Jalopnik: Ka

Mulally Says Ford Considering Ka For America

Andrew Stoy — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:45:00 EDT

Remember how Ford used to claim the Ka was too small for American tastes? Well, it appears American tastes have sufficiently downsized, and Ford CEO Alan Mulally, during an interview on a local Detroit radio show, said an Americanized Ka has quite a few supporters in the halls of the Dearborn automaker. For those not familiar with the Ka (and since it's never been sold here, that may be many of you), the little city cruiser is about the same width as the old Kia-sourced Ford Aspire — remember the Aspire? — and roughly ten inches shorter. Fortunately, the new Fiat 500-based Ka is also rumored to be at least an order of magnitude more fun to drive, so we're looking forward to finally seeing one on these shores in something other than a James Bond flick.

[Detroit News]

Quantum of Solace Set Pics Reveal 2009 Ford Ka, Bond Girl

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:01:00 EDT

The 2009 Ford Ka is apparently going to be making a cameo appearance in the worst-named Bond movie in history — Quantum of Solace. We're a little terrified by the graphical shenanigans on the side of this car — "Greene Planet" — which we assume means there's going to be some kind of trendy Earth-friendly tie-in. Well, at least there's Bond girl Olga Kurylenko to brighten things up.

BOND MOVIE ROLE FOR NEW FORD KA
COLOGNE, August 15, 2008 - The highly-anticipated new James Bond adventure, 'Quantum of Solace', will feature a cameo appearance from Ford's fresh-faced new model, the all-new Ford Ka.

Ford's cheeky new small car will make its screen debut alongside the film's beautiful but feisty leading lady, Olga Kurylenko. Kurylenko plays Camille, a woman with her own personal mission and who quickly becomes an unlikely ally for Bond.

The 'Quantum of Solace' Ka is unique with metallic gold paint and an exclusive exterior graphics and interior trim combination.

"The new Ka is the perfect match for the character of Camille - adventurous, individual and thoroughly modern," says Ford of Europe's Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Odell. "We are delighted that the launch of the film coincides with the launch of such a significant new model for Ford of Europe."

The special 'Quantum of Solace' Ka was created by Ford of Europe's Design team, in collaboration with the movie's Oscar ® award-winning production designer, Dennis Gassner. The Ka's cameo continues Ford of Europe's relationship with the James Bond films, following the debut appearance of the latest Ford Mondeo, in the 2006 blockbuster, 'Casino Royale'.

Twelve years after the original Ford Ka wowed customers with its modern spirit and what has proved to be a remarkably age-less design, its successor looks set to repeat its impact.

The new model retains all the qualities which made the Ka so popular - compact size, great looks, lively dynamics and fun personality - but presents them in a fresh new package. Further technical details of the new Ford Ka will be revealed closer to launch later in 2008.

'Quantum of Solace' is produced for EON Productions by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Directed by Marc Forster, the film stars Daniel Craig as the legendary secret agent, James Bond and opens in the UK and France on October 31st, then elsewhere November 7th.

The all-new Ka enjoys the spotlight of its own at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, on October 2.

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2009 Ford Ka Now Officially Official With High-Resolution Photos and Details

Andrew Stoy — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:30:00 EDT

Ford decided the world had seen enough unofficially official photos of the all-new 2009 Ford Ka. The spinmeisters at Ford Europe have let loose with high-resolution versions of the three leaked shots we've already seen, plus a press release sparse on real details, but huge on adjectives. Yes, the marketers have supped heavily from the well of hyperbole, describing the new Ka as "full of youthful and cheeky Ka spirit," "exciting," "bold" and yes, "fashionable." Full specs will be released prior to the actual debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October, but enjoy the tease below the jump.

FRESH, FUNKY AND FUN - INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW FORD KA
* Paris Show debut for all-new Ford Ka
* Bold, fashionable and stylish design
* Full of youthful and cheeky Ka spirit
* Exciting successor to the iconic original

Brentwood, August 1, 2008 - The exciting new Ka, Ford's fresh, fun and funky small car, will take centre-stage at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October.

The all-new Ford Ka brings new levels of style and enjoyment to affordable city cars.

Twelve years after the original Ka was launched to great acclaim, its successor captures the same youthful and cheeky spirit. The new model retains all of the qualities which made the Ka so popular - its compact size, great looks, lively dynamics and fun personality - but presents them in a fresh new package.

Stylish Inside and Out
Ford designers have given the new Ka a fashionable, modern appearance based around the company's 'kinetic design' form language. A number of visual cues provide a connection to the original Ka, but with its distinctive face and chunky proportions the new model has its own unique character.

