EcoBoost = good news: Ford will re-open Cleveland plant to build cleaner engines

Ford's EcoBoost engines are a fairly simple technology and, while they're certainly not going to achieve 100 mpg, these 3.5-liter V6 powerplants are ready right now and will be available in four 2010 models: the Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT, Ford Taurus SHO and Ford Flex. In fact, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is so ready to go that Ford has announced it will reopen the Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 to build it. This plant will be the first Ford manufacturing site in the world to produce EcoBoost engines. This is great news for Cleveland, as the plant has been idle since 2007. It was first opened in 1951 and Ford spent $55 million to give it flexible manufacturing capabilities. Unfortunately, no new jobs will be created as 250 employees from other areas of the plant site will be retrained and used.This is all good news even if you don't have ties to The Forest City because the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 improves fuel economy by 20 percent while dropping CO2 emissions by 15 percent. The engine will be standard on the SHO and available an option for the other three models. To dig into the nuts and bolts of the technology, check out this post (and this one) and read more about the reopening of Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 after the jump.
Gallery: Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost

[Source: Ford]
Continue reading EcoBoost = good news: Ford will re-open Cleveland plant to build cleaner engines
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, MPG, Ford, Green Daily
EcoBoost = good news: Ford will re-open Cleveland plant to build cleaner engines originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Bill Ford and Alan Mullaly vow to take 30% pay cuts

Filed under: Ford, Earnings/Financials, UAW/Unions
The day after Ford and the UAW reached a tentative retiree health care deal (General Motors and Chrysler are still negotiating), the leaders of the Dearborn, Michigan, automaker have announced that they will be taking a 30 percent reduction in salaries over the next two years. A memo, signed by Ford Executive Chairman William Ford Jr. and Chief Executive Alan Mulally, addresses the pay cuts and adds that Ford's board of directors will also drop their compensation for the same period of time. In addition, performance bonuses for salaried workers and senior executives will also disappear. As reiterated in the memo, Ford and Mulally are not wavering from their plan to go without government assistance and these recent announcements support that strategy. "We know these are challenging times and we all are affected by the tough actions we are taking... However, these are necessary actions to help us emerge as an even stronger, profitably growing Ford Motor Company for the benefit of us all." Thanks for the tip Adam![Source: WSJ.com Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]
Bill Ford and Alan Mullaly vow to take 30% pay cuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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VIDEO: 2009 Ford F-150 versus 2009 Dodge Ram

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Trucks/Pickups, Videos, Dodge, Ford

Click above to watch video after the jump
The pickup market may be contracting, but the trucks themselves are better than ever. Two substantially new full-size trucks have gone on sale recently, the 2009 Ford F-150 and 2009 Dodge Ram, and we've already had the chance to park both in the Autoblog Garage for a week. The F-150 tows more, carries a higher payload and is the all-time leader in sales. The Dodge Ram is arguably the better looking truck, sports a vastly improved interior and its 390-hp HEMI V8 engine is a true powerhouse. Follow the jump to view our video comparison of these two new pickup trucks. They're both deserving of high praise, but only one has what it takes to be the king of the Autoblog Garage.Related:
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie Crew Cab 4x2
Continue reading VIDEO: 2009 Ford F-150 versus 2009 Dodge Ram
VIDEO: 2009 Ford F-150 versus 2009 Dodge Ram originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood considering mileage tax

For years, the federal gas tax has funded the development, repair and improvement of our nation's highways, but for the last few years, there has been an ongoing debate about whether it's a better idea to tax drivers based on the number of miles traveled or to continue taxing the purchase of fuel.One problem with taxing fuel is that the government is mandating that our fleet of vehicles get better fuel mileage each year, so tax revenues naturally go down in the process. If each vehicle was taxed based on miles driven, the money brought in would theoretically equal the amount of damage being done to road surfaces. Problems with the mileage-based tax come up when discussing how best to track a driver's habits. Plus, some believe that drivers of fuel efficient vehicles, which are likely to do less damage to their surroundings, should be rewarded by paying less in taxes than drivers of heavier, thirstier vehicles.Newly appointed Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood (R) says that there isn't enough money being collected to keep up with the required maintenance on roadways, but increasing taxes in a recession is a non-starter. Instead, he's considering instituting a mileage-based tax; a decision could be made as early as this week.[Source: Detroit Free Press]
Filed under: MPG, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, USA
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood considering mileage tax originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Roush adds propane-powered E-250 to existing F-150 and F-250 line

Click above for a gallery of the Roush propane-powered F-250 and E-250
Last month, Roush started showing off a new propane-powered F-250 truck to go alongside the gaseous F-150 that it released last year. Roush has now also announced that it will convert the E-250 van model to propane power as well. Both vehicles will reportedly be available later this year through Ford dealers in the United States and Canada.Using propane as a fuel source has a few benefits over traditional gasoline and diesel. Propane is a form of natural gas and it burns much cleaner than other fossil fuels. Roush cites a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 18 percent, a reduction in nitrous oxide by 20 percent, a reduction in carbon monoxide by 60 percent and fewer particulate emissions when compared with an engine running on gasoline.Roush's propane vehicles all use the 5.4-liter Ford V8 engine with a liquid propane conversion system. So equipped, there is no loss in horsepower or torque. There will, however, be a slight reduction in fuel mileage.
Gallery: Roush propane-powered F-250 and E-250

