Monster Ford Fiesta Ready for Rally Race Debut

Ford has unveiled the Fiesta rally car for the Monster World Rally Team.

While details are limited, Ford stated the car is "based on the race-winning European Rallycross Fiesta prepared by Olsbergs Motorsports Evolution." Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter Duratec engine which is capable of producing over 490 hp (365 kW), but due to a series-required turbo-inlet restrictor, the Fiesta will only be able to crank out 330 hp (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 Fiesta.

Ford has a great platform with the Fiesta, and I can't wait to see what I can do in the Rally America championship and at the X Games later this year."

Ford stricken with Toyota's pedal recall

Ford stricken with Toyota's pedal recall - halts production of Transit in China
Ford has initiated a stop work order on a full-size van because it uses the same gas pedal believed to be the cause of sudden, uncontrolled acceleration in several Toyota models. Roughly 1,600 Ford Transit Classic diesel vehicles for the Chinese market have been assembled since production began in December.

Production was frozen on the Transit Classic, which is built by a joint venture with Jiangling Motors Co. The van's accelerator, sourced by Indiana-based firm CTS Corp., is a part alleged to be the leading factor in 20 deaths and 2,000 complaints in Toyota vehicles dating back to 2005.

The decision by Ford and Jiangling is a preventative measure, as no complaints have yet been filed about the van. "We have not determined whether we have a problem there yet," said Ford head Alan Mulally in an Associated Press report. "What we do know is we found a similar design."

The Chinese-spec Ford Transit Classic is believed to be the only Ford vehicle that uses an accelerator produced by CTS.

"That's part of our routine process. When a company has a recall, you conduct a review and determine if you share any of the same vendors, design, parts," a Jiangling spokesman said.