Autoblog

2011 Ford Mustang GT and 5.0-liter V8 unwrapped early

John Neff — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 01:30:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for gallery of images

Thanks to some embargo breaking that's already occurred, we've known for a week that the 2011 Ford Mustang GT would pack a brand new 5.0-liter V8 producing 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. We thought those tidbits might hold over the internet 'till the official embargo date lifts early next week, but we were wrong and therefore are still awake at 1:30 AM on Christmas morning writing this post. Thanks to Jalopnik via MustangHeaven via BurlappCars, we have the first images of the 2011 Mustang GT and its new 5.0-liter V8.

You can read more about some of the engine's details that have already leaked here, but let's just take a look see at what we've got. Kudos to Ford for leaving the engine's tippy top unadorned and we also dig those 5.0 badges on the engine and fenders. Nostalgia FTW - OMG! An old fat guy with a sack of stuff just crawled out of my fire place! I think he's a burglar. Gotta go hide the silver, Merry Christmas!

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang GT - leaked images

[Source: BurlappCars via MustangHeaven via Jalopnik]

2011 Ford Mustang GT and 5.0-liter V8 unwrapped early originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Dec 2009 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hugo Chavez gives ultimatum to automakers: Share tech or get out of Venezuela

Alex Nunez — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Toyota, Fiat, South America

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez - notable Fidel Castro wannabe, loudmouthed buffoon of the first order and apparent Cadillac aficionado - has given an ultimatum to General Motors, Fiat (i.e. Chrysler), Toyota and Ford: Share your technology with us or get out of the country. (In Toyota's case, it sounds as if Chavez wants them to hit some arbitrary quotas, as well.) The affected parties, all of which maintain production facilities in the country, kept mum in response to Chavez's demand, according to the Associated Press, which reported the story on Wednesday.

If the automakers don't comply, Chavez basically stated that he will eject them from his socialist utopia in favor of automakers from countries he's more friendly with. AP quotes him as saying, "I invite you to pack up your belongings and leave. I'll bring in the Russians, the Belorusians, the Chinese."

At least he didn't openly threaten to nationalize them (yet), as he's wont to do with pretty much any other private enterprise he thinks he could run better. Yeah, this'll definitely end well. Thanks to Roy for the tip.

[Source: AP via Yahoo! News | Image: AFP/Getty]

Hugo Chavez gives ultimatum to automakers: Share tech or get out of Venezuela originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Challarostang? Enterprising car modeler combines three ponies into one

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GM, Toys/Games, Design/Style

The Challarostang - Click above for high-res image gallery

Having trouble deciding which of America's three latest muscle cars is right for you? Well, at least you're not alone. We ourselves at the Autoblog HQ have had lengthy debates on the merits and drawbacks of each model, and the expected ongoing series of improvements to the Camaro, Challenger and Mustang are sure to drive a wedge between GM Gearheads, Ford Fanatics and Mopar Maniacs until the end of time.

Or, as seen above, you could go a slightly different route and combine all three ponies into one model, which ~~we've taken the liberty of christening~~ has been christened (Whoops! We're apparently not as clever as we thought, someone beat us to the name.) the Challarostang. A Vulcan Mind Meld between the front fascia and hood of a Challenger, the bodysides of a Camaro and the hind end of a Mustang, it actually doesn't look nearly as crazy as you might imagine. In fact, we kinda dig it.

According to Robert D, the Challarostang's modeler, the automotive ménage à trois seen here took four months to complete. Next question, which drivetrain do you choose? Click here for a description of the build process from the modeler himself.

Gallery: The Challarostang

[Source: Model Cars Magazine Forum via Carscoop]

Challarostang? Enterprising car modeler combines three ponies into one originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Ford says it has come to terms with Geely on Volvo sale

Chris Shunk — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: China, Ford, Volvo

Ford Motor Company has just announced that all major terms relating to the sale of Volvo have been settled between Ford and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited. That doesn't mean that all the Ts have been crossed on the deal, but it does indicate that Geely has met all of Ford's terms for the sale to be complete. Ford has issued a press release stating that a definitive sale agreement will be signed in the first quarter of 2010, while the final sale won't take place until Q2.

Earlier in the month, former Volvo executives sent a letter to Ford Chairman Bill Ford, Jr. voicing their concern that Geely doesn't have the necessary resources to support Volvo. Not so, according to Ford's press release. The Blue Oval states "the prospective sale would ensure Volvo has the resources, including the capital investment, necessary to further strengthen the business and build its global franchise." And even though Ford will likely soon be handing over the keys to Volvo to a Chinese automaker, the company still intends to work closely with the Swedish automaker post-sale. That makes sense considering the fact that all Volvo products share platforms and components with Ford-branded cars and crossovers.

