Archive for the ‘Ford News’ Category

For years the Honda Civic has reigned at the top of the compact sedan class in a number of areas. As Car and Driver reports, all of that has changed with the  introduction of the 2012 Ford Focus.

In addition to winning a previous comparison test against several competing models, the Focus exceeded the Civic in virtually every category in the latest head-to-head comparison. The editors first praised the all-new design of the Focus, which features a sporty, updated look while the newest Civic design was referred to as “middle of the road”. The reviewers also loved the way the Focus felt on the pavement, with a “firm” ride and solid structure.

The Focus features greater power than the Civic, with the 2.0-liter engine resulting in 160 hp and 146 lb-ft. of torque. The publication also mentioned that the dual-clutch automatic transmission feels more like a conventional automatic, and provides greater control as it is a 6-speed vs. the 5-speed transmission of the 2012 Civic. The review concluded with the Focus being called “the most refined vehicle in an otherwise dull segment”.

We’re thrilled about what the 2012 Focus has to offer, and we would love to take you for a test drive! Stay tuned here and on our Facebook page for the latest news on 2012 Ford models.

Looking for your own Ford car, truck or SUV?  Browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

When the newest generation of Ford F-150s debuted in 2009, they easily won Motor Trend‘s Truck of the Year honors. Ironically, it was also the point when Ford’s engine lineup was noticeably aging. There were three separate V-8 engine options, all of which were slowly falling behind in fuel economy, horsepower, and torque.

The 2011 F-150 lineup has put an end to that era and brought on an exciting new lineup of engines, recently tested by Motor Trend:

• 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost Twin-Turbo Lariat SuperCrew
• 3.7-liter V-6 STX Regular Cab
• 6.2-liter V-8 Harley-Davidson Edition AWD
• 5.0-liter V-8 XLT Supercrew 4×4

As you can see, the three V-8 engines have been swapped out for two brand new V-6s and two new V-8s. All four engines come with variable valve timing, the popular Ford engine feature that can help dramatically improve engine performance in the areas of emissions and fuel economy. All four models also feature the six-speed automatic transmission that was rated highest in previous model years, and all but the 6.2-liter V-8 are made with all-aluminum construction. In perhaps the biggest surprise of all, power has increased across the board from previous model years – even in the newest V-6s.

As for the new V-6s, the Ecoboost version (which runs a mere $750 more) results in a nice torque increase while the STX runs smooth and is great for towing smaller equipment such as a small boat or jet skis. The V-8s provide the power and torque enjoyed by customers in previous models, but are improved in every area. The XLT Supercrew was said to be “so smooth, it doesn’t feel like it’s working hard”, while the Harley-Davidson edition provides just the opposite: “a nasty grumble at idle and fantastic seat-of-the-pants feel”.

There’s no denying that the F-150 has been and will continue to reign as one of the very best trucks on the market. Read the full review from Motor Trend and stay tuned for more Ford truck news right here and on Facebook!

Looking for your own Ford car, truck or SUV?  Browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

Have you ever experienced the frustration of having to find a nearby business location while driving?

As The Ford Story reports, Ford is attempting to solve this problem with its latest technology platform. Currently being tested is a new feature called Operator Assist, a function that makes getting directions or locating businesses easier with voice commands.

Operator Assist is different from other voice command systems that are easily confused and struggle with word accuracy. The program connects drivers to a real person who can immediately access the information you’re looking for, hassle-free. Operator Assist is currently being offered at no charge to existing subscribers of Ford’s SYNC Services, which also provides information on traffic, news, sports, weather, and more. Adding a strong customer service element could greatly enhance the way customers experience Ford products.

At any time, the driver can simply say the word “Operator” and they will be instantly connected to a Ford representative either by voice or video, whichever is preferred. Then, the representative can provide turn-by-turn directions, a text message with business information, or be connected directly to the business on the phone.

For more information and updates on Ford technology, stay tuned right here on the blog and Facebook.

Looking for your own Ford car, truck or SUV?  Browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

Think it’s time for an upgrade to Ford’s “big box” crossover? Ford does too.

As Car and Driver reports, the 2013 Ford Flex will include significant upgrades to both the interior and exterior. In photos captured on Ford’s testing grounds, it was revealed that the front end will have a more rounded shape closer to that of the 2011 Explorer. The 2011 model’s sharp, blade-like slats will be replaced with a single chrome bar extending the width of the car with more delicate surrounding materials. New wheels and changes to the rear exterior (covered in camouflage by Ford) also appear to be present in the upcoming model.

An exact list of interior upgrades isn’t yet available, but the conclusion was made that it will include the MyTouch Ford system, a new steering wheel and shifter, as well as updated gauges. The performance side of the equation also looks promising, with a 230-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost mill and the same 3.5-liter V-6 featured in the 2013 Taurus. It is also assumed to have many of the additional upgrades anticipated in the all-new Taurus, including a brake-based “limited-slip” function, electric assisted steering, and an improved brake system for greater stopping power.

We look forward to hearing more about the all-new Ford Flex as the details are released. Stay tuned for more information here on the blog and on our Facebook page.

Looking for your own Ford car, truck or SUV?  Browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

Ford’s vision for the future is to align its vehicle offerings with the ever-changing demands of the consumer. This will include a bold move of transitioning the world’s most popular compact SUV over to the crossover category.

As Car and Driver reports, the 2013 Ford Escape will feature an entirely different body shape and engine makeup. Spy photos were taken on Ford’s testing grounds, and it was revealed that the new body style will closely follow Ford’s Vertrek concept as displayed at various auto shows earlier this year. The Escape will include a swoopy greenhouse, bulging hood, swept-back headlights, and a strong character line running from the front wheelarch to the edge of the taillights.

In addition to its all-new body style, the next-generation Escape will feature something Ford enthusiasts have been begging for: more models featuring the Ford EcoBoost engine. Made popular in the 2011 Ford F-150, the EcoBoost engine will add a new level of power and fuel efficiency to Ford’s most fuel-efficient SUV. Car and Driver estimates that the EcoBoost offering will likely come in the form of a 1.6-liter or 2.0-liter engine, drawing somewhere between 180 and 237 hp.

Ford’s post-2012 presence in the compact SUV market is still uncertain, but one thing is clear: the 2013 Escape will be provide an intriguing option to our customers. Stay tuned for more information as we receive it, right here on the Damerow Ford blog and on Facebook!

Looking for your own Ford car, truck or SUV?  Browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

Ford is taking its commitment to “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” to a whole new realm.

Ford has partnered with Georgia Tech to create the first ever hydraulic hybrid school bus, running only on recycled biofuel. Converting existing school buses into The Green Eco School Bus will potentially lower greenhouse emissions and reduce transportation costs for schools. The first school district to be granted with the innovative new bus is the APS school district in Atlanta, Georgia.

For the last 60 years, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services has worked with community partners to advance driving safety, education, American heritage and community life. Funded by Ford Motor Company, the organization hopes that the bus project will lead to cleaner, more efficient school buses for many school districts. Other significant projects include Driving Skills For Life, a safe teen driving program and The Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies, which uses a rigorous academic curriculum to provide high school students with 21st-century learning experiences to enhance real-world skills.

“Together with Georgia Tech and Atlanta Public Schools, we are taking innovation from the classroom to the community. This is a noteworthy example of the types of programs we are bringing to Atlanta as part of our new Operation Goodwill partnership with local Ford and Lincoln dealers with the goal of expanding our engagement with this community.” – Jim Vella, President, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services.

Looking for your own Ford car, truck or SUV? Browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

The Ford Mustang has a rich history and continues to reinvent itself year after year as a compelling vehicle of the future. As Motor Trend reports, the 2012 Shelby GTS Mustang is likely to gain popularity with the younger crowd, with both style and performance upgrades.

The latest Shelby Mustang comes equipped with a custom grille and bumper, bespoke ventilated hood, and the now famous twin racing stripes. Other visual details, including custom chrome wheels and Ford emblems, add to its individuality and will contribute to making this model a future collector’s item.

The 2012 Shelby GTS Mustang doesn’t disappoint in the mechanics or performance departments, either. It includes an option for either a V-6 or V-8 engine, with the V-8 supercharger version reaching a jaw-dropping 624 horsepower. Other notable features include upgraded wheels, tires, and suspension as well as cold air intake. It also includes new springs, stabilizer bars, Baer brakes, and a front strut tower brace from Ford Racing.

We’re excited about this product as it looks to be a substantial upgrade at an affordable price. Stay tuned for more news on the model as it’s released, and watch the video below to get a better look for yourself!

Looking for your own Ford car, truck or SUV? Browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

Since the 2012 Ford Focus has now been revealed to the world, you’ve probably noticed it making headlines left and right.

What you might not have heard of, however, is the upcoming 2012 Ford Focus ST. Motor Trend recently got a surface-level glimpse of what’s to come with the ST model, snapping photos during Ford’s recent performance testing.

While conclusions are fairly slim at this point, we have lots to look forward to. The models that were spotted, which were figured to be stock models, included a thin metal pipe for the ST-exclusive center exhaust, smoky gray rims, and a sleek exterior design. The upcoming model also promises to have impressive performance, sporting a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine which Motor Trend estimates will yield approximately 250 horsepower.

We look forward to its reveal as Ford continues testing!

For any true car enthusiast, tearing up some pavement in a 1932 Ford Roadster would be a dream come true.

This was the motivation for Ken Gross to build his own Roadster from the ground up. As Automobile Magazine reports in their feature on the hot rod, Gross began dreaming about his ideal roadster in 1956 while still a high school student.

Gross made many modern adjustments to make his vehicle street-worthy and used parts that are meant to last. For example, he swapped the traditional 59A engine block for a military 59Z version which is made of stronger iron. The car also features alloy wheels, hidden electronics and a manual spark advance for the engine. The result is a strong, immaculate-looking hot rod that anyone would be proud of!

It took four decades before Gross acquired all the pieces needed to achieve his dream roadster, but he did it.

Looking for your own Ford car, truck or SUV? Browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.

Industry professionals and car enthusiasts alike have been anticipating the day when Ford would make its C1 platform available in America. That day has finally arrived and the wait is over, with the introduction of the 2012 Ford Focus Titanium.

According to a recent Auto Blog review, the somewhat skeptical editors were impressed with its overall design, handling, power and fuel-efficiency. The test model was equipped with the Titanium Handling Package, which delivered sharp turns and quick response with an impressive EPA fuel economy of 27/37 MPG. The new design also earned major points when onlookers stopped to inquire about the vehicle as editors gave it a routine post-test wash.

We spent just one week with the 2012 Ford Focus, but that was plenty enough for us to realize that it’s a worthy contender in the hotly contested compact car segment. – Jeremy Korzeniewski AutoBlog.com

For those craving a class-competitive compact in the U.S. market, the 2012 Focus proves to be a global contender.

Looking for your own Ford car, truck or SUV? Browse our latest online specials on new and pre-owned vehicles 24/7 at damerowford.com.