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2009 ROUSH Mustang Blackjack: First Drive [Jalopnik Reviews]

Driving the 2010 Ford Mustang GT, we discovered it was basically a tuner version of the old model. So how does the latest ROUSH Mustang Blackjack stack up to the factory version? Let's find out.

For 2010, Ford’s taken the old Mustang and bolted on nicer suspension, a new intake and exhaust, given it a more svelte body, a nicer interior and called it day. ROUSH has taken a slightly more aggressive approach, adding huge amounts of power, heart-stopping brakes and the blackest black-on-black paint scheme ever. But it’s the suspension that really makes a difference.

Cruising down I-94 at paralegal speeds, we slide over to the interchange onto I-696. The little yellow sign warns us to knock it down to 35 MPH, but everyone knows those are simply warnings. We toss the car into the left handed banked sweeper, but I get an immediate pucker-moment and my heart jumps into my throat. My sense of speed must have been off, we're rocketing around the embankment with the g-forces doing their best to pull our faces clean off. Surely, we've overcooked the turn and my time on this cruel planet is over. Can someone remember to feed my goldfish? But wait, nothing bad happened. No tire squeal, no crunch and I'm not eating dirt through the convertible top. The Blackjack took what seemed like a kamikaze corner without even sweating. Maybe Blackjack is code for black magic, as there is seriously some kind of witchcraft going on in the undercarriage. What seemed liked a simple spring/strut/swaybar hop-up package actually acted as a total revamp of the pony car's driving dynamics.

The ROUSH Mustang Blackjack is no mere sticker-and-fiberglass-only pretty kit. The engine is a supercharged 4.6-liter V8 producing 430 HP. The Stage 3 suspension, available on the entire line-up of ROUSH Mustangs, is a complete replacement, including reimagined struts, much tougher and lower springs, gigantic swaybars front and rear and a wheel-hop elimination kit. The brakes are a lesson in pure ridiculousness: the fronts are two-piece 14" rotors and four-pot calipers with a smaller slotted rotor and pad upgrade in the rear. The tires are absolutely massive BFG KDs, rivaling the rubber fitted to the 2008 Dodge Viper in both size and composition. The exterior is fitted with a seven-piece body kit and a mile-wide flat black racing stripe. The interior is the only place we find to be gravely lacking compared to the 2010 Mustang - The Blackjack only received some minor suede inserts and a shiny dash appliqué. For $62,000, we would've liked to see some grippier sport seating, as we flew into the center console and door panels many a time. The gun-bolt-like shifter was one of the best we've ever had the pleasure of rowing through, albeit a bit too tall.

The proof of this laundry list of go-fast parts comes in the driving experience. It's easy to sit street side and bullshit about who's got the bigger supercharger or the suedeist seats, but it is on the pavement where the Autozone customs are separated from the engineering masterpieces. Where the 2010 Mustang GT has picked up a couple of extra horses, a solid suspension upgrade and a cabin that doesn't make you bleed from the ears, it's still just an improved version of an aging chassis. For the Blackjack, this goes double. There are certain things you can't easily ignore, like the improperly geared 5-speed, far too soft clutch, portly sheetmetal and Fisher Price interior. Although these shortcomings can be remedied with cubic dollars, the price tag would be shot right past the already shocking $62,000 entry fee. If you're looking to buy your way into exclusivity, there are only 100 Blackjacks slated to be sold, so you've got the 2010 GT on that front.

The question you ask yourself is, "Do I really need 430 HP and a track-ready suspension in a silly, old chassis?" The answer is a resounding yes. This obscene ride is what American tuning is all about: Take a slightly apt set of wheels, remove all of the fluff while saving cost on the bits that don't make you go any faster and set it forth to destroy some namby-pamby ricer ass. Although there are some aspects we'd change in the pursuit of greater and greater speed, it's nothing the common enthusiast wouldn't be capable of taking care of himself in his own driveway. So if ridiculous is your middle name, the Blackjack may be the car for you.

Photo Credit: Alex C. Conley

Truck Sales Hit Record Highs In August, But O, How This Spring Of Love Resembleth The Uncertain Glory of An April Day

Today, Auto News reported that the total overall sales of pickup trucks reached record numbers in August 2008, the highest they’ve been this year. To further add to our giddiness, it appears as though the buzzards have begun circling over a new malnourished desert wanderer: the compact car. In May, full-size pick-up sales accounted for 9.1% of industry sales while small cars accounted for 29.0%. In August, those figures shifted from from 9.1% to 13.2% and from 29.0% to 22.5%, respectively.

