What you see is the 2010 Ford Edge. At the 2010 Chicago Auto Show a refreshed 2011 Edge will make its debut and feature an all new engine.

Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology, introduced last summer in the Lincoln MKS, Ford Taurus, and Lincoln MKT, will soon get expanded to other vehicle lines. That original 3.5L V6 represents the first of a family of direct injection, turbocharged engines, with a 2.0L I4 up next. The smaller engine will find its way under the hood of the Ford Edge, a medium sized crossover model.

The Importance of EcoBoost

EcoBoost is important for a number of reasons. First of all, the technology squeezes more horsepower and torque out of a smaller engine, giving it the ability to work as efficiently as a larger motor. Secondly, the engine burns cleaner, resulting in fewer harmful emissions. Thirdly, EcoBoost is more fuel efficient, allowing drivers to enjoy the mileage benefits of a smaller engine, while receiving the power of a larger one.

The 2011 Ford Edge will make its bow at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. According to The Detroit News, this model will also be the first to feature the automaker’s MyFord Touch system, an arrangement which replaces most of the standard gauges, switches and knobs with full-color computer screens and sensitive to the touch buttons.

Mid-Cycle Refresh and More

The changes made for the Ford Edge represents a mid-cycle refresh, with the nose, hood, and windshield tweaked accordingly. But underneath the hood, the base 3.0L V6 will be replaced by the 2.0L I4 EcoBoost, offering similar power levels as the engine it replaces but with improved fuel economy. The optional 3.5L V6 remains; but engines will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Last month, Ford unveiled its refreshed Lincoln MKX, the luxury version of the Ford Edge. It, too, is receiving a significant mid-cycle upgrade, but Ford has not announced whether an EcoBoost engine will be made available for that model when it goes on sale later this year.

Both the Ford and the Lincoln are built at the company’s Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, with the Edge ranked as the top selling midsize crossover model.

Other Ford Motor News

In other news, Ford’s January 2010 US car sales increased by 25 percent over January 2009, on the strength of fleet sales. Retail sales were actually down for the month, but the fleet sales helped Ford record the best month over month improvement among the Big Six automakers. Ford also replaced Toyota as the second best selling brand in the US as the Japanese automaker saw its sales decline in the face of a recall and sales halt.

Midsize sport utility vehicles are a dime a dozen. Or at least it seems that way. Mostly ever car manufacturer offers at least one model, a segment featuring SUVs with two or three rows, typically seating 5 to 7 passengers.

The Santa Fe is also part of the sub-segment of vehicles known as crossovers. These SUVs ride on a car chassis, in this case the one underpinning the Hyundai Sonata, instead of a truck chassis as traditional SUVs do. With crossovers you can get optional all wheel drive capabilities, but as far as off-road work light duty is as far you would dare to go with these models.

Late Arrival

For 2010, Hyundai gave the Santa Fe a mid-cycle refresh, a late one at that. The 2010 model was introduced in January, months later than when new models are usually introduced. Thus, EPA gas mileage figures have only been posted for the base trim package.

The first generation model was introduced in 2000 for the 2001 model year, with the second generation Santa Fe rolling out six years later. Now midway through its lifespan, the Santa Fe enjoys several important tweaks including the following:

• Exterior updates including changes to the grille, fog lights, bumper, and body trim. New wheels are evident, available in 17- or 18-inch sizes.

• On the inside, the third row option is no longer available, which will put the Santa Fe at a disadvantage to similar vehicles including the Toyota Highlander. Third row passenger space was limited anyway as the Santa Fe is smaller than its competing models.

• Where the Santa Fe lacks in passenger seating, it gains in entertainment as the Hyundai now includes a number of important features such as audio controls on the steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB iPod interface. Seats have been upgraded and if you choose higher trim level packages, a power driver’s seat is available as are heated seats.

• Under the hood, the Santa Fe has two new engine choices. A more efficient 2.4L I4 engine is now standard while a 3.5L V6 is optional. The base engine with standard trim is paired with a six-speed manual transmission while all other trim and engine packages include a six-speed automatic transmission.

According to the EPA, the base engine with manual transmission returns 19 mpg city, 26 highway. Fuel economy figures for other trim levels should be released within the next week or two.

Safety Upgrades

Last but not least are a number of safety upgrades including active head restraints for the front seats, antilock brakes and traction control, and rollover sensors which work to deploy the side impact airbags when needed.

Source: Hyundai Motor America

Consumer Reports Shares Important Safety Tip

The past few days the automotive news world has been dominated by one story: Toyota’s massive recall involving nearly five million vehicles in the North American market alone.

Colossal Recall

This unprecedented recall and related sales stoppage is sending shockwaves through the industry, but perhaps most stunning of all is the way that Toyota is handling or should I say mishandling the crisis (see The Auto Writer: Toyota Calamity Presents Fresh Opportunity For Rivals).

Toyota is trying to look like the hero by not selling cars on their lots which could have a defective gas pedal, floor mats, or both. But, evidence is coming forth that Toyota knew about this problem as far back as 2004 and only took action when the heat was turned up on them.

Emergency Stopping

ABC News has been at the forefront of exposing what is going behind the Toyota wall of secrecy when it comes to the problem. They also have hooked up with Consumer Reports in a bid to show Toyota owners a way for them to stop their cars.

The video above is updated from one released last November, but your best response in the event that your car careens out of control is to slam on the brakes and shift the transmission into neutral.

Pumping the brakes can cause you to lose braking while turning off the ignition may lock up your steering. You need control over your brakes and your steering when you are faced with an emergency situation.

Contact Toyota

Toyota has offered little guidance to customers to date on what their remedy will be for recalling and fixing affected vehicles.  What the Japanese automaker is saying customers who have any questions or have experienced any issues with their accelerator pedals should visit Toyota.com, contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331, or call their local Toyota dealer.

Your dealer, however, may not be able to give you a definitive answer right now which means you need to decide if you are comfortable with driving your Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicle.

In any case, studying the video can give you some tips on how to maintain control of your car in the event, God forbid, it suddenly lurches out of control.  Safe driving!

Resources

Toyota: Latest News About Toyota’s Safety Recall Campaign

Safety Research and Strategies: So, Who Called Toyota?

While Toyota Flounders, GM Delivers A Fresh Kick

This just in: the Ford Motor Company has announced that the automaker turned a profit in 2009, registering a $2.7 billion gains thanks in part to significant debt reduction moves and other changes. That is important to note because Ford, like so many other automakers, sold fewer models last year.

Ford’s gain reverses steep losses sustained for the previous three years. Moreover, Ford made money while its two American rivals—General Motors and Chrysler—were overhauled thanks to federal government orchestrated bankruptcies and billions of dollars in loans and grants. Ford avoided government assistance and saw its share of the all important US sales market increase despite fewer cars sold.

Saving Money

Belt tightening played a significant role in helping Ford make a profit last year. But the automaker also rode on the back of several success stories in the form of new models and technologies including, but not limited to the Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, EcoBoost, Lincoln MKT, new Mustang, SYNC, all new Ford Taurus, and numerous product changes and upgrades.

Following the announcement of its profit, Ford management said that it should post a strong profit in 2010 without the benefit of accounting gains. This year Ford will be advancing its One Ford initiative where as many as six European models will find their way to the North American market.

New Models

In 2009, Ford began to import the first of these models, the Ford Transit Connect van. Late this spring the Ford Fiesta will be introduced, its “B” or subcompact segment model. By early next year an all new “C” or compact segment Ford Focus will hit the market followed by a European inspired Ford Escape, new minivan, and one other product.

Ford will also welcome a significantly updated Lincoln MKX later this year. Other models slated to be changed within the next 12-18 months include the Ford Explorer which will transition from an SUV to a crossover.

Big Debt

Ford is still carrying a significant debt load–$34.3 billion to be exact—while they’re also sitting on $25.5 billion in cash. Soon after Ford CEO Alan Mulally came onboard in 2006, the automaker hocked most of its assets to finance product development. That move paid off because when the stock market collapsed in 2008, Ford had the money they needed to press on while GM and Chrysler ran out of cash.

Ford’s gain comes as its chief Japanese rival struggles with a historic recall and product shut down. Toyota is expected to announce its second straight year of significant losses when their fiscal year ends on March 31, a stark contrast to the fortunes of the Blue Oval.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Saab Automobile AB, the other Swedish automaker, apparently will live on after all. Since last summer the Saab brand has been on a roller coaster, only in this case the car left the tracks a couple of times before finally being put back on for one final time and whooshing to the finish line.

On Tuesday, General Motors and Spyker Cars NV confirmed that they reached a binding agreement on the purchase of Saab Automobile AB. The deal, which may be concluded in matter of days, will close a chapter on American ownership that began back in 1990 when GM purchased a 50 percent stake in the company.

Forgettable Saab Models

A decade later GM took complete control of Saab, bringing to the world the Saab brand while bringing to customers several forgettable models including the “Saabaru” 9-2X and the Chevy TrailBlazer-inspired 9-7X SUV. More recently, Saab has been in a transition, dumping aged models in favor of all things new including an all-new 9-5 and, perhaps soon, its 9-4X crossover. That transition was threatened when the brand was courted and later dumped by Koenigsegg.

Spyker is a curious match for Saab, a Dutch manufacturer of ultra exotic supercars, hand built masterpieces of which only 50 models are assembled each year. Though Saab has shrunken considerably in recent years to where they currently sell fewer than 100,000 units globally, the brand is a much bigger name than Spyker with far more employees too.

Saab Spyker Automobiles

Yet, Spyker has been itching to buy Saab, even when an earlier deal with GM fell through and the automaker declared Saab dead. Once that declaration was made, Spyker pushed to rectify the issues which led to GM backing away from the deal which brings us to our present point: a newly minted company by the name of Saab Spyker Automobiles.

There are a few hurdles which remain before the deal can be inked. Those hurdles involve regulatory, court, and government review, in addition to a review by the Swedish government which is backing a loan which will be used to fund Saab going forward.

GM has not made known the terms of the agreement which had GM officials saying at one time that they would accept just $1 from a serious bidder to close the operation (see SaabsUnited: The $1 Saab Story).

Had GM followed through on its promise to wind down Saab, that move would have cost the automaker in excess of $100 million to bring to finalization. In effect, Spyker has done GM a huge favor while allowing Saab workers to continue on with what they are doing at least for the short term.

Source: GM Corp.

There is nothing permanent at General Motors especially when it comes to the position of chief executive officer.

This past December Ed Whitacre Jr. was named as temporary CEO, replacing Fritz Henderson who took over from Rick Wagoner earlier in the year. When Whitacre assumed his duties GM immediately launched a search for the company’s next CEO, but they did not have to look very far: GM will be announcing today that Ed will assume this position permanently.

Whitacre Formalizes Control

According to The Wall Street Journal, Whitacre will announce at a news conference today that he is the company’s CEO. That conference was initially scheduled to apprise the public of GM’s progress post bankruptcy, but will now include details about Whitacre’s ascendancy. Whitacre recently appointed a new chief financial officer, Chris Liddell, who was formerly CFO at Microsoft Corporation, demonstrating his influence over the automaker.

Whitacre seems to be a natural for the position although last year he stirred up some controversy when he said, “I don’t know anything about cars.” Before assuming his position at GM as chairman last June, Whitacre had a lengthy track record in the phone industry, having worked for Southwestern Bell (SBC), Cingular, and AT&T before retiring in 2007.

Opel Decision Reversed

However, the 68 year old Texan has been perceived by some as being the necessary outsider who can shake up GM, a company dominated by insiders, many of whom have been blamed for contributing to the automaker’s sorry financial state which led to a colossal bail out and bankruptcy restructuring. Whitacre’s influence was made evident when he went over Henderson’s head last fall by reversing GM’s decision to sell Opel, a move that also alienated some in Europe.

Still, Opel is widely seen as being critical to GM’s small car future, as the brand has designed several important models including the soon to be released Chevrolet Cruze and the Buick Regal. Whitacre has been working behind the scenes to make peace with GM’s European operation which also includes Chevrolet, Vauxhall, and Saab.

Whitacre was installed as board chairman by the Obama administration to safeguard taxpayer interest in the company which includes some $50 billion in loans. Canada and Ontario also have a stake in GM whose stock is now considered to be worthless.

Saab Sale Near?

In related news, Dutch exotic supercar manufacturer Spyker Cars NV is expected to announce that it has come to terms with GM to purchase Saab Automobile AB according to USA Today. Spyker’s quest to buy Saab has been an on again off again process with GM threatening to abandon Saab if no deal is forthcoming.

Honda Accord Crosstour

A third model likely to raise eyebrows is the all new Honda Accord Crosstour. Technically, a submodel in the Accord family, the Accord Crosstour has a unique fascia, sweeping lines, and a completely different body style from the B pillar to the rear bumper.

Quite easily, Honda could have kept the Accord name off of the model much as Toyota did with the Camry based Venza, but the automaker apparently wants to capitalize off of the recognizable name of its best selling car, thus the submodel status.

Tall Wagon Styling

What you have in the Crosstour is a tall wagon better known as a crossover (CUV). The since retired Chrysler Pacifica and the current Mercedes R-Class are additional examples of vehicles in this category, embodying much more of a wagon look than the minivan styling found in most CUVs.

