2012 Ford F-150 Platinum – Executive Luxury at Work

It is almost ninety years since the Ford Motor Company designed and built the world’s first pickup truck and the success of that innovative idea is still reflected today as the company’s F-150 range of full-size pickups is the top selling brand in the USA and Canada. The ultimate in modern technology, the Ford F-150 Platinum is the company’s model aimed at those who want to have a high performance, 4-wheel drive, working vehicle that comes with a classy appearance and plenty of modern conveniences.

 

 

 

2012 Ford F-150 Platinum Powertrains Deliver

This truck ships with a 5.0L V8 FFV engine as standard, giving an impressive average fuel consumption of 16 mpg. Buyers may opt for a 6.2L V8 engine, or Ford’s remarkable EcoBoost engine. The EcoBoost engine is a 3.5L V6 engine with twin turbochargers, but the technology behind it makes it perform at least as well as, and often better than, the V8 versions. It can run on 100% unleaded gas or on a mixture of gas and ethanol to reduce carbon emissions. The performance of the EcoBoost engine is good enough to pull the maximum permissible trailer weight of 11,300 pounds and to carry the maximum payload of 2,400 pounds.  It generates 420 pound-feet of torque and delivers a very hefty 365 horsepower, with peak torque being generated a full 2,000 revs below the peak torque level in the V8 engines.

2012 Ford F-150 Platinum Combines Great Design and Function

While the Platinum wants for nothing in terms of performance as a tough working vehicle, Ford has designed the interior of this pickup to appeal to the executive on the job and the outward appearance is guaranteed to get envious looks.  A solid easy to understand design highlights an interior that is upscale and clean. The Platinum also sports a unique grill and exterior look that is tough and masculine, but still refined and upsacale.

 

 

 

 

2012 Ford F-150 Platinum Offers Superior Techonolgies

The F-150 Platinum comes with a broad selection of devices to give the driver and passengers every convenience. This technology includes a proprietary, connectivity system that provides a range of voice-activated options. Bluetooth-enabled phones can be connected allowing you to make hands-free calls while driving. You can even select and run mobile apps on some smartphones using just your voice. USB drives and MP3 players can be connected to the system, giving you access to music, podcasts and audio books by using simple spoken commands.

The 2012 Ford F-150 Platinum is also supplied with a rear view camera to make backing up simpler and safer by eliminating the blind spots caused by high backed vehicles. The camera’s images are displayed in the rear view mirror. If the optional Navigation System is installed, the camera’s images can be displayed in the navigation screen.

The 2012 Ford F-150 Platinum has an advanced climate control system to cope with any kind of weather. It is fitted with power locks and also has remote keyless entry. The steering wheel is fully adjustable and the mirrors and windows are all electrically operated. For longer journeys the standard cruise control and fully automatic six-speed transmission help to take a lot of the driver workload. For added convenience, audio controls are built into the steering wheel. The front bucket seats are 10-way power adjustable and have individual built-in heating and cooling. A wealth of information on the vehicle’s performance is provided by the built-in, easy-read LCD screen, which is provided in addition to the standard gauges.

For more information, please drop me a line or comment or click here.

 

Popularity: 2% [?]

The 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor – A Beast of a Pickup Truck

F-150 SVT Raptor Gets Better in 2012

With a high performance engine and an overall design for off-road use, the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is perhaps best described figuratively as the Ford F-150’s twin brother on steroids. Since its launch in 2009, the Raptor has enjoyed significant acclaim and fanfare. The 2012 model has many significant upgrades especially with regard to its performance giving justice to Ford’s aim of introducing high-performance features on a standard production truck.

The newest in the Baja proven Raptor series, the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has once again shown that Ford wants to continually raise the bar by adding a ton of new features to the truck further strengthening its image as the world’s premier standard production off-road high performance pickup truck.

The 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor sports a 6.2 Liter VCT 2-valve V-8 engine that produces a whopping 411 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 434 lb-ft. of torque at 4,500 RPM. The Raptor also features an advanced suspension, and other options to make yours ready for to go off road right from the start.

There are four main features that have been added to the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor:

Torsen Front Axle

The Torsen front differential allows stronger grip on the front portion of the truck making it easier for the truck to pull itself off obstacles and steep terrain conditions, even when the traction is divided to both front tires at slow speeds.

The inclusion of a helical gear set allows torque to be freed from the wheel that is losing traction and sent to the wheel with traction. The new Torsen Front Axle system of the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is set with a torque bias ratio of 4.1 to 1 that can multiply torque from one wheel to the other. The preload is set to zero so that it can help in eliminating feedback while steering. Before being finalized for production, this system proved itself during Ford’s 1,000 mile torture durability test.

Electronic Locking Rear Axle

This system gives the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor a better performance for off-road driving in 2H, 4H, and 4L modes. This allows the vehicle maintain its momentum with the best traction possible. This system is controlled with a switch and gives the driver full control of the differential locking system allowing the truck to continue at its pace without slowing while the system is engaged. The system also locks the left and right axle shafts with each other letting them turn with the same RPM and increasing the wheel’s traction. This feature can be locked even during forward or reverse driving to ensure constant speed during extreme off-road situations.|

Hill Descent Control

The 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is the first to be fitted with Ford’s Hill Descent Control technology allowing the driver to control how fast he descends down the hill without even using the breaks or having to shift gears.  The driver can simply push a button to engage this system allowing him to concentrate on steering the vehicle.