[Source: Roush]
Continue reading Roush adds propane-powered E-250 to existing F-150 and F-250 line
Filed under: Ford, Natural Gas
Roush adds propane-powered E-250 to existing F-150 and F-250 line originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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EcoBoost's best friend: Ford unveils new 6F-55 six-speed automatic

Filed under: Ford
When Ford debuted its 6F transmission back in late 2005, we were told it could handle up to 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. That transmission debuted with the automaker's 3.5L V6 and both are now widely used together in a number of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products. Times have changed, however, and Ford has introduced a new version of its 3.5L V6 with twin turbochargers and direct injection. Called the 3.5L EcoBoost, this engine makes more power than the original 6F transmission, now called the 6F-50, can handle. Enter the 6F-55, a new version of the 6F-50 with beefed up internals to handle the 3.5L EcoBoost's 355-365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. One example is the new ring gear on the 6F-55 (shown at right), which is 41.5mm thick compared to 31.5 mm on the 6F-50.The 6F-55 will be used initially in versions of the Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and MKT that feature the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. It will also be the only transmission available for the new 2010 Ford Taurus SHO that features the most powerful version of Ford's EcoBoost V6 (sorry SHO fans, no standard transmission will be offered). Each application will also feature SelectShift for manual operating the tranny with either the console-mounted shifter or paddle shifters on the steering wheel. We'll have to wait for our first turn behind the wheel of an EcoBoost-equipped Ford product to judge just how well the new 6F-55 handles all that extra power, but based on the rather significant list of internal changes detailed in the press release after the jump, the new tranny appears more than capable of handling our heavy left foot. [Source: Ford]
Continue reading EcoBoost's best friend: Ford unveils new 6F-55 six-speed automatic
EcoBoost's best friend: Ford unveils new 6F-55 six-speed automatic originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Ford plans to offer a four-cylinder option in all of its cars

Four cylinder engines have pretty much taken on the role of the best compromise between fuel efficiency and power, and recent advances in technology have allowed automakers to extract more and more power from smaller packages. Recognizing this fact, Ford has said that it will equip each of its cars and crossovers with at least one four cylinder engine option moving forward. Expect many of these units to boast EcoBoost technology, which pairs forced induction with direct injection to offer lots of power while using as little fuel as possible. Buyers accustomed to V8 engines of 5 liters or more in fullsize pickup trucks may be surprised to hear that much smaller displacement four cylinder engines could even make an appearance in the F-150. Fear not, heavy haulers and power junkies. We're sure Ford will continue to offer V8 engines in its trucks and Mustangs, but it's nice to hear that more efficient options may soon be available for those without such heavy duty requirements. [Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Filed under: MPG, Ford
Ford plans to offer a four-cylinder option in all of its cars originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Drive America Forward Buy a New Car on Presidents Day

It may be a cliché, but truly, there has never been a better time to buy a car.
Great deals abound and car dealerships are hungry for your business.On average, new vehicles are selling at a discount of 15 percent off the MSRP. Some vehicles are discounted as much as 30 percent. Deals like these truly make it a buyer’s market. But, why else is it a good time to buy?
Purchasing a new car now not only saves you considerable cash, it also helps revive our economy, which depends on car sales. Car dealers and automakers provide hundreds of thousands of jobs, and they generate hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue for state and local governments. And now that taxpayer dollars have been loaned to automakers, it is in everyone's best interest for car sales to return to sustainable levels.
We all hold the keys to rebuilding America's economy.
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Stimulus bill pumps up plug-ins, public transit, trains, smart grid

I heard a phrase on the radio yesterday that described the unappetizing way the stimulus bill was crafted in Congress this past week: emergency sausage. However it was crafted, the deed is now done. The overall impact of the bill is being covered by everyone everywhere, so we'll focus on the green transportation items that were included in the final bill, which is on its way to the President's desk. The big winners were trains and plug-in cars.
• As the Environmental Law & Policy Centerand CNN note, high-speed and inner-city rail made out like bandits. The first version of the stimulus bill, written in the House, set aside $300 million for these trains. This ballooned to $8 billion - along with $6.9 billion for public transportation and $1.3 billion for Amtrak - by the time it was done.
• Plug-in vehicles - as well as hybrids and fuel cell EVs - get a $2 billion investment for advanced battery technologies. The number of vehicles that are eligible for the plug-in electric drive vehicle credit jump up to 200,000 vehicles per manufacturer. The EDTA is happy with that, but is disappointed that the PHEV credit is capped at $7,500 and doesn't apply to big vehicles (those that weigh over 14,000 lbs).
• An upgraded smart grid is helped out by $4.5 billion for development and deployment.
• Traditional cars don't lose out, either. People who buy a new car in 2009 and who earn less than $125,000 individually or $250,000 jointly can deduct the sales tax.

What does it all mean? Well, that's something which won't be clear for a while. CalCars, though, is optimistic: "Taken in combination with other external factors, this could be the beginning of the breakthrough we've been hoping for," they write. You can watch a video of the President discussing the stimulus package after the jump. Thanks to Peter G. for sending some of this in.

[Source: CNN, EDTA, Environmental Law & Policy Center, CalCars]
Continue reading Stimulus bill pumps up plug-ins, public transit, trains, smart grid
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, USA

Stimulus bill pumps up plug-ins, public transit, trains, smart grid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Chicago 2009: Alton XUV - Return of the ginormous Ford trucks

Filed under: Aftermarket, Chicago Auto Show, Commercial Trucks, Ford

At last year's Chicago Auto Show we found on one of the most outrageous trucks we'd ever seen. It was the Alton F-650 XUV and it was enormous. This year, the same company is back with a new project based of the all-new 2009 F-series. The Alton XUV Command Center is an urban assault vehicle of the highest order, with a massive footprint, several huge strobes and a length list of features. If the 660 lb-ft of torque isn't enough to pummel Geos in its path, the extra power boost provided by a tank of nitrous will finish the job. And the inside is just as much fun.Where last year's concept had one massive TV that dropped down inside the tailgate, this version has screens for each passenger, and even provides a unique rear-mounted command post where someone can control that nitrous system. As it was last year, this Alton XUV is parked in an area of the show floor set aside for Ford's work vehicles. Besides the Command Center, there were a number of other work truck concepts and real-world F-Series applications including an F-750-based fire truck, a massive cherry picker and even a Dewalt-themed construction site office. Check out the gallery for live shots of each.
Gallery: Chicago 2009: Alton F-650 XUV Command Center and friends

Live photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, inc.
Chicago 2009: Alton XUV - Return of the ginormous Ford trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Officially Official: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO!

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Ford

The SHO must go on. SHO me the money. It's SHO time! We've heard them all during the months of speculation leading up to this moment. Without further ado, we present to you the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO. That's right, Ford has decided to revive the moniker once affixed to the sports sedan that wowed the automotive world way back in 1989. The original SHO survived three generations of Taurus models, was sold for 10 years straight and attracted over 100,000 buyers. But just as the Taurus itself devolved from America's best-selling car to a rental fleet afterthought, the original SHO ended production in 1999 having gone from a budget sports sedan to an overpriced, underpowered executive whip. Ford is working on rehabilitating the Taurus name with a significant redesign that debuted last month at the Detroit Auto Show. Using that sedan as its canvas, the new SHO may also restore respect to a name that has fallen too far. A 365-hp twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, all-wheel-drive and plenty of upgrades is a good place to start. Follow the jump to learn everything there is to know about the return of the SHO.
Gallery: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

Continue reading Officially Official: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO!
Officially Official: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Shelby unleashes 750-horsepower GT500 Super Snake Prudhomme Edition

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Ford, Shelby

Tonight at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, California, Carroll Shelby and Co. unveiled what is by far the most radical Mustang ever built for the street. Named after Don "The Snake" Prudhomme, who drove a top fuel car for Shelby in the 1968 season, the new Shelby features a 750 horsepower (over 800 on race fuel) version of the GT500's 5.4-liter V8 thanks to an upgraded Kenne Bell supercharger. Other modifications include a custom fiberglass full tilt front end, a Shelby rear drag wing, eight-point roll cage, six-piston front brakes, rear seat delete, coilover springs, custom Bogart wheels, and much more. Did we mention it's STREET LEGAL? Pricing comes in at a stout $99,995 to upgrade a currently titled car or $149,995 for a complete car. Production will be limited to just 100 examples. More details on the car and the history between Shelby and Prudhomme can be found in the press release after the jump.UPDATE: Video of unveiling added after the jump.
Gallery: Shelby GT500 Super Snake Prudhomme Edition

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading Shelby unleashes 750-horsepower GT500 Super Snake Prudhomme Edition
Shelby unleashes 750-horsepower GT500 Super Snake Prudhomme Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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2010 Ford Fusion hybrid earns full $3,400 federal tax credit

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Ford

In the market for a fuel-sipping mid-size sedan? Now, and for a limited time only, buyers of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid will be eligible for the $3,400 federal tax credit for hybrid vehicles. Late last year, Ford hit the magic 60,000 limit on individual hybrid sales that's been imposed by the Feds, so the tax credit for all of the Blue Oval's hybrid machines will be halved beginning on April 1st. Beginning in October, the credit will again be cut in half to $850 and the entire amount will be gone starting January 1st of 2010.Tax credit or not, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid's EPA rating of 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway bests the Toyota Camry Hybrid by a whopping eight mpg in the city and two mpg on the highway. For what it's worth, hybrid tax credits for Toyota (and Honda, for that matter) have already expired.
Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Source: AutoblogGreen]
Continue reading 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid earns full $3,400 federal tax credit
2010 Ford Fusion hybrid earns full $3,400 federal tax credit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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2 for 1 sale event

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