Latest news with #BlueOval
Miami Herald
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Ford's Gen 3 Coyote V8 Dissected: The Hidden Cause of Engine Failure
Ford introduced its Coyote V8 engine as an evolution of its modular V8 platform, marking the Blue Oval's return to high-performance V8s, particularly in the Mustang GT. However, this engine isn't just exclusive to the long-running muscle car nameplate – several models also made use of this versatile engine, some even outside Ford's stables. The Ford F-150 is one such model that benefits from the Coyote V8, particularly its third iteration, introduced in 2018. This generation of the Coyote received both port and direct injection, along with PTWA liners and increased bore. It even saw the birth of the "Predator," a 760-hp supercharged variant used in the mighty Raptor R. The Coyote V8 has established itself as a reliable performance-driven mill, but it's also known to be reliable, suffering only a handful of issues associated with its name. Some can reach hundreds of thousands of miles – like this example in the spotlight by YouTube engine coroner, I Do Cars. In this teardown video, we get to see a third-generation Coyote V8 from a 2018 Ford F-150, which is presumed to have reached over 100,000 miles. The engine is apparently all locked up, but further inspection revealed what killed the Coyote and what made it such a special specimen of Ford engineering. While I Do Cars was under the impression that the V8 in question was all banged up, initial inspection showed that it wasn't too bad. It rotated manually with a few internal clicks. The spark plugs appeared to be overdue, and while the intake ports were dirty, the valves were clean enough to suggest port/direct injection was helping. Further examination of the top portion showed promising revelations, with clean sections after removing the valve covers. There were no metal glitter, damaged cam lobes, or broken valvetrain parts. Interestingly, a timing chain slap was discovered as the source of the clicks, due to the unloaded oil pressure-dependent tensioners. However, the cylinder heads showed heavy carbon and oil deposits, suggesting the engine was burning oil. One cylinder showed odd residue or discoloration, while the pistons came with a heavy carbon buildup in ring lands, suggesting oil control ring failure. Some oil rings were seized, others barely protruded, confirming oil consumption problems. Overall, the Coyote V8 engine teardown showed minimal and typical wear after over 100,000 miles (apart from the plastic oil pan), with I Do Cars claiming it is a candidate for a rebuild. It wasn't flawless, but its failure was only from burning too much oil, which led to catalytic converter damage – the only persistent problem associated with Coyote V8s, beyond issues with its 10-speed transmission. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Euronews
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Euronews
The best new EVs coming to Europe in 2025
For anyone who thought the electric car boom was a bubble, you only need to look at recent EV sales to see that going electric is now well and truly a mainstream option. Nearly 3 million new electric cars were registered in Europe in 2024, according to EV Volumes. And with more brands branching out into the EV market in the works, consumers are becoming spoiled for choice when it comes to models. Here's our pick of the most eagerly awaited electric cars coming to Europe this year. Ford's top-selling compact crossover is now fully electric, joining the Explorer, Capri, and Mustang Mach-E in the Blue Oval's growing EV stable. As lively as ever, the Gen-E sprints from 0–100 km/h in 8 seconds, offers a practical 376 km range, and packs a cavernous 523-litre boot along with a 43-litre front boot into city-friendly dimensions. Inside, a 12.8-inch digital cluster, 12.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Alexa integration keep you connected on the move while 135 km of range in just 10 minutes makes charging easy. The Puma is back - now electric - and ready to repeat its success. What to know: Battery: ~50 kWh (43 kWh usable) | Range: 376 km (WLTP) Charge: 10–80 per cent in 23 mins | Space: 523L boot Price: ~€33,000 (est) | Date: On sale now (select markets) Rivals: Kia EV3, VW ID.3, Volvo EX30 Hyundai's new flagship SUV brings seating for up to seven with a 620 km range to the family EV segment. Built on the E-GMP platform with 800 V architecture, it charges from 10–80 per cent in just 24 minutes. The cabin focuses on calm and connectivity, with twin 12.3-inch displays, BOSE audio, swivel seating, and a panoramic roof. With three rows and a premium finish, the IONIQ 9 is built for long journeys and big families. What to know: Battery: 110.3 kWh | Range: Up to 620 km (WLTP) Charge: 10–80 per cent in 24 mins | Capacity: 620L boot Price: €73,000–€75,000 (est) | Date: On sale now in Korea; EU in summer 2025 Rivals: Kia EV9, Volvo EX90, Tesla Model X Kia's sleekest EV yet ditches SUV bulk for saloon-hatch elegance. Closely based on the EV3 there will be two battery options and up to 630 km range. It combines aerodynamic efficiency (Cd 0.23) with 150 kW performance and fast charging. Inside, a 30-inch display turns it into a rolling entertainment suite - complete with YouTube, Netflix, and even karaoke. Add in Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability and a low-slung stance, and the EV4 could be the surprise star of 2025. What to know: Battery: 58.3 or 81.4 kWh | Range: Up to 630 km (WLTP) Charge: Fast charge in 31 mins | Capacity: Up to 490L Price: €40,000–€45,000 (est) | Date: EU launch 2025 Rivals: VW ID.3, Renault Mégane E-Tech, Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal With its 4.9-metre length and nearly 1.9-metre width, the new Mazda 6e will be one of the largest electric saloons on the European market - bigger than a Tesla Model 3 and edging out the Hyundai Ioniq 6 in both length and width. It's sized to rival premium models like the Mercedes EQE. Inside, Mazda is promising a premium cabin experience, complete with a panoramic roof and a 14.6-inch gesture-controlled central screen. Range figures are competitive too: 499 km for the Standard model and up to 555 km for the Long Range version. The first shipment is already en route from China, with left-hand-drive markets getting the car this summer. Drivers in the UK and Ireland will likely have to wait until early 2026 to see it in showrooms. What to know: Battery: 80 kWh or 68.8 kWh | Range: Up to 552 km (WLTP) Charge: 10–80 per cent in 22–45 mins | Capacity: TBA Price: ~€43,000 (est) | Date: Summer 2025 Rivals: Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 The electric CLA is Mercedes' most efficient car to date, with up to 792 km range and 800 V charging that adds 325 km in 10 minutes. The tech is equally cutting-edge: a floating MBUX Superscreen, an AI-enhanced assistant powered by Microsoft and Google, and recycled materials throughout. It's luxury redefined for the sustainable, software-driven era. What to know: Battery: 85 kWh | Range: Up to 792 km (WLTP) Charge: 325 km in 10 mins | Capacity: 395L boot Price: €52,000–€58,000 (est) | Date: Late 2025/early 2026 Rivals: BMW i4, Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 Opel's newest EV is big on space and low on fuss. With up to 400 km range, clever interior packaging, and features like Intelli-Seats, roof load support, and a smartphone docking station, the Frontera is as practical as it is affordable. With a starting price under €30,000, this might just be Opel's most compelling EV to date - though any newcomer in the crowded small SUV segment will need to work hard to stand out among some seriously tough competition. What to know: Battery: 44 kWh (usable) | Range: Up to 400 km (WLTP) Charge: 10–80 per cent in 26 mins | Capacity: Up to 1,600L Price: From €28,990 | Date: Orders open now (Germany) Rivals: MG ZS EV, Jeep Avenger, Renault 4 E-Tech, Citroën e-C4 A retro reboot with real substance, the Renault 4 E-Tech is taller, tougher, and more practical than its sibling, the Renault 5. It offers a generous 420-litre boot, flat-folding rear seats, and a choice of two battery options: a punchy 52 kWh for longer trips or a lighter 40 kWh LFP ideal for city driving. Inside, the OpenR Link system with Google integration and Renault's voice-activated avatar, Reno, makes its tech feel seamless. French-built, family-friendly, and full of charm - this is a stylish all-rounder at a competitive price, with just enough personality to keep things fun. What to know: Battery: Up to 52 kWh | Range: Up to 400 km (WLTP) Charge: 15–80 per cent in ~35 mins | Capacity: 420L boot Price: ~€30,000 (est) | Date: Launching 2025 Rivals: Ford Puma Gen-E, Fiat 600e, Citroën ë-C3 Aircross Toyota joins the small electric SUV race with the Urban Cruiser EV - an urban-friendly crossover that blends everyday practicality with a hint of adventure. Expected to offer up to 402 km of range, it will launch with two battery options: a 49 kWh unit delivering around 299 km and a 61 kWh version. Front-wheel drive will be standard, but four-wheel drive will be an option in some markets. Inside, features like sliding rear seats, 12-colour ambient lighting, and a high-spec infotainment system add comfort and flair. If Toyota gets the pricing right, the Urban Cruiser could be a strong contender in the crowded compact EV segment. What to know: Battery: 49 kWh, 61 kWh | Range: Up to 400 km (est) Charge: Charging specs To be announced | Capacity: Boot space To be announced Price: ~€35,000 (est) | Date: EU rollout late summer 2025 Rivals: Jeep Avenger, Peugeot e-2008, Renault 4 E-Tech, MG ZS EV The European Commission is planning to present a strategy on quantum earlier than expected in June this year in a bid to boost uptake of the technology considered capable of leading to breakthroughs in medicines and finance. The Commission began consulting on a plan early last month and originally intended to launch the strategy in the third quarter of the year. The proposal will aim to reinforce Europe's tech sovereignty and economic security in quantum technologies, including computing and communication. It is expected to call for member state cooperation to fully implement the European Declaration on Quantum Technologies, which was signed last spring. It will also call for alignment of major research and development programmes and pool resources to avoid fragmentation and duplication, and collectively build pan-European quantum infrastructures, such as for quantum chip manufacturing and specialised platforms for computing and ensure a stable supply of critical components. 'The EU is strong in early-stage research but often struggles with scaling up, commercialisation and global outreach,' the Commission said when garnering feedback. In addition, it said that the EU lacks industrial capacity in key areas, such as the production of quantum processors and other hardware components. 'This technological dependence raises sovereignty concerns, particularly regarding supply chain vulnerabilities. Without a robust industrial base, the EU risks remaining dependent on non-EU providers for critical components.' In her confirmation hearing, the EU's Tech Commissioner, Henna Virkkunen, pledged to introduce a new strategy to boost the technology. Her mission letter, drafted by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said that the EU should intensify efforts and investment 'concerning the next wave of 'frontier technologies', including quantum computing.' The Draghi report on competitiveness, which came out late last year, also said that quantum computing will have a foundational role in next-generation digital frameworks, with major economic and security implications. It could contribute up to €850 billion to the EU economy in the next 15-30 years, his report claimed.
Miami Herald
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Ford F-150 Lobo Prototype Spotted Testing, Signaling Return of Performance Street Trucks
If you're old enough to have appreciated cars in the 1990s and early 2000s, you know that factory-built street trucks were huge during those times. Ford specifically reigned supreme then with its SVT Lightning – no, not the EV. They're quite cool, especially the second generation that came with a supercharged engine. The Blue Oval proved then that trucks need not be hulking and burly to sell, until the market stopped agreeing. Thankfully, Ford realized there's a market for street-tuned trucks and introduced the Maverick Lobo recently. More than just an appearance package, the Maverick Lobo rides lower to the ground thanks to a specially tuned suspension for better handling. It also borrows parts from other Ford vehicles, like the rear drive system from the Bronco Sport, steering from the European Kuga, and brakes from the sporty Fiesta ST. It also comes with paddle shifters and a Lobo mode. But Ford isn't stopping there. The company is going bigger with its street truck onslaught and will soon introduce an F-150 Lobo. This has been long overdue since the trademark for the name was discovered two years ago, but at least now it's here. A prototype has been spotted testing on US soil, completely undisguised and showing off a brand-new F-150 Lobo badge on the fenders. If that's not an indication, then Ford is pulling off a mean prank. Details aren't officially available for now, but thanks to the prototype, we know what to expect from the not-for-dirt street truck. Beyond the new emblem, it has a unique front fascia that isn't seen on other F-150s, while some aero parts have been added, such as a lower air dam and side skirts. The prototype also wears a set of black 22-inch wheels that look different from the Maverick Lobo's, wrapped in Bridgestone Alenza all-season tires. It's unclear how Ford will employ its mechanical upgrades for the F-150 Lobo, though we expect similar upgrades found in the Maverick Lobo. A lower and stiffer suspension setup is almost guaranteed, along with enhanced steering and drive systems. The question now is what will power the truck, but the 450-hp twin-turbo V6 from the Ford F-150 Raptor is a mighty candidate. Hopefully, it will come with a manual transmission, but we're not holding our breath for that. Another mystery is pricing. With the upgrades, the Lobo trim should tuck in safely in the middle of the F-150 range, but should not go over the pricing of Ford's precious Raptor line to attract more customers. Our guess is just as good as yours right now, but we're expecting Ford to announce its launch soon, given the production-ready look of the spotted prototype. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Citizen
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Ford Ranger maintains lead over Toyota Hilux in double cab sales
Silverton-built bakkie held 31.7% of double cab market share from January to April. The Ford Ranger continues as the company's best-selling vehicle, accounting for 6 205 units sold during the first quarter of this year. This reinforces its status as the country's favourite double cab bakkie suited to a wide variety of work, leisure and adventure lifestyles. The Ford Ranger double cab claimed a leading 31.7% of the double cab segment with 5 193 units sold from January to April. This placed the Silverton-built bakkie 534 units ahead of its nearest competitor, the Toyota Hilux. Ford Ranger sales on the rise In the monthly sales charts, the Ranger followed the same positive trend as Ford's overall volumes. It climbed from 1 858 units in January to 2 168 in February and 2 179 in March. ALSO READ: Even without a fancy badge, Ford Ranger XLT is a lot of bakkie In addition to its popularity amongst new vehicle buyers, the Ford Ranger continues to lead in the used vehicle segment too. According to AutoTrader's latest statistics from March 2025, the Ranger was the top-selling used vehicle on the platform, with 1 753 vehicles sold for the month. Ford ranked third overall in March on this used car platform, achieving a 12% share. Ford Ranger exports from South Africa to more than 100 global markets remained flat for the first quarter of 2025 with 10 878 units shipped compared to 10 964 for the same period last year. The Blue Oval accounted for 11.2% of total industry exports from January to March 2025, along with a 34.5% share of the light commercial export volume. Plug-in hybrid for export markets The strategic role that Ford's Silverton manufacturing plant plays within Ford's global manufacturing network has been further strengthened with production of the first-ever Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) commencing in March this year. This innovative new model is exclusively for export markets. Production of the Ford Ranger PHEV is pegged at approximately 200 vehicles a day, further bolstering the company's export business – especially with the new PHEV models representing the first-ever Ford Ranger exports from South Africa to Australia and New Zealand. The South African-built Ranger has been Europe's best-selling pickup for the past 10 years with 43.6% market share. The PHEV will play a significant role in the Blue Oval's LCV line-up in the region.
The Drive
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Ford Actually Got the Patent To Turn Cars Into Roving Surround Sound System
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Autonomous technology is often marketed as a way to reduce accidents, make long-haul trucking more convenient, and generate more cash for ride-hailing companies. However, Ford's engineering team sees a cooler way of putting self-driving cars to good use. In 2023, we uncovered that the Blue Oval had filed application US2023/0121724 A1 with the patent office to link multiple vehicles together to create one huge sound system. After reviewing it, the U.S.P.T.O. granted that patent in October 2024. So, Ford got the patent. What's next? It's easy to connect the dots and conclude that Ford is up to something with all these different technologies it's tinkering with. Another thing worth mentioning is that these filings not only discuss sound systems, but also self-driving technologies. As the documents show, this tech could teach two or more self-driving cars how to park themselves to set up an outdoor surround sound system. The technology that could make something like this possible has advanced considerably since the original filing, and not to mention, Ford has been busy applying for other patents involving different sound systems. One of them aims to turn an F-150 into a rolling movie theater, while another depicts SUV tailgates with built-in movie projectors and speakers. U.S.P.T.O. Imagine if you didn't have to bring your own speakers to the party. Your car would play music through each car's factory-fitted sound system and know where to park to position the speakers for optimum sound. For example, one car could play left-channel data, and another parked across from it could play right-channel data. The cars could move around depending on the song they're playing, and they would know when to open their doors and windows. Pair this with a projector built into your SUV, or the ability to turn your pickup truck into a movie lounge or game-day central, and you've got quite the outdoor party. Autonomous technology isn't a must. Ford's patent highlights that the cars 'may be controlled by a master device that is external to the vehicles, such as an external service, smartphone, tablet, or laptop.' All told, the tech detailed in the patent doesn't sound overly futuristic, given that the building blocks are mostly there. Will it happen? A patent application never guarantees that the feature it details will reach the market, but this one doesn't seem that far-fetched, does it? Got tips? Send 'em to tips@
