Ford Kenner | Lamarque Ford

Ford Debuts Hybrid Police Car Model

April 27, 2017 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Ford’s latest invention could end up saving lives and the environment. One of newest re-imagined vehicles from the automobile company includes a hybrid gas-electric police car. Under this latest model, the Ford vehicle promises to be both fuel efficient and street ready for any situation.

Ford is the biggest provider of police vehicles in the United States, and its new reveal continues to enhance the daily commute of police officers throughout the country. At recent press conferences in both New York and Los Angeles, Ford officially unveiled the latest model of the green vehicle already decorated for the Los Angeles streets. Following the reveal, the company released a statement reading “The all-new Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan will help cities decrease emissions and cut down on fuel costs by reducing engine idle times versus traditional police cars.” As the conference continued, more details were revealed about the new model.

According to the company, the vehicle’s gas mileage is expected to be about 38 mpg which is twice the mileage of an everyday Ford Police Interceptor. While the new model is not as fast the regular police car, Ford expects the new vehicle to earn a pursuit rating following testing regarding acceleration, handling, braking, top speed and ergonomics by the Michigan State Police and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department later this year. This factors would make the police vehicle the first hybrid vehicle to earn the rating. Also, Ford promises that the car will also be durable for various speeds and obstacles necessary for police pursuits such as curbs or intersections thanks to its combined gas and battery power. While it is still too early to confirm these promises on the field, Ford’s guarantee at the notion implies that the model is not too far off from reality.

By estimate, the hybrid vehicle is expected to help officers save about $3877 per year over fill-ups and downtime. This advantage alone benefits the environment from constant reliance on gasoline and small-town police stations struggling under a budget. Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police President Thomas Korabik remarked positively on the idea for his 10-officer station, though is also interested in seeing “how it would hold up” with other demands. As Ford continues to keep ahead of upcoming trends, the company could very well be up to that challenge.

As of now, the price of the hybrid is set to be available in the summer of 2018 with no definite release date in sight. However, if testing for the pursuit rating goes well, this probably won’t be the last we hear of the hybrid police vehicle.

While Lamarque Ford cannot sell you a Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan, Lamarque has a wide selection of the civilian models available!

Best Road Trip Apps | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans, Kenner, Metairie

May 12, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

As Memorial Day approaches we begin preparing to trade our office chairs for beach chairs and boring suits for bikinis. The next few weeks mark the beginning of travel season for most Louisianians, and while the lodging budget of the vacation destination may already be set and paid for, the price of driving still comes as a shock to some travelers. It isn’t just frequent business trips costing drivers, according to US Travel – direct spending on leisure travel by domestic travelers totaled $621.4 billion in the year 2013. This year alone, the national average of gas in March was at $3.53, a month later bumping up to $3.70 and as common theory implies, the warmer the weather gets, the higher the price at the pump and consumer demand.

This thought alone can convince any frugal-minded traveler to turn the van around and head back indoors. However, Time magazine recently posted an article that has analysts blowing holes in the theory, stating the idea that gas prices have plateaued for the year and that it is likely the numbers will only drop.

In the meantime, websites specialized in calculating travel cost for drivers like Gasbuddy have warned that although signs point to prices staying low, the rise in warm temperatures is always a problem for refineries.

With all of these conflicting predictions regarding cost of driving, how is a traveler supposed to know the majority of their travel funds are draining through a nozzle at a filling station? Well, there’s an app for that.

As one can imagine there are dozens of travel applications (we’ve already reviewed some of them) currently playing the role as key money-saving tools, but only a few have met the expectations of reviewers. These apps require some user input to work better, as the gas budget will take destination, car make and model and speed into account. These are the apps:

TripLog- GPS Mileage Log Tracker
One of the best reviewed Mileage Apps, the TripLog uses to GPS to record mileage and record actual driving route and show on Maps. The TripLog also is the only app that “auto starts” after being plugged in and driving more than 5 mph.

RoadTrip Lite
The RoadTrip Lite is another extremely popular application used for calculating gas mileage on a trip. This app came out in 2008 and is still quoted as one of the fastest and easiest iPhone application tracking cars, mileage, fuel economy and maintenance expenses. Unlike many “lite” apps, RoadTrip Lite has stayed reliable mile after mile.

Waze
By far, the most universal and multifunctional of all the GPS mileage applications, Waze seems to be the crown jewel of the travel app community. This unique app not only gives its users the ability of finding and comparing the cheapest gas prices by estimating cost of travel, but is also available to give updated, real-time events happening on your expedition. Anything from speed traps to roadkill, Waze will be your saving grace when it comes to investing time into your summer road trips.

These apps along with smart planning could take your Memorial Day drive from stressful and costly to simple and relaxing, bon voyage!

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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 Expedition features EcoBoost | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

March 10, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Last week we introduced the new, redesigned 2015 Ford Focus featuring Ecoboost. Today, we introduce the 2015 Ford Expedition and what it has in store for the Ford Expedition fan base. The new Expedition will feature twin-turbocharged Ecoboost engine, commonly seen in Ford F-Series, to deliver the most powerful, fuel efficient Expedition yet!

The Expedition made its first debut in 1996 as Ford’s largest utility vehicle. Today, the Expedition has come a long way in becoming the leader in interior space, performance, and the only full-size non-luxury independent rear suspension vehicle.

Top features for the 2015 Expedition include the Ford F-Series popular 3.5 liter Ecoboost engine, a new high-trim Platinum series, blind spot information system, and SYNC with MyFord Touch. Two variations of the 2015 Expedition will be available: the standard 119-inch wheelbase (3 seat rows and 108.3 cu ft. of cargo space) and the 131-inch wheelbase (3 seat rows and 130.8 cu ft. of cargo space).

Don’t think that just because the new Expedition will feature the Ecoboost engine that it has lost any power. Quite the contrary, the new Expedition will have increased torque and horsepower, combined with an advanced suspension making driving more exciting. The XLT sporty model and the urban Platinum models will each feature unique finishes customized to reflect your lifestyle and desires. Other featured versions include the Limited and a new King Ranch edition that will further encompass the unique custom designs Ford fans are looking for. Best to stop at your local Ford dealership quickly because with these specs and brunello (red wine) leather, the 2015 Expedition is going to go fast.

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2015 Ford Focus Debut with EcoBoost 3-Cylinder Engine

March 7, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

While we have been focusing on the new upcoming 2015 F-Series, we can’t leave the new 2015 Ford Focus out on the water. Introducing the stunning new 2015 Focus with a new face-lift that is reminiscent of the Ford Fiesta and Fusion with Ford Ecoboost technology.

The new 2015 Ford Focus will be available in two stunning types: the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine with six-speed manual gearbox and the 2.0-liter GD114 engine available in either manual or automatic. The 2.80 liter four-cylinder is sure to pack a punch with 160 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft of torque and the 1.0-liter engine is sure to save you big with an estimated 40mpg highway. The new vehicle will also feature two parking assistance systems (one in US): Perpendicular Parking, a hands-free system that assists drivers in backing into spaces, and Park Out Assist, assists drivers to exit a parallel parking position.

The new sleek design for the 2015 Ford Focus will allow feature improved drag coefficient coupled with that new luxurious design. The new Sync AppLink system will allow drivers to utilize their smartphones to access onboard vehicle data including speed, acceleration, location, and odometer readings. Rest assured you won’t drive off the road with radar-based lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring. The interior of the car will feature a new, more modern look with new seat trims, chrome detailing, and an available heated steering wheel.-

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

February 24, 2014 By Matthew Hritz

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

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

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

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

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

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