Autoblog

Ford boosts V6 F-150 forecast, will hit 100,000 sold

Chris Paukert — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford

While there was undoubtedly some consternation among pickup truck traditionalists and industry pundits, it appears Americans like their full-size V6 pickups just fine, thank you. According to The Wall Street Journal, Ford Motor Company had expected sales of its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6-equipped F-150 pickups to represent about 40 percent of its mix, but the turbocharged six-cylinder is on target to be around 45 percent of the mainstay model's sales tally, with sales hitting about 100,000 units in 2011.

Despite the sour economy, WSJ notes that sales of Ford's pickups are up around eight percent this year, though that increase trails that of its crosstown rivals at General Motors and Ram.

Ford boosts V6 F-150 forecast, will hit 100,000 sold originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit, F-150 and interstates among Fortune's "100 great things about America"

Alex Nunez — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Ford

2011 Ford F-150 4x4 SuperCrew - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fortune joined this weekend's parade of all things USA with its list of "100 great things about America." Be forewarned: the list itself is exceedingly dopey. After all, Clif bars, 60 Minutes, GEICO commercials, and LeBron James are among the things that Fortune somehow manages to rank ahead of the men and women collectively serving in our armed forces. (They're number 64, for whatever that's worth. Fortune separates out the SEALs, ranking them #5.)

Thanks to our nation's obsession with them, cars and car-related items dot the list as well. A few even crack Fortune's top 25: Detroit (#14), the Ford F-150 (#11) and interstate highways (#2). NASCAR sits at #51, drive-in movie theaters (the remaining few) occupy the 87th spot, Kevin Spacey's Honda commercial voice-overs rank 41st (not making any of this up) and Exxon Mobil comes in at #88.

To read the whole facepalm-inducing list, head over to Fortune, where you'll also learn that duct tape (#16) ranks ahead of the Bill of Rights (#17).

Detroit, F-150 and interstates among Fortune's "100 great things about America" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pickup truck becomes third vehicle to land in AZ family's pool [w/video]

Aaron Richardson — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Ford

Ford F-150 crashes into James Feely's pool - Click above to watch the video after the break

A 32-year-old drunk driver missed a turn in Phoenix, Arizona in the wee hours of the morning and ended up crashing his Ford F-150 through a cinder block wall into James Feely's back yard, landing upside down in Mr. Feely's swimming pool. Feely and his wife were awakened by a shower of broken glass and bricks to discover the truck in their pool.

Feely went outside to see if he could help, sure the driver had perished. "My reaction was, 'Nobody lived through that.' About three-quarters of the cab of the truck was under water." The driver did survive, however, only to be charged with drunk driving by Phoenix police. Turns out the drunk driving charge was the least of his worries, as police discovered he was wanted in Scottsdale on a domestic violence/arson charge.

Luckily both the Feelys got through the ordeal without injury.

The kicker? This isn't something new for the Feelys. Last night's accident marks the second time someone in a pickup truck has crashed through their wall and into the pool. In another incident, a motorcyclist was killed when he hit the Feelys' wall. Check out the video after the jump.

[Source: azfamily.com]

Continue reading Pickup truck becomes third vehicle to land in AZ family's pool [w/video]

Pickup truck becomes third vehicle to land in AZ family's pool [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford F-150 to achieve up to 23 MPG

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford

2011 Ford F-150 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As we said shortly after driving Ford's latest F-150 pickup trucks, we think the Dearborn automaker has the very best range of powertrain options in the segment for 2011. One of the engines we are most impressed with is the 3.7-liter V6 that now serves as the base powerplant in the F-150, but until now, we didn't have final EPA fuel economy figures.

Well, that's been rectified, as Ford has announced that the 302-horsepower 3.7 will serve up 16 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway in rear-wheel drive models, the latter figure making it the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup on the market. Stepping up the next rung to the 5.0-liter V8 will get you 360 horses and a fine 15 city, 21 highway EPA fuel economy rating, another best-in-class figure.

There are two more optional engines in the 2011 F-150. The top rung, 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 will deliver 12 mpg in the city and 17 on the highway. That's not exactly stellar mileage, and it's actually one mpg lower in both categories compared to General Motors' 6.2-liter V8, but we're expecting much better figures from the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, which matches the 6.2's 11,300-pound tow rating and 3,060-pound payload.

