Planet Ford in Spring loves to help a good cause. Fortunately, Ford does too! Ford Ford teamed up with Protean and Penske Vehicle Services to create a custom 2020 Mustang Shelby® GT500®. This one of a kind ride was donated by Ford to be raffled to benefit JDRF and its battle against Type 1 diabetes.
The 2020 JDRF Mustang Shelby GT500 comes in a one-of-one Venom metallic clearcoat – a stealthy charcoal color – with black painted over-the-top racing stripes. It has the Carbon Fiber Track Package, including exposed carbon fiber wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, rear seat-delete, Recaro® leather-trimmed seats and Mustang GT4 track wing.
“Building on the excitement around GT500 is a terrific way to help JDRF fund research and help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes,” said Dave Pericak, Ford director of enterprise product line management. “Not only does this raffle provide an opportunity to win the most powerful production Ford ever, it also speaks to how Ford strives to make people’s lives better.”
For nearly a decade, Ford has been donating vehicles to JDRF for its raffle fund-raiser.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://p2p.onecause.com/jdrfgt500 until Nov. 10. Tickets cost $10 each. The drawing will be held Nov. 14 at the Ford Conference and Event Center, 1151 Village Road, Dearborn, Mich. The winner does not need to be present at the raffle drawing to win.
The first-place raffle winner will receive the Shelby GT500 and the second-place winner will receive an all-inclusive VIP race experience for two to the 2020 Daytona 500.
If you’re interested in staying up to date on the latest Ford news, keep up with Planet Ford in Spring on social media. To read more about the 2020 Shelby GT500 that will be available for purchase later this year, click here.
At Planet Ford in Spring (serving greater Houston, The Woodlands, Aldine, Cypress, Conroe) we love NASCAR and so do many of our customers. So, we wanted to share the latest news from Ford Performance. This week, the automaker revealed the NASCAR Xfinity Series Ford Mustang that will race in 2020. It is the fifth all-new motorsports Mustang in the past year and was developed as a joint effort between Ford Design and the Ford Performance Technical Center. The tech center is where development tools and simulators are advancing both race and production vehicles for Ford customers, as well.
The new Mustang joins the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, National Hot Rod Association Funny Car division, Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, and grassroots Cobra Jet, which have all found their way to the winner’s circle in their respective forms of racing.
All of the new racing Mustangs were projects that included members of Ford’s engineering and aerodynamics teams Technical Center in Concord, NC. The facility has evolved from racing-only to a test-bed of development for production vehicles as well as motorsports including the all-new 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500.
“We’ve always talked about Mustang being a car that was born to race, and it’s been gratifying to see it performing so well in multiple series around the world,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “It’s a credit to all of our engineers and teams that have worked so hard to make Mustang a championship contender right out of the box.”
In addition to the new motorsports Mustangs, Ford also competes with the Mustang GT4 in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Series in North America, and the FIA British GT4 Championship in Europe.
Courtesy of Ford Media
In 2019, Team Penske captured five of the first 15 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series events with drivers Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano. Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick has also won two Cup events, including this past weekend at Michigan International Speedway.
“Ford and NASCAR have enjoyed a long and storied partnership, and the iconic Mustang has solidified its place within that legacy with an impressive performance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR managing director of racing operations and international development. “We’re looking forward to seeing what the newest generation of the Mustang will do on the track.”
The previous generation of the Xfinity Mustang started racing full-time in 2011, winning the driver’s championship three times and the owner’s title on six occasions. The new NASCAR Xfinity Series Mustang will debut at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 15.
Ready for your own performance vehicle? Head to your one-stop-shop, Planet Ford in Spring for all of your new Ford and performance needs. If you’re looking to customize your vehicle, we have you covered! Head on in to Planet Ford in Spring at 20403 I-45N, Spring, Texas or visit us online at PlanetFord45.com.
Get ready… If you like cool, fast cars you’ll really like this news. Planet Ford in Spring is excited to share details about the all-new 2020 Ford Shelby GT500!
The most powerful street-legal Ford ever built: the all-new Shelby GT500 can achieve 0-100-0 in 10.6 seconds. This car sends drivers on a driving experience usually unique to exotic supercars, thanks to the 760-horsepower engine, ultra-quick Tremec 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the largest front brakes of any domestic sports coupe.
