Ford Recalling F-Series Trucks, Edge and Lincoln MKX Over Fire Hazard

Nearly 15,000 Ford trucks and crossovers are being recalled in the States because of problems with electrical systems that can short and create a fire. The recall concerns certain 2011MY Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550 and Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles.

"During a six-day production period, the supplier of the body control module manufactured modules that may have the potential for an internal short," Ford said in a posting on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] website, adding that if a short occurs, it can result in an "unattended vehicle fire".

The Detroit-based automakers said that dealers will replace the body control module if necessary free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before January 10, 2011.

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Customized 2011 Explorers and other Ford Models Teased Ahead of SEMA Show

FoMoCo is really gearing up for this year's edition of the Las Vegas SEMA Show in the beginning of November where it will display more customized models that we can keep track of. Aside from the Fiesta cars we told you about in a previous article, the Dearborn automaker has also joined forces with several other tuners to create customized versions of the all-new 2011 Explorer, Taurus SHO, Edge and Fusion Sport, as well as the all-new Lincoln MKX. Follow the jump to check out pictures and details on all of Ford's aftermarket-prepped models.

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2011 Ford Explorer by Funkmaster Flex and Team Baurtwell

An Explorer customized by Funkmaster Flex and Team Baurtwell shows off the urban appeal of the new SUV, and comes standard with street cred inside and out. The look is highlighted by three-piece forged billet wheels, which are complemented by 24-inch Cooper tires. Baer brakes provide the stopping power.

The design that sets this Explorer apart starts with the exterior, with custom touches from Team Baurtwell and Funkmaster Flex including custom logos. The interior offers Katzkin two-tone leather seats with custom interior accents and Funkmaster Flex logos. A Sony Xplod audio system ensures customers have the ultimate listening experience.

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2011 Ford Explorer by Galpin Auto Sports

Another Explorer concept, designed by Galpin Auto Sports, takes a vehicle with luxury appointments and makes it into an ultra-luxurious ride that even James Bond would enjoy. Using the character as their inspiration, the Galpin team used 24-inch wheels, custom silver paint on the exterior and modified exterior light treatments to convey that image.

The custom interior shows off its luxury side with a leather-trimmed headliner that has suede running down the center, a look that's replicated on the seat inserts. An iPad pops up from the second-row console, and is viewable in either landscape or portrait mode.

"This is a luxury, high-end vehicle that serves multiple purposes," said Tedros Mengiste of Galpin Auto Sports. "The Galpin Auto Sports Explorer is at home going off-road or transporting you to exclusive events. It meets your discerning expectations, and does it with style and substance."

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2011 Ford Explorer by CGS Performance Products

CGS Performance Products' take on Explorer shows off what a luxury vehicle for an active customer looks like. The look runs throughout the monochromatic silver Explorer, and is completed by two carbon fiber mountain bikes on the roof rack.

"This SUV is all about outdoor adventure and doing it in comfort," said Casey Scranton, president, CGS Performance Products. "This customer can use the vehicle every day and will have no problem taking it camping or kayaking on the weekends."

The luxury details are evident in the built-in video screens in the headrests, 22-inch silver wheels and the complete custom leather interior that's designed to resemble the links on a watch band. A CGS cat-back exhaust provides more power, a throatier sound, and even improved fuel economy.

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2011 Lincoln MKX by ID Agency

Fashion meets function with this unique Lincoln MKX by ID Agency, where brands such as Falken Tire, HRE Wheels, Brembo and Alpine electronics come together. Designed with the modern man in mind, the Urban Assault Vehicle is built to fit his active lifestyle.

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2011 Ford Taurus SHO by Rick Bottom Designs

The Taurus SHOx by Rick Bottom Designs gives striking looks a new meaning with a blue paint scheme with contrasting graphics, ground effects kit and custom hood, grille and spoiler. The interior offers a custom rear console with interchangeable inserts and a 10.4-inch flip-down monitor, along with an audio system with 16,000 watts of power.

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2011 Ford Taurus SHO by H&R Springs

Tuned by H&R Springs, this Taurus SHO offers a Borla cat-back exhaust and K&N air filter to liven up engine performance. H&R Sport Springs have been installed, and three-piece 22-inch wheels painted in a white gold color complement the white platinum SHO. The exterior is set apart with color-matched lower body panels, custom European hood vents and subtle gray mist graphics.

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2011 Ford Edge by K-Daddyz Kustomz

With a touch of urban luxury, this K-Daddyz Kustomz Edge boasts 22-inch wheels with radically lowered suspension. This Edge is ready to cruise the coast, with a custom paint scheme featuring airbrushing and pin striping, along with a custom surfboard rack and panoramic sunroof. The leather and suede interior comes with Dual Head restraint DVD by INVISION, and puts the finishing details on the crossover.

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2011 Ford Fusion Sport by Steeda Autosports

With increased power and more aggressive handling, this Fusion Sport by Steeda Autosports offers what performance enthusiasts are looking for. The car comes with specially tuned front and rear lowering sport springs, performance-tuned dampers and antiroll bars for increased roll stiffness. The look is rounded out with Steeda's clearcoat bar code graphics package with orange accents.

2011 Lincoln MKX with Fresh Looks, New 3.7-Liter V6 and Button-Free Environment Premieres in Detroit

FoMoCo lifted the covers off its heavily revised 2011 Lincoln MKX at the Detroit Auto Show today. Lincoln's Ford Edge-based mid-size crossover has received a hefty makeover with new sheetmetal, a refreshed interior that ditches conventional buttons and knobs for an array of capacitive-touch controls, chassis improvements and a new 3.7-liter V7 engine.

From the outside, the 2011 model year MKX is recognizable by its MKT-inspired fascia with the huge split grille, the sculptured front wheel arches, the new tailgate and tail lamp assembly, and freshly designed alloy wheels.

The interior has also been revamped boasting a new design and upgraded materials and trim. However, the most significant change concerns the adoption of the firm's "MyLincoln Touch" interface that replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with LCD screens and touch-sensitive controls like those found on cell phones and MP3 players.

Underneath the hood, the MKX's 3.5-liter V6 has been replaced by Ford's new 3.7-liter V6 that is shared with the 2011 Mustang V6. It produces 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque and is linked to a six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission returning up to 25mpg on the highway.

Other improvements for the 2011 model year MKX include the more powerful four-wheel disc brakes, the retuned suspension and the addition of Hill Start Assist, which reduces rollback on hills and Trailer Sway Control, which provides greater towing stability when equipped with the available trailer tow package.

The 2011 Lincoln MKX will be built at Ford's Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, with sales set to begin this summer.