Whenever I evaluate a vehicle, I always pick an appropriate soundtrack. You see, I'm all about immersing myself into the experience of whatever a given car is supposed to represent. A bad-to-the-bone pickup truck? I'll put on some Johnny Cash (or if it's a Chevy truck, Bob Seger, of course). A stylish high-performance German coupe? I'll cue up some nu-jazz, perhaps from the likes of Christian Prommer's Drumlesson or Jazzanova. So, when I grabbed the keys to the Mustang Shelby GT500 with 540 supercharged horses, the only song that could possibly come to mind was the theme song from Team America whose title we can't print here. Expletive-filled and crass, to be sure, but then again, so is the Shelby GT500.

Continue reading "2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: America, Heck Yeah!" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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PickupTucks.com and AutoPacific have taken a look at all the new trucks sold in the past 10 years and made their picks for the most significant trucks of the decade. The trucks that made the list introduced cutting edge technologies and pushed the segment into new territory.

"Despite the economic challenges of the past two years, it's hard not to look back at the last ten years without calling it the decade of the pickup truck," said PickupTrucks.com editor Mike Levine. "Sales of full-size pickups hit 2.56 million units in 2004 and Ford's F-Series trucks remain the nation's best-selling vehicles, 33 years in a row."

Though there are many trucks that had a significant impact in the last decade, it's clear that the 2009 Ford F-150 earned the title of "Most Significant".

"On balance, we thought the 2009 Ford F-150 was the most significant pickup of the last decade," said Jim Hossack, vice president of consulting for AutoPacific. "It sells in high volume, owners like it and its body, chassis and powertrain are all first rate. Features abound, and there are more models, series and options than can be counted. It's a good looking truck and suitable for the widest possible range of tasks and uses."

After the jump are those trucks deemed most significant, in no particular order.

Continue reading "PickupTrucks.com and AutoPacific Announce the Most Significant Trucks of the Decade" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 9:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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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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Recently, Ford invited us to drive their latest SVT hero, the F-150 SVT Raptor. Our drive involved the roads around San Diego and some desert driving near Borrego Springs, California. Back from that event, I have to say: What a truck! What a ride!

SVT spent three years developing the Raptor, based in Ford's new-for-2009 F-150. Their goal: Create a factory-built and -backed off-road high-performance truck more capable than any but the most highly modified competition vehicles. Based on the fact that they were just announced Truck of the Year by the Texas Auto Writers Association, true truckers appreciate SVT's efforts.

Getting the basics out of the way, the Raptor is powered by Ford's 320HP 5. 4L V8, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, and is available in four-wheel drive only. An electronic rear differential is standard, as is hill descent control. The Raptor is based on the Super Cab F-150, with the relatively short 5.5-foot box. The suspension is extensively modified with heavy-duty, high-performance components including a long travel suspension, patented FOX Racing shock absorbers, unique upper and lower control arms, tie rods, front and rear springs and jounce bumpers. 17-inch wheels are used with 35-inch BF Goodrich All Terrain tires. Even the exhaust is unique -- and it sounds great!

Continue reading "2010 Ford F-150 Raptor: Highly Capable, Reasonably Priced" »

Posted by Jim Hossack at 4:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Awards Show Consumers Enjoy Luxury and Size
(August 11, 2009) -- Right brain, left brain; the practical versus the emotional -- an age-old dilemma often at the center of decision making when buying a new car or truck. The 2009 Motorist Choice Awards recognize new cars and trucks that give their owners both economic and emotional satisfaction, helping new-car buyers find vehicles that best satisfy all of their personal-transportation needs. The fourth annual Motorist Choice Awards survey, announced today, scores 196 cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs. With the top overall scores in both owner satisfaction and value, the Lexus LS placed highest of any 2009 model year vehicle.

Large and luxury vehicles dominated this year's results. The top 34 ranked cars, and 106 of the top 107, are large cars, luxury cars, sport utility vehicles, crossover SUVs or minivans. Only one small car, the BMW 1-Series, scored in the top 100, landing in the 35th slot. Toyota Prius is the next-highest-scoring small car, coming in 107th.

Awards are given for top-scoring vehicles scoring in each of twenty-three segments, as well as for the top-scoring brand. Nine manufacturers earned segment wins, led by Toyota with nine awards (including three for Lexus), followed by General Motors with six (Chevrolet 4, Cadillac 2), Honda with three, and Chrysler with two (Dodge 1, Jeep 1). Audi, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan and Volkswagen took top honors in one segment each.

