Archives for November 2014

25 Days Of Christmas | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

November 24, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Today we’re kicking off our annual 25 Day Of Christmas promotion. As a way to build up support and toy donations for Children’s Hospital, for every dollar Lamarque Ford gives away, the dealership will match it in toys.

The holidays are a time for family, giving, and togetherness. Whether you celebrate one tradition or the other the holidays bring the best in us and help us look back and appreciate what we have. Lamarque Ford wants to thank the New Orleans community for choosing our dealership.

The promotion consists of daily $100 gas card giveaways for 25 days straight (except Sundays). Participants can enter through Lamarque Ford’s Facebook page by clicking on the Sweepstakes tab or following the link on the post pinned to the top. Every day new winners will be selected and the contest will start all over again.

Again this year Ronnie Lamarque, Owner of Lamarque Ford and Mercedes-Benz of Mobile, will visit Children’s Hospital and deliver gifts to the patients and their families. Staci Arceneaux, Assistant Director of Development at Children’s Hospital, said “I am very thankful to Lamarque Ford for thinking of the young patients and their families that we serve during this holiday season!”

Remember toys can always bring a smile to a kid’s face. The holidays arrive whether we are sick or healthy, wealthy or poor, and details like this can really make a difference in a kid’s life. We hope you have a wonderful holiday and join us to participate in 25 Days Of Christmas.

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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.

Ford Police Interceptors Tested | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

November 21, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

We’ve already talked about Ford’s efforts in the law enforcement segment, and how Ford Police Interceptors offer a great deal of options and dependability. However, this time real-life police agencies tested the vehicles and their results are impressive. Both the Michigan State Police and Los Angeles Sheriff Department agreed on one thing: Ford Police Interceptors perform better than their competitors. Let’s take a look at their findings.

Michigan State Police

Michigan State Police found the Ford Police Interceptor sedan to be super fast. Both the all-wheel drive and EcoBoost models out performed their V8 competitors, clocking at 5.8 seconds and 6.17 second respectively. This comes as no surprise, since the EcoBoost engine uses a 3.5 V6 which delivers an impressive 365 horsepower. Let’s not forget the Police Interceptor uses two turbochargers to eliminate any turbo lag, giving it that extra boost needed in pursuit mode.

The State police in Michigan also tested 0-100 mph performance, and again, Ford came out atop. It is impressive to see these highly efficient vehicles, a V6, flat out beat larger engines one would think can be faster. It only took the Ford 14.19 seconds to reach the 100 mile mark, and, when considering all the weight and equipment they carry, it is quite an accomplishment. The Ford SUV interceptor was also tested and deliver similar results, beating vehicles with larger engines.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

The LA Sheriff’s Department conducted a similar set of tests, and again, Fords won by a large margin. Both the sedan and SUV proved to be better than equally equipped and bigger engined competitors. Not only did Fords performed better in terms of speed and acceleration, they also had better breaking distances than other interceptors.

Ford Police vehicles were specifically tuned and refined to better serve our police force. The engine and transmission were programed for pursuit driving, and will deliver better response. The transmission gearing itself tracks the driver’s maneuvers to improve performance and drivability. Ford also included heavy duty 18-in wheels and tires, and are tested for 24 hours of pursuit driving, a reinforced front suspension and a giant 220-amp alternator.

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2015 Ford Flex Vs 2015 Ford Edge | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

November 20, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Ford offers an exceptional line-up of utility vehicles, from full- size SUVs like Expedition to compact ones like Escape. They also include a nice selection of cross-overs, which we’ll be covering today. The 2015 Flex and 2015 Edge offer alternative looks and space configurations. Since cross-overs are built on car platforms, they generally attract different type of customers than SUVS. However, they’re still great family and passenger cars. Let’s take a look.

Both the Flex and Edge are recent additions to the Ford brand, as they only go back to 2009 and 2007 respectively. Ford introduced the Edge as a way to jump start declining SUV sales. After seeing great consumer reception, they then introduced the full-size Flex, to address the whole market.

Interior Space

Ford Flex offers more space, with seating available for up to seven people and the much-needed third row seating. Flex is the bigger sibling, and it offers first-in-class leg room and lots of smart storage space. The third-row seat is completely foldable, creating a flat surface; choose from carrying more passengers or loading bigger items. Did we mention there’s 10 cup holders?

Ford Edge also features some of the best passenger space, including best-in-class second row legroom. Edge features a more refined and luxurious interior, as it mimics the more modern design elements from the exterior. The panoramic VistaRoof, which features a large sunroof and a rear skylight, allows passengers to enjoy nature of the city from a new perspective.

Engine Configurations

Flex features two powerful configurations: the 3.5 V6 engine with 287 horsepower and the 3.5 EcoBoost, a turbo-charged beast producing up to 365 horsepower. Both offer Active All-Wheel Drive technology, and comes standard with the EcoBoost. The Ford Edge features three engines in its line-up: 3.5 V6 (285 horsepower), 2.0 4-cylinder EcoBoost (240 horsepower) and the 3.7 V6 (305 horsepower) for the Sport version.

Edge Sport

The Sport trim is only available in select Fords, and is not available in the Flex. However, Ford Edge enjoys this amazing top-of-the-lne trim and is packed with great features. First, customers get the most powerful Edge engine, rated at 305 HP coupled with a 6-speed SelectdShift transmission with paddle shifters. Ford also added a sports tuned suspension, re-designed headlights and tail lamps, 22-in aluminum wheels and 4-in chrome dual tip exhausts.

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Winter Traveling Tips | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

November 19, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Why would we post a blog on winter car tips if Louisiana is known for its extreme hot summer and mild to temperate winters? Truth is, many of us travel up North to visit family and friends, and soon discover cold weather actually exists. Not only will our cars suffer dearly if we don’t care for them, it could also save our lives. Many places in Louisiana do experience below freezing temperatures, which is when our car needs help the most. Let’s take a look at what to do to get ready for winter.

Plan Maintenance Ahead

Although this is true for any season, those of us who travel know being stranded during winter is a terrible idea, even a dangerous one. Belts, hoses, water pumps and spark plugs are particularly susceptible to failure during winter, so make sure you have all maintenance and repair done before your winter trip. Your local dealership offers multi-point inspections and will make the best recommendations after a diagnostic.

Keep Your Car Winter Clean

During fall and winter trees will cover our cars with leaves, twigs, sticks, and just about anything wind and rain will bring down. While we all appreciate the falling foliage, your vehicle doesn’t. Clear your car from these debris as they can clog up areas where water or air are supposed to flow. Also, meticulously clean headlamps and tail lights in case weather gets nasty.

Tires and Tire Pressure

While you most likely won’t be driving on the snow, if you do or plan on doing it during your trip, get your self a set of snow tires. They will make all the difference when it comes to traction and stability. However, if you’re staying on regular roads, be sure to check your tire pressure regularly, as it tends to vary with temperature changes. If your car is a 2008 model or newer, it comes equipped with a tire pressure monitor readily available on your dashboard. If not, you’ll have to manually monitor tire pressure with a gauge.

Cooling System/Antifreeze

If you follow a regular scheduled car maintenance, you shouldn’t worry much about it, as your mechanic will know when is time to use it. However, if you’re traveling in much colder weather, you’ll need to increase the antifreeze to water ratio. Most brands recommend a minimum mix of 50/50 and a maximum of 70 antifreeze/30 water. Antifreeze keeps water used by the radiator from freezing, which would cause some serious problems.

Other things to consider are to check your battery charge, as batteries tend to act funny during winter. Also, inspect your wiper blades and rear and front de-frosting systems, as fog and condensation will become a problem.

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2015 Ford Mustang Praise and Awards| Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

November 17, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

As you know, the 2015 Ford Mustang is coming this Spring and is promising to be the best Mustang yet. Feature packed with EcBoost engine, full new redesign and other amazing specs, the new Mustang sure is generating a lot of buzz. Let’s look at some of the awards it has received so far.

Esquire Car Of The Year

That’s right, the popular men’s magazine is calling the all-new 2015 Mustang GT “one of the most approachable performance cars on the planet.” Esquire goes on to point out the popularity of the Mustang, not just today but throughout the years, even with popular competitors like Camaro and Charger. Each year, Esquire looks at a handful of cars that are attractive, affordable, and of course, fast. Like many others, the magazine praises the addition of the long-needed independent rear suspension, powerful V8, and overall feel. Esquire summarizes the 2015 Mustang GT as “affordable, stylish, and a riot to drive.”

Car and Driver 10 Best List

This one comes as no surprise, since the publication has been talking about it for a while. Again, like Esquire, a lot of praise comes from the independent rear suspension. Let’s set this straight though: although independent rear suspension is nothing new, Ford Mustang was known stubbornly keeping a solid rear axle, which made sense in drag races but really affected day to day drivability. Hence, what seems to be the one feature everyone is talking about, it was only really a mater of time. Moving on.

Unlike Esquire, Car and Driver really looks at the overall car performance and specs, going well beyond looks and style. However, they point out the uniqueness of the interior and how the combination of stitching and aluminum give the 2015 Mustang a feel “absent from mainstream American cars.”

Detroit’s Best Production Car Award

After appearing in the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, the 2015 Mustang won this prize. Although a controversial new design, the pony car won the hearts of attendees with its bold lines and strong muscle car presence. However, this was no easy feat, as the 2015 Mustang was up against Corvette Z06, Lexus RC-F and BMW M4.

AutoGuide.com Reader’s Choice Car of the Year Award

AutoGuide focuses on the introduction of the EcoBoost engine as a more powerful option than the V6. The new EcoBoost, a 4-cylinder turbo-charged engine, produces more power while consuming less fuel, which is an amazing feat. Unlike the other publications, AutoTrader asks its readers to vote on their favorite vehicles.

We wouldn’t be surprised if the 2015 Mustang keeps getting more attention from the media and other publications, as it is truly one of the best cars of 2015.

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2015 Ford Explorer: New Engine, New Trims | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

November 14, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Earlier this year we discussed the specs of the 2015 Ford Explorer, and while most of it remains unchanged from 2014, we found out this week about new features coming to the SUV. After making its official global debut at the Los Angeles Auto show, Explorer enthusiasts were excited to learn about a new engine and trim that position the high-end SUV as a luxurious and high performance beast. Let’s find out what Ford Explorer, America’s best selling SUV for 25 years, has to offer.

2015 Explorer: A New Definition Of Performance

For the 2015 model year, Ford engineers focused on making Explorer more capable and decided to give it a new engine, the 2.3 liter EcoBoost. Although it is still a four-cylinder engine, the new configuration outperforms its predecessor, now producing 270 horsepower and at least 300 lb. of torque. 2015 Explorer customers now get an all.around better engine, improving on horsepower by 12 percent, torque by 11 percent, and highway passing times by 10 percent. Hence, the new EcoBoost engine is a winner on the highway.

So how does the 2015 Explorer achieves this? Besides the .3 liter increase in the engine’s displacement, Explorer uses a unique technology that allows it to optimize performance in real time. The active oil control system acts as a regulator and allows more or less oil pressure as needed; the engine uses a higher compression ratio, which burns fuel efficiently at a higher pressure; an active wastegate allows for better fuel consumption when carrying lighter loads.

Other engine configurations carry over from 2014, including the 3.5 liter V6 with its 290 horsepower, and the 3.5 V6 EcoBoost, standard in Explorer Spot and Platinum. The V6 EcoBoost produces 365 horsepower and its coupled with the latest in transmission technology: a six-speed SelectShift Automatic.

2015 Explorer Platinum: Luxury, The Ford Way

Throughout its whole line-up, Ford defines the most luxurious models as Platinum, and they truly elevate the looks and feel to a new level. After seeing most Explorer Sport customers purchased the highest trim available, Ford decided to give them the next luxury level. Explorer Platinum introduces significant changes to both exterior and interior. Let’s take a look.

The exterior gets a new continuous lighting look for its LED headlamps, along with a two-panel moonroof and silver painted elements. Explorer Platinum also gains 20-in wheels with bright machine face pockets. The new integrated exhaust, although beautiful in appearance, was designed to reduce the amount of soot to keep it bright and shiny.

Explorer platinum gets an amazing new interior: multi-contour micro-perforated leather seats, specially quilted stitching, a new aluminum and wood look throughout, leather-wrapped steering wheel and for the first time, an all-new 500-watt Sony Audio System with Live Acoustics and Clear Phase technology, which eliminates unnecessary sound dispersion.

By far, this is the most luxurious Explorer ever, and it will come to Lamarque early next year. Visit us today to look at our inventory.

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2015 Fusion Vs. 2015 Taurus | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

November 12, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Have you looked at Ford’s 2015 line-up? How about the new 2015 Fusion and 2015 Taurus? These two cars make great family sedans and represent Ford’s commitment to quality and advanced technology. Wether you’re looking for an all-around sedan for your daily commute or for a more spacious and powerful four-door, Fusion and Taurus have the best Ford has to offer. Let’s look at both models and how they stack up against each other.

First, a bit of history. First introduced in 1986, Ford Taurus made some waves with its modern design and available new features. At a time when Fords were boxy and heavy, the Taurus introduced the “jellybean” design with its round curves and aerodynamic looks. From that point on, Ford Taurus has been the vehicle to introduce new features and stay ahead in terms of technology and good taste, and has been one of Ford’s longest selling nameplates. 2015 is no different as Taurus offers unique features only seen in premium European models and an unparalleled comfort to pricing ratio.

Ford Fusion is a bit newer, and like the Taurus back in 1986, it introduced radical design elements that helped Ford transition into a new design era. Fusion was introduced in 2005 and was the first to feature the three-bar grille, which later became standard in all Fords. Ford Fusion has been the mid-size car to go for families looking for safety, style and affordability.

Engines: 2015 Fusion vs 2015 Taurus

The 2015 Ford Fusion comes in an impressive array of engines. The base model is a 4-cylinder 2.5 liter, followed by a 1.5 and 2.0 liters EcoBoost, a 2.0 Hybrid and a 2.0 plug-in Hybrid. Each of these engines offer incredible fuel efficiency and performance, and are tailored to different needs for different customers. All 2015 Fusions have a front-wheel drive configuration, with an option for all-wheel drive with the 2.0 EcoBoost. Here´s the breakdown of each Fusion engine and its capabilities:

2.5 4-cylinder. Produces 175 HP, MPG is 22 city and 33 highway
1.5 EcoBoost. Produces 181 HP, MPG is 25 city and 37 highway
2.0 EcoBoost. Produces 240 HP, MPG is 22 city and 33 highway
2.0 Hybrid. Produces 141 HP, MPG is 44 city, 41 highway
2.0 Hybrid plug-in. Produces 141 HP, 95 city, 81 highway

Although the 2015 Taurus has fewer engine options, it offers more powerful options, including a V6 EcoBoost, which powers the SHO performance model. Let’s look at the specs:

3.5 V6. 288 HP, MPG is 19 city, 29 highway
2.0 4-cylinder EcoBoost. 240 HP, MPG is 22 city, 32 highway
3.5 V6 EcoBoost. 365 HP, MPG is 17 city, 25 highway

Both Fusion and Taurus use the advanced SelectShift 6-speed transmission, which provides smooth shifting and maximum acceleration. The performance option for Taurus, SHO, also includes paddle-shifters, to mimic a race car experience.

Design: Unmistakably Ford

Ever since the introduction of the bold grille and athletic lines, Fords have enjoyed a better reputation with design-minded drivers. By looking at both Fusion and Taurus side by side, you can instantly recognize their similarities and how well the global design initiative has worked. Ford learned from its takeover of British automaker Aston Martin how to infuse sedans with a serious, almost menacing character. The result? A refined and majestic look that customers love, and is now part of the American mainstream. Additionally, Taurus ups the game by introducing subtle changes in its SHO model, like the new piano black grille, which replaces the horizontal bars with a beautiful metal mesh.

Undoubtedly, customers looking for a comfortable sedan with plenty of options will consider the 2015 Fusion and Taurus as viable options. If you’d like to test drive one today or look at other models, stop by Lamarque Ford today.

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Shelby GT350 Mustang: The Legend Returns | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

November 10, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

2015 seems like the right year for Mustang, as it is not only getting a full redesign, but Ford is also bringing back an American legend. That’s right, early next year, Ford enthusiasts will be able to get the Shelby GT350 Mustang in all of its glory, with what Ford is claiming to be their most powerful naturally aspirated production engine ever shipped. Let’s find out what makes the Shelby GT350 Mustang such an important icon both on the track and on the street.

First off, a little bit of history. The name Shelby became famous by the mid 60’s, when Carol Shelby and his team decided to modify a Mustang for track racing. The result? The first Shelby GT350, a small, light, super-powerful Mustang also referred to as the “Cobra” with a 4.7 l. V8. Since this original version was meant for the track and racing purposes, it was never thought of as a comfortable street car. More recent versions of the Shelby will combine comfort and drivability as well as powerful engines.

So what’s in store for 2015? The new 2015 Mustang takes design cues from the 1965 model, also called fast-back for its roofline that continuously down slopes to the back. Early in the development, Ford engineers decided a natural aspirated engine would better suit the Shelby, as opposed to a super-charged one. The 2015 Shelby GT350 relies on a 5.2 V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft, which allows for better engine breathing resulting in overall better performance. This type of engine configuration is only found in racing cars and European supercars.

Ford claims this engine will deliver over 500 horsepower and more than 400 pounds of torque, which should make it a delight on the track. In addition to the engine improvements, Ford is adding a new injection-molded carbon fiber grille and lower brace, which improves stiffness in the structure. Other improvements include an all-aluminum hood, flat-bottom steering wheel, extra-stiff 19-in aluminum wheels, and more.

The 2015 Ford Mustang is not only an excellent street sports car, but it is also the best foundation for a racing car. Check out other versions like the Mustang GT and the 700-HP Mustang.

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2015 Fiesta Vs. 2015 Focus | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans, Metairie

November 6, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta are the company’s entry level vehicles, and as such, need to have a broader appeal than any other car in their lineup. Strong competition in the compact and sub-compact market has pushed Ford engineers and designers to innovate in new fronts, leading to better engines and outstanding aesthetics. Let’s see what the 2015 Ford Focus and 2015 Ford Fiesta bring to the table and how they stack up against each other.

The Basics: How Are Focus And Fiesta Different?

For starters, each car belongs to a different category, Fiesta to the sub-compact and Focus to the compact. However, many of our customers wonder, What is the difference between compacts and sub-comapcts? The United States Environmental Protection Agency defines a sub-compact as a vehicle that has between 85 cubic feet and 99 cubic feet of interior volume, which is a great car for daily commuters and customers looking for great fuel efficiency. Ford Focus, however, fits right into the compact category, as it includes any car between 161 in and 175 in long.

Designwise, both the 2015 Fiesta and 2015 Focus get the bold front grille that has defined Fords for the last few years. Actually, they look so much alike you can think of the Fiesta as a small version of the Focus, as they both come in hatchback and sedan versions.

2015 Fuel Economy

In 2012, Ford introduced the tiny 1.0 EcoBoost, which is a 3-cylinder engine capable of driving a 3,000 lb vehicle. First introduced in the Ford Fiesta, the 1.0 EcoBoost has matured and will be available in the 2015 Focus. So how does it work? Utilizing the latest engine technology, EcoBoost sips gas and maximizes its efficiency by using a turbo-charger, allowing more air into the fuel mix. While fuel ratings for the new Focus are not out yet, the 1.0 Fiesta gets an impressive 45 MPG.

In addition, Ford introduced an all-electric Focus, making the nameplate one of the most versatile in the market. Focus Electric gets an estimated rating of 110 MPG and customers might be eligible for a $7,500 tax credit.

Focus and Fiesta Performance

Both models offer an ST version, which is catered to sports minded drivers. This is what both ST versions have to offer:

2015 Fiesta ST

1.6 turbo-charged EcoBoost, delivering 197 horsepower and up to 202 lb. of torque
Updated traction control to help hug corners at high speeds
Lowered center of gravity for better stability and improved response
Six-speed manual transmission
For faster steering, Fiesta ST includes a redesigned steering knuckle
17-in. sports wheels
Sports-calibrated suspension

2015 Focus ST

2.0 EcoBoost engine, with an impressive 252 horsepower and 270 lb. of torque
New sports suspension with redesigned sports shock absorbers on both ends of the car and new front springs
Improved steering thanks to revised electronic power-assisted steering
Standard 18-in wheels
Red brake calipers availanle
0-60 in six seconds

Remember, when it comes to buying a small vehicle, Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus are your best options. Other engines available include a 1.6 4-cylinder in the 2015 Fiesta and a 2.0L Ti-VCT I-4 engine for the 2015 Focus.

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Ford Concept Cars Go On Sale | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

November 4, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Concept cars are part of every manufacturer’s design process, and they often have sharper and more daring looks than production vehicles. This week a few Ford concept cars from Sam Pack’s collection are going on sale, and they are truly amazing. Let’s not forget Ford has introduced some of the most breathtaking designs for both the Lincoln and Ford nameplates in the last decade, and these concepts show just that. Let’s take a look at these Ford concept cars, which include some classic models as well.

2006 Ford GT

RM Auctions/Sam Pack Collection

Drawing inspiration from the GT40 racing cars of the 60’s, Ford engineers and designers put out a car to celebrate the company’s heritage and racing past. The Ford GT is truly an American supercar, with its sharp looks, a 5.4 liter supercharged V8 engine, and a six-speed manual transmission. The car’s condition is virtually new, as it was driven for less than 13 miles after purchased new, hence its listed price is between $300,000 and $400,000.

1965 Shelby 289 Cobra

RM Auctions/Sam Pack Collection

Shelby vehicles rocked the auto racing world in the 60’s, taking on established winners like Porsche and Mercedes. This 1965 prototype is a one of a kind, not only because of its powerful V8, capable of producing 525 horsepower, but because of its unique alloy body. This Shelby has been preserved in like-new condition and it only shows 56 miles on its odometer. This is one of several Shelbys being auctioned, including a 1967 427 Shelby Cobra, a 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350 H Race Car, and a 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra.

2002 Lincoln Continental Concept

RM Auctions/Sam Pack Collection

Back in 2002 Ford had ambitious plans for its Lincoln brand. The Lincoln Continental prototype was designed to maximize space and comfort and easy access to the vehicle. A low body, large doors and a powerful V12 engine were supposed to make this the one Lincoln to own, but the vehicle never got green light for production. This prototype is non-functional and it was only meant for display.

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1966 Shelby Mustang GT350 H Race Car

1967 Shelby 427 Cobra