Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln in Spring, Texas are proud to join forces with Ford Motor Company and Lincoln to provide custom wrapped Lincoln SUVs to two Klein Independent School District’s High School’s Automotive Programs.
Andres Zorilla from Ford Motor Company along with Brad Stapp, Director of Operations for Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln presented both Klein Cain High School and Klein Oak High School with new vehicle. Jenny McGown, Klein ISD Superintendent; Deborah Bronner-Westerduin, Klein ISD Career & Technical Education Director; along with school’s educators, automotive students and Planet team members were on hand for the presentation.
Andres Zorilla, Ford Motor Company; Jenny McGown, Klein ISD Superintendent; and Brad Stapp, Operations Director for Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln
“We’re proud to be able to work with Ford, Lincoln, and our schools to help these programs get the vehicles and tools students need to learn and grow their automotive knowledge and join the industry. There is a real need for the talent that is growing right here in our community,” said Mr. Stapp.
Shawn Burns, General Manager of Planet Ford and Operating Partner for Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln, agrees. “There is a lot of opportunity in the automotive field. It’s crucial to help our youth learn about the options and be fueled with the real-world knowledge that comes with the gift of working with the latest and greatest tech found in these donated Lincoln vehicles.”
Students from both schools now have the opportunity to work with and learn on new model Lincoln vehicles that offer current technology allowing them the ability to truly understand what automotive technicians today need to know in order to thrive in this field.
To learn more about Ford, visit Ford.com. For more information about Lincoln, visit Lincoln.com. To learn more about new Fords and Ford service in the Spring and the greater Houston, Texas area, log onto PlanetFord45.com. For details about new Lincoln SUVs or Lincoln service, please visit PlanetLincolnSpring.com.
Warmer weather means it’s time to roll out for adventure. For those with a new EV who want to haul along everything from a boat to a trailer, Planet Ford in Spring (serving Houston, The Woodlands, Conroe, Cypress, Aldine) is here to help with what you need to know about your BUILT FORD TOUGH™ truck no matter what you haul. For customers with or considering an electric truck, the Ford F-150 Lightning checks all your adventure boxes – without any tailpipe emissions.
When it comes to towing, more than half of Ford F-150 Lightning customers have signaled their towing intent by selecting the available Max Trailer Tow Package. The package allows for an available maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds for special configurations to go along with 775 lb.-ft. of nearly instant electric torque.
The experience of towing with gas trucks or F-150 Lightning comes with a few undeniable facts:
Whether gas or electric, driving distance while towing is similarly impacted by weather, temperature and geography. Speed and trailer aerodynamics also play a role: the faster you drive and the larger the frontal area of the trailer, the greater the impact on range
A significant difference between gas and electric trucks is that gas trucks can begin with approximately twice the range (or more) compared to the average electric truck, depending on configuration
Temperature extremes impact electric trucks more than gas, though F-150 Lightning can help mitigate those effects and maximize range by pre-conditioning prior to departure while the vehicle is plugged in. Pre-conditioning uses energy from the vehicle charger or outlet – instead of the battery – to warm or cool the battery and the cabin
So what does this mean for a customer? Well, if you’ve driven gas-powered trucks for years, towing with F-150 Lightning should feel a bit different as power delivered by dual electric motors provides a smooth and consistent experience with maximum torque available off the line.
You’ll also have to recharge more often than you would refuel. The energy density of fuel allows an F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid to achieve up to 704 miles of EPA-estimated range, compared to the top EPA-estimated range of F-150 Lightning, which is 320 miles.
And – at least right now – there are approximately three times as many gas stations as electric vehicle charging stations in the U.S.
For commercial customers, this is an important consideration for job sites in rural areas or for extreme use cases when getting the job done.
“The F-150 Lightning is an ideal companion for many F-150 customers and businesses who want to tow. For customers towing longer distances with payloads nearing the max, Ford has you covered with models like the F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid,” said Darren Palmer, VP, battery electric vehicle programs, Ford Model e. “Your power. Your choice.”
The F-150 Lightning can tow, even cross country. For customers who choose the benefits of an electric truck over trip speed, like Mark Eakin, an F-150 Lightning owner and retired oceanographer, a towing trip from Maryland to California is achievable.
“As a scientist, I understand that there will be an effect on range because of various factors and wind was a particularly important one during my journey,” he said. “Planning in advance helps and the Ford technology is a big enabler in the planning.”
The technology Eakin mentions starts with Intelligent Range, which collects vehicle data like speed, ambient temperature, available battery energy, driver habits, climate control use and route topography to determine how much electrical energy drivers use in real time. The system also uses cloud computing to gauge energy use from other similar types of Ford electric vehicles operating in similar situations, resulting in more accurate vehicle range calculations over time.
Helpful Ford technology also works seamlessly with public charging stations. For commercial customers, Ford Pro offers end-to-end charging solutions and experts to help customers understand if F-150 Lightning is right for their needs, including extreme use cases.
“Customers don’t need to worry about estimating range with all the different factors in play, because our intuitive Ford technologies do that for them, and suggest the best options for charging along their route,” Palmer said. “Once at a charger, available Plug and Charge means a customer can plug in, while the truck manages charger authentication and integrated payment.”
Ready to get your own new Ford EV? Visit Planet Ford in Spring on I-45 (off Loetta) or PlanetFord45.com.
Planet Ford in Spring, Texas (greater Houston) has more award-winning Ford news… The Ford Ranger captures the coveted title of 2025 North American Truck of the Year™, marking the fifth consecutive year a Ford truck has received the trophy. This unprecedented achievement underscores Ford’s continued leadership, capability and innovation in the truck segment.
“Earning this recognition celebrates our team’s dedication to continuously raising the bar for midsize truck customers,” said Jim Baumbick, vice president, Advanced Product Development, Cycle Plan, and Programs. “We rigorously tested Ranger in challenging environments around the world to deliver the Built Ford Tough durability our customers demand. This award is a tribute to our customers who inspire us every day.”
To be recognized as the North American Truck of the Year™, vehicles must be new or substantially changed for the year. The independent and unbiased jury of 50 automotive journalists who produce content for a variety of print, broadcast and digital media in the United States and Canada choose a winner based on innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, user experience, driver satisfaction and value.
The Ford Ranger, engineered Built Ford Tough®, is the most connected and capable Ranger ever. Rigorously tested globally—from the Australian outback to American highways—the Ranger has proven its readiness for almost any adventure on six continents. In fact, Ford Ranger was Australia’s best-selling vehicle again this year and the best-selling vehicle for the 10th year in a row in New Zealand.
This win recognizes the Ranger’s exceptional combination of rugged durability, advanced technology, and smart features designed to enhance both on- and off-road experiences.
With a new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, improved suspension, and improved off-road capability, it’s perfect for midsize truck customers who explore new places and take on new challenges. The 2024 Ranger has more available towing technology than ever before in a Ranger like class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist, as well as improved bed access, available Zone Lighting, over-the-air updates, and a new interior with digital gauge clusters, large touch screens, wireless charging, and fold-flat rear seats that allow for more storage.
The 2024 Ranger Raptor is the most powerful and high-performance, off-road capable Ranger ever and is engineered to take off-road capability to the next level among midsize trucks. Race-proven in the Baja 1000, the 2024 Ranger Raptor’s 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 generates best-in-class 405 horsepower*, 430 pound-feet of torque, long travel suspension, including a Watts link rear suspension and class-exclusive 2.5-inch FOX™ Live Valve shocks*, gives you everything you need to chase down the horizon.
The Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor are proudly assembled in America at the Michigan Assembly Plant, representing a continuation of Ford’s legacy of building trucks that are as tough and capable as the people who drive them.
Ready to find your new Ford Ranger, shop the huge selection and savings at Planet Ford on I-45 (off Loetta) in Spring or PlanetFord45.com.
At Planet Ford in Spring, Texas (serving The Woodlands, greater Houston), it comes as no surprise to our team that for the 48th year in a row, Ford F-Series reigns as America’s best-selling truck. Ford has sold more than 33 million sold since 1977*. In addition, this unprecedented streak marks its 43rd year as the nation’s top-selling vehicle overall – underscoring its position as America’s favorite vehicle.
“The enduring legacy of the F-Series is not just a result of our relentless pursuit of improvement but also a reflection of the trust between Ford, our dealers and customers,” said Andrew Frick, President of Ford Blue “We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve our customers and are committed to continuing to earn their business every single day.”
From F-150, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, to F-600, F-Series’ success is built on Ford’s commitment to offer a diverse range of powertrains to meet every customer’s needs. No other manufacturer offers the choices Ford does. From gas and diesel-powered workhorses to the PowerBoost Hybrid and all-electric F-150 Lightning – Ford continues to lead the charge in truck innovation.
The 2025 F-Series lineup showcases Ford’s dedication to innovation, capability and advanced technology, including available features like:
BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system**
Pro Power Onboard transforms your truck into a mobile power source; 2024 F-150 offers the most exportable power of any gas-powered pickup in its class.***
New Pro Access Tailgate provides improved access and use of the bed, even when towing.
Towing tech like Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, Smart Hitch and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, take the frustration out of hitching and backing up a trailer
Ford Pro™ Vehicle Integration System 2.0 connects upfit instrumentation into the digital systems of Super Duty, helping simplify vehicle conversions for hard-working industries
Best-in-class maximum available payload of 8,000 lbs1 and best-in-class maximum available towing of 40,000 lbs2on Super Duty make hauling and towing easy, taking on the toughest jobs.
Ready to find your new Ford truck? From F-150 to Super Duty, our award-winning team at Planet Ford on I-45 in Spring (off the Loretta exit) is here to help you find the right truck and get the right deal. Get started at PlanetFord45.com!
Don’t blink! Planet This Planet Ford news is not only powerful; it’s fast! According to Ford (as of Sept. 2024), the all-new 2025 Mustang GTD – the apex of any Mustang ever engineered by Ford – sets a new performance bar with 815 horsepower, 664 pound-feet of torque and a top speed of 202 miles per hour, the most of any street-legal Mustang ever.
The certified horsepower and torque, along with the Mustang GTD’s cutting-edge active aerodynamics, carbon-ceramic brakes, and inboard-rear suspension with semi-active dampers are key elements as Mustang GTD prepares to deliver on the promise of an official sub-seven-minute lap of the Nürburgring.
“We’ve been laser focused since day 1 to make Mustang GTD the first-ever supercar with world-class performance and the soul of a Mustang,” said Mustang GTD Chief Program Engineer Greg Goodall. “GTD’s heart is its supercharged 5.2-liter V8, packing more horsepower per liter than the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.”
The supercharged 5.2-liter V8 improves on previous Mustang engines, benefiting from Mustang’s first-ever dry-sump oil system that can help keep the engine lubricated through sustained and demanding cornering.
That dry-sump oil system also enables a slightly elevated maximum engine speed of 7,650 rpm, up 100 rpm from the previous 5.2-liter V8 maximum. Revised intake and exhaust, a standard titanium exhaust, and a smaller supercharger pulley help achieve the engine output ratings.
Beyond the power needed to achieve its 202 mph top speed, Mustang GTD also features a Drag Reduction System that can change the angle of the rear wing and activate flaps under the front of the car to find exactly the right balance between airflow for speed and downforce for grip, depending on performance conditions.
“We’ve combined the work of talented engineers and designers, as well as an extremely capable driver, with Mustang GTD technology, power and aerodynamics,” said Goodall. “We can’t wait to deliver on our sub-7-minute promise to GTD customers.”
Looking to find your own Ford Mustang, visit Planet Ford in Spring (serving greater Houstons) on I-45 off the Loretta exit or shop online anytime at PlanetFord45.com!
Want more Raptor power? Great news from Planet Ford! Ford engineers have delivered significant low-end torque and horsepower improvements to the 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine in the Ranger Raptor and Bronco Raptor thanks to a new software calibration from Ford Performance Parts.
Ranger Raptor: Torque jumps from 430 to 536 lb.-ft., while horsepower increases from 405 to 455
Bronco Raptor: Torque increases from 440 to 536 lb.-ft. and horsepower climbs from 418 to 455
These upgrades are available for 2024 Ranger Raptor and 2022-2024 Bronco Raptors and allow for improved throttle response and an optimized shift schedule, resulting in a more powerful driving experience. The MSRP is listed at $825 and can be purchased using Ford Pass Rewards points.
Anyone who registers their vehicle and attends Raptor Rally, an exclusive one-day event near the Ford Performance Racing School in Fairfield, Utah, on Sept. 21, will receive a 20% off coupon good for the calibration tool and other eligible accessories at performanceparts.ford.com. Terms and conditions apply.
Raptor Rally costs $500, which includes the vehicle, the owner, and one guest for a day of off-road drive experiences, trail rides, expert workshops, meet and greets with pro off-road racers, hot lap opportunities, Ford news, exclusive giveaways, meals, and more. Register at http://www.fordraptorrally.com .
The calibration can be purchased online (Bronco Raptor Calibration,Ranger Raptor Calibration) to be installed at a local dealer. These calibrations meet Ford durability standards and are covered by the vehicle’s three-year, 36,000-mile Ford Performance parts warranty.
Ready to upgrade or have questions? Visit Planet Ford on I-45 of the Loretta exit in Spring, TX (serving The Woodlands, Cypress, Spring, Greater Houston) or PlanetFord45.com!
If there is one thing our team knows at Planet Ford in Spring, TX (serving great Houston, The Woodlands, Conroe), the Ford Mustang GT goes fast. So, you’ll need to move faster, if you want a chance to buy a limited-edition Mustang 60th Anniversary package in classic Brittany Blue before the special color is gone again.
The Ford Mustang 60th Anniversary Package remains a limited-production model, with only 1,965 total being made available as a nod to 1965, the first model year of the car.
