Friday, November 30, 2012

American Cars from Europe: Are we gonna get this one Ford?


We originally ran this story back in May of 2011. It was made official on Nov. 26th that we would be getting a 5 door Fiesta ST! Making 197HP and 214 torques and still getting 34 MPG. We will be putting in our pre-order A.S.A.P, Ford, and thanks again for answering at least some of our prairs.
http://2014fiesta.fordpresskits.com/factsheets/2014_FiestaST_Product_Sheet_US.pdf

American Cars from Europe: Are we gonna get this one Ford?

Friday, October 12, 2012

EuroSpec Focus MkII Still in Circulation in China and Elsewhere



We never got it but it seems everybody else on the planet did. Here is Ford China's current site sporting the Focus EuroSpec Mk II as a new model. It is also sold in South America. China is quickly becoming a nation of enthusiastic car aficionados. If their car design is any indication, it is likely they will come up with some interesting options and performance enhancing add-ons that are derived from "outside the box".

The Ranchero Still Alive?

Although it is known as the Courier, Ford still makes a car based truck for South America. Based on the face-lifted version of the European derived Mark IV Fiesta (often known as the Mk V) It has 2 engine options. There was even an all wheel drive version.


Ford Announces Official Partnership with Formula DRIFT




http://racing.ford.com/more-racing/news/articles/ford-announces-official-partnership-with-formula-drift-1293055087362/

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Pastrana getting back to some real racing for a change

"Dodge Dart, the Prozac for your Nascar Blues".

'Bout time Dodge. Still, what is this hate of hatchbacks?

Yes, Ford has been doing it for years, then Chevy. Now Dodge has joined the "hey they got some cool stuff in Europe, why don't we bring it over here?" party. Pictured is the 2013 Dodge Dart and it's DNA donor, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It has obviously been sculpted since us Americans don't like hatchbacks (apparently). It is rumored that "Hornet" may be coming that will be a hatchback. I gotta say, I am kinda smitten with both versions. 


Thursday, April 12, 2012

Mikko on the Nürburgring // Mikko Hirvonen meets the Ford Focus RS500 - ...

Im still drooling and a little angry that america doesn't get the rs but ford gives us the crumbs (focus st). Doesn't seem fare does it.

Friday, March 9, 2012

wrc mexico 2012 kicks mwrt



http://www.monsterworldrallyteam.com/blog/wrc-mexico-2012-kicks-mwrt"
Rally weekend again, check out WRC Radio for live action updates @ WRC.com.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

More exposure to Rally




Internet saves U.S. rallying? It very well could
By: Phil Berg on March 5, 2012

Since the 1970s, U.S. rallyists have envied and briefly emulated the European model of national championship events with massive television coverage, multiple factory-funded teams and thousands of spectators.

In the United States, sponsors such as B.F. Goodrich, Bridgestone, Audi, Toyota, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Mazda and Nissan have come and gone in cycles, as has media and fan interest. Meanwhile, the hardcore, longtime hobby drivers continue to perform heroic real-road drifting and masterful car control largely unnoticed.

Volunteer-staffed events filled with entries up to 100 cars shrink to a handful of competitors periodically and in some cases die. Observers liken U.S. rallying to soccer—hugely popular anywhere but here. The reason often is explained by cultural differences.

“Americans like their gladiators served up in coliseums,” noted Toyota motorsports manager Wes Unger at the 1987 world championship Olympus Rally in backwoods Washington State.

This year, however, U.S. rallying's leading sanctioning body, Rally America, has proof that this culture has finally—and painfully at long last—changed. Thanks to the Internet, every laptop is the “Coliseum.”

For infringement rights we can't post the full article here but you can find it at.

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120305/MOTORSPORTS/120309912

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Another reason to like Rally


Check out this new PWRC team debuting in Mexico WRC next weekend.
http://www.ramonarallying.com/

Monday, February 27, 2012

Ken and Alex win number 6

Congratulations to Ken ans Alex on winning number 6 at 100 Acre wood Rally.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

A Great Ford Escort


Check out this escort. Here is a Shot to wet your whistle.Check out the link below.

http://theweirdusmessageboard.yuku.com/topic/1701/Batman-Crimefighter-party-goer-real-life-hero

Thursday, January 12, 2012

New author, Brian Turner, writes about "Automobiles and Their Unhealthy Dangers"



People know automobiles contaminate the air with what comes out of the tailpipe. But what they should be aware of and concerned about is the unhealthy dangers, toxins that lurk inside them. Constant exposure could result in serious health concerns later on.

Toxins most commonly found in automobiles:

The toxins most commonly found in automobiles are bromine, PBDEs, polyvinyl chloride and phthalates. They are typically found in that “new car smell” every consumer loves and can also be released in the automobile environment during the manufacturing process.

The dyes and fire-proofing agents used in automobiles and car seats contain bromine. This chemical be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

The flame or fire retardants used in most planes and automobiles contain PBDEs. These chemicals can be digested or inhaled.

The seats and mats are primarily made with polyvinyl chloride. This chemical releases a dangerous gas that can be inhaled and absorbed orally.

The plastics of the interior contain phthalates. This includes the dashboard, arm panels, cup holders, etc. These chemicals are released when hot or heated, forming a film on the windshield. They can be absorbed orally and through the skin and lungs.

Exposure to any of these toxins can cause serious health concerns including birth defects, premature births, learning impairment, dizziness, chronic headaches, organ dysfunction and respiratory disease.

Other toxins include acetone, which is found in glues and irritates the sinuses, and tokene, which is found in the interior plastics and affects the central nervous system. Lead is found in the paint and can be inhaled and swallowed when its particles are released in the environment. It can cause dizziness and headaches.

Asbestos and mesothelioma:

Owners and mechanics of classic automobiles are at a high risk for asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a dangerous toxin primarily found on the clutches, valve gaskets, brakes and brake liners, drums and pads. When it flakes, its fibers are released and can be inhaled. Asbestos can also be absorbed in the interior over time.

Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly form of cancer that often results from asbestos exposure. It affects the lungs. Precautions should be taken when handling these automobiles and materials. Doing so will decrease the chances of being exposed.

Foreign automobiles:

Foreign cars are at risk for asbestos. Their standards are less restrictive than the U.S., increasing the likelihood some of their parts will contain this dangerous toxin.

Check it out:

Use the Internet to research and review consumer reports on an automobile before purchasing. Many include information on the interior and exterior. Be safe and know what’s on the inside as well as the outside of an automobile. You and your family are worth it.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

That All Carbon XR4Ti / Sierra you've been wondering about...


Anybody seen this car on the net yet? I'll bet a lot of you have and have wondered "Who built this magnificent Wonder Beast"? Well I finally tracked him down and got in touch with him. His name is Gene Young of Indiana. Here is what he wrote back:

I still have the car, I have not to long ago just gotten it on the track.
I took the car to the last track day at Nashville Super Speedway back in October.
The car ran good for it's first time out, the rear springs I have on the car are too stiff so the car was really loose, I spun it twice that day.
The motor is a stock 2.3 out of the XR, with the bigger intercooler and upper intake it made 287 HP to the wheels on the the stock boost level.
I still need to get a rear wing on the car, and install bigger injectors.
And then more time on the track.



Gene Young
To see even more of the project, check out his link.
Gene is also the editor of the Souther Indiana Region SCCA newsletter the "PitStop" and I gotta say. I like his angle on a lot of subjects. Check it out at
http://www.sirscca.org/newsletters/newsletters.htm