Ford Ranger Is Back for 2019
Not only did Ford bring back one of America’s most popular small trucks to their Ford car lineup, but it sweetened the pot with a promise of better fuel economy. The revamped midsize pickup scores better on fuel economy than not only every other truck in its class, but also the original. Soon to come to local Ford dealers, the 2019 Ford Ranger is proving its worth at every angle.
The 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with stop-start technology delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, adequately competing on power ratings with V6-powered trucks in its class while standing tall on fuel economy rating. The previous Ford Ranger in the U.S. hosted a 143-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission, proving the Ford brand’s focus on developing powertrain technology and fuel economy.
Other specifications of note regarding the new Ford Ranger are the fully boxed, high-strength steel frame with six crossmembers for rigidity, and a very traditional truck suspension with a solid rear axle.
With two cab and bed options available, SuperCab with a long bed or Super Crew with a short bed, and a few FX packages that add off-road capabilities as well as new driver-assist tech, prospective Ranger owners are sure to find a truck that fits their lifestyle.
Additionally, Ford says it will debut a system hailed by Ford as Trail Control™ in certain models. This new technology allows drivers to set and maintain a vehicle speed between one and twenty MPH while on the trail, no matter how rough or mountainous the terrain. It’s being referred to as an “off-road cruise control.”
Production of the new Ford Ranger has already begun at the Wayne, MI plant, just in time for an early 2019 dealership ETA, keeping soon-to-be Ford Ranger owners holding their breath.
The Detroit Auto Show will host the reveal of the upcoming Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 next month. The car will be produced by using two 3D-printed brake parts from a new manufacturing center near Detroit, where Ford will once again make history by paving the way in the automotive manufacturing industry.
“More than 100 years ago, Ford created the moving assembly line, forever changing how vehicles would be mass-produced,” Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president of global operations, said in a statement. “Today, we are reinventing tomorrow’s assembly line — tapping technologies once only dreamed of on the big screen — to increase our manufacturing efficiency and quality.”
The automaker invested $45 million, to save at least $2 million, in the 134,000-square-foot facility where about 100 workers use augmented and virtual reality, robotics, digital manufacturing, and 3D printing. The center is home to 23 3D printers and is collaborating with 10 different 3D manufacturing companies to hone Fords vehicle building processes. The use of collaborative robots that work along side workers, used in 24 Ford plants globally, help decrease employees fatigue and increase efficiency.
Ford workers at the center also use augmented reality technology to supplement traditional design and manufacturing techniques that allow them, through the use of virtual reality headsets, to “work along side” workers from around the world to make new Ford parts.
The company-wide restructuring that puts faster product development first, led by CEO Jim Hackett, has once again placed Ford models at the forefront of the automotive manufacturing trade. Ford set the stage for the first automotive manufactory assembly line and is expecting to raise the bar yet again. The industry is without a doubt watching history be made and will inevitably be better for it.
Contact our Ford dealership serving Janesville, WI to learn more!
Winter Car Maintenance
Did you know that your vehicle can be severely impacted by winter weather? To help offset the elements, visit our Ford dealership serving Fort Atkinson, WI for expert maintenance!
Apply Wax
While it may be common sense that going into the winter months with a clean vehicle will make it easier to clean up after the snow, a wax job might not be on the top of your list, but it should be. A fresh coat of wax can go a long way in protecting your Ford car, truck, or SUV finish from ice, snow, and road salt.
Change Your Oil
Regular oil changes are something every vehicle needs, and it never hurts to be proactive. Whether your Ford is at the 5,000 mile point or not, its always a good idea to get ahead of cold weather with fresh lubrication. Call us for an oil change, and we can also check your antifreeze and top your windshield wiper reservoir off with a de-icing fluid.
Care for Your Battery
A sudden change in temperature can quickly affect your battery. To avoid the hassle of having to jump start your car or even worse, being stuck without one, a new battery or a trickle charger will ensure you always have plenty of power to turn your engine over.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Under inflated tires and over worn treads on ice can quickly put your vehicle in a ditch. Check your tires for wear and make sure they are inflated to the correct PSI.
Replace Wiper Blades
A snow storm can greatly reduce your vision on the road. To make sure you have the upper hand, a new set of wiper blades and, if needed, headlight bulbs are a smart idea. Likewise, you’ll want to do your part in aiding other drivers to see you, so double check your tail lights.
Schedule an appointment today to bring your new Ford vehicle in for service! We look forward to getting you ready for the upcoming season.
Yakima Outdoor Adventure Accessories Available
Starting with the launch of the all new 2019 Ford Ranger, Ford will give adventure enthusiasts the option to accessorize their truck with quality Yakima accessories from our local Ford dealership. With a variety of Ford accessories to choose from, customers are sure to find something to make their truck even more capable without having to modify it. To add to this already incredibly convenient option, Ford customers can add the cost to their financing and have the piece of mind that comes with a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty.
