1992 Lifted F-250 on 2040-cars

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Question of the Day: Worst year of the Malaise Era?

The Malaise Era for cars in the United States spanned the 1973 through 1983 model years, and featured such abominations as a Corvette with just 205 horsepower (from the optional engine!) and MGBs with suspensions jacked way up to meet new headlight-height requirements. There were many low points throughout this gloomy period, of course. The horrifyingly low power and fuel-economy numbers for big V8s during the middle years of the Malaise Era make a strong case for 1974 or 1975— the years of Nixon's resignation and the Fall of Saigon, respectively— as the most Malaisey years. But then the GM-pummeling debacles of the Chevy Citation and Cadillac Cimarron could make an early-1980s year the low point. 1979, the year of the ignominious Chrysler bailout? You choose! Related Video:

Ford reveals new Ranger Wildtrak across the Pacific

Want to get your hands on a new Ranger? Ford doesn't offer it here anymore, so you'll have to travel (or relocate) to somewhere it does. Like Bangkok, Thailand, where it just unveiled the new Ranger Wildtrak. Based on the updated Ranger revealed just a few months ago, the new Wildtrak features a more, shall we say, vibrant design as the flagship of the Ranger range. Dark metallic gray accents the nose, mirrors, door handles, air vents, bed rails, and tail lamps for a sportier, more rugged look. It's also got a contrasting hoop at the junction of cab and bed, rectangular fog lamps, 18-inch alloys, and Wildtrak graphics to set it apart from "lesser" Rangers. And the interior has been enhanced as well with all the upgrades applied to the standard model along with sportier trim. Everything else carries over from the standard model, including the diesel powertrain, full suite of the latest electronic assists, and go-anywhere capability. It'll ford (suitably enough) through water over 31 inches deep, clear nine inches above the ground and tow over 7,700 pounds. If you want to know more, you can scope out all the details in the press release below - or better yet, book a flight across the Pacific and see for yourself. 10 JUN 2558 | BANGKOK, THAILAND FORD UNVEILS THE ULTIMATE NEW RANGER; WILDTRAK READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD WITH BOLD DESIGN, SMART TECHNOLOGY - Aggressive, distinctive design and unique features help new Ranger Wildtrak stand apart from the crowd Striking, modern, car-like interior underscores technological capabilities and adds to premium, sporty feel - Wildtrak boasts full array of smart features, including SYNC 2 connectivity, Lane Keeping Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert, Driver Impairment Monitor and Front and Rear Parking Sensors - World-beating capabilities, including robust electronically controlled transfer case, class-leading 800 mm water-wading capability and 230 mm ground clearance ensure new Wildtrak is up for any adventure - Improved ride and powerful, efficient 3.2-liter latest-generation Duratorq diesel engine help to deliver on Ford's fun-to-drive promise The new Ranger Wildtrak, the ultimate model in the Ford Ranger line-up, makes its global debut today, ready to take on the world with a new array of smart technologies and an even bolder look for one of the world's toughest and most capable trucks.

The Ford that won't let you speed

The new Ford S-Max introduces a technology called Intelligent Speed Limiter, a cruise control setting that can read speed limit signs and automatically keep the car at the maximum posted speed even when that speed changes. The driver activates it by pressing a button on the steering wheel, the S-Max does the rest, and the minivan will inform the driver if it exceeds the limit for some reason, for instance, when going downhill. Slowing down, like when crossing from a 40 mile-per-hour zone to a 30-mph zone, is handled by fuel flow, not by the brakes - the car simply cuts engine power. It works anywhere from 20 mph to 120 mph, yet as with every other cruise control it's totally driver controlled; pressing the accelerator will override the system at any time. The aim is to help drivers avoid tickets, not take over the car. You can only get it on the UK S-Max for now. There's a video above that explains it and press release below with more information. Could this spell the end for speeding tickets? March 23, 2015 -- Breaking the speed limit is not something we always do on purpose. All the same, it can be costly in terms of fines, and driving bans, as well as playing a significant role in many road accidents. In the U.K. alone, in 2013, more than 15,000 drivers received fines of GBP100 or more for speeding. We are now launching Intelligent Speed Limiter, a technology that could help prevent drivers from unintentionally exceeding speed limits. The system monitors road signs with a camera mounted on the windscreen, and slows the vehicle as required. As the speed limit rises, the system allows the driver to accelerate up to the set speed – providing it does not exceed the new limit. "Drivers are not always conscious of speeding and sometimes only becoming aware they were going too fast when they receive a fine in the mail or are pulled over by law enforcement," said Stefan Kappes, active safety supervisor, Ford of Europe. "Intelligent Speed Limiter can remove one of the stresses of driving, helping ensure customers remain within the legal speed limit." Further new technologies available for the new S-MAX include the Pedestrian Detection system that will reduce the severity of some collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, or help drivers avoid some impacts altogether. The versatile people-mover also is equipped to help out at junctions where it is difficult to see.