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Revealed: Ford Officially Launches 2010 Fusion

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:10:45 -0600

While Ford has already spilled the beans about the revised powertrain lineup for its newly redone Fusion (in standard, Sport, and Hybrid Flavors), the automaker has waited on the occasion of the L.A. Auto Show to show off the full redesign of the car.

The early verdict seems to be that the redux is quite an attractive one, with the Fusion looking more refined and upmarket in its newest iteration—a terrific thing in a market segment that offers ultra stiff competition and cross-shop happy buyers. The aggressive new front end of the car features headlights that have been well integrated with the three-bar grille, as well as a square power dome of the sort seen on the new Mustang. Fusion Sport models get a boot lid spoiler and side skirts that amp up the go fast looks to go with the newly capable 263 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6.

Fusion’s interior has also been changed over to a slightly higher level of refinement, though the adjustments aren’t so great in scope as what we’ve seen Ford do with the Mustang living quarters. The center stack makes room for a large new 8-inch navigation screen, with cleaned up controls for the HVAC and media systems. Plastics have been covered in softer touch materials and more metallic finish surfaces abound.

Have a closer look at the Sport and Hybrid Fusions in our gallery above, or delve deep into Ford’s thinking with the official press release below.

    * For the 2010 model year, the new Ford Fusion lineup expands to include an all-new hybrid model that offers class-leading fuel economy, besting the Toyota Camry hybrid by at least 5 mpg in the city; innovative new SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency
    * Fusion will offer three fuel-efficient gasoline engine options – the Duratec 2.5-liter I-4 and enhanced 3.0-liter V-6 and 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engines. Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry. The 3.5-liter V-6 powers the all-new Fusion Sport model
    * Class-exclusive features, including Ford SYNC™, SIRUIS® TravelLink™, BLIS™ (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert and Sony-branded audio set Fusion apart from other mid-size sedans
    * The 2010 Ford Fusion will be available in dealer showrooms in spring 2009

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2008 – Ford's new 2010 Fusion is set to shake up the cut-throat mid-size sedan segment when it goes on sale early next year, bringing an all-new hybrid that will deliver the best fuel economy of any sedan in America, class-exclusive technologies including a blind spot detection and warning system and Ford SYNC™, plus the kind of proven quality and reliability that has been recognized by the top consumer groups and magazines.

"With the new Ford Fusion, we are offering consumers more choice, even better fuel economy and the leading quality and reliability that they have come to expect," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. "But that isn't all – we weren't satisfied with just matching the competition in the segment, we wanted to give consumers even more by delivering engaging driving dynamics and technologies that make the in-car experience more comfortable and connected."

Designed to stand out
Ford's attention to detail with the freshened Fusion begins with a new design that gives the car a sportier look and improved aerodynamics. The car's newly designed front end, including headlamps, grille and larger fog-lamp area, further enhance the sporty nature of the 2010 Fusion. Aerodynamic enhancements and new underbody shields further boost Fusion's fuel economy.

Overall, the wider, sportier look aims to make Fusion even more appealing to customers eager for a fun-to-drive mid-size sedan.

With all models, the interior design team created a more contemporary, technical look with metallic new finishes on the instrument panel that carries through on the center console, doors and steering wheel. A new shifter has been added, increasing the Fusion's sportiness and comfort.

The seats received a makeover, as well. The seat contour has been revised, with more side support and overall a softer seat with smoother bolsters and more-textural inserts. The seats also feature contrasting stitching and tipped leather inserts to give the Fusion even more attitude, befitting this mid-size sedan.

The gauge cluster has been designed with 3-D elements to create a jewel-like appearance, similar to a fine watch. Drivers will be greeted by a new "welcome" sequence that makes the Fusion seem as if it's coming to life. Gauge needles sweep back and forth as the lighting and new chimes come on. The ambient lighting system offers the option of illuminating the front and rear footwells and front cup holders.

Fuel-efficient powertrain lineup
Both the inline four-cylinder and V-6 engines are upgraded for both improved fuel economy and power. Fusions equipped with Ford's new 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least a 5 mpg improvement versus the 2009 model on the highway, resulting in fuel economy that is at least 3 mpg better than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry.

The 2.5-liter I-4 engine horsepower and torque also have been improved from the car's outgoing 2.3-liter 4-cylinger engine, jumping to 175 hp and 172 ft.-lbs. of torque from the previous 160 hp and 156 ft-lbs. As a result, 0-60 performance improves by more than a second, now topping Camry and Accord.

