Waldorf Ford

Buying a Ford Fiesta? Yeah, there's an app for that.

2010-09-17T08:55:00.000-04:00

Interested in buying a 2011 Ford Fiesta? There's an app for that.

Ford has just launched its very first interactive sales brochure by way of an Apple iPad app for the new Fiesta (sorry, iPhone users – you're out of luck on this one). Here, users can learn far more about Ford's pride-and-joy B-segment offering than they ever could in your standard showroom pamphlets. The Fiesta app includes information about the car's quality, safety, connectivity, available accessories, colors, as well as a list of standard and optional features.

The interactive Fiesta iPad app is available as you read this and can be downloaded from the iTunes app store.

247-hp 2012 Ford Focus ST

2010-09-16T11:25:00.000-04:00

Well look what we found.

Finally a performace small car is coming to the US. We at your favorite Maryland Ford Dealer , Waldorf Ford, are super excited to get our mitts on this baby. We can't wait.

Earlier this year, Ford promised us a hotter version of the all-new Focus, and at this month's Paris Motor Show, the Blue Oval is sticking to its word.

The 2012 Ford Focus ST will be the brand's first high-performance model developed under the watchful eye of its global performance vehicle team, and while the hatch you see here is being billed as a "design study," make no mistake – this will form the basis of the ST coming to market in early 2012.

Power is provided by an EcoBoost 2.0-liter inline four churning out 247 turbocharged horsepower, and Ford promises that the ST's handling and aural delights will live up to the marque's performance heritage. FoMoCo also makes it clear that the ST is bound for "all global markets from early 2012" so those of us in the States should finally get a crack at what's traditionally been a Euro-only affair.

SOURCE [AutoBlog]

Fiesta based Crossover in the near future?

2010-09-03T09:03:00.000-04:00

Ford may be preparing a Fiesta-based mini-crossover, judging by the looks of this prototype we just spotted undergoing warm weather testing. The vehicle could become a junior sibling to the slightly larger, Focus-based Kuga. That European-designed small crossover is rumored to be arriving in the U.S. next year.

So, how may of you would like to see these available in Southern Maryland? I know we would like to see them on the lot at Waldorf Ford! For updates, become a Facebook fan or stop by and see us. Waldorf for is located on Route 301 north, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC,.

Full article: http://www.motortrend.com/future/spied_vehicles/1008_ford_fiesta_crossover_prototype_spycam/index.html#ixzz0yTVPGRxq

2011 FORD SHELBY GT500 IN HIGH DEMAND, RAPIDLY APPROACHING PRODUCTION LIMIT

2010-09-02T15:32:00.000-04:00

DEARBORN, Mich., July 12, 2010 – Customer demand for Ford’s new 2011 Shelby GT500 is growing nearly as fast as the world’s fastest production pony car. More than 3,300 orders have been placed for the new Shelby GT500. To ensure exclusivity, U.S. sales of the 2011 Shelby GT500 will be limited to 5,500 units.

“We are pleased with the pace of retail orders for the 2011 Shelby GT500,” said Fritz Wilke, Mustang brand manager. “The car continues to be popular with sports car enthusiasts and collectors who are blown away by the increase in horsepower and performance. The limited production of the 2011 should make this year even more desirable. Full story here.

So...if you are considering a 2011 Shelby GT500, you may want to come down to Waldorf Ford today to get your order in! Visit us online at waldorfford.com, or stop by and see us. Waldorf Ford is located on Route 301 North in Waldorf MD, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC

Sights and Sounds, 2011 Ford SVT Raptor

2010-08-30T09:10:00.000-04:00

Now...we thought this just looked like fun!

For a little quieter look and test drive, stop by and see one at Waldorf Ford, Route 301 north in Waldorf, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC

2011 Ford Fiesta snags IIHS Top Safety Pick

2010-08-25T13:43:00.000-04:00

2011 Ford Fiesta gets IIHS Top Safety Pick

Well let's be honest here, this really comes as no great surprise to us. We have always said the new 2011 Ford Fiesta was great in every aspect. Looks like the fine folks at IIHS agree. We at your favorite Southern Maryland Ford Dealer hope you never have the chance to verify these test results but it's nice knowing the facts. Check out this article from the fine folks at Auto Blog

We have mountains of respect for the men and women who work at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. After being invited to the institute's Charlottesville, Virginia facility for a front-row seat to the 2011 Ford Fiesta's frontal-offset test, we can honestly say that if we had their job, we'd have a hard time getting into just any old car ever again. While the Blue Oval's new sub-compact passed its battery of evaluations with flying colors (being the first and only minicar to earn a Top Safety Pick nod since the institute added a rollover test), we were also treated to a tour of some of the more poorly engineered models from the recent past.

Manufacturers have made an impressive amount progress on the safety front in the last decade, thanks largely to a close partnership with the IIHS. The institute has worked to revise crash tests to more accurately reflect the composition of vehicles on the road. One of its primary functions is to identify crashes where people die in otherwise well-rated vehicles and to adjust crash tests accordingly. While the public identifies the institute with bouncing perfectly good cars off of chunks of aluminum and concrete, the truth is that crash testing is only a small part of the IIHS mission. Of course, it's also the most fun part. Jump to the bottom to take a look at a video of the Fiesta's frontal-offset test.

Walking around the test hall, it's impossible to argue against the benefit of the institute's work. In the late '90s, most vehicles were still being tested for side-impact collisions using barriers designed to replicate the front-end of the majority of the vehicles on the road in 1982. You know, back when an SUV was something you used to get to the fishing cabin, not to ferry the kids to and from the mall. After looking around and realizing that status-quo on the road no longer looked like the nose of a '79 LTD, the IIHS introduced a new barrier based on the average ride height and hood height of SUVs.

The change was enormous. Cars like the Ford Focus, which had fared well in both IIHS and NHTSA tests, suddenly showed weaknesses that hadn't been apparent beforehand, and manufacturers scrambled to meet the new standard. Two Mitsubishi Lancers hang on the wall as a demonstration of the kind of change that the new barrier wrought. On the bottom, a 2005 model sits with its B pillar cut in two from a 31 mph impact in which the driver would have most certainly had to have been vacuumed from the car. Up above, a 2008 model fared much better thanks to additional bracing and plenty of air bags.

What a difference a few years makes.

Since then, the biggest change to the IIHS testing has come in the form of the new rollover test. The institute has been giving vehicles rollover ratings since 2001, but a 2008 study found that vehicles with strong roofs significantly reduce the risk of death or injury in the event of a rollover. In order to receive a Good rollover rating, a vehicle must withstand four-times its weight applied on one corner of the roof.

In the case of the 2011 Fiesta, the tiny compact managed to take over five times its weight before the roof exceeded the intrusion parameters set aside by the IIHS – not too shabby.

Since the institute only tests one car per day, we were only able to be on hand for the decidedly more dramatic frontal offset test, in which one shiny Fiesta sedan was rammed into a concrete and aluminum block at 40 mph. We'll let you watch the video to see that one for yourself. While the mechanical carnage was impressive, the Fiesta's passenger compartment was uncompromised, netting the car the final Good rating it needed to sweep the board.

Waldorf Ford was presented with their 5th Triple Crown Award

2010-08-25T12:50:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Press Release) August 25, 2010, Waldorf Ford was presented with their 5th Triple Crown Award; Customers are the real winners.

(Waldorf, MD) Today, Lisa O'Connor, Regional Manager for Ford Motor Company was in Waldorf to present Waldorf Ford with the prestigious Triple Crown Award. This is the 5th year that Waldorf Ford has won this award.

The Triple Crown Award recognizes dealerships that have won the President's Award and the One Hundred Club Award, but who also ranked high enough to be included in the Ford Customer Service Premier Club. Waldorf Ford is one of only 21 dealerships in the country to win the 2009 Triple Crown Award. She also presented The One Hundred Club Award for 2009, which recognizes dealerships that are in the top 100 in Ford sales for the nation.

"It is quite an accomplishment for a dealership to receive the One Hundred Club Award, but to receive that and take care of the customer to receive the President's Award as well, is exceptional", stated Ms. O'Connor.

The final award presented was for the 2009 President's Award.

"It means a lot to be recognized with the President's Award for the 9th time," said Greg Basiliko, General Manager, Waldorf Ford. "We earned this award only because of the hard work of the sales, service and management team and their united attention to the best possible service to our customers. The real thanks for this award needs to go to our customers who have placed their confidence in us."

The President's Award is reserved for Ford dealerships that have made a commitment to deliver exceptional sales, service and vehicle ownership experiences to their customers. Ford Motor Company's President's Award is reserved for the best of the best - approximately 200 out of the nearly 4,000 dealerships receive this award.

"Our motto is, Dedicated to Excellence, whether it is during or after the sale, our priority is taking care of our customers," said Basiliko. "We take customer satisfaction seriously and we work hard every day to make sure our customers are taken care of"

Waldorf Ford is located on Route 301 North in Waldorf, MD and online at www.waldorfford.com

2011 Ford Edge Headed to Dealerships With a $27,220 Starting Price

2010-08-20T08:53:00.000-04:00

Ford announced that the redesigned 2011 Ford Edge began shipping from the Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario to dealerships across the United States last weekend. The 2011 Ford Edge SE -- available only in front-wheel-drive (FWD) -- will start at $27,220, plus a $775 destination fee. This is $200 less than the 2010 model. The SEL FWD ($30,420) and Limited FWD ($33,220) models account for 80 percent of all Edge sales, Ford said. The top trim is the Sport model, which starts at $36,220. Four-wheel-drive will cost an additional $1,850 on the SEL, Limited and Sport trim levels.

All Edge models will get not only a more powerful V6 engine rated at 285 horsepower, but also a one MPG increase in city fuel economy and two MPG increase on the highway. One of the more notable features of the new Edge is MyFord Touch, which will come standard on the Limited, Sport models and is available as an option on the SEL. More here

We are expecting ours to arrive within the next week or two, so keep checking in with us online or on facebook. Waldorf Ford is located on Rt 301 in Waldorf MD, just 15 minutes south of Washington DC.

Consumer Reports: First drive 2011 Fiesta

2010-08-19T15:38:00.000-04:00

First Drive: 2011 Ford Fiesta

The 2011 Ford Fiesta subcompact is the first fruit born of the automaker’s new One Ford strategy. The idea is to conserve resources and development costs by making every model uniform throughout the world. Ford has tried this sporadically over the last 40 years with only mixed success. The trick is finding a recipe that appeals equally in Beijing, Barcelona, and Boston.
The Fiesta was designed and developed by Ford of Europe as a home-grown Anglo-German product. The U.S. version, made in Mexico, retains its European-style sophistication in materials, workmanship, and driving dynamics, but can that perception of quality overcome the American market’s historic aversion to tiny cars?
We’re testing two Fiestas, a mid-trim sedan with an automatic transmission ($16,595) and a top-trim hatchback with a manual shift, which rang up at $17,795. The engine is a 120-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder....click here for full report.

Want to drive one for yourself? Come down to Waldorf Ford, 2440 Crain Hwy, Waldorf MD. We have several in stock for you to choose from. Don't forget to check out our video about the 2011 Fiesta

First Ride: Autoblog gets hot in Dubai with 2011 Ford Explorer

2010-08-17T10:27:00.000-04:00

We are as anxious as you to have the first 2011 Explorers hit the lot at Waldorf Ford. Until they do, we thought we would share this article from Autoblog about their Dubai testing experience.

With California's Death Valley conveniently located on the same continent as Dearborn, Michigan, why on earth would Ford ship engineers and the all-new 2011 Explorer all the way to the United Arab Emirates to conduct hot-weather and off-road testing? Especially on a crossover, a vehicle few people will ever drive off-road?

The value of this 14,000-mile round trip became abundantly clear as I stepped out of the civilized, air-conditioned comfort of my shuttle vehicle, an F-150 SVT Raptor.

The air in Dubai hits you like an atomic hair dryer. Unlike the heat in Death Valley, there's some serious humidity hanging in the atmosphere due to the UAE's proximity to the Gulf of Oman. Our day in the desert saw temperatures of 48° Celsius (118° Fahrenheit) with humidity in the range of 40-60 percent. That's not a dry heat. Using a standard heat index calculator with a 50-percent humidity factor, the equivalent temperature showed 191° Fahrenheit.

Continued...click here

Ford Fiesta to pace the field at NASCAR race

2010-07-30T09:04:00.000-04:00

Can't say we are surprised by this one. Ford has been a marketing machine when it comes to promoting the all new 2011 Ford Fiesta. Now don't get us wrong we love, love, love all the attention this outstanding little car that could is getting. Why we even have been doing some ourselves right here at your favorite Southern Maryland Ford Dealer, Waldorf Ford. Take a look here for our recent event at the Maryland Blue Crabs game.

Sure enough, the upcoming Sprint Cup Carfax 400 will be paced by none other than the Blue Oval's tiny 2011 FiestaSedan. With less than a third of the displacement of the tube-frame beasts lapping Michigan International Speedway, we wouldn't quite expect lightning-quick pace laps, but hey – safety first. While pace cars are typically some sort of performance product, manufacturers aren't past parading less than muscular new hardware in front of the captive audiences of the raceway.

If Ford was looking for a way to bring its marketing for the Fiesta out of the social media realm and into a more mainstream American venue, they could have hardly done better than the Sprint Cup. On average, the series races net 7.9 million viewers. On Sunday, August 15, each and every one of those souls will get to watch a maroon four door fiesta lead the pack, complete with a massive Blue Oval decal down the side. Talk about cheap advertising.

SOURCE [AutoBlog]

Toyota Camry vs. Ford Fusion

2010-07-13T08:28:00.001-04:00

Here is a quick video we did to compare the two models. We might be a bit biased but we think the Fusion is way better than the Toyota.

Ford unveils new body kits, graphics and accessories for Fiesta

2010-07-08T16:21:00.002-04:00

2011 Ford Fiesta with graphics

Ford has given Fiesta buyers a chance to turn their purchase into something a little unique. The company is offering a number of customization options for the new pint-sizer, including a rash of interior options and exterior graphics. For starters, the car can be equipped with a number of interior lighting accents, including an illuminated shift knob and door sill plates, or LED mood lighting for the cup holders and foot wells. Outside, Ford will be happy to set you up with an aggressive body kit and rear spoiler, for a price.

That's fancy, sure, but the neat part is wide variety of vinyl graphics available straight from the factory. Ford calls one of the decals a "body tattoo," but it's really nothing more than a big sticker that spells out Fiesta along the side of the vehicle. Those looking for something a little bolder can choose between over 18 other designs.

Make sure to stop by your favorite Maryland Ford Dealer (that's us Waldorf Ford!) and check out the really exciting and fun Ford Fiesta.

Yeah, there's an app for that...

2010-07-07T08:26:00.002-04:00

We at your favorite Maryland Ford Dealer (well we think we are your favorite and if not then we should be!) have always thought the phrase "There's an app for that" didn't apply to EVERYTHING. Well apparently we were wrong. We stumbled upon this little article about a new app to help save fuel. How sweet is that! Imagine the fuel savings you could get if you use this with the all new Ford Fiesta.

When the discussion turns to apps for the iPhone, it's far easier to think of things that the iPhone can do than it is to come up with a list of stuff that itcan't. DriveGain has introduced a new iPhone app that promises to save drivers up to $205 a year in fuel costs by following some simple visual and spoken cues.

The DriveGain app uses the iPhone's built-in GPS system to calculate the vehicle's speed and rate of acceleration and deceleration. The visual displays include a recommended gear indicator and some sliders that drivers try to keep in the green. In addition, the app calculates fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, fuel cost per mile and much more. By following the on-screen cues, DriveGain claims that it can help users save hundreds in fuel while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 660 kilograms per year.

The DriveGain app is currently only available for manual transmission vehicles, but automatics will be supported soon. The apps database has over 16,900 different cars to choose from and can be used on the iPhone 3G and 3GS, as well as on the iPod Touch and iPad. iPhone 4 support is coming soon. To download the app click here.

SOURCE [DriveGain]

$99 Used Vehicle Slasher Sale Was a Big Success

2010-06-30T09:33:00.001-04:00

Wow, what a weekend. All week last week we prepped the dealership and staff for what we expected to be one of the biggest sales we have ever had here at Waldorf Ford Used Car-Truck Center. Advertising done...check; cars clean and inspected...check, fence up...check, staff assembled...check. Phone calls from folks who wanted to pre-register, started coming in on Tuesday and by closing time Saturday, the day of the sale, we had fielded 561 phone calls! The staff was a little overwhelmed to say the least.

Friday morning, the day prior to the $99 Premier Sale, started off with people already lining up outside the gate at 8:30AM. That's right, 24 hours PRIOR to registration starting and 26 hours prior to the gate opening. We still had lots to do, tent had to go up, coolers needed to be filled with water and of course more people needed to be pre registered. Throughout the day the line continued to grow and by Saturday morning, they were lined up around the corner and down the lot.

By the time gate opened at 10AM Saturday, there were hundreds of people in line, waiting for their chance to get a car for just $99. You see, the $99 Premier Sale is about slashing prices and some of the cars prices are actually slashed to just $99. How this works is that the person in the drivers seat when the price is slashed gets first chance to buy the car for the new price. If they decide not to buy - for whatever reason - the person in the passenger seat is the next person to get to buy, then it moves to the back seat passengers. So, when the gate opens, you want to hurry to the car you are interested in because you want to be the first one there.

We opened the gate and everyone went to the car they wanted and waited for "The Slasher" to come around. Now mind you it was REALLY hot on Saturday - so these folks must have REALLY wanted to buy a car. It was so exciting when we had our first car slashed to $99. High fives all around. Other cars were slashed by $6,000 to $8000. By the end of the day we had 6 cars sold for just $99 and many others with prices slashed to below $10,000. As it turns out, the sale lived up to its expectations and was one of the biggest sales we have had at Waldorf Ford Used Car-Truck Center...Thanks to all of our great customers in Southern Maryland.

Check out the video and make sure to attend next years!!

