Ford
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When the Ford Ranger returns to the US market in a few weeks, the EPA window sticker will be a primary strong selling point. The EPA estimates for the Ranger have been announced and it beats any other gasoline powered pickup on the market. The two-wheel drive Ranger will have a 21mpg city / 26 highway / 23 combined rating. That combined rating ties the combined rating of the diesel-powered Chevy Colorado. The 4wd model gets a 20 city / 24 highway / 22 combined rating of which the city and combined rating are the highest in the class. The Ranger starts around $25,395 and offers only one engine, a 2.3 liter 4-cylinder, that will tow and haul more than the V6 offerings fr…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 5, 2013 When an automaker introduces a new version of an iconic vehicle, there is a sense of trepidation from the fan base of whether or not the new version will live up to expectations or not. Case in point is the Ford Mustang. Rumors have been swirling for the past for years about what was in store for the next-generation model and many worried that Ford would miss the point of what made the Mustang special. Well Ford introduced the 2015 Mustang this morning and we have to say Ford kept what made the Mustang special in this new model. The 2015 Mustang's design is a mix of other Ford vehicles and previous Musta…
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Off-Road.com has obtained a product timeline that reveals Ford's launches for the upcoming year and the big news is that a new F-150 appears to be around the corner. The timeline reveals that the next-generation Ford Explorer will be launched first, most likely at Detroit. We have reported that the new model would be using a new modular rear-wheel drive platform. Next up is the new F-150. We don't know what Ford has in store aside from a hybrid powertrain. But considering both General Motors and Ram introducing redesigned trucks this year, we're expecting Ford to fight back hard. Last, but not least is the Bronco. Off-Road speculates this model will appear in 20…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 11, 2013 The Ford F-150 is a very important model for the blue oval since it's the top seller and one of the key ways Ford makes a profit. With a new model on the horizon, it has been rumored that Ford would be utilizing aluminum in it as way to improve fuel economy and give the F-150 a unique edge. But that decision seems to be causing more problems. The Truth About Cars has learned from a number of sources that Ford has rejected aluminum from Alcoa and other Tier 2 suppliers since it didn't meet internal forming requirements for the “tooling tryout” phase of pre-production. Because of this, Ford has pushed bac…
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Ford will soon be joining General Motors in reporting sales every quarter. Automotive News is reporting that Ford will transition to a quarterly call and release of sales numbers beginning in April. The company will still be proving monthly sales numbers to various data agencies. "We feel it's kind of transitioning to more of an industry standard. We think the intense focus on month-to-month numbers is just not how we want to run the business. We believe quarterly will provide great transparency," said Mark LaNeve, Ford's vice president of U.S. marketing, sales and service during a call with analysts and the media. Various analysts have cautioned that moving to …
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There's a new police vehicle that you'll need to be on the lookout for as Ford revealed the 2020 Police Interceptor Utility yesterday. Before we get any further, this is our best look at the all-new Explorer, which we'll see next Wednesday. It appears that Ford is keeping the basic profile of the current Explorer, but has made some minor changes such as new grille shape and lower roofline. The Interceptor has some additional exterior treatments such as a push bar and searchlights. For the interior, Ford has fitted heavy-duty cloth upholstery to the front seats, along with anti-stab plates mounted in the backsides. The base engine will be an all-new 3.3L V6 hybrid …
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In recent months, rumors have been flying as to Ford CEO Alan Mulally stepping down to become the new CEO for Microsoft. The rumors and questions to Ford about Mulally's future got so bad that the board called a special meeting late last year to press Mulally about his decision. Well Mulally has broken his silence. According to an interview with the Associated Press, he revealed that he would be staying put at Ford through 2014. Mulally did not confirm whether or not he had conversations with Microsoft though. Source: Associated Press via The Detroit News William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or yo…
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The hints about it have been flying for months, but the day for the 2020 Ford Explorer reveal is finally here. Tonight at an event at Ford Field, Ford will take the wraps off the most important vehicle in their lineup not named F-150. The new Ford Explorer will ride on an all-new rear-wheel-drive platform first seen in November with the Lincoln Aviator at the Los Angeles Auto Show. We've already seen some hints of the new Explorer with the new Ford Police Interceptor along with some spy shot. Ford is not going to mess with success here, already one of the best selling full-size crossovers on the market, the 2020 Explorer will maintain a very familiar shape in spit…
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Rumors are once again flying on the Ford Fiesta RS. Auto Express has learned from sources that Ford has a Fiesta RS in the product plans and is trying to work on a business case for one. The proposed Fiesta RS will use a hopped-up version of the turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder that will increase horsepower from 179 to 230. There will also be a number of modifications such as new suspension bits, larger brakes, and limited-slip diff. Outside will feature a wild body kit and a set of new wheels to differentiate the RS from the ST. Now if Ford can make a business case, AE says the Fiesta RS could come out by 2015. Source: Auto Express William Maley is a staff writer for …
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This morning in Europe, Ford announced a broad restructuring plan for its European unit that will include job cuts and the possibility of closing down plants. This is part of the automaker's global restructuring plan Ford has been struggling to make a profit in Europe for some time - losing close to a billion dollars in the last five years. “Ford of Europe has never really been sustainably profitable,” said Steve Armstrong, group vice president and president of Ford Europe, Middle East and Africa. “As we look to the future of the business globally, (CEO) Jim Hackett and (CFO) Bob Shanks have been very clear: We can only afford to allocate capital to places whe…
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There was a number of people who were disappointed at the news that Ford wouldn't be bringing over the Ranger Raptor to the U.S. When you take into consideration that the current-generation model has been sold around the world since 2011, Ford decided it was too late in the lifecycle of the model to design a Raptor variant to meet various regulations. But there is the chance of the next-generation Ranger Raptor coming to the U.S. Road & Track has done some sleuthing into social media profiles for various Ford engineers and has uncovered some interesting information. The current Ranger has an internal project code of P375 and is expected to stick around for a few …
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Even though Ford has just announced the new F-150 back in January, the automaker is already working on improvements that will be coming down the line. The Truth About Cars reports that Ford is working on a 3.0L V6 diesel engine, codenamed “Lion”. The new engine is in response to Ram's diesel engine for the 1500. Ford was reportedly working on a diesel engine for the F-150 in the mid-2000s, but it was canned due to financial meltdown. This new engine is expected to arrive in 2018. TTAC has also found out that the new 2.7L EcoBoost will produce somewhere in the range of 290 to 300 horsepower. Torque numbers are still a mystery. That's not all Ford has up its sleeve. TTAC…
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Ford isn't shy about making its ambitious plans on electrifying their lineup known to the world. But the automaker had decided to raise the stakes with plans to build an all-electric F-150. “We’re going to be electrifying the F-Series — battery electric and hybrid,” said Jim Farley, Ford president of global markets at the Deutsche Bank Global Automotive Conference. Car and Driver was able to get a Ford spokesperson to confirm Farley's comment. Farley didn't provide any details or a possible timeline as to when the F-150 EV will debut. Car and Driver is speculating that we could see this model with the next-generation F-150, possibly expected to appear somet…
