Ford's Trio of Vehicles to Hit New York Auto Show

The Ford Motor Co. will launch three new limited-editionAssociation (SEMA). "Consumers want to put their
models - the Shelby GT500KR, the F-150 Foosepersonal stamp on everything they buy - from
Edition and the Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flexpersonalized rings to build-a-teddy-bear - and
Edition - and all of which are making their official debuteverybody knows that 'you are what you drive."
at this year's New York International Auto ShowThe 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR, which will be
(NYIAS). The automaker's trio of vehicles showcaseslaunched next spring, features a 5.4-liter supercharged
how Ford is leveraging crucial partnerships to buildV-8 engine unit with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade
thrilling and more functional new products.Pack that improves the engine output to an estimated
"Marrying great Ford products like Mustang, F-150 and540 horsepower. It is also given distinct exterior
Expedition to strong partners like Shelby, Foose andbadging, a one-of-a-kind interior with Carroll
Flex creates vehicles that are irresistible to customersShelby-signature embroidered seats, a unique striping
who want to make the boldest statement they can,"and a 40th Anniversary numbered dash plaque. The
said Cisco Codina, the group vice president of thecoupe version is also complemented by a custom
company's North America Marketing, Sales andcarbon composite hood, stainless steel twist-down
Service. "We are seeing more demand for specialhood pins, a lower front air dam with functional brake
wheels and accessories and, of course,ducts, a modified suspension, and 14-inch Brembo front
from-the-factory packages like the new Eddie Bauerbrakes.
Taurus X and Harley F-150s."The all-new Ford F-150 Foose Edition, a rugged
According to Ford's research, 62 percent of full-sizeboulevard cruiser, is scheduled to hit the roads early
pickup truck purchasers buy accessories for theirnext year. The Ford F-150 Foose Edition is penned by
vehicles, and 73 percent acquire auto parts throughcustom street rod designer Chip Foose. It features
their dealer. In addition, truck buyers spend an average22-inch wheels, the special Foose F-150 sports bold
of $1,700 in accessories. About 30 percent ofracing stripes, a new grille, and the 450-horsepower
crossover utility vehicle purchasers buy accessories,supercharged Triton V8 that produces 500 pound-feet
and they are more likely to make these accessoryof torque at 4,000 rpm. By far, it is the most powerful
purchases at the dealership.F-150.
The Dearborn-based automaker announced that itsThe 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, the
overall customization business rose by 50 percent inlimited-production SUV, will hit showrooms this fall. The
the previous year and could potentially double itsconcept of the car was created by hip hop DJ
business again in the next two years. The anticipatedFunkmaster Flex. Its offers 20-inch aluminum wheels, a
growth is anchored on the development of340-watt Audiophileâ„¢ Sound System, an MP3
factory-customized products and a hard stress onplayer audio jack, a Powerfoldâ„¢ third-row
wheels, appearance packages, and electronics suchseating, heated and cooled front seats, an optional
as DVD players and navigation systems contained innavigation system, a custom front fascia, a power
the updated repair manuals.liftgate, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
"This is really a fashion industry," said PeterRounding out the package is the SIRIUS satellite radio
MacGillivray, the vice president of Marketing andand an exclusive numbered dash plaque signed by
Communications for the Specialty Equipment MarketFunkmaster Flex.