The idea of building a vehicle to compete with the Toyota FT-86 is “interesting,” but not necessarily the direction Ford has in mind when it comes to the future of small sporty cars. This is according to Ford marketing boss Jim Farley, who’s brain we had a chance to pick a few weeks back during a preview of the all new 2011 Focus.

With Ford having just announced the new 2011 Mustang and Mustang GT, with big increases in power (the V6 now making over 300-hp), it means the iconic pony car no longer competes in the same segment as vehicles like the Hyudai Genesis Coupe. (Not that it really ever did anyway). And with Toyota’s entry-level rear-drive sports car being prepared to hit the market, rumors have suggested that both Volkswagen and Kia are contemplating similar vehicles. So we thought we’d ask Ford about its plans.

“I do think the direction is interesting,” said Farley, but qualified that statement and sent the conversation in a new direction by commenting that what he sees as more compelling are cars like the Subaru WRX, which take a standard economy car (the Impreza) and turn it into a pocket rocket. That of course had the gathered journalists buzzing about the possibility that the Focus RS could very well make its way to North America.

The idea of a Focus RS also works with Ford’s new ONE Ford slogan, which is more than a marketing pitch, but an entirely new business philosophy for the American automaker.The idea is to build world car platforms to significantly reduce costs, from research and development to marketing.

And with an RS model being based on a Focus platform, and the new Focus a genuine world car, many of the roadblocks to bringing the RS to North American in the past are likely to be removed with the all-new Focus model, which is set to debut at the Detroit Auto Show on January 11th.

Even if an RS model never does get approved for North America there are possibilities for peppy small cars, from the Focus to the new Fiesta. During a discussion a day earlier with Dan Kapp, Director of Advanced Powertrain, Engineering and Research at Ford, we asked about the future of EcoBoost engines as performance options. Ford has already announced a new 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder for Europe, which makes 200-hp and 221 ft-lbs of torque. It’s comparable to the same power a 3.0-liter V6 makes and is expected to be replace many V6 offerings in cars like the Fusion. Following the 2.0 EcoBoost will be a 1.6-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder that will make roughly 180-hp and 180 ft-lbs of torque.

While the original EcoBoost motor, the 365-hp 3.5-liter V6, is found in niche market luxury and performance cars like the Taurus SHO and several Lincoln models, Kapp suggested that future EcoBoost engines will be use as more of a mainstream fuel-economy alternatives in the future. He wouldn’t rule it out as a performance option, however, and when asked if the new 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter EcoBoost mills could be offered in cars like the Focus and Fiesta he said that he, “could imagine them being used as a performance option.”

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler has said that the company will announce a small car partner mid way through 2010. Daimler has been in talks with French automaker Renault, with rumors that the two may partner on a new line of small cars and electric city cars. This partnership could also help produce future Smart models (including a 4-door) as well as future versions of the B-Class and A-Class (shown above).

Recently Renault’s CEO, Patrick Pelata confirmed discussions are ongoing saying that, “Yes, we are discussing serious matters with Daimler. Carmakers are holding discussions with each other. There are a lot at the moment.”

There is a possibility that the talks with Renault could be over more than just small cars, as industry consolidation seems to be a common trend as of late. Along with Volkswagen’s acquisition of Porsche and its purchase in a share of Suzuki, rumors have pointed towards Mitsubishi teaming up with French automaker Peugeot Citroen. Meanwhile Mazda, recently cut off from Ford’s hybrid technology, has cozied up with Toyota to develop a new line of hybrids.

Pelata has confirmed that a potential Daimler/Renault deal could see the two automakers co-develop and share engines, transmissions and even vehicle platforms.

[Source: Automotive News via Autoblog, LeftLaneNews]

Ford’s popular Escape crossover is set to be replaced in 2012 with the European Kuga. Recent reports suggest, however, that this new model may keep the Escape badge. According to Ward’s Auto, several Ford dealers have commented that it would be a waste to do away with the Escape badge as it has excellent recognition in the market and as the Escape is one of Ford’s top sellers and has even given the Toyota RAV-4 a run for its money.

“I believe the Escape is a great vehicle with a great reputation and that it would be a big mistake to kill the Escape name,” Owen Mossy, general manager of San Diego-based Mossy Ford, told Ward’s.

Ford is likely to listen to its dealers, as a previous decision to drop the Taurus name in favor of the 500 proved disastrous for sales, which bounced back when the name was resurrected. The decision to bring back the Taurus name was that of CEO Alan Mulally, who took the helm at ford in 2006 and said that not using the Taurus name was wasting precious brand equity. We’d also argue that the old Tuarus/500 model had a lot more wrong with it than the name.

“I would doubt seriously that the company would repeat the lesson learned from the Taurus brand-equity position on any vehicle currently in our lineup, ” said Kevin Collins, president-Bill Collins Ford in Louisville.

The Kuga (or new Escape if you prefer) is set to be built in North America at the company’s Louisville, KY plant starting in 2011. The current European Kuga is based on the same architecture as the European Focus and C-Max MPV.

When the 2012 Escape does debut, expect front-drive and AWD versions, along with an EcoBoost 4-cylinder rather than a V6 option.

[Source: Ward's]

With General Motors announcing recently that it would drop Saab’s December 31st deadline and continue to search for a capable buyer for the Swedish brand, enthusiasts of the Swedish brand are banding together in an effort to save Saab.

In a post on enthusiast site SaabHistory, a blog post urges owners to join in a convoy to General Motors headquarters at the Renaissance Center in Detroit on January 7th, arriving just a few hours prior to a board meeting that is rumored to decide the fate of Saab. “If we get enough Saab owners and enthusiasts parked outside of the GM Renaissance center in Detroit, perhaps we could really show them how serious we are in wanting Saab Automobile to have a bright future and be sold,” reads the post.

The news of a planned rally comes just days after Saab clubs in Sweden planned a similar action, at Saab headquarters in Trollhatten.

Upon exiting bankruptcy during the summer, GM announced it would sell-off Saab, a move which has so far been unsuccessful. A deal to buy the automaker by a group led by Sweidsh supercar maker Koenigsegg recently fell through, as did a deal by Dutch exotic car maker Spyker. GM then announced Saab would be shuttered, but then decided to give the brand a second chance at life by once again talking to potential buyers, including examining a new proposal by Spyker. Recently GM did reach a deal with China’s Beijing Auto, which purchased the tooling and rights to Saab’s old 9-3 and 9-5 models in order to build them in China.

[Source: SaabHistory]

[Photo Credit: SaabHistory]

Yesterday we reported on rumors that the Lexus LFA’s 4.8-liter V10 engine would find its way into the upcoming GS F. Today Lexus of Europe is denying those rumors. Via Twitter, Lexus of Europe said that the high-revving V10 engine is bespoke, hinting that its pretty much exclusive to the Japanese brand’s new supercar.

We can’t say we’re surprised. While using the new high-tech engine in other models would help to cut down production costs and create a nice brand continuity, it also has the possibility of devaluing the LFA. After all, it doesn’t make much sense if you can get a car with the same engine for less than a quarter of the LFA’s $375,000 price tag.

Plus, while the 4.8-liter mill does make an impressive 553-hp, its torque of just 354 ft-lbs (which comes on at high rpm) is not only far less the the competition like the MErcedes E63 and Cadillac CTS-V, but would feel even less spectacular in a heavier platform.

The whole discussion might just be a moot point anyway as there are no confirmed reports that the GS F will ever come into existence. If it does, however, we’re hoping to find a nice turbocharged V8 under the hood.

[Source: Twitter]

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During last weeks blizzard that struck the U.S. Northeast, folks were advised to stay at home and driver’s were asked to only go out if absolutely necessary. But New York Times contributor Eza Dyer didn’t want to waste a minute trapped in doors. After all, he had an exotic R8 sports car on loan from Audi.

And not just any R8, but a top-of-the-line 5.2-liter V10.

Dyer decided to do a little Holiday shopping when only snow plows were out to fetch a few “necessities” like reindeer antlers for his dog and some new linens from Bed, Bath & Beyond.

It’s well worth the watch, if only to see such a high priced exotic performing admirably in such harsh weather. Dyer’s comments aren’t all that valid, as he mocks those who don’t have AWD. Although we are thankful he pointed out that the winter tires had a great deal to do with the car’s winter capability. Audi’s quattro system may be good, but it’s not going to do much in a blizzard if you’re rolling on high performance summer tires.

With just 10,000 units sold since its introduction to the market late last year, Kia has decided to discontinue its Borrego full-sized SUV in North America. Kia had hoped to sell roughly double that, but with a launch during a spike in the price of fuel and an overall market shift away from SUVs and towards car-based crossovers, the Borrego proved just a one year wonder.

Kia still has the Borrego listed on its consumer website, but as a 2009 model as there is likely a small stockpile of the underselling vehicles still available.

The vehicle isn’t being discontinued entirely and Kia will still the Borrego in other markets, like in the domestic Korean market where (sold as the Mohave) sales have been better. There is even the chance that the Borrego could return in 2011 as Kia considers the SUVs future.

AutoGuide’s review of the 2009 Kia Borrego had plenty of nice things to say about the SUV but couldn’t get past the fact that it was, “A serious case of really bad timing.”

2009 Kia Borrego Review

[Source: TheCarConnection]

Several amateur spy photos have appeared online showing what appears to be the upcoming Hyundai Veloster out testing in Korea. While the body cladding certainly covers up the details, the overall shape of the car is undeniably like the Veloster Concept. As it should; after all, Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik did say the sub-compact would look a great deal like the concept version, calling it both “Accent sized” and like a,” four passenger Honda CRX.”

Thought by many to be the replacement for the Tiburon, the Veloster will be in a different class, with no Tiburon-type model in Hyundai’s future product plans. Instead, much as the Genesis Coupe is a slightly larger, more powerful and more expensive model, the Veloster will sit at the other end of the scale, undercutting the Tiburon in most areas.

Reportedly, the Veloster will be powered by a direct-injection 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that will get over 40 mpg on the highway.

The Tiburon’s sporty-CRX-like successor is due out as a 2012 model at dealers by late 2011.

GALLERY: Hyundai Veloster Spy Photos

GALLERY: Hyundai Veloster

[Source: bobaedream.co.kr]

Lamborghini always delivers something impressive at the Geneva Auto Show and 2010 looks to be no different. After launching the LP670-4 SuperVeloce in ’09, an SV version of the Gallardo LP560-4 is rumored to be in the works.

Called the LP570-4 SV, it will get just a 10 horsepower bum from the current model for a total of 570-hp. More important, however, is the fact that the Gallardo derivative will get significant weight reduction, much in the same way as the LP670. This will make it very much a modern version of the Gallardo Superleggera. We’d expect a minimum of 200 lbs to come off the car’s frame.

Like the 670, it will get a massive spoiler, inspired by the one found on the Supertrofeo race car.

In addition to this SV model, the same source reports that an even more hard-core Gallardo is due out the following year, being called the LP590-2 SV, with (you guessed it), 590-hp and rear-wheel drive.

Click here for AutoGuide’s live 2010 Geneva Auto Show coverage starting Monday, March 1st.

[Source: TeamSpeed]

After launching the R8 LMS race car in Europe last year, Audi has now announced its intentions to bring the track-only version of the R8 to North America. In an interview with the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), Audi Sport boss Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, said he’d like to have the car run in something like the ALMS’s GT Challenge class in 2011.

The GT Challenge class is the entry-level class, which is part of a new set of classes the series has created to stay competitive confuse people.

“From 2011 on, we want to the cars available to customers in the United States,” he said, commenting that obviously Audi would need to support the teams and not just sell the cars.

With Audi’s huge involvement in the ALMS over the past several years with its TDI diesel R8, R10 and now R15 cars, the German automaker has done a lot to raise the series’ profile. Dr. Ulrich hinted that it would be nice if the GT class could accommodate Audi, which has done so much for the sport. With Audi not as involved in the ALMS any more, however, he even commented that Audi would like to continue to support the series, something the introduction of a fleet of R8 race cars most certainly would do.

[Source: ALMS]