Long winter means most automakers won't curb summer shutdown

A lot more happened during this latest brutal winter than days of snow and Netflix binges. Automotive sales took a battering. After all, going out car shopping when it's eleventy-billion degrees below zero isn't a good time.

Because of this Old Man Winter-induced sales slump, inventories are abnormally high as we head into the summer car buying season. That's led some analysts to predict that automakers will be more inclined to idle factories this summer, in a bid to trim some of the built-up inventory. Traditionally, American manufacturers offer up a two-week break in the middle of summer, although the burgeoning sales of the past few years have seen this practice become less popular.

"We're likely not going to see an acceleration this year," Jeff Schuster, a senior vice president at LMC Automotive, told The Detroit News. "We'll see production increases in 'pockets' but I don't know if it will be as widespread as in recent years."

According to The News, inventory levels currently sit at 69 days. That's down from March, but still a few days above desirable levels.

As of now, neither Ford nor Chrysler had set their summer production plans in stone, although the Blue Oval said it would make a decision after Memorial Day. General Motors wouldn't comment for The News' story.
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Read More

Brits recreate iconic Bullitt chase scene

Recreating the famous chase scene from Bullitt has become almost an art form in its own right. We've seen it done in a music video, with scale models and even in commercials. There are few films that are as defined by a single scene as the 1968 classic. Even if you don't know a single beat of the plot, the Highland Green Ford Mustang racing a Dodge Charger through the hilly streets of San Francisco is famous. It's so well known that the Silverstone Classic has created a homage to promote its celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Mustang at this year's event in July.

Filmed around the famous UK circuit, the short film generally gets the key points of the scene right. It even has a green Volkswagen Beetle that keeps reappearing, as in the movie. Unfortunately, its Steve McQueen stand-in looks a little too old for the role. While the video shortens the chase considerably, it's still great to see these '60s behemoths leaning and sliding around the track.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Read More

Ford Fiesta 1.0L EcoBoost sales robust in early going

Okay, okay, okay, so I was just a smidge wrong. Those that read my review of the Ford Fiesta with the new 1.0-liter, EcoBoost engine will know that while I really enjoyed the torquey little three-cylinder, I was concerned that Ford's decision to force 1.0-liter owners into a manual transmission, steel wheels and one trim level might hurt sales of the new engine. I was also concerned that the promised 45-mile-per-gallon highway rating wouldn't be enough to tempt buyers into trying an engine that's so far outside of what the general public is use to. My concerns, though, seem to have been for naught.

While not doing a booming business on the triple-equipped Fiesta, Ford is seeing a take rate of four to eight percent per month in the engine's first few months on sale. Now, four to eight percent might not sound like a lot - if, like last year, the Fiesta sells around 71,000 units, there'd be barely 5,600 1.0-liter models on the road. It is also small potatoes relative to the take rate on EcoBoost-equipped vehicles across the Ford range, which US sales analyst Erich Merkle estimates to be roughly 35 to 40 percent of retail sales. Still, according to The Detroit News, the 1.0-liter is getting adopted at roughly the same rate as the sparkling Fiesta ST, which should be a solid indication of just how well this little engine is doing.

The 1.0-liter's success "really speaks volumes, not just to what we're doing with the Fiesta, but with EcoBoost in general," Merkle told Autoblog.

The biggest issue that Ford seems to be facing in regards to the 1.0-liter is a supply issue - engines just can't be built quickly enough. Production at the Cologne, Germany factory where the triple is built was doubled to 1,000 engines per day last year, in the face of growing European demand. Despite this, widespread availability in the US is still rather far off. And it's only going to get more difficult to snap up a 1.0-liter Fiesta, as Ford will begin offering the tiny engine in the Focus later this year. Customers that have purchased the triple - around 1,000 people, a third of whom are from California, according to The Detroit News - have had to custom order their vehicles.

Provided Ford can really ramp up production and come to grips with its supply issues, the future looks bright for its newest EcoBoost engine.
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Read More

Detroit automakers mulling helping DIA avoid bankruptcy looting

It's not really a secret that the city of Detroit is in lots and lots of trouble. Even with an emergency manager working to guide it through bankruptcy, a number of the city's institutions remain in very serious danger. One of the most notable is the Detroit Institute of Arts, a 658,000-square-foot behemoth of art that counts works from Van Gogh, Picasso, Gauguin and Rembrandt (not to mention a version of Rodin's iconic "The Thinker," shown above) as part of its permanent collection.

Throughout the bankruptcy, the DIA has been under threat, with art enthusiasts, historians and fans of the museum concerned that its expansive collection - valued between $454 and $867 million by Christie's - could be sold by the city to help square its $18.5-billion debt.

Now, though, Detroit's hometown automakers could be set to step up and help save the renowned museum. According to a report from The Detroit News, the charitable arms of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler could be set to donate $25 million as part of a DIA-initiated campaign, called the "grand bargain." As part of the deal, the DIA would seek $100 million in corporate donations as part of a larger attempt at putting together an $816-million package that would be paid to city pension funds over 20 years. Such a move would protect the city's art collection from being sold off.

The charitable donation is still far from a done deal, though, largely because of legal complications inherent in such a large bankruptcy case. According to The DetNews, there's concern among business leaders approached by the DIA (which in addition to the automakers include utility provider DTE Energy, Roger Penske and Quicken Loans) that the entire project could fall apart if city lawmakers don't act on it quickly. Alternatively, the deal could crumble if plans put before the city's pensioners and unions ends up failing.

"Ford has been a long-time supporter of the DIA and its contributions to southeast Michigan. We are having confidential discussions with the DIA and are considering the matter very carefully," Ford spokesman Todd Nissen told The News.

"The DIA must be central to any plans for a revitalized Detroit. Both GM and the GM Foundation are giving careful consideration to how we can help preserve this treasure at such a critical time," GM spokesman Greg Martin said.

Chrysler issued a shorter statement, telling The Detroit News that it "is committed to playing a positive role in Detroit's revitalization. Accordingly, we are reviewing the DIA's request."
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Read More

2015 Ford Mustang dealer order guide surfaces

Details about the all-new, 2015 Ford Mustang continue to leak out. In fact, at this point, it's more of a stream than a drip. Its option prices are already available, and now the full ordering guide is on the web for all of the trims thanks to the Mustang 6G forum. Ford is rapidly running out of secrets to keep about its new sports coupe.

The 21-page guide can be perused in the gallery below and contains all of the standard features, colors, options codes, descriptions. Generally everything you might want to know about the 'Stang is there, other than its price or power. It even shows off the available wheel designs.

The guide finally gives away the contents of the Performance Package for the EcoBoost and GT trims. The EcoBoost's package includes: A larger rear sway bar, new chassis tuning, larger brake rotors, 19-inch black wheels, retuned driver assistance systems, an aluminum dash panel, added gauge pack, 3.55 limited slip rear differential, larger radiator, heavy-duty front springs and spoiler delete. When the options pricing leaked, it indicated the package would cost $1,995. If that is the case, it seems like quite a deal.

For the GT trim, the performance package includes most of the same upgrades from the EcoBoost plus a strut tower brace, K Brace, a 3.73 Torsen limited-slip rear differential and - only for cars with a manual gearbox - Brembo six-piston front brakes. The leaked options pricing indicated that package would sell for $2,495.

If you are in the market for the 2015 Mustang, this ordering guide is a must-read. Happy planning.
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Read More

Tier 1 suppliers call GM the worst OEM to work with

Among automakers with a big US presence, General Motors is the worst to work for, according to a new survey from Tier 1 automotive suppliers, conducted by Planning Perspectives, Inc.

The Detroit-based manufacturer, which has been under fire following the ignition switch recall and its accompanying scandal, finished behind six other automakers with big US manufacturing operations. Suppliers had issues with trust and communications, as well as intellectual property protection. GM was also the least likely to allow suppliers to raise their prices in the face of unexpected increases in material cost, all of which contributed to 55 percent of suppliers saying their relationship with GM was "poor to very poor."

GM's cross-town competitors didn't fare much better. Chrysler finished in fifth place, ahead of GM and behind Dearborn-based Ford, which was passed for third place this year by Nissan. Toyota took the top marks, while Honda captured second place.

PPI also surveyed suppliers of Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, each of which has considerably smaller manufacturing presence relative to the American and Japanese brands (there are only three US factories between the three of them). Mercedes and VW were ranked behind GM, while BMW would have been just behind Toyota.

According to Reuters, this survey serves to illustrate a big issue facing American manufacturers - Japanese brands aren't just on good terms with suppliers, but their relations are actually improving. PPI boss John Henke said the popularity of Toyota and Nissan among suppliers increased considerably, indicating that we "could be entering an era in supplier relations that doesn't bode well for the US Big Three."
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Read More

2014 Ford Fiesta 1.0L EcoBoost

I'll be honest; when Ford first unveiled its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, I was skeptical. Past attempts at building turbocharged American cars were almost universally awful, I reasoned, so why would Ford's latest effort be any different? This may seem foolish today, considering the success that the growing EcoBoost range has achieved - particularly the 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter mills. Yet I once again found myself questioning Ford.

