We hear there is a faction at Ford seriously contemplating fitting the new twin turbo EcoBoost V-6 to the 2010 Mustang. As they try to figure out how to meet 35mpg CAFE by 2020, Ford engineers are wondering whether the V-8 has a long term future. The EcoBoost engine, which is currently scheduled to debut in a performance version of the Fusion, could be the more fuel efficient alternative for Mustang in the long term. Depending on spec, the EcoBoost is capable of up to at least 415hp, and has the torque to match a regular V-8.

Traditionalists need not worry, though - V-8s will still be very much part of the Mustang program for 2010. If the EcoBoost version does make production, Ford would probably offer it alongside the V-8, and let buyers decide which they prefer. There won't be much of a price difference, if any - although the base V-6 is a cheaper engine, by the time things like turbochargers are added it's basically V-8 money, say our sources.

Don't expect any changes in today's, base 4.0-liter V-6 offering, as its prime purpose is motivating low-end and rental-fleet Mustangs. But the Mustang GT model's V-8-currently a 4.6 liter, SOHC, three-valver-will be replaced by a new 5.0-liter engine that's essentially an evolution of the old architecture. In fact, the new 5.0 may even appear in a limited edition run-out series of current model Mustang GTs - is it finally time for the reborn Boss 302?
One Ford engineer confirmed that the work done to create the Bullitt-edition Mustang's uprated 4.6 "has a future." That engine, described in our first test story (January 2008) remains internally stock, but breathes better due to a Ford Racing open element, cold air intake system, revised mufflers, a new crank damper (which ups the redline by 250 revs), and revised fuel mapping. This engine management programming allows the use of regular fuel, but switches to a more aggressive timing curve when it detects premium in the tank. The result is 315 horsepower, up from the current GT's 300. The Bullitt's V-8 is freer and quicker revving than before, and sounds great due to the new intake. There's no reason to think the next gen GT's powerplant won't take its cue from this technology, and thus get the same tricks. Something like 325 to 350 horses out of the new 5.0-liter V-8 sounds feasible. Single exhaust indicates it's likely a V-6-powered mule.

That takes care of standard Mustang models. What about the Shelby versions?

Our intel had the 500-horsepower, supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 in the Ford Shelby GT500 pegged for a two-year or so life-that being 2007 and 2008, perhaps rolling into '09 depending on how well it sold, and what Shelby's own product plans were. Demand has proven strong, and we can confirm there'll be a Ford built, developed, and produced Shelby GT500 version of the 2010 Mustang.

Final powertrain has yet to be decided, but Ford has been testing supercharged versions of the new 5.0-liter V-8 to see whether it makes the horsepower needed. Since Chrysler and GM have potentially bigger horsepower numbers on tap for the Challenger and Camaro, Ford has to be looking at more than 500hp for its flagship Mustang. The upcoming GT500 KR punches out 540 horses, and it's our hunch this could become the standard Shelby powerplant in the short term.

Model rollout plans are still being finalized, but the current scenario is that 2009 will be an abbreviated model year, those cars being identical to the 2008. Then, the 2010s will be introduced in spring 2009, much as Ford did when it introduced the 19641/2 Mustang in April of that year, which then dovetailed into the '65.The biggest news from a design standpoint will be the addition of a muscular-looking shoulder hump just aft of the door openings. The doors remain the same, as do the roof and the fixed, triangle-shaped windows in the sail panels. The new kink is said to resemble that worn by the Dodge Charger, but a bit more flowing line. Front and rear fascias also get a tuneup. We haven't seen the new nose, but it wouldn't surprise us if it looked a little more like the current Ford Shelby GT500. Out back, the taillights are massaged a bit, and the rear bumper gets a 45 degree bevel job, adding more surface detail to the current rear's squarish lines. Expect new colors and wheel designs, too.

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At the forthcoming Detroit Motor Show Ford will show off a concept clearly aimed at the States: the aptly named Explorer America. But it won’t be the traditional yank tank as we know it…

Gone is the body-on-frame chassis, replaced by a unibody construction. Off-road and towing ability is only described as ‘moderate’. Heck, there’s even a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine…

It’s part of Ford’s move to go green, and the Explorer is essentially a showcase for the company's new EcoBoost technology. EcoBoost is a combination of direct injection and turbocharging, which Ford reckons can cut emissions by 15 percent, and fuel consumption by 20 percent. But power will also increase, despite the downsizing of the engines: the 2.0-litre produces 275bhp and 280lb ft, while the new 3.5-litre V6 puts out 340bhp. Ford hopes to produces 500,000 EcoBoost equipped cars a year starting from 2009.

The smaller engines, and other lightweight materials mean Ford reckons the V6 Explorer weighs 68kg less than today’s equivalent, while economy is also helped by a six-speed auto and electric power steering. In fact, Ford wants at least 80 percent of its cars by 2012 to come with electric power steering, which the company believes can account for a five percent fuel economy saving.

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Ford Verve? Isn’t that the Fiesta replacement? It certainly is, although by the time it goes on sale in November 2008 it’ll probably be called Fiesta again. Whatever the name, the new car will have a radical new look that’s previewed by this concept model. Ford consulted female buyers and they wanted something that would stand out a bit more on the high street.

Compared to the current Fiesta, which - let’s face it - is a bit dull to look at, the new model will sport a sharp new shape. It’s very much the current Ford look applied to a small car, particularly those Focus-style wheel arches. And the sculpted sides give it a lithe, powerful appearance.

