fuel efficiency | 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!

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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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.

How To Drive More Efficiently | Lamarque Ford | Metairie, Kenner, New Orleans

April 30, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

While the primary focus of today’s automobile industry is their fuel consumption and efficiency, there are factors that go beyond the car itself that can reduce fuel consumption. Yes, having a new car with high mpg rating is a great way to reduce green house gases and save you money on the long run, but there are several steps drivers can take that can have a similar or greater impact when done properly. Let’s take a look at the ways in which modifying your driving habits can help both your pocket and the environment.

Reduce Your Speed
Most vehicles operate at their maximum efficiency peak at around 50 mph. This means the faster you drive over such speed, the worse your mpg average will get. Since all engines vary slightly, be sure to consult your owner’s manual for the optimal fuel saving speed.

Drive Carefully
Sudden acceleration and breaking can negatively affect your gas mileage. Remember to accelerate slowly and smoothly after a full stop. Most rapid increases on speed are unnecessary and will cost you.

Avoid Excess Weight
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, weight affects mainly small vehicles and excess of as little as 100 lb can have a 2% decrease in your mpgs. Avoid hoarding in your vehicle as it will take only a few items to bring your fuel efficiency down.

The Right Tires
Tires are a significant factor in fuel economy, as they provide support and interact with your vehicle at all times. Everything from the type of tire, alignment and inflation are directly related to your fuel tank, as it can affect up to 30% of your fuel efficiency. Consult your owner’s manual to find the adequate tire pressure and alignment intervals.

The Effect Of Maintenance
Lastly, keeping your car in good shape will not only better your fuel economy, but it will keep your car running longer. Be sure to keep a maintenance log and timely perform oil, gasoline and air filter changes, along with tune-ups and spark-plug cleaning as your vehicles requires it.

Stay tuned for other tips on how to make the most out of your new or used car.

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True Fuel Economy | Lamarque Ford | Metairie, Kenner, New Orleans

April 22, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Most of today’s fuel cars are in a never-ending race to mpg goodness, due in part to an increase in fuel prices and environmentally conscious consumers. Nearly all car manufacturers offer an economy model, priced at around $15,000, that achieves decent gas mileage (±30 mpg). However, if you want serious fuel efficiency (+60 mpg) you’ll have to spend way more money. Let’s look at the current alternatives from the top car manufacturers around the globe.

Volkswagen’s base model, the Jetta S, is priced at $16,895 and offers 23/24 mpg. The Jetta, classified as a compact car, has a history of reliability and it’s backed from one of the most prestigious brands in the market, not to mention its appealing European looks. However, 24 mpg is not a substantial figure in today’s market, and it will cost you an extra $4,000 to get to a decent 30/42 mpg. That’s right, Volkswagen’s green offering is a powerful clean diesel TDi, and it will set you back $21,295.

Toyota goes a step further and offers the Yaris, a subcompact vehicle that achieves higher fuel efficiency in 30/37 mpg. Unlike the spacious Jetta, the Yaris comes in a hatchback only version and it’s significantly smaller. However, Toyota offers a wide range of hybrid and electric vehicles, including SUVs. Starting at $19,080, the Prius gives you an astonishing fuel efficiency of 53 mpg and a roomier interior. Toyota also offers an all electric SUV, the RAV4, with an impressive 76 mpg equivalent.

Ford also offers a subcompact capable of a modest 27/38 mpg. The Ford Fiesta has proven to be a popular choice as it’s priced at an attractive $14,100. Ford’s other green offerings include hybrid versions of C-Max and Fusion, along with an all electric Ford Focus, which is rated at 99 mpg equivalent.

Other car manufacturers in the U.S. offer similar options with comparable fuel economy. However, Elio Motors, an upcoming brand, has promised to produce a vehicle capable of 84 mpg at only $6,800. Stay tuned to see how this new car does and don’t forget to stop by your local Ford dealership to see their current hybrid and green models.

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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.