The F-22 Lockheed Raptor Ford Raptor

As they have for the past three years with their icon, the Mustang, Ford is partnering with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) to create a special edition vehicle to be auctioned for charity. Fords special edition vehicle for this year is especially apt- an F-22 Raptor! The Raptor itself was actually inspired by the Lockheed F-22 Raptor, a stealth superiority fighter. The aircrafts influence on the Ford Raptor to be auctioned is evident, as its brazenly sporting a decorated grille and a seriously well-equipped body.

The Raptor is the first Ford-EAA collab that won’t feature any wings. The grille is sufficiently stealth fighter-y, but the predominant boost comes from within- in the performance and the visual effects. Upgrades include a Whipple intercooler and a now 545 horsepower 3.5-liter V6. It also has suspension, wheel, and brake upgrades to make the already ultra-capable truck even hardier. New carbon-fiber bodywork, a special F-22 graphics package, an LED roof-mounted light bar, and a grille with a fighter-jet silhouette complete the novelty package.

The F-22 Raptor pickup will be auctioned for charity at the Gathering of Eagles fundraising event, held on Thursday, July 27, at the EAA Aviation Museum during the Air Venture Oshkosh convention. The auction is a charity contribution to the EAA’s youth aviation programs.

EAA’s Gathering of Eagles is held annually at the EAA Aviation Museum, drawing more than 1,000 aviation enthusiasts who support the aviators, engineers, and flight professionals of the world. The event is a hub of notoriety and has been visited by personalities like actors Harrison Ford, John Travolta, and Morgan Freeman as well as aviation legends like astronauts Jim Lovell and Frank Borman. According to EAA, this partnership and vehicle program has raised $3 million since it began years ago.

2018 Ford Expedition FX4

Ford will be releasing the all-new 2018 Expedition later this year, with a new additional package that enables better off road capabilities. The 2018 Ford Expedition FX4 is meant to be a family utility vehicle, ideal for travelling on trails and unpaved roads, crawling over rocks, and cutting through mud- all on top of cruising comfortably on the highway. Paired with the Expeditions 3.5 L EcoBoost engine, generating 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, and a 10 speed transmission, this SUV is bound to be a force to be reckoned with.

“The FX4 Off-Road package delivers off-road driving confidence,” said Mike Kipley, Expedition vehicle engineering manager. “The technology we’re using works to adapt to different driving conditions so customers can enjoy the adventure without worry.”

According to Ford officials, at least 20% of Expedition owners use their SUV for off-road adventure, hence why they deemed an off-road package the most apt for the Expedition. The new Expedition is going to be built on an all new aluminum-alloy body and rugged steel frame that weighs 300 pounds less than the previous version.  The new features included into the Expedition don’t end at off-roading though, as much of the saved weight from the now-lightweight frame has been reapplied to other faucets of the SUV; such as generous interior space, better connectivity, and smarter technology.

The golden feature included in this new package is going to be the all-new easy-to-use Terrain Management System. This new system allows customers to select from seven special drive modes that help Expedition automatically adapt to different road conditions. This includes normal for around town driving, sport for more spirited trips, tow/haul for improved towing and hauling performance, eco for enhanced fuel economy, grass/gravel/snow for loose terrain, sand for low traction situations and mud/rut for uneven surfaces. Expedition FX4 drivers also can manually select either 2WD or 4WD modes in a given drive mode, depending on their preferences and terrain.

This new package will be the one driving you to your next ultimate camping adventure. The FX4 will still get all of the available technology and comfort that the standard Expedition gets (plus some), so this package is a must-buy for those looking for the quintessential all-terrain experience. Check out our Expedition inventory here, or seamlessly set up a meeting with us for a test drive! 

Another Great Ford Investment

Ford is adding another transmission to their impressive lineup, and therefore will be investing not only in their American facilities but also in their workforce. An investment of $350 million into Ford’s Livonia, MI, plant will add/preserve a total of 800 hourly jobs.

Ford is a proud American company, and you can witness this through integral moves to protect their people and the sanctity of their brand. As they increase hourly positions, they simultaneously reduce their salaried staff in an effort to boost their stock price and clarify their future strategy.