Supercrew F150 SVT Raptor spy photos

2010-06-16T09:52:00.000-04:00

Looks like the rumors we have been hearing at Waldorf Ford are maybe not rumors after all! Autoblog reader Geo happened to be cruising on I-275 in Detroit last week when he was passed by a convoy of Ford F-150 pickups. Snugged smack dab in the middle was none other than the upcoming F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew without a stitch of camouflage to cover those two extra doors. Geo did what any good enterprising AB reader would do and clicked a couple of photos as the desert-crushing truck blew by.

The prototype in the photos has ditched the outlandish graphics of its shorter brother, but it still looks just as mean, and it's even slathered in silver paint, a color that isn't currently available. If the badge on the fender is any indication, this particular example packs the same 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 mill we were fortunate enough to sample not too long ago, which means it should have no problem jumping over hill and dale. If ever there was a backyard party on four wheels, this is it.

Gallery: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew

Reader Spy: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew spotted naked and unashamed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Contest Winners!

2010-06-10T08:03:00.000-04:00

From time to time we run contest on our Facebook page and give away tickets to various events around the DC area. A few weeks ago we had a contest and gave away some tickets to the Maryland Blue Crabs game.

The winner was nice enough to share some photos with us. Since Mom taught us to share also here you go.

Thanks Mrs. Dykstra for sending them in.

June 12th - Customer Appreciation Day!

2010-06-09T15:34:00.002-04:00

MARK THIS DATE ON YOUR CALENDAR…SATURDAY JUNE 12TH, BECAUSE IT WILL BE A DAY OF FUN FOR EVERYONE AT WALDORF FORD AND DODGE. IT’S CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY AND YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN THEM AT THE DEALERSHIP. IT’S THEIR WAY OF SAYING ‘THANK YOU’ SOUTHERN MARYLAND FOR YEARS OF PATRIONAGE. THERE WILL BE CLOWNS, FACE PAINTING, BALLOON ANIMALS AND KARAOKE. AND SAFEGUARD YOUR CHILDREN WITH A FREE DNA LIFE PRINT. IT’S A PHOTO VIDEO KIT ENDORSED BY JOHN WALSH. IT’S CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY AT WALDORF FORD AND DODGE RT. 301 IN WALDORF.

2011 Ford Explorer?

2010-06-08T16:21:00.003-04:00

2011 Ford Explorer, is that you?

Sometimes, we have to wonder if automakers just like toying with the emotions of those of us who follow their comings and goings on a daily basis. How else can we explain how Ford would show up to the Shoreline Community College Automotive Center in Seattle with what appears to be the back half of a 2011 Ford Explorer in tow?

It's not really possible to know exactly what it is that we're gazing at in the video pasted after the break, but it sure does appear to match what we're expecting to see from the first unit-construction Explorer from the Blue Oval Boys. Nowhere else is that more evident than with the sloping C-pillar, which looks like a dead ringer for the one we saw blowing in the wind on a car hauler back in March.

No matter what it is that we're seeing in this video, the rear seatbelt airbag technology on display is definitely coming to a dealership near you, first on the – you guessed it – 2011 Ford Explorer. Enough talking already... check out the video for yourself after the break.

SOURCE [AutoBlog]

Residual Value Report: Ford cars make big jump

2010-06-08T15:56:00.002-04:00

Here is a little tidbit we thought was worth sharing. It seems that Ford has seen it's residual valve take a nice jump in the past five years. Now this isn't something new to this DC area Ford Dealer. We have known all along how well this brand retains it's value. Just ask our Used Car manager he has seen trade in value skyrocket in the past few years.

The Automotive Lease Guide has just released its annual report of residual values. Thanks to slimmed production and lower incentives, both Ford and Chevrolet saw jumps of 11 and 7.5 percentage points, respectively, compared to five years ago, and a number of other manufacturers saw the worth of their products climb as well. Ford's passenger cars managed to rank second in the highest improvement since 2005 with a residual value of 48.8 percent. Both Ford and Chevrolet trucks are counted separately in the survey because of their disproportionately high residual value.

Both Suzuki and Hyundai found themselves on the top five list of improved residual value with 12.6 and 9.1 respective percentage point jumps over 2005 – healthy numbers. But for as much as those brands have improved over the last half decade, others, like Porsche, Volvo and BMW have seen their numbers fall.

Porsche has taken the biggest hit, with the company's residual value falling to 44.4 percent – an 8.2 percentage point drop since 2005.

SOURCE [AutoBlog]

2011 Shelby Mustang GT500 Can you say Oh My God!

2010-05-27T12:34:00.001-04:00

2011 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 is so good we don't even want to associate the word "Mustang" with it anymore. Not that there's anything wrong with the Mustang – particularly the revised 2011 model. But as a sports car, the word "Mustang" conjures images of something much less than refined. If a Porsche is a scalpel, a 'roided up 'Stang is the Jaws of Life: it'll get the job done, but it ain't gonna be pretty.

However, if a Mustang is a mauling maw, the Shelby GT500 is a defibrillator. Perhaps not pinpoint precise, but it hides a sting, a little bit of burn and you can put it right where you want. And once you're there, you can use it to deliver a glorious shock to the system. Follow the jump to find out why.

Indulge us for a moment while we play with the superficial numbers. If you chart the gap between the most basic version of a sports car and the most hallowed version, the ground the Shelby GT500 covers – and the way it covers it – is nothing short of phenomenal. Start with a base 2011 Mustang V6. By the time you get to the 2011 GT500 you've added 245 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. And in the process you've dropped the 0-to-60 time by 1.1 seconds.

Now let's compare that to some Olympians of sportscar-dom: Chevrolet Corvette (base coupe to ZR1),Porsche (Carrera to GT2 RS), BMW (328i Coupe to M3), and we'll throw Mercedes (C-Class to C63 AMG) in for good measure. The Shelby's 245 horsepower beats them all except for the GT2 RS, which is a 275-hp leap over the base 911. If you go with the 911 Turbo instead of the limited-edition GT2 RS, the Shelby beats that, too: there's only a 185-hp jump from the Carrera to the Turbo. And the Shelby's 230 lb-ft increase beats all of them.

Zero-to-sixty times present a more dispersed picture. The M3 is 1.5 seconds better to 60 miles per hour than the 328i Coupe, but it and the C63 AMG remain slower than the GT500. That's to be expected – you need a big gun to take down 550 hp. The GT2 RS and the ZR1 both get to 60 in 3.4 seconds (the Turbo PDK in 3.1), gains of 1.3 and 0.8 seconds over their respective base versions.

"Aha!" you say – but wait! It's time for the first bit of magic. The price differential between the base, $49,880 Corvette and bombastic, $109,130 ZR1 is $59,250. The difference between the $77,800 Carrera and $245,000 GT2 RS is $167,200. The M3 and C63 AMG each best their melba-toast-and-butter counterparts by around $23,000, a much more palatable difference. But a base Mustang V6 is $22,945, and you'll only need $26,550 to quantum-leap your way to the $49,495 Shelby GT500. And that price includes the $850 destination charge.

Less than $50K for a four-seat coupe with 550 hp and 510 lb-ft that's as quick as a Corvette and quicker than a 911. If you maxed out the options list, which would mean selecting the SVT Performance Package ($3,495), Electronics Package ($2,340), glass roof ($1,995) and Shaker 1000 audio ($1,295) – the stripe-delete is a no-cost option – you're at $58,620. And you're still about $2,000 away from getting close enough to breathe on an M3. And we won't bring the $170,000 M3 GTS into this because it would still lose out to the GT500. Everywhere.

For everyone struck apoplectic by that last comment and screaming at the screen, "But the M3 GTS wouldwaste the GT500 on the track!" Remember, we're just discussing the superficial numbers at the moment, but we hear you, and we're getting to that.

So at this point in our defibrillator process, it's time to rub the paddles together and shout, "CLEAR!"

We know a big engine at a big value is nothing new here – it's one of our American things, and why the Corvette is the only runner left in this race when price enters this discussion. Today, though, we're going to talk about handling. "But this is an article about a Mustang, another big American V8," you reply. "Why are we discussing handling?"

Please, allow us another metaphor: with the GT500, it appears as is as if "Mustang" and "Handling" appear to have finally moved beyond their measurable antagonism and gone to relationship counseling. Handling complained, "Mustang, you weigh too much!" So Mustang lost weight. Mustang said, "Handling, I'm fine with what I've got, I don't need any more of you." And so Handling crossed her arms and didn't say a word. When it got to be too much, Mustang said, "I'm sorry, I take it back, I need you, I'll do anything... except get rid of my best friend Live Rear Axle. He was here before you." And Handling said, "That's better. First of all..."

And that is where we get to the improvements wrought upon the 2011 GT500, done so in the way of the best sports cars: not one big change, but a bunch of small yet very important changes.

The aluminum block for the 5.4-liter V8 and the 102-pound reduction from the front end have got all the play, but it wasn't just the switch to aluminum that did it. An evolution of the Ford GT block, it was co-developed with 102-year-old German firm Honsel, specialists in lightweight metallurgy. The casting employs a bulkhead chilled process that increases block stiffness. Bore cylindricity was improved for tighter tolerances. The cylinders don't have steel liners – they're coated using a Plasma Transfer Wire Arc process. It's a practice common to aerospace but was previously prohibitively expensive for automotive use. The short of it is a 35,000-degree plasma jet melts a 150-micron-thick steel coating onto the interiors of the cylinder. The coated cylinders produce less friction without steel liners, and cooling is improved since the liners aren't there to heat insulators for the chambers. Going without liners saved 8.5 pounds, and the Blue Oval says the engine performs better than the Ford GT.

There are forged aluminum pistons and forged steel connecting rods and crank, with six-bolt billet main-bearing caps. The wet-sump lump uses an integrated oil pan gasket and windage tray, and larger cast-in drainbacks minimize aeration. Electronic Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) with solid bushings replaces the 2010's hydraulic setup, and even with the Z-brace to it firm up, steering is another weight-saver. The new, 2.75-inch exhaust creates 38 percent less back-pressure. That exhaust is also louder. Know what else? The engine returns a 15/23 EPA rating, and avoids the gas guzzler tax. Boo-yeah.

But wait, there's more. A larger, twin-row intercooler is 40 percent better than the single-row intercooler on the 2010. A new undertray that runs to the front axle makes the car more aerodynamic. The coupe rides 11 millimeters lower up front and 8 mm lower in back, while front brake cooling has been bettered with redesigned venting. Upgrade to the Performance Package and a 3.73 rear end is swapped out for the 3:55, firmer suspension with increased spring rates, damping and roll stiffness, a Gurney flap on the rear spoiler, that white gear shift knob and the so-far-unloved thin Shelby stripes.

And then there's the rubber on the Performance Package cars: Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar Gen-2 tires. SVT worked with Goodyear to create them, coming up with a unidirectional, corner-specific tire that wraps forged aluminum wheels that are 19 inches in front, 20 inches in back. The multi-radius tires have a center groove with an aggressive, big-block pattern outside and water-channeling grooves inboard. SVT engineers said that although they're about as close as you can get to a race tire, in their tread testing, they managed about 15,000 miles before hitting the first tread-depth wear marker. And for now, they are only available on the '11 GT500. The wheels save 15 pounds altogether compared to the 2010 model, and the whole car weighs 3,820 pounds.

So, without further ado, let's talk handling.

We said that the Mustang appears to have sorted out its issues with handling, and we used the word "appears" because our civilian drive route covered the back-country of North Carolina that suited the car. The car is stiffer everywhere and feels it – the 2010 GT500 is almost plush by comparison – but it is a supple stiffness that remains comfortable. Hit a hard bump and you'll know it, but thank all the saints that the 2011 doesn't jump around like last year's model.

The Roush 427R remains our standard for a properly tamed Mustang rear end, with the 700-hp Shelby Super Snake right behind it. The 2010 GT500, though, was positively frightening when we drove it on the bombed-out tarmac of the Northern California Pacific Coast Highway. The indigestion it suffered while trying to swallow its cratered surface practically bounced the Shelby into the oncoming lane often enough for us to get off the gas and pretend we were driving home from church. The 2011 GT500 ran over everything and did it well enough that we didn't even think about it – a certified triumph over its near ancestor, though it wasn't as dramatically challenged in Carolina.

On almost all surfaces, the Goodyears were fine – exhaust noise ruled the day and wind noise was hushed. Get on just the right kind of bad road, however, and the tires roared something fierce, the vibration seemingly made worse by resonance in the cabin. But it only happened once, and you have to find that road to make it happen.

We'd like to get the 2011 GT500 on some L.A. roads to see if the same suspension issues arise as were suffered during Drew Phillips' 2010 GT500 review. Until then, we're happy to give the 2011 a 'Drastically Improved' on its report card.

The test the SVT team really wanted the car to pass would happen at Virginia International Raceway. Unlike past events, there was no drag racing course and no figure-eights – just the 3.27-mile full course with 23 turns including hairpins, esses, incline and camber changes and tricky concrete curbing. What we found after nearly 10 laps in the 2010 and 2011 cars was that the 2011 GT500 is massively better in every way than the 2010 – with the exception of three areas.

The clutch was great, especially for a car with 550 horsepower, but the short-throw mechanism has such latitude that we constantly felt we were in sixth when we were only in fourth. We also found it notchy and occasionally hard to get into gear. Unless there was an orderly, deliberate progression through the gears, we spent more time searching for cogs, third most of all, than we would have wished – something we found to be an issue during our recent Sports Car Comparo.

Steering and braking were the other two areas in which the 2010 wasn't markedly superior. The brakes on the 2010 GT500 were awesome, and the units being carried over whole are no less awesome on the 2011. We slammed on them to drop from 120 mph down to 40 for a chicane set up on the back straight of VIR, and each time there was nothing but linear deceleration and the imprint of a five-point harness on our shirt to show for it. No dancing, no wiggling, no surprises. Just stopping. (The 2011 GT500 comes to rest from 60 mph in just 107 feet, a seven percent improvement over the previous year.)

The electrically assisted steering was as responsive and precise as the hydraulically assisted unit in the 2010 GT500. That can be seen as a triumph, as the software finesse necessary to maintain feedback could have easily sent the SVT team over a cliff. It did not. Would we have complained about the steering being a little quicker, or loading up even more as lock was applied instead of feeling like it plateaued? No. Nevertheless, it feels just like the tiller on the 2010 and we never wondered where we were putting the wheels or what they were doing.

But on the go, the 2011 GT500 whips the 2010. Again, it's tempting to put it down to the 100 fewer pounds up front, and while that's certainly helped, all of the changes have reworked the entire attitude of the car. Braking hard for a turn is, of course, where you would most notice the 2010's heavy nose, sending your concentration up front to deal with understeer as the car hunkers down and you start calculating the angles and physics to get an anvil around a hairpin. After the apex, the 2010 has 540 hp that you can't exploit until you get the nose to stop pushing on for the grassy verge. Even on the straights, the car squirms under power, not only due to the horses underfoot, but because the rest of the car is trying to balance itself around the cast iron lump and the Cirque de Soleil act takes some time to nail down. Run through high-speed esses and its pendulum time. Crest a rise and you need to wait a noticeable moment for the coupe to settle down again.

Don't get us wrong: the 2010 GT500 is a very, very good car. We asked "Where do we sign?" when we drove it, and we stand by that. We're only talking about it like this because the 2011 is that much better. The 2011 jumps off the line and pushes you even harder into the seat as you shift into second and third. It also does so for longer: with a better intercooler you hold onto max power longer. Whereas the 2010 had been run a while and began to lose a percent or two because of the heat and resultant decrease in air density for the supercharger, the 2011 wouldn't quit. Braking hard into a turn and the 2011's lighter weight up front, better balance, firmer and more supple suspension and Supercar F1 Gen-2 tires take your mind off of math and let you just focus on hitting the apex. The car remains settled throughout turns, meaning you can dial in additional power sooner and stay on the track. We ran through the flat esses faster. We ran through the uphill esses faster and all without the 2010's four-step of "crest, float, settle, power." After the tight hairpin at Oak Tree, we could get on the gas so much more quickly that we added 10 mph before having to brake for the chicane set up halfway down the straight, getting up to almost 130 mph instead of 120. Through the twisting downhill section at the back of the course, by the time we got the tires to start groaning, we were pushing ourselves hard enough to simultaneously hope that we weren't about to do something to make the tire wall groan.

None of those things are down to one change on the 2011 GT500. This is not about an aluminum block or more horsepower or a new suspension or new tires. Likewise, this is not about getting on the power earlier or less understeer or more grip. This is about enough little improvements everywhere that have created a vehicle that is more confident, more balanced and more capable – and so it can be driven faster and harder and better – everywhere.

No, it isn't as nice to sit in as an M3. Inside, the Shelby is a Mustang. Would it beat an M3 around VIR? We'd have to think about it, and figure it would all come down to cornering speeds and drivers. But take a base GT500 and add $11,000 of "MOAR!" to it so you've matched the price of an entry-level M3, and we'd know where we'd put our money...

That brings up one final note: Some will say, "Take a $32,845 Mustang GT Premium and add $17,000, and you can beat the Shelby." This we will again counter with what we now call The Raptor Argument: your GT-plus-mods doesn't come with all-as-one-piece OEM engineering, testing and durability. Nor an OEM warranty. Could you beat the Shelby? Probably. Could you build something comprehensively better than the Shelby? We won't say you couldn't – but we'd like to see you do it.

Welcome to the 2011 Shelby GT500. At this point in our defibrillator process, we're standing back and looking at the sizzle marks on our chest, letting the high-voltage buzz wear off. And we'll admit, the 2011 Shelby GT500 might not save lives, but it can sure as hell make them better.
SOURCE [AutoBlog]

Bringing jobs back to the US

2010-05-27T11:42:00.000-04:00

Two Ford Motor Co. factories near Detroit will see 170 additional blue-collar jobs in the next two years as the automaker brings battery pack and gas-electric hybrid transmission assembly to the United States.

Ford said Monday it will invest $135 million by 2012 at factories in Ypsilanti Township and Sterling Heights, Mich., to design, engineer and produce components for its next generation of hybrids and fully electric vehicles. About half the investment comes from a federal grant.

The Ypsilanti factory, which now makes auto parts, will get $10 million of investment to build battery packs, creating about 40 new jobs. The packs are now assembled by Delphi Corp. in Mexico. Ford will get its advanced lithium-ion battery cells from a parts supplier that it would not identify.

The Sterling Heights transmission factory will get a $125 million investment and 130 new jobs to build the continuously variable hybrid transmissions now built in Japan.

Currently a supplier makes complex hybrid transmissions for Ford in Japan, the company said.

Ford also said that future development of electric and hybrid vehicles will be centered in the Detroit area, and it also will add 50 engineers to help do the work.

For the full article click here.

To keep up to date on Waldorf Ford news and to receive special monthly offers, sign up for our monthly newsletter.

Jay Leno's garage

2010-05-25T12:59:00.000-04:00

Some pretty cool video of the 2011 Mustang GT with Jay Leno

Want one in your garage? Come see us at Waldorf Ford!

Update on the F150 SVT Raptor

2010-05-24T16:21:00.000-04:00

Well, you asked and Ford has delivered and will keep on delivering. You can now get a F150 SVT Raptor with the new 6.2L V8 engine...talk about horsepower! And in 2011 you will be able to get a crewcab!

My only wish is that someone from Waldorf Ford could have been with these guys in Michigan when they were mudding. Now that would have been fun.

Check it out...http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2010/05/second-drive-2010-ford-f150-svt-raptor-62.html

Ford kicks off Fiesta marketing campaign, "It's a pretty big deal"

2010-05-18T13:26:00.004-04:00

2011 Ford Fiesta – Click above for high-res image gallery

Actually, the Ford Fiesta marketing campaign started well over a year ago with the Fiesta Movement social media effort. The primary advertising campaign is now moving into the more traditional print and broadcast areas as well as a new phase of the "Movement." The first 60-second TV ad will air Tuesday night during American Idol and then spread to movie theaters to lead in the big summer blockbusters.

The more interesting aspect of the campaign will be the online webisodes that feature Fiesta Movement agents in short films. What's not to like about zombies and key fobs to advertise a hip new car? Another webisode may be a play on last year's Fiesta vs. Corvette comparison on Top Gear with the little Ford facing off against a Lamborghini this time.

The tag-line of the campaign will be "It's a pretty big deal" referring to all of the features and equipment that are either standard or available in the Fiesta including the seven airbags, push-button start, heated leather seats, SYNC and especially the 40 mpg highway fuel economy. Ford is heavily promoting this as a premium small car rather than just a cheap, small car. One of the print ads features a comparison of the air bag count as compared to the BMW 3 series.

In spite of that premium feel, Ford is still promoting value although not necessarily the way they have in the past with a low-ball entry level price. Instead, the hatchback Fiesta, which starts at just over $15,700, is being pitched against the Honda Fit Sport.

With down-sizers, urban dwellers and younger buyers being the primary target market a big part of the campaign will also involve ad buys on urban and adult contemporary radio stations as cable channels like BET.

Since we have been blogging and posting on Facebook about it for awhile we would agree that it is a pretty big deal. We even had a party to honor the 2011 Ford Fiesta in it's honor

SOURCE [AutoBlog]

The Ford Fiesta Will Dominate The Small Car Segment

2010-05-18T13:10:00.002-04:00

Everyone talks about how the Ford Fiesta will do against other compact cars. But now that it's been EPA-certified at 29MPG city, 40MPG highway, we're thinking it can take on bigger cars — and kick their butts.
We've run the numbers on the Ford's newest entry to the compact car segment — the Fiesta — and put together the following chart comparing it to the top four highest-selling small cars (one size larger than the compact segment) in the U.S. marketplace. We think it explains very well why we think the Fiesta's going to sell as well as we claim.

One note: Despite our undying love of manual transmissions, we have to face up to the market demand here, so for this comparison we've specified each car with its most miserly engine and automatic transmission, otherwise the cars are as basic as possible. Surprisingly, this favors the Fiesta as its new twin-clutch automatic transmission performs better in fuel economy tests than its manual counterpart.

There are certainly many factors not considered here including interior space, styling inside and out, buyer loyalty and all the vagaries which make the small car segment such vicious competition. Still, the Fiesta surprised us enough when we drove it to force us to wonder if due to the more lackadaisical efforts from GM, Honda and Toyota, they might be surprised to find the subcompact Fiesta eating their lunch.

SOURCE [Jalopnik]

2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty Motor Trend review

2010-05-10T10:36:00.000-04:00

We didn't want you to think that we had forgotten about the much anticipated 2011 Super Duty. We have several in stock - both the 6.2L gas engine as well as the 6.7L turbo diesel. Come to Waldorf Ford and take a test drive and judge for yourself!

Ford Fusion Hybrid pays off quickest

2010-04-30T08:36:00.000-04:00

2010 Ford Fusion – Click above for to enlarge

For about the first 110 years of the automobile, the gold standard of eco-thriftiness was a car's miles-per-gallon rating. With the rise of hybrids, plug-ins, biofuels and the like, cost-per-mile might be the better measurement of road-going value. The idea is simple: if a car is powered by a Mr. Fusion or Dilithium crystals or the laughter of children and only costs $.01 per mile to operate but it carries a sticker price of $500,000, its efficiency is never going to balance out its initial cost.

Well, the San Francisco Chronicle has compiled a list of seven popular hybrids along with estimates of how long it would take for each car to pay for its higher cost compared to non-hybrid models in gasoline savings. The winner by a long shot is the Ford Fusion Hybrid at a mere 5.6 years. Which car fared worst? The Nissan Altima Hybrid at a whopping 21 years. We have to wonder, 21 years from now, will they still be making batteries for a 2010 Altima Hybrid?

In short, if you're going by gas savings alone, hybrids don't really pay in the short term. Then again, if gasoline taxes shoot up or peak oil really is right around the corner, the cost per mile of these vehicles could very quickly tip in their favor. Read the full article here.

SOURCE [AutoBlog]

Something to get you excited

2010-04-27T15:24:00.000-04:00

We found this video online and thought it would be a great thing to get you excited about the 2011 Ford Fiesta!

2011 Ford Fiesta North American Debut from TangentVector on Vimeo.

Don't forget that we will be having a Fiesta on Cinco de Mayo to introduce the 2011 Fiesta. We will have a car on hand for you to sit in and check out. There will also be a Ford representative on hand to answer any questions you may have. Come visit us...Waldorf Ford, Route 301N, Waldorf

FORD CUSTOMERS BENEFIT FROM HIGHER RESALE VALUES, FEWER WARRANTY REPAIRS

2010-04-19T10:24:00.000-04:00

The good news from Ford just keeps coming and your local Ford dealer, Waldorf Ford, couldn't be happier. We have just received our first 2011 Ford Superduty - and delivered it to its new owner; 2011 Mustang, 2011 Fiesta and 2011 Edge will all be arriving over the next few months!

The resale value of newer Ford Motor Company vehicles rose 23 percent in the past year alone, the result of stronger demand for Ford's new vehicle lineup and improved quality and durability ratings.

At the same time, warranty repair rates on Ford vehicles have declined by an average of more than 40 percent globally in the past three years.

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles with one to five years on the road are fetching significantly higher resale values at auction in the first quarter of this year compared to the first quarter a year ago. Overall, the resale value of Ford's three brands at auction rose 23 percent from a year ago to outpace the industry, which saw resale values increase by 19 percent, according to the latest National Automobile Dealers Association auction data.

Rising resale values means more money in customers' pockets when it is time to sell or trade in for a new vehicle. Combine these savings with lower repair and maintenance costs and better fuel economy, and the cost to own a Ford product drops dramatically over the life of the vehicle.

Ford performance in third-party consumer quality rankings has been steadily improving for the past several years. Years of a consistent and disciplined focus on quality is paying off, including a marked decline in warranty repair rates.

Ford has reduced its warranty repair rates on vehicles in their first three months of service by an average of more than 40 percent in every major business region around the world in the past three years.

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles' initial quality in the U.S. has improved for five straight years. Ford vehicles now have the fewest number of defects of any full-line manufacturer, according to the GQRS study conducted by RDA Group.

For Ford customers, this means fewer trips to the dealership for repairs. This also means savings for Ford as the company has reduced its warranty repair costs by $1 billion in the past three years.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Speeding Tickets: 65 issued per minute and other fun facts

2010-04-13T08:08:00.002-04:00

It’s every driver’s nightmare: flashing blue and red lights in your rear-view mirror. Speeding tickets can strike a blow to anyone’s day. While you pull away from the office with the ticket in your hand, you wonder “Is going ten or fifteen miles an hour over the speed limit that big a deal?” Or “How much is my insurance going to go up now?” Here is some information that answer such questions that will surely cross your mind.

[Via: Auto Insurance]

Turn off those PC's at night.

2010-03-30T09:58:00.002-04:00

When a corporation as large as Ford decides to do something as simple as shutting down its computers at night, the savings can be astronomical. In the case of Ford, powering down computers can save the company $1.2 million each year.

The new program, called PC Power Management, utilizes energy saving settings provided by Microsoft Windows. The energy settings will be used on company laptops and desktops to reduce energy waste. A managed shutdown will occur each night and during the weekend period. Additionally, computers will be awake to receive updates during pre-selected non-business hours, freeing up time previously used for updates throughout the working day.

According to Ford, an estimated 60 percent of the company's computer remained on after business hours resulting in wasted energy. The new managed shutdown will eliminate waste to the tune of over a million dollars in savings for the company and reduce its carbon footprint by an estimated 16,000-25,000 metric tons per year.

We at your favorite Maryland Ford Dealer, Waldorf Ford think that any effort expended to save some dinosaurs is a good thing. Way to go Ford!

Source [Autoblog]

2011 Fiesta video - Car and Driver

2010-03-19T11:10:00.000-04:00

We thought that we would share a video of the 2011 Fiesta, since we are taking orders and expect them in the showroom starting in June. Want more information, come to Waldorf Ford and we will be glad to help.

Fact vs Fiction - car maintenance revealed

2010-03-16T08:48:00.000-04:00

With spring right around the corner and many folks getting ready for summer road trips, Waldorf Ford thought the timing was great to share this information just released by Ford.

Ford decided to debunk a few of the most popular maintenance myths, including the following:

MYTH: Cars need oil changes every three months or 3,000 miles.
False: That used to be true, but not with newer cars. Because of synthetic oils that don’t break down as quickly, consumers actually don’t need oil changes as often – more like every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. (There may be two recommendations for oil-change intervals: one for normal driving and one for hard use. Check your maintenance guide to be sure.)
SAVE: Either way, there’s a considerable savings here: Let’s say you’re an average consumer who drives 12,000 miles a year, which means you would need about four oil changes a year under the old formula. With the new extended mileage, consumers need only about two oil changes a year, cutting their bill for oil changes in half – you could pocket upward of $50 a year or $650 in the lifetime of your car and do something to help the environment by saving oil.

MYTH: You need to let your vehicle engine warm up in cold weather.
False: Your vehicle’s engine only needs a warm-up period of about 10 seconds – you’re actually the only one who may feel chilly. The engine warms up while you drive. Running your car any longer beforehand is just a waste of gas.
SAVE: Depending on engine size, temperature and other variables, modern cars can use about a third of a gallon of gas per hour while idling. By giving up that 10-minute idle every weekday morning, you could save more than a gallon a month – $32 a year or $416 over the life of the vehicle.

MYTH: Premium gas is a treat for your car.
False: Unless your vehicle is specifically tailored to take advantage of the higher octane level in the fuel, you’re wasting your money. Go by what is recommended in your owner’s manual and leave it at that.
SAVE: At current gas prices, drivers may save up to $150 a year by opting for unleaded gas instead of premium.

MYTH: The number listed on the sidewall of your tire is the recommended tire pressure. False: In most cases, this is actually the maximum pressure allowed for that tire. The recommended amount of pressure is usually listed on the inside door panel – check your owner’s manual to be sure.
SAVE: The government estimates that the average driver’s tires are underinflated by 26 percent. Generally, underinflated treads lower gas mileage about a half percent for each pound lacking when the pressure of all four tires is added up. An average driver with underinflated tires could add $79 a year to his or her fuel bill – or more than $1,027 in the lifetime of the vehicle. You could also save nearly half a barrel of crude oil per year by keeping your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level. Per the EPA, one barrel of crude oil equals 42 gallons of gasoline.

MYTH: Buy gas in the morning and you’ll save money.
False: The old adage was to fill up in the morning when gas was coolest and most dense because gas is sold by volume and you would get more gas for your buck.

But gas is sold in underground, nonmetallic tanks that typically hold about 10,000 gallons, and it will take a lot of sunlight to raise the temperature even a degree. (However, pumping your gas when it’s cooler does mean less release of vapors, which is better for the environment.)

SAVE: Do your research before buying. Ford’s SIRIUS Travel Link™ sorts gas stations by price on the navigation screen, but Web sites like MSNAutos.com can also help drivers navigate to bargains. In our quick research, we found two gas stations in New York City – less than a mile apart – with 30 cents per gallon price difference. If you know before you go and fill up for less every time, it could result in $227 in your pocket annually, or $2,951 saved over the lifetime of your car.

All totaled, by implementing small changes, drivers could save up to $538 a year or $6,610 in the lifetime of their vehicle. In today’s economy, every penny counts. That’s why it’s important to get the facts.

Source: Ford

Entertainment for today

2010-03-10T10:44:00.000-05:00

Well, we thought today would be a good day for some entertainment. Here is the latest video from Blake Sheldon and Trace Adkins. What does this have to do with Ford....well, they do mention F150! Enjoy!

And when you are ready to get a Ford, just stop by and see us at Waldorf Ford, located right on Rt 301 in Waldorf.

2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty Introduction

2010-03-09T10:10:00.000-05:00

You don't have to skip to the end of this review to find out our opinion of Ford's 2011 F-Series Super Duty pickups. At this moment, there's no doubt that Ford has once again raised the bar to new levels of performance and productivity for heavy-duty pickups. The Super Duty continues to be the standard against which its competition will be measured. Read on and find out why.

HD pickups are the workhorses of the truck world, and like pack animals that farmers used to depend on to deliver their crops to market, when a work truck is out of service it causes more than aggravation — it can cost hard dollars and time. And these trucks are worked hard. Ford says 97 percent of Super Dutys are used for towing, according to Super Duty Marketing Manager Brian Rathsburg.

A $50,000-plus price tag isn’t uncommon today, so two of the most important considerations a buyer might think about before committing their hard-earned cash are: Will this truck be able to perform the jobs that I need it to do, and do I feel confident that it will complete them successfully?

Ford is answering those questions by making many improvements to the Super Duty just three years after its last major update, but its most significant changes include two new gasoline and diesel engines and a new six-speed automatic transmission that's used for both versions. The ZF six-speed manual transmission has been dropped from the lineup. Both engines have been engineered from scratch. The standard 2-valve 6.2-liter V-8 gas engine develops 385 horsepower (at 5,500 rpm) and 405 pounds-feet of torque (at 4,500 rpm), up from the old 5.4-liter gas V-8's 300 hp and 365 pounds-feet. But it's the 4-valve 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 diesel engine that's the darling of the powertrain lineup. It pumps 390 hp (at 2,800 rpm) and a staggering 735 pounds-feet (at 1,600 rpm). Roughly 60 percent of Super Duty pickups are ordered with diesel engines.

Want to read more? Click here for the full article

AND Don't forget - come to Waldorf Ford on Thursday March 11th at 5pm for your very own Sneak Peek at the 2011 Ford Super Duty. We will have one on display and a specialist on hand to answer your questions. Food, Fun and doorprizes, including $10,000 in Ford Custom Accessories!

Source: Pickuptrucks.com

Need a wash?

2010-03-08T10:47:00.001-05:00

Luckily, no one on the overpass appears to be driving a convertible

Since winter was a little rough and we are sure your car is way dirty we thought you might want to get it washed. Here is a fun way to get it acomplished, although you have to go to Argentina.

What happens when you combine a flooded underpass, a traffic-jammed overpass, and a passenger train in Buenos Aires, Argentina? You get a real-life Six Flags water attraction. Those people standing near the train tracks? They need towels. Hope everyone up on the road above had their windows closed.

[Source: YouTube]

Ford Posts 43% Sales Gain for February.

2010-03-03T16:19:00.000-05:00

I am sure you know how proud we are of Ford here at your favorite Maryland Ford Dealer, Waldorf Ford since we couldn't help but to brag a little back in January about how Ford had a 33% sales gain in 2009. Well we couldn't keep our little fingers away from the keyboard about this latest bit-o-news.

February's automotive sales numbers are slowly rolling in, and we're already seeing that Toyota's recall crisis has severely hurt the company's overall sales. On the other hand, its loss has proved to be a real gain for other automakers, especially Ford Motor Company, sales of which topped not only Toyota's in February, but General Motors' as well.

Both Ford and GM posted healthy increases last month – the Blue Oval folks up by 43 percent and GM up by 12. Toyota, by contrast, was down 9 percent versus February 2009. Keep in mind, not only were new car buyers eager to stay away from Toyota lots, but the automaker was required to stop selling many of its most popular models for a short period of time last month. Camry sales, for example, dropped 20 percent versus last year's numbers.

Ford may be wearing the crown of America's best selling automaker for February 2010, but it's important to note that it only sold 334 more vehicles than GM. We'll see if Ford can hold on to this trend, especially since new products like the 2011 Fiesta will be hitting showrooms in the not-too-distant future and GM has still yet to permanently shed its four non-core brands.

[SOURCE AutoBlog]

2011 Mustang is H O T HOT!

2010-02-26T14:16:00.002-05:00

2011 Ford Mustang GT – Click above for high-res image gallery

This comes as no surprise to those of us at your favorite Washington DC Ford Dealer Waldorf Ford because we know how sweet the new 2011 Ford Mustang is. We have read all the specs and drooled over the pictures like a bunch of 2 year olds waiting for some candy. We are super stoked that the 2011 Mustangs will be hitting this Southern Maryland Ford Dealers lot in May and can't wait to take a spin.

