Ford India to launch small car in India in 2010

Auto major Ford India will be launching its small car in 2010, a top company official said here on Wednesday.

"We are working on the small car programme and will be launching it in 2010", Scott McCormack, Vice-President, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford India told reporters here.

The firm plans to increase the installed capacity of its manufacturing facility in Chennai from the present one lakh units to 2.5 lakh units by 2010. "We are investing $500 million for the expansion initiative, which includes the small car programme and engine plan", he said.

McCormack said there is some softness in the passenger car segment. "In response to this we are making a few changes in the line-up to stay relevant. Ford Endeavour has done exceedingly well this year," he said.

He said Ford India has begun an experiment in Chennai on the lines of pilot projects by the company in South Africa and Brazil to provide integrated transport solutions to facilitate urban mobility.

Avro Mirage 720 Ford GT

In 2007 Avro and Roush unleashed the 600bhp 600RE Ford GT. Just ten were made (and we’ve already seen one wrecked example) but Roush realised there was more to come from the engine. At the request of Brooklands-based Avro Motor Cars a further 120bhp has been found over and above the 600RE. And that’s 170bhp more than this Ford GT had when it left the factory.

The increase to 720bhp and 601lb ft comes mainly thanks to a larger Whipple supercharger. To make sure the 720 Mirage stays on the road the tracks are 5mm wider front and rear, there is adjustable KW suspension - that mean the car sits 25mm lower - and AP Racing brakes.

Perhaps the best feature though is the removal of the car’s American-spec rear bumper. Avro says it saves weight, but is also gives the Ford GT a clean, uncluttered look. And if you want the car to stand out, there’s the orange paint and black wheels. Yours for £179,400.