“We remain committed to American manufacturing and investing in our people and facilities,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas. “Even as the industry’s largest employer of hourly workers in the United States and biggest producer of American-made vehicles, we believe it is important to continue investing right here in our home market.”

The investment supports production of a new, advanced transmission for front-wheel-drive vehicles. This transmission will provide customers with better-performing, more fuel-efficient vehicles. This new transmission will share software, design elements and manufacturing processes with Fords current 10-speed and other future transmissions.

Dude Perfects Ford Fiesta Stunt

Dude Perfect is a youtuber crew of young men who make hilarious and inspiring videos of themselves breaking world records, performing outrageous stunts, and occasionally acting out cheeky stereotypes. In the video below, Dude Perfect comes all the way to South Bend to pair up with Tire Rack for some high speed challenges in a spunky Ford Fiesta.

The first competition was a riveting high speed drift challenge where the dudes dart around in a little, green Ford Fiesta and attempt to land in a space they bordered off with cones and two toy cars. The point system is based on not hitting any objects as they literally whip into the space at high speeds. I won’t spoil it entirely for you, but I will say that some of these guys are surprisingly skilled drivers! Not everyone can drive like a professional though, so please keep that in mind before you try these stunts at home.

There were two other competitions, the first being a preliminary round to the second. In order to compete in the final competition, the dudes try to hold positions while driving a mini go cart through some cardboard cut outs. This proved to be quite difficult but it was still entertaining to watch nonetheless.

In the final competition, three final dudes progress to an indoor track at the Tire Rack that consisted entirely of tires. In the end, one dude was actually awarded a really cool prize from Tire Rack. Watch the humorous video below and prepare to be astonished by the creativity and steering wheel skills of these perfect dudes!

Dude Perfects Stunt Driving Battle

Fords 2017 GT

Ford seamlessly blew the 2016 Detroit Auto Show competition out of the water with the re-release of not one but two iconic superstars: the fierce Raptor and the even fiercer GT. The 2017 GT is a throwback of the 2005 GT at its core- which itself was a reboot of the original GT40 race car from the 60’s. It may be a throwback, but there’s nothing classic about it. In fact, it looks more like the future batmobile than a competitor in the standard sports car market.

The structure of the GT is mainly composed of super strong and lightweight carbon fiber- material typically used in elite race cars. This lightweight body is a large contributor is the GT’s cutting-edge speed. The GT is Fords fastest production car ever built; going from 0-60 in just 2.9 seconds and zooms at a whopping top speed of 216 mph.

There are 5 driving modes for the GT. Wet mode offers sumptuous suspension for soft dampening on rough roads as well as softer throttle response. ABS and traction control are the most sensitive in this mode. Normal mode retains Wet modes suspension and aerodynamics but has default throttle response and transmission shifting.

Move into Sport mode and the seven speed dual clutch transmission moves into more aggressive shifting that employs sensors and yaw detection (like a plane) to anticipate spirited cornering and optimize throttle response. ABS, traction, and stability are slightly loosened. Track mode, which is pertinently recommended to be used solely on the track, employs the full suite of aerodynamic devices and the suspension visibly drops the height. The nose shutters flip closed and the rear wing rises- hydraulically, therefore jaw-dropping-ly. The wing also works as an air brake as it flips forward for additional drag during hard stops. 

Vmax mode (vmax is car-speak for maximum velocity) calls up a further lowered ride height and firmer spring and damper settings of Track mode, but leaves all the aero devices in their lowest drag settings. This mode is designed to hit the top speed and is also intended to leave you speechless.

Ford will be releasing approximately 1,000 GTs onto the market in total- expected to produce and sell 250 per year. Combined with an insane starting price of $450,000, this GT is perhaps the most exclusive and sought after Ford yet to be released. Ford has carefully selected 500 of the 7,000 applicants based on their assumptions of who will enjoy the car as it was intended to the upmost potential.

“The purchase process for the Ford GT is as unique as our all-new supercar,” said Henry Ford III, global marketing manager, Ford Performance. “We understand GT customers are strong ambassadors for Ford Motor Company, and we look forward to providing them a service as distinct as the car itself.”

