Ford
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The Ford Focus RS is a serious hot hatch with a high-output version of the 2.3L EcoBoost and an all-wheel drive system featuring a 'drift mode'. But there is a serious issue that could make the RS not so hot. During the past year, numerous RS owners have been reporting of a plume of white smoke coming out of the tailpipe, a tell-tale sign of burning coolant and possibly a head-gasket failure. A Ford spokesman confirmed to Autocar this issue and said that it is affecting models from 2016 to 2017, and with mileage as low as 6,000 miles. The Ford spokesman said the company is “working on a repair for all customers,” hinting that a fix could be rolled out to models …
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When Ford announced the new 3.0L Power Stroke V6 diesel for the 2018 F-150, the company said the engine should return 30 mpg on the highway. Today, the official EPA numbers for the Power Stroke V6 have come out and it will return 22 City/30 Highway/25 Combined. But there is a catch to this. As The Car Connection notes, this is for the two-wheel drive variant. The four-wheel drive variant is more thirsty with EPA figures of 20/25/22. Still, the 3.0L Power Stoke V6 beats the 3.0L EcoDiesel found in the current Ram 1500 - 20/27/23 for 2WD and 19/27/22 for 4WD. “Even a few years ago, customers wouldn’t have imagined an EPA-estimated rating of 30 mpg highway would be p…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 25, 2013 Reuters is reporting that when the next F-150 is launched, Ford will build the current F-150 alongside it for six months. Sources say the move allows Ford to keep up with the growing demand for trucks and give them a safegard if any problems arise with the new model. "In order to ramp up, you have to retool...and that means you have to take capacity offline. To do that, at a period of time when demand is so strong, makes it a bit challenging," said IHS Automotive analyst Mike Jackson. Now building the new and old model concurrently isn't new at all. When GM began building the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and G…
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"SUVs are the top-selling segment in the U.S. That is why we are introducing five new SUVs in the U.S. by 2020," for the Ford brand, said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president of U.S. marketing, sales and service in a statement this week. We already know three of the five models: EcoSport in 2018, the electric compact crossover in 2019, and the Bronco in 2020. But what about the other two? Reuters has learned from supplier sources that the models in question will be based on Ford's next-generation Focus and Fiesta. Meanwhile, Lincoln will be getting an additional model to their crossover/utility lineup. Sources say it will be a midsize model sharing the underpinning…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 9, 2012 The updated Ford Fiesta has been caught once again while doing some testing and it gives us our best look at what to expect. The front end has a vibe of the upcoming 2013 Ford Fusion, with its Aston Martin-esk fascia and similar styling on the headlights. Around the back is a new lip spoiler on the trunk and the taillights getting the Fusion treatment. The current Fiesta's engine; a 1.6L inline-4 making 120 HP and 112 lb-ft of torque will be replaced with a 1.0L turbocharged inline-3, producing around 125 HP and 147 lb-ft of torque. The new Fiesta is expected to come out at this year's LA Auto Show. Sou…
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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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If you had your heart set on a Ford GT after seeing it at the Detroit Auto Show, then you should rush over to your nearest computer as Ford has opened up the application process for the chance to get their newest supercar. As we first reported back in February, Ford will be conducting an extensive vetting process for possible buyers. Some of the questions that will be asked to possible buyers include how many Ford vehicles have they own and how many miles they plan on driving the GT. This is to help weed out people who will just mothball the vehicle so they can sell it for a large sum of money. Also, if you have bought and kept your Ford GT, you get first dibs. “T…
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Truck manufacturers love to boast how they are the best in terms of power, towing, and payload. Every few months, one of them will announce some changes to put them at the top of the pile. Case in point is Ford. Today, the blue oval announced that the 2018 F-Series Super Duty features a slightly tweaked 6.7L PowerStroke turbodiesel V8 with 450 horsepower and 935 pound-feet of torque - an increase of 10 for both figures. The increase is due to a new cylinder head design, and optimized fuel and turbo boost calibrations. This puts Ford at the top when it comes power figures for heavy-duty trucks. Ford claims this increase gives the Super Duty best-in-class figures fo…
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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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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 10, 2012 Ford has announced today that the new Transit will come with a 3.2L Power Stroke turbodiesel inline-5 to join alongside the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 when it goes on sale later next year. The 3.2L Power Stroke turbodiesel doesn't have any power ratings for the U.S. at the moment, but Ford does say the European version of this engine produces 197 HP and 347 lb-ft of torque - 90% of that torque is will be available between 1,700 and 3,500 rpm. While the 3.2L doesn't hold a candle in power to the recently phased out 6.0L Power Stroke (235 HP and 440 lb-ft of torque), the 3.2L is expected to be much cleaner and effi…
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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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We're sure Ford would like to have kept their 2017 Fusion refresh a secret till next Monday where it debut at the Detroit Auto Show. But two different spy photographers have caught the 2017 Fusion with no camouflage. The front gets a new oval-ish grille shape with a mesh insert and reshaped headlights. There is also a more aggressive air intake in the center of the bumper. Around back is are a set of reshaped taillights. Sadly, we don't have any shots of what the interior will look like, but we expect Ford's SYNC 3 to play a big role. One item that is still up the air is whether or not there will be a performance oriented Fusion ST that we first saw back in Septem…