It's the makeup of the 1.0-liter, turbocharged three-cylinder slotted into the compact engine bay of this Fiesta that has a way of breeding doubt. Three-cylinder engines remain an extreme rarity in the US. What's more, they earned a less-than-desirable reputation for applications in the 1980s and 1990s, and my trepidation about this latest three-pot as a result.

As I found out, though, history is a poor informant of modern technology. The thrust available in other cars with the EcoBoost badge on the back has not gone missing here; something the International Engine of the Year committee has lauded. That august body named the 1.0-liter Ecoboost the best engine of 2012 and 2013. After a week of driving, it didn't take long for my fear of threes to get turned into something like that line of thinking.

Driving Notes

• How much power can a 1.0-liter, turbocharged three-cylinder that's small enough to go through an airport x-ray machine really produce? 90 horsepower, maybe 100, right? There's not much wrong with that specific output. The reality is more impressive, though. The 1.0 in the Fiesta turns out 123 ponies and 125 pound-feet of torque. Dig into the throttle, and the heroic little mill can call up a total of 148 pound-feet of torque, courtesy of an overboost function. Perhaps most impressive is that peak torque is available at just 1,400 rpm. For reference, the standard 1.6 in the Fiesta only pumps out 120 hp and 112 lb-ft of torque - so yes, this little triple is actually more powerful.


• The result of all this easily accessible grunt is ridiculously, hilariously good. The Fiesta pulls with a diesel-like sense of authority, regardless of gear or engine speed, and had little difficulty when it came to on-ramps or highway merging, where power is most likely to be needed. Throughout my week, every single situation I put the 1.0-liter in, it wowed with its super accessible acceleration. Put another way, if this engine were in a Pepsi Challenge with the standard 1.6, I'm convinced it'd win every time.


• As low and mid-range output are this engine's strongest assets, the transmission should be geared to exploit that. In the Fiesta, it is. The five-speed manual isn't great to work with, with long throws and a vague clutch, but it's geared perfectly for this engine. At 80 mph, the engine turns over at just 3,000 rpm. At 70, it spins at 2,500. And yet, the gearing is broad enough and the power ample enough that you won't be forced to work the clutch and transmission too much to get about. This powertrain is just very, very easy to drive and live with.


• For those that are concerned about the engine's sound, well, don't be. Sure, it's a bit clattery when idling and it doesn't sound great when accelerating hard, but it's not a buzzy or harsh engine, and it's darn near silent at cruising speeds, even when turning over at 3,000 rpm.


• There are a fair few flies in this ointment, though. First and foremost, we have fuel economy. Ford rates the Fiesta EcoBoost at 32 miles per gallon in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. I didn't have much difficulty matching the 37-mpg combined rating, and the EcoBoost's ratings are noticeably better than the 1.6, which returns 30 and 41 mpg when fitted with a manual transmission and the SFE package. The problem, as I see it, is this: there's a stigma against super-small engines like the 1.0, and unless they provide some ridiculous improvements in fuel efficiency, consumers will dismiss them outright. As of this writing, I simply don't think there's enough of a benefit to tempt the average buyer to get behind the wheel and find out how good this engine really is.


• I think this is solvable problem, though, if Ford opts to develop the Fiesta EcoBoost as a fuel-sippers choice. Start-stop would be a natural fit here, as would active grille shutters and, perhaps, the excellent suite of efficiency training systems found on Ford's hybrid and electric offerings. It would add some to the cost (perhaps $295?) but it would fit with Ford's plan to introduce that technology to more models. It's not likely to provide a huge bump in the EPA sticker numbers, but the real-world improvement could be enough for Joe Consumer to decide to take it for a spin, just to see what it's all about.


• The Fiesta SE starts at $16,080 for the five-door model, which doesn't include an $825 destination charge. Adding the three-pot turbo kicks the price up $995. It's a reasonable sum, considering the premiums that other EcoBoost mills offer, and one that I wouldn't be too miffed about paying. My tester also featured a $290 Comfort Pack, which added heated seats. Beyond that, the only other options worth mentioning are MyFord Touch and a sunroof, both of which add $795 apiece to the Fiesta's bottom line (although my car didn't have either). As tested, the car you see above is $18,190, including destination.


