Next Ford Mustang GT will channel GT500
Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Design/Style
After decades of dominating the pony car sales charts, the Ford Mustang has finally met its match in the latest Chevrolet Camaro. Naturally, this high-profile segment, is one that Ford is loathe to concede. After being infused with completely new engines in 2011, the Mustang will soon receive a visual refreshening that aligns this horse's looks even more with the range-topping Shelby GT500 model.
Our spy photographers have snapped a Mustang GT prototype with just a thin layer of 3M vinyl hiding the changes. Up front, you can clearly see the GT500's influence in this Mustang prototype's protruding grille. Also note that the coupe has dropped the Mustang GT's circular, grille-mounted foglamps, as well as swapped out its galloping horse badge for a new logo that's been moved from the center of the grille to the side. Even the lower air intake is shaped like an open smile, just like on the current GT500. And, is that a splitter we see hanging off the car's chin?
We can also see brand new projector beam headlights up front with some LED tech buried within, and out back, the rear end gets new taillights. That rear wing is also new, and the rear bumper has been slightly redesigned as well.
Ford clearly hopes to imbue the Mustang GT with the GT500's aggressive looks, and these spy shots show they're on-track to do just that. Will it be enough to boost sales above the Camaro? We'll see. The more interesting question is once the Mustang GT looks like the GT500, what will Ford do with its most powerful pony car? With the impending arrival of the 580-horsepower Camaro ZL1, we're sure Ford's got something planned.
Next Ford Mustang GT will channel GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsNext-gen Ford Escape caught with very little cover
Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Crossover, Ford, Design/Style
We haven't seen the forthcoming 2013 Ford Escape up close since last March when our spy photographers caught it heavily adorned with camouflage. Until now, that is.
New shots of the small Ford crossover reveal plenty of details, from its Focus-like front fascia and vents on the front fenders to the sleek rear profile and small back window. Narrow headlamps and taillamps recall the Ford Vertrek concept, as does the upturned D-pillar. In fact, the Vertrek's styling looks to be carried over almost completely, with even the strong character lines on the new Escape's hood visible under the adhesive mask.
Our photographers have caught more than one Escape out in the wild, and we notice that both single and dual exhaust versions are being tested. The white Escape with single exhaust appears to be a base trim, as it is riding on steel wheels, while the black, dual exhaust prototype is wearing larger alloys with shorter sidewall tires.
We've previously speculated that Ford will offer the new Escape with three engine options: A base 2.5-liter four cylinder that's a carryover from the current model, and turbocharged fours in 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter displacements. We can only hope that the rumored 247-horsepower EcoBoost is what's hiding under the hood of that black Escape.
Ford is expected to introduce the 2013 Escape at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, so shouldn't be long before we find out.
Next-gen Ford Escape caught with very little cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2013 Ford Flex shows the way with revised schnoz
Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Ford
Spy photographers have managed to snap a fairly clear look at what the next iteration of the Ford Flex will bring to the table. If these photos are any indication, the crossover will wear a mild facelift that includes updates to the vehicle's grille, fog lights and front fascia as well as new badging. Expect to see new brightwork surrounding both the grille and the vehicle's headlights along with a restyled bumper cap. If that's not pulse-quickening enough for you, it looks as if Ford will also roll in a new fog-light design with a slimmer housing.
The rear of the vehicle will also receive a quick nip and tuck with a reworked bumper cap. We're guessing the rear hatch area may see some attention as well given the heavy camouflage present on this particular test vehicle. Word has it Flex buyers will also get a shot at MyFord Touch for the first time when the vehicle makes its way to dealer lots. Stay tuned.
2013 Ford Flex shows the way with revised schnoz originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsNext-gen Ford Fusion/Mondeo caught in wagon form
Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Ford
Spy photographers have managed to snap a few quick shots of the wagon variant of the upcoming 2013 Ford Mondeo/Fusion undergoing testing in the Alps. The lightly camouflaged hauler is our best look yet at how Ford plans to translate the design language from the Evos Concept displayed at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show onto production vehicles. No one is saying whether or not Ford is planning to actually offer a Fusion Wagon in the States, of course. We see that as highly unlikely, though the long-roof lines are plenty becoming on the Australian-based family cruiser.
Ford is likely, however, to keep the Fusion Hybrid alive for the next generation, and we expect it to pack enough efficiency enhancements to give the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid a run for its battery-operated money.
Next-gen Ford Fusion/Mondeo caught in wagon form originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsNext-gen Ford Fusion reveals new face
Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Ford
Our spy photographers have snapped a glimpse of the forthcoming 2013 Ford Fusion. The Mondeo-based sedan looks to have lifted lighting inspiration from the Ford Evos Concept that the automaker debuted at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. With thin, slit-like projection lenses and a very vertical grille, the 2013 Fusion looks to bring quite a bit more attitude to the table than the current model. Right now, the Fusion is built in Mexico, but there's some indication that the model may shift to a U.S. plant in the near future as part of the current negotiations between Ford and the United Auto Workers.
