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Ford's "Raptor", the road-ready yet also apparently ready-for-Baja racer version of the 2009 Ford F-150 has been spotted not utilizing its big ol' suspension and tires. Some are suggesting the truck's future may be in jeopardy, what with above-four-dollar gas and all. But it would be something of a shame if this never saw production, because with 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, a reported four inches of extra suspension travel, and perhaps even a supercharged V8 good for over 400 HP, the Raptor would be perhaps the most capable off-the-shelf off-road truck Ford has ever built.
There's been some speculation as to just what engine would be used, either the 6.2-liter or the 5.4-liter V8. But, since the truck was seen pulling into a Roush building, we're pretty sure it'll have a blower on it. Of course, this obviously all depends on if the truck even sees the light of day. Remember, Ford has already delayed the 2009 F-150 for two months due to slumping sales.
Turns out the Electric Green Ford Focus RS we saw last week is more than just a show car. Ford has admitted the little green hulk is essentially the finished vehicle, minus some fine tuning. Now, depending on which side of the fencepost you sit on, an inline-five with 275 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed in a car the size of a Focus RS, along with all kinds of fancy suspension trickery, is either a magical, amazing thing OR the obnoxious boy-racer bodywork rubs you the wrong way and totally ruins whatever genius lies underneath. Either way, our Euro brethren will soon have another magnificent compact car to dangle in our faces. Damned forbidden fruit. Full details below.
"The poor man's Audi S4." That's what Motor Trend is tentatively dubbing the Ford Fusion GT, an EcoBoost-powered, SVT-massaged version of the automaker's staid sedan. According to the buff book, Ford will equip the Fusion GT with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, producing around 340 hp, still short of the engines 415 hp capabilities. Instead of trying to shovel that much grunt through the front wheels, Ford will tap Haldex to supply a part-time all-wheel-drive system to aid grip and limit torque steer, and it's possible that a paddle-shifted six-speed auto 'box could be part of the package.
The Fusion GT would be the fourth model to benefit from Ford's line of EcoBoost engines, which currently power the Lincoln MKS, Ford Flex and forthcoming Lincoln MKR. Four-cylinder versions are in the pipeline and are expected to power the entry-level Fusion in 2010, along with a high-performance version of the Focus and another version of the Edge crossover. EcoBoosted sixes are also rumored to be motivating Ford's downsized F100 pickup, but according to MT, a blown V6 for the next Mustang is on hold.
Troy, MI (July 3, 2008) – Today Saleen Incorporated, America's premiere niche vehicle manufacturer, announced the promotion of its newest performance vehicle brand, Racecraft. "The Racecraft moniker has been synonymous with Saleen performance since the first Saleen Mustang, "said Saleen Automotive General Manager, Marques McCammon.
"Racecraft is a brand that our enthusiasts know as the secret sauce in Saleen suspensions, now that brand name will grow to encompass a full line of exciting performance vehicles."
The Brand
The Racecraft brand will provide consumers with:
· Value that the market can touch
· A ready canvas for customization
· Business first styling that puts go before show
"This formula is one of legitimate performance that you can see, hear, and feel. It just seemed a natural for us to say that Racecraft will 'Power Your Senses' ", said McCammon.
The Product
Racecraft model nomenclature is a reflection of vehicle horsepower. Thus the first model in the lineup, the base Mustang, 420S features 420 Horsepower Supercharged V8 engine. Each Racecraft vehicle will also feature the signature Racecraft suspension, Bridgestone performance tires, light weight aluminum alloy wheels, race inspired graphics and signature interior accents. The design formula is understated, leaving room for the enthusiast to explore their own expression of style and performance through Saleen's SpeedLab performance parts division. All of this is wrapped in a 3 year 36,000 mile factory warranty.
Customization
"Racecraft and SpeedLab is the perfect marriage," says SpeedLab General Manager, Michael Lingo. "The vehicles are dynamically superior right out of the box, but my team is always ready to take performance to the next level. It is a perfect combination, and the winner is the consumer."
Among the SpeedLab offerings, consumers will find the ability to upgrade the performance of their vehicles to up 475 horsepower without violating their factory warranty. Many other components will allow the Racecraft owner to explore further expressions in power, style, and handling to help make their Racecraft an unique expression of their performance personality.
The Value
Value is a key cornerstone of this new brand. This is evident in the sub-$40,000 price point of the 420 horsepower 420S that includes transportation and applicable federal taxes. What's more, the consumer will find many of the offerings from SpeedLab priced at or below $1000.
This type of value will be found in each Racecraft branded vehicle that executives say will begin hitting the market later this year. "There are many... [Read More]