2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor tackles Hell’s Revenge Trail
Filed under: Truck, Videos, Ford, Off-Road
We recently went off the beaten path with a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in Moab, Utah to test the 2012 model's improved off-road chops. While Editor Paukert's tale of the experience certainly gets the point across, there's nothing quite like watching Ford's monster tackle the rocks and dirt in high-definition video, especially video that was taken by a hovering camera-equipped drone.
While the Raptor is best known for its desert-storming, dune-jumping prowess (we ourselves have greatly enjoyed getting all four wheels off the ground), what's truly amazing is watching a vehicle this big tackle some of Moab's toughest obstacles at a snail's pace. Follow the jump to see for yourself.
Continue reading 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor tackles Hell's Revenge Trail
2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor tackles Hell's Revenge Trail originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsEditors’ Choice: Top Five 2012 Detroit Auto Show Debuts
Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Acura, Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Electric
That's a wrap, folks. Press days for the 2012 Detroit Auto Show have come and gone, meaning there's just one thing left to do: pick our favorites.
As we said in our end-of-show wrap-up, the Detroit show is back in full force after several years of being stuck in first gear in the wake of a stagnant auto industry and a horrid economic climate. This year, though, automakers from the United States, Asia and Europe all had impressive production and concept vehicles to show off. After tallying our votes, these are our five favorites.
Continue reading Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Detroit Auto Show Debuts
Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Detroit Auto Show Debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid packs 47 mpg, dashing good looks
Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Ford
When the original Ford Fusion Hybrid debuted in 2009 as a 2010 model, it was rated at 41 miles per gallon in the city, making it the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan in North America. Ford aims to re-capture that same magic with the 2013 Fusion Hybrid, which makes its debut today at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Final EPA numbers have not been released just yet, but Ford's preliminary data suggests that the 2013 Fusion Hybrid will be capable of achieving 47 mpg in the city, along with an immensely respectable 44 mpg highway. That's better than the mid-size hybrid offerings from Hyundai, Kia and Toyota. Power comes from a new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, rated at 180 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque in this application. Power is sent to the front wheels via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
But that's just half of the Fusion Hybrid story. It's easily one of the prettiest cars in the class, combining elements of the Ford Evos concept along with design cues that look like they were swiped from the Aston Martin team (it's all in that fascia). Click through our attached high-res image gallery above to see a new batch of Fusion Hybrid photos live from the Detroit Auto Show floor.
Continue reading 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid packs 47 mpg, dashing good looks
2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid packs 47 mpg, dashing good looks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Ford Fusion debuts along with 47-MPG Fusion Hybrid, 100-MPGe Fusion Energi
Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Ford, Electric
Your eyes do not deceive you - the sleek, pretty, low-slung sedan you see above is indeed the 2013 Ford Fusion. But don't think that the 2013 Fusion is all beauty and no brains. Ford is preparing the new Fusion, as well as its Hybrid and Energi fuel-mizing siblings, to be the most fuel-efficient, best-driving, tech-packed range of sedans in the mid-size segment.
Thanks to vehicles like the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, we've seen that mid-size sedans don't necessarily have to be conservatively styled three-box appliances, and this new Fusion is certainly a looker. Combining elements of the Ford Evos concept, not to mention a front fascia that's decidedly Aston Martin-esque in approach, the Fusion has a wide, flat stance with strong character lines down the side that wrap around to a sleek rear end. Clearly the design builds upon the Kinetic language of the European Mondeo rather than the Fusion we've lived with in North America since 2010.The standard Fusion - available in S, SE and Titanium trims - will be available with three engines. The base mill is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four with 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, mated solely to a six-speed automatic transmission. We're sure it's a fine powerplant, but our interest is more settled on the next two: a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four with 179 hp and 172 lb-ft, and the range-topping 2.0-liter EcoBoost four with 237 hp and 250 lb-ft. Both engines can be had with the same six-speed automatic, though the smaller 1.6-liter engine can be mated to a six-speed manual box. Front-wheel drive is standard across the board, but top-of-the-line Fusions with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine can be had with all-wheel drive.
Like many other automakers, Ford is ditching a V6 for an all-four-cylinder lineup. That's par for the course these days, and with the Fusion weighing in at just over 3,300 pounds (loaded, AWD Fusions will likely weigh as much as 3,600 pounds), fuel economy is expected to be best-in-class. Ford hasn't released complete - or official - economy numbers, but Fusions equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine (complete with start/stop technology) are expected to achieve 26/37 miles per gallon city/highway, while front-wheel-drive, 2.0-liter-equipped cars should net around 23/33 mpg.Ford is ditching a V6 for an all-four-cylinder lineup.
But if fuel economy is your thing, Ford has two even more efficient examples of the 2013 Fusion. Their names? Hybrid and Energi.
Continue reading 2013 Ford Fusion debuts along with 47-MPG Fusion Hybrid, 100-MPGe Fusion Energi
2013 Ford Fusion debuts along with 47-MPG Fusion Hybrid, 100-MPGe Fusion Energi originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible to debut in Detroit
Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Ford
At the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, Ford officially put all other muscle cars - and even some supercars - on notice. The 2013 Shelby GT500 made its public debut, and while it doesn't look much different than the models that came before it, the huge change for 2013 lies under the hood: an all-new 5.8-liter supercharged V8 capable of sending 650 horsepower to the coupe's rear wheels.
Since the modern GT500's debut in 2007, Ford has always offered a convertible variant, and that isn't expected to change with this new 2013 model, especially since the rival Camaro ZL1 will be offered in both hardtop and droptop forms. According to TopSpeed.com, the GT500 Convertible will debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in just a few weeks, packing the same 650-hp powertrain and - at least, we hope - some added chassis tweaks for structural rigidity. We can't even imagine trying to handle 650 supercharged horses through a willy-nilly rear end.
The only thing that isn't expected to carry over from the coupe is the GT500's 200-plus-mile-per-hour top speed. It may be possible to achieve this with the soft top in place, but we think the 200 Club will exclusively be reserved for the coupe and its sleeker shape.
Assuming the GT500 Convertible shows its face in Detroit, we'll have the full details in just two weeks.
2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible to debut in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSay ‘goodbye’ to these cars and trucks for the new year
Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Crossover, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Volvo, Tesla
As we prepare to flip our calendars from 2011 to 2012, it's time to say goodbye to a handful of vehicles that are being sent to the Great Parking Lot In The Sky before the 2012 model year completely takes hold. And while we're not exactly upset about having to bid farewell to things like the Mitsubishi Endeavor, Mazda Tribute or Chevrolet HHR, there are a few vehicles that we're truly going to miss.
The Mazda RX-8, for example, has grown to be one of our favorite sports cars since its introduction in 2003. We love its lightweight construction, high-revving rotary engine and surprisingly functional suicide door design. It's kind of like a Miata with a roof and rear seats. Speaking of the Miata, Tesla's two-seat Roadster - the automaker's first production vehicle - proved to us that open-top motoring can be thrilling even with a stack of batteries driving the wheels.
We'll miss the Honda Element and its rugged, utilitarian nature. We'll miss the Volvo V50 and its capacious cargo area made for Ikea runs. And we'll really miss those large lords of luxury, the Cadillac DTS and Ford Crown Victoria. We've already said goodbye to the faithful but overripe Ford Ranger, and as ridiculous as the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid was, it was a shockingly good-to-drive electrified crossover.
There are plenty more models that won't be making the journey to the 2012 model year, so have a look at the full list in our attached image gallery, then let us know which ones you'll miss (if any) in the Comments.
Say 'goodbye' to these cars and trucks for the new year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord recalls 16,000 F-Series pickups over transmission concern
Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Ford
Ford is recalling thousands of F-Series pickup trucks from the 2011 and 2012 model years over a transmission problem that, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "fails to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 114, theft protection." NHTSA reports that the transmissions in these defective trucks can be shifted out of the park position without pressing the brake pedal due to a problem with the brake shift interlock switch.
