Ford's wide-ranging, customer-driven in-vehicle technology and features continue to gain recognition and awards from industry experts. Both Ford Work Solutions and SYNC – two Ford-exclusive technologies – will be honored with International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2010 Innovations Design and Engineering Awards. Ford Work Solutions' in-dash computer won 2010 Best of Innovations in the category of In-Vehicle Accessories. SYNC's latest application, Traffic, Directions & Information, was honored in the category of In-Vehicle Navigation/Telematics/ITS (Intelligent Transportation System).
EcoBoost engine technology is driving younger, more affluent customers to Ford showrooms. And many of these buyers are hot to trade in their competitive-make vehicles to get their hands on one equipped with the fuel-efficient direct-injection turbocharged EcoBoost engine. “EcoBoost technology is helping bring in a new customer to Ford dealer showrooms,” said Amy Marentic, Ford group marketing manager. “This customer is younger, more affluent, and more often trades in competitive products.”
Just one year after Ford unveiled the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor at the SEMA show, Ford today is announcing the long-anticipated power figures for the all-new 6.2-liter premium V-8 engine now available in this ultimate high-speed off-road performance truck. When this optional powertrain in the Raptor arrives in showrooms in early 2010, the 6.2-liter V-8 will produce 411 hp and 434 ft.-lb. of torque, making Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup available. Customers will now have the choice of two V-8 engines in the Raptor, Ford’s proven 5.4-liter Triton V-8 or the new 6.2-liter V-8, which can be ordered beginning Dec. 1, with an MSRP of $41,995 including destination and delivery.
If you are looking to purchase a pickup truck this weekend, now is the time! Huge savings are available this weekend on all major brands including Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, and Nissan with discounts ranging from $3,500 off to $5,000 as well as 0 percent interest rates! Check out the full listing inside.
Hot rodders have always lived by the motto "There's no replacement for displacement," indicating that the more cubic inches an engine has, the better the resulting performance. Ford Powertrain and Detroit Street Rods are out to prove that thinking out-of-date with their EcoBoost™-powered '34 Ford hot rod.
The new 2011 Ford Super Duty is the ultimate tough truck on any job site. With all-new powertrains, upgraded capability and tougher-than-ever new styling, the rugged, durable and strong truck is a valuable member of any work crew. This custom DeWALT edition of the new Super Duty is designed to drive improved productivity and performance for the serious contractor with a host of innovative features and upgrades inside and out. One of the most powerful enhancements is Ford Work Solutions™, the exclusive system from Ford that helps turn Super Duty into the ultimate mobile office and helps contractors effectively manage their tool inventories through Tool Link™ and Customized On-Board Storage.
Project FX2 Sport 6.2L H.O. showcases the new Ford F-150, the Ford Vehicle Personalization Team, Ford Racing, Genuine Ford Accessories and Ford Licensed Accessories. Starting with America’s best-selling full-size pickup for 32 straight years, the Vehicle Personalization Team delivers the new head-turning 2010 F-150 FX2 Sport production package.
Malibu Customz has taken their talent for customization and accented it by teaming up with world-renowned artist Mickey Harris to create the 2009 “Freedom Truck” as a tribute to all the people who serve or have served in the U.S. armed forces.
Chevrolet recently uploaded a promotional video on YouTube to showcase their upcoming graphics packages for the 2010 Camaro and allow fans to vote for the vehicle via their Facebook page. If you look closely in the background and turn on HD mode, you'll notice something in the works of a new pickup truck. When I did this I was able to read the rendered artwork which states "Silverado Baja Offroad Vehicle". It looks as if Chevrolet is trying to contend with Ford's 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor and our guess is that Chevrolet will release a concept vehicle at the 2009 SEMA Show showing off the new offroad truck. Stay tuned.
The crew at K-Daddyz Kustomz has applied their street influence with a touch of urban luxury to this Ford F-150. Staying true to their “In Your Face” style of building, this truck boasts 24-inch wheels with a radical air bag suspension. The custom two-tone paint grabs your attention while remaining classy. And in case you really need to get there quickly, the 5.4-liter supercharged engine will deliver. Whether drawing crowds at a show or turning heads on the boulevard, this F-150 plays for keeps. After all, it’s Built Ford Tough.
A company by the name of Sean Hyland Motorsports are tearing the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor apart and making the truck much more badass for customers across the U.S. Hyland is adding a supercharger to the base F-150 5.4 engine which produces over 750 horsepower and 700 foot pounds of torque as well as a 6 speed manual or a 4 speed automatic transmission. Other upgrades include a fuel system, cooling system, exhaust, suspension, wheels, and tires.
The truck will be available for purchase this Fall.
A company by the name of Late Model Restoration are gaining some attention on the web with their less-than-modified 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. The company removed the side graphics off of the truck revealing a much "cleaner" stance for some. Either way, the truck is grabbing some attention across the net as anticipation for the pickup truck finally arrives at dealer lots. What are your thoughts?
The last video has landed from Ford's 2011 Super Duty video series and is called Power Take Off. It's not the traditional power launch we're used to, but instead a new technology that has been introduced that generates power from the transmission itself...enough to power a snow plow, salt spreaders, and more. Very interesting technology.