The sale will also go far in achieving Ford's goal of divesting itself of its non-core assets so the Dearborn, MI-based automaker can concentrate on matters closer to the Blue Oval's heart. Follow the jump to study Ford's brief press release. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading BREAKING: Ford says it has come to terms with Geely on Volvo sale

BREAKING: Ford says it has come to terms with Geely on Volvo sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Taurus SHO and Fusion Hybrid awarded 2010 Urban Autos of the Year

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Ford

2010 Ford Taurus SHO - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's seemingly no end to the lists and awards that can be dolled out to (sometimes questionably) deserving cars and trucks at the end of the year. Take, for instance, the Urban Automobile of the Year Award by On Wheels Media. This is the 14th year in a row the award has been passed out, and this year top billing goes to the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO.

Athletic, upscale, class-leading, confident, engaging and impressive are all words that seem befitting of an award winner, and you'll find all of them in the press release after the break describing the new SHO. But wait - there's more! We have a second Urban AOTY, this one on the green side of the coin. With the latest Toyota Prius and Honda Insight obvious choices for such an award, Ford is surely happy to see that its 2010 Fusion Hybrid - the most fuel efficient midsize sedan in America at 41 city, 36 highway - earned the trophy, giving the Blue Oval a total sweep of the ceremony.

So, what qualifies a vehicle to be an Urban Automobile of the Year, anyway? Glad you asked. According to Randi Payton, president and publisher of On Wheels Media, "The Urban Automobiles of the Year resonate with the majority of new car buyers who live in urban and suburban areas. The vehicles chosen are cost and fuel-efficient and have performance and safety characteristics relevant to consumers in metropolitan areas." So, there you have it.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Taurus SHO and Fusion Hybrid awarded 2010 Urban Autos of the Year

Ford Taurus SHO and Fusion Hybrid awarded 2010 Urban Autos of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford goes open source, gets students to develop phone apps for Sync

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ford

Before we get into the nitty and/or gritty of what Ford is up to with their pending Sync app store, we should share with you a few facts FoMoCo shared with us. In 2010 fully 28 percent of the driving population will be between the ages of 16 and 31. These folks, known as Millenials (though us altecachers still prefer "Generation Y") love their smart phones and social networks the way the Baby Boomers loved the Beatles and Generation X loved moping around and bad tribal tattoos.

As such, the number one access point to the internet is no longer a computer -- it's a mobile device.

Access to your favorite songs and phone numbers is one thing, but what about all those apps you've spent so much time downloading?

Now we turn to Ford's Sync, a piece of software developed with Microsoft's help using the Seattle software giant's Microsoft Auto platform. While on the surface Sync has often appeared as little more than a fancy way to spin songs off your iPod, in reality it's a sophisticated piece of middleware that allows the vehicle to harness the power of a given mobile device. In other words, Sync allows whatever Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicle you're driving to act as a controller for your iPhone/Droid/Pre/whatever.

Handsfree access to your favorite songs and phone numbers is one thing, but what about all those fancy-pants apps you've spent so much time (and maybe money) downloading? Are they to be totally forgotten while you're in the car? Admittedly, you might be saying "of course," but Millenials think different. Besides, what if there were smart phone apps that actually enhanced the driving experience? With your hands on the wheels and eyes on the road, how would you access them? Here's a larger point, how does the internet work at 70 mph? Ford thinks it's got the answers to most if not all of these questions.

Continue reading Ford goes open source, gets students to develop phone apps for Sync

Ford goes open source, gets students to develop phone apps for Sync originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McChip introduces Ford Focus RS with 401 horses - Are you lovin' it?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, UK

401-hp Ford Focus tuned Mcchip-dkr - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are few things we love more than hooning around in a vigorous, purebred sports car - and that's exactly how Mcchip-dkr describes its 401-horsepower Ford Focus RS. That's the Stage 2 version delivering the "whole-blood athlete," but if you want to work your way up to those heights, you can get the Stage 1 conversion for €799 ($1,142 USD). You'll take your hatch from 301 stock horsepower to 345 and bump torque by about 50 lb-ft to 383 with an ECU upgrade.

