Since Ford announced plans for an AWD version of its hybrid Maverick pickup back in 2021, enthusiasts and critics alike have eagerly awaited the arrival. The new model comes as no surprise given consumer feedback urging for more robust drivetrain options alongside existing front-wheel drive configurations.

The exterior design remains faithful to previous iterations but now includes subtle cues indicating enhanced off-road prowess. Inside, while retaining its affordable charm through materials choice and layout simplicity, it accommodates the upgraded powertrain seamlessly without compromising on space efficiency or user interface elements.

With a price tag expected to rise slightly due to added components for AWD functionality, Ford aims to balance affordability with performance enhancements. This move positions the Maverick as an attractive option in its segment by catering specifically to those seeking both economy and capability from their compact truck purchase.

The introduction of this new variant underscores Ford’s commitment towards meeting diverse customer needs within the compact truck market. As such, it represents not just an evolution but also strategic positioning to stay competitive amidst shifting consumer preferences and technological advancements.

The post 2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD Delivers on Expectations appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.

Ford’s decision not to cap production of the Mustang GTD is a bold move, especially considering its price point. The car has already garnered over 7,500 expressions of interest in the US alone before launch, indicating strong demand among enthusiasts who aren’t afraid to spend big.

On track, the GTD doesn’t disappoint, boasting an impressive lap time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Although it’s three seconds slower than a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, its performance is still top-notch for a car in this price range. The Mustang GTD’s supercharged V8 engine delivers a whopping 815 horsepower.

Historically, the Ford Mustang has always been about affordability and accessibility to American muscle cars. But with the introduction of the GTD, Ford seems to be targeting an entirely new demographic who want extreme performance without compromising on brand loyalty or heritage. This shift is reminiscent of how Chevrolet introduced the Corvette ZR1 in 2009.

Despite being a high-end model, the Mustang GTD still carries the spirit and values that made earlier models so beloved by car enthusiasts. It’s clear from sales figures that there are many out there willing to pay supercar prices for an American icon with racing pedigree.

The Mustang GTD’s success shows that there’s a market for high-performance American muscle cars willing to pay premium prices. It will be interesting to see how Ford builds on this model in future years, potentially expanding its reach even further into the supercar territory.

The post Mustang GTD Surprises Critics with Strong Sales Despite High Price Tag appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.

The Ford Sierra RS500 was already a legend when it hit the streets, but Dick Johnson Racing took it to another level with their custom touches. And now, after being left in disrepair, this car is getting a second chance.

Restorers are pouring heart and soul into every part of the vehicle, from its iconic wing spoiler to its powerful V6 engine. They’re not just fixing what’s broken; they’re breathing life back into a true racing icon that once dominated Australian tracks.

The Sierra RS500 is more than metal and paint—it’s history in motion. This restoration project isn’t about making it look new again, but rather preserving its unique character while ensuring it can still perform on the track like it did decades ago. It’s a labor of love for car enthusiasts who appreciate both speed and nostalgia.

But what makes this Ford Sierra so special? Its racing heritage is part of Australian automotive lore. Restoring such an iconic vehicle isn’t just about putting parts back together; it’s about honoring the legacy that Dick Johnson Racing built with every victory on the track.

The Burnt Dick Johnson Racing Ford Sierra is more than a car—it’s an ongoing story of passion and perseverance. As it comes back to life piece by piece, so does the excitement among racing enthusiasts who can’t wait to see this beast take on its next challenge.

The post Burnt Ford Sierra Restored to Racing Glory appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.

The Mini-Zilla is the standard engine across most Super Duty models due to its cost-effectiveness. It offers a solid 405 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque, making it an attractive option for those on a budget or who don’t need extreme towing capacity.

However, if you want more power, the Godzilla is your choice. With 25 more horsepower and 40 extra pound-feet of torque compared to its smaller sibling, this engine delivers when pulling heavy loads or climbing steep grades. Its higher cost reflects its superior performance capabilities.

The engines share a cast-iron block design but differ in their internal configurations. The Mini-Zilla has a shorter stroke length at 3.68 inches versus the Godzilla’s longer 4-inch stroke, contributing to its lower displacement despite similar bore sizes. This affects compression ratios too; the Mini-Zilla runs at 10.8:1 while the Godzilla operates slightly less compressed at 10.5:1.

Compared to competitors like GM and Ram, Ford’s engines stand out for their pushrod design which is rare in modern trucks but appreciated by enthusiasts who value this traditional tech. Both engines compete with diesel options that offer more torque but come with higher costs and maintenance requirements.

For those seeking a powerful gas alternative to diesel engines in heavy-duty trucks, Ford’s Godzilla V8s provide robust performance options tailored for different needs and budgets.

The post Ford’s Godzilla V8 Engines: 6.8L vs 7.3L appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.

At around $45,000 USD, Ford’s new EV ute sits comfortably within the mid-range of current market offerings. This price point puts it in direct competition with established players such as Tesla’s Model Y crossover SUV, which starts at a similar price range but offers more compact dimensions.

Despite its promising specs and design, analysts believe that demonstrating reliability and performance in the U.S., where EV adoption is rapidly growing, will be crucial for securing global success. Ford’s decision to prioritize domestic market testing reflects an understanding of this critical step towards establishing a robust international presence.

The new model boasts impressive range capabilities, estimated at up to 300 miles on a single charge, which matches or slightly exceeds many competitors in the mid-size EV segment. This feature could be pivotal for attracting buyers who value long-distance driving without frequent charging stops.

With battery technology advancing rapidly and costs dropping, Ford’s timing appears strategic as it looks to capitalize on growing consumer interest in electrified vehicles across various regions globally. The company’s focus now is ensuring its new EV ute meets or exceeds customer expectations regarding efficiency, performance, and value for money before taking the global stage.

Ford’s strategy of testing its new electric model thoroughly before global release underscores the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality products that meet international standards. This cautious approach could pay off as it helps build trust and credibility among consumers worldwide.

The post Ford’s New Ranger-Sized EV Ute Faces US Test Before Global Rollout appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.

The F-1000 wasn’t just another car; it was a revolution. Introduced with an innovative MWM diesel engine, this pickup could haul 1,000 kg while offering better mileage than its gas-powered counterparts. It’s hard to believe how different things were before the F-1000 came along.

But what really made the F-1000 stand out was how it changed people’s minds about trucks in cities. Before, pickups were mostly seen on farms or construction sites. The F-1000 showed that these tough vehicles could fit right into city life with custom designs and sporty finishes.

And let’s not forget the technological advancements! In 1985, it faced off against the Chevrolet D20 in a head-to-head comparison where its stability and suspension shone. By 1993, Ford had added four-wheel drive to the mix, making this truck even more versatile.

So why did the F-1000 become such a hit? It’s simple: it offered something new that people couldn’t resist – better fuel efficiency and all-around performance. Plus, its rugged look made it stand out on city streets!

The legacy of the F-1000 lives on today, inspiring modern pickup trucks and showing us that sometimes all it takes is a little innovation to change everything. Who knew a truck could do so much?

The post Ford F-1000: A Diesel Pioneer in Brazilian Cities appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.

By 2025, SUV sales will make up about half of all new car purchases in Europe. This shift has forced manufacturers to focus on larger vehicles that cater to changing consumer preferences.

Despite being a class leader for nearly three decades, the Ford Focus’s impact is waning as it can’t compete with the practicality and perceived safety offered by SUVs. Its fuel efficiency also doesn’t meet upcoming regulatory standards like the Corporate Average Fuel Economy targets in Europe.

The decline of hatchbacks isn’t just about consumer choice; manufacturers are investing heavily into electric vehicles, which align more closely with the dimensions and weight profiles of SUVs rather than traditional compact cars.

With fewer new models on the market, used car prices for current Focus variants may rise. However, enthusiasts can still enjoy these cars while they’re available before their production ends in 2026.

The Ford Focus has left an indelible mark on automotive history. As it fades into memory, car enthusiasts will remember a model that once redefined what was possible in compact cars.

The post Ford Focus: A Farewell to a Sales Dynamo appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.

It’s the end of an era as Ford pulls the plug on one of its most popular SUVs in America, the Escape. The company is making way for electric vehicles by closing down production at Louisville’s factory where it was made. But don’t worry just yet if you’re a fan over here in Europe; your beloved Kuga isn’t going anywhere—yet.

While Ford’s decision to stop manufacturing the Escape may not directly affect European customers, there could be ripple effects on its cousin model, the Kuga. As Ford continues to adapt and reshape its lineup towards electric vehicles, it’s possible that this shift might also impact other models in different markets.

The similarities between the Escape and Kuga are uncanny, making them essentially twins separated at birth by an ocean. Both SUVs have been staples for families looking for a reliable ride with plenty of space inside. But as Ford pushes forward with its electric vehicle strategy, it’s unclear how long these models will remain on sale.

Ford’s decision to retire the Escape highlights the company’s commitment to transitioning towards more environmentally friendly options and streamlining their product offerings. For now though, European drivers can still enjoy the Kuga without any immediate threats of discontinuation.

In conclusion, while Ford’s decision to stop making the Escape doesn’t directly impact European buyers right now, it does raise questions about the future of similar models across different regions as the company moves towards a more sustainable and streamlined product line-up. Stay tuned for further updates!

The post Ford Ends Escape Production, European Kuga at Risk? appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.

The Lobo’s base model comes equipped with Goodyear Wrangler Territory HT all-seasons. These tires didn’t provide enough grip for its intended use on autocross tracks. The stock setup resulted in mediocre acceleration times of 5.8 seconds to reach 60 mph and identical quarter-mile performance compared to the regular Maverick.

On braking tests, however, the Lobo underperformed with a stopping distance of 188 feet from 70 mph. This was notably worse than its sibling models, highlighting the critical role tires play in vehicle dynamics. To address this issue, we installed Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires on stock wheels (225/55R-19).

The new tires not only improved braking performance but also enhanced acceleration and handling characteristics. The lateral grip jumped to 0.90 g around the skidpad, marking a significant improvement over its previous rating of 0.85 g. Additionally, the truck’s stopping distance from 70 mph dropped by more than two car lengths.

While swapping tires significantly boosted performance, it also came with an added expense. The cost for new summer tires was $1,240, making them a pricey upgrade but one that could be essential for those seeking to maximize the Lobo’s potential on track days or autocross events.

The Ford Maverick Lobo’s underwhelming initial performance underscores the importance of proper tire selection for maximizing a vehicle’s intended use. Upgrading from all-season tires can unlock significant improvements in driving dynamics.

The post Ford Maverick Lobo’s Performance Boosted with New Tires appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.

While torque gets all the attention in this context, horsepower is still vital. The Super Duty offers 470 horsepower from its powerful diesel engine, but it’s clear that torque plays an outsized role for towing tasks.

The Bugatti Veyron, on the other hand, showcases why high horsepower matters when speed is key. With a staggering 1,200 hp and only 865 pound-feet of torque, this supercar reaches breathtaking speeds but struggles with heavy loads.

Other trucks like the Ram 3500 and Chevrolet Silverado HD also boast impressive towing capacities, but none can match Ford’s Super Duty in terms of sheer force. The Ram offers up to 37,100 pounds for towing while the Chevy maxes out at around 29,000 pounds.

For consumers shopping for a truck that prioritizes hauling heavy loads, torque is king. But it doesn’t mean horsepower can be ignored altogether; it’s still critical once you’re moving down the road.

In conclusion, while both horsepower and torque are important in vehicles, when it comes to towing heavy loads, torque takes center stage.

The post Torque Trumps Horsepower for Towing: A Closer Look at the Ford Super Duty appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.