Archive for the ‘New Ford News’ Category

August-31-10

Ford Fusion Subtly Replaces the Ford Taurus

Posted by admin under New Ford News

What is the new 2006 Ford Fusion? For most people, this new vehicle is something worth taking the drive. It has been equipped with a 3.0 liter V6 engine with the ability to produce some 221 units of horsepower. To assist the vehicle in providing a superb performance, also installed is a six speed automatic transmission system as well as a front wheel drive system.

What are its measurements? It has a length of 190.2 inches, a width of 72.2 inches, and 57.2 inches for its height. Its wheelbase definitely measures 107.4 inches. 3280 pounds would be the 2006 Ford Fusions curb weight. As per equipment, safety has been included and is given through four wheel disc brakes, front air bags, side and curtain air bags. As per other standard equipment, the list includes air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD radio, power windows, a cruise control system, as well as a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. If you have got $21,9995 to spare, this vehicle may be yours.

The 2006 Ford Fusion is said to be the replacement for the now defunct Ford Taurus. It is a sedan and is filling in the niche between the Ford Crown Victoria and the Ford Five Hundred. This vehicle actually has been built using the CD3 architecture of the Ford Motor Company. As per Ford history, the 2006 Ford Fusion made history already. This is actually the very first Ford vehicle to be conceived and designed on a computer. As per the machine that powers this vehicle, this new sedan holds a short and long arm front suspension, a multi-link independent rear suspension, as well as rack and pinion steering. It also is equipped with two different Duratec engines, which are also used by a Mazda vehicle. The standard engine is a 2.3 liter DOHC engine that has been built using aluminum. It has the capacity to produce 160 units of horsepower at 6500 rpm as well as 150 pound feet of peak torque at 4000 rpm. As per the optional V6 engine, it has a displacement of 3.0 liters, has DOHC heads, and holds 24 valves. It can produce 221 horsepower at 6250 rpm as well as some 205 pound feet of torque at 4800 rpm.

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August-27-10

North Americas Ford Contour

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The Ford Mondeo sedan was for the European market. Travel to the lands of the United States and North American and you would find the Ford Contour. The Ford Contour would be the Ford Mondeos American counterpart. This sedan was actually sold by the Ford Motor Company starting from 1995 up until 2000. Fact is, this vehicle actually was the basis for building a version of this under the Mercury brand. And the result came to be the Mercury Mystique and later on became the Mercury Cougar. The Ford Contour was found in the Ford Motor Companys line up filling the niche between the Ford Escort and the Ford Taurus.

The Ford Contour has a DOHC V6 engine with 24 valves. It has an aluminum block and aluminum heads. This has a displacement of 155 cubic inches. It can produce some 170 units of bhp at 6250 rpm, and 165 pound feet at 4250 rpm. It has also been equipped with a five speed manual transmission system. The wheelbase of the Ford Contour measures 106.5 inches, 183.9 inches in length and has a curb weight of 2910 pounds.

From 1995 to 1996, the Ford Contour came to be body colored. The front seats were recessed to the back so as to improve rear seat leg room. This is compared to the first wave of Ford Contours that entered the American automobile market. After a year, changes were still done. Traction control no longer was given as an option. The remote fuel door release feature was deleted and the fuel door that this batch held had a flanged opening. Made available were an interior trunk light, a tilt steering wheel, and a power antenna. In 1997 to 1998, the Ford Contours that entered the streets sported front and rear end designs that were new. There were new alloy wheel designs. The sail panels on the rear door windows were now smooth and held the word Contour emblazoned on it.

As per the last years of the Ford Contour, it still continually received changes. In 1998 to 1999, the Ford Contour deleted one of its trim levels. There was a clock in radio available. There were also some color revisions. The rear window and the brake light designs had changed. For Canada, this was the last year of the Ford Contour. In the United States, 2000 was the last year for the vehicle.

