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Couple test-driving a Ford F-150 accidentally crushes into Mercury Milan sedans 
Either the universe is expediting the demise of Mercury or somebody just got a case of massive panic, although this dealership accident may prove that both scenarios were working hand-in-hand. Whatever the case may be, a couple looking to make a Ford F-150 pick-up truck purchase were about to test drive a unit when things took a (reverse) turn for the worse. Thinking that he was all set to go, the driver mistakenly put the pick-up in reverse only to realize what he had done a second too late. In his panic, the driver accidentally pushed the gas pedal, causing the truck to drive straight into not just one, but two Mercury Milan sedans that were parked in front of the F-150. Emergency crews were quick on the scene to help the shell-shocked couple out of the truck where, fortunately, both came out unscathed. According to KABC, all three vehicles were heavily damaged as a result of the accident, although there’s no word on whether the couple who made the trip to the dealership to test out the F-150 would have to pay for the two Milan sedans they accidentally wrecked as a result of the mishap. We’re not ones for letting incidences like this go without so much as a fine, but considering that these are Mercurys - who really buys them these days? - we’d let this one pass. Besides, the driver didn’t mean to do it so we’ll chalk this one up to the universe accelerating the inevitability of Mercury’s demise. 2010 Ford F-150 VelociRaptor 600 by HennesseyIf the Hennessey tuned-Ford F-150 VelociRaptor 500 isn’t powerful enough for you, then you’re in luck. Somehow, Hennessey shares the same sentiments and have thus decided to give their mountain of a truck its own big brother. In this video, we are given the first look at the new tuned-up 6.2-liter V8 Raptor that is reported to produce over 605 horsepower and 622 lb/ft of torque. Those figures, if you didn’t know, are a jump over the VelociRaptor 500’s output of 501 horsepower and 520 lb/ft of torque and should lead to a significant decrease in time for the 0-60mph sprint. If you don’t remember, the VelociRaptor 500 completed the 0-60mph sprint in 5.6 seconds leading us to believe the new Raptor will complete the sprint in just over 5 seconds. In addition to the more powerful engine, Hennessey Performance also gave this beast of a truck a twin-turbo system with matching intercoolers and a stainless-steel exhaust that clearly doesn’t need any explanation as to why it was put there. Hennessey also added an upgraded fuel system and boost controller because, well, with that much added power, the truck needs a little help in the respiratory department. You want steel-breaking, mountain-crumbling power? This 6.2-liter Ford V8 VelociRaptor is just what the doctor of destruction ordered, even though we cannot possibly think of a reason why anyone would need such a speedy mountain of a truck. Updated 05/03/2011: In their latest episode, Top Gear USA tested the VelociRaptor 600 by Hennessey at their personal test track. Watch what The Stig has to say about the car after the jump. Full story 2010 Ford F150 by Magnat
Tuning a pick-up is not something you’ll see everyday. In its standard version, the 5.4 liter V8 engine of the Ford F150 develops a total of 310 HP and 365 lbs-ft of torque, but car audio manufacturer Magnat have managed to obtain a total of 340 HP. And to do that they lifted the hood and boosted the engine. Now, this boost may not be as impressive as you think considering the other changes made to the car. By other changes, we mean the impressive updates made to the truck’s interior. In there, Magnat added Recaro Cross Sportster CS-single seats with Alcantara upholstery, DVD, Ipod, TV Tuner, Navi, and an Xbox game console. The Audio system features 17 loudspeakers and 10 amplifiers that total more than 20,000 Watts. And just in case the customer is not satisfied with the enormous sound system offered in the Ford F-150 by Magnat, the tuner is also offering a slew of optional sound features fit to please any harcore music listener. The whole package is finished by light 22 inch alloy wheels with high speed tires from Yokohama in a 305/40-22 dimension and a matte coat of lacquer in gunmetal gray. Press release after the jump. Full story Review: Ford F150 SVT Raptor
Before this article even begins we want to say something about the 2010 Ford F150 SVT Raptor: This truck is absolutely pointless. Like the old F150 Lightening, there is just no reason for a vehicle of this size to have this much power. If you want to go fast, buy a sports car and, if you want to haul something, buy a normal F150. That being said, it is good fun. Capable of going off-road and blowing the doors off of all other trucks, the new 2010 F150 SVT Raptor is something out of this world. Launched in 2009, the Raptor was one of the most anticipated trucks ever created. The motor could have been a 5.4-liter V8 with 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, but that just wasn’t good enough. The 5.4-liter is great for a light sports car, but for something that weighs around 6,000 pounds, more power was needed. Enter the optional 6.2-liter V8. The new engine is the perfect match for this monster truck. With 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque, it provides a real jolt to the this super F150. The 6.2-liter is actually the same as the new Super Duty’s motor, but a few tunes here and there has helped it outgun the Duty by 26 horsepower. Hit the jump for the rest of the review. Full story Ford launches Custom Vinyl Graphics for the Mustang and the F-150
