It almost seems unfair: The Ford F-150 is already the best-selling vehicle of any kind in America, and the Blue Oval’s big pickup just notched an astounding 38.9 percent sales increase in July. Some 50,449 customers bought a new F-150 that month, leading to more July sales for this one truck than for the entire Subaru and Volkswagen lineups combined. Then, just days after the sales numbers were released, Ford went out and made a good thing even better by announcing a complete overhaul of F-150 powertrains for the next model year.

Ford will offer four new engines in the 2011 F-150, and each one will come standard with a full suite of advanced technologies—including twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT)—and be mated to a cutting-edge six-speed automatic transmission. This will make Ford the first automaker to offer a standard six-speed transmission across its entire full-size pickup line. Notably, the unit in question will be available with Ford’s new SelectShift functionality, which allows for manual-style gear changes and a “progressive range select” feature. This let’s drivers keep the F-150 in lower gears when the truck is heavily loaded or towing on a grade.

The ‘11 F-150 will debut later this year with a base 3.7-liter four-valve V6 engine that’s been specifically tailored for use in Ford’s big truck and delivers best-in-class horsepower (300 hp), a best-in-class maximum trailer tow rating (6,100 lbs) and best-in-class fuel efficiency (at least 20 percent better than the current F-150 V6). Further, to help increase durability, Ford has upgraded the engine with a forged-steel crankshaft, cast-iron exhaust manifolds and a die-cast aluminum oil pan.

Also available from the start of production will be an optional 6.2-liter V8—the same one holstered by the F-150 SVT Raptor and new F-150 Harley Davidson edition. This beast will make a best-in-class 411 hp and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, boast a best-in-class maximum trailer tow rating of an incredible 11,300 lbs., and still attain competitive fuel-economy numbers as compared to its rivals.

And there will be more best-in-class goodness when the F-150’s other V8, a 5.0-liter mill with dual overhead cams, comes on line. This powerplant will top all direct rivals with 360 horses, 380 lb.-ft. of twist, a 9,800 lb. maximum trailer tow rating and the best fuel economy in its class.

Last, but certainly not least, the 2011 model year will mark the first application of Ford’s innovative EcoBoost technology in the F-150. Specifically, the pickup will get a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that makes the same kind of power as a naturally aspirated V8 but with an increase in fuel economy of up to 20 percent as compared to the 2010 F-150’s 5.4-liter V8.

The bottom line according to Barb Samardzich, vice president of Powertrain Engineering for Ford: “The new powertrain lineup for the 2011 F-150 will provide a wide range of choices to customers to suit their needs, with each tested for maximum durability and reliability with outstanding fuel economy.”

* * *
Read more Ford news on this blog. Subscribe for the latest.

As an off-road racer, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is tough to beat: A pre-production model finished third in its class in the grueling 2008 Baja 1000. But as a street-legal pickup straight from the manufacturer, it’s just about unstoppable. Especially now that Ford’s wedged a big 6.2-liter V8 under the truck’s hood.

That engine is a new option for the Raptor, coming on top of the standard Triton V8 that’s worth 320 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. “Those are nice numbers,” said Brian Chapman at Memphis Ford, but Ford really pushed the envelope with the updated Boss V8, sharpening the Raptor’s talons to the tune of 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque and making it the most powerful half-ton production pickup on the road—or off.

The secret: Ford really did design the Raptor to be “the first-ever high-speed off-road performance truck offered by any manufacturer.” Of course, one look at the truck makes that obvious. A blacked-out Raptor-only grille and available and aggressive graphics packages immediately grab your attention, as do the truck’s dimensions. Riding on some big-time rubber—massive 35-inch SVT-tuned tires from BFGoodrich—the Raptor also sits about seven inches wider than a standard F-150. Which comes in handy for the truck’s complement of cutting-edge suspension technology.

In fact, internal triple-bypass FOX Racing shock absorbers, unique cast-aluminum front control arms and more provide 11.2 inches of suspension travel upfront and 12.1 inches in the rear. Combine that with full-time four-wheel drive, an electronic locking rear differential, hill-descent control, driver-selectable off-road driving mode, and approach/departure angles of 30 degrees/23 degrees, and the Raptor is ready to fly over some of the toughest trails around.

But if you want one, you’d better get in line: Ford had 3,000 orders for the Boss V8 Raptor before it even went on sale.