Our second to last video from Ford's 2011 Super Duty video series takes a look at the New Turbocharger. Mike Rowe explains the nitty gritty about the new turbocharger from it's central position on the engine to a dual compressor wheel with single shaft design. It's only 52 seconds long but there's a lot of information packed in.
The NHTSA is looking into 8 reports regarding the Ford F-150 where the airbag has deployed unnecessarily and may effect up to half a million trucks. Those effected in the accidents said the airbag deployed "during ignition or seconds after the engine had started". Ford is working closely with the NHTSA to fix the problem.
The 5th episode from the 2011 Ford Super Duty video series focuses on Durability and the "toughness" that goes into each truck. This video is a bit shorter at 1 minute but highlights the details that make each truck durable.
Superlift Suspensions and Hot Wheels have teamed up to create a custom Ford F-150 for the 2010 SEMA Show this year. The truck features a 6 inch Superlift suspension kit, 20x9 American Outlaw wheels with 35 inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires. Other upgrades include custom "Hot Wheels" graphics to match the toy, Bushwascker fender flares, AMP Research power steps, Magnaflow exhaust, and a Kicker audio system.
Today's episode from the 2011 Ford Super Duty video series is called Extreme Weather Testing, where we take an in depth look of the extreme measures Ford takes as part of the development of their trucks. Here's Episode 4: Extreme Weather Testing.
The third video from Ford's 2011 Super Duty series is called The Voice of the Customer. Hosted by Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs, the video series takes a look at the development, technology, and extensive testing Ford placed into every category of the new truck. Here's Episode 3: The Voice of the Customer.
Today we are showing Ford's second video, The Powertrain, from their behind the scenes series. Hosted by Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs, the video series takes a look at the development, technology, and extensive testing Ford placed into every category of the new truck. Here's Episode 2: The Powertrain.
It looks a bit like a racing game in a video arcade, but the driver wears headphones. The object of this high-tech drive down the digital highway: perfect the sound quality inside a future Ford vehicle long before the first prototype is ever built. Ford Motor Company is the first North American automaker to utilize the Virtual Vehicle Sound Simulator to fine-tune sound inside a vehicle's cabin, part of a continuing effort by Ford to deliver industry-leading quietness and refinement with minimal noise, vibration and harshness.
Our friend Mike Levine over at PickupTrucks has captured a spy shot of a SuperCrew version of the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup truck. Ford added a fake camouflaged roof to the bed of the truck but there's no mistaking this Raptor from it's 35 inch BFG tires, unique SVT wheels, flared fenders and custom front end. Check out more spyshots at PUT.
Leadership demands continuous improvement. When it comes to Ford F-Series powertrains, continuous improvement has been a constant across several dimensions. Fuel economy. Torque. Horsepower. Durability. Reliability. Flexible fueling options. All those attributes are available and apparent across all F-Series truck lines, ready for customers to do their jobs with the best combination of capability and fuel economy. The next-generation Super Duty, available in 2010, features all-new diesel and gasoline engines and a new TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission, enabling best-in-class towing and payload.
The 2011 Ford Super Duty contains a wealth of new technologies – from all-new powertrains to software designed to take full advantage of the truck’s continuing best-in-class towing and payload capability – so that customers can get the job done efficiently. Ford research shows that 97 percent of Super Duty customers tow, underscoring the importance of the new Super Duty’s best-in-class towing capability.
The 2011 Ford Super Duty contains a wealth of new technologies – from all-new powertrains to software designed to take full advantage of the truck’s continuing best-in-class towing and payload capability – so that customers can get the job done efficiently. Ford research shows that 97 percent of Super Duty customers tow, underscoring the importance of the new Super Duty’s best-in-class towing capability.
A new era in Ford diesel technology arrives with the Ford-engineered, Ford-tested and Ford-manufactured 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel engine. Debuting in the next-generation Ford F-Series Super Duty truck, the new diesel engine will deliver significant improvements in torque and horsepower as well as class-leading fuel economy while adding more fueling flexibility and easily meeting stringent new emissions requirements.
Ford Super Duty customers expect and demand capability from the best-selling heavy-duty truck in America. For most Super Duty owners, it’s the core asset of their business. Day after day, year after year, it’s expected to deliver results in the most demanding situations. No nonsense. And never any excuses. “Our Super Duty customers do some of America’s toughest jobs,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “Every day they’re out there working with little fanfare and all they ask is the right tool for the job. The new 2011 Super Duty offers them a truck with best-in-class towing and payload, all-new powertrains and even more capability than ever to help them do their jobs.”
People who know diesel engines are familiar with, and expect, the noisy clatter generally associated with diesels. That is, until now. When Ford's new 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel engine debuts in the 2011 Super Duty lineup, it's expected to be the quietest, smoothest diesel on the market, outperforming its closest competitors by several decibels. Engineering and design improvements to the all-new Ford-engineered, Ford-tested and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® turbocharged diesel engine – debuting in the 2011 F-Series Super Duty – eliminate the harsh sounds of the typical diesel to make it one of the quietest and smoothest diesels on the market. Significantly quieter than its toughest competitor, the 6.7-liter diesel challenges traditional views about how diesels should sound.
