Ford Teams up With Alcoa to Use Even More Aluminum in Vehicles

Posted on November 9, 2015 by admin

ford f150 aluminumWhen Ford redesigned its popular F-150 pickup featuring lightweight aluminum, not everyone believed in the new formula. However, the automaker is standing its ground on the issue and has partnered with Alcoa to implement even more of the material in its truck. One benefit is that it helps the manufacturer meet tougher fuel economy standards.

The Aluminum Way

Ford has teamed up with Alcoa Inc. to produce more formable and design-friendly aluminum alloys for automotive parts using Alcoa’s Micromill technology, which is set to debut on the new 2016 Ford F-150. The automaker intends on using the material on its new pickup soon, which translates to sometime between now and the end of the year.

The incorporation of this lighter aluminum feature helps reduce the truck’s weight overall, and when compared to its predecessor, which results in greater fuel efficiency. Another benefit is that it can help the automaker create a 2016 F-150 model that accelerates and stops faster — and tows and hauls more — than the 2015 version.

Klaus Kleinfeld, Alcoa chairman and chief executive officer, says, “This high-tech aluminum will give Ford a true material edge enabling greater design flexibility and better vehicle performance — making the concept cars of tomorrow a reality.”


Micromill Technology

According to the Ford, Micromill is 40 percent more formable than today’s automotive aluminum, and 30 percent stronger and lighter than high-strength steel. The material’s combined highlights — its strength, weight, formability and surface quality — was not something that was possible to have in the past.

The formability aspect, in particular, is important, as it makes it easier for Ford to shape the aluminum into more complicated forms like external fenders, or the inside panel of a car door. As for increased material strength, this quality permits Ford to use thinner aluminum sheets without having to worry about how it might affect dent resistance.

Why Use It?

Aside from the aforementioned points, Micromill is “the fastest, most productive aluminum casting and rolling system in the world.” How fast is it? According to Ford’s press release, Alcoa’s material will take as little as 20 minutes to turn molten metal into coil. Traditional rolling mills, on the other hand, take as long as 20 days to do the job.

Conclusion

Contact or visit Planet Ford dealerships in Houston, Texas for additional information regarding features and pricing of the new 2016 F-150 pickup.

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2016 Ford Edge Upgrades With Adaptive Steering

Posted on November 1, 2015 by admin

2016 Ford Edge SportThe Ford Edge, a well-equipped five-passenger crossover SUV, was recently updated with a fresh design and new turbocharged engine offerings. For 2016, the American automaker continues to enhance the desirability of its vehicle by introducing yet another new feature to the list: adaptive steering.

Ford Adaptive Steering

You can now expect the 2016 Ford Edge SUV to be easier to maneuver and more fun to drive, thanks to the manufacturer’s new adaptive steering technology. Power steering has been offered in vehicles for decades; the fixed ratio between the number of turns of the steering wheel and how much the front wheels will rotate makes maneuvering the car easier than it once was. However, Ford’s adaptive steering feature takes this concept to the next level.

What the automaker has done to make the job less demanding is simple: Ford’s new system is able to adjust the ratio in order to make the process of turning the wheel easier at low speeds, since fewer turns are required. This means that maneuvering in tight areas or even moving into a parking space should be a more pleasant experience. Once you make your way up to highway speeds, the system is designed so that the 2016 Edge SUV will react more smoothly to steering input.

For those of you seeking a more detailed description of the technology, Slash Gears says “The system features a precision actuator inside the steering wheel,” and that element has a motor and electronic gearing system “that can add to or take away from driver steering inputs.”

Overall, all you need to know is this: The technology makes Ford’s crossover SUV more maneuverable, and the feature comes equipped with the 2016 Edge Sport, and it is optional on the Titanium trim.

Updated Sync 3

In addition to adaptive steering, the new Edge also gets an upgraded version of the carmaker’s Sync 3 connectivity system featuring enhanced voice recognition that responds more naturally to your voice, so you don’t have to sound robotic when you make a call or send a text message. What’s more, the interface is new and easier to manage.

Conclusion

The 2016 Edge crossover SUV is up against the Nissan Murano, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and Toyota Venza. It’s currently available as a 2015 model at Planet Ford dealerships. However, you should have access to the new version later this year.

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The EcoBoost Difference

Posted on October 24, 2015 by admin

ford ectoboost logoFord has been promoting its EcoBoost technology for quite some time now. However, if you’re not sure exactly what it is, but you find yourself daydreaming about a vehicle that offers the performance of a larger engine and the fuel economy of a smaller one, then you’ve come to the right place.

Is the EcoBoost for You?

