Fiesta best-selling Ford car year-to-date across Europe's main 19 markets (Euro 19)
117,000 new Fiestas sold since global debut in late 2008
Ford increased February market share (in Euro 19) by 0.8 percentage points to 8.5 per cent vs. the same month in 2008
Year-to-date blue oval market share up in 15 out of 19 European markets
Ford has consolidated its position as Europe's number two best-selling brand
COLOGNE, March 12, 2009 – Ford of Europe increased its market share in February across the company's 19 main markets (Euro 19) by 0.8 percentage points to 8.5 per cent versus the same month last year.
While overall industry Euro 19 sales declined by 20.1 per cent, Ford sales in February were down by 14.2 per cent, or 15,000 units, compared to the same month in 2008.
Ford of Europe sold 91,100 vehicles in its Euro 19 markets in February, including 27,900 new Fiestas, making it the best-selling Ford car again this month, and the second-best selling car in the industry.
Already this year 56,200 Fiestas have been delivered to European customers and since the market launch started in August 2008, sales of new Fiesta have totaled 117,000.
"We're excited, but not surprised, to see the new Fiesta doing so well in the market place given the current economic conditions," said Ingvar Sviggum, vice-president marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe.
"There are a number of bright spots for us this month, particularly Germany where Ford sales are up by 21,000 vehicles, or 43.7 per cent, versus last February, thanks in no small part to the scrappage scheme which is proving extremely popular and generating a lot of additional showroom traffic. However the underlying trend we face is still one of an overall sales decline across the industry as a whole. We will continue to do all that it takes to stay competitive and protect the flow of our exciting new products," he added.
February market share up in 15 out of 19 markets
Ford of Europe sold 91,100 vehicles across the Euro 19 markets in February 2009. Ford's share rose in 15 out of those 19. Only Ireland, Norway, Portugal and Spain were down in February.
Top selling Ford models in the 19 main European markets were the new Fiesta (27,900), the Focus (20,800), and Transit (7,100).
Boosted by the scrappage scheme, the German market bucked the general trend and Ford of Germany sold 21,000 vehicles, up by 43.7 per cent or 6,400 on February 2008, making it the company's best-performing market by sales in Europe for February.
In Britain, where market share rose by 1.1 per cent to 17.6 per cent, the Fiesta was the best-selling car for the fourth consecutive month and in Italy, Ford was the leading import brand and the Fiesta was the best-selling imported car.
In France, the Fiesta, C-MAX and S-MAX were the best-selling imported vehicles in their segments.
Across all its 51 European markets, Ford sold 107,800 vehicles in February 2009, down 18.5 per cent or 24,400, when compared to the same month last year.
Ford of Europe’s sales in the first two months of 2009
In the first two months of the year, Ford of Germany sold 36,500 vehicles, up by 29.5 per cent year-over-year, or 8,300, making it the largest sales market in Europe for Ford so far in 2009. Market share there was at 7.6 per cent, up by 1.9 percentage points when compared to the same period last year. German industry year-to-date was up 2,100 or 0.4 percentage points on 2009.
In complete contrast to Germany, the industry in the UK was down by 32.2 per cent (-89,400). Ford of Britain sold 35,500 vehicles, down 12,400 or 25.9 per cent. However, Ford's market share in Britain continues to rise and for the first two months of the year increased by 1.2 percentage points to 18.5 per cent.
Year-to-date market share in France increased by 0.5 percentage points to 5.7 per cent, with sales at 21,500, a reduction of 2,600 on the same period in 2008.
In Spain, Ford remained passenger car leader in the first two months of 2009 with sales of 12,500 (- 15,000) and a market share of 8.9 per cent. The Spanish market remains one of the most depressed in Europe, with sales falling more than 50 per cent versus last year.
Ford Italy sold 34,600 vehicles over this period (- 8,200) and market share rose by 1.2 percentage points to 9.6 per cent. Fiesta rose from third to second place in the list of best-selling vehicles in Italy.
In Russia, sales of 17,800 (-5,800) enabled Ford's market share in the first months of the year to rise by 1.6 percentage points to 7.3 per cent.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
MOUNTUNE OFFERS MORE POWER FOR FORD FIESTA
Mountune performance upgrade now available for new-shape Fiesta 1.6 Ti-VCT Zetec-S and Titanium models 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine is tuned to produce 140PS – 20 per cent increase Priced at £1,299 plus fitting at specialist Ford dealers.
BRENTWOOD, March 12, 2009 – Performance upgrades for the latest Ford Fiesta 1.6-litre petrol-engined models have been developed by Mountune Performance and are offered through selected Ford dealers.
The Mountune Performance Upgrade for 1.6-litre versions of the new-look Fiesta Zetec-S and Titanium models costs £1,299 (plus fitting), and consists of a high-flow air induction system, a high performance exhaust including high-flow catalyst and tubular manifold, and re-calibration of Ford’s 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT engine.
The result takes the target power output to 140PS at 6,750rpm and 170NM of torque at 4,250rpm, compared to 120PS and 152NM for the standard engine. As a result, 0-60mph acceleration time is reduced to 7.9 seconds from the standard engine's 9.9 seconds.
The new dealer-fit Fiesta performance kit follows similar Mountune Performance Upgrades for the popular Focus ST and Fiesta ST models which were made available from the beginning of 2008.
All kits are fully approved by Ford and have been tested and verified on a wide range of British roads as well as numerous laps of the famous Nürburgring circuit in Germany.
Developed by Mountune Performance in association with Ford Team RS, this upgrade package will only be available at selected specialist Ford dealers in Britain from March 2009. The upgrades carry a minimum of 12 months/12,000-mile dealer warranty and do not affect the original vehicle warranty.
Details of specialist dealers offering the upgrade package can be found at www.mountuneperformance.com
BRENTWOOD, March 12, 2009 – Performance upgrades for the latest Ford Fiesta 1.6-litre petrol-engined models have been developed by Mountune Performance and are offered through selected Ford dealers.
The Mountune Performance Upgrade for 1.6-litre versions of the new-look Fiesta Zetec-S and Titanium models costs £1,299 (plus fitting), and consists of a high-flow air induction system, a high performance exhaust including high-flow catalyst and tubular manifold, and re-calibration of Ford’s 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT engine.
The result takes the target power output to 140PS at 6,750rpm and 170NM of torque at 4,250rpm, compared to 120PS and 152NM for the standard engine. As a result, 0-60mph acceleration time is reduced to 7.9 seconds from the standard engine's 9.9 seconds.
The new dealer-fit Fiesta performance kit follows similar Mountune Performance Upgrades for the popular Focus ST and Fiesta ST models which were made available from the beginning of 2008.
All kits are fully approved by Ford and have been tested and verified on a wide range of British roads as well as numerous laps of the famous Nürburgring circuit in Germany.
Developed by Mountune Performance in association with Ford Team RS, this upgrade package will only be available at selected specialist Ford dealers in Britain from March 2009. The upgrades carry a minimum of 12 months/12,000-mile dealer warranty and do not affect the original vehicle warranty.
Details of specialist dealers offering the upgrade package can be found at www.mountuneperformance.com
INSPIRED BY MUSIC, TAURUS DESIGNERS FIND HARMONY
2010 Ford Taurus: The expressive and athletic new Ford Taurus combines a full complement of customer convenience technologies with resonsive driving dynamics and performance. ATLANTA, March 12, 2009 – Popular culture is filled with examples of cars inspiring music. The Beach Boys loved their “Little Deuce Coupe” and, of course, Wilson Pickett sang about “Mustang Sally.”
Turns out it’s a two-way street: Music can inspire car designers, too.
A diverse range of musical artists, including Alicia Keys, Paul Oakenfold, Kem, Anthony Hamilton and Citizen Cope, influenced the design of the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus.
“Music helps us visual people paint pictures in our head,” said Earl Lucas, Exterior Design manager for the all-new Taurus. “We know the Taurus has to speak to a diverse group of people, so we chose artists who do the same with their songs.”
Citizen Cope, in particular, struck a chord with the design team. He said the music was perfect for what Ford is trying to achieve with its fresh interpretation of its flagship sedan.
“Citizen Cope’s music is so fresh and new – such a unique sound,” Lucas said. “Fresh, new and unique are some of the same qualities we were looking for in the new Taurus, so the music is such a great match to the vibe we were aiming for with the car.”
Songs that are straightforward and simple in particular tapped into the Taurus vibe.
“There’s an unpretentious dynamic to Taurus,” Lucas said. “The new car is more upscale and sporty, but it’s also subtle and can be appreciated and desired without being in your face.”
Music in the Taurus Design Process
Lucas said designers typically listen to music while they’re designing, either sketching on paper or rendering digitally. “The better the music, the more inspired the designer is when coming up with shapes,” Lucas said. “You just feel more creative. Music allows the designer to get into a space that is away from the pressure of the job.”
Music also was a key part of early presentations to the Ford marketing and management teams and the dealer body by helping create strong, positive feelings going forward.
“We really wanted the music to set the stage for what the new Taurus was all about, to convey to others the excitement and pride the development team had while designing and engineering the car,” said Kristin Hellman, assistant product marketing manager for Taurus. “We needed music that matched the emotion the car brings out in people when they see it for the first time."
“I worked on this program from the very start, watching the car develop every step of the way, and even I gasped the first time I saw our finished ‘show car,’ ” she said. “When we revealed the car to the larger Ford team, we had music that matched that enthusiasm. It really helped match the excitement level we were looking for, and the spontaneous standing ovation from the audience proved we had struck a chord.”
’08 COBRA JET FEATURED IN FORD RACING OUTREACH PROGRAM FOR SPORTSMAN RACERS
Ford Racing Will Provide In-Depth Look at Cobra Jet MustangDEARBORN, Mich, March 11, 2009 – When the 40th Anniversary Cobra Jet Mustang won the 2009 NHRA Winternationals at Pomona last month, duplicating the success of the original Cobra Jet, the interest level in the latest race-ready offering from Ford Motor Company shot through the roof. Now Ford Racing is providing an in depth look at the CJ with a series of Cobra Jet meetings at ten-selected NHRA events.
“The attention focused on the Cobra Jet is unlike anything I have seen in the sportsman class in many years in racing,” said Brian Wolfe, director of Ford Racing Technology and an NHRA competition license holder since 1992. “With all 50 CJ’s sold and now scattered around the United States, there are a number of sportsman who want to get an up close look at the Cobra Jet. We decided to do a series of town hall style meetings where the sportsman racer can come and see the Cobra Jet and talk with representatives from Ford Racing and learn not only about the Cobra Jet but about our program and some of Ford Racing’s offerings for the sportsman racer.”
The Cobra Jet outreach will kick off this week with a gathering on Thursday night March 12 at 7:30 pm at the Tasca Racing Motorcraft/Quick Lane hospitality in the NHRA Pro Pits. The event is open to all sportsman racers who hold a competition license. This week’s program will feature Ford Racing NHRA Program Manager Jesse Kershaw and Bob Tasca III driver of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang Funny Car, whose grandfather created the original Cobra Jet Mustang in 1968.
“This event provides an opportunity for the racers to see the Cobra Jet up close and talk with some of the people who have been involved in building these cars,” said Wolfe. “We're soliciting feedback directly from racers on the Cobra Jet as we investigate interest in future dedicated drag race packages. If someone doesn’t want to wait for the next generation there are parts available through Ford Racing to build your own Cobra Jet. All this and more will be discussed on Thursday.”
Cobra Jet meetings are tentatively scheduled for ten NHRA events this season. Time and location is subject to change so look for updates on Ford Racing.com for the latest Cobra Jet gathering. The NHRA events include:
March 12-15 – NHRA Gatornationals (Gainesville, FL)
June 4-7 – NHRA Route 66 Nationals (Joliet, IL)
June 11-14 – NHRA SuperNationals (Englishtown, NJ)
June 25-28 – Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals (Norwalk, OH)
July 10-12 –NHRA Mile-High NHRA Nationals (Denver, CO) Quick Lane display only
Sept. 2-7 – Mac Tools U.S. Nationals (Indianapolis, IN)
Sept. 17-20 – NHRA Nationals (Charlotte, NC)
Sept. 24-27 – O’Reilly Super Start Batteries NHRA Fall Nationals (Dallas, TX)
Oct. 29-Nov. 1 – Las Vegas NHRA Nationals (Las Vegas, NV)
Nov. 12-15 – Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals (Pomona, CA)
TAURUS SHO RETURNS WITH 365HP ECOBOOST V-6, PLUS ALL-WHEEL DRIVE, PADDLE-SHIFT SIX-SPEED GEARBOX
The Taurus SHO returns as the sporty version of Ford's new flagship introducing a new generation of premium performance and fuel economy with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V-6. This engine delivers V-8 levels of power – with an estimated 365 horsepower – without compromising its V-6 fuel economy.
Chicago, Feb. 11, 2009 – One of America’s favorite “sleeper” performance cars returns to the Ford lineup, powered by a Super High Output (SHO) EcoBoost twin turbocharged engine. The Taurus SHO joins Ford’s growing lineup of performance vehicles for the 2010 model year, building on the legacy of the original, which earned a spot on the Car and Driver 10 Best list four years running.
“The new Taurus SHO delivers on the authentic sleeper sedan formula but adds all-new luxury-appointments, convenience features and technologies to an unsurpassed balance of power and fuel economy,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “This new sport derivative answers enthusiasts’ calls for a premium Ford flagship sedan with even more attitude.”
Introduced in 1989, Taurus SHO was conceived as a discreet performance-oriented sports sedan, ideally suited to the automotive enthusiast needing the room and capability of a four-door full-size car. Produced through 1999, more than 100,000 were sold.
The original Taurus SHO generated a loyal following of owners and enthusiasts, with an active club more than 1,000 members strong, an online forum with more than 10,000 registered users and a Web site (bringbackthesho.com) specifically devoted to convincing Ford to resurrect the SHO. The 2010 Taurus product development team spent significant time listening to SHO enthusiasts.
EcoBoost™ Twin-Turbocharged Power
The foundation of the new 2010 Taurus SHO is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine. This advanced powerplant generates an estimated 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,500 rpm, resulting in significantly improved power, torque and fuel economy compared with larger, normally aspirated engines. This also is Ford’s most powerful EcoBoost engine.
A key feature of this EcoBoost engine is gasoline direct injection. The direct injection of fuel into the cylinder during the intake stroke, as opposed to port-style injection to an externally mounted intake, produces a well-mixed air-fuel charge. Fuel vaporization during the intake stroke cools the incoming air, improving volumetric efficiency and lowers the likelihood of knock.