2009 was not a banner sales year for the Ford Mustang. Despite a complete makeover for the 2010 model year, sales of the usually successful pony car topped off at 66,623, an all time low. The Mustang still managed to beat out the Camaro in total sales for the year, but Ford sold fewer Mustangs for each month that the Camaro was actually on showroom floors.

Enter the 2011 Mustang. Apparently, a 305-horsepower V6 that gets 30 mpg and a 5.0-liter V8 putting out 412 horsepower does wonders for sales. Ford is reporting that three times more 2011 Mustangs have been ordered than 2010 models at this same time last year. In total, 11,000 Mustangs have been ordered since January.

Customers have been particularly taken with the V6 model, which makes up half of all the orders, and the California Special has also fared better than expected, tripling Ford's initial sales projections. Ford says that 41-percent of 2011 Mustang orders have been for the GT model, who will surely enjoy rollin'... in their five-point-ohs, and the remaining nine percent have been for GT500s. Hit the jump for the full press release from Ford.

SOURCE [AutoBlog]

Ford Focus: Next-generation Ford Focus RS

2010-02-23T09:05:00.001-05:00

So there are rumors out there that indicate that the hot Ford Focus RS may come to the United States. Available for years in Europe, this little hot rod is a wolf in sheeps clothing. Focus RS goes from 0-62 mph in just 5.9 seconds accomplished by the 305hp powerplant under the hood.

Now we know for now this is just a tease as the rumors may never become reality, but it is nice to dream.

Click here for in depth review of the 2010 Ford Focus RS

Need service? Check out these coupons.

2010-02-22T10:08:00.002-05:00

I thought we would share some great service offers with you. How about a $29.95 Works Fuel Saver Package. Includes Oil and filter change, rotate 4 tires. Check air and cabin filters, Inspect brakes, test battery, check belts and hoses and top off all fluids.

Plus specials on Motorcraft Brake installation, tires, wiper blades and more!

Follow this link for the details FLM Owners

To make your appointment call Waldorf Ford at 301-843-2400 or click here to make your appointment online.

Hold on to your hats!

2010-02-19T16:16:00.000-05:00

This is one of the "hold on to you hats" ride!
Where we can now order the 2011 Mustang, we thought you might enjoy a look at the First Ride. Motor Trend compares the new 3.7L V6 to the V6 in the Camaro and Challenger.

And now onto the real story! The 5.0L IS BACK!! And boy are we excited. Check this out.

Want more information, Waldorf Ford is on Crain Hwy in Waldorf MD, or call us at 800-883-1487.
Hurry - if you order it today you will have your own 2011 Mustang just in time for summer!

2011 Ford Fiesta video

2010-02-17T11:25:00.000-05:00

Well, we thought that we would dig up some video for you of the much talked about 2011 Ford Fiesta. We, at Waldorf Ford, have just started ordering them and expect to see the first ones arrive Late May/Early June.

Contact us at 800-883-1487 for more information.

2011 Ford Edge gets three engine choices, more ambitious Sport model

2010-02-11T10:28:00.001-05:00

As dutiful American consumers, we've been taught to believe that choice is good. To that end, the splintering of the automotive market into different niches (four-door coupes, small panel vans, high-riding hatchbacks, etc.) is a positive development for buyers. But while the range of total models from automakers has been increasing, individual variation within a given model range has seemingly been reigned in, from a drastic reduction in build combinations of light-duty pickups to the availability of engines and ala carte options in everyday vehicles. Standing in direct contrast to this trend, however, is the 2011 Ford Edge crossover.

Whereas the first-generation Edge has lived since 2006 with a 3.5-liter V6 as its sole drivetrain, the 2011 model will offer no fewer than three powertrain choices. For 2011, the 3.5-liter engine will live on as the Edge line's bread-and-butter, but it is being joined by Ford's first production application of a new EcoBoost 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo, as well as the larger 3.7-liter V6 for the popular Edge Sport. In the case of the 3.5-liter, it produces 285 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, while the Sport's larger 3.7 Ti-VCT V6 delivers 305 ponies and 280 torques on 87 octane. Ford is not yet releasing power and economy numbers on the EcoBoost engine, but it promises "class-leading" fuel efficiency, noting that the new powertrain should eclipse the original 2006 Edge by some 30 percent.

Follow the jump to find out what else has changed for the Edge, as well as Ford's official press release.

Source: Autoblog.com

2011 Ford Shelby GT500 finally gets aluminum engine, loses 120 pounds — Autoblog

2010-02-09T07:52:00.000-05:00

You know that the Waldorf Ford blog team trys hard to keep you up to date on the latest Ford news. For you Mustang loyalists, here is a great bit of news...

Ever since Ford introduced the modern Shelby GT500 four years ago, almost no one has complained about the prodigious power levels produced by its supercharged 5.4-liter V8. With as much as 540 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque in the 2010 model, there was no shortage of grunt. No, the issue was an excess of mass.

Before the contemporary GT500 was born, Ford had a blown aluminum block 5.4-liter V8 in the short lived GT supercar. However, when the engineers at Ford's Special Vehicle Team developed the GT500, they opted to mount the GT's cylinder heads on the cast iron block used in the big F-Series pickup trucks. After debuting a visual refresh for the Mustang a year ago, Ford has spent the last two months announcing fresh new powertrains for the base and GT models. That process has now come full circle with SVT rolling out a heart transplant for the Shelby GT500. The 2011 model finally has the aluminum powerplant we all wanted when it debuted, and the effect is absolutely en-lightening.

Read on to find out more.
2011 Ford Shelby GT500 finally gets aluminum engine, loses 120 pounds — Autoblog

Fun Ford Facts

2010-02-05T07:36:00.000-05:00

I thought today with the impending snow storm it would be fun to share some fun Ford facts.

Which revered auto racing champion was tasked with test-driving the model year 1996 Taurus?

Jackie Stewart. As a three-time Formula One champion, Stewart's feedback to Ford on the 1996 Taurus, the controversial oval-themed redesign of the type, provided valuable information to the designers. Taurus would underfo one more major redesign for model year 2000, in which many of those oval elements were softened. The model year 2005 Taurus was the last sold to the general public in the United States. Ford replaced the sedan variant with the Five Hundered and the Fusion, and the station wagon variant with the Freestyle.

Check back tomorrow for another fact!

Source: Funtrivia

WRC comes to Discovery HD Theater! Check out the Ford Fiesta

2010-02-04T11:05:00.001-05:00

2010 Monster World Rally Team Ford Fiesta – Click above for high-res image gallery

Finally! First Ken Block switches to a Ford and now this!

We at your favorite Southern Maryland Ford Dealer, Waldorf Ford, think it is super sweet that we will be able to catch all the great World Rally Championship racing action from our comfy recliner. All in HD! Check out the article we found on Autoblog this morning and when your done with that check out Ken's performance in the Ford Fiesta during some testing in the snow.

Assuming for a moment that you won't be watching any stages live, what could possibly be better than strapping into the living room recliner and watching World Rally Championship coverage here in the United States? How about watching that very same coverage in glorious high definition? You're in luck, as Discovery's HD Theater plans to air the entire 2010 season, the start of which is coming up fast.

The action will begin on Thursday, February 25th at 10 PM Eastern with the Rally Sweden event. Racing will continue on Friday and a follow-up episode will be aired the following Sunday night from 10-11 PM ET. The second race, the Corona Rally Mexico, will follow the same schedule from Thursday, March 18th through Sunday, March 21st.

In case you're wondering, Ken Block will indeed be taking part in the 2010 Rally Sweden behind the wheel of his brand new Ford Focus RS, giving American viewers a hometown hero to pull for. Air dates for the remainder of the 2010 WRC season will be announced later.

SOURCE [Autoblog]

2011 Mustang 3.7L V-6 Ride

2010-02-02T08:34:00.003-05:00

2011 Ford Mustang V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We gound a pretty cool article and video about the the new 3.7L V-6 in the upcoming 2011 Ford Mustang. We at Waldorf Ford are plenty excited to start getting these refined hot rods in our hands. Stop by and see us at Waldorf Ford and ask us about it.

The 2010 Ford Mustang was by all accounts a pretty significant refresh compared to the 2009 model, with a vastly superior interior, better ride and handling and, some would say, improved outward aesthetics. But there was still something missing. The Blue Oval used carry-over powertrains, and in the case of the 210-horsepower V6 model, nothing changed.

For the 2011 model year, Ford is rectifying that mistake two-fold. The 5.0-liter V8 gets a great deal of press for its impressive 412 hp and 390 pound-feet of twist, but many members of the Autoblog team are just as excited to get their hands on the new 305 hp, 280 lb-ft 3.7-liter V6 offering. We'll likely have to wait a bit longer to curb that urge, but the folks over at Motor Trend have already been given a taste.

MT's Arthur St. Antoine was invited to Ford's Arizona proving grounds to spend some seat time behind the wheel in the passenger seat of the updated ponycar, and though he didn't get to drive he liked what he experienced. St. Antoine calls the new V6 mill "plenty strong," adding that the engine is smoother, stronger and sounds better than the outgoing 4.0-liter six ever could. After some gentle strolling around Arizona, St. Antoine meandered back over to the proving grounds for some laps in a Performance Package V6 model with vehicle dynamics engineer (and Top Gun-level driver) Jamie Cullen. From the perspective of the right seat, the 3.7-liter Stang reportedly was able to handle anything thrown its way with flat cornering, strong braking and near constant contact between the tires and the track. Head over to Motor Trend to read the report from the passenger seat.

SOURCE [AutoBlog]

Another Great Ford offer!

2010-01-29T09:50:00.000-05:00

Waldorf Ford and Ford Motor Company are excited to announce an additional $1,000 factory rebate if you are trading in a 1995 or newer Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Scion or Acura car, truck or SUV. Even better is the news that Mustang Shelby GT500 and Escape and Fusion Hybrids are NOT Excluded!

I'm Going to Disney World!

2010-01-28T09:05:00.001-05:00

As per our usual routine we like to start our day reading the various blogs as well as perusing several automotive websites to check out what's happening in the automotive world. We have been loving the postive press about Ford lately and we love to tell everyone we see in Southern Maryland how great Ford's product's are. It was nice to see that the Ford engineers are sharing in our excitement. Take a look at this article we came across, nice to see our tax dollars hard at work.

When we look at Motor Trend magazine's golden calipers, we think of a prestigious trophy awarded each year to the publication's top car and truck of the year. Apparently, the Transportation Security Administration officials at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport see a weapon of mass destruction. Or something.

The proud engineers at Ford have been taking their well-deserved 2010 Ford Fusion Car of the Year award all over town, taking pictures and having a little fun, mimicking what athletes do when they win Lord Stanley's Cup in hockey or the Lombardi Trophy in football. Ford Research & Advanced Engineering employee Tony Phillips went as far as Disney World with the award, but apparently not before coming to the attention of the TSA at Detroit Metro airport. Phillips had rightly brought the sizable trophy onto the plane as a carry-on – after all, who would want to tell Allan Mulally that they lost the trophy at baggage claim?

MT's shiny hardware was eventually let on the plane after "some interesting discussion, and it made its way to Orlando to ride some rides and hang with Mickey. Surprisingly, the Orlando TSA agents were more familiar with Ford's award than were the security agents in the Motor City, and congratulations were given to them on the accomplishment. Just as an FYI for Ford, you can bring by your trophy to Autoblog headquarters any time you wish. We won't even frisk you at the door.

SOURCE [Autoblog]

The New American Road

2010-01-27T07:54:00.000-05:00

This is a must watch for everyone, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury loyalists or loyal to another manufacturer. Its a very well done documentary on the automotive industry.

It is 50 minutes long, just a heads up.

You can see many of the new models here at Waldorf Ford.

ROUSH Reactor Mustang

2010-01-26T09:14:00.001-05:00

You know, all of us at Waldorf FordLOVE a great Mustang. When we found this one, we just had to share pictures with you. This is one that we wish Ford would put into production.

From concept sketch to reality, we bring you the ROUSH Reactor Mustang. We knew this would be a killer car, but honestly it's even better than we thought in person. The olive drab paint color that covers the car's carbon fiber body panels is a nice detour away from the Highlighter Yellow and Orange colors that so many cars are wearing at SEMA this year. The Ringbrothers who built the car removed the drip rails and door handles so that those expanses of colored carbon fiber could be better viewed. The matte six-spoke wheels continue the muted color scheme and the lip on those rear rims is too wide to believe. The engine is Roush's new show-n-go 427 R crate motor that produces 552 horsepower and 535 ft-lbs. of torque, but still looks good enough to win awards under that vented hood. While there are Mustangs in attendance at the SEMA show that have more powerful engines and more sensational modifications (the Obsidian comes to mind), we'd be hard pressed to find one as well done as the Reactor. Good luck to its owner in winning the Good Guys Street Machine of the Year Award.
Follow the jump for more pics of the ROUSH Reactor Mustang.
Source: Autoblog

FORD, UNITED SPACE ALLIANCE SHARE VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERTISE TO BUILD BETTER CARS

2010-01-22T09:39:00.000-05:00

Ford appears to be using any advantage it can, from any industry, to make better cars and make them more quickly. Last month we got word of the motion-capping tech The Blue Oval borrowed from video games and movies. This month the news is that it's putting all of that mo-cap work into its immersive Virtual Evaluation lab (iVE) with the help of United Space Alliance. Alliance is a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin that aids in virtual modeling for space missions.

The benefit for you is that Ford can design safer, more comfortable and more ergonomic car interiors. The benefit for Ford – in addition to happier customers – is that these technologies reduce development time by up to 14 months, which equates to all kinds of savings. Stay tuned next month when Ford announces that all of its engineers have been replaced by Wall E.

We at your favorite Maryland Ford Dealer think anything that will save you money in the end is pretty darn cool. Too bad they didn't get with George Lucas's ILM studios as well, we could imagine our own R2D2 riding shotgun in the new 2011 Ford Fiesta. May the Force be with you!

[Source: Ford]

For Sale 1930 Model A, all Bullet holes repaired!

2010-01-19T08:28:00.000-05:00

Here's a bit of fun info we found while scouring the web. It's your chance to own a piece of history, while we admit that a coupe complete with bullet holes would have been a cool piece of history to own the repaired and restored version might go over easier at the local drive in. Still, we would rather have the holes!

If you saw Michael Mann's Public Enemies, the car above may look familiar. It isn't just the same model that the notorious John Dillinger used to escape The Law in one of the most daring shootouts in American history – it's the actual car. And the same one used in the movie.

After robbing banks across the country, Dillinger and his gang took refuge in the Little Bohemia Lodge in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, on April 22, 1934. When the proprietors alerted law enforcement to their presence, the FBI – led by the legendary Melvin Purvis – arrived on the scene and shot the place up. Dillinger, along with two of his cronies, escaped out the windows into the woods nearby before stumbling upon Robert Johnson driving the Ford Model A coupe you see here. They commandeered the car and the driver along with it, and escaped to Minnesota as Dillinger smashed the rear window and opened fire with his tommy-gun at pursuing law enforcement.

The bullet-ridden car remained in the possession of the Dillinger family for decades until it was carefully and faithfully restored by the producers of Public Enemies for use in the scene depicting the historic chase. Now the coupe will be up for auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Barrett-Jackson.

If you can't snag this sweet piece of history when it goes up for auction on Saturday at Barrett-Jackson come by and see us and we can hook you up with your own piece of Ford history. Maybe an all new 2010 Ford Mustang, just promise us you won't be robbing any banks with it.

Source [AutoBlog]

Report: 2011 Mustang GT to pace Daytona 500

2010-01-18T09:06:00.000-05:00

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) on Jan 18th 2010 at 7:01AM

According to the pony car lovers over at Mustang Heaven, a Ford will pace the Daytona 500 for the first time since the Torino GT convertible did the deed way back in 1970. As you may have surmised, the actual pace car will be a 2011 Ford Mustang GT, equipped with the long-awaited 5.0-liter V8 engine with 412 horsepower. Last year, the honor went to the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS.

As befitting such a car, the Mustang will get a special Daytona Red paint scheme with blue and white LeMans stripes – classic American racing colors. Ford Racing suspension upgrades including a strut tower brace, upgraded mufflers, unique painted wheels and an interior featuring lighted sill plates round out the pace car-specific details.

Want one? Well, that might be a bit tough. Ford plans to build just one example, which will be offered up for auction at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona on Saturday, January 23rd. We don't imagine it will be cheap, and all proceeds above MSRP will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The new owner will see his or her actual car pacing the Daytona 500 on February 14th.

Source: Autoblog, Mustang Heaven

Ford Work Solutions customers saving gas, driving more safely

2010-01-15T12:07:00.001-05:00

If you knew that Big Brother someone who controls your paycheck was watching how you were treating his or her company-owned vehicle, would that knowledge alter the way you drive it? That exact functionality is available with the Crew Chief application of the Ford Work Solutions package, and initial reports are showing that employees driving Ford F-Series trucks equipped with the technology are using less fuel and driving more safely.

According to Bill Frykman, Ford Work Solutions product and business development manager, "We've seen fuel economy gains of upwards of 20 percent through the modification of driver behavior. There's decreased top speed, less engine idle time and more efficient operation of the vehicle." As any fleet manager will tell you, a 20 percent savings in fuel costs is huge – and all through simple behavioral modification, not costly changes in a vehicle's running gear.

Interestingly, Frykman also suggests that Ford Work Solutions could someday merge with the Blue Oval's well-regarded Sync system, creating a package that's suitable for both commercial and private use depending on the suite of applications the owner chooses to download and install.

For more info, including which models have this feature available, stop by your Maryland Ford Dealer, Waldorf Ford and take a look at our extensive Ford F-Series lineup. Call (301) 843-2400 or stop by our store on 301 in Waldorf Maryland.


[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Funny Ford commercial

2010-01-14T10:47:00.001-05:00

I thought that today I would share something funny with you. The vehicle featured is a Ford Ranger that is built for markets outside of the US. Enjoy.

2011 Ford Focus Reveal

2010-01-13T09:02:00.000-05:00

Next-gen Ford Focus live unveiling – Click above for high-res image gallery

It's taken far too long, but an all-new Ford Focus has arrived and we've just seen it in the metal here at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Complete with a new platform, new engine, some shapely sheetmetal and a host of tech, this new Focus that we'll finally be sharing with Europe and the rest of the world promises to set a new bar for the small car C-segment.

The Focus will initially be available in the U.S. in both four- and five-door hatchback body styles, with a three-door hatch and coupe likely in the works as well. A new 2.0-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque will be the only engine at launch, but buyers will have a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and Ford's new six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Ford also confirmed during its press conference this morning that a Focus Electric is due to arrive in 2012, with a hybrid version arriving the next year – both of which will be built in Michigan.

For all the details, take a look at Autoblog.com deep dive of the next generation Ford Focus after checking out the shots from the Detroit Auto Show in the gallery above. Take a look at the video of the 2011 Ford Focus live reveal.

2010 F-150 to get a V-6 option

2010-01-13T08:11:00.000-05:00

Ford hasn't offered a V6 option in the F-150 since its best-selling truck was redesigned for the 2009 model year, but a report from our friend Mike Levine over at Pickuptrucks.com says that's about to change. Levine cites sources at the Blue Oval who say the same Ti-VCT 3.7-liter V6 (shown abovet) that will power the 2011 Mustang and Lincoln MKX will also be found under the hood of the F-150 by the end of the year. Levine tells us that the 3.7 will likely only be added to the XL and STX models, though there is a chance that the XLT could also get some fuel-sipping love. A V6 pickup will likely be a big hit with fleet customers as well as buyers who love trucks but don't use them for towing or hauling.

The sources didn't quote power numbers, but since the Lincoln MKX version will reportedly produce the same 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque as the one used in the Mustang, there is a good chance that Ford will simply copy and paste the same mill under the hood of the smallest F-Series. If the 3.7 does find its way into the F-150, we'll be very interested to see the official EPA fuel economy numbers. We can't see a 23 or 24 miles per gallon full size pickup with up to 305 hp being a bad thing. Make sure to check with your Southern Maryland Ford Dealer for exact specs and availability.

SOURCE [AutoBlog]

2011 California Special Mustang at Detriot Auto Show

2010-01-13T07:47:00.000-05:00

We at Waldorf Ford spent a lot of our time reading some of the coverage from the 2010 Detriot Auto Show. Lets be honest, we all want to see whats going to be hot in the coming year. We were not surprised to see a lot of coverage of the 2011 Ford Mustang. As one of the top Ford Dealers in Maryland we know how popular the Ford Mustang is in this area and we were not surprised to see such great reviews all over the web. Click on the picture below for some great pictures from our friends at Autoblog.com and make sure to check with us for your very own 2011 Ford Mustang.

Ford is wasting no time in releasing a variation of its 5.0-powered Mustang, starting with the California Special for 2011. The GT/CS was last introduced as a 2007 model and featured a unique appearance and wheel package available only on the premium GT coupe and convertible. Ford hasn't officially released any details on the new GT/CS, but after inspecting the car in person on the show floor of the Detroit Auto Show, it looks like the 2011 model will have similar features.

Up front the GT/CS gets a larger and more aggressive spoiler painted in matte black as well as a horizontal bar grille featuring the pony logo on one side. The rear is enhanced by a new lower fascia with a GT500-style diffuser and a taller decklid spoiler. Finally, GT/CS graphics, a set of side scoops and a set of 10-spoke wheels round out the exterior enhancements. We'll let you know as soon as we hear more details about the car from Ford, including pricing.

SOURCE [AutoBlog]

Shelby GT350 Anniversary

2010-01-12T14:44:00.000-05:00

I just love these videos showing the Mustang in the 60's while the name was developing. Check out this video...

Want to see what the Shelby Mustang looks like in 2010? Stop by Waldorf Ford and have a look!

2010 Detroit Auto Show: 2011 Ford Focus

2010-01-11T14:13:00.000-05:00

We at Waldorf Ford, are so excited about this redesign and direction of the 2012 Ford Focus. Seems others share our enthusiasm.

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), more popularly known as the Detroit Auto Show, is underway at least for the press. Thus, our first major post focuses on (pardon the word play) the all-new, all-different 2011 Ford Focus.

DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2010 – The next-generation Ford Focus makes its worldwide debut providing customers with more affordable technologies and features than ever in this segment, as well as detailed craftsmanship, outstanding fuel economy and a new standard for driving quality.

Sleek, stylish and sporty, both the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles of the next-generation Focus are previewed prior to their production start for Europe and North America late in 2010 and market launch early in 2011.

The new Focus will be nearly identical in all markets, with 80 percent parts commonality around the world.
“The new Ford Focus is a clear demonstration that our ONE Ford strategy is providing global consumers with great products that harness the best of Ford Motor Company,” said Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO.

“The efficiencies generated by our new global C-car platform will enable us to provide Ford Focus customers with an affordable product offering quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology beyond their expectations,” he added.

Simultaneous launch in Europe and North America
Production of the next-generation Ford Focus will begin simultaneously in Europe and North America in late 2010, with individual market launches starting early in 2011. Launches in Asia, Africa and South America will follow. Initial production will be concentrated at the Saarlouis (Germany), Michigan (United States) and Chongqing (China) Assembly Plants.

The new Focus will be one of up to 10 unique models to be built from Ford’s new C-car platform, which is expected to generate total sales in all regions of 2 million units annually by 2012. The first of these will be the new Ford C-MAX and Ford Grand C-MAX – unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show – for launch in Europe in the second half of 2010.

“Global customers increasingly want smaller cars with outstanding fuel economy, but without sacrificing any of the style, technology, connectivity and driving quality they demand from larger vehicles,” explained Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.

“Our next generation of C-cars – led by the exciting new Focus – will clearly show that Ford is ready to meet that challenge,” said Kuzak.

Engineered without compromise
The new Ford Focus has been developed by a global team, led from Ford’s European small and medium vehicle center of excellence in Merkenich, near Cologne, Germany, with powertrain development led by a similar team at Ford’s technical center in Dunton, England. The vehicle has been engineered without compromise to meet all customer and legislative requirements of the major worldwide markets.

In developing the vehicle for global markets, the product team in Europe was able to call on the experience acquired from recent programs like the much-acclaimed new Ford Fiesta, and was supported by the expertise of vehicle and powertrain technology specialists located in Ford’s engineering center in Dearborn, Mich.

Ford’s global development and sourcing strategy made it possible to provide a level of performance and feature content that is unrivaled for this vehicle segment and surprising even to drivers of larger, more premium vehicles.

Taking kinetic design to the next level
The no-compromise approach to the new Ford Focus is immediately evident from the striking exterior design of the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback models that take center stage at the 2010 NAIAS.

“The all-new Focus is at the center of convergence for automotive trends,” said J Mays, Ford group vice president of Design and chief creative officer. “We’ve designed it with an acute understanding of global customers, yet it’s tailored for each individual region. Focus combines the best from Europe, North America and Asia to deliver a level of emotional driving enjoyment never before experienced in a car this size.”

The two models share a sporty and dynamic character, marking the next evolution of Ford’s acclaimed kinetic design form language, which has contributed to the growing popularity of the company’s latest small and medium cars.

The kinetic design approach uses bold vehicle designs to capture the feeling of energy in motion, so that cars look like they are moving – even when they are standing still.

With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the new Focus clearly telegraphs the rewarding driving experience that awaits customers when they take to the road.

This dynamic quality is reinforced by the distinctive design of the interior. The new Focus has an extremely modern, cockpit-style interior, with the stylish center console wrapped around the driver and providing outstanding access to the vehicle’s major controls and display panels.

A key element of the interior is the quality of craftsmanship. The cabin’s bold and contemporary graphics, the sculptured shape of the soft-touch instrument panel and the choice of superior trim materials all help to give occupants the feeling that they are traveling in a premium-class car.

Unmatched driving quality
When it was introduced in 1998, the original Ford Focus brought new levels of agility and responsiveness to the C-segment. The all-new Focus plans to raise the benchmark once more, targeting class-leading driving quality that blends outstanding steering precision and road feedback with significantly improved refinement and ride control.

To deliver this performance, engineers have updated the innovative suspension concepts from prior models, developing optimized new designs for the “control blade” multilink rear suspension and the semi-isolated front and rear subframes.

The chassis design is complemented by a completely new Electric Power Assist Steering system, which has been carefully tuned to deliver pure and precise responses at high speed while remaining light and maneuverable for parking.

Ford’s European driving dynamics specialists have also enhanced cornering stability and agility with the introduction of an advanced Dynamic Cornering Control system, which uses “torque vectoring” techniques to transfer power between the drive wheels to deliver reduced understeer, improved traction and better turn-in.

All global customers will benefit from the same quality of dynamic performance in the new Focus. Identical chassis and suspension architecture is being used for all markets, except for minor regional tuning differences, such as local tire specifications.

Efficient powertrains deliver performance with outstanding economy
The engaging driver appeal of the new Ford Focus is magnified by a powertrain range that delivers spirited performance and targets outstanding levels of fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

The global powertrain lineup for the new Focus will include a range of state-of-the-art Ford EcoBoost™ four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection (DI) engines – including the 1.6-liter unit in Europe and a choice of advanced and improved Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines, all of which offer reductions in fuel consumption of between 10 and 20 percent compared to the outgoing models.

For the NAIAS preview, Ford is showing a completely new 2.0-liter gasoline engine for the North American market that features DI and Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. The new 2.0-liter DI Ti-VCT engine is up to 20 horsepower more powerful than the current 2.0 Duratec I-4 unit while contributing to projected fuel economy gains of more than 10 percent.

To maximize the performance and economy advantage enjoyed by the new Focus, the 2.0-liter DI Ti-VCT engine is mated with the latest dry-clutch six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission. This transmission uses an advanced dual-clutch design, which alone can help to reduce fuel consumption by up to 9 percent compared to a traditional four-speed automatic.

The dry-clutch PowerShift transmission is based on more efficient manual gearbox technology, and does not require the additional weight and complexity of torque converters, planetary gears and oil pumps used in conventional automatics. Electronically controlled twin clutches shift gears quickly and smoothly, providing the seamless flow of torque plus the refinement and ease of operation customers expect from a premium automatic transmission.

Ford also has confirmed plans to begin building a full, battery electric vehicle in 2011 at its Michigan Assembly Complex, for sales in North America. It will be the company’s first battery electric passenger vehicle.

Intuitive technology enhances convenience and safety
The next-generation Focus will bring C-segment customers around the world an exciting array of advanced technologies generally found in larger, more premium vehicles. The global scale of Ford’s C-car program makes more technologies and features economically viable than ever before for cars in this segment.

The technology package of the new Focus promises not only clear leadership in the C-segment, but also includes features customers in larger, more premium segments would find surprising.

The new technologies have been designed to be simple and highly intuitive to use, while enhancing both convenience and safety for the vehicle occupants.

Within the cockpit, the most significant innovation is the company’s next-generation driver connect technology, MyFord, which provides the driver with a state-of-the-art combination of controls and display screens to operate the key vehicle features. On high series vehicles, the MyFord system includes an 8-inch touch screen, allowing the driver to control a wide range of functions via a clear and intuitive color display.

MyFord is complemented by a new generation of Ford’s powerful SYNC® connectivity package, which includes a sophisticated voice control system, Bluetooth and satellite navigation, along with connection points for a wide variety of external devices and media players.

Other available safety and convenience technologies include keyless entry and “Ford Power” start button, a rearview camera and a semi-automatic parallel parking system that automatically steers the vehicle into a parking spot.

Strength and safety
The Focus platform provides an incredibly strong and stiff structure, which not only benefits vehicle dynamics and refinement but also provides the basis for enhanced crash performance.

High-strength steels are used extensively in the next-generation Focus body shell. High-strength steels comprise 55 percent of the body shell, and more than 26 percent of the vehicle’s structure is formed from ultra-high-strength and Boron steels – significantly more than any other Ford product. These advanced materials help the structure meet the most stringent crash legislation across world markets, while minimizing the vehicle’s weight.

The structural integrity of the body shell is also reflected in its torsional rigidity, which is 25 percent greater than the current North American Focus.

Quality and craftsmanship in every detail
With global customers now demanding a more premium experience from small- and medium-sized vehicles, achieving outstanding levels of quality and craftsmanship was a primary objective for the new Focus.

The new Focus will make significant strides in reducing cabin noise, promising a quiet cabin environment. This refinement complements the fresh new interior design and higher craftsmanship levels to create a premium feel akin to larger vehicles.

Each component in the vehicle that the customer will touch, see, hear or even smell has been subjected to rigorous analysis to ensure that it will exceed an owner’s expectations. Particular attention has been given to the quality of interior trim materials, and the color matching, gaps, flushness and tolerances where one part meets another.

Across the majority of vehicle attributes, Ford has developed a global DNA standard that defines the exact attributes a part should have to meet the quality requirements of the brand. Examples include the sound the door makes when it is closed, requiring special attention to the door structure and latch mechanism, and the design of a steering wheel, right down to the thickness of padding and size of stitching on the rim.

This meticulous attention to detail is also reflected in Ford’s global manufacturing strategy for the Focus, with consistent standards and processes being applied in every one of the assembly plants, wherever they are located in the world.

“We believe the new Ford Focus will provide consumers with an unmatched driving experience, together with an unrivaled ownership experience,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Global Marketing. “The Focus brand always has been very special to Ford, and this new global model shows our commitment to developing another generation of exciting and appealing cars.”

Press release via Ford
Source: Automotive.com

2010 FORD TAURUS WINS FIRST-EVER EDMUNDS.COM TECHNOLOGY BREAKTHROUGH AWARD

2010-01-08T11:46:00.000-05:00

The 2010 Ford Taurus is the winner of the first-ever Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award; the award was presented today at the 2010 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show®) in Las Vegas

The Taurus offers more user-friendly technology than other cars twice its price, including 10 class-exclusive technologies not available from any other manufacturer

In addition to receiving the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award, the Taurus is serving as the official vehicle of CES, and the 2010 Taurus SHO was dubbed Esquire magazine’s first-ever “Car of the Year”

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 7, 2010 – America’s most innovative sedan, the hot-selling 2010 Ford Taurus, is the winner of the first-ever Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award. The announcement was made today at the 2010 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas.
“We chose the 2010 Ford Taurus to receive the first annual Edmunds.com Breakthrough Technology Award because the vehicle offers an extensive and impressive array of electronic amenities that also represent an excellent value for consumers,” said Doug Newcomb, senior technology editor, Edmunds.com.
The Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award is presented to vehicles that set the standard for intuitive, practical and affordable technology that enhances safety and convenience for drivers and passengers. Any new vehicle available for sale within the U.S. within the last year is eligible to receive the award.
With its expressive styling, the Taurus offers more user-friendly technology than other cars twice its price, including 10 class-exclusive technologies not available from any other manufacturer.
“In addition to the innovative Ford SYNC® system that provides voice-activated Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and free features such as 911 Assist™ and turn-by-turn navigation, the Taurus also has heated and cooled Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion™, Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert, SIRIUS Travel Link™ and SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad,” said Newcomb.

Other class-exclusive features include:
Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel Filler – a self-seal system without a traditional fuel cap. No lost, dangling or spinning caps. It seals automatically every time.

Sony Audio® System – a surround-sound system that delivers Dolby® Digital

5.1 sound through 12 high-quality Sony speakers.

Available EcoBoost™ V-6 – a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers the output of a V-8, 365 horsepower, without compromising its V-6 fuel economy.

MyKey™ – a programmable feature that allows parents to limit top speed and audio volume and set speed alert chimes to encourage safer driving.

In addition to receiving the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award, the Taurus is serving as the official vehicle of CES, and the 2010 Taurus SHO was dubbed Esquire magazine’s first-ever “Car of the Year.” Since going on sale in August 2009, Ford's all-new Taurus has received more than a dozen awards from an array of leading consumer and automotive publications.

Want to drive a 2010 Ford Taurus? Stop in to Waldorf Ford today, we have several in stock including 2010 Taurus SHO!

For additional coverage of the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award, visit http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/.

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Ken Block Leaves Subaru – Heads For WRC With Ford

2010-01-08T08:52:00.000-05:00

Ok, not many of here at Waldorf Ford are into WRC or X-Games, but thought this was a great testament to the Ford brand and especially for Ford Focus and the upcoming 2011 Ford Fiesta. Now, the video isn't of Ken Block driving either of these, but it is a glimpse of what we should expect to see once he is behind the wheel of a Focus and Fiesta. Below the video is the complete article about him leaving Subaru to drive a Ford.

Youtube gymkhana phenom and X-Games Rally Racing star Ken Block has left Subaru Rally Team USA and will compete in both WRC and Rally America on behalf of Ford Motor Company in 2010. The official announcement came from Ford this morning, although USA Today broke embargo and posted the story 12 hours early, creating an instant buzz in the Rally community.

“The easiest thing for me to say is that I am really stoked to have this partnership with Ford. This is going to be one of the biggest challenges of my life and my career. With the World Rally Championship, I am stepping into the biggest rally championship in the world and I will be competing against some of the best drivers in the world. That level of racing isn’t something that you just step into and expect to instantly be on the podium. I would be in fantasyland if I thought that I was going to be anywhere near that. So, for me, 2010 is a developmental year and I am really looking to develop my skills as far as I can and then I can began pushing harder in 2011 and 2012. It is going to be an amazing experience, but I am also very realistic about where I stand in this world and what my goals are going to be for the next year to three years,” Block says.
Block was the 2005 Rally America Rookie of the Year and is a three-time medalist at X Games. Additionally, Block has cultivated a tremendous cult following with his Gymkhana videos on YouTube. The plan is for Block to drive the current Ford Focus developed for FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) competition, and drive the new Ford Fiesta in the Rally America series and the X Games. Beginning in 2011, the Fiesta will become Ford's WRC car. At a minimum, this effort means that an All Wheel Drive forced induction version of the Fiesta will be developed for Rally competition, and perhaps some of that will trickle down to a street car version?

“I am very excited to be in the Fiesta. That is the damn car that beat me last summer at X Games. Ford has a great platform with the Fiesta to develop and push a very good rally car worldwide and also in the showrooms. I am very excited to get in the Fiesta and see what I can do in the Rally America championship and at the X Games and also in 2011 to be in the new Fiesta World Rally car," Block says.

Heading for Ford in the WRC and in Rally America means that Subaru Rally Team USA has lost one of their leading drivers. Clearly, the competition between Block and 4-time national champion Travis Pastrana, who remains with Subaru and has done some introductory P-WRC racing with that brand, is about to heat up.

"I have been doing [Rally America] for five years now and I am going after the championship. I have been very close several times, but this year I feel like it is my year. The biggest challenge is going to be getting me seat time. I have been racing with a different manufacturer for many years now and while I have a lot of confidence in my abilities, jumping into a new car is always difficult. It is a big program we have going on this year, its global and there are a lot of different aspects to it from World Rally Championship to X Games to a new Gymkhana car," Block says.
For their part, Subaru issued Driving Sports TV a fairly bland statement, "It's a positive development for Rally in the U.S. should another manufacturer enter with a factory program." While losing Block is a blow to Subaru's dominance in North American Rally Racing, they still have Pastrana, and have been bringing X-Games BMX champion Dave Mirra up the ladder for the past two years. And the truth of the matter is, having a second manufacturer in Rally America and X Games competition brings tremendous credibility to the Rally America program as the U.S. national rally series.

Away from the world of Rally Racing, there's just one question on the minds of Block's fans - will there be a new Gymkhana video with Ford? Block answers that one easily and readily:

Of course! We are in the developmental stages of a new Fiesta Gymkhana car and we are looking to have some new video content out by the summer.”

Source: Driving Sports, Posted by Jeff Zurschmeide - Editor• January 6, 2010

MyFord Touch proves that the shape of things to come is awesome

2010-01-07T10:39:00.000-05:00

MyFord Touch proves that the shape of things to come is awesome

MyFord Touch – Click above for high-res image gallery

We were scanning the web today and came across a great article from our friends at autoblog.com. It shows you some of the new technology Ford unveiled at CES this year. We think it's pretty darn sweet and can't wait to get our hands on one. Come on 2011 model year cars! We need our gadget fix. Make sure to check back with your Maryland Ford Dealer to see what models will have this available.

Ford began its MyFord Touch presentation with a simple question: "People line up for iPhones – why not cars?" What is it about certain pieces of technology that makes them a "must have"? And since the iPhone is really just a merger of two things we already have (a cell phone and PC), is it possible to blend something into a car that will get 'em lining up around the block? Quite obviously, Ford's hoping the answer is yes.

MyFord Touch – and if you buy a Lincoln, MyLincoln Touch – is a piece of driver connect technology like SYNC, only much more advanced. In fact, you can think of MyFord as SYNC 2.0. Or, you could, if not for the fact that there already is a SYNC 2.0. Regardless, in-car technology can do myriad of things these days, and Ford thinks it's found a way to group and display all of a vehicle's functionality in a logical, intuitive and useful way. Sadly, Ford is internally calling this "simplexity," as in making the complex simple. Or, as we wrote in our notes, "barf." Thankfully, the public will know it as MyFord Touch.

Ford wants you to think of MyFord Touch as an electronic Swiss Army knife. Physically speaking, here's what you get: A large, eight-inch touchscreen display in the center stack, two 4.2-inch LCD screens to the right and left of an analog speedometer (the exact same screens you'll find in the Fusion Hybrid) and two steering wheel-mounted five-way button controls. Using Ford's award-winning HMI (human-machine interface) setup, MyFord Touch seeks to allow a driver to control in-car technology through either voice, touch or the wheel-mounted controllers. As Ford termed it, VUI (voice user interface), TUI (touch user interface) and GUI (graphic user interface).

While that might sounds a touch (no pun) complex, it isn't. How's that possible? Grouping. Ford has gone ahead and broken down all of the possible non-driving-related tasks into four groups: Phone, Climate, Navigation and Entertainment. Is Ford 100 percent accurate with their groupings? Like in submarine warfare, close enough. Not only are there the four groups, but Ford also chose a color for each group. That last part is more important than it might first seem and here's why...

As far as the large, eight-inch touchscreen goes, its four corners each contain a button for one of the four groupings. Phone is brown, Navigation is green, Entertainment is purple and Climate is blue. We haven't had a chance to play with MyFord Touch yet, but we understand that the system is quite customizable. Don't like that shade green? Think Climate should be red and not blue? Not a problem.

Returning to the two 4.2-inch LCD screens, the one to the left contains all your usual mileage and fuel information: trip computer, radar cruise control distance indicator, vehicle information and even a tachometer, if you like. In other words, information directly related to operating the car. The screen on the right however, displays information from the four MyFord Touch groupings. The idea is that after a little practice, you will be able to know which group you're looking at simply based on color – you won't have to read anything – and your eyes will spend more time on the road. A noble goal, for certain.

Going with that mantra and/or old Doors song, the five-way thumb controls (up, down, left, right, click) keep your hands on the wheel. The left controller is for the left screen, and (shockingly) the right is for the right one. Of course, even better than using a touchscreen or working wheel buttons is using your own voice. Ford assured us that the voice recognition system shipping with MyFord Touch is much more conversational than the VR system currently shipping with SYNC. Instead of talking your way through a series of menus (SYNC asks you what source you want, for example iPod, then asks you what track or artist), MyFord Touch should just require you say, "Play 'John the Fisherman' by Primus" and be done with it. Emphasis on should.

Here's a couple of nifty details, and please keep in mind that we didn't get to play with MyFord Touch – yet (expect a video coming soon out of CES). Users will be able to take all of their MyFord Touch settings with them from vehicle to vehicle – just plug in an SD card or flash drive and you're good to go drive another MyFord Touch-equipped car. Your color scheme, your radio presets, your music tags, your seat position – whatever – all go with you. It will even welcome you by name, no matter the car. With the music tags, MyFord and MyLincoln Touch are the first systems that allow you to tag songs on the fly. Ford didn't go into great details on this, but we imagine you could would be able to hear something on the radio, tag it, and then let MyFord Touch search for it. This could be especially cool with the SYNC app that lets you listen to internet radio.

The first vehicle this new system will be available on is the 2011 Lincoln MKX, which will debut at next week's Detroit Auto Show. As such, we'll be looking at MyLincoln Touch as opposed to MyFord. Differences? Not really, but the two come standard with different colors (MyLincoln's are yellow for Communication/Phone, green for Navigation, red for Entertainment and blue for Climate). Shouldn't the colors be identical? Probably, but they are customizable and portable, so it doesn't really matter. After the MKX, look for this technology in the refreshed 2011 Ford Edge and then the all-new 2011 Ford Focus. Eventually, 80 percent of all Fords will be available with MyFord or MyLincoln Touch. Just speculating here, but we wonder if the 20 percent not getting the good stuff is Mercury...

Besides all the little details, the big picture we took away from the MyFord Touch is Ford is serious. These people knew going halfway wouldn't be good enough. The screens are beautiful. Before seeing MyFord Touch, we already thought that Ford had the best navigation/entertainment stuff in the industry (SYNC is really, really good – especially with Sirius Travel Link). MyFord Touch brings Ford a generation (or two) beyond the competition. In other words, no one could even compete with Ford's old stuff. How on earth will they manage against MyFord Touch?

Source[AutoBlog]

Ford posts 33% sales gain in 2009

2010-01-06T09:02:00.000-05:00

Looking Way Up: Ford posts 33% sales gain in 2009, 15% market share

While automotive sales have been almost universally down in 2009 compared to 2008,Ford has a legitimate reason to crow about its December figures, which are up a third over December of '08 and an impressive 50 percent over November.

Ford boasts that its market share is up to 15 percent – one full percentage point higher than in 2008 and the first time since 1995 that the Blue Oval has gained on its competitors. Ford, Lincoln and even Mercury sales were improved in December. Here are a few of the highlights:

Ford Fusion: Posted a December sales increase of 83 percent and set new December (18,852) and full-year (180,671) sales records.
Ford Taurus: Sales totaled 7,256 for the month, up 110 percent versus a year ago. Since the introduction of the 2010 model in August, Taurus sales are nearly 90 percent higher than a year ago.
Ford Escape: Set a December sales record (19,156), up 75 percent versus a year ago. For the full year, Escape sales totaled 173,044, the second-best sales year ever.
Ford F-Series: America's best-selling truck for 33 years in a row. Best sales month since March 2008. F-Series sales in December were 48,209 (up 16 percent), bringing the full-year total to 413,625. In 2009, F-Series increased its leadership position among full-size pickups with a 4 percentage-point gain in segment share.
Ford Hybrids: December sales of hybrid vehicles totaled 2,843, up 147 percent versus a year ago. Sales totaled 33,502 in 2009, a new record and up 72 percent versus a year ago.

Ford's full-year sales totaled 1.62 million vehicles, down 15 percent from 2008. Even that, though, is a mild ray of sunshine considering that the industry was down about 20 percent overall.

By the Numbers - 2009: Up and Down Year Ends Down For Most Edition

2010-01-06T08:26:00.000-05:00

Subaru, Kia and Hyundai increase alone, FoMoCo loses least

We at Waldorf Ford regonize what a terrible year 2009 was for the auto industry as a whole. The slumping economy did nothing to bolster consumer confidence to say the least. We at your Ford Dealer in Southern Maryland noticed that all year long. With all that being said we were happy to see some good news in what could easily be considered a bad news report. Call us the eternal optimists be we see it as a glass half full senerio for us.

Most automakers giving themselves a pat on the back for a strong sales performance in December should take a second look at the books. A good month of sales to finish off a crappy year still equals a crappy year of sales. The chart below makes this perfectly evident, as only three individual brands and no multi-brand automakers managed to make it through 2009 selling more vehicles than they did in 2008. Not surprisingly,Subaru, Kia and Hyundai (in that order) were the three brands to post an overall sales increase in 2009, with Subaru posting a double-digit rise of 15 percent. With 216,652 sales overall, Subaru now sells more vehicles in the U.S. thanVolkswagen and Mazda, two direct competitors with larger lineups.

Though no multi-brand automaker can claim a sales victory in 2009, you might be surprised to learn that Ford Motor Company with its Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo brands performed the best. FoMoCo sales in 2009 fell 15 percent, a smaller drop than any of its competitors. Toyota Motor Company sales (Toyota and Lexus combined) fell over 20 percent, but the Japanese juggernaut still managed to beat Ford in number of vehicles sold (1.77 million to 1.68 million).

The rest of the industry's performance can be viewed in the chart below. Note that there were 308 selling days in both 2008 and 2009, so the percent change in volume sold will equal the percent change in the daily average sales rate.

Brand/Company	Volume %	Dec. '09	Dec. '08	*DSR %**	DSR Dec. '09	DSR Dec. '08
Subaru	15.43	216,652	187,699	15.43	703	609
Kia	9.75	300,063	273,397	9.75	974	888
Hyundai	8.29	435,064	401,742	8.29	1,413	1,304
Volkswagen	-4.34	213,454	223,128	-4.34	693	724
Audi	-5.75	82,716	87,760	-5.75	269	285
Ford	-14.34	1,445,742	1,687,731	-14.34	4,694	5,480
Mercedes-Benz	-15.34	190,604	225,128	-15.34	619	731
Volvo	-15.96	61,435	73,102	-15.96	199	237
Mini	-16.37	45,225	54,077	-16.37	147	176
Lexus	-16.96	215,975	260,087	-16.96	701	844
Nissan	-17.81	689,014	838,361	-17.81	2,237	2,722
Honda	-18.63	1,045,061	1,284,261	-18.63	3,393	4,170
Toyota	-20.61	1,554,174	1,957,575	-20.61	5,046	6,356
BMW	-21.12	196,502	249,113	-21.12	638	809
Mazda	-21.29	207,767	263,949	-21.29	675	857
Lincoln	-22.79	82,847	107,295	-22.79	269	348
Mercury	-23.24	92,299	120,248	-23.24	300	390
Porsche	-24.35	19,696	26,035	-24.35	64	85
Chevrolet	-25.35	1,344,629	1,801,131	-25.35	4,366	5,848
Buick	-25.43	102,306	137,197	-25.43	332	445
Acura	-26.84	105,723	144,504	-26.84	343	469
Infiniti	-28.23	81,089	112,989	-28.23	263	367
Jeep	-30.61	231,701	333,901	-30.61	752	1,084
GMC	-31.09	259,779	376,996	-31.09	843	1,224
Cadillac	-32.31	109,092	161,159	-32.31	354	523
Pontiac	-33.31	178,300	267,348	-33.31	579	868
Dodge	-33.34	522,686	784,113	-33.34	1,697	2,546
Smart	-40.72	14,595	24,622	-40.72	47	80
Mitsubishi	-44.85	53,636	97,257	-44.85	174	316
Chrysler	-47.18	177,015	335,108	-47.18	575	1,088
Saab	-59.38	8,680	21,368	-59.38	28	69
Saturn	-61.35	72,660	188,004	-61.35	236	610
Hummer	-67.09	9,046	27,485	-67.09	29	89
COMPANIES
Ford Mo Co	-15.39	1,682,323	1,988,376	-15.39	5,462	6,456
Nissan NA	-19.05	770,103	951,350	-19.05	2,500	3,089
American Honda	-19.46	1,150,784	1,428,765	-19.46	3,736	4,639
Toyota Mo Co	-20.18	1,770,149	2,217,662	-20.18	5,747	7,200
BMW Group	-20.27	241,727	303,190	-20.27	785	984
General Motors	-30.07	2,084,492	2,980,688	-30.07	6,768	9,678
Chrysler Group	-35.90	931,402	1,453,122	-35.90	3,024	4,718

SOURCE [AutoBlog]

Ford Mustang takes the 2009 Pony Car sales crown from the Chevrolet Camaro

2010-01-05T17:06:00.000-05:00

It's official: The Ford Mustang outsold the Chevrolet Camaro in 2009, despite a string of month-on-month sales leads over the Blue Oval's pony car. But it was a close race.

According to sales data released by both Ford and General Motors, the Mustang sold 66,623 units in 2009, with GM coming in close behind with 61,618 Camaros sold for the year.

Early on, there was speculation that the Camaro could overtake the Mustang if its sales streak continued, but despite pent up demand for the bowtie brand's retromobile, Ford sold 6,327 Mustangs last month -- over 60 percent more than it did in November. Not a huge surprise, but a good showing nonetheless, and with all the updates to the 2011 Mustang, we suspect that next year's race won't be nearly as entertaining.
Filed under: Coupe, Chevrolet, Ford, By the Numbers

Ford Mustang takes the 2009 Pony Car sales crown from the Chevrolet Camaro

1960's Ford Concept Cars - 1965 Mustang

2010-01-05T08:05:00.000-05:00

I was looking for some things to blog about this morning and came across this video that was kind of interesting. Note that some of the items they talk about - adjustable brake pedals, memory steering wheels are things that we have available today...pretty cool how far in advance these things were first part of concept vehicles. If you want to compare these to the 2010 vehicles Ford has in the lineup, go to Waldorf Ford.

Ford on Track to Be #1 U.S. Carmaker

2010-01-04T11:48:00.000-05:00

Ford’s recent navigation of financial shoals is paying off big-time. The Detroit automaker took a different tack than its rivals, which sought aid from the federal government and shelter in bankruptcy court.

It’s on course to grab the brass ring in 2010, becoming No. 1 in U.S. auto sales. An $18-billion low interest loan in 2006 -- when the company mortgaged itself, including its iconic blue oval insignia -- is allowing Ford to remake operations. It’s slashing costs and developing common bodies, braking and wiring systems for its vehicles worldwide and putting in place new flexible assembly lines that let plants shift rapidly from making one model to another. Plus, Ford is committed to new model development -- pledging to revamp its entire fleet by early 2011, and then repeating the feat in a few years.

As a result, by year-end 2010, Ford’s U.S. sales will likely edge out both General Motors’ and Toyota’s, but it’ll be a photo finish. The best bet: Toyota will come in second and GM will slip to third. Already, Ford’s share of U.S. auto sales is climbing. It’s likely to top 16% this year and be a hair over 17% next, mainly at the expense of GM and Chrysler. A market share gain of one percentage point reverses a slide that had plagued the firm for more than a decade.

SOURCE [VEHIX.COM]

Ok, we know it isn't exactly related but it is cool.

2009-12-31T12:41:00.000-05:00

The Baddest Backcountry Shred Machine: The Subaru-Based TRAX STI

While we readily admit that this has absolutely nothing to do with the product lines we carry at Waldorf Ford we just could not help ourselves 'cause it's way too cool. We can imagine these on a Ford Explorer or even and AWD Fusion. Why with this sweet set up we wouldn't mind one little bit running out to the store in a blizzard. Sure honey I'll go get some TP!

The Subaru-based TRAX STI Ken Block's suped-up Subaru started as a basic rally car. Vermont SportsCar pushed it to 400 horsepower with a turbocharged engine and replaced the tires with cat tracks to enable rally power in alpine conditions.

Sure, you could take the lift up with the rest of the gapers and ride the designated, groomed slopes back down to the ski lodge, but then you would be lame. Rally car racer and DC Shoes co-founder Ken Block prefers something a bit less conventional, like his Subaru-based TRAX STI, the world's fastest cat track operation automobile.

Based on a race-ready Sube WRX STI, the car was tweaked by Vermont SportsCar to pack 400 horsepower, competition dampers, a turbocharged, intercooled STI engine and, of course, cat tracks where the tires used to be. Although not shown in the video below, the backcountry badass also can pull a custom fiberglass four-person sleigh that can hold four snow boarders and their gear.