The 2010 Fusion features an all six-speed transmission lineup, including for the new 2.5-liter I-4 engine, which is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The previous 2.3-liter I-4 in the Fusion was available with only a five-speed transmission.

The additional gear on the I-4 provides better drivability and performance as well as fuel savings, said Matt Hettenhouse, Powertrain Team Leader for the Fusion. "The gear ratios and the overall span of the transmissions allow us to have a more-efficient shift schedule," he said.

The first gear can be made a little deeper, which provides smoother acceleration. At the top end, a higher gear allows the engine to run slower in highway conditions, which also aids fuel economy.

Ford's proven Duratec 30 3.0-liter V-6 engine also improved on the 2010 model, delivering highway fuel economy gains of at least 1 mpg city and 2 mpg highway. Horsepower in the 3.0-liter V-6 also increased to 240 hp and 222 ft.,-lbs, up from 221 hp and 205 ft.-lbs. in the previous version. The 3.0-liter engine is now Flex Fuel-capable and can run on E-85 ethanol, which delivers even more horsepower – up to 250hp.

Front-wheel drive and on-demand all-wheel drive are available with models with a 3.0-liter engine and with the new Fusion Sport 3.5-liter engine.

The Fusion Sport 3.5-liter V-6 has 263 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift. The versatility in the powertrain systems creates a wide range of options for customers designed to fit every need.

The 2010 Fusion now comes equipped with Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system on 2.5- and 3.0-liter models, improving the driving dynamics of the vehicle while delivering greater fuel savings because the steering system is operated by the electrical system rather than the engine. Additionally, EPAS provides customers with improved steering feel and reduced low-speed efforts that when coupled with a nearly 1 foot smaller turning circle for 2010 makes parking a cinch.

In addition to improvements in the 2010 Fusion's steering, handling and improved brake pedal feel, the Fusion team also took a look at how to improve the comfort of the car, including reducing wind noise and road noise.

Hood insulators, inner and outer dash absorbers, new carpet and glass, revised sealing baffles, additional sound deadening in the trunk, new interior material and new headliner material are among the improvements made.

Improved body and door sealing also contribute to Fusion's best-in-class standing in wind noise. Overall, the reduction in wind noise and road noise puts Fusion near some of the best luxury cars in terms of quietness and best-in-class speech intelligibility. Wind noise, for example, is 3 sones better than Camry and Accord. Models with the I-4 engine are class leaders in wind noise and road noise.

All-new hybrid model
For the 2010 model year, the Ford Fusion adds an all-new hybrid model. The Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids join the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids, doubling both the size and volume of Ford's hybrid lineup.

Question of the Day: New Mustang, Yea or Nay?

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:40:42 -0600

While it’s impossible to make a fair judgment about the car without having had any time behind the wheel, what say you about the 2010 Ford Mustang from a purely aesthetic point of view? Are you in favor of, or opposed to the Mustang redesign after your first look? Give us your vote, in comments.

Video: Learn More About Ford's New Mustang

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:32:43 -0600

Do you like what you see so far of the new for 2010 Ford Mustang? Or do you think that the car has gone in completely the wrong direction and want to know who’s responsible for the change? In either case (we’re guessing the former), the Autobloggers have put together an interesting video, interviewing a few of the designers responsible for the new Mustang, and coving the details of the car in greater depth. Take a few minutes and listen up…this stuff is important.

+ Autoblog: VIDEO: Autoblog goes in-depth with 2010 Ford Mustang

Spyker Tips C8 Laviolette LM85 Ahead of L.A. Debut

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:23:11 -0600

While we have already keyed readers in on the upcoming Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85—a road-going version of the Spyker GT2 Le Mans car complete with an Audi-sourced, 4.2-liter, 400 horsepower V-8—we were unable to show much of the massively orange car, until now.

In advance of the car’s pending debut at the L.A. Auto Show, Spyker has released a slew of new detail shots of the racer; all in its blindingly orange glory. Have a closer look at the Dutch super treat in our gallery above. Or, feel free to brush up on the details of the car (it comes with a watch!) in the full press release below.

Spyker Cars N.V., manufacturer of exclusive premium sports cars, proudly presents the Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85 – the road version of its GT2 LeMans car. The Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85 will be built as a limited edition of 24 units maximum, and will be available in both left and right hand drive. Production of the LM85 commences this quarter.

The LM85 is an advanced mid-engine, two-seat sports car. It is characterized by a lightweight all aluminum body construction and an uncompromising engineering package. The powertrain of the LM85 is the all aluminum Audi 4.2 liter V8 engine producing 400 bhp. This is paired to a manual six-speed Getrag gearbox, driving the rear wheels with a Drexler limited slip differential. ABS is standard. The use of aluminum parts and other lightweight materials results in an impressive power-to-weight ratio and underlines the GT2 racing heritage of the car.

