1999 Ford Explorer Xlt on 2040-cars

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Ford picks Fiesta ST, Transit Connect as this year's SEMA darlings

SEMA is more than nine months away, but the reveille bugle for the show has just sounded with Ford's call to aftermarket companies for its project-vehicle program. The 2014 Ford Fiesta ST and 2014 Transit Connect van and wagon are the cars The Blue Oval wants to feature, but applicants can submit project vehicles for any product except the GT500, the Raptor, or anything from Lincoln.
Submissions must be completed in two parts, the first being an email to Ford with an overview of the project, like vehicle theme, promotional plan and location display. The second part must be mailed in on company letterhead and gets down to the nuts and bolts of the vision and the provision of company bona fides. The complete proposal is due on March 1, winners will be notified by May 1. Click the link below to get all the details, and for show attendees, get ready to see some funky Fiestas and wild shaggin' wagons in Las Vegas come November.

How Ford made its 2015 Ford Mustang safer for toupee wearers [w/video]

Ford is ready to tell the story of its 2015 Mustang Convertible, the can't-miss bits being the easier, quicker and quieter roof operation, a more robust roof build for a coupe-like cabin noise, more trunk space, better visibility and reduced in-cabin buffeting. The top release system has been completely redesigned with a single, center-mounted latch on the windshield frame instead of the dual latches of before. The driver can now release the roof without having to lean over into the passenger space, after which the top goes down fully automatically with the press of a button. Ford doesn't say how long it takes to stow, but it's apparently done in half as much time as before, so figure around 8 seconds.
The roof uses a five-bow structure, with the fabric outer and full inner headliner sandwiching ten millimeters of insulation. Detailing work on the top has eliminated "unsightly folds" in the corners when the roof is up and made it more compact when down; its Z-fold assembly is 6.7 inches lower than before at its highest point when put down. Ford says the new electric drive internals make less noise when in operation, and the fully-finished droptop look is achieved with snap-in caps that flank the rear seating and stow in the trunk when not in use (the outgoing Mustang's top was higher and the front when folded and always looked like it was catching air and creating drag).
The compact roof and newly independent rear suspension setup in back means liberated trunk space, 11.4 cubic feet ready to swallow golf bags and tourist swag. You can read a lot more about it in the press release below, check it out in the short video of running footage and learn about the aerodynamic improvements made to the entire Mustang lineup that decrease drag and increase fuel economy.

Ford Raptor or Corvette-powered Defender, which would you choose?

Autoblog may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change. No donation or payment necessary to enter or win this sweepstakes. See official rules on Omaze.  Enter this sweepstakes today and get 150 bonus entries by signing up for the Autoblog Newsletter right here! Going around a track at breakneck speeds is exhilarating, but I much prefer leaving the asphalt behind and hitting the trail, which is why my dream garage is filled with vehicles like Land Cruisers, Broncos, Jeeps, Rams and even a lifted Subaru or two. Not to mention the two vehicles pictured above, the Ford F-150 Raptor and the Land Rover Defender. If either of these are in your dream garage, you’re in luck, because Omaze just happens to be giving away both, right now. All you have to do is enter here for the Raptor and here for the Defender. Win a Ford F-150 Raptor or a Himalaya Land Rover Defender - Enter Here Here is a side-by-side of the specs, according to Omaze: Vehicle: Himalaya Defender 110 Crew Cab / 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor 37 Maximum Seating: Four / Five Engine: 6.2-liter Corvette LS3 / 3.5L V6 EcoBoost Maximum Horsepower: 430 hp / 450 hp Maximum Torque: 425 lb-ft / 510 lb-ft Transmission: 6-speed automatic / 10-speed automatic Drivetrain: 4WD / 4WD Exterior Color: Satin Grey / Lead Foot Grey Interior Color: Jet Black / Rhapsody Blue Approximate Retail Value: $210,000 / $83,525 Defender special features: Black exterior roll bars and trim; Black 18” Sawtooth wheels with 35” tires; Wilwood brakes; 3" lift; Black diamond-stitched leather sport seats; MOMO Millenium steering wheel; front and rear matching consoles; Himalaya gauge cluster; Himalaya front and rear bumpers, bed-mounted tire carrier, and extended fender flares; Puma hood; LED lighting. F-150 Raptor special features: 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, 15 city / 18 highway miles per gallon fuel economy, Extended Range 36 Gallon Fuel Tank, 8,200-lb towing capacity, 17” beadlock-capable forged wheels, 37”x12.50 tires; Twin Panel Moonroof; Recaro Front-Seats; B&O Sound System; Fox Racing Shocks. Exterior Looks - Winner: Himalaya Land Rover Defender ThereÂ’s just something about the Defender. ItÂ’s rugged, yet handsome. ItÂ’s got classic appeal yet feels modern. It also has style while appearing to be as strong as a tank.