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When I say, “Electric Pickup,” you no doubt think of either the Ssangyong Actyon Sports-derived Phoenix SUT or one of those toy-like, Chinese-built neighborhood electric vehicles. What you may not think of is a bright green 1958 Chevy Apache owed by Canada’s Steam Whistle Brewery and recharged via wind power.

No, this isn’t a late April Fool’s Day joke: this is serious. And being green is serious business for Steam Whistle, which – among other things – uses renewable energy, recycles damn-near everything and supports various environmental causes as a sideline to its beer brewing enterprise.

Brewery manager Mike Kiraly came up with the idea of electrifying the ol’ girl and even uses it as his daily driver. He explains his brainwave: “What if we could take a sexy vintage ride, save it from the metal scrap heap and outfit it with a zero-tailpipe-emissions engine. Old-school style combined with a modern conscience.”

The New York Auto Show will welcome the world premiere of Ford’s updated for the 2013 model year, Taurus. For those of you that want the short story, Ford’s chubby-looking mid-size model receives a minor exterior makeover, a redesigned dashboard and improved materials inside, plus changes to the engine lineup that include the introduction of a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four banger.

With only a few days left before the start of the Shanghai Auto Show, Ford Motor Company announced a very ambitious plan for China as the automaker aims to introduce 15 new vehicles and to double its workforce in the world's largest car market by 2015.

“Together with our partners, we are leveraging the strength of the One Ford plan and our global platforms to bring 15 new vehicles to China by 2015, reinforcing our commitment to offer a full portfolio of vehicles for our Chinese customers," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa president. "The 15 new vehicles are part of Ford’s plans to introduce 50 new products and powertrains to the Asia Pacific region by 2015,” Hinrichs added.

According to CNN’s Fortune and simple, cold-hearted business logic, now is the prime time for American manufacturers to take advantage of recent catastrophic events and pounce on their home market's consumers. A lack of Japanese parts (or entire vehicles), in conjunction with a strong yen and ever-improving American small cars, has given Ford, GM, and Chrysler a potential sales pick-me-up as we stroll into the summer months.

Two of the three factors which will help American manufacturers' sales stem directly from the tsunami in Japan a month ago: factory shutdowns have limited parts/vehicle availability, while the yen gained value as the Japanese are expected to repurchase some currency for disaster mitigation.

Ford has issued a massive recall action for its top-selling U.S. model, the F-150 pickup truck, of which around 1.2 million units are involved. The move comes after Ford agreed in February to recall more than 150,000 F-150 vehicles built between 2004 and 2006 for possible airbag faults. Read more »

If you didn’t manage to purchase one of limited edition Ford Focus RS500 before production ran out, you may want to take a look at Anderson Germany’s Ford Focus RS “Black Racing Edition”. The tuner-prepped Focus RS features a matte black paint scheme similar to the one featured on the RS500 adding contrasting red elements like the RS badges, the edges of the rims and the Ford logo.

Continuing a tradition that dates back to the 1970’s with the creation of the GT40-based Supervan 1, Ford has lifted the wraps off the next evolution of its SportVan bloodline, the one-off Transit SuperSportVan (SSV). Revealed on Tuesday at the Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s NEC in the UK, the SSV combines the smallest body available in the Transit lineup with the biggest diesel in the range. Read more »

2012 Ford Focus ECOnetic Reviews

Ford has revealed the all-new 2012 Ford Focus ECOnetic and its hybrid-beating fuel consumption figure of 3.5 litres/100km ahead of its debut at next week’s Amsterdam Motor Show.

The 2012 Focus ECOnetic will be powered by the same 1.6-litre Ford Duratorq diesel engine as the Fiesta, although it has 77kW of power (up from 66kW) and has been optimised for enhanced fuel efficiency.

The Focus ECOnetic will be available in five-door hatch and estate body styles. CarAdvice has contacted Ford Australia about its plans for the 2012 Ford Focus ECOnetic and its potential to be launched Down Under.

