Autoblog

Inside Line editors pick their 'Most Wanted' for 2010 - do you agree?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST

Inside Line Most Wanted 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We love award season, even if it is a bit tough to keep up with them all. Motor Trend has a set of golden calipers for its Car, Truck and SUV of the Year winners. Car and Driver has its 10Best. Automobile has the, well, the Automobile of the Year. Then there's Edmunds Inside Line and its six Most Wanted winners. Sure, Most Wanted doesn't enjoy the same sort of name recognition as the aforementioned awards, but at the very least, we tend to like the vehicles IL picks as their favorites. We also appreciate the fact that their selection process isn't exactly chock-full of rules. If they tested the vehicle before November 1, 2009, then it's eligible for Inside Line's six shooter. The only award category that truly stands out is the "Instant Classic," an award won over the last two years by the Audi R8 and the Nissan GT-R, respectively.

This year's list didn't have quite the raw power of last year's winners, but we can definitely see where the final six could be considered big fun on four wheels. The big winner is the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The 540-horsepower pony car picked up IL's Instant Classic award for being such a willing dance partner - even at 3,900 pounds. In fact, Blue Oval badges dominate this year's Most Wanted list, as the EcoBoost'd Flex and the wicked cool F-150 SVT Raptor made the final cut. Porsche scored with its new Panamera, while Audi found its way back on the list with the R8 V10. The cheap thrills Mazda3 rounds out this year's list. Click on the gallery below to check out Inside Line's Most Wanted winners in our high-res gallery, then let us know if you agree with their findings by leaving a note in 'Comments.'

Gallery: Inside Line Most Wanted 2009

[Source: Inside Line]

Inside Line editors pick their 'Most Wanted' for 2010 - do you agree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford F-150 SVT Raptor named 2010 Truck of Texas

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST

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

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

It's no secret that the Texas Auto Writer's Association loves Ford trucks: The Blue Oval's F-Series pickups have won the Truck of Texas award six straight times. Actually, you can make that seven straight times now, with the F-150 SVT Raptor taking the top honor this year in the Lone Star State.

We didn't go through the precise reasoning of the F-150's dominance in previous years, but the arrival of the Raptor probably made the choice just too easy this time around. After having driven the Raptor ourselves we knew that there is simply nothing like it, and nothing anywhere near as good as it is, to be found in the OEM pickup truck world. When you throw in the purchase price of $39K for the 5.4-liter, you're going to look hard to find a similarly priced competitor in the OEM or aftermarket. The press is after the jump, and to Ford, congratulations are well deserved.

UPDATE: Turns out that the F-150 was actually named this year's Truck of Texas, not the SVT Raptor model specifically. The Raptor was, however, named best "Full-size Pickup Truck". You can check out the corrected press release that Ford just sent out after the jump.

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

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford F-150 ~~SVT Raptor~~ named 2010 Truck of Texas

Ford F-150 ~~SVT Raptor~~ named 2010 Truck of Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just as we suspected: SVT Raptor minus 1980s decals = More awesome

Alex Nunez — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:48:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Ford, Specialty

2010 Ford SVT Raptor at Latemodel Restoration Supply - Click above for high-res gallery

If you read some of the model-specific buff books like Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords (raises hand), you're probably familiar with Latemodel Restoration Supply, which always has a multi-page ad in the mag touting its wares. Earlier this week, a shiny new Ford F-150 SVT Raptor visited the retailer's HQ. Photos were taken and posted to Flickr, where we saw them and decided they were definitely worth sharing. The Raptor is interesting on three levels. First off, it's a Raptor. Secondly, it's finished in Blue Flame -- a color that looks extremely good on this truck. (Frankly, we're tired of seeing the orange ones.) Finally, this particular machine rolls without the cheesy, '80s-looking factory bed-side graphics package. End result: a Raptor that's clean and mean. Clearly, this is the way to do it.

Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in Blue Flame

[Source: Latemodel Restoration Supply]

Just as we suspected: SVT Raptor minus 1980s decals = More awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is a diamond on the rough

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford, First Drive, Off-Road

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

Although some of us have an unabashed love for all-things off-road, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor didn't register a huge blip on our collective radar. We figured it would be a performance kit that was much more kit than performance, or an off-road wunderkind that makes life a Hobbesian kind of brutish when used anywhere but the moon. We spent two days in Southern California, one of which in the Raptor's Anza Borrego Desert birthplace, to discover one thing: We were wrong. The Raptor is all that. And a bag of chips. And dessert.

