1965 Ford Thunderbird Base Hardtop 2-door 6.4l 390 Fe Big Block on 2040-cars

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Plug In 2014: ALTe ready to join Ford's EQVM to convert, sell F-150 PHEV [w/video]

It's been a while since we've checked in with ALTe and its plans to convert big work vehicles like the Ford F-150 into plug-in hybrids. So, when we saw a demonstration vehicle sitting outside the San Jose Convention Center at the Plug In 2014 Conference last week, we had to get a closer look. When we did, we realized that it's been quite some time since we've been in a Ride & Drive vehicle that was all beat to heck. It's been quite some time since we've been in a Ride & Drive vehicle that was all beat to heck. The reason for the well-worn F-150 with 30,000 miles on it is that ALTe has been showing off its extended-range EV technology to lots of people all around the country, and Kyle Maki has been the man on the scene more often than not. "This one, I've taken all over the country," he told AutoblogGreen. "I've wore out that seat, I think. The only reason this one wasn't driven here was because we were in Charlotte [NC] last week and I didn't want to take a chance and not make it in time for this event." In other words, ALTe is out there, ginning up excitement for the idea of a plug-in hybrid Ford with an electric range of up to 40 miles and which can then continue on gas for another 360 miles at around about 25 miles per gallon. ALTe wants to not only convert new vehicles but it also offers retrofits for fleets that are happy with their current fleet. The company offers converted versions of the Ford E350 and E450 utility vehicles now but the near-mythical F-150 PHEV is still "coming soon." Yes, orders are now being accepted, but you will be forgiven if you think this is all happening on a slow time scale. There are simply a lot of things to do before ALTe can sell the truck. ALTe is currently attempting to join Ford's EQVM program, which is the electric version of the standard Qualified Vehicle Modifiers program. The QVM program requires coachbuilders to "be successfully evaluated by Ford Motor Company on criteria such as engineering, the manufacturing process, quality control, and adherence to Ford and Lincoln Divisions guidelines." Qualified applicants must also meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, conform to Ford/Lincoln conversion guidelines and agree to be inspected annually as well as have a "commitment to continuous improvement." Maki has a simpler explanation. "It basically means you're a preferred supplier, a Tier 1, if you will," he said.

Ford gets dirty testing the 2017 Raptor

Want to hear the sweet sound of turbochargers spinning merrily away underhood of a 2017 Ford Raptor pickup truck test mule? Of course you do. And we're happy to oblige. Fortunately for you, those aren't the only sounds you'll hear when you watch the video above. We noted plenty of birds and insects, too, which means Ford has finally seen fit to share some good old fashioned muddy off-road footage of its upcoming off-road superstar as it is subjected to rigorous testing ahead of its on-sale date in the fall of 2016. It's no secret that we're big fans of the first generation of the Ford Raptor. If there was one complaint we've voiced about the truck, it's that the off-road-specific pickup could use a touch more power. Fortunately, more power is coming for 2017 as Ford replaces the outgoing 6.2-liter V8 with a new version of its 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6. We don't know exactly how many horses the new truck will corral, but we know it will be more than the 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque offered by the previous truck. This is the second time Ford has let out some interesting information about its tests of the next Raptor, the first focusing specifically on grueling desert trials. Considering the promises Ford is making about the 2017 Raptor's various off-road capabilities, we're keen to put the pickup through its paces ourselves. For now, though, join us in watching the video above. Related Gallery 2017 Ford SVT Raptor Desert Testing News Source: Ford Ford Truck Off-Road Vehicles Videos ford f-150 svt raptor ford raptor

Ford demonstrates Mustang's new Line Lock burnout feature

Been saving your pennies for a 2015 Ford Mustang? Put in a few extra shifts or some overtime? Got a great down payment ready? Well, however much you saved for your new pony car, start saving more - you'll need the extra money to spend on tires.
That's because the Mustang will come with a system called Line Lock, which can lock the front brakes electronically, allowing drivers to perform big, dumb, smoky burnouts without moving so much as an inch. It's sort of like launch control, only the average driver might actually use it.
Now, line locks aren't uncommon, particularly in drag racing. Usually, a flip of the switch locks the front brakes. The Mustang, besides offering the system from the factory which is unique in and of itself, looks a bit more involved.