VIDEO: Ken Block Flips His Fiesta ahead of Rally of Portugal

Ken Block got off to a bad start before his third WRC event of 2011, crashing violently during the shakedown of the Vodafone Rally de Portugal yesterday. Even though the Ford Fiesta RS WRC was destroyed, lucky the American race driver and his copilot Alex Gelsomino managed to walk away from the incident without any injuries.

It's the first major crash for Ken Block in a World Rally Car and this means the Californian will have to watch this weekend's rally from the sidelines. The next WRC event for Block will be Rally Argentina (May 26-29). Check Block's unintentional stunt after the jump.

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READ MORE - VIDEO: Ken Block Flips His Fiesta ahead of Rally of Portugal

U.S. Market 2012 Ford Fiesta Gets Three New Custom Packages

Ford's Fiesta sub-compact has gained three new packages, two for the interior and one for the exterior, for the 2012 model year. The two interior packages are the Race Red and Oxford White and offer a personalized appearance with two-tone colored components.

Said to be inspired from the world of fashion and available on the Fiesta SEL and SES models, the interior packages feature contrasting interior accent colors on the center console, door panels and rings that surrounding the air vents.

The two-tone leather seats and steering wheel feature contrast stitching, while the shift knob is covered in black leather. Finally, the seats are also decorated with a debossed “Fiesta” logo.

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READ MORE - U.S. Market 2012 Ford Fiesta Gets Three New Custom Packages

Ford Releases Videos of the Ranger Wildtrak and B-MAX Concept in their Natural Environments

Ford's booth at the Geneva Motor Show hosted the world premieres of the Ranger Wildtrack series and the B-MAX, a pre-production concept version of the firm’s upcoming Fiesta-based small MPV. Now we have videos of both models that you can check out after the break.

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READ MORE - Ford Releases Videos of the Ranger Wildtrak and B-MAX Concept in their Natural Environments

Ford CEO Alan Mulally Believes Fiat 500 Won’t Succeed in the USA

There’s been a lot of hype surrounding the U.S. launch of the Fiat 500, with many predicting a commercial success for the Italian mini even before it landed on this side of the Atlantic. However, there’s one industry executive that doesn’t believe in Fiat’s retro-penned hatchback. We’re talking about Ford CEO Alan Mulally. When asked about the market prospects of the Fiat 500 in the United States in an interview with Italian-language news magazine Panorama, Mulally said: "I do not see large market in the U.S.A. for a smaller car than the Fiesta. Those that tried failed.”

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READ MORE - Ford CEO Alan Mulally Believes Fiat 500 Won’t Succeed in the USA

New Ford Fiesta Sales Reach 1 Million Units in Europe after 28 Months on the Market

The latest generation of the Fiesta, which is also sold in the States, is proving to be quite a hit for Ford in Europe as sales have reached one million units. The milestone was achieved 28 months after the supermini first went on sale in the continent in October 2008. The European market versions of the three- and five-door Fiesta models are produced in Ford’s plants in Cologne, Germany and Valencia, Spain. Ford said that the Fiesta’s cumulative sales in Europe since the introduction of the first generation model in 1976 have so far totaled 14 million units.

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READ MORE - New Ford Fiesta Sales Reach 1 Million Units in Europe after 28 Months on the Market

Geneva Preshow: Ford Reveals B-MAX Small MPV Study Based on the Fiesta

Scheduled to make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show this week is Ford's brand-new B-MAX concept that previews the firm's upcoming small MPV, designed to replace the current European Fusion and rival the Opel Meriva. Based on the Fiesta platform, the almost production-ready minivan has some striking features, the most obvious being the new door concept. It has no B-pillar and the twin doors have a conventional opening system in the front and a sliding system in the back.

By eliminating the traditional B-pillar, Ford promises best-in-class access to the cabin without compromising safety. With both front and rear doors open, the aperture measures 1.5 metres, around twice the width offered by competitors, according to Ford.

“With its unique door format and dynamic design, the B-MAX sends a strong message that customers looking for a compact, stylish and versatile vehicle will soon have an exciting new choice,” said Stephen Odell, CEO of Ford Europe. Another highlight is the lack of door handles, with the opening system being remote-controlled.

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READ MORE - Geneva Preshow: Ford Reveals B-MAX Small MPV Study Based on the Fiesta

Ford Launches Limited Edition Fiesta Sport+ with 134 Ponies in Europe

Ford is expanding the Fiesta’s European lineup with the Sport+ limited edition based on the three-door variant, and boasting several exterior and interior appointments, plus a tweaked 1.6-liter gasoline engine in order to attract more performance-oriented customers.

On the outside, the Sport+ (dubbed Sport S in Germany and S1600 in the UK) is set apart from its more mundane siblings by the custom Performance Blue or Frozen White paintjob with contrasting racing stripes and comprehensive bodykit that includes a new front bumper, wider side skirts, roof-mounted spoiler and rear diffuser with integrated twin-pipe exhaust. The special Fiesta rides on 17-inch alloys, also finished in white.

Inside, the driver and passenger get sport seats with blue stitching, while the leather steering wheel, handbrake handle and gear knob, side airbags and Motorsport-branded floor mats and scuff plates are all part of the standard equipment list.

However, the biggest change is the spiced up 1.6-liter Duratec Ti-VCT four-pot, delivering 134HP and 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque or 14HP and 8 Nm (6 lb-ft) more than the regular engine. While this doesn’t seem like a major improvement, the Fiesta Sport+ sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.7 seconds, 1.2 seconds faster than the 120HP 3-door variant. Top speed is pegged at 195 km/h (121 mph).

With a base price of €18,090 (US $24,440 at today’s exchange rates) in Germany, the Sport+ is also available in the UK, Austria, Switzerland and Belgium.

READ MORE - Ford Launches Limited Edition Fiesta Sport+ with 134 Ponies in Europe

2011 Ford Fiesta

* Ford is hosting a casting call to find the most unique and stylish individuals to represent the 2011 Ford Fiesta for an “Inspired By Color” program which takes place this week on Howard University’s campus in Washington, D.C.

* Five individuals will be selected and will appear in a national advertisement for the Fiesta which will hit TV screens this Spring

* R&B Singer LeToya Luckett, eBay Style Director Constance White, Fashion Innovator and Parrish Clothing Founder Tony Shellman and Ford Fiesta Designer Kevin George to serve as official judges for the program along with Event Host Kenny Burns

* The Fiesta goes on sale this summer and features an expressive, vibrant design, sharp reflexes, and a global track record that will redefine U.S. small car customers’ expectations

Imagine using a vehicle that comes in colors like Lime Squeeze, Bright Magenta, Red Candy and Yellow Blaze as your inspiration while getting dressed. Imagine if your personal style and your understanding of the vehicle could land you in one of Ford Motor Company’s upcoming national television spots.

Ford is offering the chance for five unique and stylish individuals to do just that as the company kicks off Inspired By Color, a casting call event tied to the 2011 Ford Fiesta that will take place on Howard University’s campus this week in Washington, D.C.

Inspired by Color invites participants to let the fresh design and colors of the new Fiesta inspire them as they show off their unique style while tying it back to the colors and distinct features of the Fiesta. Participants will show up to Day One of the casting call where they will flex their style muscle for the chance to be one of 30 individuals selected for Day Two of the casting call event. Ultimately, five finalists will be selected by a panel of judges that will include R&B Singer LeToya Luckett; Fashion Powerhouse and eBay Style Director Constance White; Fashion Innovator and Parrish Clothing Founder Tony Shellman and Fiesta Designer Kevin George.

Wallpapers 2011 Ford Fiesta

Wallpapers 2011 Ford Fiesta

Wallpapers 2011 Ford Fiesta

Wallpapers 2011 Ford Fiesta

We wanted to create a unique program that truly embodies the spirit of the Fiesta, said Crystal Worthem, multicultural marketing manager, Ford Motor Company. This program allows us to tap into the distinct features and style of the vehicle in a way that is relevant to some of the target consumers of this vehicle. We are excited about the opportunity to hold such a massive casting call in a city that speaks fashion, while also bringing along some of the experts in the field of fashion to help us execute the program.

A mixture of local radio, targeted online/mobile, posters and street teams were deployed in order to create awareness and buzz around the “Inspired By Color” casting call. Potential participants were then directed to www.fordurban.com where they had to view the car, including some of its class-leading technologies and features and then select the color that inspired them the most. Once they’ve chosen a color, they will wear an outfit they’ve been inspired to put together to the casting call.

In addition to the panel of celebrity judges, a team of “Fashionista’s,” which includes Project Runway Star Michael Knight will comb the line of attendee’s to select individuals to provide sound bytes live from the event.

Wallpapers 2011 Ford Fiesta

Wallpapers 2011 Ford Fiesta

Wallpapers 2011 Ford Fiesta

Wallpapers 2011 Ford Fiesta

The program will also include a custom interactive eZine entitled Inspired By Color that will launch following the campaign and will recap the entire program with additional issues to follow leading up to and immediately after the 2010 BET Awards.

The event will take place April 13-15 on Howard University’s campus, Undergraduate Library Rooftop. Pre-Registration is now closed but limited walk-ups are available on April 13.

For more information on the program, please visit www.fordurban.com

2011 Ford Fiesta: A hit before leaving the gate

Thanks to the success of the Fiesta Movement social media initiative – which has generated more than 6.2 million YouTube views, more than 750,000 Flickr views and nearly 4 million Twitter impressions – more than 100,000 people have already expressed an interest in the 2011 Ford Fiesta.

Going on sale this summer, the all-new Fiesta features an expressive, vibrant design, sharp reflexes, and a global track record that will redefine U.S. small car customers’ expectations. Featuring class-leading technologies and a projected best-in-class highway fuel economy of

40 mpg, Fiesta brings efficiency and convenience together in one package.

It’s also designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable. In fact, Fiesta is expected to deliver best-in-class convenience and connectivity with the segment-exclusive SYNC® voice-activated communications system, as well as an expressive color palette and available graphics.

Wallpapers 2011 Ford Fiesta

Wallpapers 2011 Ford Fiesta

Wallpapers 2011 Ford Fiesta Interiour

Wallpapers 2011 Ford Fiesta Interiour

READ MORE - 2011 Ford Fiesta

VW Golf Tops European Sales Chart in First Half of 2009, Ford Fiesta Finishes Second

Despite the heavy competition from the new Ford Fiesta that increased its sales in Europe by a hefty 34.2 percent to 243,340 units in the first half of 2009, VW's Golf continues to dominate the sales charts in the Old Continent with sales up 12.7 percent to 254,023 units in the same period, according to data released by Jato Dynamics. The rest of the top five list was rounded out by the Peugeot 207 with 193,778 units (-20,6 percent), the Opel - Vauxhall Corsa with 181,751 units (-14.1 percent) and the Renault Clio with 144,512 units (-28.0 percent).

Notably, the first ten places were occupied exclusively by European automakers - okay Opel / Vauxhall (at least for the time being) and Ford are controlled by their American parent companies.

Volkswagen was also Europe's top-selling car brand in the first half of the year with 842,787 vehicles sold, up 0.7 percent over the same period in 2008. Ford finished in second place with 666,548 units, down 3.6 percent over last year, followed by GM's Opel - Vauxhall division with 557,739 units (-16.8 percent), Fiat with 542,115 units (-1.4 percent) and Renault with 520,763 units (-18.4 percent).

