With the reportedly overwhelming interest to the Ford Focus RS500, the automaker has decided to release the car ahead of its schedule.

The limited series hatchback will feature a retuned 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. The engine produces 345 horsepower (257 kW, 350 PS) and up to 460 Nm (339 lb-ft) of torque. That’s a 15% power increase, and a 4.5% torque increase. With all that power, Ford has managed to improve the car’s 0-100km/h sprint time to 5.6 seconds, down 0.3 seconds from the Focus RS.

Top speed is also slightly faster at 265 km/h (165 mph). The improvements are due to a software update to the ECU, larger air intercooler, bigger air…

Ford’s Derrick Kuzak and John Fleming has just revealed big news about the new 2012 global Focus. Kuzak revealed that plans are already in the works for an EcoBoost-powered global performance Focus – and for the first time – Fleming unveiled the 2012 Ford Focus wagon.

The wagon features the same kinetic design language found on the Ford Fiesta and new Focus sedan and hatchback models that were introduced in North America.

Fleming explained that the C-segment in Europe comprises five million annual units – with the wagon comprising roughly one-third of those sales. In some countries, like Germany and Italy, wagons make up over half of the market share. “Wagon customers…

Ford has just introduced a revised version of its Shelby GT500. For 2011, the SVT and the Shelby coupe acquire an all-aluminum version of its existing 5.4 liter V8 for more power and efficiency.

The 2011 Mustang features all-new V6 and V8 engines for the volume offerings, and for the GT500, Ford is going to an all-aluminum version of the 5.4-liter supercharged V8 that was in the 2010 GT500. This new engine is good for a 102 pound weight decrease, increasing the total output at 550 horsepower and 510 lb-ft. of torque. The vehicle will also sport the Plasma Transferred Wire Arc cylinder lining. This Ford-exclusive technology is being applied for…

Were you one of the many who were disappointed when you found out that the Ford GT was not built to be a real racer? Well, maybe your frustration will be wiped off when you see the 2010 Matech GT1.

The 2010 Matech GT1 is based on a prototype that was run by the Swiss racing team in 2009. According to the test driver Thomas Mutsch, “The car is completely new. Not a single element, be it the engine, the transmission system, the suspension or aerodynamics are the same as those of the Ford GT1 from 2009. The roll-out was very promising, and we are confident with regard the forthcoming season.”

Matech…

Ford has just unveiled the Fiesta rally car for the Monster World Rally Team. The Monster Ford Fiesta is “based on the race-winning European Rallycross Fiesta prepared by Olsbergs Motorsports Evolution.”

The Monster Ford Fiesta is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter Duratec engine which is capable of producing over 490 horsepower (365 kW), but due to a series-required turbo-inlet restrictor, the Fiesta will only be able to churn out 330 horsepower (246 kW).

Set to be driven by action sports figure, rally driver and DC Shoes co-founder, Ken Block, the Fiesta will compete in seven Rally America events this year. According to Block, “I am very excited to finally be in the…

The 2011 Ford Mondeo has been spotted recently winter testing ahead of its scheduled debut in Geneva.

The TDCi engine-powered vehicle now features a new front bumper with other changes expected on the facelifted model.  The prototypes are still sporting black tape covering up details here, which may include LEDs.  A new grille is also expected here.  Test vehicles also seem to indicate that the next model will have new side mirrors, as well as rear LED clusters.  Changes to the rear bumper are also possible, and interior upgrades are anticipated.

The 2011 model year Mondeo is likely to get the Galaxy facelift’s 200-horsepower 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine mated to a six-speed dual-clutch…

Ford is taking its first step in revamping the entire world-wide powertrain technology with the announcement that they will introduce a number of new engines and transmissions this year.

Ford has borrowed some of the new technology from its European operations as the automaker is determined to replace or upgrade all of its North America engine offerings before the end of this year from its 2008 models portfolio.

All in all, that would be 9 new engines and 6 new transmissions slated to be introduced this year. Among them is the Ti-VCT 305 horsepower, a 3.7 liter V6 for 2011 Mustang. The Mustang GT will also be upgraded to a 412-hp 5.0…

It’s a double whammy for Ford as its 2010 models of Ford Fusion and Transit Connect bagged the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards.

As expected, the Ford Fusion Hybrid was praised for its striking styling, advanced powertrain, and superb fuel efficiency—which rates at 41 mpg city/ 36 mpg highway. Other features that set apart the Fusion Hybrid from its competition is its features that include Blind Spot Information System, FordSync, SIRIUS Travel link and more total passenger and luggage capacity. The Fusion Hybrid is the second hybrid win for Ford; the Ford Escape Hybrid won the North American Truck of the Year in 2005. The Ford Fusion…

The Ford Focus RS already boasts 224 kW and 440 Nm of torque with its 6-speed manual gearbox. But the German tuner McChip wasn’t satisfied with that numbers that’s why they’ve decided to give the standard front-wheel-drive RS a two stage tuning to give it more boost in performance.

The first stage, the control software is remapped to give 345 kW (345 horsepower) and 520 Nm. Making the Ford Focus RS’ top speed to 271 km/h. The second stage involves an enhanced intercooler, special spark plugs, more engine electronics modifications, sports exhaust system and a new inlet manifold. With all these, the power tops at 295 kW (401 horsepower) and torque…