Understanding Driving Modes in Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang comes available in multiple driving modes that you can choose from. Unless you know what each of the driving modes means, it can be difficult to determine which one is best suited for any specific situation. Each of the four driving preferences allow you to choose the way you want the vehicle to handle while you are driving. You can choose your preferred driving mode by using a toggle switch in the center stack of the vehicle. The four you can choose from are Normal, Snow/Wet, Sport, and Track. The Mustang will also adjust the handling and response to create the optimal driving experience for you.

Normal

This mode is used most often. It is designed for normal driving conditions which can be described as dry and sunny. With this mode, you will not need it when you are driving on click roads. This is the most straight forward of the driving options. This is also the one you will want to use if you are driving in traffic.

Snow/Wet

The snow/wet mode is designed for us while driving in the rain or in the snow. It is characterized by having better traction and handling so you can effectively and safety drive during these conditions. You can drive it with confidence that you will not find the Mustang slipping on any wet roads. You should only use this mode when you are driving in the rain or in the snow so you can have better traction.

Sport

For most people, this is the most fun of all of the modes. This mode is meant to have a sportier feel, hence the name. The throttle has a stronger response and you can get up and go much faster than if you were in one of the other modes. This is one you will use if you want to drive fast and have a great handling on the car. It will respond very quickly and you can get started to move very fast.

Track

Many people confuse the Sport and Track modes but they are actually very different. The differences between the two are small but they are worth mentioning. This mode allows you to turn off the traction, which is something you definitely do not want to do if you are driving in the rain or snow. You do have the option of turning the traction back on during this mode but it is not recommended if you want to experience the full effects. The steer response is stronger in this mode than in the Sport mode.

The Ford Mustang is unique in that you can choose from four different driving modes. Each have their benefits and you will need to choose which one is best for the conditions you are driving in. Knowing what each is designed for can help you choose the right one.

from Lance Cunningham Ford Blog http://ift.tt/2gM4jgu
via IFTTT

2016 Ford F-150 Wins Green Truck of the Year

2016 Ford F-150 Wins Green Truck of the Year

For the engineers at Ford, it wasn’t enough to have the best-selling pickup in America for the past 3-plus decades—they decided the redesigned 2016 Ford F-150 should also be the most environmentally friendly pickup. It was this commitment to reducing the F-150’s environmental footprint that led the folks at Green Car Journal to name the F-150 their 2016 Green Truck of the Year. The award was handed down at the recent San Antonio Auto and Truck Show, where the 2016 F-150 was praised as a great example of environmental leadership in the popular pickup truck category.

The honor of having the 2016 F-150 named Green Truck of the Year doesn’t come as much of a surprise to us here at Lance Cunningham Ford. We’ve seen more customers in the area show an interest in this newest F-150 than ever before. Maybe it’s because of the best-in-class fuel economy for a full-size gasoline powered truck, or maybe it’s the lighter but stronger aluminum body of the F-150. Whatever the reason, folks around here can’t get enough.

How the F-150 Scored Big with the Green Crowd

In addition to being the most fuel-efficient non diesel full-size pickup, the new 2016 Ford F-150 has quite a few other environmentally friendly features. This year’s F-150 uses more sustainable and recycled materials in its construction than ever before. Perhaps the most significant is the use of REPREVE® fibers in the F-150’s cloth seats. This material is tough, durable and attractive, and it’s made from recycled plastic bottles. The use of REPREVE® will reduce the number of bottles going into landfills by 5 million this year alone.

Another creative use of renewable materials is the rice hulls in some of the electrical harnesses, used to reinforce the plastic and improve durability. There’s also the post-consumer recycled cotton products that go into much of the cloth upholstery in the F-150, reducing the amount of new materials required. Yep, your old blue jeans just might be getting a second life.

Engine and Fuel Choice Advances

The new 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine in the new Ford F-150 is what gives this truck its best-in-class ranking. At 26 MPG on the highway, this powerplant is both efficient and powerful. And the F-150’s weight reduction of nearly 700 pounds thanks to the use of high-strength aircraft aluminum means better towing capacity than before too. But maybe the biggest news is the return of the 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 that offers the option of running on compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane. The Gaseous Fuel Prep option allows for the use of cleaner and less expensive fuels, and makes the F-150 the only vehicle in its class with this capability.