The goal? Delivering boarders to backcountry locales traditional ski lifts–much less traditional automobiles–could never reach. That’s not to mention the fun you can have simply racing around in the snow with rally car speed and handling. But don’t take our word for it, check out Block’s test run in the video below. “0-60” magazine also has more pics and an interview with Block about his high-powered, high-country toy.

Source [AutoBlog]

Anyone know a good body shop? It will buff out.

2009-12-31T08:02:00.001-05:00

Best Worst Exotic Car Crashes for 2009

Supercars: they are fast exotic and they are expensive.

And so, so accident-prone. To celebrate the end of 2009, Jalopnik has composed a list of the 30 most expensive car crashes of 2009 complete with pictures.

However, if you really love cars and have a weak stomach, we’d advise you to think twice about taking a look at these pics. Luckily Waldorf Ford isn't a Super Car Dealer. But we would like to be even for jusy a day.

Source [Automotive.com]

The 302 BOSS is Back!

2009-12-30T13:11:00.000-05:00

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 28, 2009 – Forty years after its namesake became a road racing legend, the BOSS is back on track for 2010 with a new 5.0-liter V-8 engine.

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Parnelli Jones’ 1970 Trans-Am championship in a Mustang BOSS 302 prepared by Bud Moore Engineering, Ford Racing is introducing the BOSS 302R, a factory-built race car ready for track days and road racing in a number of Grand-Am, SCCA and NASA classes.

“To keep pace with consumer demand, the Ford team has built modern versions of the most iconic performance Mustangs over the years,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. “From Shelbys to Bullitt, Mach and Cobra Jet, it is now time for BOSS to join the list of America’s most coveted Mustangs. The original BOSS 302 was a championship-winning legend and the new Mustang BOSS 302R will carry on the tradition. The Mustang was born to race from the start, and this new Mustang is bred to win.”

The Mustang BOSS 302R is a serialized off-road-only vehicle ready to race. Each base model will come with a 5.0-liter four-valve engine and a six-speed manual transmission with a roll cage, race seats, safety harness, data acquisition and race dampers/springs, and a Brembo brake and tire package, starting at an MSRP of $79,000.

And, with a special Grand-Am Homologation Package (M-FR500-BOSS R1), it will also be ready to compete in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series (formerly known as KONI Challenge), starting with the season-opening race in Daytona on Jan. 29, 2010. As of today, five BOSS 302R race cars will be delivered to customers ready to race in Daytona. MSRP of the BOSS 302R1 is $129,000.

The Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge-ready Mustang BOSS 302R will feature a sealed high-output race engine with an upgraded cooling system, a close-ratio six-speed transmission with integral shifter, a seam-welded body, race suspension/KONI dampers and ABS brake tuning, race performance exhaust and a high-speed balance one-piece driveshaft.

The BOSS 302R follows in the very successful footsteps of its most recent road racing predecessor – the Mustang FR500C from Ford Racing. In 2005, when the Mustang FR500C debuted at Daytona, the first car was delivered on Wednesday of that week and won the KONI Challenge race on Friday.

In five years of competition since then, the Mustang FR500C has won three Triple Crown championships of driver, team and manufacturer’s titles in KONI competition including back-to-back (2008 and 2009). The FR500C has also seen success in FIA GT4 competition winning the 2007 and 2008 driver’s championships.

“We expect the BOSS 302R to continue the successful tradition of winning with factory-built production-based race cars from Ford Racing,” said Allison. “The FR500C and FR500S road racing Mustangs, and the Mustang FR500CJ (Cobra Jet) for drag racing have proven to be great cars for our customers, helping teams win races and championships. We believe that the BOSS 302R will provide that same sort of competitive product for our customers with the tradition you can only get from Ford Racing.”

Each Ford Racing factory-built production-based turnkey race car has won its competition debut.

“Racing has long served as a technical proving grounds for production engines,” said Allison. “What’s good enough for the streets is now good enough for the racetrack. The 5.0-liter block and architecture in the Mustang BOSS 302R is the same as the 2011 Mustang GT.”

“We have a great team on the BOSS 302R project,” said Andy Slankard, Ford Racing engineering supervisor and the lead engineer on the BOSS 302R project. “Between our partners at AutoAlliance International, where the Mustang is built, Team Mustang, Multimatic and the entire Ford Racing team, we have once again proven to be a leader in turnkey production-based race cars.”

Available through Ford dealers like Waldorf Ford, a total of 50 BOSS 302R Mustangs will be built by Ford Racing. Delivery is anticipated in the third quarter of 2010.

For more information on Ford Racing Performance Parts, please visit www.fordracingparts.com.

[Source: Automotive.com ]

NHTSA launches distracted driving website.

2009-12-30T12:00:00.001-05:00

Distracted driving in the nation as well as the Waldorf Ford area is becoming a very real concern in the age of texting, cell phones, touch screen navigation and fast food. So what is a government to do to stop the madness? New laws? More police enforcement? Maybe at some point, but for now the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has created a new website called distraction.gov. The site provides facts and figures that shows how distracted driving affects your ability to drive safely while also working as a news feed for new distracted driving legislation.

You may have heard that driving while texting makes you 23 times more likely to get into an accident, but the NHTSA site gives more alarming stats. For example, the site claims that driving while talking on the phone makes you as much of a hazard as someone driving while over the legal drinking limit. The site also claims that 6,000 people died in distracted driving accidents in 2008 and that drivers using hand held devices in the car are four times as likely to seriously injure themselves in an accident. Even more disturbing is the fact that the NHTSA found distracted driving fatalities went from 8% in 2004 to 11% in 2008.

Head over to distraction.gov for more interesting info, but try not to pull up the site on your mobile while you're on the road. And try not to get distracted by Ray LaHood's eyebrows when you click.

[Source: Distraction.gov | AutoBlog | Photo: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images]

Ford adding three-blink function to turn signals

2009-12-30T10:20:00.000-05:00

Whoo Hoo! We at Waldorf Ford are super stoked about this new application. We can't tell you the number of times we have been behind drivers who can't seem to master the art of turn signal etiquette..

It's fitting that Ford's first European offering to swim over this way will bring with it another feature that The Continent can take credit for: tap-for-three-blinks turn signal operation. It will appear on the Fiesta this summer, and then migrate to other vehicles in the 2011 line-up, starting with the Super Duty series.

The three-blink feature is not as polarizing as the placement of paddle shifters, but people are known to have their opinions. We like it, preferring a mistaken tap to someone flashing their turn signal eternally. You can read Ford's release below.

[Source: Ford]

SYNC to offer iTunes tagging through HD radio

2009-12-29T10:26:00.001-05:00

Here's another first for Waldorf Ford after the revelation of its motion-capturing software: The Blue Oval will be the first to offer iTunes tagging through iPods on SYNC-equipped vehicles. Right behind the announcement of mobile Internet connectivity being added to SYNC, this will go along with the package of mobile apps the carmaker will reveal at CES next month.

The way it works: if you you have SYNC with HD radio, when you hear a song you like on an HD station you can press the 'Tag' button, and the system will note the track. When you plug your iPod in, it will suck up all of those tracks in a 'Tagged' playlist. You can have another listen through them and then buy the ones you want from iTunes.

There are other makes of vehicles that will let you record songs directly onto the car's hard drive for a fixed amount of time, but you can't really do anything with the recording after that. Waldorf Ford states that Ford's setup won't get you that immediate satisfaction, but it will save you a few steps. You can read the press release on the new – and free – feature (provided you've paid for SYNC and the HD-equipped head unit) after the jump.

FORD PRESS RELEASE

FORD FIRST TO ENABLE iTUNES SONG TAGGING WITH LAUNCH OF NEW HD RADIO CAPABILITY IN ITS LINEUP

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 29, 2009 – iTunes Tagging and crystal-clear radio sound through HD Radio technology are the latest features on Ford's growing list of factory-installed customer conveniences and technologies that will be newly available in 2010.

HD Radio receivers pull in digital radio signals and play them with dramatically improved sound. FM stations, for example, have near-CD quality, making it convenient for customers to select songs they want to download and purchase.

"iTunes Tagging and HD Radio technology are strong new additions to the growing collection of Ford convenience features and technology we're offering customers to make driving even more enjoyable," said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. "This is another example of Ford's commitment to bring the widest variety of factory-installed customer-focused technology, features and conveniences to millions of people."

• Ford is the first auto manufacturer to offer HD Radio™ technology with iTunes® Tagging capability; this new functionality will be available next year

• HD Radio technology captures free digital radio broadcasts, which eliminate static, fadeout and other problems associated with conventional analog radio signals; the result is FM audio that's comparable to near-CD quality and AM audio that sounds like today's FM broadcasts

• HD Radio digital technology provides a number of advanced services not available with an analog radio. Extra FM channels, called HD2/HD3 channels, are delivered, as well as useful on-screen Program Service Data such as artist name and song title

In 2010, Ford vehicles will offer familiar terrestrial radio, HD Radio technology, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio as well as Internet radio through Ford SYNC® from a Bluetooth®-streaming audio-capable smartphone.

"Ford continues to lead the market in bringing advanced capabilities to popular vehicles. We are very pleased that HD Radio technology is an integral part of Ford's broad offering of new features," said Jeff Jury, COO of iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of HD Radio technology.

Like the song? You can tag it

The world's first implementation of iTunes Tagging in a factory-installed HD Radio receiver will launch in 2010 on select Ford vehicles. Through the SYNC system, iTunes Tagging will provide Ford customers with the ability to capture a song they hear on the HD Radio receiver for later purchase. With a simple push of the "TAG" button on the radio display, the song information will be stored in the radio's memory.

Up to 100 tags on SYNC can be stored until the iPod is connected. When the iPod is then synced to iTunes, a playlist of "tagged" songs will appear. Customers then can preview and, if desired, purchase and download tagged songs from the iTunes Store. All HD Radio-enabled receivers in Ford vehicles also will provide Program Service Data – information that appears on the radio screen and includes song title, artist name and more.

Familiar controls with better quality

HD Radio technology enables more listening options and increased sound quality by using the same radio interface customers are used to as well as the same antennas and analog tuners with an added digital decoder inside the radio. Additionally, HD Radio-enabled receivers provide listeners with unique advanced services.

To operate, there's no difference from today's radio operations – customers just tune in your favorite station. If the station is broadcasting with HD Radio technology, the system automatically picks up the signal and will transition to digital audio once decoded.

Exclusive to HD Radio receivers are HD2/HD3 channels, which resemble mini-stations that could be spun off the "mother" station or completely new content for the local market. HD2/HD3 channels are found directly adjacent to the main (HD1) channel on the dial if available.

If additional HD2/HD3 channels are available, the radio will indicate how many on a multicast information bar. Users may tune up to the new available channels like they would tune to any other analog station. Users also may store HD2/HD3 presets, just as they do with today's radio.

HD Radio technology enables better audio and exclusive unique content choices One significant benefit of HD Radio technology is that the sound quality of the broadcast is dramatically better because of the digital transmission – FM sounds like a CD and AM sounds like today's FM broadcasts. Also, the sound itself is much clearer and more consistent, without
issues such as pops or hisses. Unlike analog broadcasts, digital broadcasts aren't susceptible to interference, fadeout and other issues.

Most stations use the additional HD2/HD3 channels to provide more unique coverage of sports, music or other niche programs often tailored for their individual markets – all for free. For example, in Dallas there is now a dedicated 24/7 Cowboys channel on 105.3-HD3. In Pittsburgh, there is a dedicated 24/7 Penguins channel on 105.9-HD2. Broadcasters may choose any genre they wish for their additional channels.

Nearly 2,000 radio stations in the U.S. currently broadcast in digital HD Radio sound, with nearly 1,000 stations also airing HD2/HD3 channels. Approximately 85 percent of the U.S. population is served by a station broadcasting with HD Radio technology. and http://www.ibiquity.com.

Sign Up for our specials VIA email!

2009-12-28T10:51:00.000-05:00

Make sure to sign up for our free email notification service. If you had signed up you would have received this coupon

good on Christmas Eve and another one that was good on December 26th.

To signup go to our sign up page at to make sure you are notified of some great deals!

2011 Ford Mustang GT officially rolls with a 5.0 V8

2009-12-28T10:33:00.001-05:00

Meet the world's worst kept secret, the 2011 Mustang GT. The comical embargo breaking is now at its end and we're ready to present you with everything you've been aching to know about the new five-point-oh. Actually, it's probably more than you want to know. But we're sure you'll deal. So here we go...

As you've undoubtedly noticed, those are honest to goodness "5.0" badges affixed to the 2011 Mustang's fenders. Not only are residents of Maryland area Dealers stoked, but Mustang fans everywhere are finally getting their 302 back. That's right, the new 5.0 is just like the old 5.0 -- 302 cubic inches or 4.9-liters or 4,951cc. But we think the gumption this baddie stonks up will allow even the most pedantic amongst you to forgive the missing 49 cubic centimeters.

Employing 32-valves and Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing(Ti-VCT), the new 5.0 produces a mighty 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. No word on performance figures, but expect a mid-four second 0-60 sprint and a quarter-mile in the high 12s. At least. Especially as the current Mustang GT (315-hp, 320 lb-ft of torque) hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and runs the quarter in 13.5. Oh, according to Ford, the new 5.0 weighs just ten pounds more than the outgoing GT. We like that last bit very much.

Also new for 2011 is a choice of either a new six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. Normally we have absolutely no reason to ever recommend a slushbox over a proper row-your-own, however, together with that variable cam technology (Ti-VCT) and EPAS (Ford's electronic power steering), an automatic Mustang GT will be able to achieve 25 mpg on the highway. That's up from 23 mpg for the current Mustang GT with an auto 'box. Both the 2010 and 2011 get 17 mpg in the city, while the six-speed manual Mustang gets 24 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the big city, same as the current car.

The 5.0 badging get repeated on the engine's cover (thankfully the pretty, composite intake manifold is exposed -- sadly the gorgeous exhaust headers are buried) and the speedometer's top end rises to 160 mph. More importantly, the redline climbs from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm. There's no final word on price (we'll definitely keep you updated on that regard), but as Ford's PR folks explained to us at the 5.0 reveal in Detroit, they can't raise the price too much or they'll push the Mustang out of its segment.

Speaking of its segment, the current 2010 Mustang GT is already top of its class, independent rear suspension detractors notwithstanding. Aside from better brakes, the only legit knock on the 'Stang was the lack of power when compared to the Hemi'fied Challenger or burly Camaro SS. That knock, so to speak, is now out the door. Also, if you want Brembo brakes on your 2011 Mustang GT, Ford will sell them to you. If you haven't guessed, we're very much looking forward to this particular launch/car. And here's one more thing to chew on until we see the 5.0 in Detroit -- Ford assured us that with the new Mustang making 412 horsepower, it very well can't leave the GT500 as is. Hmmm...

FORD SYNC GOES WIFI TURNING CAR INTO MOBILE INTERNET HOT SPOT FOR PASSENGERS WHILE ON THE GO

2009-12-22T12:23:00.000-05:00

Next-generation SYNC® system to incorporate in-car WiFi system powered by customer's USB mobile broadband modem, turning entire car into hot spot
New capability will be standard on select SYNC-equipped vehicles with no additional hardware or subscriptions required beyond the user-supplied mobile broadband modem
Standard WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) security protocols will be in force, and only owner-permitted devices will be able to access the network, helping ensure secure, robust connectivity for in-car users

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 21, 2009 – Waldorf Ford states that Motor Company will turn vehicles into rolling WiFi hot spots when it introduces the second generation of its popular SYNC® in-car connectivity system next year.
Inserting an owner's compatible USB mobile broadband modem – sometimes called an "air card" – into SYNC's USB port will produce a secure wireless connection that will be broadcast throughout the vehicle, allowing passengers with WiFi-enabled mobile devices to access the Internet anywhere the broadband modem receives connectivity.
"While you're driving to grandma's house, your spouse can be finishing the holiday shopping and the kids can be chatting with friends and updating their Facebook profiles," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "And you're not paying for yet another mobile subscription or piece of hardware because Ford will let you use technology you already have."
Studies by the Consumer Electronics Association show that as many as 77 million adults make up the so-called technology enthusiast drivers population, more than half of whom express the desire for a connected communications and information system in their vehicles. Even among the general population, more than one third of Americans would be interested in the ability to check email and access Web sites in their vehicles. Waldorf Ford is excited about this new opportunity.

Upgradeable and secure

The USB port provided by SYNC lets owners leverage a variety of devices, including the mobile broadband modem. And through simple software updates, SYNC can be adapted to connect with the latest devices.
"The speeds with which technology is evolving, particularly on the wireless front, makes obsolescence a real problem," said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford's Connected Services Solutions Organization. "We've solved that problem by making SYNC work with just about any technology you plug into it. By leveraging a user's existing hardware, which can be upgraded independent of SYNC, we've helped ensure 'forward compatibility' with whatever connectivity technology comes next."
The SYNC WiFi capability is a simple solution for bringing internet into the vehicle, versus competitive systems on the market. Being factory-installed, the hardware is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle, whereas competitor's systems are dealer-installed and require a bulky bolt-in receiver and transmitter that take up cabin space. Also, competitive systems cost approximately $500 for equipment and installation, not to mention the monthly subscription fee.
"Using SYNC with existing mobile devices helps Ford provide the most value, the most flexibility and the most convenience for owners," said Fields. "Constant connectivity is becoming a routine part of our customers' lives, and we're making existing technology more accessible without adding costs: That's the kind of value Ford drivers have learned to expect."
Using the SYNC WiFi system, a signal will be broadcast throughout the vehicle. Default security is set to WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), requiring users to enter a randomly chosen password to connect to the Internet. When SYNC sees a new WiFi device for the first time, the driver must specifically allow that device to connect, preventing unauthorized users from "piggybacking" on the SYNC-provided signal

Ford Flex will become the most desired by future car collectors

2009-12-22T11:17:00.003-05:00

DETROIT, Dec., 2009 – From America’s new cars and trucks launched in 2009, the Ford Flex will become the most desired by future car collectors.

