Ford to bring six fuel-efficient European models stateside
Are you an American that has been lusting for some European vehicle models lately? Because of the traditionally high fuel prices in Europe, cars there are traditionally more compact and sip less fuel than their American counterparts (the BMW M3 is another story, though). Some of these models belong to American automakers Ford and GM. We already know some European GM models are sold stateside, but what about Ford?
According to Automotive News, Ford is calling its young dealers to improve operations and prepare for a wave of new small vehicles coming to Ford's lineup within three years. Those cars most likely will be the new European Focus four-door, five-door and coupé-convertible (pictured); the new Fiesta (old new); and the C-Max minivan and Kuga crossover. Compact in size and, at least in my opinion, featuring really good design, these Euro models could provide Ford with a sales boost. In fact, Ford is expecting to sell 700,000 or 800,000 of them per year in the U.S., but probably not all of them at $25,000, though.
[Source: Automotive News (subs. req'd)]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nixon 7:37PM (9/24/2008)
But will Ford do the work to make the European engines meet US emissions standards, especially the European diesel engines?
Or will Ford just slam the same old gas engines into these European shells that they've been putting in US cars for years?
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Mike!!ekiM 8:00PM (9/24/2008)
The best driving, most fun car I ever owned was the Ford/Mercury Merkur XR4Ti. With a sweet smooth ride, excellent brakes and handling, and a silky 4 cylinder turbo charged engine, it was nice.
Yet, it was panned by the, "I'm too dumb to drive a turbo", auto industry press. If it didn't have a V8 you could STOMP ON it couldn't possibly be a good car...
So, now the US will get some great Euro cars. I predict the auto-magazine industry is just as STUPID as it was 20 years ago.
Ford's going to have a rough time.
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Wise Golden 12:23AM (9/25/2008)
That car was a favorite of mine as well, but it didn't get good milage.
My Cadillac DHL with a 4.6 L Northstar gets better milage and has twice the power.
Your point is valid though, turbo = generally good and misunderstood in the US. Just as GM is taking the lead with EV, Ford is taking a lead in turbo which is a very valuable technology. It's all good.
brn 11:37AM (9/25/2008)
That turbo was one of the peakiest things I've ever driven. I don't blame the media for knocking it. Turbos have come a long way since that car. Thank goodness.
UH2L 2:17AM (9/25/2008)
Looks great to see all those models coming over. I doubt that the diesels will as it would take too much development cost for not much volume. As for the V8 versus 4 cylinder turbo, it is true that a V8 can get better fuel economy. A Corvette can easily get 28 mpg on the highway while a Subaru with their high output turbo four will get less. (I understand that AWD takes a toll). As for Ford taking the lead in turbos, that's not the case. Saab took the lead a long time ago, like in the 70's, and they still sell mostly 4 cylinder turbo engines. Plus, GM is coming out with a 1.4 L turbo four pretty soon.
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JN 1:43PM (9/25/2008)
Funny how the XR4Ti gets mentioned ... considering that only the body came from Europe; under the hood, that sweet engine was the same 1970s-vintage 2.3L four that was used in the Mustang SVO and the T-Bird Turbo Coupe, minus the intercooler, of course. Yes, folks, it was the old "Pinto" engine, made right here in the good ol' U.S. of A.
That said, it was a nice car. I worked with a guy who owned one well into the late '90s, and he babied it ... he said it attracted him because of the Euro styling, yet the American engine made it very easy to work on (not that it needed much). It's a shame more people didn't see the good in those cars then. Hopefully they will now!
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Charles 4:00PM (9/25/2008)
I bought an 1985 Merkur XR4ti and still have it. I plan to get some time and money and get it back up and running.
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Mike!!ekiM 8:25AM (9/26/2008)
Let me just add about "Peaky" from the turbo. To get an Acceleration boost: You'd have to give it an additional 1/4 pedal travel and wait 1/2 second, then..., then engine would respond with a huge rush in power.
I normal driving I enjoyed this "feature". If I were racing an XR4Ti then yes I might bitch about it. But, I never thought confused normal street driving with busting a cars a** at Watkins Glen.
The auto-magazine industry seems to be filled with these delusional writers who judge every car as if they were running the 24 hours of Le Mans, or something.
If they built the XR4Ti today, it would still be a great car, and still panned by the magazine industry. The auto magazine industry, Just So Wrong.
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