Flybrian

The first batch of PayPal orders are on the way.

My favorite parts about this Infiniti are the Nissan styling cues. Nice job. Not.

Pretty unattractive to these eyes. I actually like the current Accord coupe better. Want to know why? Its a largish coupe, not some wannabe sports car.

This is what you do in the waiting room while your Passat is having its transmission fixed for the fifth time.

Sexy as hell.

This truck is geared towards people who don't use trucks as trucks, rather as vehicles that they think define their masculinity. As someone pointed out in the other thread, this 'CrewMax' has a bed that's several inches shorter than a comparable Silverado Crew Cab and way shorter than last year's Double Cab Tundra. As Balthazar said, the volume engine falls far short of GM's volume engine in power (down 45hp, 25lb-ft, 1hwy/4city mpg). Even the base V6 is shockingly mediocre compared to the unequivicly ancient 4.3l which still achieves much more torque, which is what counts with a truck. I'd love to spar more, but I have CTS info to post. And I know more people will read that than this.

Against a car that merely continues where the 2001 Camry left off an a car that was four years old by the time it hit our shores?

Remember, this is one of those gee-whiz electronic-filled GM cars that surely breaks often because an American car with modern gizmos is totally junk.

SAAB called. They want their grille back.

Still garbage. Nice ugly Frontier wheel.

GM @ NAIAS Biggest Names in Entertainment and GM's Hottest Designs Cruise the Runway at Initial GM Style Event Jay-Z, Nick Lachey and Carmen Electra light up Detroit Riverfront Detroit – January 7, 2007 – Detroit has recently hosted some of the world's hottest events including the Major League Baseball World Series, All Star Games and the National Football League's Superbowl giving sports fans their fill and now the fans of style and celebrities have something to crow about: the GM Style event. On one of the hottest January evenings on record, the worlds of fashion, automotive design and entertainment came together to reveal the 2007 Camaro Convertible Concept and introduce the Jay Z Blue GMC Denali Concept. This first-ever, invitation-only event for 1,000 guests featured top celebrity models. Jay Z gave the world its first look at Jay Z Blue GMC Denali. Additional star power included Kristen Bell, Nick Cannon, CariDee, Carmen Electra, Vivica A. Fox, Laird Hamilton, Cheryl Hines. Jennifer Hudson, Minka Kelly, Jimmy Kimmel, Mario Lopez, Nick Lachey, Danny Masterson. Petra Nemcova, Rosie Perez, Gabrielle Reese, Ashley Scott and Christian Slater. “ Detroit cars and Hollywood stars are two elements that help define American and World culture; bringing the two together is a natural,” said Mike Jackson, General Motors North America vice president. "This was a great way for Detroit and GM to kick-off the North American International Autoshow. “This event creates the buzz that will keep GM's momentum going strong into the new year.” Not to be eclipsed by the star power in the room, compelling GM Designs from around the world captivated the audience as they joined the celebrities for a walk – or drive – down the runway. From the minute guests walked through the door at the GM Style event they transcended into a unique environment likened to the most stylish automotive garages in town. Rachel Zoe, one of Hollywood's hottest fashion stylists, choreographed the event. Guests were also treated to a special musical performance featuring Lady Sovereign and three-time Grammy-winner John Legend. "The GM Style event provided a great stage for us to showcase our global design prowess,” said Ed Welburn, GM Design global vice president. “We are all inspired and influenced by the world of fashion and this event is a great opportunity to bring fashion and vehicle design together." The celebrity models in the latest fashion walked the cat walk with the following vehicles: Carmen Electra - 2006 Chevrolet Camaro Concept Coupe Jennifer Hudson - Cadillac Escalade Rosie Perez - Solstice Club Racer Marie Menounos - Opel Antara Concept Caridee - Saturn Sky Gabrielle Reese - Buick Enclave Larid Hamilton - Hummer H3 Jay Z - GMC Yukon Denali (World introduction) Cheryl Hines - Chevrolet Sequel Fuel Cell Christian Slater/Ashley Scott - Holden Effigy Concept Nick Cannon/Minka Kelly - Chevrolet T2X Concept Mario Lopez - Chevrolet WTCC Concept Vivica Fox - Buick Lucerne DUB edition Petra Nemcova - Saab Aero X Concept Nick Lachey - Cadillac XLR Kristen Bell - Saturn Aura All Models 2007 - Concept Camaro Convertible (World introduction) GMC, Jay-Z Debut Concept GMC Yukon Denali SUV at Detroit Style Event DETROIT – General Motors Corp. tonight unveiled a concept GMC Yukon Denali SUV developed in partnership with cultural icon Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter. Jay-Z, hip-hop superstar and business entrepreneur, escorted the GMC Yukon Denali – painted a special shade of blue in honor of his signature color “Jay-Z Blue” – down a runway at an exclusive event called GM Style, an invitation-only party where top celebrities appeared with 17 new GM vehicles, concept cars and classics. The party kicked off the North American International Auto Show, which opens to the public on Jan. 13. “Automotive design, entertainment and fashion have had a profound influence on each other and American culture for generations,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. “Tonight we’re pairing a music icon, Jay-Z, with an automotive icon, the GMC Yukon Denali. Our Global Color Studio worked with Jay-Z to develop a fresh, vibrant color that matched his goals and aesthetics. The paint uses a high degree of reflective materials that helps evolve the blue color spectrum.” “We’re thrilled to unveil this great new concept GMC Denali with Jay-Z,” said Michael A. Jackson, vice president of GM North America Vehicle Marketing and Advertising. “GMC is a very strong brand and it is poised for continued success in the marketplace. “And while we can’t announce specifics tonight, we’d love to bring this concept to reality. Jay-Z and GMC -- it has a nice ring to it I think.” The 2007 GMC Yukon Denali combines performance, luxury amenities and style that deliver a powerful, understated elegance unique to GMC, and the concept GMC Yukon Denali in Jay-Z Blue gives GMC’s flagship a distinctive and sophisticated look.