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

All photos copyright Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is a diamond on the rough

First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is a diamond on the rough originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: U.S. Border Patrol considering Ford F150 SVT Raptor

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Etc., Government/Legal, Work, Ford

2010 Ford F150 SVT Raptor - Click above image for high-res gallery

Very few people have ridden in Ford's upcoming Raptor; we have. And allow us to tell you what: it's astonishing. Perhaps the single most impressive production vehicle ever, even if the prototypes we rode shotgun in were only 90% complete. That good, really? Yes, truly. Imagine bounding across the Nevada desert at 100 mph (fuel cutoff) and then leaping 45 feet through the air, landing, and doing it again and again and again. That is the magic of SVT and their Raptor.

With that in mind, what government agency could make use of such a steroidal, hardcore truck? No, not FEMA. Exactly, the Border Patrol. We can think of no vehicle more suited to running down a gang of coyotes that Ford's uber-off roader. After all, the SVT Raptor was developed in the grueling deserts of Southern California and Northern Mexico, the Boarder Patrol's home turf. And with 11.2 inches of gas-shock suspension travel in the front and 13.4 inches out back, there is very little - if anything - that will slow this beast down.

The Customs and Border Protection division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security reportedly wants at least ten of these monsters. Pickuptrucks.com indicates that the government's purchasing agents are requesting bare bones work interiors instead of the fancy leather and Synced up cockpits found in the consumer models. In our estimation, this change would only serve to make the Raptor even more functional and/or intimidating. No word on whether the Feds would like to go for the 5.4-liter Triton V8, or the much more powerful all-new 6.2-liter V8. Either way, keep an eye peeled if you need to make a run for the border.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor LIVE

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

REPORT: U.S. Border Patrol considering Ford F150 SVT Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The More, the Merrier: Ford considering crew cab Raptor?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford, Off-Road

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

Packing more badass than a gang of werewolf bikers on mescaline, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor does not require you to be a truck guy to appreciate its purpose. The bold styling, mile-high suspension and big V8 engine under the hood ensure the Raptor stands apart from the rest of the pick-up crowd. But now our man Mike Levine over at PickupTrucks.com reports that Ford could be considering extending the Raptor's passenger compartment to give it a full four-door crew cab.

The news comes right from the mouth of F-150 marketing manager Mark Grueber, who revealed to Levine that FoMoCo has already received more than 1,000 orders for the new Raptor, but that they've come accompanied by requests from customers for a full crew-cab with four full-sized doors. The increased wheelbase would undoubtedly compromise the vehicle's off-road performance, but is Ford about to tell that to customers waiving fistfuls of cash? Guess we'll have to wait and find out.

Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

The More, the Merrier: Ford considering crew cab Raptor? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor starts at $38,995

John Neff — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:08:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Ford, Off-Road

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

Mike Levine of PickupTrucks.com is currently embedded in an F-150 SVT Raptor R with the Ford Racing Team at the "Terrible 250" in Primm, Nevada. Being that close to the action, Levine has managed to wrest some hard info about the upcoming production SVT Raptor from Ford. The off road-ready half-ton will start at just $38,995, which may sound like a lot until you consider this desert flier will be only about $3,000 more than a well-equipped F-150 FX4. The SVT Raptor will launch with Ford's 5.4-liter V8, but soon after will be joined by the company's new 6.2-liter V8, as well. The truck certainly isn't for everyone with its huge tires, high suspension and compensating-for-something "FORD" grille, but those who do go for that kind of thing will at least not get gouged at the checkout counter.

Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor starts at $38,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill Entry No. 3,256 - North America could get next-gen Ford Focus RS

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Rumormill

2010 Ford Focus RS - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Could the North American market finally get the Ford Focus RS? According to the latest reports, it could happen. But not until after the next-generation model debuts in a couple of years. Like the new Fiesta, the next Focus is being developed as a global product, with the North American market in mind as much as those overseas. And with the amalgamation of Ford's performance divisions in the United States and Europe - SVT and Team RS, respectively - an RS version could reach American shores in a few years' time.

According to Automotive News, Ford's global performance guru Hermann Salebauch says the potential for a U.S.-market Focus RS depends entirely on demand. That is, if enough American buyers want an RS, it could happen. So what do you think, should Ford give its home market a smokin' hot hatch based on the next Focus? Leave your thoughts in the comments section because... well... who knows?