Sadly, we still have to wait for final EPA mileage certification on the twin-turbo V6 mill. In the meantime, feel free to hit the break to read Ford's latest press release touting its F-150 fuel economy figures.

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150: First Drive

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL and Ford Motor Company

[Source: Ford]

2011 Ford F-150 to achieve up to 23 MPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #197 - F-150 powertrains, GM diesel car, hatchbacks, Mahindra, Bugatti Galibier and Nissan's sold-out Leaf

Dan Roth — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Bugatti, Cadillac, Ford, GM, Jaguar, Kia, Volkswagen, Electric

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Steven Ewing joins podcast regulars Dan and Chris for Episode #197 of the Autoblog Podcast. Items we cover are the newly expanded powertrain selections for the Ford F-150, a potential diesel-powered car from General Motors, the apparently heating-up American love affair with hatchbacks, the just-out-of-reach Mahindra Pik-Up, the definitely unattainable Bugatti Galibier and the rush to pre-order the Nissan Leaf. At one hour, twenty-two minutes, it's not quite as epic as last week's extravaganza, and we wrap up by responding to some of your feedback. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #197 - F-150 powertrains, GM diesel car, hatchbacks, Mahindra, Bugatti Galibier and Nissan's sold-out Leaf

In the Autoblog Garage:

Cadillac CTS
Volkswagen Tiguan
Jaguar XKR Convertible

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Steven Ewing

Runtime: 1:22:14

Get the podcast:
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Autoblog Podcast #197 - F-150 powertrains, GM diesel car, hatchbacks, Mahindra, Bugatti Galibier and Nissan's sold-out Leaf originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA probing Ford F-150 fuel tank straps

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Ford

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun an investigation of approximately 1.4 million 1996-2001 Ford F-150 pickup trucks after receiving 32 complaints that the straps supporting the fuel tank are prone to corrosion. According to NHTSA, in 28 of the cases, one or both straps broke, causing the fuel tank to drop to the ground, which could result in a fire hazard. [Source: Detroit News]

NHTSA probing Ford F-150 fuel tank straps originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Ford F-150 Lariat Limited spotted strutting its stuff

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Ford

Now that Ford has decided that Lincoln doesn't really need a truck after all, its up to the F-150 to carry the torch as both the everyman's work truck and a luxury toy hauler for the wealthy. Somehow, it seems to manage its dual roles just fine, as evidenced by these spy shots of a 2011 F-150 Lariat Limited edition.

Ford's Lariat Limited was last seen in 2007, meaning that the 2011 edition will be the first time the latest F-150 generation is bestowed with this trim level, though there's also the King Ranch, Platinum and Harley-Davidson models to consider if you want to haul all your goodies in the lap of luxury.

Body-color bits are the name of the game, including a six-slat grille, side mirrors, door handle surrounds and accents on the large aluminum wheels. Our friends at PickupTrucks.com tells us to expect Ford's latest 6.2-liter V8 engine sporting something north of 400 horsepower.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Spy Shots: 2011 Ford F-150 Lariat Limited spotted strutting its stuff originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2011 Euro Range Rover to get 4.4L diesel, the ex-F-150 engine?

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Europe, Ford, Land Rover, Diesel

A recent report says the 2011 Range Rover (in Europe at least) will be getting a new 4.4-liter V8 diesel engine with 308 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque to replace the current 3.6-liter V8 diesel. When the the current F-150 was launched back in 2008, Ford announced that it would add a diesel V8 to the powertrain lineup in mid-2010. That diesel V8 was rumored to displace about 4.4-liters and at that time, Ford still owned Land Rover and Jaguar. When the economy hit the skids and diesel prices skyrocketed, the diesel engine plan was shelved from the pickup. We haven't been able to get any comment from Land Rover, but a Ford official has confirmed that the new Land Rover diesel V8 is being supplied from Ford's Chihuahua engine plant which also produces the new 6.7-liter Scorpion diesel for the Super Duty pickups.

However, we were reminded that Ford never officially confirmed details of the planned diesel for the F-150, so this may not be the same engine. Given all the other information we have, it does seem to be a reasonable inference. We checked with truck expert Mike Levine at PickupTrucks.com who believes this is, in fact, the same oilburner.

The fact that it's being built for the luxury SUV means that it could potentially be revived for the pickup, although that now appears unlikely since Ford has decided to add the Ecoboost V6 to the F-150 instead. As the engine was once destined for the U.S. market - with all the emissions requirements in check - it could, at the very least, eventually appear in American Range Rovers. Given the success of diesels in German SUVs, that much certainly seems plausible.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Report: 2011 Euro Range Rover to get 4.4L diesel, the ex-F-150 engine? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #162 - Paukert Redux

Dan Roth — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:17:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Podcasts, BMW, Bugatti, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Ferrari, Design/Style

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

He won't admit it, but Editor Paukert is fully addicted to joining us on the Podcast. He sat in again with Chris, Sam and Dan for Episode #162 of the Autoblog Podcast, and there was much rejoicing. First up, Ed Whitacre's somewhat inscrutable claims about the Chevrolet Volt's pricing and profitability. Staying with talk of prices, we move on to mooted pricing figures for the 2011 Ford Mustang. Staying in Dearborn, we touch on the likelihood that a version of the Ford F-150 will replace the severely aged Ford Ranger. Adding some spice, we head to the Mediterranean to discuss Ferrari 458 Italia pricing, and stay on the Continent to consider Bugatti Veyron operating costs. Updates round it out, with the updated-for-2011 BMW 3 Series and SMax/Galaxy tweaks bookending some talk of the just-unveiled 2011 Shelby GT350. We wrap it all up with some of your questions and tie a bow on it at an hour-and-a-half. See you next week!

Until then, fill in with Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #162 - Paukert Redux

Autoblog Podcast #162 - Paukert Redux originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford undecided on Ranger replacement, but F-150 likely to be pressed into service

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford, Australia, Rumormill

2010 Ford Ranger - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is deliberating, according to reports, over whether to replace the Ranger in the North American-market. The compact pickup is the second most popular in its class, at 55,600 units last year selling roughly half as many as Toyota does the Tacoma, and it was once the segment's best seller.

According to Pickuptrucks.com, Ford's Derrick Kuzak believes that most customers buying the Ranger use their vehicle like they would a car, rather than taking advantage of its inherent load-lugging utility. With that in mind, Kuzak says a more fuel-efficient F-150 - on which they're currently working - and new global small cars like the Fiesta and Focus could very well effectively replace Ranger in the North American market.

As it is, the most efficient 2010 Ranger is the base rear-wheel drive 2.3-liter four-cylinder model with a five-speed manual transmission, and it only achieves 22 miles-per-gallon city and 27 highway. When you look at that model with an automatic though, it nets 19/24. That's not all that much better than the much more capable F-150 with the three-valve 4.6-liter V8 and six-speed automatic, which gets 15/21. What's more, with an Ecoboost V6 F-150 widely expected in the not-too-distant future, we're betting on very similar economy numbers to the current automatic-equipped Ranger.

Development is still ongoing in Australia on the next-gen version of the foreign-market Ranger, which is a completely different truck from that sold in North America. However with the Fiesta, Focus and soon the Mondeo/Fusion abandoning their regional entrenchments in favor of global universality, the prospect of bringing the Australian Ranger home to roost still isn't outside the realm of possibility, but doesn't sound all that likely, either.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Ranger

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: Ford undecided on Ranger replacement, but F-150 likely to be pressed into service originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2 packs 411 HP

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:02:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Performance, Truck, Ford, Off-Road

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in Blue Flame - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Ford first revealed the new F-150 SVT Raptor a year ago, the initial powerplant was the same 5.4-liter V8 found in more pedestrian F-series trucks. At the launch, however, Ford officials promised that an all-new 6.2-liter V8 would become available right about ... now!. Well a month from now. The order books for the Raptor 6.2 officially open on December 1. Ford has already taken 3,000 orders for the 5.4-liter Raptor and 700 have gone to customers.

Last year, Ford told us the 6.2 would crank out at least 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of twist. Now that the engine has been certified and the final numbers are in, the targets have been exceeded. The 6.2-liter for the Raptor has been officially rated at 411 hp at 5,500 rpm and 434 pound-feet at 4,500 rpm.