Beyond the raw power and ultra-fast shifts, advanced control systems optimize the capabilities of the chassis and powertrain to create distinct drive modes – or ‘personalities’ – to receive the maximum performance from every aspect of the Shelby GT500 performance hardware.
The 2020 Shelby GT500 Engine
“The range of brute-force drag acceleration, seamless road shifts and amazingly smooth shifts on the track further highlights how the soul of the Shelby GT500 is elevated in our most advanced Mustang ever,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Performance chief program engineer. “Effortlessly handling the 760 horsepower is our segment-first Tremec dual-clutch transmission, with an advanced control system that enhances GT500’s five drive modes to deliver a driving experience once reserved only for exotic supercars.”
Transformed Transmission
2020 Shelby GT500 Transmission
The GT500’s first-in-class 7-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers more consistent power and torque compared to manual transmissions, while the computer-controlled mechanism can upshift as quick as 80 milliseconds – faster than a blink of an eye – making it the most capable Mustang powertrain ever.
“In many ways, this is like having two transmissions in one,” said Pat Morgan, Ford Performance powertrain manager. “On one hand, it enables performance at the outer reaches of straight-line quickness with minimal torque interruption, yet provides an incredible amount of finesse and control in track environments for maximum stability and predictability at the limits of lateral acceleration.”
Different Drive Modes for Different Needs
The 2020 Shelby GT500’s five drive modes fully optimize the capabilities of the dual-clutch transmission and active chassis systems – from ultra-smooth road shifts in normal mode to forceful powershifts in drag mode – providing a personality for every type of performance driving.
“Every aspect of the Shelby GT500 driving experience changes with the mode – be that the throttle responsiveness and snap of the shifts you feel in the seat of your pants, or the ‘pop and burble’ of the exhaust in performance modes. It’s a full multisensory visceral experience,” said Morgan.
Power output is transmitted to the 3.73:1 Torsen limited-slip independent rear suspension via a carbon fiber driveshaft for reduced rotational mass and torsional distortion, plus larger halfshafts and a redesigned rear suspension hub for added strength.
When the 2020 Shelby GT500 goes on sale later this year, it will be the quickest- accelerating, most aerodynamically advanced street-legal Mustang ever, thanks to virtual testing in supercomputers and 3D printing. If you’re ready for your own, stay tuned to Planet Ford in Spring for the latest updates and for the arrival. In the meantime, check out our inventory selection on new and Certified Pre-Owned Ford as well as pre-owned vehicles of various makes and models. PlanetFord45.com.
Start your engines, Planet Ford in Spring (serving greater Houston, Aldine, Conroe, The Woodlands, Cypress) has some torque-upped news from Ford! America’s best-selling truck for 42 years, the F-Series, is once again raising the bar for capability with its all-new 7.3-liter V8 gasoline engine. The 7.3-liter engine in Super Duty pickup cranks out best-in-class gas V8 output of 430 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and best-in-class torque of 475 ft.-lb. at 4,000 rpm.
Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling truck for 42 years, is once again raising the bar for capability with its all-new 7.3-liter V8 gasoline engine. The 7.3-liter engine in Super Duty pickup cranks out best-in-class gas V8 output of 430 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and best-in-class torque of 475 ft.-lb. at 4,000 rpm.
This is exclusive to Ford. No other competitor provides such a powerful and advanced gasoline engine in such a broad range of offerings – from Class 2 Super Duty pickups through Class 7 commercial trucks.
“The 7.3-liter is designed for maximum durability in the harshest environments given that our customers live and work in these conditions every day,” said Joel Beltramo, Ford manager for gas V8 engines. “This engine has the largest displacement in its class and is designed to provide benefits in key areas like power, durability, ease of maintenance and total operating costs.”
Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling truck for 42 years, is once again raising the bar for capability with its all-new 7.3-liter V8 gasoline engine. The 7.3-liter engine in Super Duty pickup cranks out best-in-class gas V8 output of 430 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and best-in-class torque of 475 ft.-lb. at 4,000 rpm.
Based on decades of commercial engine experience, the 7.3-liter V8 delivers class-leading performance in a compact package. The 7.3-liter V8 features an overhead valve architecture that generates power low in the rev range to help get heavier loads moving sooner and with greater confidence. It also features a variable-displacement oil pump, extra-large main bearings, forged steel crankshaft for durability, and piston cooling jets to help manage temperatures under heavy load.
