Car Preview : 2008 Ford Taurus

Automotive News

Ford’s first Five Hundred attempt misjudged the marketplace by assuming that advanced transmissions, unique seating and available all-wheel-drive would trump the desire for raw engine power and sophisticated, cutting-edge styling. Making just 203 horses, the old engine always felt as if it was catching up via the expansive transmission ratios. The addition of 57 horsepower under the hood of the 2008 Ford Taurus will be a welcome improvement, as will the new sheetmetal and styling characteristics along with standard side and curtain rollover airbags. With a 5-star safety Gold Award from IIHS, the Taurus now looks and acts the part as a Ford flagship sedan.

The 2008 Ford Taurus is very significant to Ford’s current and future success. Every new Ford product is essential to its North American “Way Forward” turnaround plan. During the heyday of the original Taurus, Ford had the best-selling family sedan in the United States. But Japanese competition marginalized the Taurus, which ceased production in the fall of 2006. It is the job of this new version, along with the smaller Fusion, to regain the sales volumes of the once-iconic Taurus.

An improved powertrain motivates the 2008 Ford Taurus. Its new 3.5-liter Duratec V6 engine yields 260 horsepower, a substantial improvement compared with the previous 3.0-liter V6’s output of 203 hp. A new six-speed automatic transmission has been tailored for efficiency, and the Taurus achieves a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) rating in states that follow California’s strict emissions guidelines, the first V6 to earn the PZEV rating. The CVT has been dropped. Ford has also revised the Taurus's front shock towers, allowing for 10 mm more travel. New front springs and dampers combine with an upgraded rear suspension for a more luxurious ride. Fuel Efficient Power Steering (FEPS) varies power steering boost, maximizing effectiveness and economy.

The new 2008 Ford Taurus reflects updated styling sensibilities seen – and celebrated – in the smaller Ford Fusion. The Taurus receives entirely new sheetmetal from the windshield forward. The highlight is Ford’s three-bar chrome grille that aligns with new headlights that define the front fascia’s crisp and modern appearance. New smaller and lower-mounted side mirrors improve visibility while reducing wind noise. Revised rear styling includes new, attractive taillights. Inside, a new 2-tier clamshell console brings creative stowage. Limited models are accented in chrome throughout, including on the door handles, side vents and license plate décor strip.

A tall, “Command Seating” stance makes entry and egress on the 2008 Ford Taurus SUV-like and also aids down-the-road visibility. Inside, the front passenger seat folds flat and the rear seats split 60/40 for creative stowage solutions of items up to 9 ft. long or just gobs of gear. Ford says the Taurus has best-in-class front and rear leg room, and noise levels in the spacious interior are reduced 5 percent, easing conversation and adding relaxation to the drive. The new, two-tier center console has hide-away storage in the lower compartment. A new steering wheel design moves the front airbag further away from the driver to help reduce unnecessary injury.

Ford says the 2008 Ford Taurus blends the Five Hundred's existing positive traits with improvements in the areas where it was most needed. Ford boasts that it still has the most expansive interior in its class, with impressive front and rear leg room and standard safety features, a 60/40 folding rear seat and a fold-flat front seat. “(Taurus) has a strong reputation for safety, quality and comfort,” said Cisco Codina, group vice president of North American Marketing, Sales and Service. “With a more distinct look, new features and a completely new powertrain, the (Taurus) will be even more appealing.”

New Car Review : 2008 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson

Automotive News

Ford refers to the latest version of the Harley-Davidson F-150 as "the most powerful factory F-Series truck ever." Even better news: The 2008 Harley pickup will be joined early next year by an equally potent sibling, the 2008 F-150 Foose Edition.

The 2008 Harley F-150 comes as a SuperCrew 4x2 or AWD. Exterior paint schemes include monochromatic black with a custom beltline stripe or two-tone black and vintage copper.

Other features include 22-inch polished forged aluminum wheels, chrome dual exhaust tips, blacked-out headlamps, chrome billet grille and lower front valance, body-color bumpers and door handles, brushed stainless steel pedals, two-tone leather interior trim and piano black accents.

