Ford Mustang SVO Mak

You seldom see a Mustang SVO these days. Come to think of it, even when new they were as scarce as Republicans in Hollywood. In retrospect, Ford's product planners practically guaranteed such rarity for the four-cylinder SVO when they rolled it out with the same horsepower rating as a concurrent V8 GT, but at a price point nearly two-thirds higher. But we doubt that lofty SVO production numbers were ever truly on FoMoCo's radar anyway. This wasn't a bean-counter volume car; instead, the high-tech hatchback was a halo product meant to tempt up-market buyers out of their usual European/Asian imports and into the Ford fold, much as Mercury would attempt with the similarly turbocharged Merkur.

There were good reasons for its lofty asking price. The SVO was engineered and equipped like no other Mustang of its day, with disc brakes at all four corners (something no V8 Mustang would get until the '93 Cobra) behind unique 5-lug, 16-inch rims wearing 50-series rubber, while adjustable Konis damped its suspension. The SVO's exclusive T-code turbocharged 2.3-liter four-banger was fed by multipoint electronic fuel injection overseen by one of the first applications of the EEC-IV processor. Boost and spark were electronically controlled via a knock sensor, and the SVO's turbo was intercooled (fed by the offset hoodscoop) for greater power and efficiency. All this at a time when the V8 GT still relied on a dumb old carburetor. Plus air conditioning, power windows and locks, a rear defroster, and Premium Sound were all standard SVO inclusions, making a flip-up sunroof and leather upholstery about the only options.

1996  Ford Mustang  SVO

Though highly capable and extremely well-reviewed by the motoring press, the SVO was ultimately doomed by a combination of its price tag, the easing of our second oil crisis, and quite likely the fact that North America simply loves its V8s. Less than 10,000 were sold over three production years, and, as with anything that is both good and rare, a cult following subsequently developed for the Euro-style ponycar.

You may surely count Brighton, Michigan's Mark Haas among that cult, as he has a garage full of low-mileage and/or significant SVOs, including the two we photographed for this feature (not to mention the one-off '84 Oxford White Mac Tools SVO road racer). He is a true, dyed-in-the-wool SVO enthusiast and refers to his collection as "The SVO Trust," a name that suggests he assumes some responsibility for preserving the integrity of the breed.

1984 Ford Mustang  SVO

Mark's black '86 is an unrestored survivor with only 2,225 miles on the odometer and which still wears its original Goodyear Gatorbacks. (This isn't a low-mileage record for Mark: he used to own a 7-mile SVO, as featured in our September 2006 issue). Mark kindly gave us the chance to drive it, and the historic hatchback feels, and smells, like a new car. Aside from its originality, this is a prime example of an SVO having one of the more sought-after options-the Competition Prep (41C) package. Whereas most vehicle options add content, checking the Comp Prep order box took stuff away, including all A/C-related hardware, power actuators for the windows, door locks and hatch, as well as the complete sound system and antenna, obviously shedding considerable weight in the process. Though clearly targeted at would-be racers seeking the most power and least mass in their SVO, the Comp Prep package also knocked the list price back more than a little, which one might think would add to its popularity, yet reportedly, of 3,382 SVOs constructed in 1986, just over 80 were Comp Preps like Mark's (and even fewer in 1984 and 1985). By the way, all of our engine and interior shots (except for the sidebar) are of this car.

Ford Mustang  SVO  Side View

The other car shown here is Mark's '85 1/2 Dark Sage SVO. It is not a Comp Prep car, but is even more rare than his black SVO, if only because of its color. Of the 436 '85 1/2 SVOs made, we're told that only four were of this distinctive hue. Incidentally, the "1985 1/2" designation reflects the fact that Ford made many significant changes in the middle of the '85 production run (around May of 1985), changes that include the flush "aero" headlamps and bumping the SVO's output from 175 to 205 hp, with torque going from 210 to 248 lb. ft. These are considered as the beginning of the SVO's second generation.

Dark Sage initially became available at the beginning of the '85 model year. Ford was building some SVOs for the Hertz rental fleet, and it's been suggested that the rental giant specifically wanted the color among its allotment. Despite the Hertz order, this turned out to be the least popular SVO hue-from the start of '85 to the end of SVO production in 1986, only 47 SVOs were sprayed in code 4E Dark Sage, and, as we said, only four of those (two with cloth interior, two with leather) were of '85 1/2 production (build data courtesy SVOCA.com). That's why this one is such a prized member of the Haas collection.

