Ford’s C-MAX Hybrid Set To Launch This Fall

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Drivers hoping to get some relief from the high gas prices that are plaguing America are in for a treat. “America’s most affordable, fuel-efficient hybrid utility vehicle”, otherwise known as the Ford C-MAX, will soon be available nation-wide. Ford dealers like Tom Denchel’s Fordcountry.com, will soon be taking orders for the 2013 C-MAX which is the first-ever hybrid-only vehicle line from Ford in North America.

Technology-filled and made to use less fuel, the Ford C-MAX gives you the max for so much less. Exclusive technology features like a hands-free liftgate, active park assist, and a new guide to increasing fuel economy called SmartGauge are all class exclusive with the new hybrid. For all this refinement, customers might be expecting a large entry price but Ford has denoted a base MSRP of $25,995 which is lower than Toyota’s Prius v base.

The 2013 C-MAX brings together everything a driver could want including 5 passenger seating, fun-to-drive character, and high fuel efficiency.

“C-MAX Hybrid offers better fuel economy, performance, technology, and functionality than Prius v – and C-MAX Hybrid customers will pay less at the dealership and at the pump” said Ken Czubay, vice president of U.S. Marketing for Ford. “Ford is delivering the power of choice for leading fuel economy across its lineup – from EcoBoost to electrified vehicles  - because customers increasingly want to save money at the pump even as gas prices rise over time.”

 

Ford Opens Order Bank For 2013 Focus ST Super Hatchback

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As Ford continues to diversify their model lineup with more global vehicles, American consumers are becoming more excited about smaller, performance-driven cars and hatchbacks. When one thinks of an American performance car generally visions of muscle-cars like the Mustang appear but Ford is working hard to change this with the 2013 Ford Focus ST. Lighter cars with moderate horsepower and incredibly driving feel have been demanded in other parts of the world and soon Americans will get this same opportunity from a domestic company.

North American customers can now go to Ford’s site can build out a Focus ST and get information on pricing and options. Simply select the Build and Price button to choose features, print out the vehicle specs, and take it to Tom Denchel’s Fordcountry.com to preorder. The first 1000 to reserve will qualify for a GoPro HD Hero2 Motorsports Edition which includes camera and mount.

For drivers that demand performance the 2013 Ford Focus ST will have 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque that are generated from a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine.

“The power delivery has no weak sports, there’s now way to be left flat-footed,” said Lisa Schoder, marketing manager for the Focus ST. “At the same time, drivers wanting to spin this motor into the upper octaves will be rewarded.”

The 2013 Focus ST will be the pinnacle of American compact performance vehicles and any serious driving enthusiast should check into owning one of these unique cars.

Tom Denchel’s Free Lunch Contest #15

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The winner of last week’s contest is Bud Nolen for correctly identifying the Falcon, Bronco, and Mustang. He will be enjoying a free lunch of his choice and a complimentary oil change from Tom Denchel’s Fordcountry.com.

For the 15th Free Lunch Contest, we will once again post pictures of 3 Ford models. Leave a comment identifying each of these vehicles and you might be eating a free lunch!

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Chinese Drivers Impressed With Ford EcoSport CUV Concept

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While most of the American auto shows are have concluded for the year, the 2012 Beijing Motor Show is just heating up thanks to Ford’s new urban crossover concept known as the EcoSport. Functionality will be the hallmark of this little utility thanks to Ford’s brand new 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine which is powered by three cylinders instead of the usual four, six, and eight variants. This surprisingly mighty engine will kick out 118 horses and 125 lb-ft of torque which is even enough to best many standard 4-cylinder options.

2013 Ford Ecosport production model - front three-quarter view

Currently being displayed in Beijing is the highly tricked out EcoSport Titanium which boasts 16” rims and an enormously gaudy chrome grille. While some of the audacious features on the Titanium edition will likely be toned down, Ford has released that all models will get SYNC voice control.

Unfortunately for us Yanks, the EcoSport will be available in over 100 world markets and not one of them is within the US of A. Although this pint-sized crossover wont likely make it to the states, rumor has it that the 1.0-liter EcoBoost will be made available on some smaller models like Fiesta and possibly the Focus.

NASCAR Selects Ford Focus Electric As First All-Electric Pace Car

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The Richmond 400 will be the venue for Ford’s Focus Electric to serve as the pace car on April 28th. As a leader in electric vehicles Ford Motor Company hopes to gain exposure from fans of auto racing. This race will be especially poignant because the Focus Electric will be the first all-electric pace car to ever lead the field at a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Ford was also the first to have a hybrid car lead the pack when the Fusion Hybrid acted as the pace car for the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2008.

“Ford research shows the majority of Americans would consider buying an electrified vehicle but do not yet understand the different technologies,” commented Mark Fields, president of Ford Americas. “Highlighting the Focus Electric as a pace car is a fun way to educate consumers about the kinds of benefits our electrified vehicles deliver and show people our commitment to provide Ford customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy in the vehicle that best meets their needs — from EcoBoost powered gasoline vehicles and hybrids to plug-in hybrids and full electrics.”

For more on the Ford Focus Electric’s technology view this video:

Ford’s Drive One 4 UR School Raises $1 Million

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As school’s budgets are getting slashed left and right, Ford Motor Co. is attempting to empower communities at the local level to promote quality education. Ford’s initiatives have raised more than 10 million dollars since 2007 including a record setting 1 million dollars in the month of April. On April 13th, local Ford dealer Tom Denchel’s Fordcountry.com will be at Umatilla High School for a Drive One 4 UR School festival that will raise funds for students in the area.

“The Drive One 4 UR School program was developed as a fun, engaging way to help high schools raise and apply money where they need it, and we realized that if we really applied our efforts in April, we could make a greater difference than ever before,” said Tracy Magee, Ford’s Marketing Manager. “Our dealers really shine here in going above and beyond to serve their communities by joining with local high schools to raise money and protect important programs and services.” Hit the video below to find out more about Drive One 4

Free Lunch Contest #13 – Tom Denchel’s Fordcountry.com

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First off, big congrats to Ryan who won last weeks Free Lunch Contest. Enjoy the free food and oil change!

This week’s Free Lunch Contest Question is: 

Which new Ford model will have “start-stop” technology which will improve fuel economy by turning off the engine at stops?

Let us know by leaving a comment with your name and email address and you will be entered to win.

2013 Ford Fusion Will Have Start-Stop Technology

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North America’s first midsize sedan with start-stop technology will be the 2013 Ford Fusion when it goes on sale later this year. For drivers no familiar with start-stop technology, Tom Denchel’s Fordcountry.com will break it down:

Basically, start-stop technology saves fuel by essentially shutting down the internal combustion (engine) at stops and then restarting it when the car is called to accelerate. This technology is widely used with hybrid vehicles but rare in gasoline-powered cars. Wikipedia estimates that 5-10% better fuel economy can be gained from the use of start-stop technology.

2013 Ford Fusion in white - front three-quarter view

Ford is now offering drivers their choice of 2013 Fusion with or without the start-stop technology. Those that opt for it will pay an extra $295 for the extra fuel economy. Although the new sedan is rumored to have 3 powertrain variants, only the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine will get start-stop technology. The other engines, which are a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four cylinder and 2.0-liter EcoBoost wont get the start-stop technology.

Ford claims that drivers can save an estimated $1,100 over other midsize sedan owners over five years thanks to the start-stop fuel saving equipment.