Ford Motor Company launched a new powertrain technology called EcoBoost earlier in 2010. EcoBoost will eventually be available on 90% of Ford's lineup in the USA. The first EcoBoost installations are in Ford's new D3 Platform vehicles - Ford Taurus SHO, Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT, and Ford Flex. EcoBoost's first installation is a 3.5L V6 with gasoline direct injection and twin turbochargers. Power output on the Taurus SHO is 365HP while on the MKS, MKT and Flex is 355. The EcoBoost 3.5L has 350lb-ft of torque. These technology advancements yield substantially better performance while achieving equivalent fuel economy as a vehicle equipped with a non-EcoBoost 3.5L (of course this is only on paper. EcoBoost is so fun to drive you'll be in it all the time - achieving equal fuel economy is just a dream).

EcoBoost a $5,000 Proposition Anyway, EcoBoost is not free. A Taurus SHO is almost $40,000 and the price increase for EcoBoost on the MKT, MKS and Flex comes out to about $5,000. That price includes all wheel drive which EcoBoost requires to handle the power and torque on the front wheel drive platform. So, with the power and price increase, how many is Ford selling?

EcoBoost Installations Running Ahead of Forecast According to George Pipas, Ford's spokesman for sales reporting and arcane numbers, the Taurus SHO now represents about 15% of the Taurus lineup. This is 5%-pts higher than Ford had estimated. Each Taurus SHO generates $10,000 more economic profit than an average Taurus. Installation rate on the Lincoln MKT is 47%. About 30% of Lincoln MKS gets EcoBoost (and 37% gets AWD). The Flex has about an 11% rate lowest of the four.

So, it appears that EcoBoost is well on its way to being a success even in these tough economic times. In each vehicle line, with the possible exception of Flex, the installation rate is healthy for a performance option. It will be interesting to see what the mix is of EcoBoost engines as Ford continues to roll the technology across its vehicle lines.

Posted by George Peterson at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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I have been looking for a chance to drive the diminutive Mitsubishi i-Cars ever since I first saw the photos of them. When visiting Mitsubishi HQ in Cypress, California, there they are in the lobby on display. But it wasn't until the just finished Outlander and Friends press preview Mitsubishi held in Palm Springs that I was able to drive both of the i-Cars.

There were two i-Cars at the preview - the i-MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) - the all electric Japanese kei car that the press is reporting on continuously and its gasoline-powered base car. Lets talk about the gas-powered version first.

"kei" Car for the USA? First, the Mitsubishi i is a very, very small car. It is a Japanese "kei" car meaning it is designed to be a tiny commuter car for dense urban environments. It also means that the car is limited to a 660cc engine. The example we were able to drive was powered by a turbocharged 660cc engine, had an automatic transmission and all wheel drive.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi i-Gas and i-MiEV - Ready for Prime Time?"

Posted by George Peterson at 1:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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We recently spent a few days with a Lincoln MKS equipped with EcoBoost and its host of technology features. Not industry firsts, Lincoln's execution is impressive. From headlights that adjust high- or low-beam spread based on conditions to adaptive cruise control and parallel parking assist, these systems work smoothly and confidently. As systems like these tend to get better quickly after their first automotive application, Lincoln should still be commended for putting together a comprehensive and usable package.

If you're driving the MKS EcoBoost, you have a willing and comfortable partner in a stylish package (assuming you're a fan of the chrome-laden signature grille, of course); the 355HP powertrain moves the 4300-pound vehicle along briskly. Not only heavy, MKS is big, and feels it. Looking at its specs on paper tells you that, standing next to it tells you that, and driving it reminds you of it all the time. MKS is relatively nimble, but this is not one of those big-but-drives-small kind of cars, a trait perfectly appropriate for what is functionally a modern Town Car. The MKS driving dynamics seem pretty spot on. There's power, comfort, a compliant but not overly soft ride, and plenty of technology to make being in it as easy as possible. I can't say sporting. This is not a sports sedan, but offers grace and presence, with the muscle to back it up.

MKS is sized between an Audi A6 and A8, BMW 5-Series and 7-Series, and Mercedes E- and S-Classes, and slightly bigger than the Cadillac STS. Our EcoBoost could boast a nearly $57,000 price tag. While a healthy number, to be sure, in context of the amenities, style, and power offered, the price seems quite reasonable.

Continue reading "2010 Lincoln MKS: Technology Improves Driving"

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 3:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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It's not everyday you have the chance to visit a brand spanking new automotive assembly plant, but the new Kia plant in western Georgia (USA, not Eastern Europe) makes Kia latest "transplant" to build new vehicles in the States. Kia began producing the all-new 2011 Kia Sorento in small volumes in fall 2009, right on schedule. Full production begins in mid-November.

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) is a 300,000 unit capacity assembly plant situated along Interstate 85 in western Georgia adjacent to the Alabama border. Its location is about 85-miles east up the 85 from the Hyundai assembly plant in Montgomery, Alabama. Surrounding and between the plants are suppliers providing components not only to the Kia and Hyundai plants in the area but some also produce components for Honda, Mercedes, and Nissan plants in Alabama and Mississippi.

Continue reading "Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia"

Posted by George Peterson at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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OK, OK. I know that title has been used for about every traditional SUV that has evolved into a Crossover SUV in its latest incarnation and that is just what the 2011 Kia Sorento has done. Sorento becomes thoroughly modern with the introduction of its 2011 model.

The first generation Sorento; Kia's first entry in the mid-size SUV arena, was a traditional SUV It had body-on-frame construction, was based on rear wheel drive architecture, had a traditional shape, carried five passengers and was powered by a V6 engine. Many people thought the Sorento was based on the Hyundai Santa Fe, but that was far from the truth.

The first year the Sorento was on the market it won AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award for best-in-class Mid-Size SUV. Clearly, its owners liked the product.

Now comes the all, new Sorento...

Continue reading "2011 Kia Sorento Crosses Over - Becomes Soft-Roader"

Posted by George Peterson at 2:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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We recently drove the new Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Heavy Duty pickups, at one event allowing drive time around San Antonio, Texas, and another at Chrysler's Chelsea Proving Grounds and surrounding locale. The Dodge Boys put on a great show with some fine trucks, providing opportunities for truly heavy-duty towing and off-road driving in the latest Power Wagon.

Five trim levels are offered, ensuring there's something for every trucker. Our favorite? Power Wagon. Power Wagon's overall off-road capability wasn't shocking, coming as it does from a solid reputation, but the big truck maneuvered in tighter off-road trails than expected. Able to make even our novice off-road driver look like a champ, in more experienced hands the Power Wagon would be stopped by trail width sooner than any rock, mud, or rough terrain. Complementing the Power Wagon, Ram HD comes in base ST, volume SLT, mainstream off-road TRX, and coddling Laramie trim levels.

And just in case three cabs, two beds, and five trim levels don't make options complex enough, buyers can choose single or dual rear wheels and between several powertrain (two engines, two transmissions, and three primary axle ratio) combinations. All 2010 HD Rams are built at the Saltillo, Mexico assembly plant; production started to roll out as this was written.

Continue reading "2010 Dodge Ram HD: Brawn and Beauty"

Posted by Jim Hossack at 1:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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