Ford Start Concept gives informal SoCal show an eco-boost
Filed under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Ford, Design/Style
Ford Start Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
During our favorite Southern California car meet this past weekend we were wondering what was drawing such a large crowd up front. We could clearly see the first Ferrari 458 Italia make an appearance off to the side, itself drawing quite a crowd, but something very interesting looked to be parked right alongside a beautiful Porsche Speedster hardtop. Anything that would draw attention away from the Ferrari and a classic Porsche had to be pretty impressive itself, so when we finally pushed through the throngs of admirers, we were a bit surprised to see the new Ford Start Concept.
The Start was unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show a few months ago and has since rested inside the Ford Design Studio. Lucky for us, the Ford crew decided this concept needed a bit of fresh air, so they drove it over to the meet-up and parked it front and center between the Speedster and an Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Zagato, both said to be styling influences for the design team. The design was a huge hit with the attendees, admiring its stance and size as much as its striking styling cues. The rear pillar trusses got a lot of appreciative glances in particular, as did the interior.
Designers on hand wouldn't comment on production plans for this little runabout, but the crowd seemed to want one - now - and we are right in line with them. This could easily be the look of the next Ford Ka, with a funky ferocity to that has us thinking of the original Mini more than the current BMW version. If nothing else the Start gives us an even clearer vision of what Ford's "Post-Kinetic" design language will generate in future models. One feature we know we'll be seeing more of its the engine: The Start features the new Ecoboost 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, which is said to be good for 120 horsepower in this application. Click on the gallery below to see even more pics of the Start in the wild.
Photos by Frank Filipponio/Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Ford Start Concept gives informal SoCal show an eco-boost originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2010 Dana Point Concours: Don "The Snake" Prudhomme tribute
Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Celebrities
Don Prudhomme's 1974 Army sponsored Chevrolet Vega funny car - Click above for high-res image gallery
The 28th Annual Dana Point Concours d'Elegance took place this past Sunday and once again found the Monarch Beach Golf Links at the St. Regis Resort to be a perfect venue. As beautiful as the resort is, though, we were a bit perplexed to hear visitors talking so openly and enthusiastically about all of the snakes they had been seeing there.
"Did you see The Snake? There are four snakes up on the hill! The Snake was riding around in a golf cart a few minutes ago, make sure you go see him."
The well-traveled Reptilia was none other than Don "The Snake" Prudhomme, the honorary chairman of this year's concours. "The Snake" didn't come empty-handed to this party either. No, he brought with him a quartet of his funky funny cars from the 1970s, including the sole remaining Mattel Hot Wheels 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Funny Car that became famous during the "Snake vs. Mongoose" match races between Prudhomme and Tom "The Mongoose" McEwen. Back in the day, these two warriors famously squared off in match races across the country while also making countless appearances at toy stores, retail outlets and other locations.
The Barracuda was parked atop the same 1967 Dodge D-700 crew cab Hot Wheels Ramp Truck that was used to transport the race car on that promotional tour. The gorgeous yellow duo emerged from frame-off restorations just in time for SEMA last year, and seeing it there instantly transported us back to our youths, when our Hot Wheels checklist included not only this screaming yellow Plymouth, but Prudhomme's red, white and blue Hot Wheels and ARMY cars as well. Imagine our delight, then, when we saw some of those cars parked right alongside the Baracuda and transport in Dana Point on Sunday.
Front and center sat the white 1972 Hot Wheels sponsored Plymouth 'Cuda funny car, to its left the 1974 Army sponsored Chevrolet Vega funny car and to the right the 1978 Army Plymouth Arrow funny car which proudly carries the "Number 1," reflecting Prudhomme's fourth consecutive NHRA World Championship season. The Snake himself was also part of the attraction on Sunday, recounting old racing tales and signing autographs for the masses. He even took a few minutes to visit with the Cagahys, a couple who happened to bring their own Prudhomme car to the event - a 2009 Shelby Mustang Prudhomme Edition. We took lots of pics, which you can check out in the gallery below.
Photos by Frank Filipponio/ Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
2010 Dana Point Concours: Don "The Snake" Prudhomme tribute originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord Focus RS500 already sold out?
Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Racing
2011 Ford Focus RS500 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Well, that didn't take long, did it? We knew the new 2011 Ford Focus RS500 would move fast, but not quite this fast. Powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder that produces 345 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, Ford's hottest hatch one-ups even the already bonkers Focus RS with its piddly 305 horsepower and 325 lb-ft. Considering that the RS is capable of a 0-62 mile per hour sprint of under six seconds and a top speed of 163 mph, the RS500 should clock in around 5.6 seconds.
What we didn't expect was the fact that the RS500 would sell so quickly. With their matte black paint, 19-inch wheels and all that performance on tap, we certainly expected them to be a hot commodity, but if Autocar is to be believed, the whole run of 500 units has already sold out - some 12 hours after the reveal. Sales will be spread out over 20 European markets, with the UK getting 101 units, Germany getting 55 cars, France receiving 50 and Belgium scoring 50 units, with Denmark, the Czech Republic and Greece getting five units each, while Ireland receives three.
The best part of the story is the fact that all 500 units are already spoken for, even before prices have been announced. Ford is said to be sorting through the letters of intent from customers to figure out dealer allocations. And don't forget, the order books don't formally open until May. With the regular RS trading above sticker on the used car market, we're guessing there will be more than a few flippers in the initial owner group.
[Source: Autocar.co.uk]
Ford Focus RS500 already sold out? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsBlock Rockin’ Beat: 100 Acre Woods rally results
Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Subaru, Off-Road, Racing
Ken Block wins 100 Acre Wood Rally in Ford Fiesta shown in testing above
He did it. Ken Block made it five-in-a-row at the 100 Acre Wood Rally, showing that his new Ford Fiesta is doing just as good for him as his old Subaru. Block and Alex Gelsomino were the overall winners of the Open Class in their Monster World Rally Team Ford Fiesta, but it wasn't easy for them. Block started the second leg more than a minute behind Subaru Rally Team USA's Travis Pastrana after having a bit of trouble on stage one. Although the Ford was pretty quick, Pastrana was quicker, as was Antoine L'Estage, the Rockstar Mitsubishi Evo driver who now leads the Rally America championship race with 34 points.
Pastrana was leading until he broke his left rear control arm on the Super Special Stage in Potosi. That put Block into the lead with L'Estage barreling down on him - that is until L'Estage also hit some bad luck, getting a flat on the second stage and battling low visibility conditions at a water crossing. Block charged on and never looked back, crossing the finish some 20 seconds ahead of the Evo. Privateer Bill Bacon grabbed the last step on the podium in his last-gen 2006 Mitsubishi Evo IX. Despite some difficulties this year, Bacon has at least been consistent, and finds himself in second place in the championship standings with 28 points. Dave Mirra nabbed 4th, his best finish yet in Subaru Rally Team USA's 2010 STi.
Next up for Rally America will be the Olympus Rally in Olympia, Washington on April 24-25. Full results in the official press release after the jump. Hat tip to Jason!
[Source: Rally America]
Continue reading Block Rockin' Beat: 100 Acre Woods rally results
Block Rockin' Beat: 100 Acre Woods rally results originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: New Matech Ford GT for GT1 racing looks and sounds gloriously evil
Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Europe, Videos, Ford, Racing
2010 FIA GT1 Matech Competition Ford GT - Click above for video after the jump
It wasn't that long ago that Ford was selling a genuine supercar, one that made no excuses as it took on the world's best. The Ford GT had one foot in the past and one foot in the present, with its '60s GT40 good looks and somewhat more modern 5.4-liter supercharged V8. Altogether, some 4,000 or so GTs were built during its production run. Sadly that program ground to a halt in 2006 and nothing has come along from the Blue Oval to replace it. Still, the GT lived on as a great platform for tuners and racers.
One race team that has grown particularly fond of the GT is Matech Competition, and the Swiss team has already raced it to championships in FIA GT3 racing in Europe. The retro roadcar was never intended for racing, but like its forebearer, it is once again hunting Ferrari and Porsche racers on Europe's most famous tracks. After successes in GT3, the GT has shown it might be ready to move up in class. While the small independent Robertson Racing has run a GT in the GT2 class of ALMS for a few seasons with mixed results, it's Matech once again that will take on the next challenge - GT1.