But if 401 is your lucky horsepower number and you like the sound of 457 lb-ft. of torque, then you'll need €4,499 ($6,421 U.S.). That pile of pounds will give you access to a new manifold, uprated intercooler, spark plugs, and a sports exhaust as well as the necessary ECU tweaks. Mcchip-dkr thankfully didn't do anything regrettable to the Focus RS' already terrific looks. What they've done with torque steer outside of the stock RS' trick Revoknuckle and limited-slip setup is anyone's guess.

Have a look at the press release after the jump, and there are more images of the car in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Mcchip-dkr Focus RS

[Source: Mcchip-dkr]

Continue reading McChip introduces Ford Focus RS with 401 horses - Are you lovin' it?

McChip introduces Ford Focus RS with 401 horses - Are you lovin' it? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford brags about largest residual value increase in industry - $1,300+ year-over-year

Chris Shunk — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Ford

2010 Ford Fusion Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Residual values tell you a lot about a vehicle. If a car or truck has good quality and has plenty of customer demand it will have high residuals. If it's a lemon on wheels, clogging the rental lots, it will carry poor residuals. Detroit automakers have fared poorly in residual values for quite a few years, but it appears Ford may have taken a big step towards correcting that problem.

Ford is gleefully touting the results of the ALG January/February 2010 Residual Value Forecast for a good reason; the residuals of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles went up by $1,310 versus the January/February 2009 numbers. The residual values are based off of a formula that shows how much 2010 vehicles will be worth 36 months after purchase and Ford maintains the increase in residuals has a lot to do with the success of its latest redesigns and improved quality.

Proof of Ford's improved 36-month value scores comes in a comparison of the Fusion versus the Toyota Camry. The Fusion is now reportedly worth $687 more than the Camry after three years. The Ford Flex enjoys an even more decisive win versus the Toyota Highlander, as the boxy Blue Oval-branded wagon will reportedly be worth $1,800 more in three years. The 2010 Taurus scored the biggest increase, but not against the foreign competition. The smartly restyled sedan is worth $4,862 more after three years than the invisible 2009 Taurus. Both the Taurus and the Super Duty won the Kelly Blue Book Best Residual Value award in their respective segments.

A big reason Ford's residual values have skyrocketed in only one year is due to the automaker's improved status amongst customers. Fresh data from research firm Compete, Inc reportedly shows that the Blue Oval has surpassed Toyota in overall customer consideration for the past three months. Ford hasn't passed Toyota in Compete's customer satisfaction index since the firm began collecting data in 2002. Hit the jump to read over the Ford press release.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford brags about largest residual value increase in industry - $1,300+ year-over-year

Ford brags about largest residual value increase in industry - $1,300+ year-over-year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford altering Taurus model mix to build more SEL, SHO models

Chris Shunk — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

2010 Ford Taurus SHO - Click above for high-res image gallery

When a new model hits the market, auto manufacturers typically release higher-option models out of the gate to maximize early profits. In short, if you're jonesin' to get into an all-new product, you often pay a content premium to be one of the first to get said new car or truck. In a good market, that makes sense, but since 2009 has been a sales disaster for automakers, it was understandable that Ford chose to make more lower-spec 2010 Tauruses than normal. Despite the challenging financial climate, as it turns out, many dealers are clamoring for more high content models.

Automotive News is reporting that dealers are short on SEL and SHO variants of the new Taurus. Marketing chief Jim Farley reportedly told a group of reporters at a press event that the situation was "a problem for our dealers." Overall inventory of the Taurus is solid, with the typical dealer holding a 60-70 day supply of the plus-sized sedans - but some dealers have reportedly waited up to 80 days for certain custom orders.

Given how much more upscale the 2010 model is over the last model, this can be seen as a victory of sorts for the Blue Oval, as it wasn't clear that consumers would welcome back the Taurus nameplate on any car, much less one with loftier aspirations and price tags. That said, all is not puppy dogs and ice cream - Taurus sales are down 22 percent year-over-year (selling 38,361 units through November), although whether that is because of the economy or the car itself remains up for discussion.

Ford dealers are reportedly also running short on F-150 Double Cab models as market demand was misjudged by product planners.

One vehicle that may help Ford to pick the right mix out of the gate is the Fiesta. Ford has gained over 80,000 hand-raisers for what will soon be the Blue Oval's smallest US vehicle and the "Fiesta Movement" has helped the automaker get a lot more data on what kinds of variants customers expect. If the Fiesta launch goes as planned, we're thinking Ford will take similar steps to market other products in the future.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

REPORT: Ford altering Taurus model mix to build more SEL, SHO models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford offering all 41,000 UAW workers buyout packages

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford, Earnings/Financials, UAW/Unions

According to Ford spokesman Mark Truby, "Despite a strengthening in our business, we still have a surplus in employees." Union employees to be specific. As such, Ford has just announced plans to reduce its unionized workforce by offering a buyout package to all 41,000 UAW members currently employed by the automaker.