Buyers can choose from a standard 300-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 or, on the 4x2 model only, a Saleen-modified supercharged 5.4 that delivers 450 hp and 500 pound-feet of torque.

The same engine powers the F-150 Foose Edition, first seen earlier this year at the 2007 New York Auto Show. A limited number of Foose Edition trucks will be built under license by the Tecstar Automotive Group, a division of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide.

The Foose Edition is based on the F-150 FX2 Sport model, with 22-inch wheels, flared fenders, Eibach springs and Sachs shocks, among other Chip Foose-specified goodies.

Ford's Future Global Compacts Will Converge

Ford's Future Global Compacts Will Converge

The Ford Motor Company's chief executive, Alan Mulally, has been pitching his "One Ford" global strategy to fellow executives as well as the financial community. But what exactly does that mean? For starters, it could bring together all the various permutations of the Ford Focus on a common platform when the next-generation models begin arriving in 2010-'11. Suppliers familiar with Ford's latest battle plan say the company's European operation is developing a future compact-vehicle platform known internally as C2. The new architecture will underpin replacements for the European, American and Chinese versions of the Focus, they say. All could share common designs and sheet metal, although each version will be specifically tailored for the local market.

Currently, the U.S.-built Focus sits on an aging platform known internally as C170, while overseas editions of the Focus are built on the more modern Europe-engineered C1. The C1 platform also provides the base for a number of products from various Ford subsidiaries, including the Mazda 3 and the Volvo C30, C70, S40 and V50.

The redesigned Focus for the U.S. is due in early 2011 and likely will be badged as a 2012 model.

When the newer C2 platform is introduced in global markets, it will also support the next-generation C-Max crossover, which suppliers say will be marketed for the first time in the U.S. in model-year 2012. The tall wagon likely will be built in Mexico and should arrive in U.S. dealerships in the spring of 2011, about the same time as the new Focus sedan.

Ford has a contingency plan to shift the next-generation Escape, also due in model year 2012, to the new C2 platform. While the Mercury Mariner likely will be phased out, there is a provision to add an upscale Lincoln variant of the Escape in 2012 to compete with such premium compact SUVs as the Acura RDX.

Automotive News : Jaguar Bidders Come out of the Woodwork

Ford's ongoing auction of its Jaguar and Land Rover subsidiaries appears to be attracting widespread interest, including potential bids from some intriguing quarters. European reports said Russian oligarch and would-be auto magnate Oleg Deripaska plans to submit a bid for the two British brands — and might also be interested in acquiring Volvo, which Ford has not yet formally put on the block.

Deripaska controls Russian automaker GAZ, which builds the Volga sedan, and is a shareholder in Canadian parts supplier Magna, which last month saw its bid to acquire Chrysler trumped by private-equity firm Cerberus. In India, the Hindustan Times reported that local automaker Tata may begin due diligence next week on acquiring Ford's British brands. Tata builds heavy trucks as well as a family of low-priced compact cars.

Another Indian automaker, Mahindra & Mahindra, which for long has had ties to Ford, also has expressed an interest in acquiring Jaguar and Land Rover.

Car Review Ford Shelby GT- H Mustang Convertible

The new GT-H Mustang Convertible project is part of the Ford-Shelby GT-H ‘Rent-a-Racer’ program that was initiated in 2006. The new version of the Ford Mustang GTs will be soon available from the Hertz Fun Collection through their selected dealers at Arizona, California, Colorado, and Hawaii towards the end of the year. The 2008 Convertible’s exterior appearance resembles the 2006 Shelby GT-H Mustang Coupe. However, the blackish exterior will be modified with the ‘Le Man’ sporty stripes and ‘Shelby GT-H’ rocker stripes. It will be provided with a unique hood and front fascia. The hood will feature the running horse emblem on a brushed aluminum grille. The front fascia will be featured with integrated lower grille and a set of body side scoops.