• A final problem, as I see it, is that Ford hasn't done a lot to make this a very appealing engine to customers. It's only available on the mid-level SE trim, and can only be had with a five-speed manual and 15-inch steel wheels. It is, at least, available in both sedan and five-door models. If the ho-hum fuel mileage doesn't doom Fiesta EcoBoost sales, the fact that its availability is so limited will. But this is the first year the 1.0 is on sale in the US, so it's entirely plausible that Ford is waiting to see what the initial consumer and critical response is before making it more widely available. Here's hoping that's the case.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Read More

Ford builds one-off 50th anniversary Mustang Convertible for charity

At the New York Auto Show this year, Ford revealed a special-edition Mustang to honor the iconic pony car's 50th anniversary. Only 1,964 highly symbolic examples will be made, all of them fixed-roof coupes. But the Blue Oval automaker has just announced that it's also building a single 50 Years edition convertible that it will raffled off for charity.

The first production example of the new Mustang Convertible to roll off the line this fall, this one-off will pack many of the features on the 50 Years coupe, including its white paintjob, chrome trim, aluminum dashboard, two-tone upholstery, contrast stitching, special 19-inch wheels and special-edition badging throughout.

This unique cabrio will also be fitted with a special performance pack including Pirelli PZero rubber, Brembo brakes and a limited-slip differential to help get the 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque from the 5.0-liter V8 through the six-speed manual transmission and down to the road. It'll also feature a serial plaque with the number 0001 of 0001 and chairman Bill Ford's signature.

The convertible will be raffled off on Mustang Alley in Ferndale, Michigan, during the Woodward Dream Cruise on August 16. A limited number of raffle tickets are on sale now at $20 a pop, with proceeds benefitting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Read More

[Official] Tanner Foust gets eponymous hotted-up Ford Focus ST from Cobb Tuning

Racer and Top Gear USA host Tanner Foust has partnered up with Cobb Tuning to create a special-edition Ford Focus ST. The limited-edition hatches will come packing a reflashed ECU, special intercooler, tweaked intake and freer-flowing exhaust for up to 20 percent more power than the stock creation. Cobb says that the changes should push the final dyno figure to above 300 horsepower. Buyers can also expect to find special carbon fiber aerodynamic bits on board along with a new grille, graphics and wheels. Cobb hasn't released pricing on this Tanner Foust Edition Ford Focus ST as of yet, but you can bet the whole kit won't be cheap.

Read More

Say Goodbye to the V8 Lincoln Navigator

Since this is an obvious "No soup for you!" situation, we thought we should start with the good news. Lincoln has confirmed that the full-size Navigator SUV will see another generation.

But Ford's new strategy towards better economy figures means that the Navigator will no longer benefit from a V8 engine and will gain a EcoBoost V6, as MotorTrend reports, quoting Lincoln's director Matt Van Dyke.

Read More

Genk Protest Ends - Ford Resumes Production

The situation at Ford's plant in Genk, Belgium, where production had been stopped due to workers blocking and cutting the supply of parts, as well as disrupting the plant in other ways. Up until now, they had not built and delivered a car since October 24, when the announcement that the plant would be closing down was made public.

Production should have been restarted earlier this month, but the attempt failed, as the protesters blocked an adjacent supply building.

However, now production has been restarted and this makes Blue Oval officials very happy, according to a company spokesman, Adrian Schmitz, who was quoted by Bloomberg: “We are pleased to be building and shipping vehicles again and are working to get the factory quickly up to full production.”

As a reminder, the Genk plant has a rich tradition, in association with the Ford name, as it is the spiritual home of all Europe-bound large Fords, and currently builds the Mondeo, as well as the S-Max and Galaxy models.

Read More

Ken Block rally cars go blue in the face (and everywhere else)

As you can tell in the image above, Hoonigan Racing will replace the familiar black, white and green paint scheme with a more colorful design featuring plenty of blue, purple and red; the Monster Energy logo retains some of the car's green. The new paint scheme was inspired by Block's love of skateboard graphics from the '80s and early '90s as well as "Miami Vice-era" speedboats.

Read More

2014 Ford Everest SUV Rendering

For those of you who didn't know this, the Ford Everest is a midsize SUV produced by Ford on the same platform as the Ranger pickup truck, which in turn has been derived from Mazda B-Series pickups.

In 2011, Ford launched a brand new Ranger (the T6). It was unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney and comes with its own Ford architecture. Produced in South Africa, Argentina and Thailand, it's available in 180 market, including parts of Europe.

This is what a new Everest SUV would look like if it was based on the same architecture as the T6 Ranger pickup. These renderings created by Theophilus Chin show a reliable workhorse that could be powered by either a 2.5L Duratec (L5-VE) petrol engine or a 2.2L Duratorq TDCi diesel. It could be available with both 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains as well as a choice between two manual and one automatic gearbox.

Read More

2013 Ford Fiesta ST Pricing for UK Market Announced

Affordable and fast motoring is always on our mind, and we have to admit that the arrival of the new Ford Fiesta ST is one of the most eagerly anticipated events for us. The previous generation that came in 2005 had a very limited life and with only 150 PS at its disposal, it always played second fiddle to the Clio RS versions of the time, the 172 and 182.

But times have changed, and Ford seems to be bang up to date with this one. Even though the Fiesta architecture is just an update, and will probably only last for four more years, that’s a very welcomed four years of hot Ford supermini.

The old Fiesta ST would have been a rival for the current Twingo RS. But the 2013 model has all the right moves. It offers a 1.6-liter turbo engine, just like the new Clio RS. And even though it’s only got 182 PS, compared to the 200 of the French car, power only counts on paper.

Right, that’s enough of an introduction. Time to tell you what’s what in Britain, where the regular Fiesta is a best-seller. In March, the first examples of the 2013 Fiesta ST will arrive at dealerships, caring a price of £16,995.

For that you get the ST1 trim that carries 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, Ford DAB radio and cloth Recaro sport seats. It’s all you need really, but if you want more, you can get pay £17,995 for the Fiesta ST2 that gets LED daytime runners, privacy glass, partial leather for the same seats, the improved DUB Sony Radio, keyless entry and a starter button.

Honestly, only the power button sounds interesting, but you’ll have the final say in what hot Fiesta you want. Also, remember that Ford, in their excitement, have forgotten to mention what the cooler paint options costs.

We’ve saved the best till last: the final confirmation of the official performance figures for a 2013 Ford Fiesta ST, the production car, not the concepts we’ve been teased with. It has a 1.6-liter Ford EcoBoost engine with an all-aluminum block, direct injection, low inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing.

The engine delivers 182 PS at… we still don’t know how many revs and 290 Nm of torque. Ford says this is enough to sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.9 seconds. Needless to say, that’s in line or better than its competitors. Top speed is 137 mph (220 km/h), which is also in line with its rivals.

Unique suspension and steering tuning and enhanced Torque Vectoring Control (eTVC) combines with a 15mm lower ride-height to deliver significant dynamic improvements.

We’re huge fans of the Clio RS, but even we have to take note that unlike the VW trio (Polo GTI, Fabia vRS and Ibiza Cupra), and the next-gen Clio RS 200 EDC, the Fiesta has a manual gearbox. The only real downside we can see on paper is that the Fiesta ST is only available in Britain as a three-door. But considering that, you’d have to be crazy to buy a MINI Cooper for the same sort of money.

News Source: autoevolution

Read More

Europe - 35% of Buyers Are Willing to Spend More on Green Tech Despite Recession

A recent poll, conducted and sponsored by Ford, found out something particularly interesting about the European car buyer. Apparently, some 35% of Europeans would be willing to spend more on a new car, if it came loaded with green tech, and would be more environmentally-friendly.

This is odd, considering the sorry state of the continent's economy, as unemployment rates go up, and salaries stagnate. Still, something more in-tune with the current situation is the 71% of consumers who said fuel-efficiency was a major deciding factor for the purchase of a new car.

The same poll also discovered that 68% of European drivers actually think about fuel economy as they are driving - we find that perfectly normal, and we encourage it. Also, some 53% of those questioned say that climate change is the most important challenge faced by our current society, while 57% admitted that they would like to live a greener lifestyle.

This begs the question, then: Why, if they have discovered that people are willing to pay more for green tech, does Ford not sell any of its own hybrids in Europe, to prove their own point.

“The survey shows that even in economically difficult times there is a clear desire for vehicles that are more environmentally friendly,” says Barb Samardzich, VP of Product Development for Ford's European branch. She added that “Ford is extremely focused on meeting this demand now and in the future, and this goes hand-in-hand with delivering products that help reduce running costs.”