Picture this: You’re driving a car, SUV or truck with an engine that is powerful but not at all fuel-efficient. Or, the horsepower and torque figures are not as impressive as you would like, but consumption ratings are good. Maybe you wish your vehicle had the performance of a large displacement eight-cylinder engine, but with the fuel economy numbers of a six-cylinder? Or that your six had the consumption ratings of a four? That’s where the EcoBoost comes in.

Back in 2013, Autotrader wrote an article about Ford’s EcoBoost engines and described it as a combination of turbocharging and direct injection that results in improved fuel economy without having to sacrifice power. The technology is offered with almost all Ford models, including the popular F-150 pickup truck.

Turbocharging and Direct Injection

It’s important to note that EcoBoost engines are turbocharged. Compared to conventional engines, the turbocharger allows for greater air entry. In general, Autotrader says that more air plus more fuel helps increase the potency of an engine. However, when it comes to Ford’s EcoBoost unit, the turbocharged aspect of the engine will add power, but it will not considerably lower fuel economy as one might expect.

Direct injection is also featured, which is basically a form of fuel injection. The process of sending fuel into the engine is much simpler than traditional ways, and a benefit includes greater efficiency.

Conclusion

Consumer Reports, in testing the new 2015 Ford F-150 XLT Supercrew, found that the model’s new and smaller engine (a 2.7-liter turbo V-6 unit) is not only more affordable than the same truck equipped with a larger and more powerful 3.5-liter turbo V-6, but that it is also more fuel-efficient, and slightly faster, too. What’s more, the smaller engine bested bigger units from competitors in acceleration tests, making the 2.7-liter EcoBoost F-150 quicker than rivals such as the Chevy Silverado V-8 and Ram V-8.

Visit your Planet Ford dealership in Houston and test drive a car, SUV or truck sporting the American automaker’s EcoBoost technology.

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Planet Ford Donates Ford Escape to Benefit United Way

Posted on October 9, 2015 by admin

P45 social Pink oct 2015 image004At Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln in Spring, TX (serving The Woodlands, Houston, Cypress, Conroe), we love supporting and working with our community. This week, Planet Ford and Planet Lincoln spent the day at Anadarko to help support their efforts to raise money for the United Way of Greater Houston.

Since 1988, Anadarko has donated more than $25.5 million dollars through its annual giving campaign. In fact, it has been the 4th largest donor from 2007-2014 in Greater Houston and #1 in Montgomery County.

For the first time in campaign history, Anadarko added a new car raffle drawing to a myriad of specials events being offered during their fundraising campaign. This drawing was dubbed “Key To Giving!” The Reed family and Shawn Burns, General Manager/Operating Partner of Planet Ford, were proud to donate a 2-year lease for a 2016 Ford Escape. Anadarko employees had an opportunity to buy a raffle ticket over the past two weeks for a chance to win. With the Ford Escape being a donation that means 100% of the money raised from ticket sales benefits the United Way.

And the Winner Is!
Dwayne Seawall is the winner of the Escape. Our Planet Ford team looks forward to awarding him with his new vehicle.

Also, as part of the “Key To Giving!” Planet Lincoln hosted a Driven To Give event helping Anadarko raise even more funds for the United Way. This fun and unique FUNdraising event was held onsite at Anadarko for its employees to experience our 2016 luxury vehicle lineup. Lincoln Motor Company pays $20 for each eligible test drive and an additional $20 for a bonus test drive in a Navigator.

The Planet dealerships conducted over 90 test drives yesterday and most of their employees took advantage of the bonus drive. Potentially, Anadarko could receive over $3,400 for United Way. This definitely was an AWESOME event and highly successful for Anadarko!

We are truly honored to have been able to work with Anadarko and support the efforts of its employees to raise money for the United Way of Greater Houston. To learn more about Planet Ford, visit www.PlanetFord45.com. You can visit Planet Lincolns site at www.PlanetLincoln.com.

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Ford Introduces 2017 Ford Super Duty

Posted on September 25, 2015 by admin

Screen Shot 2015-10-06 at 11.25.29 PMTalk about some heavy duty news being talked about at Planet Ford in Spring, Texas (serving The Woodlands, Cypress, Conroe and Houston). This week, Ford, America’s truck leader, introduced the automakers new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty. Ford says this is the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty truck lineup ever.

Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas said, “Ford Super Duty is the truck America’s hardest-working men and women trust and depend on. We are helping these customers build a better world by delivering a new generation of pickups that set new benchmarks in capability, performance and efficiency.”

What’s new?
Ford is utilizing advanced materials to reduce the vehicle’s weight. Plus, the 2017 Super Duty truck and chassis cab feature all-new, segment-exclusive smart technology to help increase customer productivity, comfort and convenience.

“While Super Duty is America’s best-selling heavy-duty truck, we never take our leadership for granted,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development and chief technical officer. “Our team is using relentless innovation in materials, technology and Built Ford Tough engineering to deliver customers our best Super Duty yet.”

The Tough Stuff
At the core of Fords new F-series is a new, fully boxed frame that is made from more than 95 percent high-strength steel. It’s up to 24 times stiffer than the previous frame – enabling the most towing and hauling capability ever delivered by Super Duty. In addition, the Ford truck line up features heavier-duty four-wheel-drive components, driveline, axles and towing hardware.

And for the very first time, Ford’s Super Duty body utilizes high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy, which is more dent- and ding-resistant than the outgoing steel body.

Weigh Down
Implementing the new high-strength steel and high-strength aluminum alloy help reduce weight by up to 350 pounds while Ford is reinvesting additional weight savings everywhere it counts, to give customers more towing and hauling capability.

Smarts
Towing is always a primary focus when designing the Super Duty. All-new advanced coaching and camera technology makes conventional and gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing easier and more efficient.

Ford unveiled 16 segment-first new features – from LED lighting to adaptive cruise control – that assist Super Duty drivers to make driving and work situations easier and more comfortable.

As many as seven cameras help customers see more angles and monitor conditions surrounding the truck, and provide better trailering than ever before.

A center high-mounted stop lamp camera aids in visibility into the cargo box, especially for easier hook-up of gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailers. The 360-degree camera system will use four digital, high-definition cameras to give truck drivers a bird’s-eye view surrounding Super Duty. Trailer reverse guidance provides visual cues and tips to help ease backing up a trailer. A first-ever, factory-available trailer camera can be attached to a trailer to improve visibility backing up.

Super Duty owners will also appreciate in-cab trailer tire pressure monitoring system from the comfort of the cab while stopped or on the highway.

Adaptive steering allows drivers to have increased confidence to help make towing the heaviest of loads easier and brings greater ease to navigating job sites and parking lots – with or without a trailer. The technology reduces the amount of steering input needed to change direction at low speed, while reducing sensitivity to steering input at higher speeds.

The all-new Super Duty is available with a number of driver-assist technologies:

SYNC® 3 is Ford Motor Company’s new communications and entertainment system. the system will feature faster performance, conversational voice recognition and an easier-to-understand graphical interface, along with an intuitive smartphone-like 8-inch touch screen

Blind Spot Information System with trailer tow is optimized for Super Duty to include the length of the trailer; BLIS® uses radar sensors in the taillamps to monitor areas that may not be visible to the driver

Lane departure warning provides a warning when a driver strays from a lane through a series of steering wheel vibrations that mimic rumble strips

Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support use sensors to detect slower vehicles moving in the same direction. If another vehicle is too close, red lights flash on the windshield and a warning sound chimes. If the driver does not hit the brakes, the brake system is pre-charged to stop faster when the brake pedal is pressed
Advanced light-emitting diode technology sheds light all around the new Super Duty, including:

  • New LED sideview mirror spotlights enable illumination surrounding the truck to light up a work site or camp site
  • Class-exclusive quad-beam LED headlamps and taillamps
  • New LED cargo box lighting

New Generation
The second-generation Ford-designed, Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 diesel engine is available for pickup trucks and chassis cabs providing the highest combination of horsepower and torque ever.

The 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine comes equipped with the new TorqShift-G transmission for the F-250 pickup – allowing for improved capability.

The Super Duty chassis cab lineup offers a choice of 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel, 6.8-liter V10 gasoline or 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engines.

“The bottom line is Super Duty customers will be able to tow and haul more than ever before,” said Schmatz.

Interior and Cargo Space
All three cabs (Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab) will be longer and feature a new interior design, including dual compartment glove box, overhead console-mounted auxiliary switches to operate aftermarket equipment, and completely flat SuperCab and Crew Cab second-row floors that make loading large items in the cab easy. Vital controls are close at hand, with the integrated trailer brake controller switch located even closer to the driver.

Customer accessibility and ease of use extend outside the truck as well, with the cargo box offering customers these class-exclusive features:

BoxLink™: Ford-patented combination of metal brackets and custom cleats that can be used to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box

Remote tailgate lock and release: Tailgate can be locked/unlocked and opened with the key fob, eliminating manual locking and increasing convenience and security. The tailgate is damped – dropping gently down, hands-free, to a flat position when opened

There are five models in the Super Duty lineup – XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. We expect to see them available at Planet Ford on I-45  late next year. If you’re ready to shop for your Super Duty now, we invite you to take a short drive down I-45 or shop online anytime at www.PlanetFord45.com.