Off-Road Front Camera System

The 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor also features a new camera system that allows drivers to see what is in front of the vehicle through a camera on the front grille. The video capture can be activated through the 4.2 inch LCD screen and can also be monitored via the 8 inch navigation display. The system even has a dedicated washer, as it’s bound to get dirty. Not only does this system allow the driver to see if there is anyone or anything directly in front of him, it also helps him see where his wheels are pointing.

For more information, please click here.

 

Popularity: 3% [?]

2012 Toyota Venza – Car Buying Tips – Brad Your Car Guy

2012 Toyota Venza –

The Toyota Motor Corporation has always been innovative in producing unique vehicles that lead rather than follow the crowd, vehicles like the 2012 Toyota Venza

Customer Feed Back

The company is more concerned with listening to feedback from its customers than trying to please the motoring press. It sticks with what it knows will appeal to a large segment of the market.

The feedback from customers was we want a comfortable driving machine with plenty of space for both the occupant and cargo. The 2012 Toyota Venza was the answer. A Toyota engineer wraps this impressive vehicle in a sleek, stylish machine.  It is a real eye-catcher compared to some of its chunkier-looking competitors in the crossover class.

Three Distinctive Trim Levels                                                                                                                                            The Venza which initially was sold in just one trim now comes in three different trims.             

• The base model is the Venza LE.
• This is followed by the Venza XLE which adds more up-market features like using  real wood panelling and having seats leather-covered.
• Then there is the top-level trim, the Venza Limited.

The crossover can be purchased with one of two engines, either a 2.7-liter, 4-cylinder that will deliver 182 horsepower and torque of 182 pound-feet, or a beefier 3.5-liter, V6 engine capable of 268 horsepower and torque of 246 pound-feet.

The 2012 Toyota Venza It is available with all-wheel-drive for those who will be driving off-road or in difficult conditions, or there is a front-wheel-drive version. Gearing is managed by an electronic, 6-speed automatic transmission.

A Good Balance between Size and Fuel Efficiency

The 2012 Toyota Venza is somewhat smaller in height than other cars in this class. There is a fuel efficiency bonus here. The smaller size makes it more economical, capable of 21mpg in city driving and 27mpg in highway driving. The overall design still leaves plenty of room for cargo and passengers. The design gives the 2012 Toyota Venza that sleek European style lacking in the majority of crossovers. 

Interior

The seats in the Venza are fabric-covered as standard, but there is a package available providing leather-covered seats. The driver’s seat is 8-way adjustable while the front passenger seat is 4-way adjustable. The rear seat is a 60/40 split with pull-down central armrest. The rear seat can fold flat to maximize cargo storage space.

The 2012 Toyota Venza standard vehicle ships with: 

•  Integrated AM/FM radio and CD player with RMP3/WPA playback capability.
•  iPod and Bluetooth connectivity giving access to music streaming and hands-free  phone.
•  Optionally available is an integrated, voice activated, DVD touch-screen navigation system.
•  A rear seat DVD with 9-inch screen is also optional.
•  There are a number of other packages available on the Venza these include:
•  Projector-beam high intensity discharge headlamps with automatic high beam with auto on/off
•  Powered rear lift gate and fold in or out , heated outside mirrors.

The company’s Star Safety System manages the 2012 Toyota Venza’s Braking.

This is an integrated control system combining five different technologies. The sophisticated, computerized braking and stability control delivers in all types of driving conditions.

The system helps to prevent loss of control by constantly monitoring the driver’s behavior and the road conditions. As an example the braking “brain” individually adjusts the brakes on each wheel and/or adjusts the throttle.

This Safety Feature is Always Important

There is an anti-lock braking system to prevent wheel locking during emergency stops. The Star Safety system built into the 2012 Toyota Venza can also help to avoid wheel spinning on slippery surfaces. The benefit here is it works to provide maximum braking efficiency on every wheel when required, making the Toyota Venza an exceptionally safe car to drive and to own.

 

Popularity: 1% [?]

2012 Ford Raptor – Buying Tips – Brad Your Car Guy

  If  you are  a Ford truck owner already, you know for a  fact how great Ford  offerings are when it comes to powerful trucks.

One of  the Ford pick-up “Thoroughbreds” is  the F-350 Lariat with the optional  FX4 off-road package with skid plates and hill descent, rear camera and more. A mean machine.

“But Wait” there’s more, lets take a look at the 2012 Ford Raptor.

Introducing The New 2012 Ford Raptor                

Maybe you want something even tougher, well, Ford has a treat for you with no tricks.  It does not matter what you think you know about trucks, nor does it matter if you are a Ford driver now. Matter of fact, that is just what Ford is counting on because the rules of the game have changed. Introducing  the new 2012 Ford  Raptor.

“Ford Tough” is an Understatement for The New 2012 Ford Raptor

The 2012 Ford Raptor is one truck that will not disappoint even the most hard to impress. Need to get up that hill and climb that mountain? The 2012 Ford Raptor is your answer. You can rely on the new front torsion differential that allows this trucks’ grip to increase significantly in order to pull it over any obstacle.  Steep grades are a piece of cake  even when the front tires are uneven and the traction is split between the two.

Engineered to Climb Tough

Need torque?  The engineers deliver big time with the  2012 Ford Raptor  do this; Torque is forced from the tire that has the traction to the tire that needs it most, what more could you ask for? How about a preload set to zero to minimize any steering wheel shakes and feedback? Yes, the Ford Raptor  it has that as well. This truck gives rock climbing a new definition, taking you places you never knew an off-road truck could go.

