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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Ford sweeps Texas Truck Rodeo awards, Chrysler defends SUV crown

Zach Bowman — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Etc., Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Jeep

The Texas Auto Writers Association has awarded the 2012 Ford F-150 a slew of honors. The pickup took home the Truck of Texas title by beating out its competitors at the annual Truck Rodeo. The award is the association's most prestigious honor, but Ford also picked up a few other nods. TAWA named the company's EcoBoost engine technology its best vehicle feature, and the 2012 Ford Edge took home the CUV of Texas badge. Finally, the entire Ford pickup line was named the Truck Line of Texas by the association, making for a pretty clean sweep of the truck competition.

This year, manufacturers entered 48 vehicles into the TAWA Truck Rodeo, and 57 automotive writers turned out to evaluate the trucks and SUVs. When the dust settled, Ford had earned seven awards total, including the best heavy-duty, luxury and full-size pickup trucks.

For its part, Chrysler saw its products fare well in the competition, too. The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee went home carrying SUV of Texas trophy, while TAWA awarded its sister, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the mid-sized SUV of Texas title. Finally, the writers in attendance named the 2012 Dodge Durango the full-size SUV of Texas.

Hit the jump for a volley of press releases.

Continue reading Ford sweeps Texas Truck Rodeo awards, Chrysler defends SUV crown

Ford sweeps Texas Truck Rodeo awards, Chrysler defends SUV crown originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:31:00 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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2012 Ford F-150 gets driveline upgrades, 750-mile range, new graphics

Dan Roth — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Technology, Ford, Design/Style

Ford's F-Series is one of the brightest jewels in the Blue Oval crown, and the 2012 Ford F-150 has been given more sizzle with new appearance options and more meat on the bones underneath it all with expanded driveline features and options. We've posted the full press release after the jump, but here are some highlights:

Down where tall blades of grass tickle the underbits, Ford has equipped every 2012 F-150 with Hill Start Assist to make starting off on grades less stressful. Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum F-150s are given a new four-wheel drive system that includes an automatic mode to augment its four modes in each range. All 2012 F-150 4X4 models have the ability to be flat-towed in neutral, and an electronic-locking rear differential is available for EcoBoost and 5.0-liter V8 F-150s. Wheelbase and payload tweaks are made, as well, and your bladder will certainly notice the 756-mile range of the 2012 F-150 EcoBoost 4X4, made possible by a new 36-gallon fuel tank.

The most visible addition for 2012 is the available FX appearance package that adds visual badassery to F-150's exterior with flat black stripes, red badging, unique head- and tail-lamps, chrome exhaust tip, and a black grille. Wheels for the FX package are flat black 20-inchers, too. The FX package also tarts up the interior with black leather on the seats set off by red piping and perforations. The steering wheel continues the theme with red stitching. Black and satin-metallic accents complete the FX package's interior high points. There's also a new FX Luxury package that adds heated and cooled front seats.

Ford has also launched a new Head to Head Pickup Comparison tool to help buyers figure out which configuration and powertrain best suits their needs. The tool also shows how the F-150 compares to its competition. Dive into it all after the jump.

Continue reading 2012 Ford F-150 gets driveline upgrades, 750-mile range, new graphics

2012 Ford F-150 gets driveline upgrades, 750-mile range, new graphics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford CEO Alan Mulally personally delivers F-150

Dan Roth — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 07:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Ford

"If you buy this truck, I'll come deliver it," Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally told his friend Rob Johnston. Proving that his pledge was more than just an empty sales tactic, Mulally stayed true to his word and dropped in at Satcher Ford in Aiken, South Carolina to personally hand over the keys to Johnston's 2011 Ford F-150. Johnston's likely still marveling at the luck that comes from having friends in high places, chuckling that "the CEO of Ford brought my little truck down to me" while taking delivery last Friday.

Maybe it's a new type of sales perk Ford could offer. Who wouldn't want, say, a Boss 302 dropped off by Parnelli Jones? There's a rich tapestry of Ford drivers in NASCAR available for Ford Fusion buyers, too. It could even be a line-item on the order form. Pay a little more for personal celebrity delivery, and the public figure of your choosing gets a vacation in an unlikely spot, like the overnight Mr. Mulally spent at Aiken's Willcox Hotel. If anything, it's a way for Mr. Mulally to spend time outside of Dearborn and speak with the public that buys his company's products.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally personally delivers F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 07:20:00 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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Ken Block murders out his 2011 Ford SVT Raptor

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 20:17:00 EST

Ken Block's 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford decided to show its appreciation for Ken Block's work by gifting the Gymkhana god with a brand-new 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor. Once he took delivery of his gratis off-road rocket, Block wasted no time giving the truck a more acute sense of evil, courtesy of blacked-out wheels and a matte-black wrap.

Though its signature decals are gone, Block's 6.2-liter V8-powered pickup is still instantly recognizable as a Raptor, thanks to the louvered hood, bulging fenders, and Raptor-only grille and headlights. Block's new truck should be the perfect addition to his high-horsepower stable, with enough grunt to tow any of his non-street legal toys to his favorite playground, or as a brutal plaything in its own right.

Gallery: Ken Block's murdered-out 2011 Ford Raptor

[Source: Facebook]

Ken Block murders out his 2011 Ford SVT Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Apr 2011 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Ford

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

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

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

Luckily both the Feelys got through the ordeal without injury.

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

[Source: azfamily.com]

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

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

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Report: Ferrari bows to Ford legal pressure, renames F1 car F150th Italia [*UPDATE]

Chris Paukert — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Ford, Ferrari

According to AutoWeek, Ferrari is bowing to a freshly filed Ford lawsuit, renaming its new Formula One racer the F150th Italia.

Originally dubbed 'F150,' the name quickly raised the hackles of the Blue Oval's legal team, which has a longstanding claim to that alphanumeric naming convention thanks to its F-150 full-size pickup line. Ferrari had itself chosen the F150 moniker in observance of 150 years of Italian unity.

AutoWeek notes that the revised name was first revealed today on a new story published about the car's testing in Jerez, Spain on Ferrari's official website.

Thus far, Ferrari has made no official comment on the name change, or the lawsuit that Ford attorneys filed on Wednesday in Detroit.

*UPDATE: Official Ferrari statement on the naming scrum added after the jump.

[Sources: AutoWeek, Ferrari]

Continue reading Report: Ferrari bows to Ford legal pressure, renames F1 car F150th Italia [*UPDATE]

Report: Ferrari bows to Ford legal pressure, renames F1 car F150th Italia [*UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari opens hunting season with the new F150

Noah Joseph — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 09:51:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari, Racing

2011 Scuderia Ferrari F150 - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the first of four preseason tests scheduled at the Spain's Valencia circuit this week, Scuderia Ferrari became the first team to unveil its 2011 Formula One World Championship challenger. Over two million fans signed on to the team's website to watch its debut before the new monoposto took to Fiorano for a promotional run.

That the car bears the name F150 is no dig against the best-selling pickup truck from Ford (though the histories of the two companies are riddled with enough cutthroat competition). It's a celebration of a century and a half of Italian unification. The back of the rear spoiler carries the Italian flag, and the Scuderia also devised a new logo that features prominently on the engine cover where the banned Marlboro logo once stood.

Livery tweaks aside, the Ferrari F150 reflects a number of changes to the formula for 2011. A new hydraulically-actuated rear wing is in place, the air intakes are smaller, and KERS is back. Ferrari opted to place its kinetic energy recovery system - co-developed with MTS and Magneti Marelli - inside the redesigned fuel cell, and with the engine freeze still in place, its installation represents the only substantial change to the drivetrain.

The only other major update is the switch from Bridgestone to Pirelli tires, which the entire grid makes this year. Tire calibration will be crucial for all teams during the Valencia test and the three more scheduled to follow before the march 13 season kickoff in Bahrain. When it does, Ferrari hopes the new F150 will help them put last year's blunders behind them in what's shaping up to be an even more exciting campaign than last year's championship, which went down as the most competitive season in F1 history.

Both the Lotus-Renault teams as well as Sauber are scheduled to unveil their cars on Monday, January 31, followed by Mercedes GP, Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Williams on Tuesday, February 1. McLaren shows its 2011 car on February 4, and Virgin on the 7th. Force India and HRT have yet to confirm when their cars will be revealed. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest, and check out the of the Ferrari F150 in the high-resolution image gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Scuderia Ferrari F150

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Ferrari opens hunting season with the new F150

Ferrari opens hunting season with the new F150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Jan 2011 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari christens new F1 car 'F150'

Zach Bowman — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Ferrari, Racing

Ferrari has announced that its next Formula One racing thoroughbred will wear the same moniker as the best-selling pickup on the planet when it debuts later this week. The Ferrari F150 is set to enjoy an unveiling ceremony in Maranello this Friday, and fans of the brand can watch live at Ferrari.com. The Prancing Horse landed on the model name as a celebration of the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification, and as such, we're told to expect the country's tri-color flag to play a large role in the Formula One racer's livery. [Source: Ferrari]

Ferrari christens new F1 car 'F150' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:15:00 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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Video: Drag racing Ford's V6-powered F-150s

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Ford

PickupTrucks.com drag races Ford's newest V6 F-150s - Click above to watch video after the jump

Ford has created an exciting lineup of engines for the 2011 F-150. From the 6.2-liter V8 and Coyote 5.0 down to the 3.7-liter V6 and turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost, it's pretty much impossible to make a bad choice. Our friends at PickupTrucks.com currently have the keys to both of the V6 models, and they are putting them through the paces for their Work Truck Shootout. That story isn't quite ready yet, but in the meantime, Editor Mike Levine decided to run them down the strip at Michigan's Milan Dragway.

The resulting times are very interesting. The naturally-aspirated 3.7, which produces 302 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, made the quarter-mile trip in 15.87 seconds with a trap speed of 87.69 miles per hour. The more powerful EcoBoost, which boasts 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, needed just 14.67 seconds to cover the quarter-mile, crossing the lights at 94.6 mph. Interestingly, both of the times for the V6 engines were quicker than all of the figures for half-ton V8 trucks tested during the site's 2008 Light-Duty Shootout.

You've just read about them, so why don't you hop over the jump and watch them run down the strip.

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150: First Drive

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

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Continue reading Video: Drag racing Ford's V6-powered F-150s

Video: Drag racing Ford's V6-powered F-150s originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford F-150 to achieve up to 23 MPG

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

Filed under: Truck, Ford

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150: First Drive

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

[Source: Ford]

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

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NHTSA probing Ford F-150 fuel tank straps

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

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Ford

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

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

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Reader Spy: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew spotted naked and unashamed

Zach Bowman — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Ford, Off-Road

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

Autoblog reader Geo happened to be cruising on I-275 in Detroit last week when he was passed by a convoy of Ford F-150 pickups. Snugged smack dab in the middle was none other than the upcoming F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew without a stitch of camouflage to cover those two extra doors. Geo did what any good enterprising AB reader would do and clicked a couple of photos as the desert-crushing truck blew by.

The prototype in the photos has ditched the outlandish graphics of its shorter brother, but it still looks just as mean, and it's even slathered in silver paint, a color that isn't currently available. If the badge on the fender is any indication, this particular example packs the same 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 mill we were fortunate enough to sample not too long ago, which means it should have no problem jumping over hill and dale. If ever there was a backyard party on four wheels, this is it.

Gallery: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew

Reader Spy: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew spotted naked and unashamed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost V6

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 21 May 2010 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Ford

The 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost is one of the worst kept secrets out of Dearborn, and the crew at PickupTrucks.com have managed to snag some of the first shots of a SuperCab FX4 model undergoing testing.

While the changes to the exterior don't divulge much, the cut in the lower air dam clearly shows an intercooler mounted in front of the radiator.

The direct-injected, turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 is rumored to be rated at around 400 horsepower and more than 400 pound-feet of torque, enough to keep up with the standard 6.2-liter V8's 411 hp and 434 lb.-ft. of twist, while returning fuel economy somewhere in the range of 23 mpg on the highway.

Sales are expected to begin later this year or in early 2011, and it's safe to assume that the EcoBoosted F-150 will carry a slight price premium over its V8-powered counterpart.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Spy Shots: 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 May 2010 13:31:00 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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Report: MotoGP racer Valentino Rossi takes on Formula One, impresses

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ferrari, Motorcycle, Racing

MotoGP racing star Valentino Rossi has ventured from two wheels to four a few times in the past, and he's always come away smiling when given the chance to strut his stuff on a Formula One track. This latest testing session, though, has left many highly impressed and others understandably worried.

Various reports have put Yamaha's star rider into the Ducati paddock come 2011 or so, but after registering times around the Mugello circuit in an F2008 racer that were just two-tenths of a second behind Kimi Raikkonen's outright lap record of 1:21.67 (set in the same car, for what it's worth), Yamaha team manager Davide Brivio said, "The greatest danger is Ferrari... I have to be worried about these excellent times because Valentino really could get the desire to change sport."

For its part, Ferrari seems very pleased with Rossi's excellent performance, and the Italian supercar manufacturer saw fit to send out a nice press release on the matter that you'll find after the break. Kudos, Valentino... and good luck!

[Sources: Autocar, The New York Times]

Continue reading Report: MotoGP racer Valentino Rossi takes on Formula One, impresses

Report: MotoGP racer Valentino Rossi takes on Formula One, impresses originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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