Celebrating Black History Month African-American Automotive Innovators

Posted on February 9, 2011 by randall

February is Black History Month, and it’s the time to remember the most important people and events in African-American history. We at the Reed Factor wanted to remember some of the African American’s that made a colossal difference in the automotive industry.

This week, the Reed Factor is remembering Edmond Berger who made a difference in the automotive industry by inventing the spark plug.  For those you don’t know, a spark plug is an electrical device that fits into the cylinder head of some internal combustion engines and ignites compressed fuels. In other words, it’s the thingy that creates a spark to turn on the gas to make your car move.

Mr. Berger invented an early spark plug on February 2, 1839. However, Mr. Berger did not patent his invention, thus he is sometimes not credited for inventing it.

For more great African-American people that have made an impact on the automotive industry, please stay tuned or visit us on Facebook and/or Twitter.

Posted in Ford History, Parts and Accessories | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Automotive Cold Weather Maintenance

Posted on February 1, 2011 by randall

Winter often brings brutal arctic cold fronts.  I want to make sure you and you’re automobile are ready for the cold weather. While your safety should be the number one priority, maintaining and preparing your car for this cold weather should, as well.

Here are some tips to keep your automobile up and running when cold front hit.

  • Get Informed

Make sure you know what the weather and roads are like before you hit the open road. This is especially important before a long-distance drive or driving in isolated areas. Also, if you are going to an unknown area, take time to check your route prior to your drive.

  • Check Your Antifreeze
    Your antifreeze (the juice that goes in your radiator) is an essential part of your vehicle’s winter protection. Your car contains a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. Make sure the level is full and the mixture is  accurate. Many service stations and repair centers will check this mixture free, or you can stop by one of our store for us to check it for you.
  • Inspect Your Tires
    The last line of defense between you and an oak tree are your tires. Cold weather is not the time to get cheap about your tires, so take the time to check the tread depth. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board says you need at least 2/32″ of depth to be safe. It’s been my experience, especially in winter weather, that anything less than 4/32″ (1/8″) needs be replaced soon. The old penny test is one say to find out whether your treads are ready for winter action. Also, be sure to check your tire pressure. Believe it or not, they lose a little pressure when it gets cold, so pump ’em up.
  • Replace Your Wipers
    Wipers? What do your windshield wipers have to do with cold weather? Two things. First, anything falling from the sky is going to end up on your windshield, and unless you have a team of Oompa Loompas riding on the hood of your car, the task of clearing it falls on your wipers. Second, in areas that see snowfall in the winter, you’re also driving through that soupy muck that’s left on the road once the highway department does their thing. This muck includes a lot of sand and/or salt, both of which end up on your windshield. It takes wipers that are in top shape to keep your windshield clean and safe.
  • Check Your Windshield Washer Fluid
    You’ll be using lots of washer fluid as you try to keep your windshield sparkly. A mile stuck behind an 18-wheeler will have your windshield looking like a Desert Humvee, if you’re low on washer fluid. Tip: Don’t fill your washer fluid reservoir with anything except washer fluid (washer fluid won’t freeze).
  • Gas it Up!

Make sure you keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid a gas line freeze-up.

Where ever your path may take you, make sure that you always take time to take care of your car, so it can take care of you. Make sure you check back to our blog regularly for more great automotive tips, stories, news and events. Plus, join us on www.Facebook.com and www.Twitter.com!

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Executive Chairman Bill Ford on the Ford Electric Future

Posted on January 11, 2011 by randall
January 5th, 2011

Executive Chairman Bill Ford has shared his vantage point of the Ford Motor Company electric future. Here is the play by play of the event.

2:01
Good afternoon! We’re live in New York City for the simultaneous announcement (along with CEO Alan Mulally’s keynote at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas) about our electrification plans. We’re going to be joined shortly by Bill Ford, Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company, who will share Ford’s vision for an electrified future.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:01
2:01
FYI, the video of Alan’s announcement is available at http://www.facebook.com/FordElectricVehicles

Friday January 7, 2011 2:01
2:02
We’ll be bringing you play-by-play coverage of the press event here in New York City today.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:02
2:04
The audience is taking its seat and the announcer has said that the program will begin in just a few minutes.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:04
2:05
Nancy Gioia, Ford Motor Company’s  director of Global Electrification, welcomes the crowd, saying  “Welcome to our home!”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:05
2:05 Friday January 7, 2011 2:05
2:06
Nancy Gioia: “Households that are waiting for the right auto company … to deliver the right electric vehicle choices … to suit their individual driving needs.  Providing consumers with the Power of Choice is what makes Ford’s electrification plan different than others. “