For 2010, Matech has developed their GT1 version of the car that builds on lessons learned during the 2009 campaign when the team ran a prototype in the same class. Although similar in overall looks, Matech tells us that the two cars share no parts whatsoever. With an all-new formula for 2010, that's not very surprising, but 2009 was a development year for the teams. After the jump you can read the press release regarding the car's initial outing, and better yet, there's a video of it in action. The clip is painfully short but will give you goosebumps when the car sprints away. Besides its wonderfully melodic tone, the car looks plain badass, definitely up to the challenge being brought by GT1 competitors like the Nissan GT-R, Reiter's Murcielagos, Aston Martin DBR9s, Maserati MC12s, and our local boys the Chevrolet Corvettes. No wonder the clip is titled "Matech Symphony No.1." Top tip, Johannes!
[Source: Matech Competition]
Continue reading Video: New Matech Ford GT for GT1 racing looks and sounds gloriously evil
Video: New Matech Ford GT for GT1 racing looks and sounds gloriously evil originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsToyota tops in CR brand perception study, Subaru, Ford, Chevy make gains
Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, Ford, Hummer, Mazda, Mercury, Saab, Subaru, Toyota
Consumer Reports 2010 Car Brand Perception Survey results just published
After one of the worst years ever for the auto industry, which automakers do you think came out of 2009 with an unsullied reputation? Consumer Reports just published its 2010 Car Brand Perception Survey and the results are a bit perplexing. Naming the manufacturers that slipped last year would probably be a piece of cake, but try to guess which ones came out ahead of their 2008 rankings.
Before you try to guess, here are the ground rules. According to CR, "The scores reflect how consumers perceive each brand in seven categories: Safety, quality, value, performance, design/style, technology/innovation, and environmentally friendly/green." Further, "The scores reflect consumers' total perception level of a brand across those categories, and not the actual qualities of the brand's individual vehicles."
The overall top brands in the rankings were the usual suspects for the most part. Toyota was tops (guess CR readers haven't heard about that sticky gas pedal thing), followed by America's sole avoider of bankruptcy, Ford, then Honda. Somewhat surprisingly, Chevrolet placed fourth - bankruptcy be damned. Carmakers improving by the largest percentage over last year were an equally mixed bag. Chevy and Ford improved quite a bit, but the company posting the biggest gain was Subaru, which mirrored the success it had on the showroom floor in 2009.
Perhaps even more interesting were the bottom brands. Not surprisingly in these green-leaning times, Hummer scored the lowest as a brand, followed closely by GM problem-child, Saab. The Swedish firm was actually tied, though, with Ford's forgotten brand, Mercury, and shockingly, recent Ford divestiture, Mazda. Dropping the most this year were luxury brands like Porsche, Lexus and Lincoln. How Porsche and Lexus dropped so much is a bit of a mystery, but Cadillac droppng 15 points was a real head-scratcher considering the success of the CTS.
The complete survey is an interesting read, as are the full rankings. The top scorers in each category is particularly revealing. Before you click the source link below, though, try to guess where your favorite brands placed. You might be as surprised as we were.
[Source: Consumer Reports]
Toyota tops in CR brand perception study, Subaru, Ford, Chevy make gains originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFancy a camouflage F-150? Graphics for entire Ford lineup coming soon
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.
[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.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsLA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities
Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Ford
2011 Ford Fiesta by Ford Custom Accessories - Click above for high-res image gallery
While introducing the folks at the LA Auto Show to the American-market 2011 Ford Fiesta, Ford decided to go a step further. They didn't just show the production sedan and hatchback, they also showed off the possibilities the platform presents as well. They had four customized Fiestas on display, done up by companies like H&R, 3dCarbon, FSWerks, and Steeda, as well as Ford's in-house Racing and Custom Accessories team. And just for good measure, they also brought along that wicked Kenny Brack X-Games Rally Fiesta as well.
There's a full press release after the jump, but here is a brief summary of the four featured vehicles:
Black Fiesta:
This car was put together by Ford Racing and Steeda Autosports. It features Steeda's cold air intake, a Borla/Ford Racing Performance cat-back exhaust system, Steeda/Ford Racing suspension upgrades, Ford Racing multi-spoke Euro wheels and Brembo anchors.
