Tag Archives: Ford

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger


One Turbo Gasoline And Three Turbo Diesels, Including A New 3.0 V6 Diesel

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035224

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035224

One of the main highlights of the new 2022 Ford Ranger is the introduction of a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine. Unfortunately, Ford did not give any horsepower figures for this engine, or for any engine to be offered for that matter. The only detail that the company shared is that it “feels really tough in the sense that it’s got endless power and torque, which is exactly what our customers wanted”.

Considering that diesel engines are not that popular here in North America, the chances of Ford offering this engine on our market are slim. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t hurt for us to imagine what a torquey diesel-fed V-6 Ranger would feel like.

As for the other diesel engines, this will be a 2.0-liter diesel in single- and twin-turbo configurations. In the outgoing Ranger, the single-turbo motor produced 180 horsepower and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque, while the twin-turbo diesel produced 210 horsepower and 370 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.

Ford will also continue to offer the 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo gasoline engine, though just like the other engines, Ford did not provide any power figures. For the outgoing model, it produced 269 horsepower and 310 lb-ft (410 Nm) of torque.

Transmission options for the new 2022 Ford Ranger include a 10-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic, and a 6-speed manual.

Upgraded T6 Platform, Increased Capability

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035249

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035249

The new 2022 Ford Ranger rides on an upgraded T6 platform that offers increased capability and better comfort, and it can also support electrification in the future

Ford confirmed that the Ranger rides on an upgraded T6 platform that features a 50 mm (1.97 in) longer wheelbase and a 50 mm (1.97 in) wider track compared to the outgoing model. The company also says it has a hydro-formed front-end structure that’s designed to accommodate the bigger V6 engine while also allowing a high degree of electrification. Additionally, this structure enables more airflow to the radiator, which helps keep operating temperatures low when towing or carrying heavy loads.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035247

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035247

Ford also improved the Ranger’s ride and handling through its 1.97-inch longer wheelbase and 1.97-inch wider body, revised suspension, among other structural improvements

Ford also made improvements to its ride and handling capabilities. By moving the front wheels forward by 50 mm (1.97 in), its approach angle and wheel articulation has been improved. The rear leaf spring suspension dampers have also been moved outboard of the frame rails as a way to improve its ride both on- and off-road. Off-road recovery is also made easier with the prominent dual recovery hooks in the front bumper.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035250

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035250

Two four-wheel drive (4WD) systems will be offered—an electronic shift-on-the-fly system and an advanced full-time 4×4 system that Ford says has a “reassuring set-and-forget mode”.

Lastly, two four-wheel drive (4WD) systems will be offered—an electronic shift-on-the-fly system and an advanced full-time 4×4 system that Ford says has a “reassuring set-and-forget mode”.

If The Ford Maverick And F-150 Had A Child, The Ranger Would Be It

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035239

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035239

From the outside, the new 2022 Ranger looks like the lovechild of the Maverick and the F-150, with its C-shaped lights, horizontal grille, sculpted hood, and imposing front end.

From the outside, the new 2022 Ranger looks like the lovechild of the Maverick and the F-150. It’s not a bad thing, mind you, because the pickup looks properly modern and sleek. Shown here is the global model, though whichever region the Ranger will be sold, all models now have a more imposing front end that’s characterized by a horizontal grille that’s flanked by C-shaped headlights. Higher variants even come with LED daytime running lights and headlights with Matrix LED technology.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035253

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035253

The side profile is more on the evolutionary side of things, while the rear end gets a more sculpted tailgate, new taillight designs, and an integrated step on the sides of the rear bumper

Covering its engine bay is a more prominent hood, while the side profile is more on the evolutionary side of things. Moving towards the rear, there’s a new set of taillights, with higher variants featuring LED lighting. The tailgate is also more sculpted than before, and for the first time, the global Ford Ranger has an integrated step board at the sides of the rear bumper.

A Modern And Technologically-Advanced Interior

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035225

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035225

Ford calls this pickup the “smartest, most versatile and most capable Ranger ever”. The “smartest” part is evident in the interior, where it debuts a number of firsts for the Ranger nameplate.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035226

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035226

Whereas the Ranger pretty much arrived in the North American market with an outdated interior, that isn’t anymore the case with this new model. Most variants come with the latest SYNC4 infotainment that first debuted in the Mustang Mach-E. In the case of the new Ranger, this is controlled via a 10.1- or 12-inch portrait touch screen. Despite having a larger screen, Ford still kept its hard buttons, which is what you would prefer to interact with especially when going through rough roads.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035252

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035252

Working in conjunction with the SYNC4 infotainment system is a fully-digital instrument cluster, though Ford has not given any details on how big the screen is. There’s also a built-in modem for the FordPass telematics system that lets owners control vehicle functions and access Ford’s concierge service via their smartphones. Other interior features that the Ranger has are a wireless charging pad and more clever storage solutions, though Ford did not release full details yet on how these work.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035229

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035229

Other new features for the 2022 Ford Ranger include a small electronic gear shifter and an electronic parking brake

Apart from these tech features, the new 2022 Ford Ranger’s overall interior design looks far more interesting and appealing compared to the outgoing model. One of its highlights is its small electronic gear shifter and electronic parking brake, for better or worse. There are also various interior color and trim choices available depending on the variant.

