Fastest Mustang and F-150 ever

Ford North America has released details of three new models ahead of this month's New York International Auto Show opening day.

The Shelby GT500KR, F-150 Foose Edition and the Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition are all intended as limited-edition models, designed to attract the niche buyer.

The company wants more products with co-branding, trusting in demand for customisation products that make Ford vehicles stand out from the crowd, as seen locally in the Tornado and latest 'Rip Curl' Falcon utes.

“We are seeing more demand for special wheels and accessories and, of course, from-the-factory packages like the new Eddie Bauer Taurus X and Harley F-150s,” said Cisco Codina, group vice president of Ford's North America Marketing, Sales and Service.

Set for a spring-time launch in the US, the Shelby GT500KR features a 5.4-litre supercharged V8 with a Ford Racing 'Power Upgrade Pack' that boosts engine output to an estimated 397kW. Only 1000 GT500KRs will be produced.

The GT500KR coupe comes with a custom carbon composite hood with scoops and stainless steel twist-down hood pins, a lower front air dam with chrome-trimmed functional brake ducts and 14-inch Brembo front brakes. The suspension has been modified with an emphasis on race-inspired handling.

Celebrating 40 years since the classic 1968 KR model, the Shelby GT500KR also features 40th Anniversary exterior badging, unique striping and a distinctive interior with Carroll Shelby-signature embroidered seats and an anniversary numbered dash plaque.

Expected early 2008, the F-150 'Foose Edition' is styled by custom street rod designer Chip Foose and features 22-inch wheels, sports racing stripes and super low ride. Also planned for a limited production, the fast F-150 also features Chip Foose signature headrests and floor mats, a unique leather-wrapped center console and a Foose-designed serialization plate showing the VIN and build-sequence numbers.

The Foose Edition F-150 is powered by a 331kW supercharged Triton V8 boasting around 700Nm at 4000 rpm, making it the most powerful Ford F-150 since the 2004 Ford SVT Lightning. Ford says that when it hits the streets, it will be the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market.

Designed with styling direction from hip hop DJ 'Funkmaster Flex', the Ford Expedition FMF (if you have to ask, you're not cool enough) turns the short wheelbase SUV into an exclusive street stomper with a two-tone 'Colorado Red' and black paint scheme, orange pinstriping, chrome badging, a custom front fascia, side skirts and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.

The Expedition FMF also features leather captains chairs with FMF logo, satellite radio and an exclusive numbered dash plaque signed by Funkmaster Flex. The wake your neighbour kit also includes a 340-watt sound system and an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

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