Autoblog

Ferrari begins releasing official teasers for new supercar

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari

Regardless of what it will be called, the successor to the Ferrari Enzo will be unveiled next week in Geneva, and like many other automakers, Ferrari will apparently be giving us a slow strip tease of the all-new hybrid supercar.

We've already seen a couple shadowy images of the car's face and rump, but the new shots - provided courtesy of the Ferrari Facebook page - are starting to show us some detail.

The only problem is that we don't exactly know what details we're looking at. In the shot above, that curvy, red real estate could belong to any number of body panels, while the second new teaser shows the Ferrari prancing horse logo with no indication of where on the car it's located.

Fortunately, there are just four days left until this new supercar makes its global debut, and Ferrari has promised more "hints" of the car on its website and official Facebook page.

Continue reading Ferrari begins releasing official teasers for new supercar

Ferrari begins releasing official teasers for new supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari's Enzo successor to cost 1M euros?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Luxury

If you're planning to pick up the newest hypercar from Ferrari, you may need to do more than save your pennies. Automotive News Europe reports the Enzo successor will cost more than 1 million euros, or $1.34 million at current conversion rates. That's before taxes, too. All told, Ferrari will build just 499 examples of the tentatively named F150 according to reports. The Italian automaker has neither confirmed nor denied the price or production figures, though Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has said the machine is already sold out worldwide.

We do know the hybrid will serve up more than 900 horsepower thanks to a new naturally aspirated V12 direct-injection engine and an electric motor. The automaker says its HY-KERS hybrid system has cut fuel consumption by some 40 percent. Of course, adding an electric motor to the party has added some 330 pounds to the driveline, a fact Ferrari has offset by using carbon fiber for the machine's chassis. Word has it the F150 will have a curb weight similar to the Enzo at a shave over 3,000 pounds.

Ferrari's Enzo successor to cost 1M euros? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best speculative Ferrari Enzo successor rendering yet

Seyth Miersma — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Design/Style

While so many supposed Ferrari fanatics are just sitting on their collective hands and waiting for the Italian supercar maker to finally reveal its F150 (or whatever it'll be called) Enzo follow-up, designer Josiah LaColla has gotten busy with his Wacom tablet and set to work. The results, though quite possibly no closer to the actual F150 as any of the other renderings we've seen thus far, are lovely to behold.

Well, actually, "lovely" probably isn't the perfect descriptor - anything less than a little bit brutal wouldn't be a proper successor to the Enzo, nor would it fit the parameters laid out by the test mules we've seen so far. Accurate within the best of LaColla's ability to guess and imagine is probably a better way of looking at these designs, which show a car that has enough venting to keep the bowls of Hell cool (should Hell ever hit the autostrada at 150+ miles per hour).

We've recapitulated the designer's own words in press release form, below, so as to give you a good idea of his intentions with the design. Read, view and tell us what you think the renderings, in comments.

Continue reading Best speculative Ferrari Enzo successor rendering yet

Best speculative Ferrari Enzo successor rendering yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari F150 Enzo successor is Geneva bound [UPDATE]

Zach Bowman — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari, Design/Style, Luxury

Ferrari has announced the automaker will debut the company's "most powerful HyperFerrari [sic]" at this year's Geneva Motor Show. The news came courtesy of Instagram, where the Italian automaker posted a familiar-looking rendering with a quick note. Details are still remarkably scarce, though Ferrari says the successor to the Enzo throne will be able to "turn into a corner" as quick as a Formula One car thanks in part to the fact that the road-going machine will feature as much downforce as an F1 competitor. From what we've heard so far, the Enzo replacement will boast over 800 horsepower from the combination of a V12 engine and a HY-KERS system.

We've already heard some interesting tidbits about the new machine, including the fact that each model will come with a driver's seat tailor made for the buyer. Ferrari says we can also expect to see a quicker 0-120 mph sprint than the old Enzo with 40 percent fewer emissions. Stay tuned for live photos from the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

UPDATE: After some looking into it, Ferrari does not appear to have an official Instagram account, or at least doesn't list one alongside its other official social accounts. We're of the mind now that what appeared on this Instragram is not officially from the Horse's mouth.

Ferrari F150 Enzo successor is Geneva bound [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Feb 2013 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari F150 Enzo-successor takes some loud laps at Fiorano

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ferrari

From recent spy shots to leaked information, we're starting to get a good idea about just how amazing the unnamed successor to the Ferrari Enzo will be, but now we've finally gotten to see some video of the car testing at the Fiorano Circuit in Italy. This video not only gives us an earful of the car's screaming engine and rumbling exhaust note, it also affords us a view of the car without its fish-face camouflage that it has been caught wearing recently.

