Detroit Auto Show: 2008 Ford Five Hundred

New exterior looks and new engine. That’s what the 2008 Ford Five hundred is all about. While design-wise the Five Hundred is still as unique as a Bic pen, its engine is indeed upgraded. Away goes the previous 203 HP & 207 pound-feet of torque 3.0 Duratec V6 and in comes a 3.5-liter Duratec V-6 delivering 260 Hp and 245 pound-feet of torque. The 2008 Five Hundred also benefits from a new six-speed automatic transmission.-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press release and a high-res gallery

PRESS RELEASE: New look inside and out:The Five Hundred's new look aligns it with the Ford Fusion. New from the A-pillars forward, the Five Hundred now features Ford's signature three-bar chrome grille. A sculpted hood adds a touch of crisp detail, and a new front fascia is chamfered at the outer edges, adding structure to the design. All-new side mirrors are smaller yet provide better visibility and reduce wind noise. Chrome side vents, door handles and mirror caps give the Five Hundred Limited models a more expensive appearance. New taillamps carry the horizontal theme to the rear, while a new rear fascia houses chrome-tipped dual exhausts.

Ultra-quiet interior and plush ride: For 2008, the Five Hundred's sound package has been completely revised, helping make it as quiet as many luxury cars. The new sound package includes such technologies as expandable foam pellets in the A-pillars to reduce wind noise and the use of an advanced sound-deadening material called Sonosorb in the doors, headliner and pillars. Sonosorb increases sound-deadening efficiency by 20 percent while retaining the same thickness as the material it replaces. Engineers also reduced road noise by stiffening the area where the rear package shelf meets the floor pan. Even the heating and air conditioning were improved by making the system 50 percent quieter than before.

The Five Hundred's quiet, confident ride starts with an already solid foundation. Upgrades include revised shock towers that help increase front suspension travel by 10 percent, new dampers and springs in both front and rear, and a revised, retuned rear suspension.One of the most significant changes is how the engine is mounted in the vehicle. Previously, the engine was mounted to the front subframe. On the new model, the engine is bolted to the body with hydraulic mounts to reduce vibration. By moving the roughly 300-pound engine off the subframe, engineers were able to better tune the suspension and, ultimately, create an even better ride.

Technorati: Ford+Five+Hundred, 2008, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images, Detroit+Auto+Show, NAIAS