Diesel Jag XJ for Europe

With 204 hp and 340 lb ft of torque, this new Jaguar XJ with a Diesel V6 should motor down thre road well. Too bad it probably won't come here. In Europe you need to have Diesel models to compete, even in the Luxury car segment. I remember in the 80's when Diesels were the rage in European Luxury and near luxury cars here in the US. Volvo, Mercedes, BMW, Peugot (which for you young people was a French car you'll never see) all of the serious players (with the exception of the Big Three) had Diesels. Now with the price of gas over $3 a gallon and $4 on the horizon, maybe we should consider them again. When the sale of "clean" low sulfur Diesel starts here, I'd like to see Diesels make a comeback.

I remember in the 80's when all the European manufacturers sold Diesel versions of their vehicles here and even Ford and GM had flirtations with Diesel. If you recall a post from June on John B's Diesel Ranger, Ford also had Diesel Escorts and I believe Tempos. Now in the US, Diesels are rarely seen in anything but full size trucks and commercial vehicles. My memory of Diesels from the 80's are of noisy smelly vehicles that you couldn't park outside in the cold weather. I helped more than one person try and start their Diesel Rabbit back then. But Diesel technology has come a long way. I know from reading the AutoProphet's blog www.theautoprophet.blogspot.com that there are still issues concerning emissions, but in the long term investments in these technologies will pay off.

Funny thing, I read on AutoBlog www.autoblog.com that Americans wouldn't prefer the low rev high torque Diesel engines. But I think the author may forget that we in the US were more in tune with high torque engines from out V8 days. It's only in recent history that high revving multi valve 4 and 6 cylinders have domminated the landscape. Or am I just showing my age? When I was younger it was all about torque and the holeshot, not about 8,000 rpm shift and bumping rev limiters. I think most US drivers could get reaquainted with low rpm torque, especially considering how many lazy americans drive automatic transmisions.

Big changes ahead at Ford

These two articles indicate that Ford is serious about change and a return to profitability in the US. It's going to be a tough road and there going to be some unpopular decisions, hard times for Ford employees, union and non-union alike. And with the news of the agreement between Ford and CAW, a lot of people are going to be unhappy.


http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/tick14e_20050914.htm


Ford very much needs to change it's fortunes in the US and as a Union member (not UAW or auto industry) it's difficult for me to say that the UAW needs to be realistic. Loose some jobs now or loose them all later. I'm not crazy about Ford sourcing parts from cheaper labor countries, but it's been the trend in manufacturing for decades.

As a very faithful Ford fan, it's difficult to watch, but better some pain now, than the eventual failure of one of the US's most important employers.

New Jag XK convertible

New Jag XK Convertible, will get better pic when available, but it is very nice.
Check out article from BlueOvalNews.

This is the way a mini van should be done

God knows I'm not a fan of Mini Vans, especially the Ford FreeStar, but this new Ford Galaxy from Europe is a far cry from the Freestar. And if you look at the two pictures here, you can see how faithful the production vehicle is to the SAV Concept.

Ever see such a nice dash and console in a Freestar? I don't think so.

Now this seems like inovation and taking a risk. Are you sure it's a Ford? Those are words they seem to be afraid of in the US. Full length overhead console and fixed glass roof are unique features. If you need a mini van, this is the one you want. Too bad it's not coming here.

250 hp 240lb ft of torque in Focus ST for Europe

Today's focus seems to be the Focus (pun intended) on BlueOvalNews is the press release from Ford anouncing the new Focus ST with 250 hp and 240 lb ft of torque from it's 2.5L I-5
This should be the SVT Focus.

Volvo C30, or how many versions of the new European Focus can you buy in the US without a Ford badge?