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It is no secret that Ford is working on new Bronco that will go into production at Ford's Michigan Assembly alongside the Ranger in the coming years. But it seems that Ford's American branch will not be doing a majority of the engineering work. Motoring has learned from sources that Ford's Asia-Pacific Product Development team based in Victoria will be handing the development of the Bronco. This is because the Bronco will be using an updated version of the Ranger's T6 ladder platform - a platform that the Asia-Pacific Product Development team designed and developed. The Bronco is expected to use a shortened version of the T6 platform and share the running gear f…
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As more consumers head over to crossovers and SUVs, automakers find themselves making changes to their lineup. Case in point is Ford which is considering dropping some of their nameplates because of the change in demand. “Over time, there should be some pruning of the portfolio to support growth in other areas. Clearly we’re going to invest in growing the SUV portfolio. We certainly intend to have a strong car base as well; we don’t know where the market’s going to go. But there will be some pruning over time as there should be in a nameplate and portfolio,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of the Americas. Ford's car sales are down 14 percent through November …
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Ford has teased the next-generation Fiesta ST before its official debut later this week. In a video posted to Ford's Instagram, a pre-production model is seen driving through a factory. From what we can see, it looks like the ST will look similar to the standard Fiesta ST-Line shown back in November. We're expecting some other design changes to make the ST stand out from other Fiesta models. No word on the powertrain, though some suspect it will a 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder four-cylinder. Source: Ford Europe's Instagram View full article
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When Ford revealed to everyone the Focus RS back in February, they said the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder would produce 'well in excess of 315 horsepower' for the model. Today, the Blue Oval announced the final power figures for the Focus RS and it happens to be 'well in excess'. When the Focus RS hits dealers later this year, it will pack 350 horsepower and the same for torque. More impressive is the engine is producing 152 horsepower per liter, let that sink in for a moment. Ford was able to produce these figures by using a twin-scroll turbo delivering a peak boost of 23.2 psi, along with a larger intercooler and performance exhaust. Along with the announcement of…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 25, 2012 Ford is going down a different path from other automakers. The company says it will not go after the segment leader, the Toyota Camry with its brand new 2013 Fusion. The plan is to focus on a finding a balance between price and volume. “Between price and volume, we’ll sort out the right mix. I don’t think we’re very enamored with being No. 1 just to be No. 1. We’re much more enamored with getting the right price point and the right kind of people to buy the car,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s global marketing chief. Even though Ford’s decision to balance price with volume is a calculated move, Ford couldn’…
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G. Noble Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 13th, 2012 Without a shadow of doubt, Ford’s Mustang is a red-blooded, all-American icon. Since the 1960s, the stallion-badged pony car has won the acceptance of a large number of enthusiasts and normal buyers alike, its abundant presence dominating paved surfaces ranging from boulevards to drag strips. Love it or hate it, it was the Mustang that gave us other revered models like Chevrolet’s Camaro and Dodge’s Challenger, and inspired the European Ford Capri and Japan’s Toyota Celica. Facts are facts; the automotive world would certainly be a very dull place without it. However, while it has traveled to countries out…
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Ford is looking to make big strides in autonomous vehicles. Last year, CEO Mark Fields said that by 2021, the automaker would have a Level 4 self-driving vehicle (minus the steering wheel and pedals for the gas and brake) for ride sharing services. Then Fields said the Blue Oval would offer self-driving vehicles to consumers by around 2025. However, Ford's vice president of research and advanced engineering has put the brakes on this slightly, saying it might be closer to ten years after that first fleet implementation. “It’s really hard to guess and predict the pace of the technology. Our current view is the adoption rates will be relatively gradual,” said Ken Washi…
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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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The 'One Ford' policy, introduced by former CEO Alan Mulally is partly credited for helping pull the company out of its financial quagmire and making it much leaner. The policy is simple, one model is developed for different markets with minor changes being made. But this policy “has peaked” and changes are in store. Ford's global design chief Moray Callum tells Autocar that Ford isn't abandoning this policy, but new models will be “more tailored to each region”. Take for example the next Focus which is expected to debut within the next two years. Callum said the model would diverge from this policy slightly. "It’s an entry-level model in the US, but not in Euro…
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Lebanon Ford is at again. Back in 2016, we introduced you to this Ohio dealership that was offering a 727 horsepower Mustang GT for $39,995. They have now upped the ante with a 2019 Mustang GT offering 800 horsepower. According to Motor Authority, this particular Mustang GT is known as the LFP Hellion - the second part of the name refers to the Hellion Power Systems turbocharger upgrade fitted to the engine. It is a twin-turbo setup that features dual bypass valves and a high-flow intercooler. Lebanon Ford makes some other upgrades upgraded fuel injectors and revised engine programming. When all is said and done, the LFP Hellion produces 800 horsepower at the crank. …
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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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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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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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Earlier this month, Ford CEO Mark Fields dropped some big bombshells concerning the company. One of those was a hybrid version of the F-150 for 2020. A spy photographer has given us our first look at what Ford has in mind for this. The F-150 mule caught in pictures only has the front covered up. But it appears the truck is a plug-hybrid. This conclusion is due to flaps that aren't hidden so well. One of these likely has the door hiding the socket to plug in the truck. The photographer who took the photos reports the mule had a slightly narrow front track and sounded like it had a four-cylinder under the hood. Motor1 isn't sure about this considering Mark Fields said …