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August-22-10

Make Way for the Ford Edge

Posted by admin under New Ford News

Another addition to Fords lineup for class leading vehicles is the 2007 Ford Edge. It is a new midsize crossover vehicle. At its introduction, Ford targets that this vehicle should be able to compete head to head with vehicle imports like the Toyota Highlander and the Nissan Murano. Built on the Ford CD3 platform, the 2007 Ford Edge will certainly be something to look forward to. Just imagine, this platform has also been used for other highly known and respected vehicles like the Ford Fusion, the Mercury Milan, and the upcoming Lincoln Zephyr.

People who have been able to look at the 2007 Ford Edge has come to state that this vehicle certainly could pass for another Ford Fusion. This is because the Ford Edge has the same front end styling that the other vehicle has. Rumors also have it that this new vehicle would be coming equipped with the very same power source behind the Ford Fusion machine. So that would very much mean that the 2007 Ford Edge will have a 3.0 liter V6 engine with four cylinders as its power source. Although some rumors proclaim that the engine could be upgraded to a 3.5 liter engine with six cylinders. This vehicle certainly looks slightly heavier than the Ford Fusion. Come the time that this vehicle will make its way to the streets and the rest of the American market, it would be able to fill the niche between the Ford Escape and the Ford Explorer.

The Ford Edge made its way to public knowledge when it was presented by the Ford Motor Company during the Detroit Motor Show this year. It actually combines both the space and room of traditional sport utility vehicles with the maneuverability, flexibility, and fuel efficiency of most modern vehicles. This is what cars have to have so as to be able to compete in the fast growing crossover utility vehicle segment in the automobile market. This segment actually has been predicted to surpass and upstage the sport utility vehicles come the end of this year. And it is very much likely that with the Ford Edge, the Ford Motor Company is on its way to accomplishing greater heights and wider ranges.

Mark Fields, Ford Motor Companys president in the United States and the rest of North America, states, Edge underscores the bold, American design direction for all Ford vehicles going forward. Edge also is packed with Ford innovation from its panoramic glass roof and laptop friendly center console to fuel saving engine and advanced safety features. We expect Edge to make waves in the hot crossover market this year just like the Fusion did for midsize cars last year.

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August-11-10

Making Rounds With the Ford Courier

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What is a courier? Definition for this word says that a courier is a person or a company that holds the responsibility of delivering packages, and mail. This job is done between offices usually and is much quicker compared to regular mail. For large areas like cities, couriers often utilize bicycles or motorbikes however at present, trucks and aircrafts are used.

With this kind of definition, one could find that indeed, a courier has also been making the rounds in the auto world. Of course this courier has been roaming the streets and roads not to deliver packages and mail but actually delivers cargo and passengers with superb comfort. Going back to the history of automobiles, one would be able to find that there have been a couple of distinct Ford vehicle lines that were known as the Ford Courier.

The American utility van was called the Ford Courier. This lived in the 1950s and the entire line was halted come the year 1957. It held a six cylinder or eight cylinder engine. It was a panel van that was based on a sedan that time. From the year 1991 up until 2002, the European van was also called the same. In Brazil, the pick up there was also called the Ford Courier and this pick up has been doing its responsibilities since 1998 up to the present. From 1972 up until 1983, there was another American pick up that held the same name. This pick up was also the same one that has been doing its chores in Australia and in New Zealand. The Ford Courier in these areas has lived for so long. In fact, it started in 1972 and is continuing up until the present.

When people speak of the Ford Courier, they are mostly to describe the vehicle as a very versatile one for it can actually do various things and various activities that its owner indulges and engages in. Be it for normal driving or even for off road challenges, the Ford Courier meets all these very well because of its power, performance and comfort.

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The Ford Crown Victoria is also popularly known as the Crown Vic. This vehicle is a vehicle manufactured by the Ford Motor Company and it has been in production since 1955 up until the present. It is a full size vehicle. It has been made in one body style only and that is a sedan. The Ford Crown Victoria holds four doors and it has been built on the Ford Motor Companys FR Panther platform, thus making this sedan a relative of the Mercury Grand Marquis, the Mercury Marauder, as well as the Lincoln Town Car. The competitions for this vehicle include the Buick Lucerne, and the Toyota Avalon.