Read More

Ford Production in Genk Still Stopped Due to Protests

Ford has already announced that it will be closing down its Genk plant, in Belgium, the historic home of all big Europe-bound Fords, like the Sierra, Scorpio and Mondeo, and moving production to Spain, as of 2014.

However, ever since the news came out, a noticeable tension has been building up among the plant’s workers, who have constantly protested the decision ever since. Now, though, production remains stopped at the plant, as workers continue to protest the closing of the plant.

Most recently, workers blocked and adjacent supply area, and cut off the delivery of parts to the plant. Also, some 100 workers gathered outside the city hall, in Genk, and prevented three union leaders from leaving, for three hours, until the police came and made it possible for the officials to leave safely.

The Belgian workers are demanding extra money, to resume production, while Ford is still in talks with plant officials on how best to close down the site next year.

However, production is set to resume, as Adrian Schmitz, spokesman for Ford Europe said: "We have an agreement with unions and are determined to implement that agreement to restart work at Genk.”

As a reminder, Ford has also announced the closing of its stamping facility, in Dagenham, in the UK, as well as its van-building plant, located in Southampton.

Via europe.autonews.com

Read More

Auctions: George W. Bush's 2009 Ford F-150 fizzles with $300,000 bid at Barrett-Jackson

Despite some truly impassioned pleading from Jay Leno himself – including calling on Arizona's notoriously Republican-rich voters to beat the $600,000 level set the last time Leno sold a vehicle for this particular charity... in California – bidding for George Bush's 2009 Ford F-150 pickup truck stalled at $300,000.

Barrett-Jackson Lot: 3017 - 2009 FORD F-150 KING RANCH SUPER CREW PICKUP

President Bush has used this stunning white F-150 at his Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, TX since shortly after he left the White House in 2009. With a 5.4 Liter V8 engine commanding 310 horsepower, this impressive truck has a luxurious adobe King Ranch premium leather interior. President Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush have since used the truck to work around their ranch; entertain friends, family, and dignitaries and to give tours of their Crawford property. This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of presidential automotive history. Owned continuously by President bush since he ordered it new. The title is in the former President's name and will be transferred directly to the buyer. Additionally, the right airbag panel features President Bush's signature and a copy of a video showing him autographing the truck and driving it around his ranch in Crawford, TX will be included with the purchase. "I haven't driven on a street in many, many years, but I have been able to drive this truck on my ranch," said President Bush. "I want to thank all those who are supporting the Fisher House. In supporting the Fisher house, you're supporting our veterans. And in supporting our veterans, you're helping America." **ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION** **WILL BE SOLD DIRECTLY FOLLOWING LOT 5052 ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 2013**

News Source: autoblog

---

Photo Galleries:

Read More

Chip Foose custom 1953 Ford F-100 sells for $170K at Barrett-Jackson

There may not be a more recognizable name in the world of custom cars than Chip Foose, and those star-struck (and well-healed) fans of Foose just had the opportunity to purchase one of the designer's custom creations for their very own garage. This 1953 Ford F-100 pickup was created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the one item just about everybody has in their toolbox: WD-40.

Way back when, WD-40 was sold by the Rocket Chemical Company, and the vintage artwork on the door highlights that little bit of trivia. Under the truck's massive flowing hood sits an original 239-cubic-inch flathead V8 engine, with appropriately modern updates, naturally. A set of one-off Foose wheels wearing Pirelli P Zero tires completes the aesthetic.

All proceeds from the vehicle sale will benefit two charities: Childhelp and Victory Junction.

1953 FORD F-100 CUSTOM PICKUP

Designed by legendary Hot-Rod designer and TV star Chip Foose, the WD-40/SEMA Cares Foose '53 Ford F-100 commemorates the 60th anniversary of WD-40 multi-use product. With a vintage "shop truck" look, updated drivetrain and suspension, and custom paint, this special pickup looks similar to the truck used to deliver the first case of the product in the early 50s, back when WD-40 Company was called Rocket Chemical Company. Features of the vehicle include: an original flathead engine from Edelbrock, speed equipment from Egge, BASF paint, one-off custom "vintage look" Foose wheels from MHT wheels, Pirelli P Zero tires, restoration parts from LMC Truck, a custom MagnaFlow exhaust, and more. Other companies that pitched in on the vehicle include: Street Scene Equipment, L&R Engine, American Autowire, Painless Performance, Quiet Ride Solutions, K&N, and McGard. All proceeds from the auctioned vehicle will benefit two SEMA Cares charities, Childhelp, an organization that provides services to abused and neglected children and Victory Junction, which provides life changing camping experiences to special needs and chronically ill children. **ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT SEMA CARES** **WILL BE SOLD AT APPROXIMATELY 7:00PM ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2013**