The 2008 Convertible will be powered with major engine modifications. The Power Pack offer from the Ford Racing Performance Group, combined with the Ford Racing Handling Pack will make the Ford-Shelby GT-H power train the best of its category sports cars. The 4.6L V-8 five-speed automatic transmission will yield a 319-horsepower output. Added to this engine features are the special-tuned dampers, lowering springs, sway bars and a strut tower base. The new rear axle assembly features an extra off-the-line acceleration.

Ford and Shelby will produce 500 units of the 2008 Convertible in the beginning exclusively for Hertz. Thus the muscular 2008 Convertible will offer a new sporting experience to the fans of Hertz and will open a new arena of thrilling racing experience.

New Car Review Ford Surprises With Second-Quarter Profit

Ford Motor Company surprised Wall Street analysts, reversing a string of six quarterly losses with a profit of $750 million in the second quarter. The sale of Aston Martin earlier this year swelled the bottom line by nearly $500 million. Excluding that "special item," the company earned $258 million on continuing operations, including a pretax profit of $112 million at its Ford Credit financing arm.

A year ago, Ford lost $317 million in the second quarter. Revenue for the quarter totaled $44 billion, up 6 percent from the same period in 2006, despite lower unit sales. Ford attributed the increase to currency exchange rates, a richer model mix, and "net pricing improvements."

The automaker said it recorded "significant year-over-year improvement [in] all automotive operations," thanks in part to ongoing cost reductions totaling $600 million in the quarter and $1.1 billion in the first half.

During the most recent financial crunch, Ford has been burning through cash at a furious rate, prompting the company last fall to establish a new credit line with its lenders. At the end of June, the company said it had access to more than $37 billion, including cash, loans and other assets.

As expected, Ford confirmed that it is pursuing the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover, adding that it is "conducting a strategic review of Volvo that likely will conclude prior to year-end."

Ford To Build the Focus in Australia

Just a week after announcing plans to close its six-cylinder engine plant, Ford Australia has announced it will build the European four-cylinder Focus at its Broadmeadows Assembly Plant on the outskirts of Melbourne starting in 2011. Some 300 new jobs will be created by the decision to build 40,000 Focus cars a year for domestic sale and export to South Africa, New Zealand and other markets. Both gasoline and diesel versions of the Focus will be built here, using imported engines and transmissions. Panels will be produced by Ford in Australia, and other components will be sourced from local manufacturers.

Currently, Ford Australia imports the fully built-up Focus from South Africa. A revised version of the Focus was launched in Australia two weeks ago. The latest announcement, as well as the decision to stop six-cylinder engine manufacture at Ford's Geelong plant, reflects Australia's changing automotive market, with a shift to smaller, more fuel-efficient four-cylinder cars and away from the traditional large six-cylinder models.


Announcing the Focus manufacturing plan, Ford Australia President Tom Gorman said 15,000 of the Focus cars to be built each year at Broadmeadows will be for export, more than doubling the number that Ford Australia ships overseas now.

Ford Kuga Preview

Ford of Europe will unveil a new crossover vehicle, the Ford Kuga, at the Frankfurt auto show in September. The Kuga is based on the iosis X concept from the 2006 Paris Auto Show. The new model communicates Ford's new "kinetic design" philosophy, the automaker says.

The Ford Kuga is a compact five-door 4x4. It is set for production early next year at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany and will go on sale next spring. Ford released a sketch but no technical details about the new model.

The iosis X concept that came out last year was presented as an example of an "energy in motion" design aesthetic. At its debut in Paris, Ford of Europe President John Fleming promised it was the harbinger of a soon-to-appear niche market vehicle for Ford in Europe. Before that, Ford had shown an iosis concept at the Frankfurt auto show in 2005

Review of Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe 2007

New sedan from ford launched by the year 2007 is called Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe. hardly suited for you having soul young and full of challenge

Specification of standart this car as follows :

• Driver Airbag With Spreading stroke, Step Double Field
  
• Frontage Moves 316-mm X 30-mm Vented Disc and Rear Power 300-mm X 19-mm Vented Disc Brakes
• Radio Antenna;
• 46L V8, 24 valves, 300 hp @ 5750 rpm
• 5 manual speed ( directive) or 5 automatic speed transmission
• 17 towns mpg / 25 mpg hwy
• values /load of maximum : 58

New Release in 2007 Ford Five Hundred Trims

2007 Fords Five Hundreds Summaries

New product from Ford launched by the year 2007 is very attractive and hardly suited for small family of urban. 2007 Five Hundred is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, be available in 4 trim, ranges from SEL FWD to Limited AWD.

