Month: August 2011 (Page 7 of 9)

NHSTA Launches Investigation Over Mustang Transmissions

August 9, 2011 / Joe Gustafson

The new 5.0 Mustang was unveiled to widespread praise and accolades. Now, the Mustang’s halo may be drooping as transmission issues come to light.

A few months ago, there were mumblings on the internet about transmission problems that included grinding gears and expensive sounding noises. Ford said everything was “ok” and recommended a fluid change. However, the problem has become large enough to attract the attention of the NHSTA.

They describe the problem as:

ODI has received 32 complaints alleging an unexpected inability to shift into gear on model year (MY)2011-2012 Ford
Mustangs equipped with manual transmissions. Some reports allege incidents occurred while merging into high
speed traffic and others allege that incidents occurred while turning left across oncoming traffic. Some complainants
allege that the erratic shifting behavior almost caused a collision with adjacent vehicles.

One rumored reason for these problems is Ford’s decision to switch production to China for the Getrag transmission.

After the NHSTA investigation is complete, they will conclude on whether this is a true problem, or just a bad batch of transmissions.

A reputation blow like this, to Ford’s flagship model, cannot happen while they are trying to show buyers that they are just as reliable as the Japanese.

Source: Detroit News, NHSTA

Ford

Ford Mustang Getrag problems NHSTA

Great Red Hope

August 5, 2011 / Joe Gustafson

Lotus is getting fat and greedy, Porsche makes more money selling SUVs to housewives than sports car enthusiasts, Aston Martin sells a rebadged Toyota. The world of sports cars is upside down. But there is hope, a small glimmer from the prodigal son of the automotive world: the Alfa Romeo 4C. This September, Alfa Romeo is set to disclose more details on the 4C at this year’s Frankfurt auto show. It may be a revised concept, or maybe, the production model.

This is not just big for car people, but for Alfa Romeo as well. Alfa is putting their hopes for a successful return to the U.S. on the back of a 1,800lb sports car. It also marks a return to Alfa making true sports cars.

The specifics so far point to the 4C as being a lightweight, turbocharged sports car. It will have a carbon fiber tub, RWD, and a turbocharged 4-cyl where it is supposed to be, the back of the car. It will also be priced in the reasonable $50,000-60,000 range. The 4C looks to replace the much loved, but nearly departed, Lotus Elise in the hearts and minds of people that enjoy driving cars, not status symbols. As for more specifics, we will have to wait until Frankfurt.

Alfa Romeo, News

Alfa Romeo 4C Fiat Frankfurt Auto Show Italian cars

Ford Ditches CD Players

August 5, 2011 / Joe Gustafson

Usually, auto manufactures are slow to adopt new technology. For instance, up until the mid-2010 you could still have a tape player if you bought a Lexus SC430. Ford, however, is looking to change that. Sound and Vision Magazine is reporting that Ford will stop installing CD players in all Ford Foci going forward. The move is likely to spread to more models soon.

They report:

Ford has been pushing their Sync system, and this is just one more step towards a “cloudy” world. “In-car entertainment technology is moving digital more rapidly than almost any other element of the vehicle experience,” says Sheryl Connelly, global trends and “futuring” manager for Ford Motor Company. “The in-car CD player — much like pay telephones — is destined to fade away in the face of exciting new technology.” Ford will continue to offer players as long as there is demand for them, but they are clearly moving away from physical media. Launching first in Europe, the new systems will have multiple USB ports, SD card slots, and Bluetooth.

Kudos to Ford adapting to technology much faster than any automaker.

Car Technology, Ford

Ford Focus Microsoft Sync SYNC

Could this Infiniti really happen?

August 5, 2011 / Staff

From AutoGuide.com:

Infiniti may develop its own version of Nissan’s famous GT-R sports car. C2040-406 dumps Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault and Nissan was asked if Infiniti would tap into the existing products through Nissan and use the brilliant GT-R sports car platform for a high- performance Infiniti.

‘Are we going to do that, I would say “no”, I don’t think so,’ said Ghosn. ‘If your question is “could we do that”, I would say “yes”. The idea of using existing technologies on the body of an Infiniti, yes. All the technologies developed for Nissan are available to Infiniti.’ Ghosn basically beat around the bush leaving the question unanswered. 1Z0-567 dumps A GT-R type sports car is unlikely to be a priority because the company is busy prepping for the 2014 release of a small car that will rival the BMW 1-series and the 2013 release of an electric car.

Read the full article.

Infiniti, New Cars

Infiniti GT-R

Ford Teases Frankfurt Concepts

August 4, 2011 / Joe Gustafson

The Frankfurt Auto Show is rapidly approaching so automakers are already trying to build buzz for their debuts. Ford is no exception. Not only are they touting their largest display to date, but also four new vehicles. Not many details are known, but one is a concept and the other three are production models. One production model is forecasted to be the Focus ST. The performance Focus is slated to debut with a 240hp eco-boosted 4 cyl, and the looks to match the performance. However, details of the Focus ST have been widely known for some time, so Ford must have something really exciting up their sleeve on the concept side.

I’m placing my bets on either a Focus coupe/Capri remake. A coupe version of the Focus is the missing link in the lineup so it is logical addition to have debut. It would probably compete with the wildly successful VW Scirocco that we don’t get here in the states.

On the other hand, the Capri is a much-loved icon in Europe, and has been long heralded to make a return. Additionally, in July, Ford debuted a Falcon concept in Australia , so a performance concept for Europe is not completely unfounded. It’s a long shot, but if they could make a RWD compact like the old Capri, for the price of a Focus, it would be heaven. All these debuts are slated to go global, so hope for the best because we will get them too. Stay tuned for September’s Frankfurt Auto Show