The surge in truck sales is somewhat attributed to the cost of fuel, which held at a steady $3.50 for most of last month, but industry analysts suggest that ridiculously attractive incentives played a larger role since many auto manufacturers offered practically everything including their first born to any prospective buyers.

Although the Chevrolet Silverado lead the troops in the small victory over the compact car, GM isn’t celebrating - yet. Explained Mark LaNeve, GM’s vice president of sales and marketing, “At some point, gang, the market bottoms. Nobody knows when the hell it is…I’d like to think it was June and July, and we’re starting to crawl our way out of this thing.” Like GM, Ford and Toyota are indulging in a guarded optimism, and are still left to deal with the financial ramifications of offering drastic incentives to buyers. Although GM isn’t anticipating much of a loss due to the mediocre success of their employee pricing gambit, executives at Ford are bracing for the backlash from their Big Bob’s Flea Market style of clearing the lot. After completely revised production plans stopped just short of sending the entire Ford large-vehicle lineup to the proverbial glue factory, Ford began offering an average of $9,000 cash back on all F-series pick-ups. Although we are certainly rallying for the Ford we’ve come to know and love, we can’t help but shake our heads winsomely and lament how poor are they that have not patience.

2010 Ford Mustang Badge Unveiled

Ford has unveiled the badge for the new 2010 Mustang.

Man get’s 110mpg from 1987 Mustang, claims 0-60 in 3 secs

While he isn’t in it for the money (right and we just bring you auto news everyday because we have nothing better to do - oh wait that’s true), Doug Pelmear’s work on his 1987 Ford...

PCH, Twin Turbos Versus Twin Frenchmen Edition: Twin-Turbo Ford Falcon or Two Peugeot 405 Mi16s? [Project Car Hell]

Welcome to Project Car Hell, where you choose your eternity by selecting the project that's the coolest... and the most hellish! Yesterday, the Humber Super Snipe got out-prestiged by the Aston Martin DBS, according to the Choose Your Eternity poll, and you'd think we'd follow up Britain-on-Britain and Italy-on-Italy matchups with a matchup honoring the other PCH Superpower, France. Instead, we're going to make PCH Supergalactic Megapower France do battle with lowly PCH underdog America today, and then we'll have a France-on-France matchup.

Can a Ford Falcon ever hope to generate the kind of toxic sulfurous flames needed to make an ordinary garage into a Hell Garage? The early Falcon was simple and reliable, shared a lot of components with other Ford products, and served as the basis for the first-gen Mustang, which- as we all know- benefits from compre-goddamn-hensive aftermarket parts support. Sure it can, provided there's a backyard-built blow-through-carbureted twin-turbo setup slapped on its 289! Yes, you can buy such a car (go here if the ad disappears), though we can't say how much the seller will take for it. It's got a spool-equipped 8" Ford rear end, which should be a real barrel of ~~death~~ laughs on wet pavement, and all the hassle of the turbo plumbing has been done. The engine is fried, most likely with the custom ventilated pistons you often get with the funky fuel delivery of blow-through turbo systems- "DIALED BOOST UP AND NOW MOTOR HAS LOTS OF BLOW BY POSSIBLE BAD RING, BUT ENGINE STILL RUNS!!"- but the junkyard, with its legions of cheap 5.0s, beckons; you could just keep blowing up $200 engines until you got everything set up right. We'd probably ditch the carburetor and go with some form of fuel injection, then add some intercoolers… and then there'd be all the fun of broken- and increasingly costly- drivetrain components if the engine made the 300-600 horses such a setup is good for. Still, how hard could it be? Thanks to LTDScott for the tip!

While that Falcon would be fun if ~~by some miracle~~ you could get it running right, leaf springs and drum brakes don't make for an all-around pleasant driving experience, especially when you're making about five times the power the car's designers had in mind. If you're going to go fast, it's best to do so in a car designed for screaming performance as well as serious comfort, and that means you need to find yourself something French! The Peugeot 405 Mi16 is such a car, but it's so hard to find them over here in North America, and the prices! Fortunately, our own Matt Hardigree is searching for a personal Hell Project right now, and he's ~~been scared to death by~~ decided to share this Texas-sized Mi16 deal with us: Two 1989 Peugeot Mi16s (go here if ad disappears) for just $1,500! One of them doesn't run, because the timing belt went bye-bye and there were some personal-space-violation issues between the pistons and valves, but the engine in the quasi-beat-looking gray one works just fine (by the way, have you ever noticed that American Peugeot owners always have parts cars?). All you need to do is pick the best parts from each and make one good Mi16… well, that's assuming that the gray car- which sat for an alleged seven years before getting back on the road- can contribute anything meaningful beyond a not-yet-destroyed cylinder head. Anyway, you'll make it happen!

Twin-turbo Ford Falcon or twin Peugeot 405 Mi16s?
( surveys)

Ford Wants to Cut Emissions by 30 Percent by 2020

Ford is pledging to reduce its vehicle's emissions by 30% by 2020 in Europe and the U.S.

Ford to retool North American truck plants to build cars

Joining Toyota and Nissan, FoMoCo will shift production from truck to cars at some of its plants. However, Ford is taking it a step further by not only shifting production at one plant like the two...

Porsche beats Lexus in initial quality, Ford shines for 2nd year straight

Updated: Image of the full list added after the jump.J.D. Power and Associates released its 2008 Initial Quality Study results today which showed that overall vehicle quality improved to 118...

Congressman Urges Automaker CEOs To "Jetpool" When Heading To DC Begging For Money [Financiapocalypse]

New York Congressman Gary Ackerman feasts upon a buffet of "delicious irony" as he asks the CEOs from the Not-So-Big Three to perhaps save some cash and fuel by using a single jet together rather than individual private jets from Detroit to D.C. to beg for bailout dollars from the Feds. We even hear Reagan National's got a diamond-festooned runway set up just for jetpoolers. [CNN]

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid [Ford Fusion Hybrid]

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid shares all of the exterior, interior and refinement upgrades bestowed upon the 2010 Ford Fusion and builds on top of that solid foundation with an upgraded hybrid system, improved tuning and the slick new SmartGauge LCD screen. The Hybrid Fusion, along with the Mercury Milan Hybrid, is Ford's first foray into the hybrid sedan market and comes with timing that makes it seem like Ford's freakishly clairvoyant. Let's take a look at the things which make the the new Fusion hybrid tick, along with more pictures and all that Ford has to say below the jump.

Most important to the Fusion Hybrid isn't the gadgets and doo-dads, those are fun, but it's that integrated electric motor and transmission that demands scrutiny. The CVT transmission and electric motor are housed together in a single unit and mated to an Atkinson cycle 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with variable intake cam timing making 155 HP and 136 lb-ft of torque. Backing that is a trunk mounted nickel-metal hydride battery cooled with cabin air instead of a dedicated air conditioning system and charged by the motor/generator as well as regenerative braking. To save on parasitic losses the car also does away with belt drive AC compressor in favor of an electric unit.

All pretty standard for a hybrid on the market these days but the Fusion does do some things other competitors can't. The car can operate in all-electric mode all the way up to 47 MPH which not only saves fuel but keeps things whisper quiet. That high all EV mode contributes to an expected range of on one tank of gas of 700 miles, one heck of a long drive if you ask us. And then there's the SmartGauge, a system of LCD monitors flanking the speedometer which can be easily reconfigured to display whatever data about the car's operation you'd like. In one mode the car even "grows" leaves when you're driving extra conservatively. But what of that fuel mileage? Ford is as-yet mum on the subject, but is committed to class-leading performance and promises at least 5 MPG better than the Camry hybrid.

We'll have to wait and see how the new Fusion hybrid does on the road, but based on the revised styling and the big performance promises, we're suspecting Ford might have a welcomed winner on their hands. Stay tuned for the live reveal images from the floor of the LA Auto Show later today, and until then, take a peek below for all the details.

Check out more on the Ford Fusion Hybrid from CarandDriver.com

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.

“Offering consumers more fuel-efficient vehicle choices, including improving and increasing our hybrid vehicle offerings, is part of Ford’s broad plan to deliver technology solutions for affordable fuel economy for millions,” Kuzak said.

“With the new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, we are now able to offer even better range of travel on battery power at a greater speed, thanks to a more efficient, seamless transition between the battery-powered motor and gasoline-driven engine,” he said. “These new hybrids will exceed expectations on all fronts – fuel efficiency, comfort, convenience and drivability.”

The Ford Hybrid team has developed a powertrain system that combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver the optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy. Additionally, the propulsion system for the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids transitions between gas and electric power and back more efficiently and seamlessly.

The overall system upgrade allows the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids to operate longer at higher speeds in electric mode. The hybrid vehicles can operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors. Plus, the city driving range on a single tank of gas is expected to be more than 700 miles.

The next-generation hybrid system features:
New 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (155 horsepower/136 lb.-ft. of torque) running the proven Atkinson cycle mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission or e-CVT.
Intake Variable Cam Timing (iVCT), which allows the vehicle to more seamlessly transition from gas to electric mode and vice-versa. The spark and cam timing are varied according to the engine load to optimize efficiency and emissions.
Enhanced electronic throttle control reduces airflow on shutdowns, reducing fueling needs on restarts.
Wide-band lambda sensor analyzes the air-fuel ratio and adjusts the lean/rich mixture accordingly to keep the system in balance and to minimize emissions.

A new smaller, lighter nickel-metal hydride battery has been optimized to produce 20 percent more power. Improved chemistry allows the battery to be run at a higher temperature and it is cooled using cabin air.
An added variable voltage converter boosts the voltage to the traction battery to operate the motor and generator more efficiently.
A new high-efficiency converter provides 14 percent increased output to accommodate a wider array of vehicle features.
Smarter climate control system monitors cabin temperature and only runs the gas engine as needed to heat the cabin; it also includes an electric air conditioning compressor to further minimize engine use.
The regenerative brake system captures the energy normally lost through friction in braking and stores it. Nearly 94 percent energy recovery is achieved by first delivering full regenerative braking followed by friction brakes during city driving.
A simulator brake actuation system dictates brake actuation and delivers improved brake pedal feel compared to the previous generation braking system.

“Because our hybrid can run at a much higher speed in electric mode, you can do so much more in city-driving situations,” said Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager. “Under the right conditions, you can drive in your neighborhood or mall parking lots without using a drop of gasoline.”

The Fusion Hybrid also offers drivers a way to be more connected to the hybrid driving experience thanks to Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster execution that helps coach them on how to optimize performance of their hybrid.

SmartGauge with EcoGuide features two, high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, average and instant miles-per-gallon.
EcoGuide uses a multi-layered approach to coach the driver to maximum fuel efficiency. A tutorial mode built into the display that helps the driver learn about the instrument cluster and the hybrid in a whimsical way that does not overpower. Technical enthusiasts will love the detailed gauges that will help them learn to become more efficient in their driving. Everyday drivers will love another new feature in this same gauge cluster. Called “Efficiency Leaves,” the system “grows” leaves and vines on-screen to reward customers for efficient driving.

Drivers can choose one of four data screens to choose the information level displayed during their drives. They are:
Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption

All levels can show instant fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer, engine coolant temperature, what gear the car is in and trip data (trip fuel economy, time-elapsed fuel economy and miles to empty). The engine coolant temperature indicator turns green when engine conditions are warm enough to allow engine pull-down.

Several other elements help differentiate the Ford Fusion Hybrid from its gas-powered sibling, including unique hybrid “road and leaf” badging on both sides and the rear of the vehicle; unique 16-inch, eight-spoke wheels; eco-friendly seat fabric made from post-industrial 100 percent recycled materials; and a standard 110-volt power outlet.

[Source: Ford]

Melbourne 2008 Preview: All-New 2008 Ford FG Falcon Unveiled!

Ford has officially unveiled the long awaited 2008 Ford FG Falcon for the Australian market.

Ford Europe adds a Cabriolet to their New Focus Line-up

FordFocusCabrio-1a.jpg picture by willfusion
Ford Europe outshines its North American counterparts yet again with the introduction coming at the Geneva Auto Show of the new Focus Cabriolet. It is based off the new Ford Focus design that has already had a friendly reception in Europe. The Cabriolet version will join the ranks with the 3-door, 4-door, 5-door, Wagon and Sporty ST and the anticipated racy RS version when it is released in 2009. However, with its hard-top convertible and open air driving the Cabriolet is certain to have an appeal all its own.

In the Press Release below you will notice that Ford is highly talkative about their trunk space. For a Convertible in general, but particularly for a small hard-top convertible, the Focus Cabriolet comes in with an adequate 524 liters of trunk space with the top up. With the top retracted there remains a complimentary 248 liters. This way if the whole convertible thing does not work out for them they can still promote the trunk space.

Full Gallery of images to follow

Ford’s engine supplier halts production at diesel plant

International Truck and Engine Corp. today idled production at its diesel engine plant in Indianapolis. According to company spokesman Roy Wiley, the engine supplier temporarily closed the plant...

What’s in a name?

Well it would seem quite a lot if the name happens to be Daimler! A name that has been associated with Jaguar since the early sixties, after Jaguar acquired the rights to use the name. During which time Daimler always represented the top of the range Jaguar model, in fact the Daimler XJ6 Vanden Plas, was the premier car to come out of the Jaguar factory in the series two days.

Daimler so what’s in a name?

However the name never appeared on any models that went stateside, for some reason, maybe because they found it hard enough in those days to sell the one car, let alone confusing things with various models too.

The problem is that Daimler Chrysler is a stand alone company, while Ford own Jaguar, also own the rights to use the name Daimler, which could result in some serious problems and confusion for consumers, if a Ford owned Jaguar came out with a Daimler badge and at the same time Daimler Chrysler were trying to sell a high end car, well its just crazy or is it?

Daimler so what’s in a name?

It would appear that the two auto giants have come to some sort of an arrangement, that will see both companies using the Daimler name, now as mentioned earlier is that not going to be confusing for people? Exactly what the arrangement is remains a secret for now, so we shall have to wait and see.

Source [Auto Blog]

Ford Taurus Car Profile

002_00taurus2010ab1_opt

The Ford Taurus has been a huge hit ever since it struck the market. It is the perfect family vehicle, and has many great features to it. It is a 4 door, 5 passenger vehicle that is available in 8 different trims, which are listed below.

Ford Taurus’ available: SE FWD, SEL FWD, SEL AWD, Limited FWD, Limited AWD, SHO AWD

Seating capacity : 5 people

MSRP: $25,170 – $37,170

Key features :

- Applies to certain models only:

Blind Spot Information System
Voice activated navigation system
Adaptive cruise control
Rear view camera
Securicode
MyKey
Voice activated phone, music and more
Ice blue lighting
Climate control
Leather trimmed heated seats

Gas mileage : 18/28

Awards won : No awards yet

News articles:

2010 Ford Taurus
Ford Rebound

Videos:

Taurus 2010
Detroit Auto Show

Ford Sync: Coming to a Ford Product Near You!

Ford Motor Company and Microsoft have come together to bring voice activation and cellphone navigation to an in-car dashboard near you. In the following video Ford not only outlines what their new Sync technology will do for you in the car, but they employ THE movie trailor voice to build some subliminal excitement during its commercial.

Just listen to the tone of this guys voice and tell me whether you feel subconsciously excited for the release of Ford Sync this Fall.

The Ford Sync’s “concierge” service seems to be a latte and foot massage shy of full-service. To read more on the Sync’s future services checkout Fords media release.

Gallery: 45 Years of the Ford Mustang Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang Live ...

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Mustang live unveiling

The doors have yet to open to the LA Auto Show, but that doesn't mean the unveilings haven't started. Last night Ford rented out a hangar at the Santa Monica airport and invited dozens of Mustang club members to come out for the 2010 Mustang's official introduction. For those of us that didn't get a peek at the car earlier in Detroit, this was our first time seeing the car in person. The event started out with a car show featuring all 45 years of the Mustang. Ford even arranged to have a Mustang from every year since 1964 in attendance. Each was lined up in order, starting with a stunning 1964 1/2 red convertible and ending with a 2009 Mustang GT. Perhaps our favorite part was walking behind the early cars to see how the Mustang logo had evolved over the years. Owners also brought out nearly every type of Mustang, from Saleen to Roush to Shelby. Seeing all the beautiful cars and the loyal owners, it's no wonder that the Mustang has had such success over the years.

After the car show it was time to head inside for the unveiling. While a few of us have already seen the car in person and we've all seen the photos, there was still excitement for what would happen next. Ford had several historically-significant Mustang racecars on display, from Parnelli Jones' 1970 Trans-Am car to John Force's Mustang funny car. Fittingly, many of the drivers were in attendance as well, and greeted the crowds one by one. Carroll Shelby arrived last, with the crowd erupting in cheers.

Read on for more from last night's unveiling and check out plenty of high-res pictures in the galleries below and full details on the 2010 Ford Mustang are in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 45 Years of the Ford Mustang