Data: Jato Dynamics

READ MORE - VW Golf Tops European Sales Chart in First Half of 2009, Ford Fiesta Finishes Second

Ford Fiesta Gets New Auto Transmission to Satisfy about 10 Percent of Small Car Buyers in Europe

In the U.S., the availability of an automatic transmission on any new mainstream model launched into the market is a must while a manual gearbox is considered more of a luxury. In Europe it's the other way around with only about 10 percent of small car buyers specifying an auto option. So it comes to no surprise that Ford has just introduced an automatic transmission for its UK market Fiesta range. The new Durashift automatic is matched to the Fiesta's 1.4-liter gasoline engine that produces 96-horsepower.

With this transmission option, the Fiesta Automatic sprints (we're being sarcastic now) from standstill to 62mph or 100 km/h in 13,9 seconds while delivering 43.4mpg UK (6.5lt/100km or 36.2mpg) and a CO2 rating of 154g/km on the EU combined driving cycle.

The Fiesta 1.4-litre automatic is offered in three trim levels - Style+, Zetec and Titanium, with prices in the UK starting from £13,195 on-the-road.

READ MORE - Ford Fiesta Gets New Auto Transmission to Satisfy about 10 Percent of Small Car Buyers in Europe

Ford Planning Fiesta Minivan Concept for Geneva Show, Production Model with Sliding Doors to Follow in 2012

Ford is getting ready to premiere a concept version of a Fiesta-based small minivan at the upcoming Geneva Salon next March. The design study will act as a pilot for the production vehicle that will follow in early 2012 and will replace the current generation of the European market Fusion, which is based on the previous Fiesta.

The news comes from a Ford source in Europe who told Automotive News that production of the Fiesta MPV will begin by the end of next year at Ford's factory in Craiova, Romania. A Ford of Europe spokesman essentially confirmed the news by telling the publication that “It is a B-segment vehicle and will go into full production early in 2012.”

The report said Ford has no plans to offer the car in North America.

In Europe, the car will compete in the small MPV segment against the likes of the Opel / Vauxhall Meriva, Citroen C3 Picasso and Kia Venga Kia. It is believed that Ford will drop the Fusion nameplate and use the B-MAX moniker as it will be smallest model in Ford's range of MPVs that includes the Focus-based C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, and the Mondeo-based S-MAX and Galaxy.

The unnamed Ford source told the publication that the B-MAX will be a five-seat minivan with rear sliding doors. The 2011 Geneva Salon will run from March 3 to 13.

READ MORE - Ford Planning Fiesta Minivan Concept for Geneva Show, Production Model with Sliding Doors to Follow in 2012

Ford Planning Fiesta Minivan Concept for Geneva Show, Production Model with Sliding Doors to Follow in 2012

Ford is getting ready to premiere a concept version of a Fiesta-based small minivan at the upcoming Geneva Salon next March. The design study will act as a pilot for the production vehicle that will follow in early 2012 and will replace the current generation of the European market Fusion, which is based on the previous Fiesta.

The news comes from a Ford source in Europe who told Automotive News that production of the Fiesta MPV will begin by the end of next year at Ford's factory in Craiova, Romania. A Ford of Europe spokesman essentially confirmed the news by telling the publication that “It is a B-segment vehicle and will go into full production early in 2012.”

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READ MORE - Ford Planning Fiesta Minivan Concept for Geneva Show, Production Model with Sliding Doors to Follow in 2012

"Stolen" Ford Fiesta Travesty Continues: Car Found in NYC Impound Lot - Bronstein Renowned for his Publicity Stunts

The whole 'stolen' Ford Fiesta Movement story had more holes than a block of Swiss cheese to begin with, but now things have become more clear. The owner of the car, 'MacHammer' Jake Bronstein announced that he found the allegedly stolen Fiesta locked up in a New York City impound lot... We're so appalled that we're not even going to continue with the details. But what we would like to add is that even though we didn't see it mentioned on other sites, a quick search on the internet reveals that Bronstein has made a name for himself as a publicity stunt artist - even Wikipedia has an article on him as you can see after the jump. And some wonder why Ford chose Bronstein for the Fiesta Movement test cars...

From Wikipedia: Jake Bronstein Publicity Stunts

"Other highlights include his bizarre public stunts, such as bathing in Bryant Park Fountai, taking advantage of a loophole to get into the NBA draft. eBaying the lead singer position in his band, offering himself for marriage, freeing a fish into New York's East River, launching a 50 Dates in 50 States quest by soliciting invites from women on the web, and offering 1,000 strangers a hand-written love letter.

He is also the inventor of the Fun Idea Machine and recently started a text system designed to kill boredom by letting people text NEED FUN to 30644 for fun ideas, for free, by phone. He appeared on CBS Sunday Morning drinking a full bottle of maple syrup to set a new world record."

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - "Stolen" Ford Fiesta Travesty Continues: Car Found in NYC Impound Lot - Bronstein Renowned for his Publicity Stunts

New Ford Fiesta to Make U.S. Motorsport Debut at Pike's Peak with Marcus Gronholm at the Helm

There are plenty of ways to market a car. One way is to hand 100 Fiestas to specially selected social active people like 'oh my gosh my car was stolen, no its in the impound lot' Bronstein that ridicule themselves as well as Ford. Another road to publicity is to bring a couple of rally-bred Fiesta models over from Europe and race them at the annual Pike's Peak International Hill Climb that takes place in Colorado on July 19. Apparently we prefer the second solution. The two Fiestas Rallycross models that will race at the famous mountain peak that towers above Colorado Springs in the Rocky Mountains have been prepared by the Olsberg Motor Sport Evolution team from Sweden.

The two Fiestas will be driven by two times WRC champ and rally legend Marcus Gronholm, 41, in the 'Unlimited Class' and Andreas Eriksson, 35, a four-time Swedish rally champion. Ford said that the team will attempt to break the 10-minute mark over the 12.4-mile, 156-turn pavement and gravel course.

Ford Motor Company's director of Global Motorsport Business Development, Jost Capito, said: "The Pike's Peak event is another step forward for the new Ford Fiesta as a core vehicle in Ford's future global motorsport aspirations. We're looking forward to seeing Andreas and Marcus in action on this unique event."

The Olsbergs MSE Fiesta Rallycross car is based on the Fiesta hatchback model road cars. However, it comes with an advanced all-wheel-drive system and a 2.0-liter Duratec Ford engine that is capable of producing more than 800 horsepower.

Ford said that while its North American Racing unit will not be directly involved in the project, it will assist the Olsbergs team with logistical support while it is in America.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - New Ford Fiesta to Make U.S. Motorsport Debut at Pike's Peak with Marcus Gronholm at the Helm

Ford Official Says No to U.S. Version of Focus RS 305HP. Then How About a Fiesta RS?

As much as North American buyers would have wanted to see the 300HP Focus RS making its way to this side of the Atlantic, unfortunately this isn't going to happen for the usual cost-related reasons. In an interview with Britain's Autocar magazine, Ford's recently appointed Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development director, Jost Capito, confirmed that the company has no plans on selling the high-performance version of the Focus in the States.

"We'd like to, but the base car isn't homologated for North America, and that's too costly a job to carry out just for a niche vehicle like the RS," said Capito.

Interestingly, when asked about the possibility of a performance version of the Fiesta, Capito said that while he couldn't discuss future plans, Ford believes that "in Europe, the Fiesta and Focus are too close to make two similar performance models work."

Although the British magazine did not ask a follow-up question on the matter, Capito's answer and reference to Europe and not the U.S. doesn't rule out the possibility that Ford may develop a high-performance version of the Fiesta for the States.

The US-bound Fiestas that are slated to hit U.S. dealerships in the beginning of 2010 will be manufactured at the company's revised Cuautitlan Assembly Plant in Mexico. If Ford wants to create some buzz around the car and why not, maybe even make a profit out of it, a high-performance Fiesta would certainly fit in the range.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - Ford Official Says No to U.S. Version of Focus RS 305HP. Then How About a Fiesta RS?