Cincinnati Ford Dealer » Alex Nunez

eBay Find of the Day: ’64 Ford Falcon "Tiki Taxi"

Alex Nunez — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:33:00 +0000

Filed under: Classics, Wagon, Auctions, Ford, Design/Style

All summer, I make it a point to hit the local cruise nights, and while there are plenty of regulars on hand week to week, a few cars make just one appearance and vanish. Way back in May, the car you see above, a surf-themed 1964 Ford Falcon Squire dubbed "Tiki Taxi", showed up. Immediately smitten, I snapped a bunch of photos, all of which are now gallerized here. Good thing, because the car never materialized again.

Fast-forward to today. Turns out, the "Tiki Taxi" is for sale. The coolest '64 Falcon station wagon in the known universe has a 289, three on the floor, and a JVC cassette deck to play your Martin Denny tapes during the ride to Trader Vic's. Current high bid (as of post time) is $6,600, and you still have two days to get in on the action. Check out the photo gallery to see just how beautifully turned out this wagon really is. You can also download full-resolution shots here.

eBay Find of the Day: '64 Ford Falcon "Tiki Taxi" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford looks to Facebook for 2013 Mustang reveal

Alex Nunez — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 14:59:00 +0000

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

The updated 2013 Ford Mustang has already been spied driving around in its seizure-inducing camo patterns. The ponycar's formal introduction is imminent, and Ford wants to make its Facebook fans part of the process.

Right now, if you "Like" the official Ford Mustang Facebook page, you can then ~~clutter your friends' news feeds with~~ share a Mustang badge. Ford's tallying each share, and for every 5,000 of them, it'll unveil one of four 2013 Mustang ~~photos that are so zoomed and cropped that you can't really see anything~~ teasers.

So, if you want to start unveiling the 2013 Mustang, surf over to Facebook and start sharing. Just remember to go "Like" the Autoblog.com page while you're there, too.

Ford looks to Facebook for 2013 Mustang reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Nov 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit, F-150 and interstates among Fortune’s "100 great things about America"

Alex Nunez — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 15:03:00 +0000

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Ford

2011 Ford F-150 4x4 SuperCrew - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fortune joined this weekend's parade of all things USA with its list of "100 great things about America." Be forewarned: the list itself is exceedingly dopey. After all, Clif bars, 60 Minutes, GEICO commercials, and LeBron James are among the things that Fortune somehow manages to rank ahead of the men and women collectively serving in our armed forces. (They're number 64, for whatever that's worth. Fortune separates out the SEALs, ranking them #5.)

Thanks to our nation's obsession with them, cars and car-related items dot the list as well. A few even crack Fortune's top 25: Detroit (#14), the Ford F-150 (#11) and interstate highways (#2). NASCAR sits at #51, drive-in movie theaters (the remaining few) occupy the 87th spot, Kevin Spacey's Honda commercial voice-overs rank 41st (not making any of this up) and Exxon Mobil comes in at #88.

To read the whole facepalm-inducing list, head over to Fortune, where you'll also learn that duct tape (#16) ranks ahead of the Bill of Rights (#17).

Detroit, F-150 and interstates among Fortune's "100 great things about America" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Inside Line dynos the 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

Alex Nunez — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:30:00 +0000

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 hits the dyno - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Ford says that the 2011 Mustang GT makes 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its new, advanced 5.0-liter V8. Well, Ford may just be full of crap. Autojournos have descended upon California this week to to kick the snot out of the 2011 Mustangs at the Blue Oval's invitation, and Inside Line took one of the new 5.0 GT models and strapped it to a Dynojet to see what the real numbers were. Thankfully, they do not disappoint.

It's like this: after seven pulls, Inside Line's tester reliably belted out 395 horsepower at 6,600 RPM and 365 pound-feet of torque at 4,350 rpm. That's at the wheel, natch, and since IL estimates the 'Stang sees only an 11% to 13% driveline loss thanks to its stick axle, the car is likely making somewhere between 438 and 446 horsepower at the crank - far more than the advertised 412.

This should come as no surprise to anyone, especially Inside Line. After all, last year they did the same thing with a 2010 GT500 only to learn that - surprise! - it was underrated. (Their tester put down 511 horsepower at the wheel. The guys figured the number at the crank to be around 570 horses, not the 540 advertised).