The Ford Ranger Is Ready For Your Next Adventure

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035228

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035228

Thanks to the 1.97-inch increase in width, Ford is proud to highlight that despite being an incremental increase, this provides a noticeable improvement in cargo volume. Ford, however, did not say how much has the bed size increased over the outgoing model, but they say it’s enough to add another “sheet of building plywood or a full-size pallet”.

Speaking of the bed, the new Ranger offers a cargo management system that consists of dividers that can hold various items. Owners can create different compartments using a system of ultra-strong spring-loaded cleats that clip into rails bolted to each side of the cargo box. The tailgate can also double as a mobile workbench with an integrated ruler and clamp pockets, just like in the F-150.

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035254

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035254

Lastly, the 2022 Ford Ranger comes with Zone Lighting, which provides exterior lighting on all four corners of the Ranger that can be controlled via the FordPass app or the SYNC4 infotainment

Lastly, the Ford Ranger is also available with a feature called Zone Lighting, which first made its debut in the F-150. This set of lights that surround the vehicle can be controlled via the FordPass app or the SYNC4 infotainment system, and this can be useful in your next camping adventure or your construction work.

When Will It Go On Sale?

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035232

Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger - image 1035232

Swipe up to know more about the new 2022 Ford Ranger and what it has in store

Production of the 2022 Ford Ranger will begin in 2022 in Thailand and South Africa. Ford has not yet revealed when it will arrive in the North American market, but we expect it to arrive for the 2023 model year and look slightly different from the global version. The next-generation Volkswagen Amarok will also be based on the new Ford Ranger, which means its unveiling should also happen quite soon.

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender


Overview

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042645

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042645

In his latest video, YouTuber Sam CarLegion subjected these two potent off-roaders in a series of tug-of-war battles

The contenders? Well, they’re amongst the best off-road rigs that are currently on sale, i.e popular Ford Bronco Badlands against the mighty Land Rover Defender P400. Let’s look at specs to see how these two top-tier off-roaders stack up against each other before they battle it over four rounds with their various off-road modes.

2022 Ford Bronco Badlands

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042650

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042650

In the grey corner, we’ve got the Ford Bronco Badlands, which features a 2.7 liter EcoBoost V-6, that produces 325 hp & 399 lb-ft of torque paired to a 10 speed auto box with 4WD

In the grey corner, we have the popular Ford Bronco in Badlands spec. Under the hood lies a 2.7-liter turbo V-6 EcoBoost engine that produces 325 horsepower and 399 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco features a 10-speed automatic transmission with a four-wheel drive. The Badlands sits pretty much at the top of the Bronco range with only the Edition One doing one better.

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042651

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042651

The Badlands pretty much sits at the top of the Bronco range and the one seen here is sitting on proper off-road tires. It can two about. It has a dedicated tow mode and cal haul 3500 lbs

Ford designed it to be the ultimate off-roader with its GOAT mode system also including the rock crawl mode. You’ve got differential lockers on the Ford as well. The Bronco Badlands can tow 3500 pounds and tips the scales at 5320 pounds. The Badlands sits on 17-inch rims wrapped in proper 35 inch off-road tires.

2022 Land Rover Defender P400

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042649

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042649

In the blue corner, we have Land Rover’s latest generation P400 Defender that features a 3.0-liter inline-six, which produces 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 8 speed auto with AWD

Next, in the blue corner, we have the latest generation of the Land Rover Defender P400 from across the pond. Under the hood lies a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, that produces 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed auto box sending power to all four wheels.

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042636

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042636

Unlike the previous old-school Defender, this latest model is loaded to the gills with a lot of high-tech off-road hardware like an electronic differential and Land Rovers legendary Terrain Response System. This particular example of the Defender can tow 8201 pounds and has a curb weight of 5035 pounds. The Defender comes wrapped in standard off-road tires with much larger rims.

So having looked at the specs, the Defender has the higher horsepower and can tow more, but the Bronco is on proper off-road knobbly tires and even though it can tow lesser, it has a dedicated tow mode. Let’s see how things pan out in this tug-of-war.

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042647

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042647

So on paper, the Defender has more power but can that compensate for the Broncos off-road tires on snow?

Tug-Of-War: Land Rover Defender P400 vs Ford Bronco Badlands

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042648

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042648

Well, lets find out as these two thoroughbreds go head to head over four rounds

Both Sam, who is sat in the Bronco, and Richard in the Defender buckle up to battle out in a series of tug-of-wars lasting four rounds. For round one, they decide to do just have the SUVs in their 4×4 automatic mode.