Volvo is expected to take the wraps off the new C30 3 door soon, expect to see it in the automotive press next month or so. But if you want a preview, go over to your local Mazda dealer, because this fine little car will be built on the CD-1 chassis which is shared with a wide variety of Ford Partner vehicles including the European Ford Focus, seen below. The C30 is to be about 8" shorter in length than it's S40 brother which of course it shares much with.
The Focus is an important car for Ford on a global scale, one of their biggest sellers in Europe and sold in every market Ford is active in (except North America). They even get the new version in China. The CD-1 architecture is shared with Mazda and Volvo and will even be the base for new models from Jaguar and Range Rover according to articles I've read online. Don't forget the new C70/Focus Vignale hard top convertibles built on the same chassis.
You may recall a posting I made earlier in the summer about Ford using this chassis to underpin future models in Europe instead of the CD-3 chassis, which is shared by the Mazda6/Fusion/Milan/Zephyr and other futuer models including crossover wagons from Ford and Mazda. So what do we get from Ford in North America? A "freshened" last generation Focus. Suposedly to keep costs down. I think the Focus should be an important car for Ford here, especially with fuel costs going up and a new sub Focus model based on the Euro Fiesta coming to the states in the near future.
The first CD-1 car to come to North America and selling well and competatively is the Mazda 3 which is getting rave reviews. Tough to swallow that excuse about costs when you see this.
The Volvo S40 4 door sedan, based on CD-1 chassis and available with all wheel drive and turbo I-5 making 218 hp, this and it's wagon varient are obviously the top fo the line CD-1 right now. That is until this chassis is used for a possible Freelander replacement in the future.
The Volvo safety concept vehicle which will give a glimpse of the styling for the new C30
The 4 door Focus in Europe, we need this in Diesel and Hybrid versions here in the US.
The Mazda 5 people mover/ mini mini van, which is on the Mazda 3 CD-1 chassis.
The Volvo V50 wagon, also available with all wheel drive and turbo I-5.

So why is it that the Mazda 3 can sell in the US at a profitable price, but the Focus can't?

Bronco may be coming ! Sort of, not exactly

OK, so this is the concpet Bronco that's been shown the last few seasons at the autoshows around the country. Love it, very much inspired by the original. Now this was never intended to be a big V-8 brute this time around, so news that if it comes to be it will be based on the Fiesta mechanicals didn't disturb me like the guys from AutoBlog. The concept was Diesel powered and showed hopes for real off road capability. Too early to judge, I'll wait until more details are out.
Now, this is the South American Ford EcoSport mini SUV based on Fiesta mechanicals with all wheel drive. From the picture I would say it should be at least minimally capable. Maybe not Rubicon ready, but enough for the average person. And let's face it, how many peole bring their SUVs and trucks off road. I have the "OffRoad" package on my pickup and have had occasion, but rarely.
This is the original Bronco built from 1965 to 1976 a very capable off roader with either an inline 6 or small block V8. The original had the option of removing the hardtop, installing a soft top or a "bobbed" cab. Very rugged, but more civilized than the Jeep CJs of the time.
Again the South American Ford EcoSport, what may be the basis of the new Ford Bronco. AutoBlog seems disapointed, but I'm optomistic. The EcoSport looks fairly capable and it's solid Fiesta underpinnings and promising fuel economy make this look like a perfect response to the new Jeep/Chrysler crossover SUVs and the crop of new foreign competition.

Wait and see, this could be a great vehicle for Ford if they keep some of the styling and off road promise.

Mercury Mariner Hybrid introduced with much hype

The New Mercury Mariner Hybrid has been rolled out with much fan fare and praise, and while I think it's a good thing, it's not amazing. The Mariner Hybrid like any other Mercury is just a rebadged Ford product. In this case it's an Escape Hybrid with that ugly waterfall grille.
This is the car that needs to be a Hybird! The Escape and Mariner twins are great. But the Fusion needs a Hybrid version quickly. If Ford wants to be competative in the future, they need to get this out on the market as quickly as possible. The best sellin Hybrid is the Toyota Prius and that car is a little quirky to say the least. I'm not saying the quality isn't here, I mean it's odd. If Ford wanted to make an impact, then a Fusion Hybrid would be an instant success with it's handsome styling and real world size and utility. Honda sells two more traditional looking hybrid cars the Accord and Civic, Ford could really do well with the Fusion Hybrid.
The Escape Hybrid is a great start, but don't stop there. Ford should be pushing forward with Hybrid and Diesel versions of the Escape, Fusion, Focus and Explorer. I don't mean a hybrid or a Diesel, I mean both. Hedge their bets. The Hybrids make more sense for urban or suburban people but Diesels would make more sense for people who drive long commutes.