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Test Drive the Ford Super Duty in Spring!

Posted on July 22, 2015 by planetford45writer

The Ford Super Duty in Spring is blowing the competition away again and this time it’s the GMC Sierra HD! When the Ford Super Duty and GMC Sierra HD are compared side by side, the Super Duty’s strong and capable features easily overtake the GMC Sierra HD. Learn more about the Ford Super Duty in Spring below with Planet Ford.

Ford Super Duty vs. GMC Sierra HD: Safety

  • Both the Ford Super Duty and GMC Sierra HD come fully equipped with driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, height-adjustable front seatbelts and four-wheel antilock brakes. The Super Duty takes safety a step further and uses smart airbags that deploy with varying levels of force to better protect passengers of all sizes.

Ford Super Duty vs. GMC Sierra HD: Engine

  • If you’re looking for the more powerful truck the Super Duty is the way to go! Its 6.7-liter turbo V8 diesel engine produces 440 horsepower and 860 lbs.-ft. of torque compared to the Sierra that only produces 397 horsepower and 756 lbs.-ft. of torque.

Ford Super Duty vs. GMC Sierra HD: Suspension and Handling

  • The Ford Super Duty may intimidate some but its superior features give you optimal suspension and handling. Front and rear stabilizer bars help keep the Super Duty flat and controlled during cornering but the Sierra doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar. The Super Duty also has a wider track that contributes to its better handling and stability so you can navigate the streets with ease.

Ford Super Duty vs. GMC Sierra HD: Cargo Space

  • One of the benefits of driving a large truck is all the cargo space you’ll get to haul everything. Choose the Super Duty and you’ll get a larger cargo box to store all of your belongings in. Not to mention the low lift-over bed design makes loading and unloading the Super Duty much easier.

Do you feel like an expert on the Ford Super Duty in Spring yet? Visit Planet Ford to see what else you have to learn about this powerful truck!

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Check Out the Ford Super Duty in Spring

Posted on July 21, 2015 by planetford45writer

Last week Planet Ford showed you some of the 2015 Ford F-Super Duty’s impressive features and today we’re giving you another comparison between the 2015 Ram HD and Ford Super Duty in Spring. The Ford F-Super Duty is a force to reckon with causing competitors in its class to fall short. Don’t take our word for it-see for yourself below!

These are some of the Ford F-Super Duty’s most noteworthy features that cause the 2015 Ram HD to miss the mark:

  • The F-Super Duty offers an optional Hill Descent Control feature so you can safely descend down a slope but the Ram HD doesn’t offer this feature.
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration performed side impact tests on new vehicles and the F-Super Duty outperformed the Ram HD.
  • The F-Super Duty was also found to be the safer vehicle in the NHTSA’s front crash tests.
  • There are no mileage limits on the F-Super Duty’s five-year corrosion warranty but the HD’s warranty ends at 100,000 miles, which could be problematic if you travel a lot.
  • The F-Super Duty Gas comes with a “limp home system” that keeps drivers from being stranded if engine coolant is lost. This allows you enough time to make it to a service station to get repairs.
  • If you’re looking for the more powerful vehicle, look no further than the F-Super Duty that provides more horsepower and torque than its competitor.
  • The Ford F-Super Duty uses regular unleaded gasoline but the Ram HD 5.7 V8 engine requires mid-grade gasoline that will cost more.
  • You and your passengers will prefer the interior of the F-Super Duty that offers more passenger space than the Ram HD as well as more cargo capacity for all of your hauling and storage needs.
  • The minimum standard towing capacity on the F-Super Duty is much higher than the Ram HD’s (12,100 vs. 10,770 lbs.) so you can tackle any job that comes your way!

Visit Planet Ford today to learn more about the Ford Super Duty in Spring and what makes it such a catch compared to the competition!

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Planet Ford Presents the 2015 Ford F-Super Duty in Spring

Posted on July 13, 2015 by planetford45writer

Looking for a truck that can handle all of your towing and hauling needs? The Ford F-Super Duty in Spring is up for the challenge! Today Planet Ford is highlighting some of the Ford F-Super Duty’s top features that cause it to stand out from competitors in its class like the Chevrolet Silverado HD. Find out what makes the Ford F-Super Duty in Spring the toughest truck on the block!