Is it possible that the 2011 Ford Mustang GT media launch testers are juiced? Sure it is, but we think it's unlikely. Reason number one is that Ford would be exposed the moment customer cars started getting delivered and dynoed, which would then look really foolish. Reason number two is the 1999 SVT Cobra. Upon its release, that particular car became infamous for not making its advertised 320 horsepower. While Ford eventually made things right via a recall, the incident was clearly embarrassing and likely left Dearborn with a "never again" mentality that sticks to this day. Hence, we're inclined to think Inside Line's numbers are no fluke. The 2011 Ford Mustang GT, with its new engine, is designed to punch the Chevrolet Camaro in the teeth and make it taste blood. By underrating the 5.0, Ford's just, you know, making sure.

Stay tuned for our man Lieberman's first drive impressions next week. In the meantime, follow the jump for video of one of Inside Line's dyno pulls and visit them to watch a few more and read their full analysis. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Ford's 5.0L V8

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Video: Inside Line dynos the 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0

Video: Inside Line dynos the 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Indian-market Ford Figo ads take on local flavor

Alex Nunez — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:48:00 +0000

Filed under: Budget, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, India

Ford Figo TV commercial for the Indian market - Click above to watch videos after the jump

Ford aims to take India by storm with its new Figo hatchback, designed to be the leader in its class from the outset. As you might imagine, the first television ads pushing the new ride frame the car as being perfect for Indian drivers. Mehendi ink on the dashboard? No worries! Super-cold A/C? Check. Plus, there's room for your your lucky elephant - small or large. Follow the jump to check out two of the new Indian spots for the Ford Figo.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Figo

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Indian-market Ford Figo ads take on local flavor

Video: Indian-market Ford Figo ads take on local flavor originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sneak Peek: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 w/ SVT Performance Package [w/video]

Alex Nunez — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:57:00 +0000

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2011 Shelby GT500 with SVT Performance Pack - Click above for high-res image gallery.Follow the jump to watch video

The latest Ford Racing email newsletter contains some juicy stuff for Mustang fans. It confirms that the 2011 Shelby GT500 will be revealed this coming Monday, February 8, at 1:30 PM Eastern time via a live webcast, during which FoMoCo VP for global product development, Derrick Kuzak will also run down the SVT product strategy with Jost Capito, Ford's director of global performance vehicles. The newsletter includes a link to FordMediaLive.com, which is counting down the seconds to the webcast in real time. We recommend you click on the system test button, because doing so gives you a teaser reel of the 2011 Shelby GT500 (shown above), and if you've been following the leaked developments so far, it's pretty revealing. (Note: Ford has since pulled down the old test/teaser reel and replaced it with generic nature scenes.)

As you know, the Shelby GT500 order guide found its way onto the web last week. Among the new-for-2011 features mentioned (beyond the aluminum block for the blown 5.4-liter V8), are the glass roof option, which is installed on the car in the video, and the new SVT Performance Package, which is also equipped. Visual giveaways that differentiate the performance pack cars are readily evident: the hood stripes are skinnier than the ones on the standard GT500, and the body-side stripe is solid (it's bisected on the regular GT500).

Even more obvious are the different wheels, 19 x 9.5 inches in front, and 20 X 10 inches in back) that are exclusive to the SVT Performance Package. Finally, in the shot of the car's rear end, the spoiler with Gurney flap is plainly visible. ~~Regular GT500s don't get the flap~~.(Never mind; I forgot that the 2010 GT500 rear spoiler had the flap, too. - Nunez) As specified in the leaked order sheet, the performance pack cars also get upgraded to a 3:73 rear axle ratio over the base GT500's 3:55s.On top of all that, The Detroit News reports this morning that the tweaked, aluminum-block 5.4 gets another 10 horsepower over the iron-block version, raising total output to 550 HP.

There's more to tell, but unfortunately, we're sworn to secrecy until 1:30 sharp on Monday. What we will say is this: The Mustang V6 and GT aren't the only ponys in the stable that get better for 2011. As good - great, even - as the 2010 Shelby GT500 is, the 2011 improves on the formula. Stay tuned for some pretty hot stuff on Monday. Thanks to Murray for the heads-up, and to commenter Mike for the Detroit News link.

