Secrets Behind the New Ford Power Stroke Diesel | Dahl Ford Davenport

Tori Tellem,

 

10/5/2014 

Secret #1: Ford engineered its own powertrain for the 2015 Super Duty^®

Secret #2: The 6.7-liter Power Stroke^® V8 makes more horsepower and torque than the previous model

Secret #3: First rule of the Power Stroke? There are no secrets

The design of the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8™ is something you would think would be cloaked in darkness, even within the walls of the Blue Oval. ™ Not so – Ford is proud of what it accomplished with the second-generation diesel model optional in the 2015 Super Duty, and admitted building an efficient engine* required a lot of openness. “Keeping everything in-house gives a competitive advantage because there are no go-betweens,” explained David Ives, Ford Power Stroke Technical Specialist. “The engine guy can just walk over to the transmission guy and they can work together to find the best solutions, breaking down barriers.”

The upgrades to the Power Stroke resulted in 440 horsepower – the previous 6.7-liter Power Stroke made 400 – and 860 lb.-ft. of torque – up from 800. This pertains to all Super Duty models, from F-250 to F-450. That’s what happens when you engineer a work truck to be a work truck, and as a team. Ford is the only manufacturer that develops and builds its own powertrains in this class. And there are innovations galore: a compacted graphite iron engine block and reverse-flow layout. About that no-secret rule? “Strong communication built a better diesel truck,” David added.

“The designers of the original 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel predicted that it would eventually need to be upgraded for higher output,” said David. “They designed it in a way that made it easier to add a larger turbocharger, increasing airflow and creating more power for dramatically improved performance, yet we haven’t lost any efficiency.”

So, looks like the cat is out of the bag: This purpose-built truck has been improved from (cylinder) head to tow.

*Based on Ford simulated city-suburban drive-cycle tests of comparably equipped 2015 Ford and 2011-2013 competitive models, consistent with SAE Standard J1321.

The New Old Reliable | Dahl Ford Davenport

For Loveland, Ohio lawyer Doug Nienaber, Ford has always been a family name. “We’ve had Fords in my family for as long as I can remember,” says the 38-year-old father of two. “My dad was a business manager at a Ford dealership, and he was always bringing home demo vehicles. We got a lot of attention. One time he brought home an early Taurus. Sometimes he’d bring something even more exotic.”

He brought home a Mustang in 1979, the year it was the pace car at the Indy 500. “That was amazing,” Nienaber says. “The car had a graphic logo on the side, and everybody wanted to know more about it.”

And while Nienaber loved the glitz and glamour that rolled into the driveway with each new Ford his dad brought home, he always felt a deeper connection to the Blue Oval.

“We’ve always been attracted to the quality,” he explains. “The first car I ever had was an Escort that I bought from my dad back when I was in college. It wasn’t a muscle car by any stretch, but it served me well for a long time, gave me a lot of great memories—I dated my [now] wife, Jennifer, in that car—and it never let me down.”

That Escort carried Nienaber to the purchase of his first Focus in 2002—a car that, he says, became a trusted member of his family. “I bought it the year I graduated from law school, and it was the first time I bought a new car with my own money. It endured 130,000 miles and took me through everything my twenties had to offer. I brought my daughter home from the hospital in that car!”

In fact, he loved that Focus so much that he didn’t want to part with it. “I cared for it like it was one of my kids. I changed the oil, did the repairs. I didn’t want it to leave the family, so I sold it to my cousin. It still rides like it’s brand new.”

What’s new in his garage is a 2013 Focus ST. He wanted something that he could depend on, but that would also be exciting to drive. “It’s a lot more powerful and a lot faster [than my 2002 Focus], but it’s got a similar feel and the same reliability,” Nienaber says. “It’s reminiscent of the old car, but it’s modern. My kids love it.”

“It’s also great for hauling around all the kids’ stuff and friends,” he explains. “I coach my son’s T-ball team, and we can fit all the equipment in the back.” The five-door hatchback makes loading and unloading the kids easy.

No matter the task at hand, the Focus ST always adds a little Ford fun for the Nienaber family.

Vehicle Tips for Bicycle Riders | Dahl Ford

 Tips for Transporting Your Bike

Sometimes the best places to bike are not the closest to where you live. If you want to take advantage of the best trails and parks, you’ll probably have to transport your bike there. Bicycles are bulky and a little cumbersome to stow. But with the right tools and tips, you can minimize the hassle.
Naturally, a bike rack is the easiest way to get your bike from A to B. There are a number of options available to suit just about every vehicle type and level of usage.

• Hitch Racks use your vehicle’s trailer hitch to transport bikes behind the vehicle, such as these offered by Ford Accessories. Depending on the size of your vehicle, they can be used to haul one or several bikes simultaneously. Hitch mounts are usually easier to install than their roof-mounted counterparts and can generally transport bikes without your first having to remove the front wheel. However, since they require the use of a trailer hitch, they might not be suitable for some smaller vehicles not rated for towing.
• Roof-mounted Racks are the most common. As the name suggests, these racks are built onto the top of your vehicle, transporting your bikes overhead. The good news is that roof-mounted racks can generally fit a large number of bikes and even odd-shaped ones. Most are convertible too, and can be used for extra storage. The bad news is that they can be complicated to install and sometimes limit your parking and driving options given the extra height they add to your vehicle.

Regardless of which rack you use, make sure to avoid direct contact between the bike and your vehicle. Friction can cause damage to both. Also be sure to strip your bike of any accessories before mounting it to your rack. You don’t want any gear falling off en route.

Bikes and Automobiles: How to Get Along

The relationship between automobiles and bicycles can be a tricky one. On the one hand, vehicles are sometimes necessary to get bikes and their owners to where they can enjoy a ride. But when bikes and autos need to share the same road, things can get dicey.

Here are a few pointers for drivers and bikers that can help make sure everyone can get along. Rules can vary from state to state and even city to city. Always be sure to check your local government’s rules to ensure you’re up to date on the latest.

Tips for Drivers

• According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), while on the road, bikes have just as much right to be on the road as cars do. Like cars, trucks and SUVs, bikes need follow traffic laws that apply to motor vehicles. So treat bicyclists with the same respect that you would any slow-moving vehicle. Click here to learn more about the bicycle “rules of the road.”
• Give bike riders as much space as is possible. Try not to crowd or tailgate bicyclists as it is unsafe and can cause injury. According to the non-profit Cascade Bicycle Club, many states have adopted a “3 feet rule.” This rule means you should give at least three feet of space (side-to-side) between you and a bicycle when you pass them. This is the law in more than 20 states.
• Be on the lookout for hand gestures that can signal a bike rider’s intentions. A left arm extended straight out means a left turn is coming. A left arm extended and bent upwards at a 90 degree angle means the bicyclist is planning on making a right turn. Check out these handy diagrams courtesy of the NHTSA.

The Best Ford Vehicles to Get Your Bike There

Ford has plenty of vehicle options for serious bikers who need a vehicle that can help transport gear.

• The Ford Edge delivers a great combination of performance, space and technology.
• If your favorite place to ride is off the beaten path, the Ford Escape and Ford Explorer can help get you there. Ample cargo room and an available hitch can make transporting your bikes easy.
• The Ford Transit Connect Wagon has space for your bike and your gear, along with sliding doors and a large tailgate for easy access.

 Source: http://social.ford.com/our-articles/cuvs/edge/vehicle-tips-for-bicycle-riders/

How Innovative Is the 2015 Ford F-150? | Dahl Ford Davenport, IA

What is innovation? It’s more than just something new. Innovation is something new that you probably didn’t even realize that you needed. It’s anticipating needs. It’s making things better. It’s a tough concept to articulate, but not a tough concept to demonstrate. All you need to do in order to understand what innovation really means is to take a look at the 2015 Ford F-150.

The new F-150 has more than 100 new or pending Ford patents. That’s a record. It’s the most patented truck in Ford history.

But this isn’t about records or numbers. It’s about building a truck that makes the owner’s life easier, safer, and, with improved fuel economy, less expensive. Let’s take a look at some of the new features that make the newest Ford truck such an extraordinary vehicle.

Lights, Cameras, Awesome!

By now you probably know how cool LED lights are. The new F-150 has LED headlamps. They’re super bright, but use about half of the energy of a standard headlamp. They save energy, but they also save hassle because these LED headlamps are expected to last for the life of the truck. One less thing you need to worry about.

Speaking of LED lights, the headlamps aren’t the only place you’ll find them on the 2015 F-150. This truck also has LED spotlights integrated into the side view mirrors.

We know you may be thinking, “Why would I ever need to use those?”

Well, how about adding a little extra illumination when you need it? You can finish up at the job site when the sun goes down, or maybe set up that tent if you get to the campgrounds a little later than expected. You can even play a game of pick-up basketball at night. The possibilities are endless. Oh, and did we mention that the guy who worked on these used to work for NASA?

The 2015 Ford F-150 also has cameras. Big deal, right? Just about every new vehicle has a backup camera. That’s true, but does every new vehicle have a 360-degree camera system that gives you a bird‘s eye view of your truck? Didn’t think so. You see, the engineers at Ford know that everyone can use a view from above when  backing into a tight spot or pulling a heavy load up a winding trail.

As if that weren’t cool enough, the front camera features a washer system that’s integrated with the windshield washers. So when you’re mudding or driving through a tough storm, you don’t need to worry about dirt and specks obstructing your view.

More Power…Outlets

The 2015 F-150 is going to be plenty powerful. But, in addition to the power under the hood, it will also offer outlets that can help power your equipment, recharge your tools and keep you plugged in when you’re outside.

SuperCab and SuperCrew® models will offer a high-power, 400-watt capable inverter with two 110-volt outlets in the dash and second-row center console. These outlets are centrally located, so they’re easily accessible from either side of the truck.