Blue Fiesta:
The blue car was built by H&R Special Springs. Naturally, it received some suspension tuning with an H&R Street Performance monotube coil-over kit and a set of spiffy 18-inch OZ SuperTurismo GT wheels. It's also the beneficiary of some Euro reverse-engineering via "Sticky Jewell custom graphics, custom Euro hood vents, stealthy blacked-out headlamps and a Ford Custom Accessories upper rear hatch spoiler."
White Fiesta:
The white Fiesta (above) features Ford Custom Accessories, so it ought to be the easiest model the Average Joe to copy. Nearly every styling element can be purchased from the Ford Custom Accessories, Ford Licensed Accessories or Ford Racing Performance Parts catalogs. And get used to those graphics, because Ford has taken this opportunity to add a whole new line of them for the Fiesta. You can see the whole collection at fordfiestagraphics.com.
Red Fiesta:
Last, but certainly not least, is the red Fiesta by 3dCarbon and FSWerks. It's the only one of the four that has some serious rejiggering underhood. It features an FSWerks Stage 2 intercooled turbo kit and 2.25-inch exhaust system. It also sports a 3dCarbon body kit with an "aggressive front air dam, aerodynamic side skirts and rear lower accent trim."
We'd probably mix and match among these mods, perhaps the H&R suspension, the Brembos from the Steeda car, the OZ wheels and that FSWerks turbo setup. Or maybe we'd just take Brack's car. Check out the gallery by clicking below and more details in the press release after the jump.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities
LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSEMA 2009: Gran Turismo Best in Show is the Trans-Cammer Mustang
Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford
Philip Koenen's "Trans-Cammer" 1970 Ford Mustang. Click above for high-res image gallery
Phillip Koenen brought a really gorgeous, miles-deep-black, 1970 Mustang to SEMA and came away with another fine piece of hardware:The Gran Turismo Best in Show award. For the past several years, Sony Computer Entertainment America has hosted these awards, which honor some of the coolest cars at SEMA.
Koenen's SOHC 427-powered "Trans-Cammer" snagged the Best Hot Rod award in addition to winning Best in Show. Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi awarded the trophy himself at the awards ceremony, which rocked The Palms' Rain nightclub Wednesday night. In addition to the the trophy, Koenen's beloved "Trans-Cammer" Mustang wins the right to be featured in a future installment of the Gran Turismo series.
Other Gran Turismo Award winners included Scott Bailey and Tony Vanillo's Ford F-250 Unlimited 2 Class short-course race truck in the Best Truck/SUV category; Chris Rado's World Racing Unlimited front-wheel-drive time attack Scion TC as Best Asian Import; KC Howet's 2009 Underground Racing Lamborghini LP560-4TT in Best European Import; and Nicholas Ashby's Moment Carbon Camaro for Best Domestic Automobile. Sounds like a dream garage to us. Follow the jump to read the official press release, and don't forget to check out the gallery as well.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading SEMA 2009: Gran Turismo Best in Show is the Trans-Cammer Mustang
SEMA 2009: Gran Turismo Best in Show is the Trans-Cammer Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSEMA 2009: Ford shows off Healing Heroes Network grand prize Shelby GT500 pair
Filed under: SEMA Show, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Ford
Healing Heroes Network charity raffle Shelby GT500s - Click above for high-res image gallery
In the Ford booth at SEMA this year, we spotted a matching set of 1967 and 2010 Shelby GT500 Mustangs. White with blue stripes, they looked incredible even in the unflattering lighting of Central Hall. The 1967 example is a verified Shelby original, number 3139 in the Shelby Registry. The 2010 GT is a one-of-a-kind special edition done up in the same Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue stripes as the old-timer. It has been dubbed the Patriot Edition and features a host of aftermarket changes that make it more closely match its ancestor.
While stopping to check them out we noticed a big sign nearby, telling us they could both be ours. Apparently, this duo is being raffled off to raise funds for the Healing Heroes Network, a charity that benefits injured Veterans. So buying a ticket or 10 is a chance to win these fantastic Shelbys, and support a worthy cause. Sounds like an easy decision to us. If you'd like to donate, buy tickets, or just find out more about the cars, the charity and the auction, check out this website.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
SEMA 2009: Ford shows off Healing Heroes Network grand prize Shelby GT500 pair originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments