Before man was considered the dominant species, dinosaurs roamed the Earth. They were considered the kings of the prehistoric world feasting on early plant and animal life. As well all know their rule ended when an asteroid crashed into Earth changing the planet’s landscape. Now, let’s apply this to the automotive industry. Ford was once considered to be one of the dominant (if not the most dominant) automobile manufacturer. It sat on top of the food chain for decades until it got hit by, no just one, but a by a multitude of competitors vying to unseat it. And just like the dinosaurs, Ford fell. So why go all through the hoopla of comparing the dinosaurs to Ford? Well, it seems that Ford is planning to release an improved version of their upcoming 2009 F-150 models which they plan to call “The Raptor.” And based on their design plans, there could be a possibility that we may end up seeing this modern-day dinosaur conquer the automotive landscape once again.

Just to give you an overview, Ford initially launch the 2009 Ford F-150 at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Compared to its predecessors, the F-150 is bigger by six inches giving more room for the rear seats of the four-door models. The truck is equipped with a V8 engine ranging from a 5.4 liter 3-valve, Triton V8 engine, a 4.6-liter, 3-valve V8 engine, and a 4.6-liter, 2-valve V8 engine. The original design also comes with hands-free voice activated entertainment system, a Sirius Travel Link navigation system and a 700-watt Sony surround sound system.

Now imagine your F-150 having all of those features above plus the following new features Ford is planning to add: a long travel suspension that was developed by Fox Racing, 35-inch tires and a Boss V-8 engine. In order to house these features, Ford made sure to widen and increase the size of this new F-150. Ford will also integrate bulged fenders in order to accommodate the increased tires and suspension. Now that’s what I call “hulking up.”

So if you think the age of the dinosaurs is over, you may want to think again. If Ford is able to successfully release this product by the next year, don’t be surprised if this modern-day dinosaur starts ruling the Earth once more.

Sources: The Truth About Cars, Autoblog, Left Lane News, Autoblog.com

With many advancements and concepts being introduced in the market, the reliable pickup truck remains a popular choice.
Ford, one of the leaders in pickup trucks, made some modifications for the 2008 F-Series Super Duty. It has a larger towing capacity of more than 24,000 lbs and a maximum payload of more than 6,000 lbs. It also features an integrated tailgate step, stowable bed extender, a PowerScope power-fold and power-telescoping trailer-tow side mirrors.

Meanwhile, for the F-250 and F-350, a new 6.4 L Power Stroke diesel engine will be included. The new engine offers delivers 350 HP and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, along with a 6-speed manual with overdrive or a TorqShift 5-speed automatic.
A new and better powertrain promise to isolate the powertrain and reduces vibration through its mounting system.

Ford F-150, on the other hand, will now come with a cargo management system and rearview camera.
Made for hauling, its cargo system features the 6.5-ft. Styleside box together with two side rails, a pair of bins, a pair of crossbars and a header bar. Its cast aluminum cleats are easily adjustable and sturdy as in can hold more than 600 lbs., while the extruded aluminum crossbars hold up to 100 lbs.
Located in the tailgate handle bezel, the rearview camera system automatically activates once the reverse gear is shifted. The video image can be seen in the self-dimming rearview mirror, bor a clearer view of what’s happening in the rear.

The new 2008 E-Series commercial van also had some modifications starting with the chassis and suspension, which were improved for better ride and handling. The upgrades also included “an increase in the maximum gross vehicle weight rating from 14,050 lbs. to 14,500 lbs.” The front gross axle weight rating was also increased from 4,600 lbs. to 5,000 lbs.
A larger cargo area is integrated in the standard E-Series, featuring up to 236.5-cu.ft. of rear cargo space and with up to 275.1-cu.ft. in extended van versions.
Source: http://www.contractormag.com/articles/newsarticle.cfm?newsid=1293

Just recently, autoblog released some spy shots of the 2009 Ford F-150 taken by KGP photographers. It was reportedly spotted on its way back to the trailer after a photoshoot.

Evident in the spy photos is the Ford’s three-bar grille. Meanwhile, its headlights are bare a resemblance from those in the Edge CUV and Taurus X. According to KGP, the 2009 Ford F-150 has new rearview mirrors and “subtle changes to the character lines on the sides of the truck.”

To see the photos, click here.
News from: http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/spy-shots-2009-ford-f-150/

The F-Series of Ford Motor Company is entering a business tie-up with the top online fantasy game site FOXSport.com of MSN. Ford F-Series is to subsidize the free fancy football gaming of the said website.

According to Ford Truck and SUV Communications Supervisor Todd Eckert, the Ford F-Series will be able to get in touch with millions of football fanatics on the net each day by being a sponsor of the fantasy football game from MSN. This endeavor will help promote the leading truck brand to a huge captive target audience.

Fantasy sport has significantly developed since 1990s. In 2006, it acquired just about 18 million members. Based on the records of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association, 85 percent of the participants actually play on-line football game. Moreover, these participants are extremely committed football aficionados. Some of them were even present at a 2006 professional football match.

The on-line sports games facilitate an upsurge in the interest of the participants in sports. It is reported that about 55 percent of those who participate in a fantasy sports group actually watch more sports tournaments.

Among the major sports, football catches the attention of many truck customers the most. Records show that 55 percent of the owners of Ford F-Series go after professional football games. In America, professional football has a diverse audience that includes members from every age group and every key ethnic cluster. According to Harris Interactive, most of these football enthusiasts are men with college education and above-average income, who have the capacity to purchase Ford trucks and SUVs.

Vice President of FOXSports.com Sales Gary Larkin said, “As fantasy football on FOXSports.com continues to grow, we’re excited to work with leading brands such as Ford in an effort to help them reach their key target audiences online.” Larkin emphasized that playing on-line fantasy football game is the growing interest of many passionate sports buffs nowadays. “We look forward to extending Ford’s long-running relationship with FOX Sports television to reach these sports with a great new marketing presence on FOXSports.com.”