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042644

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042644

For round one, both SUVs are in their automatic 4WD modes. Both drivers take their foot off the brakes and gradually begin to apply pressure on the gas pedal

With that, they take their foot off the brakes and begin to gradually hit the gas pedal. Well, despite the extra power on the Defender, it, unfortunately, began to spin its wheels and struggled to put those 395 ponies to the ground. The Bronco was had better traction and as a result, managed to pull the Defender to the other side. So that’s round one to the Badlands.

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042631

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042631

For the second round, Richard in the Defender decides to engage his differential with low range and switches it up to the dedicated off-road mode. Will that make a difference? The short answer was no. It was more wheel spin for the Defender this time round as well.

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042633

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042633

For the final two rounds, Sam has the Badlands set to its most extreme settings with traction off, both differential lockers activated with four-wheel low. It was no contest this time around and the Ford pulled the Defender well beyond the midway point. So the Bronco takes the final two rounds as well.

Final Thoughts

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042665

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042665

At the onset, we wanted to know if more power could compensate for better traction? Well, you have your answer. To sum it up, Sam says that they could do this all day long and it was the better tires that were helping the Bronco in this face-off.

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042646

Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender - image 1042646

Now, although he feels that the Defender offers a far more refined on-road experience of the two, the Land Rover is more suited for a more mature audience. The Bronco meanwhile is most likely to be cheaper to both buy and run and he wouldn’t hesitate to give it some stick when he’s out with it in the elements.

You can watch both off-roaders battle it out in Sam’s video below

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Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance


F-150 VENOM 775 Supercharged

Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance - image 1042370

Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance - image 1042370

In the red corner, we have the stunning Venom 775, SWB F1-50 single cab Venom, with the heritage package. Under the hood lies a 5.0-liter Coyote engine that produces 775 hp & 685 lb-ft

In the red corner, wet have a beautiful two-door VENOM 775 F-150 sport truck that features the Heritage livery package and it really is a looker, with the contrasting white bits adding dollops of character to this truck. Under the hood of this single cab pickup lies a Coyote 5.0 liter Supercharged V-8 engine that produces 775 horsepower and 685 pound-feet of torque. It weighs in at 6050 pounds. You can switch between two or four-wheel drive. To top it off, the lowered suspension gives this sport truck a better stance.

Jeep’s Hellcat-powered Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance - image 1042361

Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance - image 1042361

In the silver corner, we have a stock Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk that’s rocking a 6.2 liter supercharged V-8 under the hood and turns out 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels and tips the scales at 5356 pounds. Now out of the box, the Trackhawk is a beast and is mega when it comes to getting off the line.

Round One

Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance - image 1042364

Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance - image 1042364

The pair turn around and line up for a second pass. The driver in the Trackhawk switches it up to Track mode. Will that make a difference?

Now that we’ve looked at the numbers, let’s see how all this performance translates to on the track. They line up for the first pass. The hammer drops and despite being the heavier of the tow vehicles, here, it’ the Venom that took the lead from the get-go, and that gap only got bigger as the pair approached the quarter-mile line. Now the Venom is not your average Ford work truck and has even previously given the GT500 a tough time. So that’s round one to the sport truck.

Round Two

Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance - image 1042366

Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance - image 1042366

And it was a lead that only got bigger

For the second round, the driver in the Jeep switches it up to Track mode to see if that makes a difference. Well, long story short. It was. The Jeep had a much better launch this time around and it was neck and neck for quite some time, however, beyond 120, the F-150 began to pull away from the Trackhawk and mashed to clinch the win once again.

Final Thoughts

Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance - image 1042362

Stock Jeep Trackhawk Takes On The Venom 775 F-150 By Hennessey Performance - image 1042362

Now both vehicles employ a supercharger and pack AWD traction. The Jeep is lighter, but the Ford packs more power. Lets see how these numbers translate on track

This particular example of the Trackhawk is going to soon get an upgrade, taking its power output to 1000 horses. Can’t wait to see these two go head 2 head again to see if the added ponies make a difference.

Watch how things unfold in the video below

Buy/Drive/Burn: Economical American Compacts From 1982

Our recent Rare Rides coverage of the Chevrolet Citation made one thing very clear: We need more Citation content. Today’s 1982 Buy/Drive/Burn lineup was suggested by commenter eng_alvarado90, who would like to see all of you struggle. Citation, Aries, Escort, all in their most utilitarian formats. Let’s go.

Chevrolet Citation

The Citation is in its third model year for 1982, and sales have already fallen far from their initial peak of 800,000. The bloom is off this rose, but GM is still on track for six-digit sales this year. Sticking firmly to economy and utility, today’s Citation is a five-door hatchback equipped with the 2.5-liter Iron Duke inline-four and paired to a four-speed manual. Throttle-body injection is new this year and means 90 horses are underfoot. There’s also a new horizontal slats grille.