For recognizance, FWD CELL equiped with a 30-liter which standard, V6, 203-horsepower machine that reaching 21-mpg in the town and 29-mpg in roadway. An automatic transmission that 6-speed by means of … velocity adder is directive. Limited AWD equiped with a 30-liter which standard, V6, 203-horsepower machine that reaching 19-mpg in the town and 25-mpg in roadway. a variable quickens automatic transmission by means of … velocity adder is directive.

2007 Five Hundred is a carryover out of 2006. New Release in 2007 Ford Five Hundred Trims, 4 Available

Ford Australia Says I6 Engine Out, New V6 Coming in for 2010

Ford Australia has announced that its Falcon will have a new V6 engine in 2010, the Duratec 35, also known as the Cyclone, which went into production in the U.S. late last year and is already in use in Lincoln-Mercury's MKZ. That news lines up with the announcement that Ford is stopping production of its inline six-cylinder engine in Australia.

The automaker called the moves "a new engine direction." Curtains for Ford Australia's long-serving, trusty inline six-cylinder power plant will mean the loss of about 600 jobs at the automaker's Geelong engine plant. The engine, in various forms of development, has been built at Geelong for more than 40 years. The incoming V6 will be imported from the U.S.

The main driver for the change in engine strategy is the continued drop in demand for locally built large six-cylinder cars and the need to comply with the Euro IV emissions standards that will be introduced for locally made cars in July 2010. The inline-6's cast-iron engine block takes longer to reach operating temperatures than an aluminum block, making it difficult for the engine to meet emissions standards.

The all-aluminum Duratec V6 was selected from several engine options available in the Ford world to power future Falcon and Territory models. It comes in a range of sizes and specifications and was named by Ward's as one of the 10 best engines available in the U.S. this year.

Ford Edges Closer to Volvo Sale

Ford appears to be ready to put the last of its Premier Automotive Group brands on the block, with Swedish subsidiary Volvo Car expected to fetch as much as $8 billion.

A report in the Sunday Times in the U.K. that Ford is preparing to sell Volvo triggered a global media feeding frenzy, including at least one official response from the U.S. automaker that it was not yet conducting negotiations with prospective suitors.

The potential spinoff of Volvo follows the sale earlier this year of Aston Martin to a group of private-equity investors and more recent discussions with bidders for British brands Jaguar and Land Rover, which Ford appears to be packaging together for a sale.

Among the companies said to be interested in pursuing Volvo are BMW and Renault.

Volvo, like Land Rover, is profitable, earning several hundred million dollars for its parent last year, according to European analysts.

But one stumbling block could be the significant integration of Volvo's product lines and R&D activities into Ford's corporate system. Virtually all Volvo vehicles now share components extensively with Ford models in Europe and North America.

Further, Volvo is among the assets that Ford pledged last year as collateral in securing a $23 billion revolving credit line intended to provide the Blue Oval with sufficient working capital to weather its ongoing financial crisis.

Ford bought Volvo Car in 1999 for $6.5 billion from Swedish truckmaker AB Volvo.

The sale of Jaguar and Land Rover is expected to bring up to $2 billion, analysts estimate. Initial bids are due this week.

Ford Crown Victoria

Car Specification:
Ford's traditional full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan saw only modest changes for the 2007 model year. An AM/FM stereo with CD player and a remote keyless entry system are now standard on all models, and a perimeter alarm system and daytime running lamps are available. Exterior colors include two new choices, Norsea Blue Pearl Clearcoat Metallic and Driftwood Beige Clearcoat Metallic.

Ford has simplified the Crown Victoria lineup for 2007, now offering just two trim levels, standard and LX. A new LX performance package includes several features found in the discontinued LX Sport model, including the 239-horsepower V-8 engine. Heavy-duty Crown Victorias for police and taxi use come in standard or extended-wheelbase form.

Exterior
Styling features include wide door openings, wraparound aero headlights and color-keyed bodyside moldings. Riding a 114.6-inch wheelbase, the four-door sedan is 212 inches long overall and 58.3 inches tall.
The standard sedan has 16-inch steel wheels, while the LX sedan features 16-inch, nine-spoke alloy wheels. The new LX performance package features 17-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels and a body-colored grille.
Solar-tinted glass is standard, and optional laminated front side glass reduces outside noise and filters out most ultraviolet rays.

Interior
Five or six people fit inside the Crown Victoria, depending on whether bench or bucket seats are installed up front. An overhead console is standard in the LX. The sedan's trunk holds 20.6 cubic feet of cargo, and a trunk organizer and power moonroof are optional.Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt steering column, an AM/FM stereo with CD, an eight-way power driver's seat, and power windows, locks and mirrors. Electronic climate control is installed in the LX sedan. The new LX performance package adds power bucket seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and floor-mounted gearshift lever. Power-adjustable pedals, a six-disc CD changer and heated side mirrors are optional.

Under the Hood
The Crown Victoria's 4.6-liter V-8 produces 224 hp and 272 pounds-feet of torque and drives a four-speed automatic transmission. Optional all-speed traction control uses the antilock braking system and throttle intervention to manage wheelspin. The new LX performance package features a 239-hp version of the V-8 and a dual exhaust system.

Safety
All-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and dual front airbags are standard. A dual-rate brake booster applies full braking power automatically in a panic stop. Side-impact airbags are optional.

Driving Impressions
Though the past two model years have seen the introduction of other rear-drive models, relatively few choices are available for drivers who seek rear-drive motoring at a moderate cost. Fortunately, the Crown Vic yields a generally pleasant experience, led by an easygoing ride. As long as you don't expect sharp handling, this sedan can be a sensible purchase, though it's bigger than most people need.

• crown vic cost of insurance
  

Ford's Global RWD Range Aimed at GM

The Ford Motor Company plans to challenge crosstown rival General Motors with a new family of rear-wheel-drive coupes and sedans, but the first of the new U.S. cars aren't expected to hit the street until model-year 2012.

IL has learned that Ford's Australian subsidiary will do much of the initial engineering work on the new rear-drive architecture — in effect, borrowing a page from GM's playbook. The General's Holden subsidiary likewise is leading the engineering on GM's new Zeta rear-drive family.

Why Australia? Because the product development teams at both automakers have broad experience at developing rear-drive vehicles, including performance editions of standard production models.

Ford of Australia is preparing to launch a redesigned Falcon sedan in early 2008 and already has begun development work on the next-generation Falcon, which will continue with rear-wheel drive. Now, top executives at Ford headquarters in Dearborn want to expand that work to encompass derivatives for North America and perhaps Europe.

Ford suppliers know the future architecture generically as the "global large rear-wheel-drive vehicle platform."

Ford's plan for its new RWD/AWD range is relatively modest.

For North America, it is expected to include replacements for the Mustang, the Crown Victoria, the Grand Marquis and the Town Car. For Australia, there will be replacements for the Falcon, Fairlane and LTD sedans. There may also be a new rear-drive flagship sedan for Ford of Europe.

Ford may even develop a car-based replacement for its Explorer SUV, using the new architecture, while its Australian arm will likely base the next-generation Territory tall wagon on the same component set.

Ford's new RWD/AWD platform is being engineered to accommodate both V6 and V8 engines, including the new twin-turbo gasoline direct-injection TwinForce power plants that are being developed in Dearborn, as well as the company's new dual-clutch, six-speed PowerShift transmission. Among the TwinForce engines reportedly under development are a 3.5-liter V6 and a 5.0-liter V8.