Update: The teaser video has been posted to YouTube, and is now embedded after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 w/ SVT Performance Package

Gallery: 2011 Shelby GT500 Order Guide

[Source: Ford Media Live via TeamShelby.com, The Detroit News, YouTube]

Continue reading Sneak Peek: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 w/ SVT Performance Package [w/video]

Sneak Peek: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 w/ SVT Performance Package [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 order guide revealed?

Alex Nunez — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:29:00 +0000

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2010 Shelby GT500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We love enthusiast forums, in part because they're loaded with dealer employees who always manage to get their hands on fun stuff like vehicle ordering guides before the automakers are ready to spill the beans on upcoming changes themselves. The latest? It's the guide for the 2011 Shelby GT500, posted by one of the members at ModularFords.com. The document (presuming the info is 100-percent accurate) confirms that the new GT500 trades in its iron block for an aluminum one. We don't yet know how much weight the move will shave yet, but the change should only help make what's pretty much a great car even better.

Other stuff of interest? HID lamps will be standard, the glass roof option will become available on coupes, the convertible gets equipped with the same 19-inch wheels as the hardtop (the 2010 'vert rolled on 18-inchers), and there's an optional goody-laden SVT Performance Package. It adds a 3:73 rear axle ratio (3:55 is standard), package-specific shocks and springs, what sounds like a different stripe package, upgraded wheels and tires (19-inchers in front and 20-inchers in back), and a rear spoiler with Gurney flap. (If you want the SVT Performance pack, you need to skip the Shaker 1000 stereo).

Ford doesn't appear to be making a big to-do about the revisions. A spokesperson tells us we won't see the 2011 GT500 at either the Chicago or New York auto shows. Ourselves, we're content to wait patiently for the car's arrival so we can jump behind the wheel for a few days of fun and fact-finding. We've gallerized the Order Guide PDF below, and you can see the original over at ModularFords.com.

Gallery: 2011 Shelby GT500 Order Guide

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500, Part 2

[Source: ModularFords.com]

2011 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 order guide revealed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Alex Nunez — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:00:00 +0000

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Make it stop: Bad landau tops

Alex Nunez — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:51:00 +0000

Filed under: Sedan, Buick, Ford, Humor, Design/Style

Silly landau tops - Click above image for high-res image gallery

Landau tops. Frankly, some are fine. Show us, say, a mid-to-late '70s Olds Cutlass or Lincoln Town Coupe gussied up accordingly from the factory, and we're liable to nod in approval and make one of those, "Ehh, not bad at all!" facial expressions in appreciation of the old barge. That said, most modern landau roof applications are dealer-installed, and commensurately disastrous and stupid.

My friend Scott had been telling me about two particularly egregious examples he regularly sees in his Brooklyn neighborhood. "Show me," I told him. So he remembered to tote his camera with him this week and sent me these. The Buick LeSabre isn't all that surprising, gauche though it may be. But the Ford Escort? Yeah, that's a good one. Gotta love those opera lights and the fading "Ghia" lettering, too. Will anything ever stop these people?

Your turn: What's the most terrible landau top application you've personally witnessed? We know you have stories. Share.

UPDATE: TTAC fires a salvo of its own. Fun!

Gallery: Bad Landau Tops

[Images courtesy of Scott Nyerges]

Make it stop: Bad landau tops originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Just as we suspected: SVT Raptor minus 1980s decals = More awesome

Alex Nunez — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:48:00 +0000

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Ford, Specialty

2010 Ford SVT Raptor at Latemodel Restoration Supply - Click above for high-res gallery

If you read some of the model-specific buff books like Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords (raises hand), you're probably familiar with Latemodel Restoration Supply, which always has a multi-page ad in the mag touting its wares. Earlier this week, a shiny new Ford F-150 SVT Raptor visited the retailer's HQ. Photos were taken and posted to Flickr, where we saw them and decided they were definitely worth sharing. The Raptor is interesting on three levels. First off, it's a Raptor. Secondly, it's finished in Blue Flame -- a color that looks extremely good on this truck. (Frankly, we're tired of seeing the orange ones.) Finally, this particular machine rolls without the cheesy, '80s-looking factory bed-side graphics package. End result: a Raptor that's clean and mean. Clearly, this is the way to do it.

Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in Blue Flame

[Source: Latemodel Restoration Supply]

Just as we suspected: SVT Raptor minus 1980s decals = More awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments