Ford Harley-Davidson F-Series UnveiledFor 2004 the Harley Davidson F-series model is based on a Super Duty 4x4 platform (either F-250 or F-350) and powered by a 6.0L Power Stroke diesel. Three color schemes are available: the Competition Orange/black two-tone shown here, a Dark Shadow Gray/black two-tone, or black monotone. The truck rolls on LT275/65R18E all-terrain tires and 18-inch forged-aluminum wheels. As has been the case with previous H-D versions of the F-Series, the '04 model will receive special interior and exterior treatments unique to the limited-edition pickup. Ford plans to build 8,000 of the Harley-Davidson trucks.
Off-Road Hall of Fame OpensOther forms of motorsports have their museums, but the off-road enthusiast community has been lacking such recognition until recently. In late June, ceremonies were held to mark the opening of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame.
A revolving display located in the renowned Harrah's National Auto Museum in Reno, Nevada, the Off-Road Hall of Fame is "dedicated to the recognition of those individuals and organizations who have influenced the development of the wide variety of off-road motorsports," according to Hall of Fame organizers. The Hall will also exhibit and preserve many of the famous vehicles that significantly contributed to the various forms of off-road competition.
We'll bring you more information about the hall's inductees and special exhibits in future issues.
BFGoodrich Offers Roadside AssistanceBuyers of BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/AKO or Mud-Terrain T/AKM tires can take advantage of a new Adventure Assurance Roadside Assistance program that provides road- or trail-side help 24/7 for up to 24 months after purchasing the tires. According to BFGoodrich, the program is available "anywhere" in the U.S. and Canada. Buyers of the designated tires are given a phone number to call in case of a tire-related emergency. Depending on the fix needed, a BFGoodrich service provider can do a number of things, from providing an inflated spare to towing a vehicle out of difficult terrain.
Dodge Will Give Away Ram With One-Millionth Cummins EngineThe one-millionth Cummins diesel engine built for a Dodge Ram pickup was shipped in May, and to commemorate the event, Dodge will give that truck away.
The specially badged one-millionth engine will be installed in a Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 3500 Quad Cab (not the one pictured here, however), and that truck will be the grand prize in the Dodge Rodeo Sweepstakes. It will be given away to some lucky sweepstakes winner in December at the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
Cummins has been supplying I-6 diesel engines to Dodge since 1989. During that time, the Cummins turbodiesel has increased its horsepower and torque ratings by 91 percent and 39 percent, respectively, culminating in the current High Output Cummins turbodiesel, which puts out 305 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque.
New F-150The first production example of the '04 F-150 rolled off the Norfolk, Virginia, assembly line during the same week in June that Ford Motor Company celebrated its Centennial anniversary. The truck, a red SuperCab Lariat, was powered by a milestone engine-the 100-millionth V-8 produced by Ford. The 5.4L, three-valve Triton V-8 had been built in April at Ford's Essex Engine Plant in Windsor.
Ford's Norfolk assembly line is the first of a new breed of plants that uses a flexible manufacturing system. The flexible technology allows the plant to build up to eight different models off two platforms, so the plant can quickly respond to changing consumer demands and market fluctuations. By the middle of the decade, about half of Ford's North American body shops, trim, and final assembly operations will be flexible. That number will grow to 75 percent by the end of the decade.