* * *

Continue reading the latest Ford news right here on this blog. Subscribe now.

The official details regarding the new 2011 Ford Super Duty pickup were finally released. The new Super Duty will not only feature improved fuel-efficiency, but will also be more capable thanks to a pair of updated engines that will help this truck deliver best-in-class towing and payload.

The first engine choice on the 2011 Super Duty is a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 385-hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. This engine produces 85 more horses and 40 pounds-foot more torque than the current 5.4-liter V8 gasoline engine. What may impress even more truck buyers is the availability of the all-new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel, which produces an impressive 380 horsepower and an uncanny 735 lb-ft of torque. Despite the incredible amount of power lurking under its large hood, Ford says that the Super Duty offers class leading fuel economy as well.

“Developing the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine was an awesome endeavor,” said Adam Gryglak, lead 6.7-liter diesel engineering manager. “The extensive engineering and testing made us confident this engine ensures the new Super Duty’s leadership in capability, reliability and productivity.”

Ford’s updated F-Series Super Duty pickup will also provide the class-leading towing capability of 24,400 pounds and best-in-class payload capability of 6,520 pounds. But additional power isn’t the only area of improvement. Ford engineers also developed an interior that was highly functional as well as comfortable for on-road and off-road use. Waite Park Ford sees the latest Super Duty a continuation of Ford’s legendary work trucks, where power is equally balanced with greater general comfort. Even Edmonton Ford has seen buyers that typically went with General Motors trucks make the switch to the Ford F-Series in recent years, due largely to the improved overall quality that they offer.

With the updates that come with the 2011 Ford Super Duty, it will likely continue to be America’s premier work truck, or at least that’s the prediction of Ford Perry. But based on this truck’s stats, its competitive edge is likely to remains. Look for the all-new Super Duty in showrooms starting in April.

* * *

Read more Ford news on this blog. Subscribe to updates now.

The good news at Ford just keeps coming in.

On the heels of posting their first profit in 5 years and excitement sustained over orders for the Ford Fiesta, the domestic automaker has received 5,300 orders so far for the new F-150 SVT Raptor.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the popularity of the F-150 SVT Raptor,” said Mark Grueber, F-150 marketing manager. “Orders have exceeded our expectations.”

From Ford:

Ford already has received more than 5,300 orders for the new F-150 SVT Raptor – topping the company’s initial sales expectations

Orders are coming from across the U.S., including stronger than expected demand in the Midwest and Southeast

The 2010-model F-150 Raptor with 5.4-liter V-8 engines is now on sale; production of an  all-new 411 horsepower 6.2-liter V-8 engine begins this spring

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

The F-150 Raptor is the first ever high-speed off-road performance truck offered by any manufacture and highlights Ford’s 33 years of truck leadership by emphasizing Built Ford Tough innovation and engineering. Developed with the DNA of an off-road pre-runner, the comprehensive modifications to the truck focused on chassis and suspension.

Raptor is powered by F-150’s proven 5.4-liter Triton® V-8 three-valve engine, which delivers 320 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb. of torque.  This spring, customers will have the added option of an all-new 6.2-liter V-8 engine, producing 411 horsepower and 434 ft.-lb. of torque – making Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market.

The appeal of the Ford’s F-150 SVT Raptor extends beyond just desert runners.  While the biggest markets for order so far are in the Southwest and Texas, demand also is high in states like Tennessee, Michigan, Colorado, Ohio and Georgia

Customers are showing an appreciation for Raptor’s unparalleled off-road performance, as well as its many features.  Options such as the luxury package, moonroof and reverse camera all have “take rates” of more than 79 percent. Popular F-150 utility options like touch-screen navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link™, trailer brake controller and Ford’s tailgate step have take-rates higher than 62 percent.

Built alongside the best-selling F-150 at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant, the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor was designed for the off-road performance market which has steadily grown in popularity over the past decade.

The overwhelming top color choice has been Tuxedo Black for more than 52 percent of all orders, followed by Molten Orange, Oxford White and Blue Flame.

* * *

Read more Ford News on this site.

Ford has been capturing plenty of headlines lately with the introduction of exciting new products and new technology innovations. But among the latest news coming from Ford has to do with one of its oldest nameplates.

Ford just announced that the F-Series pickup truck has officially remained the best selling pickup for 33 years straight. Over taking its nearest competitor by over 97,000 units, the F-Series has not only become the leading truck on the market, but it has also remained the best selling vehicle in the U.S. for 28 years.

Although one of the biggest trends in the automotive seems to be downsizing, full-size pickups are still crucial vehicles to many businesses and consumers throughout the country. And, the Ford F-Series has long provided the perfect balance of capability, technology, and value that full-size truck buyers demand.

Despite the economic concerns in 2009 that plagued auto sales overall,  Ford still sold a total of 413,625 F-Series pickup trucks. Read more about the F-Series via the press release below.

* * *

Press Release:

FORD F-SERIES DOES IT AGAIN: BEST-SELLING TRUCK FOR 33 STRAIGHT YEARS; BEST-SELLING VEHICLE FOR 28 YEARS

* Ford’s F-Series is America’s best-selling truck for 33 straight years, outselling its nearest rival by 97,000 units, largest margin in three years
* December sales for F-Series were 48,209, a 16 percent increase over last year and the best sales month since March 2008

Dearborn, Mich., Jan. 6, 2010 – For the 33rd year in a row, Ford’s award-winning F-Series is America’s best-selling truck with 2009 sales of 413,625. F-series outsold its nearest truck rival by more than 97,000 units, the largest margin in three years.

In addition, for the 28th consecutive year, F-Series is once again America’s best-selling vehicle of any type – car, crossover, SUV, truck or van.

F-Series sales for 2009 totaled 413,625, which increased its segment share by 4 percentage-points. December sales for F-Series were 48,209, a 16 percent increase over December 2009 and the best sales month since March 2008.

The F-150 was redesigned inside and out for 2009 and set a new benchmark for full size pickups with new high-strength, lighter-weight chassis that delivers more class-leading towing and hauling capability and unsurpassed fuel economy.

During the past six years, the “core trucker” – those who use their truck’s towing and hauling capability for work and play – has jumped to 40 percent from 30 percent of the light-duty full-size pickup market. In the commercial/fleet portion of this core trucker sub-segment, Ford F-Series continues to dominate. The F-150 has 44 percent of the light duty commercial/fleet market; and Super Duty is stronger still with over 56 percent of heavy duty commercial/fleet market.

New to F-Series for 2010 is the F-150 Harley-Davidson and the off-road F-150 SVT Raptor, winner of the Truck of Texas.

F-Series also offers the industry-first Ford Work Solutions, an innovative suite of options including an in-dash computer with Internet access, Tool Link to track tools, Crew Chief technology to dispatch workers and reduce vehicle operating costs and Cable Lock to improve security of tools and equipment.

When the 2011 F-Series Super Duty hits dealership showrooms this spring, it will feature an all-new Ford-designed, Ford-engineered and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbocharged V-8 diesel engine.

The top-selling Ford truck dealerships in the country are located in Texas, Nebraska and Missouri. Among them: Woodhouse Ford, Blair, Nebraska; Philpott Ford, Port Neches, Texas; Planet Ford, Spring, Texas; Midway Ford Truck Center, Kansas City, Missouri.; Five Star Ford, North Richland Hills, Texas; Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford, Carrollton, Texas.

* * *

Catch all the latest from the Ford Motor Company right here.

Ford has been developing a new range of engines that are able to balance power, efficiency, and eco-friendliness all at the same time. One highly-anticipated result of this push is the EcoBoost V6, offering the power of a V8 with the efficiency of a V6. The latest powertrain from Ford is the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 engine.

The new Power Stroke diesel provides incredible power for Ford’s range of Super Duty pickup trucks. But what sets this new engine apart from previous diesels according to one used car dealer Macon is that it’s ultra quiet. The engine is so quiet in fact that it’s almost difficult to tell that it’s a diesel.

A new diesel engine is incredibility important to the Ford Super Duty range of trucks says Georgia Commercial Trucks Sales. Previously, the trucks suffered from quality issues that plagued the Power Stroke diesel engine. However, Ford has improved performance and quality to help keep its dominance in the truck market. Improvements include fast-acting fuel injectors, a new sequential turbocharger, a lightweight graphite iron block, and new injection system. Overall, these improvements create an engine that is quieter, has more performance at both low and high speeds, and produces lower emissions than the outgoing 6.4-liter engine.

Ford engineers also considered quality and longevity in the latest Power Stroke diesel stresses Boise Ford trucks dealers. As such, the new engine is engineered to last 300,000 miles without major service. With all of these improvements and enhanced quality, the new engine fetches a prices tag of $9,325 over the base F-250’s $26,275 price tag. That may be steep for some Ford F-Series buyers, but for customers that need the power and reliability, it may certainly be worth the expense.

* * *

Get insder news from Ford in the News. Subscribe to this Ford today.

With bad news following the domestic automakers constantly, it seems there’s finally some good news for Ford. The all-new 2009 Ford F-150 was named the Best Redesigned Vehicle for 2009 by Kelley Blue Book. The editors of KBB noted that the new Ford F-150 is more powerful and refined than its predecessor, while also providing greater efficiency and technology.

This is not the first time that the Ford F-150 has won this honor. In fact, the F-150 is the only duplicate winner in this category. KBB found that the F-150 is quiet, comfortable, and offers plenty of choices and configurations. Inside, there’s new technology available as well, such as a Sync infotainment system.

While the new Ford F-150 offers plenty on the inside, it’s also more powerful. With three V-8 engines to choose from, the new F-150 tows and hauls more, and Keene NH Ford dealers shoppers also feel that it gives the competition a run for its money. With strong competitors within this product segment, thanks to fresh offerings such as the Toyota Tundra and Dodge Ram pickups, KBB saw the Ford F-150 as competitive for its innovative design and multitude of improvements.

Kelley Blue Book’s Best Redesigned Vehicle award is given to the vehicle that best demonstrates improvement over its predecessor, and its competitors. Although production started later than expected for the new F-150, and while truck competition remains as high as ever, KBB saw the F-150 as providing plenty of improvements over the previous generation in regards to fuel economy, refinement, safety, performance, and value. Despite the adverse economy, Portland ME Ford dealers have also seen growing interest in the new truck. While truck sales may be down overall, Nashville Ford dealers says the Ford F-150 remains the leader in its class, and the latest accolades from KBB reinforce that claim. More information about KBB’s choice can be found below.

Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com Names Ford F-150 ‘2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle’

IRVINE, Calif., Dec 10, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com Laud 2009 Ford F-150’s Magnitude of Improvements, Options, Features

The expert editors at Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, today announce the 2009 Ford F-150 pickup truck has been named 2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle. The kbb.com editors praise the 2009 Ford F-150 for being more powerful, efficient, refined and tech-laden than its predecessor, and the sheer magnitude of the all-new F-150’s improvements allow it to come out on top as Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com Best Redesigned Vehicle for 2009. Five years ago, Ford’s flagship pickup won the first Best Redesigned Vehicle accolade from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com and this year, it becomes the first repeat winner.

“The all-new 2009 Ford F-150 doesn’t just haul and tow more, it also does it better than its best competitors while still being comfortable and quiet on the highway and easy around town,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “The multitude of options available on the new F-150, from three cab styles, four box options, seven trim levels, three V8 engine choices, combined with cool features like a SYNC/Sirius/Sony infotainment suite and integral tailgate step, helps to crown it our 2009 Kelley Blue Book Best Redesigned Vehicle.”

Few products reflect the accelerating pace of change more than the automobile. Whereas many of yesterday’s new models were not much more than styling updates, today’s redesigns are more often leaps and bounds ahead of their predecessors in every way. Accordingly, it takes an exceptional product to be named Kelley Blue Book’s Best Redesigned Vehicle.

“We were so impressed with the 2009 Ford F-150, we’d go so far as to say it isn’t just a great truck, it’s a step forward for what a vehicle can be,” said Nerad. “Imagine a truck that can help you keep track of your tools and keep you aware of where your employees are, and you can see that the new F-150 brings with it world-class innovation.”

The Best Redesigned Vehicle accolade honors the vehicle that best demonstrates improvement and superiority relative to its predecessor and competitors. In judging, the kbb.com editors consider exterior and interior styling, technology, comfort and convenience features, performance/capability, driving dynamics, safety, fuel economy, overall refinement and, of course, value.

Dozens of vehicles were redesigned for the 2009 model-year. In addition to the award-winning 2009 Ford F-150, rounding out the top 10 finalists for kbb.com’s 2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle were (in alphabetical order) the Acura TL, Acura TSX, Audi A4, Dodge Ram, Honda Fit, Mazda6, Nissan Maxima, Nissan Murano and Subaru Forester.

Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
“Best Redesigned Vehicle” History

2004      Ford F-150
2005      Ford Mustang
2006      Honda Civic
2007      Chevrolet Silverado
2008      Chevrolet Malibu
2009      Ford F-150

The year 2009 is the third time in six years that a Ford model has taken the Best Redesigned Vehicle title, and it also marks the second time the F-150 has taken top honors. Honda broke the Ford streak in 2006 with the redesigned Civic coupe and sedan, and Chevrolet won back-to-back in 2007 and 2008 with the Silverado full-size pickup and Malibu sedan, respectively.

“Each year, redesigned vehicle models improve with more standard features and exciting options, giving consumers great choices when it comes to shopping for a new car,” said Nerad. “These days, it’s tough to find a new vehicle in any category or price-point that isn’t up to par, so choosing a vehicle as the year’s Best Redesign is a great challenge.”
Vehicles usually are redesigned every four to five years, although some brands wait longer to redesign their models. For more information about the 2009 Best Redesigned Vehicle and the top 10 finalists, visit www.kbb.com/redesign09.

About Kelley Blue Book ( www.kbb.com)

Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company’s top-rated Web site, www.kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(R) Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book(R) Official Guide. According to the C.A. Walker Research Solutions, Inc. – 2008 Spring Automotive Web Site Usefulness Study, kbb.com is the most useful automotive information Web site among new and used vehicle shoppers, and half of online vehicle shoppers visit kbb.com. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, car reviews and news, used car blue book values, auto classifieds and car dealer locations. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com.

* * *

Get a closer look at the 2009 Ford F-150 right here at Ford in the News.

Ford has released the 2009 Ford F-150, which has faced delay after delay thanks to dwindling truck demand among consumers. The once dominant F-150 now has plenty of competition from Toyota, Dodge, and General Motors, which all have newer models available, and Ford has responded to such demand with the new F-150 and its substantial improvements.

As the best selling truck in the country, the Ford F-150 has big shoes to fill upon a new redesign. Trucks account for about half of Ford’s profits, which is also why decreased truck sales have hit Ford especially hard. The latest Ford F-150 is available in regular cab, SuperCab, and a SuperCrew cab with a variety of bed configurations. Going up against competition such as the Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titian, Dodge Ram and Chevrolet Silverado isn’t going to be easy, but all are struggling in  convincing American drivers to buy one considering the aversion to full size trucks and SUVs. That being said, Ford Dealer Denver expects strong demand as Denver has plenty of truck demand even while truck sales elsewhere are down.

One of the biggest improvements for the Ford F-150 is fuel economy. Ford has improved fuel efficiency by about 8 percent overall, while also maintaining class-leading towing and hauling capacities. With Trailer Sway Control and Roll Stability Control, safety also remained a high priority for Ford engineers. With dealers such as Dodge Philadelphia PA promoting the the safety of the Ram, which has also been updated recently, this should help dealers show-off the value of the new F-150.

Inside the new Ford F-150, drivers will also enjoy new features such as the Microsoft Sync infotainment system, new navigation system, and premium Sony audio, which Auffenberg Ford believes will help the new F-150 standout among potential truck buyers. There are also plenty of other small features that make the new Ford F-150 a competitive truck that will appeal to a broad segment of buyers as Commercial Trucks Richmond expects some commercial buyers to be driven to the F-150. The dash also provides a hint of luxury with ample room upfront and in back.

Powering the 2009 Ford F-150 is a 5.4-liter Triton V8 that delivers 320 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque and can also operate on either gasoline or E85 ethanol, which Richmond Mustang Dealer says should provide more than enough power for any F-Series buyer. The engine can achieve 14 mpg in city driving and 20 mpg on the highway with the two-wheel drive model. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission which has the ability to shift accordingly when ascending or descending hills or mountain roads. For the 2010 model, an EcoBoost gas-turbo engine will also be available on the F-150.

Although the Ford F-150 will surely appeal to die-hard Ford truck fans, there are many buyers that will not be convinced according to some Salinas CA Ford buyers. After all, with gas prices high and the economy weak, the need for pickup trucks for those who don’t haul anything or actually need them is no longer a popular buying habit. Despite the vast improvements to the new F-150, Nashville Used Cars still expects to have strong demand for the pre-owned F-150 trucks as they currently can be had with outstanding savings.

* * *

Find addtional information on F-150 improvements right here.