The 2017 Ford GT 66' Heritage Edition

  The all-new Ford GT 66' Heritage Edition celebrates the 1966 LeMans-winning GT40 Mark II race car driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon. The Heritage Edition honors the historic No. 2 race car and is limiting it to only the 2017 year model.  The car will feature unique interior and exterior color themes and an exclusive wheel finish.

  “Celebrating the anniversary of Ford’s historic victories at Le Mans has always been a part of the return of the Ford GT,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, product development, and chief technical officer. “The 2017 Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition is a stunning tribute to the car that kicked off Ford’s string of Le Mans victories in 1966.” The Ford Heritage Edition features a Shadow Black exterior with silver stripes and exposed carbon fiber package. The car will sport Frozen White #2 hood and door graphics and 20-inch one-piece forged aluminum wheels.

  The interior of the limited car wraps the carbon-fiber seats in Ebony leather, with pillowed inserts and plow-through stitching. The seats' head restraints and steering wheel are debossed with the Ford GT logo.  The instrument panel, pillars and headliner also features an Ebony-leather wrap, with gold appliqués on the instrument panel, the seat’s X-brace and shift paddles. Like the 1966 race car, the steering wheel is leather wrapped, with seat belts featuring a unique blue webbing.

  Garen Nicoghosian, exterior design manager for the car, says the team set out to highlight where it all started with the Ford GT. “While the looks are distinctly based on the GT40 Mark II race car,” he says, “we’ve accentuated new styling cues to provide a modern interpretation.”

The Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition can be viewed at FordGT.com using the configuration tool. Limited quantities will be available for the 2017 model year only.

Ford Wins Best Small Engine For 5th Year Running

Ford’s 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is named 2016 International Engine of the Year “Best Engine Under 1.0-liter” for the fifth consecutive year – despite increased competition from major global automotive manufacturers in the sub 1.0-liter class.

At the International Engine of the Year Awards (yes that is a thing), Ford cleaned up for the fifth year running. A panel of 65 automotive journalists from 31 countries declared that the three-cylinder EcoBoost engine was named "Best Engine under 1.0 liters. It finished ahead of 32 competitors, 19 more than it faced in 2012.

"The 1.0-liter EcoBoost was a game-changer, and despite others following our lead, it remains the undisputed benchmark in its class five years on,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “The spirit of innovation continues to drive us as we look to use the same smart thinking for a new breed of efficient, clean and powerful down-sized diesel engines.”

Cars this engine is featured in include Fiesta, Focus, and Transit. This engine is clearly dominant. Fiesta gets 37 miles per gallon, while Focus gets as much as 40 miles per gallon. Even the Transit gets a ridiculous 29 miles to the gallon.

To drive your next fuel efficient, powerful Ford, be sure to shop with us at Gurley Leep Ford.

Ford Fiesta Named 'Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000' by Kelley Blue Book

More awards on the shelf for Ford. This time, its the 2016 Ford Fiesta taking home the honors. It shouldn't come as a surprise for those that drive the Fiesta, with this being the sixth time in seven years that the Fiesta has made this list. Why only the sixth time in seven years? Well that is how long it has been selling in North America for. Prior to its arrival in North America, Ford was previously selling the Fiesta in Europe for over 40 years. Due to its great success in Europe, Ford thought it was time to unveil a new vehicle to the western side of the hemisphere.

The Ford Fiesta demonstrates that you don't need to spend money to drive a cool vehicle. Starting at just over $14,000, you will still have enough money to have a fiesta thanks to the affordability of this car.

“Cool sure has come a long way,” says Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book. “Our annual Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 is one of Kelley Blue Book’s longest-running lists, and it’s incredible to see all of the amazing tech features and amenities you can get on an affordable car these days compared to a decade ago.”

Hatchback? Sedan? Get it however you'd like it. Ford's trendy small car gives you tons of choices, not just making it cool, but personable too. You can either get the powerfully efficient 1.0 liter EcoBoost engine or upgrade to the sporty 1.6 liter EcoBoost in the Ford Fiesta ST. SYNC 3-- the latest Ford communications and entertainment system-- comes standard, enabling customers to enhanced voice recognition software, ultimate music streaming control, and SYNC AppLink allowing customers to control some mobile apps while driving.

We love the Fiesta for a couple reasons. The blatantly obvious reason is that awesome price. You can still afford all the fun that should come with owning a vehicle considering the price of this vehicle. The other reason is the style. The sedan is one of the sleekest Ford models they have unveiled in years. Its sporty, dynamic, and durable. 

To get your Ford Fiesta, make sure you visit Gurley Leep Southside Ford or chat with one of our sales representatives.

Ford F-150 Raptor: The Ultimate Off-Road Pickup

Wow. It is no surprise that Ford is showcasing Raptor's incredible abilities yet again. This time, Ford is showcasing Raptor in a 6 part video series (the first of which is at the top) displaying the phenomenal off-road capabilities as it treks through some rugged desert terrain. Built for land like this, the Ford F-150 Raptor absolutely dominates the Mojave Desert in this series.

The six part video series highlights Raptor;s off road agility and capability, its brand new BF Goodrich KO2 Tires, six driving modes that optimize Raptor's performance for every terrain, its long-travel suspension, its great design and how it enhances this capability, and finally, its ultimate off-road capability.

The 2017 Ford Raptor is moved by Ford's second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine with more horsepower than ever before. It also has an all-new 10 speed transmission. These videos display just how powerful of an engine and durable the Raptor is.

While your most likely going to purchase this vehicle for its sheer power, off road prowess, and towing capability, the interior is as luxurious as a sports vehicle. Designed with carbon-fiber accents throughout with a contoured steering wheel and large paddle shifters, it gives a sharp, sleek vibe, but aggressive vibe. The Ford Infotainment technology is standard allowing you to sync your phone with your vehicle, ensuring your ability for hands free music and phone calls.

