Ford Motor Co. will launch three new limited edition models: the Shelby GT500KR, the F-150 Foose Edition and the Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, and all will make its official debut at the International Exhibition of the New York Auto Show this year (NYIAS ). The trio of vehicles the automaker shows how Ford is leveraging crucial partnerships to create exciting new and more functional products.
“Marrying great Ford products like the Mustang, F-150 and Expedition to strong partners like Shelby, Foose and Flex creates vehicles that are irresistible to customers who want to make the boldest statement they can,” said Cisco Codina, vice president of the company’s North American Marketing, Sales and Service group. “We’re seeing increased demand for specialty wheels and accessories and, of course, from-the-factory packages like the new Eddie Bauer Taurus X and Harley F-150.”
According to Ford research, 62 percent of full-size pickup truck buyers purchase accessories for their vehicles and 73 percent purchase auto parts through their dealer. Plus, truck buyers spend an average of $1,700 on accessories. About 30 percent of crossover utility vehicle buyers purchase accessories, and they are more likely to make these accessory purchases at the dealership.
The Dearborn-based automaker announced that its global customization business increased by 50 percent in the previous year and could potentially double its business again in the next two years. The anticipated growth is anchored in the development of factory-customized products and a drive-in effort on wheels, appearance packages, and electronics such as DVD players and navigation systems contained in updated repair manuals.
“This is really a fashion industry,” said Peter MacGillivray, vice president of marketing and communications for Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). “Consumers want to put their personal stamp on everything they buy, from personalized rings to build a teddy bear, and everyone knows that ‘you are what you drive.'”
Launching next spring, the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR features a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 unit with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that improves engine output to an estimated 540 horsepower. It also has distinctive exterior badging, a unique interior with seats embroidered with Carroll Shelby’s signature, a unique stripe, and a numbered 40th anniversary dash plaque. The coupe version is also complemented by a custom carbon composite hood, stainless steel swivel hood latches, a lower front air dam with functional brake ducts, a modified suspension and 14-inch Brembo front brakes.
The all-new Ford F-150 Foose Edition, a rugged boulevard cruiser, is scheduled to hit the road early next year. The Ford F-150 Foose Edition is penned by custom street rod designer Chip Foose. It features 22-inch wheels, the special Foose F-150 with bold sport stripes, a new grille, and the 450-horsepower Triton V8 supercharger that produces 500 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. By far the most powerful F-150.
The 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, the limited-production SUV, will hit showrooms this fall. The car concept was created by hip hop DJ Funkmaster Flex. Offers 20-inch aluminum wheels, a 340-watt Audiophile(TM) sound system, an MP3 player audio jack, a Powerfold(TM) third-row seat, heated and cooled front seats, a navigation system optional, a custom front fascia, a power liftgate, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Completing the package is SIRIUS satellite radio and an exclusive numbered dash plaque signed by Funkmaster Flex.