Saturday, June 13, 2015
Mulally will stay close to Ford after he steps down plans to advise Fields w video
Ford CEO Alan Mulally has less than a week left in his role of leading the Blue Oval before he hands off duties to Mark Fields on July 1. It doesnt look like Mulally is going to be shuffling off into his retirement anytime soon, though. The 68-year-old is being rather secretive about his next move, but he tells Bloomberg in a recent interview that he plans to stay close to Ford. Also, if Fields wants to ask for any advice, Mulally is happy to help.
Mulally took over at Ford in 2006 and led the company through a seriously rough patch in the auto industry. According to Bloomberg, he became famous or his Thursday meetings where executives were forced to deal with any problems before they could leave. Since announcing his retirement from Ford in May, Mulally has been insuring a smooth transition of power by traveling the world to all of companys major locations and saying goodbye to employees and dealers.
In terms of the future at Ford, Mulally doesnt predict any big changes in management style because the rest of the executive team is staying in place. He believes that Fields is going to maintain the processes already in place to keep things going. After all, it seems to be working. The company is predicting a return to profitability in Europe next year and is opening 88 new dealers in China. If the business could get its recalls under control, things could get even better.
Mulally is clearly a canny interview subject, though. Bloomberg attempts to pin him down about whats next, but the CEO refuses to even hint at anything. Hes rumored to become the chairman of the board or a board director at another company, but with Mulallys track record, anythings possible. Scroll down to watch a portion the interview and see if you think he has something up his sleeve.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
NHTSA and Ford investigating steering issues in Crown Vic Grand Marquis and Marauder
There may be more steering woes for the Ford Crown Victoria. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary evaluation into the Crown Vic and Mercury Grand Marquis from the 2004 to 2007 model years and the Mercury Marauder for the 2004 and 2005 model years because the steering shaft can jam. The issue could potentially affect an estimated 500,000 vehicles.
According to the regulator, there is a possibility that the drivers side heat shield for the exhaust manifold can rust, dislodge, and then wedge into the steering shaft. If this occurs, it leads to a situation where the driver can no longer control the car.
NHTSA has received five complaints of this happening, including one alleged case with an injury. In that situation, the car was driving onto the highway, lost control and rolled over. One occupant was hurt in the accident.
This isnt the first case of potential steering issues with the Crown Vic. Ford recalled 370,000 of them in 2013 in fix some components because of possible corrosion. NHTSA also investigated some police models for issues with the steering shaft.
A Ford spokesperson told Autoblog via email: "We are cooperating with NHTSA on this investigation, as we always do." It has no further information about the evaluation at this time. Scroll down to read the entire NHTSA report.
Date Investigation Opened: JUL 07, 2014
Date Investigation Closed: Open
NHTSA Action Number: PE14021
Component(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING , STEERING
All Products Associated with this Investigation
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
FORD CROWN VICTORIA 2004-2007
MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS 2004-2007
MERCURY MARAUDER 2004-2005
Details
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
SUMMARY:The Office of Defects Investigation has received five complaints alleging incidents of steering shaft obstruction caused by interference from a dislodged heat shield. The complaints indicated that the drivers side exhaust manifold shield can dislodge due to corrosion of the attachment bolts and become jammed between the manifold and steering shaft preventing the steering from turning or requiring excessive force to overcome the interference. In one incident (VOQ 10578715), the steering allegedly locked up on a highway entrance ramp, causing a rollover crash and injury. The complaint indicated that the heat shield was discovered to be dislodged after the crash, with witness marks from the alleged obstruction between the steering shaft and engine block. A preliminary evaluation has been opened to assess the frequency, scope and safety consequences of the alleged defect. VOQs associated with this investigation are: 10317493, 10471833, 10479681, 10545112, 10578715
ODI RESUME
Investigation: PE 14-021
Date Opened: 07/07/2014
Investigator: Chris Lash
Reviewer: Jeff Quandt
Approver: Frank Borris
Subject: Steering Column Shaft Obstruction
MANUFACTURER & PRODUCT INFORMATION
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Products: MY 2004 to 2007 Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Marauder
Population: 500,000 (Estimated)
Problem Description: The drivers side exhaust manifold heat shield can rust and become dislodged, potentially jamming the steering shaft.
| *Description of Other: EWR field report data | |||||
ACTION / SUMMARY INFORMATION
Action: A preliminary evaluation has been opened.
Summary:
The Office of Defects Investigation has received five complaints alleging incidents of steering shaft obstruction caused by interference from a dislodged heat shield. The complaints indicated that the drivers side exhaust manifold shield can dislodge due to corrosion of the attachment bolts and become jammed between the manifold and steering shaft preventing the steering from turning or requiring excessive force to overcome the interference. In one incident (VOQ 10578715), the steering allegedly locked up on a highway entrance ramp, causing a rollover crash and injury. The complaint indicated that the heat shield was discovered to be dislodged after the crash, with witness marks from the alleged obstruction between the steering shaft and engine block.
A preliminary evaluation has been opened to assess the frequency, scope and safety consequences of the alleged defect.
VOQs associated with this investigation are: 10317493, 10471833, 10479681, 10545112, 10578715
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
2016 Ford GT Review