Reuters reports that Ford workers with at least one year of experience can take a payout of $50,000 plus a new car voucher worth $25,000 or an additional cash payment of $20,000. Retirement-age workers can opt to take their pensions plus the $25,000 new vehicle voucher or the $20,000 payment. Finally, skilled-trade workers that are eligible for retirement can opt for a $40,000 payout plus their pensions.

Ford says these efforts are necessary to remain competitive with foreign rivals and fellow American automakers General Motors and Chrysler, both of which recently went through government-sponsored bankruptcy proceedings and extensive reorganization. Earlier this year, Ford's UAW workers voted down a revised contract that would have essentially granted Ford the same measures that unionized auto workers had earlier extended to Chrysler and General Motors.

Workers who accept the buyout packages would leave sometime during the month of February, 2010. Any new workers hired as replacements will start at $14 per hour under the latest UAW contract, which is half of the current average wage of UAW employees being offered the buyouts.

[Source: Reuters | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: Ford offering all 41,000 UAW workers buyout packages originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford believes it can get premium dollars for Fiesta... what do you think?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

So you're ready to be your own 2011 Ford Fiesta agent, but you'll actually be paying for yours instead of the company giving you one to drive for free. If you want one that's got all the doodads, this is what you need to do: bring money. A base Fiesta sedan starts at $13,320, but go for the pricier hatch and check a few boxes and you'll hopscotch your way past the $23,000 line -- and there will still be options left.

Ford doesn't see this car as just a small American hatchback for people who want a smaller footprint but all the style and utility. The base and lower end models fit the bill for that, but on the other end, Ford officials tell Automotive News that it sees the Fiesta as an aspirational, high tech hatch that can command attention and commensurately elevated prices. Said Ford's Jim Farley, "Americans have shown us if we bring out aspirational products, not only will they pay the base price, but go up."

We played with the Fiesta configurator and wound up at $22,970. Yes, it's easy to do, but that does give you just about everything -- we skipped the graphics packages, the smoker's kit, and a couple of other accessories. But of that $9,650 difference between the sedan's base and our wishlist hatch, about half of the cost is loaded on the front end: the SES starts at $17,120 before you do anything to it, and that goes to $18,190 if you go for the automatic. Ford's getting premium prices in Australia for the Fiesta, and it believes it can do the same here. If you think so - or don't - let us know in Comments.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

REPORT: Ford believes it can get premium dollars for Fiesta... what do you think? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SYNC FTW: Ford adding mobile internet compatibility to USB ports

John Neff — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ford

The SYNC system offered by Ford in most of its models just got a lot more interesting. In addition to giving vehicle owners super simple connectivity with virtually any phone or music player and the best voice recognition in the biz, the next generation of SYNC will add mobile internet compatibility to its USB ports. What does this mean? It means that if you've got one of those fancy 3G modems for your laptop, you can plug it into the USB port of your SYNC-equipped Ford and voilà! Your entire vehicle is a WiFi hotspot. Imagine the effect of adding easy in-car WiFi to a family of five's cross-country trip in a Ford Flex and you get the idea.

In-car WiFi has been around for a couple of years already, but all instances have required extra dealer-installed hardware (a receiver and router, specifically) and an additional monthly fee. General Motors announced just last week that it's adding optional in-car WiFi to seven Chevy models, but like most systems, you'll have to pay $500 up front ($199 after mail-in rebate through December 31st) for the hardware and $29/month for the service. With a simple software upgrade of SYNC next year, Ford customers will be able to use the 3G modem they may already have and get the same effect, without having to pay extra for new equipment and, most importantly, another monthly fee for internet. It's also an easy way for Ford to get WiFi in the car for SYNC's upcoming mobile apps.