News Source: Barrett-Jackson, Speed

Photo Galleries:

Read More

Cadillac ELR, Nissan Resonance and Ford Atlas win Eyes on Design awards

This year's annual Eyes on Design awards were presented at the end of press days for the Detroit Auto Show on Tuesday. Given out for the best production and concept car designs that debuted at the show, and voted on by an esteemed panel of actual car designers, this year's award for best production vehicle design went to the 2014 Cadillac ELR. The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette, which was the show favorite among Autoblog editors, apparently did not impress the Eyes on Design judges enough with its all-new vent-festooned design.

The award for best concept design was actually split as a tie among the Nissan Resonance and Ford Atlas concepts. Last year's winners were the 2013 Ford Fusion and the Lexus LF-LC concept.

The Eyes on Design organization also presented a new honor this year called the Catalyst Award to Bob Lutz, former Vice Chairman of General Motors. Lutz is reported to have given a defense of design in his acceptance speech, arguing that advancements in quality across the industry as a whole have made good design a key differentiator for buyers.

News Source: The New York Times

Read More

Ford Fusion Energi boasts 620-mile total range, 21 in EV mode

The Ford Fusion Energi, the automaker's second production plug-in hybrid after the Ford C-Max Energi, officially boasts a range of 620 miles between fuel stops when calculated with EPA-rated figures (108 miles per gallon equivalent in the city, 92 MPGe highway and 100 MPGe combined). Of that distance, the sedan is capable of running 21 miles in electric-only mode.

To eliminate confusion for those who are numerically challenged, Ford's press release defines the range in more real-world terms, mentioning that its "Fusion Energi can travel from Boston to Virginia Beach on one tank of gas and one full charge or traverse the West Coast's scenic Highway 101 from Sacramento to San Diego." That's impressive, especially since we don't know of many passengers who can handle ten hours in the seat without a pit stop.

This good news about the Fusion Energi comes just one month after the EPA announced it will be investigating the Ford C-Max and Fusion Hybrid for overstated fuel economy claims. Regardless of any automaker's stated efficiency, we reinforce Ford's claim that "driving styles, driving conditions and other factors can cause mileage to vary."

EPA: New Ford Fusion Energi Delivers 620-Mile Range, 21 in EV Mode; Beats Honda Accord, Toyota Prius PHEVs

• New Fusion Energi sedan is Ford's newest plug-in hybrid – capable of making trips of up to 620 miles without having to stop for gas or to recharge the battery when starting with a fully charged battery and full gas tank

• Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid delivers up to 21 miles in electric-only mode – nearly triple the electric-only range of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid and double the Honda Accord plug-in hybrid

• Fusion Energi is Ford's second production plug-in hybrid – the all-new Ford C-MAX Energi has been available since November – rounding out a list of five Ford electrified vehicles that have launched since late 2011

• The vehicles in Ford's all-new electrified lineup have been sprinting out of the gate – December marked the second consecutive month in which the company set a record for hybrid vehicle sales; nearly 20,000 Ford hybrids were sold in the fourth quarter

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 17, 2013 – Already Ford's most fuel-efficient sedan, the all-new Fusion Energi now has an EPA-rated total range of up to 620 miles and the ability to drive up to 21 miles in electric-only mode, nearly triple the electric-only range of plug-in hybrids from Toyota and Honda.

With its 620 mile range, the new Fusion Energi can travel from Boston to Virginia Beach on one tank of gas and one full charge or traverse the West Coast's scenic Highway 101 from Sacramento to San Diego.

And the stellar range only adds to the benefits Fusion Energi boasts, including EPA-rated fuel economy figures of 108 MPGe city, 92 MPGe highway and 100 MPGe combined – up to 5 MPGe greater than Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid. These are numbers that the EPA anticipates could help save customers an estimated $6,850 in fuel costs compared with an average new car over the course of five years.

Similar metrics across its entire lineup have helped the Ford brand climb to No. 1 in fuel efficiency customer satisfaction – J.D. Power says Ford now beats Toyota for leading fuel efficiency in every segment where both compete.

Ford sold more hybrids in the fourth quarter of 2012 than in any other three-month period during the company's entire history with 19,554 units sold. Fusion Energi is the Ford brand's fifth electrified vehicle to launch in the past year.