GM @ NAIAS 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Sport Image Gallery 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Sport Press Release and Specifications

GM @ NAIAS SAAB BIOPOWER HYBRID CONCEPT GOES FULLY FOSSIL FUEL-FREE DETROIT – The Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept, the latest development in Saab's innovative combination of ethanol BioPower and hybrid technology, makes its U.S. debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This unique concept, showcased in a Saab 9-3 Convertible, is the first vehicle to combine fossil fuel-free bio-ethanol fuel (E100) capability with electric-only propulsion by utilizing the advanced 2-mode hybrid system that General Motors is co-developing with DaimlerChrysler and BMW Group. The Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept is capable of zero fossil fuel CO 2 emissions while also enhancing performance and reducing energy consumption. Packing 260 horsepower (191 kW) from the 2.0L turbo BioPower engine and a total of 148 kW from its three electric motors, the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept provides 277 lb.-ft. (375 Nm) of torque, significantly greater than its gasoline-only equivalent. Although it has the potential to run on E100, the all-aluminum 2.0L BioPower engine retains a flex-fuel capability and can use any combination of gasoline and bio-ethanol. The BioPower engine operates in tandem with a sophisticated electric power system, comprising the 2-mode hybrid transmission, a rear-drive unit (RDU), a 300-volt battery and sophisticated electronic controls. It offers torque-boosting electric power assistance on demand, fuel-saving stop/start functionality, regenerative braking, seamless gear changing from the continuously variable transmission modes and an electric-only 'Zero Mode' option for city driving. Projected performance for the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept indicates acceleration from zero to 100 kph (96 mph) in just 6.8 seconds, a substantial improvement compared to 9.5 seconds for the equivalent 210-horsepower gasoline model with a conventional automatic transmission. "This concept allows us to evaluate and explore the potential of hybrid technology in combination with BioPower," said Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile AB Managing Director. "As part of this process, we are now developing our expertise further by introducing the 2-mode hybrid technology. It shows how we can continue to express the sporty performance associated with Saab while using renewable resources and saving energy overall." 2-mode hybrid technology The Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept showcases the state-of-the-art 2-mode hybrid transmission. This sophisticated technology represents a major industry milestone, achieving an unprecedented level of integration by combining two electric motors and four fixed gears within a single transmission housing. Commonly described as a 2-mode hybrid because of the low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes, the fuel-saving technology also incorporates four fixed gear ratios for a total of six operating functions. The result is trend-setting hybrid technology that provides superior fuel economy, performance and load-carrying potential. The 2-mode hybrid’s electric motors can be used for electric-only propulsion, boosting the internal combustion engine and providing regenerative braking. Additional fuel-saving efforts include removing auxiliary functions – such as the water pump, air conditioning and power steering systems – from the engine's belt drive and transferring them to electric power through the hybrid system. The 2-mode hybrid transmission is similar in size to a conventional automatic transmission. Its adaptable design allows it to be scaled to the size, mass and performance needs of various engines and vehicles. BioPower propulsion The Saab 9-5 2.0t BioPower, which is capable of using E85 fuel (85 percent bio-ethanol and 15 percent gasoline), is an outstanding success in Sweden , where it is currently the best selling flex-fuel vehicle. The Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept now advances Saab’s alternative fuel technology by adding E100 capability. The engine is a BioPower evolution of the current all-aluminum, 16-valve 2.0L turbo engine in the Saab 9-3 range. Utilizing the higher octane ratings offered by E100, it develops 260 horsepower (191 kW) and an impressive 277 lb.-ft. (375 Nm) maximum torque, an increase of 24 percent and 25 percent, respectively, compared to its gasoline-only equivalent. A Spark Ignited Direct Injection (SIDI) system provides optimum combustion with E100, ensuring the same cold-starting performance as a gasoline engine. Variable inlet and exhaust cam phasing is used for optimum air flow, and more durable valves and valve seats are fitted, together with bio-ethanol-compatible materials for the fuel system. Hybrid architecture An integrated hybrid operating system has been adopted, with the control strategy based on efficient energy management – recovering and storing energy that is otherwise lost in a conventionally powered vehicle. Apart from converters to manage AC/DC and 12- and 300-volt interfaces, there are three core components: the 2-mode hybrid transmission, with two electric motors (described above); an electric rear-drive unit (RDU) with a third motor; and a 300-volt battery. The RDU features a 38 kW motor, located between the rear wheels, that powers a transmission differential and drive shafts. Under acceleration at low speeds, the RDU is able to briefly generate 665 Nm (490 lb.-ft.) of additional torque. The motor is also configured to provide regenerative braking and energy recovery from the rotating drive shafts during deceleration. Energy storage for all three electric motors is provided by a high-capacity 300-volt lithium-ion battery with fan cooling. This is neatly packaged under the floor of the trunk, without eliminating storage space. Battery performance is carefully monitored and governed by a dedicated electronic control unit. Driving benefits The sophisticated electronic control of the hybrid system is matched to the operating parameters of the BioPower engine to provide performance-enhancing power assistance, useful power-saving functionality and seamless gear changing. Under transient driving conditions, a combination of all three electric motors may be activated to augment the power of the engine, increasing standing start acceleration and in-gear performance for safe overtaking – without raising fuel consumption. The driver will also immediately appreciate the smooth operation of the 2-mode hybrid transmission. At launch, the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept exploits the instant torque of its electric motors, smoothly adding strong, accelerative power during the engine's pickup, from tick-over to about 1,500 rpm. During this phase the available pulling power, or torque, of the combustion engine is supplemented by the electric motors of the hybrid system. Whenever the vehicle is stationary, the engine immediately shuts off to save fuel. To move off, it is then almost silently restarted by a motor in the 2-mode hybrid transmission. In congested driving conditions, fuel efficiency is taken a step further by the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept's 'Zero Mode' option, resulting in zero fuel consumption and zero emissions. The driver can select it via a button in the central console. At speeds below 50 kph, 'Zero Mode' will shut off the engine and switch the car over to electric power only from the RDU. In this mode, the battery bank provides a range of between 10 and 20 kilometers. The engine is smoothly re-engaged whenever the battery status approaches a low charge level or the electronic throttle opening requires acceleration beyond the 50 kph operating limit. Whenever the engine is shut down, auxiliary functions such as the power steering, air conditioning and lighting remain unaffected because these are powered by the battery. Removing unnecessary loads on the engine further enhances fuel economy and extends driving range. Finally, in low-grip road conditions, traction can be optimized by the addition of rear wheel drive for improved handling and safety. For example, when the electronic traction control system (TCS) is activated at the front wheels, the car can be balanced by the application of rear drive. Driver instrumentation for the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept is as discreet as its hybrid engineering. In the main instrument cluster, icons are illuminated to indicate when the car is running on engine and/or electric power. An additional gauge shows the power status of the battery. The turbo boost gauge is calibrated by tree icons, a playful reminder of the car's renewable energy source. In overall operation, the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept is designed to deliver enhanced performance and valuable energy savings. The concept enriches driving appeal while also moving further toward the goal of sustainable mobility.