Friday January 7, 2011 2:06
2:06 Friday January 7, 2011 2:06
2:07
She continues, saying that Ford understands you can’t put everyone in a single electric vehicle – there is no silver bullet EV solution.  Consumers want options and need choices.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:07
2:07
Nancy Gioia: “That is why Ford will set itself apart by introducing five different electric vehicles in North America by 2012 and in Europe by 2013.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:07
2:07
Ford started with Transit Connect Electric commercial van at the end of last year; the company’s first global full battery electric passenger car – the Focus Electric – comes later this year, followed by two next generation lithium-ion hybrids in 2012 and a plug-in hybrid in 2012.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:07
2:08
Nancy is introducing Bill Ford:

“No one has been more instrumental to delivering on the promise of our plan than the man I am about to introduce … Bill Ford, the executive chairman of Ford Motor Company.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:08
2:08
To give us an idea of his commitment to the environment, Nancy tells a story from 40 years ago from Bill: on the very first Earth Day Bill talked his friends into skipping the car pool and riding their bikes to school to save on gasoline.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:08
2:09
Nancy Gioia: “Under Bill’s guidance, Ford Motor Company went from complying with regulations to creating a business plan that is built around choices for the future and environmental leadership.”

“Bill has also remained committed to global sustainability initiatives beyond vehicles … from supporting our decision to become the first automaker to join The Chicago Climate Exchange … to working to lessen our environmental footprint by reducing global energy use at our facilities by 34 percent since 2000.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:09
2:09
Bill Ford is taking the podium

Friday January 7, 2011 2:09
2:10
“We are here today to mark a milestone moment in Ford Motor Company’s history.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:10
2:11
Bill explains how today’s event fits into the heritage of Ford’s past and connection to the future.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:11
2:11 Friday January 7, 2011 2:11
2:12
Bill Ford: “My great-grandfather, Henry Ford, had a simple idea:  he wanted to improve people’s lives by making cars affordable for the average family.  Henry’s masterpiece, the Model T, helped put the world on wheels.  But it also did something else – it offered leading-edge technology on a large scale.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:12
2:12
Those lessons became part of Ford’s DNA. Today, Ford is focused on providing better fuel economy for millions of customers, not just for those who can afford expensive, low-volume niche cars.  Fuel-saving technologies – EcoBoost engines and advanced transmissions across many vehicles.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:12
2:12
Ford is committed to being a leader in fuel economy in every segment.

Also working on advanced technologies such as fuel cells, biofuel and clean diesel engines.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:12
2:13
Bill Ford: “One of the biggest and most immediate game changers will be electrified vehicles. These days everyone is rushing to bring electric vehicles to market.

While Ford has plans for electric vehicles as well, what I am excited about is that we are rolling out these vehicles by doing it the Ford way, which means doing everything we can to make it easier for our customers to embrace this fuel-saving technology.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:13
2:13
What is the Ford way? Offering customers a variety of choices. Something that truly differentiates Ford from the competition.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:13
2:14
Bill Ford: “In the next two years, we will introduce five new advanced lithium-ion battery charged vehicles including next-generation hybrids, a plug-in hybrid and two all battery electric vehicles. We began with the first deliveries of the battery-powered Transit Connect commercial van to fleet customers late last year.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:14
2:14
“We are offering a range of electrified vehicles because we recognize our customers will have a range of needs that can’t be satisfied by one single solution. In addition, we are doing everything we can to make these vehicles as affordable as possible.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:14
2:15
Building electrified vehicles on highest volume global vehicle platforms to lower costs and take advantage of proven quality.

