Autoblog

George W. Bush's Ford F-150 to be auctionated at this year's Barrett-Jackson

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Auctions, Ford, Celebrities

President George W. Bush was known as much for the many liberties he took with the English language as he was for being a Texan, and, in the latter regard, it is not all that surprising that the 43rd President's truck of choice was a Ford F-150... the key word here, of course, being was. The truck used by the former president around his Crawford, TX ranch, a 2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch 4x4 SuperCrew, will be auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson next month with the proceeds of the sale going to the Fisher House Foundation.

President Bush bought the truck new in 2009, and used it to drive around his ranch with families and dignitaries. As a part of the auction, President Bush autographed the instrument panel, and there will also be an accompanying video of him signing and driving the truck. It isn't clear how many miles are on the F-150, but it sounds like not too many, if any, were from driving on public roads.

"I haven't driven on a street in many, many years, but I have been able to drive this truck on my ranch," said President Bush. "I want to thank all those who are supporting the Fisher House. In supporting the Fisher House, you're supporting our veterans. And in supporting our veterans, you're helping America."

More about the Barrett-Jackson auction is posted after the jump.

Continue reading George W. Bush's Ford F-150 to be auctionated at this year's Barrett-Jackson

George W. Bush's Ford F-150 to be auctionated at this year's Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Dec 2012 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009-2010 Ford F-150 being recalled to fix door handles

Zach Bowman — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Recalls, Safety, Ford, Canada

2009 Ford F-150 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has announced that the automaker is recalling 280,946 F-150 models in the United States and an additional 68,000 in Canada for faulty door handles. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the interior handles feature a housing embossment that may fracture with normal use. If this happens, the door latches may not fully return to their stowed position, and as a result, the doors may pop open during an accident.

NHTSA says that recall covers certain 2009 and 2010 model year trucks manufactured between January 18, 2008 and November 30, 2009. Ford is expected to begin notifying owners on or before February 14. If owners notice any interior door handle that doesn't return to its stowed position, they'll be urged to return the vehicle to a dealer to have the defective piece replaced free of charge. Eventually, all vehicles in the recall will be asked to return to the dealer for an inspection and free replacement of any trouble parts. Clear the jump for a look at the full recall notice.

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150

[Sources: NHTSA, The Detroit News]

Continue reading 2009-2010 Ford F-150 being recalled to fix door handles

2009-2010 Ford F-150 being recalled to fix door handles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford boosts production (slightly) of F-150, Escape

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

Two of Ford's vehicles are moving well enough that the automaker is adding production to its plants in Missouri and Michigan. Ford says its F-150 and Ford Escape are looking to earn their highest sales of the year in August, with the F-Series truck line looking good for its first year-on-year sales jump since October 2006 and the Escape knocking on the door of its own sales record. Of course, August sales number are expected to be wildly inflated by the success of the government's Cash for Clunkers program, so Ford is also taking into account the sales rates of these two vehicles before August and only boosting production by a smidge in response.

Thus, 2,800 workers at Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant will go back to full-time work at the end of September, which will raise production of F-150s by 10,000 units through the end of the year. A third shift added to the Kansas City plant in October will raise production of Ford Escapes and Mercury Mariners by 2,400 through year-end. If production details are your cup of tea, you can read all of Ford's good news in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

Continue reading Ford boosts production (slightly) of F-150, Escape

Ford boosts production (slightly) of F-150, Escape originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Escape puts Ford back atop Cash For Clunkers sales pileup

Chris Shunk — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Chevrolet, Ford

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid - Click above for a high-res image gallery

In America, we like our sports and love to keep score. Even when it comes to car-buying subsidies, we want to know which model is selling best. The government says the Ford Focus is the top seller under Cash for Clunkers, but Edmunds has a different winner: the Ford Escape. The discrepancy stems from the government's old-school way of counting model sales. The feds consider each model variant a separate vehicle, while Edmunds counts vehicle sales as a whole. In the case of the Escape, the Environmental Protection Agency counts the crossover as six separate models; including FWD, AWD and Hybrid versions.

While the government's list of C4C top sellers contains mainly small cars, the Edmunds list tells a different story. Since the feds count each truck configuration (GM and Ford trucks each have five) as a different model, no pickups made the cut. That was a surprise to many, considering the fact that 83% of the vehicles turned in were trucks, and large pickups have lower fuel economy requirements to work under C4C. On the Edmunds list, the Ford F-150 comes in at number five, while the Silverado sits at seven.

