Autoblog

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The common mantra for most people that have made the unfortunate transition to adulthood goes something like this: "Wish I would have had that when I was a kid." We feel your pain, probably more than most, and especially when it comes to the four-wheeled delights that most adolescents have at their disposal. So when we heard about Chip Foose's newest endeavor (seriously, has that guy invented a 32-hour day?), our initial reaction was "Cool!" followed by a series of mutterings reminiscent of one our elderly uncles.

Thankfully, we've been provided with a way to relive our misspent youth in the from of the RIDEMAKERZ Ford Super Chief (Base MSRP $28.00), jacked-up to all get-out and completely pimped with hood scoop, utility chest, and flashing lights.

So how else could we review this newest line of toys? Naturally, we're putting it through our own series of tests that any media whip would get, so follow the jump for the complete review.

Peter Horbury is responsible for the design strategy and execution of all Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury products in North America. At this year's Detroit Auto Show, one of the unquestioned stars on the floor was the stunning 400-horsepower Lincoln MKR. We sat down with Peter in Detroit to talk about the 4-door coupe and how it's going to influence Lincoln's designs over the long term. We also touched on the latest iterations of the Ford Five hundred and Focus and how he'll continue the progression toward a unified corporate look for the oval. Peter's very charming, and he's passionate about restoring the grandeur to the Lincoln brand. Based on the MKR, we'd say he's definitely got a handle on things. Read on and decide for yourselves. It starts below and continues after the jump.

Peter Horbury - Ford Executive Director of Design, North America
North American International Auto Show
January 8, 2007

Autoblog: Peter, thanks for sitting with us today. The MKR is obviously one of the big stars of the show this year, and there are several elements there that have generated a lot of conversation in the enthusiast community. Talk to us a little bit about what your approach was when you took on the MKR project.

Peter Horbury: Okay. Well, the MKR's here really to establish Lincoln's new DNA which we're actively pursuing in the studio now on production projects. So really, we could choose I suppose what type of car on which to demonstrate this, and of course 4-door coupes seem to be just the right, perfect car for Lincoln eventually. So this is what we've done; produced a car which carries Lincoln's new DNA but also a lot of the cues that Lincoln had from its past. And all of the design details or design cues that we're using will appear -- they're about to appear – on the new Lincolns very soon, and for the next few years. So here we are with all of them on one car.

As noted by Inside Line, Ford decided not to go with the locomotive-inspired theme of the Super Chief concept for its refreshened Super Duty pickups due out this summer. Too bad, as the Super Chief was super cool. Regardless, the new Super Dutes will get bigger and bolder in the front and back, with larger, one-piece headlights that extend down to a one-piece bumper, bigger vents in the grille, quarter panel vents behind the front wheels and the words “Super Duty” branded everywhere it will fit.

The bigger news for the new Super Dutes will be the arrival of an all new Powerstroke diesel to replace the current one that’s been plagued with problems from the get-go. The new oil burner will displace 6.4 liters and employ a pair of sequential turbos to help produce 350 hp and 650 ft-lbs of torque. Those numbers would put the Super Duty ahead of both Dodge’s 5.9L Cummins turbo diesel (325 hp/610 ft-lbs.) and GM’s 6.6L Duramax diesel (310 hp/605 ft-lbs.), in which case it’s time for another race.

[Source: Inside Line]