AllAmericanAutoBlog

2011 NASCAR SCHEDULE

2010-08-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

2011 NASCAR Schedule

Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Truck series shake up the lineup

By Official Release
August 18, 2010
05:06 PM EDT

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The 2011 NASCAR schedule has been realigned based on input from the track operators and the industry to better accommodate fan interest and competition in all three national series. The revised schedule provides better situated dates for the tracks, a more challenging lineup for the drivers and ultimately more intrigue for the fans.
Sprint Cup Series
• The series' 36-race schedule will feature two realigned events. A second Kansas date follows the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte and will be held on June 5.
• For the first time in a decade the Cup Series realigns to a new track with a race at Kentucky on July 9.
• And the Chase starts on Sept. 18 at Chicago -- NASCAR's second largest market -- and will lead to a big start to 10-race playoff system.
Nationwide Series / Camping World Truck Series
• The 2011 schedule for the Nationwide Series is highlighted by a second race at Iowa and Chicago.
• The 2011 schedule for the Truck Series will see nine updated events, including moving Phoenix to the spring from the fall; Darlington to March from August; and the Kansas event to June along with the new Cup Series date.
• One Truck Series date is still TBA.
• All three national series will begin the season with Speedweeks at Daytona with the weekend culminated by the Daytona 500 on Feb. 20. The traditional non-points Budweiser Shootout will provide fans a Cup Series preview on Feb. 12. Additionally, qualifying for the Daytona 500 returns to its traditional day on Sunday, Feb. 13.
• All three series will end their seasons with another tradition -- Ford Championship Weekend on Nov. 18-20 at Homestead.

	CUP SERIES		NATIONWIDE SERIES		TRUCK SERIES

Feb. 12	Budweiser Shootout *
Feb. 17	Gatorade Duel *
Feb. 20	Daytona	Feb. 19	Daytona	Feb. 18	Daytona
Feb. 27	Phoenix	Feb. 26	Phoenix	Feb. 25	Phoenix
March 6	Las Vegas	March 5	Las Vegas
				March 12	Darlington
March 20	Bristol	March 19	Bristol
March 27	Fontana	March 26	Fontana
April 3	Martinsville			April 2	Martinsville
April 9	Texas	April 8	Texas
April 17	Talladega	April 16	Talladega
		April 23	Nashville	April 22	Nashville
April 30	Richmond	April 29	Richmond
May 7	Darlington	May 6	Darlington
May 15	Dover	May 14	Dover	May 13	Dover
May 21	All-Star Race *	May 22	Iowa	May 20	Charlotte
May 29	Charlotte	May 28	Charlotte
June 5	Kansas	June 4	Chicago	June 4	Kansas
June 12	Pocono			June 10	Texas
June 19	Michigan	June 18	Michigan
June 26	Sonoma	June 25	Road America
July 2	Daytona	July 1	Daytona
July 9	Kentucky	July 8	Kentucky
July 17	Loudon	July 16	Loudon	July 16	Iowa
		July 23	Nashville	July 22	Nashville
July 31	Indianapolis	July 30	ORP	July 29	ORP
Aug. 7	Pocono	Aug. 6	Iowa	Aug. 6	Pocono
Aug. 14	Watkins Glen	Aug. 13	Watkins Glen
Aug. 21	Michigan	Aug. 20	Montreal	Aug. 20	Michigan
Aug. 27	Bristol	Aug. 26	Bristol	Aug. 24	Bristol
Sept. 4	Atlanta	Sept. 3	Atlanta	Sept. 2	Atlanta
Sept. 10	Richmond	Sept. 9	Richmond
Sept. 18	Chicago	Sept. 17	Chicago	Sept. 16	Chicago
Sept. 25	Loudon			Sept. 24	Loudon
Oct. 2	Dover	Oct. 1	Dover	Oct. 1	Kentucky
Oct. 9	Kansas	Oct. 8	Kansas
Oct. 15	Charlotte	Oct. 14	Charlotte	Oct. 15	Las Vegas
Oct. 23	Talladega			Oct. 22	Talladega
Oct. 30	Martinsville			Oct. 29	Martinsville
Nov. 6	Texas	Nov. 5	Texas	Nov. 4	Texas
Nov. 13	Phoenix	Nov. 12	Phoenix
Nov. 20	Homestead	Nov. 19	Homestead	Nov. 18	Homestead

GM Expand to Mexico

2010-08-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

The latest news GM is spending $650 million to expand into Mexico

As the employment numbers continue to rise General Motors announces they will be expanding into Mexico, by building a manufacturing plant. There is no good reason for General Motors to be doing this, other companies from outside the US are building plants here, Korea, Japan, Germany are just a few. What can GM say to justify this when so many Americans are out of work. The plant when completed will employ up to 1,800 and produce as many as 160,000 compact cars, as reported by the New York Times. This to me makes no logical since and on appearance seems to be un-American when we look at the present immigration situation. If the reason given will be for cheaper labor cost, then renegotiate those union contracts to gain parity, the time for that is ripe given our economic situation.

