[Video] Hennessey Ford GT: The New Standing Mile World Record Holder

A Hennessey-tuned Ford GT may just be the best supercar - ever.

After yesterday's nearly heartbreaking news about a 1,000hp Ford GT getting totaled in Brazil, we bring some better news today that'll rightly cheer up everyone's' spirits.Last weekend, a crew from tuning firm Hennessey managed to set the world record for the standing mile while behind the wheel of a Hennessey-built twin turbo Ford GT. The car is owned by Mark Heidaker and was driven by Sean Kennedy.
Obviously this was no ordinary Ford GT, as it once had both a twin-turbocharger and a supercharger before Hennessey added their own magic touch. Basically, the tuner decided to drop the supercharger for the twin-turbo setup, citing efficiency reasons. In the end, they GT had a top speed of 257.7 mph.

Hennessey also just released this video showing Kennedy behind the wheel setting the record. Chances are the Brazilian driver from yesterday would have been killed if he tried anything like this in his GT. Instead, he just crashed the thing.

[Video] Hennessey Ford GT: The New Standing Mile World Record Holder

New Ford Fiesta ECOnetic in Production

Ford Europe has announced that the new Ford Fiesta ECOnetic is rolling off the production line.

Production has begun of the new Fiesta ECOnetic according to Ford Europe, which is all set to deliver improved efficiency.Touted as the company's most fuel efficient and lowest CO2 emitting passenger car of all time, the Fiesta ECOnetic is powered by a 1.6-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. Power is rated at 95hp, it boasts 161lb-ft of torque, and achieves 86mp and CO2 emissions of 87g/km.
The demand for fuel efficient cars is strong and is only going to get stronger. Hence why Ford believes that by the end of 2012, half of their European sales will be ECOnetic equipped models and by 2013 this will increase to two-thirds.Highlights of the Ford ECOntic technology include Auto Start/Stop, Smart Regenerative Charging, Eco Mode, shift indicator light, optimized gear ratios, special engine calibration, lower suspension, under-shield and wheel deflectors, and low-rolling resistance tires. As it rolls off the production line at Ford's Cologne assembly plant, the Fiesta ECOnetic will be available in three- and five-door form with a variety of trims.

New Ford Fiesta ECOnetic in Production

Ford Confirm Kuga and Fiesta ST for Geneva

Along with the all-new B-Max, Ford will be bringing the Kuga and Fiesta ST to the Geneva Motor Show.

It has been announced that Ford will introduce the Kuga and Fiesta ST at a pre-Geneva Motor Show event on March 5th and although the company didn't go into specifics, the Kuga will be practically identical to the 2013 Ford Escape.In North America this is offered with three different gasoline engines, although Ford has previously stated that the Kuga will have "unique powertrains and features." We'll have to wait for the car's unveiling in Geneva for more details.
As for the highly anticipated Fiesta ST, this was previewed as a concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show and is expected to feature an aero body kit, sport-tuned suspension and dual exhaust system. An upgraded interior with revised trim and sports seats are also expected.A 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder will likely provide the power, with 177hp and 177lb-ft of torque. As such, a 0-62 mph sprint time of less than 7.0 seconds and a top speed in excess of 137 mph are realistic figures.Photos displayed are of the Ford Fiesta ST Concept.

Ford Confirm Kuga and Fiesta ST for Geneva

[Video] A 2013 Ford Mustang for Everyone

Ford wants buyers to know that there are plenty of exterior customization options available to suit any taste.

Ford has been busy lately promoting the slightly restyled 2013 Mustang. And for good reason, since the iconic pony car has broad appeal. With a starting price of just a little over $22k, buyers can drive home in a V6-powered 'stang (translation: that's 305hp).For just a bit south of the $30 mark, the Mustang GT comes equipped with that wonderful 5.0-liter V8 with 402hp. Besides from those bargain-priced engines, Ford is also focusing their marketing strategy on exterior customization options.
As this new commercial shows, Ford wants Mustang fans to know they can make their car unique to their own tastes. And with Mustang sales continuing to be strong, the updated 2013 model will no doubt be a hit.

[Video] A 2013 Ford Mustang for Everyone

Ford Tourneo Custom Concept Unveiled Ahead of Geneva

Ford's latest concept is a clear preview of their next-generation global full-size van. 

Set to make its debut early next month at the Geneva Motor Show, Ford's all-new Tourneo Custom Concept is meant to "showcase a dramatic new look and preview introduction of an all-new family of one-ton people movers and commercial vehicles."The primary market will be Europe and Asia, however, the Ford Transit will remain a separate model. In other words, Ford is serious about launching another front-wheel-drive van for various world markets.
The full-size van concept is powered by an enhanced version of the new 155hp 2.2-liter TDCi diesel and is mated to a six-speed manual.Ford says that production version will be offered with power ratings of 100hp, 125hp, and 155hp and will include a wide choice of body styles and two wheelbases (SWB and LWB) allowing for extra luggage and other storage capabilities.Other features include Auto-Start-Stop, the Smart Regenerative Charging system, SYNC, an advanced restraint system, rear-view camera, and the Lane Departure Warning and Driver Alert system.

The exterior design shows Ford's latest evolution of their Kinetic styling and the interior has more of a car-like sophistication. For example, the sculpted instrument panel is orientated around the driver and features many technologies closely-related to Ford's car range.Occupants are treated to a fully-trimmed cabin and the rear seats can easily be folded into multiple configurations.

Ford will surely release more details in the coming weeks, but this is clearly an important future model for the automaker as full-size vans are still required by many and Ford has always been a top seller in this segment.

However, with new fuel emission regulations taking place globally, Ford's latest concept must fit the bill for both consumers and regulators alike.We'll have more details and pictures very shortly from the Geneva Motor Show.

 Ford Tourneo Custom Concept Unveiled Ahead of Geneva

Ford Focus ST-R to Make its Racing Debut at Daytona Grand-Am 200

After a year in development and nearly five months after its public debut at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford’s Focus ST-R will make its racing debut this Friday at the Grand-Am 200 that takes place at the Daytona Motor Speedway.
Competing in the Continental Tire Sport Car Challenge ST class, the racing version of the production Focus ST is a fully prepared competition car. It sports a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, a new suspension specially tuned for track use, updated brakes and an FIA-approved roll cage.
The Blue Oval of course, is keen to stress the similarities between the production car and the racer.
Ford’s global motorsport activities Jost Capito said: “The road-going Focus features best-in-class handling, powertrains and brakes and has helped us develop a global technical specification for teams wanting to race the new Focus cost effectively.”
For the time being, the Focus ST-R is homologated for American and Canadian touring car racing series only and is available to order from Ford’s North American dealers.
However, Ford expects that customer teams will participate in a variety of series worldwide, including endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Racecar Unveiled

The familiar looks of the 2013 Fusion racecar will be a good promotional tool to sell more Ford Fusions.

Earlier this month, the 2013 Fusion was presented at the Detroit Motor Show and the new look has been carried over to the race car variant."We wanted the Fusion to be the car that helped return 'stock car' to NASCAR," said Jamie Allison, Ford Racing director. "I think fans, when they see the car, are just going to smile and cheer. It is going to reengage them with the sport and make the sport better because there is just something natural about seeing racecars that look like cars in their driveways."
For too long racecars haven't looked like the cars they are meant to be based on, and it's good to see Ford bringing some identity back to the series.Ford's designers spent a year designing the car, focusing on bringing the 'overall proportion' of the racecar in line with the production version, with an instantly recognizable grille, and brand & design cues on the car's profile. It's hoped the racecar's familiar looks will help increase the Fusion's appeal to the public.The 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Car racecar will spend a year undergoing testing and development before it takes it maiden voyage at the 2013 Daytona 500.

[Video] Tanner Foust Puts the Focus ST-R Through Its Paces

Homestead-Miami plays host to Foust and a Focus turnkey racer.

Tanner Foust, host of Top Gear U.S. and a professional race car driver, has been testing the Ford Focus ST-R at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida. The track was emptied out and Foust had the whole track to try out the new racer.

