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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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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 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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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 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’s New Pre-Collision Warning System | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

October 16, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

For years, Ford has been at the forefront of the development of new vehicle safety technologies, so much it even sells its own to other manufacturers. But Ford is not stopping there. The company just announced a new system to help avoid and even eliminate front collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians. The system is called pre-collision warning system and will be introduced in Europe next year on the 2015 Mondeo.

Here’s how it works. The system constantly scans the road ahead using radars and cameras, then adds other inputs like speed and inclination. Once the system has detected an object ahead, it first warns the driver to take action, then takes over and can apply the brakes up to a full stop if necessary. Ford’s pre-collision warning system gains its ability to recognize objects from a database created from real-life testing. Ford safety engineering team covered over 300,000 miles of roads to ensure the system worked flawlessly, and it does.

With the all-new pre-collision warning system , Ford is adding an extra camera nested in the windshield next to the rear-view mirror, allowing for a better viewing angle. However, the system does have some limitations and does not replace driver input. Since the system is fairly new, the cameras have a harder time detecting objects at night or under certain weather conditions.

Although the system is scheduled to be released in only one model next year, the potential for this technology is unlimited. Ford already enjoys a conformable position amongst manufacturers in terms of new safety technology. Ford’s Driver Assist package, which is available in all of their upcoming models, greatly increases customer’s choices in this area. Driver Assist bundles cutting edge improvements like BLIS with Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning with lane-keeping assist, auto-dimming beams and rain-sensing wiper blades.

Stop by Lamarque Ford to check out the new safety features in our Fords, and to test drive American favorites like the F-150, Ford Taurus and 2015 Mustang.

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Ford At The 2014 Paris Auto Show | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

October 8, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

As Ford details and expands its European line up, the company is having an exciting month with a host of redesigned and refreshed models debuted in 2014 Paris Motor Show. This event is perhaps one of the largest and most prominent of the automotive 2014 calendar year. In a sea of advanced production and new concept vehicles, the all new Ford S MAX was shown alongside the redesigned C MAX and Grand C MAX as well as the brand-new Ford Mustang. The show also unveiled Ford’s new Focus ST and Focus ST Diesel, and Ford’s all new Edge, the company’s leading innovative design in Ford SUV selection.

Ford’s S MAX had already earned the prestige of being one of the most excellent multi-purpose vehicles on the market, and with the car’s fresh renovation, Ford plans to take that reputation one step higher. The esteemed family friendly vehicle has been on the market for nearly a decade, with a mini facelift in 2009. Now the Ford S MAX exciting makeover has added practicality, safety and technology to a model that has stayed relatively the same size with the same exceptional fuel efficiency. It is not yet determined if this model will be made available in the United States.

The Ford C MAX will be available globally, but not until late 2016. Updates to the C-MAX include design and internal material changes as well as two different engine choices: a 1.5 liter EcoBoost and a 1.5 liter turbocharged diesel. The vehicle will also be quieter than before due to a change in sound silencing acoustic components and thicker glass.

The 2015 Ford Mustang is coming to showrooms here, and the unveiling of it at the 2014 Paris Motor Show was the first time European public had ever seen the make and model. The revered breed is now in it’s sixth generation and for the first time ever Ford makers have added independent rear suspension, making this the models first extensive revamp in a decade. Ford has also reworked the Mustangs front suspension, and included electrically assisted steering and a new muscular sub frame, making for a smooth and secure and exciting joyride. The European lineups are packed with a 5.0L V8 and a new 2.3L Ecoboost 4 cylinder. We are looking forward more than ever 2015. It’s going to be a big year for us here and overseas.

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Ford’s Driver Assist: Ford F-150 | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

September 17, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Ford has always found ways to bring the best driving experience to their vehicles, and 2015 will be no different. As part of their effort to bring meaningful changes to the automotive market, Ford is delivering Driver Assist package to F-150. Driver Assist, already present on many Ford models, is an interplay of sensors, cameras and computers that make driving safer than ever. Here are the ten most amazing features of Ford’s safety system.

Active Park Assist

Park Assist allows drivers to parallel park with no effort and is especially helpful when driving a large vehicle like the F-150. To achieve this, the system uses two ultrasonic sensors to measure the prospective parking spot, then determines the steering angles so the user can accelerate or break when needed.