For more information follow the above link

Chils_Rides

Car Bumper Crashes Are Costly Watch Hummer and other SUVs Cr

2010-08-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

FORD EXPLORER: REDEFINING SUVs

2010-08-01T23:31:00.000-07:00

FORD EXPLORER: REDEFINING SUVs WITH BOLD DESIGN, PRECISION CRAFTSMANSHIP AND ‘QUIET’ QUALITY

All-new Ford Explorer delivers a bold new design – yet is instantly recognizable as an Explorer and a Ford – and raises the bar on customers’ expectations for a modern, capable, fuel-efficient SUV with unsurpassed aerodynamics
World-class Explorer craftsmanship mandates precision engineering to uniform tolerances and margin gaps, adding high-quality materials and soft-touch trim to change customer perceptions about SUV fit, finish and quality
The vehicle engineering team behind the new Explorer went to new heights – literally – to validate the attributes, capabilities, performance and fuel economy for a game-changing SUV
A smooth, quiet ride results from the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) team sweating the details throughout the virtual, prototype and validation phases of Explorer development

DEARBORN, Mich., July 26, 2010 – The 2011 Ford Explorer has been redesigned from bottom to top, inside and out, to reflect a contemporary vision of what customers today want in a modern SUV.

“Ford has changed everything about the all-new Explorer, yet it’s still instantly and instinctively recognizable as a Ford Explorer,” said Moray Callum, executive director of North America Design. “We believe that’s because it’s a contemporary interpretation of the same capabilities Explorer has always stood for, without compromise.”

“The all-new Explorer combines bold, evocative design language with a wind- and noise-cheating aerodynamic shape on a rigid unibody platform,” said Melvin Betancourt, design manager. “Explorer has the height, stance, ground clearance and SUV cues that clearly indicate its off-the-beaten-path capabilities.”

The Explorer design team was challenged with reinterpreting the segment-defining icon as a modern, contemporary SUV for the 21st century.

“The new Explorer starts with proportions and stance,” Betancourt said. “Its agile, fluid lines combine with the muscular toned sheet metal, delivering athletic good looks and unsurpassed aerodynamics. The liftgate spoiler lip and the flexible lower air dam – integrated into the fascia – harmonize to provide wind tunnel-proven fuel economy. Blackened rockers lift the eye, denoting Explorer’s rugged four-wheel-drive capability and driver empowerment.”

Strong, body-color C-pillars and blackened D-pillars are traditional Explorer cues, while the blackened A-pillars and B-pillars provide a fresh new wraparound daylight opening.

Explorer’s design is connected to Ford brand DNA through wheel flares inspired by the current Mustang and a body-side undercut that follows current Taurus design protocol, Betancourt explained. “Up front, Explorer has a new interpretation of the Ford signature three-bar grille. Below the bumper, the Ford DNA trapezoidal lower grille provides visual continuity across Ford vehicles on the showroom floor.”

Standard roof rack, rounded corners, shorter overhang, and aggressive wheels and tires provide the rugged cues that customers recognize in an SUV.

From the rear, LED stop lamps glow from the jewel-like taillamp cluster. The Explorer name projects from the rear liftgate appliqué.

Inside Explorer: Soft touches and upscale seating for seven

As with the exterior, the Explorer interior design brief was to modernize, making soft-touch surfaces and occupant comfort key priorities. A goal was to make the Explorer interior a three-row medium for the technology, convenience and connectivity it contains, while inspiring driver confidence in dynamic driving on any road, anytime, anywhere.

The feeling of the interior is one of an upscale, premium vehicle, from the choice of materials to the high levels of fit-and-finish.

“Make it look expensive: That was my goal for the new Explorer interior,” said Mike Arbaugh, interior studio manager. “This is a vehicle that challenges higher-end SUVs like BMW X5 and Audi Q7, so the interior design, craftsmanship and fit-and-finish should play in that league.”

The new Explorer interior package is a best-of-both-worlds approach, combining premium European design cues – imparting a sense of driving dynamics – with a sophisticated and uniquely American familiarity. The graceful, seamless flow from instrument panel into the doors and the forward-leaning center stack reflect the sporty, European theme while the command seating position bestows the sense of security so important to SUV buyers.

The Explorer interior package also reflects the latest iteration of Ford DNA storage thoughtfully arranged throughout the cabin, including clever spaces for everything active families like to take along.

“As a designer and an audiophile, I’m really excited about the metal speaker grilles in the door panels,” said Arbaugh. “They impart SUV ruggedness, they look technical and expensive, and they offer superior sound transparency.”

Instrument and door panels all reflect soft-touch surfaces, making the Explorer interior environment more pleasing from both aesthetic and tactile perspectives. Cloth interior surfaces – including the black headliner – are comprised of 25 percent recycled content. Seating foam from environmentally friendly soy-based content helps Explorer keep it green.

“The modern design, soft-touch surfaces and chrome accents harmonize to give the new Explorer an upscale aura we think customers will really appreciate in a three-row, fully capable SUV,” said Arbaugh. “The media hub and MyFord Touch^™ driver connect technology not only reflects SUV buyer lifestyles, it enhances them.”

World-class craftsmanship

The new Explorer elevates the importance of SUV fit-and-finish, not just for North American customers but on a global stage. Explorer is the most exported North American nameplate in the Ford brand portfolio. To that end, the 2011 Explorer was designed and developed to exceed not only North American standards, but global standards for the execution of interior surfaces and the absence of protruding edges.

Meeting these global standards called for tighter surface margin gaps and tolerances, equal to or better than Audi. While this presented some challenges for the interior design team, it also served to underpin the advance in Explorer interior craftsmanship and quality.

A global internal Ford craftsmanship and quality process was instituted with Explorer development, providing metrics and benchmarks to include better quality materials, with enhanced focus on how well interior and exterior parts come together.

Taken to new heights

As part of Ford’s global product development system, Explorer was subject to extreme testing while still in the virtual computer-aided design phase. Issues identified and addressed in the virtual realm help deliver a higher quality vehicle when prototype build begins. Then these running prototypes are tested and validated to ensure that the attributes targeted at the outset are delivered for customers.