Ford secretly removed the "Fat Boy" option from the 2010 Ford F-350 Super Duty lineup due to low demand for the option. Containing a widetrack monobeam front suspension and extended axle, the setup is a standard configuration for the F-450 which uses Class 4 suspension. Dropping the option also tightened the F-350's turning radius from 56 feet to 50 feet, useful on city streets.
The Fall season has finally arrived and that means rebates and massive discounts are here as well. Ford is offering 0 percent financing for 60 months or $4,500 cash back on F-150 pickup trucks. If you'd like to pick up a F-250, F-350, F-450 or F-550, Ford is offering $5,000 instant cash back. The price rebates come on top of already low pickup truck pricing. Not bad!
Now here's a truck, not that Honda thing I spoke about yesterday. Ever wonder how the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor got its name? An article from TruckTrend holds the answer. "Truth is indeed stranger than fiction. Ford's SVT-developed, FOX Racing Shox-suspended, ultimate offroad truck owes its name to, of all things, a bean counter". Head on over to their site to read the full article of how the awesome SVT Raptor got it's name.
MBRP has matched Ford's re-design of its top selling F-150, innovation for innovation. Available in your choice of single side, dual split side and dual split rear these performance exhaust systems perform, look and sound like no other.
A sound clip of Ford's new 6.7 liter Power Stroke Diesel engine has appeared on the internet, showcasing how the motor injects fuel 5 times more per stroke than it's previous models as well as how diesel engine technology continues to become "quieter", although it's hard to tell from the sound bite itself.
Ford Motor Company today announced it is adding third production shifts at its Dearborn Truck Plant and Kansas City Assembly Plant’s sport utility line to help meet strong demand for Ford F-150 pickups and Escape utility vehicles. In August, Ford expects to post its first monthly year-over-year sales increase for F-Series trucks since October 2006, as well as another record-setting sales month for Escape.
A new era in Ford diesel technology arrives with the Ford-engineered, Ford-tested and Ford-manufactured 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine. Debuting in the next-generation F-Series Super Duty truck, the new diesel engine will deliver significant improvements in torque, horsepower and fuel economy while adding more fueling flexibility and easily meeting stringent new emissions requirements.
Although Ford has placed an end to the life of the Ford Ranger pickup in 2011, the company is increasing production over the next three months to meet up with small pickup truck demand. The demand seems to be spawning from the federal government's Cash for Clunkers program, where owners can trade in their old "clunker" for a new automobile.
Sales wise, Ford sold more than 3,000 Rangers last month, an increase over the same time period in 2008.
More spyshots today from Pickuptrucks. This time it's a couple shots from a 2011 Ford Super Duty cruising through the desert. The next generation Super Duty seems to be looking a whole lot closer to the F-250 Super Chief Concept that debuted several years ago. Noticeable changes include a new grille, re-designed front and rear fenders, change in placement of the side emblems, new front bumper, and what seems to be a power dome hood found on the 2010 Mustang GT.
Preparing to blaze new trails, the all-new 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is ready for the most challenging desert adventures. But this purpose-built, high-speed off-road truck also is engineered to be versatile enough to take on the everyday commute. “With Raptor, we’re taking the established performance of the F-150 to the next level and proving just how much Ford trucks can do,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president for Global Product Development. “The F-150 SVT Raptor doesn’t just appear to be off-road-ready. It is off-road-ready. It was built with the off-road enthusiast in mind and will give consumers an off-road experience no other vehicle can.”
Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and FOX Racing Shox are taking consumers where no other OEM has taken them before: off-road in the desert with the internal triple bypass shocks, exclusively available on the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor – an industry-first on a production truck. With 12.1 inches of usable travel in the rear suspension and 11.2 inches in the front, the softly sprung suspension has enough travel to handle the toughest terrain in the desert. Usable travel is what matters – most trucks have seven to eight inches, but are so stiffly sprung that the actual movement is much less.
Mike Harrison’s enthusiasm for V-8 engines is apparent. Harrison, Ford Motor Company’s premium V-8 systems manager, is particularly excited about the availability of the new 6.2-liter V-8 that will power the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Producing an estimated 400 horsepower and 400 ft.-lb. of torque, Harrison rattles off the new engine’s components and features quickly and easily, pointing them out and explaining them with more than a trace of pride.
Rumor on the net is saying that the United States Border Patrol and Department of HOmeland Security are "seriously considering" purchasing at least 10 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup trucks to help patrol the border. The delivery of Fords for government use would not be the first, with the Ford Bronco being a major player in the 1980's. The sources are also stating that the Border Patrol is asking Ford to equip the interiors with work truck interiors, instead of the premium interiors found in the retail version of the pickup truck. We'll keep you posted.