Ford needs to inovate and move forward instead of playing catch up and making big noise about hollow gestures. It's a fact that Ford has the worst EPA fuel economy ratings of the major manufacturers. Mostly because of their heavy reliance on truck and SUV sales. But Ford cars don't lead the way in economy either. The Fusion is not a gas guzzler, but Ford needs to get the technology into the market now.

File this under dumb moves of the century, Ford to build small cars for Europe with Fiat

Fiat Panda built in Poland I believe, and the new 500 a retro model for Fiat will share common parts with the Ford Ka.
The Ford Ka, a model built specifically for the European market, based on Fiesta mechanicals. It's quirky looks and decent performance have given it a faithful following since it's introduction in the mid 90's. See link page for enthusiast site.


Ok now somebody at Ford needs an ass kicking. Ford of Europe is entering into an agreement with Fiat (yes Fiat, the shoddy Italian car maker copied throughout The Soviet Blcck for years, remember the Yugo! ) to build small cars like the Fiat Panda and Ford Ka using common elements and design.

Didn't GM just loose a bundle when their deal with Fiat fell through? Werent' they glad to loose the money rather than go through with the deal? Who thinks this is a good idea?

Fix It Again Tony * meets Found On Road Dead *!! Unbelievable, someone at Ford needs a serious ass kicking and I'll volunteer to kick it.

I'm sure I'm overreacting, but my gut says this is going to be a stupid deal, major league stupid, sort of like replacing the Lincoln LS with a derivative of the Ford FiveHundred. Oh that's right they're doing that.

* The truth hurts, so before any devoted Fiat Fans (both of them) start to picket outside my door, I have to say that I've know several people over the years who had various Fiat cars and all of them were problematic (Fiat Spider, X-19, 124 and 131) Fiat cars are known to be crap. Their owners are devoted masocists. The Yugo imported by Malcom Briklin in the late 80's early 90's was a poor copy of a Fiat, right down to the spare tire mounted on the engine.

* Just typing those words hurts me. And in a fit of anger I wrote them, but won't take them down.

European Focus news some good some bad

OK, first the good news our European brother and sister will be getting this quick new Ford Focus ST with a turbocharged I5 making 222 hp. Probably sourced from Volvo it will sell for about $32,000 and will do 0-60 in the 6.5 second range. Now AutoBlog says that US buyers would never pay this much for a Ford Focus, and I have to say they may be right. With the Cobalt and Ion twins selling their supercharged versions in low $20K and Dodge's outgoing SRT4 selling in that neighborhood when you could find them. But Subaru's Imprezza WRX (non STI) sells in high $20K's and of course the STI and Mitsu Evo go to just over $30K.

Now this could have sold in the US for over $30K, but unfortunately even our Europen friends won't be getting the much anticipated Focus RS with it's over 300 hp and all wheel drive. This would have been hell on wheels and put the STI and Evo X trailing in the dust.

I don't know why Ford wouldn't have done this. It would have been a very good seller from all the press it has received as a concept. Many Ford faithfull on both sides of the atlantic would have been lined up to get one. Just check the enthusiatic comments on AutoBlog.

J W Fisher, how did I miss this comment from long ago?

I really don't know how I missed this gentlmen's comments on one of my posts from earlier in the summer, but I was impressed enough today to copy and paste his entire comment below and to link to his website which is also impressive. Mr Fisher's insight into the Mustang/Lincon LS suggest that he's very knowledgeable and when I get a chance I'm going to thoroughly check his site. I suggest readers do the same, he's not only Ford, but it does seem to be a major part of his page.