The first of the new RWD/AWD vehicles for North America are expected to reach production in calendar-year 2011, according to suppliers, and would likely be marketed as 2012 models.

A prospective successor to the Crown Victoria could draw styling inspiration from the Ford Interceptor concept that made its debut earlier this year at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, according to Ford insiders. The Interceptor was built from scratch, on a cobbled-up derivative of the Mustang platform, but its design cues point the way to a big Ford sedan of the future — it could be called Galaxie — that could function, in different guises and with different powertrain teams, as both family hauler and performance car.

Replacements for the Crown Vic, Grand Marquis and Town Car can't come too soon. The current cars are virtually dinosaurs, even by Detroit standards. They are built on a rear-drive platform code-named Panther that dates to model-year 1979.

IL Insider: 2009 Ford F-Series

The Ford Motor Company will spend an estimated $1.7 billion to overhaul its F-series pickups for model-year 2009.

It's not a full ground-up redesign, but the 2009 F-150 will get a bold new face with the Blue Oval's signature three-bar grille as well as revised side panels and rear end. Perhaps the biggest change is a much larger crew-cab variant, which is getting a 6-inch stretch and a fold-flat rear seat, IL has learned.

Developed under the code name P415, the '09 F-series may be shortchanged in the powertrain department, according to suppliers, who say Ford won't have either a diesel engine or a gasoline V6 available when the revised trucks begin production about 12 months from now.

Ford is developing its own 330-horsepower 4.4-liter turbodiesel V8 for the F-series, but insiders say the engine may not be ready until model-year 2011. A gasoline V6 isn't expected until model-year 2010.

Also delayed is the much-ballyhooed "Boss" 6.2-liter V8 (known earlier by the code name "Hurricane"). The big 425-hp gasoline V8, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and earmarked especially for commercial users, has been pushed back until model-year 2011, according to suppliers. The engine is expected to employ such advanced technology as twin turbochargers, direct injection and cylinder deactivation, to provide the optimum combination of performance and fuel economy.

When the face-lifted F-series is introduced in fall 2008, only three gasoline V8s are expected to be offered: two- and three-valve versions of the 4.6-liter V8 and a three-valve 5.4-liter V8.

Although Ford currently offers a 355-hp 6.8-liter gasoline V10 and a 325-hp 6.0-liter PowerStroke diesel from Navistar International as options in its Super Duty pickups, neither engine fits into the light-duty F150.

The new F-series will be available in three body styles: regular cab, extended cab and crew cab. The four-door model is said to be roomier than the Dodge Ram Mega Cab and larger than the Toyota Tundra Crew Max.

The F-series cabin gets an extensive makeover, with new instrument panels, consoles, seats and door trim. Ford's truck interiors continue to move upscale in appointments and quality, and the '09 model should raise the bar a bit further.

Industry watchers expect to see the 2009 F-series officially break cover in January at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

2008 Ford Mustang Seats Will Be Soy-Based Foam

Ford has announced that it will use soybean-based foam cushions, co-developed with Lear Corp., in the 2008 Mustang. The automaker says the move will "eventually" save "thousands of barrels of oil" that are traditionally used to make petroleum-based foam for vehicle seats.

The soy-containing seatbacks and cushions will be installed in the Mustang at the Flat Rock (Michigan) Mazda-Ford Auto Alliance International assembly plant. Ford says this is the industry's first use of the soy-based flexible foam. However, the automaker also notes that it has a history of using soy in vehicles that goes back to the Model T — which had 60 pounds' worth of soy in its paint and molded plastic parts.

Ford and Lear began the partnership to explore the commercial use of soy in vehicles in 2004. They say the reduced need for petroleum-based products is one advantage; others are reduced CO2 emissions, up to 24 percent renewable content and lower energy needed to produce the material.

Initial Bids Due for Jaguar/Land Rover Sale

The Ford Motor Company reportedly has set July 19 as the deadline for prospective bidders to submit initial proposals to acquire the automaker's Jaguar and Land Rover brands.