Also gives flexibility to build what works best for any region in the world – and to ramp up production if demand exceeds projections. The Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan will be the first facility to build gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrids and full battery electric vehicles all under one roof.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:15
2:15
Bill Ford: “We are investing more dollars to design, develop, and build electrified vehicles, along with key components such as the transaxles and battery packs that power them. We are working to create a center of excellence for electrification, bringing much of the work in-house.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:15
2:15
Electrification is now a core competency for Ford. Potential benefits – to customers, companies and communities – are enormous. Electric vehicles reduce the use of gas and lower CO2 emissions. Can help Ford make automobiles affordable in every sense of the world – not just economically, but environmentally and socially too.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:15
2:16
There is now a vehicle that will get a better miles per gallon equivalent than the Chevy Volt, while providing more than enough range for the average American commute. A real electric vehicle that can fully charge in three to four hours using a 240v at home charging station – less than half the time it takes to charge a Nissan Leaf.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:16
2:16
Bill Ford: “Ford also will help reduce the cost of owning an electric vehicle by allowing Focus Electric owners to take advantage of off-peak and reduced utility rates through value charging powered by Microsoft.”

“This is truly a milestone moment.  For our company, for me personally, and for the thousands of Ford employees around the world who are making our vision a reality.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:16
2:16
Bill Ford introduces, the Ford Focus Electric.

The audience is now standing.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:16
2:17 Friday January 7, 2011 2:17
2:17
Getting out of the vehicle is the Chief Engineer for Focus Electric, Eric Kuehn.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:17
2:17 Friday January 7, 2011 2:17
2:17
Eric Kuehn: “The entire Ford team is truly excited about the Focus Electric. We think it has a great look, offers some great features and is a great car for customers who want a full battery electric vehicle.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:17
2:17 Friday January 7, 2011 2:17
2:18
Focus Electric is based on five-door Focus mode. Powered entirely by an advanced 23 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that helps it reach a top speed of 84 mph. Power “you can really have fun with, thanks to instant torque on the electric motor.” No gasoline. Zero emissions.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:18
2:18
The seats are made from 100% sustainable materials; insulation under the floor of each car contains about two pairs of recycled jeans.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:18
2:18 Friday January 7, 2011 2:18
2:18
Eric Kuehn: “Like its gasoline-powered counterpart, Ford Focus Electric offers SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information, Sony Audio with HD Radio and iTunes tagging, in-car WiFi capability, Push Button Start, and MyFord Touch which is enhanced for the electrified driving experience.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:18
2:19
Most EV buyers are prepared to embrace reality that a full battery does not last as long as a full tank of gas. That they’ll have to do more planning around how far they can go, how much charge they’ll need, and  where to find a charge station.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:19
2:19
Ford offers some helpful tools for that. Like the SmartGuage eco guide on the Fusion Hybrid, an EV-enhanced MyFord Touch system goes further, acting as a co-pilot that helps the driver plan and manage the vehicle’s energy budget.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:19
2:20
This MyFord Touch system can …
help you find a charge point destination
constantly update you about your energy budget
help you manage driving habits that limit your range
and coach you to get the most possible energy back from your regenerative braking system.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:20
2:20
“MyFord Touch even offers easy assurance that you can reach your destination … with a choice of animations like these butterflies.  As long as you see at least one butterfly on your screen, you know you have more than enough battery power to make it to your destination.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:20
2:21
Ford designers chose butterflies as a connection to “the butterfly effect,” – a small change can have an enormous impact. One person’s choice to drive electric can influence other people to make the transition.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:21
2:21
But what about when they’re not in the car?  Electric vehicle owners need real-time info too.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:21
2:21
Eric Kuehn: “To meet this need, we extended the MyFord Touch experience to the owner’s smartphone with MyFord Mobile.“

Friday January 7, 2011 2:21
2:22 Friday January 7, 2011 2:22
2:22
“MyFord Mobile communicates directly with the car’s onboard wireless module.  All smartphone users have to do is download the app, and as long as there’s a mobile signal, they can interact with their car from virtually anywhere.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:22
2:22
MyFord Mobile – a complete suite of tools designed to help drivers manage the EV ownership experience.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:22
2:23
It gives you access to key, real-time vehicle info
– enables you to schedule charging
– allows you to start or stop charging with the touch of a button
– offers tips on more energy-efficient driving
– rewards you for your emissions-free driving achievements
– help you find charging stations and plan trips based on the current charge level of your vehicle The charging process is an important one Ford had to consider as well.

