Archive for November, 2007

Ten ways Ford F-150 stands Out from the Pack

Thursday, November 15th, 2007

Ford F-Series, America’s Truck leader for 30 consecutive years, sets the standard for strength and toughness – with more trucks on the road with over 250,000 miles than any other brand. Ford continues to raise the bar to give truck customers more of what they’re looking for. The 2008 Ford F-150 introduces new models, features and options that take “Built Ford Tough” to a new level. Here’s a look at just a few of the ways the F-150 continues to lead full-size pickups:

Bolted Ford Tough: With 1,000 pounds more payload than the nearest competitor and a class-leading 11,000-pound towing capacity, the Ford F-150’s capability leadership can be measured down to the bolts. Ford has the largest, strongest bed and key suspension bolts in the segment to hold up to the abuse of customers who move these extreme loads. While its 300-horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8 engine, fully boxed frame and robust suspension get most of the credit, the bolts hold it all together over the long haul.

Check out the video at to see how the Ford F-150 handles grueling rough roads versus the competition.

One tough customer: The Ford F-150’s fully boxed frame is the strongest in the segment, providing the foundation for improved durability, driving dynamics, ride refinement and quietness. The result is increased stiffness and stronger attachment points for the brackets that attach the body and suspension to the frame – and minimal shake and shudder on rough roads. With a driving feel that is designed to be plush yet connected to the road, F-150 has a front suspension system that readily absorbs bumps but stands strong against steering forces. The frame also contributes to the F-150’s leading payload and towing capability.

Safety in numbers: The Ford F-150 is one of the only half-ton pickups to have earned NHTSA’s five-star crash rating for both driver and front passenger thanks to a solid structure and rigorous “Built Ford Tough” testing. The structure includes strong hydroformed front frame rails that are built with computer-designed front horns to help manage crash forces. In an impact, these areas of the frame are designed to collapse in an accordion fashion, dissipating energy before it reaches the passenger compartment.

Fuel-saving innovations: The Ford F-150 features the segment’s only 4×4 system with integrated wheel ends that automatically disconnect when the truck is shifted into 4×2 and re-connect when it is shifted into four-wheel mode. The system reduces fuel consumption by up to a half gallon per mile in 4×2 driving conditions compared to more traditional systems used by competitive trucks. Combined with fuel-saving engine technologies such as the 5.4-liter 3-valve V-8’s variable cam timing, the F-150 gets comparable real-world fuel economy while still delivering class-leading capability.

Eyes in the back of your bed: The 2008 Ford F-150’s new rearview video camera parking aid system enhances visibility at the rear of the box through an innovative video feed customers can conveniently see on the rearview mirror. The Rearview Camera System is mounted in the tailgate handle bezel and is activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle. The video image is displayed in the self-dimming rearview mirror, a natural place for the driver to look while in reverse. This system gives truckers who tow the visibility they need to back up to their Trailer and line up precisely to hook up the hitch. The industry’s only other truck application requires drivers to look down at the navigation screen as they’re reversing.

Six-door truck? Retail and fleet truck customers can choose an innovative Mid-box feature – a customizable box between the cab and bed – that provides lockable storage for tools and other valuable items. The rugged, steel construction features double-paneled doors that are accessible from both sides of the vehicle and lock and unlock with the same key that operates the driver’s door. Latches feature double-bitted keys and lock tumblers designed to provide additional security. Dent-resistant exterior door panels wear factory Ford door handles for a well integrated look and feature commercial grade sealing delivering a weather- and dust-resistant interior compartment. The Mid-box option is available on Regular Cab and Super Cab models.

