Ford has stormed into India's small car market with an all new model, called a Figo.  There is already some steep competition going on in India, but Ford has placed the Figo at a price point that industry analysts feel will be competitive.  It may not mean a lot to you now, especially if you don't live in India, but if successful think of what will happen to Ford stock!

70% of all vehicles purchased in India are small cars and Ford had yet to enter that segment.  The Ford Figo hopes to gain some of that market share, primarily owned by GM and Volkswagen.  Hard to believe that Ford can create a car this inexpensive, but the Figo will start stealing business at a measly $7,500 USD.  It begs the question, if they can do it in India, why can't they do it in the US?

Ford Figo Pics

I don't need to tell you how many problems the automotive industry has had in recent years, but despite it's plagues, there is a glimmer of good news. Ford has announced an all new 2011 Ford Explorer, which more importantly, will be built in Chicago creating close to 1,200 new jobs.

Production will being in 4th quarter of 2010 and bring a relief to automotive workers needing jobs in the Chicago area. In addition, the retooling of the Chicago plant, along with updates, will cost roughly $400 million a healthy shot into the industries arm.

As far as the 2011 Ford Explorer is concerned, Explorer enthusiasts will love the more fuel efficient redesign. The concept of the 2011 Explorer was shown back in 2008 at the Detroit Auto Show, but I'm sure the final product will not be nearly as concepty. Yes, concepty is a word, I just invented it. Check out the concept 2011 Ford Explorer below and some 2011 Spy Pics as well, which tell a much more believable tale of what we can expect out of Chicago late this year.

The 5.0 was a tried and true engine for Ford and graced the Mustang's engine bay all the way up until 1996. It wasn't until 1996 that Ford release a 4.6 liter engine, to replace the bullet proof 5.0, albeit less efficient. Even though the 4.6 provided bigger horsepower and torque numbers, the 5.0 remains one of the easiest engines to modify.  Maybe that's why Ford has decided to revive the legend and increase the performance that 5 liters of Ford engineering has to offer.

The Coyote engine marks the triumphant return of the 5 oh.  Available in the GT trim of the 2011 Mustang, the 5.0 liter V8 engine will produce a ground thumping 400 horsepower.  It's worth noting that Ford is notorious for understating horsepower numbers, which can realistically place the new 5.0 Mustang at 425-450 galloping horses.  Maybe that's why the 2011 Mustang GT was choosen to be the official pace car of the Daytona 500.

Already the new Coyote named 5.0 engine is garnering attention from industry analysts.  The 2011 Mustang GT will undoubtedly dominate the new face of muscle cars everywhere, trumping even GM's daring Camaro SS.

Not only has Ford gone bat shit crazy with horsepower packed 5.0 engines, it's also produced the nimblest Mustang ever built.  According to Ford the handling will be unmatched amongst previous Mustangs and be paired with a blast to drive 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.  With these kind of figures and performance leaps it's hard to imagine what the next Shelby, Roush, or Saleen will look like.  The anty has been upped and I've yet to year of anyone wanting to call out the new Coyote 2011 Mustang GT.

The new 2012 Ford Focus debuted in Detroit today and is a shock to my tired eyes.  This new 'world' car looks less like a Focus and more like some sort of mini-suv crossover.  Perhaps this design is most appealing to European and Asian markets, considering it will be built the same for all 3 regions.  This means that the same parts will work for the American version of the 2012 Ford Focus as in the European version.

Ford looks to be tapping into a more aggressive front end for the 2012 Focus, with large mouth bumper.  However, the rest of the car just doesn't match the aggressive looks of the front, looking tall from the sides, and fat in the back.  Leaves me curious if the performance and handling will match the impression the body lines leave.

What do you think, is the new 2012 Ford Focus an improvement over previous year models?

I myself am a lover of Ford Mustang's and I know what I would love to receive for Christmas.  However, I also realize that how I want my Mustang to look may not coincide with your views, so I've developed this top 10 list of gifts to be generic.  That is, no matter the type of Mustang owner they will appreciate a gift from the list below.

So let's get started and in no particular order.

1. Key Chain - You simply can't go wrong purchasing a key chain and plus this leaves some creative opportunities for the gift buyer.  I prefer a small leather key chain with the Mustang logo embroidered on it or a small metal chain with the Ford emblem etched on.  Mustang Key Rings from $3 and Up

2. Apparel - Now you know the person you are buying a Mustang Christmas gift for better than I do, so be the judge of what they would look best in.  Personally, I would like a Mustang baseball cap and there are some high quality options available.  But, if the giftee doesn't wear a hat, try getting them a sweat shirt or T-Shirt, which guys will always wear on top or bottom. $34.99 Mustang Hoody From Amazon

3. Calendar - Just because you buy them a Mustang calendar doesn't mean they will want to hang it up in the kitchen.  Every garage needs a calendar and it doesn't always have to be covered in naked or semi naked babes, a hot Mustang will do just fine. $12.59 Mustang Calendar from Amazon

4. Mustang Parking Sign - Just like the calendar above, give the gift of garage decoration to the person on your Christmas list.  It's a good, inexpensive way to tell would-be parking offenders that only Mustang's are allowed in this spot. $9.99 Metal Mustang Parking Sign

5. Mustang Folding Chair - This Mustang Christmas present really should be at the top of the list, just so no one misses it.  If I could pick one gift from this list, the Mustang Folding Chair would be it.  It's a perfect addition to car show trips, camping, or just lounging around in the back yard.  Frankly I'm tired of setting on my worn out wal-mart special boring brown chair. Prices Starting at $32 on Amazon.com

6. Mustang Car Cover - Even if you have a garage dust will find it's way onto the surface of your Mustang.  So, protect it even when it's in doors with a car cover.  Most car covers are one size fits all years, much like the one linked here, it will fit most model year Mustang. Starting at $32 on Amazon.com

7. Mustang Model Car - I got a model Mustang about 5 years ago and placed it proudly on my desk at work, it's still there.  Not only that, it's kept me warm on those months I spent Mustangless in between project cars.  It still gets cleaned more often than I do.  The prices on Mustang model cars can vary a lot, so choose wisely. Model Mustang $11

8. Remote Control Mustang - Yes, I'm still a little kid at heart and in mind in most cases.  You show me a guy who doesn't love a remote control Mustang at any age and I'll show you a person who is dead inside.  Prices Starting At $49.99 at Amazon

9. Mustang Ornaments - It's not that I don't like decorating with my family, it's just that there are no ornaments that I can relate to.  Glittery balls don't do anything for me, so I need a Mustang Ornament to feel like I'm contributing, even if it has to be on the back of the tree. $16 For a Set of 5 Ornaments

10. Mustang Tumbler - Everyone drinks something, on a daily basis I consume coffee in the morning and a tumbler is a perfect match for my Mustang cup holder.  They are stylish, comfortable, and tell people what kind of car I prefer to be seen in, even when it's not around.  Like the model Mustang setting on my desk at work, a Mustang tumbler shouldn't be very far away either.  45th Anniversary Mustang Tumbler $19.99

Now, no excuses, there is still time to get presents shipped from Amazon or anywhere else online.  Chances are you won't be able to find all of these at your local department store, but that's why you are online right now isn't it?  You need to get done buying those hard to find gifts and do it now!

Happy Holidays and don't forget about my post for Christmas Gift Ideas for Dodge Fans.

Regular readers of The-Grayline.com know how much I ooze over the idea of a potent Mustang.  Lately Ford just seems to keep on delivering one awesome version of a Mustang over another.  Even though the SVT brand doesn't seem to be hanging around, we have been blessed with the Shelby GT500 and now, the 2010 Cobra Jet.  Fitting, considering Ford has aesthetically and internally redesigned the 2010, so let's see what's in store.

The 2010 Ford Cobra Jet Mustang can be seen by those lucky enough to attend the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas, which begins today.  The Cobra Jet has been specially outfitted in SEMA paint, complete with Cobra likeness down the side.  The pictures of the SEMA special Cobra Jet can be seen in the gallery below.

What sets the 2010 Cobra Jet apart from other 2010 Mustangs?  First of all it will come equipped with the first ever factory equipped Rev Limiter, which is a staple for low ET's.  Basically the Cobra Jet is a factory built race car, similar to the one Ford released on the 40th anniversary of the Cobra Jet in 2008.  Although consider it a much more track ready beast, complete with roll cage.