Ford saw an opportunity to shape the customer’s charging experience from installation to usability.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:23
2:23
“First, we worked with a leading supplier partner to create the absolute best charge station on the market. We also put a lot of thought into the design of the charger unit, knowing that this is something customers will use every day. But the coolest design feature is actually how the box is installed.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:23
2:24
“Our key competitors offer a one-piece, hardwired box. Once it’s on your wall, it’s on your wall. But … what if you move?”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:24
2:24
Ford’s solution: a unit that mounts on a bracket with no tools required and then easily unplugs again for servicing or relocation. If you move, just unplug your charge station and take it with you.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:24
2:24 Friday January 7, 2011 2:24
2:24
Ford is also offering purchase, installation and service experience via Best Buy and the Geek Squad.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:24
2:24
Erick Kuehn: “With Best Buy, you make one call or visit to buy your charge station and set up installation. Then Geek Squad takes it from there – to complete the charger installation. Together, all of these advantages make the set-up process quick and easy for our customers … and saves them as much as $700 on their charge station.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:24
2:25
“We’re doing all this because it all comes back to our commitment to bring affordable fuel-efficient technology to millions of people.”

Friday January 7, 2011 2:25
2:25
That concludes the formal remarks. The media are now asking questions.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:25
2:26
Pricing and range are key questions.
We’ll be announcing pricing closer to the launch. For range, we’ve targeted up to 100 miles.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:26
2:28
Q: When can we anticipate a charging unit that is transportable to plug in as you travel?
A: Depends on the infrastructure development, and Ford is working with utility partners and municipalities to ensure that the infrastructure supports customer choice.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:28
2:31
Q: When will Focus electric be in the dealerships? And do we have the capability to produce many, if fuel prices spike?
A: Rollout begins later this year in 19 key metropolitan markets. Volume, ramp up and scale is going to be supported by the Michigan Assembly Plant, built to accommodate shifting consumer attitudes – same platform, one assembly line.

Friday January 7, 2011 2:31
2:33
Q: What are Ford’s plans for electric Lincolns, pickups, etc.
A: The ultimate question is one of affordability. The bigger the vehicle, the bigger the battery, and the harder the battery has to work. There are certain powertrains that are compatible with mass market and function-specific vehicles. We’ve already electrified our C/D car platform (Fusion, Mondeo, MKZ).

Friday January 7, 2011 2:33
2:35
This concludes this afternoon’s event. Thank you for tuning in. Please check out the Ford Electric  Vehicles Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/FordElectricVehicles

Visit Ford.com and see the recently launched electric vehicle section on fordvehicles.com. On the site, you can find video, text and diagrams to help understand the differences in the technologies of electrified vehicles.

Posted in Events, Ford History, Ford Technology, Green Driving, New Autos, News and Updates, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Famous Movie Cars

Posted on January 4, 2011 by randall

Have you been to the movies or seen a TV show lately? If so, chances are you probably didn’t notice the vehicles that rolled through the background. Today in the Reed Factor, we are going to look at these vehicles; from the indistinguishable to the unforgettable cars that carry on a lasting legacy.

Eleanor


This is the star automobile, known as Eleanor, in the 2000 Nicolas Cage and  Angelina Jolie car-theft flick “Gone in 60 Seconds” (a remake of the 1974 original). In it, car thief Randall “Memphis” Raines (Cage) has tried to steal old Eleanor on multiple occasions, and when he finally gets her in the movie, an action-packed, high-speed chase ensues. Eleanor is a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 coated in pepper gray metallic.

KITT

This Attack Mode KITT of Knight Rider fame is not your Hasselhoff’s KITT. It’s from the 2008 remake of the Knight Rider series, and this one is based on a modern 2008 Shelby KR500 Mustang. Two were built for the show.

This vehicle was featured on Si-Fi’s new ‘Hollywood Treasure’ series, and it sold for $32,500 at auction held at Universal Studio’s Globe Theater on November 6, 2010.

The Ectomobile


For the right jumpsuit-wearing key masters, this oldie is a fine set of wheels for fighting ancient refrigerator demons and avoiding exploding marshmallow men. That’s right. As if there were any mistaking it, this 1959 converted limo-style Cadillac ambulance was the iconic transportation for the trio of heroes of the comedy smash “Ghostbusters.”

Fast & Furious


This 1970 Dodge Charger is from the 2009 film, “The Fast and the Furious 4.” This Charger has a 350 Chevy crate motor, rack and pinion steering, a Ford 9-inch rear end, 18-inch wheels and tires. It’s fully caged with fuel cell and custom gauges.