Dodge Aries K

The Dodge Aries is still new and is in its second model year for 1982. Chrysler started out strong last year with over 300,000 sales, and will likely reach that number again in ’82. Today’s Aries is the four-door wagon, as Chrysler does not offer a hatchback K-car at this level. Underhood is the base 2.2-liter Chrysler inline-four, which uses a two-barrel carb. Eighty-four horses are at the driver’s command, shifted through a four-speed manual. New this year: rear windows roll down on sedans and wagons, replacing the fixed glass.

Ford Escort

Ford’s Escort is also in its second model year for 1982. The American market Escort was supposed to be very similar to the European one for parts sharing purposes. However the respective design teams each headed their own direction, and the two cars share only an engine and transmission. Today’s five-door Escort hatchback is new for ’82, along with a new grille and presence of the familiar Ford Blue Oval. The base 1.6-liter CVH engine gets a high output version this year, which increases power by about 10 horses, to 80. Power is delivered to the front via a four-speed Ford MTX manual.

Economy and cheap driving are available to you, and they’ll probably hold up for at least three years before falling apart. Which gets the Buy?

[Images: GM, Chrysler, Ford]

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Judge Approves Class Action Suit Against Ford Mustang

<img data-attachment-id="1333386" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2016/04/the-votes-are-in-here-are-your-choices-for-best-automobiles-of-2016-along-with-your-nomination-comments/the-all-new-shelby-gt350-mustang/" data-orig-file="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ShelbyGT350_01_HR-e1490279718500.jpg" data-orig-size="1503,949" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"61014784","credit":"","camera":"Canon EOS 5D Mark III","caption":"The All-new Shelby GT350 Mustang in Oxford White with a Sonic Blue stripe.","created_timestamp":"","copyright":"","focal_length":"1\/0","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.85708959359517","title":"The All-new Shelby GT350 Mustang","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Mustang" data-image-description="

Image: Ford

” data-medium-file=”https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ShelbyGT350_01_HR-450×284.jpg” data-large-file=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/judge-approves-class-action-suit-against-ford-mustang.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1333386″ src=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/judge-approves-class-action-suit-against-ford-mustang.jpg” alt=”2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, Image: Ford” width=”610″ height=”385″>

Ford has been getting into trouble over “track-ready” Mustangs after a few customers formally accused the company of erroneous marketing in 2017. A class-action lawsuit was even filed in March of that year, stating that the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 suffered from overheating problems that precluded it from being fully functional on a racetrack — specifically early examples of the car equipped with either the Technology Package or left in the base configuration.

Earlier this month, Federal Judge Federico A. Moreno certified statutory and common law fraud classes pertaining to the model in California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Washington State. Additional approvals relating specifically to statutory fraud and/or implied warranty claims were made for Oregon, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas.

Despite the GT350’s flat-plane, 5.2-liter V8 engine (526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque) going down smooth as a dreamy performance engine, early examples of the car are alleged to have leaked fluids when exposed to the rigors of track use — even for a short time. While exclusive to lower-trimmed models, customers remained annoyed that a vehicle Ford described as “track-ready” was undergoing hardships that effectively limited its abilities to a point that it wouldn’t be competitive. Overheating Mustang GT350s would default to an engine management program colloquially known as “Limp Mode” that cut power to keep engine temperatures down.

Ford remedied the problem in 2017 by making the Track Package obligatory. All subsequent models came with the oil, transmission, and differential coolers angry customers claimed should probably have been on the car to begin with. Plaintiffs are claiming that the manufacturer originally removed these items from base-trimmed vehicles as a way to increase profits and never should have stated that they were track-ready automobiles, especially since a number of the involved parties stated they purchased the vehicles exclusively for track use.

<img data-attachment-id="1418361" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2016/09/disapprove-car-bought-will-defend-death-right-drive/2017-ford-shelby-gt350-mustang/" data-orig-file="http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/judge-approves-class-action-suit-against-ford-mustang-6.jpg" data-orig-size="1280,735" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="2017 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang" data-image-description="

Image: Ford

” data-medium-file=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/judge-approves-class-action-suit-against-ford-mustang-3.jpg” data-large-file=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/judge-approves-class-action-suit-against-ford-mustang-1.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1418361″ src=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/judge-approves-class-action-suit-against-ford-mustang-1.jpg” alt=”2017 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang” width=”610″ height=”350″ srcset=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/judge-approves-class-action-suit-against-ford-mustang-1.jpg 610w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/judge-approves-class-action-suit-against-ford-mustang-2.jpg 75w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/judge-approves-class-action-suit-against-ford-mustang-3.jpg 450w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/judge-approves-class-action-suit-against-ford-mustang-4.jpg 768w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/judge-approves-class-action-suit-against-ford-mustang-5.jpg 120w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/judge-approves-class-action-suit-against-ford-mustang-6.jpg 1280w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

“In reality, Plaintiffs say, the Base and Technology package versions of the cars were intentionally designed without coolers in order to inflate Ford’s profits margins,” reads the lawsuit. “As a result, the Base and Tech cars could not complete a full ‘Track Day’ without going into ‘Limp Mode.’”

