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2011 some of the latest plan from several car companies, Three workers at the U.S. automotive market the company will receive government loan of $ 8 billion to create a car that economize on fuel, said in Detroit, Minister of Energy Steven Chu.

I am not sure which category to put this Ford Van called "Vanadu" in, but its definitely Post Apocalypse Gothic Hunter Camper.

You start with the fencing up on the roof with a broken spire that looks like a grave site. And various decorative flourishes scattered around to give it the Gothic retro look.

You continue with various car parts welded together, fins, grill, lights, vases, horns, chimneys, lamps, and bars over the windows to give it the "I just survived an atomic blast" apocalypse look.

You then move to the rustic hunter elements with large moose antlers on the roof, mounted fish and deer antlers on the inside. I think I saw an old pistol hanging there to round out the hunter "I am going to get those mutants" motif.

All this wrapped up in a ford Econoline camper that looks like it has some empty spaces to be completed at a later time. I contacted this person for more info but did not get word back, so I made up my own story. Don't get me wrong, this art van rocks and I am sure its very cozy in a Post Apocalyptic Gothic Hunter way.

Chinese auto manufacturer Geely plans to propose to concern Ford, the owner of brands Volvo, redeemed his Swedish company for two billion dollars. As reported by The Auto Channel, the official application is filed by the end of July.

According to some reports, the company Geely has already signed a preliminary agreement with Ford to acquire brand Volvo. It was expected that after the purchase of Scandinavian auto manufacturer in the Chinese city Duanguan new factory will be built Geely, which planned to build assembly crossovers XC90, are now produced in the United States. According to the Chinese, they want to buy a Volvo in order to increase the production and sale of automobiles in their country.

According to the sources of The Auto Channel, Geely has already been three years preparing a plan for the purchase of Volvo, but the leadership of Ford, it was originally configured with skepticism about a possible sale of the Swedish brand Chinese. Now, in Ford believe that Geely will be able to successfully manage and develop the company. Note that the official information on the negotiations and agreement with Geely Group in the U.S. has denied.

Jim Press, the President of Toyota North America, came out with a very bold statement recently, saying that "eventually, everything will be a hybrid." What's more, he's so confident in Toyota's ability and so proud of their product line that he's comparing the "ground-breaking" Toyota Prius hybrid with the Ford Model T.

As I'm sure you already know, the Ford Model T is often lauded as the first of its kind, a car that became widely available to the masses. It was revolutionary for its time and it has shaped the automotive industry into what it is today. Toyota, or rather, Jim Press is saying that the Prius is equally revolutionary.

Although I agree that we will be seeing more hybrids in the coming years, I don't believe that everything will be a hybrid. Personally, I think that our reliance on fossil fuels will have to dry up at some point, forcing us to drive cars that don't need any sort of conventional gasoline whatsoever.

mobilemag.com

The European branch of the group Ford announced the release of a special version of the model Focus X Road. Premiere machines in April at MOTORSHOW AutoRAI in Amsterdam.

Focus X Road produced a limited edition of 300 copies and will sell it only in the Netherlands. The cost of the car starts from $ 35.8 thousand.

Off-version Focus Station Wagon equip 1.8-liter four engine power 125 hp, which operates on unleaded petrol and bioethanol (E85). Ford Focus X Road will be false weight with special bumpers, protective finish arches and sides, as well as the protection of the aluminum engine and 17-inch cast wheels, writes 4WheelsNews.

Larry Fuente and Woman with Dickens 44 Bascom Art Car

This mosaic Ford Falcon art car was created by artist and former curator for the Unknown Museum Dickens 44 Bascom on facebook a mystery worth investigating.

At first all I found was that Bascom 44 was born on the 44th day of 1944 at 44 minutes past 4:00 am. I am guessing that's were the "44" part of his name came from.

