Ford Fiesta
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By Chris Jackson
MyCarData
For the most part, the Ford Fiesta is remembered fondly, at least among car people. The European subcompact made a brief appearance in the U.S. from 1978 to 1980, and at the time was seen as a “compromise” car, the sort of vehicle that you bought because you were on a tight budget and couldn’t swing the MSRP or fuel cost of a larger vehicle. It wasn’t until long after the Fiesta was gone that folks began to appreciate its good qualities, like decent handling and robust build quality.
The Fiesta nameplate is getting a second chance in North America for 2011, and this time it won’t take thirty years for buyers to appreciate it. It’s not like you haven’t heard of the 2011 Fiesta; Ford’s been touting it since its European introduction two years ago. The Fiesta’s targeted at the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit, but it’s not very much like either of them. The Fiesta’s most like the Nissan Versa–it’s a “real” car, featuring “real-car” amenities in a small, enjoyable package. 750,000 Fiestas have already been sold, so this car is old news to the rest of the world. The new small Ford brings plenty of excitement to the U.S. market, though.
The excitement starts at curbside. In both four- and five-door format, the Fiesta’s sheetmetal is what Ford calls “kinetic design,” and this car looks like it’s in motion at all times. Trapezoidal lower grille and wrapped headlight units provide a visual link to the rest of the Ford lineup, and a strong side line bisects the front wheel well, similar to the Focus. Details like LED parking lamps and crystal headlamps add distinction. The styling is sporty and dynamic without being aggressive; the Fiesta relies on taut, angular lines rather than spoilers and hood scoops to make its statement. For anybody who might miss the message, the Fiesta is available with a bold color palette, however. New colors like “Yellow Blaze” (it’s actually orange) and lime green will ensure that you see the Fiesta on the road. Exterior graphics are available as a dealer-installed option.
Since when did a subcompact car have to make a statement? You can look at “premium” compacts like the MINI Cooper and Volkswagen New Beetle for your answer. These days, small cars aren’t necessarily a compromise. Ford wants the Fiesta to be a car that buyers want to buy because of its merits, rather than a compromise purchase. To that end, the Fiesta is appointed and equipped in a manner fitting of a much larger vehicle. The complicated dash looks like the face of one of the Transformers, with red lighting and painted silver trim. A fat steering wheel and decent lateral support on the seats will appeal to enthusiast drivers. The seating position is low, and the Fiesta’s size is evident in the fact that there’s almost no rear-seat legroom with six-footers up front. Small though it may be, it’s as comfortable and solid-feeling as much larger vehicles. Seat heaters and pushbutton start are unusual in a car this size. A range of high-visibility options brightens things even further. Mood lighting is available, as are several upholstery colors. The Fiesta is a small car that doesn’t compromise when it comes to comfort and convenience.
Ford’s smallest is breaking new ground in terms of driver convenience, as well. Got a Bluetooth phone? The Fiesta can use it as a modem to connect to Sync services, enabling you to get news reports, directions and business information piped into your speakers via a voice-controlled system. Turn-by-turn navigation information will appear on the four-inch multifunction display in the dash as well, enabling the Fiesta to offer the next best thing to a GPS system. This feature is standard on the Fiesta for three years.
Yet another unprecedented infotainment feature is AppLink, which enables the Sync system to link with smartphone applications like Pandora, OpenBeak and Stitcher. AppLink allows these internet apps to be controlled with the Fiesta’s dash buttons or by voice, and uses the central information screen to display information. Using this, the Fiesta can read your Twitter tweets to you, find your favorite Pandora radio stations, and bookmark songs.
Power comes from a 1.6 liter four-cylinder whose TiVCT variable valve timing system is shared with the 2011 Mustang. 120 horsepower isn’t much on paper, compared to the Mustang, but the Fiesta only weighs about 2600 pounds so it makes very good use of the 112 pound-feet of torque available. A five-speed manual transmission is standard. Ford’s new PowerShift six-speed automatic is the optional gearbox, and it’s one of the most sophisticated transmissions in its segment. The twin-clutch automatic is computer controlled and basically works like an automated manual. Don’t go looking for a torque convertor or fluid pump; it doesn’t use them. On the road, the PowerShift is so smooth that shifts are practically undetectable other than by engine noise. The small and light package works, and the Fiesta’s good for 30/40 fuel economy.
The suspension uses MacPherson struts in the front and a twist-beam rear axle. Ford’s done a good job of tuning the car for entertaining performance, and the Fiesta feels happy to be driving, especially on curvy roads. Electronic power steering (EPS) is standard, and features “active nibble control” and “drift-pull compensation.” The latter helps to cancel out the need to countersteer when there’s a heavy crosswind, while the former smoothes out shaking caused by tire or brake issues. Traction control is standard. The front-disc, rear-drum brakes may seem like a throwback to a decade ago, but the Fiesta stops with an honestly sporty responsiveness.
With the arrival of the Fiesta, “entry-level” becomes a lot less of a stigma than it once was. This flyweight doesn’t just dazzle with high fuel economy numbers, but with look-at-me styling and unique infotainment features. Pricing’s set at $13,995 for the sedan and $15,795 for the hatch.
All specs are for the 2011 Ford Fiesta five-door.
Length: 160.1 in.
Width: 67.8 in.
Height: 58.0 in.
Wheelbase: 98.0 in.
Curb weight: 2575 lb.
Base price: $15,795
Engine: 1.6 liter DOHC inline four-cylinder
Drivetrain: six-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 120 @ 6350
Torque: 112 @ 5000
Fuel capacity: 12.0 gal.
Est. mileage: 30/40
Ford Mustang GT 5.0
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By Dan Scanlan
MyCarData
Simply put, the 2011 Ford Mustang GT with the new 5-liter V-8 ? 5.0 in Ford parlance ? is no one-trick pony.
Already smitten with the 2010 redesign that revives the 1970 ‘stang’s lidded headlight look, pointed hood and curvaceous rear fenders, I am one who also loves the return to the old 5-liter moniker (1975 ? 1995) with an honest-to-goodness modern 412-hp motor ? there’s no replacement for that displacement, or its gnarly exhaust note either.
*Mustang modeling ? Our Sterling Gray Metallic coupe, with the rear spoiler delete, is a cleanly-styled reminder how Ford saw its original pony car reborn for the 10th time since 1964.5, reviving the longest-living (46 years) pony car atop a revised platform introduced in 2005. There’s the more aggressive face with outboard headlights and grille-integrated fog lamps framed by the pointed nose and higher, sharper-edged bumper. The lower intake is flanked by winglets. Hooded main beams and turn signals are inspired by the 1970 Mustang, while a bigger Mustang emblem sits in the grill middle. The squared-off aluminum power dome hood is framed by edgier fenders with flat edges with pewter gray 10-spoke alloys wearing meaty 19-inch Pirelli P-zero rubber, the big Brembo brakes visible inside. I like the hint of classic Mustang rear fender vent on the doors, with a bit of 1970s ‘stang on the rear fender line and rear side windows, while the higher angular tail gets three-lens taillights with sequential LED turn signals. Steel exhaust tips poke out of the black lower fascia, while the deleted spoiler cleans up the look, and we love the fake GT gas cap on the tail. One point – the driver’s doors’ leading rear edge was higher than the adjoining fender, but the paint and the rest of the body fit and finish was good. The whole car looks classic yet clean and modern, the new 5.0 badge on the fenders the only visual clue there’s a new pony in town, prompting some long looks as we rumbled by. And parked among hot rods and a beautiful Ferrari Daytona Coupe at our local cars and coffee cruise-in, the new ‘stang gathered a crowd of car guys who said “awesome” and “good-looking car.”
* Pony car posh ? The black on black interior may look a bit like the 2009′s. But for the 2010 redesign, the familiar dual-cowl dash design, which dates to 1964, got a new seamless one-piece padded piece cradling alloy-finish panels with chrome-ringed (blue-lit 160-mph speedometer and 8,000-rpm tach flanking gas, temperature, battery and oil pressure) classic Ford-font gauges. This is the base V-8, so no MyColor, SYNC or anything spiffy. The black cloth bucket seats (driver gets manual height adjustment) were comfortable and nicely padded, but lacked in real side or back support. The steering wheel only tilt-adjusts and looks a bit low-rent with its padded plastic rim, while this base stallion only gets cruise control buttons in the upper spokes ? no stereo or SYNC. That said, the AM-FM- six-disc CD stereo sounded good, not great, with big buttons, while the a/c pumped out cold on some hot summer days. The center console also looked a bit plasticky, the twin cup holder door a bit cheap, and anything taller than a soda can interfering with shifting. The center armrest storage compartment lid’s chrome plastic release felt cheap, and my elbow popped it open a few ties. Inside, only an MP3 audio input ? no iPod USB port. The overall interior look was good, with decent fit and finish if minimal storage space. Back-seat room was tight, but one person can fit there if the person in front gives a few inches, and the rear head restraints fold down for rearward vision help. The trunk was roomy enough, the rear seat backs splitting and folding to add to it.