The Following are his comments for those that missed them;

I like the My Ford Dreams site, especially when the author is frank and open about whats wrong with Ford and how it could be made right. We both like Ford a lot, but we also know (and acknowledge) that many things need serious improvement. As I've said before in my own blogs, the LS is IMHO one of the more serious failures of Ford over the past few years... not only as an unrealized competitive statement (it's a great car) but as an example of lack of continuous improvement, succession planning, and even as a failure from the enthusiasts point of view. What started out as a great car went exactly nowhere, what started out as practically inventing the G35/CTS type of class went nowhere and fell quickly behind (both of those compatetitors aren't any different architecturally, but competitively are far ahead).FYI, the 4.6-powered LS built for the event was a failure... suffering from overheating issues. This does surprise me, since LS mules have been running around as next-gen Mustang prototypes for years (not only as what actually ended up as the 2005 Mustang, but the false start that occured before that). The team should have been able to find one that was available. It was nonetheless a great effort, and it's also nice to see that Ford still has engineers who want to attend such events - and do it with an appropriately unique car. This may well have been their own attempt to get some interest in the LS going again... a car which from all indications appears doomed. In any case, the problem with putting a 4.6 into a production LS is that the engine won't go into the car under assembly line conditions - the original designers (incredibly) failed to account for this possibility. The engine fits fine: the distance between the frame rails is wider than an SN95 Mustang (I've measured them side by side myself), but it won't go in from underneath. This fact alone is probably fairly high on the list of factors that doom the car in the long term - without a 4.6 the car is saddled with an orphan engine (the 3.9) that is built solely for this car (the Thunderbird already having been cancelled) and is a contributor to Ford's high costs.The 2005 Mustang originally started on this architecture and was then dumbed-down. A strut-based LS was first built in the late nineties to explore potential Mustang architectures - I had an interesting (but frustrating) conversation with Tom Scarpello in approx '98 about this car and was then lucky enough to encounter one in Ford's "mule junkyard" in Dearborn a few years later. That "junkyard" used to be in an open parking lot - it wasn't secured and was located right next door to a popular restaurant where any number of Ford engineers could usually be found winding down at the end of the day. Both were favorite spots of mine when I used to be in Dearborn frequently on totally unrelated business trips - during which I always took a drive past various Ford sites to see what was happening (a topic for another long blog someday). The 2005 Mustang only resembles the LS in general dimensional terms - the front frame rails are actually very different (put both cars on lifts sometime and take a close look at them). The Mustang is probably a lot better structurally (standards have changed considerably since the DEW platform was designed), it's wider underneath, and it's considerably simpler to build (of course it's also taken a major step backwards architecturally because of the antique strut design). The main goals of the Mustang rework from the LS architecture were to significantly reduce cost, and secondarily to allow more room in the engine compartment for engines above the 4.6. This suggests an idea - why not take this Mustang architecture and send it back to a DEW successor? Many benefits here, including commonality, flexibility (perhaps even sending back an SLA suspension to the Mustang?). The resulting car would be downmarket from the current LS (which costs too much anyway), and would make a fine competitor to the enormously successful Infiniti G35. The resulting platform would be a bit larger than the G35 (which would be appropriate for the Lincoln), and would compete with both the G35 (using the new Duratec 3.5) as well as the M35/45 (using an upmarket 4.6 or it's future variants). And the 300C - a car which is IMHO just too large and bulky to be of interst to a real enthusiast.Oh well, now we're talking about my own "Ford Dreams"... I fear the LS will end up on a Ford Five Hundred chassis, leaving Ford Motor Company without a rear-wheel drive enthusiasts product.-JWhttp://www.jwfisher.com

Update, I have now had a chance to check out most of Jeff's site and I strongly reccommend it! Jeff is a high performance driving instructor and a real Car Fanatic, and has a strong Blue Oval inclination. Jeff discourages directly linking to his site content so I will just link to main page, it's easy enough to navigate on his site and worth the visit. http://www.jwfisher.com Check his blogs there also.