First offered in 1967, Brittany Blue joins the Mustang 60th Anniversary Package’s previously announced colors: Wimbledon White, Race Red, and Vapor Blue – but only as a small batch.
“Mustang has thrived for 60 years by taking risks and giving customers something a little bit different, a little bit more special than you’d get elsewhere. By dropping a color like this, we’re giving customers a chance to stand out even among the rarefied ranks of Mustang 60th Anniversary owners.”-Joe Bellino, Mustang brand manager
Check this out this powerful Pony! It’s available exclusively with the Fastback body and 10-speed automatic transmissions, the 60th Anniversary Brittany Blue also includes the 401A package, Active-Valve Performance Exhaust, Brembo brakes, 3.55 limited-slip rear axle, 12-speaker B&O sound system, and Space Gray upholstery.
Key features of the Ford Mustang 60th Anniversary Package include:
Exclusive 60th Anniversary badges on the fenders and trunk lid are a modern take on the 1965 Mustang cloisonné badges
A unique 20-inch wheels finished in Dark Gravity Gray with bright machined details featuring a Vermillion Red, retro-themed stamped aluminum center cap inspired by the 1965 Mustang
Exclusive side graphics which can be optioned in either Iconic Silver or Vermillion Red and are reminiscent of Mustang’s original rocker panel stripes
New grille with a unique mesh design as a callback to the 1964 original made modern with silver-accented nostrils that are also functional air intakes for the 5.0-liter V8
Smoked housing of standard Mustang Nite Pony headlights so silver-accented nostrils to stand out
Available in classic Wimbledon White, Race Red & Vapor Blue colors & exclusive Brittany Blue
Iconic Silver mirror caps on Race Red, Vapor Blue, and Brittany Blue cars callback to chrome mirrors of old, while Wimbledon White cars adopt body-color mirror caps
Ford is continuing the celebration of 60 years of Mustang with another new digital instrument cluster design. Inspired by the 1999 to 2001 Mustang SVT Cobra, it shows the classic white dials during the day and then backlights the cluster details in icy blue at night.
This cluster was delivered as part of the software update that introduced the 1967-68 digital gauge cluster on Mustang’s 60th birthday on April 17, 2024. It was activated on August 17 for all 2024 Mustang customers with Automatic Software Updates turned ‘On’ and set for a recurring schedule in the Software Updates Settings menu.
Ready for your own Mustang GT? Shop Planet Ford on I-45 off Loretta in Spring, TX or PlanetFord45.com!
Our team at Planet Ford in Spring, TX (serving Greater Houston, The Woodlands, Conroe) could have already told you the Ford Super Duty is highly appealing for its styling, comfort and performance. Now, that has been backed up by owners. The 2024 Ford F-Series Super Duty has been named the most appealing large heavy-duty pickup in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.
The J.D. Power APEAL study measures owners’ emotional attachment and level of excitement with their new vehicle.
“For the people, businesses, first responders and communities that build America, Super Duty is more than a truck. It’s a tool they rely on to get the job done,” said Andrew Kernahan, Super Duty chief program engineer. “There’s no better recognition than one that comes from the people using the truck every day. We are honored and proud to serve our Ford Pro customers with a Built Ford Tough truck that helps to keep our country moving forward.”
“The Ford Super Duty ranking as the most appealing Large Heavy-Duty Pickup shows Ford’s commitment to building vehicles that go above and beyond their customers’ expectations,” said Frank Hanley, Senior Director Auto Benchmarking at JD Power.
The 2024 Super Duty was named 2024 North American Truck of the Year™️ by the North American Car, Truck, Utility Vehicle of the Year jury in January and J.D. Power recently named 2021 Super Duty the most dependable large heavy-duty pickup.
Ready to get your own Ford Super Duty, from F-250, F-350, and beyond? Planet Ford o I-45 in Spring is your hometown headquarters for your new Ford truck! Visit us at the dealership or PlanetFord45.com!
Planet Ford in Spring, Texas is proud to congratulation Liam McCarthy, Frassati Catholic High School, for being named the Built Ford Tough Player of the Week! Shawn Burns, GM/OP & Brad Stapp, Dir. Of Operations, presented the prestigious trophy to Liam McCarthy at Frassati Catholic High School.
According to head coach, Calvin Lafiton, Liam is a once in a generation player who is only going to improve. The Sophomore linebacker lived up to his coach’s expectations with a dominating defensive performance last week as the Falcons defeated the Wildcats 55-6.
McCarthy made 23 tackles (15 solo and 8 for a loss), secured 4 sacks, forced a fumble, and recovered a fumble for a touchdown. The 5-1 Falcons look to extend their win streak to 5 games against All Saints Episcopal on Friday, 10/13.
Our Planet Ford in Spring team is looking forward to watching Liam and the entire team go far this season.
