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Marchionne open to combination with Ford or GM

At the depths of the auto industry implosion, there was widely reported talk that General Motors and Chrysler would be merged into a mighty import-beating behemoth. While such notions clearly never materialized, that doesn't mean the idea is dead. In fact, FCA boss Sergio Marchionne still welcomes the idea of a partnership with either GM or Ford. He responded positively to the idea, calling it "technically feasible," when asked about it at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Automotive News reports. "There's bantering that goes on all the time," Marchionne told AN, before quashing suspicions that a plan was in the works by adding that "nothing substantive" was going on. Our favorite black sweater enthusiast isn't quite as interested in the idea of teaming with a foreign manufacturer like PSA Peugeot Citroen, or in the rumored tie-up with Volkswagen, though. That is a shame, particularly in regards to Marchionne's shut down of a partnership with the French, although it isn't necessarily surprising – FCA already consists of eight automakers, and as Sergio told AN, there's really nothing at PSA that could help the company out. What are your thoughts? Is there an obvious project or segment that would benefit from an FCA partnership with Ford or GM? Have your say in Comments. News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.Image Credit: Marco Bertorello / AFP / Getty Images Chrysler Fiat Ford GM Sergio Marchionne FCA merger

Ford recalls 2017 Lincoln Continental for headlight problem

Ford Motor Co. is already recalling the 2017 Lincoln Continental for a headlight problem, the automaker announced Tuesday. The HID headlights may have been assembled with LED lens that don't have the correct lens optics to meet federal visibility requirements for turn signals. Ford says it is unaware of any accidents related to the issue. The company will replace the headlamp assemblies, if needed. The safety compliance recall covers 1,876 Continentals built from June 14 to Sept. 23 at Ford's Flat Rock factory south of Detroit. Most of the cars are in the United States; 49 are in Canada, and one is in a federalized territory. Only about 300 cars are in consumers' hands, a spokesperson said. Customers can use a Lincoln service program where dealers will pick up their Continental, fix it for free, and return it, the spokesperson said. Lincoln has high hopes for the Continental. The flagship sedan uses one of Lincoln's most iconic names and features a luxurious interior, available 400-horsepower V6 engine, and safety features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. Lincoln recently announced an elaborate marketing campaign shot by renown photographer Annie Leibovitz to generate interest in the Continental. In a separate recall, Ford also said Tuesday that 60 Edges from the 2015-16 model year are being recalled to update their antilock braking system module. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Lincoln Continental Campaign View 12 Photos Recalls Ford Lincoln

2021 Ford Raptor vs Ram TRX Specs Compared

Hopefully by now you've had a chance to read our thorough 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor review. If not, check it out, 'cause you'll find a lot more detail and expertise than normal (for Autoblog or anywhere) thanks to Dan Edmunds' vast engineering and off-roading background. If you want all the dirt on the Raptor, pun intended, that's where to turn. If you just want to gaze at the specs, however, and wonder how they compare to the old Raptor or to the Ram TRX, check out the chart below. There you will find dimensions, clearances, angles, weights, capacities, engine output and fuel economy for the 2021 Raptor with both 35-inch and 37-inch tires. As Dan explains in his first drive, there's actually more going on there than just tire sizes. You'll find the same specs for the outgoing second-generation Raptor plus the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX and the less extreme Ram Rebel trim level in the chart, too.  Other reviews and deep dives about the F-150 and TRX 2021 Ram 1500 TRX First Drive Review Our review of the Raptor's chief competitor, the mighty TRX. That just sounds like we're talking about Jurassic Park.    2021 Ram TRX Suspension Deep Dive and RTI ramp test Follow along with engineer Dan Edmunds as he takes you under the TRX and explains everything there is to know about its suspension -- and how it's able to do what it does.    2021 Ford F-150 Full-Line Review   2021 Ford F-150 Suspension Deep Dive It's a totally different F-150 flavor to be sure, but even the volume-selling XLT received a lot of work for 2021. Dan Edmunds takes you underneath the truck to show you what's different and what difference it makes.    Photo Galleries of Each Truck 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor View 16 Photos   2021 Ram 1500 TRX 2021 Ram 1500 TRX front 3/4 in motion View 53 Photos   Ram 1500 Rebel 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel View 42 Photos   Second-Generation Ford Raptor 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor View 37 Photos