“We know our customers see their vehicles as extensions of themselves,” said Eric Cin, global director, Vehicle Personalization. “With the addition of Yakima accessories, Ford aims to enhance the experiences of adventure-driven customers by delivering innovative solutions such as truck bed racks that preserve cargo space by lifting kayaks, bikes and skis off the floor of the bed. It’s about making each adventure better.”
- BedRock Heavy Duty (HD) truck bed rack
- BaseLine tower and JetStream crossbar cab rack
- LongArm bed extender with pad
- GateKeeper tailgate pad (Large; for up to six bikes)
Kayak and bike racks, bed extenders, and truck bed tents are some of the first options to be available for the 2019 Ford Ranger and, eventually, other Ford models like the Ford Explorer and Ford F-150. However, more Yakima products will added as Ford accessory options over time, offering customers even greater access to products that will give their vehicle even more utility.
Consumers are expected to spend more than $45 billion on vehicle personalization parts in 2018, 50% of which will be purchased through aftermarket suppliers. With this in mind Ford is hoping to add convenience for their customers while boosting dealer business. “Offering Yakima products through our Ford dealerships is a win-win,” Cin said. “It provides customers access to quality adventure accessories and gives them another reason to return to dealerships.”
Ford Introduces the Ford GT Carbon Series
The new 2019 Ford GT Carbon Series is the lightest car from the Ford GT lineup and a star among new Ford models. It comes in weighing almost 40 pounds less than other production Ford GT models, thanks to the implementation of lightweight innovations and materials used. This includes carbon fiber wheels and the use of a titanium exhaust, titanium lug nuts, and polycarbonate rear hatch that has additional venting.
The engineers at Ford outfitted the Ford GT Carbon Series Edition with certain creature comfort features, such as an air conditioning system and the SYNC® 3 infotainment system, and did away with cupholders and a driver’s side seat storage bin.
“The Ford GT Carbon Series stands out on the road with its striking carbon fiber-rich design and on the track with its athleticism,” says Hermann Salenbauch, global director, Ford Performance. “It is yet another example of how we can bring to life our Le Mans-winning supercar in new and exciting ways so our customers can share in that magical legacy.”
The exterior boasts two exposed carbon fiber stripes with matching A-pillars, lower body panels, and a set of gloss carbon fiber wheels. Inside. there are matte carbon fiber sills, air conditioning pods, and a center console with exposed carbon fiber.
“This is just another example of how we listen to our customers at Ford,” says Lance Mosley, marketing manager, Ford Performance. “While the Ford GT Competition model appeals to hardcore racing enthusiasts, we found more customers asking for more exposed carbon fiber with the air conditioning and radio still intact. So we developed the Carbon Series to satisfy that need, while providing a distinct look.”
Contact us at our Ford dealership serving Janesville, WI to learn more about the Ford GT program.
Ford Opens Up Ford GT Production to More Buyers
If you have been eyeballing the Ford GT supercar, you know that the production has been very limited and getting your hands on one would be difficult due to the purchase process. Since you can’t just simply walk into a Ford dealership and pick one up like you can with most other Ford models, if you want to buy one, you have to fill put a purchase application with Ford. However, the application period for the current Ford GT, a halo car that has a $400,000 price tag, will soon be opened back up.
When Ford first opened the application process for the new car buyers who wanted to bring home a Ford GT supercar, there were an overwhelming 6,500 entries to process. The shame about it was that Ford had only intended to put 1,000 Ford GT cars into production over the course of four years from 2016 until 2020. Due to the extreme demand for the Ford GT, Ford is now planning to build a few more GT models for this generation than they had expected.
Not only are they adding more cars to production, but production itself has been extended to 2022, from the original 2020 deadline. The addition of the applications seems small with only another 350 Ford GT cars being made, but that’s a pretty substantial 35-percent increase. This will make sure there are a few more happy customers behind the wheel of the Ford GT, but the car will still remain to be a very exclusive model.
The application process will begin on November 8th and remain open for 30 days. Those who are selected will be a lucky few, but production is still going to be slow as they are hand built, and only one is made a day, on average.
Contact us at our Ford dealership serving Janesville, WI to learn more!
2019 Ford F-150 Raptor Picks Up New Features
The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is touted as boasting some of the best off-road features and capabilities available on the market. Thanks to the addition of a few new features for the model year, this truck is built to hit the wild off-road and handle extreme situations with utter ease. At our Ford dealership near Janesville, WI, we can’t wait to welcome it onto our lot!
Trail Control is the latest innovation to hit Raptor models, and it’s as brilliant as ever. Ford experts are describing this new feature as, “it’s like cruise control for off-road driving.”
This new system is available in 4×4 models, and it helps manage throttle control and braking while traversing all types of terrain at speeds up to 20 mph. With it in place, drivers are able to focus more on the driving aspects of challenging terrain, making steering the main priority.
The new Ford F-150 Raptor comes equipped with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that pumps out a steady 450 horsepower. It pairs with a new 10-speed automatic transmission.