With the help of my friend Amanda who did some more digging I found out that he was part of a growing movement called the "gluers" spearheaded by a group called the Moligator Manufacturing Company, the Northern Frog Works. They met and exchanged gluable materials like costume jewelry, rubber mice, teeth, baby heads, tennis balls, bottle caps, plastic salt shakers and beyond. Dickens Bascom, a noted northern California gluer, looked forward to the day when he could join other gluers and purchase a large office building and decorate it in their fashion. "I'm determined to do it," he says. "I think it's something people need."

Larry Fuente who knew him said he was always raiding people’s basements for ‘art supplies’ and hanging stained glass windows from their trees, engaging neighbors in making art and “an expert at getting people, whole families, to do art together.”

Dickens 44 is still painting and gluing objects after all these years and has managed to produce a very large and wonderful body of art found on his site. The art car itself is pretty amazing and deserves its place here on art car central. Mystery somewhat solved.

Five Ford Fails, America's Big Three have had more than their share of bad ideas over the past 20 years. Let's look at Ford's flops first.

* Lincoln Mark VIII (1993-1998) - This car snuffed what had been a successful franchise for Ford. In the '80s, the Mark VII (http://www.carmild.com) was thought of by many as an American take on the Mercedes-Benz SL500. Like the big Benz, it had the substantial look of a lead ingot carved with the precision of a laser beam. It was powerful, too. The car shared the same basic drivetrain used in the same-era Ford Mustang GT, including its High Output 5.0 V-8. It also had an air-adjustable suspension, bolstered euro-style sport buckets, a full gauge package and was one of the first American-brand cars to come with high-capacity four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS. The thing sold very well ... until Ford restyled it for the 1993 model year and christened the result the Mark VIII. This car looked like a Mark VII that had been left in the oven too long. *

Even though it had a much more powerful engine (Ford's new 4.6 liter "cammer" V-8 with 290 hp in the top-of-the-line LSC) its pulling power with buyers was far weaker than the old 5.0 powered Mark VII. After five listless years and ever-declining sales, Ford dropped the Mark - and dropped out of the luxury sport coupe market completely.

Ford said the market for high-end coupes just wasn't there. But it would have been more accurate to say the market for Ford-built high-end coupes wasn't there. Which brings us to our next contestant.... .

* Ford Thunderbird (2002-2005) - An icon was revived (briefly) that was greeted (initially) with lots of enthusiasm but which quickly became a horrendous money-loser for Ford - mainly because most people simply weren't willing to spend nearly $40k for a car that was "just" a Ford. Dealer gouging for the first cars off the line made it even worse. http://www.ridelust.com/wp-content/u...ue-top-off.jpg Most of them ended up just sitting there. And sitting there... .

Some industry analysts argued in their post mortems that the car might have done better had it been sold through Lincoln dealers. The thinking being that high-end customers expect a high-end dealership experience and the status that comes with a perceived "luxury" brand - which of course, Ford was not. And there was probably something to that. Of all the big bucks coupes out there, only Chevy gets away with selling $50k Corvettes through the same outlets that also sell $11,000 Aveos. But the Corvette can get away with it because it's an icon with a strong market presence that's largely the result of an unbroken history going back to the 1954.*The 'Vette never went away. *

By the time Ford brought back the T-Bird, no one - or at least not enough people to make the nut - cared anymore.

But probably even more lethal than trying to rebuild a long-dead franchise was the latter-day 'Bird's personality. While other modern cars have dabbled with "retro" design, the T-Bird really was retro all over. It seemed to be built for laid-back cruising - something almost no one does anymore. We live in a frantic, aggressive, stressful world. Few of us take our time doing anything - let alone driving. The latter-day T-Bird* was a joy to take out on the Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline drive and amble along at 45 mph enjoying the scenery.

But it didn't feel right anyplace else. As a time machine, it was brilliant. Unfortunately for Ford, most buyers weren't looking for a $40k trip down memory lane.*

* Lincoln Blackwood (2002-2002) -* Who needs a $50k pick-up with a functionally useless bed? http://www.carmild.com Apparently, next to no one.

Lincoln's uber-luxury pick-up fell through the thin ice faster than a jumping up and down Oprah. It lasted just one year in production - a measure of the disastrous decision to build the thing in the first place.

The problem wasn't price; after all, Ford had no trouble selling Navigator SuVs for just as much. But unlike the Navigator, which could so some things, the Blackwood was useless for anything other than proving that rich people can be just as dumb as everyone else. Or maybe not - because this time, even the rich said no thanks.

The short bed was never intended to carry any of the stuff that pick-ups usually carry. Carpet, fine wood paneling, LED track lighting abd brushed metal trim don't exactly mix with stacks of 2x4s or bags of cement - or even a wet Labrador Retriever. That's if you could access the bed at all. To do that, you had to raise a clumsy, power-activated tonneau cover that further limited the already minimal usefulness of this "truck."

The piece de resistance? The Blackwood was sold as a 2WD only - making it the only full-frame, full-size truck which couldn't even be ordered with 4WD. Nothing like a 15 mpg, 2WD truck that can't carry (or even tow) much of anything and which is more skittery in snow than a '78 Caprice Classic with bald tires and an open rear end.* (See also: Mark LT.)

* Mercury Cougar (1999-2002) - Just keeping Mercury around is arguably one of Ford's biggest mistakes of the past 20 years.

Thirty or forty years ago, it made sense for Ford to have a "mid-level" brand - just as GM had Buick and Pontiac. Buyers often spent their entire car-buying lives within the Ford Family of Fine Cars, moving from Joe Sixpack Fords to almost-luxury Mercurys - and from Mercury to Lincoln, if they became successful enough. But that was before the flood of Japanese imports reduced Ford Motor Co.'s share of the American car market by more than half - and before buyers routinely switched brands if they found a better car somewhere else.

The last Cougar (http://www.carmild.com) was at least a unique model - unlike the previous versions, which began life in the '60s as tarted up Mustangs and went through the '80s as rebadged Thunderbirds. It actually wasn't a bad car; it's just that it wasn't an especially great one. Many saw it as a girl's car; others weren't sure about its iffy styling. Even Ford seemed unsure what to do with it.

In V-6 form, it offered decent get up and go, but Ford never developed it further. A performance-themed "S" version with a high-output engine and sport suspension was considered - and might have given the car some bona fides - but it never got released. So the Cougar just sat there, unsure of itself and without a real reason for its existence.

A hugely successful automaker such as Toyota can get away with some soggy offerings (for example, the ungainly Camry Solara) by dint of the vast pool of loyalists who just want a "Toyota" ... any Toyota. But Mercury hasn't got that kind of pull - and the cat that no one wanted was put to sleep after the 2002 model run.

* Lincoln LS (2000-2006)- This one's upsetting because the LS* had real potential. It might even have saved the brand - which today (late 2010) is on the verge of total collapse.

Arguably, the LS (http://www.carmild.com) was the best sedan Lincoln put out in 25 years. But the management eggheads decided to drop it instead of correcting the few relatively little (and easily fixable) things that were actually wrong with it.

The LS sedan was Ford's attempt to build a credible rear-wheel-drive luxury-performance sedan comparable to a BMW 3-Series. And it was credible - right down to its available manual transmission and trunk-mounted battery. Handling was excellent; ride quality very close to the best German sport sedans. Buyers could choose a punchy 252 hp V-8 if they sought more power than the 210 hp 3 liter V-6 offered. This engine was sourced from Jaguar's "AJ" series V-8 and had both the power and the sophisticated demeanor to stack itself up against the very best Euro powerplants of the era.*

As a driver's car, there was little to fault. The LS could corner; it had high-speed legs. It felt good when pushed. Motor Trend gave it "Car of the Year" honors its first year out. And yet, it failed. Que pasa?

