JETSOLVER

Borg, when you do drive that thing, could you find out about that adjustable center armrest? I think that's a smokin good idea!

First of the optimistic ones; How plug in hybrids will save the grid This synopsis from Scientific American (I have the original damm report, somewhere!!!) Sorry, forgot that my CNBC was subscriber only, oops!! OK The press release and the report (I think, its PDF)

Sorry, not true. There have three studies commissioned by the Dept of Energy, all suggesting that there would be little to no issue short term, until take up was in the region of 84% of the total US fleet. The most balanced one is this ONE by Oak Ridge N.L., and it points out that by 2030 assuming no other infrastructure change,, there will be a need for more power plants. Of course, just the current rate of electrical usage growth will cause even bigger problems, as two other studies showed. I am now searching through my database for these other studies, they are buried in an inbox with hundreds of other goodies, so I will update this thread with the citations.

Not for long... Winding Road on Koenigsegg CCXR O-100 km/hr in 2.9 Top speed in mind for the attempt 254 mph runs on E85 To bad its no longer powered by Ford (worked over Romeo 4v 4.6 in the CC past :happy feet: ) I just freakin love the idea of a weirdass engineer from Sweden getting over on McLaren and big Benz. :shades:

Now Richard, you posted multiple times that the soft lux market was the target, and was a new niche. You and some others insisted it was not up against the CTS(never mind the V!!) but the bigger Caddy, like the D series. You also suggested that the thing would appeal to the laid back crowd, and now come to find that even that most staid of all auto reviewers Pop Mech, suggests that many if not most buyers want the down the road engine(dare we open that tired old debate?), and proper road manners for a car in the 21st century, not the last one. All in all man, you missed it. Good on ya, glad it turned out the way it did. :poke:

Hmm, does that still apply fully if what was mentioned in another post comes to fruition and Ford becomes temporarily a bit shy of Foci? I can only imagine how it would go over if a newly ready Focus buyer was told there was a 10%(never mind the bullshit that became the $helby) ADM on on of those... Happy Ford customers for years to come. Not. Bad, BAD, BAD idea letting that stuff happen. Ford had opportunities to make it good, now they have this sort of resentment in a class of car that frankly, ain't long for the world. Or does anyone else see a big market for 75K mustangs? 'Course, they could bring me back in a minute buy stripping off all the stickers and crap, dropping the flat blade in it and selling me a $50k SVT COBRA... :happy feet: Hell, Ford, you can even keep the blower. Give me the Aluminium 5.4 block and I'll do the dirty deed for you...

In bumping around, I think I found what many might consider an acceptable ST model of the Taurus, with sheetmetal adapted. Evo on the Mondeo 2.5t FTA "The styling, that’s ‘premium’ (actually it’s a bit heavy around the rear three-quarter, although the estate is rather handsome), the cabin is ‘premium’ too (in this case ‘premium’ meaning spacious, pleasant, apparently well made), and the options…" "Linear steering, massive grip, sturdy brakes – a class act all round." " Put engine and chassis together and you’ve got a brilliantly matched combo of poise and – being ultimately quicker than the old Mondeo ST220 – decent pace. And will anyone care? Probably not, because yer average disinterested punter will still lust after something German with a posher badge even though this car is almost certainly nicer to drive than pretty much any Audi bar the RS4. Instead the Mondeo will carry on doing what it’s always done, pleasing people who aren’t badge snobs and those who don’t have a choice. In a world of Little Chefs, it’s a secret slice of haute cuisine." Damm, that sort of sounds exactly what the SHO always was(yes, best friend had two). Also a shot straight at the hotrod G8/GTO/whatever, while not going the same route. Missed product? I think so. And in a little bit more irony, the marketing label on the car is that of "Titanium X". Hmm is there not a premium version of a Ford truck with that name...?

Keeping in mind that the ST is not a run of the mill Euro focus. Not that it was for a run of the mill driver, the SVT Focus was about a 30% premium over the run of the mill ZX3. About typical of SVT product. Considering that a Mazdaspeed 3 is about 25k, and does not have nearly as much of the good stuff as the ST does(like the turbo), and with the de-contenting that is typical, I think that the car could have a nice slot here at 30k. The current N.A. focus tops out at 20, assume a premium Mercury badged version at 25k in a like model line up, I don't see how its a stretch to have imported a few to reposition Mercury as what Pontiac used to sell, a premium version of the gingerbread for the few who like driving more than most. Call it, perhaps Capri? And get a few people at least driving a Mercury badge, ready to move up a notch in the next go round looking for more of that premium profit stuff. Assuming there is a Mercury left circa 2010 for them to move to. At least Lincoln is moving out of the 70's now, perhaps that could have been a plan. Of course, using the Focus name might have been an issue, but then again halo cars have their place in marketing and showroom traffic. Its all pie in the sky now, but I gotta think that there was a niche here, and it was missed.