  1. Suspension and Handling: The Ford F-Super Duty may be large in size but its suspension and handling features make it easy to maneuver. Optional front and rear stabilizer bars help keep the F-Super Duty flat and controlled during cornering but the Silverado HD only offers a rear stabilizer bar. The F-Super Duty also has a wider track and longer wheelbase that contributes to its smoother ride and stable handling.
  2. Cargo Capacity: You’ll never have to leave anything behind if you choose the Ford F-Super Duty. The Super Duty has a much larger cargo box compared to the Silverado HD in almost every dimension and the low lift-over bed design makes loading and unloading the F-Super Duty easier.
  3. Payload and Towing: F-Super Duty has a higher standard payload capacity than the Silverado HD so you can haul it all! The F-Super Duty Crew Cab 250 can haul 3,540 lbs. but the Silverado HD falls short with only 3,240 lbs. The F-Super Duty optional payload capacity also beats with the Silverado HD offers.
  4. Convenient Features: Convenient features are the icing on the cake when you choose the F-Super Duty. Front power windows, exterior keypad and speed-sensitive wipers do the work for you while heated front seats and rear air conditioning vents ensure that you and your passengers are comfortable.

Are you interested in learning more about the Ford F-Super Duty’s features? Visit Planet Ford today to check out the Ford F-Super Duty in Spring and take it for a test drive!

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More Reasons to Drive the Ford Explorer in Spring

Posted on June 23, 2015 by planetford45writer

If you’re looking for additional reasons to test drive the 2015 Ford Explorer in Spring, Planet Ford is here to help! Shopping for your next SUV can be a daunting and draining process but our comparison of the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Equinox will help you see why Explorer stands out from the competition!

  1. Safety-Whether you’re driving around by yourself or transporting friends and family, safety features allow you to drive around town worry-free. The Explorer XLT/Limited/Sport offers optional middle row seat belts that inflate during an accident to prevent injuries. The optional driver alert monitor can detect an inattentive driver and sound a warning to make sure you are always focused on the road. The Explorer also outperforms the Equinox in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s front crash test and side impact tests.
  2. Engine-The Explorer will give you more power than the Equinox when you hit the accelerator. The Explorer 3.5 DOHC V6 engine produces 290 horsepower but the Traverse LS/LT 3.6 DOHC V6 engine produces only 281 horsepower. Popular Mechanics tested the Ford Explorer V6 and Chevrolet Traverse LTZ and the Explorer was faster.
  3. Passenger/Cargo Space-A cramped backseat is no fun for passengers but luckily the Explorer offers a roomy interior that all occupants will enjoy. The Explorer has more headroom and legroom than the Traverse so you and your passengers can get comfortable on the way to your destination. The Explorer’s third row seat folds flat to offer extra cargo space but that Traverse doesn’t offer this configuration. Choose the Explorer Limited/Sport model and you can lower the second and third row seats with the touch of a button.

After examining some of its features more closely, it’s easy to see why the Ford Explorer in Spring stands out from the competition. Visit Planet Ford today to take the Ford Explorer for a spin and see what it can do on the road!

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2015 Toyota Highlander vs. Ford Explorer in Spring

Posted on June 11, 2015 by planetford45writer

The 2015 Ford Explorer in Spring beats the competition yet again at Planet Ford in this comparison with the Toyota Highlander. The Toyota Highlander puts up a good fight but in the end, the Ford Explorer is the better buy with its numerous safety features and expertly designed interior. Take a closer look at the 2015 Ford Explorer with Planet Ford!

These are some of the features that make the Ford Explorer stand out from the competition:

  • Choose the optional driver alert monitor that can detect an inattentive driver and sound a warning to help you avoid nodding off at the wheel.
  • In the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s front crash test, the Explorer received five stars overall but the Highlander fell short with only four stars overall.
  • If you’re looking for the more powerful ride on the road the Ford Explorer is a great choice and its 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder engine produces 240 horsepower and 270 lbs.-ft. of torque. The comparable Highlander model will not give you the same power.
  • The Explorer 4 cylinder FWD gets 28 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city, which is more efficient than what the Highlander is capable of.
  • You’ll get better traction with the Explorer that has larger optional tires that will give you the best traction on all types of surfaces.
  • The Explorer has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, which makes parking easier and gives you better control on the highway at top speeds.
  • A roomy interior can make a big difference when traveling with multiple passengers and the Explorer offers much more passenger volume than the Highlander. The Explorer also offers an optional rear tailgate seat that can be used during picnics when the car is parked.
  • Storing cargo has never been easier thanks to the Explorer’s third row seat that folds completely flat to create more space.

Interested in learning more about the 2015 Ford Explorer in Spring? Visit Planet Ford today and speak with one of our sales associates about the rest of the Explorer’s awesome features!

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