SYNC was already a big reason for infotainment-obsessed car shoppers to consider a Ford, but at least when it comes to browsing the internet in your car, SYNC 2.0 with in-car WiFi just leap frogged the entire auto industry. Not only is the technology impressive, but this new feature actually saves the customer money rather than asking for more. Ford's official word on the matter, plus a video of SYNC 2.0 broadcasting its pirate signal, can be found after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading SYNC FTW: Ford adding mobile internet compatibility to USB ports

SYNC FTW: Ford adding mobile internet compatibility to USB ports originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford names Jamie Allison director North American Motorsport

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Ford

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet - click above for high res image gallery

Ford has named Jamie Allison as the new director of its North American Motorsports programs. Set to replace Brian Wolfe, Allison has been working in Ford Racing for six years and has been with the Dearborn automaker for 22 years. While part of the racing group, Allison has worked in one of the more profitable segments of the business, selling racing performance parts. During his tenure Allison oversaw the launch of Ford selling turn-key race cars like the FR500C, the FR500S and of course the Cobra Jet drag race car.

The race car program has been very successful both in terms of sales and on the track, with both the 2008 and 2010 runs of 50 Cobra Jets sold out before the cars were even built. The announcement of Allison's promotion came during a media event this week where Allison revealed the next product from Ford Racing, which you'll here more about next week. Wolfe has been named to a new position in the product development organization.

Gallery: First Drive: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

[Source: Ford]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Ford names Jamie Allison director North American Motorsport

Ford names Jamie Allison director North American Motorsport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fancy a camouflage F-150? Graphics for entire Ford lineup coming soon

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:21:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Ford, Design/Style

Ford Custom Graphics - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the LA Auto Show this year, Ford showed off several North American-market Ford Fiestas. The cars themselves received a warm reception, as did the customized versions on hand to show off the possibilities. One Fiesta in particular caught our eye: It was a fairly stock-looking white car with some outrageous black graphics on its flanks. We came to learn that this wasn't just a one-off. It was, in fact, part of a new Ford program to allow buyers to similarly customize any Ford in the vehicle lineup.

The generically-named Ford Custom Graphics are a series of vinyls that can be used to add a little extra something to your blue oval beauty. Ford says the graphics are scratch-resistant and weatherproof, and retain the car's 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty. They will be sold exclusively through Ford dealers. Although the Fiesta designs are the only pages open right now, there are previews of other planned graphics on the FordCustomGraphics.com website. We've assembled some of them here for you in the gallery below. The lower camo on the F-150 is particularly eye-catching, but there are similar treatments for every single vehicle in the Ford family brochure. Check 'em out.

Gallery: Ford Custom Graphics

[Source: Ford]

Fancy a camouflage F-150? Graphics for entire Ford lineup coming soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoweek spills more beans on the 2011 Ford Mustang's 5.0-liter V8

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford

2010 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

AutoWeek has decided to let the cat get just a little bit further out of the bag this morning following last night's first bit of embargo breakage regarding the 2011 Ford Mustang GT and its 5.0-liter V8 engine. So, by now you've heard that the new powerplant puts out 412 ponies, or 83 horsepower-per-liter. Now, AW wants you to know it also offers up 390 pound-feet of torque and that peak power comes at a screaming 6,500 RPM.

The new powertrain combination will also return 25 miles per gallon, says AW. How does it manage this feat? With an aluminum engine block with cast cylinder sleeves and brand-new heads with four valves per cylinder, vertical intake ports and twin independent variable valve timing. Don't forget the tuned exhaust headers, a forged steel crankshaft with four-bolt main bearings plus new pistons and connecting rods.

And what about the transmission? Your choice of either the 6R80 automatic transmission or the MT82 six-speed manual. We now return you to your regularly-scheduled programming... until the next bit of embargo breakage, of course.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: AutoWeek]

Autoweek spills more beans on the 2011 Ford Mustang's 5.0-liter V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Revised Sync from Ford coming to CES

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Ford

Ford's victory with Sync isn't contestable - the connectivity system has a 70-percent uptake rate, and 32 percent of people list it as one of the reasons they bought a Ford. Over one million Sync-equipped vehicles have been sold in three years. The Blue Oval's exclusive deal with Microsoft ended last year and other Microsoft-powered in-car competitors will be arriving soon, so Ford has been busy working on new elements that it hopes will keep Sync in front of the challengers.

Ford has updated Sync a couple of times this year with things like traffic and directions, and a contacts download app. According to The Detroit News, the next big update is scheduled to be announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month. Ford isn't giving away details, but it's called "mobile apps," and it will enable Sync functionality with any app on a cellphone or personal music player. That would likely mean Pandora on-the-go and Twitter out loud.

It could also mean a price: rumors suggest that Ford will be charging for the upgrade, and that it will come on 2010 vehicles and be available to any previous Sync-fitted vehicle. Stay tuned for coverage from CES for more.

