Archives for February 2014

Upcoming Movies for Ford Car Fans | New Orleans

February 28, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

With the Golden Globes behind us and the Oscars coming up in March, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new and upcoming movie releases. While many of the year’s best films covered topics as varied as space travel, artificial intelligence, and practically anything and everything in between, there is more than enough in the world of cinema for driving fans to enjoy.

Need For Speed

There’s plenty to get excited about with Need For Speed, the upcoming film adaptation of the iconic video game franchise. Set to be released on March 14 of this year, the film stars Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul as a blue collar worker who sets out in a high speed chase across the country in the wake of being framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Equally as exciting, though, is the film’s inclusion of the new 2015 Ford Mustang. While Paul’s character will be featured primarily driving a heavily modified 2014 Ford Mustang, the 2015 version of the car will make an appearance as well. The car, which recently made its car show debut in Detroit back in January, features Ford’s Ecoboost technology and preliminary specs of up to 420hp.

Go Like Hell

Another adaptation, Go Like Hell is based on the AJ Baime book about the 1960s showdown between Ford and Ferrari at Le Mans. The rivalry reached its climax in 1966 while the two car makers battled it out at the 24 hour endurance race at Le Mans with Ford striving to be the first American car maker to win the race. Tom Cruise is set to play American car designer Carroll Shelby with Oblivion director Joseph Kosinski at the helm. Brad Pitt’s name has also reportedly been attached to the project as well, although it is not yet known which role he will play. While it is also yet unknown which Ford cars will be featured in the film, we can be sure that they will star in many high speed racing sequences.

Fast & Furious 7

The latest installment in a series that needs no introduction for racing fans, Fast and Furious 7 was thrust into the spotlight most recently in the wake of Paul Walker’s tragic driving accident. A direct sequel to Fast & Furious 6, Fast & Furious 7 features a host of big name Hollywood stars such as Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, Kurt Russell, and Michelle Rodriguez. While the list of cars to be featured in the movie is not yet known, FF6 showed high performance vehicles such as the BMW M5, Dodge Charger, and even a 1970s Ford Escort- so there’s no doubt that the latest installment will not disappoint in its car offerings.

Rush

While Rush has come and gone from theaters, it has recently been released on home media so anybody who missed Ron Howard’s driving spectacle can still enjoy it, albeit on a smaller screen. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Rush focuses primarily on the intense rivalry between two Formula One drivers. While you may not see any familiar cars by well-known makers such as Ford or Lincoln, be prepared to be blown away by authentic high performance machines made by the likes of Ferrari and McLaren. Released to critical acclaim, Rush is a relatively low-profile film that is not to be missed.

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Lamarque Ford is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in New Orleans, LA. Located in Kenner, LA, Lamarque Ford is committed to providing you the best customer service and vehicle service for the life of your vehicle. Whether you’re on the market to purchase, finance, or service a new or used Ford vehicle, you’ve come to the right place.

A Look at the Different Ford F150 Models | New Orleans

February 27, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

With February and March being Ford Truck Month, it’s as good a time as any to know about the many different types of F-150 trucks available. While we all wait excitedly for the new 2015 Ford F-150 to arrive, there are many great options for the 2014 F-150 that can meet the needs of any truck enthusiasts. But if you’ve ever set foot on a Ford car dealership, you know that with all the different types of F-150s available it can be difficult to know which one is for you. While the 2014 F-150 comes in 10 different model types, here’s a look at some of the more popular types of F-150 trucks available.

F-150 XL

The XL is the base model, and is also the most affordable. It comes with options for regular cab, super cab, or supercrew; 5.5in, 6.5in, or 8in box; and V6, V8, or Ford Ecoboost V6 engine. While it doesn’t come with many of the nice interior or exterior features that some of the more expensive models have, it has many optional add-ons such as a rear view camera or steering mounted controls. It’s simply a more stripped down, no-frills version of the F-150.

F-150 XLT

Similar to the F-150 XL, the XLT has all of the same options for cabs and boxes, but also has the additional option of the more powerful 6.2L V8 engine. The XLT also comes with its own optional convenience package or plus package, and comes standard with Ford’s Power Equipment Group. It also comes standard with SecuriCode keypad on the driver’s side, electronic 6-speed transmission with tow/haul mode, Ford SYNC, and chrome grille and chrome surround.

