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| SEMA Preview: Ford Makes Tracks With F-150, Mustang |
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Ford has tipped its hand on plans for the coming SEMA convention beginning October 31, offering extensive details on two of the many cars it will debut at the annual aftermarket blowout.
Ford's first factory customized offering was the F-150 FX2 Sport Extreme. Subtle and no-so-subtle changes transform the FX2 from utilitarian to outrageous.
Outside, a suspension kit drops the truck 2 inches in front and 5 inches in the rear. Wheels are 20 inches by 10 inches, leftover from the SVT Lightning program.
Blacked-out and body-color trim pieces were added to give the truck an aggressive yet unified style. Interior bits include an integrated Bluetooth phone system, and headrest-mounted video screens with line feed provided by an integrated DVD player.
Power comes from a supercharged and intercooled Triton 5.4-liter V8. This 50-state-legal package utilizes an efficient twin-screw supercharger to produce 450 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration proved immediate and turbine-like — that is, once the tires hooked up.
A tame-looking Mustang GT convertible was Ford's second exercise in customizing. From the outside it sported the look of the popular California Special Package, fitted with 18-inch black Bullitt style wheels, a unique grille and a Shelby-style rear spoiler.
Closer inspection reveals a soft leather interior by Katzkin, an accessory gauge pod and a beefy Hurst short-throw shifter. Under the hood is where the real modifications are hidden. Like the F-150's engine, the Mustang's 4.6-liter V8 features a Lycoming twin-screw supercharger. The heads are special units from Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP). Horsepower is estimated to be approximately 400. An under-car brace stiffens the chassis, while a FRPP Handling Pack lowers the suspension.
This GT handles similarly to the well-mannered Mustang Shelby GT, but easily out-accelerates any production Mustang except the $41,000 Shelby GT500.
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Source : http://www.edmunds.com
(10/27/2006)
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Stories of Saturday, October 28, 2006 |
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| It's Time To Get Retrofit: Mercedes Accessories Introduces StreetPilot II Navigation |
| NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Friday from Atco Raceway |
| How reliable is your car? - Introduction |
| Arrive Relaxed: Mercedes Benz Offers StreetPilot II For Moble Navigation Retrofitting |
| Raceway Media Strikes Deals with Six U.S. Tracks |
| Pricing: 2007 Saturn Outlook Starts at $27,990 |
| Barrett-Jackson Tunes up for Scottsdale Auction with Sizzling Automotive Preview at SEMA |
| Subaru Denver VeloSwap Opens With Sneak Preview |
| Reader test team meets the Mini |
| VW Golf GTI bites back |
| Newest Entrant to Georgia's Auto Insurance Market Delivers Savings as Sweet as the State's Peaches |
| International Wire Group, Inc. Buys New Plant Site |
| Erie Insurance To Defend Against HUD Charges |
| Universal Trailer, the Nation’s Largest Specialty Trailer Company, Completes Merger with Featherlite, Inc. |
| Twenty Classic Cadillacs Enter London To Brighton Run |
| Michelin in F1 - A perfect partnership |
| Budweiser Shootout Field Set During Draw Party |
| Lucky 10: The $650K Ascari A10 Hits the Street |
| Surprise: Fiat Issues Pics, Details of New Bravo |
| Toy Beat: Midget M6 for Budget-Minded Bimmer Lovers |
| Skoda Thinks 'Praktik'-al With New Van |
| Ford Fusion Stands Out In Customization Crowd |
| Chrysler Group to Announce Marketing Campaign for the All-New 2007 Chrysler |
| Volvo Truck Center Nordic Starts Distribution of Nissan Trucks |
| Travis Pastrana Wins Rally America National Championship |
| SPEED Touring Car Driver DeCastro, Family Perish In Plane Crash |
| New warm Renault Clio |
| Geneva Preview: Bentley Preps High-End Coupe for World Debut |
| PSA Twins: C-Crosser/4007 SUVs Debut |
| Interpec Engineering Conference |
| Petersen Automotive Museum holds star-studded night for Parnelli Jones |
| Fiat Auto records fourth successive quarterly profit |
| T&E urges faster implementation of Euro-5 and 6 emissions standards |
| WTO to establish expert panel on China's dispute with EU/US/Canada on automotive parts |
| Chinese government outlines greener transport fuels policy |
| Aston Martin suitors named |
| BEN charity reports fund surplus for 2005/2006 |
| Infiniti Announces Pricing on All-New 2007 G35 Sports Sedan |
| Choi takes Chrysler lead with Els in pursuit |
| Pricing: Infiniti Says 2007 G35 Stickers for $31,450 |
| BSI PAS 125 Kitemark standard for vehicle body repair released |
| DENSO and Bosch to set up JV to develop and manufacture diesel particulate filters |
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