New concept cars displayed at Carlisle All-Ford Nationals

CARLISLE, PA (PRWEB) February 25, 2004 –

–See new Ford concept vehicles at this year’s Carlisle All-Ford Nationals, June 4-6, at the Carlisle (Pa.) Fairgrounds. New Bronco, Mustang, Shelby Cobra featured June 4-6Some of the vehicles that will be on display have not been seen in the area. Ford Motor Co. will bring the Shelby Cobra, Ford Bronco, Mustang convertible, Lincoln LT and Mark X to the event.

The Shelby Cobra is an open-top roadster powered by a 6.4-liter, 90-degree V-10 that pushes out 605 hp. “It’s a massive motor in a tiny, lightweight car,” says the legendary Carroll Shelby. “We have interpreted that raw, aggressive Cobra attitude in a very modern way,” added J Mays, Ford Motor Co. group vice president of Design.

Ford’s Bronco concept, a full-time four-wheel-drive sport utility, boasts a 2.0-liter, 16-valve Turbodiesel engine producing 128 hp, or 178 hp with the nitrous oxide boost. The Bronco features a six-speed PowerShift (automatic) transmission and Intelligent four-wheel-drive system. “True to its heritage, the Bronco concept is a tough, genuine SUV that’s all about function,” said Mays. “The Bronco concept is like your favorite pair of worn, faded jeans – classic, familiar, comfortable and always in style.”

The 2003 Mustang convertible concept was the platform used for the 2005 production model, which also will be displayed. The production Mustang will feature a 4.6-liter, 300-hp, 24-valve MOD V-8 or 4.0-liter, 200-hp, SOHC V-6, each in five-speed manual or automatic. “The new Mustang is pure American muscle,” said J Mays. The 2005 Mustang, available only as a coupe, will go on sale this fall.

Lincoln’s Mark LT is hailed as the industry’s first luxury pickup truck. Derived from Ford’s new F-150, it will be available in 4×2 and 4×4, offering four full-size doors and a 5.5-foot box when it goes on sale early in 2005. “The Mark LT offers a level of luxury and sophistication never before seen in a pickup truck,” said Darryl Hazel, Lincoln-Mercury president. The engine is a 5.4-liter Triton V-8 that produces 300 hp.

The Lincoln Mark X (ten) is a two-seat luxury convertible roadster with a power-folding, retractable, glass-roofed hard top. The 3.9-liter, four-valve DOHC V-8 aluminum engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission delivering 280 horsepower and 286 foot-pounds of torque. “The focus with Mark X was on pure, integrated design,” Chief Designer Marek Reichman says. “Our holistic exterior and interior design approach instantly shows its rewards.”

“The concepts were just introduced so it is very, very exciting to have them on display,” said Lisa Leathery, event manager for Carlisle Events. Top Ford Motor Company executives will be in attendance at the event as well, including Chris Theodore, vice president of Advanced Product Creation.

Also, this year marks the 40th anniversaries of both the Mustang and the legendary Ford Thunderbolt. As part of the 40th Mustang anniversary display, the original 1963 Ford Mustang II prototype (on loan from Owl’s Head Transportation Museum) will be on display, along with other rare and unique Mustangs throughout the years. Attendees even have the chance to win a 1964-½ Mustang in great shape.

The Thunderbolt reunion could draw up to 25 T-bolts. Benny Parsons, NASCAR driver and commentator, will participate in the T-bolt display and will meet attendees on Saturday. Also, racer Dick Brannan will sign autographs and meet with fans, along with other drivers who made the T-bolt famous. The original Dick Brannan Thunderbolt and Tasca Ford will be on display as well.

The 2004 edition of the Carlisle All-Ford Nationals takes place June 4-6, 2004. Gates are open from 7 a.m. to dusk daily. Admission is $ 7 Friday, $ 8 Saturday and $ 6 Sunday. Introduce kids to the automotive hobby – children 12 and under are admitted free.

Carlisle Events, host of 12 collector car, truck and motorcycle events a year, attracted more than half a million people to its events in 2003. Included in the annual schedule are two huge automotive swap meets and individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, motorcycles, sport compacts and imports. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, the “Cars at Carlisle” shows have attracted automotive enthusiasts from around the world.

To learn more about the Carlisle All-Ford Nationals, visit www.carsatcarlisle.com/ford or call the Carlisle Events Info Line at (717) 243-7855. For lodging information, call the Hershey-Capital Regions Visitors Bureau at 1(877) 231-7666. Carlisle Events welcomes returning sponsor Meguiar’s, major supporter of all Carlisle automotive events.

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