This truck goes on sale in fall 2016. We definitely recommend viewing the whole 6 part series on Youtube as it has us waiting impatiently for the release.

Make sure to click here to shop Ford or chat with one of our sales representatives.

Introducing the Ford GT

   This is what game changing innovation looks like. When you have the best engineers in the world not just pushing the boundaries, but bursting through them, you get this edition of the Ford GT. With a twin turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, the Ford GT is projected to produce over 600 hp. Every aspect of the Ford GT screams innovation, from its aerodynamically optimized carbon fiber fuselage to the EcoBoost technology, the Ford GT is the culmination of everything great at Ford.

Designed for Speed and Performance. From the Ground up.

 

 

  This Ford GT is the ultimate expression of form following function. Its teardrop-shape body is the result of extensive work in the wind tunnel. Its carbon-fiber body and its projected 600-plus horsepower 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine are the ultimate expressions of technological innovation. The lightweight body is made of carbon fiber. Aluminum structures minimize the weight of the high-strength subframes. Long suspension arms and inboard damper packaging deliver track-capable vehicle dynamics - an example of Ford Performance engineers exploring suspension design for future Ford Performance vehicles.

 

  Whether on the road or on the track, every single element of the Ford GT was designed to deliver the extraordinary speed and exceptional handling found only in purpose-built racing cars. And 50 years after its great triumph at the legendary 24 hours of LeMans, the Ford GT will again go head-to-head with the best in the world at the ultimate test of endurance.

 

Shop our current Ford inventory while you wait for the Ford GT to arrive (late 2016) at www.gurleyleepford.net. You can also visit out showroom located 320 E. Ireland Rd. South Bend, IN. 46614 where you can speak with a member of our Ford Certified Sales Team. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

 

Preparing your car for Spring/Summer

 

  With winter FINALLY behind us, it's time to start thinking about summer roads trips. But first, you need to make sure your car is ready for summer road trips. Check out these tips below to make sure you won't get stranded on your first of many road trips.

1. Get rid of salt on the undercarriage.  Road salt can damage the undercarriage of your vehicle by eating away at it, so use a garden hose with as much water as you can to loosen grime and salt.

2. Check the tires.  Tire pressure changes about 1 pound per square inch for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in outside temperature, so it's important to check tire pressure after weather changes. You should never exceed the recommended tire pressure for your car.

3. Check the wiper blades.  Your wipers are worked hard all winter removing dirt and debris, including salt and spray from your windshield. Six months to a year is the usually life expectancy of wipers. Also, make sure you refill your wiper fluid.

4. Rotate the tires.  This is something that is relatively simple, but really important. Rotating your tires can extend the tread life and should be done roughly every 5,000-10,000 miles, but check your manual for the exact intervals. A good rule of thumb is to rotate your tires at every oil change.

5. Change the oil and oil filter.  Some manufacturers recommend using a heavyweight oil to help the engine perform more efficiently in hotter weather. However, you should always consult your owners manual for the best recommendation for your car. Make sure you also change the oil filter, since a dirty filter won't keep new oil clean.

6. Change the air filter. The air filter prevents dust and other debris from getting into the combustion chambers of the cylinders, resulting in wasted gas and weaker engine performance. A good rule of thumb is to change the air filters every six months.

7. Flush and fill your cooling system.  This is cheap insurance against engine failure. It's recommended that you flush your systems every two years or 24,000 miles. Again, consult your owners manual. Simply draining your radiator is not enough, it doesn't get rid of the grease, rust and sediments built up in there.

8. Check the radiator and gas caps.  Radiator caps don't last forever, so replace yours whenever you flush the cooling system. Pressure recommendations vary, so get the right cap for your vehicle model. Nearly 20 percent of vehicles have gas caps that are damaged, loose or missing altogether, wasting some 147 million gallons of gas every year.

9. Check the battery and spark plugs.  Make sure all battery posts and connections are secure and free of corrosion. Dirty spark plugs cause misfiring, which wastes fuel. If you're planning a long trip, consider replacing the battery a spark plugs if they are more than two years old.

10. Clean the cabin.  It may seem like common sense, but appearances are important no matter the season. Get rid of all the debris that's been hanging out in your car all winter and then grab the vacuum! Remove all the mats to vacuum and wash outside. Don't forget about the trunk. Take out the spare tire and vacuum in there as well, but before you put it back check the pressure on the spare. Any grime, road dust or fingerprints have no appeal anytime of the year, so grab some vinyl cleaner and make sure you wipe down the dashboard, steering wheel and door panels.

  Whew! Now you're ready to wash and wax. Ordinary dish washing liquid and a clean, soft sponge will do nicely Make sure you use a different sponge though for the body and the wheels, you don't want to scratch your car. Or, there are plenty of reputable car washes around that will make your car sparkle and shine without you lifting a finger. Now, hit the road, you've earned it!

2016 Ford Mustang Dyno

  Have you ever wondered what 150 mph sounds like at the top of 5th gear with 7500 rpm redlined? I had the chance to attend the Chicago Auto Show and got to see the 2016 Ford Mustang up close. Even though I wasn't able to get a video, I did find one for you to enjoy. Watch the video below to experience the punch that this engine packs. You're welcome.

  

  So are you ready to get your 2016 Mustang? Shop our inventory at www.gurleyleepford.net or visit our showroom located at 320 E. Ireland Rd. South Bend, IN. 46614 where you can speak with a member of our Ford Certified Sales Team. We look forward to helping you get into your next Ford.