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The era of the full-size, body-on-frame SUV is slowly coming to end, with many automakers transitioning towards crossovers. However, there are still those who still want full-size SUVs and automakers like Ford are ready to fill that need. Case in point is the 2015 Expedition which will debut tomorrow at the 2014 DFW Auto Show in Dallas. Following in the footsteps of the 2015 Lincoln Navigator which debuted back in January, the Expedition trades in the 5.4L V8 for the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. Ford doesn't list any power or fuel economy numbers, saying they'll be released sometime later. A six-speed automatic is the sole transmission choice. Other mechanical changes includ…
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Ford released details on the Ford Explorer Hybrid at the Detroit Auto Show this week, but a Plug-in Hybrid wasn't mentioned. Curiously, at the Ford stand, the sign next to the hybrid version of the Explorer mentioned it as a Plug-In. One of the engineers standing nearby told me this was a misprint, but that is a pretty serious misprint to make and then actually put on the show floor. We do know that the Explorer platform is capable of being a plug-in hybrid as its stable mate over at Lincoln, the Lincoln Aviator is getting a plug-in hybrid in its GT form. Is it likely that Ford is holding back on announcing the Ford Explorer Plug-In Hybrid just so that the Li…
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Usually the rule with vehicles is that the older they get, the heavier and bigger they become. The Ford Taurus mostly follows this rule. Outside the car is big and heavy, while the interior isn't. It can be best described as a rolling sensory deprivation tank. However a new report from Edmunds says the next-generation Taurus plans to rectify that. A source tells Edmunds that Ford plans a major weight-loss plan for the Taurus. It begins with a modified Fusion platform that will be extended and widened for the Taurus. "The problem with today's Taurus is that it is overweight and even the high performance SHO is not really competitive. With all the power from the (365-hor…
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The elephant in the room with diesel hot hatches is the Volkswagen GTD, but another automaker wants to give it a run for its money. Auto Express reports that Ford is planning a Focus ST with a diesel heart. Mark Fields, Ford’s chief operating officer made the announcement at a dinner during the Geneva Motor Show. The Focus ST Diesel will utilize a 2.0L four-cylinder diesel with 182 horsepower. The engine can hit 60 MPH in eight seconds or so. The diesel model will feature the same suspension and steering tune as the standard ST. No word on a release date, but the model will be for Europe only. Source: Auto Express William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears…
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That rumor about Ford introducing a smaller truck below the Ranger from last summer? It seems we have gotten some confirmation on that. Jim Farley, Ford's president of global markets confirmed the plans during the Deutsche Bank Global Auto Industry Conference in Detroit - the same place where he dropped the F-150 electric bombshell. Ford is "investing in more affordable versions of our truck business" and that "you can expect new nameplates below where we compete today," Farley said at the conference. No timeframe was given. Interestingly, a Ford spokesman said “we’ll have more details to share about new nameplates in the future.” Usually, they go with the boile…
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The end of an era appears to be coming very soon. A new report from Bloomberg says Ford CEO Alan Mulally will step down and that Mark Fields, the current Chief Operating Officer will take his place sometime this year. Two sources tell Bloomberg that the move could be announced as early as May 1st. The departure of Mulally closes a chapter in Ford's history where he helped bring the company back from the brink of death and made the company very profitable. At the end of 2013, Ford reported a pretax earnings in North America to a record $8.78 billion. The departure also brings some much needed clarity to Ford's leadership structure. “We take succession planning very seri…
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The Ford Ranger is beginning to hit dealers, but it has already been hit with a recall. Ford announced today that 3,500 Rangers in North America (3,000 in the U.S. and 500 in Canada) have an issue with the PRNDL bezel wiring, The problem deals with the wiring interfering with the shifter interlock override, preventing the transmission from locking when put into park. This means you can shift it out of park when the vehicle is off and without a foot on the brake. Ford says that it is unaware of any accidents or injuries arising from this issue. The trucks involved were built between June 4, 2018 and Jan. 9, 2019. Dealers will investigate whether or not the truc…
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Its now official. This morning, Ford announced that current CEO Alan Mulally will step down on July 1st and that Mark Fields, Ford's Chief Operating Officer will take his place. Originally Mulally planned to stay as CEO through the end of 2014, but changed his mind after he decided the new leadership team would be ready for the challenge. “From the first day we discussed Ford’s transformation eight years ago, Alan and I agreed that developing the next generation of leaders and ensuring an orderly CEO succession were among our highest priorities. Mark has transformed several of our operations around the world into much stronger businesses during his 25 years at Ford. Now,…
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The folks over at Hagerty found something interesting on the NHTSA website the other day, a VIN decoder ring that shows a second 2.3 liter 4-cylinder turbo with a horsepower rating of TBD. Ford dropped the V6 in the base Mustang after 2018 deciding the Turbo-4 was enough, but crosstown rival Chevy kept their V6 going alongside their 275 horsepower 2.0T. While Ford's 2.3T beats the Chevy Turbo in power, it comes up short against Chevy's V6. With this finding, it looks like Ford is going try to rectify the deficit. Given that a similar 2.3T is good for 350 hp in the Focus RS, Ford should be able to easily surpass the 335 horsepower the Camaro V6 produces. A statem…
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The Ford Raptor is a model beloved by many for its ability to drive really quick over the rough stuff. But with the next-generation F-150 switching to aluminum, it seemed the Raptor wouldn't comeback for a repeat performance. But new spy shots that appeared on Autoblog show that the Raptor may be coming back. The spy shots show off a F-150 with Raptor parts on the front and rear, while the center is the upcoming 2015 model. Also, our eyes see some beefy A-arm suspension pieces along with the tall ride height. We're not sure what is powering this mule, whether it's a V8 or one of Ford's EcoBoost engines. Source: Autoblog William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers &…
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When Ford decided to pull the plug in the U.S. on all of its cars except the Mustang, it meant that the U.S. will miss out on a lot of the goodness that European markets get from the Blue Oval. Today, more evidence of that was released in the form the the updated Ford Focus ST. The 2019 Focus ST gains a 2.3-liter turbo 4-cylinder, replacing the 2.0T previously offered. This motor is the same basic unit found in the Focus RS and Mustang. The motor bumps power up to 276 HP and 310 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 24 hp and 40 lb-ft of torque over the previous car. Running from 0-62 mph (100 kph) takes under 6 seconds. Diesel buyers can opt for a 2.0T diesel Focus …
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Not even a full year has passed since Ford lowered the fuel economy estimates on a number of vehicles, but they are doing it again. This afternoon, the company announced that it will be lowering the fuel economy ratings on a number of its 2013 and 2014 model year vehicles due to an error in the company's internal testing. The error comes from what is known as the Total Road Load Horsepower (TRLHP). The automaker explains TRLHP is used as a measure of resistance in dyno testing for fuel economy ratings. TRLHP is different for each vehicle. Ford says that the TLRHP used on the affected vehicles was incorrect. There was also problems in how the wind tunnel testing was facto…