Exterior

Based on the Spyker C8 Laviolette GT2R, the racing characteristics of the LM85 are numerous, such as the all aluminum chassis, GT2 livery (Burnt Almond Orange with Gun Metal ‘S’ logo), side mirrors in body color, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, and GT2 windscreen streamer. Behind the black powder coated alloy wheels, black AP Racing 6 piston brake calipers with AP Racing logo appear. The LM85 can optionally be equipped with Le Mans sticker sets as well as a customised LM85 car cover.

Interior

The ample use of black leather and alcantara, which is originally meant to reduce light reflection during racing, has been finished with orange contrast stitching and characterizes the unique interior of the LM85. The dashboard instrument panel is made of turned aluminum. Each car will feature a personalised LM85 serial plaque. On request, Chronoswiss dials and switches can be installed and are virtually identical to the Chronoswiss 24Hours Pilot Watch every LM85 owner receives with his car. The black floor mats are made of fire protective material, finished with orange piping and the LM85 logo embroidered.

Extra features

As mentioned above, every LM85 owner receives a special edition Spyker Chronoswiss 24H Pilot Watch with orange crocodile strap. The serial number of the car will be engraved on the case of this exquisite time piece. Additionally, all LM85 owners are offered an exclusive Spyker VIP Hospitality weekend at the 24H of Le Mans in 2009.

Spy Shot: Audi R8 GT3 Spied Testing at the Nürburgring

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:08:55 -0600

Introduced to the world this past August, it seems that Audi and racing team ABT Sportsline are spending some time at the Nürburgring with this, supremely wild R8 GT3.

The hugely winged and kitted R8 is said to have been fitted to the requirements of a GT3 race car, meaning that all of its 500 horsepower is directed to the rear wheels only—as four-wheel drive isn’t permitted in the formula. That prodigious shove from the V-10 engine is handled through a six-speed sequential gearbox. We’ve heard rumors that the racy R8 was clearing the ‘Ring in laps of around eight minutes, forty seconds, which isn’t bad considering the recently rainy driving conditions.

Have a closer look at the super R8 GT3 in our gallery above, or scroll down below to read a few words penned by the spy shooter himself.

Audi has been at the Nürburgring with their race partners ABT testing the R8 GT3 racecar this week. First introduced in August this year, this R8 will be a racecar for the GT3 class and therefore send all the power of that 500+ horsepower strong V10 to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox. For those who are not familiar with the regulation in the GT3 class, four-wheel drive is not allowed in that class.

Most testing was done by Audis factory driver Frank Biela, also known for winning the 24 hour race at Le Mans five times. All times with Audi.

ABT Sportsline is responsible for the Audi DTM racecars.

Coming Soon: Ford Fiesta Sedan Revealed in China

Chris Paukert — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:59:28 -0600

This week’s big news will likely emanate from the Los Angeles Auto Show, but half a world away, Ford has made some pretty significant news by rolling out the 2010 Fiesta sedan at China’s Guangzhou International Auto Show.

The betrunked subcompact will be built at Ford’s new Nanjing plant beginning early next year, but more importantly for U.S. buyers, the car will also reach North America and Asia with production facilities coming on line in Mexico and Thailand. Interestingly, Europe will have to be happy with the liftback version, as they won’t be receiving the Fiesta sedan.

(Official press release below, further live reveal shots available from our friends at Jalopnik)

Ford Stages Global Reveal of All-New Fiesta Sedan in China

    * All-new Fiesta sedan features Ford's signature kinetic design language; its exterior clearly inspired by the Verve Concept notchback revealed last year at the Guangzhou Auto Show
    * Sedan version of all-new Fiesta developed specifically for China with key feature inputs taken from local market research
    * China to be a significant market for all-new Fiesta sedan, as Ford confirms its leadership with the fuel-efficient, sophisticated small car
    * Production of all-new Fiesta sedan will begin Q1 2009 at new, state-of-the-art facility in Nanjing, China

GUANGZHOU, China, November 18, 2008 – Ford today staged the global reveal of its all-new Fiesta four-door sedan at the Guangzhou Auto Show, delivering in full on the bold promise made by the Verve Concept notchback last year.Ford Fiesta Sedan

The dynamic all-new Fiesta sedan features Ford's signature kinetic design elements – introduced to China first on the exciting Fiesta five-door hatchback at Auto China in Beijing in April – demonstrating the versatility of this unique design language and its consumer appeal in important global markets.