Despite the very fact that the Ford Crown Victoria has been in the rounds for many years already, decades in fact, this vehicle has not quite got the attention of the general public. However, the sales for this vehicle are quite high among fleets as well as rental car companies. This vehicle also has a twin which is the Mercury Grand Marquis. The Ford Crown Victoria shares some of its components with the Lincoln Town Car, however as per the exterior parts, everything on the Ford Crown Victoria is original.

At present, this classic sedan has been made available with many choices available for interested parties and for Ford Crown Victoria owners. As per the seats, only one material is used though and this is leather. However, there is a variety of available colors which comprise of Charcoal Black Leather, Light Camel Leather, and Medium Light Stone Leather. On the other hand, the exterior has a much wider array of color choices. These choices comprise of Dark Toreador Red, Silver Birch, Black, Tungsten Clearcoat Metallic, Arizona Beige, Light Tundra, Dark Blue Pearl, Vibrant White, Smokestone, and Light Ice Blue Clearcoat Metallic. By giving interested parties the chance to choose what color they would like the Ford Crown Victoria gives these people the chance to customize the sedan.

Preserving the history, and the performance as well as the sustained mobility of vehicles are just a few of the goals and targets that dominate of every automobile manufacturer at present. That is the very reason why Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts continually offers superior Ford auto body parts so as to assist vehicle maintain their capacities and perform well. And this action by Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts is very much in support of the previously mentioned goals of auto makers.

This online store has a huge collection of quality and durable Ford Crown Victoria parts as well as Ford vehicles parts and accessories. The list of these include accessories, air intake, body parts, brakes, climate control, clutch parts, cooling system parts, diesel fuel injection parts, drive belts, driveshaft and axle, electrical parts, mechanical parts, service tools, steering, suspension parts, and transmission parts among many others. Ford Parts and Ford Auto Parts have proven reliability for genuine and quality Ford auto parts that has kept customer loyalty for years.

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The rest of the world knows this line of vehicles from the Ford Motor Company as the Ford Econoline Van or the Ford E series. However, if you travel to the Philippines, you would then know that in this region and area, the Ford Econoline Van is marketed and known as the Ford Chateau Wagon. Take a closer look though and you would notice that the Ford Chateau Wagon is just a similar vehicle but has its differences with the Ford Econoline Van.

1961 was the year that the production of the Ford Econoline Van started. It was manufactured to be a full size van and it was mounted and crafted using the FR VN platform. Competition for this van includes the Chevrolet Express, the GMC Savana, the Dodge Sprinter, the Mercedes Benz Sprinter, and the Freightliner Sprinter. This line of full size vans were made for both cargo and passenger transportation. Looking at Fords line up for vehicles, the Ford Econoline Van and the whole Ford E series is very much related to the companys F series which is a line of pick up trucks.

The Ford Econoline Van is already on its fourth generation of versions for this vehicle. The first generation was known for it became a success for utility companies that included the Bell Telephone System. It was then a cargo van and could take in eight passengers inside. As per the second generation of Ford Econoline Vans, the engine was now moved from the rear up to the front. In 1975, the third generation came about. It held more ergonomic controls as well as a full frame design. Come 1983, the logo of Ford that was a blue oval was now integrated into the front grille of the van. The fourth generation came in 1992 and this was a redesigned version. This time around, the Ford Econoline Van came with a vast choice of engines for patrons various preferences and needs.

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July-20-10

American Muscle: Ford, Dodge, and Chevy

Posted by admin under New Ford News

Back during the 1950s through the mid 1970s, Detroit automakers produced several cars that were out and out muscle cars. These types of vehicles shared the same characteristics: they were two door coupes with souped up engines, responsive transmissions, an aggressive exterior design, and a sporty interior. High fuel prices and changing tastes eventually limited sales to the point where only a few models were produced beyond that period of time. Today, muscle car mania is back, despite even higher gas prices. Thanks to the Ford Mustang and to a lesser extent to sedan and wagon models from Dodge, there is new interest in a category long given up. The future is bright for the muscle car segment as one more manufacturer, Chevrolet, considers bringing back one of its darlings of yesteryear, the Camaro.