According to F-150 Marketing Manager Mark Grueber, the Raptor 6.2 will get to 60 mph 1.5 seconds faster than the 5.4 while matching its fuel economy (as though anyone buying a Raptor will car about MPGs). That should put the 6.2 somewhere in the upper six- to low seven-range for a 0-60 mph run (Mike Levine at PickupTrucks.com clocked a Raptor at 8.8 seconds with a brake torque). But take heed, with more power comes a higher MSRP: the new engine will cost $3,000 more than the carryover 5.4, starting at $41,995 delivered.

Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading SEMA 2009: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2 packs 411 HP

SEMA 2009: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2 packs 411 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford F-150 SVT Raptor gets suspension explained by IL

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Ford, Specialty, Off-Road

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor under the skin - Click above for high-res image gallery

In stock form, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is one of the most impressive bits of machinery available from any automaker extant. We've managed to snag some seat time in one a couple of times now, and each time we've walked away mightily impressed. But just what is it that makes the off-road-ready supertruck so good? It's not the powertrain, it's the suspension.

While we've offered a basic walkaround of what makes the Raptor tick, the chaps at Inside Line took it upon themselves to delve a bit deeper into the mystery of the truck's cushy pogo sticks. Chief among the updates that turn an ordinary mild-mannered F-150 into a fire-breathing desert runner are the beautiful cast aluminum lower control arms and the special inverted Fox Racing Shocks with remote reservoirs.

Also worth noting are the 13.8-inch ventilated brake rotors with dual-piston sliding calipers and the beefy 17-inch wheels wrapped in LT315/70R17 All-Terrain tires from BFGoodrich. Add it all up and you've got yourself $38,995 worth of eminently capable pickup goodness - and a hearty "attaboy" for Ford's SVT engineers.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

[Source: Inside Line]

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor gets suspension explained by IL originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ford's new "Coyote" 5.0L V8 caught in F150 engine bay

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Technology, Ford

PickupTrucks.com has snagged photos of a Ford F-150 powertrain prototype with a brand new engine under the hood. And if the rumors are to be believed, it's the new 5.0-liter "Coyote" V8 due to debut in 2010.

The Coyote is thought to be a twin cam, four-valve per cylinder motor with an output of 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The new V8 will replace the long-in-the-tooth modular V8, joining the 6.8-liter V10 it's derived from.

The 5.0-liter will be used in both the light duty F-series pickups and the Mustang, and it should be interesting to see if Ford markets the EcoBoost V6 in trucks against the V8 when they're outputs are so similar.

Pickuptrucks.com also notes that one of the trucks was equipped with seven-bolt wheels, indicating a heavy duty payload version. This fits with comments made by Ford at the launch of the new F-150 last year, where Ford's marketing people indicated that some buyers whose needs were on the edge of the Super Duty were actually moving down to the F-150 for lower cost and better fuel efficiency. A light duty truck with an enhanced payload would help bridge the gap to bigger trucks, giving buyers more options.

[Source: PickupTrucks]

Spy Shots: Ford's new "Coyote" 5.0L V8 caught in F150 engine bay originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford confirms (again) EcoBoost engine for F-150 lineup

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford

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

The biggest bit of truck news from Ford today may have been the introduction of the latest Super Duty models, but the automaker didn't leave its smaller full-size pickup out of the festivities entirely. Buried down at the bottom of the press release (after the break) is a paragraph on the long-expected EcoBoost engine for the F-150.

No real details are given on the new turbocharged, direct injection mill, but we're expecting to see a 3.5-liter V6 engine similar to the one used in Ford's front-wheel drive models, but modified to accommodate a rear-wheel drive layout. Ford says its EcoBoost technology has been optimized for truck applications, meaning there should be tons of torque with a peak that starts at the lower end of the rpm scale and continues on through the midrange.

Ford also announced that its EcoBoost engine will boast a 20-percent improvement in fuel economy with a corresponding reduction in carbon emissions as compared to a similarly powerful naturally aspirated engine.

