Get a Preview of Ford's Plans for the Upcoming Detroit Auto Show!

Get a preview of Ford's plans at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show!

At the same time Ford revealed the specs on the Electric Focus they showed us the 2013 C-Max that will be built at the same plant just outside of Dearborn. It will be introduced to the U.S. market as only a Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid. The two models will be badged Hybrid and Energi (the Plug-in model).

Driving the C-max are the front wheels via a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine and hybrid drive system. The combined output is expected to be about 185 horsepower. The entire drive package is an evolution of the Ford Fusion Hybrid and likely to be shared with the next generation of Fusion. It contains an as yet unspecified lithium-ion battery pack. The Energi will carry about 300 lb. more battery and be capable of traveling in pure electric mode for a reasonable distance at a reasonable speed. Don’t ask us what these are; we don’t know yet.

Following in the lines of the Fusion, the C-Max will use SmartGauges whose digital display provides what some may see as excess information. For instance, there’s now a driving-coach feature that claims to help you be more efficient behind the wheel. Of course, there is the plethora of electronic wizardry that talks to your smart phone and lets you monitor the car’s charge progress. To me, one of the coolest features is the automated rear hatch that opens when you wave a foot under the rear bumper. No more fumbling with arms full; just give it a kick.

Ford hasn’t said when these models will be on sale, but it’ll be late this year at best. Expect them to be the least expensive hybrids in Ford’s lineup and competitive with Toyota’s Prius v.

Read more: http://www.roadandtrack.com/auto-shows/detroit/2013-ford-c-max-hybrid-and-energi

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the Laurel Ford Lincoln!

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How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

Great tips especially in Western PA!

 

There's no getting around winter. Instead of dreading it, prepare for it. The changing of the seasons is a great time to check out what your car needs to gear up for cold, wet, winter driving conditions. Do this before the first flake falls because small problems you ignored during warmer months could grow worse, leaving you stranded when the temperature plummets. A few simple tips could keep your car running all winter long.

• Take your car to a mechanic and check out the following: battery, antifreeze level, thermostat, heater, brakes, and defroster.
• Check to make sure your tires have adequate tread. If the treads are worn, replace them. Better yet, exchange them for a set of snow tires such as Bridgestone Blizzaks, which have treads that provide better traction and are equipped to handle extreme winter driving conditions.
• Make a visual inspection of your vehicle's lights. Make sure the front and rear lights are operational, especially the car's flashing hazard lights.
• Often in the winter, the windshield wiper fluid may freeze. Instead of toughing it out until spring, exchange the fluid with one made especially to spray in freezing conditions.
• Similarly, purchase winter wiper blades to cut through snow and ice instead of using regular ones throughout the year.
• Check the spray nozzles of your windshield-washer system. Sometimes, they get blocked by wax or debris. Use a needle or pin to clear blocked nozzles.
• Road salt commonly used during winter can damage your car's paint. Rinsing it off every once in a while can help, but a good wash and coat of fresh wax will go a long way in preventing corrosion and keep your vehicle looking like new.

Read more: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/how-to-prepare-your-car-for-winter1.htm

Ford Super Duty Named Best Resale Value For Third Year In A Row!

The Ford Super Duty has been named the “Best Resale Value” for the third year In a row!

Capable of towing 12,000 pounds or hauling nearly 3,000 pounds of payload, the Ford Super Duty comes with two powerful engine choices, plenty of options, and interior choices that range from basic and easy-to-clean, to limousine-like decadence -- making it what many consider the best full-size heavy duty pickup, and the best full-size pickup overall when it comes to resale value. The F-Series Super Duty has won Kelly Blue Book’s 2012 Best Resale Value Award for full-size pickups.  Take your pick – Best-in-Class Max Towing & Horsepower/Torque or ever-lasting Built Ford Tough durability – all guarantee a superior customer value for the long haul.

Get the facts: http://www.kbb.com/new-cars/best-resale-value-awards/best-resale-full-size-pickup-truck/

Ford Makes The List of “10 Cars That Make Us Thankful”

Check out what MSN Autos call the “10 cars that make us thankful.”

After several years of a recession-induced drought, the automotive industry is once again fertile, spilling forth a cornucopia of great cars for buyers to feast on. And that's perfect, because with Thanksgiving near, it's the time of year to feast till you drop. Whether your budget is big or small, the caliber of new offerings is so impressive that it's almost hard to go wrong, no matter what car you choose. But some vehicles stand out for one reason or another, whether for their looks, performance or what they represent. Here are 10 new vehicles we are glad exist. They're not necessarily the absolute best in their respective categories, but life would be a lot worse without them. So we give thanks.
Ford Mustang Boss 302
This all-American badass proves that the modern-day muscle car is very much alive and kicking butt. What a relief, because just a few years ago its future looked bleak. Ford's Boss 302 is the latest addition to the Mustang lineup. Its 5.0-liter 444-horsepower V8 engine sits right between the 412-horsepower engine in the Mustang GT and the supercharged 5.4-liter 550-horsepower V8 of the Shelby GT500. It's $7,000 more than the GT and $8,000 less the Shelby — and worth every penny. With adjustable shock absorbers, beefed-up brakes, racing seats and other go-fast parts, the Boss is as close to a race-ready Mustang as you can get straight from the dealer.

Read more: http://editorial.autos.msn.com/10-cars-that-make-us-thankful#2

Lincoln Teams With Hearst Magazines For “New Century Craftsmanship Idea Series”

The cool part is you can purchase hand-crafted luxury items created by the artists featured when you watch the web videos.

Lincoln and Hearst Magazines are launching a print and online series that focuses on the craftsmanship of luxury. Renowned artisans are featured, including chef Richard Blais, jewelry designer Karen Erickson, and men’s fashion designer Kevin Stewart. Each shares their outlook on how traditional ideas can evolve into something new for today’s luxury consumer.

The New Century Craftsmanship Idea Series was created to engage with readers in ways that inform, enlighten, and bring new focus to notable artisans who understand key elements of luxury and constantly innovate for their craft in unique ways.

As part of the New Century Craftsmanship Idea Series, Lincoln and Hearst will run print ads in issues of select Hearst magazines.

“True craftsmanship starts with personal experiences that inspire creativity in taking ideas to the next level,” said Lincoln’s Wolff. “Driving a Lincoln is an extension of the individual, and we create luxury by giving people personal experiences that transcend just driving an automobile – much like crafting jewelry, food or men’s shirts.”

Read more: http://www.lincolninthenews.com/lincoln-teams-with-hearst-magazines-for-new-century-craftsmanship-idea-series/