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 26, 2012 This week hasn’t been good for Ford’s factory workers in Europe. The blue oval announced the closure of three plants; two in United Kingdom and one in Belgium. We’ll start with Belgium. On Wednesday, Ford announced the closure of the Genk Assembly Plant in Belgium. The Genk Assembly builds the current Mondeo midsize, and the S-MAX and Galaxy MPVs. The closure will affect about 4,300 jobs when it happens in 2014. "This (closure) wasn't the plan. Initially we had committed to build the next-generation Mondeo and S-Max and Galaxy at this plant, but the contract has a clause for significant decline in marke…
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Ford has been hard at work on the next Explorer for the past couple of years as spy shots will attest. We don't know much aside from the model taking an evolutionary approach in terms of design. But a new report claims Ford will be making some drastic changes. The Truth About Cars has learned from sources that the next Explorer will swap from its front-wheel drive underpinnings to rear-wheel drive. This is possible through Ford's new CD6 modular platform which can reportedly accommodate front, rear, and all-wheel drive products. This platform will also be used for a Lincoln variant, possibly wearing the Aviator nameplate. In terms of powertrains, the 2.3L EcoBoo…
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October 9th, 2013 Drew Dowdell Managing Editor - CheersandGears.com Ford of Europe demonstrated a new safety technology this week at their test facility in Lommel, Belgium. Dubbed "Obstacle Avoidance", the system will swerve around a stopped or slow moving object if it decides the driver hasn't taken evasive action soon enough to avoid a collision. Barb Samardzich, vice president Product Development, Ford of Europe says, “The future for Ford means developing innovative products and technologies – including Fully Assisted Parking Aid and Obstacle Avoidance – that help deliver a safer, more convenient, more desirable, more personalized and greener driving and ownership…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 20, 2013 Mark your calendars Mustang fans. Ford announced yesterday that the new Mustang will be revealed on December 5th, only a couple weeks away. Here is what the company said in a press release, "On December 5th, Ford will take the cover off the all-new Mustang, the sixth generation of the iconic pony car that will celebrate 50 years in production next year. Ford is counting down to the next chapter in the Mustang story by inviting people to share their photographic stories of inspiration using the #MustangInspires hashtag on Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms. The tagged photos and video…
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Rumors have been flying around for few years of a Ford Fiesta RS. The model would sit above the ST and use the same turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder. The difference is the RS would use an uprated turbo. Other changes included a more aggressive body kit and retuned suspension. But Tyrone Johnson, Ford Performance’s chief engineer and head of vehicles says there isn't a Fiesta RS in the pipeline. “In terms of Fiesta RS, I have seen some comments from senior Ford people that it’s definitely not in the plan. Typically we don’t talk about future products but in that particular one there has been some comments that it’s definitely not in the plan,” Johnson said to CarAd…
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G. Noble Editor/Reporter CheersandGears.com March 2, 2012 It’s almost hard to believe the third-generation Ford Super Duty pickup is about to celebrate its third birthday. And in the automotive world, that’s about the time most models have their mid-life crisis and order up a serving of light to heavy plastic surgery. The Super Duty, as Ford revealed late yesterday night with the sole teaser image they released, will be no exception. There aren’t many details you can make out from behind the big ol’ bedsheet Ford thrown over top of the truck to conceal its new look, but if you squint really hard you can tell it’s definitely sporting a different grille than the curren…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 2, 2012 Back in September, we reported that Ford would move Mark Fields, the brand's president of the Americas to the post of Chief Operating Officer. This would place Fields right behind CEO Alan Mulally in the succession plan. This was supposed to take place at a board meeting during the month. This didn't happen at that month's meeting. So it comes as a surprise that almost two months after this news, Ford has come out and announced that starting December 1st, Mark Fields will officially become the new Chief Operating Officer. This news came out yesterday during a surprise conference call with CEO Mulally and…
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A new report from Automotive News says that Ford is planning to end North American production of the Fusion sedan at the end of this decade. According to sources, the automaker has begun to notify suppliers that it will not produce the next-generation Fusion at their Hermosillo, Mexico plant. Suppliers have also been told that Ford will stop producing the Mondeo (Fusion in other markets) at their Valencia, Spain plant. This is further complicated by a report from Reuters saying the company is consolidating production to a plant in China. Ford has since denied this report. “We have no plans to export the next-generation Fusion/Mondeo from China to North America a…
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Ford isn't being too discrete with the upcoming Police Interceptor Utility as these new set of spy shots reveal. It confirms some of the key details we reported on a couple months back such as the evolutionary design, rear-wheel drive proportions, and a tapered roofline. The picture also brings out some new details such as a new front end with a trapezoidal grille, slightly more squared rear end, and new taillights. We still don't know any concrete details on the hybrid system that will be used on the Police Interceptor Utility aside from it returning a combined figure of 24 mpg. Expect the Police Interceptor Utility and its sister model, the Explorer to d…
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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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There's a new Ford F-Series Super Duty coming and it's taking some ideas from the smaller F-150. The big news for the Super Duty is that the body is made out of aluminum, helping drop 350 pounds. The frame is a fully-boxed and consists of more than 95-percent high-strength steel which Ford claims 24 times stiffer than the previous frame. This allows for more towing and hauling capacity. In terms of design, think F-150 that went to the gym every single day. The front end boasts large headlights and grille slats. The cab is similar to the smaller F-150. For the interior, Ford uses the same layout from the current model, but there is a new reconfigurable gauge cl…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 29, 2011 Ford wowed crowds at November's LA Auto Show with their 650 HP Shelby GT500 coupe. Now, Ford could be readying a second act with the Shelby GT500. Topspeed reports Ford could show a Shelby GT500 Convertible at next month's Detroit Auto Show. The convertible will use the 5.8L supercharged V8 found in the coupe producing 650 HP. The convertible will not hit the same 200 MPH top speed as the coupe. We'll see if this pans out. Source: TopSpeed View full article