Besides the Ford Mustang there were a whole host of vehicles produced that at one time or another might have been considered a muscle car. In addition to the Mustang, the Ford Fairlane 500 and Ford Torino did duty; the Mercury Montego was another model; Chevrolet produced the Camaro and Corvette; Pontiac the GTO, Firebird, and Tempest; Olds the 442; American Motors had its Javelin; Plymouth had the Cuda, and Dodge produced the Challenger and the Charger. Today, only the Mustang and Corvette survives although the Dodge Charger has returned as a four door muscle car along with its sibling, the hot Dodge Magnum wagon.

Interestedly, it took Fords redoing of the Mustang for the 2005 model year to stir the current muscle car era craze. Styled after Mustangs built in the 1960s, the current Mustang embraces a retro look while incorporating contemporary technology. The result has been that the Mustang currently sells its entire 150,000 model capacity without incentives.

The Mustang has been inspiring DaimlerChrysler to go ahead with a retro cruiser of its own. The Dodge Challenger concept car, appearing at auto shows across the USA, has been a huge hit and Chrysler plans on bringing the V8 hemi powered model back in 2009. In addition, General Motors is considering giving its blessing on the Camaro, another car also making the rounds of the USA auto show circuit.

So, isnt it silly to bring back such gas hogs? Back during the early 1970s, the then current crop of muscle cars averaged only 10-12 miles to the gallon around town and 15 or 16 miles per gallon on the highway. Thanks to computer technology and efficiency, even the Corvette returns a highly respectable 28 miles to the gallon the highway. So, although fuel mileage will certainly be lower than many other models, the new group of muscle cars will still better the previous generation cars with fuel mileage 80% or more above the cars from the 1970s.

Fortunately, we still live in a fairly free country and what the consumer wants, the consumer gets. So, V8 powered muscle cars mated to 6 speed manu-matic transmissions, with sport handling, bucket seats, and better fuel economy will likely appeal to many. No, they wont be exact duplicates of yesterdays muscle cars, but they will provide the nostalgia and power that motorists seek. I cant wait!

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July-11-10

Ford Crown Victoria: Change Is Good

Posted by admin under New Ford News

One of the most well known names in autodom is poised to get its first major overhaul in nearly thirty years. Fords Crown Victoria, introduced in 1979, has had only minor changes since its introduction, but a new plan by Ford to overhaul the crown jewel of its fleet is apparently in the offing. Thanks to government assistance Australian to be exact the new Crown Victoria will be a clean break from the current model and will help to spawn additional models for siblings Mercury and Lincoln. Yes, you may not have considered a Crown Victoria up to this point, but the coming new Crown Vic may just change your mind about that.

You have to go back all the way to the late 1970s to when downsizing was a term used by the auto industry to describe a shell game where large cars were dropped down a notch in size to sit on a platform slightly smaller than the previous model. Indeed, throughout the 1970s Fords full size offerings the LTD/Galaxie 500 were huge beasts of burden. By the time the then new Galaxie 500 Crown Victoria was released at the end of the decade, Ford was playing catch up to General Motors who had earlier mastered the whole downsizing strategy.

Initially, the Crown Victoria had a broad appeal for drivers wanting a big car with all of the trappings. As time went buy the car grew less and less desirable as consumer tastes changed, but the Crown Victorias style did not. As a pursuit, government, or fleet vehicle the Crown Victoria has done very well, but Ford has only made modest improvements to the car over the years. Indeed, Americas #2 automaker has invested heavily in trucks, vans, SUVS and select cars, but the Crown Victoria quickly began to show its age. Todays model is terribly outdated and it hasnt had a thorough refreshing in more than a decade, so an overhaul is warranted.

Fords impetus for change is coming from an unlikely source: a foreign government. According to news sources, Fords Australian operation has received a $1.4 billion grant from Australia to build a production and research facility that will be used to design and build several new models. One of the Australian cars slated to benefit from this move will be the Ford Falcon, a full sized car that will become the basis of the all-new Crown Victoria.

While some have theorized that the new Crown Victoria will be built in Australia and imported to the U.S., this is unlikely to happen. Instead, Ford will expand the Falcons production to at least one U.S. plant, make some technical refinements, and sell the car as a Crown Victoria. It will be targeted to police departments and fleet buyers primarily with some residual sales for personal buyers. In addition, the Crown Victoria will spawn a new Mercury Gran Marquis while a slightly stretched and much more elegant version of the car will become the replacement for the current Lincoln Town Car.