Need More Info

Good truck owners wants to know everything that’s happening with their baby at any given time. That’s why the engineers at Ford developed a truly customizable productivity screen and information cluster. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the information cluster now contains computer-generated displays for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and amp meter.

Drivers can also customize additional screens to display mission-critical information while towing and off-roading. You can even adjust the color and location of the information displays, making the display both as unique and useful as you want.

Tailgate Technology

Opening your doors or trunk with your key fob is probably second nature by now. But how about your tailgate? From the same company that brought you the hands-free liftgate; the all-new 2015 F-150 has a tailgate that can automatically lower with the push of a button. That will certainly come handy when you have your hands full.

F-150 engineers have also made some refinements to the Ford-exclusive tailgate step. It is fully integrated into the tailgate, and is pretty much invisible when it’s folded up. They’ve also relocated the grab handle inside the tailgate, keeping the surface nice and flat.

The 2015 Ford F-150 combines the power and reliability that you know and love with a number of revolutionary features. This creates a truck that is powerful, smart and filled with helpful technology.

Source: http://social.ford.com/our-articles/trucks/f-150/how-innovative-is-the-2015-ford-f-150-2/

Ford 3D-printing Mustang out of chocolate and candy for Valentine's Day

Is your beloved in love with the new 2015 Ford Mustang? Do they like chocolate (that's a trick question – everyone likes chocolate)? Are they a bit of a futurist? Then this Hallmark holiday, you need to get them this Ford Mustang, 3D-printed in sweet, delicious chocolate.

Ford is teaming with 3D Systems' Sugar Lab in LA to produce the super-accurate pony car confections in both chocolate and sugar candy varieties. The process kicked off with a CAD rendering of the 2015 Mustang, which was then programmed into the 3D printer. After a bit of work from the machine, a four-inch long, two-inch tall Mustang was the result. Why the tieup with 3D Systems, though?

"We wanted to create something fun to show that while 3D printing made these edible Mustangs, manufacturing-level 3D printing was used in the development of Ford's all-new sports car," said Paul Susalla, Ford's supervisor of 3D printing.

While Ford commissioned the chocolatey Mustangs, buying some for your sweetheart might be tougher. This is a one-off deal for now, although Ford is in talks to license the Mustang candy, should it find a solid reception.

Ford has put together a surprisingly interesting video of the 3D printing process, which we've embeddedbelow. There's also an official press release, as well as a full gallery of the process.

This post originally published here.

Ford celebrating 80 years of Aussie utes as it prepares to shutter Oz manufacturing

Ford is ending Australian production after 90 years in 2016, and with it may go perhaps the most iconic vehicles in its auto market – the ute. Car-based pickup trucks like the Ford Ranchero and Chevrolet El Camino were always more of a curiosity than a true market force here, but in Australia, they have long proven hugely popular.

As the legend goes, Ford invented the niche after a farmer's wife had asked Ford Australia's managing director for a more utilitarian car. Her request was simple: "My husband and I can't afford a car and a truck but we need a car to go to church on Sunday and a truck to take the pigs to market on Monday. Can you help?"

Ford's design team came up with a two-passenger, enclosed, steel coupe body with glass windows and a steel-paneled, wooden-frame load area in the rear. The sides of the bed were blended into the body to make it look more unified, and to keep costs down, the front end and interior were based on the Ford Model 40 five-window coupe. Power came from a V8 with shifting chores handled by a three-speed manual. Within a year, the new vehicle was ready, and production began in 1934. Lead designer Lewis Bandt christened it the coupe-utility.

It proved to be a success in Australia's rural areas, and in 1961, Ford added the ute bodystyle as an option on the Falcon. It has remained an important part of the Australian Falcon to this, and 455,000 of them have been sold since introduction.

Unfortunately, the history of the ute might be at an end. With Ford ending Australian production, it looks like the end of Australian-market exclusive vehicles, and in the near future, there might not even be a suitable rear-wheel-drive car-based chassis to build utes on. "Ranger will remain as our leading Ute / pick-up post the end of Falcon Ute production," said Sinead Phipps, Communications Director at Ford Australia, in an email to Autoblog. Scroll down to get the full scoop on ute history in the press release.

This post originally published here.

NHTSA probing Ford Escape over throttle issue

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Crossover, Ford

According to the Associated Press, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is training its gaze on 2005-2012 Ford Escape. According to the report, the federal safety agency has opened a probe at the behest of the North Carolina Consumers Council, which petitioned for an investigation following a pair of complaints related to throttle issues.

The council noted in its petition that Ford has previously acknowledged a problem with hesitation and stalling in Escape models, as it has issued a series of technical service bulletins to its dealer body to deal with the issue.

The NHTSA inquiry is not a full-blown investigation at this time and there is no recall pending. No crashes or injuries have been reported due to the problem, but up to 1.6 million examples of the popular crossover could be affected if NHTSA's study does trigger a recall.

NHTSA probing Ford Escape over throttle issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Oct 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: www.autoblog.com