Customer demand for Ford's fuel-efficient vehicles coupled with the U.S. government's Car Allowance Rebate System ("Cash for Clunkers") enabled Ford to post the first sales increase of any major manufacturer in 2009. Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers reported 118,197 retail sales in July, up 9 percent versus a year ago. Total sales (including fleet customer deliveries) were 158,838, up 2 percent versus last year. "We had another strong month in progress before the 'Cash for Clunkers' program started," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service.
News across the net states that Ford will be axing production and sales of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac sometime soon. In 2010 Ford will launch a new unibody Explorer leaving the pickup truck version in its dust. Sales for the Explorer Sport Trac were just 78,439 in the entire year of 2008. Peace out Sport Trac.
MBRP Inc. has now released its long awaited 5" stainless performance exhaust systems for Chevy/GMC, Ford and Dodge diesel pick-up trucks. Crafted from sixteen gauge T409 stainless steel these monster sized pipes deliver a deep and distinctive exhaust note and reduced EGTs. Of course, as part of MBRP's XP Series their rugged durability is backed by MBRP's Lifetime Warranty. These 5" stainless systems are available in Turbo Back, Cat Back and Filter Back configurations.
The all-new 2009 Ford Flex and the new 2009 Ford F-150 are the most “accessory-friendly” SUV and truck, respectively, according to members of the automotive media who selected winners for the most recent SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Design Awards. SEMA Design Awards honor vehicles a select group of voters chose as the most inviting and receptive to accessorization in four categories: car, SUV, truck and hybrid. Several unique, customized interpretations of both the Flex and F-150 were on display in Las Vegas at the SEMA show, the world’s premier automotive specialty products trade event.
MOTORZ TV is at it again, this time showing you how to install a Leonard Racing SpyderShaft aluminum drive shaft and a Steeda Tri-Ax short throw shifter on a 2008 Ford Mustang GT.
Ford Motor Company posted a U.S. sales loss of only 11 percent for the month of June, far ahead of the competition from both Detroit and Japan. However our friends from the north, Canada, are experiencing growth where Ford ranked number one in sales for the first time in over 50 years.
Ford posted a 25 percent increase in sales over the same time last year, where Toyota and Honda experienced declines of 17 percent.
So why is Ford doing so well these days? The sales increase is being pinpointed on increases in CUV and SUV sales, up 41 percent, as well as the F-150 up 59 percent.
Ford has received a handful of requests for a SuperCrew version of the SVT F-150 Raptor pickup truck set to go on sale this Fall. Mike Levine of Pickuptrucks spoke with Mark Grueber, For'd Marketing Manager where he found out "We've had requests for a crew cab [Raptor]," said Grueber. "We haven't made any decisions but there's some demand for it. Not everyone is going to use [the Raptor] for aggressive off-roading. It could be something similar to the four-door [Jeep] Wrangler".
Ford has received orders higher than expected for the pickup truck, so a crew cab version is very possible in the future.
JD Power and Associates have ranked both the 2009 Ford F-150 and 2009 Toyota Tundra as the number one trucks based on initial quality. The trucks tied for first place earning an average rating of 88 problems per 100 trucks sold in a new owner survey. Ford Group Vice President, Bennie Fowler commented "“Back in the design phase we were already thinking about quality,” Fowler said. “We did a series of virtual prove-outs [in computers] that simulated bringing the F-150 out of design and into production on the assembly line”. The 2009 Honda Ridgeline somehow took the Midsize pickup truck category.
Reality, documentary and branded entertainment television leaders BCII premiered their new feature documentary film Raptor – Born in Baja on Tuesday, June 23 at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, California to 500+ automotive and off-road motorsports executives, entertainment industry heavyweights, celebrity guests and press. Raptor – Born in Baja follows the story of a group of Ford Motor Company designers, engineers and race program directors, along with a number of aftermarket support teams, as they construct, test and unveil their new F-150 Raptor SVT truck to the automotive world by entering it in the toughest point-to-point off-road race anywhere...the infamous Baja 1000. Planned, shot and produced over 16 months, the film's story plays dramatically like the early Apollo space missions, while at the same time making a powerful brand statement for Ford.
"The Onion" has created a spoof of a new "break out" reality show called "Auto Warriors" where two Ford manufacturing plants go against each other to see which one can build the 1,000 Ford Focus vehicles in 24 hours--without electricity. The losing plant gets shut down in "high stakes fun".
Our friend Mike Levine of Pickuptrucks had the opportunity to interview Ford diesel engineers and ask them questions about Ford's "bobcat" dual fuel engine which blends gasoline and ethanol into each cylinder, delivering power equivalent to a diesel powered engine. The technology is actually really interesting as is worth the read.
Ford Motor Company will be the featured automaker of the 2009 SEMA Show taking place Nov. 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. “Ford has always been a strong supporter of SEMA and our industry," said Christopher J. Kersting, president and CEO of SEMA. “We are pleased to announce their participation as Vehicle Manufacturer of the Show and to be collaborating with them on several branding and technology programs.”
For the past year the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Service, a division of the fire department, has used a fleet of 2009 Ford Escape Hybrids to help save lives while reducing fuel consumption and protecting the environment. During the first 11 months of service, Escape Hybrids have played a crucial part in thousands of rescues and more than a million rescue preventions at L.A. County beaches.
