Autoblog

VIDEO: Skyline R32-amino, wait... wha?

Chris Shunk — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Trucks/Pickups, Videos, Supercars, Nissan

Click above to view video after the jump

The Nissan Skyline R32 is a legend on the track and in the eyes of tuners around the world. There are legions of fans who have tweaked their R32s to go faster and move with more agility, but we don't think many have turned their precious Skylines into a Ute to obtain optimal drifts. Following the jump is video of a race-ready R32 that looks more Ford Falcon from Down Under than it does a super-tuned Nissan from the land of the rising sun. It may look beaten with an ugly stick, but it could be the only R32 that can hot lap a track and help a friend move in the same day. And it's a hella-good drifter, too. The video after the jump is English free, so if you have any Japanese language skills, let us know what they're saying in the comments section.

[Source: Carscoop]

Continue reading VIDEO: Skyline R32-amino, wait... wha?

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Toyota to export small trucks, minivans and SUVs from U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

Click above for more high-res images of the Toyota Sequoia

Toyota builds many of its U.S. market vehicles right here in America. Among them are the Toyota Tacoma, Sienna minivan and Sequoia SUV, which is built alongside its Tundra full-size truck sibling. For the most part, they are all meant to be sold in the States, their primary market. It's no secret that sales of these big SUVs and trucks are way down, and Toyota doesn't want to idle its plants if it can help it. Therefore, the Japanese automaker is rumored to be in the midst of sending these light trucks out of the country. The Tacoma, for instance, could be sent to Mexico from Toyota's plant in Baja, California. To keep the plant in Princeton, Indiana running, the Sienna could be exported to Latin America and the gas-guzzling Sequoia to the Middle East, a place where oil supplies are obviously not in danger of dwindling.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

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Spy Shots: Ford Super-Duty's new 6.7L Scorpion diesel

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Trucks/Pickups, I.C.E., Ford

As is well known by now, Ford and Navistar have parted ways and the Blue Oval is developing diesel engines in-house to replace the PowerStroke lumps still being used. Slated to appear in Ford's trucks by 2011, the new oil burner code-named Scorpion is a 6.7-liter V8 with a host of innovations, some of them seemingly borrowed from cross-town rival GM.

But the first thing you'll notice is that mammoth radiator. PickupTrucks.com estimates that the cooler up front is up to 20-percent larger than the one on the 2008 Super Duty, and that one had already been enlarged by 33-percent over its forebear. The extra cooling could be needed for "extreme towing applications", and if there's one truck that's an extreme tower, it's the F-Series Super Duty.

The Scorpion diesel's innards will be enhanced with reversed intake and exhaust flow, something found on GM's Duramax diesel, and lighter aluminum cylinder heads. Nor will the Scorpion sacrifice mpg for its extra oomph: gains of 40 hp and 70 lb-ft will come with three more miles-per-gallon thanks in part to the truck's new 6-speed tranny that's debut as we speak on the new F-150.

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

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SEMA Preview: Street Scene Equipment F-150

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Tuners, Trucks/Pickups, Ford, Special/Limited Editions

Click above for high-res pic of the SSE F-150 Lariat

Custom truck lovers, it doesn't matter that the whole world might seem to be against you, you will not be forgotten at this year's SEMA. Performance West will be bringing a hotted up F-150 and F-350, and now Street Scene Equipment rumbles onto the stage with it's own entrant, a juiced up 2009 F-150 Lariat.

The SSE job appears to be a little more subdued than the Performance West numbers, but that might just be down to the lack of racing stripes. The Lariat will of course be dropped, because you can't even call it a tuning job if the truck is more than an inch above the ground. After that, the exterior gets new front and rear bumpers and skirts, new mirrors, a bed cap, a tailgate wing, and some of DuPont 's Hot Hues to make it all shiny, among other things.