The results are improved throttle response, reduced cold start emissions characteristics and improved fuel economy. The cooled charge enables an increased compression ratio, improving efficiency at partial load, while the higher compression ratio allows for better volumetric efficiency under full load engine behavior. Customers will experience normally aspirated V-8 power, without compromising V-6 fuel economy.
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 also uses twin turbochargers, as opposed to a single unit. The reduced size of each turbocharger results in reduced internal inertia, allowing this advanced engine to avoid the “turbo lag” often prevalent in earlier-generation turbocharged applications. From the driver’s seat, the rewarding result is linear power delivery across a broad torque band from 1,500 through 5,500 rpm. Peak torque building quickly off idle ensures responsive acceleration from a standing start.
SelectShift with paddle controls and All-Wheel Drive
The new Taurus SHO driveline combines a high-capacity six-speed 6F55 SelectShift transmission with a sophisticated torque-sensing All-Wheel Drive System. These components work in harmony to deliver ample traction when putting EcoBoost power on the road. The six-speed transmission offers a wide array of gears to enable spirited acceleration, yet comfortable high-speed cruising, through a 2.77 to 1 final drive ratio.
SelectShift provides conventional automatic operation or a manual shift mode that gives the driver complete control over gear selection. For performance-minded drivers, paddle controls allow “match-rev” downshifts and will hold manually selected gears for precise control. Intuitively operated, a squeeze on either paddle will deliver an economical upshift under acceleration, while a gentle push forward brings a smooth downshift, synchronizing the engine and transmission speeds for responsive and positive engagement.
The Taurus SHO driveline is contemporized with the incorporation of a sophisticated All-Wheel Drive System that engages automatically and unobtrusively. The unit contains an advanced array of internal electromechanical clutches to efficiently distribute torque to the wheels with optimum traction. Standard all-wheel drive allows the Taurus SHO to efficiently deliver its high performance to the pavement under a wide variety of conditions.
“Taurus SHO suspension and steering have been sport-tuned to provide discriminating drivers with precise control, confident handling, communicative feedback and a compliant ride,” said Pete Reyes, Taurus chief engineer.
Taurus SHO features an advanced electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, providing responsive road feel and enhanced on-center balance while offering the additional benefit of increased fuel economy. SHO also features a sport-tuned suspension with unique shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings specifically developed and harmonized to deliver the highest level of Ford DNA road holding, cornering agility and steering responsiveness available in a Blue Oval full-size sedan.
Taurus SHO takes full advantage of the multi-link SR1 rear suspension design. Named for the 1:1 shock absorber ratio, this configuration provides an inherently stable baseline for the SHO development team to fine tune for enhanced driver control and agility. In addition, the SR1 rear suspension geometry provides increased travel, while enabling the use of 19- and 20-inch wheels and tires.
For the discriminating automotive enthusiast, Taurus SHO offers an available SHO Performance Package consisting of upgraded brake pads, recalibrated EPAS for even more responsiveness,
a “Sport Mode” setting for the standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control and a shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio for faster acceleration. Summer-compound 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires on premium painted wheels also are included.
SHO Specific Subtlety
A key element of the authentic SHO formula is the subtlety of its unique exterior design cues. Features include sporty premium painted wheels, wrapped in standard low-profile 19-inch Goodyear Eagle or optional 20-inch Michelin high-performance tires, a decklid-mounted spoiler and twin chrome exhaust tips. SHO also features a uniquely finished interpretation of the Ford signature three-bar grille with SHO-specific parking lamp bezels.
“Taurus SHO was always a stealth high-performance car,” said Earl Lucas, exterior design manager. “The new SHO builds on the expressive design of the 2010 Taurus, adding subtle cues that set it apart.”
The 2010 SHO is available in a wide range of new Taurus colors including Atlantis Green Metallic, a unique SHO color inspired by the iconic Deep Emerald Green hue appearing in 1991.
The new Taurus SHO interior encourages performance driving. Leather-trimmed seats with Miko Suede inserts, made from recycled post-consumer yarns from plastic soft drink bottles, are comfortable and luxurious. A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel puts the driver in smooth touch with the road. Front seats are 10-way power adjustable. SHO accelerator and brake pedals are trimmed in aluminum. The console, instrument and door panels feature SHO-specific authentic aluminum appliqués. SHO branding appears on the unique floor mats, and on the passenger side of the instrument panel.
Taurus SHO: Performance and Convenience
The 2010 Taurus SHO offers an impressive array of standard convenience features as well as optional features and content. Standard Taurus SHO amenities include:
Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, a new Taurus feature allowing drivers to enter the car and start the engine without using a conventional key. Drivers simply carry the fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad, open the door and enter, apply pressure on brake pedal and push a button to start the engine.
MyKey allows enthusiasts to activate a restricted driving mode, persistent Belt-Minder® safety belt reminder, audio system volume limits, an earlier low-fuel warning, and consistently-engaged AdvanceTrac® stability control. The top vehicle speed can be limited to 80 mph, and speed chimes can be programmed to engage at 45, 55 or 65 mph further protecting their investment.
Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Filler System, a unique feature that eliminates the need for a traditional fuel cap. Easy Fuel is a hassle-free solution that provides a consistent self-seal after every refueling.
Ford SYNC® is the fully integrated, in-vehicle voice-activated communications and entertainment system standard on Taurus SHO. The system combines 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report and GPS-based features including business search and call completion. SYNC connects to MP3 players, iPods, memory sticks and PDAs. The latest version of SYNC in the Taurus SHO adds Traffic, Directions and Information, providing turn-by-turn route guidance and the capability to access and personalize content.
Ambient Lighting allows the Taurus SHO driver to program interior lighting from a choice of five soothing colors to suit any character or preference.
The 2010 Taurus SHO comes standard with the full array of active and passive safety equipment and features offered across the Taurus range.
Available options on the 2010 Taurus SHO include:
Reverse Camera System, a unique SHO option, activates when reverse gear is selected providing the driver with additional rear visibility, projecting on the windscreen mounted rearview mirror.
Adaptive Cruise Control, which allows the driver to set the Taurus SHO cruising speed while using radar technology to monitor traffic travelling up to 600 feet ahead, automatically adjusting speed to help maintain a preset distance between vehicles. Adaptive Cruise Control comes with Collision Warning with Brake Support providing visible and audible warnings when slower traffic is detected ahead. Brake support is activated if the driver does not respond to provided warnings, and pre-charges the brake system to prepare the vehicle for stopping.
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert consists of two multiple beam radar modules, one each per rear quarter panel. When an adjacent vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone, and indicator alert provides driver warning in the corresponding sideview mirror.
Cross Traffic Alert uses existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic while the Taurus SHO is slowly backed from a parking space. When cross traffic appears within three car widths, the system provides a visible message on the instrument panel in combination with a sideview mirror warning and an audible signal.
Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion™ can be specified in conjunction with heated and cooled first-row positions in the new Taurus SHO. Multi-Contour functionality provides subtle but continuous massage to help prevent back pain and fatigue and is ideally suited to meet the needs of long-distance drivers.
Voice-Activated Navigation System includes a 10 GB music juke box hard drive and a single CD/DVD player. When combined with the optional rear camera system, rearview projection appears on the centerstack-mounted navigation screen.
Sony Audio System offers 12 speakers, a digital amplifier, 390 Watts of continuous power (RMS), 115 dB of maximum bass sound pressure level and Dolby® Pro Logic® II surround technology.
The 2010 Taurus SHO will be built at Ford’s Chicago (Ill.) assembly plant and will be available in dealerships this summer, starting at a base price of $37,995, including destination.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Ford Chairman William Ford Jr and CEO Alan Mulally Take 30 Percent Cuts
As part of a memo sent out Friday, Ford Motor Company chairman William Ford Junior and Ford CEO Alan Mulally both announced they will be taking a 30 percent cut in their salaries over the next two years. Ford's own board of directors will also receive pay cuts for two years. Performance bonuses for senior executives and salaried workers have also been cut. The company issued a statement regarding the recent reductions, "We know these are challenging times and we all are affected by the tough actions we are taking... However, these are necessary actions to help us emerge as an even stronger, profitably growing Ford Motor Company for the benefit of us all". I am personally surprised these actions didn't occur sooner, at least 6 months ago, due to our obvious failing market condition over the past year.
Ford Offers Three New Commercial Pickup Trucks
Posted Mar 4, 2009, 6:45 ET by Jason
Ford Motor Company has an expanded presence at the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) show to showcase three new commercial vehicle offerings, further bolstering its market-leading product portfolio.
“These new commercial vehicles demonstrate our ‘One Ford’ strategy by harnessing the best of our global products, adapting our existing resources to new market opportunities and combining innovative technologies to better deliver on the needs of our customers and end-users,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas.
With 40 percent market share, Ford is America’s commercial truck leader. In launching Transit Connect, F-59 Super Duty® Chassis and a gasoline E-Series Ambulance Prep Package, Ford aims to build on this commercial truck leadership.
Ford expanded its NTEA presence this year with a significantly larger display and event luncheon, reinforcing its commitment across multiple product segments of the commercial vehicle industry and to the body builders and upfitters that tailor Ford products to specific applications. It aims to demonstrate the technologies that help customers work smarter while using NTEA as a forum for listening to customers’ unmet needs and to help lower their cost of ownership and further improve productivity.
“Ford is at NTEA to showcase both our new and existing commercial vehicles, display our innovative technologies and listen to our customers,” said Group Vice President of Global Product Development, Derrick Kuzak. “The message is clear: We’re committed to the commercial vehicle market and to the upfitter industry that serves it. We’re here to stay, over the long haul.”
Transit Connect
Ford Transit Connect has been a global success story for Ford. More than 600,000 Transit Connects have been sold worldwide, to customers in 58 countries on four continents. It arrives in the United States with a global reputation for durability and toughness dating back to its 2003 launch, when an expert panel of commercial vehicle journalists named Transit Connect International Van of the Year.
Ford Transit Connect is built on a dedicated front-wheel drive commercial platform to exceed the unique needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs. To prepare Transit Connect for commercial use in North America, the powertrain was upgraded to include the proven Duratec 2.0-liter I-4 engine and a four-speed automatic overdrive transaxle. These components combine to provide EPA fuel economy of 22 city and 25 highway miles per gallon.
With 135 cubic feet of cargo space and a generous 1,600 pound payload, no other vehicle in the American market can deliver this combination of capacity and fuel economy. Transit Connect offers customers more than twice the cargo space of the Chevrolet HHR Panel and can carry a heavier payload than the full-size Dodge Ram 1500standard-cab short-box pickup truck.
Ford Transit Connect is adaptable to a variety of commercial uses. It’s available in multiple window configurations from solid side and cargo doors, to both side and rear windows for maximum visibility.
Once it arrives from Ford of Europe’s Kocaeli, Turkey production facility, Transit Connect can be upfitted with all manner of bulkheads, racks and bins to suit many specific applications and needs.
Ford Transit Connect goes on sale this summer, starting at $21,475 including destination fees.
Ford F-59 Super Duty Chassis
Parcel/courier services, food distributors, laundry specialists, construction trades and government fleets – among other various end users – all will have a new commercial chassis choice for 2010. Ford is expanding its coverage of the commercial stripped chassis segment with three new gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR). These new chassis offerings enable body manufacturers to closely match their products to a task-appropriate chassis.
Already established in the market, E-Series Super Duty chassis are available up to a GVWR of 14,500 pounds. The new F-59 stripped chassis takes over at that point with GVWR offerings of 16,000, 19,500 and 22,000 pounds.
The F-59 chassis provides a smooth ride with premium gas-pressurized Bilstein® shock absorbers, fitted to both front and rear suspensions. Robust stabilizer bars are fitted to both front and rear axles for confident handling, a compliant ride and large load carrying capacity. Road jolts and disturbances are further reduced by the addition of variable-rate jounce bumpers. Ford’s exclusive heavy-duty front track bar is standard on the 22,000 pound GVWR chassis, enhancing the steering and ride and handling characteristics.
The proven 6.8-liter Triton® V-10 gas engine combines with the TorqShift® five-speed automatic overdrive transmission to provide responsive power, durability and economy. With five years of field experience, this engine/transmission combination provides the reliability that commercial customers have come to expect from Ford.
The F-59 Super Duty stripped chassis is equipped with standard four-wheel Anti-lock Disc Brake System (ABS) to provide steady, reliable braking service. The dual parking brakes include both a mechanical “lock-up” of the transmission when the gear shift is placed in the “Park” position, as well as a pedal-actuated driveline brake.
Building on the Ford F-53 Super Duty motorhome chassis, Ford’s F-59 commercial stripped chassis will provide body companies who complete these vehicles the quality and support they have come to expect from all Ford chassis entries. The end customer also benefits from the F-Series Super Duty heritage from using existing, proven components that provide quality, reliability and durability.
“This chassis represents tremendous value for the customers in this unique commercial segment,” said Rob Stevens, chief engineer.
The F-59 Super Duty stripped chassis will be available in January, 2010, and is produced in a dedicated facility in Detroit. Final pricing will be announced closer to market introduction.
E-Series Super Duty Ambulance
Ford Commercial Truck is introducing a new E-Series Ambulance Preparation Package, available in van or cut-away configurations. Powered by a proven 6.8-liter Triton® V-10 gasoline engine, this new offering significantly lowers the cost of ambulance acquisition for private and municipal customers alike. This powerful engine delivers significantly more horsepower for critical emergency response, while delivering torque comparable to the diesel ambulance offerings.
This new E-Series Super Duty Ambulance Prep Package features an impressive array of heavy-duty features to help withstand the extreme conditions inherent to this market segment.
The E-Series gas Ambulance Prep Package will be available for order later this year.
Blue Diamond Collaboration
Ford Commercial Truck also confirmed it will continue to offer dealers and customers F-650 and F-750 medium duty trucks produced by the Blue Diamond Truck and Parts joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Navistar International Corporation.
“We’re committed to the medium-duty truck market, and our F-650 and F-750 vehicles will continue to haul the goods for a wide variety of commercial applications,” said Len Deluca, director, Ford Commercial Trucks. “The availability of extended cab and crew cab versions has increased the appeal of these work vehicles.”
More NTEA News from Ford
Ford Work Solutions™ – an array of available in-vehicle technologies aimed at helping Ford commercial truck customers to drive smart, increase productivity and help keep valuable cargo safe and secure – officially began production Monday.
The “solutions” behind this system allow customers to:
* Stay connected with an in-dash computer
* Track tools and cargo with Tool Link™
* Track their fleet with Crew Chief™
* Secure valuable cargo with Cable Lock
On Tuesday, Ford Commercial Truck also shared elements of its 2010 Federal Diesel Emissions strategy, with specific emphasis on “what the upfitters need to know.” Stevens described Ford’s Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) after treatment and system and the implications for body builders and the upfit industry. Ford Commercial Truck will meet or exceed all applicable emission standards, and will provide robust solutions to meet the new requirements in the 2010 calendar year.
“Ford Commercial Truck supports the NTEA, and we’re delighted to be here to support the commercial vehicle and upfit industries,” said Stevens. “We want our customers and end-users to know that from Transit Connect through F-750, we’ve got them covered.”
Sources: Ford
Ford Motor Company has an expanded presence at the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) show to showcase three new commercial vehicle offerings, further bolstering its market-leading product portfolio.
“These new commercial vehicles demonstrate our ‘One Ford’ strategy by harnessing the best of our global products, adapting our existing resources to new market opportunities and combining innovative technologies to better deliver on the needs of our customers and end-users,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas.
With 40 percent market share, Ford is America’s commercial truck leader. In launching Transit Connect, F-59 Super Duty® Chassis and a gasoline E-Series Ambulance Prep Package, Ford aims to build on this commercial truck leadership.
Ford expanded its NTEA presence this year with a significantly larger display and event luncheon, reinforcing its commitment across multiple product segments of the commercial vehicle industry and to the body builders and upfitters that tailor Ford products to specific applications. It aims to demonstrate the technologies that help customers work smarter while using NTEA as a forum for listening to customers’ unmet needs and to help lower their cost of ownership and further improve productivity.
“Ford is at NTEA to showcase both our new and existing commercial vehicles, display our innovative technologies and listen to our customers,” said Group Vice President of Global Product Development, Derrick Kuzak. “The message is clear: We’re committed to the commercial vehicle market and to the upfitter industry that serves it. We’re here to stay, over the long haul.”
Transit Connect
Ford Transit Connect has been a global success story for Ford. More than 600,000 Transit Connects have been sold worldwide, to customers in 58 countries on four continents. It arrives in the United States with a global reputation for durability and toughness dating back to its 2003 launch, when an expert panel of commercial vehicle journalists named Transit Connect International Van of the Year.
Ford Transit Connect is built on a dedicated front-wheel drive commercial platform to exceed the unique needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs. To prepare Transit Connect for commercial use in North America, the powertrain was upgraded to include the proven Duratec 2.0-liter I-4 engine and a four-speed automatic overdrive transaxle. These components combine to provide EPA fuel economy of 22 city and 25 highway miles per gallon.
With 135 cubic feet of cargo space and a generous 1,600 pound payload, no other vehicle in the American market can deliver this combination of capacity and fuel economy. Transit Connect offers customers more than twice the cargo space of the Chevrolet HHR Panel and can carry a heavier payload than the full-size Dodge Ram 1500standard-cab short-box pickup truck.
Ford Transit Connect is adaptable to a variety of commercial uses. It’s available in multiple window configurations from solid side and cargo doors, to both side and rear windows for maximum visibility.
Once it arrives from Ford of Europe’s Kocaeli, Turkey production facility, Transit Connect can be upfitted with all manner of bulkheads, racks and bins to suit many specific applications and needs.
Ford Transit Connect goes on sale this summer, starting at $21,475 including destination fees.
Ford F-59 Super Duty Chassis
Parcel/courier services, food distributors, laundry specialists, construction trades and government fleets – among other various end users – all will have a new commercial chassis choice for 2010. Ford is expanding its coverage of the commercial stripped chassis segment with three new gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR). These new chassis offerings enable body manufacturers to closely match their products to a task-appropriate chassis.
Already established in the market, E-Series Super Duty chassis are available up to a GVWR of 14,500 pounds. The new F-59 stripped chassis takes over at that point with GVWR offerings of 16,000, 19,500 and 22,000 pounds.
The F-59 chassis provides a smooth ride with premium gas-pressurized Bilstein® shock absorbers, fitted to both front and rear suspensions. Robust stabilizer bars are fitted to both front and rear axles for confident handling, a compliant ride and large load carrying capacity. Road jolts and disturbances are further reduced by the addition of variable-rate jounce bumpers. Ford’s exclusive heavy-duty front track bar is standard on the 22,000 pound GVWR chassis, enhancing the steering and ride and handling characteristics.
The proven 6.8-liter Triton® V-10 gas engine combines with the TorqShift® five-speed automatic overdrive transmission to provide responsive power, durability and economy. With five years of field experience, this engine/transmission combination provides the reliability that commercial customers have come to expect from Ford.
The F-59 Super Duty stripped chassis is equipped with standard four-wheel Anti-lock Disc Brake System (ABS) to provide steady, reliable braking service. The dual parking brakes include both a mechanical “lock-up” of the transmission when the gear shift is placed in the “Park” position, as well as a pedal-actuated driveline brake.
Building on the Ford F-53 Super Duty motorhome chassis, Ford’s F-59 commercial stripped chassis will provide body companies who complete these vehicles the quality and support they have come to expect from all Ford chassis entries. The end customer also benefits from the F-Series Super Duty heritage from using existing, proven components that provide quality, reliability and durability.
“This chassis represents tremendous value for the customers in this unique commercial segment,” said Rob Stevens, chief engineer.
The F-59 Super Duty stripped chassis will be available in January, 2010, and is produced in a dedicated facility in Detroit. Final pricing will be announced closer to market introduction.
E-Series Super Duty Ambulance
Ford Commercial Truck is introducing a new E-Series Ambulance Preparation Package, available in van or cut-away configurations. Powered by a proven 6.8-liter Triton® V-10 gasoline engine, this new offering significantly lowers the cost of ambulance acquisition for private and municipal customers alike. This powerful engine delivers significantly more horsepower for critical emergency response, while delivering torque comparable to the diesel ambulance offerings.
This new E-Series Super Duty Ambulance Prep Package features an impressive array of heavy-duty features to help withstand the extreme conditions inherent to this market segment.
The E-Series gas Ambulance Prep Package will be available for order later this year.
Blue Diamond Collaboration
Ford Commercial Truck also confirmed it will continue to offer dealers and customers F-650 and F-750 medium duty trucks produced by the Blue Diamond Truck and Parts joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Navistar International Corporation.
“We’re committed to the medium-duty truck market, and our F-650 and F-750 vehicles will continue to haul the goods for a wide variety of commercial applications,” said Len Deluca, director, Ford Commercial Trucks. “The availability of extended cab and crew cab versions has increased the appeal of these work vehicles.”
More NTEA News from Ford
Ford Work Solutions™ – an array of available in-vehicle technologies aimed at helping Ford commercial truck customers to drive smart, increase productivity and help keep valuable cargo safe and secure – officially began production Monday.
The “solutions” behind this system allow customers to:
* Stay connected with an in-dash computer
* Track tools and cargo with Tool Link™
* Track their fleet with Crew Chief™
* Secure valuable cargo with Cable Lock
On Tuesday, Ford Commercial Truck also shared elements of its 2010 Federal Diesel Emissions strategy, with specific emphasis on “what the upfitters need to know.” Stevens described Ford’s Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) after treatment and system and the implications for body builders and the upfit industry. Ford Commercial Truck will meet or exceed all applicable emission standards, and will provide robust solutions to meet the new requirements in the 2010 calendar year.
“Ford Commercial Truck supports the NTEA, and we’re delighted to be here to support the commercial vehicle and upfit industries,” said Stevens. “We want our customers and end-users to know that from Transit Connect through F-750, we’ve got them covered.”
Sources: Ford
Road Test Review: 2009 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4
Words and Photos by Dan SanchezBy: Mike Levine
Whenever a new or revised truck rolls out, there’s usually mention of an upgraded, stiffer, stronger frame meant to improve the ride and offer better durability. After countless years of new frame designs, you’d think that today’s truck frames would be so strong one could be used to make a hundred-story building earthquake-ready and last a thousand years. But we know that’s not the case.
Thus, as expected, the 2009 Ford F-150 debuted with yet another “stronger and lighter-weight frame” that Ford’s engineers are saying will improve both driving quality and fuel economy. It also has a few new tricks we weren’t expecting when we looked under the hood and bolt-on body.
The front portion of the truck’s frame is a tubular design, which seems more like what you’d see used in a Baja race truck than in an everyday pickup. OK, it’s not exactly like a race truck’s frame, which would use gusseted, chrome-moly, custom-bent tubing with smooth TIG welds, but it does incorporate some of the designs that racers have used to provide added rigidity and increased torsion strength.
Our test model was an XLT 4x4 equipped with a 5.4-liter V-8 and an optional Chrome Package that covers the three-bar grille, 18-inch wheels and trim.By moving the frame inward and upward at the front, the F-150’s hugs a little closer to the engine and leaves the factory inner fenders almost void of any extra sheet metal. This can help shave off some weight in that area, while the use of additional cross members that go through the frame, not on it, decrease twisting and allow the suspension to work freely and without binding. Indeed, it was surprising to see a fully boxed frame that incorporates all these elements and weighs 100 pounds less than those used in previous model years.
Neither the impressive appearance nor the lighter steel construction means anything, though, until you put it to the test. We’ve experienced from the passenger seat what the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor can do as a factory-built long-travel suspension pre-runner, but we also know that if you want to see what effect a stiffer, stronger, lighter frame really has on a pickup, you have to take it off-road. The Raptor has specialized running gear but still shares its frame with the rest of the F-150 lineup.
Recent rains had carved out some deep ruts along the trail, which created the perfect test to see how well the F-150 would remain level and sure-footed.Almost immediately we could feel how the F-150 maintained a flat stance both on and off the highway. On curvy mountain roads, we found ourselves taking corners faster and faster to test the limits of the truck’s handling. To our surprise, the F-150 stayed relatively stable and had minimal body roll, which is due not just to the frame, but also the suspension and Ford’s electronic stability system with Roll Stability Control. This measures a vehicle’s oversteer and yaw to keep it level and safe under various conditions, including towing and steep declines. The double ball-joint links used in the ’09’s front suspension give the truck precise steering, allowing the driver to maintain superb control. In fact, we enjoyed the F-150’s cornering abilities so much we were tempted to make a detour from our off-road destination and head to the road course instead.
To our delight, we passed on the road course and skid pad and enjoyed the truck just as much off-road as we did on the highway. The ’09 F-150’s electric shift-on-the-fly control made it very easy to take the truck from the pavement to the steep dirt trailhead that led to an overlook nearly 9,000 feet above sea level. Considering that our test truck was an XLT 4x4 not equipped with the aggressive FX4 off-road suspension, it still gripped well in 4WD High over the washboard-graded road during our ascent up the narrow path. While the FX4 package would have allowed for a slightly smoother ride and given us added agility and access to more difficult terrain thanks to an electronic locking differential, we were quite pleased with how the factory front coil-over shock system worked over various rocks and ruts that carved our path.
Even under extreme conditions that would twist most truck frames, the F-150 maintained a level stance, allowing us to stay in complete control. The F-150’s rear utilizes the standard leaf-spring solid axle, which in most instances offers a better ride once some weight is added to the rear. In this case, the leaf springs are 6 inches longer and extend forward to provide additional front-to-rear support and control. This provides additional stability in towing situations and helped improve the truck’s handling on the highway. Despite the cornering agility, the F-150 did experience freeway hop in our extended cab model, but it made up for it by offering surprisingly good articulation and control when maneuvering over large rocks.
The trail included some steep descents pitted with water-eroded pockets, which are often too deep for a normal-height vehicle to straddle without scraping its frame or getting high-centered. Nevertheless, we tackled a moderate one that proved how well the F-150’s rigidity comes into play. As we headed down this steep grade, the passenger-side front wheel plopped into one of the holes, while the two rear wheels and driver-side front wheel managed to stay flat on the ground. Most other vehicles would twist and lift the opposing rear tire off the ground, but the F-150 stayed level, even as the right rear tire was shoved into the fender while inching over a rock to make it down the path. This is an extreme situation that not many people would experience with their trucks, proving the ’09 F-150 is indeed a strong and capable off-road performer.
The Hotchkiss rear-leaf suspension had good articulation and control, partly due to the longer leaf springs that aid in front-to-rear support and agility. While there was adequate power from the updated three-valve 5.4-liter V-8, fuel economy in our test truck seemed to suffer. Power ratings are higher than last year’s engine, which made 300 horsepower and 365 pounds-feet of torque, and it’s added two more cogs to its gearbox, but we only averaged 15 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Granted, the new six-speed transmission coupled with the new V-8’s 320 hp and 390 pounds-feet of torque was good enough to out-accelerate a Chevrolet Silverado SS from 50 to 80 mph on the highway. That truck’s driver wasn’t too happy being beaten by the new Ford, but it was one of the highlights of our test.
We also enjoyed many of the F-150’s additional features, including Sirius Satellite Radio, a six-disc CD player and more. The truck’s Stowable Bed Extender is a unique option that we really liked. It folds out of the way when not in use and easily flips back when you want to use the open tailgate for extra room. The extender is very simple to operate and is a great feature if you plan to haul a motorcycle or a pair of ATVs to your favorite off-road destination. There is a drawback, however: When the tailgate is down, the sensors on the truck’s Reverse Sensing System reflect off the open tailgate and beep as though you’re inches away from a brick wall. Fortunately, you can turn the system off and back on again once the tailgate is closed.
Our XLT test model was nicely equipped with Sirius Satellite Radio, a six-disc CD changer and Shift-on-the-Fly 4x4 controls. Note the towing brake control that allows you to add or decrease braking power.Although the 2009 F-150 XLT 4x4 isn’t as capable or as cool as the SVT Raptor, it still managed to impress us with some excellent handling and good off-road capabilities. Our test model, an XLT Supercab 4x4 with the Chrome Package, a flex-fuel V-8, trailer-brake controller, Sync and more, had an MSRP of $37,395. That’s relatively affordable among the sea of expensive trucks on the market, and a moderately good value for a brand-new, redesigned truck. We also liked the exterior color of the truck we tested, called Blue Flame, which got a lot of attention and looked great with the chromed three-bar grille and 18-inch wheels.
With additional news of a rumored 400-hp 5.0-liter V-8 engine and a V-6 EcoBoost gas turbo engine in the future, the F-150’s new platform has never looked or performed better. What’s more, its manufacturer’s claim of having developed a better frame that would improve the vehicle was substantiated. Next time we’ll check these things out before making any assumptions.
The Triton 320-hp, 5.4-liter V-8 provides 390 pounds-feet of torque on E85 fuel. Though estimated fuel economy is better than last year’s engine, we only averaged 15 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
Spied! All New Lincoln Mark LT
Posted by Mike Levine | March 9, 2009
Photo: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Co.
For U.S. truck buyers, this pickup is unobtainable luxury. Our spies have just snapped photos of the all-new Lincoln Mark LT that Ward's recently reported will continue on sale south of the border in Mexico. The Lincoln Mark LT was discontinued in the U.S. after the 2008 model year due to slow sales. The new Mark LT is based on the 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum edition.
The front end sports Lincoln's distinct new double-waterfall grille design. It's unlike any other snout in the F-150 lineup. In fact, it's the seventh unique grille we've seen on the F-150. The front rocker panels receive Lincoln Mark LT lettering along with the tailgate, though this test mule still sports "Platinum" across the back.
A Ford spokesperson told Ward's that the Mark LT will live on because the Lincoln brand has an exclusive image in Mexico. Mexican buyers are prepared to pay more for a Lincoln-badged vehicle than they would for a similar one with a Ford blue oval.
According to Lincoln's Mexican website, a 2008 Mark LT crew cab is priced at $41,300 for a 4x2 and $46,000 for a 4x4. In the U.S., a two-wheel-drive 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum SuperCrew starts at $40,910 and a four-wheel-drive version starts at $44,105
The Mark LT was the second high-end hauler to not find success under Ford's luxury brand in the U.S. The first was the unique Lincoln Blackwood pickup that never caught on with buyers and was dropped in 2002.
Photo: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Co.For U.S. truck buyers, this pickup is unobtainable luxury. Our spies have just snapped photos of the all-new Lincoln Mark LT that Ward's recently reported will continue on sale south of the border in Mexico. The Lincoln Mark LT was discontinued in the U.S. after the 2008 model year due to slow sales. The new Mark LT is based on the 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum edition.
The front end sports Lincoln's distinct new double-waterfall grille design. It's unlike any other snout in the F-150 lineup. In fact, it's the seventh unique grille we've seen on the F-150. The front rocker panels receive Lincoln Mark LT lettering along with the tailgate, though this test mule still sports "Platinum" across the back.
A Ford spokesperson told Ward's that the Mark LT will live on because the Lincoln brand has an exclusive image in Mexico. Mexican buyers are prepared to pay more for a Lincoln-badged vehicle than they would for a similar one with a Ford blue oval.
According to Lincoln's Mexican website, a 2008 Mark LT crew cab is priced at $41,300 for a 4x2 and $46,000 for a 4x4. In the U.S., a two-wheel-drive 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum SuperCrew starts at $40,910 and a four-wheel-drive version starts at $44,105
The Mark LT was the second high-end hauler to not find success under Ford's luxury brand in the U.S. The first was the unique Lincoln Blackwood pickup that never caught on with buyers and was dropped in 2002.
Old Trucks Sell for Big Bucks at Barrett-Jackson Auction
By: Larry Edsall
Don’t ever expect to get the sort of money commanded by a Model J Duesenberg – three of the rare and valued motor cars were offered at the annual collector car auctions here in Arizona in January and each brought at least a million dollars – but don't be surprised, either, to learn that pickup trucks are collectible and were offered not only under the big Barrett-Jackson tent, not only among the American muscle and European sports cars at Russo and Steele, but right there with the expensive classics at the high-end RM Auction.
"The pickup has universal appeal," said Steve Davis, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "We have pickups every year."
Long before he went to work for Barrett-Jackson, Davis was an auction customer, both consigning vehicles he'd restored or modified and buying completed cars. He also led the effort to have collectible vehicles exempted from California's strict emission regulations, thus saving perhaps thousands of classics from being destroyed.
"One of my first major vehicles was a '56 F100 that I put a 427 into," Davis said. "I built one for my father-in-law, too."
"Pickup trucks are collectible in the degree they push the same buttons [as collector cars]," said Drew Alcazar, founder of the Russo and Steele auction. "They are reminiscent of an era that collectors want to recapture."
"We always sprinkle in a few," Alcazar continued. "It's a much narrower market in focus, though lots of guys with car collections also have a collectible pickup truck. 'That's my parts-getter,' they'll tell you."
"A lot of car collectors have a customized pickup to haul their trailers," adds Barrett-Jackson's Davis. "They may have their company [or collection's] name on the door."
"A pickup guy is a guy who loves cars but also loves pickups for the utilitarian vehicle it really is. For customization, it's almost a blank canvas to trick out any way you want, with aftermarket parts or reproduction parts."
Because of their size and architecture, Davis adds that it can be easier to do customized modifications on a pickup, whether it's powertrain, suspension, electronics or "cool" interiors.
For its docket, Davis said Barrett-Jackson looks for pickup trucks that have been well maintained, have low miles, lots of options and accessories, or that have been properly restored.
"Ford F100s are the first things that come to mind," he said when asked which trucks he considers collectible. "The early Chevrolets, the 1940s and '50s are absolutely collectible. Studebaker. Hudson Terraplane."
"And now you're seeing more and more guys appreciating the style and using those blank canvases. There are massive engine bays for a trick engine. A place of trick electronics. You can do some really cool stuff with the bed. I think we’ll see more of that in the future. You see it at SEMA."
Russo and Steele's Alcazar adds late 1960s Chevy Cheyennes to the collectible list, and notes that many people are starting to do "well-done, almost concours restorations" on such trucks.
Davis and Alcazar agree that pickups should not be considered entry-level collector vehicles. Davis notes that more people are looking for pickups, but that they still can be considered a bargain when compared, say, with cars of the same era. For example, he said, a mid-'50s Ford or Chevy pickup is going to be a lot less expensive than a '57 Thunderbird or, say, a '57 Chevy Bel Air.
He also notes there are still lots of rust-free 40 and 50-year-old pickup trucks just waiting to be restored.
A sampling of pickups available at Barrett-Jackson included:
1960 Morris Minor (sold for $26,000)
House of Color purple 1956 Ford C7650 custom cab-over ($67,000)
Highly customized, silver over black 1957 Chevy Step-side ($65,000)
1961 Studebaker Champ ($24,000)
1948 Studebaker M5 ($34,000)
1941 Chevy pickup ($27,000)
Customized 1939 Studebaker built on a Chevy S-10 chassis ($28,000)
Multi-colored and customized 1955 Chevy 3100 ($38,000)
Wonderfully restored 1940 Chevrolet K10 ($35,000)
Mildly customized 1952 Ford Custom ($45,000)
1956 Ford F-150 with a Chevy LS1 engine ($75,000)
1935 Ford half-ton just 50 miles after restoration ($26,000)
1939 Hudson Big Boy ($34,000)
1957 Chevrolet Cameo ($38,000)
Pale blue 1961 Chevy 3100 ($46,000)
And, in the showcase tent where vehicles were available for sale, an orange and black a Hemi-powered 1957 Dodge Sweptside (marked down from $78,000 to $60,000)
Alcazar’s auction included these, among others (prices were not available):
1947 Studebaker Coupe Express
1939 Ford
1957 GMC 100-8
1956 Ford F-100
1957 GMC Stepside
1951 Ford Stepside
RM offered four pickups:
1948 Mercury M47 ($49,500)
1952 Ford F1 ($29,700)
1957 Chevrolet 3100 ($49,500)
1941 Dodge WC. ($34,100)
Also at RM was a truck that Alcazar liked a lot, would love to add to his own collection of exotic vehicles – Shelbys, Vipers, Lamborghinis and such.
"I wish I could get to RM to bid on that Shelby truck," Alcazar said, knowing that the event’s timing conflicted with his own auction.
The object of Alcazar's affection was a 1966 Ford CS500 Super Duty that the Shelby American racing team used to tow a trailer containing its racecars. The truck since has been converted to a flatbed – the bed just the right size to carry a Shelby Cobra.
How'd They Do That? Enthusiasts Aren't The Only Ones Interested in Finding Out
By: Mike Levine
Enthusiasts and future buyers aren't the only ones who get excited waiting to find out what's changed in the newest trucks that debut at major industry events, like the North American International Auto Show. Competing manufacturers are just as anxious to find out too.
But unlike everyday Joes who are locked out of auto shows during media and industry preview days, engineering and product planning staff from almost every manufacturer make their rounds visiting vehicle display stands immediately after the unveilings.
It's the closest the engineers and product planners will get to the trucks until they go on sale six to twelve months later - when they can be purchased, torn down, and reverse-engineered at vehicle assessment and benchmark centers - so the most is made from the opportunity.
Generally, it's easy to tell the two staff apart.
Engineers tend to travel in small teams of two or three. They carry laptop computers, notepads, rulers, and digital cameras and dress comfortably. They'll scurry around a vehicle examining it from every angle, often getting on their hands and knees or backs to crawl underneath, so they can see major design changes with their own eyes. They measure individual parts and major dimensional specs, like bed height and box length. New technologies and equipment, like the 2009 Dodge Ram's RamBox side saddle storage and coil-over rear suspension, get special attention. Up to 15 minutes can be spent examining new parts and features, to see how they work and what they feel like.
In the photo at the top of the page, two Toyota engineers surveyed a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 for almost 20-minutes while they recorded their observations. And swarms of engineers kept coming back to Ford's amazing 2009 F-150 cutaway (above) that clearly labeled and highlighted structural and component changes in the new pickup.
Product planners usually wear business suits and move in packs of two to ten people, often surrounding an alpha executive as they tour the floor. They tend to be louder and much more conversational than engineers. As they walk and stop, they freely engage in chit chat with the staff stationed at a truck's display stand. They'll ask questions about what kinds of changes were made, why, and what were the major challenges. They also congratulate competitors on notable revisions or things they think are worthy of recognition.
In the photo below, Ford truck and SUV marketing manager Mike Crowley (fourth from left) walked Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piech (second from left) and Volkswagen of America CEO Stefan Jacoby (third from left) around display tables that highlighted and explained the 2009 F-150's interior changes and new powertrain components.
The VW entourage surrounding Messrs. Piech and Jacoby had a headcount of ten suits.
It's difficult to do with engineers, since they easily fade into the crowds during the auto shows, but with well-known executives, like Mr. Piech, it's easy to discern patterns as they move from showcase to showcase. If they look closely at one manufacturer's truck and quickly move on to another manufacturer's pickup, that can be an indication they've got something in the pipeline and they want to make sure it's going to hit where the newest trucks are landing or ahead of them.
This happened in 1999, when Mr. Piech toured GM's and Ford's stands closely and then Volkswagen brought its Advanced Activity Concept to Detroit the next year. The AAC didn't turn into a production hauler but there are rumors VW is on the pickup truck planning path again.
You'd think, with all the competitive intelligence that could be gathered during the auto show, the manufacturers would be more guarded with who has access to the display stands, but that's not the case. It's tolerated because sooner or later their engineering and product planning staff are going to be making the rounds too.
Enthusiasts and future buyers aren't the only ones who get excited waiting to find out what's changed in the newest trucks that debut at major industry events, like the North American International Auto Show. Competing manufacturers are just as anxious to find out too.
But unlike everyday Joes who are locked out of auto shows during media and industry preview days, engineering and product planning staff from almost every manufacturer make their rounds visiting vehicle display stands immediately after the unveilings.
It's the closest the engineers and product planners will get to the trucks until they go on sale six to twelve months later - when they can be purchased, torn down, and reverse-engineered at vehicle assessment and benchmark centers - so the most is made from the opportunity.
Generally, it's easy to tell the two staff apart.
Engineers tend to travel in small teams of two or three. They carry laptop computers, notepads, rulers, and digital cameras and dress comfortably. They'll scurry around a vehicle examining it from every angle, often getting on their hands and knees or backs to crawl underneath, so they can see major design changes with their own eyes. They measure individual parts and major dimensional specs, like bed height and box length. New technologies and equipment, like the 2009 Dodge Ram's RamBox side saddle storage and coil-over rear suspension, get special attention. Up to 15 minutes can be spent examining new parts and features, to see how they work and what they feel like.
In the photo at the top of the page, two Toyota engineers surveyed a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 for almost 20-minutes while they recorded their observations. And swarms of engineers kept coming back to Ford's amazing 2009 F-150 cutaway (above) that clearly labeled and highlighted structural and component changes in the new pickup.
Product planners usually wear business suits and move in packs of two to ten people, often surrounding an alpha executive as they tour the floor. They tend to be louder and much more conversational than engineers. As they walk and stop, they freely engage in chit chat with the staff stationed at a truck's display stand. They'll ask questions about what kinds of changes were made, why, and what were the major challenges. They also congratulate competitors on notable revisions or things they think are worthy of recognition.
In the photo below, Ford truck and SUV marketing manager Mike Crowley (fourth from left) walked Volkswagen Chairman Ferdinand Piech (second from left) and Volkswagen of America CEO Stefan Jacoby (third from left) around display tables that highlighted and explained the 2009 F-150's interior changes and new powertrain components.
The VW entourage surrounding Messrs. Piech and Jacoby had a headcount of ten suits.
It's difficult to do with engineers, since they easily fade into the crowds during the auto shows, but with well-known executives, like Mr. Piech, it's easy to discern patterns as they move from showcase to showcase. If they look closely at one manufacturer's truck and quickly move on to another manufacturer's pickup, that can be an indication they've got something in the pipeline and they want to make sure it's going to hit where the newest trucks are landing or ahead of them.
This happened in 1999, when Mr. Piech toured GM's and Ford's stands closely and then Volkswagen brought its Advanced Activity Concept to Detroit the next year. The AAC didn't turn into a production hauler but there are rumors VW is on the pickup truck planning path again.
You'd think, with all the competitive intelligence that could be gathered during the auto show, the manufacturers would be more guarded with who has access to the display stands, but that's not the case. It's tolerated because sooner or later their engineering and product planning staff are going to be making the rounds too.
First Look: 2008 Ford FG Falcon Ute
By: James Stanford
Ford has revealed its most powerful ute yet in Melbourne, Australia.
The FG Falcon Ute will be available with four different engines including a 388-hp quad-cam Boss V8 and fast-spinning turbo in-line six-cylinder pumping out 362-hp.
Ford's new model takes on Holden's VE Ute, which is expected to go on sale in the US soon as the Pontiac G8 ST.