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150

Continue reading Ford confirms (again) EcoBoost engine for F-150 lineup

Ford confirms (again) EcoBoost engine for F-150 lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ay Dios Mio! 2011 Lincoln Mark LT spotted south of the border

Jonny Lieberman — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Lincoln, Luxury

The Lincoln Mark LT never really worked out according to plan. The thinking was that trucks and SUVs were so hot, all you had to do was rebadge 'em and then roll around in all the easy money. And while that worked wonders for Cadillac via the Las Vegas-a-riffic Escalade EXT, Lincolns with beds just never got any play. In fairness to the LT, the stage for failure was set by the Blackwood, a truck only intended to appeal to polo players (the bed was carpeted). The LT, on the other hand, was essentially a fully-dressed F-150 with Lincoln badges. Lincoln Mark LT production stopped in late 2008 and no one cared. Except, apparently, Mexicans.

Despite all that, last March brought us some spy shots of a 2011 Lincoln Mark LT running around the Detroit metro area. Huh? Well here's the thing: These trucks are headed down south -- way down south. Turns out that the Lincoln brand still has a certain cachet in Mexico, and our neighbors to the south see no problem in shelling out a little extra for the honor of the badge. Don't laugh, there are plenty Americans who routinely shell out around $50,000 for the same truck with a Ford badge (the Lincoln Mark LT is essentially the Ford F-150 Platinum).

Anyhow, here's a pre-production 2011 Lincoln Mark LT running wild somewhere in Mexico. We thought maybe we'd be able to tell from the license plate, but that's definitely a 2002-2007 Distrito Federal plate. Frankly, this truck could be anywhere. But seeing as how most of us don't know our Aguascalientes from our Hidalgo, what's it matter where? The larger point is that in a few years time if someone asks you to bring them the head of Alfredo Garcia Jr. and you want to do so in high style, has Lincoln got the lux-truck for you.

[Source: Auto Cosmos]

Ay Dios Mio! 2011 Lincoln Mark LT spotted south of the border originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Numbers Don't Lie: Silverado beats out F-150 as America's best-selling light-duty pickup

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota, Off-Road

Quick - What's the best-selling light-duty pickup truck in America? Did you say the Ford F-150? Not so fast. According to the J.D. Power Information Network (via our friends at PickupTrucks.com), General Motors sold more Chevy Silverado 1500 pickups (119,959 units) in June that Ford sold F-150s (107,778 units), and that's not a fluke.

It seems that the automakers don't actually break out the sales of each pickup line when reporting overall figures, so Ford lumps all F-Series (F-150, F-250, F-350...) sales together when it correctly lays claim to the title of Best-Selling Pickup Line in America. Ford's Super Duty series commands nearly 50-percent of the HD pickup market, which puts the Blue Oval on top of the overall sales race.

Interestingly, all three American automakers picked up full-size pickup market share at the expense of Nissan and especially Toyota, which saw sales of its Tundra plummet from 76,516 units to just 36,106 units in June of 2009 compared to one year ago. Click here for the full breakdown of full-size truck sales data.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Numbers Don't Lie: Silverado beats out F-150 as America's best-selling light-duty pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby unveils six new models including 2010 GT500 Super Snake

Drew Phillips — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Ford, Shelby

2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Coinciding with the 35th Annual Ford and Team Shelby Nationals in Tulsa, OK, Shelby Automobiles has released a barrage of new models including a 2010 version of the GT500 Super Snake (above). Most of the models are based on the previous generation Mustang, either the Mustang GT, Shelby GT or GT500 that current owners can bring to Shelby to be modified.

First up is the Shelby GT/SC, basically a Shelby GT with a supercharger, upgraded brakes and triple gauges on the dash. Next is the Shelby GT/SR (right), which is essentially a GT/SC model fitted with additional equipment for racing like BFGoodrich R compound tires, a one-piece aluminum driveshaft, front brake duct kit and an adjustable suspension.

If you want to Shelbify your regular Mustang GT, you can opt for the SuperCharged package that includes a supercharger, upgrades brakes, suspension and exhaust, 18-inch tires and more. You can also spec out your Mustang to SR spec, which adds similar upgrades to the GT/SR model.

Have a GT500 that needs more Shelby stuff on it? You can now go with the GT500SE (Special Edition) package that includes a carbon fiber front splitter, rocker panels and hood grille inserts, Ford Racing suspension, Borla exhaust, 20-inch wheels and tires, and more. And what if your GT500 is a 2010 model? Well, Shelby is now offering their Super Snake package for the latest GT500 that, among other things, offers a 725-horsepower supercharger upgrade.

