November 2007 4x4 News - Drivelines

Ford chose Independence Day-not typically a busy news day-to announce preliminary details of several of its 2008 model-year trucks. (Info on the '08 Super Duty and its all-new 6.4L Power Stroke has been out for a couple months already.) Here are some of the highlights.

Ranger Ford's long-in-the-tooth compact pickup gets even longer this year, as changes to the truck are limited to increased service intervals and a redesigned front bumper. The FX4 off-road model has been upgraded: The package now includes standard heavy-duty Rancho twin-tube gas shocks; increased rear spring rates; a Class III trailer tow package; skidplates front, middle and rear; and sport bucket seats. A Torsen limited-slip rear diff is available with the FX4's 4.10 rear axle.

Expedition/Explorer Ford's SUVs don't change much this year. The Expedition is again available in a King Ranch version and can be ordered with a rearview camera and deployable running boards. Explorer will receive Ford's Sync hands-free, communications and entertainment system, which integrates mobile phones and media players into the vehicle using voice recognition, Bluetooth technology, and USB connectivity.

F-150 The best-selling pickup in the U.S. receives no major mechanical changes but adds two new models to its lineup: a SuperCrew version in the base XL trim level, and a high-line Lariat Limited. A new in-bed Cargo Management System is available for trucks with the 6.5-foot Styleside box. It consists of extruded aluminum side rails with cleats and crossbars, plus a couple of side-mounted, plastic storage bins for tools or other loose items. Extra bins and crossbars are available if you need 'em. Plus, Ford has developed a Mid-box lockable storage compartment that mounts in front of the standard pickup box and behind the cab. (Unfortunately, this option is available only on certain fleet-oriented models.) Finally, a new Rearview Camera System can be mounted in the tailgate handle bezel and displays its image in the self-dimming rearview mirror.

A"barrage of new initiatives targeted solely at improving the fuel efficiency of future Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles" is how Chrysler describes its latest round of powertrain innovations and improvements. Here are some of the options you can look forward to in coming model years.

The two-mode hybrid system Chrysler developed with GM and BMW (which uses electric motor technology to improve engine efficiency at low and high speeds) will expand beyond its introduction in the Dodge Durango next year, though the company didn't name any specific targets for the system.

The '09 Grand Cherokee will receive Chrysler's Bluetec diesel technology, making it 50-state legal.

The company will explore "additional penetration" (as smutty as that sounds) of its 3.0L V-6 common-rail diesel engine currently available in the Grand Cherokee, as well as the "possibility of a four-cylinder diesel for the North American market."

An all-new Cummins turbodiesel engine will be available in light-duty pickups after 2009. The new engine, says Chrysler, will provide "up to 30 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and a 20 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to an equivalent gasoline engine."

Also look for a "significantly upgraded version" of the 5.7L Hemi V-8 with "notable gains in fuel efficiency, refinement, power, and torque" for '09; a new V-6 engine family, codenamed Phoenix, with cylinder deactivation technology, for '10; and a new 4.7L V-8 that's flex-fuel capable and delivers up to a 5 percent fuel economy improvement, available in next year's trucks.