An additional feature of the latest Raptor include electronically controlled class-exclusive Fox 3.0 Bypass shocks with Live Valve technology, which adapt to terrain in real-time for maximum handling.
Non-performance wise, this new Ford truck boasts three new exterior colors: Ford Performance Blue, Velocity Blue, and Agate Black. A Recaro seat package with carbon-fiber interior trim is also included.
The 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor is slated for sales floors in late 2018. To learn more about this incredibly capable Ford truck, or about any of our other Ford models for sale, contact us at Griffin Ford Fort Atkinson as soon as today@
Ford Introduces Four Special Edition SUVs
Ford recently headed to the Lone Star state to unveil four new special edition models of Ford SUVs at the State Fair of Texas. And we can’t wait to welcome them here at our Ford dealership near Janesville, WI. All four of these Ford SUVs will be available to order later this year!
Ford Expedition Stealth Edition: This edition features Gloss Black accessories for a cool and upscale look that elevates the Ford Expedition Limited series. It rolls on 22-inch premium black painted aluminum wheels and will also include continuously controlled dampening.
Ford Expedition Texas Edition: This package adds 22-inch wheels and a new Texas Edition badging package that build upon the existing Ford Expedition Special Edition Package, which is available for Ford Expedition Limited models.
Ford Explorer Limited Luxury Edition: With this package, drivers will appreciate available appearance upgrades on the Ford Expedition Limited series. Ford Explorer buyers near Whitewater, WI can opt for 20-inch premium painted and machined aluminum wheels, multi-contour seats with Active Motion®, Nirvana leather seats with micro-perforation, an upgraded leather steering wheel, door trim with leather, and chrome mirror caps.
Ford Explorer Desert Copper Edition: For this special trim level, upgrades to the new Ford Explorer XLT model include a set of 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, chrome mirror caps, Ebony Black leather-trimmed seats, and leather-trimmed door pans. The interior features copper highlights and stitching, as well as Ebony Black vinyl third-row seats that feature copper accents.
This expansion to the Ford SUV lineup sets to offer more to drivers. It follows after Ford closed 2017 by selling nearly 800,000 SUVs throughout the year, and SUV sales have grown by 37 percent in the United States for the motor company.
Check out the New 2019 Ford Mustang Today
There is a lot to love about the Ford Mustang, and we now have the new 2019 model for you to test drive at Griffin Ford Fort Atkinson. This new Ford muscle car certainly has a lot to offer for the new model year, and you can experience it all as soon as today. If you are new to the world of the Ford Mustang, we would love to tell you a little bit more about it.
Performance
The new 2019 Ford Mustang is engineered with utter precision, from the MagneRide® Damping system to available engines. Under the hood of the 2019 Mustang, a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine that puts out 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque comes standard. A six-speed manual or 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission is equipped. The 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 is available in top models.
Safety and Special Features
There is plenty to love when it comes to safety technology and features. Elements such as AdvanceTrac® with Electronic Stability Control, a rear view camera, and launch control with electronic line-lock are offered. Thanks to the innovative Ford Safe and Smart™ Package, amenities including pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, a lake-keeping system, and adaptive cruise control all come bundled.
In the cabin, SYNC® infotainment comes standard, along with AppLink®, two smart-charging USB ports, and so much more. Upgrade include SiriusXM® satellite radio, an eight-inch touchscreen, and smartphone integration.
When you are ready to see if the 2019 Ford Mustang is right for you, simply stop by to see us at our new and used Ford dealership near Janesville, WI. We are conveniently located at 1642 Janesville Avenue in Fort Atkinson, WI. Should you have any questions regarding special orders or Ford financing, give us a call in the sales department at (877) 855-6959, and we will be happy to help.
SUV Season Is Here at Griffin Ford Fort Atkinson
Fall is right around the corner, which means that you are going to start thinking about winter driving in the coming months. The staff at our local Ford dealership would like to help you find the perfect SUV for added confidence on the road in all driving conditions. At Griffin Ford Fort Atkinson, we carry a wide range of Ford SUVs, and we are more than ready to show you the available offers going on now!
2018 Ford Ecosport
The 2018 Ford Ecosport is an option that brings you a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that comes expertly paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The exterior boasts a sporty appearance that is complements by the option of all-wheel drive. When you come by for a test drive during SUV Season, we can help you make the right decision on which new Ford Ecosport trim suits you best.
2018 Ford Escape
If a larger SUV is more of what you need, the 2018 Ford Escape checks all the boxes on styling, versatility, and performance. Three engines are available in this new Ford model, and it offers the ability to tow up to 3,500 lb when properly equipped. We can talk with you about the intuitive 4WD system, AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, and torque vectoring control, all of which work together to create a seamless ride.
SUV Season is here, and we do not want you to miss out on the amazing offers available at Griffin Ford Fort Atkinson. You will find our helpful staff at 1642 Janesville Avenue in Fort Atkinson, WI. Call the sales team today at (877) 860-8300 for more information on our current Ford deals.
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