Sophistication in every detail: Design with a trick
The dynamic design of the deep squat Ford GT draws attention to the emotional line of a super sports car up, the look, the makers closely which are basically the iconic predecessor, the celebrated prestigious achievements on the worlds racetracks. At the same time, the new super sports car with its modern, functional and just beautiful lines represents the start of a new era.
Huge air intakes at the front and the side already indicate the enormous power potential, while sleek air guide elements are made of carbon aerodynamics and sharpen the look further. Meanwhile, can be positioned in the mid engine engine admired through a transparent window.

The rear features a powerful carbon diffuser, two round, reminiscent of engines tail lights and two huge, center and far top-mounted exhaust pipes. About the modern drivers cell spans the flat roof, which also contributes to the excellent aerodynamics of the 2015 Ford GT.
The highlight: The new Ford GT has air guide elements that adjust adaptively to the driving situation. The thus generated variable pressure allows especially at higher speeds extremely high driving stability and combines this with an optimized aerodynamic drag coefficient.

The sophisticated aerodynamics also reflected in small body details, such as the silhouette is inspired in the perfect shape of a water droplet. In combination with the highly curved windshield, reminiscent of the cockpit canopy of modern fighter jets, this leads to an outstanding aerodynamic efficiency without including the clarity would suffer.
Thanks to numerous active aero components, such as the variable rear wing, the new Ford GT is also standard in terms of braking performance, handling and stability. Depending on driving conditions and speed, the rear wing fits both the height and the angle of the situational requirements to ensure the best possible performance.

Engine: The strongest standard EcoBoost engine of all time
When driving the hitherto most powerful EcoBoost petrol engine series used at all: a 3.5-liter V6 with two turbochargers, which has real racing genes and will develop over 600 hp. The mid-engine drives the rear wheels of the two-seater. The engine drives an endurance prototypes as they go, for example, in the "IMSA Tudor United SportsCar Championship" (USCC) and at the 24 Hours of Daytona at the start. Right in his debut season this aggregate celebrated three victories in 2014, reached seven podiums and finished this race almost 25,000 kilometers.
The torque yet unnamed Ford will extend over a wide speed range and provide high fuel efficiency. Weve come full circle: Also on the race track performance and efficiency serve as a guarantee for success. His power transmits the twin-turbo 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which provides almost instantaneous switching operations and the driver can have full control over the action.

Weight reduction is one of the most effective measures to achieve performance and efficiency. In the 2015 Ford GT, the makers implement the most modern composite materials and carbon fiber elements. According to Ford, to achieve the GT one of the best power to weight ratio in its class.
Even chassis of reach innovative racing technology used. This is testified, inter alia, the pushrod suspension with pushrods and active stabilizer which can be adapted in height. For best possible grip performance tires provide the type "Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2", developed its structure and tread compound, the tire manufacturer for the new Ford GT. Behind the multi-piece 20-inch alloy wheels do carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo their service.

Interior: A steering wheel like in Formula 1
About the drivers cell spans the flat roof, which also contributes to the excellent aerodynamics of the Ford GT 2015. Access to the ergonomically designed interior of the supercar allow upwardly opening doors. The two seats Ford built directly into the carbon monocoque - this saves weight and ensures an optimum connection between driver and chassis. The result is an even more solid feel. Thanks to the adjustable pedals adjustable steering wheel and also the driver find virtually any body type fast optimal seating position.
The interior impresses with modern controls, comfort and safety. The steering wheel in the style of the current Formula 1 racing car bears all the relevant control buttons and shift paddles for the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Thanks to the freely programmable central digital displays the driver retains all vehicle information is always in view. The display unit can be freely programmed depending on the driving situation and selected driving mode.
Photo Credit: © Ford
2013 New Ford Ranger

The best example is the all- 2013 new Ford Ranger, the charge-quality cars and brings comfort to a common denominator. Gone are the days of the cane-brake and hand the Spartan interior with truck-feeling.
In the style of the brand is how the new Ranger in "kinetic design" and has been at first very high quality and modern. The interior benefits from a stylish design and is located on an average passenger car, as far as features and convenience.

As standard, the Ranger has been here about the new all-wheel drive, which can be switched up to a speed of 120 km / h. For extreme terrain there is then the knob for the four-wheel drive position "4L", which leads to its reduction to the Ranger and through difficult terrain.
On board, a hill-start assist, a hill descent control, an emergency brake assist, ESP, ABS, a trailer stabilization, 7 airbags, audio system, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and electric windows in front.

Excluding Double Cab XLT trim levels, the three higher, Limited and Wildtrak is available. The XLT comes standard with the 2.2 liter TDCi already with 150 hp (110 kW) on the market and can also be combined with an automatic transmission.
also be looking forward more than a higher-quality audio system with 4.2 "multi-function display, a 2-zone automatic climate control, electrically folding exterior mirrors, electrically adjustable driver seat, leather seats, park distance control rear and 17" alloy wheels.

st.) at the dealer and have the 3.2 liter TDCi 200 PS (147 kW) under the hood, and additionally the Ford navigation system with 5 "monitor, roof rails, 18" alloy wheels, a rear-view camera and part-leather seats Wildtrak decor on board.
For a first outing, we have chosen the 150-horsepower diesel engine in combination with the limited equipment. The 535.9 cm grown pick-up gives the same ambience as the sporty Ford car models designed fittings and good clarity characterize the cockpit of Ranger.

With the comfortable leather seats, front center armrest and a separately adjustable climate control also has plenty of luxury you on board. Unfortunately, the beautiful leather steering wheel and not only in height adjustable in length, which spoils the overall impression of something positive.


Ford Shelby GT500 2013 to sports nuts
The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is a sport that shows the greatness of the Mustang we all know, but it leads to the end.
The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is the successor to a legend, showing the sporty look of the wild and untamed Mustang that have always been admired by the international audience. One feature of the model made by Carroll Shelby is serving as the basis for creating other sports models in the Ford line, although never as extreme as this.
Since 2003 the Shelby GT500 uses maximum exponent for Ford in the world of sports, where without being the most powerful and fastest car market is the one that best represents the characteristic of "muscle cars" of yesteryear where the Mustang played a key role.
Ford Shelby GT500 2013 What is it?
The first engine that starts with the 2013 Shelby GT500 is used by Ford V6 Mustang we all know, but the series quickly shoots with propellers that have never seen the Mustang GT version, thus covering the 5.8-liter Ford points out, is the most powerful V8 ever built in the world. This engine is capable of producing 662 horsepower from 6,500 rpm and has 631 pounds of torque, which is available from 4,000 rpm.
The weight of the Ford Shelby GT500 2013 is 3850 lbs. Suffice it to say that the 5.8-liter engine is based on the 5.4-liter that uses the Ford GT, the flagship sports Blue Oval, hence the 2013 GT500 arrives at 202 mph. Fortunately, exacerbated power that holds the Shelby GT500 does not result in excessive fuel consumption, since according to the Shelby EPA range is able to deliver 15mpg city and 24mpg on highway, with a combined use of 18mpg.
One aspect that remains intact from the Shelby Mustang GT500, is the rear axle which has provided engineering sample of the type employed in establishing the sport in question. Surprisingly we observe the way it has innovated in the constitution of this model over the years, it became possible for a fierce drive straight roads, while a challenging sport for many lines. Fortunately this model can be found only with a manual transmission, so the system include Tremec 6060 seems a great success.
The charge of sending power to the rear wheels is a drive shaft carbon fiber that works with a set of Bilstein electronic dampers that varies its configuration as does the road you are driving.
Rivals 2013 Ford Shelby GT500
According to the price range that has the 2013 Shelby GT500, two competitors who could say they are "close" to the beast of Ford, these are the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 of 6.2 liters and 580 horsepower and 392 Hemi Dodge Challenger 470 horsepower.
How the Ford Shelby GT500 looks 2013
One of the things we like about this model is that it sports ends with the inclusion of "goodies" than many other cars in the segment include to "embellish" the concept trying to work. The 2013 Shelby GT500 gets a unique look after including front and rear spoilers, plus diffusers. The downforce is increased fitness by including a spoiler at the end of the boot, which beyond looking good, it does the job. Obviously replacing the wild American horse by a cobra gives us satisfaction, this together with LeMans stripes that characterize this edition.
The stability of the car to 160mph been achieved, surprisingly, that with the same thing rear downforce, which has been improved by 33%. Another change we noticed was the change in the front grille worked a lot better contributing to the air intake is greater than previous editions, but it also makes it look more aggressive, its introduction was not only aesthetic .
Inside the introduction of higher quality materials is evident, most of which are all softer than in the past. It is true that there is still plastic, but it is much better than before. You can opt for a couple of hedges manually assembled by Recaro leather on the seats, which also have the function to keep in the same place when we step on the accelerator and the Shelby GT500 rid tires on asphalt. The control layout has an air something "retro", but easy to use and includes several interesting things.
The price of Ford Shelby GT500 2013 is $ 54.200 as a base, but you can choose the following option packages:
SVT Performance $ 3.495
Candy Red Mettalic $ 395
SVT Track $ 2.995
Recaro Seats $ 1.505
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
2015 Ford Focus ST

Enhanced driving dynamics

Powerful appearance

Cockpit-style cabin

Advanced technologies