The interior of the new Ka also has a stylish, dynamic design, combining bold contrasts and expressive colours which reflect the more adventurous tastes of the typical Ka buyer.

Rebirth of a Design Icon
The new model is destined to continue the considerable success of the original Ford Ka, which is widely considered to be an automotive design icon. Launched at the Paris Motor Show in 1996, the Ka was immediately praised for its exciting "New Edge" styling and class-leading driving dynamics.

Throughout its 12-year life the Ka has remained tremendously popular among small-car buyers, inspiring fierce loyalty from its owners. In total, Ka production has exceeded 1.4 million vehicles.

"We are very excited about the launch of the new Ka", said Roelant de Waard, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford of Britain. "The original has been a huge hit in the UK with a sales record of over 480,000 - 80 per cent of which have been to retail customers, and many of those first-time buyers. I'm confident that the latest design will prove just as big a hit", he added.

Further information on the new Ford Ka range will be released in time for the Paris Motor Show in early October 2008.

[Ford]

2009 Ford Ka Again Peeks Out From Under Embargo Blanket

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:40:00 EDT

Earlier this week, we got the first unofficially official look at the 2009 Ford Ka, the biggest little thing to hit the Ford lineup in years. Today we get an unofficially official look at its tail-end and the center stack, albeit in small-image fashion. Worry not though, as it seems everything is going according to plan, and the car looks just as it did when pre-production photos of the Ford Ka leaked out in May. Expect to see the littlest Ford debut at the Paris Motor Show in October.

2009 Ford Ka First Official Photo Leaked, Unofficially

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:20:59 EDT

The first official image of the already-leaked 2009 Ford Ka has hit the web courtesy of the folks at CarTribe. Though we've seen shots of the car before, this is the first one we've seen given the photo studio treatment. As we reported, a Ford and Fiat agreement has led to a new Ka that shares many of its mechanicals with the cute and lovable Fiat 500. The car is supposed to be officially unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, so we're assuming we'll see more forthwith. Click here for the high-res version of the shot, then hit the jump.

The little Ford will be made in Poland and will come with either the 63 HP 1.2-liter, 100 HP 1.4-liter gas and 75 HP 1.3-liter Multijet diesel engine. The hope is that a Ford Ka ST will be introduced at some point with a significant power increase and an improved chassis. [Car Tribe via Carscoop]

Ford To Build Euro Models Stateside, Reports Wall Street Journal

Andrew Stoy — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:40:00 EDT

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.)]

2009 Ford Ka, Revealed!

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:20:00 EDT

After what feels like the world's longest production run — in reality a mere 12 years (seriously!) — the Ford Ka is finally getting an all-new model, and here's the car doing the replacing. As we reported way back in 2005, the 2009 Ford Ka will be based on the Fiat 500 in a bit of magical platform prostitution, and though that's a good start, the 500 definitely has some room for improvement. We hope Ford has worked its small car suspension magic on the little bugger cause the 63 HP 1.2-liter, 100 HP 1.4-liter gas and 75 HP 1.3-liter Multijet diesel engines won't set the world on fire in the same way a tossable chassis can.

This new car is slated to debut later this year at the 2008 Paris Auto Show and will do nothing if not provide fodder for the rumors of a new, 150 HP ST model. Since we can't help but love compact hot hatches this rumor-shrouded version has us looking up gray market importers, but we'll just have to wait to see if that pans out first. Since Ford hates US dollars, don't expect it to see American streets any time soon. [AutoExpress via WorldCarFans]

2009 Ford Ka Revealed?

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:20:00 EDT

With foreign car magazines like AutoBild you can never be sure if what you're getting is on the up and up, but these photos of the 2009 Ford Ka look legit when compared to other pics we've seen. Based on the Fiat 500, the littlest Ford should continue to maintain its popularity with this latest design. We look forward to the ST sport version and possible mild hybrid system that is in the works. The full scan below.

[AutoBild via CarScoop]

Ford Succeeds In Giving Us Nightmares With New Ka Spot

Travis Hudson — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:40:00 EDT

We understand the Ford Ka is a roomy vehicle. Hell, it's even big enough for James Bond and many Bond girls, but the means this Spanish commercial goes to in order to express that notion is going to cause us to have some serious trouble sleeping tonight. The first one to identify what the hell those creatures are gets a cookie. [Neatorama]

New Ford Ka To Be Shaken, Not Stirred In New Bond Film "Quantum Of Solace?"