Partially, a clash of car and brand - and buyer. Lincoln, as a brand, was not BMW - even if the LS, itself, was a credible BMW in training. Lincoln buyers were (and still are) mostly Blue Hairs and Bob Dole types who want soft seats, wire wheels and automatic transmissions. The typical Lincoln customer had about as much interest in a sport sedan like the LS as* Clay Aiken has in Pamela Anderson. And BMW buyers weren't crossing over, either.

The LS did have some flaws, too - in the cabin department especially. The layout and materials rose to the mediocre. While the handling/driving dynamics were good enough to play with the Bavarians, the interior was Wal Mart all the way.

Still, it was a damn good first effort - and given persistence and fixes where needed, Lincoln could have made a go of it. That's what a Japanese car company would have done (Lexus too was laughed at initially; no one's laughing now - least of all Ford shareholders). But as is usual practice for an American car company, Ford just gave up. Lincoln went back to selling overstuffed old man's cars - including the Zephry and MKS. And those may turn out to the last cars Lincoln ever sells, too.

This Sticker Art car was sent in by Murray McKenzie from Whangamata, a beach town in New Zealand. The art car is a 1995 Ford Telstar hatchback covered in free stickers from a local surf shop that took about 6 months to complete. I think this sticker art car might be contagious by the looks of the developing sticker rash on car parked next to it.
I believe now might the time to put Whangamata under quarantine until this thing sticker infection passes.

SPESIFIKASI Ford Ranger

Ford Ranger finally introduce a new face. However, Australia was chosen as the premiere pickup United States (U.S.) this.

New Ranger provides the most important thing to pickup truck owners worldwide. Not just a matter of looks that addressed, staff also became an important reference of this car.

Three new engines provided by Ford Motor Co.. First, the diesel engine Ford Duratorq TDCi I4 new 2.2 liter with an output of 375 Nm maximum torque and power output of 110 kW (150 PS). Second, diesel engine Ford Duratorq TDCi 3.2-liter I5 with 470 Nm of torque and power 147 kW (200 PS). Finally, Ford Duratec I4 gasoline engine-powered 2.5-liter to 122 kW (166 PS).

"The machine is a great heart pickup truck capability," says Chief Programme Engineer Ford Ranger John Tatge, in a release received Legal, Friday (10/15/2010).

Ford's new Ranger engine featuring third at the Australian International Motor Show. This shows how Ford's new Ranger has designed a whole in order to compete in 180 markets around the world.

Premiering in Sydney, New Ford Ranger makes fuel efficiency as the main reason for purchase. With a sophisticated turbocharger, the new engine provides fuel economy and higher energy while reducing emissions to the customer a new generation Ranger.

And for the first time, a certain Ranger diesel model will be provided with automatic transmission or six-speed manual which presents a decrease engine rpm and the addition of the reach of Ranger for a long journey on the highway or city traffic. Petrol-engined models are equipped five-speed manual transmission.

The availability of diesel engines with 2.2 liter and 3.2 liter four-cylinder with five-cylinder showed that the Ranger is ready to master the compact pickup truck segment. This new machine also claimed to have a significant improvement in fuel economy that extend the distance between refueling.

A number of improvements have been made on the new Ranger, including the use of latest technology, fuel distribution through high pressure fuel system. Fuel delivery system has been adjusted and calibrated to produce precise combustion efficiency and improve fuel economy without affecting power.

The series of machine is calibrated to meet energy needs and emissions throughout the world. For areas emission standards strict Stage V, Ranger can be equipped with a MT82 six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission 6R80. Transmission designed for 4x2 and 4x4 versions of lighter and uses part of that has been reinforced, designed and tested to meet the standards of the global commercial vehicle.

The fuel for diesel engines are economical 2.2 liter - which is still to be certified officially - is expected to make the best Ranger in the segment. With a fuel tank capacity of 80 liters, 2.2 liter TDCi Ranger can spend a lot of gas stations before requiring refueling.

Ford prepares to present absolutely new generation of the smallest model under name Ka only in 2014. However journalists from English magazine AutoExpress have managed to learn something about the new car.

