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Ford keeps concept features in new Fiesta

The culmination of Ford's Verve line of concepts, shown at recent auto shows, debuts in production form as the Ford Fiesta at the 2008 Geneva auto show. The Fiesta is a new small car, and Ford says it will be made available during fall of 2008 in Europe. Ford says it will follow up with launches around the world, keeping the Fiesta name, with production occurring in the United States during 2010. The new Fiesta's exterior styling keeps the Kinetic design theme used in the Verve concepts, with a high rear-end sweeping down toward a low front.

The … Read more

Photos: Ford F-150 goes high-tech

Bringing new meaning to the term "remote office," Ford Motors on Wednesday announced a set of high-tech features for its F series trucks and E series vans, including the 2009 version of the F-150. The announcement was timed to the first of two media preview days for the Chicago Auto Show, which is open to the public from February 8-17.

Click here for photos of the high-tech Ford F-150.

Cars you can talk to

In-car voice recognition still has some way to go before it replaces buttons, dials, and good old fashioned manual programming. However, a few automakers are taking the lead in creating in-car interfaces that are easy to use. Among our favorites are Acura and Honda, Infiniti, Mercedes, and now--thanks to the launch of the Microsoft Sync system--Ford. Check out our roundup of cars you can talk to with a good chance of being understood.

Ford ad Focuses on the music--but does it ring true?

Aside from the exhaust note of the Shelby GT-500, Ford cars are not often associated with music. But a TV ad currently running in the UK aims to address that by showing an orchestra playing instruments, apparently created entirely from parts taken from a five-door Focus hatchback. The car was turned into 31 instruments, including a "Transmission Case Cello-Dulcimer," a "Clutch Guitar," a "Rear Suspension Spike Fiddle," and a "Fender Bass," according to Ford. The text at the beginning of the ad says that the arrangement, called "Ode to the New … Read more

Review: 2008 Ford Focus SES

Click the image to read the full review

(Credit: CNET Networks)

We just finished up our review of the redesigned Ford Focus, and we suspect that Dearborn may have a hit on its hands. Our top-of-the-line Focus SES tester came standard the impressive Microsoft-designed Sync media and communications interface, which is one of the most sophisticated car-tech systems available. Is this entry-level model the shot in the arm that the troubled Blue Oval needs? Find out in our full review here.

Photos: New cars at the 2008 Detroit auto show

Automakers used this year's Detroit auto show to launch a number of significant new cars and model upgrades, featuring the latest in cabin and powertrain tech. Ford and Dodge went head to head with new pickups, and we saw many exciting new sports cars.

Click here for photos of new cars shown in Detroit.

Click here for more 2008 Detroit auto show coverage.

Toyota and Ford plug in their hybrids

Toyota surprised us with a plug-in hybrid Prius on the floor at the 2008 Detroit auto show. The company has resisted the plug-in hybrid movement previously, citing the fact that you don't need to plug in the Prius as a virtue. But there has been quite a bit of interest in plug-in hybrids from individuals and even power companies. Plug-in proponents claim to get 100 mpg by modifying Priuses and recharging the batteries when the cars aren't being used. Toyota seems to have finally given into the plug-in pressure, starting up its own plug-in program and handing over … Read more