All New Ford F-150

The all-new Ford F-150 has been subjected to over 10 million miles of cumulative torture-testing – in labs, at proving grounds, over high-altitude passes and through desert valleys, while hauling huge loads and towing heavy trailers- at extreme temperatures from -20 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Today’s F-150 is light in weight, offers best-in-class hauling capability, better power-to-weight ratio for faster acceleration and greater pulling power, more responsive handling, quicker braking, and best-in-class fuel economy.

The new F-150 offers a multitude of various engine options. The ultimate choice is going to be the potent 3.5 L turbocharged V-6 with 10 more horsepower. This powerful engine paired with a new 10 speed automatic makes for a supreme couple designed to extract as much fuel economy and power as possible. When properly equipped, the F-150 has a maximum towing capacity of 12,200 pounds and a max payload of 3,270 pounds.

The three available bed lengths are 5 feet-6 inches, 6 feet-6 inches, and 8 feet. The bed can be further customized with available BoxLink: Fords system of moveable tie downs for reliable and convenient cargo security. Optional loading ramps and an integrated tailgate give the bed even more allowances such as loading tractors and ATVS and easily maneuvering in the bed.

A notable upgrade for 2017 is the F-150s increased comfort and connectivity. The F-150 now comes equipped with a twin-panel moonroof, push-button start, dual zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, a voice activated SYNC system with a display screen, and much more. There are plenty of USB ports to charge many devices, and the truck can be equipped with standard power plugs to run tools from the front. The driver and passenger both get a set of controls that are simplified and scaled to operate while wearing work gloves, which is such a considerate application.

The Ford F-150 is the epitome of the American work truck, and remains the most popular choice for truck people all over. With the recent surplus of amenities and the newfound customization abilities, however, the F-150 extends its reach to other truck shoppers- light duty and heavy duty alike. Whether youre looking for an upgrade from your SUV or you need a seriously equipped work hauler, the F-150 has you covered. Visit our site here to schedule a test drive or receive updates/additional information on the F-150.

2017 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is a high quality SUV that’s versatility and driving experience make it one of a kind in its class. The interior offers ample passenger room, unbeatable cargo space, and an aesthetic cabin with high quality materials. The lovely cabin, seamless performance and low overall cost make the Escape an exemplary SUV within the market.

Ford performance rarely disappoints. The base Escape comes with a 168-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. The SE and Titanium trims have a 179-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The top-of-the-line 245-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also an option. Both the 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines come standard with a new stop-start system that helps improve fuel economy by shutting off the engine when the vehicle stops moving. Unlike in some vehicles, the system works seamlessly, so you won't even notice the engine cycling off and on. Both the 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines are available with all-wheel drive.

The 2017 Escape offers a few additional safety features that the previous years model wasn’t equipped with. The Escape now comes with adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, lane keep assist and a driver alert system that can indicate driver fatigue.

The new Escape has been given subtle design enhancements over the body and through the cabin. The fascia is much more forward focused, sporting a larger grille and sharper headlights. The interior has gotten much cozier with more padded materials and driver-centered controls. Noteworthy features offered in the Escape include Sync 3 infotainment; a navigation system; HD and satellite radio; Bluetooth with audio streaming; push-button start; leather seating; all-wheel drive; a 3,500-pound-rated towing package; and a panoramic sunroof.

The Escape is going to be the perfect choice for anyone shopping for a practical and capable compact SUV. It offers towing capacity at the top of its class, a well-equipped, spacious cabin, and vast versatility. For more information on the new Ford Escape, or to schedule your test drive, you can reach us at our site- here.

Ford Airbag Recall

Ford Motor Company has issue a safety recall on approximately 32,000 new model vehicles assembled at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, as well as the Flat Rock Assembly plant in Michigan.

It’s well know that Takata issued a vast airbag recall last year due to a faulty moisture absorbent desiccant that made the inflator liable to explode and expulse potentially fatal shrapnel. Fortunately, the current airbag recall is unrelated. Ford vehicles built at two particular assembly plants amidst a known date range have been recalled due to a slightly different and unrelated malfunction that causes the airbags to only partially inflate or detach from the their module, rendering them ineffective in serious accidents.