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 9, 2012 Today, Ford president and CEO Alan Mulally announced that two key executives will step down from their positions in April. The two executives are Derrick Kuzak, Ford's head of global product development and Lewis Booth, executive vice president and chief financial officer. Kuzak has been in his current role since 2006 and is one of the people instrumental in creating "One Ford", the plan to develop cars on single global platforms with only cosmetic changes to account for local tastes. Kuzak is also responsible for the increase in measured quality. Booth a 34-year veteran of Ford, was tapped in 2008 a…
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The Ford Fiesta ST has been a favorite of many as it offers impressive performance that won't drain your bank account. But for some people, they just want the look of the ST. Ford will soon have a model for those folks. CarsDirect got their hands on Ford's ordering guide for 2019 which lists a new trim for the 2019 Fiesta known as ST Line. This model will feature the same aggressive bodywork as seen on the ST - large mesh grille, high-mounted rear spoiler, and dual chrome-tipped exhaust. It will ride on smaller 16-inch wheels (the regular ST has 17-inch wheels). Inside, the ST Line will come equipped with bucket seats with "sport embossed bolsters"; manual A/C, six-s…
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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 is looking to cover a number of bases when it comes to F-150. They have their EcoBoost engines and we know a hybrid is coming in 2020. But there could be a diesel engine as well. New spy shots show a mostly standard F-150 with a camouflaged bed and an interesting exhaust tip. The spy photographer also noticed the distinct sound of a diesel engine, thus leading to the conclusion that Ford is considering a diesel option. But what engine? Your first guess might be the 3.2 PowerStoke five-cylinder diesel engine, but according Left Lane News, it's a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 codenamed Lion. This engine is actually the same one you'll find under the hood of the upcoming …
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With only 500 Ford GTs being built for its production, each one will be considered as a rare and special vehicle. But there will always be those who want something a bit more special. Ford has just the GT for you in the form of the 2018 GT '67 Heritage Edition. Paying homage to the 1967 Le Mans victory by the all-American team of Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt, the '67 Heritage Edition is finished in the same red paint and white stripes, as well as the same no.1 that the winning GT40 wore. Other exterior items to take note of are the exposed carbon fiber package, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, red brake calipers, and silver mirror caps. The interior comes with red accent s…
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Ford held an event today at their Dearborn HQ for automotive media to talk about what they have in store for the next 24 months. Between now and 2020, Ford will have replaced three-quarters of its lineup. According to those who attended the event, Ford is primarily focusing on two areas; utility vehicles and electrification. Here is what you need to know Ford teased the new Bronco by hiding it underneath a mud-stained sheet. It will be boxy like the original model and appear to have a spare tire carrier. Ford also teased a new a small, purpose-built SUV built for off-roading. The unnamed model looks to be quite chunky in its design. Ford describes this model bu…
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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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We were perplexed a few weeks ago when we reported that Ford increased the range of the Focus EV to 100 miles and not to something like 200. At the time, Ford's director of electrification said the range would cover the average commute for the driver. But Automotive News reports that Ford is working on something to directly compete with the Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3. During Ford's first-quarter earnings conference call, CEO Mark Fields said the company wants to be “among the leaders or in a leadership position” when it comes EVs. This was in response to someone asking if Ford was planning to offer a 200 mile electric vehicle. “Clearly that’s something we’re…
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The Ford Fusion will be going away in due course as part of the company's plan to put more focus on utility vehicles and trucks. But that doesn't mean the Fusion name will heading to the trash bin. Bloomberg has learned from sources that Ford is planning to move the Fusion name to a new wagon that will compete with the Subaru Outback. The new model will also use the same mechanical underpinnings as the current Fusion - leading us to believe that it will be some version of the Mondeo wagon sold in Europe. Ford spokesman Mike Levine declined to comment on the new model, but did say the Fusion name would continue "because of its awareness, positive imagery and value wit…
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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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The Ford Focus RS is already a potent vehicle with 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque from a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder. This rockets the RS to 60 mph in less than five seconds. But there are those who want more oomph and Ford has some good news for you. Autoblog reports that Ford Performance is working on an ECU upgrade for the RS. Details such how much power, when it will go on sale, and the pricetag isn't being talked about at this time. But what we do know is that this upgrade will be backed by a Ford warranty. Autoblog speculates the ECU upgrade could be similar to one that Mountune offers for Focus RS in Europe. The upgrade adds 25 more horse…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 29, 2012 Jost Capito, Ford's director of Global Performance Vehicles is leaving according to Car & Driver. The reason as to why Capito is leaving Ford is unknown. “We thank Jost Capito for his contributions on the company’s performance vehicles and motorsports plan. We wish him well as he begins a new chapter in his career,” said a Ford Spokesman in a written statement. Capito during his eleven-year tenure over at Ford oversaw the performance divisions in Europe and the U.S. From 2001 - 2009, Capito was the head Ford's RS division. He oversaw development of first and second generation Focus RS and motorspor…
