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Motor Authority - blog Category: Milan

  • Mercury dumping large vehicles, new compacts on the way

    Mercury dumping large vehicles, new compacts on the way July 27th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, July 27th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 2 Comments

    Mercury dumping large vehicles, new compacts on the way Ford's juggling of its two luxury brands Mercury and Lincoln has seen the Blue Oval attempting to figure out where to place them in the market--and while Lincoln will be going more upmarket, Mercury is expected to get rid of its larger models and focus on smaller mid-sized cars and crossovers. Expected forthcoming decisions to get rid of large cars such as the Mercury Grand Marquis sedan and the Mercury Mountaineer SUV will be part of a larger Blue Oval strategy to make the company’s cars smaller and more fuel efficient.

    More importantly, at least in terms of the company’s future viability, is that the consolidation of Mercury... Ford's juggling of its two luxury brands Mercury and Lincoln has seen the Blue Oval attempting to figure out where to place them in the market--and while Lincoln will be going more upmarket, Mercury is expected to get rid of its larger models and focus on smaller mid-sized cars and crossovers. Expected forthcoming decisions to get rid of large cars such as the Mercury Grand Marquis sedan and the Mercury Mountaineer SUV will be part of a larger Blue Oval strategy to make the company’s cars smaller and more fuel efficient. More importantly, at least in terms of the company’s future viability, is that the consolidation of Mercury nameplates will see a greater preponderance of cars sitting on Ford's global platforms, which should be good for the Blue Oval’s bottom line. With the Grand Marquis expected to be dumped in 2011 and the Mountaineer SUV disappearing a year earlier, Mercury will be able to focus on a new compact car based on the Ford Focus. The Mercury model will be sold as a four-door sedan and production is expected to begin by the end of 2010 or early 2011, reports Automotive News. In 2013, Mercury's Milan mid-size vehicle will be moving on to Ford's global mid-size platform, which will also underpin the Ford Fusion, Ford Mondeo and Lincoln MKZ. This move should bring production costs down for Ford and also allow it to ship these products globally. Finally, Mercury will also be a getting a redesigned variant of the Mercury Mariner crossover at the end of 2011. This car is expected to sit on Ford's global small-car platform, which remains front-wheel-drive. Read More

  • Ford details powertrain plans through 2010

    Ford details powertrain plans through 2010 July 21st, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 21st, 2009 Ralph Hanson 1 Comment

    Ford details powertrain plans through 2010 The EcoBoost four-cylinder made news today with its impressive 240hp output from a small 2.0L displacement, raising hopes for enthusiasts everywhere that the engine might see use in a small and sporty hatch or sedan - or possibly even an SVO-type Mustang. But that's not the only thing Ford has in store over the coming years, and today the company took the time to detail some of its plans for the near future.

    The 355hp-365hp 3.5L EcoBoost engine already in the Ford Taurus SHO and Flex and the Lincoln MKS and MKT will begin its full production rollout this summer, featuring advanced deceleration fuel shut-off and cam torque actuated intake... The EcoBoost four-cylinder made news today with its impressive 240hp output from a small 2.0L displacement, raising hopes for enthusiasts everywhere that the engine might see use in a small and sporty hatch or sedan - or possibly even an SVO-type Mustang. But that's not the only thing Ford has in store over the coming years, and today the company took the time to detail some of its plans for the near future. The 355hp-365hp 3.5L EcoBoost engine already in the Ford Taurus SHO and Flex and the Lincoln MKS and MKT will begin its full production rollout this summer, featuring advanced deceleration fuel shut-off and cam torque actuated intake variable cam timing to improve power and efficiency under dynamic load conditions. The EcoBoost invasion will carry forward across most of Ford's lineup, until by 2013, over 90% of the company's vehicles will be available with at least one EcoBoost offering. Next on the docket is hybrid powertrains. For 2010 the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid will break new ground as the most efficient American hybrids and the most efficient midsize sedans on the market. Some of these gains will carry over to the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, but the new advanced hybrid powertrains will remain unique to the Fusion and Milan. Some of the technology that will be found in all of the Blue Oval hybrids includes a 2.5L inline four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine paired with an e-CVT transmission plus intake variable cam timing that helps bridge the transition from gas engine to electric motor and back. For more on the benefits of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and its Mercury counterpart over previous Ford hybrids, read up on our release story. Further plans for 2010 to be found throughout the Ford lineup include a new 6F six-speed automatic transmission that reduces parasitic losses, improves shift points and warms up faster to help improve fuel efficiency, and it will also be joined by a new six-speed Powershift transmission paired with the four-cylinder EcoBoost engine announced today. The end goal with all of these new powertrains is to improve fuel economy while delivering a satisfying experience behind the wheel. Ford says the EcoBoost V6 will deliver a fuel savings of up to 20% compared to a similarly powerful V8 engine. That's not to say that the V8 is out at Ford, however. A new 5.0L V8 engine dubbed 'Coyote' will be making its way into the range in 2010, including a spot under the hood of the Mustang, where power output is expected to nudge the 400hp mark. For more on the Coyote engine, read our latest coverage here. Adding even more interest is the 5.0L 'Bobcat' ethanol-injected V8 engine based on the Coyote, though that engine may be further out, with initial testing in the F-150 to begin at the end of this year.2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid2010 Lincoln MKT crossover2010 Ford Taurus SHO Read More

