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2008 Vehicle Model Guide

2008 FORD LINE UP — CARS

[ FORD CARS ] [ FORD TRUCKS ] [ FORD SUVS ]

FordFour distinct models make up the 2008 Ford car fleet. The flagship Five Hundred sedan has been recreated, with more than 500 enhancements, as the Taurus. A smaller-sized variation is also offered as the Fusion. The sporty Mustang returns in coupe and convertible variations as the Carroll Shelby. Also, the Ford Special Vehicle Team forges a contemporary successor to that 60s-era Mustang muscle car — the Shelby GT500. Additionally, Ford's subcompact series Focus shows bold new sheetmetal designs and cutting-edge technologies in a revamped cabin.

2008 Ford TaurusTaurus
The Taurus badge goes to Ford's top sedan, which has the body of a mid-size model with the cabin of a big car. It now features high-riding seats for five, plus loads of new luxury gear. The Taurus offers front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction modes, and all versions stock a more powerful V6 engine, now pushing 263 horsepower with a six-speed automatic transaxle. Trims consist of the deluxe SEL and top-flight Limited. Seat-mounted side air bags, Ford's Safety Canopy curtain-style side air bags, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and the AdvanceTrac electronic anti-skid device are additional safety features.

2008 Ford FusionFusion
Ford's mid-size sedan fits nicely between the smaller Focus and larger Taurus. Styling is keen, particularly at the prow, with Fusion's bold three-bar grille and projector-beam headlamps. In the five-seat cabin, Fusion offers three trims including the base S, SE and SEL. There are two engines available for the model, the 2.3-liter, four-cylinder or 3.0-liter V6. The four-pack makes 160 horsepower and ties to a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The V6, with 221 horsepower, uses a six-speed automatic. For added safety, curtain-style air bags, anti-lock brakes and a TPMS are standard on all 2008 editions, and a Reverse Sensing System is available as an add on.

2008 Ford FocusFocus
Ford's subcompact scores a new design with a front chrome-bar grille and flared wheel arches on flanks. The series splits into a four-door sedan and two-door coupe, available in S, SE and SES tirms. The redesigned cabin adds Ice Blue lighting washing instruments, console, steering wheel and door switches. Ford Sync is an optional add on with voice-activated control over in-vehicle phones, media players and USB storage devices. Two, four-cylinder engines add spark to the Focus model. The 2.0-liter base plant musters 140 horsepower, while a super-clean Duratec 20E engine nets 130 horsepower and qualifies the Focus for Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) rank.

2008 Ford MustangMustang
Ford's pony car, riding on a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) chassis, is a sporty two-door hardtop coupe or convertible. Ford builds the sportster in two trims. The Mustang V6 stocks a 4.0-liter plant pumping 210 horsepower, while the Mustang GT pulls from a 4.6-liter, aluminum V8 that reaches 300 horsepower. Special editions are also available this year including the Mustang GT California Special with unique fascias and door stripes, and the Warriors in Pink Mustang supporting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure's 25th anniversary. New gear ranges from standard side-impact air bags to optional high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps to 18-inch wheels for the V6 coupe.

2008 Ford Shelby MustangShelby Mustang
Mustang's performance models, the Shelby Mustangs, are named after racing legend Caroll Shelby. To mark the 40th anniversary of the original "King of the Road" Shelby Mustang, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR is the most powerful production Mustang ever thanks to a 5.4-liter V8 supercharged to achieve 540 horsepower. The body, inspired from classic Shelby KR Mustangs, shows a carbon composite hood, unique striping and 18-inch wheels. Also new is the 2008 Mustang Shelby GT conformed as a coupe or convertible. It packs a 4.6-liter V8 modified with Ford Racing Performance Parts, generating 319 horsepower.

For more information on Ford cars.