Sexy new look and more power for new Ford Five Hundred
The Ford Five Hundred was Fords new-age large sedan, having featured a 200 horsepower engine and CVT transmission for smooth power delivery. It had most of its priorities in order, though with stately and largely un-exciting styling it was positioned ideally for buyers after a sensible and luxurious machine that didn't beg for attention.
Despite its reasonable price and equipment level, the Five Hundred didn't do a whole lot to excite the automobile enthusiasts sense of passion for motoring. The machine was often pegged as underpowered, and while the CVT transmission provided smooth operation, power delivery was often noisy and lacked the feeling of progress through several gears during hard acceleration.
For 2008 though, the Five Hundred is set to bring a new level of passion and performance to the Ford model lineup.
First off, the styling has been modernized and includes the brand's new trademark three-slot chrome grille treatment- care of the Fusion. The grille is flanked by a pair of integrated, low-brow looking headlamps to cap the crisp look of the chamfered new fascia. Whereas the old Five Hundred looked like it was about to go on a picnic, the new model looks like it's ready for a fight.
Rear styling is accented by four-segment clear taillamps and a dual outlet muffler with chrome tips. A small rear lip spoiler is also available, lending itself to a sleek European look.
They haven't put all the eggs in the styling basket either. Through revisions to sound deading materials and construction, the ride is 5 percent quieter than before. Updated suspensions and increased travel make it more comfortable, too. There is more storage for occupants, Command Seating for increased visibility and more safety by way of an optional all wheel drive system. An Interactive Vehicle Dynamics (IDV) control system is included alongside dual-level driver and passenger front air bags, seat-deployed side airbags and Safety Canopy curtain rollover air bags for all rows as standard.
All that sensible stuff doesn't mean taking a hit in the performance department either. The 2008 model will come powered by a new Duratec engine packing 3.5 litres of Sayonara and delivering over 260 horsepower to the front or all four wheels. The transmission is of the automatic variety- but with six gears, mileage and performance are enhanced.
Cisco Codina, Group VP of North American Marketing at Ford, says "Five Hundred has a strong reputation for safety, quality and comfort. With a more distinct look, new features and a completely new powertrain, the Five Hundred will be even more appealing."
The Ford Five Hundred was Fords new-age large sedan, having featured a 200 horsepower engine and CVT transmission for smooth power delivery. It had most of its priorities in order, though with stately and largely un-exciting styling it was positioned ideally for buyers after a sensible and luxurious machine that didn't beg for attention.
Despite its reasonable price and equipment level, the Five Hundred didn't do a whole lot to excite the automobile enthusiasts sense of passion for motoring. The machine was often pegged as underpowered, and while the CVT transmission provided smooth operation, power delivery was often noisy and lacked the feeling of progress through several gears during hard acceleration.
For 2008 though, the Five Hundred is set to bring a new level of passion and performance to the Ford model lineup.
First off, the styling has been modernized and includes the brand's new trademark three-slot chrome grille treatment- care of the Fusion. The grille is flanked by a pair of integrated, low-brow looking headlamps to cap the crisp look of the chamfered new fascia. Whereas the old Five Hundred looked like it was about to go on a picnic, the new model looks like it's ready for a fight.
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Rear styling is accented by four-segment clear taillamps and a dual outlet muffler with chrome tips. A small rear lip spoiler is also available, lending itself to a sleek European look.
They haven't put all the eggs in the styling basket either. Through revisions to sound deading materials and construction, the ride is 5 percent quieter than before. Updated suspensions and increased travel make it more comfortable, too. There is more storage for occupants, Command Seating for increased visibility and more safety by way of an optional all wheel drive system. An Interactive Vehicle Dynamics (IDV) control system is included alongside dual-level driver and passenger front air bags, seat-deployed side airbags and Safety Canopy curtain rollover air bags for all rows as standard.
All that sensible stuff doesn't mean taking a hit in the performance department either. The 2008 model will come powered by a new Duratec engine packing 3.5 litres of Sayonara and delivering over 260 horsepower to the front or all four wheels. The transmission is of the automatic variety- but with six gears, mileage and performance are enhanced.
Cisco Codina, Group VP of North American Marketing at Ford, says "Five Hundred has a strong reputation for safety, quality and comfort. With a more distinct look, new features and a completely new powertrain, the Five Hundred will be even more appealing."