GM @ NAIAS Pontiac GXP.R Racer Press Release DETROIT – Pontiac unveiled the GXP.R racecar, which will compete in the GT class of the 2007 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve. The GXP.R hits the track running later this month at the famed Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona race in Florida. With the bodywork inspired by the Pontiac G6 GXP Street edition coupe, the GXP.R is the next step in the evolution of a successful racing program that began with the purpose-built GTO.R. The GTO.R was retired after winning the 2006 GT championship; the new GXP.R is built on the same winning foundation as the GTO.R. “The GXP.R begins the next chapter in a very successful racing campaign that has put Pontiac over Porsche and BMW in the highly competitive GT class,” said John Larson, Pontiac general manager. “The GXP.R promises to pick up the GTO.R’s momentum and carry it into another winning season.” Built to the specifications of the Grand American GT class, the GXP.R features a rear-drive layout and a racing version of the LS2 V-8 engine that produces approximately 450 horsepower (335 kW). It is based on the same Gen IV V-8 engine design as found in the production Grand Prix GXP. The production G6 GXP is powered by a sophisticated, DOHC 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing that produces approximately 252 horsepower (188 kW). The GXP.R’s bodywork retains the silhouette of a production G6 GXP, but lightweight, carbon-fiber replica panels are used throughout to reduce overall mass. The stock window glass also is replaced with lighter, shatter-resistant polycarbonate pieces. The body panels are attached to a custom tube-frame chassis, with the front and rear fenders flared to cover the wide, 18-inch wheels and class-spec Hoosier racing tires. Also, a huge rear wing that provides stabilizing downforce is tied into the chassis. It’s not a production-model wing, but the G6 GXP street car has its own distinctive rear spoiler. Production-based racing The Grand American GT class is comprised of production-based coupes and sedans that are modified for racing. Many of the engine components must be the same as those found on production models. The tube-frame chassis and ground-hugging bodywork are used to ensure high-speed traction and stability, while a purposeful interior deletes amenities such as air conditioning and an MP3-capable radio for a crisscross of safety roll cage tubing, a single racing seat, racing instruments and other race-only accoutrements. Grand American Racing’s racing series, which also includes the Daytona Prototype class, was founded in 1999 with the goal of reinvigorating American road racing. Pontiac models were campaigned in the GT class from its inception, and the GTO.R program was launched in 2005. In their first full season of competition, two GTO.R teams dominated the 2006 season. With eight wins, including a podium sweep at Phoenix , Pontiac clinched its first GT Manufacturers championship, and the No. 65 TRG/F1 Air GTO.R of Andy Lally and Marc Bunting took the GT Drivers and Team championship. The No. 64 TRG GTO.R of Paul Edward and Kelly Collins finished third in points. The remainder of the class’s top 10 finishers included five Porsche GT3 Cups, a BMW M3 and a Chevy Corvette. During the 2005 and 2006 seasons, the GTO.R amassed an impressive 19 consecutive podium finishes – a class record. Specifications Image Gallery

GM@NAIAS GM E-Flex Press Release Chevrolet Volt Image Gallery Chevrolet Volt Press Release GM’s E-FLEX System moves the automobile toward a new electric age DETROIT – General Motors Corp. will introduce multiple propulsion systems that fit into a common chassis, using electric drive to help the world diversify energy sources and establish electricity from the grid as one of those sources. GM refers to this family of propulsion systems as the “E-flex System.” “The DNA of the automobile has not changed in more than 100 years,” said Larry Burns, GM vice president of research and development and strategic planning. “Vehicles still operate in pretty much the same fashion as when Karl Benz introduced the ‘horseless carriage’ in 1886. “While mechanical propulsion will be with us for many decades to come, GM sees a market for various forms of electric vehicles, including fuel cells and electric vehicles using gas and diesel engines to extend the range. With our new E-flex concept, we can produce electricity from gasoline, ethanol, bio-diesel or hydrogen. “We can tailor the propulsion to meet the specific needs and infrastructure of a given market. For example, somebody in Brazil might use 100-percent ethanol to power an engine generator and battery. A customer in Shanghai might get hydrogen from the sun and create electricity in a fuel cell. Meanwhile, a customer in Sweden might use wood to create bio-diesel.” The Chevrolet Volt, introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit , is just the first variant of the E-flex System. The Volt uses a large battery and a small, 1L turbo gasoline engine to produce enough electricity to go up to 640 miles and provide triple-digit fuel economy. GM will show other variations of the propulsion systems at future auto shows. “GM is building a fuel cell variant that mirrors the propulsion system in the Chevrolet Sequel (fuel cell vehicle),” Burns said. “Instead of a big battery and a small engine generator used in the Volt, we would use a fuel cell propulsion system with a small battery to capture energy when the vehicle brakes. Because the Volt is so small and lightweight, we would need only about half of the hydrogen storage as the Sequel to get 300 miles of range.” Future concepts might incorporate diesel generators, bio-diesel and pure ethanol (E-100). Image Gallery

Now updated with a complete list of GM's NAIAS debuts. Truly a Chevrolet show, what is listed is all that will be debuted at Detroit.

The rear doors are bigger than the front doors. Hillarious. I love all the construction and contractor talk. Get real. Who buys these things? Urban cowboys.

GM@NAIAS 2008 Pontiac G6 GXP Press Release The new, 2008 G6 GXP performance coupe and sedan bring a new, performance-oriented dimension to the G6's broad lineup. They will be available with both base and Street edition packages. G6 GXP Street edition models are easily identified by their new front fascia, which features new fog lamps and braided polished stainless steel upper and outboard lower grille inserts with chrome surrounds on the upper grille sections leading to a revised hood with scoops. New body side rocker moldings lead to a redesigned rear fascia with two exhaust openings. Chrome, dual-wall tips exit through the openings. A rear spoiler also is part of the GXP package, but is specific to either the coupe or sedan; the coupe model receives a larger, more aggressive "hammerhead" spoiler. GXP-specific 18-inch wheels are also standard in the Street edition package. All G6 GXP models are powered by GM Powertrain's 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing. It is rated at 252 horsepower (188 kW) at 6300 rpm and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (341 Nm) at 3200 rpm. The engine is a state-of-the-art, DOHC powerplant that uses full four-cam phasing, rapid date processing and torque-based engine management to optimize power, economy and emissions performance. The 3.6-liter V-6 VVT engine is mated to a new Hydra-Matic 6T70 electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission. It is an advanced transmission with state-of-the-art clutch-to-clutch shift operation, designed for high-performance front-wheel drive applications. Clutch-to-clutch operation allows for reduced complexity and compact packaging. The six-speed automatic improves vehicle performance up to 8 percent and increases fuel economy up to 4 percent over current front-wheel-drive four-speed automatics. G6 GXP models have sporty, driver-oriented interiors with refined controls and instrument layouts. Standard features include highly bolstered, body-hugging seats, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, racing-style gauges with true-red LED instrument backlighting, automatic climate control, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, variable intermittent wipers, tachometer and theft-deterrent system. Available items include power adjustable pedals, six-way power seats, heated seats, leather seating surfaces, in-dash six-CD changers and remote vehicle start. GXP-specific leather-appointed seating with two-tone inserts is available. On the road, the G6 GXP coupe and sedan deliver the type of responsive ride and handling characteristics expected from Pontiac 's performance series. They are equipped with GXP-specific sport-tuned suspensions, as well as GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system as standard equipment. The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut design, with aluminum lower control arms and a direct-acting stabilizer bar. Suspension components mount to a U-shaped hydroformed chassis cradle. Rubber mounts isolate the body from the chassis cradle to minimize noise, vibration and harshness. At the rear, a four-link independent suspension design uses twin-tube shock absorbers and another direct acting stabilizer bar, all intended to minimize body roll during cornering. High-performance braking is an integral part of the G6's sporty nature. Large, heavy-duty four-wheel disc brakes provide excellent stopping power and great fade resistance. Front discs are vented and the rears are solid. Four-channel ABS is standard. Base G6 GXP models receive standard 18-inch aluminum alloy painted flangeless five-spoke wheels, while those opting for the Street edition will receive a unique 18-inch wheel. Black chrome-finished 18-inch aluminum wheels are also available. Arriving at dealerships in Fall 2007. Image Gallery

GM@NAIAS 2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP Press Release Using the popular Torrent SUV as the foundation, the Torrent GXP starts with a sleek, unique exterior design that includes a sculpted hood, a revised front fascia with cooling inlets and detailed, deep-set grille inserts. The Torrent GXP's lower front and rear fascias, as well as the rocker moldings, are body-colored. The sleek look is enhanced with the elimination of the roof rack (which remains an option), lowering the look of the vehicle beyond its reduced ride height. Eighteen-inch flangeless, high-polished forged aluminum five-spoke wheels complete the Torrent GXP's aggressive stance. Chrome details, such as the door handles and dual exhaust tips, reflect the vehicle's attention to detail. Inside, the Torrent GXP also is performance-oriented. New seats with bolsters that enhance lateral support during quick cornering maneuvers are standard, with leather-covered versions available. It also has a leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel and GXP-specific instruments, including a 140-mph speedometer – all with Pontiac 's signature red backlighting. Additional interior cues include an upscale, "piano black" appearance on the instrument panel and a parallel shifter gate for the GXP-specific tap-up/tap-down feature of the six-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed transmission – GM Hydra-Matic's new 6T70 – provides an excellent balance between performance and fuel economy. It is paired with GM's 3.6L V-6, a high-feature, DOHC engine with variable valve timing that delivers 263 horsepower (196 kW). This powertrain combination delivers performance that leaves many SUVs in the dust and rivals many sports cars, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds. The Torrent GXP also features a specially tuned exhaust note that driving enthusiasts will appreciate. The powertrain combination is available with a standard front-wheel-drive configuration or an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration. The Torrent GXP's underhood prowess is channeled to the pavement via a performance-tuned suspension. Torrent's segment-leading 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and wide 61.8-inch (1,569 mm) track give the GXP a stable, confident road feel. The front suspension has a MacPherson strut design and the rear features a four-link independent layout. Stiffer shock valving, spring rates and suspension bushings; stronger stabilizer bars and hydraulic power steering contribute to a more responsive, sporting driving experience. Specific 235/50R18 all-season radial sport tires complement the Torrent GXP's ride and handling characteristics. Additionally, GM's innovative StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, tire pressure monitoring system, and front and rear disc brakes with four-channel ABS, including panic brake assist and trailering stability, are standard on the Torrent GXP. On AWD models, the AWD system engages automatically when wheel slip is detected. Additional vehicle highlights include an impressive list of standard features: dual-stage front driver and front passenger air bags with GM's Passenger Sensing System; head curtain side-impact air bags with rollover protection; five-passenger seating – including a sliding rear seat that offers the greatest rear-seat legroom in the class – flat-folding front passenger seat for longer cargo items; power door locks with remote keyless entry; power windows; air conditioning; tilt steering and rear liftgate with defogger and washer/wiper. Also included is an auxiliary audio input jack and an electronic driver information center. Available features include OnStar, as well as entertainment features such as a six-disc in-dash CD changer, a navigation system and a DVD player. Image Gallery

I could probably get a Galant for the cost of an oilpan the way they seem to be selling. Thanks, Satty. Yeah, this is something I'm doing myself with the help of a friend who works with me. I figure $185 for the Monte Carlo for a week, plus $40 for the pan, plus $100 for various things we may need, plus $200 for his troubles < $1100 for labor alone.

Its funny because the Vic alreasy has a Fusion-ish grille.

Class action time! And the $1100 is for labor alone. I can get the pan for $40.

2008 Ford Focus Press Release The 2008 Ford Focus brings a bold design, modern interior, improved driving dynamics and competitive fuel economy to the growing small car market. All-new exterior design strikes an exciting pose in two-door coupe and four-door sedan body styles. Redesigned cabin offers contemporary styling and features such as silver metallic finishing on the dashboard and center console, available ambient interior lighting and available leather seating with contrast stitching – all creating a modern atmosphere. New suspension tuning and chassis refinements improve an already rewarding and dynamic driving experience. Improvements to sealing and sound deadening materials reduce noise, vibration and harshness levels providing a quiet, comfortable ride. DETROIT, Mich., Jan 7, 2007 – Redesigned from the inside out, the 2008 Ford Focus brings a bold new look, a modern interior and a high level of driving enjoyment to the small car segment. Joining the new Focus four-door sedan is, for the first time, ever a sporty two-door coupe, which is designed to attract new and younger buyers to a growing small car market. Ford is renewing its commitment to the small car market as an influx of younger buyers and the instability of gas prices have led to growing sales in the segment. Small cars make up the largest vehicle segment in the U.S. today and growth is expected to continue. The 2008 Focus will be poised to capture some of this growth when it hits the streets in fall 2007. "We know the formula for success in the small car segment: Affordability, quality and a fun to drive, sporty personality," says Cisco Codina, Ford group vice president, North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "These are the priorities that drove the redesign of the Focus for 2008." Muscular stance, sharp character lines and a high beltline define Focus The 2008 Focus strikes an impressive pose. Designers drew inspiration from the Ford Fusion's prominent chrome-bar grille design, flared wheel arches and sweeping, crisp lines to create a small car that's stylish and sporty. "We raised the beltline to give Focus more modern proportions," says Lon Zaback, Focus chief designer. "By raising the beltline we created a sleeker profile. The overall look is solid and more substantial." Flared wheel arches give Focus its firm, secure stance and work with the raised beltline to give Focus its muscular look. The design is further refined by a taut character line that runs from the taillights, sweeping across the doors just below the door handles and snapping suddenly down at the front wheel well. Another crisp line runs from the A-pillar to the headlight and down to the bottom of the front bumper, defining the corners of the car. "Having surface areas break sharply in places gives the car a sense of forward motion," says Zaback. "A lot of cars today use forms and lines that are parallel and predictable. If you look at Focus, you will see one sweep going through the hood and headlamps, and a different sweep going through the fascia. This creates movement, tension and drama." Zaback says the goal was to use detail and forms to create unpredictable visual interest. For example, the hood uses four separate creases to break up a typically large flat area. "When you're working with a small car, you want to add surface detail that will create interest from any angle," says Zaback. "We definitely wanted to appeal to the more progressive customer." The headlights are a design story by themselves. Horizontal bars with a matte surface run through the reflection area, visually connecting the headlights with a sweeping line running through the chrome-bar grille. It is such an innovative idea that Ford has a patent request for the design. The tail lamps share cues with the 2008 Ford Escape, with a white arc cutting across the red lens. The leading edge of the deck lid features a new clear lens center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) that illuminates with red LEDs for a progressive, modern appearance. Focus SEL models feature a front fender appliqué integrated just behind the front wheel arch, adding a bright accent to the profile. And the "Focus" name is spelled out in bold italic letters on the deck lid, scuff plates and instrument panel. The 2008 Focus is available in two body styles: a two-door coupe, a first-ever for Focus, and a four-door sedan. These are the two highest volume body styles in the segment. In fact, the sedan and coupe will allow Ford to cover a full 80 percent of the small car market. Redesigned Focus cabin is quiet, inviting and modern Progressive is the word that best describes the interior. The new interior design not only adds more flexible storage space, but new surfaces and materials create a modern, contemporary cabin with a sense of openness."We've taken cues from fashion and home design and translated them into a more upscale Focus interior," says Zaback. "We've given it some sophistication and flair by adding touches of silver metallic finishing like you see in today's home appliances, and used materials that provide a higher-quality feel to surfaces and touch points throughout the car. The overall package is simply more inviting." On SEL models, the dashboard and center console sport brilliant matte silver-metallic finishing. On SE models, the dashboard center finish panels are a contrasting dark stone non-metallic color. A "top-of-dash" display, positioned at eye-level at the top of the center stack, features a message center that shows radio function readouts. This simple, efficient design makes it easier and quicker to read when driving. A new "poke-through" center console design replaces the traditional "brick" design for the radio and climate control. The center panel houses the controls for the audio and climate control as well as a standard auxiliary audio input jack and two power points. Eliminating the traditional brick design gave designers freedom to draw a sharp accent line across the top of the dashboard, a design element that would not have been possible with the previous model's square radio and climate modules. A new seamless passenger front airbag door further cleans up the interior. The 2008 Focus offers a larger center console as well as added space in front of the console shifter for extra storage. Newly designed door trim features larger bins and cup holders in the doors plus three more in the console. New seats have improved contours and offer more lateral and lumbar support. A new cloth pattern is available for 2008 while the leather trimmed seats feature contrast stitching for an added touch of craftsmanship. SE models come with a Stone interior; SEL models come in Stone or Charcoal Black. The coordinating interior instrument panel colors are Satin Pewter Metallic for the Charcoal Black interior and Dusk Metallic for the Stone interior. Focus models equipped with Sport and Deluxe packages feature a white face instrument cluster and chrome accents on the door handles, climate control vents and shifter. Focus lets you set the mood The Focus interior is even more distinctive at night thanks to a new approach to lighting that builds on recent Ford advances like the white LED instruments on the 2003 Lincoln Navigator and the configurable "My Color" instrument display on the Mustang. In the Focus, the instruments and switches are lit in a new color called "Ice Blue." Customers can also order an ambient lighting package that places tiny LEDs inside the front and rear cupholders and footwells. The LEDs can highlight the cabin in any of seven different colors (red, orange, blue, indigo, violet, green and yellow) and are controlled by a simple dash-mounted switch. Both of these features will eventually make their way into other Ford and Mercury products. "The idea was to let owners give the car its own mood," says