Driving Sports

US Government Moves to Aid Automakers

From the Washington Post: With the nation's automotive industry hemorrhaging cash, congressional leaders called on the Bush administration yesterday to offer government assistance to the car companies as part of the Treasury Department's $700 billion emergency rescue program.

The call came one day after General Motors, the nation's largest auto manufacturer, announced another multibillion dollar loss for the third quarter and said it was running out of money fast. Ford, the second-biggest car company, also reported heavy losses. Unless the government steps in, analysts warned, GM could face bankruptcy, endangering the livelihoods of about 100,000 North American autoworkers and hundreds of thousands of others whose jobs depend on the industry.

Read the whole story here in the Washington Post.

Ford's Fiesta Fanfare

Ford Motor Company today began production of the all-new Ford Fiesta, the first in a portfolio of global small cars, at the Cologne Stamping and Assembly plant in Germany. The launch was accompanied by tremendous fanfare as Ford looks to the diminutive yet sporty design to save the bottom line.

The next-generation Ford Fiesta was developed by the European arm of Ford's global product development team to meet the demands and expectations of customers around the world.

The new small car represents the blueprint for future global product development efforts at Ford and will be tailored to meet customer preferences for interior features, exterior colors, body styles and other options in each region of the world. It will go on sale progressively between now and 2010, starting in Europe.

Caddell Signs With StableOne for Mustang Challenge

The Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup is a new professional racing series co-developed by Ford Racing and Miller Motorsports Park. Utilizing the new Ford Mustang FR500S and sanctioned by the Grand American Road Racing Association, the Mustang Challenge series is a support series to major professional road racing events across North America.  A competitive point structure and generous purses  make the Mustang Challenge the perfect affordable, challenging platform for racers who want to compete in a V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive car on a level playing field that will showcase driver ability in high-profile events.

Andrew Caddell of Washington has been racing for his future at every turn. At age 20, Caddell is a past national champion SCCA racer, and took second place last year in the MX-5 Cup pro racing series. This year, the young driver has been converting his Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup race winnings and the BFGoodrich Tires he received with each win into a chance to compete in the next race with TC Motorsports. 

Ford Announces Further Slowdowns in Trucks - Adds Small Car Capacity

As it cuts larger trucks and SUVs, Ford is changing its product mix to favor small cars and alternative fuels.

Ford has reduced its North American large truck and SUV production for the remainder of 2008. The new Ford F-150 pickup introduction has been delayed due to market conditions and current-model sell-down. At the same time, production will increase for the Ford Focus sedan and Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner small utility vehicles. Also, next-generation European Ford Focus and Fiesta small cars will begin production in North America in 2010, as Ford confirms it is revising its product plan to add more small cars, crossovers and fuel-efficient powertrains, including many from Ford's acclaimed European lineup

Ford Feels Fuel Fever, Favors Fiesta

Ford Motor Company today announced the new Ford Fiesta small car for North America will be produced at the company's transformed Cuautitlan Assembly Plant beginning in early 2010 and a sporty European hatchback model is being added to the North American lineup alongside the popular sedan.

A small car concept called the Verve showcased the design direction for the new Fiesta when it debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. Both sedan and hatchback models were displayed - with high praise from customers and the news media.

"Customers responded very positively after seeing both the sedan and hatchback versions of the Verve small car concept," said Mark Fields, president of The Americas, Ford Motor Company. "We know the market is headed toward more small cars and crossovers. With our product and manufacturing flexibility, we will be able to offer both models and add production capacity."

 

Ford Focuses on American Idol

We figure it's about the only reason to tune in to Idol any more: Ford debuted the new Focus  coupe  for the 2009 model year Wednesday on  "American Idol." This marks the first time Ford has ever revealed a new product on prime time television. "Focus is the little car that delivers in a big way for customers, with 35 mpg fuel economy, cool features including SYNC, a fun drive, strong quality and the right price," said John Felice, Ford Division group marketing manager. "We thought the 'American Idol' debut would be a new way for customers to see the upgrades for themselves."

Tomorrow's Big Cat - 2009 Jaguar XF

Last week we drove the ultra-luxurious Jaguar XJ Super V8 sedan and enjoyed it. The XJ is a great car but at a sticker price of about $95,000 it’s more than a bit out of reach for most people. But Jaguar followed up that superlative ride with their brand new and ultra-hot XF Coupe. With a sticker price of $62,200, it’s still what the industry calls an “aspirational vehicle,” but it’s still $30-large cheaper than the sedan, and you get all the best stuff carried over from the XJ.

The XF features the same supercharged 4.2-liter V8 engine with 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, mated with the same excellent 6-speed automatic transmission. The tranny features paddle shifters on the steering wheel and a “Sport” mode that shifts for speed better than most people can manage. The car is rear wheel drive, which is great for sporty driving, and that’s what you can expect from the XF.

Rule Brittania - Jaguar XJ Super V8

There really is something special about a Jaguar. The XJ (originally named for eXperimental Jaguar) has been produced for 40 years with substantially the same body lines, and it remains a popular choice in the luxury market.  More than half the cars Jaguar has ever built - over 800,000 units - have been XJ models. The 2008 XJ is the seventh generation of the car according to Jaguar’s method of calculation, and the 2008 XJ Super V8 is without a doubt the most powerful and luxurious offering in XJ history.

This year, you can get your XJ with a normally aspirated 310 horsepower 4.2-liter V8 engine, or the Super V8, pulling over 400 horsepower and 408 pound-feet of torque from a supercharged 4.2-liter V8. That’s some serious grunt for a supposedly sedate British luxury car!

Sync Your Ride!

Lincoln Navigator owners wishing they had Ford's industry-exclusive SYNC in-vehicle communications system, need wish no more.

Ford has introduced an affordable, dealer-installed SYNC accessory kit that allows select 2008 Navigator and Navigator L customers to enjoy Ford's voice-activated communications system. SYNC works with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players.

Ford first introduced the Microsoft-powered SYNC system on the 2008 Ford Focus. And 11 other 2008 vehicles soon followed, including the Ford Edge, Taurus, and the Lincoln MKX and Lincoln MKZ. As part of Ford's aggressive migration plan, SYNC will be offered on nearly every 2009 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle.

Saleen Offers 302 Crate Engines

For the first time ever, Saleen will begin selling its high performance 302 cubic inch (5.0L) premium crate engines through its Speedlab Aftermarket Division. The engine will be available in either short block or long block varieties to satisfy the most seasoned of engine builders and power enthusiasts.

Saleen offers the same OEM quality, durability and precision-built engines used today in Saleen built performance vehicles. The legendary 302 engine has already made its rightful return to the performance stage in Saleen product offerings such as the Parnelli Jones Edition, Heritage Series, and the new 25th Anniversary Sterling Edition. Consumers now have the opportunity to upgrade their existing vehicle with a high performance Saleen 302 crate engine.