Yes, the Crown Victoria is well past its useful age. Thanks to some help from down under, the 2010 model should be a refreshing change. At least Ford hopes you will think so.

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July-6-10

Ford F-150 FX2: A Hot Pick-Up Truck!

Posted by admin under New Ford News

Sometimes automakers really do listen to consumers. In the case of Ford, particularly with its crowd pleasing F-150 pick-up truck, Ford not only is listening, but delivering. What am I talking about? A hot-rod pick-up truck, thats what. Thats right, Ford is going ahead with plans to market a truly boss version of its perennially best selling truck, the F-150, to give many fans just what they have wanted. Read on for a sneak preview of Fords soon to be released FX2, a dream-come-true for avid Ford lovers.

With gas prices approaching record levels, some are questioning Fords decision to release yet another version of its highly popular full sized pick-up truck, the F-150. Yet, demand for big trucks and SUVs continues to remain strong suggesting that size really does matter for many consumers. True, a smaller truck can be adequate for some motorists however most contractors require the large carrying capacity of the F-150 thus the continued high demand of these types of trucks. Plus, serious pick-up truck drivers will tell you that there is nothing that matches the abundant capacity of an eight foot bed in carrying everything from lumber to yard debris to sport gear and more.

As it is with many truck owners, function is one thing while styling is but another. Base versions of the F-150 are attractive and capable enough, but sport concepts have continued to create so much buzz that Ford is responding to consumer demand by building the FX2. Specifically, the new model is in response to the overwhelmingly positive buzz a concept version has been receiving at auto shows everywhere.

So, what separates the FX2 from the average F-150? Plenty, including the following features as shared by Ford in a recent press release announcing the new model:

–a dark billet grille

–a sporty, deep front valance

–clear headlights paired with platinum bezels

–monochromatic paint scheme that blends in the bumper, side mirrors, and door handles with the rest of the truck

–chrome exhaust tip

–18 inch wheels

–black captain chairs with red stitching, available in clothe or in leather

–flow-through center console with floor shifter

Engine choices havent been announced, but Ford has said that its popular 5.4L V8 will be offered. The FX2, a two wheel drive vehicle, will complement an existing off road model, the FX4. Ford builds more versions of its full sized pick up truck than any other manufacturer in the world.

Yes, the FX2 is another part of Fords Bold Moves promotional campaign. While the new model is based on an existing truck, it does something that Ford is finally learning to do right: listen to its consumers. With the 2007 F-150 FX2, it appears that Ford has responded with certainty.

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June-23-10

Fuel-Efficient Ford Cars: The New Trend

Posted by admin under New Ford News

With gas prices soaring straight into oblivion, automobile customers and the rest of the auto market are looking for vehicles that would save their pockets from getting into trouble. Studies and research have found out that the numbers are showing that customers are leaning towards those vehicles that would assure them that they would not have to spend much on gas.

The market is actually looking for vehicles with smaller engines. This is because with smaller engines, owners would not need to have to refuel much for these types of engines only consumes a little amount of gas. This is actually a trend that has been seen in the sales of two Ford Motor Company vehicles Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. According to the sales of both vehicles, starting January up until the middle of May this year, the sales of these vehicles that held four-cylinder models almost doubled. In fact, sales for both have taken more than 20 per cent of all Ford vehicles sales.

George Pipas, the manager of Fords Sales Analysis, states, Along with the Fusion and Milan, the increase also includes Focus and Escape. Clearly, higher gas prices are increasing consumer demand to look at more fuel-efficient vehicles and powertrains. Indeed, the whole analysis shows that the auto market is now turning towards vehicles that are more efficient when it comes to fuel mileage. Of course, it also shows that people are becoming concerned and are becoming greatly affected by the whole gas price surge.

Pipas adds, For February of this year, the Fusions rate for the I4 was 41 percent, meaning that 59 percent of Fusion sales were for models with a V6. In March, the four-cylinder rate rose to 47 percent, and in April the rate jumped to 53 percent.

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