The video shows the new supercar testing around the 12-turn, 1.877-mile track with an Enzo, and it is interesting to hear the differences between the 651-horsepower Enzo and its reportedly 950-hp hybrid successor. Scroll down to watch the newest Ferrari going through some track testing, and be sure to turn your speakers up.

Continue reading Ferrari F150 Enzo-successor takes some loud laps at Fiorano

Ferrari F150 Enzo-successor takes some loud laps at Fiorano originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Possible Ferrari F70/F150 specs emerge from private showings

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 10:44:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

At a private showing in Maranello, a group of lucky souls got to sneak a peek at the upcoming successor to the Ferrari Enzo, which has been referred to as both the F70 and F150 (not that F-150). While we still don't get any name confirmation or a definitive idea (aside from spy shots) as to what the newest Ferrari supercar will look like, one of the attendees did manage to pass along some vital performance information about the car as well as production numbers that are said to be limited to just 499 units.

The report on Auto-Blog.com.mx confirms that the Enzo successor will utilize an 800-horsepower V12 paired with a hybrid KERS good for another 150 hp. The engine's peak power kicks in at a screaming 9,200 rpm, while peak torque (not divulged) will be available at just 1,000 rpm. That kind of power could be great in just about anything, but the report also says that this new Ferrari model will have a dry weight of just 2,799 pounds (about the same as the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S twins and just slightly more than a Mazda MX-5 Miata). Rumored speed times include a top speed of 229 miles per hour, and the ability to run from 0-60 mph in less than three seconds; doubling that speed takes an extra second.

We've already seen the car's carbon fiber chassis and now we're just waiting to see the production car in real life, but Ferrari has not announced when the car will be introduced.

Possible Ferrari F70/F150 specs emerge from private showings originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari Enzo successor caught testing again

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:16:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

Although we're still not really sure what Ferrari plans to call its long-awaited successor to the Enzo, we're certain that this is going to be one mean car. We've heard that it will be called the F150, F150 Italia and even the F70 over the last year and a half. Regardless of its name, this guppy-faced prototype you see above is Ferrari's answer to the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder with a rumored 900-horsepower hybrid powertrain.

Since the last time we saw this car testing, the only difference appears to be that the exhaust outlets now may be closer to production form, with dual pipes on each side sitting up higher in the fascia. Aside from that, these shots are much clearer and at a better angle allowing us to get an idea of what the final product might look like. We do see some of this car's details such as the headlight placement and shape similar to the 458 Italia and the massive brakes with drilled carbon ceramic rotors.

No word as to when we might see the production version of the car, but Ferrari did tease a couple photos of it last month and is much further along than spy shots we saw less than a year ago.

Ferrari Enzo successor caught testing again originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inventor creatively side-steps pickup problem

Scott Burgess — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Truck, Technology, Work, Design/Style

One Minnesota inventor may have just created a better bed step.

While Ford offers a pickup bed step that slides out of the top of the tailgate on its F-150, that particular step can't be used when towing. Now, one man has devised his own step that slides out of the side of the tailgate.

Myron Isaacson recently received the patent on his pickup bed ladder, affectionately named "My Dream Steps," according to a local news report.

It works in a similar manner as the Ford bed step, allowing a person to climb into a high pickup bed without grinding their knees against the truck's steel. Because this step works from the side of the tailgate, Isaacson's invention allows the truck owner to climb into the bed even if the truck has a trailer attached. The new assembly looks pretty compact and easy to use, and he's already won an award for its design. At this year's Minnesota Inventors Congress, Isaacson netted a gold medal.

Check out the video below to see it in action on Isaacson's Ford.

Continue reading Inventor creatively side-steps pickup problem

Inventor creatively side-steps pickup problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor goes beige brilliantly

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Ford, Off-Road

We got an in-person look at the new 2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor at a Ford event yesterday, and we have to say that Ford's stock photography does not do this new "Terrain" color justice. Neither do these pictures, really, but Ford wouldn't let us find somewhere more suitable to photograph their updated SVT truck.

Terrain is a sandy beige hue with a flat finish. It's not matte, but this paint certainly isn't reflective by modern standards. In fact, it's quite reminiscent of those wonderful old lacquer finishes from the '30s and '40s. (We can imagine a Ford Model A Business Coupe coming in the same color.) That's not a pejorative, as the SVT Raptor looks great in this decidedly industrial beige tone. Something about the Raptor's outlandish looks just works with the understated color.

We've also netted some more details about the new beadlock-capable wheels. Underneath those 12-bolt cosmetic trim rings are 24 holes, already tapped for the Ford Racing beadlock ring. Owners just have to buy the beadlock kit from their dealer to convert them. The wheels themselves are forged aluminum and officials tell us this convertible system is an industry first which it aims to patent.

Check out all the high-res images of the 2013 SVT Raptor in our gallery.

2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor goes beige brilliantly originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford F-150 Limited unveiled as range-topping luxury truck

Scott Burgess — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford, Luxury

The F-150 Limited is back - more powerful, more luxurious and more expensive than any other 2013 F-150.

Ford Motor Co. is taking the wraps off the new Limited today in Dearborn. It will feature a unique look, a lush red interior and nearly every bell and whistle Ford can muster, surpassing the high-end Ford Platinum F-150.

"There's still a strong demand for luxury pickups and the Limited will help us meet that demand," said Ford spokesman Mike Levine.

Indeed, Ford says 30 percent of its pickup sales are the luxury trucks it offers such as the Lariat, Harley Davidson and King Ranch models. Each has carved out a niche, appealing to the inner street racer, biker or cowboy in need of a pickup. Currently, a Platinum F-150 rings up the top price of all F-150s, starting at $44,635. But the Limited will exceed that with its standard loaded up interior that includes everything from a moonroof and aluminum trim to heated and cooled seats.

It will also outperform its predecessor, the 2011 F-150 Limited. Ford has added its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 under this new model's red hood, giving it 365 horsepower and up to 22 mpg on the highway. There's also standard HID headlamps, 22-inch polished aluminum wheels and that special branding of the word "Limited" on the rear quarter panel.

This truck may not be for everyone, but some drivers are going to love it.

Continue reading 2013 Ford F-150 Limited unveiled as range-topping luxury truck

2013 Ford F-150 Limited unveiled as range-topping luxury truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford offering F-150 fleet customers no-cost Special Service Vehicle package

Zach Bowman — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:45:00 EST

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

Ford has officially released a new Special Service Vehicle Package for its F-150 pickup. Targeted at government and commercial fleets for things like police or forest ranger duty, the pack adds in a larger 220-amp alternator and a unique interior configuration at no extra cost. Inside, the trucks offer cloth seating and additional space between the front seats for a range of gear, including communications equipment and firearm storage. Agencies can also specify beefier components like heavy-duty tires and skid plates to suit their needs. The SSV Package trucks can be had with either a 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 engine with 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque or a 5.0-liter V8 with 360 hp and 380 lb-ft.

Both engines are bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission, and buyers can equip either four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive SuperCab and SuperCrew models with the SSV package. Take a look at the full press release for more information.

Continue reading Ford offering F-150 fleet customers no-cost Special Service Vehicle package

Ford offering F-150 fleet customers no-cost Special Service Vehicle package originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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These are the 10 new cars with the highest percentage of male ownership

Chris Tutor — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Truck, Etc.

Last week we brought you Inside Line's list of the 10 cars most likely to be owned by a women. The Volvo S40 came out on top among the ladies. But what's most likely to be owned by a guy? Minivans? Fuel-efficient hatchbacks? Hybrids?

No.

At the top of Inside Line's list is the very masculine, testosterone-oozing Ferrari 458 Italia. It should be no surprise that 95.3% of 458 owners are men. We sure would like to meet the other 4.7%.

Ahem. Anyway, in second place is the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, then the Audi R8, the Mercedes SLS AMG and then, at No. 5, the Ferrari California. So far, we've pretty much recited every male motorhead's ultimate wish list. Seriously, what self-respecting man doesn't put himself to sleep every night running through the gears of any of those cars?

At No. 6, is the perennial Porsche 911, then the Nissan GT-R at No. 7 with 87.9% male ownership. No. 8 is the obligatory GMC Sierra pickup closely followed by the Ford F-Series at No. 9. Rounding out the list at No. 10 is the consummate mid-life crisis Chevy Corvette with 86.9% male ownership.

So where does that leave the Ford F-650? Are there really that many women buying that monster?

These are the 10 new cars with the highest percentage of male ownership originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

Filed under: Truck, Technology, Ford

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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