European push for Alternative Energy at AutoBlog

In an interesting post at AutoBlog, they discuss briefly European initatives toward alternative fuels. A new European organization called Alliance for Synthetic Fuels in Europe ASFE see the United Press International press release , is trying to develop and encourage the use of synthetic fuels made from natural gas (GTL) coal (CTL) and BioMass (BTL.) AutoBlog quote : "ASFE is apparently touting synthetic fuels as Europe's solution to reducing its petroleum dependency, in contrast to the U.S. government's promotion of ethanol."

I think any program that works towards the reduction of reliance on petrolium is a good thing. But as a layman, I notice a couple of problems and questions. First is GTL or Gas to Liquid, the gas is Natural Gas, which burns cleaner than Gasoline, but still releases greenhouse gases and is not an unlimited resource. CTL or Coal to Liquid, is worse in my opinion, again not a renewable resource, and also a polutant as bad as petrolium. The last BTL or BioMass to Liquid, well they're not clear on that, but that seems to be the cleanest of the three. Here's a definition I found online for Biomass . As it states, the "green-ness" of the biomass varies on what is used.

I still think that for the US, Bio Diesel and Ethanol are the nearest solution for our indepndance from foreign oil. The benefits would be to our economy, health, environment and national security.

MPH gives me my Reflex fix for the day

After my last post depressed the hell out of me, I was happy to see an article about my new obsession the Reflex over at MPH. Maybe this can take my mind off what Ford is doing to drive itself to oblivion.

Are these nails in Ford's coffin?

Is Mark Fields going to be the Grim Reaper at Ford Motor Company? Is he the one to drive the nail in Ford's North American Coffin? It seems that some fo the rumors and anouncements around Ford would indicate so. Or in the least, the death of anything remotely interesting.
Latest is the decision to eliminate SVT's operations and with the exception of the Shelby GT500 Mustang, models. This on it's own is not enough to kill Ford. It's more a culmination of decisions and indecision that will result in the slow agonzing death of Ford Motor Company. SVT was a great operation, that inspired Chrysler's SRT line. But it's not the exclusivity of dealers, which now may result in lawsuits against Ford, that is the problem. It's more the appearance that Ford is giving up on one more aspect of business. Retreating from Special Vehicles. While GM sells SS badged versions of their Chevy brand, and Chrysler spreads SRT around all of their brands, Ford cuts the lifeline. It's just one sign of weakness and lack of vision.
Here's another sign of impending doom. I've been complaining for months that Ford has a great new Chassis for the Focus and yet in the US we get a facelifted last generation model. The excuses I'd read online and in the press were related to cost of production and price point. The new C1 Focus would cost more to produce and therefore the price would have to go up. But I've said it before, I don't buy that excuse. The Focus C1 is offered for sale in every market Ford sells in, with the exception of Canada, the United States and Mexico. It is built and sold in China and Russia and marketed in South America, Asia, The Middle East, Africa and Europe. That same chassis underpins the Mazda3, which is a competitor for the US Ford Focus. So how can it be too expensive for Ford, but not Mazda? How can it make sense in Russia and China and not the US? I've heard arguments that in these other markets, a Focus is not an entry level vehicle, while in the US it is. Bullsh*t, a Focus shouldn't be an entry level car in the US either, there should be a model below the Focus in price and size, like the Fiesta. Not just for price point, but for economy. The Japanese and Korean competitors are about to bring new B segment models like the Honda Fit here to compete with the anticipated flood of cheap Chinese imports.
Ford has been rumored to be letting the Ranger die, just as they unviel a new and improved Ranger for the rest of the world. Another stupid decision if it's true. The Ford Ranger was the best selling Compact/MidSize pickup in the US for over 15 years. When every other manufacturer made improvements to their trucks, Ford sat there and let the Ranger become stale. As every other manufacturer introduced a crew cab version of their compact pickup, Ford left the Ranger/Mazda twins out of that growing new segment, even though they sell one of the most popular crew cab compact pickups in the world, the Ranger. Was this just to save sales of the Explorer Sport Trac? That model that was passed over when the Explorer was redesigned, and is only now being freshened? Not that the Sport Trac isn't a decent model, but it's small useless cargo area can't compete with the likes of Toyota and Nissan or even GM's triplets. So why let one of the most sucessful compact trucks die? I wish I knew. The new Ranger has sharp styling and with it's 2 Diesels could position Ford to take advantage of a possible resurgance of Diesel powered vehicles in the US. As they push for alternative energy with their "Drive for Innovation" don't they recognize the benefits of having 2 diesel powertrains available for a totally redesigned Ranger?
The Panther platform triplets, once very proffitable for Ford, are now slowly being killed off. While Chrysler, GM and even Hyundai recognize the market for rear wheel drive, Ford plans to replace these cars with versions of the Ford 500. The new Dodge Charger and Magnum will see service as police and taxi fleets. Why would Ford leave a platfrom from 1979 in service for so long without any plan for a replacement? Why when they have a great rear wheel drive platform in Australia, wouldn't they tap that asset for it's replacement? There are rumors now of a Mustang based sedan that could be out in the next decade. But why the delay.
So as Mark Fields counts his Million Dollar bonus for staying through the tough times, I wonder if there will ever be good times for Ford again? I keep hearing stupid decisions, and surrender from different models segments. I almost forgot the mini van, I mean "people mover." It seems Ford realizes their mini van is crap, so they want to bring out the new Fairlane people mover and distance themselves from stink.

