Ford rolled out a freshened 2009 F-150 pickup and two production-likely concepts: Explorer America and Verve.

2009 Ford F-150

2008 Detroit Auto Show

2008 Detroit Auto Show
It's been four years since F-150 was introduced, and new product from Chevy, GMC, Nissan, and Toyota are cutting into Ford's turf. Ford responds for 2009 with a freshened pickup that features updated styling, a reinforced frame for improved payload and greater towing capacity, more space in Crew Cab models, a more powerful V8 engine, an available 6-speed automatic transmission, and a new Platinum luxury trim level.

Also new is Sync. Available as an option, Sync was co-developed with Microsoft and permits hands-free control of MP3 devices and cell phones.

An anticipated diesel engine will not be available for 2009, though Ford has suggested one is coming in a year or two. Watch for the new F-150 to appear in showrooms this spring.

Ford Explorer America Concept

2008 Detroit Auto Show

2008 Detroit Auto Show
The Explorer America Concept hints at the future of large Ford SUVs. Unlike the existing Explorer, which rides on a rear-drive truck-type chassis, the America uses a car-type front-drive platform.

The Explorer America is larger than the midsize Ford Edge and Ford Flex and features 6-passenger seating. A production version would likely offer seating for at least 7.

Powering Explorer America is the first of Ford's "EcoBoost" turbocharged engines. The concept includes a 2.0 4-cylinder. A 3.5-liter V6 would be optional. Both engines are turbocharged and use direct-injection technology. Ford promises these power plans will be the first of a family of powerful, efficient engines. Ford has no production plans for the Explorer America.

Ford Verve Concept

2008 Detroit Auto Show

2008 Detroit Auto Show
It's been 12 years since Ford sold a "B-segment" car in America, but that streak is coming to an end. The Verve Concept takes aim squarely at the Chevy Aveo, Honda Fit, and Toyota Yaris.

Smaller than Ford Focus, Verve would fill a spot in Ford's lineup vacated in 1997 when the unloved Aspire was last sold.

Shown were a 2-door hatchback and sedan, though only the sedan is slated for U.S. sales. The hatchback concept foreshadows the next-generation European-market Fiesta, but could end up an American product if buyer interest was determined to be high enough.

Ford promises an "efficient 4-cylinder engine", but gave no powertrain details. Consumer Guide expects that Verve will arrive with a 1.5-liter engine of about 110 horsepower.

Ford has not committed to the name, but has promised that a car looking much like the Verve sedan will arrive in showrooms for the 2010 model year.