Daily Archives: October 21, 2014

2016 Ford Focus RS Shows Off Its AWD Chops – Road & Track

I posted about the upcoming Ford Focus RS a few times already, but R&T apparently analyzed some video footage of a Ford Focus RS on the track and determined that the car is indeed AWD.  I’m not sure I believe it.  Video analysis of handling characteristics might not be enough.

 

 

Flat Four-cylinder Turbo Porsche Cayman

I posted awhile back that Porsche might be going mainstream with turbocharged flat-four engines.  Boxer engines aren’t the most efficient when it comes to making power, but they do offer outstanding balance (center of gravity, which will enhance handling).

Here’s another article:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-videos/the-4-cylinder-turbo-porsche-cayman-cometh

The Heart and Soul of Every Subaru — the Boxer Engine

Do you like documentaries on car engines? Here’s one from Subaru of America on their horizontally-opposed engines (aka boxer engines).

I’ve not yet viewed it, but once I have, I’ll update this post with my comments (if any).

To read commentary responses to Subaru of America’s Facebook post, visit here:

Matt Farah tracks the 2015 Mustang EcoBoost

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-videos/matt-farah-tracks-the-2015-ecoboost-mustang

 

“Is the four-banger ‘Stang ready to depose the 5.0? Not quite, says Matt.”

I’m not sure what the above quoted comment is about.  The Mustang EcoBoost was never meant as a Mustang GT replacement.  It was created as a global car for people living in areas where fuel costs are a concern.  As well, the car will benefit those who live in countries that tax car owners based on engine displacement.  To expect this particular car to be an equivalent to a Mustang 5.0L is a bit ridiculous…most car makers ensure their product line follows a strict hierarchy and Ford is no exception.

The video footage is pretty cool…I just don’t care for the commentary.  I really shouldn’t have expected much from the commentary, since Matt Farah is more of a street scene type of guy (he certainly isn’t of the caliber of most mainstream reviewers, such as R&T, MT, Automobile, and C&D).

If you’re a glutton for punishing commentary, you can also read the R&T’s Facebook comments about this particular subject: