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[Uncertain future for Ford's RWD vehicles, more EcoBoost on the way]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/14/uncertain-future-for-fords-rwd-vehicles-more-ecoboost-on-the-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/14/uncertain-future-for-fords-rwd-vehicles-more-ecoboost-on-the-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/14/uncertain-future-for-fords-rwd-vehicles-more-ecoboost-on-the-w/#commentsFiled under:



It's been a while since we've heard about FoMoCo's development of large rear-wheel-drive vehicles for Ford and Lincoln - no surprise considering the current climate. With fuel prices continuing their upward trajectory and CAFE standards looming on the horizon, Ford is apparently reevaluating the efficacy of offering RWD vehicles in a market starving for fuel efficient whips.

In addition to this morning's story that Ford is considering offering an EcoBoost four-cylinder on its F-150 pickup, Automotive News is reporting that Ford's use of turbocharged, direct-injected engines could expand to beyond 500,000 vehicles annually by 2012.

Continue reading Uncertain future for Ford's RWD vehicles, more EcoBoost on the way

Uncertain future for Ford's RWD vehicles, more EcoBoost on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselecoboostexpeditionf150fiestafordlincolnmustangnavigatorrear wheel driveRearWheelDriverwdMon, 14 Jul 2008 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford extends A-plan to California families affected by wildfires]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/01/ford-extends-a-plan-to-california-families-affected-by-wildfires/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/01/ford-extends-a-plan-to-california-families-affected-by-wildfires/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/01/ford-extends-a-plan-to-california-families-affected-by-wildfires/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



With the terrible fires ravaging California, many companies are stepping up efforts to aid in the relief fund, and Ford is doing its part by extending its A-plan vehicle discount to any family that lost a vehicle in the fires. To claim Ford's coveted employee discount, victims from the disaster need to show an insurance report, police report, or a note from FEMA. To sweeten the pot, Ford is also keeping any rebates on its products, which makes for some very hefty discounts indeed.

Ford also felt firefighters should get some love too since they're the ones battling the unpredictable blazes. Any firefighter in the state of California also gets the A-plan option, and all they need to show is their ID card. Ford also pitched in 11 Super Duty trucks and nine Expeditions plus $100,000 to the Red Cross. As we mentioned in our previous post that details what each automaker has donated, it's nice to see our favorite industry doing its part to aid in California's relief. If Ford can help someone buy a Fusion (with a great discount) who just had his Camry burn to a crisp, there's no harm in the Blue Oval gaining a little market share while giving a victim or firefighter a break.

[Source: Ford, Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Continue reading Ford extends A-plan to California families affected by wildfires

Ford extends A-plan to California families affected by wildfires originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>California FiresCaliforniaFiresExpeditionexpire-images:2008-10-31FEMAFordRed CrossRedCrossSuper DutySuperDutyThu, 01 Nov 2007 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Ford reverse camera in action]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/01/video-ford-reverse-camera-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/01/video-ford-reverse-camera-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/01/video-ford-reverse-camera-in-action/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


With safety becoming more and more of a priority in buyers' purchase decisions, automaker are striving for as many IIHS top scores and five-star ratings as they can collect. One technology that hit the ground running a few years back is the backup camera, which gives drivers of large SUVs, pickups, and minivans a clearer view of what's going on beyond the bumper. Ford designed its own camera technology for 2008 model year vehicles, with the image being shown in the rear view mirror.

The video screen only shows up when you're in reverse, and it gives you both video of what's behind you and the approximate distance you can travel before hitting something. Then the folks from Dearborn, MI threw in the beep sensor as a redundant measure. The technology works remarkably well, and the video screen is even visible in extremely bright sunlight. We got video of the camera tech during Ford's 2008 vehicle review event, so hit the jump to see how close we got to some little girl's bike with the new 2008 King Ranch Expedition. It was incredibly accurate.

Gallery: Ford reverse camera

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford reverse camera in action

VIDEO: Ford reverse camera in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Jul 2007 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ExpeditionFordKing RanchKingRanchReverse CameraReverseCameraSuper DutySuperDutySUVSun, 01 Jul 2007 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[That's whacked: Expedition front and center of grisly Sopranos scene]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/13/thats-whacked-expedition-front-and-center-of-grizzly-sopranos/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/13/thats-whacked-expedition-front-and-center-of-grizzly-sopranos/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/13/thats-whacked-expedition-front-and-center-of-grizzly-sopranos/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Automakers have been paying big bucks for product placement in movies like Transformers and Casino Royale. When Ford marketers first heard that their recently redesigned Expedition made a free, blue oval-laden appearance on the wildly popular Sopranos finale, they must have figured that a little luck went their way. When those same product placement-o-holics discovered that the Expedition's big scene was when Tony Soprano enemy Phil Leotardo's head got crushed by said SUV, they probably weren't as happy. We thought the scene was especially odd considering that it contained a sustained close-up of the blue oval followed by Leotardo getting quickly shot in the head. Then we see the historic oval again on the front wheel as the mob boss' head gets run over by the two and a half ton vehicle with a crunch that can only be described as horrific.

Ford spokeswoman Whitney Drake said the appearance was "not a product placement." No kidding? Leotardo may have deserved his fate though. What self-respecting mob boss doesn't get chauffeured in a Town Car?

[Source: Detroit News]

That's whacked: Expedition front and center of grisly Sopranos scene originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expeditionfordPhil LeotardoPhilLeotardosopranosTony SopranoTonySopranoWed, 13 Jun 2007 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Ford Expedition EL]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-ford-expedition-el/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-ford-expedition-el/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-ford-expedition-el/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image to view more pics of the 2007 Ford Expedition EL

Ford's new Expedition EL has to follow in some huge footsteps - or, perhaps more appropriately, tire tracks. The stretched-wheelbase SUV not only has to do battle with GM's Suburban and Yukon XL duo (long the sales leaders in the extended-wheelbase segment), but it also has to live up to the reputation of the Excursion. That monstrous predecessor never sold in large numbers, but it built a loyal following that remains to this day (if you doubt this, just try to find a bargain on a low-mileage example with the Powerstroke diesel).

Since Ford's previous attempt at building a cargo conveyance and people mover on the Super Duty platform didn't appeal to the average mass-market buyer, this go-around utilizes the far more civilized Expedition platform - and its independent front and rear suspension - as a starting point. Will this move create a kinder, gentler mastodon of metal? We put one through the paces for a week to learn more.

Gallery: 2007 Ford Expedition EL

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Ford Expedition EL

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Ford Expedition EL originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elexcursionexpeditionfordminivansoccer momsportsuburbanSUVutilityvehiclexlyukonWed, 30 May 2007 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1989 Ford Bronco Centurion, the pre-Expedition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/20/ebay-find-of-the-day-1989-ford-bronco-centurion-the-pre-expedi/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/20/ebay-find-of-the-day-1989-ford-bronco-centurion-the-pre-expedi/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/20/ebay-find-of-the-day-1989-ford-bronco-centurion-the-pre-expedi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



eBay Motors has been a treasure trove of good finds this week, and today we bring you another rare SUV like the Saleen Explorer XP8. Though there are more than a few full-size SUVs on the market today, for decades the Chevy Suburban ruled a segment of one before the Ford Expedition arrived in 1996. But until Ford could develop a suitable Suburban fighter it made do by offering the Bronco Centurion, a four-door version of the Ford Bronco that was converted by a company named Centurion Vehicles.

The Centurion began life as a four-door club cab short bed F-Series pickup. To it was added a Bronco tailgate and fiberglass cap to close off the bed. A third-row bench was also donated by the Bronco to make the Centurion capable of carrying 8-9 people.

This particular Centurion is built off of the eighth-gen F-Series, though Centurions were also built on the ninth-gen F-Series up until 1996 when the tenth-gens arrived. It's powered by Ford's big 7.5L 460 c.i. V8 using the three-speed C6 automatic. Sure, it's got 220,000 miles on the odo and needs some TLC, but chances are any interested parties aren't looking for a show vehicle.

[Source: eBay Motors via GM Inside News]

eBay Find of the Day: 1989 Ford Bronco Centurion, the pre-Expedition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 May 2007 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1989 ford bronco centurion1989FordBroncoCenturionbronco centurionBroncoCenturioncenturionchevy suburbanChevySuburbanexcursionexpeditionford bronco centurionFordBroncoCenturionSun, 20 May 2007 13:46:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Auto Show: Live shots of the Expedition Funkmaster Flex Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/05/new-york-auto-show-live-shots-of-the-expedition-funkmaster-flex/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/05/new-york-auto-show-live-shots-of-the-expedition-funkmaster-flex/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/05/new-york-auto-show-live-shots-of-the-expedition-funkmaster-flex/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click above to view our gallery of details shots showing the Funkmaster Flex Expedition

As the first day of the New York Auto Show wound down, we managed to catch our breath and snap some shots of the Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Concept. As one would expect, the big SUV carries a red-and-black paint scheme, some color-matched painted interior components, big wheels, and the FMF logo on nearly every surface. It's very similar to the truck we saw at SEMA (the wheels are the biggest difference), and carries serial number 002. Look for it to appear at Ford dealers sometime this fall.

Hit the gallery for more live shots of the Expedition FMF Concept, and of course plenty more coverage of the NY show can be found here.

Gallery: 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition

New York Auto Show: Live shots of the Expedition Funkmaster Flex Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showcustomExpeditionFMFFordFunkmaster FlexNew YorkSUVThu, 05 Apr 2007 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Preview: Funkmaster Flex Expedition going into production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/30/new-york-preview-funkmaster-flex-expedition-going-into-producti/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/30/new-york-preview-funkmaster-flex-expedition-going-into-producti/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/30/new-york-preview-funkmaster-flex-expedition-going-into-producti/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ford will be unveiling another production intent vehicle at the New York Auto Show next week that has a connection to last year's SEMA show. Back in November we showed you the custom Expedition that Funkmaster Flex brought to Las Vegas for the big show. Next week Ford will be announcing that a version of this truck will go into production this fall. The production version is truly the spitting image of the original show truck produced for SEMA, with the most obvious change being new 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels. It features a 3d Carbon body kit that spruces up the front and rear fascias while adding side skirts to lower the truck's visual height. The Black and Colorado Red paint job with Orange pinstriping is just the like the show truck's, however. Inside the Expedition, Flex added a black leather interior with Colorado red stitching, as well as Colorado red accents all over the dash, doors and center console. Based on the short wheelbase Expedition Limited, it doesn't appear that any changes have been made to the motor or suspension. No pricing has been announced either, but any baller knows you need a lot of Benjamins to roll like this.

[Source: Ford]

Gallery: 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition

Continue reading New York Preview: Funkmaster Flex Expedition going into production

New York Preview: Funkmaster Flex Expedition going into production originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition2008FordExpeditionFunkmasterFlexEditionExpeditionFunkmaster FlexFunkmasterFlexNew York Auto ShowNewYorkAutoShowSEMAFri, 30 Mar 2007 12:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford bolstering roofs of some models in wake of lawsuits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/06/ford-bolstering-roofs-of-some-models-in-wake-of-lawsuits/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/06/ford-bolstering-roofs-of-some-models-in-wake-of-lawsuits/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/06/ford-bolstering-roofs-of-some-models-in-wake-of-lawsuits/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When a vehicle rolls over, one of the critical components in assuring the safety of its occupants is the roof structure and its ability to protect, not injure its occupants. On the heels of nearly $250-million dollars in judgments relating to injuries caused in rollover accidents, Ford Motor Company has considerably stepped up its efforts to assure the roof strength of its vehicles.

A new standard proposed by NHTSA in August, 2005 raises the minimum force withstood by a roof structure from a multiple of 1.5 to 2.5 times the vehicle's weight while maintaining sufficient head room for a buckled-in average size adult male to avoid being struck by a crushed roof. Unfortunately, a final ruling could take as long as a year and would give the manufacturers until at least 2011 to comply.

In a letter to the NHTSA, Ford's director of automotive safety office, James P. Vondale, disclosed that some versions of 11 models would have roofs 20 percent stronger than required. For instance, the Expedition and Navigator, as well as some F-250 and E-series models would exceed the standard, matching the Volvo XC90, which has one of the strongest roofs on the market.

Follow the jump for more info and a list of the 11 models from Ford that will receive stronger roofs in the near future.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Continue reading Ford bolstering roofs of some models in wake of lawsuits

Ford bolstering roofs of some models in wake of lawsuits originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ExpeditionF-250Ford Motor CoFordMotorColawsuitsNavigatorNHTSArolloverWed, 06 Dec 2006 19:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Expedition to get diesel power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/06/expedition-to-get-diesel-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/06/expedition-to-get-diesel-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/06/expedition-to-get-diesel-power/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Last month, we reported that Ford would be offering F150 buyers the option of a diesel powerplant for the 2009 model year. At the time, it wasn't a stretch to think that an oil-burner would someday find its way under the hood of the Expedition, since both vehicles share the same front clip. That assumption proved true, when the Expedition's chief engineer, John Viera, told Automotive News that a diesel would be offered by the end of the decade.

Although a timeframe wasn't specified, expect the diesel-equipped Expedition to launch around the same time as its pickup truck counterpart, likely sporting a larger version of the 3.6-liter V8 shared by Land Rovers across the pond.

Viera points to the success of the diesel-powered Excursion, before it was discontinued, and the fact that any vehicle sold with a fuel-efficient engine is a hot commodity on showroom floors. The possibility of a diesel version of the Lincoln Navigator was also mentioned.

[Source: Amy Wilson/Automotive News (Sub. Req.)

Expedition to get diesel power originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 07:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselexcursionexpeditionf150fordland roverLandRoverrange roverRangeRoverv8Mon, 06 Nov 2006 07:06:00 EST<![CDATA[It ain't SEMA without FunkMaster Flex and his fly Expedition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/27/it-aint-sema-without-funkmaster-flex-and-his-fly-expedition/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/27/it-aint-sema-without-funkmaster-flex-and-his-fly-expedition/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/27/it-aint-sema-without-funkmaster-flex-and-his-fly-expedition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


UPDATED: Added more pics and gallery after jump


Last month it was cell phones, this month it's SUVs. FunkMaster Flex is turning his hip hop car customization skills loose on Ford's new 2007 Expedition for this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas next week. Last year Ford had Flex customize a Fusion and an F-150 for the SEMA show, and they were pretty well received. So asking him back for an encore wasn't much of a stretch.

Perhaps better known for tuning celebrity rides than even his mixing nowadays, Flex will show us his interpretation of the all-new 2007 Ford Expedition, which "delivers hardworking SUV authenticity with original urban style and presence."

According to the release, the new Expedition has a more aggressive look, more towing capacity and more interior flexibility. The 2007 Ford Expedition FunkMaster Flex Concept sports a Street Scene Body Kit, 24-inch rims, two-tone black and redfire paint and a complete custom interior featuring DVD screens and performance audio system, all the standard fare for a SEMA-bound truck. Ford selected Flex to be the first customizer of the all-new 2007 Expedition after his successful work with other Ford products like the aforementioned 2006 Ford Fusion, F-150 and Mustang.

More pics of Flex's custom Expedition after the jump.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Continue reading It ain't SEMA without FunkMaster Flex and his fly Expedition

It ain't SEMA without FunkMaster Flex and his fly Expedition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Oct 2006 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007 Expedition2007Expedition24-inch rims24-inchRimsExpeditionF-150Ford FusionFordFusionFunkMaster FlexFunkmasterFlexredfire paintRedfirePaintStreet Scene Body KitStreetSceneBodyKitFri, 27 Oct 2006 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford focuses on safety in 2007]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/15/ford-focuses-on-safety-in-2007/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/15/ford-focuses-on-safety-in-2007/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/15/ford-focuses-on-safety-in-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



As promised, Ford is taking a page from Volvo's book and emphasizing safety for the 2007 model year for its Ford, Mercury and Lincoln brands. Side curtain airbags and rollover sensors -- factors that heavily contributed to the 2006 Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego earning the IIHS' highest rating of "Top Safety-Gold" -- will come standard on 14 Ford vehicles. The Expedition and Expedition EL's passengers will benefit from the addition of seat-mounted front-side air bags, a three-row Safety CanopyTM rollover detection system and AdvanceTrac(R) with RSC(R) (Roll Stability Control).

These newly added protective features come at a time where consumer demand for safety sits at the top of the most wanted list, followed directly behind quality and value. In fact, Ford cites a survey that found safety is now an "extremely important factor" for 54 percent of respondents, up from 51 percent in 2005.

[Source: Ford via TheAutoChannel.com]

Ford focuses on safety in 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Aug 2006 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expeditionfordsafetyvolvoTue, 15 Aug 2006 07:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Expedition EL and Lincoln Navigator go on camera at MT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/25/ford-expedition-el-and-lincoln-navigator-go-on-camera-at-mt/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/25/ford-expedition-el-and-lincoln-navigator-go-on-camera-at-mt/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/25/ford-expedition-el-and-lincoln-navigator-go-on-camera-at-mt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Motor Trend recently posted a short video review of the new Ford Expedition EL and Lincoln Navigator that contained a few nuggets of new info about the Blue Oval's big utes. We're all well aware that with their 5.4-liter V8 that produces 300 horsepower and 365 ft-lbs. of torque, the Expedition and Navigator are underpowered compared to their GM competitors. MT reports that the powerdome hood on both models will likely be sheltering a diesel and perhaps a hybrid powertrain in the near future. That hood also leaves room for a much larger V8 to fit between the front wheels, so don't expect Ford to be down on grunt for long.

Ford's decision to use an independent rear suspension may also pay off for the Expedition and Navigator, as third-row seating is said to be the most comfortable in class with generous head and leg room. Those back benches also have a convenient power fold-flat feature that their competition lacks.

We'll finally get to see an Expedition EL square off with a Chevy Suburban in the November issue of MT. We're betting the battle will be close, but we'll put our money on the Suburban over the Expedition for its greater power and, we can't believe we're saying this, better style. Any takers?

[Source: Motor Trend]

Ford Expedition EL and Lincoln Navigator go on camera at MT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselexpeditionexpedition elExpeditionElhybridmotor trendMotorTrendnavigatorvideoTue, 25 Jul 2006 16:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford announces pricing for 2007 Expedition models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/24/ford-announces-pricing-for-2007-expedition-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/24/ford-announces-pricing-for-2007-expedition-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/24/ford-announces-pricing-for-2007-expedition-models/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hoping to rejuvenate sales of its big SUV, Ford Motor has cut prices across the board on 2007 Expedition models. Cutting the model range from four to three by dropping the 2006 base XLS model, the 2007 entry-level XLT is priced at $29,995 - $5,485 below last year's XLT, and $3,485 lower than the previous base model.

The Eddie Bauer model comes in at $36,395 (a $3,200 drop) and the top of the line Limited is priced at $37,845 (down $3,500 from 2006).

All prices are for RWD versions - 4WD will set you back an extra $2,900. If you need extra room, there is an EL (extended length) version of each model for an extra $2,650.

The price reductions come with an enhanced standard equipment list, including Ford's new six-speed automatic, additional safety features, and an extended warranty.

[Source: Ford]



Ford announces pricing for 2007 Expedition models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jul 2006 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007 expeditionexpeditionexpedition eddie bauerexpedition elexpedition xltMon, 24 Jul 2006 15:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Expedition to go green?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/28/expedition-to-go-green/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/28/expedition-to-go-green/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/28/expedition-to-go-green/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Motor Company is mulling ways to move some of its Expedition metal -- which is a good thing considering the 82-day supply the automaker is currently hoarding. The Dearborn-based automaker is taking its big Expedition SUV, which gets 14 mpg in the city, and making a diesel or hybrid version of it. The diesel would be a V8 slated for Europe, while the hybrid version would compete with GM's big hybrid SUVs, the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe. It might not move the cars off the lot now, but it is some foresight sorely needed for the vehicle if it is to survive.

The diesel engine won't be a big deal. Ford may decide to beef up the 3.6L diesel V8 currently found in many a Land Rover over in Europe, but a hybrid won't be so easy. If Ford decides to do the development of the hybrid itself, the vehicle would definitely arrive a little late to the party (the Expedition will probably go on sale in 2010, whereas we'll see GM's trucks in 2008); however, the company may decide to go another route to bring the vehicle to market faster -- buy the two-mode hybrid technology from GM. The issue at hand is that Ford currently does not have rear-wheel drive truck platforms capable of hosting hybrid technology.

[Source: Automotive News via AutoWeek and Hybrid Car News]

Expedition to go green? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jun 2006 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expeditionhybridrear-wheel driveRear-wheelDrivetransmissiontwo-mode hybridTwo-modeHybridWed, 28 Jun 2006 15:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford's F-150 to get diesel power?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/19/fords-f-150-to-get-diesel-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/19/fords-f-150-to-get-diesel-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/19/fords-f-150-to-get-diesel-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Autoweek reports that Ford is developing a 4.4-liter diesel V8, slated for the F-150 pickup and possibly the Expedition SUV.

Apparently the new diesel is a supersized version of the twin-turbo 272 hp 3.6-liter V8 (right) manufactured for the 2007 Range Rover at Ford's Dagenham Diesel Center in England, and would likely be produced there and shipped to the U.S.

The Dagenham facility is a cooperative venture with PSA Peugeot Citroen, and is Ford's global center for diesel engineering and manufacturing.

[Sources: Autoweek, Ford]

Ford's F-150 to get diesel power? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jun 2006 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieseldiesel v8expeditionf 150f-150f150Mon, 19 Jun 2006 18:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford shifts production back into gear at seven plants after identifying transmission defect]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/ford-shifts-production-back-into-gear-at-seven-plants-after-iden/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/ford-shifts-production-back-into-gear-at-seven-plants-after-iden/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/ford-shifts-production-back-into-gear-at-seven-plants-after-iden/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ford was forced to halt production at seven assembly plants after finding a quality problem with a transmission component, but all seven plants affected by the stoppage should be up and running again today.

A supplied component, described as "a clutch mechanism that helps make the transmission shift smoothly between first and second gears" (sounds to us like the overrunning clutch), was found to be problematic, but the defect was caught before any suspect vehicles were delivered to customers. The supplier isn't being identified.

More than 4,000 units of light truck, van, and Lincoln Town Car production were lost, costing Ford somewhere in the neighborhood of $35M. The automaker says that making up for the stoppage won't be a problem, as they seem to have a bit of extra capacity to put towards the effort, and F-150 inventories are current running at about 107 days of sales.

[Source: Detroit News]

Ford shifts production back into gear at seven plants after identifying transmission defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 May 2006 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4R100Blue OvalBlueOvalE-SeriesE4ODEconolineExpeditionExplorerF-150F-SeriesFordMIchigan TruckNavigatoroverrunning clutchspragtransmissionsMon, 01 May 2006 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Spied! The next USDM Ford Escape]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/22/spied-the-next-usdm-ford-escape/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/22/spied-the-next-usdm-ford-escape/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/22/spied-the-next-usdm-ford-escape/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Not much is known about the next Ford Escape, other than the fact that the U.S. version is becoming more distinct from its foreign-market counterparts, like the re-nosed model set to run Down Under for 2007. Of course, as can be plainly seen here, the American version of the popular small SUV will get a new look as well, though markedly more aggressive than its Australian counterpart. With a bolder chrome grille and bumper inlet and headlamps similar to that of the 2007 Expedition, the look is definitely more grown up and aggressive, with designers having exorcised the overly prominent front bumper fascia of the current iteration.

No word yet on powertrain or interior refinements, though the Aussie Escape gained variable valve timing on its 2.3-liter four-cylinder model, and all models received an upgraded interior. From the looks of things, it would appear that the domestic Escape will receive a more thorough going-over than that of other markets, which should keep it in the hunt against vehicles like the new Toyota RAV-4 and Hyundai Tucson, along with upcoming competitors like the Mitsubishi Outlander.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Spied! The next USDM Ford Escape originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Apr 2006 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ExpeditionFord EscapeFordEscapeHybridMazda TributeMazdaTributeMercury MarinerMercuryMarinerSat, 22 Apr 2006 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[2007 Chevrolet Tahoe LT: In the Autoblog Garage Day 5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/2007-chevrolet-tahoe-lt-in-the-autoblog-garage-day-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/2007-chevrolet-tahoe-lt-in-the-autoblog-garage-day-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/2007-chevrolet-tahoe-lt-in-the-autoblog-garage-day-5/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's now time to bring our review of the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe LT to a close. We've looked over the fresh sheetmetal and crawled around the all-new interior, but before rendering a verdict we have to get behind the wheel and see if the redesigned SUV has the driving dynamics to back up its looks.

[Click through for pics, commentary, and our final thoughts on the new Tahoe...]

Continue reading 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe LT: In the Autoblog Garage Day 5

2007 Chevrolet Tahoe LT: In the Autoblog Garage Day 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Apr 2006 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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