There's been plenty of healthy discussion regarding C4C, and it appears even counting methods are up for debate. With a fresh $2 billion getting dumped into the program's coffers, it looks like we'll be able to keep talking straight through Labor Day. Hit the jump to look over Edmunds' Top Clunker Buys, and chime in with your comments after the fold.

[Source: CNN Money]

Continue reading REPORT: Escape puts Ford back atop Cash For Clunkers sales pileup

REPORT: Escape puts Ford back atop Cash For Clunkers sales pileup originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2009 Ford F-150 versus 2009 Dodge Ram

Chris Shunk — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Truck, Videos, Dodge, Ford

Click above to watch video after the jump

The pickup market may be contracting, but the trucks themselves are better than ever. Two substantially new full-size trucks have gone on sale recently, the 2009 Ford F-150 and 2009 Dodge Ram, and we've already had the chance to park both in the Autoblog Garage for a week. The F-150 tows more, carries a higher payload and is the all-time leader in sales. The Dodge Ram is arguably the better looking truck, sports a vastly improved interior and its 390-hp HEMI V8 engine is a true powerhouse. Follow the jump to view our video comparison of these two new pickup trucks. They're both deserving of high praise, but only one has what it takes to be the king of the Autoblog Garage.

Related:

Continue reading VIDEO: 2009 Ford F-150 versus 2009 Dodge Ram

VIDEO: 2009 Ford F-150 versus 2009 Dodge Ram originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4

Chris Shunk — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Truck, Ford, New Car Reviews, Off-Road

2009 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Blue Oval delayed the introduction of its all-important 2009 Ford F-150 by two months late last summer. The company claimed it could save some cash by postponing the pickup's launch, but in the interim, the cost to fill up the F-150's biggie-sized tank was slashed in half. The delay couldn't have been better timed. Marketing North America's best-selling vehicle is an expensive endeavor to begin with, but add in the trepidation of $4-per gallon gasoline and an economy spiraling towards the floor, and there's no doubt that the F150's intended audience would've had a hard time plunking down the coin for a brand new pickup.

No doubt, Ford is relieved that gas prices dropped, but the sketchy fluctuations in the commodities market have changed the way this 106-year-old company looks at the truck business. One consequence of high gas prices has been the sharp drop in truck buying for recreational purposes, so Ford has marketed the new F-150 as the ultimate work truck. Labor-friendly features like an integrated trailer brake controller and pop-out side steps are winning buyers over, but will they be enough to pass muster in the Autoblog Garage? Hit the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4

Continue reading Review: 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4

Review: 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mike Rowe takes on dirty job of comparing full-size pickups

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Toyota

Click above to watch the video

In today's world, you'd imagine that any new full-size pickup truck can handle the daily grind with ease. And for the most part, you'd be right. But when the time comes for heavy hauling, not all trucks are created equally. Each manufacturer can probably come up with scenarios where its particular pickup performs better than the competition, but after watching Ford's video, hosted by Dirty Job's Mike Rowe, we feel that the footage offers a few compelling reasons why the Blue Oval's latest F-150 might be the pick of the litter.

Up first is the well-known rough road test, and we were shocked by how much difference there was between how the F-150 handled the exam compared to the Chevy Silverado, Dodge Ram and Toyota Tundra. You've got to watch it to see what we mean. After that is a test of fuel efficiency, and all we know about the procedure is that the most efficient engine option was chosen and, not surprisingly, the Ford came out on top. The third test involved placing a 993-pound spool of cable in the bed and running through a handling course and again, the results were enlightening. Lastly, an improperly loaded trailer was hooked to each truck and sway was induced.

In each test, the trucks were driven by a set of professional drivers, including Tanner Faust (that boy ain't right indeed), and the scenes were recorded from every conceivable angle. We're not going to suggest that these results conclusively show that the F-150 is the best truck available under all circumstances. What we will say, is that the footage after the break is certainly entertaining. Thanks for the tip, Kevin!

Continue reading VIDEO: Mike Rowe takes on dirty job of comparing full-size pickups

VIDEO: Mike Rowe takes on dirty job of comparing full-size pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trucks making a comeback? Ford adds extra shift, overtime for F-150

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

The sales of pickup trucks seemingly rise and fall in unison with gas prices. For instance, Ford's newly-redesigned F-150 is selling well enough right now that the Blue Oval has added an extra shift of production at its assembly plant in Kansas City, MO along with approval for scheduled overtime. An extra shift is also being planned for the Dearborn assembly plant. These are the types of "problems" that automakers don't mind dealing with after a successful new product launch.

This sales increase begs an obvious question: just how short is the memory of the average American? The answer is debatable - how much of the uptick is due to lower gas prices and how much is attributable to the truck's redesign? What's more, sales are still down considerably from their peak in 2004, so the pickup market may just be right-sizing itself in the wake of a down housing market, high priced gasoline and the ongoing credit crunch. We'll see for sure in the coming months, but a familiar nameplate is back on top of the sales heap for November at least. Check out our list of the Top Ten Best-Selling Vehicles for November 2008.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Trucks making a comeback? Ford adds extra shift, overtime for F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Ram takes top pickup award in Canada

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Dodge, Canada

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram

We're still trying to figure out which new-for-'09 truck took the top honors in the State of Texas, but it's clear that the Dodge Ram was chosen as "Best New Pickup in Canada." In the process of taking the award, the new Ram beat out its rival from Ford, which is also brand new for the 2009 model year. Highlights of the new Ram's design include its always-macho styling, RamBox cargo management system and its coil-spring rear suspension.

While the Dodge Boys are sure to accept any trophy for its new truck, we're sure that the sales of full-sized pickups in Canada pale in comparison to those of the United States, and Texas is the undisputed U.S. heavyweight champion when it comes to truck-lovin'. The real battle is about to begin as both Ford and Dodge go up against tough competition from Chevrolet, GMC and Toyota for the pick'em-up-truck sales crown.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Ram

[Source: The Car Connection]

Dodge Ram takes top pickup award in Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'09 Ford F-150 wins Truck of Texas award

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Dodge, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford F-150

Ford has managed to snag an important early victory over the equally-new Dodge Ram by being crowned the 2009 Truck of Texas over the weekend. Both the Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 are nearly all new for '09 and are competing against stiff competition from the relatively new Chevy Silverado and Toyota Tundra for a parking spot in Texan garages. Some 15% of full-size trucks sold in the United States end up in Texas and the sales crown usually goes to the Truck of Texas award winner. The Blue Oval also managed to snag the best truck-line award, the best SUV of Texas and the best CUV of Texas with its Expedition King Ranch and new Flex, respectively. Mopar fans will be happy to know that Dodge didn't leave the Lone Star state empty handed. We're not sure how given that the F-150 is also a full-size truck and took the top trophy overal, but the new '09 Ram managed to win the full-sized Truck of Texas award and its optional RamBox was named Outstanding Truck Feature.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Ford F-150

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

'09 Ford F-150 wins Truck of Texas award originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Ford F-150, "capability matters"

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford, First Drive

2009 Ford F-150 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been said far too often that timing is everything. Sometimes a product comes to market before the market is ready, such as when the Diamond Rio MP3 player debuted a decade ago. Other times, the market moves on before a product arrives. For Ford and Chrysler, the latter rings truer than ever in late 2008. Both companies opened the year with splashy introductions of all-new redesigned full-size pickup trucks at the Detroit Auto Show. Those events were quickly followed by an utter collapse of demand for the entire segment. As U.S. gas prices surged to $4 a gallon and beyond, sales of big trucks dropped by nearly half.

When the last couple of generations of the F-150 launched, Ford spent months building extra trucks on overtime to ensure it had enough stockpiled inventory while it re-tooled factories for the new models. This time around, Ford had so many unsold units of the current F-150 sitting on dealer lots that the Dearborn brand was forced to delay Job 1 for three months while the old stock was cleared out with heavy incentives. That time has now arrived, so Ford invited the media out to its Michigan Proving Ground in Romeo, MI to try out the newest edition of the F-150 that, until last spring, had been the top selling vehicle in America ever since the age of the dinosaurs. Read on to find out if the F-150 is still the leader.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Ford F-150

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
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Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Ford F-150, "capability matters"

First Drive: 2009 Ford F-150, "capability matters" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Ford F-150 priced from $21,320

