Cincinnati Ford Dealer » Jeremy Korzeniewski

Brothers make tribute video for mom who died in Explorer rollover

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:59:00 +0000

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Government/Legal, Videos, Ford

It is with mixed emotions that we share this particular video, which stars two young boys who lost their mother, Nicole Miller, in 2004 after the Ford Explorer she was riding in blew a tire and rolled, causing her fatal injuries.

A sad story indeed, and we're quite certain everyone involved wishes that Mrs. Miller were still alive and that her boys would not have had a reason compelling them to make the tribute video in the first place. Certainly, the powers-that-be at the automaker hate seeing the Blue Oval's name brought up again in connection to older Explorers and the well-known lawsuits lodged against it after a number of owners reported rollover accidents.

While acknowledging the tragic loss of life, it's important to remember that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated the Ford Explorer and found it just as safe - or just as dangerous, as the case may be - as any other sport utility vehicle of the same era, which, importantly, was before stability control had hit the market in real numbers (and long before it became federally mandated, which was only recently). Independent tests were also carried out, none of which found the Ford Explorer to be particularly unsafe. Vehicles with high ground clearance and four-wheel drive are often afflicted with a higher center of gravity, making them easier to roll than passenger cars that sit closer to the ground.

For what it's worth, Firestone did recall 14.4 million tires starting in August, 2000 after Ford and Firestone negotiated a very contentious agreement between the two companies, including the ones fitted as standard equipment on many Ford Explorers built between 1991 and 2000, due to "a safety-related defect" (read: tread separation). Ford later agreed to replace 13 million tires mostly on Explorers that weren't covered by the original recall. But it isn't Firestone that the Miller boys' video targets, it's the Ford Motor Company.

In response to a query from The Huffington Post, Ford spokesperson Marcey Evans said that the automaker was "familiar with this tragic accident and our sympathy goes out to the family involved." Evans added, "We believe it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time as the family has brought a lawsuit against Ford, which is coming up for trial later this year."

In any case, we've included Ryan and Gregory's video after the break. It's a heartstring tugger that sets new lyrics to Vanessa Carlton's hit song A Thousand Miles. It is worth noting again here that the kids' assertions that Ford should recall all the remaining Explorers from that era are understandably emotionally driven. What the kids know about the cause of the accident is probably supplied by the family lawyers. Still, grab the tissues and Ford should hope the jurors never see it.

Editor's note: Some additional reporting concerning the recall of Firestone tires was added to this story after its original posting.

Continue reading Brothers make tribute video for mom who died in Explorer rollover

Brothers make tribute video for mom who died in Explorer rollover originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible caught enjoying the weather ahead of Detroit reveal?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:00:00 +0000

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Ford

Detroit in January isn't exactly the proper place to go topless in a 650-horsepower tire smoker, but that doesn't mean rumors of the 2013 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible's impending debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show aren't accurate. And these spy shots prove that the car is very much ready for its big unveiling.

We're expecting the soft-top Shelby to pack the same 5.8-liter supercharged engine as its hard-topped sibling, which means the asphalt will be punished with those aforementioned 650 ponies along with 600 pound-feet of torque. For the coupe, that power equals a top speed of over 200 miles per hour.

So, here's the big question: Will the 2013 GT500 Convertible be the least expensive way to a wind-in-your-hair blast at supercar speeds? While we all ponder that question, let's all take a gander at the spy photos in the gallery above. And let's pray to the god of sunshine that the GT500 Convertible does indeed drop its top in the snowy climes of Detroit in January.

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible caught enjoying the weather ahead of Detroit reveal? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ward’s releases annual 10 Best Engines list

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:30:00 +0000

Filed under: Technology, Audi, BMW, Buick, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Mazda

It's that time of year, folks. No, we're not referring to the oodles of time spent shopping for the holidays, we're talking about end-of-the-year lists. Kicking things off in the automotive spectrum is industry stalwart Ward's Auto, which has just released its annual 10 Best Engines list.

Without further ado, here are the award-winners for 2012:

3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi A6)
2.0L N20 Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (BMW Z4/528i)
3.0L N55 Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (BMW 335i Coupe)
3.6L Pentastar DOHC V-6 (Chrysler 300/Jeep Wrangler)
2.0L EcoBoost DOHC I-4 (Ford Edge)
5.0L DOHC V-8 (Ford Mustang Boss 302)
2.0L Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Buick Regal GS)
1.6L DOHC I-4 (Hyundai Accent/Kia Soul)
2.0L Skyactiv DOHC I-4 (Mazda3)
3.5L DOHC V-6 HEV (Infiniti M35h)

It comes as little surprise that seven of the ten engines on the list feature the most recent advance in power and efficiency, namely direct injection, or that a full half of them are boosted with the addition of either a supercharger or a turbocharger. Perhaps more surprising is that there's only one hybrid powertrain on the list, and it's from Infiniti, not Toyota or Lexus.

In fact, there isn't a single engine from Honda or Toyota on 2011's edition of the 10 Best Engines, nor are the 1.4-liter/111kW electric motor package in the Chevrolet Volt or 80kW AC motor in the Nissan Leaf anywhere to be found - both of which were on the list in 2010. Also missing? A diesel... any diesel - and there certainly are a few options from the likes of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen from which to choose.

Though its neither direct-injected nor turbocharged, the Pentastar V6 from Chrysler is surely worthy of inclusion, if for no other reason than its single-handed ability to transform any vehicle it's in from an also-ran to a competitive proposition.

We'll also give a shout-out to Ford, which earned two spots on the list but could seemingly have garnered another for the excellent 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine in the F-150 pickup. Ward's has plenty of commentary on why each engine was chosen, and you can read all about it right here. But first, have a look at each powerplant in our high-res image gallery.

Ward's releases annual 10 Best Engines list originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Do you gotta have the Mustang in new Gotta Have It Green?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:58:00 +0000

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, Design/Style

Gotta have a new Ford Mustang? Gotta have the Boss 302 package? Gotta have it green? If that's the case, we've got good news. Ford's latest performance pony gets two new colors for the 2013 model year, and while we saw the rather self-explanatory School Bus Yellow at the 2011 LA Auto Show, Gotta Have It Green has yet to make an official appearance.

There's no doubt that these two new colors are going to be polarizing, having been inspired by the muscle car heydays of the 1970s, which makes us wonder what you think about Gotta Have It Green? Make your voice heard in our informal poll below.

View Poll

Do you gotta have the Mustang in new Gotta Have It Green? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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List of Mulally successors narrowed down to four

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:00:00 +0000

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford

How do you replace the man credited by Time Magazine with managing "the biggest business turnaround of the Great Recession?" That's a very good question, and one that the Ford board of directors is grappling with as company CEO Alan Mulally edges closer to retirement age.

At 66, Mulally isn't exactly far past his prime, and Executive Chairman Bill Ford is said to be in no hurry to welcome in a successor. That said, the timing of Mulally's exit from Ford is likely to be a determining factor in the decision to hire his replacement.

Current CFO Lewis Booth, at 63 years of age, could potentially hold the seat at the head of Ford for a few years if Mulally were to retire earlier than expected. If that doesn't happen, Mark Fields, Ford's President of the Americas, is cited as the most likely choice as its next CEO.

There are two other potential candidates, reports Automotive News. Jim Farley, vice president of global marketing, is on the short list, as is Joe Hinrichs, who heads Ford's Asia Pacific and African operations.

Insiders suggest that Ford may choose to keep Alan Mulally on its payroll in some unknown capacity to help mentor his replacement. Such a move could potentially keep both the rank-and-file Ford workers and Wall Street investors satiated.

List of Mulally successors narrowed down to four originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infographic: Ford Super Duty shows off market share in the workplace

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:31:00 +0000

Filed under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Work, Ford

Use your truck for work? Chances are good, according to Ford, that truck is an F-Series Super Duty proudly wearing a Blue Oval on the massive front grille. Perhaps that shouldn't come as too big a surprise, considering that Ford has sold 4.1 million Super Duty pickups since 1998, which, Ford is happy to point out, is enough trucks to wrap around all 16,000 miles of the Australian coast.

Something tells us that Ford's placement atop the heavy duty work truck market is secure for at least a little while; after all, every 63 seconds, a Super Duty pickup truck rolls off the assembly line. Want more interesting stats? You'll find plenty of 'em - including 21 separate industries where the Super Duty reigns supreme - in the infographic above (click on the image for the full-size version) and press release after the break. And if you're a Super Duty owner yourself, Ford invites you to share your own story at its new We Own Work website.

Continue reading Infographic: Ford Super Duty shows off market share in the workplace

Infographic: Ford Super Duty shows off market share in the workplace originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Icon Bronco makes drool-worthy official debut

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:31:00 +0000

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics, SUV, Ford, Off-Road

Yes, we've already driven the Icon Bronco. But this is the machine's official debut to the public, and, since it's just as awesome here in Las Vegas as it was in Southern California at the company's headquarters, we've decided to grab another set of live photos for your viewing pleasure.

