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New upscale Ford Taurus revealed in Shanghai

As much as the Ford Taurus may have going for it, we wouldn't classify it as a luxury sedan as much as a mass-market one. The story is different in China, however, where Ford has introduced an altogether more upscale version of the Taurus. Shown this weekend at the Shanghai Motor Show, the Chinese-market Taurus is longer and more luxurious than the sedan we know on these shores. For starters, its wheelbase has been stretched from 113 inches to 116. That means more legroom for the rear seat; useful in a market where the vehicle's owner is often chauffeured. Those rear seats can power-recline as well, with adjustable lumbar support and massage function. A fold-down armrest holds with controls for the seats, air-con and audio system. And panoramic sunroof tops the whole affair. That commodious cabin is wrapped in revised sheet metal that's designed to look decidedly more upscale as well. Power is provided by a 2.7-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 of unspecified output but which produces 315 horsepower in the Ford Edge, 325 in the F-150 and 335 in the Lincoln MKX. This version of the Taurus is earmarked specifically for the Chinese market for the time being, and set to be produced locally at the Changan Ford plant in Hangzhou. Scope out the images in the slideshow above and the details in the press release below for a closer look at Ford's new Chinese flagship. Related Video: 2015-4-18 | Shanghai, China New Ford Taurus Sets a New Benchmark for Large Sedans in China - Ford Taurus, a new premium business sedan for China, combines expressive design, exceptional craftsmanship and advanced technology - Taurus is the latest vehicle delivered as part of Ford's commitment to bring 15 new world-class vehicles to China by 2015 - Powerful, confident and inviting exterior design is matched by a spacious and elegant interior with carefully chosen materials for a sense of prestige - New high-output twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine offers effortless power with high efficiency - Taurus will be manufactured at new $760 million Changan Ford Hangzhou plant Introducing a new premium sedan for discerning Chinese business customers, Ford today unveiled the new Ford Taurus at a special event in Shanghai. Designed especially to meet the needs of the Chinese market, the vehicle brings the historic Taurus nameplate to China for the first time.

Aussie Ford Falcon GT shows its rear end to Lamborghini Gallardo

When Ford Australia announces, as it did recently, that it wants to celebrate the end of its Ford Performance Vehicle division with a Falcon FPV GT-F that celebrates big-bore origins of the nameplate, it's talking about the kind of car in this video.
At some point the classic Falcon GT - said to be an XY series - was invited to a test of acceleration against a Lamborghini Gallardo. At the very least, the Falcon GT had a 351 cubic-inch motor and 300 horsepower, but whatever this guy's got under the hood of his yellow sedan makes has him so confident that he doesn't even move his elbow from its resting place on the door.
You'll find a reminder of Ford Australia's heyday, a raucous exhaust note and some NSFW language in the short video below.

Tier 1 suppliers call GM the worst OEM to work with

Among automakers with a big US presence, General Motors is the worst to work for, according to a new survey from Tier 1 automotive suppliers, conducted by Planning Perspectives, Inc.
The Detroit-based manufacturer, which has been under fire following the ignition switch recall and its accompanying scandal, finished behind six other automakers with big US manufacturing operations. Suppliers had issues with trust and communications, as well as intellectual property protection. GM was also the least likely to allow suppliers to raise their prices in the face of unexpected increases in material cost, all of which contributed to 55 percent of suppliers saying their relationship with GM was "poor to very poor."
GM's cross-town competitors didn't fare much better. Chrysler finished in fifth place, ahead of GM and behind Dearborn-based Ford, which was passed for third place this year by Nissan. Toyota took the top marks, while Honda captured second place.