2012 Ford Escape Limited Sport Utility 4-door 3.0l on 2040-cars

Auto blog

The U-2 spy plane needs high-performance cars to help land

Typically, aircraft deploy their landing gear from three main points. Most military aircraft, for example, deploy two gears at the back and one forward, like a tricycle. Some civilian aircraft flip the layout, with two in front and one in back - tail-draggers. The U-2 Dragon Lady is wildly different than any of these. With a 103-foot wingspan but a body that's just 63-feet long, the layout of the U-2 makes a traditional landing setup infeasible. Instead, the U-2 utilizes a pair of wheels, one up front and one in back. With such a bizarre layout, landings are so tough that since the U-2's earliest flights at Area 51, the US Air Force has used high-performance chase cars to guide the pilot down safely. The landing process isn't over there, though. As this video from Sploid shows, balancing out the aircraft to fit the detachable "pogos" – think training wheels for spy planes – is a comical procedure requiring a number of airman using their full body weight to even out the U-2. This video also recaps some of the great vehicles that have served as chase vehicles for this legendary spy plane. They include Chevrolet El Caminos, and the Fox-body Ford Mustangs so favored by the California Highway Patrol. For the last several years, the USAF has utilized products from General Motors, using fourth-generation Chevy Camaros, before switching over to the Pontiac GTO and most recently, the awesome Pontiac G8. It's fair to say that if you're a gearhead in the Air Force, this is the job you want. Check out the video, embedded up top. News Source: Sploid via YouTubeImage Credit: Sploid Chevrolet Ford GM Pontiac Military Performance Videos

Want to buy a brand-new 1964 Ford Mustang? [w/video]

Even in its current iteration, the Ford Mustang is not without its share of heritage design cues. But if it's a more classic look of the first-gen pony car you're after, combined with modern levels of equipment, Revology just might have the answer. The Orlando-based company makes what you might call "continuation" Mustangs, using replica steel bodies made by Dynacorn and licensed by Ford to give it that classic look, but with modern technology. Under the skin you'll find a 5.0-liter fuel-injected V8 with 265 horsepower and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, but the powertrain is just the start. It's also got a MacPherson strut suspension, disc brakes, power steering and a cabin equipped with such modern accoutrements as power door locks and seats, keyless entry, intermittent wipers, even Bluetooth connectivity. And it's all covered by a one-year, unlimited-milage warranty, plus five-year corrosion protection and three-year powertrain warranty. Of course none of that comes cheap, as a turnkey Revology Mustang will set you back at least $119,500, in the buyer's choice of fastback or convertible body-styles. The first example was unveiled at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance this past weekend, with the first customer examples set for delivery next year. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery Revology Mustang View 17 Photos News Source: Revology Cars via Carscoops Ford Convertible Coupe Classics replica continuation revology

Ford readying 2015 F-150 drift truck for SEMA

Between the Mustangs you'd find in Formula D and the Fiestas in the Global and World rallycross championships, there's no shortage of Ford drift cars on the scene. But at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the Blue Oval automaker intends to show off a different kind of drift machine.
Created in collaboration with driftmeister Vaughn Gittin, Jr., this custom F-150 has been designed for "on- and off-road capabilities, as well as drifting and jumping." It's got a suspension with components from Kibbetech King and Air Lift Performance to give it 12 inches of travel and comes packed with 5 Recaro seats. Other details remain limited, but if the rendering above is anything to go by, it ought to be pretty awesome.
Alongside the Gittin truck, Ford will also be showcasing another F-150 designed together with freestyle motorcross rider Brian Deegan, packing the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine and a long list of enhancements. Between these two trucks, Ford hopes to extend its winning streak for the Hottest Truck award that it's taken four years running now. Feel free to read more in the press release below.