Doesn’t sound that girly… It’s not. Although they consulted the fairer sex over it, the car they’ve come up with is actually pretty androgynous. It won’t turn blokes off and the looks aren’t so butch they’ll dissuade women from driving it.

That said, no red-blooded male will put up with the shocking pink interior armrests and seatbelt. And the pink stitching on the seats isn’t exactly macho. But they’re just details. The important thing is that the Verve is stylish, slinky and not in the slightest bit offensive.

• What’s the Verve like on the road?

Most importantly, considering Ford wants to make an impact with this car, it looks great when it’s on the move. The detailing on the side panels is far more sophisticated than the current Fiesta, and the way the car pinches in behind the front wheels and then kicks out as it moves rearwards enhances that dynamism.
Behind the wheel, although this is only a concept car it feels very sorted. The steering is surprisingly responsive and the car manoeuvres nimbly with the sort of agility you’d expect from a Ford. No surprise, really, considering it uses the same underpinnings as the excellent new Mazda 2.

• What engines will the Fiesta use?

Push the ‘Ford Power’ button on the dash and the Verve's 1.2-litre engine comes to life with a rorty throb. It actually sounds a lot bigger because silencing it hasn’t been high on the agenda for Ford’s engineers.

As with the current model, the next Fiesta is likely to have a huge array of engines. The body shape has therefore been designed to look as good in bog-standard spec on steel wheels as it does here on the Verve's 18-inch alloys with sporty additions like the rear spoiler.

Think of this as the top-spec ST version.

• Back to the inside, apart from the pink bits, what’s the rest like?

Very smart. Ford wanted to create a premium car feel and it's certainly been successful in doing that. The dash is stylish but easy on the eye. We like the twin binnacles for the rev counter and speed. And having touch-sensitive, tastefully backlit buttons for the sound system at steering wheel height works well too.

Aside from less lurid colors, we’re told the shapes on the dash are pretty much the same as you’ll see on the finished model.

• What other changes can we expect before production?

If (like us) you think the lower intake at the front is too big and Peugeot-esque, don’t worry. By the time the car is in showrooms it will have shrunk and they’ll make the traditional grille bigger. The roof line will also be slightly higher and less coupe-like in order to ensure there’s sufficient headroom. And it’ll have a more traditional B-pillar to ensure it passes stringent side impact tests.
Other than that, we’re told when the new Fiesta is shown in production form at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008 it’ll be pretty much like this.

• Verdict

The Verve is a great-looking car and bodes well for the future of the Fiesta. It moves Ford’s super mini up a gear in the looks department and proves that just because a car is cheap, practical and aimed at the mainstream it doesn’t have to look boring.

It also shows that the step up to high quality interiors will continue in the Blue Oval’s next small car. Even in concept form, this model drives well; once the chassis has been properly developed for production, Ford should be onto another winner.

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The new Ford Kuga the concept, the design sketch, the wait. Is this finally the real thing?
Yes it is. After a concept car, and then sketches of the production car, this is the real production car. And it will be unveiled at this month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, alongside the Verve concept (the next Fiesta).

The Kuga will be made at Ford’s Saarlouis plant in Germany, but won’t go on sale in the UK until May 2008. But don’t fret, because in that time this car’s rather stunning looks won’t change one bit.

The Kuga still looks rather different from the Iosis X concept though? That it does, but were you really expecting it to look the same? Then again, when the looks of your competition don’t exactly set the world alight then Ford could well be laughing all the way to the bank with its Kuga, and sell more than its predicted 60,000 per year.

But Ford is very late to the SUV party, with offerings already available from the Japanese (Toyota, Honda, and Nissan). The Europeans have also recently got in on the act with Vauxhall’s Antara, VW’s Tiguan, while Renault say there is a 90 percent chance that a production Koleos will appear at Frankfurt. And that’s not forgetting the PSA twins, the Peugeot 4007 and Citroen's C-Crosser.

• What about inside?

A mix really. The centre console’s seven-inch screen is closely related to the unit found in the Ford Mondeo, S-Max and Galaxy. However, being Focus-based the Kuga retains a somewhat boxy-feeling interior.
But to liven it up you can spec – at cost of course – the iPod white trim, orange piping and panoramic roof of this car. On the outside that white paint job and 19-inch wheels are also cost options while, on a more practical note, the car has a split-folding tailgate.

• Cougar or Kuga?

Kuga, as in 4x4, not the dire Mondeo-based coupe of the 1990s. And the Kuga will definitely be a 4x4 here in the UK. Continental buyers can pick between two or four-wheel drive, depending upon engine choice. The Kuga is on the C1 platform that underpins the Volvo S40/V50, so uses the Swedes' four-wheel drive system with front-drive most of the time and drive sent rearwards only when traction is lost. Expect the Kuga to be very closely related to Volvo’s forthcoming XC60.

• And if I’m enjoying being behind the wheel, will I enjoy putting my foot down?

The Kuga to be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show comes with Ford’s 134bhp 2.0-litre diesel and a six-speed manual ‘box. No further details have been released but CAR can reveal there will also be a 2.0-litre petrol and the five-cylinder unit from the Focus ST. A hybrid Kuga is also on the cards.
But whatever fuel you use the exhaust gases will exit through twin tailpipes that are flush with the diffuser. Just don’t expect the rear diffuser to have the same effect it has on the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. Expect the Kuga range to start from £18,000.

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