According to the Financial Times, bids are expected to come primarily from private-equity firms rather than other automakers.

Both brands are part of Ford's Premier Automotive Group and are based in the U.K. Land Rover is said to be increasingly profitable, while Jaguar continues to lose hundreds of millions of dollars.

The two brands share management and product development resources, as well as a number of components, including powertrains.

The newspaper said prospective bidders include Cerberus Capital Management, which is in the process of acquiring the Chrysler Group from DaimlerChrysler; Ripplewood Holdings, which is run by former executives of General Motors and Chrysler; and One Equity Partners, with former Ford CEO Jac Nasser on its management roster.

It was Nasser who masterminded the creation of the Premier Automotive Group, which now is in the process of being dismantled by current Ford CEO Alan Mulally as part of his focus on reviving the Blue Oval in North America.

New Engine, New Face and New Name

Unveiled earlier this year at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, the 2008 Ford Taurus X has begun reaching U.S. dealers, with executives keeping their fingers crossed that the updated seven-passenger crossover can power past its underachieving predecessor.

The tall wagon started life three years ago as the Freestyle, a companion to the Ford Five Hundred sedan. Both models have been rebadged and reworked for model-year 2008, resurrecting the familiar Taurus nameplate in an attempt to connect with Ford's past successes.

Choice of name aside, the Taurus X gets several critical upgrades, including a new front face that ties it directly to the Ford Edge, the company's popular midsize crossover. More important is a heart transplant: The Taurus X sheds the anemic 3.0-liter V6 in favor of the Edge's 3.5-liter unit, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The difference in output and acceleration is remarkable. The new 3.5 delivers 263 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque, versus 203 hp and 207 lb-ft for the outgoing 3.0 V6. Ford says the Taurus X has 44 percent quicker acceleration, thanks to the new powertrain combination.

Naturally, the Taurus X has garnered five-star safety ratings, thanks to such standard hardware as electronic stability and traction control and side curtain airbags.

Prices, of course, have risen. The base front-wheel-drive Taurus X SEL starts at $27,365, compared with $26,670 for the equivalent '07 Freestyle, while the top-of-the-line Taurus X Limited AWD stickers at $32,500, compared with last year's $31,805-range-topping Freestyle Limited AWD.

Launched: 2008 Ford Focus

Ford Motor Company has released details on the 2008 Focus, which has been extensively overhauled for the upcoming model year.

Among the more drastic changes, Ford has dropped the Focus hatchback and wagon. For 2008, the only body styles available are a sedan and, for the first time, a two-door coupe.

The Focus gets revamped sheet metal, including a front end that borrows some styling cues from the larger Fusion sedan. The cabin also gets a major makeover, with new seats, instrument panel and center stack, including an iPod jack and a USB port to sync cell phones and other digital devices. A white-face instrument cluster is available on SES and SE Deluxe trim levels. A new feature is a color-configurable interior ambient lighting system — an evolution of the system first introduced on the 2005 Mustang.

Ford said it has upgraded the suspension on the 2008 Focus to provide better driving dynamics, with revised spring rates, shocks, stabilizer bars and bushings. Brakes also have been improved.

The top engine is a twincam 2.0-liter four-cylinder, with output nudged to 140 horsepower. Five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions are offered.

Side airbags and side curtains are standard equipment for the new Focus.

Ford Introduces Zero-Percent Loans on 2007 Models

The Ford Motor Company has announced it is offering zero-percent, 36-month loans on every 2007 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury model. Consumers who buy a truck or SUV will also get $2,007 cash back.

The Ford deals end on July 9, at the same time that General Motors ends its summer incentive program that is tied in with the release of the Transformers movie.

The Ford program is surprising in that it includes such popular models as the Shelby Mustangs and the Harley-Davidson F-150. The Ford Edge, which took home top honors today in the J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study, gets zero-percent financing but not the rebate. Ford said the Freestyle, E-Series vans and Lincoln MKX are not part of the $2,007 bonus cash offer, either.