Philip Smoker, 2008 Focus product marketing manager. "Customizable ambient light gives the interior a whole different look and keeps it fresh. Focus is the first in this segment to offer ambient lighting as a factory installed option." Smoker says customizable and unique interior lighting inside cars and trucks is an emerging trend. According to a recent survey, over 90 percent of vehicle consumers said they would be interested in unique lighting to enhance the appearance of their vehicle's interior. "With manufacturers often producing upwards of 150,000 copies of any particular model, vehicle differentiation is still the key," says Smoker. "The interior ambient light inside the 2008 Focus gives owners the chance to make the car their own." Revised suspension settings further refine the Focus driving experience Since its North American introduction in 1999, Focus has been hailed for being an affordable car that handles and drives like a car more than twice its price. For 2008, the Focus's curb weight is down by 60 pounds, even though the body structure is stiffer. This allowed the suspension engineers to sharpen the car's steering and handling while improving ride quality at the same time.Engineers reworked and improved the strength of the roof structure, the package tray, the connections between the rear floor and the underbody and the door systems. A stiffened cross-car beam under the instrument panel connects the car side-to-side and provides better lateral stiffness. The basic suspension features an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and an independent multilink design in back. The spring rates, shock absorbers, stabilizer bars, and jounce bumpers have all been re-tuned for 2008. Engineers derived unique tuning packages for vehicles equipped with 15- or 16-inch wheels and tires. Models with 15-inch wheels and tires are equipped with low-rolling resistance Hankook tires. Those with 16-inch wheels and tires are paired with sporty, responsive Pirelli tires. "Fuel economy was at the top of the improvement list for 2008, so we put the new Focus on a diet, dropping the curb weight of the vehicle by over 60 pounds," says vehicle dynamics manager Mark Rushbrook. "To maintain good ride character, we reduced the spring rates. Improvements to steering and handling were accomplished by increasing the size of the front stabilizer bar for both the 15- and 16-inch tire packages, as well as detailed tuning of the shock absorbers to optimize the ride and handling balance." Rushbrook says the revised chassis settings help improve steering feel over the previous Focus without sacrificing ride quality. The front stabilizer bar diameters have been increased over 2007, from 18 millimeters to 20 millimeters on the 15-inch wheel tuning package, and from 21 millimeters to 22 millimeters on the 16-inch wheel tuning package. "From a dynamics perspective, the new Focus feels much more solid and substantial," says Rushbrook. "The chassis has been tuned with the new body structure to continue that feeling of confidence. Whether you're driving down a twisty back road or an interstate highway, it always feels like you're in a very solid yet responsive and fun vehicle." Focus gets an all-new brake system for 2008. New aluminum calipers save weight and improve brake pedal feel. The brakes are 10.9-inch vented discs in front and 11.0-inch drums in back with an available anti-lock braking system (ABS). The 2008 Focus features a 2.0-liter, Duratec 20 dual-overhead-cam (DOHC), inline four-cylinder engine. An all-new air intake system, cooling and exhaust system are designed to improve the powertrain's smoothness, efficiency and response. There's also a super-clean Duratec 20E engine offered in states adopting California emission standards that qualifies Focus as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV). PZEVs are as clean as some hybrid vehicles, according to the EPA. The Duratec 20 and 20E are available with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. For 2008, the transmissions have revised final drive ratios, which let the engine turn at a lower rpm rate during highway driving and get better fuel economy. For instance, the automatic transmission final drive ratio decreased from 3.73 to 3.34, reducing engine speed at 65 mph from 2490 rpm to 2230 rpm. NVH improvements provide a quiet ride The new exterior design doesn't just look good, it provides improved functionality as well. Improved airflow over the vehicle reduces the coefficient of drag (CD) from 0.33 to 0.32. "Getting just a tenth of a difference in CD is a lot," says Focus chief engineer Marcio Alfonso. "This is quite significant. We spent many hours in the wind tunnel developing the shapes of exterior parts like mirrors and front openings, spoilers, and the shape of the air deflectors under the car. There was a lot of work done to improve aerodynamics and reduce noise inside the car." At a simulated 80 mph in the wind tunnel, the previous Focus had 28.8 sones of wind noise while the new model recorded 25.6, an eleven percent reduction in wind noise. In a test of road noise (boom, rumble, roar), decibel levels inside Focus dropped from 70 dBA to 67.3. "We know that customers equate quiet with quality," says Alfonso. "The difference between the previous car and the 2008 model is far more dramatic than the numbers show. Sones reflect overall noise levels and not the directionality of the noise. A noise coming from a particular area can be perceived as being louder, even though the overall noise level is similar. With Focus, we addressed not only the overall noise level, but also where the noise is coming from." Engineers reduced wind noise by installing a new acoustic windshield and thicker side glass in the front doors (increased in thickness from 3.2 to 3.8 millimeters). Closed-cell foam for the dash panel seal, as opposed to open-cell foam material, also helps reduce wind noise. Fluffy cotton-like sound-deadening material has been added to the door trim panels, C-pillars and the flat shelf behind the rear seats to reduce cabin noise, and the sealing around the side mirrors is redesigned to reduce noise entering the passenger cabin. The front air dam is stiffened and produces less noise. New Climate Control System is lighter, quieter and more efficient The 2008 Focus has an all-new climate control system that is more efficient with improved cooling and heating performance. Switching to electronic actuators for the floor, panel, defrost and temperature controls improve Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) performance. This completely redesigned HVAC system results in a climate control system that is quieter, lighter in weight and more effective in cooling and heating the cabin. Standard safety features offer peace of mind The 2008 Focus comes standard with Ford's Personal Safety System®, thorax side air bags and side air curtains for increased coverage in the event of a side impact crash. Ford's Personal Safety System is a comprehensive collection of passive safety features for the front passengers. The system includes dual-deployment front air bags, energy absorbing safety belts, load limiting retractors and pretensioners, all which will help to create one of the safest cabins in its segment. Focus uses Ford's Safety Canopy™ side air curtain system that deploys in certain side-impact collisions to help protect front- and second-row outboard occupants using "roll-fold" technology. If occupants are resting their heads against a window, the Safety Canopy™ is designed to slide between the glass and occupants as it inflates. The curtains remain inflated for several seconds after deployment to enhance protection during an extended crash event. Available anti-lock brakes are designed to help drivers maintain great steering command during hard stops. Image Gallery