At this stage in the vehicle's development, it's unclear exactly what Ford will offer in terms of powertrain options or what the inevitable hybrid variant will bring to the table when it arrives. We are told that Ford will likely show off the first real look at the 2013 Fusion at January's Detroit Auto Show. Stay tuned.
Next-gen Ford Fusion reveals new face originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord Fiesta-based CUV spied again, this time tackling the Monster’s peak
Filed under: Spy Photos, Ford
Our spy photographers have caught Ford testing its Fiesta-based crossover before. This time, however, the air is a bit thinner and the camo-clad vehicle is sitting up a little bit higher. The vehicle that appears to be the future Ford Fiesta CUV was spotted chugging into the Monster's den that is Pike's Peak.
While it's still a quite heavy on the camouflage, we can predict that this compact soft-roader will utilize the same powertrains found under the bodywork of the Fiesta. Hopefully there's a punched-up optional engine available as well, to cope with a potential four-wheel-drive variant. Can you say Fiesta EcoBoost crossover? We sure can, and we hope Ford does as well.
Ford Fiesta-based CUV spied again, this time tackling the Monster's peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord Fiesta ST drops some clothing on the Nürburgring
Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Ford
Ford Fiesta ST spy shot - Click above for high-res image gallery
Our sneaky spy shooters have once again trained their lenses on the upcoming Ford Fiesta ST testing at the 'Ring, only this time, the culprit was caught in a full five-door suit instead of the three-door hatch spied before.
Besides the additional bodystyle, the new hatch is sporting a new set of wheels that should be the standard hoops fitted to the Fiesta ST when it makes its official debut in late 2011. We also note some alterations to the fascia - instead of the large round lamps at the bottom corners, the ST prototype is wearing the same shapely chrome units as the standard Fiesta and a deeper chin spoiler with some camo-obscured ducting. Out back, the rear bumper's aero bits also seem to be reworked.
According to the latest rumors, a 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four is mounted under the hood, routing 180 horsepower to the front wheels. If we were betting men, we'd wager this mule was caught without all its ST-spec clothes on. Have a look for yourself in the included image gallery.
Ford Fiesta ST drops some clothing on the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord Shelby GT500 gets some intercooler love
Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ford
Ford Shelby GT500 Spy Shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
Our army of spy photographers managed to snap a few photos of a Ford Shelby GT500 strutting a new intercooler. If you take a close look, you can see piping through the upper and lower grille as well as the vehicle's mocked-up fog light openings. Chances are the new equipment is merely part of a scheme to make the vehicle's supercharger a little more efficient, though it's entirely possible that the big bad snake is rocking something exciting under its hood. Something like a twin turbocharged V8.
Though we've been more than a little skeptical about notions of a forced-induction V6 or four-cylinder Ford Mustang model, we wouldn't be surprised to see the GT500 grow a turbo or two. There's no telling exactly what the engineers at Dearborn could come up with if they scrapped the old supercharger in place of a pair of turbos. Modern variable vane units have all but eliminated lag, and ditching the blower would simultaneously do away with heaps of parasitic drag on the engine. We'll keep our ears to the ground for more on this one.
Ford Shelby GT500 gets some intercooler love originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord Mustang dragster mule caught brandishing gargantuan hood scoop
Filed under: Motorsports, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ford, Racing
Spy Shots: Ford Mustang Drag Racer - Click above for high-res image gallery
Our spy photographers have trained their expensive camera lenses on something very interesting. Caught running around one of Ford's private test tracks, this Mustang is clearly set to live life a quarter mile at a time. Out back sits a pair of massive Hoosier slicks, while up front, a set of skinny Hoosiers are tucked under the fenders. Oh right, we're not sure if you noticed, but there's a massive hood scoop planted on the front of this pony car.
What's going on under the hood? We don't know. The front-end (minus the scoop) is from a GT500, while the rear end is standard Mustang GT attire. That scoop, however, looks like it was pulled off a Donzi 22 Shelby GT speedboat. Actually, scratch that... it looks even bigger. Check out this possible next-generation Mustang Cobra Jet by clicking through the gallery below.
Ford Mustang dragster mule caught brandishing gargantuan hood scoop originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 May 2011 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFord Fiesta ST tackles the ‘Ring
Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Ford
Ford Fiesta ST spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford's tiny-tough Fiesta ST is getting closer to production, and our spies recently captured this revised prototype being put through its paces out on the Nürburgring. This latest tester clearly sports a huge grille opening with a visible intercooler, large wheels and a revised rear exhaust.
The Fiesta ST will be powered by Ford's 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four, with an expected 180 horsepower running to those front wheels. We don't doubt that the boosted Fiesta will be a pretty slick little hot hatch, and we'll have the full details when the car makes its official debut later this year. In the meantime, click through our high-res image gallery to see the three-door test mule running 'round the 'Ring.
The Fiesta ST will be powered by Ford's 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four, with an expected 180 horsepower running to those front wheels. We don't doubt that the boosted Fiesta will be a pretty slick little hot hatch, and we'll have the full details when the car makes its official debut later this year. In the meantime, click through our high-res image gallery to see the three-door test mule running 'round the 'Ring.
Ford Fiesta ST tackles the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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