The most notable non-cosmetic change will be a new engine. The anemic 203hp, 3.0L V6 that the car currently comes with will be replaced with a 3.5L V6 with an output expected to be around 265hp. Ford is also considering offering a hybrid version. A proposal to offer a V8 in the car was scrapped, most likely because Ford does not currently have a V8 engine designed to be mounted in a FWD configuration.

The Five Hundred has been a commercial failure for Ford, largely due to the insufficient engine and unremarkable styling in a segment where the competition includes the Chrysler 300 and Nissan Maxima.

Our take? Ford should have waited until the 3.5L V6 was ready before releasing this car. If not standard, then the higher-output engine should have been available as an option on a higher trim level as is the case with both the 300 and Chevrolet Impala.

Additional article:
Spy shots on the 2008 Ford Five Hundred

Via The Detroit News