Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works
Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford
Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ken Block isn't a World Rally Championship legend by any stretch, but thanks to his immensely entertaining Gymkhana videos, the glorified shoemaker can definitely lay claim to the title of YouTube Legend. And with Ford working the Internets hard during the launches of its new products like the Fiesta and Explorer, it made total sense that Ford would want to partner with the new media star.
The duo of Fiesta and Ken Block is less than a year old, but already there are some rumblings that Block edition Fiesta could be in the works. How about a DC Shoes edition Fiesta? In a recent radio interview with KROQ, Block was asked if there was a KB Fiesta on the way, and he responded with "we're discussing those types of things but there's nothing set in stone at this point." Block went on to add that for now, he wants to concentrate on racing and developing new competition cars.
So, no definitive news on the Ken Block edition Fiesta front, but the two parties are at least thinking about a special model. We can't see how this is a bad idea, considering that 30 million potential car buyers waiting patiently for Gymkhana 3 - we couldn't think of a better way to announce a special edition Fiesta than by starring in another Block-buster internet flick (sorry, we couldn't resist). Head over to the KROQ website to listen to the interview. Hat tip to Joe B!
[Source: KROQ]
Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: New Ford Focus ST headed for Paris
Filed under: Performance, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford
2012 Ford Focus - Click above for high-res image gallery
As the launch of the 2012 Focus draws closer, Ford plans to roll out several variants of its C-segment people mover. And at this year's Paris Motor Show, the Blue Oval will reportedly kick off the party with the debut of a new Focus ST which could finally make its way to America next year. The Focus ST is expected to be propelled by an uprated version of the 2.0-liter Ecoboost inline-four - the same mill fitted to the Euro-market Mondeo - but with output boosted well over the current 200 horsepower.
In ST trim the engine should produce about 250 hp and close to 260 pound-feet of torque, with all that twist coming in low in the rev range to balance high-revving fun with enhanced around-town driveability. The ST should hit 60 mph in under six seconds with combined mileage of about 29 miles per gallon (U.S.). Earlier this year, Ford acknowledged that it was developing a "global" performance version of the new Focus, but never said explicitly that it would be offered in North America. Here's hoping that changes in Paris this September.
[Source: AutoExpress]
Report: New Ford Focus ST headed for Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsEx-Fiesta Movement cars will live on at Team O’Neil Fiesta Rally Experience
Filed under: Motorsports, Budget, Hatchback, Ford
The real revolutionaries in the Fiesta Movement - the cars themselves, not the agents - have more work to do even though they're kind of on sale now and the revolution is over. Ford is giving 43 of the 100 Fiestas from the movement to the Team O'Neil Reilly Rally School in New Hampshire, where the hatchbacks will be refitted for student racing duty.
They'll form the core of the Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience, the only manufacturer-backed rally school on the continent. One- and two-day courses start at $495, and your gravel guide will be a man who's coached Travis Pastrana and Ford's WRC driver, Ken Block. Maybe while you're there you'll find out what made Reilly quip, "Driving the Fiesta is like driving an expensive German car." All the info you need on how to get there you can find in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Ex-Fiesta Movement cars will live on at Team O'Neil Fiesta Rally Experience
Ex-Fiesta Movement cars will live on at Team O'Neil Fiesta Rally Experience originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord Fiesta shipments delayed due to hurricane, damaged railroads *UPDATE
Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Ford
2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery
Those waiting patiently for one of the most anticipated new vehicles of the year are going to have wait just a little bit longer. According to Automotive News, Ford has been forced to delay the initial shipments of the 2011 Fiesta by 10 to 14 days due to Hurricane Alex, which hit Northern Mexico in late June, and Tropical Storm Bonnie, which made landfall shortly thereafter.
It seems there are a number of damaged railroads around Ford's factory near Mexico City, and the automaker has been forced to reroute some of its shipments. Ford is reporting that it has collected about 2,000 down payments from customers waiting for the 2011 Fiesta, and some of those vehicles will be arriving later than initially planned.
While nobody wants to wait any longer than necessary for their brand new cars, an extra 10 days or so shouldn't cause too big a problem, right? Especially when it's due to... an Act of God.
*UPDATE: A Fiesta fan on Facebook has uploaded some images that show the damaged railroads in Mexico, one of which can be seen to the right. Click here for more.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]
Ford Fiesta shipments delayed due to hurricane, damaged railroads *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsWrap It Up: Ford unveils new body kits, graphics and accessories for Fiesta
Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford, Design/Style
It's a Sony 2011 Ford Fiesta with graphics - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford has given Fiesta buyers a chance to turn their purchase into something a little unique. The company is offering a number of customization options for the new pint-sizer, including a rash of interior options and exterior graphics. For starters, the car can be equipped with a number of interior lighting accents, including an illuminated shift knob and door sill plates, or LED mood lighting for the cup holders and foot wells. Outside, Ford will be happy to set you up with an aggressive body kit and rear spoiler, for a price.
