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Ford gets dirty testing the 2017 Raptor

Want to hear the sweet sound of turbochargers spinning merrily away underhood of a 2017 Ford Raptor pickup truck test mule? Of course you do. And we're happy to oblige. Fortunately for you, those aren't the only sounds you'll hear when you watch the video above. We noted plenty of birds and insects, too, which means Ford has finally seen fit to share some good old fashioned muddy off-road footage of its upcoming off-road superstar as it is subjected to rigorous testing ahead of its on-sale date in the fall of 2016. It's no secret that we're big fans of the first generation of the Ford Raptor. If there was one complaint we've voiced about the truck, it's that the off-road-specific pickup could use a touch more power. Fortunately, more power is coming for 2017 as Ford replaces the outgoing 6.2-liter V8 with a new version of its 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6. We don't know exactly how many horses the new truck will corral, but we know it will be more than the 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque offered by the previous truck. This is the second time Ford has let out some interesting information about its tests of the next Raptor, the first focusing specifically on grueling desert trials. Considering the promises Ford is making about the 2017 Raptor's various off-road capabilities, we're keen to put the pickup through its paces ourselves. For now, though, join us in watching the video above. Related Gallery 2017 Ford SVT Raptor Desert Testing News Source: Ford Ford Truck Off-Road Vehicles Videos ford f-150 svt raptor ford raptor

Ford cleans up painting process with cameras

Knowing how the bacon gets made rarely entices us and, in the same vein, the same usually goes for knowing about how new cars get painted. But in both instances, however, quality - or a lack thereof - is instantly obvious. In terms of the latter, Ford is showing off its new paint quality process with 3D Dirt Detection Technology to find imperfections in vehicle paint more easily and more quickly.
This process - being performed on the F-150 SVT Raptor above - uses 16 computer-controlled cameras to create a three-dimensional model (inset) of the vehicle to detect flaws in the paint including dirt particles, which can then be buffed out manually. Ford says this new technology cuts down on time spent looking for paint flaws and gives workers more time to correct those that are discovered.
Currently, Ford only uses its 3D Dirt Detection Technology system at three factories (the Dearborn, MI facility, along with those in Louisville, Kentucky and Valencia, Spain), but it will soon spread to five more plants in North America. Ford has released a video and press release for this innovative and unexpectedly interesting process, both of which are posted below.

Social media star Scott Monty leaves Ford

It seems weird to think that an automaker could have a social media star, but Ford does. Or at least it did. Scott Monty, its Global Digital Communications Manager, led the company's team for almost six years and forged a reputation as being one of the most talented people in corporate social media. But the guru recently announced that he would be leaving the automaker for an undisclosed job elsewhere.
"I just decided the time was right. I am going to take a little time with my family, and I am going to start on a new adventure pretty soon," said Monty in an interview with AdWeek. He also explained a little about his theory of how companies should use social media. In his opinion, it should be a chance to go beyond standard marketing and build a relationship with people. Businesses need to have a broad focus for its online message, and using just one service isn't enough to be successful.
Under his guidance, Ford expanded its Facebook presence significantly. According to AdWeek, it launched the 2010 Explorer on the popular site. Also, when the company wanted to investigate selling electric models, it initially gauged the public's reaction on Facebook and then advertised them there first. Monty has been a major supporter of Twitter as well to broaden the company's communication with the public.