It's lights out for SVT according to AutoBlog and Inside Line

This will be the last vehicle to bear an SVT badge, well on the wheels anyway. According to an article at Inside Line, refferenced over at AutoBlog, the SVT division is being dismantled. So the Shelby GT500 will be an even more collectable model, not only the last Ford to carry a Shelby name, but also the last SVT vehicle. I can see them on E-Bay already.
It should have been no surprise, after the anouncement that the SVT Adrenaline was canceled. 2004 was the last year for the SVT division's models, Lightning, Mustang and Focus. There was talk of a crop of new products like the Adrenaline Sport Trac, a Fusion and more.
But now if you want a fast Fusion, buy a Mazdaspeed6, if you can get one of the only 5000.
And if you want an SVT Focus, buy a Volvo S40 or Mazdaspeed3.

So if you want any form of excitement from Ford (except Mustang), buy one of their partner brands?

Iosis Mondeo at WorlCarFans, via AutoBlog

AutoBlog has a piece on the Iosis concept and speculation that it will be the new Ford Mondeo for Europe. Not really new, but interesting none the less. The Mondeo is a nice looking vehicle, but the Iosis is realy beautiful.
Ford had stated that the Iosis, signals the new "Kinetic" designs for Ford Europe. Meanwhile we in the US get "Dave." Who is Dave? Why do I want Dave? Why can't I have Kinetic? This type of thinking on Ford's part is what is wrong with the auto industry in general and Ford specificaly. "Dave" is stupid, Kinetic is cool and "Innovative."

Volvo, the only way to get some great European Ford models?

Volvo is owned by Ford Motor Company, and purists were worried that the brand would loose identity and become nothing more than another version of Mercury. I don't think they need to worry, because despite platform sharing and to a lesser degree powertrains, Volvo has been able to maintain it's distinct identity and expand it's lineup and market share. But for Ford fanatics, Volvo could be seen as an opportunity to buy some of the best European Fords, that we don't get here. Take the soon to be released Volvo C30. It shares it's platform with the Euro C1 Focus.
In fact, Ford's new hot hatch owes it's power to Volvo. I uses the I5 Turbo from Volvo to achieve it's 240 hp. So if you want a Focus ST, wait for the Volvo or Mazda version.
How about this beauty? The new Volvo C70 hard top convertible, built on the C1 platform as well. With a neat hard top that slides down to create this crisp convertible.
Like this Ford Focus Cabrio, which it's based on.
Do you like that new Volvo S60? Nice car, sharp styling, great supsension.
Shares the platform from the Euro Ford Mondeo, as does the Jaguar X Type.
So you see the pictures of the S-Max and Galaxy mini vans from Europe, and wonder like I do, why we can't get them here in the US?
The Styling of these two MPVs is crisp and muscular almost, quite a nice shape. And they're built on Stretched C1 platforms. So the Volvo powertrains will fit easily. Mercedes brought their mini van R Type here, why couldn't Ford bring either of these MPVs over as a Volvo.
And while they're at it, slap that Volvo grill on this, let it tag along for the ride??

James Bond is a wuss?

All over the net, there are stories that the new actor playing James Bond in the upcoming movie, can't drive a standard transmission. That was shocking enough, but forgivable. But then came the stories that Ford paid a ton of money to the film's producers so that 007 would drive a Mondeo. Now don't get me wrong the Mondeo is a great car, but it's not what Bond should drive, not unless he's retired or undercover as an insurance salesman.
This is more like it for James Bond!
Or, if it's got to have 4 doors and an Automatic, how about this! She looks like a Bond girl.