Ford Mustang  SVO  Design/Exterior

As previously mentioned, original press reviews of the SVO were almost universally complimentary. For instance, Road & Track raved: "This may be the best all-around car for the enthusiast driver ever produced by the U.S. Industry." With such critical acclaim, and with such low production numbers, we can't help but think the collectibility-and monetary value-of these oft-overlooked Mustangs can only be on the upswing. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Ken Block Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2011Reviews

Although Ken Block stated last year was one of his best ever, the numbers show a disappointing FIA World Rally Championship campaign in his new Monster Energy Ford Fiesta RS rally car. Mechanical issues also plagued his performance in Rally America, however the Monster World Rally Team (MWRT) is hoping for an improved 2011 season with even more races and events. Some notable mentions in the United States include the Summer X Games, Gymkhana GRID, and select RallyCar rallies and RallyCross events across the states in hisFord Fiesta RS WRC car

Ken Block said, “2011 is going to be really big for me and the Monster World Rally Team“, and “We’re doing more WRC races this year, kicking off the Gymkhana World Tour, racing in Summer X Games, filming Gymkhana 4, plus hitting up a lot of other rally-related events worldwide. We even have a few top-secret projects in the works. I’m a lucky bastard to be doing all this, it’s going to be an amazing year!” Check out the pictures and three videos below with the first being the sexy Monster Girls, second of Ken Block answering questions, and third of his toughest test yet, the pre-rally in Sweden.

Ken Block Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2011

Although Ken Block stated last year was one of his best ever, the numbers show a disappointing FIA World Rally Championship campaign in his new Monster Energy Ford Fiesta RS rally car. Mechanical issues also plagued his performance in Rally America, however the Monster World Rally Team (MWRT) is hoping for an improved 2011 season with even more races and events. Some notable mentions in the United States include the Summer X Games, Gymkhana GRID, and select RallyCar rallies and RallyCross events across the states in hisFord Fiesta RS WRC car. Hit the jump to watch videos of some new eye candycar babes, and read what Ken Block had to say about the year ahead.

Ken Block said, “2011 is going to be really big for me and the Monster World Rally Team“, and “We’re doing more WRC races this year, kicking off the Gymkhana World Tour, racing in Summer X Games, filming Gymkhana 4, plus hitting up a lot of other rally-related events worldwide. We even have a few top-secret projects in the works. I’m a lucky bastard to be doing all this, it’s going to be an amazing year!” Check out the pictures and three videos below with the first being the sexy Monster Girls, second of Ken Block answering questions, and third of his toughest test yet, the pre-rally in Sweden.

Latest Models Ford Focus ST Concept

The death of the current generation of Focus ST is related to non-compliance with Euro 5 rules, but also by the imminent launch of the new generation of Focus. According to first information, the model develops 250 HP and is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with four-cylinder. The Ford officials announced that the model can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, so the future looks bright.

2010 Ford GT90 Super Sport Concept Car

2010 Ford GT90 Super Sport Concept Car
If Ford first introduced the GT90 Concept at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show next month, it would still be one of the most eyecatching cars on the show floor. What's amazing is that Ford unveiled the GT40 successor nearly 15 years ago. What's more, even by today's standards it's still a supercar among supercars.

The quad-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 puts out an estimated 720 horsepower, the body is constructed completely of carbon fiber and top speed is somewhere in the 400 kph range. The only hints that it's not a modern supercar are the all-blue interior and wheels that look dated now.

So what's all the fuss about the GT90 Concept now? RM Auctions in the States has just announced that it will be offering the concept car at its upcoming Arizona sale. That's right, this is your chance to own one of the coolest concept vehicles of all time. This is the first time that the GT90 Concept has ever been publicly for sale at auction, and RM claims that it is in "excellent running condition, having been properly stored and maintained over the year." No estimated on price is given, but we're guessing it will take a large suitcase of cash to take the car home.

2010 Ford GT90 Super Sport Concept Car
The one-off GT90 Concept Car, labeled immediately as "the world's mightiest supercar" by Ford Motor Company on December 6, 1994, was the spiritual successor to the Ford GT40, the product of a colossal feud in the early 1960s between the Blue Oval from Dearborn and the Prancing Horse of Northern Italy. The GT90 draws from the design cues of its heritage and pays homage to the famed Le Mans-winning Ford GT40s of the 1960s, which were created after the failed attempt by Ford to buy out Ferrari.

At a development cost in the neighborhood of $3 million, the GT90 was certainly worthy of pulling styling cues from the original Ford GTs, and although it was never meant for production, it was built according to a Ford press release as a "test bed for technology, engineering and design concepts, and driver-oriented features that eventually may be used in Ford production vehicles."

Officially unveiled to the public in January 1995 at the Detroit Auto Show, the GT90 is finished in bright white with a bright blue and carbon fiber interior. It features a mid engine quad-turbocharged V12 that produces an estimated 720 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque. As a result, it had a claimed top speed of 253 mph, which even by today's standards would make it one of the fastest production cars in the world – faster even than a McLaren F1, which was widely considered the world's preeminent supercar at the time.