The all-new 7.3-liter will be debut in Super Duty F-250 and F-350 pickup models. It joins the 6.2-liter V8 gas engine in the Super Duty lineup, along with the upgraded third-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel V8. Additional power and capability numbers, including Super Duty towing and payload ratings, as well as power numbers for the upgraded 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel, will be announced later this year.
7.3L Gas V8 Super Duty Fact Sheet
A dyno-certified version of the 7.3-liter V8 producing 350 horsepower at 3,900 rpm and 468 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,900 rpm will be standard on F-450 chassis cab, F-550, the new F-600, F-650 and F-750 Medium Duty trucks, and F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis models. The upgraded E-Series will also feature the 7.3-liter V8. An optional calibration intended to help customers reduce their fuel consumption will also be offered; more information will be made available at a later date.
For F-250 through F-600 models the 7.3-liter engine is paired with the all-new Ford-designed and Ford-built 10-speed heavy-duty TorqShift® automatic transmission. All other commercial models retain the TorqShift® heavy-duty 6-speed automatic transmission.
Ready for your own Ford truck that is Built Ford Tough? Our team at Planet Ford in Spring is here to help. Come down and see us at 20403 I-45, Spring, TX or shop online anytime at PlanetFord45.com.
Planet Ford in Spring, Texas (serving The Woodlands, Cypress, greater Houston, Aldine, Conroe, Tomball) is excited to see that Ford is making progress in their autonomous driving efforts. The automaker has acquired Quantum Signal, a cutting-edge company founded in 1999, that works on mobile robotics for numerous clients, including the military. Although not widely known to the public, Quantum Signal aided the military in developing software that allowed them to remotely control robotic vehicles from thousands of miles away. In addition, Quantum Signal created a simulation environment that is capable of testing autonomous vehicle designs that is still currently being used.
Quantum Signal has operated quietly over the years, but according to Ford, Quantum Signal has been on their radar for quite some time. Over the past few years, Ford has been assembling a team of uniquely qualified experts in software development, simulation and machine learning from around the globe as they accelerate their autonomous vehicle development.
To further advance Ford’s goal of launching a self-driving vehicle business, Ford Motor Company has acquired Quantum Signal and will make use of its extensive experience in real-time simulation and algorithm development, as well as robotics, sensing and perception technology. The wide range of the group’s work portfolio means it will be able to support Ford in numerous areas as the company develops self-driving vehicles and transportation as a service business, including software development and hardware prototyping.
To read the full article from Randy Visintainer, Chief Technical Officer, Ford Autonomous Vehicles, LLC, visit the full Medium post here.
When you’re ready for a new Ford with its current cutting-edge technology including available lane keeping, BLIS, collision alert and more, come visit Planet Ford in Spring located at 20403 I-45, Spring, Texas. You can also shop online anytime at PlanetFord45.com.
The Drive 4 UR School at Grand Oaks High School in Spring, Texas was a Ford’tastic success! Planet Ford in Spring had a great time with the students, staff, parents and community supporting Ford’s Drive One 4 UR School with Grand Oaks High School. July 29th, the Planet Ford team rolled into Grand Oaks High School with an awesome line up of new Ford models, including the Ford F-150, Explorer and sleek Mustang.
The goal was to raise up to $6,000. For every valid test drive taken, Ford donates $20 to the high school. Planet worked with the Grand Oaks High School Football Booster Club who hosted this FUNdraising event.
Other community partners came out in support of the event, including Kona Ice! That’s always a big hit with both the kids and adults on a hot summer day in Texas.
Together, our community conducted approximately 140 test drives and helped the Grand Oaks High School Football Booster Club raise a lot of money. Stay tuned to learn how much this great group of kids, their teachers, parents and community helped raise. We look forward to presenting them with the much deserved check soon!
To learn more about Drive 4 UR School, visit www.forddrive4ur.com. To learn about Planet Ford in Spring (serving greater Houston, The Woodlands, Cypress, Aldine) visit www.PlanetFord45.com.
Deals are heating up at Planet Ford in Spring’s End-Of-Month Summer Sale. Check out our red-hot savings on savings our huge selection of new Ford cars, trucks and SUVs! In the market for pre-owned? We have significant savings on both Ford Certified Pre-Owned and used vehicles of all makes and models, from Chevrolet to Toyota!