Unfortunately for Blue Oval fans in the US, Ford Australia insiders have told PickupTruck.com that Ford US has no plan to take the FG Ute at this stage. While the FG was initially designed with an export deal in mind, it would still take substantial engineering work to enable the car to pass US regulations.
The Falcon Ute's six-cylinder engine would need to be re-engineered for the US, which is unlikely seeing that Ford Australia will replace that engine with a US-sourced V6 in 2010.
Success of the Holden-sourced Pontiac Ute could change things, but developing a left-hand-drive version of the Falcon hauler would also take at least two years.
Ford's FG Ute competes with the Holden VE Ute in many ways, but they are quite different vehicles.
While the VE has an independent rear suspension set-up for sportier driving, the Falcon Ute uses leaf-springs for greater load capacity. The FG Falcon Ute can haul between 1,264-lbs and 2,733-lbs depending on the model, while the VE manages between 1,120-lbs and 1,706-lbs.
The new Ford can tow up to 5,070-lbs, while the Holden's towing limit is 3,527-lbs.
Ford's FG Ute is available with a 'style-side' tub or as a cab-chassis with a flat load tray.
The base engine is a 4.0-liter in-line six-cylinder with dual-overhead camshafts generating 261-hp and 288 lb-ft. Available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic, the I6 powers the base Ute, the R6 and XR6 models.
A dedicated LPG version, called E-Gas, can be optioned.
In 2004, Ford Australia decided to strap a turbo on top of the smooth petrol engine and came up with a true cult motor.
For the FG XR6 Turbo Ute, it has been substantially upgraded with new turbo, intercooler and cylinder head, while the boost has been wound up from 0.4 bar to 0.7 bar (6-psi to 10-psi).
It manages a respectable 362-hp, but the real story is the torque total of 393 lb-ft which is available from as low as 2,000-rpm all the way through to 4,750-rpm. With a torque curve as flat as a pool table, the turbo six FG Utes are expected to be quicker than the more powerful V8 models, although no sprint times have been released yet.
Ford has also engineered a clever anti-lag launch feature for manual turbo Utes. When a vehicle is stationary, the clutch is fully disengaged and throttle is applied engine speed is limited to 3500-rpm by cutting fuel.
After a short delay, the turbo spools up with 80% cool air which is pumped by the cylinders that have been de-activated. When the clutch is released all cylinders are reactivated and the car launches on boost, enabling quicker starts.
It also means turbo six drivers don't have to burn-out clutches attempting to slip them in order to spool up the turbo off the line.
The XR8 Ute runs a Boss 290 V8, with the 290 standing for the kW produced (389-hp). It's hand-assembled by Ford Performance Vehicles in Melbourne, using Cobra R cast aluminum heads, forged steel crankshafts, high lift inlet camshafts and a 75-mm throttle body with drive-by-wire linkage. Peak torque is 384 lb-ft and comes in at 4,750-rpm.
Both the Boss V8 and turbo six engines are available with either a six-speed manual or ZF six-speed automatic, which is also used by Bentley, BMW and Maserati.
Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) will release even more potent versions of the FG Ute around the middle of the year. FPV won't discuss power outputs, but they are tipped to rise to around 428-hp for a V8 version and about 389-hp for the turbo.
Ford has announced the FPV models will come standard with electronic stability control, but the potentially life saving feature won't be available for the rest of the Ford Ute models at launch because Bosch is still calibrating the systems.
It is not yet clear whether electronic stability control (ESC) will be standard across the range, as it is with the VE Ute. Bosch is in the final stages of developing it and it should be added soon after the launch. The FPV (higher-performance versions) utes will have ESC as standard when they launch in a few months.
Driver and passenger front airbags are standard, but just like the VE, no side airbags are available. Head-protecting side airbags will be optional for all FG Falcon Utes.
The FG Falcon Ute sits on a longer wheelbase than its sedan sibling, which allows for a good tray length of between 72.5-inches (flat load tray) and 87-inches (styleside) and also helps with towing stability.
Its leaf-springs might be a blast from the past, but the front suspension is a new double wishbone design with two lower ball-joints. It's the same setup found on the Australian Territory SUV, which has set new standards for handling in its class.
Wheels for the entry level Ute, simply called Falcon Ute, are 16-inches and made of steel, while the rest are alloys, ranging in size from 17-inch to optional 19s.
The FG Ute also has an all-new interior which features a new 7-inch information display in the centre of the dashboard.
Ford has revealed its most powerful ute yet in Melbourne, Australia.
The FG Falcon Ute will be available with four different engines including a 388-hp quad-cam Boss V8 and fast-spinning turbo in-line six-cylinder pumping out 362-hp.
Ford's new model takes on Holden's VE Ute, which is expected to go on sale in the US soon as the Pontiac G8 ST.
Unfortunately for Blue Oval fans in the US, Ford Australia insiders have told PickupTruck.com that Ford US has no plan to take the FG Ute at this stage. While the FG was initially designed with an export deal in mind, it would still take substantial engineering work to enable the car to pass US regulations.
The Falcon Ute's six-cylinder engine would need to be re-engineered for the US, which is unlikely seeing that Ford Australia will replace that engine with a US-sourced V6 in 2010.
Success of the Holden-sourced Pontiac Ute could change things, but developing a left-hand-drive version of the Falcon hauler would also take at least two years.
Ford's FG Ute competes with the Holden VE Ute in many ways, but they are quite different vehicles.
While the VE has an independent rear suspension set-up for sportier driving, the Falcon Ute uses leaf-springs for greater load capacity. The FG Falcon Ute can haul between 1,264-lbs and 2,733-lbs depending on the model, while the VE manages between 1,120-lbs and 1,706-lbs.
The new Ford can tow up to 5,070-lbs, while the Holden's towing limit is 3,527-lbs.
Ford's FG Ute is available with a 'style-side' tub or as a cab-chassis with a flat load tray.
The base engine is a 4.0-liter in-line six-cylinder with dual-overhead camshafts generating 261-hp and 288 lb-ft. Available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic, the I6 powers the base Ute, the R6 and XR6 models.
A dedicated LPG version, called E-Gas, can be optioned.
In 2004, Ford Australia decided to strap a turbo on top of the smooth petrol engine and came up with a true cult motor.
For the FG XR6 Turbo Ute, it has been substantially upgraded with new turbo, intercooler and cylinder head, while the boost has been wound up from 0.4 bar to 0.7 bar (6-psi to 10-psi).
It manages a respectable 362-hp, but the real story is the torque total of 393 lb-ft which is available from as low as 2,000-rpm all the way through to 4,750-rpm. With a torque curve as flat as a pool table, the turbo six FG Utes are expected to be quicker than the more powerful V8 models, although no sprint times have been released yet.
Ford has also engineered a clever anti-lag launch feature for manual turbo Utes. When a vehicle is stationary, the clutch is fully disengaged and throttle is applied engine speed is limited to 3500-rpm by cutting fuel.
After a short delay, the turbo spools up with 80% cool air which is pumped by the cylinders that have been de-activated. When the clutch is released all cylinders are reactivated and the car launches on boost, enabling quicker starts.
It also means turbo six drivers don't have to burn-out clutches attempting to slip them in order to spool up the turbo off the line.
The XR8 Ute runs a Boss 290 V8, with the 290 standing for the kW produced (389-hp). It's hand-assembled by Ford Performance Vehicles in Melbourne, using Cobra R cast aluminum heads, forged steel crankshafts, high lift inlet camshafts and a 75-mm throttle body with drive-by-wire linkage. Peak torque is 384 lb-ft and comes in at 4,750-rpm.
Both the Boss V8 and turbo six engines are available with either a six-speed manual or ZF six-speed automatic, which is also used by Bentley, BMW and Maserati.
Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) will release even more potent versions of the FG Ute around the middle of the year. FPV won't discuss power outputs, but they are tipped to rise to around 428-hp for a V8 version and about 389-hp for the turbo.
Ford has announced the FPV models will come standard with electronic stability control, but the potentially life saving feature won't be available for the rest of the Ford Ute models at launch because Bosch is still calibrating the systems.
It is not yet clear whether electronic stability control (ESC) will be standard across the range, as it is with the VE Ute. Bosch is in the final stages of developing it and it should be added soon after the launch. The FPV (higher-performance versions) utes will have ESC as standard when they launch in a few months.
Driver and passenger front airbags are standard, but just like the VE, no side airbags are available. Head-protecting side airbags will be optional for all FG Falcon Utes.
The FG Falcon Ute sits on a longer wheelbase than its sedan sibling, which allows for a good tray length of between 72.5-inches (flat load tray) and 87-inches (styleside) and also helps with towing stability.
Its leaf-springs might be a blast from the past, but the front suspension is a new double wishbone design with two lower ball-joints. It's the same setup found on the Australian Territory SUV, which has set new standards for handling in its class.
Wheels for the entry level Ute, simply called Falcon Ute, are 16-inches and made of steel, while the rest are alloys, ranging in size from 17-inch to optional 19s.
The FG Ute also has an all-new interior which features a new 7-inch information display in the centre of the dashboard.
Future Truck: 2012 Ford F-150
By: Mark Levine
Since we did a pretty good job back in January 2007 figuring out what the 2009 Ford F-150 would look like (well, at least one of the versions), we're taking out our crystal ball again (Mark, you sure you're ok in there?) for a speculative look ahead at the next F-150.
While there are major changes and upgrades, the 2009 Ford F-150 isn't an all new truck. It's more like a strong kick-off to a three year journey that will totally transform America's best selling vehicle by the time the next-generation 2012 F-150 arrives.
The latest rumors and official information say the F-150 will receive three new engines by 2010 - a twin turbo 3.7-liter V6 EcoBoost gasoline direct injection (GDI) motor, a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated "BOSS" V8, and a 4.4-liter V8 diesel. When these engines arrive, we're expecting the legacy two- and three-valve 4.6-liter gas V8s will be retired.
Think the 2009 Ford F-150 has a taller hood just to make the truck look tougher? Nope, there's also a brawny new twin turbo version of the BOSS V8 on the way by 2011 that's going to need all the space it can get to accommodate its taller profile.
The promise of these new gas and diesel engines is improved performance and fuel economy. But engines aren't going to be enough to put the F-150 on the right trajectory to hit the tough new corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) law, which mandates a fleet wide vehicle average of 35-miles-per-gallon by 2020.
Ford's North American design director, Peter Horbury, told Automotive News that the F-150 design team is also trying to figure out how to make the truck more aerodynamic - including "active aerodynamic elements" that work while the truck is moving and a laid back A-pillar, similar to the current Nissan Titan.
The results of all these prognostications are the sleek renderings you see on this page.
The 2012 F-150 will have all-new sheetmetal, and we're expecting major changes to the frame for weight savings and manufacturing flexibility (more on this item another time).
Note the vents on the top of the hood in the lower picture, to help cool the twin turbo EcoBoost BOSS V8. We also expect an automatic retractable tonneau cover to help smooth airflow over the bed, particularly when the cargo box is empty.
Ford says F-150 buyers want their trucks to look tough. It's the reason why the company strengthened the exterior of the 2004 F-150 when it moved on from the 1996-2003 model. Will swoopy aerodynamics and fuel economy regulations trump "toughness"?
Since we did a pretty good job back in January 2007 figuring out what the 2009 Ford F-150 would look like (well, at least one of the versions), we're taking out our crystal ball again (Mark, you sure you're ok in there?) for a speculative look ahead at the next F-150.
While there are major changes and upgrades, the 2009 Ford F-150 isn't an all new truck. It's more like a strong kick-off to a three year journey that will totally transform America's best selling vehicle by the time the next-generation 2012 F-150 arrives.
The latest rumors and official information say the F-150 will receive three new engines by 2010 - a twin turbo 3.7-liter V6 EcoBoost gasoline direct injection (GDI) motor, a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated "BOSS" V8, and a 4.4-liter V8 diesel. When these engines arrive, we're expecting the legacy two- and three-valve 4.6-liter gas V8s will be retired.
Think the 2009 Ford F-150 has a taller hood just to make the truck look tougher? Nope, there's also a brawny new twin turbo version of the BOSS V8 on the way by 2011 that's going to need all the space it can get to accommodate its taller profile.
The promise of these new gas and diesel engines is improved performance and fuel economy. But engines aren't going to be enough to put the F-150 on the right trajectory to hit the tough new corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) law, which mandates a fleet wide vehicle average of 35-miles-per-gallon by 2020.
Ford's North American design director, Peter Horbury, told Automotive News that the F-150 design team is also trying to figure out how to make the truck more aerodynamic - including "active aerodynamic elements" that work while the truck is moving and a laid back A-pillar, similar to the current Nissan Titan.
The results of all these prognostications are the sleek renderings you see on this page.
The 2012 F-150 will have all-new sheetmetal, and we're expecting major changes to the frame for weight savings and manufacturing flexibility (more on this item another time).
Note the vents on the top of the hood in the lower picture, to help cool the twin turbo EcoBoost BOSS V8. We also expect an automatic retractable tonneau cover to help smooth airflow over the bed, particularly when the cargo box is empty.
Ford says F-150 buyers want their trucks to look tough. It's the reason why the company strengthened the exterior of the 2004 F-150 when it moved on from the 1996-2003 model. Will swoopy aerodynamics and fuel economy regulations trump "toughness"?
SEMA 2008 Preview: Turbonetics Ford F-150
By: Mike Levine Posted: 10-09-08 08:47 PT
© 2008 PickupTrucks.com
Turbonetics has manufactured turbochargers and related forced-induction performance products for gas and diesel engines for almost 30 years. Now, it’s applying its expertise to a 2009 Ford F-150 for this year's SEMA show.
Tyler Tanaka, marketing manager for Turbonetics, said the company will add a Turbonetics ceramic ball-bearing turbo to the F-150's 5.4-liter V-8. Tanaka conservatively estimates the turbo (pictured below) will add more than 100 horsepower to the 320-hp engine. To keep things cool, the company will also add a Spearco intercooler mounted in a custom front air dam below the front bumper.
Turbonetics will match the turbo's power with street-tough looks, courtesy of a lowering kit from Suspension Max, L&G Enterprises custom body and paint work, Alsa Paint Products custom paint and stripes, and a Street Scene body kit.
For pavement grip, GAC will supply custom 24x9.5-inch wheels wearing Yokohama Prada Spec-X P295/35R25 rubber. Baer six-piston 6S MonoBlock big brakes will ensure the truck stops as quickly as it accelerates.
