Archives for January 2015

The All-New Ford Focus RS | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

January 30, 2015 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Ford’s hottest hatchback is back, and is coming to the United States for the first time. That’s right, the all-new Ford Focus RS will be available globally and U.S. enthusiasts couldn’t be more excited. Ford Focus RS is a high performance compact that has found wild success in Europe, where drivers prefer hatchbacks. This generation, however, puts the RS in a whole different level. Here’s why.

For months, Ford fanatics speculated over the Focus’ drive train. Some said AWD would be impossible in such a small car, while others feared a front-wheel-drive would be too similar to the Focus ST. So what did Ford do? They delivered with a new technology called Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control.

The new AWD technology allows a new level of handling and capability. Besides delivering power to all wheels, the system distributes torque to where is most needed, up to 70% of it to the rear axle if necessary. Combined with a highly responsive steering system, the Ford Focus RS delivers the best handling and performance experience.

To provide enough power for all four wheels, Ford went overboard and decided to use the same EcoBoost engine used in the 2015 Mustang: the 2.3 turbo-charged. The result? A small hatchback with well over 315 horsepower.

The new RS is also debuting a new exterior, which is more muscular and functional. The design team focused on aerodynamic downforce and air intakes, which help with the overall engine and brake cooling.

Focus RS also gets Ford’s latest in-car technology. SYNC connectivity for navigation, music and climate gives drivers easy access to all controls. For improved fuel efficiency, the new Focus RS relies on its EcoBoost performance and Auto Start-Stop technology.

While Ford didn’t say when the new hatchback will be available, we’re expecting to see it hit dealerships in 2016. Stay tuned for more news on the Ford Focus RS.

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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.

Does Your Car Need Wheel Alignment? | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

January 28, 2015 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Is your car pulling to one side and need to hold the wheel to prevent it from drifting away? While there are many factors that can cause this, like uneven surfaces or street inclines, many people in New Orleans experience tire alignment problems.

We’re all used to the many potholes and narrow streets in the city, but one too many times hitting that curb can cause your tires to move off-center. But why should you be worried?

Minor improper alignment can cause your tires to wear faster and unevenly. Since the rubber is not touching the road equally, your tire will deteriorate only on certain sides and still require replacement.

Major problems may arise if your balancing is way off. Besides uneven tire wear, improper balance may lead to accidents or damage to other parts of your vehicle.

If you feel a minor pull in your car’s steering wheel, first check the tire pressure. Unevenly inflated tires can cause a car to behave this way, and should always be corrected immediately. Underinflation can also cause other problems, like poor fuel efficiency and reduced tire life.

Another sign of poor alignment is vibration in your wheels, which can also be caused by balancing or suspension related problems.

If the issue persists after checking your tire pressure, contact a trusted car technician. Tire alignments are inexpensive and can save you hundreds if they need replacement.

During tire alignment, a technician will adjust the suspension –more specifically, the part that connects your car to the wheels. Many believe tire alignment involves the adjustment of wheels or tires themselves, but we call that balancing. Alignment and balancing are often performed simultaneously, specially after hitting a big pothole or a car accident.

Our service department offers high quality services by factory-trained technicians, delivering the highest quality and customer service.

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Fuel Efficiency: Start-Stop Engine Systems | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

January 26, 2015 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

You might have not heard about it, but there’s a new fuel saving technology being used and tested by car manufacturers. Stop-start engine systems can increase your gas mileage by using a simple and relatively low cost solution. But how does it work?

Car engines are designed to perform best when driven at highway speeds, hence you’ll get better fuel efficiency at around 60-70 miles per hour. However, when your car is sitting idle waiting for the light to change, you get zero miles per gallon (car not moving, still burning fuel), which goes into your car’s average MPG. Stop-start engine systems eliminate the idling but shutting off the engine and immediately restarting when the brake pedal is lifted.

This technology first appeared in hybrid cars to minimize the use of the gasoline engine. Now that stop-start systems have gotten better and more affordable, manufacturers are including them as a standard feature in most vehicles.

Start-stop systems work through the computer that controls the engine. Once the main computer detects the vehicle has made a complete stop, it sends a signal to shut off the engine. Conversely, when the system detects the brake pedal being depressed, it seamlessly re-starts the engine, without the driver noticing.

Johnson Controls, a leading manufacturer of start-stop systems, projects that up to 40% of vehicles in the U.S. will use this technology by 2015. The technology has matured rapidly and most of today’s consumers show an eager interest.

With the introduction of the turbo-charged Fusion SE in 2013, Ford announced its own start-stop system. The company is now using the technology across different models and it hopes to bring it to every Ford in the near future.

While this fuel-saving method is relatively inexpensive and simple, there are a few challenges engineers had to overcome. For one, the system relies heavily on the battery, as it is literally turning switches on and off. Another challenge was to keep the air conditioning system on while the engine was not. In the end, better battery management and new a/c technologies allowed for the system to be widely used.

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Ford Opens Research Center In Palo Alto | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans, Metairie

January 23, 2015 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Last week, Ford announced the opening of a new research center in Palo Alto. The move will allow the company to speed-up its development of new technologies, focusing on mobility, connectivity, autonomous vehicles, and big data.

The Research and Innovation Center Palo Alto is Ford’s latest research center, and joins the Michigan and Germany campuses. As part of the move, Ford is partnering with Stanford to begin the next phase of testing of the Fusion Hybrid Autonomous Research Vehicles.

Ford is conducting experiments in different areas, including connectivity. The new Palo Alto team will play a critical role in exploring ways to communicate with existing technologies. The team is already integrating Ford vehicles with Nest, and allow for temperature to be managed via GPS and proximity.

Another area of intense interest is autonomous driving technology. Ford is already running experiments globally and in its Michigan and Massachusetts research centers. The new campus will allow Ford to work closely with the Stanford engineering program and to test new path planning and prediction algorithms.

Ford’s autonomous vehicle research has two components: the path planning algorithms and aDRIVE, or Autonomous Driving Refined In Virtual Environments. aDrive is a visual test software that tests algorithms like traffic sign recognition and other road elements.

Ford is also hoping to get input from their human-machine interfaces to control systems. For instance, the company is researching better ways to control functions on a high-tech multi-contour seat, including natural speech recognition and a tablet-based interface.

As wireless technologies become a necessity in our everyday lives, companies are also evolving to align their goals. A century ago, car manufacturers were concerned with the vary basics of the vehicle, which was to move us from point A to point B. Today, the car has become a lot more than that, and vehicles now embrace the latest technologies. Ford has been at the forefront of this trend, and offers innovative safety features in all their models like blind spot information system with cross traffic alert, park assist, inflatable safety belts, AdvanceTrac with roll stability control, and more.

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2016 Ford Focus RS Features | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner

January 21, 2015 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Ford is revealing the all-new 2016 Focus RS on February 3. After months of speculation and rumors, the company finally released a short teaser video clip that shows the Focus RS sliding sideways on a closed course. This performance version of the Focus is somewhat of a myth in the U.S., as previous versions have only been produced for the European market. So why is everyone so excited about?

Previous versions of the Focus RS used an upgraded Duratec ST engine, a front-wheel drive train, updated gearbox, and sports suspension. The 2009 version had a top speed of 163 mph and an acceleration of 5.9 seconds from 0 to 60.

The 2016 Focus RS will reportedly use the same EcoBoost engine found in the new Mustang. If true, we can expect great performance improvements and over 330 raw horsepower.

The RS suspension is also getting a refresh, as Ford has put some real engineering behind it. It features a limited-slip differential and Ford’s own RevoKnuclke front suspension, which helps stabilize the car when steering at high speeds.