The Interceptor


Now that “Mad Max: Fury Road,” the 4th installment in the dystopian Mad Max series is in production, it’s time for a look back at one of its first icons. This evil cinematic vehicle emerged off the assembly line in 1974 as the Australian-only made Ford Falcon Coupe XB. However, in 1979 it was converted into its true destiny as the Interceptor in the first ‘Mad Max.’

To see the original click here.  We at the Reed Factor have shown you the list of the best memorable vehicles we believe have stamped their icon status in American Culture. Now we want to hear your opinion on what cars you believe have stamped their status in movie culture. Let us know by commenting on our blog.

Posted in Ford History, In the Community, Just for Fun, News and Updates | 1 Comment

Yahoo! Autos names Ford Fiesta as a Great Buy

Posted on December 16, 2010 by randall

Yahoo! Autos just named the Ford Fiesta as one of the Best Cheap Cars to own. The list was a composite of 10 cars under $18,000 that cater to people who do not want to shell out more that a few hundred bucks a month on a car payment.

According to the article, the Ford Fiesta has been named as the most fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive, inexpensive subcompact sold in America. In addition, the automatic Ford Fiesta is the most fuel efficient. The Fiesta’s twin-clutch automatic transmission sends power almost continuously to the wheels which allows it for quick and responsive handling.

So, stop by one of our many Ford dealerships and test drive the new Ford Fiesta for yourself, and be the judge of this amusing little car.

To see the complete list click here:

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1610/10-great-cheap-cars/

Posted in Custom Corner, Driving Safety, Ford Technology, Just for Fun, Maintenance and Service, New Autos | Leave a comment

Ford SYNC

Posted on December 9, 2010 by randall

The Ford SYNC is one of the hottest things many Ford drivers are enjoying today.  The Ford Sync is a factory-installed, in-car communications and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft to help improve everyday commutes, as well as road trips.

Many Ford drivers use their Bluetooth-enabled phones with SYNC, which then allows them to carry on a conversation hands-free through the vehicle’s speakers. For those still with SYNC that are not utilizing this system, we recommend looking at the following link to determine if your phone is compatible with SYNC. Many are enjoying the many benefits SYNC has to offer such as AppLink and voice-activated, hands-free calling.

Are you still trying to figure out how to work your Ford SYNC? E-mail The Reed Factor team, so we can help you set up your system.

Click here to view compatibility chart for your vehicle

Posted in Custom Corner, New Autos | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Car Tips: Tuning Up Your Car in 7 Steps

Posted on October 22, 2010 by randall

When it comes to tuning up your car, you usually want to do it every two years, or every 30,000 miles (whichever comes first). All it takes is a little bit of car knowledge to do this yourself, but if you’d rather let a professional mechanic handle this, that is a recommend choice! Opening up your hood and tinkering around could lead to even bigger problems if you have never done it before, but if you’re ready to tune your car yourself, take a look at the 7-step process from car.tips.net:

What you’ll need:
– Fuel filter
– Complete screwdriver set
– Oil filter
– Air filter
– Transmission oil filter
– Spark plugs
– Spark plug gapping tool
– Distributor caps
– Car repair manual
– Ratchet & socket set
– Adjustable wrenches

1. Fuel Filter. Unless you have a fuel-injection system, you need to replace the fuel filter. Fuel-injection systems do not need fuel system cleaning but it wouldn’t be out of line to go ahead and replace the fuel filter.

2. Spark Plugs. Change your spark plugs every 30,000 miles unless you have platinum spark plugs. When you are changing these, take a look at the wires and the connectors as well.

3. Belts. While you are rooting around under the hood, take some time to look at the belts. If and when you see any that are worn or damaged, replace them.

4. Distributor/Ignition. If you have an older car that does not have an electronic ignition system (typically anything prior to 1980), take a look at the ignition timing sequence. This is covered in a repair manual for most vehicles. At the same time, replace the distributor cap and the rotor as well (if your car has them since some of the new vehicles have what is known as a distributor-less ignition system).

5. Air Filter. Typically a vehicle needs to have its air filter changed every 15,000 miles. One of the best times to take care of this is when you are tuning up your vehicle.

6. Fluids. Check the fluid levels including the oil, brake, transmission, and wiper fluids.

7. Battery. Look at the battery posts and the connectors to ensure that there isn’t any corrosive buildup. Also make sure that all of the connections are tightened properly and that the battery’s fluid level is where it should be. Add some distilled water if it is not. If you have a sealed battery, you don’t need to check the fluid level.