Inside will be the standard rolling theater treatment: headrest video monitors and a "high-end infotainment system" from Audio Innovations. In keeping with the restrained theme, engine mods looks to be limited to an Air Raid intake and a new exhaust. Subtle ain't such a bad thing, though -- we gotta admit we're digging that grille.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

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Ford moves its F150 launch back up

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

click above for more high-res images of the 2009 Ford F-150

Ford announced earlier this summer that it would delay the launch of its ultra-important F150 full-size truck by a few months to help dealers clear out left over 2008 inventory. For the record, the new truck's launch was originally scheduled for October before being moved to December. Finally, Ford has split the difference and will begin marketing its F150 in November. Jim Farley, main marketer at the Blue Oval, cites two main reasons for the revised decision. One: its dealerships culled their old supply faster than anticipated, and two: Dodge just launched its new-for-'09 Ram. Ford obviously doesn't want its cross-town rival to steal all its thunder.

Expectations for the new F150 seem appropriately timid. Current market conditions, including the relatively high price of fuel and the difficulty in securing credit, mean the the days of Ford selling a million trucks a year are over. Still, there is a large market left of users who depend on their trucks for work, and Ford's targeting them. We'll see how it goes beginning next month.

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150

[Source: Inside Line]

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What the...? Volkswagen considering Beetle-based pickup?

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Of all the wild-ass rumors we hear on a ~~weekly~~ ~~daily~~ hourly basis, this one has that special air of cow manure. According to Automotive News, Volkswagen is considering a pickup truck for the U.S. based off the second generation Beetle, which is due out around the turn of the decade.

The rationale behind this implausible idea stems from VW's goal to boost annual vehicle sales in the U.S. from its current 230,000 units to 1 million vehicle sales per year by 2018. Other derivatives of the new new Beetle could also include a crossover and a wagon.

Although the recently revealed VW Pickup Concept is only bound for markets outside the U.S. and Europe, a compelling case can be made for a light-duty truck for occasional haulers here in the States. But we somehow doubt that the U.S. consumers could warm up to a Beetle-based truck - nostalgia can only go so far.

[Source: Automotive News (sub. req.) via Pickuptrucks.com | Image: CargoFun]

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SEMA Preview: Performance West goes smaller with F-150 Striker R

Chris Shunk — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA, Trucks/Pickups, Ford

If the super-tuned F-350 Striker diesel dually doesn't float your boat, the specialty tuners at Performance West will have a tire shredder of smaller proportions for you at SEMA next month. The F-150 Striker R will be unleashed on attendees of the Las Vegas tuner spectacular with Shelby GT500KR-inspired styling similar to its big brother and a power story all its own. Our friend Mike Levine from Pickuptrucks.com gave us the low-down on the Striker R's power numbers, and they're pretty impressive. It gains motivation from Ford's 5.4L V8 mated to a massive 2.4L Kenne Bell Blowzilla supercharger and intercooler, giving it a healthy 500 ponies. Other power enhancers include a cold air intake, Boost-a-Pump, Optimizer II electronic engine management system and a Corsa Cat-Back exhaust.

The Sriker R will be kept pinned to the pavement with a Bell Tech suspension package, and the rear differential will receive a Striker R alloy cover. Stopping force for this powerful pickup comes via 15-inch Big Bite cross-drilled rotors. A vehicle isn't SEMA-worthy without great-looking wheels and tires, and Performance West went to Pirelli for the proper equipment - stylish 22-inch alloy wheels and Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico ultra-high-performance tires.

In our humble opinion, the GT500KR treatment translates better to the F-150 than the F-350, as the Striker R incorporates big upper and lower front air dams and two imposing hood scoops to keep the air flowing. No GT500KR look-alike would be worth its weight in spit without dual racing stripes, and the Striker R uses the Badass Blue variety with contrasting silver paint directly from the Shelby Mustang concept.