The Ford Mustang GT350 has since been discontinued to give more leeway for the 760-hp Shelby GT500 and returning Mach 1 Mustang, the latter of which borrows many of the GT350’s components while taking a slightly more relaxed attitude. But its being gone does not mean it has been forgotten. Judge Moreno’s decision opens the door for the class-action experts at Hagens Berman to start making moves in numerous states.

“We are pleased the court has allowed our claims to continue and look forward to leading this case forward with something these affected Mustangs surely lack — speed and endurance,” managing partner of law firm Hagens Berman, Steve Berman, said in a statement. “The class of individuals who purchased these pricey pieces of history deserve to have more than a flashy trophy in their garage. They deserve to have a car that is capable of the track performance they were baited with.”

The international law firm also retweeted a story from The Drive this week, quoting Moreno as cautiously criticizing Ford’s marketing relating to the Mustang.

“Through product placement in James Bond movies and racing partnerships with figures like Carroll Shelby, Ford has spent half a century cultivating an aura of performance and adventure,” the judge wrote in his order. “But these Plaintiffs allege, to Lee Iacocca’s chagrin, that their cars are more like Pintos than Mustangs.”

The Mustang’s track-related issues seem quite a bit less dire than the Pinto fires. But it’s another item in what’s been a prolonged rough patch for Ford’s quality control. While automakers around the globe are perpetually subject to regulatory action and lawsuits relating to false promises, cost-cutting, and general defects, Ford has been getting some high-profile attention of late. While not all of that attention pertains to the Mustang, GT models equipped with the MT82 six-speed manual transmissions supplied by Getrag were hit with a lawsuit of their own. Ford has had a lot of issues with Getrag-sourced gearboxes, with the MT82 starting to get serious attention in 2020.

“The transmission is defective in its design, manufacturing, and or materials in that, among other problems, the transmission slips, jerks, clashes gears, and harshly engages; has premature internal wear, increased shift efforts, inability to drive, and eventually suffers a catastrophic failure,” states the lawsuit. “Ford repeatedly failed to disclose and actively concealed the defect from class members and the public and continues to market the class vehicles without disclosing the transmission defect.”

Problems are suspected to go back to 2010 and incorporates a 2011 investigation conducted by the NHTSA, though it failed to conclude the MT82 posed any “unreasonable” safety risks. The suit was originally filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California but has since been moved to the Eastern District of Michigan. Earlier this year, Ford also settled a class-action lawsuit pertaining to those pesky PowerShift DSP6 dual-clutches sold by Getrag and installed in Fiesta and Focus models between 2011 and 2016.

[Images: Ford Motor Co.]

Ford Recalling 661,000 Explorer SUVs for Real This Time

<img data-attachment-id="1467130" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2016/12/ford-fair-games-one-night-stands/17explorersport_315_azj_c1/" data-orig-file="http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ford-recalling-661000-explorer-suvs-for-real-this-time-6.jpg" data-orig-size="1280,853" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="2017 Ford Explorer Sport" data-image-description="

Image: Ford

” data-medium-file=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ford-recalling-661000-explorer-suvs-for-real-this-time-3.jpg” data-large-file=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ford-recalling-661000-explorer-suvs-for-real-this-time.jpg” class=”aligncenter size-large wp-image-1467130″ src=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ford-recalling-661000-explorer-suvs-for-real-this-time.jpg” alt=”2017 Ford Explorer Sport” width=”610″ height=”407″ srcset=”http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ford-recalling-661000-explorer-suvs-for-real-this-time.jpg 610w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ford-recalling-661000-explorer-suvs-for-real-this-time-2.jpg 75w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ford-recalling-661000-explorer-suvs-for-real-this-time-3.jpg 450w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ford-recalling-661000-explorer-suvs-for-real-this-time-4.jpg 768w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ford-recalling-661000-explorer-suvs-for-real-this-time-5.jpg 120w, http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ford-recalling-661000-explorer-suvs-for-real-this-time-6.jpg 1280w” sizes=”(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px”>

Ford Motor Co. is recalling over 660,000 2016-2019 model year Explorer sport utility vehicles over the suspect roof rails the company initially claimed were probably fine. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration got involved last year, following a string of complaints of the rail cover loosening and sometimes being jettisoned from the vehicle, and recommended the automaker bring them in for repairs.

But Blue Oval felt that was unnecessary, claiming the odds of one decoupling were extremely low and likely to be battened down before anything happens. Besides, they’re just fiddly little pieces of trim and unlikely to do much damage. Obviously, opinions have changed since then with documentation from the NHTSA confirming Ford is moving ahead with the mostly voluntary recall. 