Inside, the whistle of the turbo will be drowned out by a Rockford Fosgate sound system wired up by Scoshe Industries. Custom carbon fiber and suede will drape the instrument panel, doors and seats.
© 2008 PickupTrucks.com
Turbonetics has manufactured turbochargers and related forced-induction performance products for gas and diesel engines for almost 30 years. Now, it’s applying its expertise to a 2009 Ford F-150 for this year's SEMA show.
Tyler Tanaka, marketing manager for Turbonetics, said the company will add a Turbonetics ceramic ball-bearing turbo to the F-150's 5.4-liter V-8. Tanaka conservatively estimates the turbo (pictured below) will add more than 100 horsepower to the 320-hp engine. To keep things cool, the company will also add a Spearco intercooler mounted in a custom front air dam below the front bumper.
Turbonetics will match the turbo's power with street-tough looks, courtesy of a lowering kit from Suspension Max, L&G Enterprises custom body and paint work, Alsa Paint Products custom paint and stripes, and a Street Scene body kit.
For pavement grip, GAC will supply custom 24x9.5-inch wheels wearing Yokohama Prada Spec-X P295/35R25 rubber. Baer six-piston 6S MonoBlock big brakes will ensure the truck stops as quickly as it accelerates.
Inside, the whistle of the turbo will be drowned out by a Rockford Fosgate sound system wired up by Scoshe Industries. Custom carbon fiber and suede will drape the instrument panel, doors and seats.
SEMA 2008 Preview: X-Treme Toyz Fahrenheit F-150
By: Mike Levine Posted: 10-07-08 09:17 PT
© 2008 PickupTrucks.com
This year, X-Treme Toyz is building its hottest truck yet – the Fahrenheit 2009 Ford F-150 Super Crew FX-4.
The company specializes in building custom trucks for hardcore enthusiasts and extreme environments, and since 1999 it's created one-off versions of Ford trucks for SEMA. Those have been met with rave reviews and design awards, including last year's awesome F-450 “Shaker” tow rig.
Michael Duval, president of X-Treme Toyz, said this year's Fahrenheit should appeal to a wide audience.
"I intend to create a hot, functional lifestyle truck with universal appeal," he said. "The paint scheme will accent the truck’s name, with a glimpse into its molten interior through tears in the black paint. The vehicle … will demonstrate the wide accessory potential of the 2009 F-150.”
Instead of being slammed, like other 2008 SEMA trucks we’ve previewed so far, the Fahrenheit F-150 will be lifted 6 inches courtesy of a Fabtech suspension system, Dirt Logic shocks, custom sway bars and an air-assisted overload capacity.
To improve safety while off-roading, clearance cameras will be mounted at the front and rear ends of the truck. A Warn winch will be installed in the front bumper with a wireless remote control to help the Fahrenheit F-150 out of sticky jams.
Katzkin custom leather will create new seat covers, and Scosche audio-video will install an infotainment system and interface it with Ford’s voice-activated Sync system.
Tough 18x9-inch offroad wheels will come from Dick Cepek, with OMF Sim-U-Lock bead locks to hold the Mickey Thompson 35/13.5/R18 Baja MTZ tires firmly in place off-road.
The F-150’s 5.4-liter V-8 will be complemented with an AFE cat-back exhaust kit and AFE intake system.
© 2008 PickupTrucks.com
This year, X-Treme Toyz is building its hottest truck yet – the Fahrenheit 2009 Ford F-150 Super Crew FX-4.
The company specializes in building custom trucks for hardcore enthusiasts and extreme environments, and since 1999 it's created one-off versions of Ford trucks for SEMA. Those have been met with rave reviews and design awards, including last year's awesome F-450 “Shaker” tow rig.
Michael Duval, president of X-Treme Toyz, said this year's Fahrenheit should appeal to a wide audience.
"I intend to create a hot, functional lifestyle truck with universal appeal," he said. "The paint scheme will accent the truck’s name, with a glimpse into its molten interior through tears in the black paint. The vehicle … will demonstrate the wide accessory potential of the 2009 F-150.”
Instead of being slammed, like other 2008 SEMA trucks we’ve previewed so far, the Fahrenheit F-150 will be lifted 6 inches courtesy of a Fabtech suspension system, Dirt Logic shocks, custom sway bars and an air-assisted overload capacity.
To improve safety while off-roading, clearance cameras will be mounted at the front and rear ends of the truck. A Warn winch will be installed in the front bumper with a wireless remote control to help the Fahrenheit F-150 out of sticky jams.
Katzkin custom leather will create new seat covers, and Scosche audio-video will install an infotainment system and interface it with Ford’s voice-activated Sync system.
Tough 18x9-inch offroad wheels will come from Dick Cepek, with OMF Sim-U-Lock bead locks to hold the Mickey Thompson 35/13.5/R18 Baja MTZ tires firmly in place off-road.
The F-150’s 5.4-liter V-8 will be complemented with an AFE cat-back exhaust kit and AFE intake system.
SEMA 2008 Exclusive Preview: Performance West Group Ford F-150 Striker R
By: Mike Levine Posted: 09-19-08 08:01 PTUpdated: 09-30-08 08:20 PT
© 2008 PickupTrucks.com
Last week we showed you a preview of the Hulst Customs Ford F-350 Striker, and now we've got photos of its aggressive sibling, Performance West Group's Ford F-150 Striker R. This is also the first look at a customized 2009 Ford F-150 headed to SEMA.
Like the F-350 Striker, the F-150 Striker gets its inspiration and looks from Ford's GT500KR Mustang. The front end is bold, with a black anodized diamond mesh grille and twin hood intakes to feed the Striker's supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 engine. There are many hand-crafted details in the body, including billet front fender vents and side scoops located just ahead of the rear wheels for brake cooling. Of course, it also comes with "Badass Blue" Le Mans-style race stripes that run the length of the truck.
Inside, Katzkin Leather will match the silver and blue exterior colors with custom leather surfaces and seats. The interior will also include matching floor coverings and aluminum racing pedals and auxiliary gauges. Sony is supplying its Xplod video infotainment system.
The Striker R's 5.4-liter V-8 is expected to pound the pavement with 500 horsepower. Kenne Bell is supplying a 2.4-liter Blowzilla supercharger and intercooler, cold air intake, Boost-a-Pump and an Optimizer II electronic engine management system. Engine enhancements will be paired with a free-flowing Corsa Cat-Back exhaust system.
Underneath the truck will be a Bell Tech suspension package that will allow the Striker R to navigate tight turns more like the Mustang that inspired it. Keeping the rear differential both cool and cool-looking is a custom Striker R alloy cover.
To ensure that the Striker R can stop as aggressively as it accelerates, Stainless Steel Brakes Corp will supply a set of massive V8 eight-piston brake calipers that work in concert with its equally massive 15-inch Big Bite cross-drilled rotors. Pirelli is supplying the Striker R's 22-inch custom alloy wheels and Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico ultra-high-performance tires.
Pick your favorite, Striker F-350 or Striker R F-150!
© 2008 PickupTrucks.com
Last week we showed you a preview of the Hulst Customs Ford F-350 Striker, and now we've got photos of its aggressive sibling, Performance West Group's Ford F-150 Striker R. This is also the first look at a customized 2009 Ford F-150 headed to SEMA.
Like the F-350 Striker, the F-150 Striker gets its inspiration and looks from Ford's GT500KR Mustang. The front end is bold, with a black anodized diamond mesh grille and twin hood intakes to feed the Striker's supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 engine. There are many hand-crafted details in the body, including billet front fender vents and side scoops located just ahead of the rear wheels for brake cooling. Of course, it also comes with "Badass Blue" Le Mans-style race stripes that run the length of the truck.
Inside, Katzkin Leather will match the silver and blue exterior colors with custom leather surfaces and seats. The interior will also include matching floor coverings and aluminum racing pedals and auxiliary gauges. Sony is supplying its Xplod video infotainment system.
The Striker R's 5.4-liter V-8 is expected to pound the pavement with 500 horsepower. Kenne Bell is supplying a 2.4-liter Blowzilla supercharger and intercooler, cold air intake, Boost-a-Pump and an Optimizer II electronic engine management system. Engine enhancements will be paired with a free-flowing Corsa Cat-Back exhaust system.
Underneath the truck will be a Bell Tech suspension package that will allow the Striker R to navigate tight turns more like the Mustang that inspired it. Keeping the rear differential both cool and cool-looking is a custom Striker R alloy cover.
To ensure that the Striker R can stop as aggressively as it accelerates, Stainless Steel Brakes Corp will supply a set of massive V8 eight-piston brake calipers that work in concert with its equally massive 15-inch Big Bite cross-drilled rotors. Pirelli is supplying the Striker R's 22-inch custom alloy wheels and Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico ultra-high-performance tires.
Pick your favorite, Striker F-350 or Striker R F-150!
Ford Work Solutions Available for 2009 F-150 and Super Duty Trucks, Retrofit Kits Coming for Older Models
Posted by Mike Levine | March 5, 2009
Ford Work Solutions is now available for 2009 Ford F-150 and F-250 to F-550 Super Duty pickups and chassis-cab trucks. The suite of work productivity applications includes an in-dash computer with high-speed wireless internet and a printer; “Crew Chief,” which monitors and helps route fleets of trucks in real time; and “Tool Link,” which uses radio frequency tag readers in the truck to keep track of tools so they aren’t left behind at home or a job site.
"It's available from the factory today when you order a vehicle," said William Frykman, Ford Work Solutions business and product development manager. "In April it will be available as a dealer-installed option on an '09 vehicle, so if somebody finds an '09 vehicle on the lot that they want it installed on, it could be available with certain series restrictions."
Computer-dependent applications like Crew Chief, Tool Link and wireless internet cannot be installed in certain high-trim F-Series models — like the new Platinum F-150 — that are optioned with Ford's consumer-oriented Sync system. Sync uses a similar but incompatible computer system.
But there's good news for some earlier F-Series truck owners: A retrofit kit is coming for previous-generation 2004-08 F-150 pickups and for 2008 or newer Super Duty pickups.
"We're working on a retrofit kit that would be installed where the architecture is the same, so it would be backward-compatible," Frykman said. "For Super Duty today it can go in an '08 truck. The F-150 needs some modifications, but it could at least go back to '04 F-150. [The kit] isn't available today, but we're working on it. It should be available by the third quarter of 2009."
Ford is looking forward, though, as well as backward.
"As we've launched version 1.0 today, we're already working on the next generation," Frykman said. "What you'll see is continued evolution of the products that we have today. For example, we could potentially take Tool Link and report offboard on a secure website, not just onboard the truck in the in-dash computer. And expect to see some new products as well. We're here at NTEA to look at other opportunities."
There are two costs associated with Ford Work Solutions: a one-time hardware cost and a monthly connection fee.
Ford Work Solutions is now available for 2009 Ford F-150 and F-250 to F-550 Super Duty pickups and chassis-cab trucks. The suite of work productivity applications includes an in-dash computer with high-speed wireless internet and a printer; “Crew Chief,” which monitors and helps route fleets of trucks in real time; and “Tool Link,” which uses radio frequency tag readers in the truck to keep track of tools so they aren’t left behind at home or a job site.
"It's available from the factory today when you order a vehicle," said William Frykman, Ford Work Solutions business and product development manager. "In April it will be available as a dealer-installed option on an '09 vehicle, so if somebody finds an '09 vehicle on the lot that they want it installed on, it could be available with certain series restrictions."
Computer-dependent applications like Crew Chief, Tool Link and wireless internet cannot be installed in certain high-trim F-Series models — like the new Platinum F-150 — that are optioned with Ford's consumer-oriented Sync system. Sync uses a similar but incompatible computer system.
But there's good news for some earlier F-Series truck owners: A retrofit kit is coming for previous-generation 2004-08 F-150 pickups and for 2008 or newer Super Duty pickups.
"We're working on a retrofit kit that would be installed where the architecture is the same, so it would be backward-compatible," Frykman said. "For Super Duty today it can go in an '08 truck. The F-150 needs some modifications, but it could at least go back to '04 F-150. [The kit] isn't available today, but we're working on it. It should be available by the third quarter of 2009."
Ford is looking forward, though, as well as backward.
"As we've launched version 1.0 today, we're already working on the next generation," Frykman said. "What you'll see is continued evolution of the products that we have today. For example, we could potentially take Tool Link and report offboard on a secure website, not just onboard the truck in the in-dash computer. And expect to see some new products as well. We're here at NTEA to look at other opportunities."
There are two costs associated with Ford Work Solutions: a one-time hardware cost and a monthly connection fee.
A Decade of Ford Harley-Davidson F-Trucks: Born in Detroit, Dressed in Milwaukee
Posted by Mike Levine | February 9, 2009
Words By: John Stewart, Photography courtesy of Ford Motor Company
In the Beginning….
It was in the fall of1999 that Ford and Harley-Davidson revealed a plan to join forces, but the first fruits of the alliance didn’t arrive until February 2000, in the form of a black SuperCab F-150. The first 2000 Limited Edition Harley-Davidson pickup came with a Flareside box, a hard tonneau cover, orange pinstripes, extra chrome on the grille and brightwork, and an MSRP of $32,995. Like the Model T, you could get it in any color, so long as it was black. Production plans called for up to 7,500 units to be built at Ford’s Ontario truck plant in Canada. In fact, 8,000 were produced, and all were sold.
Project manager George Magro said the model was “the first of more exciting products to come.” Almost 10 years later, the alliance is still in force, and Ford is still building Limited Edition Harley-Davidson pickups.
2000: 20-Inch Wheels
That first Harley-Davidson F-150 had a 260-horsepower, SOHC Triton 5.4-liter V-8, plus a dual-outlet/single-inlet exhaust borrowed from the Lightning. It didn’t make more power than a standard 5.4-liter V-8, but it sure sounded better. With a 3.55 limited-slip rear end and a four-speed automatic, the truck went from zero to 60 in 8.02 seconds. It was EPA-rated at 15/19 mpg, which adjusts to 13/18 using the EPA’s new guidelines. That’s still not much different from the F-150 of today.
The original Harley/Ford pickup was also notable for offering the first 20-inch wheels ever on a Ford production vehicle -- chrome cast-aluminum wheels in a five-spoke design, shod with P275/45R Goodyear Eagle GTII tires. At the time, one journalist called it “without question, the best-handling full-size truck Ford manufactures.”
2001: Four Doors and Four Chairs
First shown in August 2000 at the Sturgis motorcycle rally, the 2001 Harley-Davidson F-150 got two more doors. Instead of the suicide door access-panel arrangement that the 2000 SuperCab got, the second edition was available in SuperCrew configuration, with four real doors and bucket seats in front and back.
The all-black truck was offered with Harley-Davidson visual cues, including orange and gray rocker panel pinstripes and chrome accessories. It was essentially a restyled, customized version of Ford's 2000 F-150 SuperCrew truck. The badging and trim remained the same, the 20-inch wheels and dual-outlet exhaust were retained, and the Triton 5.4-liter V-8 powertrain carried over with no changes.
Inside, the limited-edition 2001 Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew kept the famous look of black leather and chrome accessories, including the "spun metal" instrument cluster and jewel ornaments, but with four black, leather-trimmed captain’s chairs with dual center consoles. There were Harley-Davidson Bar and Shield metal nameplates in the seatbacks, and Harley-Davidson identification embroidered on the console lids.
2002: Supercharged V-8
The big news for the 2002 Harley-Davidson F-150 was power -- lots of it, in the form of a supercharged version of the 5.4-liter Triton V-8. Horsepower jumped to 340 at 4,500 rpm, and torque was rated at 425 pounds-feet at 3,200 rpm -- all in an engine that readily met federal emissions standards of the day. Further enhancing the big, smoky burnout potential of the 2002 were 3.73 gears and a limited-slip differential. The four-speed automatic remained standard, and rear antilock brakes were added.
This was the third in the series of special editions. It was first shown Oct. 30, 2001, at the SEMA show, and it was driven at the 2001 Glendale, Calif., Love Ride a week later.
A new color, Dark Shadow Gray, joined black in the lineup. Flame pinstripes and chrome accessories were used to hint at power under the hood. The front end was fitted with a new upper chrome billet grille, clear-lens headlamps and clear-lens parking lamps embossed with the H-D Bar and Shield. Wheels remained at the 20x9-inch size, but an exposed-rivet design surrounded the center of the wheels, with complementing Harley-Davidson center caps. As in the past, the 2002 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew was lowered an inch, and a tuned exhaust system with a single inlet/dual outlet muffler ended in chrome "slash cut" exhaust tips. Ford and Harley-Davidson badging was used on the quarter panel and tailgate of the truck.
The interior of the 2002 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew featured a console embossed with flames, plus four captain’s chairs upholstered with perforated two-tone leather and Bar and Shield metal nameplates in the seatbacks. The interior also became more luxurious, with features like brushed stainless steel pedals, Homelink and TravelNote, automatic climate control and heated front seats. Optional equipment included a six-disc CD changer, a sliding rear window, an engine block heater, a moonroof and a bed extender.
Manufacturing continued at Ford’s Kansas City, Mo., assembly plant, and the build plan was expanded to production of “no more than” 12,000 units. When the truck arrived in dealer showrooms in early 2002, it carried a base MSRP of $36,495.
2003: Back in Black … and Silver
In 2003, both Harley-Davidson and Ford marked their 100-year birthdays, and they did so by producing another special edition. The truck was unveiled in September 2002 at the California Speedway as part of a 10-city road tour hosted by Harley-Davidson.
Even given the centennials, the 2003 special edition was largely a carryover model from 2002, freshened with a few key changes. It continued to be available in black, but for 2003 an optional two-tone paint job, black over silver, was available. There were body-colored bumpers, a new front valance with fog lamps, and clear-lens headlamps. Chrome pieces included a barred upper grille and tie-down hooks. A specially created “100th Anniversary” nameplate was added to the fender and tailgate of the 2003 model. Inside, the anniversary nameplate was used on the console lid, and two-tone leather captain’s chairs sported the Bar and Shield. As before, the production plan included up to 12,000 units to be made in the Kansas City assembly plant, with the MSRP set at $37,295.
2004: Heavy Metal
By early 2004, sales were approaching 40,000 in total, and the alliance seemed to be productive for both parties. In the first four years, the companies had introduced the 2000 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCab, the 2001 Ford Harley-Davidson SuperCrew, and 2002 and 2003 Supercharged Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew models.
For 2004, the fifth Harley-Davidson special edition Ford was a larger-than-life Super Duty, taking a step away from the street/sport versions of the past and into heavy-duty 4x4 territory.
Available as an F-250 or F-350 SuperCab or crew cab, the limited-edition 4x4 model hit showrooms in early February 2004, with more than 90 percent of customers ordering crew cab models powered by Ford's 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine. Backed by an electronic five-speed auto, the 6.0-liter diesel mill was rated at 325 hp at 3,300 rpm and 560 pounds-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm.
The Ford Harley-Davidson Super Duty package had unique exterior colors and styling cues. Available in Black/Competition Orange or Black/Dark Shadow Gray two-tone versions, or an all-black monochrome one, the truck had an engine decal, chrome exhaust tip and a chrome tubular step bar with the Bar and Shield logo insert.
For the Super Duty, 18-inch forged aluminum wheels were substituted for the 20-inch F-150 wheels, and LT275/65R18E all-terrain black sidewall tires were chosen. Four-wheel antilock brakes were standard.
"Harley-Davidson F-Series Super Duty" badges were added to the front fender and tailgate. All told, Ford went heavy on the Harley badging, with emblems or logos appearing on the owner’s guide, keys, all the seats, the floormats, tape stripe, step bar, wheel center caps and on the windshield, where a Bar and Shield dot pattern was used. On the inside, the carpet, door-trim inserts and steering wheel were all ebony black, and even the floormats were made of black molded rubber. The instrument cluster had the "spun metal" face consistent with previous editions.
2005: Flames and V-10 Power
The next year brought a new look inside and out, as the 2005 Harley-Davidson Super Duty became the sixth truck in the line of special editions. As always, black dominated the color palette, but now there were three appearance packages, including two new flamed paint schemes -- the first factory-flamed trucks in the industry. The front sported a unique black-and-chrome billet-style grille and blacked-out headlamps. Chrome tow hooks and fog lamps added gleaming pinpoints to the front end.
This time around, the Ford Harley-Davidson Super Duty was available in F-250 and F-350 4x4 configurations, with either the 6.0-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel engine or a 6.8-liter Triton V-10. The gas V-10 was fitted with three-valve heads, allowing it to make 355 hp and 455 pounds-feet of torque. The 6.0-liter diesel power plant had been upgraded to 570 pounds-feet of torque, an improvement of 10 pounds-feet. Both engines were backed by Ford’s five-speed TorqShift automatic.
Twenty-inch wheels, previously not seen in the heavy-duty pickup segment, were brightly polished forged aluminum with logo-enhanced center caps and locking chrome lug nuts. Between the wheel wells, the tubular chrome step bar with a Bar and Shield logo was altered by adding a blackout backing for a cleaner, more integrated appearance.
The custom flame paint treatment -- in Toreador Red on Black or True Blue with Medium Wedgewood Blue -- was created using a new wet-on-wet paint process to produce factory-painted graphics as smooth and seamless as those applied in a custom motorcycle shop. The flame design was drawn freehand by Harley-Davidson stylist Ray Drea directly on an early prototype, and digitized templates were pulled from his artwork.
The standard Ford Harley-Davidson Super Duty package pairs black exterior paint with a thin, Harley-Orange tape stripe that extends all the way around the vehicle.
Heavyweight zinc die-cast metal badges mark the Ford Harley-Davidson alliance, and a large Harley-Davidson Bar and Shield logo dominates the standard rubber bed mat. Chrome tie-down hooks and a bullet-style welded-on chrome exhaust tip, with repeat round-millcut texture to match the wheel design, enhance the rear of the vehicle. The interior has stitched two-tone black-leather seats with the usual logo, with Dark Flint door panels -- an extra-black tone to make the interior darker than a standard Super Duty. The door inserts and instrument panel have an appliqué feature that looks like carbon fiber but is made from hundreds of tiny Bar and Shield logos in a repeating pattern.
Most touch points, including the power seat controls, are chrome. The brake and accelerator pedals resemble the chrome-and-black footboards of a custom big V-twin cruiser. The ignition key has a Bar and Shield logo on one side and a Ford oval on the other.
A nickel plate on the center console marks the production date and number of each unit.
Production began in the fourth quarter of 2004, with the F-250 base price at $41,040 and the F-350 coming in at $41,815
2006: All-Wheel Drive and More
Big wheels were the thing in 2006, so the Harley-Davidson F-150 got 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, polished and fitted with a Bar and Shield center cap. The new wheels -- the biggest ever offered on a production F-150 -- were exclusive to the H-D F-150 that year.
Based on a SuperCab with Styleside box, the F-150 exterior also featured a unique billet grille and blacked-out headlamps. Smoked taillights, a blacked-out bumper and a "Harley-Davidson F-150" badge distinguish the rear. Chrome side tubes and a dropped front chin spoiler help create a lowered look. Chrome tie-down hooks and a slash-cut chrome exhaust tip add street-custom appeal.
The monochrome exterior design, accented with a scalloped red stripe outlined in electric blue along the beltline, is complemented by a dramatic high-gloss Piano Black interior, with black aniline leather seating surfaces and chrome accents sprinkled liberally throughout the cabin. Every HD F-150 had a serialized nickel plate showing the vehicle's production date and number. At the time, Ford president Steve Lyons described it as “an interior that will take your breath away.”
In another first for the F-150, an all-wheel-drive version was offered along with the previously offered 2WD HD edition. Under the hood was a 5.4-liter, three-valve Triton V-8 fitted with an exhaust system tuned to make the right growl. It turned out 300 hp at 5,000 rpm and 365 pounds-feet of torque at 3,750 rpm.
The 2006 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCab was the seventh model to emerge from the alliance forged in 1999. By 2006, the collaboration between the two companies had produced four F-150 models, as well as Super Duty F-250 and F-350 offerings.
2007: Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew and Saleen Power
Ford began building the 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 Super Crew trucks beginning in September 2006 at Ford's Dearborn, Mich., truck plant, which had been newly renovated to the highest standards.
After the brilliant redesign of 2006, for the first time since 2004 a supercharged F-150 returned. The 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 had a twin-screw, Saleen-sourced blower cranking 450-hp and 500 lbs.-ft. of torque. A new Dark Amethyst exterior color was added, but the previous formula combining high-gloss Piano Black interior details with black aniline leather seating surfaces held true. As before, the interior featured a display of chrome, including unique chrome-ringed instruments, chrome handles, vent rings, floor shifter and door pulls.
Ford continued to offer the F-150 as a 4x2 or with all-wheel-drive capability.
The 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew was considered the ninth model offered since 1999, counting six F-150s and the Super Duty F-250 and F-350 editions.
In addition to the 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew and other vehicles in the Ford/Harley-Davidson truck lineup, the companies' alliance produced other products, such as co-branded clothing and vehicle accessories.
2008: Two-Tone Paint and Heavy Metal
In 2008, both Ford and Harley-Davidson celebrated their 105th anniversary. The 10th limited edition truck had two color schemes -- monochrome black with striping, or black and copper, a design drawn from the special edition 105th anniversary Harley-Davidson motorcycle with Vintage Copper paint. The 300-hp, 5.4-liter V-8 was the standard power plant on both 2WD and 4WD F-150s. The Saleen supercharged V-8 was available again in a 2WD Harley-Davidson Edition F-150. The Saleen package also included minor instrumentation upgrades, such as a boost gauge and a gauge to monitor charge-air temperatures.
Super-Duty Harley-Davidson editions were also offered as 2008 models, sharing the same design with the F-150 but powered by the 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel. The 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson Super Duty offered the same: a choice of black monochromatic exterior paint with a custom Vintage Copper stripe running along the beltline, or a black and Vintage Copper two-tone paint scheme. A chrome, billet-style grille with body-colored surround was used, along with illuminated running boards, chrome exhaust tips, and a rubber bed mat with the Harley-Davidson logo. A special “105th Anniversary Harley-Davidson F-Series Super Duty” badge adorns the exterior and interior of the truck.
“The design of the side vent and grille on the Super Duty represents the heat fins on a cylinder head of a Harley-Davidson V-Twin engine,” said Brad Richards, design manager, Ford Harley-Davidson trucks.
The Vintage Copper color accents are carried through the interior as well, accenting specially designed leather seats. A unique instrument cluster and a one-of-a-kind “105th Anniversary” badge can be found inside, along with black-and-dusted-copper leather captain’s chairs. Optional was a 60/40 split rear bench with a Bar and Shield logo mounted to the top of the backseat. The truck was packaged with a high level of standard equipment, including a power-sliding rear window, memory power-adjustable pedals and heated front seats.
According to Ford press releases, the 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson F-Series Super Duty was the 11th Harley-Davidson model. By 2008, the co-branding of the two storied companies had resulted in sales totaling more than 60,000 Harley-Davidson edition pickup trucks.
2009: Heroic Proportions
For the first time, Harley-Davidson branding has been extended to Ford’s toughest pickup, the 2009 F-450 Super Duty. The F-450 has 6.4-liter Powerstroke V-8 diesel power and blue flames running from the side vents all the way to the box side of the truck.
As with the still-available F-250/350 single-rear-wheel models, each individually numbered Harley-Davidson F-450’s flame design scheme is carried through to the interior gauges in the instrument panel. The perforated black-leather-wrapped seats, door panels and center console cover reveal blue leather underneath, giving the same blue-flame effect as the exterior. Harley-Davidson badges are present on the fenders and tailgate, along with "Harley-Davidson" script on the box side.
2010: Meet The Latest Addition To the Harley F-Truck Family
New for the 2010 model year is the 14th Ford Harley-Davidson F-Truck, based on the 2009 F-150. It debuted at the 2009 Chicago auto show.
Words By: John Stewart, Photography courtesy of Ford Motor CompanyIn the Beginning….
It was in the fall of1999 that Ford and Harley-Davidson revealed a plan to join forces, but the first fruits of the alliance didn’t arrive until February 2000, in the form of a black SuperCab F-150. The first 2000 Limited Edition Harley-Davidson pickup came with a Flareside box, a hard tonneau cover, orange pinstripes, extra chrome on the grille and brightwork, and an MSRP of $32,995. Like the Model T, you could get it in any color, so long as it was black. Production plans called for up to 7,500 units to be built at Ford’s Ontario truck plant in Canada. In fact, 8,000 were produced, and all were sold.
Project manager George Magro said the model was “the first of more exciting products to come.” Almost 10 years later, the alliance is still in force, and Ford is still building Limited Edition Harley-Davidson pickups.