2010 Ford GT90 Super Sport Concept Car
The engine, which was a 48-valve six-liter V12, had to be combined together with four Garrett Systems T2 turbochargers in order to reach its estimated 720 horsepower and was based on the Ford Modular engine. Created by using parts of two Lincoln V8 engines, engineers removed the last pair of cylinders from the rear of one engine and the first pair of cylinders from the front of the other engine. The cut-down engines were then welded together with the final result being a 90-degree V12, which utilized a 90.2 mm bore and a 77.3 mm stroke to achieve maximum power.

The GT90 features the FFD-Ricardo five-speed manual gearbox found on the XJ220 and, considering the torque load that it is designed to handle, is noted as having a relatively light shift quality. Also borrowed from the XJ220 comes the all around double wishbone suspension that was designed to enable the car to handle well at top speeds.

2010 Ford GT90 Super Sport Concept Car
Using Ford's new "Edge" design philosophy, the car incorporated advanced technology with a mixture of flat planes, angles, glass and triangular shapes that seemingly all collided together. The GT90 was the first car created using this new styling directive from Ford, which went on to be responsible for the creation of other Ford products like the Ka and Cougar. The effect is most impressive and a wonderfully executed stylistic throwback to its GT40 predecessor, which at once stays true to its heritage but acknowledges the advances in modern design. Taken directly from race car technology, the GT90 body panels are molded out of carbon fiber while the chassis is formed out of a honey-comb sectioned aluminum monocoque.

The GT90 is a test bed of advanced technology and design. It sports a tinted, laminated glass bubble over the cockpit and a spoiler that rises off the rear deck at high speeds. According to Ford, it has a "design that tightly enclosed its mechanicals with no wasted space; high tech lighting and blind-spot detection systems; and tiles like those on the space shuttle to shield the V12's exhaust outlets."

2010 Ford GT90 Super Sport Concept Car
After its unveiling in Detroit, the GT90 made its rounds on the Auto Show Circuit in 1995, traveling around the world to Frankfurt and as far away as Tokyo. With few other showings in between, the car recently was shipped over to Europe to be on display in the Ford of Europe 2008 exhibit at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. After returning home, the car was shipped to Alabama where it was on display as part of the Mustang 45th Anniversary Celebration.

This superb concept car remains in excellent running condition, having been properly stored and maintained over the years in between its show appearances. RM Auctions is proud to publicly offer the GT90 for the first time ever at auction. A remarkable one-off piece of automotive history and cutting-edge design, its offering may very well be a once in a lifetime opportunity for Ford devotees and concept car enthusiasts.

Ford Figo Car Exterior & Interior View

Finally Ford brings in the much awaited Figo

Though the name is more familiar to football, but trust Ford’s claims : 10 years down, Figo will be recalled as the car which put Ford back in the big league

The car is a desirable hatch, looks decent and does follow Ford’s new design cues. Overall a more practical approach towards the exterior to maximize the space inside.

The real catch is the price : Petrol variants start at the very important threshold of less than 3.50 lakh [$8000](ex Delhi)

Diesel is tempting as well starting at less than 4.50 lakh [$10000](ex Delhi)

Insides look as decent as expected of Ford. Dont have any fancy, all the basic comforts are available. Dash is neat, colors are okeey kinda. All n all the same what the segment offers.

As for the car, its based on a trimmed down Feista platform, so is sturdy.

Engine options include a 1.2 Petrol Duratec.

and the very important 1.4 Duratorq.

One might recall the engines from the sibling Fusion which has been phased out (stocks being cleared) and thus implies the importance Ford is betting on this very car.

After sales is still an issue , but should not be a problem as multi branded service points are opening up pretty fast.

Bottomline:- Not a Honda, neither a Maruti. Will find some buyers but wont shake the segment.

Ford Figo Car Interior

New Car: 2011 Ford C-Max (U.S)

Ford has revealed the U.S spec C-Max compact MPV. Designed in Europe and underpinning the Focus platform, the C-Max will premier at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). 

Designed for young families, the long-wheelbase C-Max has an expressive, dynamic exterior that shuns conventional people-carrier styling. Optional equipment will include a hands-free bootlid (you put your leg under the bumper and it opens), panoramic glass roof, park assist, keyless entry & start, front & rear parking sensors, leather interior w/heated front seats, rear-view camera w/satellite navigation system, and keyless entry. 

On the inside, the C-Max sports a ‘5+2’ seating plan, with the 2nd row of seats that slide back and forth. For easy entry into the 3rd, the 2nd outboard seats tip-and-slide forward. The middle seat in the 2nd row can be folding to create a walk-through to the rear seats. If the 3rd row seats are not needed, they can be deleted on the options list. 

Under the bonnet will be two petrol engines. An entry-level 2.5 litre iVCT 4-cylinder producing 168bhp (170PS) and 226Nm (167lb-ft) of torque and a 1.6 litre Ti-VCT EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine, pumping out 180bhp (183PS) and 234Nm (173lb-ft) of torque. Both engines will be linked to a 6 speed automatic transmission.