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

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International kills the CXT, MXT and RXT

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Commercial Trucks, Military

Another one bites the dust, and this time its International, that's decided to drop its line of non-commercial big rigs. Considering the tough times that automakers have been having moving traditional pickups off dealer lots and into driveways, you can imagine the problems that International must be having with its CXT, MXT and RXT consumer-grade semis. Current fuel prices alone may have been enough to bring the Internationals to a grinding halt, but the faltering economy, which has made luxury toy purchases much harder to justify, may have been the final nail in the XT's coffin. In any case, this isn't a death-blow to International, as the company didn't sell too many of these leviathans anyway, and their demise will allow the company to focus its attention back on the heavy-duty hauler segment that is its bread-and-butter, along with the military segment, which surely is more profitable than the others.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

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When is a Ram not a Dodge? When it's a Pink Jeep

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Etc., Dodge, Jeep

Click above for high-res gallery of the Pink Jeeps Ram 3500

To anyone who's spent any time in the vast desert stretches of the southwestern United States, lifted and stretched Pink Jeeps are likely a familiar sight. The company has been around for nearly 50 years taking passengers across very rough stretches of land where pavement is but a distant memory. Ask anybody what it's like to ride for a few hours in a highly-modified Jeep Wrangler and you could hear a few shocking expletives. So, when Pink Jeep Tours needed another vehicle that was capable of moving lots of people and gear over great distances, a Jeep didn't quite seem to fit.

So, how do you out-Jeep a Jeep? You don't, but you can always try a Dodge Ram 3500 with its 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel engine. To make it resemble one of its Jeeps, Pink Jeeps hired Prefix Corporation to add a classic seven-slot grille -- completely approved and licensed by Chrysler no less -- along with the requisite Pepto-like hue. A lift-kit, air suspension, 35-inch tires and a luxurious (by Wrangler standards anyway) interior with reclining leather captains chairs, 15-inch LCD screens with DVD players, and foam insulated side walls to keep the cool air inside completed the transformation. Jeep purists need not worry, there's still no better way to explore the outdoors than in an open-air Wrangler, but when a bit more comfort is needed, you can always slap a slotted-grille on a Ram.

Gallery: Pink Jeeps Dodge Ram 3500

[Source: The Detroit News]

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Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition debuts at Texas State Fair

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Marketing/Advertising, Dodge

Click above to view high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram Lone Star edition

Cowboys and truck-lovers unite for the Texas State Fair every year around this time. It's where big-time truckmakers often release special editions of their pickups just for the Texas market, again underscoring just how important the Lone Star State is for sales. So it is this year with the 2009 Dodge Ram Lone Star edition. Starting life down the assembly line as a Ram Crew 1500 SLT in either two- or four-wheel drive, various chrome accents, 20-inch wheels (either painted or chromed) and big 4-inch dual exhausts integrated into the rear bumper have been added. Inside, a lighting group is standard equipment along with an up-level leather steering wheel. Lest those following you don't know what or where you're driving, a Lone Star badge is affixed to the tailgate left of the huge Ram-head logo. Very subtle. The good news is that Texans won't be charged an arm and a leg for the Lone Star edition, as it adds just $1,500 to the price of a HEMI-equipped Ram, a big savings over the $3,560 it would cost to replicate otherwise. If all of this is enough to make you want one, and you live in Texas, expect the Lone Star to reach your favorite dealer sometime next month.

Gallery: Dodge Ram Lone Star

[Source: Dodge]

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Ford officially reveals F-450 Harley-Davidson and F-X4 Cabela pickups

John Neff — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Ford, Lifestyle, Special/Limited Editions

Click above to view high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford F-450 Harley-Davidson Edition

Today Ford added two new co-branded models to its F-Series Super Duty line-up, the F-450 Harley-Davidson and FX-4 Cabela edition. The 2009 HD model continues a long tradition of collaboration between the Blue Oval and builder of hogs, but is the first time this co-branding has been applied to the mightiest of F-Series pickups, the F-450. It comes with a blue-flame paint job that's carried through into the interior on the gauges. And, of course, it wouldn't be a Harley-Davidson edition F-Series if there weren't a plethora of commemorative badges on the truck to remind you.