Affected vehicles include; 2016-2017 Ford Edges from Oakville assembled between October 8th, 2015- February 15th, 2017, 2016-17 Lincoln MKX vehicles from Oakville built between November 11th, 2014- February 15th, 2017, and 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles built between January 13th, 2016- January 18th, 2017.

This is a slightly less fervid concern than recent past recalls, but is still pertinent for anyone driving one of said recalled vehicles. Ford isn’t currently aware of any accidents or injuries associated to the faulty airbags, but they will replace the airbag for free.

If you own one of the noted vehicles under speculation, it is important for your safety that you ensure your vehicle isn’t equipped with faulty airbags. You can easily schedule a service appointment with our Ford store here, or get more information on the latest recalls from Fords FAQ page.

Thanks for reading, dear drivers, and stay safe!

2017 Ford Explorer

The 2017 Ford Explorer has evolved quite a bit from its body on frame SUV roots into the modern crossover it is today. The versatility of the Explorer is one of its greatest strengths, along with plenty of high tech features, generous cargo space, a quiet and comfortable cabin, and an optional turbo charged engine. There are five trim levels to choose from, so the Explorer is very malleable in terms of ensuring the features you want and accommodations you need are incorporated.  The base model is efficiently equipped for comfortable day to day driving, while the platinum trim level may as well be a luxury sub class.

The Explorer isn’t the smallest SUV on the market, but it absolutely drives and handles just as well as its more compact competitors. Paired with generous cargo and passenger room, its evident that the designers envisioned a vehicle that could accommodate all walks of life. The sport model in particular features a 3.5 L v6 Eco boost engine and is paired with a nimble six speed transmission to deliver instantaneous power; going 0-60 in just 6.3 seconds. The Terrain Management System lets you shift on the fly into one of four settings; through mud, sand, gravel, grass or snow, so you can get through it and carry on with confidence and control. Other helpful upgrades include the Hill Descent Control that lets you set and maintain a constant speed while traveling downhill, and the all new Curve Control will slow you down as much as 10 mph in approximately one second when it senses that you’re going too fast for a particular curve.

The Explorer grants us exceptional handling and power, but there were no compromises made in regards to comfort. There are a plethora of soft to the touch materials and aesthetically pleasing designs in the interior. The comfort includes a 10 way power driver’s seat with power lumbar, heated steering wheel wrapped in leather, and heated and cooled front row seats. The Explorer offers some ultra-convenient technology features as well; such as The Hands-Free Foot-Activated lift gate that opens up with a quick little kick under the bumper, and the enhanced active park assist that utilizes 12 ultrasonic sensors for precise and easy parking.

The 2017 Explorer has quite a bit of uniqueness and offers plenty of features and technology. Overall, the explorer wins our favor with exceptional handling, unchanged power, and its vast versatility. 

The Raptor Came Back Meaner

The Ford F-150 has been setting the standard in the heavy duty truck industry for 40 years now. After 40 years of steady front running, they’re still not done exceeding standards or taking vast strides. When America asked for unsurpassed strength and endurance, they promptly delivered.

To many truck lovers delight, Ford has brought back the beloved Raptor. The all-new 2017 is leaner, meaner and more powerful than ever. It’s approximately 500 pounds lighter than the previous generation, thanks to a high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body. It also features a new twin-turbo, intercooled DOHC 3.5L Eco Boost engine with direct fuel injection, a 10-speed automatic transmission, all-new Terrain Management System and 3.0-inch FOX Racing Shox.

 

There are six preset modes for the truck depending on terrain and driving conditions. Normal mode is well-suited for everyday driving, while sport mode offers higher performance during on-road driving. The weather mode strongly improves overall control in rain, snow, ice, mud, and sand. Baja mode enables you to fly at high speeds on sandy dunes. The suitably named rock mode would be your go-to for rolling over rocks and rough gravel. The mode you choose determines all of the other important settings accordingly. The truck will change the FOX dampening, shift schedule, turbo lag, throttle response, 4×2, 4×4 Hi or Lo and Automatic 4×4, along with rear locker and even ABS in baja mode. Not only this, but you have 3 steering modes for more or less feedback.

This is obviously a truck very well suited for people who participate in off road activities. However, this truck has been rightfully coined as a ‘man toy’, and a dream- due to how exhilarating it is to drive! There are no limitations with a truck like this, and that could easily tempt anyone. The pickup is due for release towards the end of 2017 and is already gaining momentum and excitement from fans and critics alike. It’s expected to do very well upon it’s release.

The Snake is Back!!

               

               Mustang, a car known around the globe for style, performance and muscle, and it has been that way for 50 years. How do you make a Mustang even better? You have Carroll Shelby turn it into a Super Snake.

                In 1967, Carroll Shelby took a Mustang and turned it into the original high-performance Super Snake. And now to celebrate its 50^th anniversary, Shelby is back, taking the 2017 and doing it again. This time an 11 second quarter-mile at a time. Following up the release of the Mustang GTE last year, Shelby and Ford Performance unveiled a new striped variant of the American muscle car at the Ford exhibit at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction the weekend of January 21. Based on Shelby’s performance claims, the Super Snake can outperform the Mustang Shelby GT350R in just about every way and remains both street and track legal.

                The Super Snake begins as the already amazing Mustang GT with the 5.0-liter V-8, which you can get in automatic or manual transmission. But it only gets better from there, Shelby adds a supercharger and fine tuning, kick the horsepower up to a cool 670 horsepower. Not enough horsepower? Pay a little extra for a Whipple and Keene Bell supercharger and now the engine will generate 750 horsepower.

                So just how good are the Super Snakes performance numbers? Well,  with an automatic transmission, normal gas-station fuel, and Michelin street tires, the Super Snake with the optional supercharger can do zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, Shelby asserts, and hit 1.2 g on the skidpad. In our testing, the GT350R did zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, ran the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds, and pulled 1.10 g on the skidpad.

                So that’s awesome, Shelby made the Super Snake super-fast, what else did they do? Shelby upgraded a host of other features on the Mustang as well, the Super Snake has new dampers, anti-roll bars, springs, and bushings. It also has black or polished 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, six-piston Wilwood brake calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear, upgrade cooling for the brakes and engine. And on the outside, the Super Snake has a new hood, front splitter, grilles, rocker panels, rear spoiler, tail panel, rear diffuser, and lower rear splitter. Shelby also added LED lights, and, most obviously, striping on the top and sides with Shelby Super Snake branding.

                Shelby will only be making 500 on the Super Snake, so if you want one, you better hurry. With the cost of the Mustang GT plus all the extra bells and whistles, the Super Snake rings up at just under $80,000. So make sure to order you Super Snake early, contact us now!

After Much Anticipation, They Are Back!

After much speculation and wonder after the last few years, Ford has made it official. They are bringing back both of the much loved Ranger and Bronco!

The Ford Bronco was discontinued in 2005 and the Ranger followed suite in 2011. But now, they are back, with the Ranger returning in 2019 and the Bronco in 2020. Additional good news is that both of the trucks will be built in Michigan, this coming off the heels of Ford’s decision to halt the move of the small car production to Mexico.

"We hate to see the products go to Mexico, but with the Ranger and the Bronco coming to Michigan Assembly that absolutely secures the future for our people a lot more than the Focus does."

-UAW Local 900 plant Chairman Bill Johnson

Ford made the official at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show when they announced to the world about the relaunch. At that time they announced that both the compact truck and SUV will be built at the Wayne, MI plant.

This is great news for those that love both the Ranger and the Bronco. However, when it comes to the Bronco, don’t expect it be the boxy, slab-sided throwback to the Broncos from the 1980’s and 1990’s. It is very likely that both the Ranger and the Bronco will be based off of the overseas model of the Ranger and the Ranger based Everest SUV. With the Bronco looking less like a two-door brick and more like an off-road Ford Edge, and the Ranger getting a facelift from its overseas brethren.

Regardless of their appearance, fans of these two trucks are stoked to have them back. Keep a lookout for more information of these returning trucks later this year. In the meantime, check out our other great Ford trucks and SUVs and contact

us today to test drive and take yours home today!