2013 Ford F250 Platinum Diesel Lifted 6k Miles 1-owner 4x4 Pristine!! No Reserve on 2040-cars

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2016 Ford F-150 gets Sync 3, appearance packs

After the groundbreaking move to aluminum for the bodywork of the 2015 Ford F-150, it's easy to understand Ford keeping the updates light for the 2016 model. However, while there are no drastic changes for the upcoming model year, customers will benefit from a few tiny tweaks. Among the biggest improvement to the truck's usability is the move to the Blue Oval's latest Sync 3 infotainment system to replace Sync with MyFord Touch. Now running on Blackberry's QNX, the software claims to be faster and more intuitive. It also means a redesigned screen layout. As a pickup, the F-150 is meant to work, and Ford's trying to make that a little easier with the newly available Pro Trailer Backup Assist. When activated, drivers turn a knob in the direction they want the trailer to go. From there, the truck makes the necessary steering changes and limits the speed. Finally, for buyers wanting some extra style, Ford is bringing some updates to the exterior. Shadow Black and Lithium Gray are new colors that replace Tuxedo Black and Guard Metallic, respectively. There are also now brawny looking Special Edition Appearance Packages for the XLT and Lariat (pictured above) that include 20-inch anodized aluminum wheels, black running boards, smoked headlights, and side graphics. Both have a dark grille but with red accents on the Lariat and black mesh on the XLT. Inside, the seats feature Alcantara inserts with red bolsters, and crimson accent stitching is throughout the cabin. Finally, there is also the previously announced compressed natural gas prep pack. Feel free to read all about the new 2016 F-150 in the press release below. 2016 F-150 CONTINUES TO INNOVATE WITH AVAILABLE PRO TRAILER BACKUP ASSIST, ALTERNATIVE FUEL CAPABILITY AND SYNC 3 Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps make backing up a trailer as easy as turning a knob New Special Edition Appearance Packages available on XLT and Lariat with unique wheels, graphics and finishes Compressed Natural Gas/Propane gaseous fuel prep package available for 5.0-liter V8-equipped F-150s, helping reduce operating costs and tailpipe CO2 emissions The 2016 Ford F-150, part of Ford F-Series, America's best-selling truck for 38 years, continues to innovate with the addition of breakthrough towing technology, new Special Edition Appearance Packages, SYNC 3 and alternative fuel capability. All-new Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes it easier for drivers of all skill levels to back a trailer up to launch a boat or park in a driveway.

Focus ST diesel variant coming, just don't look for it here

A few years back, Volkswagen made some waves when it announced the Golf GTD - a diesel-powered car that, aside from its ultra-efficient, ultra-torquey engine, was identical to the gas-powered GTI. That meant cosseting sport seats, larger wheels, sportier suspension, larger brakes and a body kit that made the GTD indistinguishable from the GTI, except for the three little letters on the back and in the grille.
Now, Ford is looking to replicate VW's success, with a diesel version of the Focus ST. According to Motor Trend, the diesel-powered ST will use a 2.0-liter, 182-horsepower four-cylinder. With an unspecified amount of torque on offer (we'd guess around 280 pound-feet), the diesel hot hatch should hit 62 miles per hour in about eight seconds.
The report, which originally comes from Auto Express, claims the ST Diesel was confirmed by Ford Chief Marketing Officer Mark Fields during this week's Geneva Motor Show. Not surprisingly, it doesn't appear there are any plans to bring a diesel-powered Focus of any kind to the US, let alone one that uses the suspension, steering and other items from the ST. Of course, if there's an official confirmation from Ford, we'll be sure to report on it.

Here's what the UAW will be angling for in next year's contract negotiations

The United Auto Workers union is about to enter a new round of negotiations with the Detroit Three automakers, and this time, the focus is on the end of the two-tier wage system. Introduced in 2007, the two-tier wage system was enacted to allow General Motors, Ford and Chrysler to categorize its hourly employees under two categories: Tier 1 for veteran employees with full rights and benefits, and Tier 2 for short-term or entry-level employees compensated under a different schedule. The idea was that the system would permit the automakers to invest more in their plants and hire new employees as part of their respective recovery plans without being saddled with all the costs associated with hiring full-time employees. Now that the automakers are (more or less) back on their proverbial feet, however, the UAW wants to see an end to the two-tier system, and will likely make that a center-point of its negotiations next year to replace the current arrangement that is scheduled to end in September 2015. Not all members of the UAW will necessarily be interested in ending the two-tier system, however. According to The Detroit News, some Tier 1 workers may be more interested in negotiating a raise in their hourly rate – something which they haven't received in almost a decade. Tier 2 workers, meanwhile, may be more motivated to keep the tiered system in place, as their arrangement includes provisions for profit-sharing payments that have seen the automakers pay out billions to so-called short-term employees in lump-sum payments. Reconciling the two competing demands from two categories of union members and presenting a united front in negotiations may prove the biggest challenge for the UAW's new president, Dennis Williams. And with the right to strike – something which was suspended during the last round of negotiations in 2011 – the union has a bigger bargaining chip in its pocket.