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Graphics offered for 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Filed under: Truck, Ford, Design/Style, Off-Road

2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor with optional hood graphics – Click above for high-res image gallery

You can get graphics for your Ford Fiesta, Mustang and Taurus, and now the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor joins the wrapped-up bunch. There will but one customization option: a black hood inspired by the racing Broncos of the 1970s – wilder trucks in wilder days. As well as lending a little bit of old-school-style badass, a side benefit of the new graphic is a reduction of glare coming off the hood. The digital mud bedside graphic available since the Raptor’s debut remains an option. Follow the jump for the press release and see what Ford hath wrought in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor graphics

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Graphics offered for 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Graphics offered for 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Sep 2010 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford scaling back on model changes in 2011

Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Earnings/Financials

Ford

Ford is ready to come up for air. The automaker has been updating its product line with great quickness and now it’s ready to take a breather. 33 percent of the Blue Oval’s product line has been replaced for 2010 and Ford says it will be scaling that back next year. The lineup is currently bolstered by the likes of the 2011 Ford Edge, Fiesta, Explorer and, of course, the Mustang with its wonderful new engines.

Still, the plan is to outpace the rest of the competition and move to a fleet built upon global platforms. Ford’s goal is to accomplish this by 2013 which will allow the automaker to reduce costs across the board and cut away at its $5.4 billion debt. This is welcome news to people who bought 2011 Mustangs, yet owners of not-as-fast 2010 models are still being monitored for signs of depression.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: Ford scaling back on model changes in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 dealer allocation will be limited, determined by sales and lottery

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has yet to announce production numbers for the 2012 Mustang Boss 302, but you can bet that the car will be in high demand no matter how many are produced. The automaker has declared its new special edition Pony Car as the best-handling Mustang ever built, and fully expects its loyal customers to be eagerly awaiting the car’s arrival next year.

With that in mind, Ford is being very particular about how many Boss 302s each of its dealerships will get, and in many cases, a dealer might not receive any inventory at all. According to Boss302Forum.com, the allocation of cars will be decided in two ways. First, the large-volume dealers that make up 75 percent of sales will receive 75 percent of the Boss 302 allocation. The actual number of cars each dealership receives will depend on the last 12 months of sales ending in September of 2010, although each dealer is guaranteed at least one Boss 302. The distribution of the remaining 25 percent will be determined via a lottery, with each of the remaining dealers receiving one chip simply for being a dealer, and an additional chip for every Mustang it has sold within the last 12 months. Each of these dealers will not receive more than one Boss 302.

So what does this mean for those interested in buying a 2012 Mustang Boss 302? The likely outcome is that dealers will try and make the most of the limited supply and slap on outrageous “market adjustments” to the price tag. Just like with the Shelby GT500 in 2007, customers should expect to pay a premium for the most desirable ‘Stang on the market.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

[Source: Boss302Forum.com]

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 dealer allocation will be limited, determined by sales and lottery originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Cervini’s brings some Eleanor flavor to the Ford Mustang GT

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2010 Ford Mustang with Cervini Eleanor body kit

The 2010 Ford Mustang is a good looking car, but the 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 from Gone in 60 Seconds is a beautiful car. If you own a 2010 Mustang, first of all, sorry about the 2011, but secondly, there’s a way to try and capture some of that Eleanor styling for your modern Ford pony car.

Cervini’s has released images of its upcoming kit for new ‘Stangs, and the urethane kit includes a hood, front bumper, side skirts, side scoops, a rear valence, a ducktail spoiler, upper and lower billet grilles, a set of fog lights and a side-exiting exhaust system. The image above makes the kit come off a bit over the top, but we’ll reserve final judgement until we see it in person at this year’s SEMA show.

Currently, only the hood and side scoops are available for purchase, while the rest of the kit should be available within two months. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but the full C500 kit for 2005-2009 Ford Mustangs is available for $26,155 and in addition to the body mods, it includes go-fast/stop-fast parts that raises the power output to 535 horsepower.

Of course, there is another option if you can’t wait any longer and only have $600, you could always settle for a LIL-C500.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Mustang GT

[Source: Cervinis]

SEMA Preview: Cervini’s brings some Eleanor flavor to the Ford Mustang GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Shelby Mustang Concepts – Click above for image gallery

Earlier this year, Shelby announced it would focus less on building complete cars and more on selling parts, and that transition began when the company brought much of its manufacturing in-house and created a new speed shop to customize Mustangs at its Las Vegas facility.

Looking to the future, Shelby has now posted a query online asking its customers what they want to see from the company, and in the process it’s proposed four Mustang aftermarket packages ranging from a V6 model to a twin-turbo Shelby GT500.

While probably the least likely to appeal to the everyday Mustang enthusiast because of its cost ($100,000 not including the car), the twin-turbo GT500 obviously caught our attention. The concept, codenamed 2010-04a, would be based off the 2007-2009 GT500 and would feature a twin-turbo system with variable boost good for 1000+ horsepower at the rear wheels in addition to an adjustable suspension, widebody kit, 10-point roll cage and more.

On the other end of the spectrum, Shelby is considering offering a package for 2010+ V6 models carrying the Shelby GTS moniker. This seems more likely to make it to production, especially since Shelby has already produced a working prototype. The GTS would feature various visual and performance upgrades and the package would retail for somewhere between $9,000 to $12,000. Finally, the last two concepts are based on the new 2011 Mustang GT and would feature the same styling upgrades as the V6 version. Follow the jump for a full list of proposed features for both the twin-turbo GT500 and the GTS model, and let us know which packages you think Shelby should offer.

Gallery: Shelby Mustang Concepts

[Source: Shelby American]

Continue reading New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500

New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Ford Focus EV to use liquid-cooled lithium-polymer battery

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Hatchback, Electric

Ford Focus EV prototype

Ford Focus EV – Click above for high-res image gallery

When the 2112 Ford Focus Electric debuts in late 2011, it and the Chevrolet Volt will have a common feature in addition to their LG Chem lithium polymer cells. Ford confirms that the Focus EV will employ a liquid-cooled battery pack with automatic thermal management, just like the Chevy.

Ford opted for active thermal management solution in order to help maximize the Focus EV’s battery performance and lifespan. By protecting the battery from overheating, the system can help prevent the development of cracks in the electrodes. Those imperfections eventually reduce the pack’s ability to hold a charge. Conversely, warming the cells when cold will improve the battery pack’s winter performance. When the car is plugged in, the thermal management system will use grid power to precondition the battery before charging actually starts.

So far, Nissan and Mitsubishi are the only major EV manufacturers that are sticking with passive air cooling for plug-in vehicles. Nissan has committed to an eight-year warranty, but it remains unclear how well the battery will hold up over regular use in differing climates.

Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2012 Ford Focus EV to use liquid-cooled lithium-polymer battery

2012 Ford Focus EV to use liquid-cooled lithium-polymer battery originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford settles $131m Explorer rollover case

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

2001 Ford Explorer gravel road

Ford’s second-generation Explorer has just cost the company $131 million. Despite the popularity of the seminal SUV, it’s had more than its fair share of legal scrapes regarding its rollover resistance. And while the Explorer/Firestone tire kerfuffle has long since exited the headlines, the Blue Oval continues to get its pocketbook dinged by the SUV. According to Autoblog sister site AOL Autos, this week, a jury in Jackson, Mississippi was to decide on possible punitive damages in the lawsuit over the death of Brian Cole, a promising baseball player headed for the New York Mets. Ford settled with the family over the matter of the 2001 rollover accident after a jury awarded $131 million in damages. Punitive damages were the next decision the jury was to consider before Ford settled.

Ford apparently disagrees with the blame placed on its vehicle, saying that the 22-year-old Cole was speeding and not wearing a seatbelt. Cole died from injuries sustained after being ejected from his Explorer during a rollover accident on a Florida highway. His cousin, Ryan Cole, survived the accident, which Ford attributes to the use of a seatbelt and the Explorer’s crash performance. While a settlement can be taken as a de facto acknowledgement of the Cole family’s claims that the Explorer is inherently unstable and its safety belts can fail in rollovers, the automaker maintains that it didn’t receive a fair trial, and settled to bring closure to the issue.

[Source: AOL Autos]

Ford settles $131m Explorer rollover case originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor gains SuperCrew, loses 5.4L V8 for 2011

Filed under: Truck, Ford, Off-Road

2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew

2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford’s off-road beast, the F-150 SVT Raptor, has only been on sale for a year, but it’s already getting a few upgrades for the 2011 model year.

