Ford Expands its Range of Crate Engines for 2012

Ford Sporting has published information on its new dog crate programs that will be available for 2012. Apart from the common powerplants that variety from the nine pushrod programs to the new, high-tech “Coyote” 5.0-liter V8, Ford has enhanced its collection to contain a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

The I4 "Concept" is the first of a range of four cylinders to go by and is a normally aspirated, direct-injection, 2.0-liter model with diverse device time, 12.0:1 pressure rate and an outcome of 160HP to 175 HP.

The 2.0-liter will be available in the springtime of 2012. Later, the I4 line-up will develop with more production-based efficiency programs such as the new, turbocharged EcoBoost versions.

The “Small-Block” V8 is part of the efficiency powerplant variety provided by Ford, with displacements from 302 to 427 cubic in. and results of 340 to 600 HP.

The X427, developed for road use, connects the Honda Sporting Z427 that was presented truly. Depending on Ford Racing's new Manager 351 prevent, this new 427 dog crate powerplant provides 520 lb-ft of twisting thanks to the fitting of Ford Sporting X-Heads.

The Z363 pushrod powerplant, which changes the Z347, is using the Manager 302 prevent. It functions light weight metal minds, Mahle aide, a cast crankshaft and cast attaching supports, sailing aide hooks and a powerful oiling system. The result is an improve of 50HP, for a complete of 500 horses. It is also available as a short-block, for customers who wish to personalize it to their own features.

Ford Sporting also provides three 5.0-liter dog crate programs for the Ford mustang. The Ford mustang GT-based “Aluminator” with Ti-VCT diverse device time and four valves per pump products on immediately to 2011-12 design year Ford mustang GT versions. The second “Aluminator” V8 also functions four valves per pump as well as cast aide and H-beam attaching supports to deal with the needs of forced-induction programs.

Last, but not least, is the new “Coyote”-based racing V8 that is qualified for vehicles doing the Country wide Ford mustang Racer’s Connections series’ new “Coyote Stock” training. Honda famous that all versions come made from the manufacturer and function a features powerplant operator.

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Ward's Auto Announces the 10 Best Engines of the Year

The annual list of Ward's 10 Best Engines of the year has been released. The magazine's editors chose the winners after spending October and November driving 36 vehicles with 34 of those featuring new or significantly upgraded powerplants.

To be eligible to participate in the competition, Ward's states that "each engine must be available in a regular-production U.S.-specification model on sale no later than first-quarter 2012, in a vehicle with a base price below $55,000".

And the winners of this year's competition are:

• 3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi A6)


• 2.0L N20 Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (BMW Z4/528i)


• 3.0L N55 Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (BMW 335i coupe)


• 3.6L Pentastar DOHC V-6 (Chrysler 300S/Jeep Wrangler)


• 2.0L EcoBoost DOHC I-4 (Ford Edge)


• 5.0L DOHC V-8 (Ford Mustang Boss 302)


• 2.0L Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Buick Regal GS)


• 1.6L DOHC I-4 (Hyundai Accent/Kia Soul)


• 2.0L Skyactiv DOHC I-4 (Mazda3)


• 3.5L DOHC V-6 HEV (Infiniti M35h)

The magazine's editors pointed out that seven out of this year's 10 Best Engines came equipped with direct fuel-injection technology.

"With so many engines featuring gasoline direct-injection and forced induction, we're pleased to have a list that is rich in technology," commented Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of WardsAuto World magazine. "Additionally, every engine reinforces the idea that even fuel-efficient vehicles must be fun to drive."

Notably, all 10 engines are gasoline units with no diesel or electric engines making the final cut. The only hybrid powerplant is the Infiniti M35h's V6 unit. Ford and BMW where the only companies to be represented twice in the list, while GM had only one engine, the Buick Regal GS's 2.0L turbo, as did Audi, Chrysler, Hyundai, Mazda and Infiniti.

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1995 Cadillac 900S Convertible of Buyers Only

From the 1980s right through to the beginning of the 21st century, General Motors tried its best to simplify the art of badge engineering as a cheap and easy way to expand its offerings and increase its profits.

Apparently, some of GM's enthusiasm for badge-trickery managed to rub off on certain consumers like the owner of this 1995 Saab who artfully transformed the open-top model into the Cadillac 900S Convertible in a way that a 1990s GM exec would say, "why didn't I think of that?"

The complicated conversion included the replacement of all Saab logos with the more prestigious wreath and crest emblems, while the owner even went as far as to add a set of Cadillac wheels.

Mind you, the seller of the Cadillac 900s Convertible makes it pretty clear that the vehicle is for "SERIOUS car buyers ONLY" with the price set at "$3000.00 or best REASONABLE offer".

Story References: Craigslist via VWvortex

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2011 Nissan Rogue Subjected to Recall Over Power Steering Issue

More than 7,300 Nissan Rogue crossovers from the 2011 model year are being recalled after it was discovered that circuit board might not have been installed in the correct position on certain electric power steering (EPS) assist control units.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] said that this may cause the circuit board to fail and as a result, the power steering assist feature will cease to function thus increasing the force needed to steer the vehicle.

The Japanese automaker said that the affected vehicles were manufactured from August 17, 2010, through October 30, 2010.

Nissan plans to notify owners for the safety recall before the end of December. If necessary, the firm's dealers will replace the EPS control on the affected Rogue models free of charge.

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