The main reason for this incredible figure is the 1.6-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engine which is further optimized for the ECOnetic with new injection system and turbocharger, improved fill air cooling and friction decrease innovation. Ford Focus also supplied with such an automatic stop and go, Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode and Shift Indicator Light.

The system is mated with Ford’s six-speed manual gear shifter of new revolution Durashift. The other new matter is, otherwise perfectly updated, presents to improve fuel economical usage involving:

- Decrease engine friction from liberate-friction piston ring coatings and optonal flow oil pump.
- Extra decreasing in engine power losses from low inactive vacuum pump and not symmetrical handle sprocket model.
- Revised discharge system mating a diesel NOx-decreasing catalyst with a coated Diesel Particulate Filter system.

The Focus ECOnetic 1.6 liter diesel combined with manual transmission 6-speed Ford Durashift, which is also used in the new Focus models with 1.6-liter TDCi engine. Focus ECOnetic model, standard on the innovative Active Grille Shutter – has developed a new system, which optimizes the aerodynamic behavior of the holes to control the flow of air through the grille and the cooling system and engine room. The new Ford Focus ECOnetic will be produced for the European market lead in manufacturing Focus in Saarlouis, Germany.

2011 Ford Transit Connect Reviews

Ford's "One Ford" strategy, which refers to the company's plan to leverage its global product lineup to spread models across new markets, is responsible for bringing the Transit Connect stateside. It's a small commercial van Ford introduced in Europe and other markets in 2003. Maximum cargo space is about 135 cubic feet, close to that of larger minivans. The front-wheel-drive Transit Connect comes in cargo and passenger configurations, the latter with a second row

From the load floor to the ceiling, Ford says there's up to 59.1 inches of room, just 5.9 inches short of what a standard-height Dodge Sprinter offers. The Ford Transit Connect enters its sophomore year in the U.S. with few changes. The most important addition is a new model and powertrain option: the Ford Transit Connect Electric, which is reviewed separately.

Offered as both a cargo and passenger van, the Transit Connect is more suited for commercial than personal use. As Consumer Guide says, "Transit Connect neatly fills a size gap between the compact Chevrolet HHR Panel and enormous Dodge/Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The Transit Connect succeeds as a small cargo van. For businesses, Ford also offers its Work Solutions computer system. Unless the vast cargo space or increased payload/towing capacity of a full-size van are absolutely essential to you, the Transit Connect is a viable and economical alternative for businesses in need of a commercial van.

However there are many vehicles that can be cross-shopped with the Transit Connect. However the Mazda5 and Kia Rondo offer far less cargo space compared to the Transit Connect.
Like most European-bred vans, the 2011 Ford Transit Connect is all about packing maximum functionality into minimum space.

The 2011 Ford Transit Connect is a compact work van available in XL Van, XLT Van, XLT Wagon and XLT Premium Wagon trim levels. The XLT Van adds body-color bumpers, full power accessories, heated mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, a cargo area 12-volt power point and a CD player.

Entry-level XLT Wagon models get stability control, foglights and a 60/40-split-folding three-passenger second-row bench seat. The new XLT Premium Wagon adds flip-open rear side windows, storage pockets in the rear doors and a four-speaker audio system.

The Van trims can also be equipped with the Tool Link by DeWalt tool tracking and inventory system. Options available on the XLT trims include rear parking sensors, rear doors that open to 255 degrees, Bluetooth and remote ignition. Every 2011 Ford Transit Connect features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 138 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque.
EPA-estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.
Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock brakes (disc front, drum rear) and front side airbags. Stability control is standard on Wagon models and available as an option on Van body styles. In NHTSA frontal crash tests, the Transit Connect earned a top five-star frontal crash rating for the driver and a four-star rating for the front seat passenger, as well as five stars for both front and rear passengers in side-impact tests.

Inside, the Transit Connect offers a carlike driving position. When it comes to cargo capacity, the Transit Connect Van offers a healthy 135 cubic feet, which is about 100 cubic feet less than Ford's larger Econoline vans. For ferrying people around, the Wagon's rear seats offer a firm seat bottom and reasonable elbow room. The 2011 Ford Transit Connect's emphasis on practicality is reflected in the driving experience.