Many reports and a few spy shots indicated that Ford had been prepping a four-door SuperCrew version of the Raptor (you know, for when the family wants to do the Baja run with you), and the automaker has officially confirmed the details (again). The SuperCrew’s wheelbase is a full 12 inches longer than the standard Raptor, meaning it should provide a more comfortable ride along the way, and the 5.5-foot box can still haul everything you need when you get there.

Speaking of capability, all Raptors now come standard with more power on tap – the 6.2-liter V8 will be the only available powertrain for 2011 (sad trombone for the people who rushed out to get the 5.4). As we reported earlier, it stands to reason that the 2011 Raptor will get a price increase to account for the larger mill, but it’s a small price to pay for an extra 101 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque over the 5.4-liter V8.

From there, the other enhancements for 2011 are purely cosmetic. Raptors can now be had in a new color – Ingot Silver Metallic (pictured) – and matte black accent graphics are available on the hood. These new graphics can be ordered separately from the box side decals, too. Inside the cabin, Ford now offers a standard 4.2-inch LCD display (called the “productivity screen”) in the center of the revised instrument gauges, similar to what was introduced on the 2011 Super Duty.

Dealers will start taking orders for 2011 Raptors as you read this with the first examples hitting dealerships later this year. Ford’s detailed press release is available after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Officially Official: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor gains SuperCrew, loses 5.4L V8 for 2011

Officially Official: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor gains SuperCrew, loses 5.4L V8 for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: 2011 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Dodge Durango – What’s your pick?

Filed under: Crossover, Dodge, Ford

Ford Explorer vs. Dodge Durango

The SUV is dead. Long live the SUV!

The 2011 Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer are big departures from the models that they replace. Aside from the usual styling and refinement differences, the biggest changes for these vehicle are that they both ditch the traditional body-on-frame sport-utility vehicle DNA in favor of unibody constructions. By our definition, these once-SUVs are now CUVs, though their respective parent companies continue to brand them as being traditional sport-utes through and through.

Both the Durango and Explorer offer available seating for seven and all-wheel drive, but that’s where the similarities start to taper off. Each vehicle offers a choice of two different powertrains, but while Dodge has opted to go a more traditional route with by fielding the Durango with both 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter V8 engines, Ford has gone in the opposite direction by equipping the Explorer with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four and a 3.5-liter V6. There are pros and cons for each – the Explorer may prove to be more fuel-efficient, but the Durango ought to tow more.

Each of these new crossovers tries to stay true to the traditional SUV mindset, just in different directions. Ford’s Terrain Management system will surely come in handy for people who need more off-road prowess, though the end result remains that the Explorer is arguably more of a tall wagon than an honest SUV. The Durango keeps things a bit more and has a strong, presence that we suspect will still be well-received by people who prefer honest-to-goodness sport-utility vehicles.

We could debate the pros and cons of each vehicle all day, and indeed, we’re still waiting for the Full Monty-worth of details and specifications, but we still want to know: What do you think? If you had to choose either the Explorer or Durango, which would get your pick? Cast your vote in the poll below and be sure to sound off with your thoughts in Comments.

View Poll

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Durango

2011 Dodge Durango

Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer

Poll: 2011 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Dodge Durango – What’s your pick? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover headed for the UK

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Ford, UK

Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover mule – click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is enjoying early success with the Fiesta here in the United States, but in Europe, where the Fiesta has been on sale for years, it’s time to start thinking about the future. Our friendly neighborhood snappers at CarPix have scored spy shots of what appears to be a high-riding Fiesta-based crossover designed to slot in below the Kuga crossover in the automaker’s European lineup.

A Fiesta crossover might sound a little odd at first take, but when it comes to production, it should be roughly the same size as a Nissan Juke or Mini Countryman. That in mind, don’t rule out the possibility of the Fiesta CUV making its way to the U.S. Expect to see a variety of powertrains offered for European customers including some EcoBoost options, and both front- and all-wheel drive configurations should be available. Check out our gallery of high-res pics before to get a closer look at the forthcoming Blue Oval tall boy.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover headed for the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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