Jalopnik has the new Thai Ranger

Not good news for US Ford Ranger fans, but here it is the new Ford Ranger from Thailand.
Click on over to Jalopnik for the story. Then click on through to LeftLaneNews for further pics and commentary.

According to their story, the Range will be killed of entirely in the US. Now if you are offended by strong language, please skip the rest.


How fucking stupid is Ford?? Kill the Ranger! Why not kill the idiot at Ford that suggested that? The Ranger was at one time the best selling compact pickup in the US, for 15 years!!! Why introduce such a great Ranger for the rest of the world, with not 1 but 2 great new Diesel powerplants, and not bring it to the US? I am outraged! I've been a huge Ford fan for years, but this and other bumbling moves over recent years have really been too fucking much!!

First the Focus gets improved world wide, and not here, now the Ranger gets the same treatment. Don't even get me started on the Crown Victoria and Australian Ford Falcon. It seems as if Ford is just giving up on the North American market. Now is not the time to give up on any segment of the market. With fuel prices expected to rise again, and the emergence of alternative fuels like E85 and BioDiesel, it's always been my opinion that Ford would be in a position to really shine, simply by taking models and technologies from their overseas operations and apply them to the new US market.

Even without the Diesels, a new Ranger could really recapture share in the midsize/compact truck market. I'm hoping these stories are wrong. I truly don't want to believe that Ford Management is that stupid.

Sorry about the strong language, but this is one of those things I feel strongly about.

Recap of Alternative Fuel posts; how to save the world ?

I realized recently that I've been ranting about Ethanol/E85, BioDiesel, Alternative Energy and Fuel Eocnomy for months now. So for no real reason I went back several months of my archives and looked up how many times. So here's the list;

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Each number will bring you to a past post on the subject, going as far back as last September.

Blogs, what why and how, thoughts from RaceDriven and AutoBloggers

RaceDriven and Dave at AutoBloggers both discuss different aspects of Blogs and blogging.
What is a blog, how do you get started and how do you conduct yourself are discussed in these articles.

My two cents is this; a blog or web log/journal is supposed to be your thoughts on a subject that interests you. Many people are inspired by what they read online or in the mainstream media, and comment on what they read. If you comment on someone else's work, it's only right that you acknowledge their work. It's suggested that you link to the original work and give a "hat tip" to that author. Much of what I write is just that, inspired by other blogs, magazines, televison shows or even emails from readers. If I am inspired by someone else, I will acknowledge that, and link either to their main page or the article in particular. In the least I will mention a reader's name, like Philip who recently wrote me about Ford in Europe and his Ranger. Under US law, once you hit the publish button on your blog, it's considered copyrighted material, which means that it may be copied only under guidelines of fair use or under lisence from the author. Some blogs are professional as is the case for www.autoblog.com or www.mph-online.com and www.jalopnik.com , others are just enthusiasts like www.theautoprophet.blogspot.com , www.tapscottbehindthewheel.blogspot.com or www.racedriven.com . Brian has some great advice for those new bloggers who want to get exposed and Dave of MPH brings up issues that I and Brian have discussed in the past. Splogs are blogs in name only, where they harvest other people's blogs and repost. Many splogs are set up for financial gain, through the use of advertising. These splogs skirt the law, and in some cases blatantly spit in the face of the law and decency.

I say this, if you enjoy a hobby, like automobiles, and feel you want to have your say, do it.
Blogging is free and easy. Services like Blogger make it easy to get started, and you don't have to be a tech guy to use them, I'm not. The more the merrier, but check out Brian and Dave's articles and my archives for some background on blogging and the dark side splogging.

Brooklyn Bob talks about AutoWeek's Volvo mini van story

Brooklyn Bob or 4DriversOnly and CarsCarsCars! fame, writes today about an article over at AutoWeek, discussing a possible new Volvo mini van. Mini Vans have been around for over 20 years now, and many companies didn't make the jump into that market for various reasons. Volvo was mostly imune because of their strong reputation and capable station wagons. Even SUVs lured many into that market, Volvo trying to avoid the jump with their V70XC, but finally giving in with their excelent S80 based XC90 crossover SUV. They are even pumping up the V40 a little to create the XC50 pictured here.
So AutoWeek speculates that Volvo may take advantage of the Ford family relationship and bring out their own mini van based on Galaxy or S-Max platform. A few years ago, I would have said no way, Volvo would never do this. But today, after even Mercedes has joined the mini van tribe (Oh excuse me "Grand Sport Tourer") with it's new R class, I'm not so sure Volvo can avoid it. They could do worse than an S-Max or Galaxy base, at least it's not the FreeStar.

