Ford GT Seeks To Outperform Ferrari

All-NewFordGT_01_HRYeah that’s right, Ford is gunning for European super cars in 2016 with its third fabrication of its 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans victor, the GT. The Blue Oval hyper-car stole the spotlight at this years’ North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) this weekend putting many rumors to rest. If you’re looking for a supercharged V-8, you’re not going to find it here. That’s right, the engineers at Ford have replaced the previous eight-cylinder engine found in the 2005-06 GT with a super-freak 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged V-6! Producing 600 HP  in the mid-mounted engine, and launching 0-60 MPH in 3.0 seconds Fords’ GT is a competitive stock in the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans race.All-NewFordGT_03_HR

Spectators at the NAIAS we’re in love at first sight when they met the new GT this week because of its exotic breathtaking body design. Ford embraced its revolutionary aluminum infrastructure with super-car carbon fiber technology in the framework to give the GT a striking power to weight ratio. Built to win, the Ford’s super-car is equipped with racing style torsion bar push rod setup suspension with adjustable ride height. Like its competitor the McLaren P1, the GT is designed with active aerodynamics such as a rear spoiler whose height and angle calibrate to the cars momentum. Driven by a seven speed dual clutch transaxle transmission the 20 inch wheels surrounded by Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires we’re specifically designed for Fords‘ GT. And what’s going to bring this raging asphalt shredding monster to a halt? Ford’s performance engineered carbon ceramic breaks intended for hyperactive competition.

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Enter inside the cockpit of this sleek and sexy hyper-car and you’ll be turned on immediately. Set up like a F1 car, the seat is fixed with steering and pedals adjustable to meet the pilots’ preferences. No clutter on the steering column, drivers will be able to emerge themselves into the world-class performance with Ford’s simplistic layout. A few electronic buttons linked to the latest SYNC technology and sport-car paddle shifters is all you’ll find. Not mimicking the older model too much, the interior was digitally remastered for a more futuristic driving experience. I can’t assure you the delivery date, but I can assure you that this carbon fiber machine won’t be cheap. It’s predecessor hit dealers with a $140,000 sticker in late 2004 for the 2005 model year, so we’ll anxiously await from the manufacturer on details about pricing and delivery for the new GT.     All-NewFordGT_11_HR

2440 Crain HWY

Waldorf, MD 20601

301.843.2400

waldorfford.com

Evolution of Ford Vehicle Technology – Guest Blogger Clarence Ball

clarence ball

Editor’s Note: Welcome our guest blogger Clarence Ball!  He is a Sales Consultant here at Waldorf Ford, located in Waldorf, Maryland. He has been with us for since 2001, that’s 12 years to be exact!  He is originally from Waldorf, Maryland and attended the College of Southern Maryland.  Mr. Ball is very active in his community.  From volunteering at local charity events to being visible at all our events here at Waldorf Ford, I am sure you have met him!  His favorite part of the job is making sure his customers are completely satisfied!  He also enjoys learning & developing his product knowledge base as you will see in this blog!  Clarence’s automotive knowledge is expansive so if you have any questions ask for him!

It seems like it was just yesterday when in 2001 Ford Motor Company introduced The Personal Safety System and made it standard on most vehicles.  At the time, this innovative system was a tool that recognized the weight of a passenger, how close they were to airbags, the speed of a vehicle, and also determined the amount of pressure need for each front passenger.  Today, along with the Personal Safety System Ford has added standard side curtain airbags and rear inflatable seat belts in the Explorer and Flex.  Even now the Ford Fiesta offers drivers a knee air bag!

In 2002, reverse sensing and flip down video cassette players were introduced when the Expedition came out.  Since video cassette players, Ford has evolved to flip down DVDs to DVDs in headrests with USB connections.  Then there came navigation systems.  Navigation systems first started with a small screen with seven discs for each region of the United States, now they are large MyFord Touch screens running off a small SD card. That means saving space!  The vehicles still offer the reverse sensing system but now have available rear view cameras which show you backing into a parking space, garage, or even assist in backing up a boat or trailer!  Our trucks and vans now offer a built in trailer brake controller.  This controls the braking of your trailer which is conveniently displayed on your instrument panel and can also STOP your loaded trailer faster than your conventional aftermarket brake controllers!

In 2007, technology in Ford vehicles really took a big leap forward with the introduction of SYNC.  SYNC is an operating system designed by Microsoft that debuted in 2007.

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sync3In the first version, it was just Bluetooth for your phone and music connectivity for your line in or USB devices such as IPODs.    The latest generation of SYNC on 2010 models and newer, feature SYNC Services which has a turn by turn navigation, Vehicle Health Report (gives you the health of your vehicle like when it is time for your oil change), and 911 Assist.  All can be activated on the http://www.syncmyride.com website.

Next jump was the introduction of Adaptive Cruise control in some of our vehicles.  This feature is great for stop and go traffic.  It can measure the distance between you and the car in front of you.  For instance, if the vehicle in front slows down, your vehicle maintains the same distance or gap between the two vehicles.  2011-ford-edge-adaptive-cruise-controlSome of the other great advances are BLIS and Active Park Assist.  The Blind Spot Information System automatically senses vehicles in your blind spot.  It uses an amber indicator that comes on in the corner of your side view mirrors.  Another great feature is the collision warning with brake assist.  This is available on some models.  This feature senses cars in front and gives you a warning if you need to brake quickly.  It actually precharges your brakes so you can stop quicker than without this system.

ford park assist

Active Park Assist is another great feature.  It can parallel park your car for you once a space is found.

So possibly, one day in the future you might see people with a car that can drive for them.  Like K.I.T.T. on Knight Rider.

hoff-knight-rider-mustangThere are many more innovations in the works and some that are actually arriving in our showroom now.  If you would like to hear more about them, just stop in and see me at Waldorf Ford.  Waldorf Ford is located on Route 301 North in Waldorf, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC.  You can find us online at waldorfford.com.

How many ways can I customize a Mustang?

“Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black.” Henry Ford.

The thinking at Ford Motor Company has changed a lot since 1906 when Henry Ford made the above quote. Imagine today telling a potential Mustang owner (or any other Ford model) that they can only get their car in black?

If the amount of customization is any indication, This year promises to be a spectacular year for the classic car. For the V6 model ONLY there are 9 color choices, 8 body kits, 5 different decklids, 8 grilles, 4 hoods, 4 louvers, 8 roof choices, you can get it with or without side scoops, 3 side skirts, 8 different spoilers, and 22 different wheels – YES, 22 WHEELS! That isn’t it either, there are choices for door handles, door trim, fuel doors, headlights, hoodpins, side mirrors and 23 choices for stripes and decals. What is even more amazing is that this is JUST THE EXTERIOR! Finally the icing on the cake is that you still have 3 other trim levels to choose from and customizations for all of those!

So, when you are ready to take the plunge and start shopping for a 2013 Mustang, and you start feeling a little overwhelmed by the choices, stop in and see us at Waldorf Ford. We will be happy to sit down and go through it all with you and help you make your PERFECT Mustang. Waldorf Ford is located on Route 301 North in Waldorf, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC. Call 800-883-1487.

P.S. This is MY Perfect Mustang

My Perfect Mustang

My Perfect Mustang

2013 Ford Taurus – Coming SOON to a dealer near you.

The date will be even sooner if you live near Waldorf MD.

Tuesday, February 21, 2011 – a representative from Ford Motor Company will be at Waldorf Ford to train our staff on the 2013 Ford Taurus. We really look forward to these events because it give us a chance to see the car before they are produced in mass and an opportunity to learn more about the car hands on before we start selling them. We are also able to invite our customers, so they can have a sneak peak of what is new as well.

So, what is so great about the 2013 Ford Taurus? Let’s start with the exterior. On all models the hood has been sculpted and flows down to redesigned grilles. The SHO grille will be black mesh, the other trim levels will get a toned down chrome grille. There are other subtle changes that impact the rear decklid, headlamps and taillamps.

Waldorf Ford

Now – under the hood there are two big changes to the lower trim levels. New for 2013, you will have the option of equipping your Taurus with a 2.0L Ecoboost or an improved 3.6L V6 engine. Both of these are currently available in other models, so while new to Taurus, they are not new for Ford. SHO will still be equipped with the 3.5L Ecoboost. Standard on all models is the six speed Selectshift automatic transmission. Just push a button and you can choose to override the automatic and shift gears yourself for more of a performance feel.

New to SHO in 2013 will be the availability of the Sports Performance package. It features a sport-tuned suspension with unique shocks and track-tuned brake calipers, upgraded performance brake pads, a calibrated electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, higher-rated springs, tuned shocks, stiffer stabilizer bars and rear suspension to provide a more connected feel between the driver and the road. It also includes a Track Mode/True Off setting for AdvanceTrac® ESC (electronic stability control), which delivers a more spirited driving experience. And it has a 3.16 final drive ratio for quick off-the-line acceleration. The SHO Performance Package also comes with 20″ machined and painted wheels with performance summer tires and a tire mobility kit.

These are just a few of the things upgraded for 2013. If you want to see the Taurus before it starts hitting dealer lots, stop by on February 21st. We hope to see you then!