A report, first shared by Reuters, verifies that Ford’s Critical Concerns Review Group was informed in May of 2020 — immediately after the NHTSA made its inquiry to the automaker. At the time there were 11 reports of detaching or loosening rail covers. Ford launched an investigation that wrapped in August of 2020, suggesting that the component was of low risk and would likely be noticed rattling long before it ended up flying off the car. However, Ford did extend its warranty to cover the issue for 10 years or 150,000 miles before this year’s recall was made.

The automaker met with regulators again in April. While Ford maintained that continued research showed the risks were low, especially in regard to heavier, plated roof rails, the NHTSA still wanted a recall. A compromise was reached and the recall now pertains exclusively to rail covers that have been painted silver or black. It looks like the thinner, plastic sleeves don’t stand up as well to the thermocycling created by direct sunlight — which is what Ford’s blaming their failure upon.

Customers will be receiving notifications from the manufacturer starting June 28th and can schedule an appointment to have their potentially warped rail covers replaced free of charge.

<img data-attachment-id="1550217" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2017/04/2018-ford-explorer/18-ford-explorer-sport_hr_01/" data-orig-file="http://ghostridermotorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ford-recalling-661000-explorer-suvs-for-real-this-time-11.jpg" data-orig-size="1280,805" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="18-ford-explorer-sport_hr_01" data-image-description="

Ford Motor Co

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[Images: Ford Motor Co.]

Toyota Expanding Indiana Assembly Line, Adding Two New SUVs

Toyota is moving production of the Sequoia to Texas and bringing two new three-row SUVs to its Indiana plant.

Toyota Motor will add two new, three-row SUVs to its already large line-up of sport-utility vehicles, the automaker announced.

Though Toyota revealed only a few details, it indicated one of the new models will be sold through the Toyota division, the other through Lexus. To bring them online, meanwhile, the Japanese giant plans to invest $803 million to upgrade its plant in Princeton, Indiana.

Since it was opened in 1998, Toyota has spent $6.6 billion on the Princeton factory, known as TMMI. It currently produces three Toyota-branded light trucks, the full-size Sequoia, the latest-generation Sienna minivan that is produced solely as a hybrid, and the Highlander SUV which is produced both in hybrid and conventional gas versions.

The plant soon will have a bit more space available, even without the upgrade. Production of the Sequoia model will be transferred to Toyota’s San Antonio plant in 2022. That’s part of a broader shift in its manufacturing footprint coinciding with the launch of a new Alabama factory that will operate as a joint venture with Mazda.

New SUVs will target growing families

Toyota Indiana plant (TMMI) exterior

Toyota is investing $803 million into its Princeton, Indiana plant to build two new large SUVs.

The new models going into TMMI will be “designed with the active Gen Y American family in mind,” Toyota officials said, meaning they will be offered with three rows and seating for up to eight. Today, the flagship brand offers four different three-row SUVs, the Highlander, 4Runner, Land Cruiser and Sequoia. Lexus offers three rows in its LX, GX and RX utility vehicles.

Both new models will be “electrified,” though Toyota did not say whether that means conventional hybrids, like the Highlander, or more advanced plug-in hybrids like the RAV4 Prime. Neither of the new models is expected to offer an all-electric drivetrain, though the automaker announced in February plans to introduce three battery-electric vehicles for the U.S. market by mid-decade. At that point, Toyota previously said, it expects to offer electrified options for virtually every product in its line-up.

“This investment and new vehicle lineup will allow us to continue our work with electrification, expand our portfolio to about 70 models globally by 2025, and meet the needs of our customers while we accelerate toward carbon neutrality,” Ted Ogawa, CEO of Toyota Motor America, said in a statement.

Toyota’s Indiana plant produces the Highlander and Sienna before adding the two new vehicles.

Plenty of tech for Gen Y buyers

The new SUVs will use some of Toyota’s newest technologies, starting with a smartphone-as-key system allowing a motorist to operate it through an app, rather than a conventional keyfob.

The app also will allow the new models to park remotely, letting a driver exit before trying to squeeze the SUV into a tight space. And while it is unclear where the technology will first be used, the SUVs also will “allow for hands-free driving in certain conditions.” That sounds similar to semi-autonomous technologies now coming to market such as Tesla’s Autopilot, General Motors’ Super Cruise and the upcoming Ford Blue Cruise. Toyota has not offered details, such as whether it will charge a subscription fee as its competitors do.

Toyota has invested heavily in autonomous vehicle research and this week revealed it will buy the self-driving vehicle arm of ride-sharing service Lyft for $550 million.

The plans for the TMMI plant are expected to create another 1,400 jobs. This also will mark the first time a Lexus model will be built at the factory.

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Automakers Suspend Operations, Change Equipment Due to Chip Shortage

Ford is temporarily suspending production at its Kansas City assembly plant to deal with the shortage.

Automakers continue to search for ways to deal with the semiconductor chip shortage impacting the industry on a global scale.

