2015 F-150 Sees New Aerodynamic Design

Posted on August 27, 2014 by admin

15F150-Windtunnel_0164We all know the storied legacy of the Ford F-150. Well, the Ford team has been hard at work building on past success of the F-150, and their efforts are apparent in the all-new 2015 F-150. Not only does this new model maintain the rugged, tough exterior of past F-150s, but it has also seen drastic increases in aerodynamic efficiency.

Engineers and designs of the F-150 had quite the daunting task ahead of them; it’s difficult to make improvements to the world’s most popular pickup truck. Nevertheless, they buckled down to create an aerodynamic, fuel-efficient design without sacrificing the rugged idiosyncrasies of Ford trucks. With bold contours and squared paneling, the all-new 2015 is built to last while reducing your trips to the pump.F150_Aero_Graphic

“The truck’s sharp, boxy shape gives it a tough appearance, but actually the key to the design is aerodynamic efficiency – getting the most out of the shape,” said Brad Richards, Ford F-150 exterior design manager. “We made F-150 look tough and capable, while also reducing wind resistance.”

According to Ford, testing clay models allowed designers to see exactly where they could improve, including:

  • Flush-mounted windshield eliminates need for molding that would disrupt smooth airflow
  • Tailgate top is designed to act as a spoiler, giving air that flows off the roof a place to land before smoothly trailing off, reducing turbulence behind the truck
  • Cargo box is narrower than the cab, with no reduction in box volume, which enhances airflow, while a trim piece prevents air from getting trapped between cab and box
  • Rear corners including taillamps are precisely angled so air breaks off cleanly, reducing turbulence behind the truck
  • The duct under the headlamp channels air through to the wheel housing and reduces the wake generated from the wheel.

2015 Ford F-150: Toughest and Most AerodynamicWith dropped beltline styling around the headlamps and taillamps, the beveled angles and edges pop even more. “The shapes, lines, angles and motifs are much stronger on the all-new F-150, and the chiseled edges convey toughness,” said Richards. “The hallmark beltline along the outside mirrors is the strongest piece of Built Ford Tough DNA. That’s inspired by heavy equipment such as cranes and bulldozers. It looks good, but it also improves driver visibility.”

Our team can’t wait to get a hold of these awesome new trucks! Stay tuned to our blog for the latest updates on the 2015 F-150 and other Ford models. Stop by the Planet Ford dealership in Spring (also serving Conroe, The Woodlands, and the greater Houston area) or visit us online at www.PlanetFord45.com!

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2015 Ford F-150, RAM 1500, Chevy Silverado Battle in Uphill Towing

Posted on August 25, 2014 by randall

Imagine this… three trucks pulling an identical 7,000 lbs. in unforgiving heat. The air conditioning is running on high and the trucks are taking on a 6 percent grade up a three-mile stretch of Davis Dam in northern Arizona.

The contenders are lined up and ready to battle for king of the uphill towing title. The trucks that are ready to roll include: the 2.7-liter 2015 Ford F-150, the size of a four-cylinder with the ability to match a V8 for work; the Chevy 1500 Silverado, powered by a 5.3 V8 and the RAM 1500 3.0-liter EcoDiesel. At Randall Reed’s Planet Ford (serving Spring, The Woodlands, Conroe, and Greater Houston), we are putting our money on the Ford.

Who has the torque to take on this test and bring home the towing title?

When you’re ready to com and give a new Ford truck a road test of your own, visit Planet Ford located off I-45 inSpring, Texas. Log on to learn more at www.PlanetFord45.com!

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2015 F-150 is Full of Features

Posted on August 25, 2014 by randall

1408649270963The Ford design team seems to have an endless supply of added features to this year’s F-150. Ford recently released an article discussing the top 10 features they thought of so customers wouldn’t have to, so we thought we would make note of a few that caught our eye!

These features were specifically engineered by the Ford design team to make interacting with your vehicle that much easier. These features were implemented to satisfy customers without them ever even noticing. “If I do my job, the customer simply intuits that things are right – both inside and outside of his truck – without even having to think about it,” said Cary Diehl, Ford human factors 1408649229038engineer, who worked on the design and development of the all-new F-150.

Here’s a look at a few of our favorites:

  • Hard buttons on external keypad: While capacitive touch keyboards are extremely popular right now, Ford designers were in-tune with the wants and needs of pickup drivers. They have implemented a tactile feedback keypad for easier, more simplistic access. Not to mention, it still looks rather sleek.
  • MyView productivity screen customization: Ford knows that everyone who drives their vehicles is not the same. As such, the team has created a revamped heads-up display that allows truck customers to sort and organize their top 7 favorite gauges in a cluster on the F-150’s 8-inch productivity screen.
  • Entertainment information exclusivity: As part of Ford’s dedication to safety, entertainment information has now been reserved exclusively to the center console stack. “Our customers were adamant that trucks are different from cars, and vehicle information is essential,” Diehl explained. “Their truck is their tool, and they need to know what it’s doing. Other stuff can be in the center of the dashboard, or what we call the center stack.” The only entertainment information that appears in the instrument cluster of the F-150 are incoming calls and turn-by-turn directions.