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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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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com May 7, 2013 Ford's recent product launches have had their fair share problems. From Ford Escapes equipped with the 1.6L EcoBoost that could catch on fire to Lincoln MKZs being delayed on the production line to make sure they were being built to the highest quality they can be. Now Ford is taking a long, hard look at how they do product launches. "We've done a complete analysis on lessons learned in the last couple of years, including the recent MKZ launch, and are now incorporating a number of changes in our development and new-model launch process," said Ford President of the Americas, Joe Hinrichs to Automotive News…
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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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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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The Ford Flex, a boxy crossover will be no more come 2020. This information comes after Ford and Candian union Unifor reached a tentative deal last night. The deal will see Ford make investments totaling $700 million with the majority going towards their two engine plants in Windsor. The remainder will go towards Ford's Oakville assembly plant - home to the Ford Edge and Flex, and Lincoln MKT and MKX production. Speaking with the Windsor Star, Bob Scott, vice-chair of the master bargaining committee for Unifor revealed that the Flex would cease production in 2020. The fate of the sister model MKT is still a mystery. Ford spokesperson Kerri Stoakley declined to commen…
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Previous Page Next Page While popular on the Ford F-150, the FX4 package has been absent from the Ford Expedition option list since 2004. Ford is bringing it back for their all-new 2018 Ford Expedition. While the Expedition FX4 is intended to do the rock crawling like the Ford Raptor, the addition of the FX4 does make Ford's biggest family hauler more off-road capable, something Ford claims over 20 percent of Expedition drivers do. The Expedition FX4 will start with a standard issue Expedition in a 4x4 configuration with a 10-speed automatic and twin-turbo V6 producing 375 HP @ 5000 rpm and 470 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm. On top of t…
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This sounds to good to be true, but a Ford dealer in Ohio is selling 727 horsepower Mustang GT with a Roush Phase 2 Supercharger for $39,995 out the door. How?! Here is what we figured out when doing the math. 2016 Ford Mustang GT: $32,395 (base) Roush Phase 2 Supercharger: $7,549.99 Total: $39,944.99* *Doesn't include labor to install the supercharger Now if we had a possible guess as to the labor cost, we could be looking at a price tag above $40,000. The Drive decided to investigate this to see if this was smoke and mirrors. Speaking with Charlie Watson, the Roush Parts Manager for Lebanon Ford explained this is for real. The reason the dealer is chargi…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 14, 2011 Ford is making the hybrid and electric market a bit more exciting with some recent announcements today with their new Focus Electric, C-Max Hybrid, and C-Max Energi models. Starting with Focus Electric, Ford says it will be "the first all-electric vehicle to achieve a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) fuel efficiency rating." However, the Mitsubishi i EV gets 112 MPGe on the EPA combined cycle, thus beating the Focus Electric? Kind of; the Mitsubishi i EV can only seat four people while the Focus Electric can seat five, thus the Focus Electric can keep it's title. Ford also says the charging t…
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Continuing its role as the come-back king, the Ford brand has surpassed 2 million vehicle sales for 2011, a first for the brand since 2007, making it the best selling automotive brand name in the US. The increase isn't attributable to just one vehicle segment; Ford has increased sales across their entire lineup. Small car sales are up over 20% this year. The Ford Escape has taken the title of America's best selling utility vehicle. The already best selling truck, the Ford F-150, bolstered by its new V6 and V8 engine lineup, has increased sales nearly 10%. Press Release is on page 2 Ford Brand Sales Top 2 Million for 1st Time Since 2007 DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 30, 201…
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Ford dropped a few bombshells this morning at a press conference in Flat Rock, MI. The big one was the American automaker dropping plans to build $1.6 billion assembly plant in Mexico (which was in the early stage of construction). Instead, Ford will invest $700 million into their Flat Rock that will add 700 jobs to the plant. “We look at all factors and in our view, we see a more positive U.S. manufacturing environment under President-elect Trump and the pro-growth policies and proposals that he’s talking about. So this is a vote of confidence for President-elect Trump and some of the policies he may be pursuing,” said Ford CEO Mark Fields during the press conference…
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Since last year, we've been hearing various rumors of Ford cutting a number of passenger cars. In October, Ford CEO Jim Hackett said various cuts were incoming, including ones for the vehicle lineup. This would be part of a $7 billion shift of development funds from passenger cars to SUVs/Trucks. At the time, Ford wouldn't say what vehicles would be cut. During Ford's fourth-quarter and 2017 earnings call, Hackett said details about which models would be cut would finally be revealed later this year. Analysts hoping to get an answer were frustrated by this news. Ford has already ended production of the C-Max Energi late last year and is planning to end productio…
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Just a day after Ford's former North America president, Raj Nair left due to 'inappropriate behavior”, the company has announced his replacement. Kumar Galhotra, the head of Lincoln since 2014 and Ford's chief marketing officer has been named as the new North American president effective March 1st. “Kumar is an incredibly talented executive with a special feel for product and brand. He is also a seasoned leader who knows how to drive a business transformation. Kumar is the right person to lead our North American business to new levels of operational fitness, product and brand excellence, and profitability,” said Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president and president,…
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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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The heavy-duty truck wars continue as Ford has announced the capabilities of the upcoming 2017 F-Series Super Duty and a number of them are class leading. We'll begin with power figures. The F-Series Super Duty is available with either a 6.2L V8 gas engine or a 6.7L PowerStroke V8 diesel. Both engines have best-in-class torque figures. 6.2L V8: 385 horsepower, 430 pound-feet of torque (Beats Ram's 6.4L V8 by one pound-foot) 6.7L PowerStroke V8 Diesel: 440 horsepower and 925 pound-feet of torque (Beats Ram's 6.7L Cummins inline-six by 25 pound-feet) Both engines come equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. As for capability, Ford says the F-450 can…
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2018 will mark the final year of the Focus RS and Ford is planning a proper send-off to their hyper hatchback with the RS Limited Edition. The most significant change for the RS Limited Edtion is a Quaife mechanical-slip differential for the front axle. This will help the car corner better and accelerate with little traction loss. Other changes include the choice of Race Red for the exterior paint, various trim pieces finished in black, and 19-inch painted forged alloy wheels. The RS2 package which features Recaro bucket seats, eight-way power driver's seat, heated seats, and navigation will come standard. “Our new limited-edition Focus RS represents accessible pe…
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There is a small group of people that wish Ford would bring back the F-150 Lightning. Appearing in 1993-1995, and again from 1999 to 2004, the Lightning was a go-fast truck that handled surprisingly well. But since 2004, Ford hasn't brought back the Lighting. Instead, it has focused on the off-road monster that is the Raptor. Enter Pioneer Ford in Bremen, Georgia. The dealership is building their version of the Lightning. Starting with a regular cab, short bed F-150, Pioneer rips out the stock engine and drops in a 5.0L Coyote V8 with a Roush Supercharger. Horsepower is rated at 650. Other changes include a lowered suspension, side exit exhaust, 22-inch wheels that …
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 3, 2013 Someone at Ford and Autoweek Magazine aren't having a very good day as the first shots of the 2015 Mustang have leaked out before the official reveal on Thursday. SVTPerformance.com member Screamin 40th posted images of the December 9th Autoweek that happened to be delivered early and features the 2015 Mustang prominently. The 2015 Mustang's design is an obvious evolution of the current model with elements of the new Fusion on the front end and side profile. The back end features an updated three-bar taillight setup, rear diffuser, and the lack of a faux gas cap. Inside is a deep-dish steering wheel, dua…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 13, 2012 Speaking at the Automotive News World Congress, Ford's global marketing chief Jim Farley said the company is accelerating the One Ford global product development plan by reducing the number of platforms from eleven to nine and moving the date from 2014 to 2013. "It's a decision to accelerate the reduction of complexity. Derrick [Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development] and his team have committed to accelerating the process," Farley said. When asked which platforms would be cut, Farley decline to answer. The revised plan calls for 85% of Ford's global sales volume by 2013 to…
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Ford's latest ST model, the 2019 Edge ST will be arriving at dealers later this summer with a base price of $43,350 (including destination). According to CarsDirect, the ST is $1,585 more expensive than the Edge Sport it replaces. But you're getting more car for the money. To begin, the Edge ST has a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 producing 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The Sport's 2.7L EcoBoost only produced 315 hp and 350 lb-ft. There's also a new eight-speed automatic with rev-matching, retuned suspension, and a more aggressive body kit. An optional Performance Brake Package that brings forth larger brake rotors and red calipers will add $2,695 to the base p…
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Back in March, Ford held an event for journalists which outlined the company's plans for 24 months. One of the vehicles that was teased was a small, purpose-built SUV that would be positioned for "people who love getting away and spending time outdoors with their families and friends.". Some new details about this model has come to light. During an investor conference in New York, Ford's executive vice president of product development and purchasing, Hau Thai-Tang revealed that the new SUV would use the underpinnings of the next-generation Focus. Thai-Tang also said the model will feature “offroad positioning and imagery” and have a premium price. A source tells…
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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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We know that Ford is hard at work on diesel option for the 2017 F-150, along with Hybrid model that is due out in 2020. Now there is a possible third powertrain that Ford is working on. Automobile and AutoGuide got their hands on new spy shots showing off an F-150 mule with the front fenders and hood covered. On the passenger side fender, there appears to be a door for a possible charging port (the video below gives a better view of it). The spy photographer also noted the engine would turn off at various points and the humming noise of an electric motor taking its place. Automobile speculates that along with the electric motor, there is likely the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and …
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 14, 2012 The Ford Focus RS and Mustang. One is a high horsepower FWD hot hatch, the other is a RWD muscle. Not much in common besides coming from the same company. But if a new report from Top Gear is believed, they’re could be more in common with the two. According to Top Gear’s report, engineers working at Ford’s RS team know what they want in the next generation Focus RS; a 320 HP 2.3L turbocharged inline-four engine. There’s one problem though, Ford hasn’t signed off on the project. Ford Global Performance Vehicle chief Jost Capito said back in 2010 on the return of the Focus RS, “depends on a lot of fact…