  • Ford comes out on top of Honda in latest initial quality survey

    Ford comes out on top of Honda in latest initial quality survey May 5th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, May 5th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 3 Comments

    Ford comes out on top of Honda in latest initial quality survey For the past several years, Ford has been steadily raising its initial quality rankings, saving tons of money in warranty repairs along the way. This time around, the company has finally surpassed perennial top contender Honda in the 2009 Global Quality Research System (GQRS) rankings.

    Last year Ford tied Toyota and Honda in JD Power's initial quality rankings, but this is the first year Ford has beaten Honda in any of the major ranking systems. Toyota and Ford are still tied this year, but the improvement at Ford is clear.

    “This is truly a significant accomplishment for us,” said Bennie Fowler, Ford group vice president,... For the past several years, Ford has been steadily raising its initial quality rankings, saving tons of money in warranty repairs along the way. This time around, the company has finally surpassed perennial top contender Honda in the 2009 Global Quality Research System (GQRS) rankings. Last year Ford tied Toyota and Honda in JD Power's initial quality rankings, but this is the first year Ford has beaten Honda in any of the major ranking systems. Toyota and Ford are still tied this year, but the improvement at Ford is clear. “This is truly a significant accomplishment for us,” said Bennie Fowler, Ford group vice president, Global Quality. “Honda and Toyota have claimed bragging rights for years, but now we are seeing our hard work pay off. It’s evident in study after study.” The measure of initial quality is simple enough - 'things gone wrong' and customer satisfaction through the first 3 months. This measures how many issues the car has and how the new owner feels about it. Ford's tally of 'things gone wrong' was 1,228 per 1,000 vehicles, and improvement of 5% over last year. Honda was a ways back at 1,422 things gone wrong, while Toyota totaled 1,150, a number the GQRS results consider 'statistically equal'. Ford even placed four vehicles at the number one rank in their segments. The Ford Mustang took top initial quality and customer satisfaction for sports cars, while the Mercury Milan got the midsize nod and the Ford Ranger won the compact pickup segment. And these are just the results of the 2009 model-year cars. Ford expects the new 2010 vehicles just coming onto the market to raise the bar once again. On the other hand, the industry's rough 2009 and bleak outlook on 2010 mean costs may have to be cut in ways that impact these ratings. Though Ford hasn't accepted government funds like General Motors and Chrysler, the entire industry is feeling the pressure of low sales volumes. Add to that the potential strain on suppliers caused by Chrysler's bankruptcy and the future of quality and satisfaction rankings may well be out of Ford's hands, at least in the near term. For more on the 2009 Ford Mustang, check out our review of the glasstop-equipped car here.2009 Ford Mustang Read More

  • RDSport dials up M3 performance from the BMW 335i Coupe

    RDSport dials up M3 performance from the BMW 335i Coupe April 16th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, April 16th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 4 Comments

    RDSport dials up M3 performance from the BMW 335i Coupe Racing Dynamics, or RDSport as the Milan-based tuning firm is also known, is renowned for its work with modifying cars from BMW. Now, RDSport has just unveiled its new take on the E92 BMW 335i twin-turbo coupe, and a number of aesthetic and mechanical upgrades bring the car much closer in performance and appearance to its M3 big brother.