The ultimate tool box: The 2008 Ford F-150 works even harder and smarter with a factory-installed feature that offers an easy-to-use solution for secure storage of all types of cargo. The base Cargo Management System comes with two side rails and four cleats. Additional options include a pair of bins, a pair of crossbars and a header bar. Extra bins and crossbars are easily added when extra capability and flexibility is needed. In the “Built Ford Tough” spirit, Ford engineered the system to handle more load and last longer than competitive systems. For example, the easily adjustable, cast-aluminum cleats can hold more than 600 pounds. Side-mounted, blow-molded plastic tool bins can hold up to 60 pounds and feature double wall construction, providing a watertight, thermal barrier that keeps beverages cold when used as a cooler.

Power play: The supercharged, 450-horsepower 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 is the most powerful F-Series truck ever and races onto streets this fall to help the famed motorcycle maker and automaker kick off their 105 th anniversary celebrations. The new limited-edition truck is the third supercharged Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150, following the best-selling 2002 and 2003 models that were among the more than 60,000 specialty trucks sold since 1999. This supercharged beast is available on both monochromatic and two-toned 4×2 models.

More choice: The Ford F-150 offers the industry’s widest variety of body configurations, including three cab choices, three box lengths, two box styles and five unique series. Ford further expands the leading lineup of more than 60 unique models and configurations with the addition of the 2008 Ford F-150 Lariat Limited and XL Super Crew. The Lariat Limited takes Ford’s “Tough Luxury” to a new level with a stunning White Sand Metallic monochromatic paint scheme and massive 22-inch wheels. The XL Super Crew offers the hottest truck model – four-door crew cabs – in a more affordable package. Why so many choices? Ford customers need different tools for different jobs. The competition only offers half as many combinations as the Ford F-150.

Paint by quality numbers: The Ford F-150’s frame is painted with a high-tech e-coat paint process that was perfected by Mazda and reduces paint waste. The unique paint job reduces the environmental impact by allowing a more uniform and consistent quality coating of paint to be applied to parts. This paint process uses electric energy to attract paint particles to a part, minimizing waste and overspray.

Mahindra & Mahindra seeks space in US SUV market

Thursday, November 15th, 2007

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is seeking space in the US market’s highly competitive sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment with a completely re-designed model based on the Scorpio platform. The tag line for the vehicle is Guilt-free Vehicles, it is learnt. The company will initially launch a diesel SUV, followed by a hybrid version (which runs on dual fuel: petrol and electricity) which can also see its entry into the Indian market at a later stage, sources said.

The SUV segment is dominated by Toyota, Dodge, Nissan, General Motors and at the premium end by BMW, Lexus and Mercedes. The company has tied up with US-based biggest vehicle distributor Global Vehicles to sell the brand, which in turn has appointed around 263 dealers.

Having established itself in the growing domestic market, M&M wants a footprint in the US which currently holds more than a 50% of the SUV space. M&M recently announced setting up of a CKD plant in Brazil and Egypt. It has a presence through the CBU route in Australia, South and Central America.

The pick-ups and Trucks will be imported initially as CBUs (completely built units). The SUV will be based on the Scorpio platform but will be completely redesigned for the US market and badged differently. “The new product development is on and an automatic transmission variant of the Scorpio will be launched in the US ,” said PN Shah, EVP, international operations, M&M.

“Its a new market, so we will start small as a niche player. We cannot afford to ignore a market like the US,” Mr Shah said. As the US is a brand conscious market and M&M is a little known brand, the company will initially target the Vehicles at the `green’ consumers, tractor customers and the Indian expatriates in the United States. Pricing, production targets and advertising spends are being worked out.

2008 Volvo C30

Thursday, November 15th, 2007

2008 Volvo C30Volvo is launching a new luxury compact car for 2008 called the C30. Already on sale in Europe, the four-seat hatchback will be coming across the Atlantic this fall loaded with safety features. It promises sporty handling and performance with upscale appointments and comfort. The C30 will start at $22,700 for the C30 Version 1.0 and $25,700 for the C30 Version 2.0 (prices do not include destination charges of $695).

The 2008 Volvo C30 should appeal to at least two groups of people: Those who are young and successful, who like the practicality of a hatchback that seats four, but who can afford something a little more upscale; and those with fond memories of the old P1800 ES sport wagon.