Rate your mechanic? A new site submitted for your evaluation..

How do you find a mechanic to fix your car? Here's a new site, that's been submitted, where you can search for a mechanic in your area, and see how others have rated him. Chris W. sent me an email informing me of his new service, I checked it out and the idea is promissing. There were no listings for my area, so I can assume that the service is in it's infancy. But it's a great idea. Hell if you can look up a dentist online, why not a mechanic?

Check it out, see if there's anyone in your area, or if you feel you want to submit your favorite or less than favorite mechanic and garage. If the site meets your approval let me know.

Revisit the SVO

Today so much is made of the Honda Civic Si making 197 hp, with little mention of it's 138 lb ft of torque. But 20 years ago, Ford had a 4cyl hot hatch that made 200 hp and 200 lb ft of torque. The Ford SVO Mustang. Powerful and balanced, with decent fuel economy. It was compared favorably with BMW 3 series of the time. Made only for a few years, it was the most forward thinking Mustang ever built. To compare the 1986 Mustang GT with V8 only made 20 hp more, and because of the weight of the engine, handling while good was not as good as the SVO.
So here's an idea, couldn't Ford bring out a new SVO? With all of the technological advances made in fuel injection and engine management, the same 2.3 or now 2.5 I4 could easily put out 250 hp or more. The lighter weight of the engine in an already excellent chassis, would make it a real autobahn burner.
Dodge SRT4 230 hp . Wouldn't stand a chance against a new SVO Mustang.
Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged with 210 hp. An SVO would make it look silly.

Hell, it would make any tuner vehicle except maybe the EVO and WRX look like it was standing still. The advantage of all wheel drive may not even be enough.

So what do you think? A new SVO turbo 4 Mustang?

Ford B-Segment possibilities

The Fiesta has been on the market in Europe and most of the world for 30 years now. And this little car, could be one of the best investments Ford ever made. It's first truely successful front wheel drive car, and the first "world car" being exported to all markets including the US in the mid 70's.
Fiesta mechanicals are found under diverse models world wide. Like the Ka in Europe.
The Sporty Puma, which had it's own racing series in Europe.
The Ikon, which is sold in Asia and Latin American markets.
The Bantam/Courier panel vans and small pickups.
The EcoSport mini SUV sold in Latin America. And the Fiesta mechanicals have so much more to give. This platform could be the base for some very interesting models from Ford.
How about the Faction? An easy competitor for the Dodge Hornet. Chrysler is shopping for a partner to produce the Hornet. Ford doesn't need one, they have a ready chassis and facilities already tooled for it. All they need are body stampings.
The Fiesta based EcoSport and it's Duratorq powertrain are under the Bronco concept and possible production model.
And what better chassis to utilize to bring the Reflex to market? It would be like a new Puma.

I think the Fiesta chassis could be a huge hit for Ford, including in the US, where multiple models could be built on this chassis and powerplants. Everything from a base economy car, to a sports car and an off road model. All from such humble beginings.

Autoline Detroit, PSA Diesel Hybrid, and what it should mean for Ford.

I was watching Autoline Detroit, as I do every Sunday, and John McElroy was talking about new technologies and had a special segment on PSA (Citreon/Peugeot) Diesel Hybrid concept. He was fawning over it, and with it's combined fuel economy of 70 mpg, it's impressive. But I was yelling at the TV screeen, trying to remind John, that PSA isn't the only one that has such a concept. The Ford Reflex is a Diesel Hybrid! Ok, maybe the Reflex isn't as close to production, and it's hybrid system not as practical. But Ford has Hybrid and Diesels in their product mix.
Why can't Ford, combine the two existing technologies into the Fiesta and beet PSA to market? After all, the Ford Duratorq Diesels are a joint design with PSA, so they have half already. Couldn't this be mated with a scaled down verison of the Escape Hybrid's transmission and electric motor system?

Pangra??

The Pangra? Was apparently a dealer special and a kit available for do it yourselfers. But what is interesting about this, is the turbo. I was bored on the weekend and found this at Wikipedia.

AutoBlog points to the land of the rising sun, with more alternative fuel technology

AutoBlog points to an article on Japanese research into alternative energy sources, including Ethanol. Now we've heard of several sources for Ethanol, crops like corn, soybean and switchgrass as well as Algae. But the Japanese are looking elsewhere.
Here, is where they're looking, cow manure. I don't think this is really a new idea. I mean..
Ask this guy nicely, and he may tell you how he made fuel from pig manure.

From what I've read online, algae seems to give the most output per acre, but what ever it takes.