    The first impression you get of the car is its lower, more aggressive stance courtesy of a suspension kit consisting of new custom-valved Bilstein struts, stiffer springs and anti-roll bars. The vehicle now sits 25mm lower in the front and 20mm lower in the rear, providing a more stable ride. Filling the... Racing Dynamics, or RDSport as the Milan-based tuning firm is also known, is renowned for its work with modifying cars from BMW. Now, RDSport has just unveiled its new take on the E92 BMW 335i twin-turbo coupe, and a number of aesthetic and mechanical upgrades bring the car much closer in performance and appearance to its M3 big brother. The first impression you get of the car is its lower, more aggressive stance courtesy of a suspension kit consisting of new custom-valved Bilstein struts, stiffer springs and anti-roll bars. The vehicle now sits 25mm lower in the front and 20mm lower in the rear, providing a more stable ride. Filling the fenders are lightweight, 20in RD2 Monoblock wheels or the optional 20in RS2 multi-piece wheels shod in P Zero Nero's supplied by Pirelli. Engine performance includes electronic modifications to increase boost and optimize fuel and timing. A free-flowing intake and a larger, more-efficient intercooler help supply enough air. Exhaust gasses run through a larger exhaust that terminates in stainless sport silencers with quad tips. These modifications result in an increase in horsepower and torque to 414hp (308kW) and 404lb-ft (547Nm) – almost on par with the V8 powered M3 in terms of power. The front of the vehicle is finished with a blue engine cover sporting an RDSport crest. Revised bodywork is also a large part of the car, and a custom carbon-fiber front bumper offers larger openings for better engine and brake cooling. Deeper side skirts and a revised rear apron with quad exhaust cut outs add to the aggressive look, while a roof and trunk spoiler smooth out the airflow over the car. Interior upgrades include the RS Pedal Set in machined aluminum, an aluminum hand brake cover and custom floor mats.RDSport BMW 335i Coupe Read More

  • MINI Clubman and Airstream trailer concept headed to Salone del Mobile in Milan

    MINI Clubman and Airstream trailer concept headed to Salone del Mobile in Milan March 12th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, March 12th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    MINI Clubman and Airstream trailer concept headed to Salone del Mobile in Milan What do you get when you combine a MINI Cooper S Clubman with a renowned furniture design company? An Airstream trailer concept, of course. Well, maybe the result isn't so obvious, but that's exactly what will be on display at the Salone del Mobile in Milan this April.

    The Republic of Fritz Hansen is known for its minimalist design and functional construction, so the adaptation of an Airstream trailer really isn't as obtuse a concept as it might seem. Mobility plus furniture equals recreational vehicle, and the Airstream has always been at the top of the style heap in the field of recreational trailers.

    The concept trailer features a... What do you get when you combine a MINI Cooper S Clubman with a renowned furniture design company? An Airstream trailer concept, of course. Well, maybe the result isn't so obvious, but that's exactly what will be on display at the Salone del Mobile in Milan this April. The Republic of Fritz Hansen is known for its minimalist design and functional construction, so the adaptation of an Airstream trailer really isn't as obtuse a concept as it might seem. Mobility plus furniture equals recreational vehicle, and the Airstream has always been at the top of the style heap in the field of recreational trailers. The concept trailer features a surfing and watersports-inspired theme, with custom furniture and design. To make the concept a coherent package, the MINI Cooper S Clubman also gets the same design theme, with neoprene inserts in the upholstery and other waterproof touches. A daybed in the back lets the owner sunbathe in style. Don't expect volume production of this particular concept, though it is an interesting idea, demonstrating you don't always need a four-ton tow vehicle to have some mobile outdoor fun.MINI Cooper S Clubman Airstream Concept Read More

  • Rafael Reston imagines the Viper if it had been born in 1967

    Rafael Reston imagines the Viper if it had been born in 1967 February 9th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, February 9th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 6 Comments

    Rafael Reston imagines the Viper if it had been born in 1967 Flights of fancy in the automotive design world are common, if vain, but occasionally they yield some treasure that shows what might have been. Rafael Reston, a Milanese designer, has done just that, capturing a Viper that might be from a parallel universe where the car made its debut in 1967.

    The 1960s tribute places the Viper as a competitor to the Corvette, and borrows some styling themes from that legendary line. The sharp horizontal folds contrasted with flowing longitudinal curves speak of the core ethic of 1960s sports car design, yet at the same time the long nose, pinched cabin and broad stance of the modern-day Viper shine... Flights of fancy in the automotive design world are common, if vain, but occasionally they yield some treasure that shows what might have been. Rafael Reston, a Milanese designer, has done just that, capturing a Viper that might be from a parallel universe where the car made its debut in 1967. The 1960s tribute places the Viper as a competitor to the Corvette, and borrows some styling themes from that legendary line. The sharp horizontal folds contrasted with flowing longitudinal curves speak of the core ethic of 1960s sports car design, yet at the same time the long nose, pinched cabin and broad stance of the modern-day Viper shine through. The car's interior is minimalist, as appropriate not only for a Viper, but for a sports car of the era. Nevertheless, high-quality materials, such as leather and mahogany, are used extensively. Reston imagines the car would have been powered by Dodge's 440 'Six Pack' of the period, a 7.2L V8 also found in the first-gen Challenger R/T. Of course it would have been tuned for even more power than the original in this application. Despite the hot engine and striking design, Reston's calculations work the car's 1967 cost out to just $4,110 dollars.1967 Dodge Viper Concept by Rafael Reston Read More

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