It's an everyday maneuver that can add stress and elevate blood pressure in novice and veteran drivers alike. It's parallel parking. Active Park Assist, an all-new driver aide technology available in the distinctive new 2010 Lincoln MKT three-row luxury crossover vehicle, will address the "top 10" anxieties in the parallel parking process.
Ford's all-new 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will be making its Hollywood debut on June 23 when a new feature film about the ultimate production off-road performance truck hits the silver screen. "Raptor – Born in Baja" – produced by Brentwood Communications (BCII) in conjunction with Ford Motor Company – will premiere at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, Calif., before an audience of more than 500 automotive and off-road motorsports executives, entertainment industry heavyweights, celebrity guests and members of the press.
ROUSH Performance has announced a line of ROUSH propane-powered pickups and vans will soon be available for Canadian fleet customers. The announcement was made in conjunction with the 42nd Annual Conference of the Propane Gas Association of Canada (PGAC) being held at the Westin Ottawa Hotel June 4 and 5. The first ROUSH propane-powered vehicles that will be available in Canada are based on the Ford F-250 and F-350 pickups, with both offering reduced operating costs and lower greenhouse emissions than their gasoline-powered counterparts. ROUSH also announced that they would be converting E-Series vans to run on liquid propane and these would also be available for Canadian customers later this year. It is anticipated that each model will have the necessary Transport Canada and other required certifications.
Leading truck cap and tonneau cover manufacturer A.R.E. offers its Deluxe Commercial Unit (DCU) to outfit a wide selection of 2009 truck models, including the Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Ram, Ford F150 and F250, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Isuzu, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra and more. The Deluxe Commercial Unit is an ideal solution for the construction, pest control and landscaping industries. A.R.E.'s DCU is made of fully welded aluminum frame construction and has more than 100 options to give professionals the power to create a customizable solution for their work trucks.
Cars.com posted a list of the top selling cars for the month of May and surprisingly enough, the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado came out on top with 33,381 and 31,463 units sold. The two trucks beat the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and more. The Ford Escape SUV also made the 10th spot on the list, with 16,391 units sold. Impressive! Dodge however did not make the list with their new Ram.
As the busy summer driving and family vacation season gets underway, Ford continues its commitment to delivering high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles for consumers to maximize their fun, relaxation and convenience during this welcomed time of year. To take it a step further, through the end of June, the "Drive the Ford Difference" event provides added peace of mind, with Ford covering up to three months worth of payments on any new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle, as well as 0 percent financing.
IHS Global Insight are forecasting Ford Motor Company to surpass General Motors in production for 2009 with 1.9 million units to be produced in North America. The IHS ranks Honda in third with 1.1 million units, Toyota in fourth with 904,000 units, and Chrysler taking up the rear with 903,000 units (don't know how that is possible when they're not really selling any vehicles?).
The IHS also predicts North American sale to fall around 8.4 million units, down 156,000 from last month. North American sales are still down 37.8 percent compared to a year before.
Consumer Reports put together a top 40 "best deals on domestic new cars" which include discounts up to 25 percent below MSRP with the 2009 Nissan Titan SE 4X4 Crew Cab SWB coming out on top with a 25 percent discount. Other vehicles include the 2009 Nissan Armada LE 4X4 at 20 percent, 2009 Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe at 20 percent, 2009 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew 157-in at 20 percent, 2009 Ford Escape XLT 2.5L 4WD at 15 percent, 2009 Honda Ridgeline 3.5 Auto RTS at 15 percent, 2009 Toyota Tundra 5.7 Auto 4WD SR5 Crew Max at 15 percent, 2009 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4 EL at 15 percent, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1LT 4X4 Crew Cab at 15 percent and many more.
Head on over to the Consumer Reports article to see the rest of the list.
Kelly Blue Book have rated the top 10 road trip vehicles with the 2009 Ford F-150 SuperCrew pickup truck ranking in as the best "towing trip" vehicle for 09. "When hitting the open road includes bringing something along that requires a hitch, look to the Ford F-150 to deliver. With a max tow rating exceeding 11,000 pounds and an integrated tow system, this truck meets the needs of even the most hard-core towing fanatics. Couple its rugged capabilities with a handsome exterior, refined interior and an available SuperCrew Cab offering limo-like legroom, and you're ready for the long haul.". To check out the other 9 vehicles including the Lexus LX 570 SUV, head on over to the KBB top 10 page.
Since we all know that print is dead, Motor Trend have posted their comparison online of the 2009 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Lariat versus the 2009 Toyota Tundra SuperCrew Limited. The bottom line of their review placed the Ford F-150 in first place stating "There's simply more design maturity here" and the Toyota Tundra in second. The reason why? "Faster and more fun to drive, but the new world order of trucks is likely to emphasize practical details over driving grins".
Spy photographers for Pickuptrucks.com caught new pictures of the Ford's next generation global Ford Ranger pickup truck. The photos showcase a single and double cab version of the truck and a large re-design of the exterior styling. A source close to the project said it "will likely be powered by a new 1.6 liter, four cylinder direct injection turbocharged EcoBoost engine" with figures around "175 horsepower and 180 ft lbs".
