Harley Lover

Frankly, an embarrassment for GM at the price of the Hummer: Motor Trend might lose some GM ad revenue for this. https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2022-gmc-hummer-ev-pickup-vs-2022-rivian-r1t-comparison-test-review/?wc_mid=4035:22867&wc_rid=4035:413251&_wcsid=1486EDC6A8D2FBA02E39377C1D9156F2CFA58FABD6C336BB

Why not: https://www.jayski.com/2022/04/05/f-150-lightning-first-electric-truck-to-pace-cup-series-race-at-martinsville-speedway/

Ice-C, any guess from your past experience for when Ford might open the order bank for 2023 models? I plan to order an Escape plug-in, and want to try to place the order as early as possible once the 2023 bank opens. I realize that the 2023 Escape is supposed to be refreshed, so that might complicate things even more.

It might come down to allocation of production capacity; with OAC (Edge's current home) already committed to EV production in the near future, an IC Edge wouldn't have a waiting production home for it to be built in NA.

I guess you missed this quote, I'll repeat it for you with key portion highlighted:

Images of both engines from article linked above:

My goodness, I guess they didn't get the memo that IC is dead: This sounds like a really strong engine and a very good replacement for the V6. Many attributes that are favorable. More details at the link. https://www.autonews.com/cars-concepts/stellantis-revives-inline-six-engine-2-twin-turbo-engines-debut-year?utm_source=dont-miss&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20220325&utm_content=hero-headline

It seems like the China model is ahead with its features versus the U.S. model. I'm speculating that the 2023 U.S. model refresh will get upgraded to either the Euro model screen or (less likely) the China model screen. Given that Ford gave Edge (a soon to die model) the China interior, it would kind of make sense for Ford to do something similar for Escape (in an important segment) instead of leaving it to die until the EV model comes along.

I guess that makes an argument for the Kuga, jury is still out regarding Escape getting that screen... (is that a Vignale interior?)

Recall how the China market Edge was a forerunner to the Edge's interior refresh (including large screen); here's the China market Escape interior:

Thanks, I guess that takes me back to the original question - wonder if Sync 4 will be included in the 2023 model refresh.

Great call, that is correct. Unfortunately, but at this point, other than announcing "beginning in 2023" there's a distinct lack of details regarding how the transition will take place: https://fordauthority.com/2021/02/ford-vehicles-to-use-googles-android-operating-system-starting-in-2023/

Come to think of it, that's the Euro model, so no guarantee that our model in the U.S. will have the same upgrades...

This image from the OP shows a slight view of the center screen, but it's hard to tell if it's the larger screen from the China model:

I plan to order a plug in hybrid Escape later this year - does anyone here know if Ford plan to upgrade to Sync 4 in the 2023 model? And does anyone know timing for the changeover to the 2023 model at Louisville? I guess I should write 'planned timing' - I can't help but think that whatever timeline Ford set will probably slide backwards due to the various issues occurring in the industry right now.

No - this was a Fox prototype, so the AWD layout and windshield to front axle ratio are much different from the Probe, which was FWD and thus had FWD windshield to axle proportions (and was based on Mazda FWD chassis).

Image accompanying article:

Wow, some big news from Europe: The Puma will be introduced in EV form, along with Transit variants: The Transit EV range will be: And not any less critical: Big news overall for Ford Europe! https://europe.autonews.com/automakers/ford-launch-7-evs-europe-big-electric-push?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20220314&utm_content=hero-headline

NADA has been meeting in Las Vegas this week, and news from OEM/dealer meeting leaks out to the media. From the Ford dealer meeting has come this information: Here's the hard info that created the news above: https://www.autonews.com/nada/ford-pushing-back-dealer-allocations-until-late-may-100000-units-lost-suppliers-struggle?utm_source=industry-events&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20220312&utm_content=article1-headline

It's in the article:

Maverick (especially the hybrid)! If only Ford could build more...

The Edge got the large (vertical) screen, but it's a more expensive product than Escape; maybe Ford might offer the screen upgrade on Escape Titanium only?

I haven't seen this component of the announcement discussed here (unless I missed it, which is possible): An increase of $20 billion in EV investment through 2026 is not chicken scratch. As far as I can tell, Ford have not detailed how that extra investment will be spent. I've read speculation that it's for refitting more plants for EV, but I can't help but believe that some portion will be for at least one more battery plant in North America (perhaps to supply the plants in Mexico). Thoughts from the group? Quote attribution: https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/ford-separating-ev-ice-businesses?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20220302&utm_content=hero-headline

The rule was implemented to eliminate "racing back to the start/finish line" when a caution flag is thrown. Before the rule, all of the cars 'raced' back to the start/ finish, and in particular the leader of the race (if so inclined) could slow to allow some cars to unlap themselves before the leader himself crossed the line. This rule eliminated all of that tomfoolery. The rule was also implemented before the onset of the timing loops around the track that "lock in the placing of the cars" once the yellow is thrown - with that tech now in place, your point is a very good one - there's certainly no excuse to continue the current practice.