Most companies cut back production and shift available chip inventory to high-profit vehicles like pickup trucks. Seemingly no automaker is immune to the problem, including pricey luxury and sports car makers. Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and others all recently announced moves to deal with the shortage.

This week is not different with Daimler, Stellantis and Subaru reporting today they are taking new measures to account for current run of chip shortages, both in the U.S. and in other facilities around the world.

New announcements

Ford plans to extend the shutdowns at plants that build its F-150, Ford Transit, Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator, Ford Edge/Lincoln Nautilus and Ford Mustang. The Kansas City Assembly Plant that builds its top-selling F-150 and Transit commercial van suspend operations for the weeks of May 3 and 10. It’s currently closed down.

GM is slowing production of its van at its Wentzville plant to deal with the chip shortage.

The Flat Rock, Michigan plant, which builds the Mustang, and Chicago plant that builds the Explorer and Aviator will also be down the first two weeks of next month. They’ve been down since the week of April 12, according to Automotive News.

The company plans to continue the reduced production of its Super Duty and medium-duty trucks at the Ohio Assembly Plant near Cleveland.

General Motors plans to move its Wentzville (Missouri) Assembly plant from three shifts to just two on a temporary basis starting the week of April 26. It’s cutting van production at the site. Production of its midsize pickups, the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, are unaffected. The company just restarted operations at the facility last week after a two-week shutdown.

Other moves

In what may be the most novel approach to dealing with the issue thus far, Stellantis is using analog speedometers in some its Peugeot models instead of the digital ones they would normally come equipped with.

Mercedes C-Class line at Bremen 2021

Daimler is cutting hours for 18,500 workers at two plants in Germany as it waits for more chips.

The move affects only the Peugeot 308, Reuters reported, which are built in France. The brand sold about 98,000 of the 308 model last year. The 308 is being phased out this fall in favor of a new vehicle. The company may reduce the price as a result of the less advanced speedo.

Daimler plans to reduce hours for 18,500 employees and idle production at its Bremen and Rastatt plants in Germany. Bremen builds the C-Class as well as the GLC, GLC Coupe and the all-electric EQC. The Rastatt plant produces the A-Class hybrid as well as the A-Class sedan, B-Class and GLA compact SUV.

Japanese automaker Subaru Corp. revealed plans to temporarily suspend production at its plant in Lafayette, Indiana. The closure will be in place until the end of April, according to officials. It will affect about 15,000 vehicles for North America, officials noted. The company builds the Ascent, Outback, Legacy and Impreza at the site.

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Ford Makes Former Ambassador, Board Member Huntsman New Vice Chairman

Jon M. Huntsman, Jr.

Jon Huntsman will remain on Ford’s board of directors as he moves into the vice chairman role.

Ford Motor Co. is giving one of its outside directors a new title, vice chairman.

Jon Huntsman, who is described as a “vital” member of Ford’s board of directors, joins the company in a senior advisory position, the company said. Company directors Wednesday approved the appointment of Huntsman as vice chair, Policy, effective May 3.

He will advise Jim Farley, Ford’s president and CEO, and Executive Chair Bill Ford as the company considers and implements strategic policy choices during a period of profound industry change, including the transition to zero-emission battery electric vehicles, the company’s statement on Huntsman’s new role said.

Huntsman will remain on Ford’s board of directors, the automaker said.

Tasks for new role

Bill Ford will use the counsel of Huntsman on a variety of issues going forward.

In his new role, Huntsman will work closely with company teams across a range of disciplines, especially Government Relations; the Office of the General Counsel; and Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. He will represent Ford with certain government officials and influencers in the United States and other countries around the world, Ford said.

“Global policy is hugely important to transforming Ford and unlocking great value for customers and all stakeholders,” said Farley.

“Jon’s background, insights and achievements are unrivaled — as an ambassador and trade representative, a state governor and a public-company executive.”

Farley added that Huntsman is highly regarded by government, NGO and business leaders worldwide, including on both sides of the aisle in Washington, D.C.

Diplomatic experience

Ford CEO Jim Farley said Huntsman’s political experience will be invaluable to the automaker.

Huntsman was first elected to Ford’s board of directors in 2012, after serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the Peoples Republic of China during the Obama administration.

He resigned in September 2017 to become U.S. ambassador to Russia under President Donald Trump, Huntsman returned to the Ford board of directors in October of 2020 and is standing for re-election at the annual shareholders meeting on May 13.

He also served as ambassador to Singapore in the early 1990s under Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush. In a series of trade assignments, including two years as deputy U.S. trade representative under President George W. Bush, Huntsman negotiated dozens of trade and investment agreements in Asia Pacific and Africa.

Huntsman also was the Republican governor of Utah from January 2005 to August 2009. Earlier, he was an executive of Huntsman Corp., an innovative global chemicals company. Huntsman is also a member of the Chevron board of directors. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in International Politics.