Posted in Maintenance and Service, Parts and Accessories, Tips and Hints | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ford Is Bringing Back the Mustang 5.0!

Posted on October 20, 2010 by randall

It has been a long wait, but Ford is bringing back the 5.0 Mustang for 2011! Right now, Ford offers the base V6 model or the GT V8 model, in addition to the amazing Shelby GT version with a supercharged V8 engine. With the return of the 5.0-liter V8 engine, Ford is making the Mustang lineup even more impressive and dynamic.

Cartips.com offered a little insight to what you can expect with the return of the 5.0-liter 2011 Ford Mustang:

Finally the return of the 5 Liter Mustang! This brand new 5.0L-powered Mustang will pump out 412 ponies and 390 lb-ft of torque. To get all of the power to the ground you get the option of either a 6 speed automatic or a 6 speed manual transmission. All of that and a estimated fuel economy of 25 miles to the gallon?

“This all-new 5.0-liter engine is the next chapter in the development of the world-class Mustang powertrain portfolio,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “It’s a thoroughly modern engine for the times, delivering the performance and fun-to-drive factor that enthusiasts want, while improving fuel economy.”

If that doesn’t get you excited, take a look at this video to do the trick:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPSxdQqu_PM

Posted in Ford History, Ford Technology, New Autos, Tips and Hints | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Want to Own a Piece of TV History? The New K.I.T.T.

Posted on October 18, 2010 by randall

Even if you weren’t a fan of the Knight Rider remake, you can get one of two cars built for the show. Take a look at this post from the Top Speed site to see how:

We can all agree that the ill-conceived remake of Knight Rider was one of the worst shows in recent memory. Instead of living up to the classic show starring the Hoff himself, the new version of Knight Rider featuring Justin Bruenig – who? – as “Michael Knight” was nothing short of a spectacular flop.

But even if we hated it, the show at least gave us one good thing: a black 2008 Ford Mustang that reprised the role of K.I.T.T. in the TV show. Sure, the show sucked big time, but the car sure as heck didn’t.

And if you happen to share our sentiments about the car, you have the opportunity of driving away with one of the two cars built specifically for that show. The movie car is powered by a 4.0L V-6 SOHC engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and was extensively modified for the show using Ford Shelby GT 500KR components, including front Brembo performance brakes, 20-inch forged SVT wheels, GT 500KR seats with red inserts and embroidered Carroll Shelby headrests, front and rear spoilers, KR rear bumper cover, HID headlamps, carbon fiber side mirror covers, a KR stripe kit, and last, but certainly not least, the iconic red scanner that’s mounted on the hood of the car.

By all accounts, this is one car that should make you the envy of all your friends, even if they’re part of the majority that also think that the show it was featured on butchered the memory of the classic show that it was supposed to revive.

If you’re interested in the car, the expected price tag is around $25,000 – $35,000 and you can call 310-859-7701 for more information on how you can own the “new age” K.I.T.T.

Posted in Custom Corner, Events, Ford History, Just for Fun, Tips and Hints | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The CGS Performance Products SEMA-Ready Explorer

Posted on October 15, 2010 by randall

Mark Kleis over on the Left Lane site just posted a great peek at the SEMA-ready Ford Explorer from CGS Performance Products. Take a look at the picture and writeup and let me know what you think!

CGS Performance Products’ take on Explorer shows off what a luxury vehicle for an active customer looks like from their viewpoint. The look runs throughout the monochromatic silver Explorer, and is completed by two carbon fiber mountain bikes on the roof rack (Not pictured here, but expect the bikes to return for the live image update Leftlane brings you during SEMA week).

“This SUV is all about outdoor adventure and doing it in comfort,” said Casey Scranton, president, CGS Performance Products. “This customer can use the vehicle every day and will have no problem taking it camping or kayaking on the weekends.”

It wouldn’t be SEMA-ready without some ICE, and CGS equipped this Explorer with lbuilt-in video screens in the headrests for the inside to go along with the complete custom leather interior that’s designed to resemble the links on a watch band. Outside, CGS went with color-matched 22-inch silver wheels for the outside.

Rounding out the changes listed by the performance shop, CGS strapped on an in-house cat-back exhaust for more power, a throatier sound and even improved fuel economy.

Posted in Custom Corner, Just for Fun, New Autos, News and Updates | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment