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Ford will build Hackmobile out of Transit Connect Wagon

What you see in the above image is a rendering of the Hackmobile Transit Connect Wagon. What is that? It's a "mobile fabrication and hacking unit" that includes tools for metal- and woodworking, 3D and electronics fabrication, a three-axis CNC machine called "The Fabber," a video projector and screen, an air compressor, an 84x48-inch work surface that folds out like a Murphy bed and oh so much more. When not in use, all of the implements fold neatly into the back of Ford's award-winning van.
But perhaps the more important question is why is that? Because Make Magazine held an Ultimate Maker Vehicle Challenge in conjunction with Ford in which ten teams created were charged with creating "the ultimate Ford Transit Connect Wagon for the do-it-yourself enthusiast." Team Twin Cities Maker won the competition with the Hackmobile, and in addition to winning $10,000, Ford has declared it's actually going to build the thing - which is great, because if they can actually engineer a road-legal Hackmobile Transit Connect Wagon as envisioned, the inevitable A-Team movie reboot might need to think about including it.
Check out the video below for a cheeky walk-through of the Hackmobile, and get all the particulars in the press release below that.

Final 2015 Ford Edge performance and fuel economy data released

Ford unveiled the brawny look and heap of new tech of the all-new 2015 Edge last summer, and confirmed some of the pricing in November. However, until now buyers couldn't be entirely sure what they are getting for that money in terms of power and fuel economy, but the Blue Oval is finally spilling all the beans. For customers looking for performance, the Edge Sport is the place to be with its stiffer suspension and plusher interior. The trim level uses a version of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 found in the latest F-150, but in this case the engine is tuned to 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. That's a 10 percent jump in power and 25 percent improvement in torque compared to the naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 in the last-gen model, according to Ford. The mill should be a bit more useable too with peak twist coming on at 2,750 rpm, rather than 4,000 rpm in the previous Edge, and the Active Noise Cancellation system should keep it quiet inside, too. Front-wheel-drive versions of the Sport get EPA-estimated economy of 18 miles per gallon city, 27 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. Opting for all-wheel drive reduces the figures to 17/24/20, respectively. Of course, not everyone is looking for the power of the Sport trim. In a first for Ford, the standard engine for the Edge is a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 245 hp and 275 lb-ft. In front-wheel-drive form, it's rated at 20/30/24 mpg or with all-wheel drive at 20/28/23. For something in the middle the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 brings 280 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque and carries EPA estimates of 18/26/21 with front-wheel drive or 17/25/20 when powering all four wheels. Every powertrain gets a six-speed automatic. Sales for the latest Edge begin this spring starting at $28,100, plus $895 destination on all models. Upgrading to the Sport pushes the price up to $38,100. Performance and Power: 2015 Ford Edge Sport Certified as Highest-Performing Edge Yet • 2015 Ford Edge Sport is the most powerful Edge yet, thanks to a 2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6 making 315 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque • All-new Edge Sport, re-engineered from the ground up, features special sport-tuned suspension, specific Sport styling for exterior and interior, and a long list of available driver-assist technologies • Scheduled to go on sale this spring, pricing for 2015 Ford Edge starts at $28,100; Edge Sport starts at $38,100 – only a $500 increase from 2014 DEARBORN, Mich., Feb.

Toyota fears supplier pressure in Australia with GM pull out

With Ford and General Motors both announcing an end to production in Australia, the country's auto industry is in a bad way. With the exit of two big players, there's increased concern that a third Australian manufacturer, Toyota, will be forced out, as well.
"We are saddened to learn of GM Holden's decision. This will place unprecedented pressure on the local supplier network and our ability to build cars in Australia," Toyota Australia said in a statement. The GM closure of Holden production will be the direct end to 2,900 jobs, but will also force a dramatic reduction in the size of the country's supplier network, as there will simply be fewer cars to build.
In the same statement, Toyota Australia said it would work with suppliers and local government to figure out whether continuing production Down Under was even feasible. According to Automotive News, a representative for the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union told reporters it was "highly likely" that Toyota would also close up shop within the next few years.