“We set out to design a truly exciting, desirable small car that exceeds all expectations. Today, we are keeping our promise that was made with the Verve Concept notchback last year,” said Chelsia Lau, chief designer of China/ASEAN Programs, Ford Motor Company. “The all-new Fiesta sedan is sleek and contemporary. The interpretation of kinetic design on the four-door body has given the Fiesta sedan an independent identity while retaining the emotional appeal of its five-door sibling. ”

The Ford Fiesta sedan will be launched in China within months of its global reveal. It will be built at Ford's new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Nanjing.

“This Fiesta writes the next chapter in our small car success story and builds on the widespread appeal of the Ford brand in China. Style-aware Chinese consumers will appreciate the uniqueness of this car that expresses their individuality, style and aspirations,” said Robert Graziano, president and CEO, Ford Motor China.

The Fiesta sedan will be manufactured in China using the same advanced technologies as does its European counterpart. The body structure is manufactured with extensive use of high- and ultra high-strength steels to significantly increase strength and rigidity, while also reducing weight and improving fuel efficiency. These advanced steels also provide Fiesta with an increased measure of occupant protection.

The Ford Fiesta revealed today has been tailored to satisfy customer wants in China. Carrying out Fiesta's global strategy, additional variations of the all-new Fiesta sedan will be available across Asia and North America from 2010 with production from Thailand and Mexico supplying these important markets. However, Fiesta sedan will not be distributed in Europe.

“Launching the all-new Fiesta sedan to the world in China signals the importance of China and the Asian region in Ford’s global strategy, ” said John Parker, executive vice president, Asia Pacific and Africa, Ford Motor Company. “This is a sophisticated small car. Design combines with advanced technology to deliver very high levels of refinement, safety and class-leading fuel efficiency. This new Fiesta proves Ford's leadership in small car design and development. ”

    Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 224,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.

    For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

Editors' Roundtable: 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged

NextAutos Staff — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:45:08 -0600

The Range Rover Sport is a vehicle that can go anywhere, do anything, and look trendy in the process. No, it’s not going to win any awards in within the Green crowd, but for the consumers who actually pay out for one of these (especially in Supercharged trim), it won’t matter. In our week with the Range Rover Sport, we found it to have more than ample performance, relatively good handling (for an SUV), and a pretty luxurious interior.

Click through the post for our editors’ full notes on the Range Rover Sport Supercharged.

Chris Paukert
Editor-in-Chief

Our Range Rover Sport was my motor voter carriage for this year’s election. As I didn’t receive my Ohio absentee ballot as requested weeks prior, I faced a 170+ mile drive or risking disenfranchisement. I chose the former, and the Land Rover helped make it an easy decision to live with.

I have an irrational love for several Landie products, and this Sport is one of them. I think their rectilinear styling still looks sensational, and having taken-in a couple of Land Rover schools, their off-road prowess is remarkable stuff, even with the Sport’s big, low-profile tires that would seem to indicate otherwise.

I like the pace and noise of the supercharged model, but handling and mid-range quickness probably isn’t as special as it ought to be for something called “Sport.” Although I have trouble stomaching the idea of a road-biased Land Rover, I could see something like a luxury pre-runner rally truck holding great appeal. As it is, the only reason I called upon the various off-road gubbins was to dial up the air suspension to max height so that I could see over other cars in a dead-stop two hour traffic jam.

If the Sport hasn’t dated on the outside, it’s starting to get on a bit inside. The center stack is a tangle of too many buttons, the nav system feels a couple of generations behind, and the separate audio controls feel antiquated because of the too-small and pixilated display. It’s all easy enough to use when you get a few miles under your belt, but it would be nice to have a cleaner layout, crisper switchgear and a better looking nav interface.

All-in, the Sport is still a very attractive package, but newer generations of its more tarmac-oriented competition are starting to make this Landie a tough sell, soft spot or no.

Reilly Brennan
General Manager

Generalization or not (mostly it’s not): This is the thing you see most often in Southern California, or in the well-heeled 'burbs of many an American metropolis. It’s become something of a uniform for an entire aggregate of the upper class. We admit that we look longingly at each when they zoom past. There’s something incredibly special about that Land Rover shape in a sportier example.

While the RRS might look the part of a fast, low-to-the-ground SUV, it’s really not all that you’d hope for as driving tool. Since it’s LR3-based, it comes equipped with the sort of mountain-managing software and hardware that gives it the classic (and some might say unnecessary in this example) groans and friction of a Land Rover. We appreciate the abilities built within, but we still feel they’re immaterial here. Who wouldn’t opt for a 500-pound (just a guess, mind you) savings in weight to make way for some serious on-road refinement?