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

Gallery: Paris 2008: Ford Focus RS LIVE

[Source: Automotive News]

Rumormill Entry No. 3,256 - North America could get next-gen Ford Focus RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog talks hot wheels with Ford's Performance Vehicle leaders

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Truck, Hatchback, Ford

Fans of Ford's American SVT and European ST and RS models will have plenty to look forward to in the next few years. As part of the company's One Ford program to consolidate its platforms and designs, SVT and TeamRS have been brought together under a single organization led by Jost Capito. Earlier this week, we sat down for lunch with Jamal Hameedi and Hermann Salenbauch to discuss what is going on and what we can expect to see in the next few years. Hameedi is the Chief Nameplate Engineer at SVT and Salenbauch is the director of Advanced Product Creation and Performance Vehicles. We've already seen some of their handiwork in the form of the 2010 Shelby GT500 and F-150 SVT Raptor, but we'll come back to those in a bit.

We already know we'll be getting a new Focus in laet 2010 or early 2011 that's common with the Euro model we've been craving for years. Naturally, the question of the new Focus RS came up. While no one would commit to anything, there were plenty of smiles to go around and Hameedi and Salenbauch were more than willing to talk enthusiastically about the new sports hatch that is launching right now in Europe. Continue reading after the jump.

Continue reading Autoblog talks hot wheels with Ford's Performance Vehicle leaders

Autoblog talks hot wheels with Ford's Performance Vehicle leaders originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford names new head of SVT and TeamRS, performance models to be developed globally

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Focus RS

Ford's goal of designing products to be sold both Stateside and abroad could finally include some of its hottest European offerings with the appointment of Jost Capito to the newly-created position of director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development.

While we've had to adore models like the Focus RS from abroad, Capito's new gig overseeing and consolidating both the North American Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and the European TeamRS means that crosspollination between the two performance brands is assured.

Capito -- a Dakar Rally veteran and former engineer for BMW and Porsche -- has been with Ford of Europe since October of 2001, and managed Ford's European motorsport and performance vehicle programs from 2003 through 2007. During that time, he was instrumental in Ford's WRC campaign and helped to bring the Fiesta ST, Focus ST and Focus RS to market. Capito will be moving from the UK to Dearborn, Michigan before he takes the reigns in January next year, and we're hoping to secure some time with the new exec to hear his plans for the future of Ford's performance products.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

Gallery: Ford Fiesta ST Mountune

Continue reading Ford names new head of SVT and TeamRS, performance models to be developed globally

Ford names new head of SVT and TeamRS, performance models to be developed globally originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SVT fans rejoice! A new Ford super-truck is coming this fall

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford

2004 SVT Lightning Concept

It's been several years since Ford last offered a Lightning version of its F-150 pickup truck but it looks like it will soon strike again. In spite of plummeting sales of big trucks, a high-performance variant of the new 2009 F-150 will launch later this fall, likely at either SEMA or the Los Angeles Auto Show. Ford showed a concept version of an SVT F-150 in 2004 that never made it to production. In March 2007, SVT's Jamal Hameedi told us that a high-performance truck was under development.

While participating in the Ford Racing Invitational media drag racing event this weekend, other SVT officials declined to get any more specific than "a new SVT truck is coming" and "later this fall." (clarification: Jamal Hameedi was not at the racing event and did not provide any of the new information) When pressed, he did acknowledge that it's based on the big truck platform and that is was unrelated to the so-called Raptor truck. An obvious guess would be an F-150 powered by the GT500 engine. Since the GT500 already uses the cast-iron truck block, it would be an easy installation. Whether it will use two or four wheels to deliver all that torque is unknown, but after my experience trying to put GT500 power down this weekend, hopefully it'll use all four.

Update: After hearing from someone at Ford and talking to Mike Levine from PickupTrucks.com this new truck will almost certainly not be called a Lightning. In fact according to Mike, this new truck is likely to be the new Harley-Davidson F-150.

[Source: Ford]

SVT fans rejoice! A new Ford super-truck is coming this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford shows the SVT Raptor to dealers

Chris Shunk — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford, Rumormill

As the days go on, the much rumored F-150 Raptor is becoming less wild speculation and more solid reality. Dealers were given a glimpse of the forth-coming truck at the Ford Dealer Show in Las Vegas, and they haven't shied away from spilling the beans regarding what they saw. Ford marketing boss Jim Farley unveiled the Ford-embossed front grille of the baja F-150, then showed video of a juiced-up off-road mule tearing it up in the desert.

Farley also revealed some details about the Raptor's new powerplant, which is believed to be the 6.2L "BOSS" V8. Power was quoted at 380 hp, but both PickupTruck.com and Four Wheeler believe Ford is sand-bagging on the engine's real power quotient, which they feel will be in the ballpark of 420 ponies. We're guessing 420 would be a much more appropriate number considering the size of the engine and rumors that the truck may be formally labeled as an SVT product. Dealers were also shown one of the Raptor's long-travel shocks, which was built by Fox Racing especially for the Raptor and has a full 12 inches of travel.