Ergonomic Creature Comforts built into the 2012 Ford Raptor

Also making its’ debut for the 2012 Ford Raptor  is a new 4.2″ LCD productivity screen that gives the driver a new way to view exactly what is going on right in front of the truck. Never again will your view from the driver’s seat be blocked or become an issue. Keep in mind that this feature only works when traveling at 15mph, so it is only meant for times of serious climbing and not day to day driving. This is something that has not been done in another off-road vehicle and is sure to be a hit with everyone. This feature is especially helpful when climbing a fairly steep incline and when you are trying to stay out of trouble’s way where mud and rocks are plenty.

The Versatile Outside Camera Washing Plus the “No Sweat” Features

Don’t worry about scraping mud off the outside camera that is mounted to the grill as it includes a dedicated washer that you can activate on your steering wheel to keep your view clean at all times.

Never let them see you sweat and now you don’t have to when you can turn on the ventilated seat Cooling feature  offered  in the deluxe package. Ah, on hot day you know that feels much better, right?  No-more sweaty shirts stuck to the back of the seat…yuck?

Another Reason the 2012 Ford Raptor Stands Out 

In an effort to get noticed even more, let’s not forget to mention the new color being offered, aptly named Race Red as well as updates to existing body paints. The Raptor logo is prominently featured this time around and gives it that wild and free feel and adds to the already well loved style one expects from the Raptor. This is one heck of a truck and reminds you exactly why they have always used the term Ford Tough.

Ford’s Continued  Rise In Fan Popularity                                                                                                                

Ford sees a new popularity and a definite increase in sales with this new offering and one can definitely see why. With its 6.2 liter 8 cylinder engine, increased torque and 411 horsepower, this is one powerful vehicle that will take you where you want to go and further than ever imagined in a truck. So, when you are in the market for a serious off-road truck that will make your heart race with excitement, look no further.

Popularity: 1% [?]

2012 Ford Fiesta-Safety Car Buying Tips-Brad Your Car Guy

2012 Ford Fiesta – Safety Car Buying Tips – Brad Your Car Guy 

2012 Ford Fiesta Sedan and Hatchback are rated highly safe cars  by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.   Both these models received an overall rating of four-stars. They each received five star ratings for their side crash safety configuration. Next came four stars for the rollover as well as frontal crash safety.

The 2012 Fiesta is Loaded with Neat Features Including:

• Side-curtain airbags
• Hill start assist
• Front safety belt
• Monitoring system for tire pressure
• Four-wheel anti-lock brakes
• A well as electronic brake force to assist the drivers to keep the vehicle under control in different kinds of active driving conditions.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has voted the  2012 Ford Fiesta their top safety pick. Ford’s  passion for passenger safety has lead to engineering brilliance. The 2012 Ford Fiesta is the only small car with several safety features and a top class range of seven airbags. This  includes an exclusive knee airbag for the driver. Ford’s IPS technology tests the airbags with sensor calibration testing to ensure that these airbags will be activated quickly.

If You Ever Need the Three-Point Safety Belt This is Why You Will Glad it is a Ford

Added to the safety features are the three-point seat safety belts that  provides the dual-stage digressive pretensioner. This dual stage comes  load-limiting  as standard on the front seat for occupants. The back seats are also furnished with similar three-point safety belts for the two passengers. The retractors are designed to tightly stretch the safety belts to accommodate the passengers  for making  the airbag effective.

Dual-stage digressive features in the belts to limit the load and enable a moderate decrease in belt tension. What this does is  reduce the chance of any injury on the chest in the unfortunate event of a crash. It is also equipped with a driver side airbag.

In addition, the adjustable head rests work to optimize whiplash protection. The front seats have  anti-submarine design for an extra safety.

Safety Features You Will Never See but Might  One Day Save Your Life

The driver gets the extra protection with a special underlay below the carpet known as a crash pad. It acts to minimize impact on the lower part of the leg in case of a crash. There is an extra reminder system for the driver to remind him to buckle up the seat belt.

2012 Ford Fiesta is innovatively structured for the safety. It utilizes a  Trinity front type  crash structure to save the occupants on front from injuries in any frontal crash accident. More than 55% of the body is made from tested high strength boron steel in its front beam to bear and absorb the impact of the crash.

Transfer and Deflect Energy Away for the Passengers in the event of an Accident

There are also boron steel  rails to transmit the impact  to the rigid roof structure of the car. Another element, its decoupling engine cradle will shear and drop the powertrain and prevent it from invading the passenger cabin due to extreme force.

The shape of  the Fiesta is designed to give an extra protection. The car is structured to be rigid and stiff for the safety of occupants. For greater structural safety, the high strength  structure elements are integrated into a sub assembly before being assembled to form the body of the vehicle. This ensures a higher strength of the joints which is another way this safety feature will  deflect harmful energy.

Blind Spot Technology 

All 2012 Fiesta models are now provided with integrated viewing mirrors into their side view mirrors. These are added  to enhance the driver- visibility particularly in the blind spots. The prime focus of Ford on the  safety features makes 2012 Ford Fiesta  a  safe car for the driver and passengers to travel with a peace of mind.

Popularity: 1% [?]

The Ford Bronco TGIF-B: Thank Goodness it’s a Ford Bronco

The Day the SUV Almost Became Extinct

The death, demise and burial of the SUV screamed the headlines in November of 2008. The start of the free-fall of the worldwide economy was well underway. The price of gasoline was over four dollars a gallon. Some now speculated that petro was headed just south of five dollars to the gallon. The bottom of the wholesale market on SUV’s collapsed. The resale value of SUV’s where in elevator shaft free-fall. Rumors started to fly of people parking their SUV on the side of the road and walking away persisted. The manufactures were going to scrape production of all SUV’s in favor of smaller more fuel efficient vehicles. That was the end of 2008.

October 2010- America’s love affair with the SUV marches on unabated—– (You can’t take the spots off of a Dalmatian)

Yesterday I drove through the parking lot of the largest shopping mall in Dallas, Texas. Almost half, 50% of the vehicles where SUV’s or their kissin cousins the Crossover. he SUV is to the American family what Red White and Blue is to the 4th of July.

The Marketing and Engineering Genius of Ford the Beginning of Americas SUV Love Affair; The Advent of the Ford Bronco August 1965When Ford launched the Bronco in August 1965 it marked the beginning of a new era in the history of off-road vehicles, at least from an American point of view. Until then, four-wheel-drives had either been made by the specialist domestic manufacturers, Jeep and International. or they were imported in small numbers from Toyota or Land Rover. No mainstream motor maker had attempted to build a lightweight four-wheel-drive for the man in the street.

Yet Ford marketing analysts could see that International was doing well with the Scout; bigger and more modern than the basic Jeep, it was clearly fulfilling a demand for a slightly more civilized 4×4. At the same time, American two-car families were searching for something more interesting to run as a second vehicle, and an off-roader seemed to fit perfectly the outdoor lifestyle to which many Americans aspired.

In 1960, about 11.000 lightweight 4x4s were sold in the U.S., which had more than tripled to 35,000 by 1965. Ford itself predicted that demand would double again to 70,000 by 1970, a forecast that proved remarkably accurate.

No company with the marketing genius of Ford could ignore an opportunity like this. After all, it was fresh from the success of the Falcon, a lightweight sedan, and Mustang  the pioneering pony car, both of which had sold nearly half a million in their first year.

No one was suggesting that a four­ wheel-drive Ford could hope to approach those figures, but it did have the potential to share parts with both Mustang and Falcon, thus driving down costs and cutting development time.

In fact, with the size of the 4×4 market as it then was, no other course would have been economically viable, especially as the Bronco would have to be designed, shared parts aside, on a clean sheet of paper and Ford had no suitable commercial vehicle on which it could he based.

But it did have the International Scout, already a proven success, which is why, when the Bronco was finally announced in the summer of 1965 as a 1966 model, it not only looked very similar to the boxy Scout, but every major dimension was within an inch or two of the International.

The exception was the wheelbase, which was a full 8-in shorter than that of the Scout. Both vehicles were noticeably longer than the Jeep, which was shorter and several hundred pounds heavier. So it was obvious from the start that Ford wasn’t trying to beat the Jeep at its own game, merely to chase the growing market that the larger more user-friendly Scout appeared to have generated.

There were some significant differences, however.

A legacy of the parts shared with the Falcon-Mustang family was the sole engine option, a 170-cubic inch six-cylinder.  The first Bronco therefore had a significant power advantage over the four-cylinder Scout.

There were a few changes to the familiar Ford six-cylinder in its new off-road role: a modified single-barrel carburetor and heavy-duty fuel pump  aimed at keeping the motor supplied, whatever angle the Bronco was facing at the time. There was an oil-bath air cleaner, more effective than a dry element on the dusty hack roads, and a larger oil capacity of six quarts. A skid pan was optional to help protect clutch from accidental damage by sharp rocks.

As tor transmission, the basic gearbox was Ford’s existing three-speed column-shift manual, with synchromesh. This was mated to a two-speed transfer case controlled by a floor-mounted lever that could shift between four-wheel-drive low-range, neutral and two-wheel­ drive high.

A new feature of the transfer case was that two ­wheel-drive came direct, without engaging the transfer gears at all. So these would be stationary or on-road mileage, saving on noise, plus wear and tear. The brakes were another result of a rummage through the Ford parts bin, contributing heftier drums all round. At the time, these drums were thought to be over specified. It would he nearly a decade before Ford fitted front discs as standard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ford made much of the anti-dive geometry built into the front suspension so that it reduced front end  dive under heavy braking, it made it easier to use the optional snow plow attachment! In the hardtop Bronco, the one that looked most like a station wagon, it was necessary to pay extra for the rear seat.

Maybe it was just as well that the entire chassis was welded out of heavy-gauge steel. But in one way the Bronco’s under-body did mark it out as different from the Scout. The live front axle was located by radial arms extending back to near the transmission cross member, and was able to take the braking and driving forces, while a tubular track bar also located the axle. This meant that the front springs had nothing to do apart from cushioning the body, so Ford was able to fit coils instead of the leaf springs which every other 4×4 possessed. The result was a more comfortable ride, plus the added advantage of a smaller turning circle as the coil spring took up less room.

At first, the Bronco came in three versions: Hardtop. Pickup and Roadster. The latter had no roof of any kind, and for true wind-in-the-hair sensation one could fold down the windshield, while the pickup suffered from a very short bed of limited usefulness. “The roadster was soon dropped. The pickup hung on for many years. The hardtop Bronco, preferably with optional rear seat in place, became the key seller.

Ford had intended its new 4×4 to sell as much to farm and forestry workers as to weekend off-readers; at the 1965  launch,  Ford  general manager Donald Frey made that clear, describing  the Bronco as “neither a car nor a truck, but as a vehicle which combines the best of both worlds. The Bronco can serve as a family sedan, sports roadster, snow plow or farm and civil defense vehicle. It has been designed to go nearly anywhere and do almost anything’.

This was reflected in the options list, which included ft and rear power take-offs, snow plow, a low bar, tow hoof and a winch – even a hand throttle to ease driving over severe off-road conditions. Then there was a mower, a power broom and a post-hole borer. But most buyers wouldn’t have been interested in snow plow or power brooms. The Bronco’s real appeal was to weekend sportsmen, “oil-road enthusiasts and  aspirational  urbanites, for them, Ford offered an option “custom equipment package”, which brought a cigarette lighter, chrome plating for the wheel covers, fenders and light bezels  full-width,  front floor mat, oil pressure gauge, Ammeter, horn ring and dual sun visors. A radio and  baggage rack were among the other options.

So what did the magazines think of it? Fortunately, in those days. they weren’t always so ruthlessly critical. Putnam-Science Month proclaimed The Bronco to have a ‘passenger car ride and sports car handling’, while Car Life loved it .  Producing the headline. ‘Even a Dude Will Holler Eeeeeeaaayyhhoor!! However  Dude  even had to admit that a highway cruising speed of 55mph  limited by low gearing, was on the low side. At 60 mph they felt this the little six was working unnecessarily hard and seemed about to blow its top at  the maximum of 74mph.

In its intended use, however, the Bronco had a happier time. Car- Life drove it up into the California mountains, “through muddy creek beds and a hog or two Slush, frozen mud. stiff sagebrush and broken rock were taken in stride with the Bronco’s range of’ gearing’. But theystill wanted a bigger engine option, plus overdrive, to provide more relaxed highway cruising.

More than one road tester had already noticed that the Bronco’s engine bay was easily wide enough to take Ford’s 289 V8. Moreover  they recommended keeping a spare set of wheels with chunky off road tires in the garage, the standard Goodyear Power Cushions being too road-biased to give adequate traction in muddy conditions.

Car Life considered the Bronco’s ride, stiff to say the least’, but not as harsh as that of other 4×4′s. In fact, it maintained that Ford’s four-wheel-drive had fewer idiosyncrasies for the 4×4 novice to get used to than the Jeep, Scout, Land Cruiser or Land Rover. It liked the gear change and fine visibility, and thought that 14mpg was reasonable after the tank of fuel had coped with a 5,000­ft mountain climb in four-wheel-drive. Despite the short legs, Car Life was won over by the Bronco:  it didn’t pronounce it a fun car, but somehow one knew that’s what it meant.

Power & Speed

Whatever the truth, third parties lost no time making their own improvements to the Bronco. Barris Kustom, of North Hollywood, California, produced the one-off Bronco Sportsman, a roadster painted in Golden Saddle Pearl, with a roll bar, walnut side panels, wide wheels, bucket seats and many other period custom details. It made the rounds on motor shows in 1966.

Later the same year Open Road Campers announced a two-berth camping unit which could be fitted to or removed from a Bronco pickup in a few minutes. It came fully equipped with a double bed, 50-lb ice box, three-burner gas range and electric lights.

But the big news came in September 1966, when Ford unveiled its own Bronco V8. It had been simple enough to produce: the very first journalists to take a look under the Bronco’s bonnet observed that the engine bay was nicely VS-sired. and Ford’s well-proven 4.7-litre unit, also shared with the Falcon and Mustang, was ready and waiting. It turned the Bronco into something that really did buck, with   200hp at 4,400 rpm and 282 ft at 2,400. This was the first lightweight 4×4 to offer a V8 an option Jeep didn’t yet have, and although International soon responded with a VS Scout, it couldn’t match the Ford for power, while Land Rover’s V8 Range Rover was still four years away. According to Four Wheeler magazine, the combination of V8  power with front and rear limited-slip differentials made the Bronco unbeatable on the rough. And it couldn’t have come at a better time, when off-road competition was just beginning to emerge, from short local meetings to the famous Baja 1000. The Bronco V8s acquitting themselves well in both.

The V8 was all very well, but it was little more relaxed than the six on long highway drives, as it still featured the same three-speed manual transmission. With no  sign or a solution from Ford. the specialists moved in. The Rancho overdrive, on offer from 1968  , was able to use the full potential of the torquey 289 to reduce engine revs by a substantial 33 per cent, from 3,9000 rpm at 65mph lo just 2.600, resulting in less noise, less wear and tear and less driver fatigue. One magazine found that economy improved from 13.7 mpg without overdrive to 17.5 mpg with it. That same year, Ford replaced the Bronco’s 289-V8 with a 302 , making the need for an official solution even more urgent.

The alternative was a four-speed conversion. Fairway Ford of Placentia, California, sold an adaptor kit to allow any suitable Ford four speed gearbox to be fitted, with dramatic results. Four Wheeler magazine tested a 1969 Bronco 302 with this conversion and changing up at 4,000rpm found it to he capable of 35mph in first gear, 50 mph  in second, 65 in third, running up to around 85mph in fourth. Moreover, it gave a wider choice of ratios for off-road driving.

 

Whatever the number of gear ratios, the Bronco continued to be the 4×4 to beat in off-road racing, where it came to dominate major events like the Baja 1000 and Ascot as well as many local races. It’s short wheelbase give it more maneuverability than the  Scout and new Chevy Blazer. For weekend competitors, it was probably the best buy.

The Blazer,launched in 1969. represented a real threat the first response from a mainstream manufacturer to Fords 4×4. It looked bigger, tougher and less utilitarian than the boxy Bronco, and by 1971 Chevrolet was struggling to keep up with demand. Motor News compared a Blazer with a Bronco and Jeepster Commando that year. and drove them into the mountains of eastern California.

One look at the specification sheet suggests that the Bronco may have met its match. the Blazer having more space, power and comfort. It had an automatic transmission option, plus power steering and disc brakes, while the interior was more like a car than a van. Back from its mountain trip which had been a combination of dusty tracks, rocky grade and smooth highways, the Motor Trend team awarded the Blazer a narrow victory, with the Bronco a close second. The poor old Jeepster didn’t really stand a chance, in that it was considered underpowered and too much of a compromise between street and trail. Ford engineers went back to the drawing board and began plans for the next generation Bronco.

 

Popularity: 13% [?]

Power Car Buying Tip # 3-Frustration Filter Process

Car Buying: Start the Process Right & True

In my previous two posts I went to great lengths to emphasis the importance of starting your search for a new car, truck, crossover or SUV on the right foot. If you don’t start the car buying process correctly the consequence will cost you money, time and irritation. Maybe as much as a hundred to two hundred month in payments. Or a thousand, two or three on an outright purchase.  Guaranteed. It happens every day.

Why?

Poor research, preparation, and logically discovering your number one problem or two you need and want to solve in your current mode of transportation.  Once solved, in your case you have purchased a better vehicle that eliminates the rock in your shoe syndrome. Your new vehicle [new to you!!] now delivers the one or two features that trip your trigger. You look forward everyday at getting behind the wheel and taking off. The WOW!! factor has returned.

The Tom Brady Car Buying Story

We see the Brady story http://www.bradyourcarguy.com/buying-car-pro-tip-2-leverage-ben-franklin/ or you can download Brady’s one page story by clicking here.

Here is a Quick View of the Transportation Facts for Tom and Bridget

• Tom who was single, since married has enjoyed the sporty Mustang for the last couple of years.
• Tom’s wife, Bridget wants to say good bye to the 2 door Mustang by trading in for a 4 door sporty 2011 Ford vehicle.[She is going to keep her 2007 Honda Civic and Tom will use it to drove to work.]
• This new vehicle is primarily for Bridget. It will be a family car replacing the Mustang.
• The purchase price on Tom’s Mustang GT was $34,747.
• Tom’s current payment is $539 per month. He achieved this payment by putting $5,000 down on the Mustang.
• The payoff is $19,330.
• His trade has 17,400 miles on it, is still under warranty, and is like new.

Setting the Car Buying Table -Information is Money Spent Wisely: Your  New or Used Car Buying Rules of Thumb;

Rule #1. If your income has not increased since your last car purchase, NEVER exceed 30% of the price you paid for your current vehicle for a new vehicle.

A.)  If you exceed 30% and all things are equal. 90% of the time you will not be able to afford the payment.

B.)   This equation is assuming you purchase a new or used car, truck, van or SUV every three years.

C.)   If your purchase cycle is less than three years then figure instead of 30%, 10% per year. If it is longer than five years then use the 10% increase figure.

Examples:

1.) Tom Brady paid $34,747 for his vehicle a little over a year ago. Therefore he would fall in the 10% bracket, or $34K plus $3,500. Or a top price of $37,500. Since it he made the purchase about 15 months ago he could bump that number up to $39,000 max.

2.) Mr. and Mrs. Clark last bought a new vehicle 5 years ago. The purchase price was $22,700. Today five years later, with the same steady income and credit history, they could afford a car up to 50% more than they paid for their current vehicle. The math>$22,700 x .50= $11.350, this equals a vehicle with maximum worth of $34,050.

Buy Now  or Hold?….. The Results

These examples are maximum figures and take into account a 15% cash down payment. If any of the above figures or numbers is exceeded then the probability of a customer making a purchase and a dealership making a sale drop dramatically. My definition of a dramatic drop could be compared to an elevator shaft free fall straight down at over 100 feet per second.

The Brady’s now have established:

• Their budget. What they can afford to pay for a new or used vehicle. $37,500.
• What they need. A four door. They are now a family of three. Two adults and an infant.
• What they want. Something sporty.
• Who the vehicle is for Tom’s wife Bridget, is the buyer and decision maker

Bridget Goes Online

Car Buying Tips

Bridget has gone on line at www.ford.com and has found two vehicles she really likes that will also solve her major transportation problems. Bridget is pumped.

1.) The 2011 Ford Taurus

2.) The Ford Flex.

While on line, Bridget studied both models for several hours. Right now she is torn between the two and knows now is the time to visit the dealership for a first hand, close up look at both vehicles.

The next step for Bridget is to visit the dealership. She goes on line at www.doengeschoice.com and makes an appointment to come to dealership to look at both vehicles.

My next post will describe Bridget’s visit to the dealership; The decisions she was able to make based on her preparation and what she decided to do to solve her transportation challenges.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Buying a Car Power Tip # 2: Leverage Ben Franklin

This is part two of a three part series to help you get your best deal on your next purchase; this a continuation car buying strategy from my last post.

According to Ben Franklin “Data is Expensive; Information is Money”

Everyday, as you know when you go online, the internet offers just a little bit more data. A data dump. There is so much data it is easy to get overwhelmed. Fast. How many times have you gone online looking for one specific item, let’s call it product A, and you end up with product ZZ? A total 360 degrees opposite from where you started!

The end result is that you have invested a lot of time [expensive] and have not found what you were looking for [irritating]. Time is money. What is the value you place or associate with your time?

Your Initial Solution

The solution is to have all of the right information at your fingertips.  This is where my Ben Franklin Appraisal sheet [herein after BFA] can and will save you time, money and irritation. To get your copy click here The Ben Franklin Pain Index BYCG

Perhaps a real life example will help you visualize exactly how the BFA will be instrumental in your next vehicle acquisition. Let me present the Brady story as a visualization. In this story I will use fictional characters and names to tell a story that takes place almost every day in automotive dealerships across the country.

The Mr. and Mrs. Tom Brady Vehicle Purchase Story [Free PDF Download]

Tom and Bridget Brady are newly- weds just a little over a year and half ago. Tom, before he got married was into sports cars big-time. Tom’s last three sports cars were all Ford Mustangs.

His current vehicle is a 2009 Mustang GT. Tom and Bridget went on line and downloaded the BFA from www.bradyourcarguy.com . They read the instructions and filled out the appraisal sheet, so let’s take a look at it. Click here The Ben Franklin Pain Index for Tom Brady.

REAL Pain vs EYE Candy

The end result of using the Ben Franklin Appraisal Sheet is to target or pinpoint your REAL Pain. What is the number one item or feature about your vehicle that needs to be changed or updated? If you wait until you visit the dealership to discover and or solve your #1 issue you may become a victim of EYE-Candy.

EYE-Candy is all of those bright, shinning new and used cars on display once you arrive at a dealership. This is why so many people end up buying a different vehicle than they had picked out on line before they arrive at the dealership. Sometimes they buy the wrong vehicle or fall in love with a car, truck, crossover or SUV that they cannot afford.

Don’t Let this Happen to You

When they fall in love with a vehicle they can’t afford they don’t find out until their salesperson presents or shows the purchase price and or monthly payments. When this happens the customer is in disbelief. Reality hits home. They are embarrassed.

The customer is embarrassed because their emotions got in the way of what they can afford. Next they “nice” themselves out of the dealership and go to another dealership, educated. Educated on what they can or cannot afford or buy.

From experience this customer ends up with a vehicle that still does not meet their needs or wants and buys a vehicle based solely on price. They end up miserable. Don’t let this happen to you! Never buy a vehicle based entirely on price. Buy a vehicle that solves your transportation problem first then work on the price or affordable monthly payments.

The Tom and Bridget Pain Index

Now let’s look at the Tom and Bridget Brady transportation pain index. The one year plus newlyweds are also new parents. Tom loves his Mustang GT but Bridget is getting real tired of fighting to get junior in and out of the back seat. It is a hassle deluxe. They both listed their #1 problem to solve as migrating from a 2 door to a 4 door as well as reduce their car insurance expense.

When we examine the Brady’s BFA we also see that they like the multiple creature comforts that were installed or part of the Mustang GT. Now if they can go from a 2 door to a 4 door and still maintain the creature comforts of the Mustang GT they would be delighted and happy campers.

In my next post I will give you my third and final secret. I will reveal to you how the Brady’s must go about their purchase process to solve their transportation problem; as well as save them time, money, and irritation.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Top Three Car Buying Tips Most People Don’t Know Guaranteed to Get Your Best Deal

The Top Three Secret Tips on How to Find the Car, Crossover, SUV or Truck You Really Want at the Best Price and Best Financing Rates Available

First- Discover Your Customer Pain Index Number

The average consumer buys a new or used car every 30 months and all studies show that the trend will continue for years to come.  Take this tip sheet, apply the advice and shopping for a new or used vehicle will be a fun and exciting event as it should be. Allow me to introduce to you how Ben Franklin would have engaged the acronym SPACED to buy a car.

The Acronym S.P.A.C.E.D is the thermostat for the    Customer Pain Index

SPACED is a way to perform a quick scan of the entire feature likes and dislikes of any vehicle. Each letter in the acronym will provide a prompt to help you evaluate your current transportation, likes, dislikes, needs and wants.

• S=Safety ~What new safety features do you want or need?
• P=Performance ~Are you underpowered and want more horsepower?
• A=Appearance ~Is there a new make or model that melts your butter?
• C=Comfort~More room, bigger, better ride, leather seats, more options?
• E=Economy~Better Fuel economy, lower maintenance and or insurance cost?
• D=Dependability ~Longer or new Warranties, better manufacturing etc

Tip # 1. Free PDF Download-Fill out and Answer the Ben Franklin Appraisal Sheet.

• Take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle of the sheet forming two columns. The Left Column and the Right Column.
• The Left Column should read “Everything I Do Not Like about my current Vehicle”.
• The Right Column should read “Everything I Like about My Current Vehicle”.
• Or make it real easy.  Download and print the Ben Franklin Appraisal Sheet I prepared  for you–click here Your Ben Franklin Pain Index Guide on the blue print.

Unless you have an unlimited checking account it is mandatory that you complete these two lists first before you go on line or visit a dealership to look at cars. This exercise alone will save you time, money and irritation. Guaranteed.

First Start with “Everything I Don’t Like”.  Write down and list everything, even the trivial stuff.  This is your list of what is causing you “pain” in the ownership of your current vehicle.  This list are the items, lack of features, performance, comfort, convenience or safety issues that got you in the market, the looking mode for a new or used vehicle.

Tabulate Your Customer Pain Index Number

Next after you compile the list, rank your entire list of things from top to bottom, from worst to least. What item gives you the most pain to the least pain but still is irritating.

Most people list 5 to 8 items that they really don’t like about their current vehicle; and or they want in a new vehicle that does not exist for their current car, truck, crossover, SUV or van.

Let’s assume you have a list of 7 items on your “do not like list”.  Next I want you to rank them from worst to least in pain or aggravation.  So your worst item would occupy #1 on your list. The # 2 item on your list is an item you want to improve on but is not as bad as #1 and so on with #3, # 4 etc to the end of your list.  The one or two items at the top of the list or your Pain Index are two features we want to concentrate on.

The Secret to Lock in Your Best Deal as Well as Will Cure Your Pain

Have you ever heard the term “Wow they, he or she sure has your Number”.  The top item on your “do not like list” is your Number, this is your Pain Index Number.

Almost every vehicle has a least 2000 features, advantages and or benefits. However 90% percent of the REASON you buy any high dollar product, like a home, car, investment, jewelry, furniture etc is decided by only one or two features.

Let me restate that. Out of all of these features in these products, 90% of the reason you will buy any one particular product is due to one or two features you need, you want or will solve your problem or pain. All of the other features are nice, but without the top one or two you will pass on the purchase. Why? Because those one or two items completely erase your pain. Sold!

This is Top Secret Tip #1. Tomorrow I will publish Secret # 2.  For now download the Ben Franklin Appraisal Sheet and fill it out. In my next post I will explain how to leverage the information and details you have listed on the Appraisal Sheet.

Popularity: 6% [?]

The 2011 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 500 Meets Will Rogers in Bartlesville Oklahoma

Will Rogers at 155mph- I understand that at 155-mph that the divided white line down the center of the Will Rogers Turnpike appears to change to a solid white line. Is that Fact or Fiction? Before I can answer that let me introduce a special team.

Ford’s High Performance SWAT team– the Service Vehicle Team–”SVT”.  So now back to the Fact or Fiction 155mph question. That answer starts right here. Ford has assembled a talented team of high  performance  engineers with a unique DNA.  Their DNA is a braid of performance, style, speed, and pure class that they inject into everything they touch. This handpicked Ford Performance Vehicle Design SWAT team has their own moniker the Special Vehicle Team or “SVT” for short.

A Current Example of their Talent: The 2011Ford Shelby Mustang GT 500. For instance they have injected this DNA braid into the  2011 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 500. There is no other car that can measure up to the Shelby Mustang in its price range. I think the vehicle is actually underpriced. You get a lot more than you pay for. You could say this is due to their lean, tough and smart design philosophy.

The Speed Daemon-This Car is Fast!   From a dead standstill to 155mph not only does the illusion of the solid white occur as you close in on the 155mph mark, it does so amazingly quick. If I reavealed how quick -I might be breaking the law!

Onward!…..Why the 2011 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 500 is intoxicating. One reason of many the performance and speed is intoxicating lies with the SVT’s  talent in developing an all aluminum-block engine. This aluminum engine dropped 120 pounds as compared to its 2010  predecessor. Combine  this with the boost in horsepower to 550 the results for brute  power and speed are reaching obscene levels.  With this in your driveway you will have the  hottest car in the neighborhood, if not the entire city.

Say Goodbye to the Gas Guzzler Tax. Nifty trick here. Add more speed and power and at the same time increase the gas mileage. They figured a way to squeeze a few more miles per gallon thus abolishing the gas guzzler tax. The weight loss combined with the introduction of electric steering has for one improved the feel of the road. The beast is easier to handle on tight curvy roads.

But wait there is more!!! What in the world is electric steering? Electric Steerings is invisble to the operator but a marvel because of all the benefits it brings to your driving enjoyment.                                                                                  

Let me explain.                                  

Electric Power Steering Eliminates:

1. The old fashioned steering pump that sucks up to 10 horsepower.
2. Hoses, leaks and grinding. No longer do you have to buy power steering fluid or check for leaks.
3. All that extra weight due to the pump, hoses, brackets and the harness is jettisoned. This adds not only to your fuel economy it just makes the car faster.
4. The extra noise decibel level brought on by the hydraulics of a mechanical power steering system. You benefit from a surprisingly quite ride. Now just sit back and enjoy the quite roar and hum of the 5.4L 550hp power plant.

Here are two short videos that give you a bird’s view of the 2011 Ford Shelby Mustang GT 500

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?0VqtX70&feature=youtube_gdata

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jebA0L0RDjg&feature=youtube_gdata

Have you ever been in a dealership and read something about torque but really have never understood what 400 or 500 pounds of torque really mean?  If so go check out these two sources. The short and sweet version is here .  http://largiader.com/articles/torque.html

Horsepower=Speed.Torque=acceleration and towing ability. A car could have 500HP and 100 torque. It would accelerate from 0-60mph in 10 seconds, but reach 180mph. A car could have 100HP and 500 lbs torque. would accelerate from 0-60mph in under 4 seconds, but only reach 110mph.    

 When you go to  http://largiader.com/articles/torque.html  Bruce Augenstein explains in detail how torque works.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Next Page »