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2016 Ford F-150 gets new Limited model

The average price paid for a full-size pickup this year is $42,429. Ram is right at that mark, with an average price of $42,256, the Chevrolet Silverado is below it, at $38,384, and the Ford F-150 is above, at $46,573. That average transaction price is thirty percent higher than it was six years ago, and that F-150 price is eight percent higher than one year ago. We can thank that escalation for the arrival of the new F-150 Limited, a truck that Ford says responds to the "growing needs of discerning truck customers interested in exclusivity, capability and craftsmanship." Reuters went further, saying customers want "trucks that could substitute for a higher end German sedan." Billed as "the most advanced, luxurious F-150 ever," everything has been thrown at the standard features list. Buyers will get the luxury modifiers we expect from Europeans, like Mojave leather throughout, climate-controlled, massaging front seats, heated rear seats, and fiddleback eucalyptus wood. Driver assistance systems are legion, including a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, active park assist, a remote tailgate release, and SYNC3. Ford's new Pro Trailer Backup Assist will be an option. As if that won't be enough to tell it from the less luxurious models, the Limited sits on unique 22-inch wheels, the word "Limited" is written on the hood, the VIN is laser engraved in a plaque in the armrest, and the grille, tailgate, and door handles get a satin chrome finish among other changes. Only four exterior colors make the palette: Shadow Black, Magnetic, Blue Jeans and White Platinum Metallic tri-coat. The sole engine offered is the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. We've been talking about luxury trucks for years now, and Ford's competition is in the game, too - Chevy has its Silverado High Country, Ram its Laramie Limited. This new F-150 Limited, however, raises all bets. It will go on sale this winter at an as-yet-unknown price, but since the current top-of-the-line Platinum starts at $51,585, we have a feeling that getting a Limited out the door under $60K will be near impossible. Admire the new seduction in the images above, the press release below has more.

New European charging network will offer speeds up to 350 kW

It's about to get easier to fast-charge your electric vehicle across Europe thanks to four major automakers working together in a new joint venture. BMW, Daimler (Mercedes-Benz), Ford, and the VW Group (Audi and Porsche) have all signed a Memorandum of Understanding to install about 400 DC fast charging sites in Europe. As you may know, there are different types of fast chargers, but the ones that this group is talking about installing will be able to charge an EV in much less time than other stations. That's because these chargers will offer power levels of "up to 350 kW." Compare that to what's generally considered the current gold standard, the Tesla Superchargers, which have rates of up to 145 kW and a statement not that long ago from a Ford exec that suggested that 150 kW chargers would be the new normal. Of course, the Tesla chargers use the company's proprietary connector and the new network the JV is setting up will use the CCS standard. The first new stations will go up in 2017 and those 400 sites are just the beginning. A joint statement by the JV says that EV drivers will "have access to thousands of high-powered charging points" by 2020 along highways and main roads. "The charging experience is expected to evolve to be as convenient as refueling at conventional gas stations," the companies said. While not every electric vehicle will be able to take advantage of the 350 kW charging rate, the companies involved would be silly to build the infrastructure without vehicles that can handle that kind of energy flow. The JV says it would welcome participation from other automakers and will cooperate with interested regional partners. Related Video: News Source: Daimler Green Audi BMW Ford Mercedes-Benz Porsche Volkswagen Electric fast charging

Chevy Traverse, Hyundai Santa Fe revealed; Buick Envista, BMW M4 CSL driven | Autoblog Podcast #790

In this episode of the Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Senior Editor John Beltz Snyder. After some banter, including the discussion of an excellent tomato sauce recipe, they get into car reviews. Greg has been driving the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53, while John has been testing the BMW M4 CSL and Buick's new Envista crossover. There's lots of interesting news this week. Chevy revealed the 2024 Traverse with new looks, a new engine and on off-road(ish) trim. Hyundai gave us a glimpse at the wild styling of the next Santa Fe. Dodge might bring back the Stealth nameplate as an SUV, and that has implications for the Durango as well. Ford, after repeatedly raising prices, has turned around and significantly discounted the F-150 Lightning across all trims. The first Tesla Cybertruck has rolled off the line as a pre-production prototype. Finally, we reach in to the mailbag and help a listener decide what to do with cars for himself and his kids in this week's Spend My Money segment. Send us your questions for the Mailbag and Spend My Money at: Podcast@Autoblog.com. Autoblog Podcast #790 Get The Podcast Apple Podcasts – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes Spotify – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast on Spotify RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Cars we're driving 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 2023 BMW M4 CSL 2024 Buick Envista 2024 Chevrolet Traverse gets rugged looks, new turbo engine, Z71 trim 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe revealed with a radical redesign Dodge Stealth coming with new platform, looks, and powertrains in a year (Bonus reading: check out Dodge Stealth listings) Ford F-150 Lightning gets significant price cut across the full range First Tesla Cybertruck pre-production prototype comes off the line Spend My Money Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts Autoblog is now live on your smart speakers and voice assistants with the audio Autoblog Daily Digest. Say “Hey Google, play the news from Autoblog” or "Alexa, open Autoblog" to get your favorite car website in audio form every day. A narrator will take you through the biggest stories or break down one of our comprehensive test drives. Related video: Green Podcasts BMW Buick Chevrolet Dodge Ford GM Hyundai Mercedes-Benz Tesla Truck Crossover SUV Electric Future Vehicles Luxury Off-Road Vehicles Performance