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Ford is launching an investigation into its own emissions and fuel economy certification process according to a statement released by the company. The issue was brought to light back in September when a number of employees reported concerns through Ford's internal Speak Up channel. The concern surrounds Road Load, a vehicle-specific resistance level used in dynamometer testing. Too much or too little resistance will alter the results of the emissions and fuel economy. Road load is determined through engineering estimates that are then validated on the track. Ford is evaluating changes to the road load determination process. The company is quick to point out th…
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It seems to be real. The 'it' we are referring to is the Ford Focus RS, which has been long rumored, but now appears to be real. A set of spy shots were released today showing a camouflaged Focus ST that is believed to be an RS mule. Clues that lead to this assumption begin up front with the heavily camouflaged front end that appears to have a larger front grille, possibly hinting at a larger engine. Rumors have a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300-plus horsepower. Along the side are a unique tire and wheel package: Nineteen-inch wheels wrapped in super-sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The front also appears to have large brakes, which are rumored to be from Br…
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Over 8 Million Ford Taurus cars have been built over the years as U.S. Taurus production came to a close yesterday in Chicago. The Taurus was first introduced at the 1985 Los Angeles Auto Show. The original Taurus changed the design landscape for family cars in the U.S. from a traditional boxy shape to a very rounded aerodynamic one. Offered in sedan and wagon variants, the popular model became the best selling car in America by 1992. In 1989, the SHO was introduced, a 220 horsepower V6 engine provided by Yamaha. There was a two-year pause from 2006 to 2008 when the model was called the Ford Five Hundred. While the Taurus is ending in the U.S. an unrelated Tauru…
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Today at Ford's headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, the automaker revealed the 2015 Edge. The model which we saw in concept form at last year's LA Auto Show will be sold globally for the first time. The production version of the Edge fits into Ford's global design language. The front is very reminiscent of Ford's SUVs and crossovers with the large grille and distinctively-styled headlights. Around back is a taillight treatment that combines the Fusion and Lincoln MKC. Size-wise, the 2015 Edge is about one-inch longer, and rides on a wheelbase that is four-inches longer. Moving inside, the Edge features the same dash layout as the Explorer. That includes the digital gauge…
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Ford released their new 2020 Ford Transit yesterday at the Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. While it has been updated alll over, the biggest changes are mechanical. The biggest news is around the new all-wheel drive system. Ford designed the Transit's AWD to not raise the load floor or seat height, making the AWD model as easy as the RWD model for entry, exit, and loading. The AWD system can send 100% of the torque to the front wheels when needed in low traction situations. All-wheel drive will only be available on gasoline engine equipped Transits. Under the short hood is a choice of an all-new gasoline V6 which replaces the 3.7 liter, an all new 2.0 liter bi…
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Ford has refreshed the Focus Hatchback and Sedan for the 2015 model year, and now it's the ST's turn. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Ford has pulled the cover back on the 2015 Focus ST. Like the standard model, the Focus ST gets a revised front end with blacked-out headlights and a tweaked lower fascia. The back sees slimmed taillights and a revised bumper. A set of eighteen-inch wheels and two new colors round out the exterior changes. Inside, the Focus ST gets a revised center stack that features actual buttons for the MyFordTouch system, along with a flat-bottom steering wheel. The option list sees the addition of a backup camera, eight-way adjustable driver's sea…
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In the latest round of Trade War rhetoric is a question that has ended up in the courts, when is a passenger van really a cargo van and does this tariff engineering really justify getting around the 25% chicken tax? In response to President Donald Trump's tariff war, automakers are find interesting ways to play the grey area of the legal system. According to BNN Bloomberg and Bloomberg news, trade attorneys are closely watching the Ford Motor Co. legal case play out in federal court. This case deals with the importation of passenger vans that are then stripped down once they clear customs and sold as cargo vans. The difference here is that Ford pays 2.5% import duty …
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Ford's operations in Europe books a 351€ billion loss for 2018 in contrast to a 324€ billion profit the year prior. Already in the midst of a major restructuring, Ford has now announced job cuts in Germany and the UK. Ford employs roughly 24,000 people in Germany with expectations to lower that by 5,000 to 19,000 total. Most of the cuts are expected to come from voluntary redundancies and early retirement. Ford aims to make the cuts "in the most socially responsible way possible." In addition to the German job loses, another 1,150 employees will lose their positions in the UK. Ford has already shuttered an assembly plant in France and cut its vehicle li…
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Has it really been seven months since Ford unveiled the 2015 F-150 at the Detroit Auto Show? Yes it has. Since that time, the blue oval has been keeping its lips shut on the power and towing numbers for the F-150. Well today, Ford has decided to reveal some of those numbers. We'll begin with the new base engine, the 3.5L V6. Not be confused with the 3.5 EcoBoost, the new 3.5 V6 makes 283 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the outgoing 3.7 V6, the 3.5 is down 19 horsepower and 23 pound-feet. That shouldn't be as noticeable you might think as the new F-150 is about 700 pounds lighter than the current model. Towing and payload numbers for the 3.5 4x2 model…
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Ford is adding 550 workers to their Kentucky plant that builds the Navigator and Expedition in order to meet surging retail demand for the big SUVs. Retail sales were up 35% which has netted Ford a 5.6% gain in market-share for the Expedition. The Navigator is doing even better with a 70% increase in sales. Ford has already increased line speed and split some jobs to multiple people in an attempt to increase production. Vehicle production will be increased after the July shutdown. Along with the increase in production, Ford will be starting an advertising campaign focusing on the size and spaciousness of the Expedition. Ford increasing job and produc…
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Earlier this month, the FBI searched Ford Motor Company's world headquarters after starting an investigation into a former employee who is accused of industrial espionage. The Detroit News got their hands on the court records and search warrants which show on July 11th, the FBI had permission to search the entire building and seize digital and electronic recording devices, emails, and and other records involving Sharon Leech, a former Ford engineer who is at the center of this investigation. Leech, an engineer who worked at Ford for seventeen years, was fired recently after Ford's security team discovered recording devices planted in the automaker’s meeting rooms. Ford's…
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Ford will exit Russia's passenger car market and focus solely on the light commercial vehicle market says a report from Bloomberg. Alligned with those moves, Ford will cease production in the country at two vehicle assembly plants. Those plants will close by the end of June 2019. Ford produces the Focus, Mondeo, Fiesta, and Ecosport in Russia. These cuts will cause significant job losses for Russia. This move comes after Ford announced as many as 6,000 job cuts in Germany and the UK and cut jobs at a transmission factory in France. Honda, Nissan, and BMW have all recently announced cuts or closures in European operations. Related: View f…
