Ford preps for 2008: Line-up at a glance

Every automaker is prepping for the 2008 model year and Ford released information and images of their 2008 line-up today. All-new 2008 models were already announced, and today, we get to take a look at what Ford's keeping and changing for the rest of the line-up.

The cars we're highlighting in this post are the 2008 Ford Edge, 2008 Ford Expedition, 2008 Ford Fusion and the 2008 Ford F-150. The big news for Ford this year is the inclusion of Sync, co-developed with Microsoft, for most vehicles in the line-up. And yes, the Ranger is still alive and going, with the addition of an iPod jack and standard tire-pressure monitoring system for 2008. Continue reading to view what Ford has in store for 2008.

2008 Ford Edge
In addition to the introduction of the optional Sync, changes are style-wise only for 2008. A Limited model is added to the line-up, which includes standard features such as an Audiophile sound system with nine speakers and chrome beltline. A new Interior Appearance Package adds leather-trimmed seats with premium red seating surfaces and contrast stitching. New options include 18-inch wheels and 20-inch wheels available on the Limited trim. Four new colors are now available: Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Light Ice Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Ink Blue Clearcoat Metallic and White Sand Tri-Coat.

Convenience features added for 2008 include a one-touch up-and-down driver window and an available Homelink universal garage door opener. A major option that is now available on the 2008 Edge is the Sync, which is a voice-activated multimedia system using Bluetooth technology. Power liftgate is also available and a new tailgate handle allows more convenience than before.



2008 Ford Expedition
For 2008, the Ford Expedition benefits from the addition of the King Ranch trim. The King Ranch adds unique 18-inch machined aluminum wheels and King Ranch badging, chrome exhaust tips, Pueblo Gold exterior accents and heated power mirrors with signal, memory function and security approach lamps. In the interior, it is equipped with King Ranch Chaparral leather seating in all three rows. Other Chaparral and wood trims throughout the cabin top out the list. The King Ranch trim is already available on the F-150.

New options available throughout the line-up are power running boards and a rear-view camera system. Updates for the Expedition include body-color front and rear fascia, wheel lip moldings and side cladding on the XLT trim, which replaces the black color on the previous model, new optional 18-inch chrome wheels on the XLT. Standard all across the board for 2008 are keyless entry keypad, electrochromic mirror, heated power mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auxiliary A/C, full overhead console, illuminated visors and second-row map lights. Standard in the Limited and King Ranch trims are power adjustable pedals, power rear quarter windows, universal garage door opener and Reverse Sensing System. A chrome-tip exhaust standard on the Eddie Bauer model tops out the list of changes of the Expedition for 2008.



2008 Ford Fusion
The main highlight of the 2008 Ford Fusion is the inclusion of Sync, with brackets stating 'late availability'. The 2008 Fusion is now standard with ABS and tire-pressure monitoring system. A new option is a reverse sensing system and a keyless entry keypad system standars on the SEL trim. A new Sport Appearance Package is equipped with a black chrome grille, color-keyed fog lamps, 18-inch tires and aluminum wheels with painted pockets, sport-tuned suspension, a unique spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, unique red seat inserts (cloth or leather) and red stitching on the seats, steering wheel and center console.

New colors are available in the 2008 Fusion: White Suede Clearcoat, Moss Green Clearcoat Metallic, Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Ink Blue Clearcoat Metallic and Light Sage Clearcoat Metallic. Optional ambient lighting tops out the changes of the 2008 Ford Fusion.



2008 Ford F-150
For 2008, the F-150 receives a variety of changes to keep it fresh for one more year until the redesigned version is unveiled. The main highlight of the changes is the Cargo Management System, which is optional on variants of the F-150 with the 6.5-ft. Styleside box. Two side rails, a pair of bins, a pair of crossbars and a header bar make up this new feature. Here's an excerpt from Ford's press release describing the Cargo Management System:

-Strong extruded aluminum double channel rails allow multiple accessories to be installed. Rails have cleat positions every 90 millimeters accommodating a wide range of cargo. Easily adjustable, cast aluminum cleats are designed to hold over 600 pounds.
-Extruded aluminum crossbars hold up to 100 pounds and feature T-Slots on all four sides designed for non-traditional attachments such as hanging skis or fishing poles from the bottom.
-Side mounted, blow-molded plastic, tool bins can hold up to 60 pounds and feature double wall construction, providing a watertight, thermal barrier that keeps beverages cold when used as a cooler.
-Push button lock on the bins automatically keys itself to the first ignition key that is turned in the lock, enabling the owner to use one key for all the bins.

A rear-view camera system is also available as an option. Upgrades of the 2008 F-150 models include a standard tachometer for the F-150 XL and STX models, factory-installed remote start system, a tire-pressure monitoring system for the Heavy-Duty packages and two new colors: Stone Green for all models and Mahogany for the flagship King Ranch trim.



Rest of the line-up
The Escape and Escape Hybrid received a major facelift, overhauling both the exterior and the interior for the 2008 model year. They were announced at the Los Angeles International Autoshow in January and went on sale soon after.

The aging E-Series commercial van benefited from a minor facelift for the 2008 model year. Major changes include a new front fascia adopted from the Super-Duty and improved chassis and handling. The 2008 E-Series was announced at the New York International Autoshow in April.

The Focus was redesigned for the model year 2008. The hatchback and the station wagon models were dropped in favor of an all-new coupe variant. In addition to the new exterior, the Focus received an all-out redesign of the interior. The new Focus is available with Microsoft's Sync which allows electronics to be integrated to the automobile via voice activation through Bluetooth technology. The 2.3L engine has been dropped for 2008.

The Explorer received multiple changes for the 2008 model year. In addition to Sync, the Explorer is the first Ford vehicle equipped with capless fuel filling system. Other options are new 20-inch wheels and three new colors: Stone Green Clearcoat Metallic, Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic and White Suede Clearcoat Metallic. Limited models also receive power adjustable pedals with memory and Homelink.

The Mustang receives an array of new standard features and options for the 2008 model year. The Mustang is now equipped with side curtain airbags standard in all trims. New available features include HID lamps, ambient lighting and 18-inch wheels on the V6.

The Ranger, the everlasting truck from Ford that never seems to die out, lives on for 2008. Tweaks are added to the range-topper FX4 Off Road including standard heavy-duty Rancho twin-tube gas shocks, increased rear spring rates, Class III Trailer Tow Package, skid plates (front, middle and rear) and sport bucket seats. A new limited-run Grabber Orange color is also added in the line-up. To round it off, the 2008 Ranger will receive new wheels and a standard auxiliary input jack.

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