EXCLUSIVE: Jost Capito, Head of SVT and Performance Vehicles, Leaving Ford
March 28, 2012 at 6:50pm by Justin Berkowitz
Ford and its director of International Efficiency Autos, Jost Capito, are parting approaches, the organization confirmed to Car and Driver this afternoon. In the course of an eleven-year tenure with Ford, Capito oversaw the advancement of the SVT Raptor and the upcoming Focus ST and Fiesta ST. Working in Europe from 2001 to 2009, Capito ran Ford’s RS division, which was responsible not just for hot road vehicles like the Focus RS, but also the company’s motorsports efforts in series this kind of as the Planet Rally Championship.
It is unclear why Capito is headed out of Dearborn. In a written statement, a Ford spokesman said the following: “We thank Jost Capito for his contributions on the company’s functionality autos and motorsports plan. We want him properly as he starts a new chapter in his profession.” As is the norm with large-degree corporate personnel modifications, neither Ford nor Capito are discussing the terms of his departure.
Ford is acknowledged in the business for having a relatively regimented corporate culture, and the SVT division a much less-than-stellar partnership with the rest of the organization. Capito’s predecessor, John Coletti, was viewed as even much more of a maverick, and had as a lot of detractors as he had followers amongst the management ranks. Coletti left in 2004. His last project, the epic Ford GT sports activities vehicle, launched in 2004, and immediately after that the division churned out only a couple of lackluster goods. A Shelby GT500 arrived in 2006, but its ponderous dimension and weight kept it an also-ran until the Capito Era began. Soon immediately after Capito arrived, the GT500 grew to become a true contender, and we’re just a couple of months away from a new 200-mph, 650-hp GT500 also produced under his view. That’s two dynamo bosses, two powerful independent streaks, and a single stretch of dull autos amongst them. We hope we’re not in for one more dry spell.
We don’t assume this to trigger any delays to the late-2012 arrival of the Focus ST in the U.S., but the Fiesta ST—which even now is not officially confirmed for U.S. sales—could be losing its champion. However, we count on Ford to go ahead and provide it right here. As for Capito, must he land at an additional automaker, it probably will be their acquire.
Fiat Viaggio to be revealed in Beijing
The all-new Fiat Viaggio modest auto is set to be unveiled at the upcoming 2012 Beijing motor present.
The Viaggio (meaning Journey in Italian) is primarily based on the 2013 Dodge Dart (pictured), an attractive vehicle by any requirements, which itself is based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The car will be assembled in China and distributed by means of Fiat’s joint venture with Guangzhou Auto.
The Viaggio will be a similar size to the Ford Focus sedan. Volumes out of China will be up to 140,000 initially, but probably increase to 250,000 units if demand is large.
In contrast to the Dodge Dart, which utilizes a range of distinct powerplants, the Fiat Viaggio will use naturally-aspirated and turbocharged versions of Fiat’s one.four-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, developed in China by Guangzhou Auto.
Dodge Challenger SRT8 Stretch Limo
LA Custom Coach has created the really first Dodge Challenger SRT8 stretch limousine which made its initial public physical appearance at the 2012 Spring LX Festival dedicated to LX platform Chrysler Group designs.
Philip Eiselin, President of LA Customized Coach says he was so inspired by the Challenger’s wheel style that he quickly went to operate on its style – identified the automobile, reduce it in half and stretched it out.
The limo was completed 4 and a half months later. The interior that is completely various from the original, capabilities black leather interior with a red SRT striped theme, 24-inch LED Tv, colour modifying light present and as is conventional with limousines, a total bar.
Eiselin has confirmed that this one of a variety motor vehicle will not be the last of its kind as a 2nd Dodge Challenger limo is presently currently being built with more to stick to.
When LA Custom Coach took the automobile to Las Vegas to gauge the reaction it would get, Eiselin comments that it got a lot more focus than the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Bentley it was parked following to at the MGM Grand Hotel.
Jeep and Mopar unveil six new concepts at 46th Annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari
Jeep and Mopar have unveiled their onslaught for the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The brand teamed up with Mopar to produce six new automobiles, all of which function a host of Jeep Genuine Components and Accessories.
“We’re delighted to showcase six new cars to our loyal Jeep followers at this year’s Moab Easter Jeep Safari,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Jeep Safari has extended been a excellent way for Jeep to connect with its core audience. We search forward to spending the week demonstrating our most recent possible production and customization ideas and gathering instant feedback from the most educated 4×4 enthusiasts in the world.”
Given that 2002, Mopar and Jeep have teamed up to produce much more than 30 special notion cars who attend the Easter Jeep Safari.
Check out the checklist of notion cars following the jump.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Notion
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is nicely recognized for its benchmark off-road capability, courtesy of its Quadra-Lift™ air suspension, Selec-Terrain™ traction manage technique, Off-Road Adventure packages, tow/recovery hooks tested to twice the vehicle’s Gross Automobile Weight, and class-top 4×4 methods – which includes Jeep’s Quadra-Drive® II method that consists of a rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD), delivering market-major tractive capability.Previously the most awarded SUV ever above its lifetime compared to any other SUV, the new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk idea takes the premium Jeep vehicle’s legendary off-road prowess to a new degree, while offering a one particular-of-a-type, more aggressive visual punch confident to delight Jeep fanatics.Leading the off-road improvement are new 18-inch Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor off-road tires – chosen to supply even far more aggressive off-road functionality combined with quiet highway manners – that are wrapped all around new painted 5-spoke alloy Mineral Gray wheels. Grand Cherokee Trailhawk’s SilentArmor tires incorporate extra side-wall safety that enhances sturdiness and lowers road noise. Modified Mopar rock rails – engineered to totally protect the reduced physique from rugged rocky terrain – are integrated and add to the functional off-road capability.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is nicely recognized for its benchmark off-road capability, courtesy of its Quadra-Lift™ air suspension, Selec-Terrain™ traction manage technique, Off-Road Adventure packages, tow/recovery hooks tested to twice the vehicle’s Gross Automobile Weight, and class-top 4×4 methods – which includes Jeep’s Quadra-Drive® II method that consists of a rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD), delivering market-major tractive capability.Previously the most awarded SUV ever above its lifetime compared to any other SUV, the new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk idea takes the premium Jeep vehicle’s legendary off-road prowess to a new degree, while offering a one particular-of-a-type, more aggressive visual punch confident to delight Jeep fanatics.Leading the off-road improvement are new 18-inch Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor off-road tires – chosen to supply even far more aggressive off-road functionality combined with quiet highway manners – that are wrapped all around new painted 5-spoke alloy Mineral Gray wheels. Grand Cherokee Trailhawk’s SilentArmor tires incorporate extra side-wall safety that enhances sturdiness and lowers road noise. Modified Mopar rock rails – engineered to totally protect the reduced physique from rugged rocky terrain – are integrated and add to the functional off-road capability.
Visually, whilst the motor vehicle is featured in Stone White, a Mineral Gray and Red theme is highlighted throughout. Particularly, the grille surround, decrease front applique, mirror caps and rear light bar join the wheels in Mineral Gray, while contrasting in eye-catching Red are the upper grille mesh, front and rear tow hooks, Jeep logos on wheel center caps and bolt holes in the alloy wheels. A Red trim line outlines a matte black hood applique that is utilized to decrease glare during technical off-road maneuvers.
Incoming search terms:
- Powered by Article Dashboard red hook (nyc)
Can I take the car?
5 words that cause parental angst: “Can I take the automobile?” These words are now spoken with alarming frequency in our home because my 17-year old passed his driving exam and is now eligible to head out alone or with a good friend.
It is uplifting to see your little one pass an additional milestone in the road of existence but this specific achievement carries with it intensified danger and greater consequences. Luckily, like BC, most provinces have some type of a graduated licensing plan that places restrictions on novice drivers. I like that – it brings me comfort at least for now.
Nonetheless, people five words lead to worry, and when uttered, set mothers and fathers against offspring. What’s reasonable? Unfettered entry? Access with restrictions? Curfews? Only for work or college? Discovering the appropriate stability between freedom for the young driver and sanity for the parent is a challenge.
Naturally, I’m not the initial parent to go via this, and I definitely do not profess any better insight or wisdom on the issue. I’m interested even though in hearing from other people. How have you, or would you, react to the five words of want?
The finest I can do is request myself no matter whether he’s sensible or not. I think he is, so for now the benefit of the doubt goes to him, but it’s a precarious bestowment at finest. So Austin, when you study this – and I know that you will – concentrate on individuals key words, “precarious bestowment,” and drive accordingly.
 |
| Photograph: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com |
2012 Mazda Mazda2
Now in its third year on the market, the 2012 Mazda Mazda2 may just be the most enjoyable subcompact five-door hatchback on the market.
While its “zoom-zoom” isn’t necessarily as evident in the styling as its flashier and bigger siblings, it competes with distinction on the sportiest end of the spectrum against cars like the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, or Chevy Sonic. In other words, it’ll let you drive rings around a Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Accent, or Kia Rio–and leave you grinning while you do.
The Mazda2 shares quite a lot of basic engineering with the Ford Fiesta, but uses Mazda’s 100-horsepower, 1.5-liter engine and either a five-speed manual gearbox or an archaic and sluggish four-speed automatic transmission. We drove only the manual, and that’s clearly the one to order if you’re a Mazda buyer to start with.
The engine likes to rev, and you’ll need to do that to keep up with traffic. Like a number of Mazdas, the Mazda2 is borderline underpowered, so you need to wring it out to progress speedily. But it’s worth it: the combination of accelerator progression, clutch engagement, and smooth shifting makes the Mazda2 one of the very, very few manual cars we enjoyed driving even in grim Friday stop-and-go New York City rush-hour traffic.
The handling is on the neutral side for a front-wheel drive car, and the Mazda2 handles tight, curving roads like few other subcompacts.
And it produces pretty good gas mileage, considering it lacks a sixth gear for highway cruising: 29 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, for a combined 32 mpg in the manual version. The automatic, however, exacts a penalty, bumping combined mileage down to a subpar 29 mpg.
Ferrari 458 Riding on HRE Vintage Wheels
HRE Wheels decided to bring back the classic look with their new Vintage series, inspired by the most famous old wheel designs. These old-fashioned wheels on sleek new supercars create a unique combination. Not everybody will like the idea, but you have to say, these Vintage wheels have really worked on this Ferrari 458 Italia.
Built to order for this car based on the customer’s desired specs, this gunmetal Vintage rims have modular three-piece construction and forged from a blend of high-tech aluminum and steel. You can also have in titanium for extra lightness, but they’re more expensive. This is an exquisite way of upgrading your super car.
Stanceworks