Spy photos and people familiar with the project have spotted a few changes to the 2016 Focus RS’ body. More specifically, changes could include twin exhausts, a re-styled front bumper, and upgraded headlamps.

Thanks to Ford’s new global strategy, U.S. consumers can rest assured the new Focus RS will be available at home. During the 2015 North American International Auto Show, Ford announced its renewed commitment to performance vehicles, which got enthusiasts excited. Rumors about a new version of Focus RS have been floating around since 2012.

While some features have not been officially confirmed, the latest clip from Ford strengthens speculation of an AWD drive-train. Other rumors include extra cooling areas on the front of the car, 19-in alloy wheels, and an updated 6-gear automatic transmission.

Regardless of the specifics, Ford will certainly have a winner in the 2016 Focus RS, as it will strengthen the overall Focus brand and will add options for consumers.

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Extreme Off-Road Performance: The New Ford Raptor | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

January 19, 2015 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Ford’s truck designed for off-road competition, the Raptor, will celebrate 2016 with an all-around updated version. Thanks to new improvements to the 2015 F-150, Ford is now calling Raptor the toughest, smartest, most capable truck. Let’s see what the new off-road beast has to offer.

It all starts with the new frame, which features more high-strength steel than its F-150 siblings. Thanks to the new aluminum alloy, not only is the new Raptor stronger, but is also 500 pounds lighter. In today’s off-road competitions, any weight reduction translates into more speed, power, and fuel efficiency. For improved stability, the 2016 Ford Raptor is 6 inches wider than F-150 and features 17-in all-terrain next-generation wheels and tires.

The current Raptor is powered by a 6.2-liter V8, which produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb. of torque. The new-generation Raptor will use a high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost –an efficient V6 engine paired to a 10-speed transmission.

The 2015 Raptor offers a new technology called Terrain Management system, which allows drivers to optimize driving dynamics. The system controls powertrain, driveline, ABS and stability control and comes with six different presets for different driving conditions:

Normal mode for casual, everyday driving
Weather mode for snow, rice, rain and low traction conditions
Street mode for high-performance, on-road driving
Mud and sand mode for off-road sandy hills and loose terrain
Baja mode for high-speed off-road racing
Rock mode for rock crawling

The new Raptor is also bringing improvements to stability and suspension. An available Torsen front differential allows the Raptor to pull itself over big obstacles by increasing the grip of the front tires. Also, the new truck comes standard with FOX Racing Shox, which work to stiffen and damp the suspension over off-road terrain. Shock canisters are now half an inch bigger and feature more suspension travel.

The 2016 Raptor is not only more powerful and capable, is also more comfortable. The interior gets some upgrades, like new auxiliary switches and paddle shifters to control the 10-speed transmission.

What do you think about Ford’s latest performance truck? Is it Baja 1000 material? We think it is. Check out our current inventory here or stop by the dealership today.

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The New Ford Bronco: When Is It Coming? | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

January 15, 2015 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

There’s been a lot of talk lately about the Bronco and whether Ford is bringing it back or not. While it’s all speculation at this point, we can’t help but wonder what this beloved SUV would look like with a modern Ford twist. But what made the Ford Bronco such a hit and why is it a big topic now? Is it the few truck concepts Ford has shown? Let’s explore a bit of history and look at the concept vehicle that got people talking.

The original Ford Bronco was conceived in 1966, and it was Ford’s response to the Jeep CJ-5 and International Harvester Scout. Unlike other Ford vehicles of the time, the first Bronco was built on its own platform and it was marketed as an off-road vehicle exclusively. The first version was powered by an inline-six engine with a 2.8 liter displacement. Ford found some success with the first model and slowly added more engine options, like the 4.7-liter Windsor V8 and its 4.9-liter sibling.

Bronco gained new enthusiasts when it entered off-road races like the Baja 500 and Mint 400. It even got a special racing edition trim, the “Baja Bronco,” which featured an automatic transmission, a roll bar, upgraded bumpers, and a unique blue, red, white and black paint.

Starting with the second generation Bronco, Ford began using a shortened version of the F-Series chassis, which gave the company more versatility. Ford kept improving the Bronco, with full redesigns on years 1978, 1980, 1987 and 1992.

In 1996, in front of a 95 million television audience, the Ford Bronco became part of American history, as the LAPD chased O.J. Simpson through the streets of Los Angeles. Later that year, Ford announced the discontinuation of the popular SUV, to be replaced by the four-door Expedition.

Eight years later, at the 2004 North American International Auto Sow, Ford announced a Bronco concept vehicle. Ever since the announcement, Bronco fans rejoiced and welcomed the idea of a new Bronco. However, plans were allegedly dropped when the 2013 Ford Escape was revealed.

After the first concept, fans in online communities and forums have speculated if there is ever going to be a new Ford Bronco. Some went as far as saying the new model was scheduled for 2015 or 2016, but the company has kept quiet.

Since the Bronco was a small to medium size SUV, it would be logical it could share Ford Explorer’s or F-150’s platform. We would definetly welcome the idea of a 2016 Bronco and would gladly show it at Lamarque Ford. Stop by the dealership today or visit us online to view our full inventory.

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Truck Trend Magazine Truck Of The Year: F-150 | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

January 13, 2015 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Last week, Truck Trend Magazine picked Ford F-150 as its 2015 Pick Up of the Year, beating competitors from GMC, Toyota, Chevrolet and Dodge. Truck Trend Magazine puts the trucks through an intensive five-day testing regimen, evaluating everything from drivability to towing capacity. The judges also look at new technology, fuel efficiency, materials and other features that can make or break the driving experience. Let’s look at what the editors had to say about the all-new 2015 F-150.

First, the F-150 looks great on paper: a new aluminum body with a high-strength steel frame, improved fuel efficient engines, and best-in-class technology. Although judges welcomed the weight reduction and overall comfort, what really impressed them was how the F-150 behaved on the field. A combination of performance, usability and capability is what ultimately gave Ford’s best selling truck an edge.

During five days of testing, the F-150 was put through tests ranging from speed and acceleration with and without payload, braking distance, towing trips, LA traffic loops, and 100 miles of off-road driving. After the testing round, it was clear the 2015 F-150 outperformed the competition.

The 2015 F-150 was an easy pick for Truck Trend Magazine, offering the latest engine technology, with two EcoBoost options. The small 2.7 V6 EcoBoost features Auto Start-Stop, a technology that allows the engine to shut off when the truck comes to a complete stop and re-starts immediately when the brake is released.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost outperforms most competitors’ V8 engines, and it brings a 12 percent improvement in power-to-weight ratio. This version also offers a best-in-class max-towing rating, at an impressive 12,200-lb. Thanks to its direct injection technology and twin-intercooled turbo-chargers, the 3.5 EcoBoost outputs 365 horsepower and up to 420 lb. of torque.

Ford also offers a V8 F-150, featuring 5.0 liter displacement and a new Ti-VCT technology. All models are coupled with an electronic 6-speed transmission, which facilitates towing and offers a wide gear ratio for improved performance.

If you’d like to test drive the truck everyone is talking about, stop by your local dealership today or check out our inventory of new 2015 F-150s.

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Ford Introduces Ford GT | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

January 12, 2015 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Yesterday Ford unveiled Ford GT, a showcase of their latest technology in a powerful super-car that redefines design and performance. The company is using its most advanced engine and materials as it hopes this strategy will pave the way for new improvements in overall efficiency. In front of an unsuspecting crowd at the North American International Auto Show, Ford announced its renewed commitment to performance models. Let’s see what the new Ford GT has to offer.

The new car, Ford GT, relies on the most powerful EcoBoost engine ever: a 600 horsepower turbo-charged V6. EcoBoost engines are the heart of Ford’s performance line-up, and it already powers the new Mustang, F-150 Raptor, Focus ST and Fiesta ST. The new engine, however, features a twin-turbocharged 3.5 liter displacement and a wide powerband for improved torque and raw power. Like all EcoBoost models, Ford GT excels in efficiency, as it was designed with endurance-racing in mind. To top things off, Ford GT is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle transmission for instant shifting.

The GT was designed from top to bottom to reduce drag and improve downforce and stability. Breakthrough research in airflow management was crucial for the efficient design. The rear spoiler is synchronized to driver input and speed, and it deploys and adjusts its height to improve driving conditions. Ford is also using what the company calls “advanced lightweight composites,” which are extra durable light materials that will serve for future models. A combination of carbon fiber and aluminum are used in the GT’s frame and body.

Ford GT will serve as the technology and performance showcase for the company, and it will be at the center of Ford’s performance strategy. The super-car has already been selected to be featured in the cover of Forza Motorsport 6, the popular racing video game. Ford GT is scheduled to hit dealerships in 2016 and production will begin later this year.

Remember Ford already offers a complete performance line up, including the all-new 2015 Mustang and F-150 Raptor. Check out our inventory and stop by the dealership to test drive one 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.

CES: Ford Showcases New Mobility Technology | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

January 7, 2015 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

As the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is underway in Las Vegas, Ford announced its mobility strategy for 2015. Besides investing in new technologies to improve its line-up, Ford is looking to solve some of the most challenging transportation challenges worldwide. Although CES is mostly run by tech companies (in the traditional sense of the word), a record ten car companies showed up this year in Las Vegas. This trend is only going to get bigger, as more car manufacturers embrace wireless and mobile technology. Let’s see what Ford has in store for 2015.

At CES, Ford outlined its plan to take on connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, and big data. Through 25 mobility experiments worldwide – nine in the Americas, seven in Asia and nine in Europe and Africa, Ford will anticipate the needs of tomorrow’s vehicles. Mark Fields, Ford CEO, talked about a world where vehicles talk to each other as they communicate to the power grid and our smart homes. As the world population grows, Fields said, there is a need for a different transportation model and Ford is trying to stay ahead of the game.

Amongst the most notable experiments was Parking Spotter, conducted in Atlanta with Georgia Tech. The experiment uses driver-assist sensors already present in Ford vehicles, like sonar and radar, and it uses them to search for open parking spaces. The data is then shared on a cloud database and is made available for other drivers in the city. Ford will then use this information for its driver-assist app, which will help drivers find parking spots with ease. You can call it the crowdsourcing of parking spots.

To help drivers get better insurance rates, Ford is also experimenting with what it calls Data Driven Insurance. In London, Ford will set up a “driving behavior passport” to reward good driving. Remember, your vehicle already has a myriad of sensors that constantly monitor speed, throttle, breaking, gas consumption and more. The idea is that drivers will be able to take this information with them, either from car to car or from insurance to insurance, and get a lowered rate.

Although Ford already offers Crew Chief Fleet Manager to help businesses stay on top of their fleets, the company is looking for ways to improve it. Engineers are already working with HP, one of the world’s biggest tech companies, to track driving routines of its commuting employees. This experiment hopes to bring in new data on how drivers react to external factors like traffic and weather and on how to further improve their driving experience.

Another big part of Ford’s presentation was the autonomous vehicles, which the company said is going great. Ford, like many other car and tech companies, is experimenting with self-driving vehicles and is certain this technology will take-off in the future. Many of today’s safety features were made possible by experimenting with autonomous driving, like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision assist, active park assist and pedestrian detection.

Ford also used the CES stage to talk about its upcoming SYNC 3, the company’s new in-car entertainment and communications system. SYNC 3 promises to bring better interface and improved car-driver interactions, like revised speech commands and voice recognition. Remember Ford is constantly looking for new technologies to improve its vehicles and how drivers interact with them. Check out our current inventory and see what the new 2015 models have to offer.

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