Click above to view high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford FX-4 Cabela Edition

For those looking for a truck that is perhaps a bit more mild, Ford offers the Cabela edition FX-4. Cabela is an outdoor retailer that appeals to hunting and fishing types, so this co-branding deal puts Ford right in front of their faces. The Cabela edition FX-4 gets a two-tone paint scheme that can be ordered up in a number of colors, cloth seats, dark Paldeo wood trim and lockable storage units to hide your hunting rifle, fishing pole or whatever.

Ford has also announced the availability of new options for the Super Duty line like a spray-in bedliner called Tough Bed, SYNC, voice-activated nav system with SIRIUS Travel Link, and the Ford Work Solutions package.

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-450 Harley-Davidson

Gallery: 2009 Ford FX-4 Cabela Edition

Continue reading Ford officially reveals F-450 Harley-Davidson and F-X4 Cabela pickups

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Isuzu not interested in GM's medium-duty truck operations

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:35:00 EST

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Commercial Trucks, GM, GMC, Isuzu

It must be pretty hard to unload an unwanted truck business these days. Just ask General Motors, which has attempted to sell its medium-duty truck operations first to Navistar and then Isuzu. Both heavy-duty diesel makers have passed on the offer. Isuzu had been rumored as a possible buyer for the unit after Navistar let the non-binding agreement pass by unsigned. Now, Isuzu President Susumu Hosoi tells Reuters, "There will be no such acquisition happening" from his company either, suggesting that the market for heavy-duty trucks has not yet hit the bottom.

GM and Isuzu still have dealings together as the two companies jointly develop and build the Duramax engines that power the General's most powerful full-size trucks, SUVs and vans. This cooperation is expected to continue on as it has with neither Isuzu or GM buying out the other to gain full control of the operations.

[Source: Reuters]

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First Drive: 2009 Suzuki Equator

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Suzuki, First Drive

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Suzuki Equator

Suzuki has chosen a rather dubious time to enter the pickup truck market with the 2009 Equator. As you are surely aware, trucks and SUV sales are way down from their apogee a few years back, and small cars like the ones that have historically filled Suzuki showrooms are all the rage. So, why would the Japanese automaker even bother with a mid-sized pickup truck based on the Nissan Frontier? That's a good question, and we aimed to find out when we grabbed the keys to Team Yellow's first-ever real pickup contender in the U.S. Read on to see what the Suzuki Equator has to offer.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Suzuki Equator

All Photos (C) Copyright Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs Inc.

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Volkswagen unveils Concept Pickup, aka the Robust

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Volkswagen

Click above for high-res gallery of the VW Concept Pickup

Volkswagen's entry into the "one-ton" truck fray has officially hit the Web before its proper unveiling at the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show, and although it's only called the "Concept Pickup" for now, this spartan work truck is what consumers in South America and other emerging markets (not the U.S. and Europe) will likely know as the Robust when it goes into production In Pacheco, Argentina next year.

Blending V-Dub style with a profile reminiscent of the Honda Ridgeline, the double-cab concept is tarted up with SAR badges, a functional light bar and all the life-saving tools that you'd find in a coastal search-and-rescue-mobile, include a Baywatch-style "can" in the bed.

We're partial to the massive grille and deep air dam that spans the fascia, along with the bars flanking the bed and the incredibly production-ready interior. Both gasoline and diesel powerplants will be available when the production version goes on sale next year, and if it were 1995, we'd loved to see the VW pickup available in the U.S.