2008 Ford Five Hundred Press Release New more powerful, PZEV-certified, 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed transmission deliver nearly 30 percent more power and better performance New Fusion-inspired exterior design aligns Five Hundred with the future of Ford car design Sharply appointed cabin adds new, more sophisticated materials and additional storage, convenience to industry-leading cargo and interior space Available Ford AdvanceTrac® and all-wheel-drive provide confident ride and handling in all weather conditions More standard safety features – including side curtain airbags – ensure five star ratings in all four government crash tests DETROIT, Mich., Jan. 7, 2007 – Ford has overhauled the Five Hundred for model year 2008 with an eye to dialing up the sedan's overall emotion appeal. On sale by summer 2007, the new Five Hundred features a freshly designed front end resembling the popular Ford Fusion, more horsepower and torque thanks to a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine, a new six-speed transmission and all-wheel-drive system and safety upgrades that include an available electronic stability control system called AdvanceTrac. Structural upgrades to further improve crash protection include reinforcements in the foot well area and changes to the structure in the front door panels, particularly beneath the armrest. First launched in 2004, the Five Hundred has earned significant customer praise for its comfortable ride, spacious interior and overall packaging. The vehicle's safety repudiation – thanks to five stars ratings in all four categories of government crash tests – is one of the best in the industry. "Customers love the Five Hundred's ride and package, and its safety reputation is excellent," says Cisco Codina, Ford's group vice president of North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "For this year, we've dialed up the appeal with a new, more expressive look, a more powerful engine and more than 500 changes to make this great car even greater." The Five Hundred now features Ford's new 3.5-liter Duratec V-6, an engine that delivers an estimated 260 horsepower – a nearly 30 percent increase over last year's 3.0-liter engine – and 245 lbs.-ft. of torque. The new Five Hundred also now benefits from the same smooth shifting, six-speed automatic transmission as the new Ford Edge and the same available all-wheel-drive system. Importantly, even with the upgraded powertrain and nearly 30 percent increase in horsepower, real-world fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive model is expected to be similar to the current model – thanks to advancements in powertrain technology. Bold, new look aligns Five Hundred with future Ford car design The 2008 Five Hundred puts a fresh face into the large car segment. New from the A-pillars forward, the extreme makeover includes a new grille and front fenders, a new hood and new front and rear fascias, with new fog lamps and taillamps. "This is more than just a refresh," says Mark Conforzi, chief designer for the Five Hundred. "A refresh is usually done simply to make the newer car look different from the previous model. The Five Hundred is more of a progression, using Fusion inspiration to bring the Five Hundred into alignment with the future of Ford car design." The new design centers on the Fusion-inspired three-bar grille, sweeping horizontally across the exquisitely designed headlamps and back across the fenders. A strongly sculpted hood adds a touch of crisp detail and a new front fascia is slightly chamfered at the outer edges, adding structure to the design. "The new face is much lower and straighter," adds Conforzi. "We wanted to stretch it and make it as wide as possible. It has a stronger face now and there are definite corners in this design. The little chamfer in the hood lowers the profile, making the entire vehicle look more sleek." Conforzi notes that extra attention was focused on the grille's three chrome bars, meticulously sculpting it to balance performance, aerodynamics and, most importantly, functionality. "We had to be careful with the adjustment of some of the shapes," says Conforzi. "The difference between a five millimeter radius and a 10 millimeter radius can mean the difference between air going into the grille and cooling the vehicle and air going over the top, increasing vehicle drag and degrading fuel economy." The redesigned grille will also improve customer satisfaction thanks to reduced windnoise. Both SEL and Limited models come with fog lamps mounted in chrome bezels along the lower edges of the fascia. Side marker lamps are integrated into the wrap-around headlamps. Five Hundred's sleek profile is clean and uncluttered, simply accented by a Ford-signature chrome side vent mounted on the front fender just ahead of the door. The chrome side vent adds some visual interest to the profile and makes the Five Hundred as recognizable from the side as it is from the front. Limited models add an extra touch of brightwork with chrome accent door handles and chrome mirror caps. The new side mirrors are now smaller and lower on the door providing better visibility and reducing wind noise. The horizontal theme across the front end is carried to the rear of the car in the form of new taillamps that feature horizontal bars running through an almost clear lens – yet another modern design cue inspired by the Fusion. Limited models add a chrome accent strip above the license plate recess. The new rear fascia features a cutout for the dual chrome-tipped exhaust. "We wanted to have an exterior visual cue to mark the new more powerful engine," says Conforzi. "I think the chrome exhaust tips announce that loud and clear." Customers can choose from three new wheel styles for 2008. The SEL comes standard with a 17-inch, eight-spoke, two-tone aluminum wheel with machined aluminum spokes and metallic painted inserts. The Limited comes with standard 18-inch, eight-spoke aluminum wheels. An 18-inch, seven-spoke, chrome wheel is available on both models. Seventeen-inch wheels wear P215/60Rx17 BSW tires while 18-inch wheels are wrapped in P225/55Rx18 BSW tires. Three new exterior colors – Dark Ink Blue, Light Ice Blue and Light Sage – join the lineup for 2008. Maximum comfort and space define Five Hundred's cabin The Five Hundred features the most spacious interior of any large sedan in the segment. Features like Command Seating™ offer SUV visibility and provide easy ingress and egress for both front and rear seat passengers. And everyone rides in comfort thanks to best-in-class legroom front and rear.Five Hundred's interior is as flexible as it is spacious. A cavernous, 21 cubic feet of class-leading trunk space can swallow up to eight golf bags. And the fold-flat, 60/40 split second row seats and the fold-flat front passenger seat work together to provide space to stow items up to nine-feet long. A two-tier clamshell center console, new for 2008, offers flexible storage options. The cover can be opened to expose the upper tier, a 10.75 cu. ft. storage bin that is large enough to accommodate cameras, cell phones, MP3 players or small purses. Opening both lid and upper storage bin gives access to a second, larger storage area that goes all the way to the vehicle floor, offering secure, out-of-site storage for important items. The center console comes with a new auxiliary audio input jack and an additional power point, bringing the vehicle total to three power points. The 2008 Five Hundred has a cup/bottle holder in each door, two in the center console and an additional two cup holders integrated into the rear-seat armrest, bringing the vehicle total to eight cup holders. A New, More Luxurious Interior The Five Hundred's occupants are surrounded in traditional luxury with a modern twist. The Dusk Gray of the instrument panel and flow-through center console is carried onto the tops of the door panels creating the feel of a cockpit for the front seat passengers. This use of Dusk Gray also provides a nice contrast to the rich Camel or Light Stone seats, console cover and lower door panel trim. The pillars and headliner are trimmed in a lighter Camel or Light Stone shade to enhance the Five Hundred's ample headroom. The Limited Series features a strip of high-gloss Curly Koa wood trim that runs the width of the instrument panel, adorning the top of the console and providing a backdrop for the switches on the tops of the arm rests. Curly Koa features a unique opposing vertical and horizontal grain that adds a modern edge to the traditional look of wood. "It's a traditional high-gloss, honey-brown color, but it's beautiful in its depth and how the lights and darks play off of each other," says Evelyn Bowman, interior designer for the Five Hundred. An optional wood package adds a wood grain insert to the top of the steering wheel and on the shift knob. Alternatively, Limited customers can choose to be surrounded by the rich monotone of Charcoal Black. A redesigned instrument cluster is trimmed with bright chrome bezels. A chrome strip accents the new, more ergonomically designed console shifter and the edges of the rectangular air vents. Fine chrome rings define the edges of the audio and climate controls. The SEL is trimmed in Lacrosse Ash on the instrument panel, console and doors. The deep wavy grain pattern adds a surprising touch of high-gloss luxury to the cabin. SEL comes standard with fabric seating. New leather seating, available on SEL and standard on Limited, features contrast stitching and a new technical perforation pattern that is echoed on the door panels. The rectangular-shaped perforations give the interior a more progressive, contemporary look. SEL models come standard with a six-way power driver seat; 2-way power and fold-down passenger seat; leather-wrapped, manual-tilt steering wheel with redundant audio controls; leather-wrapped shift knob; air conditioning and woodgrain appliqué on instrument panel. Optional equipment includes leather seating, eight-way adjustable power driver's seats with memory, and heated driver and passenger seats. A power moon roof is available on all models. Adjustable pedals are also available. Ultra-Quiet Interior Elevates the Luxury Levels What may well impress customers the most is the new level of quietness in the Five Hundred's cabin. Engineers focused heavily on reducing interior noise levels, utilizing precedents set by the Lincoln MKZ and Ford Edge. "People will be surprised by how quiet and refined the new Five Hundred is," says Ben Winter, chief engineer of the 