Blind Spot Information System

Also known as BLIS, this system uses radar sensors to determine if on-coming traffic is on adjacent lanes. Located on the head-lamps, these sensors send signals to the rearview mirrors’ lights to alert the driver if a moving object is on their blind spot. Additionally, these sensors can detect moving objects when a driver is slowly backing up.

360 Degree Camera

Thanks to a set of four exterior cameras in the F-150, the Driver Assist package brings a birds-eye view of the vehicle right on your center console. That’s right, the system creates a virtual plane where Ford customers can see the top of their truck and any objects surrounding it. Getting out of a tight spot? We’ve got you covered.

Collision Warning And Cruise Control

This system measures the speed and distance of objects ahead of the vehicle, and automatically decreases speed, brakes, or alerts the driver when needed. It also works in concert with the cruise control to maintain adequate distances.

Curve Control

Curve Control was developed by Ford engineers to reduce the likeliness of turn-related accidents, which are more prone in trucks. The system works by measuring speed, steering and curve angle, and can reduce torque and apply breaks when it finds it necessary. Ford’s Curve Control can reduce a vehicle’s speed by up to 10 MPH in one second.

Smart Trailer Module

The 2015 F-150 Driver Assist package includes a system that notifies drivers when trailer lights aren’t working. This can potentially avoid citations and extra actions from drivers to replace light bulbs.

Multi-Contour Seats

Ford is calling these available seats the “antidote to a hard day on the job site.” The multi-contour massaging seats are available in the 2015 F-150’s Driver Assist package.

Lane-Keeping System

A small camera located between the windshield and rearview mirror constantly monitors the road and its lane markers. If the system detects lane changing, the driver is alerted by visual and audible signals, and can even use steering torque to correct the problem.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Although tire pressure monitoring is required in all vehicles by the NHTSA, Ford goes a step further and includes an individual tire monitor, which allows drivers to easily spot the pneumatic in need of air.

Hill Descent Control

This new technology builds on anti-lock brakes and assists the driver by slowing down the truck at a set speed, making safety and comfort a priority.

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2015 Ford Fusion Energi | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

September 11, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Riding on the success of its gasoline-only sibling, the 2015 Fusion Hybrid Energi is a serious choice for buyers considering plug-in vehicles. Ford is adding new technology and interior features for 2015, as the Fusion remains atop as the most comfortable an technologically advanced mid-size sedans. Here’s what the 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid Energi has to offer.

Unique Hybrid Technology

The Fusion Energi pairs a powerful four-cylinder 2.0 gasoline engine with an electric motor, and can be driven as electric only, gas only or a combination of both. While most hybrids perform this way, the Fusion Energi can be charged by plugging it in to a home station and get extended range. On electric power alone, the 2015 Energi can travel up to 19 miles and reach speeds of up to 85 miles per hour.

Fusion’s Tech and Standard Features

For 2015, Ford has upgraded Fusion’s available standard features and now include a rear-view camera, SirusXM satellite radio, SYNC with MyFord Touch, LED tail lamps, and SmartGauge, amongst others. SmartGauge is Ford’ innovative way to provide real-time information about your driving and efficiency, and it features a dual LCD screen right on your dashboard for instant feedback. Ford has also developed a smartphone app to stay in touch with your car at all times, as it allows a user to schedule charging, start Fusion Energi remotely and more.

Ford Safety

As part of the Fusion’s standard features, Ford is including the latest safety technology. The Fusion includes front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and knee airbags, paired with Ford SYNC’s notification system that alerts 911 when a crash is detected. Other features like anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control are also standard equipment. Additionally, Ford’s optional safety features include BLIS blind spot monitoring system, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and inflatable rear seatbelts. The 2015 Ford Energi Plug-In has earned five stars for crash and side crash protection from the NHTSA.

2015 Fusion Energi Design

After its 2012 redesign the Ford Fusion stays virtually the same. 2015 offers some new improvements like LED taillamps, which glow brighter than conventional lights and have a longer lifetime, and projector laser-cut headlamps, which complement the contemporary design and have a bolder look.