The Explorer vehicle engineering team took prototypes over Colorado’s 13,114-foot Imogene Pass, buried them in deep sand in the California desert, carved through snow in Minnesota and Northern Michigan, traversed a slippery red clay mud bog in Alabama, and logged countless development and validation miles at both Arizona and Michigan proving grounds.

The goal: Deliver a durable, high-quality, fully capable and fuel-efficient SUV for today’s customers in more than 90 countries around the world.

Quietly capable

The 2011 Explorer was designed and developed to deliver best-in-class levels of NVH control and to rival premium SUVs in quietness. Customer research told the Explorer development team that the interior of an SUV should be serene and soothing.

Explorer’s quiet ride began in the design phase. A unibody configuration with fewer parts means reduced opportunity for squeaks and rattles. The front bolster housing the radiator is one single component, whereas a key competitor requires 11 separate pieces to perform the identical function. In addition, Explorer features a hydroformed front structure to add strength, save weight and reduce NVH.

Explorer development employed NoiseVision technology and statistical modeling to optimize NVH balance. NoiseVision consists of a sphere with hundreds of tiny cameras and microphones that allow engineers to pinpoint individual sounds at various frequency bands. This enables isolation and correction of potential noises early in the process.

To provide a quiet ride, Explorer features acoustic-laminated glass, an acoustic headliner, a driver’s side hush panel, full-perimeter hood seal, underbelly pan, a lofted high-density hood insulator, mass-backed barrier carpet and mastic floor treatment. Inner-dash and tunnel insulators, a dash doubler, a spare tire carpet cover door, liftgate and pillar trim absorbers all contribute to interior quietness.

Statistical modeling was employed to tune Explorer sounds. Customers prefer some engine noise – upon acceleration, for example. This analytical measure helps engineers to balance eradication of unwanted sounds, yet accommodate for sounds that appeal to drivers.

# # #

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln andMercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010, and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

FORD DEBUTS NEW TELEVISION AD ON BET

2010-07-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

FORD LAUNCHES 2011 FORD FIESTA IN URBAN MARKET; DEBUTS NEW TELEVISION AD ON BET

2011 Ford Fiesta
Click here to download related image.

Ford is launching the all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta in the urban market with an advertising campaign built around the program, “Inspired By Color”
The campaign includes an industry-first custom e-zine, a magazine that lives online, which seamlessly incorporates the Fiesta in addition to a television commercial that will begin airing on BET this week
The new campaign shares the same nontraditional approach that defines the Fiesta launch within the general market while blending style and technology in order to highlight the key features of the vehicle

DEARBORN, Mich., June 3, 2010 – The all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta turns up its style quotient this week with the launch of an urban marketing campaign that finds the Fiesta gracing the pages of a custom fashion e-zine that was designed to appeal to the interests of consumers while providing a unique way to highlight the new vehicle and its key features.

"Our goal was to create a unique program that truly embodied the spirit of the Fiesta," said Shawn Lollie, Ford Multicultural Marketing manager. "The Fiesta has an expressive, vibrant design and we wanted to tap into those style attributes in a way that was relevant to our target audience while engaging them using platforms that are very much a part of their everyday lives."

The urban ad campaign for the new Fiesta—which arrives in dealer showrooms this summer—includes a TV spot that will air on BET as well as radio, print and a digital execution which prominently features the custom “Inspired by Color” e-zine.

Research shows that one of the largest consumer groups in the small car segment are young African Americans and to increase initial awareness of the Fiesta in the African American community, Ford launched a program in April called “Inspired by Color,” which challenged people to use their own personal style to connect with the colors and distinct features of the new Fiesta.

More than 150 people turned out for a casting call at Howard University in Washington, D.C, dressed in a Fiesta-inspired way. Five finalists were chosen at the event and each of them now appears in the new television ad for Ford's all-new small car.

“Inspired by Color” E-Zine
A custom “Inspired by Color” fashion e-zine was created to highlight the entire program while incorporating key features of the vehicle in a format that is both robust and highly interactive. The custom publication will live onwww.fordurban.com and will link back to viral video footage and content stemming from the “Inspired by Color” casting call event. In addition to a heavy emphasis around the vehicle and its features, all five of the finalists will appear in the e-zine and will have an opportunity to showcase their experience and how the vehicle inspired their personal style.

“The team really looked at the target consumer and the activities they are engaged in within their daily lives when creating this publication,” said Lollie. “We knew they were online and we also knew they were predominately female and very interested in fashion. Inside the publication you really get to see how the Fiesta inspires and what sort of reactions the vehicle generates.”

2011 Ford Fiesta ad: A user-generated approach
A new 30-second television ad for the Fiesta will debut this week on BET. Unlike traditional commercials, the Fiesta ad will feature a user-generated experience that has more of a grassroots feel to it. All five of the winners of the “Inspired by Color” casting call appear in the advertisement and get a chance to show off their style and the unique features of the vehicle. From the class-exclusive push button start to the SYNC® hands-free communications and entertainment system and Fiesta’s class-leading 40 mpg, key features of the Fiesta are highlighted throughout the ad.

In addition to the broadcast and digital execution, Ford has also partnered with Vibe Magazine on a tie-in associated with the campaign that will run in print as well as with BET and The Travelista's, a lifestyle traveling duo, who will be driving a 2011 Ford Fiesta as part of a custom webisode airing on www.bet.com.

The entire urban advertising campaign for the new Fiesta was created by The UniWorld Group, Ford's African American advertising agency of record.

For more information on the “Inspired by Color” program or to view the e-zine please visit www.fordurban.com.

2011 Ford Fiesta: A hit before leaving the gate
Going on sale this summer, the all-new Fiesta features an expressive, vibrant design, sharp reflexes, and a global track record that will redefine U.S. small car customers’ expectations. Featuring class-leading technologies and best-in-class highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, Fiesta brings efficiency and convenience together in one package.

It’s designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable. In fact, Fiesta is expected will deliver best-in-class convenience and connectivity with the segment-exclusive SYNC® voice-activated communications system, as well as an expressive color palette and available graphics.

NEW 2011 LINCOLN MKX

2010-07-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

NEW 2011 LINCOLN MKX DELIVERS BEST-IN-CLASS

POWER, TORQUE AND FUEL ECONOMY

NEW 2011 LINCOLN MKX DELIVERS BEST-IN-CLASS POWER, TORQUE AND FUEL ECONOMY

2011 Lincoln MKX
Click here to download related images.

2011 Lincoln MKX receives official certification by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with best-in-class fuel economy of any luxury midsize crossover, delivering 19 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway
2011 Lincoln MKX also boasts best-in-class 305 horsepower, 40 more than the outgoing product, and 280 lb.-ft. of torque versus all V6 competitors
New 3.7-liter V6 engine employs several fuel-efficient strategies that also improve performance, including twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff and battery management

DEARBORN, Mich., July 7, 2010 – The 2011 Lincoln MKX is the newest vehicle in the premium maker's lineup to offer best-in-class horsepower and torque and the best fuel economy of any luxury crossover vehicle on the market.

The 2011 Lincoln MKX received final fuel economy certification this week, achieving 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, with a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, topping all competitors, including the Lexus RX350, Cadillac SRX and BMW X5, with not only horsepower but now fuel efficiency as well.

"The new 2011 MKX is the latest vehicle to deliver on Lincoln's commitment of industry-leading performance and fuel efficiency," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president, Global Product Development. "It offers no compromises with best-in-class fuel economy, horsepower and torque."

2011 Lincoln MKX vs. the Competition

	City	Highway	Combined
2011 Lincoln MKX 3.7L V6 FWD	19	26	21
2010 Acura ZDX 3.7L V6 AWD	16	23	19
2010 Audi Q5 3.2L V6 AWD	18	23	20
2011 BMW X5 3.0L V6 4WD	17	25	20
2010 Cadillac SRX 3.0L V6 FWD	18	25	21
2010 Infiniti FX35 3.5L V6 RWD	16	23	19
2010 Lexus RX350 3.5L V6 FWD	18	25	21
2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350 3.5L V6 FWD	16	21	18
2010 Volkswagen Touareg 3.6L V6 4WD	14	19	16
2010 Volvo XC70 AWD	16	22	18

*All numbers certified by the EPA. Best-in-class numbers in bold

The horsepower of the 2011 Lincoln MKX has increased to 305 – a 15 percent increase compared to the outgoing product – while torque has increased 12 percent to 280 lb.-ft.

"The Lincoln MKX doesn't sacrifice power to receive its great fuel economy," Kuzak said. "Our engineers were able to deliver an increase in power and torque in a fashion that reflects the luxurious driving experience that Lincoln is known for."

Lincoln's first-ever hybrid – the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – was recently named the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America, delivering 41 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway. This tops the vehicle's nearest competitor – the Lexus HS 250h – by 6 mpg.

The 2010 Lincoln MKT with EcoBoost™ continues to provide better gas highway fuel economy – 21 mpg – than any other all-wheel-drive vehicle in its class.

For the 2011 MKX, engineers integrated the new 3.7-liter V6 engine, which uses twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to increase the vehicle's power and fuel economy. The broadened torque curve allows the intake valve to be advanced, delivering about a 10 percent power increase compared to non-Ti-VCT engines. Variable timing control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts helps extract more energy from each drop of fuel, leading to a 4.5 percent improvement in fuel economy.

The engine also employs a control strategy called aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff to save fuel. This strategy shuts off the engine when the driver doesn't need engine torque. It uses the momentum from the torque delivered to the transmission to move the vehicle, rather than more fuel.

"The 2011 Lincoln MKX will continue to propel the Lincoln lineup that is already ahead of the curve," Kuzak said.

The 2011 Lincoln MKX continues to reinforce Ford Motor Company's record largest increase in fuel economy gains over the past five years, according to the EPA.

###

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010, and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

Cadillac Media - United States - News

2010-05-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

Cadillac Media - United States - News

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2010-05-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

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Cadillac Media - United States - News

2010-05-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

Cadillac Media - United States - News

Turbocharging Equals Fuel Economy and Performance on Cruze Ecotec

2010-05-28T11:39:00.001-07:00

2010-05-26

The turbocharger’s on-demand performance in the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is like having two engines in the same vehicle – one for fuel economy and one for power.

Proper sizing of the turbocharger allows the small 1.4L engine to sip fuel under lighter driving conditions because the extra turbo power, normally associated with a larger sized engine, is held in reserve.

The turbocharger’s performance-boosting advantage comes from forcing greater airflow into the engine. Its pressurized charge packs more air into the cylinders, allowing them to process the air and fuel normally associated with a larger engine for improved acceleration.

The Cruze’s turbocharger is lubricated by engine oil and is liquid cooled for long-term durability and reliability. The pressurized air charge is cooled via an air-to-air intercooling system prior to entering the engine. This lowers the temperature of the inlet air for more effective boost charge and combustion efficiency. The turbocharger system does not require any special maintenance.

The Ecotec 1.4L turbo is standard on Eco, LT and LTZ models and helps the Cruze Eco achieve an estimated 138 horsepower, 148 pound feet of torque and 40 mpg on the highway (with a standard six-speed manual transmission), which is expected to be the best fuel economy in the compact segment.

ALL-NEW FORD FIESTA DELIVERS 40 MPG; TOPS CLASS IN FUEL ECONOMY

2010-05-22T23:55:00.000-07:00

2011 FORD FIESTA:

‘IT’S A PRETTY BIG DEAL’

The same type of out-of-the-box thinking that led to the groundbreaking Fiesta Movement social media initiative is reflected in a new ad campaign to launch Ford’s all-new small car, the 2011 Ford Fiesta.
Click here to download related images.

Ford is launching the all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta with a broad-reaching advertising campaign built around the theme, “It’s a pretty big deal”
The new campaign shares the same nontraditional approach that defined the Fiesta Movement, an initiative that introduced the new small car to consumers through socially vibrant agents who have been driving Fiestas in monthly themed missions and relating their experiences through social media sites
The campaign also includes a significant multicultural element to reach out to two of the largest consumer groups in the small car segment – young African Americans and Hispanics

Follow the above link for more information

Red hot Camarro

2010-05-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

DUBed OUT MUSTANG

2010-05-06T03:21:00.000-07:00

DUB EDITION 2011 FORD MUSTANG BRINGS UNIQUE STYLE TO NEW GENERATION OF BUYERS

Mustang DUB edition

2011 DUB Edition Mustang introduces Ford Mustang to a whole new generation of buyers

· Based on the new 305-hp Mustang V-6, the DUB Edition will sport 20-inch TIS wheels and Pirelli tires and be available in coupe, convertible and Glass Roof body styles

· The 2011 Mustang V-6 coupe uses advanced technologies and improved aerodynamics to become the first production vehicle to make 300-plus hp and return 30-plus mpg highway

DEARBORN, Mich., May 3, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is teaming up with automotive lifestyle magazine DUB to roll out a specially customized version of the new 2011 Mustang, introducing the iconic sports car to a new generation of enthusiasts.

The DUB Edition Mustang is based on Ford’s outstanding new 3.7-liter V-6 Mustang and will be available this fall. A collaboration between Ford, DUB and Roush Industries, the DUB Edition Mustang will be offered as a coupe, convertible or with the best-of-both-worlds Glass Roof option. Both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available.

“The Ford Mustang is the most customized vehicle in the world, and this collaboration pushes the boundaries even further,” said Fritz Wilke, Mustang brand manager. “We’re proud of our relationship with DUB and Roush and how they worked together to bring a new look to Mustang, helping the 2011 DUB Edition Mustang V-6 appeal to a whole new audience.”

Available only with Ford’s new high-tech, 305-horsepower DOHC 3.7-liter V-6, the DUB Edition Mustang will offer:

· 20-inch TIS wheels with Pirelli performance tires

· Roush front fascia and splitter

· Roush quarter window louvers and windshield banner

· Roush lowering springs

· Coupe, convertible or Glass Roof body style

· Six-speed manual or automatic transmission

· 3.31 rear axle ratio for spirited acceleration

· DUB logo embroidered in front headrest and DUB stripe package

· Black interior

· Choice of four exterior colors: Black, Grabber Blue, Race Red or Ingot Silver

“Working with Ford and Roush is an honor and has been a dream come true for DUB,” said Myles Kovacs, president and co-founder of DUB magazine. “The Mustang is such an iconic muscle car and has always been a customizer’s favorite. The DUB Edition Mustang stays true to its roots, but I think we’ve successfully brought a ton of hustle to the muscle.”

About the 2011 Mustang V-6

For 2011, Mustang is available with a lightweight, all-new high-performance powerplant. Displacing 3.7 liters, the double-overhead-cam (DOHC) 24-valve V-6 uses Ford’s Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) to produce remarkable power output – 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque – while still achieving up to 31 mpg highway.

Drivers can get the most out of the new V-6 engine using either an all-new six-speed manual or automatic transmission. With either choice comes the flexibility and fuel economy benefit of six forward ratios.

The 2011 Mustang has also received enhancements to its chassis to maintain the outstanding balance and driving behavior Mustang owners expect. Combined with state-of-the-art safety and technology features, the 2011 Mustang sets a new standard in the sports coupe class.

# # #

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

Chrysler Group LLC: Chrysler Corporate Blog - Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Chrysler Financial, Mopar, GEM

2010-05-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

Chrysler Group LLC: Chrysler Corporate Blog - Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Chrysler Financial, Mopar, GEM

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid vs. Camry Hybrid, Altima Hybrid, and Malibu Hybrid - Comparison Tests

2010-04-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Check out the head to head on some of the Hybrids on the market today, seems the winner is an American car, forth place is also an American model, at least America has two in the running.

Chill's Ride's

Green Cars Can Be Great Cars

2010-04-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is in the company of some really cool cars, follow the link above to read the article. Hybrids seem to be the wave of the future, with the uncertainties of the oil industry. Check it out and post a comment, let me know what you think

Chill's Ride's

Buy American Now

2010-04-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

The push is on for Americans to start buying American cars. Here is US News Reports their reason for purchasing America, I would love to hear your viewpoint on this subject.

Chill's Ride's

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco

2010-04-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

Chevrolet is talking gas mileage; the reasons to buy American just keeps on piling up. Here's an article from Road and Track Magazine after visiting the New York Auto Show.

Who needs a hybrid, or a diesel, when you’ve got the Chevrolet Cruz Eco?