John Neff — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford F-150 XLT

There are advantages being the last automaker to debut its next-generation half-ton pickup, and Ford has taken advantage of watching its competitors roll out redone truck over the past few years. Being last to market means the Blue Oval can effectively undercut its competitors' pricing and offer more standard features, which is exactly what it's done for the 2009 F-150. Pricing begins at $21,320 for a two-wheel-drive XL Regular Cab model and climaxes at $44,860 for a loaded F-150 Platinum. According to PIckuptrucks.com, the base price of the '09 model is about $500 more than a 2008 XL model with a V6 and four-speed automatic at $20,845, but you get more standard features and all the advances that comes with the new truck. Ford also calls out Dodge by claiming a 2009 F-150 Lariat SuperCrew at $35,820 is more than $5,000 less than a comparably equipped 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie Crew Cab. And like we told you yesterday, the F-150 boasts the highest available towing capacity, highest payload capacity, and class-tying fuel economy with the new SFE model.

2009 FORD F-150

Series	MSRP Low $	MSRP High $	Features
XL	21,320	33,340	Air Conditioning, 4.6L 2V w/ 4-Spd Auto Trans (Reg Cab)
STX	24,120	31,365	4.6L 2V w/4 Spd Auto Trans (Reg Cab)
XLT	25,290	36,015	4.6L 2V w/4 Spd Auto Trans (Reg Cab)
FX4	34,605	38,315	6-Spd Auto Trans, Sirius Radio, Trailer Tow Package, 6-Way Power Driver Seat, Rear Defrost
Lariat	33,160	39,265	6-Spd Auto Trans, Sirius Radio, Trailer Tow Package, 10-Way Power Driver Seat and Passenger Seat, Heated Seats, SYNC, Power Pedals
King Ranch	39,815	43,260	6-Spd Auto Trans, Sirius Radio, Trailer Tow Package, 10-Way Power Driver Seat and Passenger Seat, Heated/Cooled Seats, SYNC, Power Pedals, Universal Garage Opener
Platinum	41,415	44,860	All New - Includes 20" Wheels, Power Deployable Running Boards, Unique interior/exterior, Heated/Cooled Seats w/flow through console, Rain Sensing Wipers

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150 XLT

Continue reading 2009 Ford F-150 priced from $21,320

2009 Ford F-150 priced from $21,320 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Ford F-150 keeps max towing crown, adds fuel-efficient SFE model

John Neff — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford F-150 SFE

Ford has revealed more details on the 2009 F-150 this morning, and what we know so far is that engineers have gone to great lengths to make the new F-Series half-ton pickup achieve greater fuel economy, and the entire range has received an 8% improvement as a result. The V6 engine option has been dropped for '09, but Ford has paired a six-speed transmission with the truck's top motors to eke out even more mileage. According to Pickuptrucks.com, Ford will continue to offer a legacy two-valve version of the truck's 4.6L V8 paired with a four-speed automatic, which achieves the same 14/19 mpg rating as the outgoing V6-powered model. A new three-valve version of the 4.6L V8 is also available with Ford's new fuel-efficient 6R80 six-speed automatic, and the EPA rates a two-wheel-drive model of this pairing at 15/20.

In response to General Motors' recently unveiled fuel-efficient Chevy Silverado XFE and GMC Sierra XFE models, Ford will also be offering the F-150 SFE for 2009. Rated at 15/21 mpg, it matches the GM trucks in fuel economy but bests them in other areas. It can tow 500 lbs. more, doesn't need a tonneau cover and its chin spoiler can stay put when going off road. The F-150 SFE gets that extra highway mpg by using low rolling resistance tires, a 3.15:1 rear axle and other items shared with the F-150 lineup like best-in-class aerodynamics, open valve injection and more aggressive fuel shut-off when decelerating. However, you can only opt for the SFE package on XLT Supercrew models with the 4.6L V8 and 5.5-foot bed.

Finally, there's the matter of the Max Towing crown, which Ford claims to keep for 2009 thanks to the '09 F-150's class-leading tow capacity of 11,300 lbs and a hauling capacity of 3,030. No other full-size pickup from Chevy, GMC, Dodge or Toyota even exceeds 11,000 lbs. for 2009.

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150 SFE

[Source: Ford, Pickuptrucks.com]

Continue reading 2009 Ford F-150 keeps max towing crown, adds fuel-efficient SFE model

2009 Ford F-150 keeps max towing crown, adds fuel-efficient SFE model originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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5.4L V8 power ratings revealed for 2009 Ford F-150

John Neff — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford F-150

The new 2009 Ford F-150 will get an updated version of its venerable 5.4L V8, and thanks to a sneaky dealer with a camera phone, we have some details on exactly what the updates will be. A new process of fuel injection called 'open valve technology' will give the 5.4L V8 a bump in horsepower from 300 to 320 and increase torque from 365 pound-feet to 390. The technology does exactly what it says: injects fuel into the cylinders while the intakes valves are open (normally they're closed). In addition to the updated 5.4L V8, we also expect some Eco-boost powerplants to drop in the F-150 soon, though whether or not they debut with the new 2009 model isn't known.

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

5.4L V8 power ratings revealed for 2009 Ford F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 May 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: 2009 Ford F-150 looks to keep its crown

John Neff — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:16:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Truck, Ford

click above for more high-res images of the 2009 Ford F-150

The full-size pickup market may be shrinking in sales, but it's more competitive than ever. With the introduction of the 2009 Dodge Ram and this truck, the 2009 Ford F-150, the segment is filled to the brim with modern, next-gen pickups. The best-selling F-150, however, is looking to keep its crown with the introduction of the 2009 model. Like any next-gen truck worth its salt, the '09 F-150 is pretty much better in every way.

Styling is always subjective, and fortunately there are many styles of the new F-150 from which to choose. The XL, STX, FX4, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and new premium Platinum trims all have their own look to varying degrees. Having seen all the different variations, we actually think the new F-150 gets uglier the more you pay for it. That's probably not what Ford designers intended, but the Platinum model's 20-inch aluminum wheels and bright chrome grille with mesh inserts just don't say "Built Ford Tough" to us. We'll take one of the less expensive models with its black bumpers and Super Duty-inspired three-bar grille instead.

Follow the jump for more on the 2009 Ford F-150, including Ford's official press release. Check out all the pics we have so far (more will be added) in the gallery below.

UPDATE: New pics added to gallery. Check out all 113 high-res photos of the 2009 Ford F-150.

[Source: Ford]

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150

Continue reading Detroit 2008: 2009 Ford F-150 looks to keep its crown

Detroit 2008: 2009 Ford F-150 looks to keep its crown originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NY Times jumps the gun: 2009 Ford F-150, others revealed!

Alex Nunez — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 01:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Truck, Dodge, Ford, Mitsubishi

Click image for a look at the other model debuts by the NYT

The Old Grey Lady has officially kicked off the Detroit Auto Show 24 hours early, and they brought some party favors for all their readers to boot. The New York Times' Automobiles section has a Detroit preview article (dated 1/13, incidentally) in its feature spot. No longer under wraps are the 2009 Dodge Ram, 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum, Mitsubishi Concept-RA, Ford Verve sedan concept, and the Fisker plug-in luxo-hybrid, as all are featured prominently in the piece's accompanying new vehicle gallery.

The biggest fish in the tank are the two full-size trucks. While Chrysler inadvertently gave us a sneak preview of the Ram last month, Ford has kept the new F-150 well under wraps until now. The model pictured is the tip-top-of-the line F-150 Platinum, in case you were wondering. As for the others, the snazzy blue Ram Sport is looking good to these eyes (more on the '09 Ram here), while the Verve concept looks to be a slightly tweaked version of the one shown in China, updated with a coat of red paint and a modified fascia (note the differences in the foglamps). The Mitsubishi Concept-RA has us hankering for a new Eclipse, while the shapely Fisker PHEV looks like a green vehicle we'd be more than happy to pilot daily. You can read the Times' full preview here. Team Autoblog will assemble in Motown starting tomorrow, but it looks like the fun's begun in earnest already.

[Source: The New York Times]

Gallery: New York Times reveals Detroit '08 new models

NY Times jumps the gun: 2009 Ford F-150, others revealed! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jan 2008 01:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Ford F-150 grille

John Neff — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Truck, Ford

click above for more spy shots of the 2009 Ford F-150

We've already seen some revealing spy shots of the 2009 Ford F-150 that's scheduled to debut next week at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but the angle was such that we couldn't see the pickup's new face very clearly. Enter KGP Photography, which has just snapped a couple pics of the new grille head on. There's a clearly a lot of influence from the Super Duty line of truck's in the F-150's new design. You can also see the shape of the headlight clusters are very close to those on vehicles like the Edge and Taurus X, with a main headlamp sitting on top of smaller front turn signals. As there are practically a billion configurations for the F-150 that range from stripper work trucks to pampering pickups, don't expect this to be the F-150's only grille. Judging by the fact that there are a pair of foglamps on the front of this prototype, though, we suspect it's an up-level version of the truck.

UPDATE: Check out the F-150's new badge on the truck at Pickuptruck.com.

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150 - spy shots

Spy Shots: 2009 Ford F-150 grille originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We don't need no stinkin'... New Ford F-150 badge revealed!

Chris Shunk — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

We're only a couple weeks away from the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and the premature unveilings seem to be trickling in at a slightly slower pace than they did last year. Ford has managed to keep its 2009 F-150 off the web for the most part (except for these spy shots), which is more than cross-town rival Chrysler can say about the 2009 Dodge Ram. Our friends over at NAIAS headquarters haven't spilled the beans on the Blue Oval's new F-150, but they have given us a glimpse of the truck's new badge.

As you can see above, it looks like designers at Ford have updated the truck's branding in their favorite word processing program by clicking on the Italics and Bold buttons. The brushed aluminum gradient backdrop looks more like a stamped chunk of metal than did the chrome-painted plastic of the current model (right). Well, now that we've got the badge unveiling out of the way, all we have left is the 5,000-lb. truck that has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. since the Brady Bunch was on prime time TV. Let us know what you think of the new logo after the jump.

[Source: NAIAS Newsletter via Top Speed via Jalopnik]

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150 - spy shots

We don't need no stinkin'... New Ford F-150 badge revealed! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Ford F-150 may feature Hydraulic Launch Assist

John Neff — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Truck, Green, Ford

Five years ago Ford debuted the F-350 Tonka Concept, a big yellow concept truck that portended the design of future Super Duty trucks. Along with the chunky looks, the Tonka concept also featured a trick bit of eco-tech called Hydraulic Launch Assist (HLA). The system uses a hydraulic pump/motor and high pressure accumulator to recapture kinetic energy when braking, which can then be released when the truck is accelerating to assist the engine. It's a type of mild hybrid system really, though its effect promised to be substantial.

Rumors are swirling around the intertubes that a production version of Ford's Hydraulic Launch Assist technology will debut with the 2009 Ford F-150 at the Detroit Auto Show, or possibly a year later. A figure of 60 mpg was initially thrown around, though we're a bit skeptical a production version of HLA could hit the mark. A similar system, however, has already reached the roads on some special Hydraulic Hybrid UPS trucks that were developed by the EPA in conjunction with Eaton and International Truck, both of which are Ford suppliers, as well.

There's been no confirmation from Ford that the 2009 Ford F-150 will feature HLA, so we'll have to wait until January when the new truck is unveiled in Detroit to find out for sure. If HLA does make an appearance, it'll be the second major shake up in the full-size truck segment debuting in Detroit, the other being Dodge's switch to a coil-sprung rear suspension on the 2009 Ram.

[Source: All Cars, All The Time via AutoblogGreen]

2009 Ford F-150 may feature Hydraulic Launch Assist originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Ford F-150

John Neff — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:21:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Ford

click above image for more spy shots of the 2009 Ford F-150

The 2009 Ford F-150 has until now been kept a closely guarded secret, but the Blue Oval's best seller was recently caught by KGP photographers apparently on its way back to the safe confines of a trailer after a photoshoot. This first look at the undisguised F-150 shows a new front end that features a version of the brand's three-bar grille, though in this case it appears that the upper and lower bars are larger than the center one. The headlights also appear to be very similar to those used on the Edge CUV and Taurus X, dipping down and extending their height closer to where they meet the grille. KGP has also spotted new taillights, new rearview mirrors and subtle changes to the character lines on the sides of the truck.

The spy photographers were surprised to see how little the truck has visually changed, wondering whether it indicates a lack of imagination by Ford or simply a lack of funds. We're fairly certain that Ford doesn't mess around when it comes to its cash cow, so the money must be somewhere, but perhaps it's been invested in things we can't see like upgraded mechanicals and new drivetrains. For better or worse, the pickup wars are largely won on paper where stats can be compared objectively. We're betting the new F-150 will be a stout steed when it's unveiled, presumably at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January. Whether or not its new look is a big enough departure from the current truck, or if that even matters, will be decided by consumers when it goes on sale next year.

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150 - spy shots

Spy Shots: 2009 Ford F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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