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Ford dealers are beginning to take orders for the 2015 F-150 this week and some pricing information has come out. The 2015 model will start at $26,615 with destination for the base XL, only $395 more than the current model. The F-150 XL will come equipped with a 3.5L V6 making 283 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. Optional will be the 2.7 EcoBoost V6 with 325 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque for only $495, and the 3.5 EcoBoost which costs $1,995. Next up is the F-150 XLT which now starts at $31,925, up $395 from the previous XLT. Then there is the Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum F-150 models. Those models begin at $39,730 for the Lariat, $49,690 for the Ki…
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Ford is getting ready to introduce a new Escape for the 2020 model year on April 2nd. The compact crossover is one of Ford's best sellers, moving as many as 308,296 units in 2017. The growth trend has stalled though and sales dipped to around 272k units last year. The current generation went on sale in 2013 and was facelifted for 2017, but since then, new editions of the Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equiniox, updated Jeep Cherokee, and Toyota RAV-4 have hit the market. Ford offered a teaser video via twitter today that gives some hints as to what to expect from the 2020 Escape. The 2020 VIN decoder shows that the current 2.5 liter 4-cylinder will not be…
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There are times when a spy photographer gets more than they bargained for. Most of the time, it involves an engineer chasing them away from their test mule. But sometimes, they catch something spectacular. Case in point are new shots of the next-generation F-Series Super Duty catching on fire while undergoing hot-weather testing in Death Valley. Before we go any further, it needs to be stated that no one was injured in this fire. The two engineers who were driving the truck were able to get out and find their way to safety. Judging from the pictures, it appears the fire started in the driver-side front wheel well and then spread. The spy photographer who caught the pict…
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Ford unveiled the completely redesigned 2020 Ford Escape today ahead of its official showing at the New York Auto Show in two weeks. Some of the biggest news about the Escape comes under the hood where 4 new powertrains debut. The standard engine will be a 1.5 liter Ecoboost 3-cylinder that can run as a 2 cylinder during light load situations. The engine is projected to produce 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque when fueled with premium gas. This is the first Ford engine with cylinder deactivation. The engine will be standard issue on S, SE, and SEL level trims. When properly equipped, the 1.5T will tow up to 2,000 lbs. For those wanting more power, the …
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Ford revealed during a debut event for its European electrified models that the as-yet-unnamed Mustang inspired electrified crossover will have a range of 370 miles when it arrives in 2020, but those are using the WTLP cycle, and the EPA range rating could be lower. Ford has previously stated they were targeting a range of 300 miles, so a good guess for the EPA range would be somewhere between those two numbers. Ford has recently trademarked the name "Mach-E" and "Mustang Mach-E". Could this be a name for this new EV crossover? Time will tell. Earlier in 2019, Ford stated that all future vehicle will have an electrified version, something borne out by yesterdays u…
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A new report from Reuters says the Ford is working on a dedicated hybrid model that will take on the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt. Two sources tell the news service that the new model, codenamed C240, will use Ford's new C2 platform. This new platform will also underpin the next-generation Focus and Escape. C240 will also be more efficient than the blue oval's current hybrids thanks to improved battery technology and and the use of lightweight materials such as aluminum. The new model is expected to go into production in 2018, with global sales starting a year after. Source: Reuters William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at willia…
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According to a report in Automobile Magazine, the Ford Mustang could move to the CD6 platform that underpins the 2020 Ford Explorer, but the soonest that would happen is 2026. The CD6 platform also underpins the Lincoln Aviator and will be used in the next generation Ford Edge. One of the side effects of moving to the new platform is that the Mustang would become much larger and heavier than the current S550 platform car, possibly up to the length of the Dodge Challenger. Currently, the Mustang is 188.3 inches long and rides on a 107.1 inch wheelbase, while the Challenger clocks in nearly 10 inches longer at 197.9 inches with a 116.2 inch wheelbase. The widths of t…
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Honoring the original Baja Bronco from 1969, Ford is proud to offer a 21st century factory Bronco Stroppe Edition, ready to take on the Baja 1000 right off the showroom floor. To quote Jason Hyde, Bronco brand manager: “That capability was at the core of our development process for the new Bronco Stroppe Special Edition, including Fox Internal Bypass Dampers designed for performance and improved control during high-speed desert running, a standard EcoBoost 2.7-liter V6 engine, and Baja G.O.A.T. Mode.” The Bronco Stroppe Special Edition is available exclusively as a two-door model and has the following punch list of standard Baja 1000 wor…
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Automotive News got their hands on a letter that was sent to Ford dealers revealed some of the deliver dates for the upcoming 2015 F-150. The letter written by Ford's distribution planning manager Kevin Giacomini and allocation and commodity manager John Bradley said that the 3,000 dealers in the U.S. will be getting stock towards the end of the year. But if you have special ordered a F-150 or are ordering for a fleet, those trucks will not be heading to dealers till February of 2015. “We understand the desire to get the customer units as quickly as possible, but do not want to compromise our commitment to quality for the sake of a few additional weeks of delivery,” the …
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Back in January, during the Detroit Auto Show, we found a sign that Ford was preparing a plug-in hybrid Ford Explorer even though it hadn't been officially announced. A few days ago, Ford did officially unveil it as a Europe only model. The Ford Explorer Plug-in looks to be using the same running gear as the Lincoln Aviator GT, a 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6 plus electric motor that produces around 444 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque running through its specialized 10-speed transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. It is able to run for about 25 miles in EV-only mode. Under the cargo floor is a 13.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, slightly smaller th…
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The past few years have seen a number of rumors about the next-generation Ford Focus RS and if it will come to the U.S. or not. A new report from Road & Track says the Focus RS is coming, with a big change for the U.S. According to a source, Ford is planning to send a limited number of the next Focus RS to the U.S. The next RS will come equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder. The source says power figures are still be determined, but Road & Track speculates that the RS could be packing 310 to 350 horsepower. As for what wheels all of that power will go to, another source says that it will utilize a new all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring to improve …
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Ford reported first quarter operating earnings of $801m, up $160m over the same quarter last year. The company says that it expects this quarter to be the strongest quarter of the year due to seasonal factors and major product launches later this year. However, the company says it still expects to finish 2019 better than 2018. Outside of North America, Ford is still losing money, but those losses are shrinking. Ford recently announced a restructuring plan for Europe that included over 6,000 layoffs. Also in the earnings report, Ford revealed that the company is subject to a criminal investigation by the Justice Department due to its emissions certifications.…
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Ford said that it would be cutting a shift from its Essex Engine Plant in Ontario starting in October. Ford says the move will "better align with consumer demand". The likely cause? Ford F-150 buyers are shifting more of their purchases away from the 5.0 liter V8. F-150 buyers have a choice of 5 engines when selecting a truck, the 2.7-liter Ecoboost, the 3.3-liter V6, the 3.5-liter Ecoboost, and now a 3.0-liter PowerStroke Diesel, all in addition to the 5.0-liter V8, and the customer mix appears to be skewing towards the smaller displacement engines. The cut in shifts will not result in job cuts as those workers will be transitioned to another engine plant to …
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2016 marks a very important anniversary for Ford. That year marks the 50th anniversary of the blue oval's first of four consecutive wins at Le Mans. To mark this anniversary, Motor Trend and Road & Track report that Ford is working on a successor to GT that will not only be on the race track, but on the road as well. Sources tell Motor Trend that Ford has a skunkworks team working on mid-engine supercar. The powertrain is unknown at this time, but speculation is resting on either a highly tuned version of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 or a uprated version of the 5.0L Coyote V8. Motor Trend goes on to say that Ford could announce or even show this model at the Detroit Auto Sho…
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The Truth About Cars has learned that Ford is working on a new rear-drive vehicle, but it isn't a sedan. Sources tell TTAC that it happens to be crossover that Ford and Lincoln will get. Ford's version will wear the Explorer name, while Lincoln's version is currently un-named. So why a crossover and not sedan? The Truth About Cars says that the full-size market is shrinking, due to the popularity of crossovers. Also, the next Ford Taurus is reportedly canned for the U.S., thus making the case for a rear-drive sedan is out of the question for the moment. Adding more fuel to this fire is police car sales. Year-to-date, the Police Interceptor Utility are 52 percent while t…
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Ford confirmed today that the all-new 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 will boast a 5.2 liter supercharged V8 producing 760 horsepower and 625 lb.-ft of torque making it the most power-dense and torque-dense production supercharged production engine in the world. It is also the most powerful street legal Ford ever built. The engine is a hand built aluminum V8 that features a lower center of gravity by inverting the intercooler into the valley of the engine. The oil pan is structural and has active baffles to keep oil in the right place during hard maneuvering. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a 7-Speed TREMEC dual-clutch transmission that can change gears…
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The Good News: The Truth About Cars is reporting that the Ford Focus RS will be coming to our shores by 2016. The new RS will use the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder and feature all-wheel drive. Expect pricing to be above the $30,000 mark. The Bad News: Ford will likely be importing the RS from Europe. Sources tell TTAC that the Michigan Assembly Plant where the North American Focus is built can't fit the RS into its production line. So that means the RS destined for America will be coming from Europe, and in limited numbers as well. Source: The Truth About Cars William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or…
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The Ford Puma sold in Europe was once a little coupe based on the Ford Fiesta. Since coupe sales are dangerously close to zero, when Ford decided to reincarnate the name, it instead brought it back as a crossover coupe version of the Ford EcoSport. The new Puma will be powered by a 1.0 liter, 125 horsepower engine with 48-volt mild hybrid setup or a more powerful 155 horsepower system horsepower running through the front wheels. Diesel options will come later. Under the rear floor is a storage area with a drain plug that Ford calls a Megabox, something probably more appropriate for an F-150. It will come with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Speed…
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Ford of Europe announced Thursday that the company would be laying off around 12,000 employees as part of a global restructuring. This is on top of the layoffs Ford previously announced earlier this year. Ford says it will reduce the number of plants in the region to 18 and reorganize its business into three divisions; Commercial, Passenger, and Imports such as the Ford Mustang. Most of the positions in Europe will be eliminated via voluntary separation programs and should be completed by the end of 2020. Of the jobs lost, 2,000 will be salary and another 5,000 will be white color positions. Ford is struggling to make its European operations profitable agains…
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Ford is planning a dramatic change to their European lineup. Autocar reported yesterday that the automaker will be replacing the Mondeo (Fusion to us), Galaxy, and S-Max with a new "single crossover-style estate model" - think Subaru Outback. Not many details are known about this new model. It is expected to use Ford's C2 platform which underpins the new Fiesta and Focus. A range of gas and diesel engines will be available, along with 48V mild-hybrid system. The new wagon is expected to arrive in early 2021 in Europe. Autocar notes that this model is expected to be sold in other markets such as North America. While this model is quite different from three it wil…
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Ford revealed a new 7 Seat off-road SUV called the Everest in Bejing; Sorry U.S. driver, you can't have one. The Everest will only be sold in Asia Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South African markets. The Everest is a body-on-frame SUV and is available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive arrangements. It sports the latest in off-road technology with active 4WD, active transfer case with torque on demand, a terrain management system, and class-leading ground clearances. While those are great features to have while traversing the outback, coil springs all around aim to provide a comfortable ride when on-road. Under the bonnet, customers will have their choice from…
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Elon Musk has been pretty vocal about the coming Tesla Pickup, making claims that it will be better than an F-150 and be able to tow 300,000 lbs. So far, however, Tesla's pickup truck is vaporware that can't even be seen yet. Ford meanwhile, has been working hard on an EV version of their F-150, and unlike the Tesla truck, it can be seen. Rather than talk smack, Ford made its actions louder than words. They linked up 10 double-decker rail cars filled with 42 2019 F-150s weighing in at more than one million pounds, that's more than 1000 ft of train and trucks, and then tied that to the back of the F-150 EV prototype. And the all electric F-150 did the pull twice.…
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Ford has finally spilled the beans on fuel economy for the 2015 F-150 engine lineup for two-wheel and four-wheel drive variations. The fuel-economy numbers do put Ford in a good place for most half-ton gasoline competitors. But the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel still rules the roost in overall fuel economy with 20 City/28 Highway/23 Combined. Still Ford has an argument that the F-150 is the better value. "Equipped with 2.7-liter EcoBoost, the all-new F-150 is a better value than even diesel-powered pickups. For instance, the $495 option on the Ford is significantly less than the $4,470 3.0-liter Ram EcoDiesel option. In addition, with diesel prices currently 76 cents per gallon mo…
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In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Ford is accused of falsifying fuel economy numbers in the Ford F-150 and Ford Ranger. The suit is seeking class-action status and aims to collect $1.2 Billion in damages. The law firm, Hagens Berman, says that consumers are spending up to $2,000 more in fuel over the lifetime of the truck due to misleading EPA numbers. Back in February of this year, Ford launched an investigation into its own EPA emissions and fuel economy certification process after an anonymous tip line at Ford received concerns that there were issues with the test. The concern surrounds Road Load, a vehicle-specific r…
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Ford's second quarter 2019 income fell 86 percent to just $148 million. The result is largely due to one-time charges related to its restructuring of operations globally. Excluding the one-time items, Ford's income before interest and taxes fell just 2% to $1.65 billion. Global revenue was flat year over year at $38.9 billion. The charges are primary caused by plant closures in Europe and South America. Ford has said it would cut 12,000 jobs in Europe by the end of 2020. Ford's sales in the US have fallen 7 percent, including a large decline in Ford Explorer sales as the company moves the nameplate to a new rear wheel drive platform. Ford CEO Jim Hackett said tha…