Overwhelmed? So are we, but follow the jump to dig through all the upgrades and information for each vehicle.

Gallery: 2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake

Gallery: 2010 Shelby GT/SR

Gallery: New Shelby models for 2009

[Source: Shelby]

Continue reading Shelby unveils six new models including 2010 GT500 Super Snake

Shelby unveils six new models including 2010 GT500 Super Snake originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford drops 'SFE' label from fuel-efficient trucks

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Green, Ford

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

Back in the summer of 2008, fuel prices hit their highest peak in U.S. history and automakers responded with a raft of new cars and trucks designed to eke out as many miles from a single gallon of fuel as possible. Not surprisingly, Ford followed this tack when it introduced its latest F-150 pickup truck for the '09 model year, which launched with an optional SFE (Superior Fuel Economy, if you must know) edition that featured a number of fuel-saving tweaks and the Blue Oval's long-running three-valve 4.6-liter V8 engine.

After just one year on the market, PickupTrucks.com reports that Ford will drop the SFE model for 2010. The good news for those interested in fuel efficient full-size trucks is that Ford will continue to offer a two-wheel-drive, four-door version of its popular pickup with an SFE-matching 15/21 mpg rating, so it would seem the SFE is disappearing in name only. As far as we're aware, General Motors will continue to offer a competing model that matches the ex-SFE's 15/21 mileage rating and carries an XFE badge, though Ford's truck can tow 500 lbs. more, doesn't require a tonneau cover, and the chin spoiler can remain on when going off road.

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150 SFE

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Ford drops 'SFE' label from fuel-efficient trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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5 Stars for '09 Ford F-150

Dan Roth — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Safety, Ford

Ford's 2009 F-150 has garnered five-star government crash ratings and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS), which Ford says makes its newly redesigned full-sizer the safest out there. Vehicle safety is still largely a question of the loose nut behind the wheel, but the F-150 does come with a raft of safety gear. Acronyms and names abound, from RSC (Roll Stability Control), to K-bags and Safety Canopy curtain airbags, it all helps the pickup earn five stars in front- and side-impact crash testing. We'd expect no less from Ford, considering the F-Series is a perennial sales champ, and probably the most pivotal vehicle Dearborn makes. The '09 F-series has been racking up accolades and these safety ratings are yet another feather in its cap. With competitors nipping at its heels, the F-Series cannot be anything other than stellar, and for now, with the long list of huzzahs, it appears to have met the challenge. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 5 Stars for '09 Ford F-150

5 Stars for '09 Ford F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford's light-duty 4.4L V8 diesel DOA?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Green, Ford

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

Ford's reported decision to put its long-awaited light-duty diesel truck engine on ice for the time being could well be a result of slowing truck sales and the rising cost of diesel fuel. Indeed, the Blue Oval's pickup sales are down by about 27% compared to last year and are a far cry from what they were a few short years ago. That downward trend in sales is partly blamed on the recent rise in fuel prices, and diesel fuel has outpaced gasoline in its upward spiral. So, while diesel engines are inherently more fuel efficient than those running on gasoline, that pricing difference is usually only made up when a truck is used for heavy hauling and towing - one reason the expensive oil-burners prove so popular in the largest of trucks. Ford's not so sure any longer that drivers of its non Super-Duty trucks want or need a smaller diesel engine option. So, for now, Ford's 4.4-liter diesel V8 has been shelved.

Though not in the full-size truck segment for nearly as long, Toyota's Tundra has seen sales declines much steeper than the pickups from Ford, and the Japanese automaker has also put its diesel V8 on hold. General Motors is still on track to launch its 4.5-liter oil-burner, as is Chrysler with a Cummins-built 5.0-liter turbodiesel V8. These relatively small diesels are expected to average about 25% better fuel economy than their gasoline brethren while offering a power improvement of 10-15%. Ford believes it can offer similar performance benefits with its EcoBoost series of engines, one of which is slated for the F-Series trucks in 2010, for a smaller surcharge. We'll see.

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Ford's light-duty 4.4L V8 diesel DOA? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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