(And check out our video on YouTube.)

Continue reading "Motorist Choice Awards Reveal Vehicles That Please Both Hearts And Minds" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 5:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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"The all new Ford F-150 wins AutoPacific's 2009 Ideal Vehicle Award for Full-Size Pickups. F-150 owners are also most likely to recommend their truck to friends or relatives -- an indication of how confident they are with their truck," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, Inc. "Ford has been perfecting the half-ton pickup for decades and the latest generation of F-150 shows that Ford has not slipped. They understand the pickup buyer more than anyone and they deliver." Leading characteristics include:
* Exterior styling
* Passenger room
* Technology level
* Handling

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 8:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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"Ford Explorer's win of AutoPacific's 2009 Ideal Vehicle Award shows that Ford has designed a Premium Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle that is ideal for its buyers. Explorer also won AutoPacific's 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Award. The Explorer has been a top competitor in this class for almost twenty years and Ford has become a master in SUV design. Ford clearly understands what these buyers want and have delivered," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, Inc. "In a product segment where buyers value ease of use, generous passenger and cargo space in a good-looking vehicle, owners rate the Explorer above all the rest." Top-scoring Explorer attributes include:
* Exterior styling
* Ride and handling
* Cargo space

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 8:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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"The Ford Explorer Sport Trac -- a four-door sport-utility truck -- wins AutoPacific's 2009 Ideal Vehicle Award in the Compact Pickup category. Sport Trac owners give their truck especially high marks exterior size and interior roominess," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, Inc. "With the second-generation Sport Truck, Ford shows they clearly understand what this buyer wants -- the ratings prove it." Leading Sport Trac attributes include:
* Power and acceleration
* Exterior size
* Visibility
* Ease of entry/egress

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 8:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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"Ford Taurus' win of AutoPacific's 2009 Ideal Vehicle Award shows that Ford has designed a Large Car that is ideal for its buyers. Ford clearly understands what these buyers want and have delivered," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, Inc. "In a product segment where buyers value ease of use, generous passenger size and great visibility, Taurus excels." Those areas in which the Taurus comes closest to ideal include:

* Visibility
* Ease of getting in and out
* Handling

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 6:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Ford Taurus SHO returns after a decade's absence from the American auto scene. Formerly Yamaha engines provided the power for the SHO, but today Ford's new EcoBoost powertrain technology provides the power. EcoBoost in Taurus form includes twin turbochargers and gasoline direct injection. Still with a heavily beefed up 3.5L V6, EcoBoost bumps up power from 263-horsepower to 365-horsepower in the SHO. Torque grows from 249 lb-ft to 350 lb-ft. And rated fuel economy stays the same.

I guarantee that EcoBoost will never meet its rated fuel economy. It's just too much fun to stay on the throttle.

Continue reading "Taurus SHO - Super High Output - and More" »

Posted by George Peterson at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Resurrecting Ford's Tarnished Taurus Name Ford's front wheel drive large and mid-size entries have been in disarray since 1996 when Ford introduced the third generation Taurus. The "monocle" Taurus with its round backlite violated the truisms it established itself ten years earlier.

Listening to the criticisms of journalists at the evolutionary change from the 1st generation to the 2nd generation Taurus, Ford decided to break the mold and go bold with the DN101 - its 3rd Generation car. Even if the styling had been accepted, Ford reduced the size of its rear seat and trunk. These were characteristics Taurus had excelled in when it was the top selling car in America for a few years.

With retail buyers rejecting Taurus, Ford relegated it to rental and commercial fleet service where it languished. Taurus' sales volume and image deteriorated as Japanese automakers kept their Accords, Camrys, Altimas fresh and more exciting. By the middle of the first decade of the 21st Century, Ford had decided to drop the Taurus and throw the nameplate in the trash bin.

Continue reading "Taurus Breaks Back into Big Leagues" »

Posted by George Peterson at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Public Responds Positively to Ford's Actions, but Some Still Have Reservations
TUSTIN, Calif. (June 17, 2009) -- American consumers' opinions about Ford Motor Company have been positively influenced by the company's decision not to accept government bailout funds, and by the bankruptcy filings of rivals General Motors and Chrysler. Automotive research and analysis firm AutoPacfic conducted an online survey of more than 900 U.S. consumers regarding their purchase intent and opinions of individual car companies. Highlights include:

* Asian and European manufacturers scored highest when the survey asked "How concerned are you about buying/leasing a vehicle from" a particular maker, with an average of 61% "Not concerned at all." Ford scored 48%, far ahead of GM's 15% and Chrysler's 14%.