New 2020 Ford Explorer is Here!
Our Planet Ford team is excited to announce that the all-new 2020 model — that is redesigned inside and out — is now at Planet Ford on I-45! We invite you to come in and explore the new features now available. Talk about an SUV that offers more! There are more trim levels, powerful options, space, and smart, new technologies.
Road-Trippin’ SUVs
In addition to the all-new 2020 Ford Explorer, we have a sale on tons of our Ford SUVs.
Super Duty Truck Savings
If you are ready for a truck that is Built Ford Tough with a side of super savings, we have a huge election of America’s most popular truck series.
Car’tastic Deals
Take advantage of falling gas prices and get into a fuel conscious Ford! From Fiestas to Fusions, Planet Ford has the Ford you need and want.
Shop Car Selection, Including:
Service & Parts Specials
Need a fresh oil change? How about some new tires? Planet Ford’s Service Department is ready to help get you back on the road with a healthy vehicle. We also have parts for that project you’ve been trying to finish. Need upgrades? We’ve got it. Just ask our Parts Department.
We have all your auto needs to welcome the new season with either a new vehicle, service or parts. Find it all here at Planet Ford in Spring (serving The Woodlands, Cypress, Aldine, Houston, Conroe). We are conveniently located at 20403 Interstate 45, Spring TX, 77388. Stop by or shop online at PlanetFord45.com.
Ford is Built Ford Tough, but it’s also built for adventure and fun! At Planet Ford in Spring (serving greater Houston, Aldine, Conroe, The Woodlands, Cypress), we have a wide range of trucks – from Ford F-150 Raptors, to Tremors, to add-on performance options. Explore the endless options at PlanetFord45.com!
RuggedRaptor
As the performance trim of the F-150, the Raptor has a high-output twin-turbo, intercooled DOHC 24-valve, 3.5L EcoBoost® engine with port fuel and direct injection in tandem with a 10-speed automatic transmission that produces a whopping 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque.
Not only is the 2019 Raptor sporty, it’s also leaner and meaner. The 2019 Raptor is nearly 500 lbs. lighter than the previous generation with its high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body. However, what really sets it apart is the technology underneath. Trail Control™ and the Ford Terrain Management System™ make it easier than ever to take you off-road.
Super DutyStrength
The heavy-duty pickup you’ll want on your work crew is the Ford Super Duty®— and for a lot of big reasons. Now with high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy, Ford was able to reinvest the weight savings in stronger high-strength steel frame and chassis components. For the strength and capability you need on the toughest jobs you tackle every day, the Ford Super Duty is the pickup that can do it all.
If you love your Super Duty but need a truck that can be off-road capable, too, we introduce to you the 2020 F-Series Super Duty ‘Tremor’ Off-Road Package. The Tremor package is available for XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks with the all-new 7.3-liter gas V8 or third-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel. To read more about some other great features that the Tremor package will include, click here for the link to our blog detailing the Tremor package.
Planet Ford Performance
No matter the make or model, Planet Ford in Spring has experts that can help you customize and personalize your vehicle. From custom paint jobs to lift kits, tires, wheels and more, we’ve got you covered! Visit us online or in store and our parts specialists can help.
Start Your Engines
When you’re ready for your dream ride, our award-winning team at Planet Ford is here to help. Take the short drive on I-45N to 20403 I-45N, Spring, TX or visit us online at PlanetFord45.com!
Ready to sell or trade in your car, truck or SUV? At Planet Ford in Spring, TX (serving greater Houston, Aldine, Conroe, The Woodlands, Cypress), we’re always looking to buy quality pre-owned vehicles. Our automotive team of experts makes it easy.
Step 2: Bring your vehicle in for a free appraisal.
Step 3: Accept the offer to sell or trade in your vehicle.
Did you know? We will buy your vehicle, even if you’re not buying from us!
Yes, it is that easy to sell your Ford F-150, Super Duty, Mustang, Fusion, Fiesta, Explorer, Escape, or Edge! We also buy other makes, such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Chevy, Dodge and much more! So, when you are ready, make sure you take the short drive on I-45 and exit at Louetta. You can also visit us online anytime at PlanetFord45.com.