Ford and ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” are looking for the ultimate community hero. The deadline is May 31. Under the “Heroes F-150 Campaign,” Ford will award a 2009 Ford F-150 and $250,000 to “makeover” a portion of his or her community. The makeover project will be announced in late summer. Students, parents, community members, school staff, military staff, police staff and firefighting staff are asked to nominate their community hero for the Heroes F-150 contest at www.TheHeroesF150.comnow through May 31.
Ford Motor Company have issued a recall of nearly 9,000 2009 F-150 pickup trucks for "failing to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108", meaning the brake stop lamp switch may be illuminate with a delay or in some cases not at all. Owners are encouraged to contact the Ford Motor Company Company Consumer Relationship Department at 1-866-436-7332 or online at www.ownerconnection.com
According to Autoweek, Ford is delaying the F-150's diesel engine from it's current expected release date in 2010. Ford's President of the Americas Mark Fields said "No new date has been scheduled" and "We've put it on the back burner for right now". An insider with one Ford plant said "the diesel F-150 has officially been delayed until 2013" but "it will likely be canceled outright".
Ford Motor Company are looking better and better these days thanks to the bailout crisis of Chrysler and the confused state of General Motors. The only automaker from Detroit to decline federal aid of loans, Ford Motor Company are creating a positive image of the company and separating from the rest of the pack. 63 percent of respondents look at Ford in a "positive light" now, compared to the 41 percent just a year ago. Ford took a huge risk when declining the government aid but now it seems their PR efforts are paying off.
Beyond 0 percent financing on select models and payment protection for a full year, Ford Motor Company is expanding its Ford Advantage Plan to ensure critical breast cancer services aren’t compromised while charities work to weather the challenging economy. Today, Ford is announcing it will donate $20 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in the name of each prospective customer that test drives a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle through June 1, 2009, up to $1 million. Dealers also may match Ford’s individual $20 contributions in the name of each customer, up to $1,000 per dealership.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a warning for owners of 2002 to 2005 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer SUV's due to 200 complaints where the vehicles were said to have gone out of park and into reverse on its own. During those model years, nearly 1.5 million SUV's were produced which could possibly result in a massive recall for Ford. No issue has been recalled yet but the NHTSA are taking a "preliminary evaluation... to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences of the alleged defect and any relationship of the alleged gearshift lever mechanism failures to the alleged vehicle rollaway incidents". A Ford spokes person also commented, "We do not see a safety risk and we will be fully cooperating with the government with the investigation".
Ford is working on a documentary film about their 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor production pickup truck build as well as their Raptor R race truck which was featured in the Baja 1,000 last year. The film is expected to be released this summer but for now here's a trailer.
Automobile Magazine caught new pictures of the next generation 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup truck on the road outside Ford's facilities in Dearborn, Michigan. The front end and bed sides have been camouflaged completely and the exposed cab does show a re-designed exterior, specifically the area around the rear window. The front end seems to show off a very large grille similar to the Super Chief concept but the rest of the design remains the same as Ford's 2008 update. Super Duty fans looking for a 2011 refresh won't see a whole lot, judging by these photos.
For years, truck capability has been measured in maximum towing and payload ratings. Ford Work Solutions adds another dimension of capability for commercial truck owners by delivering fully integrated mobile office functionality on the job site – an industry first. Ford Work Solutions features were developed through hands-on research with contractors and skilled tradespeople in multiple markets around the country. The features and their functionality were also created under the auto industry's voluntary guidelines to limit driver distraction.
Ford Racing are allowing fans to chat LIVE on their Twitter account today at 5:15 Eastern Standard Time. The Live chat will happen with Greg Biffle of Ford Racing for 15 minutes. Click here to check out Ford Racing's Twitter account.
Ford Motor Company has completed a $200 million investment in the retooling of its Kentucky Truck Plant for production of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. The retooling includes the installation of a flexible body shop that will allow the plant to produce more fuel efficient 2009 model Expedition and Navigator SUVs alongside popular Ford F-Series Super Duty pickups. The Kentucky Truck Plant makeover is part of a move by Ford toward leaner and more flexible manufacturing across its North American plant lineup.
The "Terrible's 250" race saw the running of the F-150 SVT Raptor R for the second time this season in the Best In The Desert race series. The F-150 SVT Raptor R completed the approximately 220-mile loop race in the Nevada desert in 6:08:30.000, finishing 2nd in Class 8000. The F-150 SVT Raptor R is currently in 2nd place in Class 8000 after two races in the 2009 season. As a way of thanking the off-road community for their support of Raptor since its debut, participants and enthusiast spectators were given pricing details of the highly-anticipated 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor during the pre-race driver's meeting on Friday, April 17. The 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor with a 320-horsepower 5.4-liter V-8 engine will have a MSRP of $38,995 (destination & delivery included) when it arrives in dealer showrooms in summer 2009.
