While David Murry managed so-so-OK lap times in the 4min15 range, car and team owners, as well as, gentleman and lady drivers Andrea and David Robertson, were more in the not-so-quick 4min30 plus lap times.

Even as many pro drivers from Audi and Oreca complained loudly about the irrationnal lines they drove (that is why such amateurs will probably not allowed to race at the Le Mans 24 Hours in the coming years), the numer 68 Ford GT did its laps and the flamboyant trio had a dream come true finish. Our favourite was clearly Andrea, who does not dye her hair, does not have silicon body enhancements, is a true speaker and just had the time of her life!

Way to go, Madame! Now here is one granny who sure has a great story to tell her grand kids and grand grand kids by the fireplace during the coming winters!

Pictures by Christophe Schwartz

Ford’s attempt to replace the Ka is like Renault replacing the Twingo. The Ka has been on sale for the last twelve years and it has been a top-seller since then. The next model will share its underpinnings with the Fiat 500, but will feature a unique interior and exterior styling. If the overall shape is similar to that of the 500, the body panels look unique. On the inside, while the Fiat 500 features a retro-charming design, the next Ka will promote the Ford’s design with a dashboard similar to the Fiesta’s.

The next Ka will be uilt on the same assembly lines as the 500 at Fiat’s Tychy facility, located in Poland.

In a few years, the four-doors coupé market might be a crowded market as carmakers are seriously considering launching a model. According to the rumours, the carmaker is readying a coupé version of the Mondeo which will be unveiled in 2012.

Details remain scarce. The future model will likely share its inner-structure, suspension and powertrains, with the current Mondeo. The upmarket move raises concerns regarding the engine range. The range-topping Passat is powered by a 297bhp 3.6-litre unit. Ford has no engine competing with the VW’s V6 in terms of power. However, this concern might be less important than expected. With the higher gas prices, customers are focusing on fuel efficient models such as diesel-powered versions. Ford has an advantage here over Volkswagen. Indeed, the carmaker can use the 2.7-litre V6 unit developed in collaboration with Peugeot, While VW is limited by the Passat platform derived from the Golf.

Source: Autobild

Ford executives seem to understand that global platform sharing might be its savior as Mark Fields said in an interview with automotive News that the carmaker will bring the next-generation Focus in the US. The current American Focus is still based on the former model platform which makes impossible for the carmaker to bring derived models to the US.

With the next-generation platform intended to be built in the US, Ford will be able to choose and adapt the American range to the economic environment.

The Fiesta will be the first European model to be sold in the US in 2010. In the past Ford imported the Ford Scorpio sold under the Merkur badge, but the European hatchback didn’t generate the expected sales. Ford also developed the Ford Contour on the first generation Ford Mondeo which didn’t convince the American market either.

Known internally as P525, the future pickup will share its underpinnings with the F-150 to cut cost. However, with the P525, engineers will focus on weight reduction and fuel efficiency. it is unknown whether it will be powered by V8 engines or not.

The P525 might be called F-100. Inded this moniker was used for an-entry level F-Series until 1983. It will also have for mission to replace the Ford Ranger whose production ends next year.

Based on the new Falcon FG, the high-performance versions are available with two engines, an entry-level 4.0-litre unit and 5.4-litre V8 unit.

The 4.0-litre unit is a turbocharged inline-6 engine which delivers a power output of 415bhp and an impressive torque output of 417lb ft between 1,950 and 5,200rpm, while the V8 delivers 422bhp and 406 lb ft of torque.

Available in five-door hatchback and estate body styles, Titanium X Sport models come with 18in alloy wheels twin chromed exhaust tailpipes and body-coloured side skirts. The interior is also themed with sporty red stitching on the leather/alcantara seats, leather steering wheel and gear shift lever.  Aluminium trim detailing is replaced with stylish piano black inlays.

The Mondeo Titanium X Sport’s standard equipment includes in-dash Sony six CD player, voice control, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, front and rear park assist, dual-zone climate control and start button.

The new trim level is only available with two engines, the five-cylinder 217bhp 2.5-litre petrol unit and the new 173bhp 2.2-litre TDCi engine. The five door version starts at £23,355, while the estate starts at £26,605.

Priced between  £18,250 and £20,850, the ST is available with three trim levels, ST, ST-2 and ST-3. Every Focus ST comes with 18in five-spoke alloy wheels, sports styling, body-hugging Recaro sports seats, a unique sports steering wheel and upgraded instrumentation. New to this generation of ST are the ‘Ford Power’ starter button and Easyfuel capless refuelling system. The ST-2 adds a Sony audio system, bi-xenon lights, LED rear lights and Quickclear heated windscreen while the ST-3 includes an in-dash six CD player plus full leather trim.

In common with other versions of the Focus family, the Focus ST features new options: a Tyre Deflation Detection System, a new audio connectivity module for external devices like Bluetooth, voice control and navigation systems plus various infotainment options including an affordable sat nav system with SD card slot.

Under the bonnet, there are no technical changes: there is the familiar 225bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder Duratec engine which enables the ST to achieve a top speed of 150mph and run the 0-62mph in just 6.8 seconds.