Affected models include 2011 F-150s built between September 9 and September 22, 2011, as well as F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 Heavy Duty trucks built between September 12 and September 22, 2011. A total of 16,091 trucks are included in this recall.
Ford dealers will inspect - and if necessary, replace - the brake shift interlock switch on these affected vehicles, free of charge. The official recall is expected to kick off in the coming days. Hit the jump for NHTSA's official release.
Ford dealers will inspect - and if necessary, replace - the brake shift interlock switch on these affected vehicles, free of charge. The official recall is expected to kick off in the coming days. Hit the jump for NHTSA's official release.
Continue reading Ford recalls 16,000 F-Series pickups over transmission concern
Ford recalls 16,000 F-Series pickups over transmission concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsCar and Driver reveals its 2012 10Best cars [w/video]
Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Hatchback, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Porsche, Volkswagen
Each year, the scribes at Car and Driver go through every new vehicle on sale and pick the ten best cars available here in the United States. And while some major automotive awards are only shelled out to vehicles that are all-new or significantly updated for a certain model year, C/D's approach is to look at the full scope of cars currently on sale. After all, there are some cars that are simply perennial favorites, even if they haven't changed year over year.
For 2012, the Chevrolet Volt and Hyundai Sonata have fallen off the list to make room for the Audi A6/A7 and Ford Focus. The other eight vehicles that round out the 10Best list have carried over from the 2011 winners, but we can't say we're surprised. These ten cars indeed represent some of the best vehicles on sale today.
The 2012 Car and Driver 10Best winners are:
- Audi A6/A7
- BMW 3 Series / M3
- Cadillac CTS-V
- Ford Focus
- Ford Mustang GT / Boss 302
- Honda Accord
- Honda Fit
- Mazda MX-5
- Porsche Boxster / Cayman
- Volkswagen Golf / GTI
Continue reading Car and Driver reveals its 2012 10Best cars [w/video]
Car and Driver reveals its 2012 10Best cars [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsCar and Driver reveals its 2012 10Best cars [w/video]
Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Hatchback, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Porsche, Volkswagen
Every year, the scribes at Car and Driver go through every new vehicle on sale and pick the ten best cars currently on sale here in the United States. And while some major automotive awards are only shelled out to vehicles that are all-new or significantly updated for a certain model year, C/D's approach is to look at the full scope of vehicles on sale. After all, there are some cars that are simply perennial favorites, even if they haven't changed year over year.
For 2012, the Chevrolet Volt and Hyundai Sonata have fallen off the list to make room for the Audi A7 and Ford Focus. The other eight vehicles that round out the 10Best list have carried over from the 2011 winners, but we can't say we're surprised. These ten cars indeed represent some of the best vehicles on sale today.
The 2012 Car and Driver 10Best winners are:
- Audi A7
- BMW 3 Series / M3
- Cadillac CTS-V
- Ford Focus
- Ford Mustang GT / Boss 302
- Honda Accord
- Honda Fit
- Mazda MX-5
- Porsche Boxster / Cayman
- Volkswagen Golf / GTI
Continue reading Car and Driver reveals its 2012 10Best cars [w/video]
Car and Driver reveals its 2012 10Best cars [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsEditors’ Choice: Top Five 2011 LA Auto Show Debuts
Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Crossover, Hatchback, Cadillac, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Luxury, Fiat
We're packing up our cameras and laptops and heading out of the Los Angeles Convention Center, but before we seal the lid on the 2011 LA Auto Show, it's time to reflect on our staff's favorite debuts of the past two days. Unlike previous shows, there was nothing here in LA that truly stood out as the clear Best In Show winner, but because of that, there were plenty of good arguments amongst the staff about the five best cars on display in Los Angeles.
We won't give away the winner just yet (you'll have to click past the break to see the results), but we'll say that the first and second place cars were nearly tied, with the Number One car only winning by one vote. But enough with this fluff - hit the jump to see Autoblog's picks for the five best debuts of the 2011 LA Auto Show.
Continue reading Editors' Choice: Top Five 2011 LA Auto Show Debuts
Editors' Choice: Top Five 2011 LA Auto Show Debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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