Wes Siler — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:30:00 EDT

We've got a chance to check out some exclusive video from the set of the new Bond flick, "Quantum of Solace." Yes, it's a silly name for a movie. But you know, the "Ka" is a silly name for a car — except for, you know, in Boston. So it seems like the two would work well together, which, if the video's right, will be just the case. The clip appears to show the new, and as yet un-revealed, Ford Ka hitting the silver screen in the new 007 movie, complete with some strange graphics running down the side. Well, we'd have preferred a new Mondeo like the last movie, but beggars Ka-n't be choosers. Ha. We slay ourselves. But what do you think? Is that the new Ka-Ka? Video after the jump.

[via AintItCoolNews]

2010 Ford Ka Spied In Europe

Wes Siler — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT

Autocar has images of a disguised production version of the 2010 Ford Ka. Ford Europe has partnered up with Fiat for their new baby, it's based on the same chassis as the 500 and Panda. Evident in the shots is a heavy sharing of interior parts with the 500, although Ford claims no visible parts will come from Fiat.

The previous generation Ka was one of our favorite city cars due to its handling excellence and ancient but lively 1.3-liter Zetec engine. Expect Ford to heavily revise the 500's chassis in order to carry over the Ka's handling prowess. The Ka is scheduled to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September. [Via Autocar]

Possible Ford Ka Spotted Testing In Dearborn

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:45:00 EST

You don't have to travel all the way to Southern Europe to see a New Ford Ka, as they're apparently running around Dearborn, Michigan (the Riviera of the Midwest, surely). It was lucky for us then that Jalopnik commenter TheMadAdder was around to snap some photos of a diminutive Ford hatchback as it weaved its way through traffic during the evening rush on the M-39. Another photo of the tiny hatch making its way across town below the jump.

Is this the new Ka? Or a Mazda2 derivative?

Next Generation Ford Ka Spotted, Looks Surprised

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:45:00 EST

We're a bit curious how the new Fiat 500-based Ford Ka is going to turn out, especially given how much we like the bizarre dimensions of the Mk. 1 Ka every time we see a Central American one driving down I-10. Will it stay true to its original form or is it destined for a boring, but more acceptable design? A new set of spy shots seems to indicate that the answer to that question is what we want to hear.

The folks at World Car Fans got ahold of four shots of the next generation Ka testing in Southern Europe, and from what we can see it looks like the designers are headed in the right direction. The camouflage does conceal the new grille and headlight assembly, but the overall layout of the Ka is clear. Bulging rear end? Check. Stubby nose? Check. Huge disparity between front and rear wheel size? CHECK! [World Car Fans]

Another 500: New Ford Ka Spied

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 07:40:45 EST

With the Fiat 500 getting all the media attention, accolades and kisses from Italian supermodels, we almost feel bad for the new Ford Ka. After all, the mini sister ship to the 500 will be a far less-fashionable progeny of the Ford-Fiat small-car alliance. The UK's Car says the Ka will arrive at the Paris Auto Show in 2008, so there's still time for a big ad campaign, parties sponsored by global vodka brands and a mess of branded accessories. But it'll never have the 500s history, and thus likely become just another minicar parked on a European street designed for quarter horses. C'est la vie. [Car]

Cinquento Nuovo! New Fiat 500 Pics Arrive

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:50:04 EDT

According to our sources at Interpol, Fiat's revealing its new 500 minicar this week. As as such, early press shots have already leaked to the web. The new minicar, which takes its cues from the classic Cinquecento by way of the Fiat Trepiuno concept car of 2004, will hit dealerships in Europe later this year. The joint project will Ford Europe is also expected to spawn a replacement for the Ford Ka built on the same platform. Still no word on the Abarth tuner version, but you know that's coming. [UPDATE: They didn't so much leak as premiere for those who signed up at www.fiat500.com. But be careful, you only get one look.] – Mike Spinelli

Svelata in anteprima sul web la nuova Fiat 500 [Motori Online]

Ford and Fiat Team up on new Fiat 500, Ka

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 13:13:36 EDT

It's official: Fiat is building a new Cinquecento (500) minicar with an unlikely partner. As you may remember, Fiat showed an updated 500 in the guise of the Trepi no concept in Geneva this year. Now, the company has announced it will develop a production version of the Italian icon — the cultural equivalent of the New Beetle — with Ford, which will rebadge the product as its new European Ka. The companies will use Fiat's Panda small-car architecture to underpin the new models, which will be launched in 2007 (Fiat) and 2008 (Ford). Italian-languant fluents can read more at Autoblog.it. [Update: CNN/Money picked up the story. Thanks, Chris.]