That's fancy, sure, but the neat part is wide variety of vinyl graphics available straight from the factory. Ford calls one of the decals a "body tattoo," but it's really nothing more than a big sticker that spells out Fiesta along the side of the vehicle. Those looking for something a little bolder can choose between over 18 other designs. Hit the jump for the press release.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Wrap It Up: Ford unveils new body kits, graphics and accessories for Fiesta
Wrap It Up: Ford unveils new body kits, graphics and accessories for Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsPoll: Mazda2 versus Ford Fiesta
Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford, Mazda
In case you missed it, we just published our First Drive of the brand-new Mazda2 today. If your attention spans is anything like ours, allow us to remind you that we've also driven the Ford Fiesta once or twice. Since both cars are built atop the same platform and will be competing for your hard-earned bucks in short order, the natural question is: Which one would you choose?
If you don't have time to read both of our drives, here's a quick glance at some of the more salient details:
| 2011 Ford Fiesta | 2011 Mazda2 | |
| Base Price | $13,995 (four-door sedan), $15,795 (hatchback) | $13,980 (hatchback) |
| Engine | 120 horsepower, 112 pound-feet of torque | 100 horsepower, 98 pound-feet of torque |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual, Six-speed dual-clutch auto | Five-speed manual, Four-speed auto |
| Base Weight | 2,537 pounds | 2,309 pounds |
| Efficiency | 29/40 (auto), 28/37 (manual) | 27/33 (auto), 29/35 (manual) |
Naturally, there's more to the equation than the tale of the tape. For instance, if you're in the market for an automatic transmission, the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox in the Fiesta seems to be a much more attractive option than the old-school four-speed automatic in the Mazda. Also, the Fiesta can store more cargo and has more comfortable seats.
It would seem that the scales are tipping in the Blue Oval's favor. Consider too that the Fiesta is available as both a sedan and a hatchback while the Mazda2 is a hatchback only. Add in an available navigation system, leather interior, SYNC infotainment system and heated seats - none of which are available on the Mazda - and we've got a slam-dunk win for the Ford. Right?
Perhaps not. Our man Steven Ewing, the only member of the team to have driven both U.S.-spec models, tells us that the Mazda2 is notably more fun to drive than the Fiesta. Plus, he claims the 2 looks better in its specific shade of green, if that kind of thing is important to you. So, is the promise of an added dose of driving enjoyment worth the significant loss in comfort, convenience and economy? That's up to you to decide.
Poll: Mazda2 versus Ford Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsIs the Ford Fiesta a late arrival, or on time? Either way, customers are getting antsy
Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford
2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford has said all along that its hotly anticipated Fiesta would arrive in dealerships this summer, but an Automotive News report shows that some customers are getting a bit anxious waiting for their new ride. Production copies of the B-Segment compact have been churning out of The Blue Oval's Cuautitlán, Mexico plant since May, and dealers around the country have been placing significant orders for the heavily marketed vehicle. Dealers have even taken cash down payments for over 2,000 Fiestas, with tens of thousands of additional hand-raisers waiting in the wings.
So what's the problem? It appears that some customers thought their Fiesta would have already arrived by now. The Fiesta Facebook page even has customers that are none too pleased with the fact that they haven't yet taken delivery on their little sedan or hatchback. At least one dealer reportedly told AN off the record that he was under the impression that he would already have some Fiestas in stock right now, and that the vehicle hasn't yet been cleared for shipping.
Does that mean that there is some sort of quality issue holding up the launch? Not according to Ford spokesperson Angie Kozleski, who insists that the launch is going according to plan. Kozleski points out that customers have several different ways to check the progress of their vehicle, including a reservations call center and a reservations hotline. Kozleski reportedly told AN that it takes up to three weeks for the vehicles to get from Cuautitlán to the U.S. border, and that vehicles will begin hitting dealerships in the "next several weeks," so if you have one on order, sit tight.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]
Is the Ford Fiesta a late arrival, or on time? Either way, customers are getting antsy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsEdmunds compiles top ten ‘Dark-Horse’ list of worthy overlooked vehicles
Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Buick, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Suzuki
Edmunds' Top 10 'Dark-Horse' cars - Click above for high-res image gallery
We all know the typical sales winners of the automotive universe. Come hell or high water, Honda Civics and Toyota Camrys will still float off of the lot. Granted, that's good news for most automakers, but at the same time, there's a wealth of under-appreciated models languishing under the beady eyes of inflatable gorillas across the country. The good people of Edmunds have taken it upon themselves to wrangle up a top 10 list of those long forgotten winners and filed them under the collective banner of "Dark-Horse" candidates. Sexy.
We're absolutely down with cars like the 2010 Buick Lacrosse, 2010 Suzuki Kizashi and the 2010 Hyundai Genesis, but the 2010 Nissan Versa has us scratching our heads. While the car is a perfectly decent little compact, the market is awash with other excellent options. Need proof? Look no further than another Edmunds Dark-Horse selection, the 2011 Ford Fiesta. We suppose that with all the hype surrounding the new Blue Oval hatchback that it can't as easily be considered a forgotten option, at least at this point. Hop the jump for the full press blast and check the gallery below for the top picks.
[Source: Edmunds]
Continue reading Edmunds compiles top ten 'Dark-Horse' list of worthy overlooked vehicles
Edmunds compiles top ten 'Dark-Horse' list of worthy overlooked vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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