2000: 20-Inch Wheels
That first Harley-Davidson F-150 had a 260-horsepower, SOHC Triton 5.4-liter V-8, plus a dual-outlet/single-inlet exhaust borrowed from the Lightning. It didn’t make more power than a standard 5.4-liter V-8, but it sure sounded better. With a 3.55 limited-slip rear end and a four-speed automatic, the truck went from zero to 60 in 8.02 seconds. It was EPA-rated at 15/19 mpg, which adjusts to 13/18 using the EPA’s new guidelines. That’s still not much different from the F-150 of today.
The original Harley/Ford pickup was also notable for offering the first 20-inch wheels ever on a Ford production vehicle -- chrome cast-aluminum wheels in a five-spoke design, shod with P275/45R Goodyear Eagle GTII tires. At the time, one journalist called it “without question, the best-handling full-size truck Ford manufactures.”
2001: Four Doors and Four Chairs
First shown in August 2000 at the Sturgis motorcycle rally, the 2001 Harley-Davidson F-150 got two more doors. Instead of the suicide door access-panel arrangement that the 2000 SuperCab got, the second edition was available in SuperCrew configuration, with four real doors and bucket seats in front and back.
The all-black truck was offered with Harley-Davidson visual cues, including orange and gray rocker panel pinstripes and chrome accessories. It was essentially a restyled, customized version of Ford's 2000 F-150 SuperCrew truck. The badging and trim remained the same, the 20-inch wheels and dual-outlet exhaust were retained, and the Triton 5.4-liter V-8 powertrain carried over with no changes.
Inside, the limited-edition 2001 Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew kept the famous look of black leather and chrome accessories, including the "spun metal" instrument cluster and jewel ornaments, but with four black, leather-trimmed captain’s chairs with dual center consoles. There were Harley-Davidson Bar and Shield metal nameplates in the seatbacks, and Harley-Davidson identification embroidered on the console lids.
2002: Supercharged V-8
The big news for the 2002 Harley-Davidson F-150 was power -- lots of it, in the form of a supercharged version of the 5.4-liter Triton V-8. Horsepower jumped to 340 at 4,500 rpm, and torque was rated at 425 pounds-feet at 3,200 rpm -- all in an engine that readily met federal emissions standards of the day. Further enhancing the big, smoky burnout potential of the 2002 were 3.73 gears and a limited-slip differential. The four-speed automatic remained standard, and rear antilock brakes were added.
This was the third in the series of special editions. It was first shown Oct. 30, 2001, at the SEMA show, and it was driven at the 2001 Glendale, Calif., Love Ride a week later.
A new color, Dark Shadow Gray, joined black in the lineup. Flame pinstripes and chrome accessories were used to hint at power under the hood. The front end was fitted with a new upper chrome billet grille, clear-lens headlamps and clear-lens parking lamps embossed with the H-D Bar and Shield. Wheels remained at the 20x9-inch size, but an exposed-rivet design surrounded the center of the wheels, with complementing Harley-Davidson center caps. As in the past, the 2002 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew was lowered an inch, and a tuned exhaust system with a single inlet/dual outlet muffler ended in chrome "slash cut" exhaust tips. Ford and Harley-Davidson badging was used on the quarter panel and tailgate of the truck.
The interior of the 2002 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew featured a console embossed with flames, plus four captain’s chairs upholstered with perforated two-tone leather and Bar and Shield metal nameplates in the seatbacks. The interior also became more luxurious, with features like brushed stainless steel pedals, Homelink and TravelNote, automatic climate control and heated front seats. Optional equipment included a six-disc CD changer, a sliding rear window, an engine block heater, a moonroof and a bed extender.
Manufacturing continued at Ford’s Kansas City, Mo., assembly plant, and the build plan was expanded to production of “no more than” 12,000 units. When the truck arrived in dealer showrooms in early 2002, it carried a base MSRP of $36,495.
2003: Back in Black … and Silver
In 2003, both Harley-Davidson and Ford marked their 100-year birthdays, and they did so by producing another special edition. The truck was unveiled in September 2002 at the California Speedway as part of a 10-city road tour hosted by Harley-Davidson.
Even given the centennials, the 2003 special edition was largely a carryover model from 2002, freshened with a few key changes. It continued to be available in black, but for 2003 an optional two-tone paint job, black over silver, was available. There were body-colored bumpers, a new front valance with fog lamps, and clear-lens headlamps. Chrome pieces included a barred upper grille and tie-down hooks. A specially created “100th Anniversary” nameplate was added to the fender and tailgate of the 2003 model. Inside, the anniversary nameplate was used on the console lid, and two-tone leather captain’s chairs sported the Bar and Shield. As before, the production plan included up to 12,000 units to be made in the Kansas City assembly plant, with the MSRP set at $37,295.
2004: Heavy Metal
By early 2004, sales were approaching 40,000 in total, and the alliance seemed to be productive for both parties. In the first four years, the companies had introduced the 2000 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCab, the 2001 Ford Harley-Davidson SuperCrew, and 2002 and 2003 Supercharged Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew models.
For 2004, the fifth Harley-Davidson special edition Ford was a larger-than-life Super Duty, taking a step away from the street/sport versions of the past and into heavy-duty 4x4 territory.
Available as an F-250 or F-350 SuperCab or crew cab, the limited-edition 4x4 model hit showrooms in early February 2004, with more than 90 percent of customers ordering crew cab models powered by Ford's 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine. Backed by an electronic five-speed auto, the 6.0-liter diesel mill was rated at 325 hp at 3,300 rpm and 560 pounds-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm.
The Ford Harley-Davidson Super Duty package had unique exterior colors and styling cues. Available in Black/Competition Orange or Black/Dark Shadow Gray two-tone versions, or an all-black monochrome one, the truck had an engine decal, chrome exhaust tip and a chrome tubular step bar with the Bar and Shield logo insert.
For the Super Duty, 18-inch forged aluminum wheels were substituted for the 20-inch F-150 wheels, and LT275/65R18E all-terrain black sidewall tires were chosen. Four-wheel antilock brakes were standard.
"Harley-Davidson F-Series Super Duty" badges were added to the front fender and tailgate. All told, Ford went heavy on the Harley badging, with emblems or logos appearing on the owner’s guide, keys, all the seats, the floormats, tape stripe, step bar, wheel center caps and on the windshield, where a Bar and Shield dot pattern was used. On the inside, the carpet, door-trim inserts and steering wheel were all ebony black, and even the floormats were made of black molded rubber. The instrument cluster had the "spun metal" face consistent with previous editions.
2005: Flames and V-10 Power
The next year brought a new look inside and out, as the 2005 Harley-Davidson Super Duty became the sixth truck in the line of special editions. As always, black dominated the color palette, but now there were three appearance packages, including two new flamed paint schemes -- the first factory-flamed trucks in the industry. The front sported a unique black-and-chrome billet-style grille and blacked-out headlamps. Chrome tow hooks and fog lamps added gleaming pinpoints to the front end.
This time around, the Ford Harley-Davidson Super Duty was available in F-250 and F-350 4x4 configurations, with either the 6.0-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel engine or a 6.8-liter Triton V-10. The gas V-10 was fitted with three-valve heads, allowing it to make 355 hp and 455 pounds-feet of torque. The 6.0-liter diesel power plant had been upgraded to 570 pounds-feet of torque, an improvement of 10 pounds-feet. Both engines were backed by Ford’s five-speed TorqShift automatic.
Twenty-inch wheels, previously not seen in the heavy-duty pickup segment, were brightly polished forged aluminum with logo-enhanced center caps and locking chrome lug nuts. Between the wheel wells, the tubular chrome step bar with a Bar and Shield logo was altered by adding a blackout backing for a cleaner, more integrated appearance.
The custom flame paint treatment -- in Toreador Red on Black or True Blue with Medium Wedgewood Blue -- was created using a new wet-on-wet paint process to produce factory-painted graphics as smooth and seamless as those applied in a custom motorcycle shop. The flame design was drawn freehand by Harley-Davidson stylist Ray Drea directly on an early prototype, and digitized templates were pulled from his artwork.
The standard Ford Harley-Davidson Super Duty package pairs black exterior paint with a thin, Harley-Orange tape stripe that extends all the way around the vehicle.
Heavyweight zinc die-cast metal badges mark the Ford Harley-Davidson alliance, and a large Harley-Davidson Bar and Shield logo dominates the standard rubber bed mat. Chrome tie-down hooks and a bullet-style welded-on chrome exhaust tip, with repeat round-millcut texture to match the wheel design, enhance the rear of the vehicle. The interior has stitched two-tone black-leather seats with the usual logo, with Dark Flint door panels -- an extra-black tone to make the interior darker than a standard Super Duty. The door inserts and instrument panel have an appliqué feature that looks like carbon fiber but is made from hundreds of tiny Bar and Shield logos in a repeating pattern.
Most touch points, including the power seat controls, are chrome. The brake and accelerator pedals resemble the chrome-and-black footboards of a custom big V-twin cruiser. The ignition key has a Bar and Shield logo on one side and a Ford oval on the other.
A nickel plate on the center console marks the production date and number of each unit.
Production began in the fourth quarter of 2004, with the F-250 base price at $41,040 and the F-350 coming in at $41,815
2006: All-Wheel Drive and More
Big wheels were the thing in 2006, so the Harley-Davidson F-150 got 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, polished and fitted with a Bar and Shield center cap. The new wheels -- the biggest ever offered on a production F-150 -- were exclusive to the H-D F-150 that year.
Based on a SuperCab with Styleside box, the F-150 exterior also featured a unique billet grille and blacked-out headlamps. Smoked taillights, a blacked-out bumper and a "Harley-Davidson F-150" badge distinguish the rear. Chrome side tubes and a dropped front chin spoiler help create a lowered look. Chrome tie-down hooks and a slash-cut chrome exhaust tip add street-custom appeal.
The monochrome exterior design, accented with a scalloped red stripe outlined in electric blue along the beltline, is complemented by a dramatic high-gloss Piano Black interior, with black aniline leather seating surfaces and chrome accents sprinkled liberally throughout the cabin. Every HD F-150 had a serialized nickel plate showing the vehicle's production date and number. At the time, Ford president Steve Lyons described it as “an interior that will take your breath away.”
In another first for the F-150, an all-wheel-drive version was offered along with the previously offered 2WD HD edition. Under the hood was a 5.4-liter, three-valve Triton V-8 fitted with an exhaust system tuned to make the right growl. It turned out 300 hp at 5,000 rpm and 365 pounds-feet of torque at 3,750 rpm.
The 2006 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCab was the seventh model to emerge from the alliance forged in 1999. By 2006, the collaboration between the two companies had produced four F-150 models, as well as Super Duty F-250 and F-350 offerings.
2007: Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew and Saleen Power
Ford began building the 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 Super Crew trucks beginning in September 2006 at Ford's Dearborn, Mich., truck plant, which had been newly renovated to the highest standards.
After the brilliant redesign of 2006, for the first time since 2004 a supercharged F-150 returned. The 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 had a twin-screw, Saleen-sourced blower cranking 450-hp and 500 lbs.-ft. of torque. A new Dark Amethyst exterior color was added, but the previous formula combining high-gloss Piano Black interior details with black aniline leather seating surfaces held true. As before, the interior featured a display of chrome, including unique chrome-ringed instruments, chrome handles, vent rings, floor shifter and door pulls.
Ford continued to offer the F-150 as a 4x2 or with all-wheel-drive capability.
The 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew was considered the ninth model offered since 1999, counting six F-150s and the Super Duty F-250 and F-350 editions.
In addition to the 2007 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew and other vehicles in the Ford/Harley-Davidson truck lineup, the companies' alliance produced other products, such as co-branded clothing and vehicle accessories.
2008: Two-Tone Paint and Heavy Metal
In 2008, both Ford and Harley-Davidson celebrated their 105th anniversary. The 10th limited edition truck had two color schemes -- monochrome black with striping, or black and copper, a design drawn from the special edition 105th anniversary Harley-Davidson motorcycle with Vintage Copper paint. The 300-hp, 5.4-liter V-8 was the standard power plant on both 2WD and 4WD F-150s. The Saleen supercharged V-8 was available again in a 2WD Harley-Davidson Edition F-150. The Saleen package also included minor instrumentation upgrades, such as a boost gauge and a gauge to monitor charge-air temperatures.
Super-Duty Harley-Davidson editions were also offered as 2008 models, sharing the same design with the F-150 but powered by the 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel. The 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson Super Duty offered the same: a choice of black monochromatic exterior paint with a custom Vintage Copper stripe running along the beltline, or a black and Vintage Copper two-tone paint scheme. A chrome, billet-style grille with body-colored surround was used, along with illuminated running boards, chrome exhaust tips, and a rubber bed mat with the Harley-Davidson logo. A special “105th Anniversary Harley-Davidson F-Series Super Duty” badge adorns the exterior and interior of the truck.
“The design of the side vent and grille on the Super Duty represents the heat fins on a cylinder head of a Harley-Davidson V-Twin engine,” said Brad Richards, design manager, Ford Harley-Davidson trucks.
The Vintage Copper color accents are carried through the interior as well, accenting specially designed leather seats. A unique instrument cluster and a one-of-a-kind “105th Anniversary” badge can be found inside, along with black-and-dusted-copper leather captain’s chairs. Optional was a 60/40 split rear bench with a Bar and Shield logo mounted to the top of the backseat. The truck was packaged with a high level of standard equipment, including a power-sliding rear window, memory power-adjustable pedals and heated front seats.
According to Ford press releases, the 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson F-Series Super Duty was the 11th Harley-Davidson model. By 2008, the co-branding of the two storied companies had resulted in sales totaling more than 60,000 Harley-Davidson edition pickup trucks.
2009: Heroic Proportions
For the first time, Harley-Davidson branding has been extended to Ford’s toughest pickup, the 2009 F-450 Super Duty. The F-450 has 6.4-liter Powerstroke V-8 diesel power and blue flames running from the side vents all the way to the box side of the truck.
As with the still-available F-250/350 single-rear-wheel models, each individually numbered Harley-Davidson F-450’s flame design scheme is carried through to the interior gauges in the instrument panel. The perforated black-leather-wrapped seats, door panels and center console cover reveal blue leather underneath, giving the same blue-flame effect as the exterior. Harley-Davidson badges are present on the fenders and tailgate, along with "Harley-Davidson" script on the box side.
2010: Meet The Latest Addition To the Harley F-Truck Family
New for the 2010 model year is the 14th Ford Harley-Davidson F-Truck, based on the 2009 F-150. It debuted at the 2009 Chicago auto show.
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