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Next Lincoln Navigator to drop V8 in favor of V6, but Ford Expedition might get both

A great many buyers fled from full-size body-on-frame SUVs to car-based crossovers in large measure to save fuel. But that doesn't mean there's still not a buying audience for more traditional truck-based utility vehicles, and those consumers doubtlessly wouldn't mind saving some dollars at the pump, too. According to Motor Trend, those shoppers might be in luck.
That's because the magazine has confirmed that Ford isn't walking away from the full-size SUV segment, and it's poised to do something about its offerings' economy ratings, too. According to MT, global Lincoln director Matt VanDyke has hinted that the next Navigator may drop two cylinders and go with a V6 model - the current model gets just 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 on the highway from its 5.4-liter V8. The obvious fitment would be Ford's 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, an engine that has spread like kudzu throughout the rest of the Blue Oval's large vehicle lineup.
Downsized turbocharged engines like Ford's EcoBoost franchise have come under fire as of late for not delivering their EPA fuel economy ratings, but their benefits extend beyond consumption - the 3.5L offers superior power and a better torque curve than the naturally aspirated V8. MT also suggests that Ford's 3.7-liter V6 could form the base engine for the next Navi - it has similar horsepower but a lot less torque than the current 5.4L. That may be less of a problem with the next generation tipped to go on a diet, which could level the playing field somewhat.

Shelby GT350 to be auctioned for charity at Barrett-Jackson in January

If you just have to be the first person in the world to possess the latest Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang, then you need to be bidding during the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ, on January 17. That's because Ford is offering the chance to own the inaugural production example of its latest premiere pony car there. The buyer of the first GT350 gets to choose from any color and all of the available packages for their car. Although, the real highlight is probably being among the first to listen to the 5.2-liter V8 under the hood with its flat-plane crankshaft. Ford promises that the mill makes over 500 horsepower and more than 400 pound-feet of torque. To sweeten the deal even further, all of the proceeds of the sale go to the JDRF, a charity that funds type 1 diabetes research. There's no reserve on the auction for the GT350 but don't expect a bargain. Last year, the first 2015 'Stang raised $300,000 for the JDRF at the Barrett-Jackson sale, and the initial Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 brought in $650,000 for charity. You can read Ford's entire announcement about the event below. FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO SELL NEW SHELBY GT350 MUSTANG AT BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE AUCTION TO BENEFIT JDRF First publicly available production unit of the all-new Shelby GT350® Mustang to be auctioned by Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, with all proceeds benefiting JDRF Winning bidder will be able to choose from available colors and packages for Shelby GT350 Ford-sponsored ride-and-drives during the auction will feature a full lineup of 2015 vehicles Ford Motor Company will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Shelby GT350 Mustang by auctioning the first production unit of the new-generation car available to the public for charity at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona. All proceeds will benefit JDRF, the country's leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. Live coverage of the auction of the Shelby GT350 will air on Velocity on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015. The winning bidder of lot No. 3008 – selling at No Reserve – will become owner of the coveted first retail production unit of Ford Shelby GT350, and choose from available Shelby GT350 colors and packages. In January 1964, Carroll Shelby and Ford Motor Company forever altered the automotive industry with the introduction of the GT350. It was offered through Ford dealers from 1965 through 1970.

Ford 1.0L takes third-straight International Engine of the Year award

Ford's 1.0-liter EcoBoost is proving to be The Little Engine That Could, and it continues to acquit itself well, finding favor as one of the best powerplants in the world. To confirm it yet again, the tiny mill just won the International Engine of the Year award for the third year in a row, likewise also nabbing the title in the Sub 1.0-liter category.
Packing 123 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque with overboost (125 lb-ft normally), the tiny engine combines impressive power in a size small enough to be a carry-on item for a commercial flight. US buyers only got a taste of the award winner in the 2014 Fiesta, while the 1.0 EcoBoost has been available throughout the Ford lineup in Europe for a few years now. American sales have reportedly been strong, however, and next up in the US, the mill will find its way into the 2015 Focus.
The panel of 82 jury members from 34 countries also named the Mercedes-AMG 2.0-liter turbo found in the A45, CLA45 and GLA45 AMG models with 355 hp and 332 lb-ft as the best New Engine for 2014. The electric powertrain from Tesla won Green Engine prize, and the 4.5-liter V8 from the Ferrari 458 Italia took home the honor of top Performance Engine yet again. You can check out all the winners below, and scroll down further to read Ford's celebratory announcement of its award.