|  The Ford Five Hundred sedan packs nearly 30 percent more power - an estimated 260 hp - and boasts a new look inside and out for the 2008 model year. On sale by summer 2007, the Five Hundred features a new front end resembling the popular Ford Fusion, more horsepower and torque thanks to a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine, a new six-speed transmission and all-wheel-drive system and safety upgrades that include Ford's available AdvanceTrac(R) electronic stability control system.
The Five Hundred's 3.5-liter Duratec V-6 now delivers an estimated 260 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. It also benefits from the same smooth shifting, six-speed automatic transmission and the same available all-wheel- drive system as the new Ford Edge. Importantly, even with the upgraded powertrain, real-world fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive model is expected to be similar to the current model -- thanks to advancements in powertrain technology.
For 2008, the Five Hundred's sound package has been completely revised, helping make it as quiet as many luxury cars. The new sound package includes such technologies as expandable foam pellets in the A-pillars to reduce wind noise and the use of an advanced sound-deadening material called Sonosorb in the doors, headliner and pillars. Sonosorb increases sound-deadening efficiency by 20 percent while retaining the same thickness as the material it replaces.
Engineers also reduced road noise by stiffening the area where the rear package shelf meets the floor pan. Even the heating and air conditioning were improved by making the system 50 percent quieter than before.
The Five Hundred's quiet, confident ride starts with an already solid foundation. Upgrades include revised shock towers that help increase front suspension travel by 10 percent, new dampers and springs in both front and rear, and a revised, retuned rear suspension.
One of the most significant changes is how the engine is mounted in the vehicle. Previously, the engine was mounted to the front subframe. On the new model, the engine is bolted to the body with hydraulic mounts to reduce vibration. By moving the roughly 300-pound engine off the subframe, engineers were able to better tune the suspension and, ultimately, create an even better ride.
|
