Enterprising tuners swap Focus RS engine into Ford Transit Connect

Filed under: Aftermarket, Minivan/Van, Performance, Europe, Ford

It's every pistonhead's nightmare scenario. Yes, yes, you love your kids. But what happens when the determination is made that you need a minivan. They make so much sense, and they're so practical. And when you're juggling three brats, two shopping bags and a stroller, being able to hit one button and slide the doors open is better than all the V12s in Britain. Sure, but remember this: minivan.

With that in mind, consider this: Some speed loving nutters over in jolly ol' England have gone ahead and swapped in a 275 horsepower four-banger from a 2003 Ford Focus RS into the waiting bay of a Transit Connect. That's pretty cool, eh? It actually gets a bit better. The builder installed a switch that let's you switch tanks from gasoline to LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). When running on LPG, the motor still churns out 200 hp.

Of course, just tossing in a slammer of an engine is one thing, but if you want a true sleeper you need to do more. And more is precisely what's been done. Aside from all the upgraded turbo parts and exhaust bits needed to take the normally 212 hp motor up to 275 ponies, there's the five-speed manual from the RS complete with trick quaife limited-slip diff. Then you got performance tires, Sparco seats and a boost gauge. And it's for sale for £8,000. Cool? Or should we say cool enough for enthusiast dad? Almost probably maybe yes. Full mod list after the jump.



[Source: Ford Transit Forum via Motor Authority]

Continue reading Enterprising tuners swap Focus RS engine into Ford Transit Connect

Enterprising tuners swap Focus RS engine into Ford Transit Connect originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Four-cylinder EcoBoost Ford Edge coming to Chicago

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Spy Photos, Technology, Ford, Rumormill

Here's some very exciting news, especially if you're into that whole forced-induction cult thing: Ford is reportedly set to show off its new four-cylinder EcoBoost engine under the hood of the overhauled-for-2011 Edge. To refresh you memory, EcoBoost is Ford speak for turbocharging plus direct injection. In the case of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost found in cars like the Ford Flex EcoBoost, the forced induction, direct injected motor makes much more power than the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 (355 horsepower compared to 262 hp), yet gets identical fuel economy (16 city/22 highway).

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost that The Detroit News promises is coming in the substantially refreshed Edge is said to be as powerful as a 3.0-liter V6. We'll take that to mean about 240 or so horsepower. Sure, that's not a very exciting power figure in the Edge, but it will probably make for some sexy fuel economy figures. And just image how thrilling this news will be when the 2.0-liter EcoBoost Focus comes out? Or, Mulally willing, an EcoBoosted Fiesta! Even a Fusion with this new motor (and a manual transmission) would be very, very welcome. We should know much more next week in Chicago.



[Source: The Detroit News | Images: KGP Photography]

Report: Four-cylinder EcoBoost Ford Edge coming to Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford turns down Heavy Duty tug of war challenge with GM

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Truck, Etc., Work, Ford, GM

Well this is just too bad. As you may recall, Pickuptrucks.com was chatting with Tom Stephens, GM's vice chairman of global product operations, about GM's new heavy duty pickup trucks. Suddenly Stephens said something quite interesting:

"You know what I want to do to prove it? I want to take our truck and Ford's [new Super Duty] and chain them together back-to-back. Then I want to have them pull against each other. I know our truck will beat theirs."

How cool would that have been? Supremely cool. However, Ford chooses to think different. Via twitter, Ford was asked by a Pickuptrucks.com reader if they'd accept the challenge. Ford said, "We typically don't respond to challenges. We let the vehicles speak for themselves." Ford ended their statement with this link illustrating that the Ford F Series has been America's best selling vehicle for 33 years straight. As we used to say in 4th grade, "Oooh! Burned!"

Still, we would have really loved to watch a tug of war. Who would have won? Probably a Dodge. On a semi-related note, Pickuptrucks.com's Mike Levine was bragging via Facebook about the Ford SVT Raptor he's driving this week. We asked him if he would like to chain it to the 470-hp Jaguar XF Supercharged we're driving this week and have ourselves a little tug of war. Levine's response, "Only if we do it in mid-air." Touché.

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

Ford turns down Heavy Duty tug of war challenge with GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Supra comes to TAS dressed in 1967 Mustang duds

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Ford, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

Here's one that's sure to set "teh internets" on fire. A group of students from Saitama University in Japan showed up to the Tokyo Auto Salon with a 2JZ-GE powered MkIV Toyota Supra dressed up like Nick Cage's Eleanor from the very bad to watch Gone in 60 Seconds remake. Not familiar with Eleanor? Aside from being far and away the best part of the film, Eleanor is a 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 that's been gone over with an epic-tooth comb.

But let's not get to far afield. This car is not a Ford, nor is it a Mustang. It's a Toyota with a mighty straight-six (no word if the 2JZ-GE is in fact the brawny turbo-fied version, the 2JZ-GTE) cut to look like a classic Shelby 'Stang. Before you unload to harshly in the comments, just remember students built the dang thing, students... Also, are we nuts or is anyone else seeing a whole lot of Mustang II in this particular angle?

[Source: Carscoop]

Toyota Supra comes to TAS dressed in 1967 Mustang duds originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford dealers say Kuga should be named Escape in U.S. – Do you agree? [w/POLL]

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Ford

Here's the skinny: Ford's current Escape is heading the way of the dodo bird. In its place will be the Kuga, a much less dowdy looking compact CUV that should compete nicely with the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson. The European designed 2011 Kuga will be built here in the United States at a Louisville, Kentucky plant. All this we already know and have known for some time now.

What we don't know is what Ford will call the Kuga when it goes on sale here in 2011. Kuga is obviously one option, but so, apparently, is Escape. According to Wards Auto, Ford's domestic dealers are pushing for Escape. "I believe the Escape is a great vehicle with a great reputation and that it would be a big mistake to kill the Escape name," says one San Diego based dealer.

Others point back to Ford's decision to drop the Taurus name in favor of Five Hundred - part of the brand's strange decision to make all cars start with the letter "F" (Focus, Fusion, Five Hundred - though the Mustang never became Fustang) and all SUVs and crossovers start with the letter "E" (Edge, Escape, Explorer, Expedition, Excursion). Though, of course, reverting back to Five Hundred was supposed to drum up some long lost brand equity/nostalgia, which is the first thing CEO Alan Mulally did when he changed Five Hundred back to Taurus. Very complicated stuff, no?

So, Kuga or Escape? While there are many good arguments for Escape, here's one for Kuga - Ford's One World strategy. Simply put, rather than having one Focus for Europe and one for North America, Ford is working toward offering one global vehicle per a given segment - and that's it. And naming one car one thing for one market and one car another for another is essentially a monkey wrench in the plan. What should Ford do, and more importantly what will they do? Place your vote in our poll below and leave any further thoughts in Comments.

View Poll

[Source: Wards Auto]

Report: Ford dealers say Kuga should be named Escape in U.S. - Do you agree? [w/POLL] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2011 Ford Mustang GT shown rollin’ with its 5.0

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

Let's just call today - December 28, 2009 - Mustang 5.0 Day and be done with it, okay? We've seen lots of pictures and even more information about the 2011 Ford Mustang GT and it's bad to its baffled sump 5.0-liter 32-valve V8. But that's just a bunch of static information. The kids today, they demand action! After all, what good are "teh Internets" without video? Especially Mustang 5.0 video?

That's precisely what the good folks at Ford have provided for our consumption/enjoyment. Warning: this is not Top Gear. The video you are about to watch is typical OEM B-roll. Meaning no tires will be smoked, no apexes clipped, no music will be thumped. All you'll see is the new 2011 Mustang GT with the Track Pack (notice the strut brace and Brembos) driving around. And then parked. So while it's not the most exciting video in the history of the world, it is the very first of the new Mustang strutting its stuff.

Now, as a bonus, we're also throwing in some footage of the new 5.0 V8 on a dynometer. We already know the power ratings (412 horsepower @ 6,500 RPM, 390 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM), but in the video, we get to see the motor race almost all the way up to its 7,000 RPM redline. And, because we are who we are, we're tossing in one more bonus video to make you smile. Hey, it's the holidays. So, make the jump and watch 'em.




[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2011 Ford Mustang GT shown rollin' with its 5.0

VIDEO: 2011 Ford Mustang GT shown rollin' with its 5.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Mustang GT officially rolls with a 5.0 V8

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

Meet the world's worst kept secret, the 2011 Mustang GT. The comical embargo breaking is now at its end and we're ready to present you with everything you've been aching to know about the new five-point-oh. Actually, it's probably more than you want to know. But we're sure you'll deal. So here we go...

As you've undoubtedly noticed, those are honest to goodness "5.0" badges affixed to the 2011 Mustang's fenders. Not only are residents of A1A Beach Front Avenue stoked, but Mustang fans everywhere are finally getting their 302 back. That's right, the new 5.0 is just like the old 5.0 -- 302 cubic inches or 4.9-liters or 4,951cc. But we think the gumption this baddie stonks up will allow even the most pedantic amongst you to forgive the missing 49 cubic centimeters.

Continue reading 2011 Ford Mustang GT officially rolls with a 5.0 V8

2011 Ford Mustang GT officially rolls with a 5.0 V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Ford Racing Mustang Boss 302R is potential personified

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Motorsports, Coupe, Ford, Specialty, Racing

In addition to the new 5.0 2011 Mustang GT, Ford's also selling a new Boss 302R race car. If you haven't been paying attention, Ford's previous generation FR500C racer has been racking up victory after victory. Besides winning a race two days after the first FR500C was sold (you buy 'em at a Ford parts counter), the FR500C then went on to win three Triple Crown championships in Koni competition as well as back-to-back driver's championships in FIA GT4 (featuring Corvettes, Caymans, Aston Martin V8s, etc). And the Boss 302R is better. Or potentially better...

Featuring a racing version of the new 5.0 32-valve Ti-VCT V8, a six-speed manual transmission, roll cage, race seats, five-point belts, data-acquisition equipment, racing shocks and springs as well as Brembo brakes and special tires. How much? $79,000. There's also a $129,000 Boss M-FR302R1 that's eligible to race in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series (formerly known as the Koni Challenge). It comes complete with a sealed, high-output motor, better cooling, close-ratio transmission, a seam-welded body, Koni dampers, upgraded ABS system, tuned exhaust and a special one-piece drive shaft.

Ford's only building fifty Boss 302Rs next year and they should be available in the third quarter. Anyone else feel like hitting the track? Full press release, after the jump.

Continue reading New Ford Racing Mustang Boss 302R is potential personified

New Ford Racing Mustang Boss 302R is potential personified originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:01:00 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

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.

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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VIDEO: Godzilla vs. Super Snake: MT pits Nissan vs. Shelby in amusingly epic battle

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford, Nissan

Recently, we ran a little poll in which we asked which car would you prefer: A Nissan GT-R or a Ford Shelby Mustang GT500? The results - which aren't too surprising - had just over two thirds of you rooting and tooting for Godzilla. And that's all fine. However, someone pointed out that the contest should have been between Godzilla and the new Shelby Super Snake. Well guess what?

Thankfully, Motor Trend has totally obliged you. In this video, the 412-horsepower and 393 pound-feet of torque (at the wheels, people, at the wheels) Nissan GT-R takes on the 635 hp and 581 lb-ft of torque Shelby GT500 Super Snake do the quarter-mile. The results? We're going to make you jump to find out, but we aren't surprised. At all. But then again, we've driven both cars (in fact, this appears to be the exact 2010 GT-R we drove). We will however say hats off to our buddy Ed Loh at MT for making such a fun video. Click here to watch it. Thanks to Pete for the tip!




[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading VIDEO: Godzilla vs. Super Snake: MT pits Nissan vs. Shelby in amusingly epic battle

VIDEO: Godzilla vs. Super Snake: MT pits Nissan vs. Shelby in amusingly epic battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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