By Matt DeLorenzo | Photos by Marc Urbano

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco

While the wraps have been off the Chevrolet Cruze for some time, the bowtie division cruises into the New York show with a new model, the Eco, and a new RS trim level for this entry-level 4-door sedan.

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco, with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine mated to a 6-speed automatic, returns 40 mpg highway. Jim Campbell, Chevrolet’s vice president of Marketing, says the Cruz Eco “delivers hybrid-like efficiency without the price tag.”

The 1.4-liter turbo Ecotec engine produces 138 bhp and 148 lb ft of torque. Chevy estimates that the Cruze models equipped with this engine will have a highway range of 500 miles.

Among the features that enable the Cruze Eco to return such impressive high fuel economy are unique 17-in. lightweight wheels, low-rolling-resistance tires, an upper grille with more closeouts to improve aerodynamics, a lowered ride height and a special lower grille shutter that closes at speed for better air flow. Other aero devices include a front air dam extension, the use of underbody panels to seal off the floorpan, and a rear spoiler.

Instead of the 6-speed automatic, buyers will be able to opt for a 6-speed manual with optimized gear ratios that will deliver similar fuel economy and a 0 to 60 mph time of about 10 seconds. The automatic, according to Chevy, is nearly a second quicker to 60. The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco goes on sale this fall.

In addition to the regular lineup of Cruze LS (which comes with a 136-bhp normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine), LT and LTZ trim levels, Chevrolet will also offer the RS, which features unique front and rear fascias, rocker extensions, a rear spoiler and fog lamps. The upgraded instruments include chrome accent rings and opaque bezels that allow the instruments blue backlighting to shine through.

   Let me tell you, I'm being impressed more and more each day by what General Motors is doing today with the new they are adding to their line-up of automobiles. Just imagine what kind of mileage can be obtained if this were offered in a Hybrid, They probably have plans to do just that.

   I'm interest in what you think, post a comment give me your feed back on how Detroit is doing.

   I'm planning on doing some road test soon, and will be posting my observations and opinions as I do.

   Chill's Rides

Yahoo News Ask; SHOULD YOU BUY AMERICAN NOW?

2010-04-03T07:11:00.000-07:00

I began this blog voicing my opinion that there is no reason today not to buy American auto's hence the name AllAmericanAutoBlog. This morning on my Yahoo News page this article was posted, it speaks for itself and share my view exactly.

Should You Buy American Now?

How things change. Last year at this time the news was filled with stories of the demise of the American auto industry. Pundits crowed that years of building poor-quality products, and a refusal to keep pace with changing consumer demands -- not to mention a global recession -- had finally done the American auto industry in.

Now, just about a year later, the story is runaway Toyotas, while domestic automakers reap awards and revenue. So, now that the shoe is on the other foot, should you buy an American car now? Here are five reasons why you should -- and for each of those, a few counter arguments on why you shouldn't

1. You Can Get a Great Deal

You'd think that domestic automakers making their way back from the brink would be bad news for consumers. After all, amid bailouts and dealership closings, carmakers were desperate for sales and offered some pretty incredible deals. But now, with Toyota in trouble, the venerable Japanese brand is the one rolling out the deals. And American automakers have followed suit. Right now Ford and Chevrolet are offering zero-percent financing on most of their lineup, including customer favorites like the Chevy Traverse and Ford Escape

Of course, the American brands aren't the only ones trying to match the Toyota deals. Mazda is currently offering zero-percent financing on some of its models, and Volkswagen has brought some of its financing rates down to less than two percent. Finally, you can't forget those Toyota deals -- most of the lineup is available with zero-percent financing, though the deals do vary by region.

2. Quality is High

J.D. Power just released its annual Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and it may finally put to rest the conventional wisdom that American brands are short on quality. The top two midsize cars for dependability are the Buick LaCrosse and Mercury Milan, while the Cadillac CTS and Lincoln MKZ land in the top three of the Entry Premium Vehicle class, beating out cars from BMW and Lexus. Plus, seven of the 10 vehicle brands with the lowest problem rates come from Ford and GM. Not too shabby.

But, quality isn't just up for American brands -- it's up across the entire industry. From 2009, J.D. Power reports that overall vehicle dependability has increased by seven percent. The study also found that 25 of 36 brands in the study showed an improvement in dependability from 2009. So yes, it's easy to find a quality American car now, but the same is true of almost any manufacturer.

3. You Can Still Go Green

American automakers have been lambasted for focusing on large trucks and SUVs at the expense of small cars, but that doesn't mean that imports are your only green options. In fact, American car makers have introduced a bunch of well-respected hybrids. The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the 2010 North American Car of the Year, while GM has brought hybrid technology to its large trucks and SUVs. While their fuel economy isn't standout by most hybrid standards, getting midsize car fuel economy from an SUV that can seat eight and tow a boat is still pretty outstanding. Plus, other hybrids like the Mercury Mariner Hybrid have made it possible for families who need space and utility to save on gas and emissions. Finally, the highly anticipated Chevy Volt can run on electricity alone for up to 40 miles.

Of course, lots of imports also have green options. The Toyota Prius is a green movement icon, and the Lexus RX Hybrid gives buyers a luxury SUV option. German makes like BMW, Audi and Volkswagens don't have wide-scale hybrid operations, but they do have clean-burning, ultra-efficient diesel engines in some of their cars. Finally, Nissan is slated to start selling its LEAF electric vehicle, which can reportedly go 100 miles between charges, later this year. Red, white and blue aren't your only options when going green.

