Bill Pierre Ford

2007 SEMA Show

Trucks don’t have to be big or dumb, but combine those traits with the unbridled spirit of SEMA, and it’s an easy way to end up with the equivalent of steroid-pumped body builders: massive machismo that’s not useful for much other than dutiful glances. We’re at a loss as to why there was an abundance of empty-bedded monster machines choking this year’s SEMA show.

A row of trucks, where last year there were cars.

Judging from the low rocker panels, we’re pretty sure this beast is limited to on-road use, such as picking up buckets of KFC or transporting Pavarotti’s casket.

Hope you don’t need to stop on a dime. This people hauler has drum brakes, not dissimilar to those invented by Louis Renault in 1902, up front.

We love monster trucks—every alcohol-fueled moment of their existence is a tiny gift. We’re certain, however, that we don’t need street-registered monster trucks behind us in fast traffic.

For those who still feel emasculated in their four-ton pickup truck, slap on an Iron Bull bumper. Resist the temptation to play chicken with freight trains.

Long-term, meaning 2020 and beyond, the plan calls for hybrids to be a high-volume and affordable powertrain option, with affordable battery technology, as work on electric vehicles continues.

Meanwhile, 2008 will be a busy year for Ford with six major vehicle launches and a couple minor ones—70 percent of the lineup will be new or upgraded. That figure jumps to 100 percent new by 2010, says Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas.

The first major launch is the Ford Flex crossover that fills the vacancy left after the automaker stopped producing minivans. Even more key is the 2009 Ford F-150, which the automaker promises will be the most capable pickup in the marketplace in payload, towing, and features in general.

In addition to the MKS, Lincoln will upgrade the MKZ mid-size sedan as well as the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan platform-mates. Hybrid versions of the Fusion and Milan also will launch this year.

Minor debuts include a pair of Mustangs: the Bullitt and the 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR.