Ford F-150 Chrome on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2015 Ford F-150 shaves 700 pounds, adds 2.7-liter EcoBoost [w/video]

The Ford F-150 is one of the best selling vehicles on the planet. Considering that, one can imagine that when it comes time for a redesign, there are hardly any half measures. For its lucky thirteenth generation, Ford has gone all-in on the single most important vehicle in its portfolio, redesigning it from the ground up.
The big news is the F-150's new, lightweight, Atlas-inspired body. Ninety-three percent of that new body is made from a sort of aluminum alloy not unlike what the US military uses in its M2 Bradley fighting vehicles and Humvees, and it accounts for up to 70 percent of the F-150's 700-pound weight reduction. As a side benefit, the aluminum body should prove more resistant to dents and dings. Built Ford tough, indeed.
If you're wondering where the other 30 percent of that 700-pound weight loss went, 8.5 percent (60 pounds) came from the increased use of high-strength steel (up from 23 percent to 77 percent) in its ladder-box frame. Ford claims this steel is comparable to some of the heavy duty pickups used by its competitors, with a PSI rating of 70,000.

First 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R rolls off the line in Flat Rock

Thursday was a big day for the hottest version of the current Ford Mustang as the first Shelby GT350R rolled off the line at the Blue Oval's Flat Rock, MI, factory. "This is a special day for all Mustang enthusiasts," said executive chairman Bill Ford. "We have taken the GT350 formula to the next level of innovation, style, and performance. Today the legend continues." Ford has been making headlines with the both versions of the GT350, highlighting its carbon-fiber wheels, HUD shift lights, and then announcing its reasonable starting price. At just $62,195, the GT350R significantly undercuts other track-focused offerings, including its arch-nemesis, the $75,000-Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. Scroll down for the brief press release from Ford. ALL-NEW FORD SHELBY® #GT350R MUSTANG ROARS OFF THE LINE AT FLAT ROCK ASSEMBLY PLANT One of the most iconic performance Mustang nameplates of all time the all-new Shelby® GT350R roared off the line today at Ford's Flat Rock Assembly Plant. The new GT350R Mustang is the most athletic Mustang ever, designed to tackle the world's most challenging roads and race tracks while creating an exhilarating experience for the driver. "This is a special day for all Mustang enthusiasts," said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. "We have taken the GT350 formula to the next level of innovation, style and performance. Today the legend continues." Click here for more information on the all-new Shelby® GT350 and GT350R Mustang. About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 195,000 employees and 66 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com. Related Video:

Ford Explorer gets appearance pack for 2015

Remember when Ford launched the totally new Explorer in late 2010, and people were skeptical about how the now-crossover would fare, after ditching its traditional SUV roots? Well, we're several years in, and I think we can assuredly say that Ford made the right decision. Sales are better than ever (in fact, May was the current Explorer's best month yet), and the crossover is finding its way into the hands of a whole host of new Ford buyers.
A wholly refreshed Explorer is still forthcoming, but to keep its strong-selling crossover fresh, Ford is offering a host of improvements for the 2015 model year, including the attractive appearance package available on the XLT trim level, pictured above. Outside, the pack gets you goodies like 20-inch machined aluminum wheels, black bodyside cladding and roof rack rails. Contrasting Magnetic Metallic accents are found on the grille, mirror caps and liftgate appliqué, and there's an "Explorer" hood badge and body-colored door handles. Inside, there are new Miko suede inserts in the seats, and the package includes the automaker's Sync connectivity with MyFord Touch infotainment.
Elsewhere in the Explorer range, the Class III trailer tow pack is now standard on the Sport, base models get new 18-inch aluminum wheels, and there are three new colors on offer: Bronze Fire Metallic and Magnetic Metallic.