*Mustang muscle ? We cheered when the 2010 Mustang’s 4.6-liter V-8 got an added 15 ponies thanks to a Bullitt-designed cold-air induction system, an alloy strut reinforcement making the engine bay look the business. The result was that 60 mph came in 5.8 seconds on the car we tested a year ago, with a 5-speed automatic. Ah, but Ford gave us magic for 2011 with an all-new aluminum DOHC 32-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) V-8 with 412-hp and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. Inside, high-flow ports for better performance plus increased main bearing bulkhead widths and nodular iron cross-bolted main bearing caps with upsized bolts to handle muscle car driving. Increased capacity and baffling of the deep-sump stamped steel oil pan aids sustained high-rpm use and 10,000-mile oil change intervals. Piston-cooling jets also were incorporated for performance-minded customers and for faster oil warm-up on cold start. New tubular exhaust headers maximize exhaust pulse separation and improve flow, fabricated in one Ford guy’s home workshop. They sound great, a meaty snarl every time you get past 3,000-rpm. And the engine looks pretty, with curved intake runners framed by a cover sporting the new 5.0 logo, plus “Powered by Ford” cam covers under a neat alloy strut bar that had car guys looking. The new six-speed manual transmission had a stubby shift lever and notched pretty well into gear, the engine so comfortable we could launch in second with no clutch slippage, and climb an interstate ramp and merge in sixth with no engine lugging.
Result ? our 5,000-mile-old test GT did tire-smoking runs to 60-mph in a great 4.8 seconds with a tire chirp at second, beating the 2010 GT and sounding oh so good! It sits at about 2,000-rpm in sixth at 65-mph on the highway, fairly quiet bar a bit of engine rumble and ire slap on expansion joints. Fuel mileage read out at 15-mpg on regular, a bit better than the automatic 2009 GT we tested but below the EPA average. The optional 3.73 limited-slip axle certainly helped get the power down.
The ride was pretty nice too for a muscle car, damper tuning and spring rates revised for 2011 for a good highway ride, with a stiffened rear stabilizer bar, offering controlled-yet-firm rebound on bumpier stuff with a new rear lower control arms and firmer stabilizer bar bushings. With the meaty Pirellis, we could toss the ‘stang into turns and find substantial grip and great handling in turns ? a neutral exit with minimal lean, or a bit of progressive slide if you push. Nothing upset the rear end unless there was a bump midterm, but it never jounced out of line. Stability control only kicked in if there was a wayward tail, allowing wheelspin on launch to maximize traction. Turn stability control off and let power oversteer play since it’s very pointable by throttle. The Brembo brakes – 14-inch vented front discs from the Shelby GT500 ? were fade resistant, with precise pedal feel and stopping power. The electric power steering had a precise, if slightly overboosted feel. We noticed additional sound-deadening material behind the instrument panel and a rear wheel arch liner to reduce noise, and the entire platform was squeak-free.With a 305-hp V-6, our 5-liter and 540-horse Shelby GT500, there really is a “steed for every need.”
Mustang money – The 2011 Mustang is built at the AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich., while the 5.0-liter V-8 engine is built at Ford’s Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ontario. A base V-6 Mustang with the new 305-hp V-6 starts at $22,995, while our 5.0 started at $30,495, it’s only options the upgrade from standard 5-spoke 18-inch wheels to the 19-inch wheels with Brembo brakes for $1,695, $395 for the 3.73 ratio limited slip rear, $395 for the security package, delete the rear spoiler and the final price is $32,980.
* Bottom line ? This is a Mustang that hearkens back to the Mustangs of my youth ? simple, comfortable, basic horsepower and styling, without stuff you don’t need. Sure, SYNC for my cellphone and iPod would be nice, and so would steering wheel controls for the audio. But the super clean lines with muscle and nostalgia, a thoroughly modern engine that has great power delivery and feels like it could handle more, and a supple chassis to play it with, even in the rain, makes this my favorite pony car ? period.
2011 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT Coupe
Specifications
Vehicle type – rear-wheel-drive, four-passenger fastback coupe (convertible and glass-roof coupe avail.)
Price – $30,495($32,980 as tested)
Engine ? aluminum DOHC, 32-valve variable intake/camshaft timing V-8 w/stainless steel tubular headers
Displacement – 5 liters/302-cu.in.