Ford’s ramping up efforts to make their vehicles more custom-friendly by including the new Mustang and the F-150, which will officially join the 2011 Fiesta, as car models that can be accessorized with a custom vinyl wrap. Over 50 designs will be made available by Ford and those interested can choose from a wide range of designs that include matte black racing stripes, rolling flames, and camouflage buzzsaw designs, among others. All you need to do is hop on over to FordCustomGraphics.com and you can play around with any of the three aforementioned models. Ford has also said that in the coming months, their whole line-up of vehicles will be customizable depending on your whims and taste. The custom wraps will likewise carry a three-year/36,000-mile warranty and can be installed by any certified Ford dealership at a bargain price relative to other custom paint jobs. Press Release after the jump Full story Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is fast becoming a hot sales ticket Tough on the road, the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R pick-up is also proving to be a tough pick-up to get if you don’t act quickly. The 6.2-liter V8 monster is selling unbelievably fast with already 3,000 orders being placed for the $42,000 truck. Did we mention that the truck is colossally powerful? That, of course, comes from the V8 engine that was put in, which gives the Raptor 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque. Oh, it’s not just a powerhouse on wheels; it’s actually pretty tough too, if you still haven’t noticed. That much was made sure by the folks from SVT, the very same people who gave the pick-up truck quite a test run at Baja and at the SVT Desert Base 1. "We spent a lot of time developing our desert durability test so that it’s very close to replicating the Baja 1000," said Kerry Baldori, SVT’s chief functional engineer. "Desert testing proved to be a very quick way to learn about the reliability of the truck and it put another level of extreme loads on the engine that our normal durability testing doesn’t cover." With all these extreme tests being put together for the pick-up truck, it’s no wonder that it’s selling faster than U2 concert tickets. The F-150 SVT Raptor is power and toughness personified. Hennessey Performance’s dyno test on a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor with 6.2L V8Hennessey Performance knows a little bit more than just fine-tuning sports cars and supercars; they actually know their way around trucks too. In this video, the performance tuning house is putting a 6.2-liter V8 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor under the proverbial dyno test. We all know what would happen if looks could kill, but once you get past that, we’re inviting you to close your eyes and let your ears take over. The sound of pure, unadulterated power; intoxicating, isn’t it? Hold on; it’s not done. After undergoing the dyno test, the Raptor is then taken out for a spin at Hennessey’s test track where the 6.2 Raptor went up against the lap time set by it’s 5.4 counterpart when Hennessey did a previous test. As can be expected, that full second off of the 5.4’s 0-60 mph time is a testament to the monsterous engine underneath its hood. Move over MyTouch meet the Truckputer
The Blue Oval recently introduced their next generation MyFord Touch driver connect technology that blends Ford’s signature in car infotainment features into a seamless cohesive electronic experience that features intuitive controls, voice activation and interface personalization. The next generation SYNC system is centered around an eight inch touch screen mounted in the center stack that works in conjunction with additional LCD displays in the instrument cluster that works with Ford’s innovative new five way button controls on the steering wheel and simplified by voice commands. However with the way that wireless technology is advancing with items like the iPad, we got to thinking, why don’t manufacturers offer docking stations for laptops and other computer based systems, much like you would find inside of a police car. So when a former Motorola engineer and good friend of ours decided to make his F-150 a bit more high tech by installing what he calls the Truckputer inside his Supercrew, it really caught our attention. So while MyTouch allows you to do all those cool things that Ford’s engineers deemed appropriate, the advantages of running an open source system like this Linux based unit include the ability to burn DVDs, listen to the HD radio, watch movies, surf the internet with WiFi, look up directions with GPS based navigation, make hands free calls with Bluetooth connectivity and voice commands thanks to the built in microphone. Although it won’t let you do smoky burnouts more easily, at least not yet, the beauty of a system like this is its infinite capabilities. So if a PC can do it, so can the Truckputer; but hey at least the MyTouch screen is an inch bigger. Truckputer Specs after the jump. Full story Ford FR Raptor XT Concept at SEMA
When revealing the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor R, Ford announced that for the 2011 model year the company will offer the FR Raptor XT. But until then Ford presented a concept version of the car at SEMA Show. The production version will be powered by a 500-hp (est.) 6.2-liter naturally aspirated engine mated to a Six-speed automatic transmission. There will only be 50 units built, ad each will be priced at $99,950. Shelby F150 Super snake concept
Of course that this days in Las Vegas SEMA Show got all the attention. But Shelby Auto decided not to bring their cars to SEMA. Instead they went to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. In here the company brought the Super Snake Ford F150, a concept car with design inspired by the Shelby GT500 Super Snake. Shelby Autos, in collaboration to Ford Racing started with a red 2007 F150 regular cab truck and added a custom functional hood and fascias, black Super Snake stripes and Alcoa Shelby wheels. The engine was also tuned to deliver a total of 475 hp and the suspension was lowered 3 inches and tightened up to improve handling. Press release after the jump. Full story | Find us on Facebook | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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