is approved to tow up to 2,000 pounds, 500 pounds more than a four-cylinder Toyota Highlander SUV.
Have it your way
Transit Connect Wagon offers customers a choice between two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines – a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost® that is estimated to deliver 30 mpg-plus on the highway. This powertrain makes Transit Connect Wagon the gas mileage leader among seven-passenger vehicles.
Both engines come mated to a convenient six-speed automatic transmission, geared for around-town responsiveness and low-rpm highway cruising.
Transit Connect Wagon is available in a wide variety of configurations and series levels, offering unexpected features in a high-value package with low operating costs.
This stylish, contemporary design is offered in two wheelbase lengths, a choice of five- or seven-passenger seating arrangements, and offers meaningful options like a full-glass panoramic roof, rear view camera, 6.5-inch touch screen display with navigation, and SYNC® with MyFord Touch® – Ford’s highly acclaimed voice-activated communications and entertainment system.
Transit Connect Wagon’s global design includes premium cues throughout such as available full body-color exterior accents with jewel-like chrome trim and high-gloss interior trim pieces. A range of seating surfaces, from luxurious leather, comfortable cloth and heavy-duty vinyl, is available to suit the specific needs of a wide variety of potential customers.
Commercial-strength DNA in a family versatility vehicle
Transit Connect Wagon’s work-hard/play-hard nature is reflected in cargo-carrying capacity and room for up to seven comfortably seated passengers, wrapped in a high-strength body engineered to rigorous global commercial vehicle durability standards.
The all-new Transit Connect Wagon builds on the foundation of reliability and durability established by the current Transit Connect compact van. Introduced in North America in 2009, Transit Connect has become the must-have vehicle for small business proprietors, thanks to its unmatched combination of payload and cargo capacities, adaptability, fuel efficiency, maneuverability and overall ease of driving.
Transit Connect was recognized as an innovative “white space” vehicle – literally carving out a new category in the market – by the automotive industry press corps when it was named North American Truck of the Year in January 2010 at the North American International Auto Show.
Now selling at a pace of 35,000 units per year, Transit Connect has become a favorite of small businesses, corporate fleets, taxi operators and a few individualistic owners who find its combination of a car-like ride and the cargo capacity of a van just right for their personal use.
“The all-new Transit Connect Wagon will expand the personal-use audience for this versatile nameplate by offering up to seven-passenger capacity across three rows of seating in a fully trimmed interior,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford vice president of Global Engineering, Global Product Development. “It has an extensive selection of comfort, convenience and connectivity options, and a full complement of safety features – making it a modern, family-friendly alternative to oversized minivans.”
All Transit Connect Wagon models feature first-row frontal, pelvis and side airbags, with first-, second- and third-row side curtain airbags in long-wheelbase models. Short-wheelbase versions get first- and second-row side curtain airbags.
Ford’s award-winning MyKey® programmable ignition key enables restricting maximum vehicle speed and audio system volume, bringing additional peace of mind to both parents and fleet administrators alike.
Transit Connect Wagon even offers a child observation mirror so parents can keep track of children safely belted in second- and third-row seats.
Infinite adaptability
Inside, the Transit Connect Wagon package is a rolling showcase for adaptability in hauling both people and cargo.
From its 60/40 three-passenger second-row bench seat through fold-flat second- and third-row seating with third-row independent fore-and-aft sliding capability, Transit Connect Wagon quickly adapts to accommodate multiple combinations of people and cargo.
Also available is an electric windshield defroster, making short work of icy windshields in wintry conditions and when parking Transit Connect Wagon on the street.
The versatile Transit Connect Wagon offers far better fuel efficiency than traditional minivans, compact-car-like maneuverability and handling, combined with unprecedented payload and cargo capabilities.
Look for Transit Connect Wagon to appear in North American Ford dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2013. Consumers can get more information and learn more about the Transit Connect Wagon at http://ford.com/transitconnectwagon.

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