Land Rover doesn’t happen to have a hard time selling these, but we wonder how much better off they’d be if they truly made a performance on-roader. It might not be worth it today but we can imagine it would create a more rewarding experience for owners, which could increase future sales. The reality of the RRS today is that it’s outclassed by BMW’s X5 and X6 in terms of refinement when, in promise, it shouldn’t be.

Steven J. Ewing
Production and Test Fleet Manager

The Range Rover Sport has to be my favorite Land Rover. The fact that a vehicle this size can obtain 0-60 times around seven seconds is quite impressive, though not all SUVs have supercharged V-8 engines which produce 390 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Digging into the gas pedal allows the supercharger to do its dirty work with a slight whine coming from the engine, and no matter what gear you’re in, there’s never a lack in available power.

An unsettling bit of my drive came when I decided to try out the Rover's manu-matic transmission setting. Moving the shifter from "D" to "+/-" felt very stiff backed up by an awful "CLUNK" sound no matter how many times I shifted between the do-it-yourself and fully automatic modes. Another staff member alerted me to some sticky goo that seemed to have worked its way into the shift gate, so I'm hoping that's the only reason why such an unpleasant sound would be made. Once in manu-matic, though, the shifts were executed rather quickly, especially under harder driving situations. It's an interesting feeling to have crisp DIY shifts in a 5764-pound SUV – pretty cool stuff.

The Range Rover Sport is indeed a niche vehicle, since the high price tag and poor fuel economy don't sit well with most consumers. Still, I’m always surprised at how many of these I see on the road.

Nate Luzod
Art Director

It feels weird to be in something so massive that’s so quick and handles so well. You can rattle off 90mph in this thing and it feels like nothing. All around visibility leaves me with no major complaints, but there was always a sense that there’s something hiding in an undiscovered blind spot. To that end, high speeds on crowded highways left me a bit uneasy. The interior is comfortable and functional, and the barrage of LCD lights and buttons on the center console has kind of grown on me. Girlfriends also have some inexplicable affinity for Range Rovers, which can be useful knowledge. All this said, the only thing that made the Range Rover Sport truly enjoyable for me was that this was a test car. With Consumer Reports ratings near rock bottom for reliability and at the cost of some homes, I wouldn’t put any of my own money behind it.

2009 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT SUPERCHARGED

Engine: Supercharged V-8, 4.2 liters, 32v
Output: 390 hp/410 lb-ft
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
0-60 MPH: 7.2 seconds
Top Speed: 140 mph
Weight: 5764 lb
Fuel Economy, city/hwy: 12/18 mpg
Price as Tested: $80,000 (est.)

Revealed: 2010 Ford Mustang is Unveiled!

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:46:20 -0600

After what feels like an interminable period of waiting, following teaser shots, and hunting around for spy photographs, Ford has officially pulled the wraps off its 2010 Mustang, just hours before the car’s gala debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Realizing what a good thing it has had with the current (fifth) generation of Mustang since that car’s launch in 2005, Ford has taken an evolutionary approach to the new car; seeking to update or change the bits that weren’t quite right, without totally tearing up the successful blueprint altogether. That philosophy is most apparent in the exterior styling of the 2010 car, where the pointed massaging of a solid design has lead to a Mustang that is tauter, more athletic, and more refined than the outgoing product.

The new car has gotten a bit of a nose job, with the more steeply sloped front end terminating in a thinner, and more sculpted grille. This smaller face is offset visually buy a prominent, squarish power dome on the hood, and is accented nicely by the slightly revised pony logo out front. (The new horse has received a more defined musculature with a higher head position; subtle branding meant to call out the original pony car’s core message.) Out back, rear haunches have been enlarged to increase the classic pouncing stance of a rear-drive sports car. Those larger hips are integrated into the main form through a nicely flowing fender line.

The 2010 Mustang has got a few issues with its hindquarters however, with a bit of a high rising bustle around the trunk area. Ford designers claimed to have used that black cladding around the bottom part of the rear end to take some visual height off of the design, though we’re not convinced the plastic trim doesn’t add too, rather than take away from the overall problem.

