Tuesday, August 21, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 10:39 PM



Through the web, I found several news reports and blogs talking about the new Ford Taurus. It has impressive specifications which makes it quite pleasing. Though it doesn’t seem to be sporty like those Chevy trucks with a stunning Chevrolet pickup hood scoop, the vehicle is found to be very elegant in its own way. It is widely used by enthusiasts in daily driving. That is because they know that it provides and brings assurance of sending out comfort and safety - both to driver and passengers.

In accordance to this, Ford opted to make the 2008 Taurus available all throughout several major countries. In spite having outstanding sales in the U.S. alone for more than twenty years already, they have seen an even greater opportunity of making it available worldwide. The face lifted version of the Taurus would surely boost more sales for the ailing company. That is since Taurus has already proven its durability for many years.

At the end of the month, specifically on August 27, the 2008 Taurus model is expected to be launched in South Korea. There, this redesigned and re-engined Five Hundred model will be competing with several locally manufactured sedans. Some of which are the Kia’s Opirus that is also known as the Amanti (in U.S.), and Renault Samsung’s SM5 and SM7 sedans.

Same as in the U.S. version, the Taurus in Korea will be having 263 hp 2.6 L V6 and six-speed auto trans. For that, the model would definitely be competitive enough.

I could already see the outcome of Ford’s success with this plan. Koreans would surely love the vehicle, just as the aficionados in the States had.

 



Friday, August 17, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 6:50 PM



As an avid fan of Ford vehicles, I can really say that Ford cars are absolutely power performers. There’s no doubt about that! There are lots of instances when Ford cars have proven that they are the world renowned champion… And they will keep on fighting ‘til the end! Even my Mercedes car with splendid Mercedes Benz headlight rims cannot defy the power that is packed on every Ford vehicle!

Talk about power and speed, another Ford vehicle has displayed an exquisite performance on the race tracks! I’m talking about the Castrol GTX High Mileage Ford Mustang! This muscle racing car is driven by John Force, one of Ford Racing’s outstanding drivers. The Mustang and John Force are headed to their ultimate goal… the inaugural NHRA Countdown to the Championship! They sealed the championship berth by winning the event at the Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota.

From the news that I’ve read on FordRacing.com, John Force was asked: "Do you believe in momentum? Can you carry this over into this weekend at reading, and through the rest of the year?" John Forced replied, “Without a doubt. When you get on a roll, I’ve had where I won five races in a row before, five National events. I’ve won Brainard at least 11 times now. So, that’s quite an accomplishment. I don’t think anybody has won it more than three times. What’s amazing is you can get on a roll because of your mental attitude. We were beat-up pretty good, but I got to tell you what, we’ve learned how to win, but long before we won - 15 championships as a team and 14 as a driver, myself - before we won all that I had a lot of practice at losing, and I never gave up losing. I never accept that. Was I on overload? Everything between getting organized and on the new projects, it was a ton of overload, but I never forgot how I won. And [crew chief, Austin] Coil and I, one thing about it, we never panicked, we never talked about should we shuffle things around.

“We lost major players. Dean Antonelli went to run Ashley’s car and it was flying; now it’s struggling. But the racing events have almost become a two-shot race. You’ve got to get it qualified in two shots, because in the four, you’re put in the heat of the day. You’ve got to get those two shots in. If you struggle, then you’ve got a long shot in qualifying in the heat. But, what we never did was change the way we got here. We don’t just jump up and say ‘Well, the driver’s bad or crew chief’s bad, let’s make a change.’ I don’t do the game that way!"

Good luck to you guys! Bring home the bacon!

 



Tuesday, August 14, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 12:43 AM




I still need to look for some Audi OEM parts for a friend so I won’t be making this long. I just found an interesting topic that I opt to share with you all.

There are 27 SMG-managed facilities that are to be awarded with the Prime Site Award by the Facilities and Destinations Magazine. I’m greatly impressed that Ford Park has been one of them and this was as decided by meeting planners from the associations, corporations and other organizations. This means that Ford Park was able to meet or even exceed to the standard quality venue, features and services provided.

I found the complete list of the said 27 SMG-managed facilities that will be receiving the recognition as based from kfdm.com and these are all there are:
  • Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ
  • Baton Rouge River Center Convention Center, Baton Rouge, LA
  • Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO
  • Cox Business Services Center, Oklahoma, OK
  • David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA
  • DCU Center, Worcester, MA
  • DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI
  • Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, ON
  • Ford Park, Beaumont, TX
  • Fresno Convention Center, Fresno, CA
  • Greater Columbus Convention Center, Hampton, VA
  • Hawaii Conventin Center, Honolulu, HI
  • Knoxville Convention Center, Knoxville, TN
  • Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, CA
  • Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus, NJ
  • Memphis Cook Convention Center, Memphis, TN
  • Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, FL
  • Mobile Convention Center, Mobile, AL
  • Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
  • Palm Springs Convention Center, Palm Springs, CA
  • Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, Jacksonville, FL
  • Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan, PR
  • Reliant Center, Houston, TX
  • Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI
  • Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT

What makes this Ford Park deserving? We’ll these are some of the details I found in the reliable site:

Ford Park is strategically located on Interstate Highway 10 between Houston and Lake Charles and serves a market area of 1.5 million people with-in a one hour drive. Ford Park consists of the 18,000 seat Ford Pavilion, the 9,500 seat Ford Arena, the 48,000 sq. ft. Ford Exhibit Hall with 8 meeting rooms, Ford Midway with ag barns & 9-acres of paved festival grounds, Ford Fields with 12 ball diamonds, and several other privately developed and managed businesses complimentary to Ford Park.

I’m really fascinated.

That’s so much of being impressed with Ford for now. I still have few things to settle so I will be catching you guys later or some other time.

 



Friday, August 10, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 6:32 PM


In-car connectivity will never be as expensive as before. Oh yes, it will be as affordable as the EGR valve Canada. Car entertainment and communication will be whole lot better this time!


Ford Motor Company’s in-car connectivity - the Sync - has cut down its price! The in-car feature is now down to $395 if the Sync will be set as an optional standard. It was confirmed by the Ford Motor Company last August 9, 2007 according to the news that I came across with at Ford.com yesterday. The distribution and pricing approach of the Ford Sync, an advanced in-car entertainment and communication system, was developed in partnership with Microsoft and the system will be set as standard on Lincoln cars and would be generally accessible in Mercury cars and Ford vehicles as well.

On high series models such as the Ford Edge or the Ford Focus SES, the Sync will be acquired as a standard too!

“Consumer reaction to Sync has been extremely positive since our launch earlier this year. This positive reaction has convinced us to make the system widely available across our range of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products. The simplicity and capability of Sync have tremendous appeal and the affordability we are confirming today is certain to drive ever greater interest,” says Cisco Codina, Ford’s group vice president of North America Marketing, Sales and Service.

Sync In-Car connectivity is Ford’s exclusive equipment based on Microsoft Auto software which offers customers the luxury and flexibility to carry out digital media players such as Microsoft Zunes, Apple iPods, other MP3 players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones into their vehicle and maneuver the gadgets by means of voice commands or with the radio controls vehicle’s steering wheel.

“Drivers want a simple solution to stay connected to the information, entertainment and people most important to them while on the road. Ford Sync, based on the Microsoft Auto software platform, is an updatable, smart and convenient solution for connecting your car with your life,” said Velle Kolde, the product manager of Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit.

Within two years, the Sync will be available on almost all Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles. The launch will start this fall, primarily with the Ford Edge, Ford Focus and the Lincoln MKX. Sync will be standard or available on the following 2008 model-year vehicles by the end of the year:

  • Ford Edge
  • Mercury Sable
  • Lincoln MKX
  • Ford Explorer
  • Mercury Milan
  • Lincoln MKZ
  • Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  • Mercury Mountaineer
  • Ford Focus
  • Ford Fusion
  • Ford Taurus
  • Ford Taurus X
 



Tuesday, August 07, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 2:12 AM



The new Ford Mondeo is made larger, longer by 96mm and wider by 120mm from the previous year model. But, despite the increase in size, they still managed to keep its excellent ride and handling balance through its distinct quality chassis. A disadvantage would be that it would be harder to park, since the rearview wouldn’t be that easy to access.

This third generation Ford Mondeo is available as a five door hatchback, four door saloon or estate, with a wider choice of electronic gadgets. It includes these:
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Voice-activated infotainment systems
  • Collision mitigation equipment
  • Adaptive damping

But, it is not limited there. A special feature includes a fuel tank known to be efficient in preventing the car to be inappropriately filled with petrol or diesel. The petrol engine comes in a variety of range from 1.6, including a 2.0 four cylinder and 2.3 and 2.5 five cylinder versions. On the other hand, the diesel engine comes in 1.8 and 2.0 TDCi Trim levels, available in the Edge and even to the Zetec, Ghia and the Titanium X.