Gallery: Volkswagen Concept Pickup

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

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2009 Dodge Ram launches with incentives, 'RamBox' costs $1,895

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trucks/Pickups, Marketing/Advertising, Dodge

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Ram

In another obvious sign of the times, Dodge is launching its brand new and totally redesigned 2009 Ram half-ton pickup truck with incentives right out of the gate. Purchasers who only need a regular cab will get $500 off the Ram's base price of $22,170 before options while those looking to get a quad cab or crew cab will get double that amount off their new truck. We're sure that potential buyers won't be complaining, but it's a far cry from the 40% savings being offered on '08 Rams. We verified these numbers by using Dodge's online configuration tool, which does not yet allow you to order up the innovative RamBox option. That lockable storage unit is built right into the bed rail of the pickup and will reportedly run you $1,850. That seems pretty reasonable considering that Dodge is the only brand offering this type of storage solution. Still not sold? Did you know that a RamBox is nearly big enough to fit an adult man? Pretty cool, that. Expect to see the RamBox option come online in early November.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Ram

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

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Toyota considers building A-BAT truck, cancels small diesel

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Trucks/Pickups, Green, Toyota

Click above for more high-res images of the Toyota A-BAT Concept

Despite the fact that its full-sized truck competitors from Ford, General Motors and Dodge will all offer new small-displacement diesel engines within the next year or so, Toyota has reportedly canceled plans for a similar powertrain for its Tundra. Instead of dumping money into the stalled full-size market, the automaker has reportedly contacted key suppliers for quotes on systems for its radical A-BAT concept truck from the Detroit Auto Show. Powertrain choices for the trucklet would include a traditional four-cylinder option along with a hybrid drivetrain, possibly sourced from the Camry hybrid. If it went into production, the A-BAT would join the lonely Ford Ranger in the small pickup market and would use a uni-body platform in lieu of a full frame, which is standard fare on most other trucks. Then again, it may never be given the green-light for production at all.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Toyota A-BAT Concept

[Sources: PickupTrucks.com, Automotive News - sub. req'd]

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SEMA Preview: Performance West Group Ford F-350 Striker

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Tuners, Trucks/Pickups, Ford, Special/Limited Editions

Athletic governing bodies are coming down hard on steroids and HGH, which has probably led to a glut on the market. Performance West Group appears to have bought up the entire surplus and injected it into a Ford F-350 dually in order to create the Striker. Part pickup and part Ford Mustang GT500KR, the Striker will be intimidating other vehicles at this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas.

The greatest tuning minds of our generation are assisting PWG with the project. Gale Banks is tuning the PowerStroke V8 engine above its 350 hp and 650 lb-ft. Hulst Customs is fabricating the bodywork. American Lightweight will be providing the aluminum 24" wheels. Katzkin Leather and Sony are doing duty inside to make sure you enjoy what will surely be a monster system in beauteous comfort.

PWG will then drape the entire thing in Striker Silver and Badass Blue and then probably let it loose to kill things. The rationalist in us wants to ask "What the...?" The auto junkie in us wants to stick it in the driveway and let it reek of testosterone. And then transform into a Decepticon. Which means we can't wait for SEMA.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

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GM considering selling medium truck operations to Isuzu

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Isuzu, Rumormill

Reports are coming in that the General is considering selling its medium truck operations to Isuzu. This news is totally unconfirmed by both parties, though Isuzu says it would be more than willing to listen if GM felt the desire to talk.

All of this comes shortly after Navistar chose not to follow through on its non-binding agreement to purchase the commercial truck unit from General Motors after seeing what's been happening with the U.S. economy and gas prices. After that deal went sour, GM said that it would continue looking for options, so this particular piece of the rumormill pie is anything but surprising. We contacted GM to see if the automaker had anything to say regarding the hubbub, and, as expected, it's staying tight-lipped for the time being. An Isuzu tie-up makes some sense, as the two truck makers have had dealings together in the past, most notably in the design of GM's current mid-sized trucks, the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon.

