Tag Archives: the Ford

Cars

5 Of The Coolest Australian Muscle Cars Ever Built

According to some sources, Australia’s first muscle automotive was the Ford Falcon GT. Ford launched an XR collection of Falcons in 1967, together with a efficiency model badged XR GT. Aussie auto nomenclature is extra complicated than America’s, and the Falcon line had XA, XB, XC, XT, XY, XW (with HOs thrown in for good measure), and even “Phase” variants.

The XR GT was powered by a police-spec’d engine from a Mustang (4.7-liter, 289 ci, V8 with a four-barrel carb producing 225 hp), however was saddled with 4 doorways, which most American scorching rodders refused to label a “muscle car” because it wasn’t a coupe. Despite the tag, it was the primary “shots fired” and a brouhaha started with Chrysler’s Holden division.

Between ’68 and ’71 varied souped-up variations have been launched, many backed by a 5.8-liter, 351 Cleveland V8 listed as making 300 hp however pegged at 350 hp from first-hand accounts. Its first homegrown honest dinkum (Oz slang for “genuine”) mannequin was the ’72 XA Falcon, and the primary time it got here as a two-door coupe. The GT HO variant had a prime pace of 142 mph and did zero to 60 in 6.4 seconds, making it the quickest four-door on the earth.

Then we come to the magnum opus that may prime the listing as coolest film muscle on the planet — the 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe. Better referred to as the V8 Interceptor or Pursuit Special, the Falcon was the car driven by “Mad Max” throughout the dusty Outback. Sadly, the entire “Supercar Scare” was at its peak, and it was discontinued in ’73.

Motorsport

The New Ford Puma ST Has Big Screens And Tiny 1.0-Liter Engine

With the Ford Fiesta discontinued in 2023, that places extra strain on the Puma crossover to hold the torch of the defunct supermini. The hatchback on stilts is Ford’s best-selling passenger automotive in Europe. For 2024, it is getting a mid-cycle replace.

The subcompact crossover has barely modified on the skin, though Ford tells us these headlights with a claw-like signature now make use of matrix LED know-how. The discreetly up to date badge has transitioned to the entrance grille. We’re not noticing any modifications on the rear, however prospects can decide from six colours – together with the brand new Cactus Gray – and several other wheels various from 17 to 19 inches.

2024 Ford Puma ST

Open the doorways and you will be greeted by a projection of the Puma emblem on the bottom. The cabin is considerably completely different with the brand new Sync 4 infotainment put in. The dashboard accommodates a pair of screens whereas the middle air vents have been moved on the prime to make room for the 12.0-inch touchscreen. To its left, the 12.8-inch digital instrument cluster is now not totally built-in into the sprint.

Ford is simplifying the engine lineup for the reason that Puma is now not out there in Europe with a four-cylinder 1.5-liter diesel engine. In addition, the high-performance ST mannequin loses its turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine and six-speed guide gearbox. Going ahead, the sporty one will likely be out there with the smaller 1.0-liter unit and a seven-speed, dual-clutch automated transmission.

It’s a considerable downgrade contemplating the full-fat Puma ST used to have 197 horsepower and 320 Newton-meters (236 pound-feet) of torque. The neutered model – launched nearly a year ago – makes do with simply 168 hp and 248 Nm (183 lb-ft). The mild-hybrid engine allows a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) run in 7.4 seconds, or 0.7 seconds slower than the defunct model outfitted with the larger 1.5-liter engine. Flat out, it could do 130 mph (210 km/h).

2024 Ford Puma
2024 Ford Puma

The non-ST Puma fashions are additionally getting a turbo 1.0-liter engine with both 123 hp and 210 Nm (154 lb-ft) or 153 hp and 240 Nm (176 lb-ft). The lesser model of the three-pot may be had with a six-speed guide gearbox, through which case the dash is accomplished in 9.8 seconds. Opt for the seven-speed, dual-clutch automated and the run is accomplished in 9.6 seconds. The stronger variant of the tiny EcoBoost engine is auto-only and helps the trendy crossover attain 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.7 seconds.

As promised again in 2022, Ford may even be launching a completely electrical Puma Gen-E. It’s coming later this 12 months and may look nearly the identical because it’ll inherit the platform from the gasoline-fueled mannequin. The EV will likely be constructed alongside the common variants on the firm’s manufacturing unit in Craiova, Romania.

Motorsport

This Restomod Jeep Cherokee SJ Costs As Much As Two Wrangler 392s

We see a good variety of restomod SUVs based mostly on icons just like the Ford Bronco and Land Rover Defender, however the first-gen Jeep Cherokee would not appear to get as a lot love. This 1980 Cherokee breaks the mildew, exuding the fashion of the period with the colourful stripes of the well-known Golden Hawk package deal because of an organization referred to as JeepHeritage.

The first-gen Cherokee, which fits by the inner designation SJ, is much less boxy and extra visually complicated than the XJ that adopted in its footsteps. This one’s Golden Hawk package deal accentuates these placing traces. The base colour is Bordeaux Metallic, with darkish grey, brown, and beige stripes adorn the hood, flanks, and tailgate. The Golden Hawk branding is on the perimeters and rear. The wheels put on a bronze colour that completely matches the remainder of the physique’s earth-tone palette.