2008
FORD LINE UP — CARS
 Four
distinct models make up the 2008 Ford
car fleet. The flagship Five Hundred sedan
has been recreated, with more than 500
enhancements, as the Taurus. A smaller-sized
variation is also offered as the Fusion.
The sporty Mustang returns in coupe and
convertible variations as the Carroll
Shelby. Also, the Ford Special Vehicle
Team forges a contemporary successor to
that 60s-era Mustang muscle car —
the Shelby GT500. Additionally, Ford's
subcompact series Focus shows bold new
sheetmetal designs and cutting-edge technologies
in a revamped cabin.
 Taurus
The Taurus badge goes to Ford's top sedan,
which has the body of a mid-size model
with the cabin of a big car. It now features
high-riding seats for five, plus loads
of new luxury gear. The Taurus offers
front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive
(AWD) traction modes, and all versions
stock a more powerful V6 engine, now pushing
263 horsepower with a six-speed automatic
transaxle. Trims consist of the deluxe
SEL and top-flight Limited. Seat-mounted
side air bags, Ford's Safety Canopy curtain-style
side air bags, a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) and the AdvanceTrac electronic
anti-skid device are additional safety
features.
 Fusion
Ford's mid-size sedan fits nicely between
the smaller Focus and larger Taurus. Styling
is keen, particularly at the prow, with
Fusion's bold three-bar grille and projector-beam
headlamps. In the five-seat cabin, Fusion
offers three trims including the base
S, SE and SEL. There are two engines available
for the model, the 2.3-liter, four-cylinder
or 3.0-liter V6. The four-pack makes 160
horsepower and ties to a five-speed manual
or five-speed automatic. The V6, with
221 horsepower, uses a six-speed automatic.
For added safety, curtain-style air bags,
anti-lock brakes and a TPMS are standard
on all 2008 editions, and a Reverse Sensing
System is available as an add on.
 Focus
Ford's subcompact scores a new design
with a front chrome-bar grille and flared
wheel arches on flanks. The series splits
into a four-door sedan and two-door coupe,
available in S, SE and SES tirms. The
redesigned cabin adds Ice Blue lighting
washing instruments, console, steering
wheel and door switches. Ford Sync is
an optional add on with voice-activated
control over in-vehicle phones, media
players and USB storage devices. Two,
four-cylinder engines add spark to the
Focus model. The 2.0-liter base plant
musters 140 horsepower, while a super-clean
Duratec 20E engine nets 130 horsepower
and qualifies the Focus for Partial Zero
Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) rank.
 Mustang
Ford's pony car, riding on a rear-wheel-drive
(RWD) chassis, is a sporty two-door hardtop
coupe or convertible. Ford builds the
sportster in two trims. The Mustang V6
stocks a 4.0-liter plant pumping 210 horsepower,
while the Mustang GT pulls from a 4.6-liter,
aluminum V8 that reaches 300 horsepower.
Special editions are also available this
year including the Mustang GT California
Special with unique fascias and door stripes,
and the Warriors in Pink Mustang supporting
the Susan G. Komen for the Cure's 25th
anniversary. New gear ranges from standard
side-impact air bags to optional high-intensity
discharge (HID) headlamps to 18-inch wheels
for the V6 coupe.
 Shelby
Mustang
Mustang's performance models, the Shelby
Mustangs, are named after racing legend
Caroll Shelby. To mark the 40th anniversary
of the original "King of the Road"
Shelby Mustang, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR
is the most powerful production Mustang
ever thanks to a 5.4-liter V8 supercharged
to achieve 540 horsepower. The body, inspired
from classic Shelby KR Mustangs, shows
a carbon composite hood, unique striping
and 18-inch wheels. Also new is the 2008
Mustang Shelby GT conformed as a coupe
or convertible. It packs a 4.6-liter V8
modified with Ford Racing Performance
Parts, generating 319 horsepower.
For
more information on Ford
cars.
|