By 2013, 90 percent of Ford’s North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost engine technology, which is one of Ford’s key initiatives to deliver significant advancements in fuel economy without sacrificing the performance customers want. Ford engineers used virtual tools and know-how to perfect the combustion system of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine in order to handle a wider range of operating conditions and pressures, and still deliver V-8 power coupled with V-6 fuel economy.
Good ole' Exxon Mobil earned the first place spot on the Fortune 500 for 2008, achieving $443 billion in sales and $45 billion in revenue, passing Wal-Mart and dropping the giant to second place with only $406 billion for 2008. Not far behind were Chevron and ConocoPhillips in 3rd and 4th place, where ConocoPhillips actually lost $17 billion in 2008 due to money losing oil refineries. Amazingly, Ford Motor Company and General Motors rounded off the 6th and 7th place victories as top companies.
Ford Motor Company, continuing its rapid quality improvement, surpassed Honda in initial vehicle quality for the first time and reached new levels of customer satisfaction with vehicle quality, a new survey shows. Ford is also statistically tied with Toyota at the top of the industry when it comes to initial vehicle quality, according to the 2009 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) survey conducted quarterly for Ford by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
Mike Levine of Pickuptrucks revealed information regarding the pricing of the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup truck. Starting at $38,995, the new SVT Raptor is approximately $3,000 more than an F-150 FX4 pickup but can do a whole lot more. Just wait till Ford drops their new 6.2 liter BOSS motor inside, woohoo!
Ford Motor Company and partner ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is searching for community Heroes looking to make a difference The Heroes F-150 campaign is awarding an all new 2009 Ford F-150 and $250,000 to help build or rebuild a portion of his or her community. The nomination period is open now at www.TheHeroesF150.com and participants will have a chance to nominate their Hero until May 31, 2009.
As the market for Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUVs) continues to grow, Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC is meeting customer demand with its Coil-Rite air helper springs kits for CUVs, including the new 2009 Ford Flex, 2007-2009 Ford Edge, 2007-2009 Lincoln MKX and 2002-2007 Saturn Vue. "Many drivers are turning to smaller crossover vehicles that are more fuel efficient than trucks and SUVs," said Todd Green, regional sales manager, Firestone Industrial Products, Ride-Rite division. "By adding an air helper springs kit, drivers can maximize the functionality and the safe load carrying capacity of their CUV when towing gear for weekend camping trips or family vacations."
Ford Motor Company was the top online automotive advertiser in January 2009, delivering nearly half a billion display advertisement impressions across the intarweb. Close in second was Toyota with nearly 400 million impressions and General Motors tagging along in third place with 316 million impressions. The three companies accounted for nearly 26 percent of all online advertisements for January and teamed with seven other automotive manufacturers, accounted for 58 percent of all online advertisements. Ad impressions totaled nearly 2 billion during the month of January.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has granted approval to the ROUSH® propane-powered F-150 pickup which means that it meets the strict emission standards of the state. This is the first propane-powered vehicle to receive On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD II) CARB-approval since the board enacted substantially stricter guidelines on light-duty vehicles for this alternative fuel in 2004.
Ford are making sure their new 6.7 liter "Scorpion" diesel V8 motor, slated for the next generation Super Duty, doesn't reach the hands of its competitors by filing patents for the new engine. The patent describes a pushrod, 4 valve per cylinder set up that utilizes an inboard exhaust along with a turbo charger. Details filed with the patent also state the engine could be used in both the gasoline and diesel configuration. There's even some speculation that the motor could show up in the 2010 Mustang but that has not been confirmed by the automaker.
Last week Ford's DigiKnows brought you their 5th live episode discussing the background of technology behind Ford's Work Solutions. This week host Michael Collins will be interviewing Kim Cape and Andrew Ashman, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Marketing Managers, to discuss Ford’s commitment to offering peace of mind to Americans who are considering the purchase of a new vehicle. Michael and his guests will outline the features of the new Ford Advantage Plan and how it compares to others offered. The webcast will also include a step-by-step look at how to get the most residual value in the next vehicle you buy.
Tune in tomorrow here at Truckblog at Noon eastern time to watch the live show.
Reports across the intarweb are stating the new 2011 Ford Explorer will be built off the current Taurus X platform (a uni-body crossover). According to union officials, the next generation Explorer will also be built at Ford's Chicago plant beginning in 2011. Ford is also expected to equip the CUV with their new Ecoboost turbo charged V6 engine with direct injection which offers a 30 percent fuel efficiency increase.
Ford Motor Company is introducing the most comprehensive program available to boost consumers’ buying confidence and begin rebuilding the American economy with the new Ford Advantage Plan. The plan gives customers another reason to “Drive One” with payment protection of up to 12 months on any new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle, 0 percent financing on select vehicles and added local charity support. “Consumers remain anxious about the economy and their own outlook for the future. We at Ford want to do our part to rebuild faith in the marketplace by offering payment protection on every new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle for up to a year if our customers lose their jobs,” said Ken Czubay, vice president of Sales and Marketing.