Among the given engine types, I personally prefer the 2.0 TDCi, which actually offers a better fuel economy and superior performance.

This vehicle is not more competitive in the rival between the VW Passat, Vauxhall Vectra, Peugeot 407, BMW 3 Series and even the Audi A4 or the Audi A6 (both equipped with more sophisticated Audi A4 parts and Audi A6 parts). Ford Mondeo beat them in three distinct areas: ride quality, cabin spacing and handling, which are importance features of a vehicle to provide comfort to user or owner.

This new Ford Mondeo has proven its quality well enough in test drives. And, it didn’t fail to impressive car enthusiasts. Ford was able to enhance its capacity and I’m expecting them to do more for the following, even in other model, especially now that they are aiming to equip them with sophisticated technology.
 



Friday, August 03, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 10:53 PM



For so many years, the Ford Deuce has been an American icon because of its timeless charm and oozing X-factor that every American loves! It sure is fascinating than auto parts Canada or your latest sports car! The Deuce is packed with not so expensive V-8 Flathead engine which was inspired by the one and only Henry Ford. The design was taken cared of by his son Edsel. And eventually, the Deuce became a sensation and was them proclaimed as the earliest favorite for all those hot rodders.

For its 75th year, fans and owners of the 1932 Ford Deuce Coupe will pay tribute to this magnificent car with a variety of entertainment, exhibits, and many more activities. The celebration for 75th Anniversary of the ’32 Deuce will begin on August 9 in Dearborn, Michigan.

Now, to all interested fanatics of the ’32 Ford Deuce, here are the series of events during the celebration of the Deuce’s 75th Anniversary! Check your calendar and be there if you don’t want to miss half of your life. Here’s the agenda for August 9th to the 12th which is when Deuce’s 75th and Ford Flathead Celebration (these I got from Deuce75.com):

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9th:
  • Registration opens at 9:00 am to 6:00 pm for ’32 Fordsand Ford V-8
  • Flathead powered vehicles.
  • Swap Meet Open all day at the Hyatt Hotel
  • Hyatt Kick-Off Party at the Dearborn Hyatt - 7 pm to 10 pm

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10th:
  • Tour on your own local Dearborn Attractions (Village Industries Rouge Assembly Plant, the Fairlane Mall, Automobile Hall of Fame, Henry Ford Fairlane Estate, and Roush Racing Museum Tour, Livonia Mi) at 9am to 11am
  • 32 Fords and V-8 Flathead vehicles gather at the Henry Ford II World Center 12 noon - 4 pm
  • Swap Meet Open all day at the Hyatt Hotel
  • Friday Evening Buffet Dinner with Ford 7 pm to 10 pm

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11th
  • Fords andFlathead powered cars at the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village “Deuce@75” Anniversary Celebration 9:30 am to 5pm
  • All registered vehicles may be driven around the Ford Test Track
  • Drive to the track from from the Greenfield Village 9 am to noon only
  • Sign up to join Ford Racing for "Hot Lap" around the track with a professional driver for a minimum Donation in the amount of $25.
  • 9 am to Noon Limited capacity for this event - sign up early!
  • Swap Meet Open ‘til Noon
  • Saturday Night Date Night 6:30 - midnight
  • Barbecue
  • Live Band
  • Drive-In Movie

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12th
  • Cruise to the Edsel Ford Estate for Sunday Morning Brunch
  • Tour of the Ford Estate Mansion
  • a great photo opportunity
  • Begins at 9 am
 



Wednesday, August 01, 2007, posted by Jay Stevens at 7:44 PM



It has been another winning weekend for our beloved Ford Mustang! Oh yeah! John Force and Eric de Doncker knocked their opponents out and they both grabbed the crown from the NHRA Funny Car and the GT4 European Cup competition! On the other hand, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards are the top and best Ford drivers in the NASCAR competition last weekend which was held in Indianapolis. In the Nextel Cup Race, Kenseth was ranked 10th, Biffle was second in the Busch Series and in the In Craftsman Truck Series Race, Kvapil grabbed third place! Force’s way to his second victory of the season was contested by teammate and daughter Ashley in the first round, marking their second meeting of the season.

“I want to thank Austin Coil, Bernie Fedderly, John Medlen, Jimmy Prock, Dean Antonelli, everybody who makes my ‘ol hot rod talk. In the final, you look at a young kid like Worsham with all his energy. I said, ‘Coil, I don’t have that much to give’ and he said the hardest race I had today was the race against Ashley.

“That was the toughest race. I thought about it and that was true. And that helped me reach back and find something for the final,” told Force.

In California, the Mustang got a one sweet victory race; the other win was in Belgium while de Doncker stood on his feet and was able to secure his second win last weekend’s past two events. He led the race all through the several laps.

De Doncker happily said, “It was a fantastic race – I’m really happy. The team did a really good job fixing the car after yesterday’s race. The only problem I had was my windscreen fogging up – the first lap was okay, but then it was a big problem. Once it stopped raining it was okay, and I pulled out a good gap to Buncombe. But then it started raining again; for the last three laps I couldn’t see anything - I missed two or three apexes, and I didn’t even see the checkered flag! My team had to tell me on the radio the race was over.”

Greg Biffle with a smile on his face said, “It was a really good night. The car was really, really tough to drive. Probably the toughest car that I’ve ever driven at this race track, I don’t know why. To be honest with you, I don’t know why we did so well. Track position was a lot of it. I ran the thing in the fence three or four times on my own. Carl (Edwards) and I were racing really hard together and I kind of got in the fence a couple of times on the back stretch, which probably wasn’t good. It was a good night and I had a lot of fun.”

 



, posted by Jay Stevens at 1:02 AM


For so many years, the Ford Mustang has sustained its appeal and still continues to captivate everyone’s heart. America’s favorite pony car has been in the industry for so many years and yet, people still can’t get enough of the Mustang! Its forty years of existence made it a certified star not only on the streets but in the silver screens as well by starring in over 500 films. If the Oscars had a category for the Lifetime Achievement Award for Best Vehicle, the Mustang would definitely get the honors!

So let’s get this straight - the Mustang is the only vehicle to star in over 500 movies than any other car! We can really tell how special this pony car is to the people. It’s not only a powerful performer, but a certified star that makes any movies a great hit!

Here are the best blockbuster films which were starred by our beloved Ford Mustang:

  • Bullitt (1968): Steve McQueen, a 1968 Mustang GT390 and the streets of San Francisco combined to create what many critics hold to be the definitive movie car chase scene.
  • 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003): A lipstick red 2001 Ford Saleen S281 supercharged Mustang coupe starred in 2003’s adrenaline-pumping explosive movie, the "2 Fast 2 Furious."
  • Hollywood Homicide (2002): A 2003 Ford Saleen S281 supercharged Mustang. 2003’s detective action drama "Hollywood Homicide" was starred by Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett.
  • Gone in 60 Seconds (2000): A modified 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 dubbed Eleanor was central to the exciting plot of the 2000 hit movie "Gone in 60 Seconds" starring Nicholas Cage and Angelina Jolie.
  • "Bull Durham," (1988),
  • "Cape Fear" (1991),
  • "The Princess Diaries," (2001
  • "Goldfinger" (1964)
  • "Diamonds are Forever" (1971).


Other movies include (courtesy of copperstatemustangclub.com):
  • Amityville: The Demon (1965-6 Mustang coupe)
  • April Fools, The (1968 Mustang convertible)
  • Almost Famous (1965 Mustang coupe)
  • Bad Boys (1995 version) (Cobra replica)
  • Batman and Robin (1964 Shelby 289 Cobra)
  • Bean (1965 Mustang convertible)
  • Beverly Hills Cop III (1966 Mustang convertible)
  • Children of the Corn II (1965 Mustang convertible)
  • Clerks II (1966 Mustang coupe)
  • Curse of the Black Widow (1968 Mustang convertible, 1967 Mustang coupe)
  • Dazed and Confused (1965 and 1967 Mustang convertible, 1969 coupe)
  • Diamonds Are Forever (1971 Mach 1)
  • Forever Young (1967 Mustang)
  • Fright Night Part 2 (1966 Mustang Fastback)
  • Get Carter (2000 version) (1965 Mustang coupe)
  • Independence Day (1965 Mustang convertible)
  • J. F. K. (1965 Mustang convertible)
  • Kiss the Girls (1966 Mustang coupe)
  • Last American Hero, The (1967 Mustang Fastback)
  • Love Bug, The (1966, 67, 69 Mustang coupes, 1967 Mustang convertible and 2 1964 Shelby 289 Cobras, 1965 Sunbeam Tiger)
  • National Lampoon's Favorite Deadly Sins (1971 Mustang convertible)
  • Prisoner of Second Avenue, The (1969 Mustang coupe)
  • Promise of Love, The (1965 Mustang convertible & coupe)
  • Protector (1998) (1967 Mustang Convertible)