We Love Ford's, Past, Present And Future.: November 2008

2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, 2010 Ford Mustang

Mostly, the 2010 Ford Mustang is to the 2005-2009 model what the 1994 Fox Mustang was to its Fox-based predecessor, a huge sheetmetal upgrade that was bigger than it looked. The 2010 Mustang retains the 2005's live rear-axle platform and its V-6 and V-8 engines. Sheetmetal is new below the roof, which has been retained to accommodate the glass roof option added in mid-2008. It's within millimeters of the outgoing car's overall length, and the new profile surfacing, including more pronounced wheel openings and the sharp shoulderline, makes the car settle "back on its rear wheels," says design chief Doug Gaffka.

An upgraded interior reaches for modern standards of fit, finish, materials, and design. Even the handbrake has been shortened so it no longer feels long, spindly, and designed to jab your right ribcage.

The GT engine gets an upgrade, while the V-6's 4.0L carries on. The 4.6L three-valve V-8 inherits the 2008 Bullitt setup, with a cold-air-intake box, a strut-tower brace, and 15 more ponies and five pound-feet, for 315 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Like the Bullitt's, its 3.5-inch exhaust tips are up a half inch in diameter over the outgoing GT's. The torque curve improves with premium (recommended, but not required) fuel. The new intake sucks in air better than the old, open-air system, for a 0.3-sec improvement in 0-to-60-mph times on a hot street start.

Find out more about the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid in the 2008 Los Angeles Auto

The 2010 Ford Fusion brings big changes in the powertrain department, with more to come once Ford's much anticipated EcoBoost engines finally happen. A majority of Fusions will be equipped with an all-new 2.5L Duratec inline-four, cranking out 175 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque and allowing a 9.5-sec sprint from 0 to 60 mph.

Transmission options will include a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Next up the food chain is the midlevel Fusion with a 3.0L V-6 good for 240 hp (250 hp in E85 spec) and 228 lb-ft of torque that knocks 2.5 sec off the 0-to-60-mph run, dropping it to 7.0 sec flat. We don't have fuel-economy figures yet, but Ford is integrating an "aggressive" fuel shutoff program on deceleration as well as electric power steering, conserving engine power. The top-level 2010 Fusion Sport will feature a 3.5L V-6 (the same unit used in the Flex) that will offer 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. Ford says all-wheel drive will be available with the 3.0L and 3.5L six-cylinder engine options. Ford will also be releasing a hybrid version of its 2010 Fusion that the automaker claims can operate in all-electric mode at a cruising speed of up to 47 mph. Ford also claims the Fusion Hybrid will be capable of an average fuel economy rating 5 mpg better than that of the Toyota Camry Hybrid, putting mileage at nearly 40 mpg. The Hybrid will be powered by a 2.5L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor of unspecified output. Ford did mention it has reduced battery size and weight, and has incorporated a simplified cooling system that does not require an extra air-conditioning system as in previous models.

Family truck in the shop for 18 months

Justin Lilly, 20, and his father Doug Lilly, left, pose while students from Gary Sobbry's custom auto shop class at Washtenaw Community College detail his 1951 Ford F-1 pickup Wednesday March 5, 2008, in preparation for its trip to Autorama. Justin Lilly, who was on a ventilator as a child and now has only 23 percent of the lung capacity of someone with healthy lungs, asked the Ann Arbor Make-a-Wish chapter if they could line up someone to paint his truck. The group came through and he and a crew of Washtenaw Community College instructors, students and community volunteers spent the past 18 months raising funds and tracking down parts for the truck, which will be on display at Autorama at Cobo Center in Detroit this weekend.

Bob Lowing, 38, of Highland, left, and Scott Malnar, 48, of Southgate, detail the truck in preparation for its trip to Autorama.

Lilly's truck at Washtenaw Community College.

Gary Sobbry's class raised the money to refurbish the truck as a splendid street rod.

A custom auto shop class at Washtenaw Community College led by instructor Gary Sobbry works on Lilly's truck.

Justin Lilly's 1951 Ford pickup before work was started at Washtenaw Community College. He asked the Ann Arbor Make-a-Wish chapter if it could line up someone to paint his truck. The group came through a crew of Washtenaw Community College instructors, students and community volunteers spent the past 18 months raising funds and tracking down parts for the truck.