Ford is thinking about bringing back the F-100 name to a new mid-size truck that will be built on a more modified version of the F-150 platform. It will be close to 9/10th the size of the regular F-150 and will be built using aluminum in order to shave off even more weight. The F-100 – which actually share many of the same parts as the F-150 and will even be built on the same assembly line.

It is obvious that Ford is using this as a way to change with the new CAFÉ standards that state that light duty trucks must have a fleet average of 28.6 mpg by the year 2015. The fact that the new F-100 could be powered with a naturally aspirated V6 and V8, an EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, or even a fiesel is something that could help.

Now the question Ford has to ask them is what they will do with the Ranger when they have released the F-100. That might depend on how well it is selling at the time.

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The US auto major, that does not command a good share in the Indian auto market, is gearing up for a larger play as it pumps in a fresh $500 million to enter the volume-driven small car segment and construct a fully-integrated and flexible engine manufacturing plant by 2010.

Boneham stated that Ford is making plans to enlarge the distribution network ahead of the small car launch date. He went on to say that the company might be planning to release more than one model in this particular segment.

He said Ford would be staying true to a policy of integration of its local operations with global vehicle platforms. “Ford is changing perspective towards global platforms. We are looking at global platforms to make them part of the India strategy,” he said.

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When you compare the Ford Focus that is being sold in the U.S. and the Focus ST in the UK it makes you wonder what they did to get so lucky. The Focus ST has a brilliant design and comes equipped with all of the essentials a Ford consumer looks for in a car.

The standard engine for the ST has been replaced with a turbocharged 2.5 liter that can push out 223 horsepower. Its six-speed stick allows the ST to accelerate from 0-62 in only 6.8 seconds. As if that wasn’t good to hear Ford went on to brag that the ST was also able to lap the Nordschleife in only 8:35.

The exterior of the vehicle is equipped with 18” wheels, is available in racing stripes, and comes with the standard body kit. The interior of the vehicle has been given a psh-button starter (for a fast getaway) and Recaro seating. There are three trim levels available and each one delivers a level of comfort.

It is sad to think that the U.S. Focus may never get the looks or options that the Brits are getting to enjoy.

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The “Black Magic” edition will come with 17” alloy wheels that have been mounted to a sport suspension, tinted headlights, and fog lamps. The interior of the vehicle will have black leather and will be bundled with a Bluetooth/MP3 compatible stereo, a wind deflector, and parking sensors. There will only be 1500 of the “Black Magic” car available in Europe. Consumers will have a choice between the 2 liter engine that runs on diesel or gasoline.

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Jim Farley – Ford’s marketing boss – debuted the Raptor – which sported a Ford embossed front grille. In order to show the kind of power it has they brought along a video of it tearing through the desert.

The Raptor has been equipped with a 6.2 liter V8 “BOSS” engine that will produce 380 horsepower, maybe more. The long travel shocks for the Raptor have been given a full 12” of travel and were built by Fox Racing especially for this truck. Needless to say Ford is pumped up about the new F-150 Raptor and it seemed that the dealerships were just as happy about it.

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At least we had hoped that they would have been. It seems that Ford might be bringing back the faux wood paneling on to the new Ford Flex. This photo of the new Flex was taken by one of the many spy photographers.

It looks like Ford was serious when they said that they wanted to ‘redefine’ the look of the Flex – but we think that this might not be their best idea. Let’s hope this is just a way to kick us off their scent.

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That is why they have chosen to crash test one and then to display it and show off its five star frontal and side crash test ratings that it received from the National Highway Safety Administration.

Taurus is not just going to let you look at the exterior – but will give you a chance to sit inside and see for yourself how safe and untouched you would be if you were in an accident. You can see from the picture just how well the car has done after it has been crashed.

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It is obvious that Ford derived its design and look for the Fiesta from the Verve concept. Ford showed off the three door Fiesta in the green color and the five foor in the magenta color. We have heard rumors that the American production version will be a four door sedan.

This new Ford Fiesta was bigger and better than what we had hoped for. It is definitely one of the better replacements that Ford has built. They have combined the right style with the power of a typical consumer vehicle making it perfect for your average working American.

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These trim levels will all start off with a price tag higher than $30,000. Ford built the Flex as a six to seven seater CUV that will come in front wheel drive or all wheel drive configurations. The AWD Flex Limited is expected to be $37,255 before any of the special options have been added on to it.

Ford is taking a big risk with this pricing and is hoping that all of the marketing that they have been working on for weeks will pay off in the end. They will depend on that and the satisfactions of their customers to get them through this and to kick start the 2009 Flex into a vehicle worth having.

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Ford’s exclusive contract to the Windows CE 6.0 Auto technology will be up later in the year – which means that other automakers can get their chance to climb on board and introduce it to their customers. Microsoft sees the potential and the way that the SYNC helps to sell cars for automakers. After all consumers want the latest technology. It looks like Ford will have to expect some competition when this happens.

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