2008 Five Hundred. "Our tests have shown that cruising at 65 miles-per-hour, Five Hundred is as quiet as many vehicles sold as luxury sedans." The 2008 Five Hundred has a completely revised sound package that includes such technologies as expandable foam pellets in the A-Pillars to help reduce wind noise and the use of a sound-deadening material called Sonosorb™ in the doors, headliner and pillars. Sonosorb increases sound-deadening efficiency by 20 percent while retaining the same thickness as the material it replaces. Upgraded mastic in the floor and the addition of sound deadening material in the door, trunk and under the carpet further reduce road and wind noise. Engineers also reduced road noise by stiffening the area where the rear package shelf meets the floor pan. The package shelf was specifically shaped for optimal acoustic performance to reduce vibration. An improved, quieter climate control system uses a large piston compressor and redesigned air delivery to greatly reduce interior noise. "Nearly every part of the heating and cooling system was changed, from how we blended the air to changing the shapes of ducts to smoothing out the ripples," says Winter. "At max fan, the new climate control system is 50 percent quieter than the outgoing model and delivers improved performance." All-New Powertrain Transforms the Five Hundred "We're seeing tremendous improvements in zero to 60 times. The vehicle just feels so much more powerful," says Chief Engineer Winter. "It should now be among the leaders in the segment." The improved performance, however, should not come at a cost of fuel economy. Early indications are that real-world fuel economy of the 2008 Five Hundred will be similar to the previous-generation model, despite a nearly 30 percent bump in power. The new, 3.5-liter Duratec 35 and standard six-speed transmission are simply more efficient, and the vehicle benefits from a fuel-saving electric power steering system. Final numbers, measured under the new-for-2008 EPA standards, will be released closer to the vehicle's on-sale date. The 60-degree, V-6 engine benefits from a strong, lightweight die-cast aluminum block and lightweight four-valve, direct-acting, mechanical-bucket valve train to provide smooth, refined operation at high engine speeds. The intake system was designed as a single system, from the throttle body to the intake valves, to specifically provide performance without unwanted harshness. It utilizes a dual-plenum intake manifold and intake variable cam timing (i-VCT) to help ensure a smooth idle and broad torque curve. The i-VCT uses a hydraulically actuated spool valve to control the movement of the cam phaser and can rotate up to 40 degrees, shifting in less than half a second. A 10.3:1 compression ratio helps improve performance further, and updated, close-coupled catalysts help reduce emissions. The six-speed automatic transmission uses a wide-ratio, 6.04:1 gear span to deliver maximum performance. The low, 4.48:1 first gear provides solid acceleration at launch while the tall, 0.74:1 overdrive sixth gear provides steady fuel economy on the highway. Short steps between intermediate gears enhance performance by allowing the engine to quickly find the right gear for the most efficient operating conditions. A single intelligent control module shared by the Duratec 35 and six-speed automatic transmission has a learning function that collects data each time the transmission shifts, measures the response and then improves shift quality by adjusting parameters. "By tying the transmission and engine calibration together you get less vibration and smoother, cleaner shift," says Winter. "You also benefit from reduced production variability. You can get much tighter tolerances around the overall powertrain." The new engine's exhaust system has been tuned specifically for Five Hundred to provide the optimal performance. Engineers also reduced NVH through changes made to the internals of the resonators and the mufflers. Five Hundred Sets the Standard for Large Sedan Confident and Plush Ride The Five Hundreds ultra-quiet, confident and plush ride starts with a solid foundation. Engineers improved on an already-good chassis structure by reinforcing several areas to provide an even more rigid and safer structure. The under hood sheet metal was redesigned, raising the shock towers to increase the travel of the revised Macpherson strut and rear facing L-shaped lower control arm front suspension. "We increased the front suspension travel by 10 millimeters, which may not seem like a lot, but it is," says CJ Lammers, vehicle engineering manager. "It is about a 10 percent increase. Greater suspension travel equals a smoother, plusher ride." The Five Hundred's Duratec 35 V-6 and six-speed transmission are bolted to the body with hydraulic mounts to reduce vibration. The engine is mounted to the frame using a pendulum mount system that offers a greater reduction in NVH and provides for much better ride and handling. "On the 2007 model, we bolted the engine to the sub frame," says Lammers. "With this new system, the engine is bolted to the frame rails. By not having the roughly 600-lb powerpack sitting on the sub frame, the design of the sub frame can be focused on the suspension's requirements instead of the powerpack's requirements. We're now able to stiffen the sub frame allowing better tuning of the suspension and improving the ride." New dampers and springs and a revised and re-tuned independent rear suspension work with the new front suspension to the deliver Five Hundred's smooth, confident ride. A new, power steering system uses an intelligent electric pump that interprets the driver's intentions, providing extra steering assist when needed for such tasks as parking, and dialing down the assist when it's not needed, for example, when cruising on the freeway. "The benefits are a better steering feel at both low speed and high speed," says Lammers. "Efficient use of the pump also results in a real-world improvement in fuel economy without sacrificing any performance." Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS have larger 9 x 9-in. brake booster master vacuum assembly, replacing an 8 x 8-in booster, an increase of 12.5 percent. The larger booster along with new lining materials results in an improved pedal feel, reduction in brake noise and vibration and improvements in stopping performance. The Five Hundred now utilizes the same all-wheel-drive (AWD) system found on the Ford Edge, Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ and MKX. "We get the economies of scale and the benefits of common engineering," says Lammers. "This is important. We're not engineering a lot of different AWD systems. We're engineering one and adapting it to our vehicles." The Five Hundred's available intelligent all-wheel-drive system is tuned to provide confident driving in all weather conditions. Intelligent AWD uses an active, on-demand electronic center coupler to allocate a precise amount of torque from front to rear, up to 100 percent to either axle. This system can also anticipate wheel slip before it happens. Under heavy acceleration, for example, the system will proactively allocate toque to the rear wheels before the front wheels begin to slip. The Five Hundred Improves on Ford's Safety Leadership The Five Hundred is already among the segment leaders in safety, earning five stars in all four categories for government crash tests. Five Hundred was also the first Gold Award winner from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and is the leader in its class for rear crash. "We're not just maintaining that leadership, we're improving on it," says Chief Engineer Winter. "Because of all the improvements we've made, the new Five Hundred is carrying over its five-star crash ratings without the need to retest. Traction control is standard on the new Five Hundred and we're also offering AdvanceTrac stability control for the first time on Five Hundred." AdvanceTrac interacts dynamically with the vehicle while it's traveling. The system can predict the vehicle's intentions using a sensor to detect and measure oversteer and yaw by monitoring the vehicle's speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When the system senses wheel slip or the loss of traction, it reduces engine torque and applies braking where needed to keep the car tracking safely on its intended path. AdvanceTrac compliments the Five Hundred's available AWD system providing added stability. "When you take a vehicle with AWD, it already provides all-weather stability and comfort. Add AdvanceTrac to that, you've got a vehicle that is second-to-none in terms of vehicle dynamics and the ability to help avoid accidents," says Winter. For 2008, new reinforcements in the foot well area provide for better crash protection. Side impact protection is improved with pressurized crash sensors in the doors and thanks to a redesigned structure beneath the armrests in the front door panels. The 2008 Five Hundred now comes standard with six airbags including dual-stage driver and passenger front air bags, seat-deployed side air bags for driver and front passenger and Ford's Safety Canopy™ side curtain rollover air bags for both rows. The advance side air curtains feature "roll-fold" technology. If occupants are resting their heads against a window, the curtain is designed to slide between the glass and occupants as it inflates. In the event of a roll-over, the curtains remain inflated for several seconds to enhance protection during an extended crash event. An all-new restraint system includes height-adjustable lap and shoulder belts for front outboard seating positions. The front seats have multi-load limiter retractors and buckle pyrotechnic pretensioners along with seat positioning sensors for the driver and seat weight sensors for the front passenger. An all-new steering wheel features a center design that recesses the air bag 15 millimeters into the wheel and farther away from driver. The Five Hundred comes standard with BeltMinder™ safety belt reminder for driver and front passenger, child safety locks on the rear doors, the LATCH system and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Reverse sensing system is also available on both SEL and Limited models. Security features include SecuriLock™ passive anti theft system, remote keyless entry and keypad standard on all series and available antitheft perimeter alarm and perimeter lighting. Wiper-activated headlamps are offered standard on the Limited and available on the SEL. Image Gallery