Ford CEO Alan Mulally will take another pay cut this year, an additional 37 percent. In 2007 the CEO made $21.67 million, followed by a pay cut in 2008 dropping his pay check to $13.57 million. The 2009 cut comes as the company continues to re-construct their companies financial situation. A worldwide incentive compensation program was also axed, as well as compensation packages for board members for 2009.
Automotive rendering specialist, Mark Stehrenberger, posted his version of the next generation 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty on Pickuptrucks.com. The 2011 platform is expecting a complete refresh from it's current 10 year old body styling, adding more truck and more "tonka" like features grabbed from Ford's F-350 Tonka concept back in 2002.
If the speculation behind this rendering is true, we can expect Super Duty owners to be slightly disappointed due to the consistent styling from the F-150 and the lack of a "Super" heavier duty truck. Exterior styling aside, the re-designed truck is expected to receive Ford's now 6.7 liter "Scorpion" V8 diesel motor which will replace the current 6.2 liter.
Ford Motor Company is taking full advantage of the fuel economy, performance and reliability benefits associated with Electric Power Steering (EPS) on a variety of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products, but the company isn’t stopping there. Customers already behind the wheel of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, one of Ford’s first products to sport EPS, also are enjoying other clever – yet subtle – steering characteristics that enhance drive quality. One such EPS-enabled feature, pull-drift compensation, is a software-based technology that helps drivers offset vehicle pulling or drifting that can occur in steady crosswinds or on uneven roads.
New television ads began airing this week around the country touting the unparalleled safety features that make the 2009 Ford F-150 America’s Safest Truck. The new safety ads continue the straightforward, no-nonsense campaign launched last fall. In rapid-fire fashion, the narrator tells viewers: “All right, so you’re driving down the freeway doing about 60 when you notice the guy next to you is steering with his knees, eating a cheeseburger and talking on the phone. And that is exactly why the Ford F-150 is the safest truck in America. It's got a high-strength steel safety cage, side-impact air bags, safety canopy, five-star crash rating, and roll stability control. Because it’s not just crazy out there, it’s certifiably insane. It’s not just a pickup truck. It’s the 2009 Motor Trend Truck of the Year.”
Our friends from Ford's DigiKnows are airing their 5th live episode at 12:00 Noon Eastern Standard Time today that is called "Episode #5— Stay Connected and Productive with Ford Work Solutions™ Technology". Host Michael Collins will take people behind the scenes for the inside scoop on all things Ford and how the company is redefining the way truck owners do business.
You can join in and ask questions to experts across the internet in a live interactive streaming video event. To participate or view the event, head on over to Ford's Digital Snippets website and remember the event starts at 12:00 Noon Eastern Standard Time.
A.R.E. offers its popular line of truck caps and tonneau covers for the 2009 Ford F-150 pickup, all cab and box configurations. Designed according to the F-150 truck bed's exact size and shape, A.R.E.'s fiberglass truck cap and tonneau covers are painted to match using the OEM paint code for a high-quality appearance. The toppers and their painted finishes are backed by a limited lifetime warranty from A.R.E. for the life of the pickup truck they are originally installed on.
MSN Autos have placed the 2009 Dodge Ram vs. 2009 Ford F-150 and 2009 Chevy Silverado head to head in four separate tests which include a head to head battle, 20 plus miles per gallon test, top sellers comparison, and a towing challenge. The review drives through the truck-pocalypse and answers the big question: who's got the toughest truck?
Pickuptrucks have caught a new image of Ford's "Scorpion" 6.7 liter diesel V8 engine slated for production this fall to replace the current 6.4 liter diesel. Known for it's clean diesel technology, the 6.7 liter's power targets are more than 390 horsepower and 720 foot pounds of torque, up from a previous 350 and 650 specification. Fuel efficiency is also expected to increase nearly 3 miles per gallon in conjunction with Ford's new six speed automatic transmission.
The Ford F-Series Super Duty once again took Work Truck of the Year honors at the National Truck Equipment Association Work Truck Show, March 4. Ford also earned the 2008 Work Truck of the Year honor, the first year of the award program, sponsored by Work Truck magazine. The fleet industry professionals among Work Truck readers determined the winner though online ballot.
Kelley Blue Book announced that Ford Motor Company is the winner of the 2009 Brand Image Award for the “Most Rugged Truck Brand,” the Ford F-150. The 2009 Brand Image Awards are based on consumer data collected from more than 12,000 shoppers on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. These customers are in the market for a new vehicle. “The winners of this year’s Brand Image Awards exemplify automotive brands that are on the right track, making a great impression with consumers not just on a specific model level, but across the entire brand lineup,” said Jack P. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com.
According to an article on The Detroit Free Press, AT&T announced they will spend $565 million dollars on 15,000 Ford Motor Company hybrid and natural gas powered vehicles over the next ten years. AT&T will spend $350 million on nearly 8,000 natural gas trucks like the propane powered trucks from Roush.
AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson commented on the decision "While there are no easy solutions to the challenges facing our nation, this investment is a first step on our part to help boost other industries while at the same time encouraging wider use and production of efficient vehicles and domestic fuel alternatives".
