Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2011 Ford Super Duty debuts at Texas State Fair]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/2011-ford-super-duty-debuts-at-texas-state-fair-with-two-new-eng/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/2011-ford-super-duty-debuts-at-texas-state-fair-with-two-new-eng/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/2011-ford-super-duty-debuts-at-texas-state-fair-with-two-new-eng/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Ford Super Duty - Click above for high-res image gallery

The circle is now complete. Following a couple model years after the redesigned F-150, Ford has taken the wraps off the new 2011 Super Duty model at the Texas State Fair today. The new Super Duty debuts with a new look, new diesel engine called "Scorpion" 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8, and an all-new 6.2-liter gas-powered V8 (NOTE: This should be the same 6.2-liter V8 destined for duty in the F-150 SVT Raptor). Ford has still not released power figures for either engine, but the Power Stroke diesel does have the ability to run on B20 biodiesel.

Also new is a 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission that features manual SelectShift control and a Tow Haul option with integrated exhaust braking. The new transmission also offers an optional Live Drive PTO (Power Take Off) feature that was first developed for agricultural machines. Live Drive PTO allows the engine to power auxiliary equipment like snow plows, cement mixers and tow truck lifts directly through the transmission.

Of course, the new Super Duty wouldn't be a Ford truck if it didn't offer best-in-class towing and hauling capabilities, and since the previous Super Duty already held that crown, the new one puts Ford even further ahead of other heavy duty trucks. Again, no hard numbers were given, but expect enough irresistible force to dislodge any immovable object.

The new Super Duty is also packed with all of Ford's latest technologies like Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Trailer Sway Control, Trailer Brake Control and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, among others. Ford Works Solutions is also available, and the interior features a new 4.2-inch auxiliary LCD screen between the gauges for keeping track of what the truck's technologies are doing.

The new exterior design of the 2011 Super Duty also takes the biggest of Ford trucks in a new direction with the boldest front end yet that appears much more integrated with the cab and bed than previous models. Vertically stacked headlights frame a new grille that sports two big horizontal bars and a Ford logo large enough to read from a mile away. Check out the full gallery of official high-res images from Ford below and the press release with even more details after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Super Duty


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2011 Ford Super Duty debuts at Texas State Fair

2011 Ford Super Duty debuts at Texas State Fair originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford super duty2011FordSuperDutyf seriesf-150f-seriesfordford super dutyFordSuperDutyFSeriessuper dutySuperDutyThu, 24 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: (You Can Still) Rock in America - Ford unveils Harley-Davidson F-150]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-you-can-still-rock-in-america-ford-unveils-harle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-you-can-still-rock-in-america-ford-unveils-harle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-you-can-still-rock-in-america-ford-unveils-harle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition

Flush from the news that its F-150 pickup performed markedly better than many of its primary competitors in a new series of IIHS side-impact crash tests, Ford has rolled out its latest larger-than-life Harley-Davidson model.

Outside of the appearance items, the HD is essentially a Platinum Edition F-Series in motorcycle leathers, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Available in either Lava (dark maroon) or Tuxedo Black, the Harley looks very aggressive in the metal - and the effect is not just a function of scale. The bold six-bar grille and 22-inch Harley-branded polished/painted alloys clearly set it apart as a distinct model from other F-Series pickups, and Ford has also slathered the pickup in oversized emblems and strange red "swoosh" marks on the rocker panels. While we could do without the latter flourishes, the truck still strikes us as particularly good-looking in Lava.

Ford's 14th Harley-branded product also has a seriously dolled-up interior that is likewise not for introverts. The prevailing theme behind the cabin's styling is that of a Harley biker jacket, and the materials, color choices, and the gigantic badges on the seats and center console (including a serialized plate) are unsubtle but appropriate.

Clearly not a truck for wallflowers, Ford continues to carve out niche after niche for its new 2010 F-150. Click on the gallery below for in-person shots of the new HD F-150, and then click here for more details.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: 2010 Ford Harley Davidson F-150


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Chicago 2009: (You Can Still) Rock in America - Ford unveils Harley-Davidson F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bike jacketBikeJacketBlue OvalBlueOvalChicagoChicago 2009Chicago Auto ShowChicago2009ChicagoAutoShowDearbornF SeriesF-150F-SeriesFordFSeriesHarleyHarley DavidsonHarleyDavidsonHDmotorcyclemotorcycle jacketMotorcycleJacketNight RangerNightRangeroutlaw bikerOutlawBikerPlatinum EditionPlatinumEditionWed, 11 Feb 2009 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford will shut down 10 N.A. plants in early January]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/ford-will-shut-down-10-n-a-plants-in-early-january/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/ford-will-shut-down-10-n-a-plants-in-early-january/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/ford-will-shut-down-10-n-a-plants-in-early-january/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



A bitingly cold wind is sweeping through the Motor City this day, but the bigger chill continues to be the rapidly increasing number of idle plants from Detroit's automakers. As part of a previously-announced bid to trim first-quarter output by nearly 38%, Ford now says it will shut down ten North American factories the week of January 5. Unlike Chrysler's planned one month downtime (where they eerily won't commit to start dates), the Blue Oval has confirmed plans to re-light the fires in eight of those plants beginning the week of January 12.

That means that during the week of January 5, Ford's only active North American plants will be in Dearborn (F-150), and Kansas City (F-150, Escape/Mercury Mariner). The week of January 12 will see all facilities up save Hermosillo, Mexico (Fusion, Milan, Lincoln MKZ) and Oakville, Ontario, where the Flex, Edge, and MKX are built.

Ford is angling to cut down its quarterly output to just 430,000 vehicles, and shutdowns at staggered intervals are expected to continue throughout early next year.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Ford will shut down 10 N.A. plants in early January originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assembly plantAssemblyPlantBlue OvalBlueOvalCutbacksDearbornEdgeF SeriesF-150F-SeriesFlexFSeriesHermosilloKansas CityKansasCityManufacturingMKXOakvilleshutdownThu, 18 Dec 2008 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[The end is nigh? Camry outsold Silverado in April, gunning for F-Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/the-end-is-nigh-camry-outsold-silverado-in-april-gunning-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/the-end-is-nigh-camry-outsold-silverado-in-april-gunning-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/the-end-is-nigh-camry-outsold-silverado-in-april-gunning-for/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Could the reign of Ford's F-Series atop the sales charts in the U.S. come to an end? Some believe that it could indeed happen, and it's not even another pickup truck that is threatening the Blue Oval's bread-and-butter full-size pickup, it's the Toyota Camry. Let that sink in for a moment... alright, let's continue. The Camry already posted better sales numbers than the Chevy Silverado, the perennial second-best seller to the F-Series, for the month of April. In fact, the Silverado suffered a sales drop of 24.7 percent to 37,231 units while the Camry grabbed 40,016 sales in the same month. Still, even after the Camry's great sales month, the Silverado holds the edge when the entire year-to-date sales numbers are compiled, and the F Series still sits atop the list for now. Consider too that the Ford truck will get a major redesign for the upcoming model year. So, while high gas prices will likely continue to put pressure on full-size pickups, let's not jump to hasty conclusions just yet.

[Sources: Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, the Auto Channel]

The end is nigh? Camry outsold Silverado in April, gunning for F-Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 May 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best sellingbest-sellingBestSellingcamry salescamry-salesCamrySaleschevroletchevyf seriesf series salesf-seriesf-series-salesfordFSeriesFSeriesSalespickup salespickup-salesPickupSalestoyotatruck salestruck-salesTruckSalesMon, 19 May 2008 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford already thinking about more aerodynamic F-150]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/ford-already-thinking-about-more-aerodynamic-f-150/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/ford-already-thinking-about-more-aerodynamic-f-150/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/ford-already-thinking-about-more-aerodynamic-f-150/#commentsFiled under: ,


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

The Ford F-150 is America's annual best seller, moving more units than anything else since Jimmy Carter was president. It's also one of the most challenged when it comes to cutting through the air, although we know there's worse. If the F-150 is going to clear the hurdle of new CAFE regs, that's going to change: its combined 16.5 mpg won't make it any friends come 2020.

Ford designers, led by North American Design Director Peter Horbury, are already looking at ways to make the next generation F-150 more aerodynamic, despite the all-new 2009 Ford F-150 having just debuted. The problem is, there simply aren't many options for making a difference: the only two components are the giant block of a passenger compartment and the massive drag-creating void of a bed behind it. Ford design did attempt to go a little aero with the front end of the 10th generation 1997-2003 F-150, but that, frankly, wasn't what people expected from an American pickup.

[Source: Auto Week]

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150



Continue reading Ford already thinking about more aerodynamic F-150

Ford already thinking about more aerodynamic F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerodynamic f-150AerodynamicF-150car designCarDesignf seriesf150f250fordford f150ford pickupford pickupsFordF150FordPickupFordPickupsFSeriessuper dutySuperDutytruck designTruckDesignTue, 22 Jan 2008 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[MSNBC names the best and worst selling of 2007]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/23/msnbc-names-the-best-and-worst-selling-of-2007/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/23/msnbc-names-the-best-and-worst-selling-of-2007/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/23/msnbc-names-the-best-and-worst-selling-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It was the best of times, it was the worst of times - it was 2007. Topping the sales figures for the year that almost was are mainly servile vehicles, while the more ostentatious, less useful cars round out the bottom-feeder roster. Family cars at the top and niche cars in the basement doesn't tell the entire story, though.

Yes, there are some cars that you expect would sell in small volumes. Sporty things like the Porsche Boxster, Vette-in-drag Caddy XLR, blob-tacular Lexus SC430, and Audi A8/S8 über-sedan all sold in expected tiny numbers for such specialized machinery. Rounding out the nadir of automotive sales, you'll find nearly every Jaguar model, and some dead-on-the-vine products like the Mazda B-series pickups (Ford Ranger) and Isuzu Ascender (Chevy Trailblazer).

Hit the jump to read more, and see the list

[Source: Motor Authority]

Continue reading MSNBC names the best and worst selling of 2007

MSNBC names the best and worst selling of 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesAutoSalesbestbest sellingBestSellingcadillacchevroletdodgef seriesfordFSeriesgmhondaisuzujaguarlexusnissanporschesalesworseworst sellingWorstSellingSun, 23 Dec 2007 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford developing new diesel engine, quickly]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/27/ford-developing-new-diesel-engine-quickly/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/27/ford-developing-new-diesel-engine-quickly/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/27/ford-developing-new-diesel-engine-quickly/#commentsFiled under: , ,



After recent disagreements with engine supplier Navistar, as well as dealing with Super Dutys that perform roman candle impressions, Ford is accelerating development of a new diesel engine for its burliest of pickups. Ford and Navistar played chicken earlier this year over warranty costs for the older 6-liter Powerstroke V8. That engine had a high number of issues that led to Ford covering repair costs. Ford in turn sued Navistar, the engine supplier, and held back payments for the new 6.4-liter Powerstroke in an effort to recoup some of their expense. Navistar decided they'd have none of it, and shut down engine production, slowing Super Duty production until a court order got the engines flowing again.

This acrimony has spurred Ford to come up with an alternative to Navistar engines in one of its most pivotal vehicles. The diesel and its muscle-bound tow rating attract plenty of buyers, and the Super Duty is at the top of the Ford Truck food chain, so problems here look bad. If your work truck doesn't work, you're in trouble. Ford can't afford to lose the profits from the Super Duty, nor can it accept tarnishing the image of the iconic F-Series trucks, so the Dearborn team is on it in the interest of exorcising Navistar powerplants from the engine bay and keeping that customer cash flowing.

[Source: AutoObserver]

Ford developing new diesel engine, quickly originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 08:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieseldutyenginef seriesfordFSeriesinternationalnavistarpickupsupersuper dutySuperDutytruckTue, 27 Mar 2007 08:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Spied! Reader snags new Ford F-350]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/04/spied-reader-snags-new-ford-f-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/04/spied-reader-snags-new-ford-f-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/04/spied-reader-snags-new-ford-f-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,

F350 in camo
If you're taking home a camouflaged new Ford F-350, it's probably best to park it head-in if you wish to avoid prying eyes. Luckily for us, reader Adam Minter happened upon this blue example in his neighborhood. The leopard spots by Krylon aren't enough to hide the fact that the front end look is exactly the same as the the one seen in the Super Duty spy shots we reported on last month. In his email to us, Adam expressed regret because he couldn't get any closer for fear of drawing unwanted attention to himself.

Adam, trust us: you did just fine. Thanks for the shots!

(More photos after the jump)

[Source: Adam Minter]

Continue reading Spied! Reader snags new Ford F-350

Spied! Reader snags new Ford F-350 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Sep 2006 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f seriesf-seriesf350ford f350FordF350FSeriesnew f-seriesnew f350NewF-seriesNewF350Mon, 04 Sep 2006 17:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford launches new F-series ad campaign]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/17/ford-launches-new-f-150-ad-campaign/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/17/ford-launches-new-f-150-ad-campaign/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/17/ford-launches-new-f-150-ad-campaign/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Football, racing, and country music are the baskets into which Ford is putting their advertising eggs for the new F-series pickups, which has been Ford's bread and butter for the last 30 years.

The campaign blends Ford's new "Bold Moves" campaign and the older (but more entrenched) "Built Ford Tough" concept. Among the messages conveyed by the ads and promotional efforts will be bold design, outstanding capability, unmatched durability and exceptional customer loyalty. The fact that more Ford trucks have reached 250,000 miles than any other brand will be a hot topic.

Begin looking for the ads September 7 at the start of the NFL season, then September 17 with the start of NASCAR's Nextel Cup "Chase for the Cup." Promotion of the truck from a country music angle will start even earlier on August 11 with the kickoff of country music star Toby Keith's "Hookin Up and Hangin' Out" concert tour, during which the F-series Super Duty will be featured prominently on-stage during the concerts. The truck will also get some "face" time in the new movie starring Keith and Kelly Preston, Broken Bridges, opening September 8. A website promoting Toby Keith's relationship with the F-series has been launched at http://www.fordvehicles.com/hangwithtoby/, where visitors can enter a sweepstakes to win a 2007 F-150.

Check out the full release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford launches new F-series ad campaign

Ford launches new F-series ad campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Aug 2006 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>F SeriesF-150F-SeriesF150ford truckford truck ad campaignford truck campaignford trucksFordTruckFordTruckAdCampaignFordTruckCampaignFordTrucksFSeriesHang with TobyHangWithTobyHookin up and hangin outHookinUpAndHanginOutToby KeithTobyKeithThu, 17 Aug 2006 17:29:00 EST