[Source: Forbes]

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2009 Ford F-150 priced from $21,320

John Neff — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trucks/Pickups, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford F-150 XLT

There are advantages being the last automaker to debut its next-generation half-ton pickup, and Ford has taken advantage of watching its competitors roll out redone truck over the past few years. Being last to market means the Blue Oval can effectively undercut its competitors' pricing and offer more standard features, which is exactly what it's done for the 2009 F-150. Pricing begins at $21,320 for a two-wheel-drive XL Regular Cab model and climaxes at $44,860 for a loaded F-150 Platinum. According to PIckuptrucks.com, the base price of the '09 model is about $500 more than a 2008 XL model with a V6 and four-speed automatic at $20,845, but you get more standard features and all the advances that comes with the new truck. Ford also calls out Dodge by claiming a 2009 F-150 Lariat SuperCrew at $35,820 is more than $5,000 less than a comparably equipped 2009 Dodge Ram Laramie Crew Cab. And like we told you yesterday, the F-150 boasts the highest available towing capacity, highest payload capacity, and class-tying fuel economy with the new SFE model.

2009 FORD F-150

Series	MSRP Low $	MSRP High $	Features
XL	21,320	33,340	Air Conditioning, 4.6L 2V w/ 4-Spd Auto Trans (Reg Cab)
STX	24,120	31,365	4.6L 2V w/4 Spd Auto Trans (Reg Cab)
XLT	25,290	36,015	4.6L 2V w/4 Spd Auto Trans (Reg Cab)
FX4	34,605	38,315	6-Spd Auto Trans, Sirius Radio, Trailer Tow Package, 6-Way Power Driver Seat, Rear Defrost
Lariat	33,160	39,265	6-Spd Auto Trans, Sirius Radio, Trailer Tow Package, 10-Way Power Driver Seat and Passenger Seat, Heated Seats, SYNC, Power Pedals
King Ranch	39,815	43,260	6-Spd Auto Trans, Sirius Radio, Trailer Tow Package, 10-Way Power Driver Seat and Passenger Seat, Heated/Cooled Seats, SYNC, Power Pedals, Universal Garage Opener
Platinum	41,415	44,860	All New - Includes 20" Wheels, Power Deployable Running Boards, Unique interior/exterior, Heated/Cooled Seats w/flow through console, Rain Sensing Wipers

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150 XLT

Continue reading 2009 Ford F-150 priced from $21,320

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2009 Ford F-150 keeps max towing crown, adds fuel-efficient SFE model

John Neff — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trucks/Pickups, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford F-150 SFE

Ford has revealed more details on the 2009 F-150 this morning, and what we know so far is that engineers have gone to great lengths to make the new F-Series half-ton pickup achieve greater fuel economy, and the entire range has received an 8% improvement as a result. The V6 engine option has been dropped for '09, but Ford has paired a six-speed transmission with the truck's top motors to eke out even more mileage. According to Pickuptrucks.com, Ford will continue to offer a legacy two-valve version of the truck's 4.6L V8 paired with a four-speed automatic, which achieves the same 14/19 mpg rating as the outgoing V6-powered model. A new three-valve version of the 4.6L V8 is also available with Ford's new fuel-efficient 6R80 six-speed automatic, and the EPA rates a two-wheel-drive model of this pairing at 15/20.

In response to General Motors' recently unveiled fuel-efficient Chevy Silverado XFE and GMC Sierra XFE models, Ford will also be offering the F-150 SFE for 2009. Rated at 15/21 mpg, it matches the GM trucks in fuel economy but bests them in other areas. It can tow 500 lbs. more, doesn't need a tonneau cover and its chin spoiler can stay put when going off road. The F-150 SFE gets that extra highway mpg by using low rolling resistance tires, a 3.15:1 rear axle and other items shared with the F-150 lineup like best-in-class aerodynamics, open valve injection and more aggressive fuel shut-off when decelerating. However, you can only opt for the SFE package on XLT Supercrew models with the 4.6L V8 and 5.5-foot bed.

Finally, there's the matter of the Max Towing crown, which Ford claims to keep for 2009 thanks to the '09 F-150's class-leading tow capacity of 11,300 lbs and a hauling capacity of 3,030. No other full-size pickup from Chevy, GMC, Dodge or Toyota even exceeds 11,000 lbs. for 2009.

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150 SFE

[Source: Ford, Pickuptrucks.com]

Continue reading 2009 Ford F-150 keeps max towing crown, adds fuel-efficient SFE model

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