Between the doors of the new car, Ford has seemed to have worked out a dramatically better product than the Mustang we’ve come to know so well. The interior shapes, surfaces, and materials have all been lavished by a level of attention that none of its predecessors ever received, revealing a space that is much more mature and refined than ever before. The driver has been given more room to work in with nice touches like fully recessed (and coverable) cup holders, and armrests that now fall at the same height for each arm. The new console is quite attractive and well thought out, with bigger brighter gauges, and quality touches like full ring bezels around the dials, and a fascia made of honest-to-god aluminum.

Ford has updated the GT’s 4.6-liter V-8 engine without revolutionizing it, coaxing 15 more horsepower out of the unit, for a total of 315 to go with 325 pound-feet of torque. The V-6 powerplant will carry over, unchanged from the current model, for the time being. The V-8’s extra grunt comes in part from a new cold air intake, which pulls air smartly from behind the grille, rather than its old feeder position in the front wheel well.

While the Mustang team was happy to say that the 2010 car is more refined than the older model, including a big reduction in noise, it realized that sometimes owners would really want to hear their V-8 power pounding away under the hood. To that end, engineers have fitted a small duct from the engine bay that will pipe some of the V-8 rumble directly into the cabin.

In total, the Mustang seems to be a much more complete and refined package for 2010—a sense that we look forward to putting to the real test when Ford lets the media loose in the new cars, sometime next month. We look forward to bringing you much more on the new Mustang in the near future. You’ll find the full Ford press release below and many, many images of the car in our gallery above.

LEANER, MEANER 2010 FORD MUSTANG MODERNIZED,
WITH MORE REFINEMENT, NEW LOOK INSIDE, OUT

    * New muscular, sculptured exterior design is a modern evolution of Mustang heritage
    * Powerful new interior design features world-class craftsmanship, upgraded materials and new technology
    * Performance improvements – larger wheels, retuned suspension and increased horsepower – developed from engineering experience on the race track and from special editions including the Mustang Bullitt

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 2008 – Muscle goes modern for 2010 as the Ford Mustang – America's favorite muscle car for 45 years straight – hits the streets with a new exterior design; new world-class interior featuring well-crafted materials and updated technology; and a V-8 with even more horsepower and an even throatier signature Mustang exhaust sound.

Combine those elements with the new Mustang's improved handling characteristics, more standard safety and technology features and its already-strong safety and quality performance and reputation, and it's easy to see how the muscle car known around the world delivers on the promise of fast, fun and affordable performance for a whole new era.

"More than 9 million customers have made Mustang one of the world's most beloved automotive and cultural icons," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "Making sure this modern legend lives up to their expectations has been a driving force for the team, which went to great lengths – gathering customer input everywhere from race tracks to Main Streets in cities throughout the U.S. – working to create the best Mustang ever."

For 2010, the team delivered. "The new Mustang marks new levels of both power and refinement," said Paul Randle, Mustang chief engineer. "We've designed and engineered this to be the next classic Mustang that everyone talks about for years and years."

In true Mustang tradition, there is a "steed for every need." At launch, customers can choose from a V-6 or V-8 with their choice of coupe, convertible or innovative glass roof, plus several new options and features delivering the opportunity for customers to personalize their cleaner, meaner-looking Mustangs.

"The best Mustangs have always been the ones that connect young America with the spirit of the times – and the 2010 does exactly that," said J Mays, Ford's group vice president of Design. "The new Mustang is close to the magnetic center of the original, fully loaded with the swagger you'd expect, but with modern refinement and attention to detail like you've never seen in a muscle car."

It starts with the more aggressive grille, punctuated with the first new Mustang emblem since the car's introduction in 1964. Both the V-6 and GT have brand-new sculptured front-end designs unique to each model. The headlamps and turn indicators, now integrated into one unit, are modern interpretations inspired by the 1970 Mustang. On the V-6, the fog lamps are located on the lower fascia, while on the GT, the fog lamps are again located in the upper grille – but are smaller than the outgoing model, similar to the original lamps of the 1967-68 models that inspired them.

"We understand Mustang's heritage and iconic status it has in the world and as a symbol of Americana," said Peter Horbury, executive director of Design, The Americas. "We wanted to create a face that is more muscular but unquestionably, unequivocally Mustang and carry that spirit through to the entire car."

The exterior sheet metal, except for the fast-back roofline, is all new for 2010. At the front, the new headlamps, lower fascias, fenders and grille are capped by a powerdome hood that adds to the muscular appearance while functionally allowing for enhanced air cooling of the engine.
Mustang's washer-fluid nozzles are tucked into the cowl, while the antenna has been moved to the rear, both of which create a cleaner appearance while also reducing wind noise.

Front rear fenders feature taut, sculptured wheel flares, like a tight skin stretched over the wheels. A classic spear character line on the doors leads to a modern indication of "hip" rear fenders. "It helps give the car aggressive, forward direction, like it's ready to jump," said Doug Gaffka, Mustang chief designer.

The rear end design features aggressively angled rear corners, a sculptured decklid and prominent rear badge. A rear-view camera incorporated into the spoiler is available on some models.

A notable new tail lamp design features three LED bulbs firing sequentially from the inside for turn indication. The sequential bulbs were a distinct Mustang feature in the '60s and comeback to the 2010 for the first time since then. Locating the reverse lamps vertically creates a modern version of the Ford classic three-lens taillamp.

The best of new, heritage
Cleverly combining modern technology with Mustang heritage is a signature of the 2010 model, in terms of both design and engineering.

"All of the Bullitt elements are the base foundation of the GT," said Randle, noting engine and chassis improvements. "We also applied some improvements gained from Mustang racing. We're learning constantly and always giving that to the customer on the base car."

The wheel-and-tire combinations are 1 inch bigger across the board, ranging from 17 to 19 inches, which helps improve handling and braking. The shocks have been retuned on all models as well.

"We adjusted the springs, stabilizer bars and shocks to better balance the ride, steering and handling for all models, which results in a more engaging driving experience," adds Mustang Vehicle Engineering manager Tom Barnes. "The 2010 Mustangs feel more controlled for steering and handling, yet retain a good ride balance."

The 2010 Mustang 4.6-liter V-8 benefits from innovations from the popular Bullitt model. Power has increased to 315 horsepower.

"It runs on regular gasoline, but if you put in premium it has adaptive calibration that will give you even better mid-range torque," Barnes said, adding that Easy Fuel™, Ford's innovative capless fuel system, is standard on all models.

"It's an upgrade to the most-robust, most-accessorized engine in the marketplace today," Randle added. "No one has the reliability, no one has the upgraded options. This is a fantastic engine, proven on the race track, the drag strip and on the highway."

AdvanceTrac™ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is now standard and complements Mustang's all-speed traction control and anti-lock braking system (ABS).

"It gives a driver a little more confidence that in any type of condition the car will maintain what they want it to do," Barnes said. "The 2010 Mustang improves ride quality and maintains world-class steering and handling."

In addition to all of the design and driving dynamics improvements, the 2010 Ford Mustang is engineered to maintain its top government safety ratings. Standard safety equipment includes: dual stage front driver and passenger air bags; front seat-mounted side air bags; and, Ford's Personal Safety System.

Interior leads in design, materials, content and comfort
Like the exterior, the interior design is all new with world-class materials and execution.
The powerful new one-piece instrument panel design is crafted in seamless soft-touch TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) skin fully encompassing available genuine aluminum-finish panels. Mustang's chromed-ringed gauges and dual-vane air register vents are precisely crafted and positioned.

"That's the difference between good enough and exceptional," said Gary Morales, Interior Design manager. "We wouldn't accept anything less than leadership design and world-class craftsmanship."

The instrument panel and console flow as one shape, another strong connection to Mustang heritage. The seats and arm rests have softer materials with high-quality stitching.

The new center stack design adds the latest version of Ford SYNC™, with new features 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report. Drivers also can customize their ambient and instrument lighting through the My Color™ system, which features 125 color options.

"The centerstack is quite progressive. The electronic finish panel containing the audio and climate control buttons and knobs are integrated into the finish panel," said Kim Zielinski, Mustang Instrument Panel engineer, 2010 Mustang. "I believe the customers will really like the new look."

In addition to the improvements in technology and comfort, drivers will notice a quieter ride. "It's much more vault-like," Barnes said. "But we maintained the signature Mustang sound."

The upgraded instrument panel along with new sound deadeners added to select areas helped improve interior quietness, especially at high speeds or on rough roads. All the better to hear that famous Mustang roar.

With a completely redone exterior that echoes the classic Mustang designs of the past, an interior featuring world-class materials, numerous technology upgrades and an improved driving experience, the 2010 Mustang is poised to become the latest classic in the proud line of Ford's iconic American muscle car.

"The 2010 Mustang is drop-dead gorgeous," Randle said. "This car marks the best efforts of 45 years of passion and enthusiasm among the best designers, engineers and manufacturing experts in the business, and we can't wait for everyone to see it and start driving it."

