Tuesday, February 28, 2017

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. 

Friday, February 10, 2017

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.