Foust was impressed with the Ford Racing product. He says that it usually takes a year to make a racing car competitive on the track, however due to Ford Racing's intensive R&D the new racer is ready to rumble competitively on the track almost immediately.The Ford Focus ST-R turnkey racer is scheduled to make its competitive debut January 26-27th during the Grand AM weekend at Daytona in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.

Camilo Pardo Creates One-of-a-Kind Chrome Ford GT

Services of Ford GT designer has been solicited by aftermarket specialist firm to create a one-off supercar. Ford's halo car inspired by the legendary GT40 was penned by the enigmatic Camilo Pardo and his beautiful design is one that looks just as good today as it did when it appeared in 2005, and that we suspect will look just as good in fifty years' time.Specialist aftermarket firm GT Guy LLC clearly has much admiration for the car designer having employed the services of Camilo Pardo to create the one-of-a-kind chrome supercar you see here.
Dubbed the Merkury 4, the team took a solid red Ford GT and covered it in Mirrachrome paint. They then added a black-bordered fluorescent orange stripe. The valve covers were also painted, the clamshell intakes behind the doors were smoothed out, ceramic-coated pipes were fitted and a fresh set of HRE wheels were added.With the aesthetics out of the way, GT Guy LLC then tuned the supercharger so that 725hp could be delivered to the rear wheels thus matching the car's awesome good looks with some awesome power. 

The 2013 Ford Fusion

The globally-designed all-new Fusion with its frugal Hybrid and Energi siblings offer class-leading economy, an array of gadgets, and a host of safety applications. 

Making its debut this week, the 2013 Ford Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.The all-new car features a sleek silhouette that hints at the Ford Evos concept and a fresh face that has a decidedly Aston Martin feel to it.Revealed as an S, SE and range-topping Titanium trim, the North American Fusion points to the next Ford Mondeo for world markets and forms the basis of the new 2013 Lincoln MKZ.
Three engines are available. The base powertrain is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four with 170hp and 170lb-ft of torque, mated exclusively to a 6-speed automatic transmission.A 1.6-liter EcoBoost four with 179hp and 172lb-ft of torque and the range-topping 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 237hp and 250lb-ft of torque are the alternatives available with the same transmission, while the smaller 1.6-liter engine can be selected with a six-speed manual. FWD is standard with AWD an option for the top-of-the-line 2.0-liter EcoBoost. Ditching their V6 for an all-four lineup, the fuel economy is expected to be best-in-class.

The 1.6-liter EcoBoost complete with start/stop technology should achieve 26/37mpg and the 2.0-liter cars expect to deliver 22/33mpg city/highway.If that's not efficient enough then Ford has two further examples of the 2013 Fusion in the form of the Hybrid an Energi. The former will launch with the Fusion this fall, while the Energi will be available a little later. Both look just as good with the only changes from the standard model being different wheel options, badging and trim changes.The power in the Hybrid has been downsized from 2.5 liters to a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four.
Combined with a lithium-ion battery-powered electric motor, output is estimated at 185hp and 130lb-ft of torque and sent to the front (17-inch) wheels via an electronically-controlled variable transmission. 47/44mpg city/highway is expected, thus trouncing the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry Hybrids and pushing the Prius. Speeds of up to 62mph should also be possible without the engine kicking in.In the Fusion Energi the powertrain apes that of the Hybrid but the plug-in system allows for short bursts of pure electric driving; 100MPGe is expected coupled to a 500-mile cruising range and a combined output of 185hp.

The latest safety enhancements have been packed into the Fusion, including a Lane Keeping System, Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and the popular Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert.Engineers have also increased the car's body strength using high-strength steel and added dual first-row knee airbags and adaptive front airbags.An elegant, yet straightforward interior, has easy-to-read instruments and a large display screen and also benefits from the latest MyFord Touch. Drivers can thus interact with the car via voice control, touchscreen or conventional buttons.SYNC also allows for voice-activated communication through a mobile phone and interaction with the audio system.Production of the 2013 Fusion will start this month in Mexico and Michigan and the car should hit showrooms by the fall, while overseas buyers will have to wait until next year for the Mondeo. Pricing information is expected closer to the car's on-sale date.