In the meantime, make sure you are taking good care of your vehicle with these quick tips from the NADA.
Top tips to maintaining resale value:
Avoid driving excessive miles
Have your vehicle serviced on a regular basis
Avoid excessive wear and tear
Clean it up before you take it in for an appraisal
Store it if/when your vehicle is not in use
Avoid eating and drinking inside your vehicle, and don’t smoke in it
It will not only make you more money later, it will help you feel good about your vehicle the whole time you own and drive it. Plus, you will have the peace of mind knowing that you’ve maximized the value of your hard-earned dollars!
Planet Ford in Spring has some exciting news that will have you want to get out and get truckin’. Need a Super Duty, but have an off-roading enthusiast side too? Now Ford is offering the best of both worlds! The 2020 F-Series Super Duty will deliver even more capability in an all-new way with the Tremor Off-Road Package. The new offering pushes the boundaries of Super Duty off-road capability with new hardware and tech to handle rough terrain, providing greater towing and payload than Ram Power Wagon. This is the most capable off-road Super Duty ever.
“A growing number of Super Duty customers use their trucks for more than work. They’re fishing, camping and towing boats on weekends and they go off-road, so we designed this truck specifically for them – more ground clearance, bigger shocks, bigger tires and more off-road capability,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Tremor balances what customers demand in terms of work with what they need in the great outdoors.”
We have to tell you, the Ford Super Duty is already workhorse and adventure machine — but nothing like this! The Tremor package is available for XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum F-250 and F-350 Super Duty with all-new 7.3-liter gas V8 or third-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel. Tremor can be specified for 4×4 single-rear-wheel SuperCrew trucks with a 6.75-foot box; F-250 models also require the high-capacity trailer tow package.
Options Abound
Let’s start off-road upgrade option that includes a set of aggressive 35-inch-diameter Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac maximum-traction tires – the largest diameter tires available on a heavy-duty pickup – mounted on a set of unique 18-inch matte-finished black wheels. These tires, combined with a 2-inch front-end lift and shorter air dam, result in an impressive 10.8 inches of ground clearance, best-in-class water fording of 33 inches, and the best approach and departure angles of any Super Duty ever – 31.65 degrees and 24.51 degrees, respectively.
Take Control
Progressive-rate springs balance heavy-duty towing performance needs while also controlling body motion on rutted, rock-strewn trails. The rear stabilizer bar is tuned for a lower spring rate so customers experience less head toss over obstacles during severe suspension articulation.
Custom 1.7-inch piston twin-tube dampers work to control body motion. The massive shocks feature substantial oil volume that helps keep internal temperatures low, while the large cross-section works to improve responsiveness. At very low speeds, they are tuned for soft damping, which is dialed up for control over more severe impacts. Internal hydraulic rebound helps soften the blow of the hardest hits.
Now Lock It Down
Tremor uses a locking rear differential with electronic shift-on-the-fly engagement and a new Dana® limited-slip front differential. In certain modes, the front axle can sense when a tire has lost traction and uses the brakes to send power to the wheel with traction.
Additional hardware includes off-road running boards that tuck up next to the body for damage control, extended-axle vent tubes and the same beefy skid plates as fitted to FX4 models.
Pick a Mode, Any Mode!
The 2020 Super Duty Tremor features selectable drive modes, which allow customers to choose the setting best suited to driving conditions. These include normal for around-town use, tow/haul for optimized performance under load, eco for enhanced fuel economy, slippery for icy conditions, and deep snow/sand for low-traction conditions. Unique to Tremor is a new rock-crawl mode, which is optimized to operate in 4×4 low and is enabled by the standard TorqShift® 10-speed automatic transmission. Tremor trucks equipped with the 7.3-liter gas engine have a 53:1 crawl ratio while those equipped with the 6.7-liter diesel engine have a 44:1 crawl ratio.
For the first time ever, Super Duty gets Trail Control™, a feature that debuted for F-150 Raptor and Ranger. It functions in any mode like cruise control for off-road driving.
Now That You’re Ready…
The Tremor Off-Road Package will be available when the 2020 Super Duty launches later this year. Ready to start shopping for a Ford truck now, our team at Planet Ford in Spring (serving Houston, The Woodands, Aldine, Cypress, Conroe) on I-45 can help. Or start shopping online anytime at PlanetFord45.com!
