Video of the 2011 Ford Focus Intro
Just a quick clip here from the intro of the 2011 Ford Focus at the NAIAS this morning.
2011 Ford Focus
There are a number of us here in the US who have been very envious of our friends in the EU who have the current generation Focus and especially the sporty ST version and then there is the VERY tasty RS version that gearheads in the US have been drooling over since it debuted.
While the ST/RS versions aren’t being announced at the NAIAS, they will be coming soon with the 250HP EcoBoost 4 Banger that will be announced, maybe at this show. This is a mid life refresh, so what that means is that the basic car is the same with some fresh body work, a new interior and some refreshed/refined suspension. What we will get in the US is a two liter direct injection I-4 with 150HP. A 6 speed manual or a 6 speed DSG will be available.
The MyFord evolution of the SYNC system will be available with a Sony stereo system that was shown off last week at CES in Las Vegas.
The US, Russia and China get a version with a trunk, and thankfully the US will also get the 5 door which was STUNNING in person when we saw it at an embargoed event last month. The interior is very well done. Many people agreed with me that the interior of the Focus was more impressive that the Lincoln MKX that was also shown that day.
Have a look at a couple pictures and read through the press releases.
The Latest Audi Clean Diesel Commercial
My fellow RoundAboutShow panelist Zack Bowman posted this video on the ExhaustNote blog. I can almost guarantee that thanks to lawyers and special interest groups, you won’t see this on TV in the US because it will offend three people in a country of 300 Million!
Also in this era of “Green” where the politicians and leaders of Social Conscience who preach “green” fly in private aircraft and are driven around in SUV to all their speeches. Also the same IDIOT’S prevent cars like this from being sold in the US at affordable prices because they think technology that’s not ready for primetime for 7-10 years is a better idea then technology available TODAY than can cut petrolium use in the US by 20+% in a very short period of time.
Anyway have a look at this very funny Audi commercial.
Autoline LIVE At GM’s Brownstown Battery Plant
Ken Block’s TRAX STI
It’s winter here in Michigan and one of my buddies who’s deep into the snow machine world sent this to me.
Autoline After Hours Special Tuesday Edition
This week Autoline After Hours webcasts LIVE on a Special Day with Doug Fox, a Co-Chair of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. We come to you Tuesday at 7PM ET to get a preview of next week’s NAIAS and an inside look at what’s gone on behind the scenes as Detroit has prepared for this year’s show amidst economic and bureaucratic turmoil. Joining in on the discussion will be Autoextremist Peter De Lorenzo and newcomer Steve Finlay, the editor of Ward’s Dealer Business.
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Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
And so it begins, the relentless onslaught of pre North American International Auto Show press releases. Stevie Wonder saw this one coming.
The important bits:
556 Horsepower 551 Ft/Lbs Torque Supercharged 6.2liter V8
6 Speed MANUAL Tremec TR6060 available (Let the huzzah’s rain down!)
Magnetic ride control
Brembo brakes
Available Summer 2010
Mostly though Caddy are looking to show Europe THIS!
RoundAboutShow #17 2010 Predictions
Every year on New Year’s Day we wake up in a pool of what we hope is our own vomit. Staggering to our feet, we search for our pants, a shred of dignity and a cohesive, Zen-like theme. In the process we also uncover a host of stories and news bites to fit that theme, however hungover or dehydrated they may be. And whatever’s leftover, well, we talk about it anyway because it’s 2010!
Besides the obvious, like more ridiculous airport security hoops to jump through and enviro-nazis wailing about carbon and polar bears, what’s in store for the New Year? Well, this week the RoundAbout crew plays prophet and tries to shed a little light on 2010. The group reaches consensus on some of their predictions, but the automotive oracles are divided on other points – like Chrysler. Even with imported new leadership, will the beleaguered automaker be able to pull through? Has the new century smell worn off already after just one decade? Find out on this week’s installment of RoundAbout!
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WTF Of The Day!
Things you find at the Post Office. Oh and NASCAR Driver thinks this has a few to many “sponsor” stickers!