Continue reading "Survey Indicates Ford Benefits From Troubles Of Others And Not Taking Bailout" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 2:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Detroit Big Three soon will consist of the New General Motors, New Chrysler and Old Ford, or better... the New Old Ford. Ford has benefited from a major restructuring begun with the arrival of Alan Mulally in 2006. Like most other automakers today, their sales are way down and they are hemorrhaging cash at an alarming rate. But they seem to have a plan. They have a viable short term product plan, have aggressively rightsized their organization and have not taken federal bailout money and have not undergone bankruptcy, It's a wonder that all sounds like good news.

A VehicleVoice Internet survey of over 900 respondents in the field from June 3 through June 8 asked several questions concerning Ford's position in the market while General Motors and Chrysler are in bankruptcy...

Continue reading "Ford Benefits from GM/Chrysler Bankruptcies" »

Posted by George Peterson at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Ford Explorer is the vehicle that started it all, way back in 1991. As the first of the modern four-door SUVs, Explorer turned the market around. The 2009 Explorer continues its excellence as a vehicle for all seasons. Owners rate it tops in the Premium Mid-Size Sport Utility category, with a high score in most categories. Rather than class-leading scores all around, the key to this win is having no low score in any area. In addition, the Explorer is segment leader in the following areas:
• Ride and handling
• Safety features
• Controls have quality feel/operation
• Seating capacity and comfort
• Flexible/changeable seating
• Cargo space/capacity
• Ease of loading/unloading cargo
• Overall dealer experience was also best in class

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 8:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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For the third year in a row, the Ford Explorer Sport Trac takes top honors in the Compact Pickup segment. The four-door crew-cab configuration in combination with a usable bed size proves to be a winning combination. Owners give the Explorer Sport Trac leading ratings for:
• Both exterior and interior styling
• Several package-related characteristics, including exterior size, ease of entry/egress, rear seat comfort, and driver's visibility
• Vehicle dynamics, with high scores for ride and handing
• Quietness inside the vehicle was also best in segment

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 8:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Fending off import competition from Volkswagen and Mitsubishi and domestic competition from Chrysler and GM, the Ford Fusion pulled through a win in the Mid-Size Car segment. The Fusion took top marks for its combination of size, safety, and comfort. Leading characteristics include:
• Safety features, which give Ford Fusion owners a strong feeling of safety while driving
• Interior package was applauded for driver's seat comfort, storage/compartments, quietness inside the vehicle, instrument layout and audio system performance
• Exterior size
• Braking

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 8:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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President Barack Obama delivered an address to the nation this morning at 11AM where he summarized the results of review of General Motors and Chrysler by The Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry. The conclusion of the report was that neither of the plans presented to the Task Force by GM and Chrysler are viable.

Wagoner Gone - Replaced by Henderson: Immediately, General Motors' Chairman Rick Wagoner was let go to be replaced by Fritz Henderson - a very capable and experienced senior executive. Clearly, the Task Force determined that the GM plan did not go far enough. GM now has another sixty days to rework the plan and come back with a viable approach. If they do not, the government can move the Corp into bankruptcy to get its house in order.

Our question is "What will GM's brand and vehicle line profile look like on June 1?"

Chrysler and Fiat Agree to the Framework of a Tie-Up: Minutes after Obama's speech, Chrysler announced the it had reached developed a framework for a tie-up with Fiat with the blessing of the Treasury Department. Fiat receives a third share of Chrysler for technology sharing allowing Chrysler to launch competitive new products based on Fiat powertrains and platforms. This is needed to keep Chrysler competitive. Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli keeps his job because he has been at the helm for a relatively short time (since August 2007) compared with Wagoner's eight years at the helm.

Government to Guarantee Warranties (Warrantees): Obama stated that beginning today the warranties offered by GM and Chrysler are stronger than they have ever been because they would be guaranteed by the government. Also, adopting a spelling not seen for decades, the government refers to these plans as "warrantees". This support by the government is to create confidence in purchasing a new General Motors or Chrysler vehicle today.

Other Actions - Tax Credits, Scrappage Plans, Etc: Obama also mentioned the sales tax credit for purchasing a new vehicle that has been approved by Congress. Pending are plans for incentives to scrap older, gross polluters.

Further Question: Ford: Ford Motor Company has not taken part in government loan guarantees having planned financially for tough years back in 2006. While Ford is struggling like GM and Chrysler it does not seem to be hurt as much in the market as they are. Market share is not down as much.

How will Ford be impacted by the statements of the President, The Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry, and the restructuring forced on GM and Chrysler by the government? Will Ford thrive or continue to struggle?

Another Question: Financial Company CEOs: Rick Wagoner fell on the sword for General Motors performance during his tenure but you can argue that the performance of the financial community has been much worse and much more damaging to the economy. Where can we see the heads of the banks, investment banks, and insurance company CEOs rolling down Main Street?

Posted by George Peterson at 11:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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We got the opportunity to briefly drive the new Ford Fiesta in Port Hueneme in anticipation of Ford's "Fiesta Movement" program where they will place 100 5-door Fiestas with influential Millennium drivers. Millennium means they were born between 1979 and 1985 and influential means that they have over 500 Facebook friends and thousands of followers on Twitter. To get qualified participants - or "agents" as Ford is referring to them - Ford held a contest on their website. There were about 3,300 applicants. Since all 100 of these European Fiestas will have manual transmissions we hope Ford screened for ability to shift and clutch.

The Fiesta has been on sale in Europe since August 2008 and about 117,000 have been sold to date. With the assistance of the EPA, Ford has been able to bring in 145 into the states for testing and evaluation purposes. The 45 not in the Fiesta Movement program will be used for other drive duties. Those have automatic transmissions.

During the short drive we were able to form some conclusions...

• Fast A-Pillars: The styling of the Fiesta is great - using Ford's European "kinetic" design language. But, the styling comes with a price. Getting into the front seats is tough because the A-Pillar is so fast. The Fiesta is another car that you have to think about how to get in without injuring yourself.

• Shin Warmer: The left side of the console gets so hot that it is objectionable. "Shin Burner" may be a better term than "Shin Warmer". This is an issue that needs to be addressed prior to launch in the USA.

• Lacks Peposity: A small high image B-Car... certainly personified by the Fiesta... needs to be "peppy". The 1.6L 4-cylinder engine has 118 horsepower and, frankly, it feels like less. AutoPacific happens to be evaluating a Scion xD now as well. It is a 1.8L 4-cylinder with 128 horsepower with an automatic transmission. The Scion auto feels much better than the Fiesta with a manual. Very surprising.

Ford's powertrain plan includes an EcoBoost version of the Fiesta, but, hopefully, Fiesta's performance can be enhanced prior to its launch in the USA so you won't have to spring for EcoBoost to get sparkling performance.

Posted by George Peterson at 4:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The March 23 Los Angeles Times editorial 'You can depend on Detroit" hits the mark; today's auto industry is a tremendously competitive place. Consumers can now choose cars and trucks from domestic (Detroit) automakers that match the quality and reliability of vehicles from Japanese or European makers. So why won't Americans buy American cars?

Buyers have long memories. In the late '70s through the early '90s American manufacturers dropped the ball in product quality, reliability and customer service. While those problems have largely been corrected, the stark reality is that many people were burned during those years and they will forever be biased against the Detroit Big Three. Parents have influenced their children. Friends have influenced neighbors. Worrisome for the domestic makers, many Americans today have never, never owned an American car. They have no point of reference or familiarity with today's domestic offerings.

During the auto industry bailout testimony by the Detroit Big Three, Senator after Congressman castigated the DB3 management for selling vehicles Americans did not want to buy. Based on AutoPacific research, it is the government officials who are out of touch with today's reality, not the U.S. automakers. In fact, in AutoPacific's most recent research with owners of new cars and trucks, and echoed by other automotive researchers, both General Motors and Ford Motor Company products won more than their fair share of awards for satisfying their customers and developing vehicles ideal for their target customers.

Lexus builds outstanding vehicles supported by a great dealership experience. But its position atop durability studies is not unassailable. Today, American consumers have terrific choices - foreign AND domestic.

Posted by George Peterson at 4:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Cool. That's what I said aloud when I took a look at the new 2010 Ford Taurus when it was unveiled a few months ago. Awesome! That's what I'm saying today, because Ford is going to offer a Super High Output (SHO) version of the Taurus, and that's good news for everyone.

Ford's being super smart about this too, combining performance with a more economically and ecologically accountable powerplant, production materials, and marketing. A dear friend of mine had a 1989 Taurus SHO and for its time, it was a hot sedan. Quick, tight, fun, and also affordable. I would be surprised if he isn't near the front of the line when the car goes on sale this July.

