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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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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 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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Gas Prices Plummet In Time For Holiday Season | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

December 9, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Thanks Giving drivers were greeted last week with a surprise at the pump: gas prices have been dropping consistently and are now at record lows, which started a driving craze. Now that we’re back at work, the trend seems to keep going. But for how long? Will this drive an SUV and big engine boom, as some suggest? Let’s follow the money and get to the bottom of this.

As you may already know, crude oil production (and a million other factors) dictates refined gasoline prices. So what happens when when there’s an overproduction of oil and a surplus of refined gasoline? Prices go down. So low in fact, that we’re are seeing recession level prices, when demand was low and production was up. So what does this mean for consumers and car manufacturers?

There’s this theory floating around that we might see an increase in SUV and big car sales, which we think is silly to associate it to the gas price phenomenon. For one, Ford’s SUV division has been growing constantly, with or without low gas prices. Second, car buyers moved away from big, inefficient engines not just because of crude oil prices, but because they actually care about the environment. The new generation of drivers has fueled (no pun intended) an increase on powerful yet efficient cars, like the EcoBoost series from Ford.

So in the mean time, let’s not freak out. A quick look at this 10 year average gas price in the U.S. tells us gas prices are historically higher than today. Although it is great for consumers to have access to cheap gas, we need to think about the other side of the coin. Just this morning, some news outlets were discussing oil companies planning on laying-off workers because of this same reason. Also, some lawmakers are in talks to increase gasoline taxes, since prices have dropped. So is there a happy medium?

While every driver would like to pay $2.00 or less for a gallon, others will argue there needs to be a sustainable gasoline market, both for consumers and producers. Remember, you don’t need to sacrifice power and speed to get great fuel efficiency. In 2009 Ford introduced its first EcoBoost, which is a line of small, turbo-charged engines that deliver great power and little fuel consumption. Today, almost every Ford vehicle comes in an EcoBoost configuration, form the sporty 2015 Mustang, to the powerful F-150.

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25 Days Of Christmas | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

November 24, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Today we’re kicking off our annual 25 Day Of Christmas promotion. As a way to build up support and toy donations for Children’s Hospital, for every dollar Lamarque Ford gives away, the dealership will match it in toys.

The holidays are a time for family, giving, and togetherness. Whether you celebrate one tradition or the other the holidays bring the best in us and help us look back and appreciate what we have. Lamarque Ford wants to thank the New Orleans community for choosing our dealership.

The promotion consists of daily $100 gas card giveaways for 25 days straight (except Sundays). Participants can enter through Lamarque Ford’s Facebook page by clicking on the Sweepstakes tab or following the link on the post pinned to the top. Every day new winners will be selected and the contest will start all over again.

Again this year Ronnie Lamarque, Owner of Lamarque Ford and Mercedes-Benz of Mobile, will visit Children’s Hospital and deliver gifts to the patients and their families. Staci Arceneaux, Assistant Director of Development at Children’s Hospital, said “I am very thankful to Lamarque Ford for thinking of the young patients and their families that we serve during this holiday season!”

Remember toys can always bring a smile to a kid’s face. The holidays arrive whether we are sick or healthy, wealthy or poor, and details like this can really make a difference in a kid’s life. We hope you have a wonderful holiday and join us to participate in 25 Days Of Christmas.

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Ford Police Interceptors Tested | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

November 21, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

We’ve already talked about Ford’s efforts in the law enforcement segment, and how Ford Police Interceptors offer a great deal of options and dependability. However, this time real-life police agencies tested the vehicles and their results are impressive. Both the Michigan State Police and Los Angeles Sheriff Department agreed on one thing: Ford Police Interceptors perform better than their competitors. Let’s take a look at their findings.

Michigan State Police

Michigan State Police found the Ford Police Interceptor sedan to be super fast. Both the all-wheel drive and EcoBoost models out performed their V8 competitors, clocking at 5.8 seconds and 6.17 second respectively. This comes as no surprise, since the EcoBoost engine uses a 3.5 V6 which delivers an impressive 365 horsepower. Let’s not forget the Police Interceptor uses two turbochargers to eliminate any turbo lag, giving it that extra boost needed in pursuit mode.

The State police in Michigan also tested 0-100 mph performance, and again, Ford came out atop. It is impressive to see these highly efficient vehicles, a V6, flat out beat larger engines one would think can be faster. It only took the Ford 14.19 seconds to reach the 100 mile mark, and, when considering all the weight and equipment they carry, it is quite an accomplishment. The Ford SUV interceptor was also tested and deliver similar results, beating vehicles with larger engines.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

The LA Sheriff’s Department conducted a similar set of tests, and again, Fords won by a large margin. Both the sedan and SUV proved to be better than equally equipped and bigger engined competitors. Not only did Fords performed better in terms of speed and acceleration, they also had better breaking distances than other interceptors.

Ford Police vehicles were specifically tuned and refined to better serve our police force. The engine and transmission were programed for pursuit driving, and will deliver better response. The transmission gearing itself tracks the driver’s maneuvers to improve performance and drivability. Ford also included heavy duty 18-in wheels and tires, and are tested for 24 hours of pursuit driving, a reinforced front suspension and a giant 220-amp alternator.

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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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Winter Traveling Tips | Lamarque Ford | New Orleans

November 19, 2014 By Matthew Hritz Leave a Comment

Why would we post a blog on winter car tips if Louisiana is known for its extreme hot summer and mild to temperate winters? Truth is, many of us travel up North to visit family and friends, and soon discover cold weather actually exists. Not only will our cars suffer dearly if we don’t care for them, it could also save our lives. Many places in Louisiana do experience below freezing temperatures, which is when our car needs help the most. Let’s take a look at what to do to get ready for winter.

Plan Maintenance Ahead

Although this is true for any season, those of us who travel know being stranded during winter is a terrible idea, even a dangerous one. Belts, hoses, water pumps and spark plugs are particularly susceptible to failure during winter, so make sure you have all maintenance and repair done before your winter trip. Your local dealership offers multi-point inspections and will make the best recommendations after a diagnostic.

Keep Your Car Winter Clean

During fall and winter trees will cover our cars with leaves, twigs, sticks, and just about anything wind and rain will bring down. While we all appreciate the falling foliage, your vehicle doesn’t. Clear your car from these debris as they can clog up areas where water or air are supposed to flow. Also, meticulously clean headlamps and tail lights in case weather gets nasty.

Tires and Tire Pressure

While you most likely won’t be driving on the snow, if you do or plan on doing it during your trip, get your self a set of snow tires. They will make all the difference when it comes to traction and stability. However, if you’re staying on regular roads, be sure to check your tire pressure regularly, as it tends to vary with temperature changes. If your car is a 2008 model or newer, it comes equipped with a tire pressure monitor readily available on your dashboard. If not, you’ll have to manually monitor tire pressure with a gauge.

Cooling System/Antifreeze

If you follow a regular scheduled car maintenance, you shouldn’t worry much about it, as your mechanic will know when is time to use it. However, if you’re traveling in much colder weather, you’ll need to increase the antifreeze to water ratio. Most brands recommend a minimum mix of 50/50 and a maximum of 70 antifreeze/30 water. Antifreeze keeps water used by the radiator from freezing, which would cause some serious problems.

Other things to consider are to check your battery charge, as batteries tend to act funny during winter. Also, inspect your wiper blades and rear and front de-frosting systems, as fog and condensation will become a problem.

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