"Fusion Energi rounds out Ford's list of available electrified vehicles perfectly by delivering another option to those who want to drive a hybrid without sacrificing comfort and convenience," said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development. "In fact, Fusion Energi's ability to drive up to 620 miles without stopping for gas or to charge a battery almost epitomizes convenience."

Fusion Energi benefits from 20 years of research and innovation behind the software and hardware technology it offers, incorporating many of the nearly 500 patents Ford holds in the area of hybrid technology.

This extensive experience with hybrid technology shows in the product now available. The car's powersplit technology – which allows for more efficient operation of the vehicle – consists of more than 200 patents alone.

Consider the vehicle's top electric-only speed of 85 mph – a full 23 mph faster than Toyota Prius plug-in. Further, Fusion Energi delivers total horsepower of 195 with a fully charged battery – 60 more horsepower than the Prius plug-in.

Fusion Energi also boasts standard features such as active park assist and SYNC® with MyFord Touch®.

Fusion Energi sets itself apart in other ways, too. For example, it offers the latest generation of SmartGauge® with EcoGuide. Designed to help drivers get the most from Fusion, information such as instantaneous fuel economy can be displayed on one of two 4.2-inch LCD screens, helping drivers more closely monitor how their driving behavior affects vehicle efficiency.

In the right cluster, redesigned imagery of green leaves shows overall driving efficiency. The left cluster can display numerous screens that contain information about the vehicle and how it's being driven. Brake Coach, for example, helps drivers optimize their use of the regenerative braking system so that driving range can be maximized through proper braking techniques.

EV+ is a feature that learns frequent destinations by combining the built-in GPS of Ford SYNC with proprietary software algorithms developed by Ford engineers. As a result, vehicles deliver more drive time in electric-only mode.

The MyFord® Mobile smartphone application (available soon) allows users to monitor charging, receive alerts, find charge stations, plan trips and do more from their smartphones or computers for an effortless transition to an electrified vehicle lifestyle.

"Ford's electrified vehicles offer a great combination of efficiency, performance, technology and affordability that we believe will help spur adoption of these advanced vehicles," says Kevin Layden, director, Ford Electrification Programs and Engineering.

Consider other Fusion Energi features:

• Eco cruise: Saves vehicle energy by relaxing acceleration compared to standard cruise control
• EV mode button: Conveniently mounted on the console to the right of the shifter, allows a driver to switch vehicle operation between three modes: all-electric, normal hybrid operation and conserve battery power for later use
• Regenerative braking: Capable of capturing and reusing more than 95 percent of the braking energy normally lost during the braking process
• Hybrid transmission: Designed by Ford engineers in-house, this transmission is capable of operating at high speeds and in a smooth, fuel-efficient manner at the same time
• Advanced lithium-ion batteries: The batteries used in Ford's electrified vehicle lineup – covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile component limited warranty – are smaller and lighter than previous generation nickel-metal-hydride batteries
• Charge port with LED light ring: Conveniently located on the driver's side and near the front of the car, it features a light ring that illuminates to indicate charge status

Providing choice
Fusion Energi gives customers yet another Ford option when shopping for an electrified vehicle – already available are Focus Electric, Fusion Hybrid, C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi.

Three of the vehicles – Focus Electric, C-MAX Energi and now Fusion Energi – have received EPA ratings of 100 MPGe combined or more. Focus Electric is America's most fuel-efficient compact car with an EPA-rated 110 MPGe city, 99 MPGe highway and 105 MPGe combined. C-MAX Energi is EPA-rated at 108 MPGe city, 92 MPGe highway and 100 MPGe combined.

Focus Electric went on sale in late 2011, followed by C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi – the two vehicles that make up Ford's first hybrid-only line in North America – this past autumn. More about Ford's electrified vehicles can be found here.

With Fusion Energi and Fusion Hybrid, the all-new lineup of Fusion vehicles brings the widest range of powertrain options to the U.S. midsize segment. Fusion also is available in gas-powered versions with a choice between two fuel-efficient EcoBoost® four-cylinder engines. In addition, Fusion is available with Ford's patented Auto Start-Stop system, which automatically shuts off the engine at stationary idle to help save customers fuel in stop-and-go city driving.

For more on the new Ford Fusion, check out http://FordFusionStory.com, a special mobile site featuring articles, videos and graphics that are easily shareable directly from a smartphone, tablet or computer browser to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and blogs.

News Source: Ford

Read More