After a relentless barrage of teaser pics, Ford has finally come clean on the 2011 Explorer. The new Explorer loses about a hundred pounds, rises to the top of the class in fuel efficiency and maintains much of its off-road handling and towing capabilities.

Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development, sums up the multi-dimensional SUV:“The new Explorer simply does everything well. It raises the bar for ride and handling on the road and transforms the off-road experience. It’s the hands-down winner for towing capability and ease. All this capability – and three rows of seating – with amazing fuel economy will make Explorer the absolute right choice for families with a sense of adventure.”

Continue Reading

Frankly, I’m more excited about ending the incessant barrage of teaser photos than I am about actually seeing the 2011 Ford Explorer. I’ve never seen a company make such a huge deal about watering down a  product before, and frankly, I understand why.

We’ve known for weeks that Ford was going to unveil the new Explorer online, but for some reason the company was remaining silent about when that would happen. Today, it’s been reported that the unprecedented Facebook debut will take place next Monday. No particular time appears to be floating around quite yet–apparently we’ll have to wait even longer for that.

Continue Reading

Yes, it’s another installment of the 2011 Ford Explorer teaser marathon that just won’t end. Only this one comes with some good news: an official end. Ford announced that it will publicly debut the Explorer at an event in NYC on July 26. Sometime before that, Ford will debut the Explorer on Facebook. The Manhattan event will be hosted by Ford frontman Mike Rowe, and as Ray Wert of Jalopnik astutely points out, a NYC event ” says pretty much everything you need to know about the off-road “capabilities” of the new Explorer.”

As for the latest teaser, it’s a headlight. Thanks for not stringing this thing out, Ford. [via Jalopnik and AutoBlog]

I’m betting that most people that put down bills on the new Ford Fiesta fancy themselves as the free-spirited, quirky types. And if that assumption is true, then they should be all too happy to see that Ford has announced a series of interior and exterior upgrades that include custom body wraps.

On the outside, Ford is offering 18 different graphics, as well as a side tattoo. Hard accessories like a rear spoiler, body kit and kayak carrier are also available. Inside, Fiesta owners can add a little atmosphere with a lighted shift knob,  illuminated door sill plates with LED Fiesta logo and light kit with light-accented cup holders and foot wells. The latter comes in choice of seven colors. These options can be added at Ford dealers or online at fordfiestagraphics.com and fordaccessories.com. [via AutoBlog]

Outside of a new GT, there’s pretty much no Ford that is interesting enough for this much teasing. Especially not a watered down, more yupped up version of the Explorer. We’ve already seen the Explorer tucked below some pit stains and in various forms of barely-in-the-shot nature poses. There were even a few more teasers that we weren’t interested enough in posting. And now we have a new one of the very rear end of the Explorer lugging a boat.

Yeah, we get it Ford, the 2011 Explorer features new styling and design, but is still ready for your most likely wilderness adventures. Now unveil the whole enchilada or go away already. [via Carscoop]

Ford has introduced a new dealer-installed package for the 2011 Mustang GT called the RTR. The new package takes inspiration from drifting, and more specifically, from Vaughan Gittin, Jr., the driver behind the wheel of the Monster Energy/Falken Tire 2011 Mustang GT in the Formula Drift series. The RTR provides drivers with “performance and appearance upgrades, to allow pony car lovers to make the most of their driving experience.” Body work includes a chin spoiler, rocker splitters, rear diffuser and aluminum spoiler in back. Other upgrades include 19-inch wheels, Falken FK-452 tires, and Ford Racing handling package and mufflers. The RTR stripe scheme on the exterior and a unique interior complete the package.

Continue Reading

Facebook is already a number one source for inconsequential news of all kinds, so why not the big Ford Explorer unveil? Ford will be using its Facebook page to debut the new Explorer next month, rather than the conventional auto-show unveil. To get the world all primed for that event, Ford released a few new teaser pictures, sans Jim Holland.

Ford is clearly trying to make the case that the Explorer is as rugged as ever despite its shift over to crossover construction. Joe Backwoods and wife would settle for nothing less on their backcountry canoe trip.

Continue Reading

The rumors are true: Mercury is going to be wound down. Ford announced the move yesterday and explained that production will end in the fourth quarter of this year. In Mercury’s wake, Ford will be investing its resources into its other two brands Ford and Lincoln. Ford plans to enhance Lincoln with seven new or majorly overhauled models over the next four years in an attempt to better compete in the luxury segment. Lincoln will get its first ever C-segment model and will also enjoy the option of EcoBoost engines across its line.

Continue Reading

You know what could turn your brand new Mustang from red-hot p**sy magnet to laughable cheese factory in an instant? Giant, cartoonish flames flaring along the sides. So Ford has done the logical thing here and offered them as an option.

Continue Reading