4. They're Class Leaders

Today's American cars can not only stand up to the competition -- they can beat it. In U.S. News' car rankings, American cars currently dominate the top spots in the midsize and large car classes. The top five affordable midsize SUVS are American, and when it comes to compact and large SUVs, two of the top three models in both classes are from domestic manufacturers. Of course, you can't forget those trucks that domestic automakers do so well -- the top six full size pickups are all American.

If you're looking for a small car, however, imports tend to beat American entries. Honda has the top two affordable small cars, with Hyundai taking the number three spot. In fact, when it comes to small cars you have to get to the nineteenth car on the list before an American model shows up. Of course, part of the reason is because domestic automakers make fewer small models.

5. You'll Help American Workers

When the federal government gave bailout money to General Motors and Chrysler, few people were happy about it. But the decision rested on the fact that allowing those two companies to fail would have not only hurt those two companies, but would have caused a ripple effect through the economy. Think about it: if GM went under, its suppliers would have lost business, and its dealers would have gone under. Even seemingly unrelated industries, like radio and TV, would have suffered from lost advertising revenue. Now that the industry is stabilizing, by buying American you're supporting a giant part of the economy. The sale doesn't just help the dealer. It helps everyone connected with the dealer, from the people who clean the dealership floors at night to the radio station who runs the dealership's ads, to the factory worker who assembled your car and the suppliers who provided the parts to do it. Plus, if Chrysler and GM increase their sales, the taxpayers could get more of their money back.

The flip side is, the same is true when you buy from almost any dealership. While other car makes may not have gotten U.S. government funds, all are enmeshed in the economy at both the local and national level. All of the dealerships, regardless of what kind of car they sell, employ people in your community, so a sale helps them out too. Plus, most imports have factories and suppliers in the U.S. as well. Then there's the dirty little secret that while most American cars are built here, many aren't. Buying American doesn't necessarily mean that all of your purchase money stays here any more than buying an import means that all your purchase money goes overseas.

Sign on the Apple Pie-Encrusted Line

When you come down to it, there are a lot of complex reasons why you should or shouldn't buy an American car right now. But the answer to the question itself is pretty simple: You should buy an American car if you want to. While consumers may have had concerns about American quality, that's not the case any more. If there isn't a domestic car out there that fits your needs and tastes, you've got plenty of import options to choose from. The bottom line is, no matter who built the car, you need to find one that fits your lifestyle.

I would like to add that buying American benefit America directly, I advocate that in this way we can collectively rebuild our manufacturing base in other areas, not just the Auto Industry.

Chil's Rides's

Mainstream media reports; Effect of US Automaker plant closings

2010-03-11T01:44:00.000-08:00

     I began this blog talking about the plant closings around the country. The other day while working on a project, this story caught my ear; GM worker 1000 mile commute to work. I watched his story in amazement, thinking, I feel your pain. If you would like to see and hear his story follow the link above. If you would like to see how far reaching this story is, Google search; GM workers 1000 mile commute to work, when I did it today, I got 29,300 hits. There's a multiplier here when you include the other car makers, Daimler/Chrysler, and Ford to the mix it effects the unemployment rate nation wide. But more than that, it creates a down turn in the communities where these workers lived or still live, some of which may not recover for many years to come if ever.

     In my search for this story, I came across an article about GM's new plant in India, 20 to 50 years up the road it will be De Ja Vue all over again. This new plant will be an old and aging plant needing modernization, but beyond that, GM will have taught the Indian's how to make cars, to be shipped to the US, fickle American's will flock to them, not because they're better but because they are cheaper, all the while saying we in America don't make quality cars. Making this new brand the number one brand in America, after all Toyota in no longer making quality cars, not that they ever did in my opinion, it just that they have gotten so large and making them in greater quantities that it's finally showing up. That could be the finale nail in the US auto industry, gone after 150 years of making automobiles, and we will be giving a nostalgic look back at what we once had. Don't think this could happen, think about this, China is reverse engineering the cars they are purchasing. Ten to Fifteen years up the road we will be seeing Chinese made cars begin to be imported here while the begin to restrict US made cars no matter the brand. I for one will sit back and watch the fire works.

    The questions I'm going to leave you with are these. Are we going to sit back and allow this scenario to play itself out? Or are we going to stand up and support America no matter what the rest of the world throws at us?

Chil's Ride's

INTRODUCTION

2010-03-10T21:11:00.000-08:00

     Hello World!

    I would like to introduce AllAmericanAutoBlog to the world . To explain the purpose and what I hope to accomplish with this blog. For over six months I have driven across this great country, trying to be a long haul truck driver. During those months I've come to notice many things on our roads. It has not been very pretty for the American auto industry, Asian cars by far out number American cars, mostly Toyota's, followed close behind by Honda, then Nissan. It occurred to me that, this is just so wrong, it should not be happening here in America the birthplace of the auto industry.What I'm advocating is, Americans once again supporting our industry, starting with the Auto industry, it will be good for the country as a whole. An American car Renaissance, which will help the steel industry, bring back other manufacturing jobs that support the industry. It will create a domino effect. It may even change our focus on the state of the economy. I'm not expecting an panacea, just a new beginning of taking pride on America and made in America. Words that at one time meant something especially to our parents who sacrificed to make this country great. We have sold out our country, now is the time for us to simply stop it. When you look to purchase that next car, ask yourself this question, who will it benefit, the US or some other country? Yea, Yea, I hear those of you out there shouting about globalization. I don't buy it, if it were balanced we would have a greater share of the markets than we do, there would be fewer restrictions on American exports.