Continue reading "Let the SHO begin!" »

Posted by dbarrett at 6:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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In Los Angeles in November, Ford showed off the latest Mustang in standard and GT forms. (Click here to see our video interview with one of the designers responsible for the terrific 2010 package, filmed in LA.) In Detroit, we get the first look at the newest GT500. The car will be available in coupe and convertible forms in spring 2009.

The new GT500 has as much attention to detail as the rest of the 2010MY range, with real leather and aluminum in the interior and a two-tone theme that carries in the racing stripes. Mechanically, and similar to the way that the GT took lessons from the very well-balanced 2008 Bullitt, the GT500 adopts its philosophy from the 2008 GT 500 KR, including the 540HP 5.4L V8. Despite all the bad economic news surrounding the start of 2009, Ford's Mustang GT500 gives enthusiasts something great to get worked up over.

Continue reading "2009 NAIAS: 2010 Ford Mustang GT500" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 2:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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We're signing off for the year but we'll be back after the first of the year. Here's to a Happy Holidays and a prosperous 2009 - more prosperous than the latter half of 2008, right?

In the meantime, we'll leave you with this holiday gem: Car Magazine commissioned Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Nissan, and Ford to redesign Santa's sleigh. This is one of the coolest ways we've seen Christmas and cars fused. Below is one of Bentley's submissions.

Click here for the rest.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Posted by Ed Kim at 8:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Despite the prevailing economic climate and unstable fuel prices, muscle cars are big news right now. The Camaro and Challenger are all new, but how about the facelifted Mustang? Though similar in profile to the 2005-2009 model, every panel bar the roof is brand new. Perhaps an even bigger story is inside, where the new materials soundly address one of the biggest criticisms of the outgoing model: its cheap, tacky, and plasticky interior.

Stephanie Brinley got an exclusive interview with Robert Gelardi, who was the chief interior designer for the 2010 Mustang. Is it any coincidence that he personally owns an Audi TT, which had one of the finest interiors anywhere in recent memory?

Posted by Ed Kim at 4:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Ford unveiled the new Fusion Hybrid at the LA Auto Show. It's a very nice piece of work that is able to achieve better fuel economy than the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Stephanie Brinley was able to get an exclusive interview with Gil Portalatin, hybrid propulsion integration manager at Ford. Watch below as Gil takes us on a tour of the car and some of its most innovative features.

Posted by Ed Kim at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has announced the winners of its 2009 Top Safety Picks. There are 72 winners in 2009; more than double in 2008 and more than 3 times as many as in 2007. Some key factors leading to winning results are better structure to protect from side impacts and increased application of electronic stability control which helps maintain control and minimize rollovers. Additionally, improved headrests are doing a better job protecting against whiplash.

IIHS works for auto insurers and publishes the results of its Top Safety Picks to help consumers select the safest cars and light trucks when they are in the market. AutoPacific's research shows that safety features and feeling safe while driving are very important when a person selects their vehicle.

Ford Wins 16 Top Safety Picks - almost 25% of Those Awarded

A major result of the 2009 Top Picks was that Ford Motor Company (including Volvo) had 16 of the 72 Top Picks. Several years ago, after Ford acquired Volvo, Ford began adopting Volvo safety strategies in its designs. Several Ford vehicles are derived from the Volvo S80 platform - Lincoln MKS, Ford Taurus, Ford Taurus X, Mercury Sable, Ford Flex, Volvo S80. Using Volvo's vaunted SIPS (Side Impact Protection System), Ford has been able to make its larger vehicles able to withstand significant blows from the side.

The Ford Fusion with ESC and Mercury Milan with ESC, Lincoln MKZ, Volvo C70, Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, Volvo XC90, Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, Ford F-150 also won IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2009.

Honda Comes In Second - Close Behind Ford

Coming in close behind Ford Motor Company products was another company that set an objective to become a safety leader several years ago. American Honda has Top Safety Picks for Acura RL, Acura TL, Acura TSX, Acura MDX, Acura RDX, Honda Accord 4-doors, Honda Civic 4-doors with ESC, Honda Fit, Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, Honda CRV, Honda Element and Honda Ridgeline. The Honda Fit is the first Economy (Mini) Car to achieve an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The IIHS Press Release Is shown below the fold.

Continue reading "Top Safety Picks by Insurance Institute of Highway Safety" »

Posted by George Peterson at 3:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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