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Ford is bringing the performance goods to the Detroit Auto Show. Car and Driver, and Road & Track have published separate reports on what the blue oval has planned. Refreshed Fiesta ST: Car and Driver reports that some aesthetic changes are in store. No word on any changes to the drivetrain or suspension. Focus RS: Sources tell Car and Driver that maddest Focus will make its debut at Detroit. This will come equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder and possibly all-wheel drive. Road & Track says the RS is more likely to debut in Geneva. Shelby GT350R: Car and Driver, and Road & Track both report that Ford will debut a track-ready version of the new She…
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Ford is acknowledging the trouble prone Ford Powershift transmission and is extending the warranties on them. The 6-speed transmission is a dual clutch setup meant to increase fuel economy in Ford's smallest cars. While a solid idea on paper, customers reported a number of problems with them including slippage, hesitations while accelerating, jerkiness through the gears, difficulty downshifting, and premature wear on the clutch packs. The extended warranty will cover 2014 - 2016 model year Ford Focus, and 2014 - 2015 model year Ford Fiesta and will increase the warranty coverage of the clutch from five years/60,000 miles to seven years/100,000 miles. Ford will al…
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Before the Detroit Auto Show, Ford has made some big announcements concering their performance cars. First was the announcement of a new performance division named Ford Performance. The division will unify Ford SVT, Team RS, and Ford Racing to create performance vehicles, parts, accessories and experiences for customers. Leading this new group will be Mustang chief engineer Dave Pericak. "Ford remains committed to innovation through performance. Our new global Ford Performance team ties together racing, performance vehicles and parts. It will allow us to more quickly introduce products and accessories that meet the needs of customers around the world on-road and on the t…
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The Ford Explorer hybrid got its EPA ratings finally. They're an improvement over the base 2.3 liter 4-cylinder delivering 27 city, 29 highway, 28 combined for the most efficient RWD model. That is an improvement of 6 mpg for city and 4 mpg combined. The AWD model comes in a bit lower at 23 city, 26 highway, and 25 combined. Unlike the Lincoln Aviator GT, the Ford Explorer Hybrid is not a plug-in model. Powered by a 3.3 liter V6 plus the electrified drive train, the Explorer hybrid has a lot more power than the 4-cylinder with 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. It comes with the same 10-speed automatic that all Explorers come with. Compared to the 2.3 liter tur…
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Ever since Ford introduced MyFord Touch on the 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, the infotainment system has received a deluge of complaints ranging from the system lagging, unresponsiveness, and tiny touch points. But a replacement is coming. Ford announced yesterday their next generation of infotainment systems, called Sync 3. The system s simpler to use, more intuitive, and faster than previous versions. “We considered all the modern smartphones and mobile operating systems and created something familiar but unique. Simplicity has value. Reducing the number of things on-screen also makes control easier and is designed to limit the number of times a driver has to glance…
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Moody's Investor Service has downgraded Ford to junk status rating of Ba1, one step below investment grade. They say that Ford's cash flow and profit margins are below expectations and are expected to remain weak for the next two years. Outside of the financial sector, Ford is one of the top 15 issuers of corporate bonds. The primary cause for concern is a cash crunch brought on by a lengthy restructuring plan that includes closing factories and laying off thousands of workers. Investors are not impressed with CEO Jim Hackett's plans to ditch sedans and revive an aging lineup of SUVs and trucks. All new versions of the Ford Explorer and Ford Escape debuted this yea…
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Ford's decision to use aluminum on the F-150 has paid off in big dividends in terms of weight, fuel economy, and performance. Now you would think that Ford would use aluminum in other vehicles. Not so fast says Ford's president of the Americas Joe Hinrichs. At the Automotive News World Congress, Hinrichs says that aluminum will stick with the trucks. “One of the big benefits you get from light-weighting ... you can tow more and haul more. You don’t get those same benefits to a customer on the car side. Truck buyers will pay for more capability, car buyers will pay for better fuel economy, but there’s other ways to get fuel economy in a car without the need to provide mor…
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Ford is recalling 338,332 Ford Explorers across North America for an improperly formed seat frame edge. The recall covers certain 2017 model year Explorers. The seat frame edge is sharp and could cause injury if driver or passenger reaches between the center console and the seat. Ford is aware of 31 reports of hand injuries related to this recall. Dealers will install a flocked tape and a tab on the inside edge of the power seat frame. View full article
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One of the vehicles we were expecting to see at the Detroit Auto Show but didn't show was the Focus RS. Well it appears Ford has something special for that. The company has released a teaser video showing a camouflaged Focus RS doing a bit of sliding around in wet and dry conditions. The video also has a date, February 3rd. This is when Ford will reveal the Focus RS to everyone. Those hoping for Ford to release any technical details will be disappointed to hear that no information was released. Source: Ford View full article
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The 2020 Ford Explorer and 2020 Lincoln Aviator are likely the most important vehicles in Ford's lineup after the F-150. These new SUVs mark a turn for Ford in styling and technology. The problem is, early reports indicate that there is trouble brewing in Chicago, the plant where they are built. The two SUVs are just now arriving at dealerships, but have already been the subject of recalls for seats, missing manual park release covers, and other issues. The issues have become so bad that Ford is trucking them from Chicago to their Flat Rock Assembly for further examination. Dealers around the country have been notified of delays on their shipments due to unspecifi…
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There could be a hotter Ford Fiesta in the wings. Autocar spoke with Tyrone Johnson, manager of Ford Performance (group that brings together RS and SVT). Johnson revealed that work was being done on a higher-performance Fiesta that would use the current chassis and will likely go on sale within the next couple of years. “There’s more to come from the current Fiesta,” said Johnson. Now Johnson didn't say if this new model would wear a ST or an RS badge. Autocar also asked Johnson about producing something akin to the Focus RS for the Fiesta. “If there’s a business case and if it’s technically feasible.” When pressed if a case could be made, he said “Theoretically, ye…
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The 2020 F-Series Super Duty has been updated to take on the most difficult challenges. For 2020 it gets a new available PowerStroke V8 diesel displacing 6.8 liters and producing 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb.-ft of torque. The diesel enables the SuperDuty to tow up to 37,000 lbs on a goodneck trailer, 32,500 lbs. using a 5th wheel trailer, conventional towing of 24,200 lbs., and a payload capacity 7,850 lbs. Power is delivered by an all-new 10-speed automatic. The SuperDuty keeps customers connected with a FordPass Connect embedded 4G LTE modem with Wi-Fi access for up to 10 devices to keep crews in communication no matter where the job might take them. Modern touche…
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It has been long rumored, but it has been finally confirmed. Today, Ford revealed the 2016 Focus RS - the third Focus iteration to wear the famed RS name. As has been rumored, the third-generation Focus RS uses the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder found under the Mustang to produce 'well in excess of 315 horsepower'. For the Focus RS, the 2.3 has been given a number of changes such as a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger, larger compressor and intercooler; less-restrictive intake, large-bore dual-pipe exhaust with an electronically controlled valve, and upgraded internal components. A six-speed manual and new all-wheel drive system with a pair of electronically control…
