-
Current Rating:
(1 vote)
- Bookmarks:
Signs of Life – Ford Shelby GT500 and Lincoln MKX Crossover Utility Vehicle
by Peter Frey
The news from Detroit these days could easily give you the impression that the American auto industry is down for the count, knocked flat by a 1 – 2 punch of internal financial woes and a feeling among consumers that the Japanese and Europeans do it…. better.
Sad to say, that was true… until recently. In the past few years, however, there have been signs of life from Detroit, a stirring of vast energies as the sleeping giant that is America’s auto industry awakens to a new world and begins the process of re-asserting its role in a market which it once ruled with power and style.
And how does Detroit propose to reclaim its proper place in the scheme of things? Why, with power and style, of course.
Ford, for example, has introduced the most powerful Mustang in the company’s history, the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500. Inspired by the famed ‘muscle car’ of the same name built in the late 1960s, the new GT500 has a 500-horsepower supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 under that sinister-looking hood adorned with the legendary Shelby Cobra logo.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission, resulting in 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 4.5 seconds. Add in the race-tuned suspension and 4-piston Brembo racing-style brakes and the GT500 has performance capabilities that enable it to slug it out toe-to-toe with the off-shore heavyweights. The GT500 will be available as either a 2-door coupe or a convertible when it makes its debut in Ford dealers this summer.
"Our goal was to build the most powerful, most capable Mustang ever," says Hau Thai-Tang, director of Ford’s Advanced Product Creation and Special Vehicle Team.
On the style side is Lincoln’s brand new 2007 Crossover Utility Vehicle called the MKX. Before we get lost in all these letter combinations, let’s clarify; a CUV is basically a slightly smaller, lighter, more agile and fuel-efficient SUV based on a car chassis and engineered with an emphasis on evocative design and a luxurious driving experience rather than size and brute force.
The MKX is a five-passenger CUV powered by a fuel-efficient 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a 6-speed transmission and offered with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. What is most impressive about the MKX is the level of technology and amenities, including heated and cooled front seats, 14-speaker THX audio system, DVD navigation system, headlights that turn with the front wheels to illuminate corners and the Safety Canopy air bag system.
In keeping with America’s love of both convertibles and democracy, the optional Vista Roof features an oversized 27.3- by 29.4-inch powered glass sunroof for the front seat passengers and a fixed glass 15 x 31-inch moonroof in the back… so everyone has a view.
Though the GT500 and MKX are poles apart, designed for different drivers and unique uses, what they share is both world-class quality and the opportunity to take part in bringing an American giant back to life without sacrificing anything but your prejudice.
No Comments found