If we didn’t know better, we’d say that Ford is trying to wipe out the competition with its F-150 pickup truck, or as some may know it, the Ferd F-Teehthousand. The latest victim of the F-150 after the memorable stomping of a Ferrari F-150 is a brand new 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8, which judging by the bodykit, stripes, alloy wheels and badges, is the 392 limited edition with the 470-horsepower V8 Hemi.

The driver of the Dodge’s muscle car was waiting for the light when a Ford F-150 decided to give the Challenger an unnecessary -and quite painful- rear-end makeover. Follow the break to watch the clip.

Renowned Ford specialist Shelby announced plans to unleash the latest iteration of its venomous pony car at the upcoming 2011 New York International Auto Show. The 2012 model year Super Snake package will add a mouth-watering 800-horsepower under the hood of the Mustang thanks to a heavily modified 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine.

A new variant of the latest Focus with the ECOnetic moniker and a segment leading fuel efficiency will soon be added to Ford’s European lineup. According to the company, the diesel-powered Focus ECONetic is expected to use less than 3.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (equal to 80 mpg UK or 67.2 mpg US) and return ultra-low CO2 emissions of less than 95g/km when final certification is completed later this year.

Garrett Brown, the man behind Hollywood's Steadicam, is looking to bring a little upgrade to manufacturing. Brown has partnered with Eric Golden's LA-based Equipois to help release the "zeroG", a new type of mechanical arm that could reduce manufacturers' health care costs by up to $13 billion annually.

Spawned from a conversation with a Honda engineer who liked the idea of a Steadicam mechanism on the factory floor, the zeroG is crafted from high-grade aluminum and steel and helps minimize overexertion by using simple physics. Each arm is fitted with spring that counterbalances the weight of heavy tools, which in turn makes the tools "lighter" and easier to use.

More than 30 years after George Miller's original Mad Max film starring Mel Gibson as Max Rockatansky hit the screens turning both the American-born Australian actor and his jet-black Ford Falcon XB GT351 coupe-based Interceptor into movie icons, Ford’s local division in partnership with Top Gear Australia magazine, has revealed two concept studies for a modern day Interceptor.

The company formed a group of designers led by chief designer of passenger cars for the Asia, Pacific and Africa region, Todd Willing. The team created several of studies that paid tribute to the styling cues from the original XB Coupe Interceptor, but ultimately, only two made the cut. The winning designs were penned by Nima Nourian and Simon Brook.

Ford’s Brazilian arm has filed a criminal (!) lawsuit against the local division of Nissan for airing an aggressive TV commercial directed at the Focus sub-compact. To make a long story short, the parody-like ad points the finger at Ford for allegedly overpricing its Focus model.

The TV spot, which looks exactly like a rap video, shows two men dressed as Ford engineers living the big life with gold chains and rings, plenty of champagnes, and –the best part- an exotic assortment of sexy women in bikinis dancing around them. And oh, there’s also a silver Ford Focus on the background….

At the end, the commercial announces the price of Nissan’s Tiida sub-compact (sold as the Versa in the States), which in Brazil, costs around BR 3,000 or a little over US$1,800 less than Ford’s rivaling Focus.

Ken Block got off to a bad start before his third WRC event of 2011, crashing violently during the shakedown of the Vodafone Rally de Portugal yesterday. Even though the Ford Fiesta RS WRC was destroyed, lucky the American race driver and his copilot Alex Gelsomino managed to walk away from the incident without any injuries.

It's the first major crash for Ken Block in a World Rally Car and this means the Californian will have to watch this weekend's rally from the sidelines. The next WRC event for Block will be Rally Argentina (May 26-29). Check Block's unintentional stunt after the jump.

There was a lot to like about Ford’s “Fox Body” Mustang of the 1980’s. Though lacking the attractive lines or brutish character of the first generation, it was a substantial aesthetic improvement over the Pinto-derived second generation ‘stang. It was also somewhat unique in pony car history for offering a 2.3 L turbo four alongside the usual assortment of V6’s and V8’s, purporting to offer the right combination of performance and economy.