That is the prediction of the Friends of the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC).

Members of the organization, which supports the world-famous automotive collection at the Detroit Public Library, vote annually to predict the “Collectible Vehicle of the Future” from the year’s new American-built cars and trucks. The Ford Flex was selected from eight all-new vehicles launched in 2009.

The award was presented to Ford executives by the Friends of the NAHC at their annual holiday reception on Thursday, Dec. 10 at NAHC quarters in the Skillman Branch Library in downtown Detroit.

The NAHC is the world’s largest public archive of automotive lore and a treasure for automotive historians, journalists and collectors. Its collection of books, manuals, photos, company histories and historic documents is open to the public.

“We are delighted that the Ford Flex has been recognized by the NAHC as having a design that will become a collectible of the future,” said Kate Pearce, Flex marketing manager at Ford.

“We knew from the start that we had a vehicle with stand-out design that looks like nothing else on the road, but that also meets the needs of our customers looking for passenger space with innovative technology and great fuel economy,” she said. “Reaction from our customers has been fantastic and we hope they will enjoy their cars long into the future.”

Charles K. Hyde, chairman of the NAHC Board of Trustees, said, “This selection is unique among all the ‘Vehicle of the Year’ awards, because it is selected by car buffs who know what future collectors will value. We asked our members to predict which of this year’s new vehicles will turn heads in the Woodward Cruise of 2034.”

Previous winners are:

2008
Dodge Challenger

2007
Dodge Viper SRT10

2006
Pontiac Solstice

2005
Ford Mustang

2004
Chrysler 300

2003
Dodge Viper

2002
Ford Thunderbird

1996
Chrysler Sebring Convertible

1995
Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Aurora

(None selected from 1997 to 2001)

Ford Fusion worth $687 more than the Camry after three years!

2009-12-22T09:55:00.000-05:00

Residual values tell you a lot about a vehicle. If a car or truck has good quality and has plenty of customer demand it will have high residuals. If it's a lemon on wheels, clogging the rental lots, it will carry poor residuals. Detroit automakers have fared poorly in residual values for quite a few years, but it appears Fordmay have taken a big step towards correcting that problem.

Ford is gleefully touting the results of the ALG January/February 2010 Residual Value Forecast for a good reason; the residuals of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles went up by $1,310 versus the January/February 2009 numbers. The residual values are based off of a formula that shows how much 2010 vehicles will be worth 36 months after purchase and Ford maintains the increase in residuals has a lot to do with the success of its latest redesigns and improved quality.

Proof of Ford's improved 36-month value scores comes in a comparison of the Fusion versus the Toyota Camry. The Fusion is now reportedly worth $687 more than the Camry after three years. The Ford Flexenjoys an even more decisive win versus the Toyota Highlander, as the boxy Blue Oval-branded wagon will reportedly be worth $1,800 more in three years. The 2010 Taurus scored the biggest increase, but not against the foreign competition. The smartly restyled sedan is worth $4,862 more after three years than the invisible 2009 Taurus. Both the Taurus and the Super Duty won the Kelly Blue Book Best Residual Value award in their respective segments.

A big reason Ford's residual values have skyrocketed in only one year is due to the automaker's improved status amongst customers. Fresh data from research firm Compete, Inc reportedly shows that the Blue Oval has surpassed Toyota in overall customer consideration for the past three months. Ford hasn't passed Toyota in Compete's customer satisfaction index since the firm began collecting data in 2002. Hit the jump to read over the Ford press release.

2009-12-17T08:40:00.001-05:00

Trying out another new service...so much fun!

2011 Ford Fiesta gets another early reveal — Autoblog

2009-12-01T11:56:00.000-05:00

Another first look at the Fiesta which will be released in spring 2010...we are getting excited about it, how about you?

2011 Ford Fiesta gets another early reveal — Autoblog

The glass is half-full: Why the U.S. economy will strengthen in 2010 -- DailyFinance

2009-11-30T09:14:00.000-05:00

Here is some good news,

The glass is half-full: Why the U.S. economy will strengthen in 2010 -- DailyFinance

Car and Driver announces 2010 10 best cars

2009-11-25T08:56:00.000-05:00

Ford Fusion Hybrid among those named...

Car%252Band%252BDriver%252Bannounces%252B2010%252B10Best%252BCars%252B%2525E2%252580%252594%252BAutoblog

Black Friday Auto deals

2009-11-23T15:01:00.001-05:00

Check out this article discussing the great deals on new vehicles that you can find on Black Friday.
http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1166/black-friday-best-day-to-buy-a-car/;_ylt=Ahuf0p5A4Lwe.ZjFqKE_zOIEc78F;_ylv=3

2010 Ford Raptor F-150 is here!

2009-11-03T12:05:00.000-05:00

F-150 SVT RAPTOR MOST POWERFUL HALF-TON AVAILABLE, NOW EVEN MORE CAPABLE OFF-ROAD

The 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor with an available all-new 6.2-liter V-8 engine produces 411 horsepower and 434 ft.-lb. of torque, making it the most powerful half-ton truck on the market today

Building on the success of Ford Racing's vehicle programs and Raptor's success in the 2008 Baja 1000, Ford Racing will offer the FR Raptor XT

The FR Raptor XT offers the capability of the Baja race truck, with the comfort of the production Raptor

The FR Raptor XT off-road-only truck will have a production run of 50 units, priced at $99,950

LAS VEGAS – Just one year after Ford unveiled the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor at the SEMA show, Ford today is announcing the long-anticipated power figures for the all-new 6.2-liter premium V-8 engine now available in this ultimate high-speed off-road performance truck.

When this optional powertrain in the Raptor arrives in showrooms in early 2010, the 6.2-liter V-8 will produce 411 hp and 434 ft.-lb. of torque, making Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup available. Customers will now have the choice of two V-8 engines in the Raptor, Ford's proven 5.4-liter Triton V-8 or the new 6.2-liter V-8, which can be ordered beginning Dec. 1, with an MSRP of $41,995 including destination and delivery.

The F-150 SVT Raptor, launched in August with Ford's proven 320-hp 5.4-liter Triton V-8, is off to a strong start. Orders for the Raptor equipped with the standard 5.4-liter stand at more than 3,000, and the plant is at maximum capacity producing the ultimate high-speed off-road truck. In addition, Ford Racing will soon offer the 2011 FR Raptor XT, making Raptor even more capable in the rough stuff, but without giving up the control and comfort found in the production Raptor.

Considered an off-road-only pre-runner, the FR Raptor XT from Ford Racing builds upon the production Raptor's already impressive capabilities. The FR Raptor XT is nearly the same truck that finished the 2008 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, but with all the comfort and convenience you'd find in a production Raptor. Essentially, FR Raptor XT is a turnkey professional pre-runner.

Key specifications of the FR Raptor XT include:

500-hp (est.) 6.2-liter naturally aspirated engine
Six-speed automatic transmission
Electronically selectable 4x4; 4.56 gear sets; front and rear e-lockers
A-arm with uni-ball front; four-link RR suspension
15-inch front/18-inch rear wheel travel
Coil-over with bypass shocks front and rear
Chromoly "4130" rollcage; extensive skid plating
Full featured interior, including power windows/windshield and air conditioning
Factory seating with five-point restraints
Off-road beadlock wheel/tires
Unique appearance package including tubular front and rear bumper and integral lighting

The FR Raptor XT joins Ford Racing's successful turnkey race Mustangs available only from Ford dealers. There will be a production run of 50 units carrying a price of $99,950. The FR Raptor XT is not street legal, and is intended for off-road use only. Production timing will be announced at a later date.

2009-11-03T11:53:00.000-05:00

Ford, the only Detroit automaker to dodge direct government aid and bankruptcy court, surprised investors with net income of nearly $1 billion in the third quarter and forecast a "solidly profitable" 2011.

The automaker said Monday earnings were fueled by U.S. market share gains, cost cuts and the Cash for Clunkers program, which drew flocks of buyers to showrooms this summer. Ford's shares rose 68 cents, or 9.8 percent, to $7.68 in morning trading.

The latest results signal that Ford's turnaround is on more solid ground. The company lost more than $14.6 billion last year and hasn't posted a full-year profit since 2005. While it made a profit in the second quarter, that was mainly due to debt reductions that cut its interest payments.

Ford, based in Dearborn, Mich., reported third-quarter net income of $997 million, or 29 cents per share. Its profit forecast for 2011 was a step above previous guidance of break-even or better for the year.

Ford's key North American car and truck division posted a pretax profit of $357 million, the division's first quarter in the black since early 2005. Ford cited higher pricing, lower material costs and increased market share for the improvement.

Excluding one-time items, Ford earned 26 cents per share, blowing away analysts' expectations of a loss of 12 cents.

The earnings came despite an $800 million revenue drop. But Ford said it cut costs by $1 billion during the quarter, accomplished through layoffs in North America and Europe, reduced pension and retiree health care costs and improvements in productivity and product development.

Chief financial officer Lewis Booth said the company took in $1.3 billion more than it spent in the quarter, an improvement over its $1 billion cash burn in the second quarter.

"That's a huge deal," Booth said.

Ford's plan to create demand and get better prices for its products, coupled with cost cuts, gave the company confidence that it will make money in 2011, Booth said.

But Ford still faces obstacles in its turnaround. Last week, workers overwhelmingly rejected an agreement with the United Auto Workers that would have brought Ford's labor costs in line with rivals General Motors and Chrysler LLC. Workers objected to clauses limiting their right to strike and freezing entry-level wages, and felt the company was healthy enough and didn't need further concessions.

The rejected deal also would have changed rules so skilled tradesmen such as electricians and pipefitters work in teams and perform more than one task.

Rejection of the deal isn't likely to place Ford at an immediate cost disadvantage to its crosstown rivals because savings from the concessions are longer-term, said Gary Chaison, a professor of labor relations at Clark University in Worcester, Mass. Neither the company nor the UAW has released any cost savings numbers.

The third-quarter profit makes it extremely unlikely that the company will push to head back to the bargaining table before the current UAW contract expires in the fall of 2011, and union leaders also are unlikely to take another deal to the membership, Chaison said.

"I think the company has no credibility asking for concessions now, and I think the leadership is quite embarrased for making a case for concessions," he said.

Chaison said Ford could make some noise about moving new vehicle production to Canada, where unionized workers on Sunday approved a package of concessions, but it's more likely that Ford will live with the current contract until 2011.

The other area where Ford has a cost disadvantage is debt. Ford reported $26.9 billion in debt, up $800 million from the second quarter.

The company avoided the same fate as rivals Chrysler and GM by mortgaging its factories and even the familiar blue oval logo to borrow $23.5 billion before credit markets froze last year.

Ford didn't quantify the impact of Cash for Clunkers, which offered buyers rebates to trade in their vehicles. The program helped Ford cut costly incentives and raise production.

It also won buyers; the fuel-efficient Ford Focus sedan and Ford Escape, a small SUV, were among the top five sellers under clunkers. Ford sales climbed 17 percent in August thanks to the program.

Ford's revenue fell $800 million for the quarter, to $30.9 billion, due mainly to its financial services arm, Ford Motor Credit, making fewer loans.

But the division still posted a pretax profit of $677 million, and revenue from auto operations rose slightly to $27.9 billion.

Ford also has benefited from consumer goodwill after it declined government bailout money and didn't go into bankruptcy over the summer as GM and Chrysler did. Ford grabbed sales from its rivals, posting the largest increase in market share of any automaker in September. Ford expects an overall gain in U.S. market share in 2009, a feat it hasn't accomplished since 1995.

Mustang to enter Nationwide Series

2009-10-14T10:30:00.000-04:00

Hold on to your butts, people. Ford Racing and Roush Fenway Racing have unveiled their new stock car based on the poniest of pony cars. Prior to this, Ford teams in NASCAR have driven Fusions. Well, all right, none of them were actual Fusions or will be actual Mustangs. Rather, they'll be normal stock cars like everyone else in NASCAR drives that are covered with enough stickers and fake grilles to make you think that you might be looking at a Mustang from the stands. Man, "stock car" has really become a contradiction in terms.

Now you won't see Mustangs turning left next week in Charlotte at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The new car will compete in four races next year and only in the Nationwide Series, not the Sprint Cup. As such, it won't be based on the Car of Tomorrow platform that the Sprint Cup series uses, but rather the newer, different Car of Tomorrow platform designed specifically for the Nationwide Series. This first new Mustang to race in the Nationwide Series will be the No. 16 Con-way Freight Mustang driven by Colin Braun for Roush Fenway Racing. Is it enough to make us love NASCAR? Not quite, but if we had to race a bathtub on wheels, we'd pick this one.

* Thanks to Autoblog for the info

Lego engine

2009-09-01T09:56:00.000-04:00

Pretty impressive engineering. A working engine made of legos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8ut5ND3agI

Customer Appreciation Day

2009-06-09T10:34:00.001-04:00

Customer Appreciation Day at Waldorf Ford/Dodge June 13th 10am-4pm. DNA Lifeprint (endorsed by John Walsh) children ID, food, entertainment and more. Come join us!

2010 Ford Taurus Preview!

2009-05-19T13:39:00.000-04:00

Come join us June 6th from 5pm-7pm to see the ALL NEW 2010 Ford Taurus. We will have one available for you to get in and check out during that time...plus a factory specialist on hand to answer your questions. While you are here, enter to win one of your own! Come see it before it hits the streets! Light refreshments will be available. for more information call 800-883-1487

Ford's CEO was named one of the TIME 100 for 2009.

2009-04-30T15:53:00.000-04:00

Ford's CEO was named one of the TIME 100 for 2009. http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1894410_1893837_1894182,00.html

Ford Advantage Plan

2009-04-15T16:23:00.000-04:00

In case you haven't heard, Ford announced the Ford Advantage Plan. 0% APR financing PLUS Payment protection plan. See details at http://www.fordspecialevent.com/

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2009-04-15T16:14:00.001-04:00

We are excited to have our 2010 Fusion Hybrids rolling into the dealership. This good news and bad news. Good news is they are here and THEY ARE AMAZING - in style, comfort and environmentally. The bad news is they are selling as soon as they roll off the transported. As of right now we have a black one that hasn't been spoken for...so if you are in the market for a new Hybrid - I suggest you drop what you are doing and come down to Waldorf Ford to check it out. We would love hang a sold tag in our Fusion Hybrid with your name on it.

2010 Mustang at Waldorf Ford!

2009-04-09T12:54:00.001-04:00

Here are some pics.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=106462&id=47687119417&l=a5c54b6da6

2010 Fusion Sport photos

2009-04-03T11:10:00.000-04:00

Came across these photos today while at autoblog.com
What a nice looking car! They also have a review of the 2010 Fusion as compared to a Camry. Its worth a read...

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2010-ford-fusion-sport/1218081/

2009-03-31T11:06:00.000-04:00

Just announced...Ford Advantage Plan. Includes 0% APR financing and 12 month Payment Protection plan. For details call 800-883-1487 or stop by and see us at Waldorf Ford, 2440 Crain Hwy, Waldorf MD.

CONSUMER AUTO INCENTIVE INCLUDED IN FINAL STIMULUS BILL

2009-03-12T09:05:00.001-04:00

February 17, 2009
*** UPDATE: INCENTIVE EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 17 ***
CONSUMER AUTO INCENTIVE INCLUDED IN FINAL STIMULUS BILL (H.R. 1)“AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009” Today, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. On February 13, the House approved the bill by a vote of 246-183 and the Senate passed the package by a vote of 60-38. What Taxes are Deductible? 1• State Motor Vehicle Sales• Local Motor Vehicle Sales• Motor Vehicle Excise TaxesWhat Customers Qualify for the Deduction?• Individual customers with modified adjusted gross income of less than $125,000 or joint-filers making less than $250,000 a year in 2009 would qualify for the deduction.• Deductible as an “above the line” (for itemizers and non-itemizers) deduction on federal tax return.Effective Date• New vehicle purchases shall apply to purchases on or after the date of enactment (February 17, 2009) until December 31, 2009.What New Vehicles Qualify for the Deduction?• Any new vehicle not more than 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight.• New vehicles of any model year – when the original use commences with the taxpayer.• Any vehicle sold for under $49,500 qualifies for the full deduction. Consumers may deduct sales taxes on the first $49,500 of any vehicle sold above this price.THIS IS A GENERALIZED SUMMARY. Tax savings will depend on one’s individual tax rate. For more specific information on eligible customers, taxes and applicability, dealers are encouraged to consult with an accountant or tax professional.1 “For purposes of this section, the term ‘qualified motor vehicle taxes’ means any state or local sales or excise tax imposed on the purchase of a qualified motor vehicle.”

Information from NADA.org

Ford builds 100,000th hybrid SUV, bakes a cake

2009-03-10T15:15:00.000-04:00

Today, Ford celebrates a new milestone in the life of its hybrid SUV platform as the 100,000th vehicle rolls down the assembly line at the Blue Oval's Assembly Plant in Kansas City. This production total includes all Ford Escape Hybrids, Mercury Mariner Hybrids and Mazda Tribute Hybrids produced since 2004, the year that Ford launched its first ever fuel-saving gas/electric model.Perhaps now would be a good time to remind our readers that Ford hit the 60,000 hybrid mark in the 4th quarter of 2008, meaning that the automaker's federal hybrid tax credit will be cut in half beginning in April of this year. Buyers wanting to capitalize on the full rebate will need to make their purchase before the end of this month.Despite being on the market now for the last five years or so, Ford's hybrid SUVs continue to be the most fuel efficient 'utes on the market with an EPA estimated rating of 34 city, 31 highway. Feel like reminiscing? Click past the break for Ford's teary-eyed tribute to the Escape Hybrid.
Gallery: ABG Garage: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited

[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Ford builds 100,000th hybrid SUV, bakes a cake
Filed under: Hybrid, Manufacturing/Plants, Ford, Green Daily
Ford builds 100,000th hybrid SUV, bakes a cake originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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