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GM, Ford Among 3 Dozen Michigan-Based Companies Objecting to New Voter Restrictions

GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra was one of dozens of Michigan-based business leaders who signed a statement about voting rights.

Dozens of Michigan-based companies, including industry giants General Motors and Ford Motor Co., issued a strongly worded statement Tuesday objecting to Republican-sponsored bills that would make it more difficult to vote in Michigan and other states.

This marked the latest in a series of actions by some of the largest U.S. corporations to push back on GOP efforts to limit voting measures, such as mail-in ballots and access to ballot drop boxes, in the wake of former President Donald Trump’s defeat last November.

“Government must support equitable access to the ballot to ensure that all eligible voters can exercise their rights,” declared the statement issued by three-dozen Michigan companies. “Government must avoid actions that reduce participation in elections — particularly among historically disenfranchised communities, persons with disabilities, older adults, racial minorities and low-income voters.”

45 states target voting rights

Ford CEO Jim Farley

Jim Farley, Ford CEO, says ensuring “equitable access to voting” is critical to the long-term success of a free society.

After losing the presidential election, Trump declared the vote had been “stolen,” a claim universally rejected by election officials and the courts. But it has riled up hardcore supporters — like those who staged an attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, as well as Republican legislators who have introduced bills aimed at restricting voter access in 45 states.

A bill has already passed in Georgia containing numerous restrictions that even prohibit providing bottles of water to those waiting on line to vote. The new law’s language has been widely criticized as targeting the racial minorities who helped Democrats regain control of the U.S. Senate by voting in the state’s two Democratic senators.

Michigan is one of the states now moving forward with proposed legislation that would, among other things require a voter to attach a photocopy of a government ID when returning a mail-in ballot. It also would ban communities from issuing prepaid return ballot envelopes. The GOP-controlled Michigan Senate is preparing to hold hearings on the measure this month.

Business backlash

That has triggered a strong backlash among Michigan’s traditional GOP-leaning business community. Among the organizations that co-signed the statement Tuesday are the leaders of GM, Ford and Stellantis — the company formed this year by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. All four of the major Detroit-based sports teams signed the statement, as did various banks, utilities and other businesses.

Stellantis’ Mike Manley also lent his name to the letter calling for improved voting access.

Mary Barra, the GM CEO, issued an additional statement saying that, “we want to reiterate our belief that the right to vote is the essence of a democratic society and that the voice of every voter should be heard in elections that are conducted with integrity. Last year, we said we would leverage our voice to drive inclusion. Therefore, we are calling on Michigan lawmakers and state legislatures across the nation to ensure that any changes to voting laws result in protecting and enhancing the most precious element of democracy — the right for all eligible voters to have their voices included in a fair, free, and equitable manner.”

The 2020 election saw record voter turnout in much of the country, especially among blacks and other minorities that traditionally have turned out in lower numbers than whites. Michigan saw 5.5 million people go to the polls in November, a record in terms of raw numbers, as well as the highest percentage of the voting-age electorate in 60 years.

Senate leader under fire

The Senate measure in Michigan is being overseen by Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, a Republican who has himself come under fire for comments made on several occasions since Trump was defeated — the then-president losing to Joe Biden after winning in Michigan in 2016.

Donald Trump

President Donald Trump repeatedly claimed the 2020 election was stolen from him.

In February, a recording surfaced revealing that Shirkey told a gathering of Republicans that the Jan. 6 attack was a “hoax,” and had been “staged.” Shirkey said Tuesday the proposed state ballot bill would ensure that every vote will be “handled and counted the same.” He contended that the measure is a “perfunctory step to equitable access.”

The statement issued by Michigan business leaders on Tuesday did not specify what, if any, actions they might take if the bill were approved. Major businesses have taken more direct action in response to the passage and signing of the Georgia law, however.

A nation polarized

Major state businesses, including Delta Airlines and Coca-Cola spoke out harshly. Some have indicated they will consider shifting resources out of the state. Major League Baseball moved the annual All-Star Game to Colorado. And some film and TV projects have been relocated, as well.

The debate about voting rights comes at a time when the nation is as polarized as ever. The majority of Republicans believe the 2020 election was “stolen,” according to numerous polls, even though many major GOP leaders have dismissed such claims.

President Joe Biden took office in January despite claims of voter fraud.

One of the more significant developments has been a shift by many major corporations, a number of which have pulled back on political donations, especially to GOP campaigns.

Protecting the “historically disenfranchised”

In comments to company employees last week, Ford CEO Jim Farley stressed that the company “believes that equitable access to voting rights for all people is the bedrock of a democratic society.”

Echoing widespread concerns that proposed voter restrictions are aimed at minorities, Farley added, “We’re also aware that the right to vote in a free and fair election has been hard won in our nation, particularly for groups that have been historically disenfranchised. That’s why we support initiatives that promote equitable access and do not disproportionately affect any segment of the population.”

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