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When the Ford Mustang inspired EV SUV goes on sale sometime next year, one challenge it will have to overcome, no matter how good it looks, is charging anxiety by potential customers. Ford is offering an antidote, a way to take away to charging anxiety. Ford is developing FordPass Charging Network, an easy way to pay as you drive to charge. The network includes more than 12,000 locations with over 35,000 plugs. The FordPass Charging Network is also in collaboration with Electrify America to provide DC Fast Charging. On a 150-kW charger, drivers can add 47 miles of range in just 10 minutes, and fully charge their battery in the time it takes to have a sit down meal…
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Another piece in the Ford GT puzzle has been found. Yesterday at the Toronto Auto Show, Ford announced that Multimatic Motorsports - a longstanding partner in Ford's racing programs based in Ontario - will be building the GT. Why Multimatic? Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president of the Americas said Multimatic has a lot of experience with carbon fiber. This is important considering the GT's passenger cell is made out of carbon fiber. Going with Multimatic has also added anticipation that Ford will be returning to Le Mans to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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Ford will be showing their Mustang inspired EV SUV on November 17th ahead of the LA Auto Show. We still don't have a name for the upcoming vehicle, but Ford has recently trademarked the name "Mach-E" and "Mustang Mach-E". Could this be a name for this new EV crossover? Time will tell. What you can see from the sketch is that it will have Mustang-like tail lights and headlights, plus a swept back, coupe-like roof line and a long hood. We do know an approximate range per charge of 370 miles on the WTLP cycle, which is slightly more optimistic than the EPA cycle. Ford also recently announced the creation of the FordPass Charging network, a way to take the worry out o…
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The Ford Flex is loved by automotive writers, their owners, and Consumer Reports which recommends the model. But with all of this good news, you would think the Flex would be a big seller. Not at all. Ford Flex Sales in December 2014 totaled 1,786 units, a 24.9 percent decrease when compared to December 2013 and well behind Ford's other three-row crossover, the Explorer. Automotive News says that the average Flex sales totaled around eight models. Pair this with no hint of a next-generation Flex anywhere, it seems the model will be heading into the sunset. Possibly not. Automotive News says there are two key reasons for why the Flex is still around. Ford makes a nice p…
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Two weeks ago we told you about Chevrolet throwing money on the hood of the Camaro for Mustang drivers. Now it is Ford's turn, but with fewer restrictions. For one, you don't need to be a current owner of a Camaro in order to qualify. Every Mustang starts with $1,000 increase in it rebate. A base model Ecoboost coupe goes from $1,500 back to $2,500 back. If the car has been in stock more than 61 days, it also qualifies for an additional $750 rebate. Better deals are to be had if you move up a bit. The Ecoboost Premium coupe can be had for $4,250 off if it has been on the lot more than 2 months. If you want more power or an open roof, GTs and convertibles are going …
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Since we first set our eyes on the Ford GT, we knew that it was going to be an expensive proposition for a lucky few. Now we have an idea of how expensive the new supercar will be. Speaking at the European introduction of the Ford GT, Raj Nair, Ford's Global Product Development chief said the model would “price wise, we’ll be facing off against cars like the Aventador.” That puts a possible pricetag for the GT around $400,000. As for how many GTs we'll see coming off the production line, Ford says that around 250 models will be built for 'several year'. Now with 250 models being built per year and costing $400,000, you have to wonder how Ford can justify it. “Because t…
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Ford is finishing up production of the Ford Flex at its Oakville Assembly plant in Ontario. Production is set to finish at the end of November. The Lincoln MKT which is also built on the line has already ceased production earlier this month. In cutting these two vehicles, Ford will also lay off about 450 out of 4,100 hourly workers at the plant. The cuts come as Ford changes to an all-utility and truck brand. The Flex was first introduced for the 2008 model year as a bold and retro alternative to a wagon or traditional SUV, combining some elements of both. Ford is scheduled to begin negotiations with Unifor, the largest private sector union in Canada, somet…
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The Ford F-150 had an impressive showing in the start of the this year with the F-Series lineup up 17 percent. But as reported in February sales numbers, the F-Series dropped 1.2 percent and the Ford brand itself dropped 1.7 percent year-over-year. So what happened? Blame it on the F-150 supply. The Detroit Free Press reports that the F-150 is currently only being made at the Dearborn Truck Plant. The other plant - Kansas City - which will also build the F-150, has finished up retooling and is now working on pre-production models to help train employees. But the Detroit Free Press notes with the change over at both plants, it has lost Ford 90,000 F-150 models not rolling…
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Ford announced this week that it will be cutting a shift at its Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, MI - where the Focus and C-Max are built - due to slumping sales. Ford says the cut will affect a total of 700 workers - 673 hourly workers and 27 salaried employees. "Ford will be working to redeploy affected hourly employees and they will be considered first for southeast Michigan opportunities as they become available," Ford said in statement to The Detroit News. Salaried employees will be moved to other Ford facilities. Sales of the Ford Focus dropped 14.5 percent last month, despite a refreshed model and a price cut on the electric model. The C-Max was hit worse with …
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Starting in 2020, Ford will be launching Sync 4 in most updated and redesigned vehicles. One of the key features of the new infotainment operating system is the ability to get updates over the air via a cellular network. The over-the-air update ability makes updating the system as easy as a cell phone. In Sync 3, the system was able to be updated via a wifi network or USB drive, and that is how Ford rolled out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto when they were finally made available for Sync 3. Ford says this change could eliminate some trips to the dealership if the computer needs to be reflashed to updated as part of a recall. The system has the ability to update sof…
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While the full production of the Shelby Mustang GT350 and GT350R kicks off next year, Ford announced that it will be doing a limited run of 2015 GT350 and GT350R models for the 2015 model year. Ford will build 100 GT350s with 50 of them being equipped with the Technology package - MagnaRide magnetic dampers, SYNC 3 with navigation, and dual-zone climate control -, while the other 50 will come with the Track package - MagnaRide magnetic dampers, additional cooling for the engine, transmission, and differential; and a front strut-tower brace. Meanwhile, Ford will only build 37 GT350Rs for 2015. Why 37? This is pay homage to Carroll Shelby who planned on building 35 GT350s…
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Ford and the United Auto Workers (UAW) have reached a tentative labor contract deal in just days after the strike at General Motors ended. The details of the deal have not yet been released, but Ford did confirm the deal in a short statement. The talks began on Monday and the two sides quickly made progress on the smaller issues. Various UAW leaders from the U.S. plants will meet on Friday to approve the deal which then must be sent to Ford's 55,000 union members for ratification. Ford has a closer relationship with the UAW than the other Detroit manufacturers with Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford calling the UAW "Family" and that the UAW "helps to make Ford …