F-150 Choices at Lance Cunningham Ford

Whatever style of Ford F-150 suits your needs and lifestyle, we’ve got it here at Lance Cunningham Ford. Whether XLT, Lariat, Platinum, King Ranch or Limited models, you’ll find a great selection here. Stop by and see for yourself just how great these new F-150’s are, and how many choices you have. We think you’ll be impressed.

from Lance Cunningham Ford Blog http://ift.tt/2cwumFc
via IFTTT

What makes Roush Performance Mustang Different?

The iconic Ford Mustang is one of the original and best-loved American muscle cars. For more than half a century, performance car enthusiasts have made the Mustang one of the best-selling vehicles of all time. So what could make the latest Ford Mustang models even better? That’s the question the folks at ROUSH Performance have been answering since 1995. You see, a ROUSH Performance Mustang starts with a factory-fresh Mustang as the foundation, and then adds performance and style components that make it even better than the Ford engineers in Dearborn ever imagined.

A ROUSH Mustang is a unique blend of race car design and street car performance, using components that add horsepower and race-proven handling. It also includes exterior enhancements like a high-performance hood scoop, heat extractors, aerodynamic body trim and more. Finally, a ROUSH Mustang is badged with special graphics, grill work and emblems so that no one can mistake this for anything but a masterpiece of automotive performance.

ROUSH Mustang Types and Features

The family of ROUSH Performance Mustangs begins with the same platform and 4 engine choices that are available in any stock Mustang. Whether you opt for the ROUSH RS Mustang or the Stage 1, Stage 2 or the 670-hp ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang, you can be sure you’re getting the optimum performance from the platform of your choice. Starting with a stock Mustang and using a combination of at least 17 core component upgrades, the ROUSH team turns each vehicle into a customized high-performance street machine. Some of the additions to the hand-crafted ROUSH Mustang include:

• Custom ROUSH 2.3-liter TVS Supercharger delivering 670-hp (Stage 3 Mustang)
• 20-inch wheels with ultra-high-performance Cooper RS3 Series tires
• Available ROUSH Active Exhaust System
• Performance coilover suspension
• Upgrade to ROUSH TrakPak 3-way adjustable coilover suspension
• Front chin splitter
• Body color hood and side scoops
• Rear decklid spoiler (Fastback)
• Available ROUSH leather seating
• Performance front fascia with Aero Pockets

ROUSH Mustang Warranty

Every ROUSH Mustang is built using the highest quality parts and materials, and is rigorously tested to ensure the highest performance and refinement possible. Even with all of the modifications and custom components installed by the ROUSH Performance team, the warranty on your Ford Mustang remains in effect. As for the ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang with its TVS Supercharger delivering 670-horsepower, that’s covered by an industry-leading 3-year, 36,000 mile warranty directly from ROUSH Performance.

With performance characteristics derived from the track and made street-legal, a ROUSH Performance Mustang is truly a state-of-the-art American muscle car. The success of the ROUSH Performance team in developing these spectacular vehicles is the same dedication and commitment that made Roush Racing the winningest Ford racing team in history. As Jack Roush himself is known to say, “Between a road car and a race car is a ROUSH car.”

from Lance Cunningham Ford Blog http://ift.tt/2aXP2qR
via IFTTT

The Four Best Apps for Drivers

Whether you’re a tech pro or you’re just looking for new ways to enhance your time on the road, mobile apps can make your drive easier and the destination more rewarding. Install these four top apps for drivers, and take your driving experience to the next level.

GasBuddy

Whether you’re driving a fuel-efficient 2016 Ford Fiesta or a high-performing Ford F-150, no driver wants to waste money on gas. Fortunately, the GasBuddy app makes saving easy. Search near your current location or plug in a destination you’re planning to visit, and you’ll see the cost of fuel at area stations. Since this well-established app has so many users, it has a large database that includes almost every gas station in the U.S.

For specific needs like diesel fuel, GasBuddy offers filtering options so you can limit your search. If you’re concerned about the reliability of the data and prices, rest assured that reviewers find GasBuddy to have the most current and comprehensive information available in this space.

Platform: iOS, Android, Windows, BlackBerry

Price: Free

Find My Car

If you’ve ever wandered through a parking lot or around the block for what seems like an eternity, only to find your vehicle in the last possible space, you need Find My Car. This straightforward app relies on GPS and an internet connection to help you get back to your car quickly. Just store your car’s location when you park, and the app will guide you back when you’re ready to go. You can even take photos of a hard-to-find spot and share your vehicle’s location with friends or family members.

Platform: iOS and Android

Price: Free

Roadtrippers

You are a pro at navigating through your home city, but you probably still need some help on a long trip. Basic navigation apps aren’t always the best for planning an extensive excursion. The Roadtrippers app makes complex planning easy and fun.

Start by mapping out your entire drive, and then use the app to look for places to stop along the route. You can even read reviews of hotels and campgrounds to make sure they’re up to your standards. Find points of interest and places to eat along the way to break up the drive, and share them with family or friends to make any road trip a social affair.

Platform: iOS and Android

Price: Free

Automatic

If you take driving seriously, you want to track both stats and progress as you go. Plug the Automatic dongle into your vehicle’s diagnostics port and put its Bluetooth and GPS connections to work. Automatic tracks everything from gas mileage, driving performance, and engine health. Challenge yourself to become a more efficient driver by tracking performance and mileage over time and set goals for improvement. For help with diagnosing car troubles, the app even translates engine codes into understandable problems.

Platform: iOS and Android

Price: $99.95 (dongle); free (app)

From navigation to trip planning to parking assistance, mobile apps can make any drive better. Download these four apps today, and start streamlining travel for work, errands, fun, and everything in between.

from Lance Cunningham Ford Blog http://ift.tt/1VcoKCY
via IFTTT

The History of Ford Trucks

For more than a century, Ford trucks have been the ideal vehicles for both hard work and serious play. Learn how Ford trucks have evolved over the years, and discover why they’re still at the head of their class.

The First Ford Trucks Change the Automotive World Forever

The first Ford truck on the market dates back to 1905, when Henry Ford developed his third vehicle. This truck, which predates even the legendary Model T, was little more than a modified car.

Just over a decade later, the automaker released its first specially-designed truck, the Model TT. With a cargo capacity of one ton, this powerful truck made a splash in the early 20th century.

In 1925 Ford developed a stylish new addition to its lineup, the Model T Runabout. The automaker’s first factory-assembled pickup truck, it featured a covered cabin, a large bed, an adjustable tailgate, and rear springs for a smooth ride. This pickup truck was a popular vehicle, selling nearly 35,000 in total. This year the automaker also broke records, producing over 270,000 trucks.

New models and modifications to existing vehicles soon started to flow freely. In 1926, Ford released trucks available in colors other than black, such as maroon, gray, and dark green.

In 1928, Ford replaced its famous Model T line with a new Model A pickup and Model AA chassis. The new Model AA boasted an improved cargo capacity of one and a half tons, and many included rare enclosed cabs.

A few short years later, Ford released its Model B pickup and Model BB chassis in 1932. The automaker made several design changes to the lineup throughout the 1930s and 1940s, producing a series of Ford panel trucks in 1938 and sleek new light-duty trucks in 1941.

The Original Ford F-Series Trucks Set the Stage

Shortly after World War II ended, Ford made waves again by launching its F-Series line of trucks in 1948. A full-service lineup, the F-Series included a wide range of vehicles with cargo capacities ranging from a half ton to three tons.

Arguably the most well-known of the original F-Series trucks, the F-1 was the smallest truck in the lineup, with a cargo capacity of just a half ton. Along with other F-Series trucks, the F-1 featured a newly designed and enclosed cab, with a prominent grille that would continue to define the lineup for decades. The series also featured single-sheet windshields, a significant development at the time.

Though the F-Series vehicles underwent minor restyles virtually every year, it wasn’t until 1953 that Ford launched the second generation of the lineup. To celebrate its 50th year, Ford re-released the F-Series and gave the vehicles triple-digit names. The F-1 became known as the redesigned F-100 and continued to be a popular light-duty truck.

Along with more powerful engines, better suspension, and improved performance, Ford continued to introduce new design features for its F-Series trucks. In 1965 Ford debuted the Ranger styling package, which proved to be a popular choice for decades. Ranger features included exterior elements like wood grain trim, specially designed upholstery and carpeting, and roof coverings.

The Ford F-150 Becomes an Instant Classic

Though Ford didn’t make many changes to its F-Series lineup in 1975, it did make one significant debut. The automaker launched the Ford F-150 as a lower-emission and more fuel-efficient pickup truck. In less than a year, the Ford F-150 eclipsed the sales of the F-100 and became the nation’s best-selling truck. Though more than 40 years have passed since this initial milestone, the F-150 continues to be the top-selling truck in the U.S.

In order to remain popular year after year, the F-150 has undergone numerous minor and substantial redesigns. Ford launched its seventh generation of vehicles in 1980, when the F-150 and other F-Series trucks featured independent front suspension and new exterior looks. In 1984 the F-100 no longer appeared in the F-Series lineup, and the F-150 took its place as the standard full-size pickup truck. By 1986, the Ford F-150 became not only the best-selling truck but also the top-selling vehicle in the U.S.

Ford Trucks Get Contemporary

F-Series have continually changed with the times, boasting the newest technology, the sharpest designs, and the most impressive performance. In fact, you’ll see all of that and more in the most popular Ford trucks today.

The 2016 Ford F-150 features a lighter aluminum body, optional fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine, top-of-the-line towing capacity, and a smooth ride. Along with 2016 Super Duty, the F-150 also features cutting-edge technology like SYNC infotainment and driver-assist technology.

Whether you’re shopping for a classic pre-owned vehicle or a new Ford truck, you’ll find dozens of options at Lance Cunningham Ford. Stop by the convenient Knoxville location for a test drive today.

from Lance Cunningham Ford Blog http://ift.tt/1rcKUJi
via IFTTT

Top Cars to Test Drive in 2016

Ford has made significant updates to many of its vehicles for 2016. If you are looking for a new car this year, make sure you test drive these four models.

Ford Escape

The Ford Escape has been around since 2000, which is just long enough for people to think they know it without driving the recent versions. The 2016 Escape, however, offers plenty of features that make the SUV surprisingly fun.

The Escape has a peppy turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that creates 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough for it to travel from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. Pay attention to the quick acceleration when red lights turn green. There are many luxury SUVs that don’t offer that much speed even though they cost twice as much as the Escape.

You should also notice the new Sync 3 infotainment system. It gives you voice-activated technology that will keep you in control of your stereo and apps without forcing you to look away from the road.

Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. While that will give you 175 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, you’ll enjoy the 2.0-liter turbocharged version more. It gives you 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque so you can rush from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.

The Fusion also comes loaded with safety features, including:

• Antilock disc brakes
• Front-seat side airbags
• Front knee airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Traction and stability control

For more protection, you can add blind-spot monitoring, a rear cross-traffic system, and even a feature that will detect drowsy drivers and keep them awake.

Ford Focus RS

The brand new Focus RS is potentially the sportiest vehicle in Ford’s 2016 lineup. Even if you don’t care about its cool aesthetic, you have to appreciate a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pours out 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.

The 2016 Focus RS starts at $35,900. Despite the affordable price, it comes with 19-inch premium painted alloy wheels, a sport exhaust, and an aerodynamic front fascia and grille that improve performance while cooling the front brakes.

A luxury brand would ask for at least $15,000 more to give you these features, and that’s assuming you can get a good deal.

Ford C-Max Energi

If you’re interested in a fuel-efficient vehicle that offers some thrills on the road, you’ll want to take the Ford C-Max Energi for a spin. The C-Max Energi combines the power of an electric motor and gas engine to give you 188 horsepower. That’s enough power for the lightweight car to go from zero to 60 mph in under eight seconds.

The C-Max Energi can drive 11 miles before turning on the gas engine. Considering that you can get a full charge in just 2.5 hours, that’s not bad. You could drive it to work in the morning, plug it in, and drive home in the evening without burning a drop of gasoline.

If you haven’t gotten behind the wheel of a Ford in the last few years, then you are in for some pleasant surprises. Make sure you test drive these four models so you can see what the new Ford vehicles are capable of.

from Lance Cunningham Ford Blog http://ift.tt/1RnPX3g
via IFTTT