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Ford Kuga by Wolf

admin — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:12:51 +0000

Although Ford doesn’t currently sell the curvy SUV Kuga in the U.S., its rumored that the car may be part of the European Ford invasion over the next few years. So we thought it would be cool to take a look at how some performance modifications from the German tuner Wolf can add some speed to the fast looks. The new package includes an ECU tweaking from 136 hp to 158 hp, at a mere price of 795 euros or $ 1,170. Also a new set of 20 inch alloy wheels were added at a price of 2,850 euros or $ 4,197 per set. More details after the jump.

Press release:

The Ford Kuga is an emotionally and technically perfected vehicle which can now even be further enhanced by the exclusive Wolf styling programme. The Ford specialist already devised a power enhancement which improves the serial performance from a standard 136 hp with 320 Nm to 158 hp with 375 Nm. The (German) retail price is 795 euros. The Wolf Race rims measuring 9 x 20“ ET40 in a silver design with high-grade steel outer rim are not only elegant, but also sportive. The set comes with 275/30 R20 Pirelli tyres. The overall price for the light alloy rim set by Wolf is 2,850 euros (Germany). The Wolf sport springs which lower the car by 40 mm render optimal road holding and can be obtained at any Ford dealer or directly at the company Wolf Racing Neuenstein GmbH & Co. KG for 199 euros (Germany).

2008 Ford Fusion SEL Review

admin — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:50:40 +0000

When you take into consideration that the 2008 Ford Focus we reviewed last week cost $19,365, this (almost) loaded 2008 Ford Fusion SEL at $22,785 (as tested) seems like a bargain for only a few grand more. And it is. While it may not get the excellent fuel economy of the Focus, the Fusion is worlds above the Focus in terms of fit & finish, driving dynamics, and overall quality. But just because it trumps the Focus doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a great buy. It still has the mid-size class leaders to compete with.

One thing to keep in mind - our review model was a model year 2008. If you go out and buy one now (mid-2008,) you may also get a 2009 model, which has a few key changes. Most notably, the 4-cylinder SEL model that we drove is no longer available in a 5-speed manual transmission, only a 5-speed automatic. Other changes related to this review are that the optional $295 ambient lighting is now standard in the SEL, as is Sirius satellite radio.

Fuel to the fire: 2 Ford Falcon prototypes spied outside of Detroit

besthidxenon — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:10:35 +0000

Contradicting reports have been flying back and forth as to whether Ford will move its rear-wheel drive operations to the U.S. from Australia, but it looks as though a recent round of spy shots might have put the debate to rest. Spy photographers have spotted two Ford Falcon prototypes testing outside of Detroit. It still remains unclear if Ford has given the U.S.-spec Falcon the green light, but these could be the first images of Ford’s Australian-born Pontiac G8 fighter. If the project is allowed to progress, the new rear-wheel drive platform would likely underpin the next-generation Ford Mustang and a replacement for the aging Ford Crown Victoria (think more along the lines of the Interceptor concept). A rear-wheel drive Lincoln model based on the same architecture would also be a distinct possibility. Mercury fans, don’t hold your breath for a new rear-wheel drive sports sedan. However, with new CAFE regulations looming in the not-so-distant future, there is still the possibility that Ford could scrap its rear-wheel drive revolution. Sources from http://www.leftlanenews.com
[ Fuel to the fire: 2 Ford Falcon prototypes spied outside of Detroit Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]

Ford to re-open Essex engine plant

besthidxenon — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:01:47 +0000

Ford has announced that it will re-open its Essex engine plant in Windsor, Ontario. The plant has been shut down since November of last year, but Ford and the CAW negotiated a “competitive operating agreement” last February that will allow the plant to re-open. According to Automotive News, the plant re-opening will allow 300 employees to return to work. The CAW will be re-staffing the plant based on seniority. Ford failed to mention which engine(s) it will be producing at the plant, but Toronto’s Globe and Mail newspaper speculates that the plant will produce Ford’s next-generation of fuel-efficient V8s. Ford will invest $165.4 million into the plant, with the Ontario government kicking in another $16.5 million. With the next round of CAW/Big Three negotiation quickly approaching, it appears as though Ford might have just earned itself a bit of good will.
[ Ford to re-open Essex engine plant Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]

Ford to position Flex as stylish crossover, not a family hauler

besthidxenon — Thu, 01 May 2008 16:00:21 +0000

It’s not secret that the U.S. minivan market is on the decline. Ford and General Motors have already abandoned the segment altogether and minivan sales were down 23 percent through the first two months of this year when compared to the same time period in 2007. Ford is preparing to launch its all-new minivan-esque Flex crossover this summer, but the Blue Oval thinks it has come up with a plan to distance the Flex from the negative minivan image — tell people that it’s actually a cool vehicle for people that don’t have kids. Instead of going down the family hauler road, Ford will position the Flex as a hip vehicle for people that want to make a stylish statement. "There’s much more to this vehicle when you look at it rather than just narrowly defining it as a family crossover," Kate Pearce, Flex marketing manager, told Automotive News. "It is the style that draws people to this vehicle. Good or bad, it evokes an emotion." Although the Flex’s largest customer base will likely be those with a family, Ford’s new marketing chief, Jim Farley, made the decision to shift the Flex’s position from a family hauler to a chic mode of transportation for trend-setters.
[ Ford to position Flex as stylish crossover, not a family hauler Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]

Ford Australia denies RWD development shifting to the U.S.

besthidxenon — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:38:48 +0000

Ford Australia — which last year denied it was even working on a new RWD platform — is now denying rumors that the program is being moved from the land of Oz to America. Earlier this week it was reported that Ford would be moving its rear-wheel drive vehicle engineering back to the U.S. from Australia due to the weak U.S. dollar. According to the Australian subsidiary, Ford’s rear-wheel drive vehicle development will be staying where it is. When CarPoint asked Sinead McAlary, Ford’s Australian Manager of Public Affairs, the response they got was "It’s too early to speculate on that." To us, it sounds like either the two divisions aren’t on the same page, or that Ford Australia is none-too-pleased to be losing control over rear-wheel drive vehicle development — the setup that many of its vehicles are based on. The shift would also cost Ford Australia hundreds — if not thousands — of jobs. But with value of the U.S. dollar falling, the move will likely be more about the bottom line rather than which continent wants the development more. The appearance of Ford Falcon prototypes in America also lends credibility to reports about a realignment of R&D.
[ Ford Australia denies RWD development shifting to the U.S. Via Hidstores Car Reviews Blogs ]

Fuel to the fire: 2 Ford Falcon prototypes spied outside of Detroit

admin — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 08:21:14 +0000

Spy photographers have spotted two Ford Falcon prototypes testing outside of Detroit. It still remains unclear if Ford has given the U.S.-spec Falcon the green light, but these could be the first images of Ford’s Australian-born Pontiac G8 fighter.

If the project is allowed to progress, the new rear-wheel drive platform would likely underpin the next-generation Ford Mustang and a replacement for the aging Ford Crown Victoria (think more along the lines of the Interceptor concept). A rear-wheel drive Lincoln model based on the same architecture would also be a distinct possibility. Mercury fans, don’t hold your breath for a new rear-wheel drive sports sedan.

However, with new CAFE regulations looming in the not-so-distant future, there is still the possibility that Ford could scrap its rear-wheel drive revolution.
Sources from http://www.leftlanenews.com

Ford to re-open Essex engine plant

admin — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 07:31:10 +0000

According to Automotive News, the plant re-opening will allow 300 employees to return to work. The CAW will be re-staffing the plant based on seniority.

Ford failed to mention which engine(s) it will be producing at the plant, but Toronto’s Globe and Mail newspaper speculates that the plant will produce Ford’s next-generation of fuel-efficient V8s.

Ford will invest $165.4 million into the plant, with the Ontario government kicking in another $16.5 million.

With the next round of CAW/Big Three negotiation quickly approaching, it appears as though Ford might have just earned itself a bit of good will.

Ford to position Flex as stylish crossover, not a family hauler

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:46:39 +0000

Instead of going down the family hauler road, Ford will position the Flex as a hip vehicle for people that want to make a stylish statement. “There’s much more to this vehicle when you look at it rather than just narrowly defining it as a family crossover,” Kate Pearce, Flex marketing manager, told Automotive News. “It is the style that draws people to this vehicle. Good or bad, it evokes an emotion.”

Although the Flex’s largest customer base will likely be those with a family, Ford’s new marketing chief, Jim Farley, made the decision to shift the Flex’s position from a family hauler to a chic mode of transportation for trend-setters.

Ford Australia denies RWD development shifting to the U.S.

admin — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 07:38:34 +0000

Ford Australia — which last year denied it was even working on a new RWD platform — is now denying rumors that the program is being moved from the land of Oz to America.

Earlier this week it was reported that Ford would be moving its rear-wheel drive vehicle engineering back to the U.S. from Australia due to the weak U.S. dollar.

According to the Australian subsidiary, Ford’s rear-wheel drive vehicle development will be staying where it is. When CarPoint asked Sinead McAlary, Ford’s Australian Manager of Public Affairs, the response they got was “It’s too early to speculate on that.”

To us, it sounds like either the two divisions aren’t on the same page, or that Ford Australia is none-too-pleased to be losing control over rear-wheel drive vehicle development — the setup that many of its vehicles are based on. The shift would also cost Ford Australia hundreds — if not thousands — of jobs.

But with value of the U.S. dollar falling, the move will likely be more about the bottom line rather than which continent wants the development more.

The appearance of Ford Falcon prototypes in America also lends credibility to reports about a realignment of R&D.