Ford is reportedly very excited about the Raptor, and execs allegedly went as far as saying that the Blue Oval was going to drive the truck "right up Toyota's ass." Ouch, we hope that's a metaphor. At this time there is no word as to when the Raptor will be available to customers, but since it's being shown to dealers, it likely isn't too far off.

Gallery: Ford F150 "Raptor" - Spy Shots

[Source: PickupTruck and Four Wheeler]

Ford shows the SVT Raptor to dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin is no SVT

John Neff — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Truck, Ford

UPDATE: We got the tip from Kicking Tires that Ford has confirmed the Sport Trac Adrenalin is a $2,995 package, so it can be had with either a V6 or V8 in 4x2 or 4x4 trim.

click above image to view high-res gallery of the 2008 Sport Trac Adrenaline

Ford debuted the original Sport Trac Adrenalin Concept at the 2005 New York Auto Show, and since then we've been wondering if it would ultimately become a successor to the long gone SVT Lightning. We now have our answer, which is no. Ford will debut the production version of the Sport Trac Adrenalin next week at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and it will be sans any SVT badges like the ones worn by the concept. What it will have is a more aggressive look than the stock Explorer Sport Trac with a new front fascia that lowers the front end visually by 3.5 inches and incorporates round fog lamps, functional fender vents, integrated running boards, a new tailgate and cut outs for the dual exhaust system. Those 10-spoke wheels are also carbon copies of the concept's rims, though a bit smaller in diameter at 20 rather than 21 inches. The interior is also a monochromatic wonderland with Charcoal Black materials everywhere you look.

In terms of mechanicals, the Sport Trac Adrenaline does get the all-wheel-drive system that was shown on the concept, a first for a production Sport Trac. Unfortunately, no mention was made of the Roots-type supercharger worn by the concept's 4.6L V8 that produced 390 HP and 390 ft-lbs. of torque. In fact, Ford doesn't mention anything at all about an engine in the press release after the jump, so we're left to assume that A) there is no supercharger and B) the stock 4.6L V8 with 292 HP and 300 ft-lbs. of torque provides the Sport Trac Adrenalin's motivating force. It could also be the case that you can have either the 4.0L V6 or the 4.6L V8 in your Sport Trac Adrenalin, but we'll have to wait for Ford to provide clarification on this rather important detail.

The Sport Trac Adrenaline will be available to purchase in January for a base MSRP of $30,495 (including dest.), which is surprisingly close to the base price of a Sport Trac 4x4 Limited model at $30,195.

[Source: Ford]

Gallery: 2008 Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin is no SVT

SEMA Preview: Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin is no SVT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuner Focus: Enthusiasts tour plant, express (some) enthusiasm

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Etc., Ford

Despite being derided by all and sundry for the restyled Focus, Ford invited some the model's biggest fans to tour the plant and sample the new coupe's wares. Members of both Focaljet.com and Focus Fanatics made up the dozen or so enthusiasts that were able to watch the Focus' production from start to finish, as well as driving the new coupe around a Ford test track.

Reading over the article in the Detroit News, you might get the sense that these die-hard Focus fiends aren't particularly thrilled with Ford's newest compact offering, citing everything from a lack of tunable powerplants to nixing the hatchback model from the lineup. Brian DePietro may have summed it up best in three short words: "It's not bad." Not a stellar endorsement from a guy that lives for the marque.

Naturally, the assembled Focus group had questions about the lack of SVT offerings in the compact range. No dice yet, according to John Zaremba, the Focus' marketing manager, who said that. "We're always looking at [the] performance division to enhance our vehicles, but currently there are no plans for SVTs."

[Source: Detroit News]

Gallery: 2008 Ford Focus

Tuner Focus: Enthusiasts tour plant, express (some) enthusiasm originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Sep 2007 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson

Eric Bryant — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Truck, Ford

Click on the photo above for our photo gallery of the 2007 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson

Ah, how we miss Ford's second-generation Lightning. By infusing an F-150 with 380 HP of supercharged 5.4L fury and selecting suspension components that were up to the task of harnessing such power, the Special Vehicle Team (SVT) redefined the sport truck genre and sent the competition scrambling to build worthy competitors. In 2003, the Lightning gained a big brother in the form of the supercharged crew-cab wearing Harley-Davidson livery, but unfortunately, SVT's run came to an end a year later, and with it disappeared the blown Ford trucks.

Fast-forward to the present - the Harley-Davidson package has transitioned back to the F-150 after a brief flirtation with the Super Duty line-up (featuring one of the most garish paint packages in recent history), and forced induction has yet again found its way back into the fold. Now packing 450 horsepower and the blackest color scheme imaginable, we recently got a chance to spend a few days with what is currently the most powerful pickup truck available.