Enough to make me rethink all the stuff H.R.R. (his Royal Richard) told me. As I suspected, it comes to mind that the CTS is the logical target. Appeal to a more performance oriented driver. Firmer ride, less lux boat wallowing. Twice mentions that more power is forthcoming and that buyers might seek that. AWD mitigates the usual FWD bubaboo of torque steer. All in all, with the minor quibble of why the grills end up going different directions, and what I find to be a typical Ford issue, that of the center armrest being to far aft, I think this product just moved up a few notches. Now on my initial list, as I am waiting to see what the timeframe is for the newly announced CTS coupe, and if I can wait. And ANYTHING but red. Richard, you led me astray. Fortunately for me, the car is more like I thought, and less like you suggested.

Nissan and Renault are throwing a lot at this. I suspect that despite GM believing it acceptable for N.A., it makes more sense for the more traditionally personal transport unfriendly places like Asian and European cities first. And I read in a few places that the Chinese are aboard big time, both govt. and er, semi private companies. Its going to happen, and in a in a big way, its just a question of finding the RIGHT way to roll this out. And there are some pretty cool technologies about to come onstream for both storage and electrical buses. Not so sure about the motor end of it.

Development money stolen by the same shadowy group that murdered the water car guy in the middle of a redneck parade? Sorry, quick google search shows this; on the hydrobride if it took this long to build three prototypes, I wouldn't change your 401k just yet. as for the magic F series one...I'm thinking vapourware.

It is a race for sure. NY Times on Nissan's electric

You are so right Richard, the perfect car is one of those old Honda's. Which is why so many people bought them, told thier friends, and now wouldn't look at a new Ford even if you tried AGAIN to pay them to. All of which raises the question, did and are they doing a better job, and is Ford doomed to chase them forever? Or, could a global manufacturer perhaps break the paradigm in North America, kind of like Ford did with the Taurus or the Global Escort mk 1, and find a way to create/lead a market, instead of just marking time in place as you are so very fond of? I realize you are here to keep a lid on, but man, you need to get out and DRIVE brother, its the reason the car culture exists you know.

On the Golf GTI mk 5 its 2945 lbs. This is a link EVO magazine, the Knowledge Might want to check the mag out to, they have more fun with the little ones than the superexotics, and kind of like me, enjoy just driving. Which is why I prefer public transportation to traffic, and try and save the driving for off peak and open roads. Just one that has gone through VAT testing and mods like lighting, turn signals, cat conv. and such. Generally adds a few pounds(both weight and $) to bring the car up(down?) to current Euro regs. That and the emissions differences are why they have to go through the grey import market.

The last time I was over was almost two years ago, so I can't vouch to the hot Fiesta. I can however speak to the Renault, and a sweet little Alfa. Not to mention the Focus SVT I drove just 17 days ago. (which if I recall if kept up would be called a Mazda 3, which by the way seems to be selling pretty good, and technically a Ford group product) YUP. Same driver can keep up to a GT stang pretty easy, and thats coming from a former COBRA(big mods) owner and the current owner of a Cayman. Which is the same weight as that Focus, so my argument works on both directions, as I know about trading size for weight and capablility. Forget cost. My point is this, we over here have expectations that no longer reflect what is possible in automotive capability. We are so used to our large, toy laden, and bottom end punch, we have no place to rationalize what we could be getting for the same $ spent. Perhaps its because everything is bigger in Texas?

Back of the book in the best car mag on earth, EVO, letssee here, hmm, yup, FORD Fiesta ST185 (ouch, that stings) 1137 kg or, wait, 2506 lbs. Current Focus ST 1392 kg 3068 lbs. Euro Mustang GT 1584 kg 3492 lbs. Just so the facts are here to talk about R.J.

Frightening, isn't it? There is so much in that, but 1. That is where lobbying from the domestics has made the maze of regulation via economy and emissions so insane. Again, the domestics did it to themselves. 2. You can see how the big 3 must be pulling their hair out trying to figure a cost effective way to build cars for us and the ENTIRE REST OF THE GLOBE when there is so little common ground. Fact is a tuned hot hatch(maybe not THAT one ) can kick the crap out of most any Mustang in a real world situation, even allowing for a 300 horse punch of the line. Solid Rear be dammed. 3. You want instant fuel economy? That Mustang, pretty though it is, is at least 800+ lbs behind the eight ball to carry the same people the same distance at the same pace with the same safety capability. If that's what we want, I guess we should darn well be prepared to pay through the nose for it. 4. Getting one of those little hot hatches into customers ready hands is no more nor less the same program than that Mustang. Anything else is just an excuse, something the domestics have turned into near religious dogma. Trust me, a meeting at the White House with the boys is coming soon, even as I read that GM "NEEDS" tax breaks to break ground for the Volt assly. plant. WTF??? If it is the product consumers want, why should a corp that is one of the globes biggest need tax incentives? Its so frustrating to see the propaganda making the market.

