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Ford updates Transit lineup for 2016

We have a strange affection for vans here at Autoblog, perhaps due to all that free candy we ate as kids. So when Ford announces some minor updates to the Transit and Transit Connect, we deliver the news that every plumber, electrician, and airport shuttle driver across the nation (and Canada) needs. The biggest item for 2016 is an optional passenger side sliding door on medium- and high-roof models, improving access to the Transit's cavernous interior. Ford's rollout of the much-improved Sync 3 infotainment system also expands to the to large van. And a reverse backup camera is now standard across the lineup. The little Ford Transit Connect is also tweaked for the next model year, right after we spent some time in the 2015 version. Titanium trim on the long-wheelbase wagon model brings second row bucket seats that fold flat. With XLT trim, you can swap out a bench seat for the buckets at no extra charge. Read on the for the full press release. FORD TRANSIT, TRANSIT CONNECT AND TRANSIT CONNECT WAGON EVEN SMARTER, MORE FLEXIBLE FOR 2016 MODEL YEAR SYNC® 3, Ford's new communications and entertainment system, is available for 2016 Ford Transit – making America's best-selling van even smarter Ford Transit built more than 100,000 vehicles in the 2015 model year Ford Transit Connect compact commercial van equipped with 2.5-liter I-4 engine gains flex-fuel capability for 2016 DEARBORN, Mich., June 4, 2015 – America's best-selling van is even better for the 2016 model year, with the addition of available SYNC 3, rearview camera technology and new customization options. "These and other updates make the 2016 Ford Transit the smartest, most flexible van ever offered by Ford," says Yaro Hetman, Ford brand manager for Transit, Transit Connect and E-Series. "Transit replaces America's best-selling van for 35 years, E-Series, first sold in 1961 as Ford Econoline, and we look forward to continuing our leadership in this important segment." Transit quickly took over the best-selling commercial van title in November 2014, having been available beginning in June at U.S. and Canadian dealerships for the first time. Ford has produced more than 100,000 Transit vans and wagons at Kansas City Assembly Plant during the 2015 model year.

As US exports top 2 million, is America becoming the world's source of cheap cars?

North American auto production is booming with 2014 figures just shy of the of the 17.3-million vehicle record set in 2000. With more models being built on the continent, even more are being shipped overseas. Factories in the US exported 2.1 million cars last year – the highest number ever. About half of those went to Canada and Mexico, but more than ever have been heading to places like the Middle East and China. The upswing comes in part from from after-effects from the Great Recession, according to The Wall Street Journal. With a weak dollar and lower production costs after the financial crisis, building vehicles in the US was relatively cheaper and more competitive in the world. At the same time buyers around the world are going crazy for crossovers. According to the WSJ, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are already exporting the majority of their US production of these models overseas. Both automakers have also announced investments to expand production further here to send more vehicles abroad. Even Honda has been shipping more models out of the country than it imported here. There is a concern this international strength could start slowing because the dollar is strengthening against other currencies, though it's too early to know what the actual effect of this could be, according to the WSJ. "Of course, we closely watch currency exchange, but we don't make changes in production or allocation based on temporary fluctuations in the exchange rate," Ford North American boss Joe Hinrichs told the newspaper. Related Video: News Source: The Wall Street Journal - sub. req.Image Credit: BMW Plants/Manufacturing BMW Ford Honda Mercedes-Benz exports us auto production

Ford's new Focus RS hatches hot and heads for America

The hot hatch market is heating up, and heating up fast. What you see here is Ford's new challenger for pocket-rocket supremacy, the third iteration of the breed and the 30th model to wear the Rallye Sport designation. But perhaps best of all, it will be the first time Ford will offer a new Focus RS in America. Following yesterday's leak, the latest Ford Focus RS is now ready to step out into the light and light up its tires. Answering the call is the same 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo four as you'd find in the new Mustang, but upgraded with a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger, larger compressor and intercooler, freer-flowing intake, large-bore dual-pipe exhaust with electronically controlled valve and upgraded internal components. The result is a 6,500-rpm redline (closer to that of Ford's atmospheric performance engines) and an output quoted as "well in excess of 315 horsepower" – which is already 5 more than the EcoBoost Mustang and a good 63 more than the existing Focus ST. Power is transmitted to the tarmac through a new performance-focused all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring that can send as much as 70 percent of available twist to the rear wheels (and as much as 100 percent between them). The system works in tandem with the brake-based torque vectoring system and stability control, and will even divert torque to the outside rear wheel under cornering to keep it flat and under control while reducing understeer. Those still suspicious of dual-clutch gearboxes will also be pleased to read that Ford has stuck with a conventional six-speed manual. We'll reserve judgement on the inclusion of the electric power steering until we get a chance to drive it, though. Of course the small team of global Ford Performance engineers who developed the new Focus RS – and the Gymkhana legend Ken Block who consulted on the project – didn't just tinker with the powertrain and leave it at that. The suspension features stiffer spring rates, bushings and anti-roll bars than the Focus ST, augmented by two-mode switchable dampers. 19-inch alloys wear Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber, with optional Pilot Sport Cup 2 semi-slicks for track-day enthusiasts. Ford has yet to detail the brakes on its new hot hatch, but you can bet they've been upgraded as well.