Drew Dowdell

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 unspecified manufacturing issues. Ford is providing no details on the subject. A Ford source involved with the repairs says that Ford is using X-Ray to try and diagnose chassis issues, transmission issues where the vehicle doesn't properly go into Park or not properly activating the parking brake leading to the possibility of a roll-away, air-conditioning systems that blow heat only, Aviators with automatic suspension issues where the vehicle arrives in suspension failure mode, and transmissions that leak so much fluid "it looks like a crime scene". Aside from the serious issues, even the mundane issues appear; missing badges and trim, or having the wrong wheels. Ford has called in workers from plants in Kentucky, Dearborn, Wayne, and Sterling Heights to help at Flat Rock to complete repairs. Flat Rock normally builds Mustangs and Continentals, but from Friday to Sunday, workers spend their time processing Explorers and Aviators. Ford can't stop production of the vehicles even though they have a build-up of thousands of defective vehicles because the revenue is booked when the vehicle leaves the plant. Stopping production would reduce book revenue this quarter. Ford already was downgraded to junk bond status earlier this week. View full article

It would probably cause rapid drain to the battery and 200 mph would not be sustainable for very long.

Unfortunately, that is the psychology of today's shopper... they only want the car if they're getting big rebates or special financing. Ignoring the fact that the price of the car has been jacked up.

@smk4565 thinks that Cadillac has to offer a luxury Cruze to compete with the A-Class, but price it $4k cheaper. Instead Cadillac is offering a better handling and larger RWD car at the same price as the A-Class.

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

Also @William Maley, why do you always get Miatas in Detroit in the Winter?!

Costco has been offering gaming chairs recently. My home office chair is over 15 years old... time for a new one. It hurts to sit there all day working.

I think this is a good way to get their feet wet. They don't want to risk the sales of their existing product, but they still want to offer electrics. They have the budget to do both, so why not?

Of course not. Cadillacs are meant to be big... not sardine cans like the A-Class.

I'm going to be trying out the Avalon TRD next month... from what I've read it's pretty darn good.

I just don't like the look at all. I assume I'll be trying one out at the car events happening in October.

I"m the same way with Android Auto. I use the phone screen interface for mine since my Toronado doesn't have an AA head unit.

the more I look at this grille, the more I hate it.

Between the A-Class and the newly more expensive CLA (now $37,645 for 2020) base price. The CT5 is starting in the $38k range and that's basically CTS sized. Cadillac is aiming to be the most spacious in their respective price class. and because horsepower doesn't matter when the torque is jumping by that much. It's a 10-speed automatic, that 380 lb.-ft will always be available

This would be too small for me unfortunately. I'm thinking a CT5 with SuperCruise sometime in my future unless I get a new house.

When Cadillac introduced the CT4 back on May 30th, they only introduced the V-series version of the car. Today Cadillac unveiled the standard versions of the car in Sport, Luxury, and Premium Luxury trims. Each one styled slightly differently, the Luxury and Premium Luxury models come with brighter exterior accents and metallic grilles. The Sport version is has a more aggressive mesh grille, sportier fascias, rear spoiler, darkened accents and model specific 18-inch wheels. CT4 Luxury: Leather Steering wheel 8-inch Touch or Dial operated infotainment system Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Dual Zone Climate Control Active Noise Cancelation CT4 Premium Luxury: Leather seating LED Ambient Lighting Alluminum trim RainSense Forward Collision Alert Front Pedestrian Braking Automatic Emergency Braking Rear Park Assist Safety Alert Seat CT4 Sport: All of Premium Luxury Sport Seats Unique Trim Alloy Pedals Brembo front brakes CT4-V: Limited Slip Rear Differential Magnetic Ride Control (RWD Only) or ZF MVS Passive Dampers (AWD) Available SuperCruise (later in 2020) Power wise, the CT4 has a choice of 3 power configurations. The 2.0-liter turbo has 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2.7-liter turbo in the Premium Luxury produces 309 horsepower and 348 lb.-ft of torque or in the V gets 325 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft of torque. Both 2.7 liters route power through a 10-speed automatic. Both the 2.0 and 2.7 have a three-step sliding camshaft design, active fuel management, and automatic start-stop. The Cadillac CT4 will be available for ordering later this year with pricing announced closer to production. View full article