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Car and Driver got their hands on new spy shots showing off an updated Ford Escape that is likely be introduced next year. The Escape looks to getting a new front end that is similar to Edge with a much larger grille and slimmer headlights. The back looks to be also getting some major changes, though Ford has it so well camouflaged we can't tell you much. Car and Driver goes onto say that the Escape will get the Sync3 infotainment system, and no major changes are expected for the powertrain. Source: Car and Driver View full article
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Ford teamed up with Webasto to build a new Ford Mustang EV concept car for the SEMA auto show in Las Vegas. The car is a showcase for what is possible with electrification and emerging technologies in that field. The show car comes with more than 1,000 lb.-ft of torque and 900 horsepower routed through a 6-speed manual transmission. The car has been lowered an inch and sits on 20-inch staggered forged wheels. Under the hood is a dual-core electric motor with dual power inverters. Power comes from an 800-volt Webasto battery system that can discharge a mega-watt of electrical energy. At 800 volts, the Mustang Lithium runs at twice the voltage that most electric cars…
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Ford has unveiled the Bronco R race prototype at the SEMA auto show today. This prototype strongly hints at the direction the new Bronco will go in terms of appearance and shape. Bronco won at Baja in 1969, so for the 50 year anniversary, the prototype will go back to the Baja Peninsula later this month to take a near 1,000 mile off-road course to challenge the powertrain and architecture. The Bronco R is built on a modified version of the production body-on-frame platform. Watch for more Bronco news in the coming months. View full article
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Ford has announced the name of their upcoming Mustang inspired electric crossover. It will be called the Mustang Mach E. The official debut happens on November 17th, after which reservations for the car will be opened for customers wishing to make a deposit. Deposits are $500 to hold your place in line and later, customization of the vehicle will open closer to delivery time. We've seen from previews of the Mustang Mach E that it will be a rather swoopy crossover with a coupe like roofline. Current rumors put the estimated range at around 370 miles on the WTLP cycle, but EPA cycle will likely be lower. Ford also recently announced the creation of the FordPass Cha…
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Following in the footsteps of Tesla and Toyota, Ford announced last Friday that it would open up its portfolio of electric and hybrid vehicle patents to competitors to help accelerate the development of these vehicles. Now unlike Tesla and Toyota's programs, Ford is charging a licensing fee. “Innovation is our goal. The way to provide the best technology is through constant development and progress. By sharing our research with other companies, we will accelerate the growth of electrified vehicle technology and deliver even better products to customers,” said Kevin Layden, director of Ford electrification programs. Ford says they have filed 650 electric vehicle pa…
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Leaks of privileged information happen. In this case, Ford pushed these images and pages to their consumer website in a way which was easy for the folks at MachEForum to find. Here are the basics, the best of each spec, the 2021 Ford Mach-E will have up to 300 miles of driving range, run 0-60 in mid-three second range, and have optional all-wheel drive. You're going to prioritize those specs though because you won't be able to get them all in the same car. All models of Mach-E will be able to recharge 47 miles in 10 minute of DC fast charging in a 150-kw charger The base model is called Select and starts at $43,895. It is powered by a 255 horsepower, 306…
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The rumors seemed to be right on the money as Ford announced this morning that it would make a return to Le Mans next year with the GT supercar competing in the LM GTE class. This is one way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ford’s historic 1966 overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, the GT will not only compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The blue oval announced a racing program that will compete in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and TUDOR United SportsCar Championship with a two-team, four-car effort. Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates will be handling the program. Drivers for the effort will be announced at a later time. Ford say…
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After a lengthy strike at General Motors that cost the company $2.9 billion, the UAW has agreed to a contract with Ford that looks remarkably similar to the one they got with General Motors. Ford workers ratified the deal on Friday with 56.3 percent voting yes to the new four year agreement. The agreement says that Ford will invest more than $6 billion in its U.S. plants and add or retain 8,500 UAW jobs. The UAW used the GM contract as a template for negotiations with Ford. Like the GM contract, there are no changes in healthcare coverage, there is a pathway to full-time employment for temporary workers, pay raises, and lump-sum payments spread over 4 years. T…
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After 2018, the Ford Focus and C-Max will not be calling the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, MI home. Automotive News reports that Ford will end production of the two models at the plant in 2018 as a sign the company sees slow demand for small vehicles to continue in the future. The company didn't say what vehicles would take their place or where the Focus and C-Max will be built in the future. "We currently are reviewing several possible options for the Focus and C-Max and will share details once our studies are complete,” said Kristina Adamski, Ford spokeswoman in an email. The news comes on the heels of the layoffs at the plant where the third shift and 700 j…
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The big thing in pickup trucks at the moment is luxury models. Chevrolet has the Silverado High Country while the Denali has been part of GMC for quite awhile. Ram has quite the variety of luxury pickups with the Laramie Longhorn and Limited. Ford also has a range of luxury trucks from the Lariat to the Platinum. But the blue oval decided that wasn't enough and has introduced the 2016 F-150 Limited. Ford bills the F-150 Limited as the "the most advanced, luxurious F-150 ever." Ford has thrown everything and the kitchen sink in terms of standard equipment. All Limited models get heated and cooled Mojave leather front seats with "multicontour massaging," fiddleback euca…
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Rumor has it that Ford is working on a V8 powered version of their Ranger Raptor currently sold in overseas markets. Only available in other parts of the world, the current Ranger Raptor is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel that produces 210 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque, but a report in Wheels magazine says that Ford Australia is working with an external engineering company to swap the 2.0 diesel for a 5.0-liter V8 from the Mustang GT. The odd thing about this is that the Ranger Raptor 5.0 would be still built with the 2.0-liter diesel under the hood and then later converted to V8 gasoline power. Expect power to be about the same as it makes in the Aus…
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The future of the Ford Taurus is uncertain. The once revolutionary sedan in the 80's, was brought back by Ford CEO Alan Mulally for the 2008 model year to replace the Five Hundred full-size sedan has seen its sales slump. Automotive News reports that full-size sedans like the Taurus have seen their sales tank. Through July, full-size sedan sales are down 28 percent. But the Taurus is one of the worst off. The blue oval has sold 29,867 Taurus sedans through July. That puts it on track to 2009, which was the worst year for Taurus sales with 45,617 models sold. Not helping matters is the Ford Fusion, which not only offers more passenger space than the Taurus, it also…
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Previous Page Next Page You might not be able to tell that the 2021 Ford F-150 is all new. The shape, basic dimensions, and ladder-frame chassis are the same as the outgoing F-150. But you need to look a bit deeper to find the changes and new features that the blue oval hopes keeps their truck on top. PowerBoost? PowerBoost. What PowerStroke is for diesels, PowerBoost is Ford's brand name for the new hybrid system available on the F-150. The system is comprised of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 35kW (47 hp) electric motor mounted in the transmission, and a 1.5-kwh lithium-ion battery pack. No details were given on power output or fu…
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