So I wrote about the Ford Flex being one of the cars that is available to get all kinds of extra “next generation” goodies from Ford, and I included a picture I took at a Ford lot of a brand spankin’ new Ford Flex in Baby blue. Well today I stopped in at the local fast-breakfast-burrito joint and sitting there was what I would guess was a 1991 Ford Explorer. it just struck me, probably because of the white and blue two tone paint job, how much it resembled that Ford Flex. I snapped a pic with my cell phone and sent it to myself… hmmmm… side-by-side, they’re not that much different, are they?

I mean there are obvious differences, but give me a break, there’s almost 20 years of design difference between the two. And there’s a vast difference between my 12mm wide angle lens mounted on a Digital SLR camera and the lens built into my 4 year old cell phone… But you can see some similarities in the boxy front, can’t you?

I’m thinking Ford should have just gone the way of the Mustang and branded the new “Flex” as a retro-fied Explorer.

Just my 2 cents on hump day.

Ford has developed a new feature which could mean safer and more comfortable motoring at the flick of a switch – adjustable pedals.

For some drivers, adjusting just seat and steering wheel does not achieve the comfort or level of control for safe and enjoyable driving.

Adjustable pedals can provide Ford Focus and C-MAX owners with a perfectly tailored driving position. Pedals can be moved up to 55mm closer to the seat.

This adjustment improves comfort and control for drivers who find that the pedals are too far away when seat and steering wheel are ideally set. (more…)

Ford Motor Company is introducing a new engine technology called EcoBoost that will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America during the next five years. (more…)

SAN DIEGO, APRIL 16 /PRNewswire/ — HST International has announced a partnership with Tjaarda Design that will change the face of electric cars. The designs that will define the next generation of “Electric Muscle(TM)”, the Tjaarda EVX Mustang and HST Shelby Cobra EVX, will premiere at the 34th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach’s “Green Power Prix-View” on April 18-20.

The Mustang EVX and HST Shelby Cobra EVX prove that electric cars can be environmentally friendly as well as winners on the track and in the looks department. While designed for different purposes, both cars are true zero emission vehicles and feature 300-horsepower electric motors using lithium iron phosphate battery packs developed by K2 Energy Solutions. With 1000 ft/lbs of torque @ 0 rpm, they have the capability to do 0-60 in less than four seconds and a range of over 100 miles.

“We’re excited to be bringing these vehicles to market because they’re head turners and so much fun to drive,” says Tod Boretto, president of HST International. “But more than that, this is a long-term initiative and a unique opportunity on several levels. We do not believe any other manufacturer is bringing together this level of design, performance and green technology today.”
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We have known for a little over a month now Ford is extending production of the Bullitt into the 2009 model year.  Those details came out when Ford released the 2009 Mustang Order guides back in March showing a Bullitt model was available for order but there was no mention of how many 2009 Bullitts would be produced.  Those details emerged last Friday via Dan Jarvis of FoMoCo who spoke with IMBOC.com and he confirmed Ford will not produce more than the previously stated 7,700 units which means there will only be about 2,100 units built for 2009.

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On the same day the Ford Mustang turns 44, Ford Racing has launched an all-new web-based initiative, www.FordPerformance.com, that puts a face and a place on Ford Motor Company’s connection to enthusiast clubs and the performance aftermarket. The Ford Performance Group is centered on a web portal that helps facilitate a more interactive relationship between Ford and its past, present and future performance customers.

“We recognize the important role that Ford loyalists play in raising consumer awareness of Ford Motor Company,” noted Jamie Allison, Manager, Ford Racing Performance Group, “and performance enthusiasts tend to be the most passionate, active and influential customers of all. This new web-based asset allows us to consolidate our communications with them under one virtual roof. It will also enhance our all-important relationships with Ford-based clubs, coordinate our contact with Ford-centered events and help showcase the exciting new performance offerings from Ford – all in one place.

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Since January 2008 KONI is the Official Supplier of Aston Martin Racing again. The contract has been signed for the next two racing seasons, although specified by the team for the Aston Martin DBR9 since it first competed in 2005.

Because of the long existing relationship and the excellent cooperation with Prodrive it has been decided to extend the connection between the two parties. KONI already supplied the Aston Martin DBR9 GT1 and the DBRS9 with 2812 dampers. Now KONI will also be fitted to Aston Martins competing in the GT2, GT3 and GT4 class. (more…)

Project: Turn the BBK road race car into a BBK product display vehicle.

With all of the quick trackside adjustments and repairs that come with years of road race abuse under the hood, the only thing to do was take the car completely apart and start all over again.

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Whoa check this out… new radar technology and mirrors implemented by ford for safety. The side mirrors make it look like your driving a huge RV/ Truck. Read more on how ford is going safety first!

DEARBORN, Mich., April, 9 2008 — Ford is actively addressing drivers’ demands for increased visibility with the introduction of two new features, the Blind Spot Mirror and the Cross Traffic Alert with Blind-Spot Monitoring System, arriving in 2009.

“Ford is delivering innovative features aiding in a better drive experience for the customer,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development. “The Blind Spot Mirror and Cross Traffic Alert with Blind Spot Monitoring System are enhancing the customer ownership experience and bringing more value to their purchase.”

Ford will be first to market with the Blind Spot Mirror, answering customers’ demands for better visibility as they change lanes or parallel park. This affordable mirror technology will first launch early next year and find its way onto many future Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles as standard equipment.

The Cross Traffic Alert with Blind Spot Monitoring System is a radar-based blind spot detection system with the additional capability to help customers confidently back out of a parking space even when there is traffic approaching from the sides. The optional system will join the Ford portfolio of innovative technologies in 2009 and quickly migrate through the model lineup.

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BBK performance parts just recently launched a brand new state of the art website, but most importantly they are showing everyone their success as one of the leading EFI (electronic fuel injection) aftermarket part manufacturers by expanding to the east coast. BBK Performance currently has two buildings in Southern California with some of the best equipment to get you the best performance for your EFI car, truck, or SUV. (more…)