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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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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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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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The first spy shots of the next-generation Ford Fiesta have made their way onto the internet. The most apparent thing that the photos reveal is that the Fiesta will grow in size. According to Automotive News, the redesign will fix one of the major complaints of the current Fiesta - a cramped interior. It looks like certain elements of current Fiesta, such as the wide grille, will be retained. Sources tell Automotive News that the next Fiesta (along with the 2018 Focus) will drop the Powershift dual-clutch transmission that has proven to be problematic. Expect three and four-cylinder engines to be on offer. The 2018 Ford Fiesta is expected to arrive sometime in the…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 21, 2011 The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has closed their investigation into 29,807 Ford Mustangs equipped with the manual transmission due to complaints alleging a faulty transmission. "There is no indication of loss of motive power or unreasonable safety risk associated with the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. The preliminary evaluation is closed," said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a statement on its Web site. NHTSA looked into 364 reports of shift quality issues and data from Ford to determine what is the issue and whether a recall would be issue…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 9, 2012 Last week, Ford released a teaser picture of their new F-Series Super Duty hiding under a bed sheet. Ford didn't say much except there would be another model added to the lineup and it would be revealed on March 9th. Well its March 9th and the internet didn't pull a surprise reveal during the run up. So, ladies and gentlemen, the new 2013 Ford F-Series Super Duty. So aside from the front grill that seems to grow larger every year, what is the big news? Well it isn't with the powertrains. It happens to be the new model, the Platinum. The Platinum will will offer a slew of new standard features including S…
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When Ford unveiled the updated 2018 F-150 back in January, they had announced new and updated engines. But they only spilled the performance figures on one, a 3.3L V6 producing 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Today, the blue oval reveal performance details on a couple more engines. The 2.7L EcoBoost V6 remains at 325 horsepower, but torque is up 25 pound-feet to 400. Part of the increase comes from the 2.7 getting port injection. The 5.0L V8 sees increases of 10 horsepower and 13 pound-feet for power figures of 395 and 400 respectively. It gets port injection and spray-in bore liners that is used in the Mustang GT350. Both engines will come paired with a…
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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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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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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 20, 2013 Sometimes, you get very lucky when taking spy shots. Case in point, new spy shots came out today revealing the face of the upcoming 2015 Mustang. The shots show the new Mustang sharing almost the same figure as the Ford Evos concept. The front has an athletic stance and features such touches as slimmer headlights and a hexagonal grille. The 2015 Mustang is expected to debut next year Source: Automobile Magazine William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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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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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 26, 2012 Today, Ford posted a twenty-six second video on their Explorer Facebook page. The video seems to be teasing a high-performance variant of the Explorer. The video shows a mesh grille, an exhaust that growls, and what looks like body-color wheels. We're guessing a EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 with 350 or so horsepower will lie under the hood. The good news is we won't have to wait long to see what Ford is teasing us. Ford says the CUV will be officially unveiled on the Ford Explorer Facebook page on March 28. We'll be watching. View full article
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Police departments now have another choice for a pursuit rated vehicle. Today, Ford unveiled the F-150 Police Responder which is the first pickup truck to be pursuit rated. If you're wondering what it means to be 'pursuit rated', it basically means the vehicle can travel at high speeds without overheating the engine, reduced braking performance, and other mechanical issues. The Police Responder is equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This comes paired with a 10-speed automatic and a part-time four-wheel-drive system. Top speed is rated at 100 mph. The FX4 off-road package comes standard for the F-150 Police Responder …
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 12, 2013 The next Ford F-150 has been caught playing around in the rain this week. Judging from the amount of camouflage on this mule, we're guessing Ford has decided on a final design. The overall shape seems similar to the Atlas concept shown at this year's Detroit Auto Show. We can tell the three-bar grille will remain and there is a set of distinctive headlights. Other than that, what we know about the F-150 can be filed under speculation. We hear that the next F-150 could be using more aluminum, have a hybrid powertrain thanks to partnership with Toyota, and a number of other rumors. Source: Motor Trend Will…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 19, 2013 With the recent news of Ford shuttering its Australian operations, the question arose of what would happen with the Ford Performance Vehicle (FPV) division. That division which was founded in 2002 has created some of the fastest Ford vehicles down in Australia. Well it seems that FPV will be closing up shop. A source at Ford tells Drive.com.au that FPV will be shuttered when the final iteration of the Falcon is launched next year. No word on how many jobs will be lost. In 2012 when Ford got full ownership of FPV, the company removed 32 jobs and move the rest into Ford Australia's internal operations. "We a…
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The negotiations with the Detroit three seem to be coming to an end as Ford and the UAW announced this afternoon they have reached a tentative contract agreement. “Working with our UAW partners, we have reached a tentative agreement for the next four years for our employees and our business. The agreement, if ratified, will help lead the Ford Motor Company, our employees and our communities into the future,” said John Fleming, Ford executive vice president of global manufacturing and labor affairs. Details of new contract are under wraps as the national council will need to approve. The council will meet next Monday to discuss and give their say on it. According …
