Ford | autoinsane

Ford pumps up Sync with AppLink

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Ford and Microsoft’s Sync system has already received praise from press and consumer a like, and now they are adding more features. The Sync Applink system will be available on the Ford Fiesta and be compatible with Android and Blackberry Phones – Sorry iPhone users, you have to wait till next year. The Sync Applink system will allow drivers to safely interact through voice controls with their smart phones to control applications. Initially the system with launch with compatibility for Pandora, Sticher, and OpenBeak for Twitter. Ford has also launched a Sync developer community and the “Mobile Application Developers Network” to give partners access to the Sync API. Developers can go to www.syncmyride.com/developer to submit ideas and sign up for information and get the Sync SDK. Ford expects mobile computing to be big. The Sync System uses the Ford Service Delivery Network, a cloud based content delivery network that handles turn-by-turn directions.

Ford heats up winter comfort with heated steering wheel in 2011 MKX, factory remote starter in 2011 Super Duty pickup

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

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Ford heats up winter comfort with heated steering wheel in 2011 MKX, factory remote starter in 2011 Super Duty pickup

Despite ardent preparations, one might never truly be ready for the chilled winds blowing and the drop in temperatures that quickly cool you to the core. Ford, responding to customer inquires and demands, is now offering items often laughed at in other makes. A factory remote starter will initially be offered in its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands after it launches on the 2011 Ford Super Duty while a heated steering wheel option will first be seen on the 2011 Lincoln MKX.

2010 NAIAS: Ford Bumps up Power, MPG’s in Next-Gen 2012 Focus

Monday, January 11, 2010

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Ford was able to satisfy both the power hungry and fuel-misers in the next generation Focus. Getting a bump of 20 horsepower to 155 horsepower and a mileage increase of 10%. This is accomplished from a 2.0-liter DOHC I-4 engine with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) and direct injection (DI). This isn't an update to the North American Focus, nope this is the European-Spec model that we've been asking for. In fact, Ford says that the new Focus will use 80% common parts all around the world.

McKeel Hagerty lists Top 10 Collectibles of past decade

Thursday, January 7, 2010

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McKeel Hagerty lists Top 10 Collectibles of past decade

The end of the calendar year is the time for reflection and inspection and lists. Lots and lots of list. Good times. Bad times. So-so times, people, places and spaces. The lists make interesting reading and if nothing else provide easy talk-show fodder for radio and TV shows. While Mr. Blackwell's "worst dressed" list draws reviews for what many consider the wrong reasons - that being to snicker and poo-poo the designs and outfits dared to be worn by stars at events - any list in automotive circles draws similar guffaws for those who believe a different car was faster, smoother, and click-snicked its gears with greater ease than a competitor.

Ford Signs Ken Block for WRC, Gymkhana 3 Coming

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

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Ford has picked up internet gymkhana extraordinaire Ken Block to head up its racing efforts for 2010. The WRC rookie was picked up by Subaru in 2006, but now finds himself sitting behind either a Ford Focus or a Ford Fiesta. Block said of the Fiesta: “I am very excited to be in the Fiesta. That is the damn car that beat me last summer at X Games. Ford has a great platform with the Fiesta to develop and push a very good rally car worldwide and also in the showrooms. I am very excited to get in the Fiesta and see what I can do in the Rally America championship and at the X Games and also in 2011 to be in the new Fiesta World Rally car.” From what it sounds like, we can expect a lot more hoonage from Block in the future - and don't worry, there is a Gymkhana 3 coming featuring the Ford Fiesta. Full Press Release After The Jump

Insane automotive photography, Part II: Hillbilly HDR, Corvette Z06, Ford GT Burnout, and rigshots

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

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We've re-invented our insane automotive photography feature as a weekly format of the best and most amazing automotive related pictures posted to our Insane Automotive Photography Group on Flickr. This week we have hillbilly HDR, Corvette Z06, a Ford GT Burnout, and some amazing rigshots.

Car And Driver Release 10BEST List, Fusion ousts Prius as Choice Green Car

Thursday, December 3, 2009

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Car and Driver have released its annual 10BEST list with some predictable and not-so-predictable results. Among the predictable, the 2010 Honda Accord, BMW M3 and Mazda Miata, with those cars making the list at least 11 times. The upset? The Ford Fusion Hybrid beat out the Toyota Prius as the car magazines go-to green car. What do they like about the Fusion Hybrid compared to the Prius? Namely, that it isn’t a Prius. “We admire it as much for what it isn’t (polarizing, showy, cramped) as for what it is.” Beyond the objectivity though, C&D points out the Fusion Hybrids class-leading fuel economy and excellent driving dynamics, a sentiment that we concur with after driving the Fusion Hybrid in October. The full list is available after the jump

Ford unveils 280-BHP Fiesta S2000 Rally Car

Thursday, November 19, 2009

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Ford announced its updated Fiesta rally car. It features a 2.0 liter normally-aspirated, Cosworth tuned engine. The new car is the first global rally car produced by Ford and M-Sport and they have high hopes for this compact powerhouse. M-Sport Managing Director Malcolm Wilson said, “It's the first time in five years that we have been able to offer a Ford rally car that can challenge for overall victory in national championships across the world.”

IIHS Releases Safest New Vehicles for 2010

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released its list of cars awarded Top Safety Pick. The 27 vehicle list includes 19 cars and 8 SUV's. The Big Winner? Subaru, with five of its cars winning the awards from the IIHS. The Subaru Forester, Subaru Impreza (except WRX), Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback and Subaru Tribeca were selected, that's almost Subaru's entire lineup. Volvo and Volkswagen also cleaned up with four cars a piece taking home a trophy. Detroit was not to be out done, each Big Three Automaker had at least two cars make the list. The IIHS points out that Toyota and it's subsidiaries were absent from the list after receiving 11 awards last year, as well as BMW, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Saab for not having qualifying vehicles. Other big surprises include the Honda Accord and Ford Fusion missing the grade for only meeting 'acceptable' standards in the new roof safety standards.

Consumer Reports grades Subaru Legacy over Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry V-6

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

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“With its redesign, the Legacy goes from a decent but small family sedan to one in the top of its class,” said Rik Paul, automotive editor for Consumer Reports.