2008 Ford Five Hundred (500) debuts

Announced alongside the new 2008 Ford Focus, the 2008 Ford Five Hundred (500) receives a more modest design update. The new Five Hundred features a revised front end along the same lines of the Fusion and Edge. Also new to the 2008 model is a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine, including a new six-speed transmission and all-wheel-drive system.

The new model also improves safety with structural improvements and Ford's AdvanceTrac stability control system. Ford's group vice president of North American Cisco Codina explained that, "Customers love the Five Hundred's ride and package, and its safety reputation is excellent [...] For this year, we've dialed up the appeal with a new, more expressive look, a more powerful engine and more than 500 changes to make this great car even better."

The 2008 Five Hundred's 3.5-liter Duratec V-6 now offers an estimated 260 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. Other features include the option to install a SIRIUS satellite radio, FordSync, and a DVD entertainment system. Gallery after the jump...