The 2010 Mustang will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

Opel Insignia Voted 2009 European Car of the Year by One Point

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:33:26 -0600

The Opel/Vauxhall Insignia has been chosen as the 2009 European Car of the year, beating out Ford’s all new Fiesta by a single point. The result is the closest such in the past eight years, when the Ford Mondeo was beaten by the Alfa Romeo 147. The Insignia received 20 first place votes and 321points from the jury of automotive writers, while the Fiesta garnered 19 votes and 320 points. Volkswagen’s new Golf ran third with 223 points, while the Citroen C5, Alfa Romeo MiTo, and Skoda Superb were fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively.

NextAutos’ Reader Tim was the first to respond with the correct answer in the contest post we published last week, and will be on the receiving end of a fabulous NextAutos//Winding Road gift package! (Ok, it’s mostly tee-shirts and stuff, but hey, still free.) Thanks for playing!

Check out the full press release below.

Insignia is Car of The Year 2009

The Insignia, the all-new family car from Vauxhall/Opel, has been voted 2009 Car of the Year – by the narrowest possible margin. The Insignia polled an impressive 321 votes to beat this year’s other favoured contender, the Ford Fiesta, by a solitary point. The Volkwsagen Golf, on 223 points, was third.

“This is the closest COTY competition for years,” comments Ray Hutton, president of the 59-strong jury of senior motoring journalists drawn from 23 European countries. “Car of the Year has often been decided narrowly, but it is eight years since another Ford, the Mondeo, was beaten by a single point by Alfa Romeo’s 147.” To underscore the closeness of the 46-year-old competition, the Vauxhall/Opel Insignia received most votes from 20 of the international jurors, while the Fiesta was placed first by 19 of them.

“We are delighted to be able to deliver good news at such a tough time,” says Steve Cropley, editor-in-chief of Autocar, COTY’s British-based sponsoring magazine, “The market’s the toughest we’ve seen for 20 years, but nothing alters the fact that the Insignia is a great car. However, this result is undoubtedly something of an upset. The Ford Fiesta seemed to many a winning contender. But in the end, the Insignia deserved to triumph and it did.”

Points allotted to the other COTY finalists were VW Golf 223, Citroen C5 198, Alfa Romeo MiTo 148, Skoda Superb 144 and Renault Megane 121. The competition’s first stage was in October, when jurors chose seven finalists from a field of 37 contenders. To be eligible for COTY, a car must be launched within the past 12 months and must be available in at least five European countries.

The COTY jury is made up of 59 senior motoring journalists from 23 countries. Their objective is to choose the most outstanding new car to go on sale in the past 12 months. Jurors vote twice: first to select a short-list of seven from the new cars launched in Europe, then again to choose the winner.

Autocar is one of seven leading publications from around Europe which organise the COTY contest. Each publication takes it in turn to organise the vote, publicise and promote the contest and hold the prize-giving ceremony.

The jury is completely independent of the Organising Committee in matters connected with the award itself, the selection of eligible cars and the voting.

UK members of the Car Of The Year Jury

STEVE CROPLEY        AUTOCAR
ANDREW ENGLISH         DAILY TELEGRAPH
RAY HUTTON                 SUNDAY TIMES
PAUL HORRELL           TOP GEAR MAGAZINE
JOHN SIMISTER           THE INDEPENDENT
PHIL MCNAMARA           CAR

COTY PREVIOUS WINNERS

2008                        FIAT 500
2007                        FORD S-MAX
2006                        RENAULT CLIO
2005                        TOYOTA PRIUS
2004                        FIAT PANDA
2003                        RENAULT MEGANE
2002                        PEUGEOT 307
2001                        ALFA ROMEO 147
2000                        TOYOTA YARIS
1999                        FORD FOCUS
1998                        ALFA ROMEO 156
1997                        RENAULT MEGANE SCENIC
1996                        FIAT BRAVO / BRAVA
1995                        FIAT PUNTO

Ramnarace Metalware: Automotive Styling for Your Coffee Table

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:04:42 -0600

New York-based Ramnarace has created a line of high-end bowls and coasters, made entirely from recycled aluminum, which draw their inspiration from automotive themes. The motoring tie in is no surprise, as company founder Sid Ramnarace earned his design chops working for Ford. The designer worked on the form of the popular 5th generation Mustang, as well as projects for Aston Martin and Lincoln.

These fine home goods, named “Stirling,” “Mika,” “Emerson,” and “Tazio” after a few well known racing gods, are rather breathtaking in their elegance of form. Ramnarace calls the pieces “sturdy enough for everyday use,” and we believe it—though we’re not sure which task we perform everyday with calls for a large, slotted bowl. In any event, they’ll look nice in the breakfront.

Have a closer look at the drop dead kitchenware in the gallery above.

+ Ramnarace