The C30 also will appeal to people who buy Volvos for their emphasis on protecting the people inside. The C30 will come with electronic stability control, anti-whiplash head rests, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, and other safety features engineered by the world-renowned expert.

The Volvo C30 shares underpinnings with the S40 sedan and S50 wagon, which share underpinnings with the acclaimed European Ford Focus, an athletic compact that shares only its name with the American Focus.

The exterior design of the C30 was inspired in part by the old P1800 ES and in part by the Volvo Safety Concept Car. The result is a stylish hatchback with a large glass backlight.

The C30 is 8.5 inches shorter than the S40, but slightly wider. It shares the S40’s powertrain (engine, transmission), but will provide spunkier performance, benefiting from its lighter weight (320 pounds lighter than the S40). Volvo reportedly is tuning the suspension on the firm side and 0-60 mph sprint times of less than seven seconds are anticipated. This sounds like a quick car with sporty handling to us.

Both versions of the C30 are powered by a turbocharged T5 5-cylinder engine that produces 227 horsepower. Manual and automatic transmissions will be available.

A concept for the C30 was displayed on the auto show circuit a couple of winters ago with a 260-hp, turbocharged engine, so we know such an engine fits under the hood. We also know several aftermarket tuners are ready with performance and customization parts for the car as soon as it arrives.

2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty Trucks

Thursday, November 15th, 2007

2008 Ford Super Duty Truck Highlights: Ford introduced a new generation of F-Series Super Duty Pickup Trucks at the 2007 NAIAS in Detroit, Michigan. The Trucks are available as either a 4×4 or 4×2 with your choice of three body styles and two bed lengths. There are three Super Duty engine choices, including a new 6.4-liter diesel. You’ll notice quite a few body changes and several new features, including a handy tailgate step, oversized power mirrors that project outwards and a bed extender that folds up for storage along the side of the bed. The new features are a result of Ford’s dialog with Truck owners.

2008 Ford Super Duty Cab Choices and Bed Length: The 2008 Ford Super Duty is available in three cab configurations: a Regular cab, a SuperCab with rear seats accessed through rear-opening doors and a more spacious Crew Cab with four full-sized, front opening doors.

Regular Cab Trucks are available with an 8-foot bed. SuperCab and Crew Cab Trucks can be fitted with either a 6.75 foot bed or the longer 8 foot bed.

2008 Super Duty Engine Choices: The three engines available on the 2008 Super Duty are a 5.4-liter Triton V-8, a 6.4-liter Triton V-10 and a 6.4-liter Power Stroke Diesel V-8. This new diesel engine replaces the 6.0-liter diesel that’s been used in the truck in recent years — an engine that many owners weren’t happy with.

Ford specs list a 6-speed manual transmission and a 5-speed TorqShift automatic transmission, but after looking at the information released by Ford, it isn’t clear which engine and transmission combinations are available.

2008 Super Duty Special Features: One thing I really like about the 2008 Super Duty is the step that drops from the tailgate for easier entry into the bed. There’s even a grab handle that helps you steady yourself while stepping up.

The stowable bed extender is another useful feature. My regular bed extender sits in the garage because it takes up too much space when not in use. The Super Duty’s extender splits in two, and each half folds against the bedside.

Large power mirrors telescope inwards and outwards and even lay flat against the Truck when you need to move through tight areas.

New Features for the F-450 Super Duty: The 2008 F-450 is available for the first time with a factory pickup bed. For 2008 Ford is also offering the F-450 as a King Ranch edition, but the F-250 King Ranch is still available. King Ranch Trucks are always outfitted with unique leather seats that have saddle-style stitching.

About Ford Trucks

Ford Motor Company was established in June of 1903, and soon began to manufacture commercial automobiles. Since then, Ford has become one of the world's 10 largest corporations by revenue. More


Find entries :