A 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission helps the Crosstour achieve 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, the latter number reached thanks to cylinder deactivation which allows the car to run on three, four, or six cylinders depending on demand.

Two Trim Levels

Available in two trim levels—EX and EX-L—Honda says that the Accord Crosstour offers numerous amenities as standard equipment including dual-zone automatic air conditioning with second row ventilation, 360-Watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, fold-down 60-40 split rear seat back, 17-inch aluminum wheels with 225/65 R17 all-season tires, hidden removable utility box, and cruise control. In addition, all models come equipped with a moonroof, auto up/down driver and front passenger side windows, rear privacy glass, steering wheel-integrated audio controls, compass and outside temperature indicator, projector beam headlights with auto-off, fog lights, chrome door handles, body-colored power side mirrors with defrost.

The EX-L is further distinguished by a number of leather treatment touches to the seats, steering wheels and doors, as well as automatic headlights, larger tires, premium sound system, and a USB audio interface.

Ample Storage Offered

With the second seat folded down, storage space in the Accord Crosstour is generous. But even with the seats folded up, the five passenger CUV offers a pair of nice touches: an under-floor storage area located in the rear of the vehicle as well as reversible cargo floor panels which can house dirty objects such as sporting gear or beach towels.

Pricing for the base 2WD model starts at $29,670 while the top of the line 4WD is priced from $36,220. There are five model packages available with the Honda Accord Crosstour which is built in the US at Honda’s East Liberty, OH factory.

Yes, this Honda occupies the top end of the price spectrum which means that a fully equipped model with all of the bells and whistles included will cost you nearly $40,000, including taxes, tags, and other fees.

Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

A heritage look requires the use of a heritage color. The 2010 Chevy Camaro is now available in rallye (synergy) green.

When you build a heritage model, you borrow the styling cues from the original and hope that these characteristics successfully translate into an all new car.

In the Chevrolet Camaro, GM has managed to do just that, building a car that offers a nice tribute to the original, while redefining the sport coupe market for the 21st century.

Green With Synergy

But Chevrolet hasn’t forgotten one of the important attributes of the earlier model such as memorable body colors like rallye green. To that end, Chevrolet has decided to bring back that earlier color midway through the 2010 model year: an attention getting Camaro Synergy Special Edition model with pricing starting at $26,790.

This model, which will be produced for a limited time (February through May) is based on the Camaro 1LT with its 3.6L V6 engine paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Dramatic Camaro Colors

“Synergy Green continues a long tradition of dramatic Camaro colors,” says Camaro historian Scott Settlemire. “Some of the most sought-after Camaros are first generation cars – those from 1967 to 1969 – in Hugger Orange, Daytona Yellow, and Rallye Green.”

Rallye green was one of the special colors offered with the original Chevy Camaro including this 1969 model.

The color scheme was first introduced at the 2009 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers) show where it was received with critical acclaim. GM says that the model will be “accented by Cyber Grey Rally Stripes running the length of the Camaro hood and rear deck. Other exterior features include a standard rear spoiler, and standard 19 inch, Sterling Silver painted wheels wrapped with P245/50R19 tires.”

Interior Touches Too

Inside, the special edition Camaro will feature a Synergy Green instrument panel and door inserts. Synergy Green stitching also accents the Jet Black cloth seats, steering wheel, shift knob and center console.

“The Synergy Special Edition package is designed for customers who want a unique performance car at an attainable price,” says Camaro marketing manager John Fitzpatrick. “For under $27,000, Camaro Synergy Special Edition offers standout styling, modern technologies like Bluetooth, and 304 horsepower under the hood.”

Synergy Green joins Inferno Orange and the Rallye Yellow Transformers Edition which have helped propel the Camaro. Since being reintroduced last Spring, the Camaro has met and even exceeded most expectations, outselling its Ford Mustang rival in most months.

Source: GM Corp.

2011 Lincoln MKX

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) officially opens to the general public this Friday, but thanks to two intensive press preview days, the wraps have been taken off of everything that is new, exciting, and different on display at the Cobo Center in Detroit.

2011 Lincoln MKX Refresh

The Ford Motor Company took advantage of the show being in its own backyard (world headquarters are located in nearby Dearborn) with two Ford brand press conferences on Monday followed by its Lincoln press conference on Tuesday. And it was at that Tuesday conference where the 2011 Lincoln MKX was rolled out, an important mid-cycle refresh for this midsize crossover.

Change is what the 2011 MKX is all about, evident everywhere actually, a striking improvement over the 2007-2010 MKX.

The now trademark Lincoln split-wing grille gives the MKX an aggressive new face, a look similar to what is found on the larger MKT crossover along with the MKZ and MKS sedans. A new fender line has been incorporated with a newly raised arch seen over the front wheels. The exterior changes continue to the rear where the tail lamps feature a pair of distinct pieces. Larger exhaust tips round out the changes bringing up the rear.

2010 Lincoln MKX

Complementing Lincoln Crossovers

If you were to place the MKX next to the MKT you would see that Lincoln has gone to great lengths to make these crossovers share a common look. That bodes well for Lincoln as sales for the MKT are on the rise. In fact, at the Lincoln press conference Ford CEO Alan Mulally said that Lincoln sales are up 30 percent over the past five years, a clear indication that breathing new life into Ford’s luxury brand is paying off.

Inside, the MKX is all about taking its quality and luxury levels up a notch. According to company sources, the MKX is quieter than competitive vehicles from Lexus and Audi while offering better attention to cabin detail including new foam and sew styles on the climate-controlled leather seats with aluminum accents used throughout including on the doors and the instrument panel.

Like the Lincoln MKT, the Lincoln MKX makes good use of wood accents which can be found on the doors, dashboard, and steering wheel. The entire interior, as it were, has been brought up to reflect current Lincoln quality and design standards, with careful attention to detail such as subtle changes to vent brightwork, stitching, ambient lighting, and other touches.

And consider this point: what you have in the 2011 Lincoln MKX is a mid-cycle refresh – this is not an all new model, rather a major makeover.

Introducing MyLincoln Touch

Of course, I would be negligent if I failed to mention the evolution of Lincoln entertainment and navigation as found in MyLincoln Touch. Powered by Lincoln SYNC, this is a state of the art system that does away with traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges, replacing them with clear, crisp LCD screens and five-way buttons much like those found on cell phones and MP3 players.

Lincoln says that the screens can be personalized to display information relevant to each individual driver using a simple button click, voice command or touch screen tap.

Yes, “on the go” technology has arrived in the cabin of the Lincoln MKX, likely to be intimidating for those not technologically adept, but something that will be embraced by tech savvy thirty-something drivers, exactly the shopper Lincoln is appealing to with the MKX. Just keep your eyes on the road and no one will get hurt – which is the smart thinking behind Lincoln’s technology.

October 2010 Release

Buyers will have to wait until October 2010 to get behind the wheel of a 2011 Lincoln MKX. I will have more information about this updated Lincoln about that time, a vastly improved five passenger crossover which will retail from just under $40,000.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Toyota FT-CH Hybrid Concept

When it comes to hybrid vehicles, Toyota easily leads the industry. The Toyota Prius is a runaway bestseller, while Lexus offers the only compact premium hybrid model on the market.

Toyota isn’t planning on stopping there, however. The Japanese automaker is looking at bringing out several new models over the next five years including plug-in hybrid, battery electric vehicles, and quite possibly the first production ready hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 2015.

Toyota FT-CH Concept

On Monday at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Toyota introduced a concept which appears to offer a strong hint at where the automaker is heading. Designed and styled in Europe, the FT-CH is 22 inches shorter than the current Prius model, but within a hair breadth of its width. This is important because although the trend is toward smaller vehicles, encroaching on cabin space changes the pictures. With the FT-CH, Toyota can still offer adequate room while reducing overall weight and increasing fuel efficiency.

“Within the next 10 to 20 years, we will not only reach peak oil we will enter a period where demand for all liquid fuels will exceed supply,” said Jim Lentz, TMS president. “A century after the invention of the automobile, we must re-invent it with powertrains that significantly reduce or eliminate the use of conventional petroleum fuels. One of many alternatives is through what is commonly called the electrification of the automobile. By far, the single most successful example of this has been the gas-electric hybrid.”

New Technologies Emerging

Clearly, Toyota has no intention of completing abandoning gas-electric hybrids. Indeed, the FT-CH or something like it will feature a lithium-ion battery pack instead of the current nickel-cadmium battery pack found in today’s Prius, Ford Fusion Hybrid, and other models. The FT-CH might also operate as a pure electric vehicle or Toyota could use the platform for hydrogen technology.

In any case, the FT-CH as the pictures demonstrate, offer some hints at where Toyota is going with its designs. Take note of the dash and the see through seats: these features are not currently found in any Toyota model!

Source: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc.