Autoblog

Next Ford F-Series to go on diet, make extensive use of aluminum

Zach Bowman — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST

Ford may turn to aluminum body panels on the company's F-Series pickup trucks in an effort to reduce weight. According to Ward's Auto, the next-generation F-Series is set to debut in 2014 and will likely feature aluminum fenders and door skins. The news comes courtesy of two unnamed sources close to the vehicle's development. Right now, the next-gen F-Series is rolling through Ford halls under the name P552, and while the automaker is reticent to go on the record about aluminizing its best-selling model, executives have made it clear that weight-savings is a major priority.

Derrick Kuzak, Ford's Group Vice President of Global Product Development, has previously said the company intends to cut up to 700 pounds per model by 2019. Ditching stamped steel body panels for aluminum would be a good start. Ford has already dabbled in aluminum hoods on both the F-Series and Explorer, and the material is expected to find greater use across automakers in the near future as companies brace for stiffer Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards.

Next Ford F-Series to go on diet, make extensive use of aluminum originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Timewarp 1993 Ford F-150 Lightning

Zach Bowman — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Truck, Auctions, Etc., Ford

Long before Ford turned its attention to building one of the most capable production off-road trucks in all the land, the company's SVT engineers spent their time trying to wring the most straight-line speed possible from an F-150. The result was the first-generation Ford F-150 Lightning - a vehicle that still manages to pull at our heart strings eighteen years after it debuted. If you're still sore you never got the chance to own a brand-new F-150 Lightning, eBay Motors has something special for you. A seller in Saint George, Utah is auctioning off a 1993 Lightning with just 37,850 miles on the clock.

Judging by the photos and the description, the truck is as close to factory perfect as you're likely to find anywhere. The owners is proud to say no aftermarket equipment of any kind has been added to the vehicle in its life, and the 351 V8 still looks fresh. Purists may cry foul at the tonneau cover, but the seller says that piece is a dealer-installed original. The paint, interior and engine bay all look clean enough to dine on with no rust, stains or leaks anywhere to be found. It looks like a million dollars, but the seller is only asking $15,500. Head over to eBay Motors to take a look.

eBay Find of the Day: Timewarp 1993 Ford F-150 Lightning originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Feds expand F-150 fuel tank strap investigation to 2.7 million pickups

Chris Shunk — Mon, 09 May 2011 13:29:00 EST

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

The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling truck in America for decades. That's a very big feather in the Blue Oval's cap, but when the truck line is bit by the recall bug, its massive volume can be a very bad thing.

The Detroit News is reporting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that it has upgraded its investigation into 2.7 million 1997-2001 F-150 pickups for fuel tank straps that have rusted and failed. If the straps rust and fail, NHTSA says there is a chance that the tank could drop and hit the road, causing a fuel leak. Back in September, NHTSA's initial investigation included 1.4 million vehicles.

Of the 339 complaints NHTSA and Ford have received so far, one has resulted in a brief fire that quickly flamed out, while a second complaint lead to a fire that actually destroyed the vehicle. According to the report, there have been a total of nine documented incidents in which fuel has leaked from the tank as a result of a failed tank strap, though there have no injuries linked to these incidents.

For its part, Ford says it is continuing to support NHTSA's investigation. The government safety agency says its investigation has "yielded information that strongly suggests the subject defect as the cause of the reported problem," suggesting a recall may be on the horizon.

Feds expand F-150 fuel tank strap investigation to 2.7 million pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 May 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Spy: U.S. Border Patrol finally gets its leatherless Ford Raptors

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Work, Ford, Off-Road

U.S. Border Patrol Ford Raptors being delivered - Click above for image gallery

What the U.S. Federal Government wants, the U.S. Federal Government gets. And what the Customs and Border Protection division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security wanted were at least 10 Ford SVT Raptor pickup trucks to patrol the area where Arizona borders with Mexico. Only problem is that Ford puts a standard leather interior in all its Raptor trucks, which is evidently against the ordering preferences of the Feds.

So, what to do? Put in an extra-special order with Ford, make a few phone calls (give us what we want... or else...) and patiently await delivery - a truckload of specially liveried pickups that Autoblog reader Matt happened photograph and send in to us. We went ahead and contacted Ford to be sure that it managed to deliver the authorities the Raptors it wanted, and we got an affirmative... sort of.

Ford would need the actual Vehicle Identification Numbers of the trucks to confirm individual equipment levels, and we're not about to march on down to Southern Arizona to grab them. But Ford says the Feds did order Raptors without leather and that the Blue Oval Bosses complied. So we're going with a definite probably. Have a look for yourself below. Thanks for the pics, Matt!

Gallery: U.S. Border Patrol Ford SVT Raptor shipment

Reader Spy: U.S. Border Patrol finally gets its leatherless Ford Raptors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Followup: Ford F-150 EcoBoost finishes Baja 1000 in 38 hours

Zach Bowman — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Ford, Off-Road, Racing

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

When it comes to the Baja 1000, simply crossing the finish line is reason enough to bust out the champagne. Ford has announced that its 2011 F-150 Ecoboost race truck has managed to cover the entire 1,061 mile course in 38 hours and 20 minutes. According to FoMoCo, the truck put up with some of the most grueling terrain on the planet - racing through temperatures below freezing and above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. More impressively, as you may recall, this particular 3.5-liter V6 engine entered the cross-country rally with the equivalent of 10 years of abuse on the clock. The very same lump went through extensive endurance testing at the Cleveland Engine Plant before being bolted into an F-150 that was used as a log skidder in Oregon.

Finally, the same engine drove around a NASCAR track at full speed while towing 11,300 pounds. Ford then unbolted the engine and plopped it into the race machine you see above - bone stock and without so much as a rebuild. With 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, the EcoBoost was more than powerful enough to pull the Baja F-150 across the line. Click past the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150 Ecoboost

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Followup: Ford F-150 EcoBoost finishes Baja 1000 in 38 hours

Followup: Ford F-150 EcoBoost finishes Baja 1000 in 38 hours originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:31:00 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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Report: 2011 Ford F-150 to get 3.7L V6, 5.0L V8 and 3.5L Ecoboost V6

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford

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

When the 2011 Ford F-150 arrives this Fall, it will reportedly get an all-new powertrain lineup. Ford already officially confirmed several months ago that the light-duty pickups would be getting the first rear-wheel drive application of the 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6. The transaxles in the current Ecoboost applications are torque-limited, so when the twin turbocharged and direct injected V6 lands in the truck, it could produce as much as 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

The current 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter are also expected to be supplanted by the newer, more powerful and efficient engines that debuted in the 2011 Mustang earlier this year. The F-150's new base engine will reportedly be the 3.7-liter V6 with 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, while the top engine will be the new 5.0-liter Coyote V8. The 5.0-liter will likely be re-tuned from the Mustang's 412 hp and 390 lb-ft to give it more torque and further elevate the model's 11,000+ pound towing capacity. The V6-powered trucks could be the first light-duty full-size trucks to hit 25 mpg on the highway, a figure that's even better than General Motors' hybrid trucks.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Ford F-150

Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: 2011 Ford F-150 to get 3.7L V6, 5.0L V8 and 3.5L Ecoboost V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automobile checks in for border control duty with Ford F-150 Raptor

Zach Bowman — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Etc., Government/Legal, Ford, Off-Road

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor serves and protects

Aside from the recent dust-up over immigration law in Arizona, we've heard very little about America's efforts on border patrol lately. Where once we heard all about fences, militia parties and night-vision, now the collective media consciousness is focused elsewhere. That doesn't mean that the challenges facing border patrol have exactly evaporated, of course. The men and women charged with keeping an eye on the line between the U.S. and Mexico still face mile upon mile of some of the most grueling terrain on the planet, which is exactly why the Yuma Sheriff went ahead and ordered up a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor before the official government-issue fleet arrives.

Automobile Magazine's Eszra Dyer decided to tag along with Major Leon Wilmot to see how the truck handles itself in an official capacity and just what this border patrol business is all about. As it turns out, the majority of the operation is concerned with large expanses of sand, moon dust, non-exploded ordinance and the cleverness of a people who want nothing more to outwit American law enforcement. If you've got a hot second, click over to Automobile for a quick read.

Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

Automobile checks in for border control duty with Ford F-150 Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hennessey gets Ford's SVT Raptor 6.2-liter rippin' on a dyno

Chris Shunk — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST

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

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2 gets dyno'd - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The 6.2-liter V8-powered Ford F-150 SVT Raptor went on sale less than two weeks ago and Ford tells us that it already has 3,000 orders signed, sealed and awaiting delivery. While that would spell disaster for the Blue Oval if we were talking about the run-of-the-mill F-150, we're talking about a purpose-built performance truck brandishing Fox shocks and massive 35-inch tires. Given the vehicle's niche audience, those kind of early sales numbers have Ford officials pretty excited. Make no mistake, the reason for all that interest has everything to do with the extra 91 horsepower under the Raptor's beefy hood, and the folks at Hennessey dyno'd the Little Mule to see just how much power transfers to those massive rear wheels. If you're wondering why Hennessey is interested in the Raptor, remember that the super tuner announced the 500 horsepower VelociRaptor back in February.

The post-jump video shows that, on the Hennessey dyno, the Raptor managed 326 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque. Keep in mind that the 326 ponies are measured at the rear wheels, where drivetrain losses zap power. Ford quotes 411 hp and 434 lb-ft at the flywheel, which means the vehicle Hennessey dyno'd experienced a 19.5 percent loss from the flywheel to the rear wheels. Hit the jump to watch the video, which includes a zero-to-60 time of less than eight seconds.

Gallery: Hennessey VelociRaptor 500

[Source: Hennessey via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey gets Ford's SVT Raptor 6.2-liter rippin' on a dyno

Video: Hennessey gets Ford's SVT Raptor 6.2-liter rippin' on a dyno originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Raptor 6.2-liter goes on sale, nearly 3,000 already ordered

Zach Bowman — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:29:00 EST

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

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

If you've been holding off on taking the plunge on a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor until the more potent 6.2-liter engine found its way to the option sheet, we've got good news for you. The big 411 horsepower, 434 lb-ft of torque V8 is officially on sale right now, and Ford says the mills are flying off the shelves. According to the Blue Oval, the company has received over 3,000 orders for the Raptor with the more powerful engine.

The bigger engine offers a 91 horsepower bump over the base 5.4-liter V8, which should help the Raptor be a little quicker on its toes when it comes to desert maneuvers. That's all fine and dandy, but how much will it cost you? If you go for the 6.2, expect to add another $3,000 to the final price tag. While we haven't had a chance to play with the uprated Raptor just yet, that sounds like a mighty fine deal to us.

Ford has also announced a number of other optional features now available for its off-road beast, including special halogen lamps mounted atop a light bar, a tow kit for pulling lesser machines from the sand, and blue powder-coated cam covers for both engines. Far be it from us to look down on a little show with your go.

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

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Raptor 6.2-liter goes on sale, nearly 3,000 already ordered

Ford Raptor 6.2-liter goes on sale, nearly 3,000 already ordered originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fed reportedly expanding investigation into Ford F-150 airbags

Chris Shunk — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Ford

Back in October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration announced a Ford F-150 airbag investigation. There were 530,000 2005 model year F-150s involved in the investigation before Halloween, but now the number has swelled to 1.56 million trucks spanning the 2004-2006 model years. The government agency has also upgraded the investigation to an engineering analysis - one step closer to a recall.

The F-150 airbags are being investigated because the administration has reportedly received some 300 complaints of airbags that deployed without an accident. An earlier report revealed that the majority of the premature airbag deployments happened at ignition or directly after ignition - a really lousy wake up call first thing in the morning. Of the 300 complaints, there were 60 injuries, including cuts and bruises and two people reported being knocked unconscious as a result of the airbag deployment.

Ford, which is reportedly cooperating with the federal government in the investigation, predictably doesn't want to speculate as to whether the investigation will lead to a full-blown recall.

[Source: Reuters]

Fed reportedly expanding investigation into Ford F-150 airbags originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Super Duty debuts at Texas State Fair

John Neff — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows, Diesel

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: 2011 Ford Super Duty

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2011 Ford Super Duty debuts at Texas State Fair

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

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Chicago 2009: (You Can Still) Rock in America - Ford unveils Harley-Davidson F-150

Chris Paukert — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ford will shut down 10 N.A. plants in early January

Chris Paukert — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

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

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

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

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

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

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The end is nigh? Camry outsold Silverado in April, gunning for F-Series

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

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

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

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

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Ford already thinking about more aerodynamic F-150

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford

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

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

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

[Source: Auto Week]

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150

Continue reading Ford already thinking about more aerodynamic F-150

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

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MSNBC names the best and worst selling of 2007

Dan Roth — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Earnings/Financials

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

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

Hit the jump to read more, and see the list

[Source: Motor Authority]

Continue reading MSNBC names the best and worst selling of 2007

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

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Ford developing new diesel engine, quickly

Dan Roth — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 08:24:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

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

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

[Source: AutoObserver]

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

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Spied! Reader snags new Ford F-350

Alex Nunez — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 17:39:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Ford

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

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

(More photos after the jump)

[Source: Adam Minter]

Continue reading Spied! Reader snags new Ford F-350

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

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