Fusion/Milan/Zephyr due in showrooms soon

The Fusions are coming, the new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury midsize sedans that have been long anticipated are going to start showing up on dealer lots very soon and are getting a lot of mention online. Check the BlueOvalNews for links and articles, as well as pictures and forums devoted to the new models. The Fusion and it's clones are important cars for Ford. I have to say the Fusion and Zephyr are growing on me, I like the styling and can't wait to drive one.
Mercury's version of the Fusion, with tamer almost bland styling. While the Fusion is edgy, the Milan is boring. But since it's replpacing the Sable I guess that's appropriate. When will Ford learn that Mercury needs something more than a waterfall grille and a slightly nicer interior to sell rebadged Fords.
The Zephyr is a different story from the Milan, fresher styling that really differentiates itself from it's humble Ford/Mazda beginings. The interior shots I've seen are impressive and now that Ford finaly offers a DVD Navigation system, it's on par with competition both foreign and domestic. Also with 221 hp and optional all wheel drive ( to come soon,) this may find more appeal in the market.

These cars are going to be almost make or break models for Ford, especially if full size SUVs and trucks start to experience a slow down in sales.

Financial factors put off purchase until early spring

A number of Finacial concerns have caused me to postpone the purchase of my new Mustang. Hurricane Katrina's effects will be felt by many of us Americans, with higher gas prices, but also with increased utility prices over the next few months. I have the added stress of knowing that the facility that I work at is up for sale again. So with the uncertainty of the future, I am delaying my purchase until after the new year begins. Assuming things are stabilized at work I will be able to save a little more and possibly upgrade from the Pony V6 Mustang to either a GT or a Pony Convertible. So while I'm not thrilled about waiting, if all works out I will get more than I had intended, especially thanks to one new friend who has extended to me the X-plan discount.

I'm leaning towards the Convertilbe, as I've never had one and my midlife crisis is scheduled for next year. What do you think? And color choices for Convertible, any ideas ? I could go with the Windveil Blue and Parchment or the tripple black. Feedback appreciated.

Ford Turbo I6 power from downunder

Australia is an untapped source of power and styling for the US market. Above are three powerful Australian Fords two from Ford's FPV (the Ausie version of SVT) and the Territory from Nizpro that I posted about a few days ago.

If Ford can be this inovative in Australia, why not here?

No word on Bronco concept in a while

Haven't heard much about the Bronco Concept that was making the auto show circuit the last two years. That's a shame, the styling is great and with Toyota bringing back the Landcruiser FJ40 Ford would be in position to compete well. GM has nothing that could compete and the Jeep Wrangler is too long in the tooth. The word was that the Bronco concept had a Diesel engine, and with the price of fuel going up, that would be encouraging.

Ford Bantam/Courier trucklet

Could this little Ford truck sell in the US? The Bantam/Courier is based on Fiesta mechanicals and sold in various African, Asian and South American markets. A few months ago, I had read online that Scion was considering bringing a small truck based on the Xb mini MPV. I recall seeing a concept at the auto show in New York also. Now the Bantam may not be very refined, but it is rugged and with the Fiesta DNA could be outfitted with the right bits and pieces to make it sporty and functional. Small car based trucks don't seem to be a big market that's for sure. With "Compact" trucks becoming "Midsize" it may seem foolish for me to call for this model in the US, but with gas over $3 per gallon and heading towards $4 quickly, this little truck could indeed find a market here. There is also a panel van version available, but I'm thinking the pickup could be a better bet. Take the Fiesta ST pieces, and you'd have a neat little truck. Aim it at the Youth market and keep it fairly inexpensive (under $20k) offer dealer accessories like Scion, maybe even market it through Mercury to give that failing brand have a boost.

When I was younger Subaru Brats were fairly popular, almost cool.