     How is it possible for countries about the size of California to out produce and out sell the greatest country in the world? One answer can be found at this link, jama.org/about/industry.htm. They say it better than I ever could. The other answer, is us, we have allowed it to happen, in some instances we make it happen. We've sold our industries to them, for example, we no longer make televisions here in this country, even though we invented them, sewing machines, nope. I can't think of any small appliances that are manufactured here, Litton industries invented the microwave oven, are any of them manufactured here? I don't think so. Singer sewing machines, no longer owned by an American, owned by a Japanese company.

    Maybe someone out there can answer this question. How is that a country without any natural resources such as Oil, or Gas, no Forrest, no natural ores such as Iron, Copper, Aluminum out produce any country with out such a problem? Sure makes me wonder how it is possible?

   I would love to here from others, give me your opinion, or ideas on how we may be able to turn around this situation before it is too late for our economy.

Chil's Ride's

Toyota's Problems, Commentary

2010-02-26T20:44:00.000-08:00

     For the past four months or so I've been having this conversation with my Grandson about his idea of a good quality car. In his opinion,Toyota makes the best cars, both in reliability and craftsmanship. He also feels that all American car companies make junk, especially Ford, he and his friends are saying, buy a Ford, drive it a mile and it will break down. With this, he sent me on a campaign to prove him wrong. First off, he's only 17, just received his drivers license, so any opinion he has comes from someone else, not of his own experience.

    My response to all of his pronouncements is this, if man designed it, manufactured it, built it, then it will fail at some point in time. Sometimes the failure is designed in, not intentional, just that men make mistakes. Other times there is a hidden flaw in the process. Just that no matter what, failure is inevitable at some point in time.

     I've not spoken to him since Toyota's recall, I'm waiting for all the news to digest in before we have our conversation. I will only be looking for his feelings on the subject. Like some Toyota owners, this recall will not make a difference, unless it effects them personally.

     My grandson is the reason for this Blog, in fact it was his suggestion that I do this, since I spoke so passionately about the American Car Industry. The fact that Japan didn't just suddenly know how to make cars, but that it was American's that taught them and help build their automotive industry. Schools today fail to teach the history of Japan after the wars end. How the US was actually spending money to rebuild the country, with even a US Army General as acting Governor of Japan. Instead of Japan thanking us, they snub their noses and flood our automotive market with cheap automobiles. The main reason Japan has out sold American Car Companies, is in the beginning they sold at a loss to gain market share, once that was accomplished they began to flood the US market, while their government restricted the import of US cars into Japan, and it is till that way today. It is a rare sight to see an American car on the roads of Japan.

    The time has come for Americans to support American Automobile Manufacturing by buying American, as I've told my grandson, for every Asian car out there, there is an American equivalent, or even better for the money. To say that American cars are not as good as Asian cars is no longer a good argument, never has been. Today American car companies are making the same category of cars as the Asian manufacturers, with an exception, you can still buy that big American car that the Asian's do not offer, you know the ones made just for the American market, the Lincoln Town car, or the Mercury Grand Marque are two examples.

    Let me talk about the Cash for Clunkers debacle, it would appear that those of you who traded in so called clunkers, if you traded for a Toyota, you traded in for a clunker, now what do you do? It was my feeling all along that the Cash for Clunkers program should have had a stipulation that they trade in for American cars only. After all it was American tax payer dollars being handed out, then there would've been a less likely hood for the bailout of both GM and Chrysler. Now there is talk about doing it all over again, I only hope that it is handled differently, that more support be given to American Car Companies, where the dollars should go.

   I will step down from my soap box for now, tomorrow I will give my grand son a call and let him know that I now have this blog up, maybe he will give me some positive feed back, one can only hope.

Chil's Ride's

Just a Question

2010-02-20T21:07:00.000-08:00

I've had this recurring question in my thoughts once I saw the factories of Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota either being constructed or up and running in the Mid-West. Here is the question, how is it possible for these companies to be building and opening plants here in America, while the US Automakers are closing plants? In my view we are now the third world country when it comes to the auto industry. Think about it; for over fifty years the auto industry here was the it, the then big five dominated the would of cars, now there are only three. struggling for market share. Of Course there are a myriad number of opinions has to how and the why. Here's my take on it, we have to go back to the year 1974, OPEC was formed, they immediately froze the sale of oil to the US, the result was long lines at the gas pumps, odd and even days for buying fuel. Now the big American cars were not looking so good, Asian cars were smaller and cheaper, gradually Americans began to purchase them, now in a big way.

The real reason is the Detroit Automakers themselves, when I studied business we were taught we should have a one year, two year, five year, ten year, and if you are large enough a 25 year plan. Be aware of market trends, be flexible enough to respond in a timely manner. Some of you out there may remember this car from the 1960's, here is what Chevy had to say about it;

"The 1960 model year Chevrolet Corvair featured GM’s first air-cooled engine since the ill-fated "copper-cooled" model of the 1920s and was its first car with the engine placed in the rear. Often maligned and somewhat controversial in its day, it also marked the beginning of new lineups of smaller cars among all GM’s U.S. brands.
(source: GM)"

     What went wrong here, simple, they did not listen to the people who were saying "don't change it, just fix it". Instead GM changed it, made it bigger, moved the engine to the front, put a water cooled v8 in some models. I think this one is a good choice as a retro brand with today's new technology. I'll just mention a few more failures then we can move on to better days. You tell me what you think of these, the Chevy Vega, Pontiac Sunbird, similar to the Vega, Ford Pinto, Ford Falcon, and one iteration of the Mustang that made no sense at all for 1974.

    I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts as to what is happening with the US Automakers

    Thank you for your reading;

    Chill's Rides

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Mainstream media reports; Effect of US Automaker plant closings

INTRODUCTION

Toyota's Problems, Commentary

Just a Question