Gallery: 2007 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Autoblog Garage

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: Chip gives us the scoop on his upcoming Foose F-150

Eric Bryant — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, New York Auto Show, Truck, Ford

Click the image above to view the Autoblog Chip Foose interview

Questions remained surrounding the Ford Chip Foose F-150, so we set out in search of answers and found ourselves speaking to the man whose name appears on the truck. A couple of questions and a Chip riff or two later, here's what we learned - the inspiration for the truck was Foose's own F-series, the truck should be available in three or four months (!), and a lighter-weight two-door version might be on its way if Chip's crew has its way. SVT may not be able to resurrect the Lightning, but we think this would be an adequate substitute. Press through to watch us stutter and stammer our way through an interview with the Hot Rod Hall of Famer after the jump.

Continue reading New York Auto Show: Chip gives us the scoop on his upcoming Foose F-150

New York Auto Show: Chip gives us the scoop on his upcoming Foose F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford GT owners get shafted, so to speak

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Supercars, Ford

Ah, the joys of owning an exotic. This time it's an issue with the half-shafts on the Ford GT separating and causing a loss of power. Fortunately, for both Ford and GT owners, this has only occurred on four vehicles and isn't as widespread as the 60 some incidents of broken shaft bolts that Ford issued a TSB on last year.

According to SVT's chief engineer, Jamal Hameedi, the problem has only occurred during acceleration and not while traveling at a constant speed. It seems that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) isn't too concerned about the matter, as they haven't decided to conduct an investigation.

[Source: Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

Ford GT owners get shafted, so to speak originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The future of SVT is hinged to a new truck

John Neff — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Ford

The future of Ford's Special Vehicle Team has been cloudy for the past few years. The hope that it would remain around in some form or another took a hit when its current chief, Hau Thai-Tang, was tapped to head Ford of Brazil earlier this year. Nevertheless, SVT indeed soldiers on and today we have proof that they're hard at work on a new project.

Winding Road managed to corner Jamal Hameedi, Chief Nameplate Engineer at SVT, at a Ford event in Detroit this morning. Hameedi revealed to WR that nearly all of SVT's resources are busy developing a new truck, and by "truck" he means a "body-on-frame" vehicle. Thus, whether it's a new F-150 Lightning or possibly a different F-Series model, an Explorer, Expedition or Ranger is unkown.

So, no Ford Taurus SHO developed by SVT or SVT Fusion. This kind of makes sense if one considers that the Lightning was supported throughout SVT's reign of terror in the '90s. Hameedi is reportedly extremely excited about the project, saying the finished product "...will blow your mind."

The performance truck world just got two shots of adrenalin in the form of the F-150 Foose Edition that will debut at the New York Auto Show next week and the Saleen S331 Sport Truck. If the new SVT truck will truly blow our minds, the bar is already set pretty high.

[Source: Winding Road]

The future of SVT is hinged to a new truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford SVT's Hau Thai-Tang headed to Brazil

Chris Shunk — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Ford

Ford Motor Company has decided that Hau Thai-Tang has done such a splendid job with SVT that it was time for a promotion to head Ford of Brazil, the automakers's most profitable global market. Brazil has been great for Ford mostly due to the success of the EcoSport, which reversed share declines, but was deemed "too basic" for American tastes. Thai-Tang is continuing to live the American Dream, and we wish him luck with his new post.

Many of you are likely questioning what will come of SVT, which currently includes only one product, the Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500. As a matter of fact, there isn't even an SVT in the name of that one either, but we digress. Thai-Tang's right hand man Hermann Salenbauch, who was once the head engineer for then BMW's Land Rover unit, has been mentioned as a possible SVT Director. Either way, without products and without Thai-Tang, SVT's future looks more cloudy than ever.

[Source: Winding Road]

REPORT: Ford SVT's Hau Thai-Tang headed to Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Feb 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Focus RS: It's coming back, in all its FF fury

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford

Here in the U.S., we haven't benefited from the hot hatch hysteria that has swept through Europe over the past several years. Our choices have been limited and even more so when it comes to domestic manufacturers. With the exception of the SVT Focus, Ford has never graced our shores with one of their hotted-up hatches, but still we yearn for some tire-smoking, turbocharged three-door action.

So without bemoaning the fact that we won't be getting the new RS, we'll just give you the facts, as they've been gathered by Autocar.

Continued after the jump...

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading New Focus RS: It's coming back, in all its FF fury

New Focus RS: It's coming back, in all its FF fury originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Feb 2007 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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