| The Ford Motor Co. will launch three new limited-edition | | | | Association (SEMA). "Consumers want to put their |
| models - the Shelby GT500KR, the F-150 Foose | | | | personal stamp on everything they buy - from |
| Edition and the Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex | | | | personalized rings to build-a-teddy-bear - and |
| Edition - and all of which are making their official debut | | | | everybody knows that 'you are what you drive." |
| at this year's New York International Auto Show | | | | The 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR, which will be |
| (NYIAS). The automaker's trio of vehicles showcases | | | | launched next spring, features a 5.4-liter supercharged |
| how Ford is leveraging crucial partnerships to build | | | | V-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 and | | | | 540 horsepower. It is also given distinct exterior |
| Expedition to strong partners like Shelby, Foose and | | | | badging, a one-of-a-kind interior with Carroll |
| Flex creates vehicles that are irresistible to customers | | | | Shelby-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 the | | | | coupe version is also complemented by a custom |
| company's North America Marketing, Sales and | | | | carbon composite hood, stainless steel twist-down |
| Service. "We are seeing more demand for special | | | | hood 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 Bauer | | | | brakes. |
| 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-size | | | | boulevard cruiser, is scheduled to hit the roads early |
| pickup truck purchasers buy accessories for their | | | | next year. The Ford F-150 Foose Edition is penned by |
| vehicles, and 73 percent acquire auto parts through | | | | custom street rod designer Chip Foose. It features |
| their dealer. In addition, truck buyers spend an average | | | | 22-inch wheels, the special Foose F-150 sports bold |
| of $1,700 in accessories. About 30 percent of | | | | racing 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 accessory | | | | of torque at 4,000 rpm. By far, it is the most powerful |
| purchases at the dealership. | | | | F-150. |
| The Dearborn-based automaker announced that its | | | | The 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, the |
| overall customization business rose by 50 percent in | | | | limited-production SUV, will hit showrooms this fall. The |
| the previous year and could potentially double its | | | | concept of the car was created by hip hop DJ |
| business again in the next two years. The anticipated | | | | Funkmaster Flex. Its offers 20-inch aluminum wheels, a |
| growth is anchored on the development of | | | | 340-watt Audiophileâ„¢ Sound System, an MP3 |
| factory-customized products and a hard stress on | | | | player audio jack, a Powerfoldâ„¢ third-row |
| wheels, appearance packages, and electronics such | | | | seating, heated and cooled front seats, an optional |
| as DVD players and navigation systems contained in | | | | navigation 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 Peter | | | | Rounding out the package is the SIRIUS satellite radio |
| MacGillivray, the vice president of Marketing and | | | | and an exclusive numbered dash plaque signed by |
| Communications for the Specialty Equipment Market | | | | Funkmaster Flex. |