Archives for December 2014

Reasons To Buy A Ford In 2015 | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

December 31, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

2015 is going to be a great year for Ford, as the company is introducing a myriad of updated models and new technologies. Consumers will have the best selection of SUVs, crossovers, pick-up trucks, sedans and sports cars, including some of the most anticipated cars of the new year. Ford’s commitment to quality, performance, fuel efficiency and safety make it one of the best options for car buyers in 2015. Let’s look at the top reasons to buy a 2015 Ford.

Ford Offers EcoBoost Engines

Ford now offers EcoBoost engines in every model available (except Expedition), which means consumers have access to the latest performance and fuel efficient technology. Who would have though a 6-cylinder F-150 could outperform V8 competitors? America’s best selling truck now offers two EcoBoost engines, the biggest one producing 365 horsepower. Even Ford’s popular muscle car, the Mustang, is getting an EcoBoost treatment this year with a powerful 310 horsepower four-cylinder, that’s right, a four-cylinder Mustang. The technology behind EcoBoost is, in simple terms, a combination of small efficient engines and turbo-chargers with direct fuel injection.

Ford Has The Best Looks

When Ford started its One Global strategy, it was obvious some change was in place: design. Ford’s new design language features an Aston Martin-esque front grille, along with lean lines and a bolder look. Ford family of sedans is now well, unmistakably Ford, as the Fiesta, Focus, and Fusion feature similar elements that give the brand a much needed make-over. The new design extends to the SUVs, crossovers, and large sedans and it makes use of a piano-black mesh front grille for upscale models, such as the Taurus SHO or Explorer Platinum.

Ford Has Smart Production

Ford’s engineers have been hard at work to find new materials and innovative production techniques. Hence, the company is now using high-strenght aluminum for its engines and the body of the F-150, which many said it couldn’t be done. The company also has a new prototyping system that allows engineers to work faster and smarter, “printing” parts directly on sheets of metal.

Latest Technology

Ford now offers several safety technologies that can help reduce the risk of accidents, whether the driver is distracted or after a crash. The newest safety systems include AdvanceTrac stability control, SafetyCanopy system (crates a canopy with airbags to reduce roll-over related injuries), SOS post crash alert system, inflatable rear safety belts, blind spot system, driver park assist, and others.

Additionally, Ford offers great entertainment and console options, like MyFord Touch, SYNC, which is getting an update, intelligent-access with push-to-start button, rear view camera, birds-eye view and more.

Check out Ford’s 2015 inventory at Lamarque Ford today.

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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.

2015 Ford Fiesta ST Review | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

December 29, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Ford’s smallest car offering, the Fiesta, is commonly associated with austerity and is seen as an entry level option. However, the Fiesta ST gets major upgrades over its base model sibling, putting performance front and center. The ST model includes upgraded interior, exterior, and an exhilarating small engine that packs a lot of punch.

The heart of the 2015 Fiesta ST is a four-cylinder, 1.6 liter turbo-charged EcoBoost engine. The ST produces 197 horsepower and 202 lb. of torque, outperforming the base model Fiesta, which gets 120 hp and 112 lb. of torque. The new lightweight all-aluminum engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission for maximum on-demand power. Acceleration and power are not a problem for this small sporty car.

Safety features include seven standard airbags, side curtain and knee airbags and a three-mode AdvanceTrac electronic stability control. Other standard features like SOS post-crash alert system, tire pressure monitoring and side intrusion door beams are also included.

The upgraded exterior gets a sports-tuned suspension paired with power-assisted steering, which guarantees the smoothest ride and better handling. The twist-beam rear axle also helps Fiesta ST reduce understeer and increases rear roll stiffness. Overall, the ST’s low center of gravity helps increase control and stability against the base model. The ST also gets a new grille, body-color handles, power mirrors and fog lamps, along with the ST branding.

The 2015 Fiesta ST gets some serious interior upgrades, making it more sporty and conformable than ever. The new Recaro Partial Leather-Trimmed seats hold you in place in fast turns and add extra lumbar support. ST’s entertainment system also gets an upgrade, and comes standard with Sirius XM Satellite radio, SYNC with MyFord Touch, and a Sony audio system. Fiesta ST adds some convenience by bringing the intelligent push to start button, a race-inspired leather-wrapped steering wheel, and ambient lighting. The driver or passenger can select from different light colors like orange, aqua, red, white, or yellow-green.

To test drive the performance focused Fiesta ST, stop by Lamarque Ford or check out our current inventory online. Don’t miss out on this sportsy mini-car with great handling, performance, and high-quality interior, priced at an affordable starting MSRP of $20,945.

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2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

December 26, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

By now you should be familiar with Ford’s EcoBoost engines: great performance and amazing fuel efficiency. Now that Ford has made the technology available to every model in its line-up, let’s dive deep into the one of the most anticipated cars of 2015, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost.

The 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a rare beast. On one hand, it carries Ford’s decades old legacy of the American sports car, a small yet powerful vehicle with attractive looks. On the other hand, Mustang EcoBoost introduces breakthrough technology on a small and efficient engine with massive power. Thanks to an optimally sized twin-scroll turbocharger, a re-designed exhaust system and other modifications, this four-cylinder engine delivers 310 raw horsepower and 320 lb. of torque. This is an impressive feat considering just one generation ago, the base Mustang V6 produced 305 hp and 280 lb. of torque.

Recent track tests give the Mustang EcoBoost outstanding results: 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds and a quarter mile in 13.9 seconds. The engine is coupled with an available automatic transmission, which allows for smoother shifts and quick on-demand power, and a standard manual transmission for quick shifting. Also, the new Mustang finally gets independent rear suspension, one of the last hold outs on a technology that’s been available for a long time.

Mustang EcoBoost is as important for consumers as it is for the Ford brand. A few years ago, after realigning the company with a new global design language and new fuel efficient goals, Ford made clear that the brand was going through a big change, from the way cars looked to the engines that power them. Mustang EcoBoost is at the epicenter of this strategy as it brings to the table the best of the bold design and engine technology.

Overall, the new 2015 Mustang EcoBoost is a great balance of power and fuel efficiency, beating bigger V6 competitors’ engines.

The 2015 Mustang EcoBoost started hitting dealerships earlier this year and is now available at Lamarque Ford of New Orleans. Visit us online or stop by the dealership to test drive one today.

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Ford Tuning Via Your Car’s Computer | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

December 24, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Vehicles have always been subject to tuning or after market modification, either to change their appearance or to enhance the engine and its parts. Ford is introducing a new way to tune cars taking advantage of computer-controlled engines. Thanks to the implementation of EcoBoost and custom software, the company is calling this move a new revolution in the way we interact with our vehicles.

The system, Ford says, is really straight forward: since a computer already controls every aspect of your car’s engine, the company is giving access to modifications via a handset. The advanced technology in EcoBoost engines controls direct injection, variable cam timing and turbo-charging, which give these engines its superior performance and fuel efficiency as from-factory tuning. However, the new system allows for tuning professionals to tweak different attributes that make significant performance gains without adding new parts.

The handset is being distributed through Ford Racing and is already available at FordRacing.com for Focus ST and Fiesta ST. By simply plugging in the device into the car’s diagnostic port, owners have access to a myriad of characteristics of the car’s performance like spark plugs timing, turbo, wastegate control, idle speed, throttle and more. Modifying different engine parameters has never been easier, thanks to the new hand-held programmers.

One of the less obvious benefits is that when used within recommended limits, vehicles will still remain under Ford’s limited warranty. The company is also working with professional tuners to develop high quality parts that will take Fords to the next level. For instance, Ford reported gains of up to 90 lb. of torque in the Focus ST without voiding the warranty, and similar results for Fiesta ST and Mustang EcoBoost. Ford is readying similar devices for other EcoBoost engines in its line-up.

By introducing this new computer-based tuning, Ford is empowering more customers and shops to truly test the limits of the new EcoBoost engines, now available in every model. It seems like all the pieces of Ford’s new global strategy are falling into place.

Visit us at the dealership or online to check out our current inventory and test drive an EcoBoost engine today.

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Ford EcoBoost Engine Family | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

December 22, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

EcoBoost engines are now available on every nameplate of the Ford family and as a result, the company offers an unparalleled selection of green vehicles. Customers wanted a wider selection of options that did not sacrifice performance to achieve better fuel efficiency, and EcoBoost did just that. Today, EcoBoost engines are present across the board, from the smallest Ford Fiesta to the powerful F-150. Let’s look at these models and their features and how they stack up against their predecessors.

Earlier in the decade, car manufacturers struggled to find a solution to the fuel efficiency dilemma, and many sacrificed performance or drivability to get better numbers. By relying heavily on either diesel or hybrid models, the industry shifted away from improving gasoline engines. Ford, however, developed a strategy that could help consumers save at the pump with refined versions of smaller gas engines: EcoBoost relies on turbo-chargers and other small changes to get equal or better performance than bigger blocks.

One of Ford’s first EcoBoost applications was the Fiesta, the popular sub-compact which relied on a small 4-cylinder engine. For the 2015 model, Fiesta offers two EcoBoost options. The smallest is a 3-cylinder gas-sipper, rated at 36 MPG combined and 126 horsepower, which outperforms the four-cylinder base model in every category (31 MPG combined and 120 HP). The second is a performance focused four-cylinder EcoBoost, which outputs an astonishing 197 horsepower and gets an impressive 29 MPG combined. The three-cylinder EcoBoost also won Ford an engine of the year award in 2013.

Ford also infused its compact, mid-size, and full-size sedans with EcoBoost. The company focuses on fuel efficiency for low-end models and performance for its top-of-the-line stock. Most notably, the performance version Taurus SHO uses a powerful V6 EcoBoost with a 365 horsepower output, rivaling even some competitors’ sports cars. Taurus SHO achieves its impressive performance thanks to a unique engine architecture, twin-turbocharged.

Ford is betting the future of the company on its EcoBoost technology, so much is now introducing it to the most important nameplates: Mustang and F-150. That’s right, EcoBoost has come a long way and Ford engineers are confident the four-cylinder is ready for a performance-first car. The 2.3 engine produces up to 310 horsepower, outperforming its base V6 sibling by 10 HP. When was the last time your sports car got a 22 city/30 highway MPG rating?

Finally, EcoBoost’s most impressive feat is to power Ford’s workhorse, the F-150. Although the top-performer is still Ford’s 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine, it only outperforms the largest EcoBoost by 20 horsepower. The 3.5 EcoBoost produces 365 HP and an impressive 420 lb. of torque, a 33 lb. improvement over the V8. Also, the smaller V6 EcoBoost gets 325 HP and 375 lb. of torque, beating the V6 base model.

So, what do you think? Would you give an EcoBoost a shot? Visit our website to look at our current EcoBoost inventory.

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Ford Escape Vs Ford Edge | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

December 19, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Ford’s SUV selection has grown significantly over the last decade, with offerings for every price point and taste. Today we’ll explore the popular Ford Escape and the versatile cross-over Edge, two vehicles that offer both efficiency and versatility.

The Escape has been the to go entry level SUV for while, with an attractive starting price point of ^$22,960. Coupled with a modern design and three engine options, the Escape is a great option for families looking for cargo versatility. The base model sports a 2.5 liter Durance, a naturally aspirated engine with multi-port electronic fuel injection and a powerful output of 168 horsepower. Next up is the 1.6 liter EcoBoost, a turbocharged version delivering 178 hp. Also, available in SE and Titanium trims, a powerful 2.0 EcoBoost with 240 horsepower and optional four-wheel drive.

The new Edge, Ford’s smaller cross-over, starts at ^$28,100 and offers myriad of options and features. The engine line-up begins with a 3.5 Twin independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT) V6 Engine, a combined 22 mpgs and 285 horsepower. Also available is a four-cylinder EcoBoost, which delivers an incredible 240 hp with a combined 24 mpgs. Edge Sport uses an agile 3.7 V6, with great town capabilities and 305 horsepower.

If you’re looking for more cargo space, the Edge is slightly bigger, as it can carry a maximum of 68.9 cubic feet compared to Escape’s 68.1. Although both can carry up to five passengers, Ford Edge provides more space and legroom to spare for passengers. The Escape is based on a smaller car platform shared with the Mazda 3 and Ford Focus, while the bigger Edge shares its frame with the Lincoln MKZ and Mazda 6.

For customers looking for more luxury and packages options, the Edge will definitely be the to go model. The top-of-the-line Edge Sport, starts at $37,600 and comes standard with a powerful 3.7 l V6 and 6-speed SelectShift transmission. Edge Sport also includes 22-in polished aluminum wheels, sport-tuned suspension, and leather-trimmed seats. The Escape Platinum, however, won0t get you more than a turbo-charged four-cylinder engine and 19-in wheels.

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2016 Ford Explorer New Features | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

December 17, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Celebrating 25 years in the market, Ford Explorer is getting a makeover for 2016. The new model, although not fully re-designed, introduces new engines and interior and exterior changes. Introduced in 1991, the Explorer redefined the SUV market and is again setting the bar high. First seen as a concept in the 2014 Los Angeles Auto show, the 2016 Ford Explorer becomes more chic and upscale thanks to its new Platinum trim.

The New Engine

Back in 2011, Ford introduced the four-cylinder EcoBoost Ford Explorer, a breakthrough in SUV performance technology. The 2 liter turbo-charged engine offered the best fuel efficiency with no compromises. Today, after customers asked for more power, Ford is delivering an upgraded version. Developed for the 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, the all-new 2.3 liter engine gains 30 more horsepower, for a total of 270.

New 2016 Explorer Platinum

The new Explorer Platinum brings new features only seen on expensive luxury SUVs. Ford’s strategy to expand their trim portfolio and move upmarket has worked very well. The new Platinum trim fulfills consumer demand for more technology and top-of-the-line packages.

The interior features brushed aluminum and real satin-finished ash wood on the instrument panel and on all doors. The heated steering wheel gets the same wood treatment plus a unique stitching over the leather, topped-off with a brushed aluminum Ford oval. The 2016 Explorer Platinum also gets a Sony 500 watt sound system with Live Acoustic Clearphase Technology, which eliminates sounds dispersion and recreates better sound dynamics. At the center of it all, a 10-in digital display controls your music, climate and maps.

The Platinum trim brings Ford’s best safety technology, including active-park assist, lane-keeping system, and rain-sensing wipers. The exterior also gets exclusive LED lighting, a dual-panel moonroof, 20-in wheels and a new chrome exhaust system. The 2016 Explorer Platinum gets an intelligent four-wheel drive, which constantly monitors terrain, speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle up to 20 times per second.

Take a look at the specs for the most popular models:

Base 2016 Explorer

3.5L Ti-VCT V6 Engine
6-speed SelectShift® Automatic Transmission
AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™
SYNC® with MyFord®

2016 Explorer XLT

Base model options plus following
Fog lamps
Reverse sensing system
LED signature lighting

2016 Explorer Platinum

3.5 V6 EcoBoost Engine
AWD
Nirvana leather seats
500 watt Sony audio system
Dual-panel moonroof
Unique LED glow lights

Although the 2016 Explorer won’t be available until next summer, you can take a look at our current inventory here.

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Ford Sync 3: New Infotainment System | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

December 15, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Last week Ford announced it is replacing its widely used MyFord Touch for a more modern, functional version. MyFord Touch is Ford’s current in-dashboard infotainment system, which combines radio, music listening and other commands with a touch screen. After tweaking the platform for several years, the company has decided to migrate to a more widely supported software, making it easier to connect with smartphones and run third-party apps.

Ford is also dropping its long time partner, Microsoft, which provided the base software for MyFord Touch. The new system called Sync 3, will rely on the QNX software, Blackberry’s proprietary platform that powers many other operating systems, including their own smartphones. By using QNX, Ford is able to introduce new features and simpler and more intuitive commands. For instance, the new system will be able to run apps like Spotify and Pandora and has a closer integration with Siri. iPhone users will now be able to control Siri with the touch of a button though a feature called “Siri eyes free.”

Ford is rolling out the new system on some 2015 models and wishes to replace MyFord Touch entirely by 2016. The ambitious plan comes after ratings for the current system weren’t as favorable, so Ford listened to its customers and decided to change course. With over 22,000 customer suggestions and countless research clinics and market surveys, Sync 3 aims to be exactly what Ford owners want. Sync 3 will become the standard system for upscale Ford and Lincoln models and will be available for mid-range trims. AppLink will remain the low-end option for other connected Fords.

Here’s the full list of new features available on Sync3 3:

A more intuitive interface, with crisper graphics and pinch-and-zoom gestures
Improved voice recognition, with simpler commands and more natural speaking voice
Increased smartphone connectivity, the system can detect compatible apps and display them on the screen for better interactions
Wi-Fi network integration, for faster updates and smart-home connectivity
Emergency 911 Assist, which automatically dials 911 in case of an emergency, using a Bluetooth connection
Siri Eyes Free, which allows iPhone users to access Siri by touching one button

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Ford F-150 Hybrid In The Works | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

December 10, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Ford just introduced the all-new 2015 F-150, which features a re-designed exterior, new LED light technology and a new engine line-up. However, confirmed reports indicate that a new hybrid pickup truck is in the works. Other manufacturers have introduced hybrid trucks with little to no success, but we think Ford can get it right since the new F-150 features an ultra-light all-aluminum body. Here’s what we know.

Raj Nair, Ford global product development chief, said customers can expect a hybrid F-150 “sometime this decade,” which makes sense given the fuel-efficient focus of the company. Since hybrid pickup trucks use smaller gasoline engines coupled with electric motors, they can really benefit from weight reduction improvements. Ford has been working on the aluminum body for years and has put it through some tough tests.

So what can we expect in the meantime? Ford wants to get the hybrid F-150 right and it’s going to take some time before we see it in the showrooms. However, Ford’s strategy for more energy efficient vehicles is underway. They now offer a strong line-up of EcoBoost engines, hybrid vehicles and electric cars.

EcoBoost models are available across the board. In the compact department, Ford offers a 3-cylinder Fiesta and 4-cylinder Focus. Mid-size and full-size sedans come in the shape of EcoBoost Fusion and Taurus, respectively. Ford has even extended this technology to their SUVs and crossovers, giving Explorer, Flex and Escape new engines. EcoBoost engines are designed to maximize power with minimal consumption by the use of a turbo-charger.

The 2015 F-150 adds two EcoBoost engines to its line-up. The first is a 2.7 V6 with 325 horsepower, rated at 375 pounds of torque. The second, a 3.5 V6 with 365 horsepower and 420 pounds of torque, which performs better than competitors’ V8 models.

We hope to get more F-150 Hybrid news in the coming weeks and we’ll keep you posted of any new developments.

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Gas Prices Plummet In Time For Holiday Season | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

December 9, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Thanks Giving drivers were greeted last week with a surprise at the pump: gas prices have been dropping consistently and are now at record lows, which started a driving craze. Now that we’re back at work, the trend seems to keep going. But for how long? Will this drive an SUV and big engine boom, as some suggest? Let’s follow the money and get to the bottom of this.

As you may already know, crude oil production (and a million other factors) dictates refined gasoline prices. So what happens when when there’s an overproduction of oil and a surplus of refined gasoline? Prices go down. So low in fact, that we’re are seeing recession level prices, when demand was low and production was up. So what does this mean for consumers and car manufacturers?

There’s this theory floating around that we might see an increase in SUV and big car sales, which we think is silly to associate it to the gas price phenomenon. For one, Ford’s SUV division has been growing constantly, with or without low gas prices. Second, car buyers moved away from big, inefficient engines not just because of crude oil prices, but because they actually care about the environment. The new generation of drivers has fueled (no pun intended) an increase on powerful yet efficient cars, like the EcoBoost series from Ford.

So in the mean time, let’s not freak out. A quick look at this 10 year average gas price in the U.S. tells us gas prices are historically higher than today. Although it is great for consumers to have access to cheap gas, we need to think about the other side of the coin. Just this morning, some news outlets were discussing oil companies planning on laying-off workers because of this same reason. Also, some lawmakers are in talks to increase gasoline taxes, since prices have dropped. So is there a happy medium?

While every driver would like to pay $2.00 or less for a gallon, others will argue there needs to be a sustainable gasoline market, both for consumers and producers. Remember, you don’t need to sacrifice power and speed to get great fuel efficiency. In 2009 Ford introduced its first EcoBoost, which is a line of small, turbo-charged engines that deliver great power and little fuel consumption. Today, almost every Ford vehicle comes in an EcoBoost configuration, form the sporty 2015 Mustang, to the powerful F-150.

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