Horsepower (net) – 412 @ 6,500 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) ? 390 @ 4,250 rpm
Transmission – 6-speed manual
Wheelbase ? 107.1 inches
Overall length ? 188.1 inches
Overall width ? 73.9 inches
Height ? 55.8 inches
Front headroom ? 38.5 inches
Front legroom ? 42.4 inches
Rear headroom ? 34.7 inches
Rear legroom ? 29.8 inches
Cargo capacity ? 13.4 cu. ft.
Curb weight ? 3,605 lbs.
Fuel capacity ? 16 gallons
Mileage rating ? 17 mpg city/ 26 mpg highway
Last word ? The classic Mustang 5.0 GT reborn, with great road manners
Ford F250 – Big Hat, Lots of Cattle
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By Casey Williams
MyCarData
There’s a saying in Texas about a cowboy having a “big hat and no cattle.” You see them all over ? driving their pickup trucks and SUVs to collect the kiddies at dance class or to pull one Jet Ski to a mud puddle. When these over-starched cowpokes really need a truck, they choose some whimpped-out pretenders that can barely wheeze under their own load. Buying a Ford F250 Super Duty with a diesel engine will put to rest all rumors about the size of their cattle.
If you want to scare the night out of pesky drivers of Smarts and Buicks, hoover up to their bumper at 70 mph and see what happens. If the air you’re displacing doesn’t displace them, they will quickly displace themselves to the right-hand lane. Let them get a load of that meteor-sized chrome grille and Ford Oval as big as a football. When I see the crew cab truck in prairie-hued metallic brown livery, I don’t know if I should run from it or polish it. For sure, you can’t deny it.
Climbing to the saddle may be tough as you step on the big step chrome bars and heave up to the A-pillar-mounted grab handles, but once seated in leather thrones, you’ll have an easy view of your cattle and all they graze. Inside, notice the urban-outback themed woodgrain and silver metallic dash panels, camo leather seat inserts, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and huge center storage console. Automatic climate control will roast and freeze with ease. Ford’s SYNC system allows for voice-activated calling, audio, and navigation. Truck stops with B20 diesel can be found just by asking. All prepped for work, the F-250 comes with trailer brake controllers and 4 uplifter auxiliary switches on the lower center control stack. A cool step with grab bar slides out of the tailgate to ease entry to the bed. Side and side curtain airbags are optional to enhance safety.
You don’t buy a Super Duty because you want a pick-up truck for domestic duties. There are far better choices for commuting to work and carrying a little mulch. This is what you buy to pull the mini-yacht, a stable of horses, or 30-ft. fifth-wheel through the mountains without loosing your (or your truck’s) cool. Open the hood and see if you can count all of the radiator coils. If it uses or moves fluid, there is probably a coil up front to cool it. Properly-equipped, Super Duty trucks can tow 24,400 lbs. or haul 6,520 lbs. of payload, or roughly equivalent to 13.5 Smarts in tow or 3.5 in the bed.
To do this, the Super Duty requires lots of power. You can get a 6.2-litre gasoline engine in the truck, but I wouldn’t. There is no comparing ponies with Power Stroke® 6.7-litre turbo-diesel V8 that produces 735 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm and 390-HP at 2,800 rpm ? 85 lb.-ft. and 40-HP more than in 2010. Ford claims best-in-class fuel economy and the ability to run on B20 biodiesel fuel. In mixed driving, much of it running at super-legal speeds on the Interstate, the truck achieved just under 16-MPG. Given the truck’s capability, that’s impressively frugal. There are many 1970s cars that couldn’t get 16 MPG going down a mountainside and they could barely pull six Christians to church and back.
Gas and diesel engines are mated exclusively to six-speed automatic transmissions, with column-mounted selectable gear capability, that enable Power Take Off. On Super Duty diesels with the PTO option, the truck can be equipped to power auxiliary equipment like snowplows, aerial lifts, tow truck lifts, cement mixers, or dump trucks. Power is avail whenever the engine is running.
On the highway, the big truck is a dream. All of the diesel’s torque is at the ready while a unique turbocharger, featuring a dual-sided compressor wheel in a single housing for improved noise and harshness control, breathes easily. The single unit provides the benefit of a twin-turbo, but with faster response (less turbo lag). Empty or loaded, the truck always has an obscene amount of power in reserve.
