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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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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.

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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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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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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