With features like these its quite easy to see that the 2015 F-150 is in a class of its own. Stay up to date on the latest from Ford and the F-150 by visiting www.PlanetFord45.com or stopping by the dealership off I-45. We hope to see you soon!

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Planet Ford Helps Raise Thousands at Dekany High School

Posted on August 25, 2014 by randall

10411261_995564517136037_2222467464736440334_nRandall Reed’s Planet Ford in Spring had a wonderful time this weekend sponsoring the Ford’s Drive One 4 UR School program at Dekaney High School. The event took place at Dekaney High School on Saturday, August 23, 2014, at 9:30 a.m.

Parents, students, faculty, family and community members all participated. For every valid test drive completed, Ford Motor Company is donating $20 to the participating high school, up to $6,000. Dekaney High School students went the extra mile. They also collected much needed school supplies for Booker Elementary School during this event.

“These events are always great fun and the students and Dekaney team did an amazing job during the event,” said Shawn Burns, General Manager and Operating Partner of Planet Ford. “We were proud to help support them in the quest to raise thousands of dollars.”

10628580_995564533802702_7165767633073902056_nThe Drive One 4 UR School program was developed as a fun, engaging way to help high schools raise money to support their sports programs and extracurricular activities. Ford and Lincoln dealerships partner with a local high school to conduct a test drive fundraising event.

Visit this link to watch a video and learn more about the Drive One 4 Ur School program! Drive One 4 UR School has had great success since its inception in 2007, with thousands of test drives and dollars generated for schools through the program. Stay tuned to our blog for more community updates!

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Planet Ford in Spring Sponsors Drive One 4 UR School at Dekaney High School

Posted on August 20, 2014 by admin

PrintSpring, Texas (August 20, 2014) – Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Spring has partnered with Dekaney High School for Ford’s Drive One 4 UR School program. The FUNdraising event is free to participants and can help earn the school up to $6,000. The event will take place at Dekaney High School on Saturday, August 23, 2014, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

“We are excited to partner with Ford for a program benefiting our school,” said Sandra Ford, Sub Coordinator at Dekaney High School. “Our community has been blessed to have the support of a neighboring frontrunner like Planet Ford.”

Dekaney High School, located at 22351 Imperial Valley Drive in Houston, will also be collecting much-needed school supplies for Booker Elementary School during the event.dekaney-high-school-logo

Ford’s Drive One 4 UR School program was developed as a fun, engaging way to help high schools raise money to support various programs and extracurricular activities. Ford dealerships partner with local schools to conduct the fundraising test-drive events.

Participants get to drive a new Ford, such as the F-150, Fusion, Mustang, or Focus, among others! For every valid test drive completed, Ford Motor Company donates $20 to the participating high school — up to $6,000.

“We’ve always believed in our community, and the best way to demonstrate that is to support it in every way we can, starting with kids,” said Shawn Burns, General Manager and Operating Partner of Planet Ford.

Drive One 4 UR School has had great success since its inception in 2007 with thousands of test drives and dollars generated for schools through the program. To learn more about Drive One, visit the link to watch a brief video http://ford.to/VD1nXc. Stay up to date on community event at www.PlanetFord45.com.

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Ford C-MAX Earns Top Safety Pick

Posted on August 20, 2014 by admin

2014 Ford C-MAX HybridFor the 2nd consecutive year, the Ford C-MAX Hybrid has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The C-MAX Hybrid earned a rating of “good” in moderate overlap front, side, head restraint and seating tests, according to Ford Motor Co. This news comes isn’t a surprise to our team at Planet Ford in Spring (serving Houston, The Woodland, Cypress and Conroe).

One of the many features that our customers appreciate about Ford is the safety measures the manufacturer takes. “Ford takes the safety of our customers very seriously,” Steve Kenner, global director, Ford Automotive Safety Office said. “We are proud C-MAX Hybrid has achieved a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.”

Check out what Motor Trend has to say about the C-MAX and why they like it better than the Toyota Prius.

Some of the standard safety equipment includes MyKey, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and an SOS Post Crash Alert System.  C-MAX also comes with a ton of airbags, a safety canopy system, reverse sensing system and rain-sensing wipers.

With these kind of safety features, it’s easy to see why the C-MAX was award Top Safety Pick. Come in and take the Ford C-MAX for a spin at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford on I-45 in Spring. We invite you to shop our inventory online anytime at www.PlanetFord45.com!

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2015 Mustang Delivers Top-Notch Tunes

Posted on August 18, 2014 by admin

There is so much to look forward to with the new 2015 Ford Mustang. Not only does it have a totally new look, our team at Planet Ford in Spring team (serving Houston, The Woodland, Cypress and Conroe) is looking forward to putting the new available sound systems to the test. With improved structure and better aerodynamics, interior acoustics provide the perfect environment for high-quality music listening.

The 2015 Mustang will have 3 available audio options, allowing driver’s to select one that best suits their audio needs. The standard audio system features a six-speaker configuration. This set-up contains separate high-frequency tweeters mounted in the A-pillars. The Ford team has even angled the tweeters appropriately to produce optimal sound for both driver and passenger.

Those wishing for a little more “umph” in their sound can upgrade to the 9-speaker system with 8-inch console touchscreen. Finally, those who demand top-notch listening experiences can opt for a a 12-speaker configuration featuring ShakerPro with trunk-mounted subwoofer.

Now, both of these upgraded systems (the 9-speaker and 12-speaker configs)  have a front center speaker that has been mounted on top of the instrument panel. Both also feature higher quality speakers and an 8+1 channel amplifier. However, the 12-speaker system earns its keepby introducing 12 polymer cone speakers,rear coaxial tweeters in the rear, plus a hefty-yet-compact subwoofer in the trunk. Talk about serious sound!

Soon you’ll be able to take this all-new Ford Mustang for a test drive at Planet Ford on I-45 in Spring, Texas. You can shop our inventory online anytime at www.PlanetFord45.com!

 

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2015 F-150 to Feature Seamless Sliding Rear Window

Posted on August 18, 2014 by admin

Ford just keeps rolling out new innovations in their vehicles. One of the finer details our Planet Ford team is looking forward to seeing on the new 2015 F-150 is the seamless sliding rear window. Sleek and stylish, the seamless rear window pane makes the beautiful 2015 F-150 look even better.

Developed by Canadian firm Magna International, the new seamless pane will be offered on XL and XLT models as a $300 option for the SuperCrew and SuperCab. This new technology will eliminate many issues caused by the traditional three-panel pane system, such as imperfect sealing and quality concerns over the supporting frames of the pane.

While this option will not be available on Regular Cab models, it will be available for Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum renditions of the 2015 F-150. In addition to being a light-weight, tight-seal window pane, the sliding window is also easier to install and replace that previous 3-pane versions.

Soon you’ll be able to take this all-new Ford F-150 for a test drive at Planet Ford on I-45 in Spring, Texas. You can shop our inventory online anytime at www.PlanetFord45.com!

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Planet Ford Enjoys Evening with Spring High School, Community

Posted on August 16, 2014 by admin

photo 3[2]Planet Ford in Spring had a wonderful evening with Spring High School staff, students and the community.  So great to see so many showing their Lion pride and attend special event at Leonard George Stadium Friday evening, Aug. 15. The “Meet the Lions”  night was held to introduce the school’s athletic coaches and extracurricular sponsors, including Planet Ford.

Planet has been part of many wonderful Spring ISD events, from Drive One 4UR School to providing a new Ford vehicle to the Teacher of the Year. photo 3[1]

“What a great evening.  We really enjoyed getting to meet this year’s Lions and our neighbors in the Spring community,” said Shawn Burns, GM/OP of Planet Ford on I-45. “Our dealership greatly enjoys working with and supporting our hometown kids. This is going to be another exciting year.”

 

photo 1[1]

“We want to make sure that our community is part of our school, that they know we care about them and their children. Our students also need to know that their community is here to support them. Community involvement is an integral part of building school pride and success,” said Tia Simmons, Spring High School principal.

To learn more about Planet Ford, visit www.PlanetFord45.com. To learn more about Spring High School, log onto www.springisd.org/spring.

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Planet Ford To Be Recognized at Spring Hill Community Event

Posted on August 14, 2014 by admin

Screen Shot 2014-08-14 at 4.17.43 PMPlanet Ford in Spring (serving The Woodlands and greater Houston area) is proud to be part of and help support the community.  Spring High School is inviting the community to show their Lion pride by attending a special event at Leonard George Stadium at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15. The Meet the Lions event is a night to recognize and introduce the school’s athletic coaches and extracurricular sponsors, including Planet Ford.

“We look forward to meeting this year’s Lions and our neighbors in the Spring community,” said Shawn Burns, GM/OP of Planet Ford on I-45. “Our dealership has really enjoyed working with and supporting our hometown kids. This is going to be another great year.”

The staff members at Spring High School have been working hard over the summer break planning this exciting event.  They hope the evening will bring the community and the school closer together as the new school year begins.

“We want to make sure that our community is part of our school, that they know we care about them and their children. Our students also need to know that their community is here to support them. Community involvement is an integral part of building school pride and success,” said Tia Simmons, Spring High School principal.

To learn more about Planet Ford, visit www.PlanetFord45.com. To learn more about Spring High School, log onto www.springisd.org/spring.

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