As a refresher, this rough-and-tumble ride is based on the shell of a classic Ford Bronco from 1966 to 1977 (not the full-size one most famous for its low-speed car "chase"), and is powered by one of the Blue Oval's latest 5.0-liter V8 engines that puts out 412 horsepower and 390 lb-ft torque. Those horses are transferred through a five-speed manual gearbox to an Atlas II transfer case and finally to stout custom-built Dana 60 and 44 solid axle assemblies.

We suggest you read all about our quick spin of the Icon Bronco here, but first, check out our live image gallery of the rethought and rebuilt classic at SEMA.

Icon Bronco makes drool-worthy official debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fifth Gear crashes a Ford Focus at 120 mph

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:58:00 +0000

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Videos, Hatchback, Ford

For the sake of this post, let's say that your average passenger car can hit a top speed of about 120 miles per hour. Ever wonder what would happen if a run-of-the-mill car - even one that's considered safe by modern passenger-car standards - crashed into an oncoming replica of itself?

The blokes from Fifth Gear wanted to find out, so they procured an older Ford Focus, which is importantly just the kind of car you're likely to come across on your daily commute, and rammed it into an unmovable object at 120 miles per hour. That's the equivalent of two Focus hatchbacks colliding, both having been traveling at something close to their top speeds.

You probably know what's coming: One very big bang. And you'd be right. But you might be at least a wee bit surprised by the sheer amount of devastation inflicted on the poor Focus. Want to watch? Click past the jump... unless, as Fifth Gear says, you've got a 'dicky ticker.'

Continue reading Fifth Gear crashes a Ford Focus at 120 mph

Fifth Gear crashes a Ford Focus at 120 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UAW contract confirms larger 5.8L V8 for GT500

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:30:00 +0000

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, UAW/Unions

Fans of large displacement and forced induction (isn't that everyone?) can officially rejoice today as the recently approved deal between Ford and the United Auto Workers has answered a question that's been on our minds ever since Chevrolet upped the horsepower ante with its Camaro ZL1. Yes, folks, the 2013 Shelby GT500 will be blessed with a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 engine.

While conventional wisdom has always been that the easiest way to increase horsepower and torque was to bore-and-stroke your way to more displacement, an interesting series of spy shots showing one conspicuously oversize intercooler led some to believe Ford was ditching the supercharger in favor of twin turbos. Not so, apparently. Ford's latest contract with the UAW reveals that its Romeo Engine Assembly Plant will receive a $50 million investment to build the 5.8L supercharged mill.

Naturally, contract talk doesn't include a whiff on horsepower or torque, but you can bet Ford is planning on eking out more than the 580 horses that Chevy has corralled from the 2012 Camaro ZL1. Something around 600 seems like a safe bet, but we'll just have to wait for an official announcement from Ford. In the meantime, sweet supercharged dreams.

UAW contract confirms larger 5.8L V8 for GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford SVT Raptor gets new Torsen diff and interior package among 2012 changes

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 05:01:00 +0000

Filed under: Truck, Ford, Design/Style, Off-Road

It's no secret that we're big fans of the Ford Raptor pickup. After all, there aren't many vehicles you can drive straight off the showroom floor, over and through harsh desert terrain at high speed and then back again. But Ford decided its off-road-ready truck needed a few updates for the 2012 model year.

While the 2011 Raptor was quite adept at handling varied terrain, from rutted washboard surfaces to the occasional jump (within reason...), it's four-wheel-drive system wasn't really designed with hardcore rock climbing in mind. For the new model year, though, Ford's extreme pickup gets a new Torsen front differential that features a helical gearset that promises to send torque to whichever front wheel has the most traction.

Another intriguing update for '12 is a front-mounted camera that can be ordered alongside the navigation system. This feature ought to help the driver figure out where best to steer the truck's front wheels so as to avoid otherwise unseen obstacles. The eight-inch screen in the center of the dash will be used to display what the camera sees at speeds of 15 miles per hour or less. Oh, and there's a dedicated washer for the camera to help keep it clean.

Besides those functional upgrades, the 2012 Raptor also gets a new optional side graphic that sports two diagonal stripes and is accented in matte, gloss and textured black. On the inside, a matte anodized blue treatment is now available on every color but Race Red (also new for '12). Rounding out the notable changes are optional cooled seats and new Euroflange wheels that keep their weights on the inside for better protection from off-road hazards.

Check out our high-res image gallery to see it all for yourself, and feel free to read the complete press release after the break.

Continue reading Ford SVT Raptor gets new Torsen diff and interior package among 2012 changes

Ford SVT Raptor gets new Torsen diff and interior package among 2012 changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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