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Revised Sync from Ford coming to CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Collectible Concept: 1995 Ford GT90 concept going up for auction

Drew Phillips — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Auctions, Ford

1995 Ford GT90 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If Ford first introduced the GT90 Concept at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show next month, we would probably consider it one of the coolest cars on the show floor. Incredibly, Ford unveiled the GT90 nearly 15 years ago. Even by today's standards it is a supercar of supercars. The quad-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 puts out an estimated 720 horsepower, the body is constructed completely of carbon fiber and top speed is somewhere in the 250 mph range. The only hints that it's not a modern supercar are the all-blue interior and wheels that are decidedly not from this decade.

So why are we talking about the GT90 Concept now? RM Auctions has just announced that it will be offering the car at its Arizona sale. That's right, this is your chance to own one of the coolest concept vehicles of all time. This is the first time that the GT90 Concept has ever been publicly for sale at auction, and RM claims that it is in "excellent running condition, having been properly stored and maintained over the year." No estimated price is given, but we're guessing it will take a significant chunk of change to take the car home. Hit the jump for a detailed description and history of the GT90 Concept, or adorn your desktop with 1990s supercar glory using one of the photos in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 1995 Ford GT90 Concept

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading Collectible Concept: 1995 Ford GT90 concept going up for auction

Collectible Concept: 1995 Ford GT90 concept going up for auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford claims biggest five-year fuel economy improvement among major automakers

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ford

Ford 1.6-liter EcoBoost - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to the latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency, Ford has scored the biggest improvement in combined fuel economy of any major carmaker over the last five years. Between 2005 and 2009, Ford improved its fleet average by nearly 20 percent - almost twice as much as any other company. While Ford certainly made a lot of incremental improvements in the efficiency of its vehicles over that period, that wasn't the only factor.

That same time period saw a huge shift in the model mix at Ford. Sales of SUVs like the Explorer and Expedition collapsed as consumers moved to crossovers like the Edge and Flex (oh, and we suppose a car or two). The Explorer has gone from more than 400,000 annual sales earlier this decade to just over 68,000 last year.

Ford has made actual improvements, as well, however, including the introduction of the Escape Hybrid and the roll out of six-speed transmissions. The next five years should see even bigger gains as Ford deploys millions of EcoBoost engines, battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Ford's official press release is after the jump.

Gallery: Ford 1.6-liter EcoBoost

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford claims biggest five-year fuel economy improvement among major automakers

Ford claims biggest five-year fuel economy improvement among major automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: 2011 Ford Mustang GT to offer 412-horsepower 5.0-liter V8

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford

2010 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Thanks to a loose-lipped Facebookian that couldn't help sharing insider information and a quick follow-up post from Inside Line, we can now confirm the return of the iconic 5.0-liter Mustang GT for 2011. Even better news is the fact that the Mustang GT's new mill will crank out an impressive 412 horsepower.

By way of comparison, the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS has a 6.2-liter V8 with as much as 422 horses when mated to a six-speed manual and the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 has a 6.1-liter Hemi that offers 425 ponies. And remember, both of those rivals are considerably heavier than the Mustang.

As much as we'd like to unload more goods on the 2011 Mustang, you'll just have to wait until Ford's good and ready. Or someone blows another embargo, whichever comes first.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

[Source: Inside Line]

Confirmed: 2011 Ford Mustang GT to offer 412-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford and Mazda clarify future relationship, still strong

Michael Harley — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Mazda

Click either image above for a high-res gallery

While Ford sold most of its controlling stake in Mazda last November, the two automakers will remain close partners as the companies work together to develop new automotive systems and technologies -- refuting previous reports that the two companies may be drifting apart. The announcement comes from top executives at both Ford and Mazda, which have been meeting recently to discuss further collaborations within the industry.

A strong relationship benefits both automakers. Ford needs Mazda for its insight into manufacturing, product development and its window into the Japanese auto industry. Mazda still relies on Ford for its powertrains (which Ford will continue to provide). The recently launched Ford Fiesta and Mazda2, built on a shared platform, are another example of how the two automakers can work together. The cars were originally engineered for other markets and not intended for sale in the States. When Ford's product strategy changed while they were under development, the two companies met and solved the critical design elements together, making each viable for the domestic market. Problems solved, the Fiesta and Mazda2 debuted at the LA Auto Show earlier this month and are going on sale next year.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta Hatchback

Gallery: 2011 Mazda2

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Ford and Mazda clarify future relationship, still strong originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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