So it’s no wonder the Ol’ Fox is popular with pony car enthusiasts. Now, Kurgan Motorsports of Atlanta has taken one of these semi-classics and retrofitted it with the barnstorming 5.0 L “Coyote” V8 and drivetrain from a wrecked 2011 Ford Mustang GT.

Kurgan Motorsports owner Bob Kurgan explains:

“The engine just dropped right in. It was everything else that was difficult. With this engine only being out for just a little while, everything had to be custom built for it to swap over. Getting the engine running was easy. We had to custom make the motor mounts, air conditioning brackets, power steering brackets ourselves. But it’s a friggin’ animal on the streets.”

Bangkok - finally has launched the All New Ford Ranger in Bangkok, Thailand. Cars are designed with F1 technology, is a version of 'soft' of F 150 are believed to fulfill the dreams of the fans the type of vehicle pickup.

To eliminate the sense of wonder about the All New Ranger, will try to peel a bit about this vehicle. All New Ranger will be launched in three cab styles regular, super, and double cabin.

Not only that, on the engine, all-new Ranger is divided into
two Duration Tacit diesel engine and one unit of Duarte petrol engine.

"We know that there are super on the Ranger. Super Cab has a unique four-door system that provides no barriers to the cabin via two front-hinged doors and two rear-hinged access panels. The structure of the side impact safety without compromise replaces the traditional pillars of middle Double Cab" Chief Design says Craig Metros New Ford Ranger at the Hotel Shangri-La Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday 3/23

Craig admits, New Ford Ranger DNA is derived from the F 150 with. However, not only directly granted annex F 150, New Ford Ranger has the corners of a sharper and more aerodynamic.

It is also driven on a survey conducted by Ford to its consumers a more need vehicles softer than the F 150.

"The ability to pull up to 3350 Kg in his class on a particular model proves toughness characteristic of the latest Ford Ranger compact pickup for the global marketplace," said Craig.

Craig also explained that the Ranger is available in 4x2 and 4x4, and two height drive in which the Hi-Rider 4x2 uses the same frame with 4x4 models.

"In these vehicles contained in innovation, safety, fuel efficiency, and capabilities and interior comfort," he explained.

Peered into the interior of the New Ford Ranger, the new Ranger is equipped with smart technologies such as Bluetooth connectivity, USB and bipod, available voice control to adjust the radio, CD, bipod, USB, AC electronics and mobile phone connections.

"Dual-zone climate control and cruise control are available in the variants above, while certain models provide color screen
measuring five inches with satellite navigation, "he said.

In the body of New Ford Ranger, the windshield will be more inclined, for more looks sporty and will feature dynamic silhouette, while the headlights, rearview mirror and a bigger wheel lips provide an integrated view of all the variants at the same time contributed to the horses aggressive.

Unfortunately, not yet known exactly how much prices are set for vehicle pickup truck.

Ford's Fiesta sub-compact has gained three new packages, two for the interior and one for the exterior, for the 2012 model year. The two interior packages are the Race Red and Oxford White and offer a personalized appearance with two-tone colored components.

Said to be inspired from the world of fashion and available on the Fiesta SEL and SES models, the interior packages feature contrasting interior accent colors on the center console, door panels and rings that surrounding the air vents.

The two-tone leather seats and steering wheel feature contrast stitching, while the shift knob is covered in black leather. Finally, the seats are also decorated with a debossed “Fiesta” logo.

Ford’s European arm has released yet another video of its upcoming Focus ST sport hatch that’s expected to hit the market early next year. There’s nothing new to see per se as the company has already published numerous teaser films in the months following the car’s introduction at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

As a reminder, the hottest version of the new generation Focus (that is, until Ford decides to resurrect the RS nameplate in the near future) will be propelled by a force-fed 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine cranking out 250 ponies and 360 Nm / 265 lb ft of torque. The show car was equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels, but there’s a good chance the production model will also be offered with a dual clutch transmission. Hit the jump for the video.