Since most Super Duty diesels will pull trailers, engineers went the extra mile in providing for safe towing. Trailer Sway Control works with Advance Trac electronic stability control and Roll Stability Control to detect trailer sway, apply brakes, or reduce engine torque to correct unwanted motions. The built-in trailer braking works with the truck’s anti-lock brake computer to minimize the potential for trailer wheel lockup. During a sway event, the system can apply brakes to stabilize the trailer. Hill Start Control (sets brakes to hold the vehicle on an incline), Hill Descent Control (creeps down inclines), and an electronic locking rear differential work in concert to get the most of friction.
I think it was Christine Baranski’s character Tanya in Mamma Mia! who was messing around with the kid that was “all mouth and no trousers.” Drive up in the F250 and everybody will know you’re packing a full set of pants. Price as tested came to $60,810 including the $7,835 Powerstroke Diesel V8 option, 4×4, Crew Cab with 6.75′ bed, and Lariat package. Competitors with heavy-duty diesel models include the Dodge Ram, Chevy Silverado, and GMC Sierra.
Ford shows new eco-friendly concept car for first time in US
Ford unveiled the Start, a new concept car that it sees as marrying, functionality, beauty and environmental friendliness.
Ford Fiesta vs. Lamborghini
We put a Ford Fiesta up against a Lamborghini. The Lamborghini may be faster on the straightaway, but the Fiesta rocks a capless fuel filler, 34.5 ft turning diameter, and a useable trunk (41.4 cubic feet of storage space).
Ford Accelerated Action Day March 2010
Ford employees have the opportunity to serve in their communities through Accelerated Action Days. These are concentrated, one-day efforts to meet critical needs identified by agencies that Ford works with. March 4 was the first of five Ford Accelerated Action Days in 2010, and the focus was on children and family, with some specific programs helping the homeless in Haiti and Detroit.
Ford Flex Titanium – Preview 2011
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By Casey Williams
MyCarData
Ford’s gangsta’ station wagon, the Flex, has made quite a scene since it first rolled its boxy self onto America’s freeways. Styled like a classic wagon, equipped like a luxurious crossover, and riding on a Volvo-derived chassis, it combines unique attributes for families and friends. It will only improve when the 2011 Titanium edition hits the streets.
“As we look at the reasons people have been buying Flex, there are some very consistent themes running through the research and the main one is style,” said Flex Marketing Manager Kate Pearce. “Flex customers are attracted to the vehicle as one the reflects their personality and allows them to stand out from the crowd. With the Flex Titanium, we are responding to our customers with a vehicle that reflects the unique positioning of Flex in the marketplace.”
From the outside, you’ll notice “FLEX” written in bold letters across the leading edge of the hood and the deletion of the Ford Oval from the Titanium’s custom grille. Four exterior colors are available: Red Candy, White Platinum, Tuxedo Black, and Ingot Silver. All are paired with a Tuxedo Black two-tone roof, blackout treatment for the lights, black chrome grille, 20″ 10-spoke polished aluminum wheels, blackened mirror skullcaps, and black chrome liftgate appliqué. Interiors are dressed to the nines with black leather-trimmed seats with gray suede, circle check pattern on the instrument panel and doors, alloy metallic finish on the center console, illuminated scuff plates, and perforated leather steering wheel. HD Radio®, one-touch PowerFold third row seats, Vista roof, and refrigerator add that concept car touch.
Flex will be the first American model to wear the Titanium brand, which has been very popular in Europe on the S-MAX mini-van and Mondeo mid-size sedan/wagon. Both of those vehicles sell well over 50% of their volume as Titaniums. Ford plans to offer the next Focus with the special trim. Flex Titanium will debut in the U.S. early in 2011.
Ford Aus – Have you driven a Ford … Lately ?
A catchy ad from Ford Australia from the late 1980′s
Nelly – Ford 2011 Mustang 5.0 Pt1
The 2011 Mustang 5.0-liter V-8 is set to make its hip-hop debut alongside Grammy Award-winning artist Nelly as part of his upcoming albums artwork. The album, set to launch this spring, will feature a tricked-out 2011 Mustang GT customized by DUB Magazine. Nellys tricked-out Mustang GT came to life after the artist caught a glimpse of the vehicle while inside the walls of Fords design studio a little more than a year ago as part of a partnership tied to the launch of the 2009 Ford Flex. Since then, Nelly has collaborated with Fords design team and DUBs customization team to make the Mustang his own while still keeping the vehicle true to its muscle car roots.
1929 Model A Ford timing check
How to see if your timing is set right on your Model A Ford.