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With 250 Ford GTs up for grabs at the end of this year, Ford is going to make sure they go those buyers who have the passion and will drive them. The Detroit News reports that when Ford launches their site to apply to purchase the GT, there will be an extensive vetting process. To start, buyers will need to sign a document stating they will own the vehicle for a certain time - this to prevent an owner to quickly flip their GT for a nice profit. Then comes the application process which will take a bit of time and include questions such as how many Ford models they have owned, how active they are on social media, and how much they plan to drive it. “There’s a loyal …
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 20, 2012 “Please don’t write me off yet. I mean, I love it here.” Those words were uttered by Ford CEO Alan Mulally to reporters this week at the launch of the new Fusion. “My plan is to continue to serve as the CEO of Ford. I’m really clarifying that now. If I had any plans to do anything differently, I’d share it with everybody,” Mulally said. Mulally comments come a week after news surfaced that Mark Fields would become Ford's new COO, which led to speculation that Ford was setting up a succession plan for Mulally. Source: Bloomberg Businessweek William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He …
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 4, 2012 With stiffer Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards on their way, Ford is looking at whether to add aluminum body panels on the next generation F-150. According to Ward's Auto, two sources say the company will utlize aluminum body panels, including doors and fenders on the next generation F-150. This comes as a surprise since steel has been the standard for trucks for decades. But this move coincides with a statement made by Ford's Group Vice President of Global Product Development, Derrick Kuzak. Kuzak said the company has a goal by 2019 to drop 700 lbs for each model. Source: Ward's Auto View…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 7, 2012 At first glance, you might be wondering why pictures of a 2013 Mustang are considered spy shots. It's only when you notice the rear bumper has been trimmed and the bulging fuel cap, you see that this Mustang is hiding something. According to Motor Trend, that something is the 2015 Mustang. The trimmed rear might indicate a different powertrain or underbody structure. The bulging fuel cap most likely foretells a change to the vehicle’s hard points. And the big surprise lies underneath this Mustang. It appears the next-generation Mustang could be dropping the solid rear-axle and going towards independent r…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 22, 2012 Ford is using next month's Geneva Motor Show to show off a passenger van concept. Called the Tourneo Custom concept, this previews the next generation Transit van. Before we go any further, we would like to point out this isn't the Transit we're getting in North America. The Tourneo Custom concept is previewing the next generation of front-wheel-drive, passenger-friendly Transit for Europe and other world markets. The version for North America will based off of the heavy-duty, rear-wheel-drive Transit that's set to debut later this year. Now with that cleared up, lets get back to the Tourneo. The To…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 26, 2012 It only seemed like a few months ago when Ford was showing off the new GT500 at the L.A. Auto Show and it was announced that it would be producing 650 HP and 600 lb-ft of torque. However, the GT500 wasn't certified by the SAE. If a report from the Team Shelby message board prove to be accurate, the 2013 GT500 has finally gotten its official figures. Those figures are 662 HP and 630 lb-ft of torque. Jamal Hameedi, Ford’s SVT team chief engineer and Jim Owens, Vice President of marketing for Shelby revealed the data during an interview. Source: Team Shelby Forum View full article
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 11, 2012 The sub-compact market is heating up with vehicles like the Chevrolet Sonic, Kia Rio, and Hyundai Accent providing tough competition. One of the vehicles who kicked off the return of sub-compact vehicles, the Ford Fiesta, is getting a refresh. Car & Driver got their hands on some spy shots of a Ford Fiesta hatchback and sedan undergoing some testing. The Fiesta will take on some Ford's design cues seen on the Taurus and new Fusion. The front end will get an Aston Martin-esk grill layout and new headlights. Around the back, the sedan new taillights and a reshaped trunklid that brings it in line with…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 17, 2012 Ford has announced today that dealers will begin taking orders on the new C-Max Hybrid, due out later this fall. The C-Max Hybrid will carry a base price tag of $25,995 (excluding destination charge), which undercuts its closest competitor, the Toyota Prius V by $500. The C-Max Hybrid will come equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack delivering an estimated 141 HP. Fuel economy numbers hasn't been released, but Ford does say it will be America’s most “fuel-efficient hybrid utility vehicle”. Features for the C-Max Hybrid include hands-free liftgate, rain…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 4, 2012 This morning in Texas, Ford pulled the covers off the refreshed 2013 F-150. While not a dramatic refresh, the 2013 F-150 does include a number of enhancements to bring it in line with the rest of the Ford lineup. The exterior gets new grills (XLT and below: two bars. Lariat and above: three bars), optional high-intensity discharge headlamps, and some new 18- and 20-inch wheel options. Also available on the options list are power telescoping and folding outside rearview mirrors. Inside, the F-150 gets a set of revised gauges and a driver-configurable LCD screen sitting in the middle. Also, the higher end…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 29, 2012 In the first quarter of 2012, Ford saw its market share drop 1.4 points. The reason: not enough inventory. "The market got a little bit ahead of us," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas. “Most of our production actions and capacity increases take place in the second half of this year.” Ford plans on boosting production at several of its vehicle assembly plants to counter what it says were weak dealer inventories during the first quarter of 2012. The plan includes trimming the summer shutdown period for plants and have three shifts running at Hermosillo, Mexico, assembly plant, later this y…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 11, 2013 The spy photographers strike once again! This time, photos have been caught of the 2015 Ford Mustang. Now judging from the amount of camouflage on this mule, our guess is this a prototype version of what we'll be seeing on the road sometime next year. The design will take some ideas from the Evos concept and the so-called Kinetic 2.0 design language seen on the new Fusion. The front-end is tapered and rounded, and features a large grille opening. The roofline at the back appears to have a more dramatic curve to it. Like previous times, the new Mustang is expected to come with a independent rear suspension…
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