1989 Ford Thunderbird Base Coupe 2-door 3.8l on 2040-cars

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Ford C-Max sales hold steady despite fuel economy fracas

Despite the ballyhoo that accompanied Ford's lowering of the C-Max fuel economy figures, the Blue Oval is still seeing strong demand for the five-seat MPV, as Automotive News reports. Speaking to marketing boss Jim Farley, AN says that the controversy surrounding the C-Max's fuel economy figures won't force Ford to change its marketing strategy.
Ford lowered the fuel economy rating of the C-Max after public outcry and legal action by customers that were unable to reach the 47 miles per gallon promised by the window sticker. The new ratings were dropped about a month ago to 45 mpg on the freeway and 40 mpg in the city. Ford offered rebates for current C-Max owners, with $550 going to those that bought their car and $325 to lessees. The issue, says Ford, stemmed from testing standards that allowed the automaker to base the C-Max's fuel economy on the Fusion Hybrid, because they use identical powertrains. The C-Max's less aerodynamic shape wasn't taken into account, though.
Whether Ford's PR team handled the crises perfectly or people just aren't that bothered by a four-mpg drop in combined ratings, demand remains strong for the C-Max among consumers. Ford moved 3,000 units in August, which was a 12-percent jump over July sales. Meanwhile, consumer demand through third-party shopping websites remains strong as well, according to Autometrics, a data analysis company that spoke with Automotive News. While the long-term effects of the adjustments remain unknown, the C-Max appears to have fared well in the near term.

Ford EcoBoost smashes records at Daytona

Some mighty machines have lapped the banks of the Daytona International Speedway over the years: thunderous V8-powered stock cars, Le Mans-conquering Group C prototypes, open-wheel Champ Cars, knee-dragging superbikes... heck, the infield lake has even hosted powerboat racing. But this - this is the fastest car ever to lap the legendary raceway.
What you're looking at is the new Daytona Prototype being prepared by Riley Technologies for the new United SportsCar Championship. The car, released just last week, is powered by a new 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 from Ford's EcoBoost family, and just obliterated the top speed at the track with a blistering 222.971 miles per hour through the traps.
That's enough to annihilate the previous record that was set, also under Ford power, by Bill Elliott while placing his Thunderbird on pole for the 1987 Daytona 500 that he would go on to win. His 210.364 mph record had stood for 26 years until now.

Ford recalls 200,000 vehicles for brake lights that won't turn off

Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a new recall for nearly 200,000 vehicles because their brake lights may not turn off. Drivers of affected vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions may also be able to shift the vehicles out of Park even when their foot is off the brake. That increases the risk of a rollaway and could cause a crash. According to documentation posted on NHTSA's recall hub, a separated brake pedal bumper is to blame for the issue. The recall applies to "certain 2014-2015 Fusion, Lincoln MKZ and 2015 Mustang vehicles originally sold or ever registered, in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Hawaii." The safety regulator adds that "exposure to certain environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, high humidity and salt air can cause the brake pedal bumper to disintegrate and separate from the brake pedal." Owners of affected vehicles should expect notification of the recall in early March. They will be directed to the dealership of their choice to have their brake pedal bumpers and clutch pedal bumpers replaced free of charge. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.