I've had trouble finding specific power numbers for the 2010 Cobra Jet, but suffice it to say, it won't matter to those buying.  All 50 produced have already been ordered by the dealers and sold to customers, sorry, no longer available.  But maybe, just maybe, you might have a friend of a friend that will give you a ride in one.  Until then, please feel free to slobber over the pictures below.

Cobra Jet's Available for purchase right now on eBay

Ford Mustang mach 1 CJ 1973 mustang mach 1 cobra jet project    US $1,400.00

Ford Galaxie 500XL 1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL Convertible 428 Cobra Jet    US $26,500.00

Ford Ranch Wagon Custom 500 1969 Custom 500 w NEW 429 Super Cobra Jet Heads RARE    US $2,000.00

The F Series line of pickups from Ford have stood the test of time.  I myself have owned two different ones, a 97 F150 and an 04 F150, both of which I was very happy with.  Dependability, performance, even a little luxury, but maybe they weren't quite as rugged as I would have liked.  That's why Ford offers Super Duty F Series options, for those who really need to beat up their trucks.

The redesigned 2011 Super Duty will over 2 different engine configurations.  The gasoline V8 will be a whopping 6.2 liters, while the diesel version will be a 6.7 turbo charged v8.  Either one sounds like they won't have any trouble pulling whatever you might be able to hook up to.  Also, thanks to Ford's relentless pursuit of efficiency, just because you need a big dog doesn't mean it will eat like one.  Ford claims that the new Diesel 2011 Super Duty will be the best-in-class for fuel economy.

2011 Ford Super Duty

Seems like 'All New' is the number one method used to increase sales in a recession, at least for automobile manufacturers like Ford.  The all new 2010 Taurus is no exception, marking yet another generation change for the popular sedan.  Ford is labeling it, "Americas Smartest Full Size Sedan."

Personally, I love it, everything about it.  The new redesign doesn't remind of the 4 door sedans elder and instead looks on par with the edgier luxury sedans on the market.  Also, it doesn't quite scream reworked 500, like the previous generation, rather an entire new concept for the Taurus.

Consider this, buyers will be able to put one of the 2010 Ford Taurus into their drive way for around $26,000.  A very attractive price point considering the complete revamping of the line and luxurious feel.

Well, they all have spots on Leno, of course.

Jay Leno took a step down (or up) from late night TV and started broadcasting in Prime Time.  Well, Ford is taking advantage of this exposure and Leno's love for vehicles, to help get the American public accustomed to driving Electric vehicles.  That's why the Sept 18th show will feature Drew Barrymore racing a new all electric Ford Focus.

The car Barrymore will be driving won't actually be available until sometime in 2011, so don't get out your checkbooks just yet.  However, it might not be a bad idea to start saving now.  Most estimates put the new all electric Ford Focus at $10,000 higher than it's all gasoline counter part.  eeek!

So Ford posts a $2.3 billion dollar profit today for the 2nd quarter of 2009 and already the official industry experts are chiming in.  I already have  a view point on why Ford managed to get in the black for the second quarter and it has nothing to do with vehicle offerings.  That's right, I don't think hybrids and fuel economy had anything to do with the recent numbers published by Ford.

In my opinion Ford manged to turn $2.3 billion in profit because they received the support of the American consumer.  The regular Joe blows saw that this corporation was not taking a hand out and decided to show their support through their wallets.  The American consumer, when faced with countless options on car lots, decided to choose a Ford vehicle over GM, Chrysler, or Toyota.  It's a sign that the majority of Americans don't support the bail out plans in Washington.

Another driving force in sales will be whether or not the vehicle you buy now will be supported 5 or more years from now.  If you have a major component go out on your car after the warranty has expired, will parts be radically expensive, or supported by the manufacturer.  Vehicles that are discontinued generally see higher replacement parts in generic and OEM form, why put yourself in that kind of a position.

I thoroughly realize that $2.3 billion in profits is a far cry from where a company this size needs to be, especially to keep the stock holders happy.  However, in this economic environment every ray of sunshine helps to swallow the negative news around every corner.  It's a move in the right direction and I hope Ford can prove themselves again next quarter and the American people continue to voice their opinions with their wallets.