At creation of new generation Ford Ka the main attention will be given to design. Ford management plans to make from Ka one of the most stylish cars in the market. And for this purpose without risky experiments with appearance not possible to manage such car. According to AutoExpress, serial Ka will be made in style concept Start which has been shown in April of this year on a showroom in Beijing. And Ka will be equipped too with the petrol motor in volume of 1,0 l from ruler EcoBoost which capacity will makes from 85 h.p. to 125 h.p. depending on adjustment.

Apparently, at the heart of following generation of Ford Ka there will be a new platform which will be created by joint efforts of engineers Ford and Fiat.

Ford has announced yesterday that, in collaboration with various tuners, will unveiled 8 custom Ford Fiesta models at the 2010 SEMA show in Las Vegas.

Ford Racing's Fiesta is a head-turner, with a bright blue exterior paint treatment and a production-based, turbocharged, 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine enlarged to 2.3 liters to churn out a claimed 350 horses.

Other modified Fiestas are being prepared by 3d Carbon, L&G Enterprises, H&R Springs and Universal Technical Institute. The 3dCarbon sports a rear roof wing, side skirts, new front fascia and racing stripes. The L&G car takes its cue from electronics with circuit board-inspired exterior graphics and an integrated iPad command center. H&R Springs equips the car with a rear wing and European hood vents along with a complete body wrap, while Universal Technical Institute does a track modification that features a rollcage, racing seats, Baer brakes and 18-in. wheels.

In addition to the ball at the top will consist serial by showcars additional Fiesta admitted placing collective by 3dCarbon example, H & R bounce, FSWerks and Steeda Autosports, among others. We will be on-hand to capture all the zaniness that SEMA starting November 2 and November 5.




Press Release

FORD'S HOT-SELLING FIESTA TO MAKE 2010 SEMA DEBUT, PUT SMALL CAR STYLE, PERFORMANCE ON THE MAP

• Ford Fiestas will take center stage on the Ford stand at this year's SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show, to be held Nov. 2-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center
• Ford Fiesta provides the perfect platform for customers and aftermarket companies looking to express themselves in a fun, unique way. Owners have already begun customizing their Fiestas with graphics and accessories available through Ford, and SEMA takes that customization to the next level
• The all-new Ford Fiesta features an expressive, vibrant design, sharp reflexes, and a global track record that will redefine U.S. small car customers' expectations. With 15 available class-exclusive features and technologies and best-in-class highway fuel economy of up to 40 mpg, Fiesta brings efficiency and convenience together in one package

People love to modify small cars, so it's no surprise that consumers and aftermarket companies are eager to get their hands on Ford's hot-selling Fiesta, set to debut at this year's SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas Nov. 2-5.

"The Fiesta is one of those vehicles that resonates with everybody - especially with the younger market. Whatever you're into, it works," said Melvin Betancourt, Ford specialty design manager. "It lends itself to a lot of different themes. It's a perfect fit for the aftermarket and for customers who want to express their personality."

"SEMA offers the perfect opportunity to showcase all the different ways the personalities of the Fiesta can be expressed," said Sam De La Garza, Fiesta brand manager.

"It really shows how Fiesta can be accessorized and how this canvas can be altered to meet many different customer wants and desires," De La Garza said. "SEMA represents a special opportunity, because we can show off unique designs that other companies have created. It's not just Ford coming to the table. It's other companies interpreting what Fiesta is, and bringing their own style to the Fiesta launch."

Customization is something already familiar to Fiesta owners. Ford Custom Accessories offers almost anything an owner would need to put a creative touch on Fiesta or give the car even more functionality. Accessory options include exterior or interior design items such as an illuminated gear indicator shift knob and rear spoiler, even a kayak carrier to haul outdoor gear. Customers also can order a body-side tattoo, or choose from one of 18 available graphics to put their own mark on Fiesta.

"Small cars are unique in that people love to modify them, whether it's the exterior, interior, or even performance parts," De La Garza said.

Ford Racing Performance Parts is putting its own spin on a Fiesta at SEMA, outfitting a concept Fiesta in a way that is sure to get the hearts of high-performance enthusiasts pumping. The Fiesta will have a production-based 2.0-liter EcoBoost^TM engine, enlarged to 2.3 liters to pump out 350 horsepower.

"The goal of our 350-horsepower Fiesta is really twofold - first to reinforce Fiesta's fun-to-drive nature with an extreme version that captures the attention of the influential enthusiast, and second, to introduce the Ford Racing/EcoBoost connection in a way that's unexpected and outrageous," said Mickey Matus, Ford Racing Performance group marketing manager. "In both cases, we're targeting the discriminating performance enthusiast with our message. After all, they are the people others rely on for automotive expertise and recommendations."
The car comes equipped with several Ford Racing Performance Parts options that are currently available at www.fordracingparts.com. A short-throw shifter offers more precise shifting, while a Ford Racing exhaust gives off a deeper, throatier exhaust note. Also available are 17-inch wheels that are cast-aluminum and painted in charcoal gray.

Additionally, the car features Brembo brakes that offer the ultimate in stopping power, and Ohlins dual-flow valve dampers that deliver comfort and agility.

Ford Racing's Fiesta will arrive in all-blue, pristine condition, and will be painted by a renowned artist during the show with the intention of auctioning the car in the future to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF).

Other Ford Fiesta project vehicles showcased at this year's SEMA show include:

2011 Ford Fiesta by Ford Vehicle Personalization
The Ford Vehicle Personalization Fiesta uses green accent colors on the wheels and grille to set off the unique car, which is equipped with a four-piece body kit. A new interior package debuts, featuring white-and-black seating surfaces, door trim inserts, steering wheel and interior components. It also comes with a newly developed side graphic - an evolution of the tattoo graphic that is currently available.

2011 Ford Fiesta by Universal Technical Institute
This unique Fiesta from Universal Technical Institute offers a custom DuPont paint job and an Air Lift full digital suspension. A custom roll cage and Status racing seats make it track-ready, while Baer brakes and 18-inch wheels and tires provide upgraded performance.

2011 Ford Fiesta by 3dCarbon
3dCarbon's Euro Series Fiesta makes a bold statement with race-inspired styling, which includes 3dCarbon racing stripes, window films and rear roof spoiler. A four-piece body kit consists of an aggressively sculpted front air dam, aerodynamic side skirts and a rear lower skirt accented with black trim.

2011 Ford Fiesta by L&G Enterprises
L&G Enterprises has created the digital Fiesta, which shows off circuit board-inspired graphics on the exterior. Complete with a lowered and more aggressive stance, the Fiesta also has a new exhaust and air intake. Inside are carbon fiber accents, highlighting a sleek black interior with integrated iPad command center.

2011 Ford Fiesta by H&R Springs
This Fiesta by H&R Springs makes a style statement and demonstrates the versatility of Fiesta with several interior and exterior modifications. A color-matched body kit and large rear wing, along with European hood vents offer style and functional benefits. A graphics wrap around the car shows off a high-tech look, playing on the nature of Fiesta.

2011 Ford Fiesta by Steeda Autosports
Steeda Autosports is putting a Fiesta on display that has serious handling and performance upgrades for enthusiasts. A short-throw shifter and cold air intake developed by Steeda up the performance level. Additionally, tuned front and rear lowering sport springs, retuned dampers, antiroll bars and a front strut tower brace provide what enthusiasts are looking for in a high-performance car.

2011 Ford Fiesta by FSWerks
FSWerks is showing its appreciation for the all-new Fiesta with a complete line of high-performance parts. Features on the SEMA vehicle include FSWerks-developed cool flow air intake system and race exhaust, along with stress bars. Other modifications include a body kit, Continental ExtremeContact^TM DW tires and Aristo Noble two-piece wheels.