F-150 King Ranch

The King Ranch is a significant step up from the XL and XLT. While it is more expensive, it offers many additional features not found in more inexpensive models. The King Ranch comes only with the supercrew cab, and is available with the Ford Ecoboost engine or 5.0L V8. It also comes standard with the Trailer Tow package, leather bucket seats, and Dual Zone Electronic Automated Temperature Control. The 18”, all-season tires that come equipped on the King Ranch make it well suited for those who need a powerful truck for working hard.

F-150 SVT Raptor

The Raptor is among the more powerful F-150 trucks available. Equipped standard with a 6.2L V8 engine, the SVT features a smaller size truck with a 5.5in box and either the super cab or supercrew. The SVT Raptor highlights high performance with tow/haul mode, hill descent/off-road mode, and Fox Racing Shox. It also has the optional 801A Entertainment package which includes the Raptor luxury package and Navigation System, including Sirius XM radio and Travel Link.

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Mardi Gras New Orleans Guide 2014: Part 2

February 26, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

In our previous post, Mardi Gras New Orleans Guide 2014: Part 1, we talked about some of the more popular krewes during New Orleans Mardi Gras, but with so much to do and see, here’s a few more to make sure you don’t miss. With some krewes favoring a more traditional, old-fashioned approach, others like to take a more modern approach with more emphasis on newer technology and celebrities. While certainly different, both are immensely entertaining experiences not to be missed. While we’ve already seen some of the oldest and most cherished krewes of the Carnival season, there are plenty others that, while they haven’t been around as long, are finding new and unique ways to celebrate the season.

Krewe of Tucks

About as far removed from a “traditional” krewe as you could get, Tucks was founded by a small group of Loyola University students and named after a popular uptown bar. Characteristics of Tucks includes low-brow humor and a taste for irreverence, including a procession of pick-up trucks, a giant toilet which serves as the King’s throne and branded toilet paper as a coveted parade throw. Tucks’ parade culminates on Canal Street with the Tucks Extravaganza, a paid admission event open to the public which typically features well-known local music acts.

March 1 at 12:00pm; Uptown

Krewe of Endymion

Another of the superkrewes, Endymion is perhaps the biggest and most extravagant of the Mardi Gras parades. If you plan on getting a good spot to view this parade, you may need to camp out a day or two early, as many long-time fans do. Endymion is also credited with popularizing the practice of throwing huge amounts of beads to onlookers, with their motto “Throw Until it Hurts.” Like Bacchus, Endymion also has a tradition of including famous celebrities, including Chuck Norris, Alice Cooper, Emeril Lagasse, and Jerry Springer.

March 1 at 4:15; Mid-City

Krewe of Muses

Muses is another well-known all-female krewe that enjoys its reputation of celebrating a light-hearted good time. Among the newer Mardi Gras krewes, Muses has only been around since 2000 and rode its first parade in 2001. One of the unique features of Muses is their choice of items thrown. Eschewing more commonplace items like beads and cups, Muses throws include such ‘girlie’ items as shoes, necklaces, and bracelets. Muses combines well known marching bands and dance groups with local celebrities and a good natured sense of humor to create a parade that is as entertaining as it is unique.

February 27 at 6:30; Uptown

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Getting the most MPG out of your new or used car | New Orleans, LA

February 24, 2014 By Matthew Hritz

Buying gas for your car is likely one of the biggest expenses in your budget. With gas prices that seem to be constantly rising, and the fact that you simply can’t stop driving your car altogether, it can often seem like there’s no real way to save any money on gas. If you are in the market for a new car, you can look into buying a car with hybrid or Ford Ecoboost technology, but for the rest of us, there’s no miracle way to slash our monthly gas expenses. Fortunately, there are a few ways to cut corners and save a little bit of extra money when it comes to buying gas.

Adjusting how you drive can be a big factor in getting the best MPG out of your car. When running errands, try to do so during parts of the day with the smallest amount of traffic. This means try to avoid doing them around 9am or 5pm, when most people are going to and from work. Similarly, try to drive at a steady, consistent pace when you drive as opposed to varying your speed or stopping and accelerating frequently. Maintaining a consistent speed has been proven to optimize gas efficiency in cars. And although you likely have less control over this, try to base when you leave for work and the route you take to accommodate steady driving as well. Cruise control can also help get the best MPG out of your car.

When shopping for gas, there are a few things you can keep in mind in terms of cost and type of gasoline. It usually isn’t worth it to drive across town for the cheapest gas. If you pass a station with unusually cheap gas then by all means, go ahead and stop. If you’re considering a gas station across town that is slightly cheaper, you may end up losing more money for the drive to get there. Using stations that are close to your home, even if slightly more expensive, can usually save you money. Also, try to fill up during the coldest time of the day. Since gas is purchased by volume, you get more for your money when the gas is at its most dense- in other words, during the coldest part of the day. Additionally, make sure your gas cap is tight and secure. Fuel can vaporize and thus be wasted if the cap isn’t securely fastened.

Buying gas from a wholesaler such as Sam’s or Costco can save you small amounts, and although you shouldn’t make the special trip just for gas, you can try to fill up at these locations if you routinely shop there. You might also consider getting a gas credit card. As long as you make your monthly payments, having a gas credit card can potentially save you a little bit of money over the long run. Also make sure you keep your car properly maintained, in order to ensure peak performance and gas efficiency.

Follow these tips in order to save some money here and there, and who knows- maybe you can put it towards getting that brand new car you’ve been dreaming about.

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Mardi Gras New Orleans Guide 2014: Part 1 | New Orleans, LA

February 21, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

If there’s any time of the year that sums up New Orleans culture best, it’s Mardi Gras. Although frequently misunderstood by tourists, Mardi Gras encapsulates the best that New Orleans has to offer with food and drinks, unique culture, rich tradition, and most of all, having fun. Although the observation of Mardi Gras in the United States dates back as early as the 17^th century, it has evolved over the years to reflect changes in culture. But with so much to see and do during the entire Carnival season, it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to begin. While it would be nearly impossible to see everything the Mardi Gras season has to offer, you can at least experience some of the more well-known krewes.

Krewe of Rex

One of the oldest krewes in New Orleans, Rex has held more parades than any other organization in New Orleans. While they may not use as much cutting-edge technology as other parade krewes, it is without a doubt one of the most culturally rich krewes in the city. Rex’s floats are typically entirely hand built and use the same techniques that have been handed down over generations. Because of its rich tradition and ornate designs, many people consider Rex’s parade to be the highlight of the Mardi Gras season.

March 4 (Mardi Gras day) at 10:00am; Uptown

Krewe of Bacchus

Bacchus, among the most well-known of the so-called “superkrewes” due to their spectacular size and production, is certainly a spectacle. As opposed to Rex, which favors a more traditional approach, Bacchus relies much more heavily on modern approaches and technology to create bigger, more elaborate floats. Bacchus is also well known for its celebrity appearances. The first krewe to feature celebrities as kings of the parade, Bacchus celebrity kings have included Drew Brees, William Shatner, Elijah Wood, Will Ferrell, and many others.

March 2 at 5:15pm; Uptown

Krewe of Iris

While perhaps not as well-known as some of the bigger krewes in New Orleans, Iris is notable for being both the oldest and the largest all-female krewe in New Orleans. Like Bacchus, Iris also adheres more closely to the traditional Mardi Gras customs, wearing white gloves and full-face carnival masks. Iris parade throws include unique items such as cups, dolls, medallion beads, and doubloons, as well as the Krewe Captains own special doubloon which is a coveted item each year.

March 1 at 11:00am; Uptown

Although most festivities take place in New Orleans, you can also find Mardi Gras parades in Metairie and surrounding areas. If you feel a little adventurous or you’ve got extra time in your hands here’s the full Mardi Gras parade schedule.

What are the Different Types of Gasoline | New Orleans, LA

February 19, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever filled your car up at a gas station, you probably at some point have wondered what’s with the different types of gas available. Some are more expensive than others, due to variations in refining and state taxes; some are rated with different numbers; but they all seemingly work with your car. You’ve probably assumed that the more expensive ones are better in some regard, but you may have no idea as to how or why they are better. So what’s the deal?

The most basic difference between gas types is their octane ratings. This is indicated by the number you see next to the different levels of gas, and it is also the primary factor in the different prices of gasoline. The octane level is a measure of performance in gasoline that indicates how much compression the fuel can withstand before igniting. The higher the number, the more compression it can withstand. Diesel engines, which compress air rather than fuel, usually are fine with lower octane ratings. However, petrol engines, which are far more common in consumer vehicles, often times require fuel with a higher octane rating. Regular gasoline usually has an octane rating of 87, mid-grade at 89, and premium usually somewhere from 91-93.

It may be tempting to think that premium gas is simply “better,” and while this is true to an extent, it’s not quite as simple as it seems. The best way to know what gas to use in your car is to check your owner’s manual. Most engines will recommend regular gasoline, but some high performance engines will utilize higher compression and therefore require gasoline with higher octane levels. Whether you’re driving a brand new Ford for a used car that’s seen better days, it’s always a good idea to adhere strictly to the engine’s octane recommendation.

It’s important to note that you typically won’t get much added benefit by using a higher octane rating than recommended, but you can run into problems if you use a lower rating than recommended. If you lose the incorrect grade of gasoline, you may experience engine knocking, during which the air/fuel combination doesn’t combust at the optimum point in the cycle. This is a sure indication that you need to get a higher octane fuel.

Although understanding octane ratings is important, making sure you get the best car service is crucial to keep your engine running great.

How to Maintain Tire Pressure | New Orleans, LA

February 17, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

There are a lot of things you need to know about your car in order to keep it running properly. There are certainly pros and cons for new and used cars. Older, used cars need attention in order to prevent costly repairs, while new cars and trucks benefit from proper maintenance in order to preserve the value of the car. And while some routine procedures can be costly, time consuming, and require a visit to a mechanic’s garage or car dealership, others can be quick, easy, and painless. Perhaps the easiest thing you can do on a regular basis for your car is to make a habit of checking your car’s tire pressure. It’s easy, costs very little, and can save you from having to deal with expensive repairs down the road.

Tire Pressure

Having low tire pressure can lead to decreased performance when cornering and braking, and can even lead to tire failure in some cases. Since tire failure usually results in a serious accident, it’s not something to mess around with. While many people check the tires themselves to see what pressure level to maintain, this is actually the wrong place to look. The numbers listed on tires are usually the maximum capacity of pressure, not the recommended amount. As it varies from car to car, check your car’s owner’s manual to see where the information is printed- usually on the driver’s door pillar, the glove compartment door, or the gas filler door.

When it comes to checking the tire pressure, try to avoid the popular pencil-shaped gauges, which can be frequently inaccurate. Digital gauges or even analog-dial gauges are typically a safer bet. Also remember to only check tire pressure when the tires are cold- in other words, before the tires have been recently driven. This ensures that the air is at the proper temperature for an accurate reading. And finally, be sure to check all four tires. It sounds obvious, but steer away from taking shortcuts here. Just because the first three tires are good doesn’t mean the fourth one is.

Check your tires seasonally, as well as before any long road trip in order to stay precise on your tire pressure levels. You can also ask your car service professional to check for you during your next service, typically at little or no extra cost. This can also provide you a way to double check the accuracy of your own gauge. However you decide to do it, just make sure that checking the air pressure levels on your tires becomes a regular part of your car’s check-up.

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Introducing the 2015 Ford F Series | New Orleans, LA

February 14, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

In production since 1948, the Ford F-series is one of the longest running truck series in the world. From the ever popular F-150 to more obscure models, it’s a line of trucks that is able to cover basically every need a truck enthusiast could imagine. With the thirteenth generation of Ford F-series trucks having debuted at the 2014 North American International Auto Show last month, the legacy is set to continue in 2015. While the F-series hasn’t seen any type of major overhaul, there are a few key upgrades that move the trucks into more powerful, economic, and environmentally-friendly territory.

The 2015 line, which takes much of its exterior design from the 2013 Ford Atlas concept vehicle, offers a cutting-edge yet rugged design with hard, elegant angles. The trucks will continue to use the trusted body-on-frame construction, but will now use frames built from 77% high strength steel, up from the 23% used in previous iterations. This will result in a sturdier, more durable frame.

The new F-series was also built with fuel economy in mind, most notably in its increased use of aluminum for the body. Due to the lighter weight of aluminum, the body itself weighs 700lbs less and will therefore boast increased MPG over its predecessors. Fear not though- the aluminum-intensive design went through numerous tests and is still more than sturdy enough to handle even the most demanding of tasks.

Under the hood, the new F-series will be available with a variety of engines, including the Ford EcoBoost V-6 in either a 2.7 Liter or 3.5 Liter. It will also feature a 6 speed automatic engine. Different trims available include XL, XLT, King Ranch, and Platinum.

With the 2015 F-series line, Ford is taking an already spectacular truck design and pushing it to the next level. Although there is still much yet unknown about the new F-150, it is sure to be right up there with the best vehicles that Ford has produced.

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Ford Ecoboost Performance | New Orleans, LA

February 13, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

You may, like millions of Americans right now, be concerned about the fuel efficiency of your car or truck. Like many Americans, you may also be worried about the environmental impact your new car or truck could potentially be causing. With so many buzz words floating around, it can be very hard to discern between what will actually be beneficial and what won’t.

Ford Ecoboost

It’s likely that you’ve at least heard about Ford Ecoboost, whether from a Ford commercial, from a salesman at a car dealership, or even from a friend. While it may sound ambiguous or abstract at first, Ecoboost is simply a family of direct injection, turbocharged petrol engines co-developed by Ford and FEV engineering to be used in Ford cars. These engines use a hybrid technology to emphasize fuel economy as well as increased power and performance. Ecoboost engines can achieve up to 20% better MPG and can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15% as compared to traditional engines. Comparable to hybrid engines in terms of environmental friendliness, Ford cars equipped with Ecoboost engines can still protect the environment without sacrificing engine performance and torque. Ford Ecoboost engines are both versatile and affordable alternatives, and have been met with universal acclaim since their introduction in 2009.

The number of Ford cars and trucks which utilize the Ecoboost performance system is steadily growing, with the 2014 Ford Fiesta St, 2013 Ford F-150, 2015 Ford Mustang, and 2015 Lincoln MKC being among the newer cars with this option available. But with continued rise in popularity of affordable, economically friendly engines, expect to see similar technology implemented in even more Ford cars and trucks in the future.

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Valentine’s Day in New Orleans, LA

February 12, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to start doing some planning for how you and your special someone, are going to spend the day (if you haven’t already!). While extravagant gifts like a brand new car or expensive jewelry may send an over-the-top romantic message, other times it’s how you spend your time together that creates the most precious memories. Here are a few suggestions that may help you and your significant other make some memories to cherish for years to come.

Valentine's Day at Lamarque Ford

Although there’s nothing at all new or novel about going to a nice restaurant on Valentine’s Day, it’s something that is almost expected- and thus can’t be overlooked. Luckily, New Orleans has no shortage of restaurants that are both delicious and romantic. New Orleans classic locations such as Vincent’s never fail to disappoint, just make sure you call far enough in advance to get a reservation. If you favor something a little less orthodox, try venturing out to Metairie or Kenner for an unknown hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Trying a new restaurant together can be a fun and exciting way to mix things up. Of course, you can always forego eating out altogether and cook a meal instead – you don’t have to go out to have a romantic meal together. Sometimes cooking in can be just as much fun, and at only a fraction of the price.

After dinner, there are a variety of ways to enjoy the wonderful city of New Orleans with your special someone. If you’ve never gone for a carriage ride through the French Quarter, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to enjoy one; or, even if you have, it’s always a great way to enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in America. Also, touring all the music venues on Frenchman street can always provide a night full of dancing and fun. If you want something a little more upscale or elegant, however, the Mahalia Jackson Theater will be showing Massenet’s Cinderella performed by the New Orleans Opera.

There’s always the safe fall back plan of going to see a movie. With no shortage of theaters in New Orleans showing everything from sci-fi to romantic comedies, there’s sure to be something both of you can agree on. Those who want to be a little more adventurous, however, could try venturing over to the Prytania Theater to see Rocky Horror Picture Show on Valentine’s Day at midnight. Sure it’s a bit non-traditional, but it’s sure to be a way to mix things up if you’re tired of the same old-same old.

While this list merely scratches the surface of what you could do in New Orleans on Valentine’s Day, hopefully it will get you thinking about fun, romantic ways to spend the evening with your date!

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