"So in a few years, should we expect a BMW .333333333-Series to replace the 1-series that will have since grown to the size of the current 3-series?" Assuming they keep selling all of both they can build and continuing to be one of the if not the most profitable car makers.... YES. Must be very good to know that people like pretty much everything you are doing, (bangle 7 series aside). :fan:

True, if the original intent was designed in. Add ons after the fact are just that, stickers. Of course, add ons also push the cost through the roof as failure after failure of seemingly unrelated parts adds time and money. Beancounters just don't get the passion for cars. Engineers just don't get the need for penny pinching, and Ford NA just doesn't get the need for street creed to create a new generation of fans. They think Sync is the same as Brembo's... That was the idea behind SVO/SVT. To make sure that headroom was left in a design, to mitigate costs and SHOCK make for a credible product. I'll leave you to wonder what might happen now....

That would be the upcoming A8 then... AFWIW, How many of H groups 500 000 units used to be Fords share? I'm guessing about a third... Why is it so hard for some of you to understand why the domestics took such a bath on all that lost share? THEY DID IT TO THEMSELVES!!!! You can scoff, but if I was one of the many many people Ford has laid off, I would probably wander over to a product line that grew up pretty much in the time it took to loose my job. And probably be a bit surprised at the fact that it was darn good value. Heck, I can even imagine a former salaried worker at Ford who wanted a car, seeing as how they lost their job and all, purchasing the car with better pricing and perceived value that all those other people thought of as if not better, a cheaper equivelant. Why can't you?

Darnitt, this has been bugging me for weeks. There is a speculative bubble in oil right now, but its not supported by long term trends. There is no less oil in the ground in the gulf than a few weeks ago, more in Iraq and Iran, Russia is getting its head out of its but, Africa will come on line (I fear the body count short term with this bubble though), and heavy oil synthetics are poised to shift the market( three years MAX). Personal transport for over a decade now has been getting bigger, heavier, wider, and taller. That has lead to higher power numbers and a gradual, but better fuel economy (adjusted for mass). Or has anyone else happened to see the Corolla over a few generations side by each? Yes, domestics for the most part have a bad product mix. Right now. But after every other oil price shock since the 50's, within hours of consumer perception of a fall to realistic demand supply pricing (and it will happen, oh yes) North America went right back to buying that same type of vehicle we prefer, big, lots of torque and full of toys. So is it smart to give up long term sales of big cars that we know we as a society prefer? Ones with heightened attention to economy, emissions, and material technology? Ecoboost merely recaptures what is already around the corner, doesn't it? Or should perhaps we all just take a deep breath, learn to live within the current and temporary cycle, and hope that a few honest , er, capable leaders realize the possible end game, (alternatives to oil) is going to take a while, no matter the hue and cry, and just get through this? Or is this going to become a bloodbath (metaphor, please), and we try and force a bunch of product that no one wants out just to keep the fires stoked? Is it really worth another generation of Vega's and Pinto's (and that little dodge thing, whatever it was, Crikket?) and turning yet another generation away from domestic small cars? Because if there is a panic in Detroit and half arsed stuff comes to market, that is going to happen. Again. I just don't see how or if a kneejerk reaction can make any of this differ in any way. In the end, oil will come back down, not to what it once was, but certainly to what the market with choices will pay. Putting an I4 in a pickup is not going to make for repeat customers. Nor is trying to pass off a C1/C2 as a Lincoln (yes, I have read that in more than one place, including here!). But a rush to incomplete hybrids (see batteries and all the special systems, from alternators to A/C that have to be different), or this affair with bio-fuels (surely the long term potential consequences are visible from here, right?) or trying to change 100 years of infrastructure on the fly (we can't even get the decrepit stuff on the ground now to work, let alone try quick mods to the crumbling systems we have to deal with). Just seems to me reading the news today, that people (great flock of cattle we are) are running around hoping not to hit a fence. Not that it would change anything in the near to mid term if we did. But there are potential downsides to the future if we do not take the time to plan a longer term map than just, in our fans of Ford case, 2011. Peace, and thanks for reading if you did.

Leftlane on the small trucks :reading:

+ CAN'T MAKE ENOUGH TO SUPPLY INCREASED DEMAND Quick primer on diesel

I'll bet that the law of unintended consequences strikes hard here. The new regulations for emissions were intended to help with this transition, but the urgency of the market has shocked everyone. All those golden oldies were just dropped to get the next gen to market in a hurry. What is the time to market for some of these certs? 14 months? Even as they slash white collar types? Its a strange kind of consumer panic, and the effects are painful to behold.

Forgetting the crack whore thing(I'm not aware of that particular demographic ), currency fluctuations can change this game in a heartbeat these days. Last year, in the space of 90 days, us Canadians found out that we had some leverage, and the manufacturers shifted pricing in less than two months. And sales went up. Currency trading is so volatile in times like these, a point here and there adds up in a hurry.