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Ford looks to have a winner on its hands with the 2009 Focus RS, as the company has taken approximately 1,000 orders for the 275 HP Matchbox car. No matter whether you're a fan of the scooptastic SEMA-style bodywork or not, you can't argue with 295 lb-ft of torque flowing through a 6-speed stick in a little rocket like this. Don't like it in green? Well, you're among the majority...but just barely. Ford reports that 40% of the preorders have opted for the eye-scorching emerald hue. More »
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Ford's just released two press releases detailing an OMFG $8.7 billion net loss for the second quarter of 2008 (which includes a pre-tax special charge of $8 billion, $5.3 billion of which is for Ford North America). But more importantly to the enthusiast is news they'll be bringing to North America six European small vehicles built off the global B-car and C-car platforms and converting three large truck and SUV plants to building small cars. It's part of something the company's calling "One Ford" which we think has something to do with making every product in every marketplace the same and it looks like the European products are winning out. Dear god, there is yet hope for this company. Full press releases after the jump. Give us a few minutes while we digest this. Also, our Cheerios. More »
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A Saturday Wall Street Journal report claims Ford is working up plans to retool its North American assembly plants to build a number of European models. Ford hasn't confirmed the report, but it is expected to announce the shift during its second-quarter earnings conference on Thursday. While the paper mentions only the Mondeo specifically, conventional wisdom has the Euro Focus and possibly a C-Max/S-Max joining it. We'll take one with a diesel and 6-speed stick, please. [WSJ via Automotive News (Sub. Req.)] More »
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