Ford Confirms 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost Turbo for F-150, 2.0-liter Turbo for Explorer and Edge

Over the past few months we've heard several rumors regarding the models that will get FoMoCo's EcoBoost turbocharged engines.

Now, the Detroit automaker has officially confirmed that the 2011 F-150 pickup truck will be offered with its 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 upgraded for rear-wheel-drive applications, while a new 2.0-liter inline-four turbo will find its way under the hood of the next next-generation Ford Explorer SUV and Edge CUV.

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost unit will be launched along with a smaller displacement 1.6-liter EcoBoost unit, which will be used initially on the European C-Max people mover, by the end of the year.

Ford said that over the next few years, it plans to equip as much as 80 percent of the firm's global nameplates and 90 percent of North American nameplates with EcoBoost.

The company added that by the end of 2012, 98 percent of its North American market vehicles will be equipped with more fuel-efficient six-speed transmissions and that by 2014, as many as 20 percent of its global nameplates will be fitted with stop/start systems.

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Handmade Hummer H1 Replica Built with Ford Parts Including F150 Frame!

So what do you do when you're in the bizarre position of being a Ford nut that wants a Hummer but doesn't have enough money to buy one? Well, while most people would just forget about it, FullSizeBronco (FSB) forum member Francois (aka H150) decided to take matters in his own hands -literally- and build a full-size replica of the Hummer H1 using bits and pieces from various Ford models including the frame of a 1987 F150 4x4, the rear axle from a 1991 E250 van and a 7.3-liter Powerstroke diesel engine from a shuttle van.

And mind you, this handyman didn't choose the easy way out by using a fibreglass kit. Instead he painstakingly fabricated the Hummer body out of steel. Five years later and he has almost reached the end of this amazing journey as there are only a few pesky details left to finish up the project that has been baptized for apparent reasons, Hummer H150. Kudos to you sir, you definitely deserve it!

Source: FBS , Via: Jalopnik

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Breaking News: Ford Offers Fans the Opportunity to Tour with Toby Keith

Stop the press; American country music singer - songwriter Toby Keith has teamed for the millionth time with FoMoCo to promote the latest F-150 truck. This time, Ford has come up with the "Built Ford Tough Biggest & Baddest" sweepstakes that will see the grand prize, business-up-front, party-at-the-back, mullet-loving winner not only getting into a new 2009 F-150 truck, but also receiving an all-expense paid trip for him/her and three more buddies to join Toby for one weekend on his 2009-2010 tour.

But while we may be making fun of the Toby Keith sweepstakes, there is a logic behind Ford's decision. According to Kevin Schebil, manager, Ford Truck Communications, more than 60 percent of F-Series customers listen to country music. "Toby Keith is a third-generation truck man, and he's number one in the country music arena," Schebil said.

Schebil also said that many of the people who register for consumer promotions go on to request more information about F-Series trucks. "The Built Ford Tough Biggest & Baddest Sweepstakes already has generated more than 40,000 handraisers for us," he added.

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Chicago Show: 2010 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition

We never quite understood the connection between Ford's F-Series trucks and Harley Davidson (other than being two American icons stuck in the past...) but given that the automaker has already released 13 versions of these special edition models since 2000, apparently there's a crowd out there that appreciates them. The latest Harley Davidson branded model is based on the new F-150 and it is distinguished on the outside by a deep maroon finish, massive 22-inch alloy wheels shod with low profile performance tires and a six-bar shaped billet style grille.

The Harley Davidson-ized truck also gets a lowered appearance thanks to the fully integrated deployable running board. Power comes from the same 320HP 5.4-liter V8 engine found in the standard F-150.

The special edition model's two-tone interior get's all sorts of goodies like the seat backs that feature ribbed leather treatments, engraved Harley-Davidson button snaps and even zippered map pockets featuring zippers from Harley jackets.

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