Flex Fuel Focus in UK

Found this article on AutoBlog about a Flex Fuel Focus coming to fleet sales in UK.
If you recall Ford sold Flex Fuel M85 Rangers and Taurus a few years ago. A token move at best, since M85 is not popular throughout the country and owners had the option to use regular unleaded instead.

Are GM and Chrysler going to be able to compete with Mustang?

GM has been teasing their fans with photoshop images and talk of a new Camaro. I was talking with a guy from the Chicago area the other night online ( hi Wayne) and he was nice enough to give me the Camaro concept images you see here. We all would love to see a new "Ponycar" war, wouldn't we? The big three fighting it out and as they do, we benefit with improved power and handling, right? Wrong, GM and Chrysler are tinkering with the idea of bringing back their Ponycars, the Camaro and Chalenger, both built off existing or soon to be redesigned rear wheel drive platforms. But to cut to the chase GM will screw it up for sure. Look at the SSR. They will not follow the Mustang model of bringing a low priced base model and more than likley will not have a convertible model the first year or two. The same thing goes for Chrysler on the convertible. Everyone is hailing the new Charger as a Muscle Car for our modern times and while it's got power it's not a sports car, it's a 4 door sedan.

Both companies want an image car (allthough GM has the Vette), and to appear to compete with Mustang, but neither anticipates selling more than 50,000 or so a year. Why is that? Simple, even Ford doesn't anticipate selling more than 150,000 Mustangs a year(even though it was 190,00 for 2005) and if you try and split that pie 3 ways, that's what you get. Ford has done a couple of things right with the Mustang that GM and Chrysler will not. They've introduced the Mustang at a reasonable price point with good content, and given buyers several layers of performance ( V6-GT-Shelby SVT) as well as not making us wait forever for a drop top. Ford will also have several special models rolled out such as Mach 1 and California Specials as well as the V6 Pony, before either GM or Chrysler get their first model out.

So while the others dream, Ford fans have the reality of a Mustang here and now, that will outsell any Chalenger or Camaro/Firebird, just like it always has.

BlueOvalNews has photo of Lincoln V Concept ???

Now the link on their site was not working and a Google search found nothing on a Lincoln V concept, so I'm assuming it's either new or they were reffering to the Lincoln Mark X Concept.
When I can get a picture of the V, I will post it here. What I'm seeing looks like mix of Lincoln LS and new Volvo C-4 retractable hardtop convertible. Not bad looking whatever it is and about time that Lincoln got something exciting. But of course Ford won't put enough power under the hood to make it truly competative in the market. Look for an updated post later in the day.


Ok, the link works now and I was able to see the larger images you can see above. I was a little off on my first apraisal, I had thought it was a 2 door and obviously this is a 4 door convertible. If this vehicle ever makes it to production, don't expect to see that, Ford doesn't have the courage to risk it. But now that I can see the larger images, I believe they are just photoshop creations. This looks like a Volvo S-80 that someone has manipulated.

If anyone knows anything about this, let me know. And I'd like to know what you think, is it real/fake, would you want it, whatever your thoughts.

Update, I should have scrapped the entire posting, but don't like to do that. The photos are indeed fake, I should have read more carefully. But they are a great idea. Lincoln needs something exciting to give it a boost. The Lincoln Continental Concept that I've posted pictures of in the past or the Lincoln Mark X roadster seen above. Maybe even a Lincoln version of the Ford Focus Vignalle hardtop convertible, that is coming out in Europe? Drop the Focus RS powertrain in and put the Lincoln grille on it.

Dissatisfied Customers create web pages

While I love Ford and don't want ot drag them down, I found these two web pages interesting and wated to share them with you;

http://www.fordlemon.com/

http://www.otisfordsucks.com/

Ford is not alone with Dissatisfied Customers, all auto makers have them. Even Honda and Toyota have had Lemon Law incidents.

I had a problem with a Ford Dealer a few years ago and was tempted to picket like the fellow from Long Island, but didn't have the time to waste.