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Sometimes automakers really do listen to consumers. In the case of Ford, particularly with its crowd pleasing F-150 pick-up truck, Ford not only is listening, but delivering. What am I talking about? A hot-rod pick-up truck, that’s what. That’s right, Ford is going ahead with plans to market a truly “boss” version of its perennially best selling truck, the F-150, to give many fans just what they have wanted. Read on for a sneak preview of Ford’s soon to be released FX2, a dream-come-true for avid Ford lovers.

With gas prices approaching record levels, some are questioning Ford’s decision to release yet another version of its highly popular full sized pick-up truck, the F-150. Yet, demand for big trucks and SUVs continues to remain strong suggesting that size really does matter for many consumers. True, a smaller truck can be adequate for some motorists however most contractors require the large carrying capacity of the F-150 thus the continued high demand of these types of trucks. Plus, serious pick-up truck drivers will tell you that there is nothing that matches the abundant capacity of an eight foot bed in carrying everything from lumber to yard debris to sport gear and more.

As it is with many truck owners, function is one thing while styling is but another. Base versions of the F-150 are attractive and capable enough, but sport concepts have continued to create so much buzz that Ford is responding to consumer demand by building the FX2. Specifically, the new model is in response to the overwhelmingly positive buzz a concept version has been receiving at auto shows everywhere.

So, what separates the FX2 from the average F-150? Plenty, including the following features as shared by Ford in a recent press release announcing the new model:

– a dark billet grille

– a sporty, deep front valance

– clear headlights paired with platinum bezels

– monochromatic paint scheme that blends in the bumper, side mirrors, and door handles with the rest of the truck

– chrome exhaust tip

– 18 inch wheels

– black captain chairs with red stitching, available in clothe or in leather

– flow-through center console with floor shifter

Engine choices haven’t been announced, but Ford has said that its popular 5.4L V8 will be offered. The FX2, a two wheel drive vehicle, will complement an existing off road model, the FX4. Ford builds more versions of its full sized pick up truck than any other manufacturer in the world.

Yes, the FX2 is another part of Ford’s “Bold Moves” promotional campaign. While the new model is based on an existing truck, it does something that Ford is finally learning to do right: listen to its consumers. With the 2007 F-150 FX2, it appears that Ford has responded with certainty.

Copyright 2006 - Matt Keegan is a freelance auto writer covering new and future models. Your Ford F-150 FX2 is a truly hot truck that can be further enhanced by installing trustworthy aftermarket products by top manufacturers including Access, Highland, and Extang.

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If you’ve got a truck, adding a tonneau cover to your bed is an absolute must. Not only are tonneaus useful in any situation, they provide loads of essential benefits, including:

Organized storage for whatever you’re hauling in your truck bed, plus the bonus of keeping a lid on loose items

Coverage from potentially damaging weather conditions, like rain, snow and extreme sun

Complete coverage of your payload that keeps your cargo out of sight from potential theft

An immediate improvement in gas mileage with tight, aerodynamic materials covering your otherwise drag-prone open bed

Sleek looks that range from smooth leather grain patterns to ultra-custom color matched style

Tonneau Cover Storage Basics

You haul everything from hardware to the occasional load of groceries in the back of your truck. A tonneau cover helps keep a lid on all of it, shielding your cargo from the blowing winds of freeway driving and all kinds of pounding wet weather. It’s an easy way to make sure nothing disappears from your bed while you’re driving or parked.

A guide to protecting your gear from the weather with a tonneau cover

Even simple cover over your gear can help prevent weather damage. Tonneau covers take protection a few steps further though, with some ingenious design features. For instance, most tonneau covers employ strategically-placed weather seals that channel water away from your cargo. And, many models use raised and arched support bows to encourage moisture runoff. While no bed cover is completely water-tight, most will do an outstanding job of keeping your gear high and dry in nasty weather.

Tonneau Security: A Quick Reference

When your cargo is out of sight, it’s out of a would-be thief’s mind. Tonneau covers make the contents of your truck bed a mystery, giving you confidence that your belongings will be right where you left them.

Beyond simple coverage, tonneau covers offer higher levels of security, depending on the model. Most hinged (lift-up) tonneau covers can be fully-secured using a locking tailgate. Hard top and retractable tonneaus generally have secure key locking systems that latch closed at the tailgate.

With a variety of security measures, a good tonneau cover makes your truck bed far more versatile than ever before ideal for use as a hauler or hiding spot.

Gas Mileage and Tonneau Covers: The Basics

Trucks are getting taller, engines are bigger, payloads are getting deeper and the traffic is thicker than ever. You can probably hear big oil companies laughing with their fistfuls of cash every time the pump takes a big bite from your spending money. A tonneau cover helps you even the score in one of the only ways you can - by prolonging your next trip to the service station.

Open truck beds can be a huge drag on your gas mileage. As air flows over the aerodynamic front end of your vehicle, it can swirl into your bed and catch on your tailgate stealing several miles off your latest tank.

Covering your truck bed with a tight tonneau cover even a soft model stops the tailgate drag. Air hits the taut surface of a hard or soft tonneau cover and continues past your vehicle with nothing to catch. And, it saves you mileage without crazy tailgate removal or potentially damaging open-gate driving.

How much savings? A 5% improvement in fuel economy is the industry-wide accepted number, though up to 10% is possible. Your vehicle could see bigger or smaller effects. Still, the idea is simple: a tonneau cover will save gas and eventually pay for itself.

Great tonneau cover looks: a quick guide

A smooth tonneau cover adds custom truck style to bland uncovered truck beds. Each tonneau cover we offer sports a custom fit to the dimensions of your specific year, make and model. The result is a special fit and exact appearance that was made for your truck.

Tonneau covers can add any level of extra smart appearance to your truck. Soft tonneau covers stretch tight, not just for improved mileage but also for style. With a variety of lid materials, retractable tonneau covers are the kings of the low-profile smooth factor. Hard top tonneau covers are the ultimate in custom looks: molded-over edges, seamless fitting and optional paint matching.

A Guide to the History of Tonneau Covers

Tonneau covers (also known as truck bed covers, bed lids or truck lids) have evolved from a number of versions designed for a variety of uses. Because many crude bed cover designs existed over the years, no one person or company can lay claim as the originator of the tonneau cover.

Soft covers gained prominence while playing an important roll on major speedways. Top-class sport truck racers used these flexible bed covers as a lightweight way to improve their aerodynamics and reduce drag. These racetrack tonneau covers sat flush with the top of the bed and employed the same heavy-duty materials used in today’s soft covers.

Hard top tonneau covers grew in popularity as an alternative to full-size camper shells. These highly-customized truck bed lids, most commonly made from fiberglass, have evolved into tonneaus using a variety of materials and opening mechanisms.

With every vehicle and every lifestyle kept in mind, Andrew Bernhardt hopes that this information will help you find the right tonneau cover to customize your pickup truck. For more information about soft roll up tonneau covers and more to upgrade your vehicle, please visit AutoAnything.com.

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