Ford’s Five Hundred will be getting a substantial makeover for the 2008 model year. Among other things, the poorly-selling sedan will be receiving a facelift and an update of the interior. As part of the facelift, the grille, taillights, headlamps, and bumpers will be heavily revised
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
Does Ford have any money anymore?
Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that they’re touching the bland roofline and flanks in the car. The D-pillar in particular could use a bit more something. Of course, this would cost real money, which is likely why they’re not doing it.