2013 Taurus SHO: Ford’s Newest Movie Star
While the new 2013 Ford Taurus SHO was designed for gearheads of any gender, the performance sedan’s launch will leverage the hotly anticipated new movie called “Think Like a Man,” based on the best-selling book by popular entertainer Steve Harvey—who also directed the film. And not only does the Taurus SHO get a starring role, but so does its MyFord touch entertainment system, which is showcased as a potential mood enhancer for some of the human stars’ romantic endeavors.
“The Taurus SHO was an ideal match for us because our film showcases progressive and professional guys showing their smarts and savvy while attempting to navigate the dating world,” said Will Packer, producer of “Think Like a Man.” “The 2013 Taurus and its features were an organic fit for these characters.”
To further support both the movie and the machine, Ford also is launching a promotional campaign that features television, radio and social media components, including exclusive film clips that...
Shelby Celebrates 50th—With 1,000 Horsepower
style="text-align: left;">Fifty years after the original Shelby Cobra first bared its fangs at the New York Auto Show, the company behind that revolutionary sports car—Shelby American, founded by the legendary Carroll Shelby—is headed back to the Big Apple with its most powerful performer ever: The new 2012 Shelby 1000, based on the already-amazing Ford Shelby GT500, will offer 950 hp in street trim and a mind-boggling 1,100 hp when kitted out for the track.
The recipe for cooking up this beast is a fairly simple one, as Shelby American’s engineers stripped the GT500’s 5.4-liter V8 down to the bare block and added a new crank, rods and pistons, then re-flowed the heads, upgraded the cooling and exhaust systems, and replaced Ford’s supercharger with an even more performance-oriented blower. Of course, there is one secret ingredient here—after that powerplant is built back up again, the company “then sprinkles it with a little Shelby magic.”
And the handling...
Transit Full-size Van Will Offer Diesel
Ford is doubling down on high-efficiency alternatives in the full-size van segment: After already confirming the new Ford Transit will enter the marketplace next year with one of the automaker’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines, the Blue Oval has now announced the Transit also will be available with a diesel powerplant.
“With fleet operators facing skyrocketing fuel prices and constant pressure to reduce costs, Ford continues to expand its range,” said Kevin Koswick, director, North American Fleet, Lease and Remarketing Operations for Ford. “By offering multiple options to help solve these challenges, Ford is giving fleet customers true power of choice in finding solutions that best meet their specific needs.”
Thanks to that pair of engines, Ford is expecting the Transit to deliver an overall 25 percent improvement in fuel economy as opposed to the Ford E-Series, which is retiring after 32 consecutive years as America’s top-selling full-size van.
And notably, along with...
Sound Check: 2013 Escape
The 2013 Ford Escape is on its way to dealerships with sleek and sophisticated styling, the latest customer-satisfying technologies, and the automaker’s typically sharp focus on fuel efficiency. And if you think all that sounds good, wait until you hear its audio system.
Well, truth be told, the Escape actually will showcase three different sound alternatives, including the base setup, a premium nine-speaker system and, for hardcore audiophiles, a 10-speaker option from Sony. But all three will deliver serious listening pleasure as a result of Ford’s equally serious approach to tuning the systems.
“We tuned the audio system so that it sounds natural—as if you’re listening to music inside a theater rather than in your vehicle,” said Ford audio engineer Christine Templin.
There were two different aspects to her team’s work: High-tech analysis using sound-wave files and computers, as well as more subjective efforts using human ears and a rather unique playlist specifically created to...
F-150: Best-Value Full-size Pickup in U.S.
While the competition continues to wonder how the Ford F-150 has kept its place as America’s best-selling truck for 35 years and counting, the answer may be surprisingly simple: It also offers the best value of any full-size pickup on the market. That’s according to not one, but two recently published industry studies. The F-150 won its segment in both the Strategic Vision Total Value Index and the Vincentric Best Value in America awards, and it was one of just six vehicles to earn a place on both lists. Further, the F-150’s Super Duty lineup led all HD rivals in Strategic Vision’s Heavy-Duty Pickup category.
A key advantage for Ford is an extensive lineup of models that can match the needs of nearly all pickup buyers with a variety of cab sizes, bed lengths and engine choices, as well as both two- and four-wheel-drive powertrains. Leading the way, of course, is the F-150 EcoBoost, showcasing higher marks for torque (420 lb.-ft.), towing (11,300 lbs.) and payload (3,060...