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Ford’s Zero Waste-to-Landfill Facility | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

September 8, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Ford’s Oakville Assembly plant in Canada is achieving a manufacturing milestone: zero waste-to-landfill status. Back in 2011, the Ford Motor Company set a goal to reduce global waste-to-landfill in their manufacturing facilities by 40 percent through 2016. As laid out in their sustainability and electric car strategies, Ford has come a long way and their efforts to build global-leading manufacturing operations are paying off. But what does it mean to achieve zero waste-to-landfill status and how is this accomplished? Let’s find out.

The Oakville Assembly plant sends zero operational waste to landfills, which means everything used in manufacturing gets either turned into a product or reused and recycled. This is no easy feat. Oakville manufactures the Lincoln MKX, Ford Flex, and Ford Edge, and is also Ford of Canada’s biggest manufacturing facility.

So Where Do We Start?

The first step, says Plant Manager Will Cowell, was to reduce the amount of materials used every day at the Ford facility. This includes less water consumption, less shipping packaging, less energy usage, etc. In other words, by finding a smarter way to use resources, the plant produces less waste, which is easier to manage.

Reusing and Recycling

In addition, the Ford facility reuses thousands of plastic bins and containers every day and recycle cardboard, wooden pallets and paper. Last year alone Oakville recycled almost 2,000 tons of materials, saving more than 8 million gallons of water. Also, the Ford plant filters the water used at the facility and sends the sludge collected to a power generating company.

The Future of Sustainability

As mentioned before, Ford has committed time and resources to ensure its facilities operate at a higher standard than others. Can you imagine if all manufacturing plants were zero waste-to-landfill? One single factory is already having a great beneficial impact on resources conservation and energy saving. Ford’s way to move forward is to plan ahead and work with communities to make this possible.

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Ford’s Crew Chief Fleet Management | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

August 18, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

If you manage a vehicle fleet of any size you know how complicated it is to keep up with each driver. Ford has a solution, Crew Chief, which puts you in command of your operations without missing any details.

How Does Crew Chief Work?

Crew Chief is an interplay of hardware and software, and it can be pre-installed at your Ford dealership. It works by using a GPS receiver, or “black-box,” that is connected to the sensor systems of your fleet vehicle. The data is collected in real time then stored and processed using a web application, which you can access from any computer with an internet connection. The data is presented to you in a user friendly screen, with customizable dashboards and tools that let you run reports and look at all the analytics.

Metrics and Features

Crew Chief offers metrics for a wide variety of attributes, from engine oil to breaking and acceleration patterns. Monitoring your vehicle’s metrics can help save thousands of dollars, by either detecting problems early on or by spotting inconsistent driving patterns. More specifically, Crew Chief can monitor the following systems:

Oil life. Monitors the percentage remaining.
Tire pressure. Sends you notifications when the low pressure light is on.
Driver insurance. Notifies you when insurance is about to expire or has expired.
Diagnostic trouble code. Also known as the “check engine light,” notifies you when it comes on.
Engine coolant temperature.
Excessive RPM. To avoid permanent engine damage or undesired driver behavior.
Safety belt. The system alerts you when drivers are using the seatbelt.
Airbag. Crew Chief notifies you when an airbag has been deployed or is faulty.
Battery. Get instant alerts for a draining battery, so your drivers are never stranded.
Excessive idling. Idling leads to poor fuel economy, which can cost you thousands.
VIN. Records other vehicle information like engine size, model, make, etc. Great for recovering stolen vehicles.
Driver license (expiration). It allows for storage of your team’s driver license numbers and expiry dates.
Hard breaking/acceleration. Helps you keep safety a top priority.

While all these metrics are a great help when managing your fleet, the greatest feature of Crew Chief what you can do with this information. Get real time alerts and map overlays of your choosing. Crew Chief includes the latest commercially available satellite imagery and when coupled with turn-by-turn directions, become a great for assisting your drivers on the road.

Got a new job request? Not a problem, you can now find the closest available driver with just a few clicks. Since your fleet vehicles are always connected, Crew Chief can show you driven routes and alert you when drivers are speeding. In the end, Ford’s system allows you to become more efficient at using your available resources in real-time.

Productivity

Once you’re used to the metrics and data, it only gets better. Crew Chief is integrated with a powerful reporting tool that lets you compare daily gas usage, miles, and many other parameters.

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