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While acceleration times like 0-60 and quarter-mile times are useful and well-established, the ultimate performance metric for a high-performance vehicle is how fast it can lap the Nürburgring in Germany. Benna Ford is pleased to announce that the Ford Mustang GTD has entered an extremely exclusive club by lapping the “ring” in under seven minutes. Only six production models worldwide can claim to be in the “Under seven” club; the Mustang GTD is the only one from America. The specifics are this: On December 10, 2024, the 815-horsepower Mustang GTD, driven by Multimatic Motorsports driver Dirk Müller, completed the 12.9-mile 73-turn lap in 6 minutes, 57.685 seconds. This marks an achievement of a goal stated by Ford CEO Jim Farley at the Mustang GTD’s debut in August 2023. “The team behind Mustang GTD took what we’ve learned from decades on the track and engineered a Mustang that can compete with the world’s best supercars,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley. “We’re proud to be the first American automaker with a car that can lap the Nürburgring in under seven minutes, but we aren’t satisfied. We know there’s much more time to find with Mustang GTD. We’ll be back.” Ford has produced several blisteringly fast Mustangs in the past couple of decades, and some Shelby Mustangs even have greater horsepower than the GTD. However, even they aren’t as race-track-bred as the Mustang GTD. It began with the Ford Mustang GT3 race car, developed by Ford Performance and Multimatic Motor Sports, to compete in IMSA endurance races, such as the 24 Hours of LeMans, 12 Hours at Sebring, and 24 Hours of Daytona. The goal was to create a high-performance production car inspired by and derived from the Mustang GT3. This is a more challenging task than it sounds. Not only do production cars need to meet all manner of Department of Transportation and NHTSA safety standards, but the engine can’t be expected to be rebuilt after every long day of driving, as in a race car. At the heart of the Mustang GTD (taking its name from the GT Daytona IMSA class) is a Ford Performance-engineered 5.2-liter naturally aspirated (non-turbo or supercharged) V8 tuned to achieve 815 horsepower.  The engine features a dry sump oil system to prevent oil starvation on fast curves and is the first dry sump fitted to a production Mustang.  The V8 is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transaxle driving and is located between the rear wheels to help produce a 40/40 weight distribution. The chassis features a semi-active suspension with short-long arm geometry up front to handle High-G cornering, while carbon-ceramic brakes slow things down when necessary. Much of the body is made of carbon fiber panels, including the large rear wing, which forms road-gripping downforce at speed. As mandated by the Nürburgring, the production car was fitted with a competition seat with a five-point harness and a roll cage. Ford plans a limited run of about 1,000 Mustang GTDs. With a starting MSRP of about $325,000, it is more than a mere step up from a Mustang GT, so you will unlikely find one in Benna Ford’s inventory. That said, it is a testament to Ford’s engineering prowess and is an example of lessons learned on the track finding their way into production cars.

The Baja 1000 is considered one of the toughest races in the world and is unrivaled as the toughest race on this side of the globe. Consequently, Benna Ford is proud to announce that at the event’s end, both the Ford Bronco DR and Ford Ranger Raptor emerged with class wins. It is difficult to overstate how rugged and punishing the Baja 1000 course can be. This year’s course featured thick silt beds, jagged rocks, hard rain and snow, and Baja’s legendary darkness, which tests the driver’s reflexes as obstacles quickly appear in a vehicle’s light beams. “The Baja 1000 is brutal,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “It pushes every part of a truck to its limits and demands everything from the drivers and teams. This isn’t just about crossing the finish line—it’s about proving that our vehicles can take on and conquer challenges as tough as Baja.” Bronco DR Wins Heavy Metal Class The Bronco DR (Desert Racer) took the win in the Heavy Metal Limited class. It is purpose-built as a desert racer, aimed directly at the Baja competition and similar events. The Baja victory marks its third victory out of three competitions for this year. Driver Brad Lovell and navigator Roger Lovell began the first third of the event, followed by Jason Hutter and Paul Blangsted, who helped secure the DR’s August victory at Vegas to Reno. Jason Scherer and Jason Berger took the checkered flag upon completion of the final leg of the 864-mile race. “This year put an exclamation mark on how brutal Baja is,” said Brad Lovell, who has piloted the DR at all races. “It’s said it’s the toughest race in North America, and I do believe that’s true. Having been involved with Bronco DR testing for quite a while, I always wanted the opportunity to race it here in the 1000—it’s what we designed it for, it’s where we made it spirited, lively and fun. To understand Bronco’s legacy in Baja and be part of it is overwhelming. Bronco is utilitarian, a jack of all trades, but it has a special spirit and place in Baja.” Lovel is undoubtedly referring to the Bronco known as “Big Oly,” driven by Rod Gall and Larry Minor. In 1969, it was the first 4x4 vehicle to win the Baja 1000 outright, a feat usually achieved by motorcycles. Ranger Raptor Wins Stock Mid-size Class Possibly even more impressive is the showroom-stock mid-size class win by the Ranger Raptor. The vehicle is far closer to stock than the vehicles in the Heavy Metal class. It meets SCORE’s Stock Mid-sized regulations, which allow only very limited performance and durability enhancements. Driver Loren Healy and navigator Eric Davis started the competition before turning it over to John Williams III and Nate Williams, who drove for the middle section. Bailey Campbell and Bryan Crofts took it across the finish line. Racing as Research “Baja threw everything it had at us this year,” said Loren Healy. “We fought some trials and tribulations last night, but this amazing Ford Performance team put everything—their whole hearts and souls—into this, in the dark, in the cold, in the rain. I’m really proud of everyone here.” The Ranger was equipped with a MoTeC data acquisition system to collect critical performance data during the race. “One of our top priorities is always to gather as much data as possible, and we see so much varied conditions here that helps that,” said Brian Novak, North American Off-Road Program Manager. “We’ve taken insights from this program to enhance our durability testing process. When we take this truck back to Dearborn, we’ll analyze every piece and part in detail to see what we can do to make our consumer trucks better.” Racing improves the breed. You can see for yourself by test-driving the Bronco, Ranger, and Ford’s other 4x4 stars at Benna Ford.

Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs offer used car shoppers a welcome bridge between the lower cost of used cars and the product confidence in a new car. An extensive inspection program backed up by a manufacturer’s warranty is common among these programs. The manufacturer operates most CPO programs, and much of the actual legwork is done at the dealer level.  Outside the inspection and warranty, the programs vary by what other benefits they offer, which vehicles qualify as CPO vehicles, and other program details. Which CPO models have the greatest value is something that automotive industry data and analysis firm Vincentric has taken it upon themselves to discover. Benna Ford is proud to inform you that they like Ford’s CPO program and CPO models very much. Vincentric is a privately held automotive data compilation and analysis firm that has made a name for itself in measuring vehicle cost of ownership using eight factors: depreciation, fees and taxes, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost, and repairs.  They have been judging the value of CPO programs and vehicles for 12 years.  For 2024, they voted on Ford Company as having the brand award for the Best CPO Value in America in the Truck and Van categories.  Individual Ford models earned Vincentric CPO awards in six additional categories.  It is also worth noting that in all cases, the brand and its models have earned this award multiple times.  Here is the complete list of Ford’s Vincentric Best CPO awards: Ford – Best CPO Value in America: Truck Brand category (fifth time, second consecutive) Ford – Best CPO Value in America: Van Brand category (ninth consecutive) Ford Maverick ® Hybrid – Best CPO Value in America: Small/Mid-Size Pickup segment (second consecutive) Ford F-150® Lightning ® – Best CPO Value in America: Full-Size 1/2-Ton Pickup segment (ninth time for F-150) Ford Super Duty ® F-250 ® – Best CPO Value in America: Full-Size 3/4-Ton Pickup segment (second time) Ford Super Duty ® F-350 ® – Best CPO Value in America: Full-Size 1-Ton Pickup segment (third time) Ford E-Transit™ 350 – Best CPO Value in America: Large Cargo Van segment (seventh time for Transit) Ford Expedition ® – Best CPO Value in America: Large SUV segment (fifth time, third consecutive) "Vehicle cost of ownership is important to our customers,” said Jim Baumbick, Vice President, Ford Product Development Operations and Quality. “Earning Vincentric’s CPO Value Awards for our trucks, vans, and SUVs is a testament to our engineers and their dedication to designing durable, cost-effective vehicles that help minimize operating costs to help hold their value over time.” Ford’s dominance in these awards shouldn’t be surprising, as these are all areas where Ford excels. Ford has been America’s best-selling truck manufacturer and the best-seller in commercial vans and commercial vehicles for 39 consecutive years. New or used, private or commercial, you can’t go wrong with a Ford truck or van, and you will find them at Benna Ford.

You don’t purchase a heavy-duty truck because you like big things. You buy them because you expect them to carry out major work. It may be heavy payloads, towing heavy trailers, or both, but you expect your heavy-duty truck to carry it out without a hiccup. Costing more than ordinary pickup trucks, it is a significant investment, and you expect satisfaction. Benna Ford is happy to announce that the 2024 Ford F-Series Super Duty is the most appealing large heavy-duty pickup in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. Unlike the Quality Index studies, which measure things gone wrong in various stages of ownership, the J.D. Power APEAL study measures owners' emotional attachment and level of excitement with their new vehicle. The Study asks owners to consider 37 attributes of their vehicles, ranging from the sense of comfort they feel when climbing into the driver's seat to their exhilaration when they step on the accelerator. Vehicle owners' responses to queries about these attributes are aggregated to compute an overall APPEAL Index score. "The Ford Super Duty ranking as the most appealing Large Heavy-Duty Pickup shows Ford’s commitment to building vehicles that go above and beyond their customers’ expectations,” said Frank Hanley, Senior Director Auto Benchmarking at JD Power. Ford can place the J. D. Power trophy next to one that named the 2021 Super Duty the most dependable large heavy-duty pickup, and the four that named the 2024 Ford F-Series ® Super Duty ® the North America Truck of the Year for four consecutive years.  Special features include available best-in-class diesel horsepower and torque, the industry’s first Tailgate Down Camera, and the available Pro-Power Onboard with five times more exportable power than any other heavy-duty pickup. “For the people, businesses, first responders and communities that build America, Super Duty is more than a truck. It’s a tool they rely on to get the job done,” said Andrew Kernahan, Super Duty Chief Program Engineer. “There’s no better recognition than one that comes from the people using the truck every day. We are honored and proud to serve our Ford Pro customers with a Built Ford Tough truck that helps to keep our country moving forward.” If you are in need of a heavy-duty pickup truck, the top of your shopping list appears obvious, and you can see several examples for yourself at Benna Ford in Superior, WI.

Here at Benna Ford, we know we have a winner on our hands with the Maverick on the lot. It has been listed as one of Car and Driver’s 10Best. MotorWeek gave it a Top Driver’s Award. Now that it has been out for a few years, S&P Global Mobility bestowed it the Automotive Loyalty Award, and Vincentric gave it the 2024 Best CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) Value in America Award. There are others, but what we wish to point to today is the latest accolade from Consumer Reports. This best-known reviewer of consumer products has awarded the Maverick and Maverick Hybrid as a Top Pick for Small Pickups for the second year in a row. This is after they have already given the Maverick the title of “Best Small Truck” and “Best Fuel Efficient Truck” in the Consumer Reports 2024 Buying Guide. In describing their choice, Consumer Reports stated: “The Maverick’s civilized ride, maneuverability, simple step-in access, fuel economy, and low price distinguish it among trucks. The crew cab interior is roomy and practical, with good legroom and headroom in front and back for such a small vehicle. The controls are easy to use, and convenient spots for storage are placed throughout. The 191-hp hybrid stands out for its terrific fuel efficiency and added refinement. The Maverick is a high-value offering that puts the “fun” in functional.” When even the staid Consumer Reports describes your vehicle as “fun,” you know you have accomplished something. They also have the Maverick Hybrid tied for 3rd in their Most Satisfying list of models (the first two were the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911). This is not based on Consumer Reports’ opinions but on answers to a survey question: “Given the opportunity, would you buy or lease this vehicle again?” 88% of Ford Maverick Hybrid owners said “Yes.” Consumer Reports has had positive things to say about the Maverick from their first review in 2022: “ The Maverick is better suited to “truck stuff” than the similarly sized Santa Cruz. For instance, the Ford’s 4.5-foot-long bed is about one-and-a-half times the volume and the bed’s low height makes it easier to load. Owners are likely to appreciate the handy sliding tie-down rings and in-bed lighting” They then ranked it second to the larger and more expensive Honda Ridgeline among all Pickup trucks priced between $25K and $45K, including those from Toyota, Nissan, and Chevrolet. Anyone in the area considering the efficiency and utility of a small pickup truck simply has to come to Benna Ford and take a close look at the Maverick. Meanwhile, we will be expanding our trophy case.

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) announced seven category winners for MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of 2024 awards. Benna Ford is pleased that MAMA’s Favorite Pickup Truck Award winner went to the Ford Maverick. The Maverick will join the six other category winners as finalists in competing for the overall title of MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle. What is MAMA? This is the 33rd year for the Midwest Automotive Media Association, which is composed of 273 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from across the country and Canada. The automotive journalists test drive vehicles individually throughout the year for their own media organizations year, and gather three times a year for three drive events: The MAMA Spring Rally Chicago Drives Electric MAMA’s Favorites Fall Fest Before this year, MAMA only granted awards for the Family Vehicle of the Year and Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year. This year, the organization expanded its award categories to “recognize the diversity of vehicles available and of interest to the readers, viewers, and listeners of MAMA’s membership base.” Voting on their category favorites narrowed a field of over 100 eligible models to a few select members in each category. They selected the Maverick and the six other category winners and finalists at the Favorites Fall Fest. “With more than 100 new, redesigned, or refreshed vehicles MAMA members could drive during 2023, it was time to assess the breadth and depth of product at each event and for the year as a whole,” said Robert Duffer, MAMA President. “You could say MAMA loves all of her vehicles equally, but everyone knows there’s only one MAMA’s Favorite.” Let no one say MAMA isn’t self-aware of how its acronym reads. Why the Maverick? While details weren’t released for the reasoning behind the Maverick’s recognition, it is easy to guess. The Maverick harks back to the small, efficient, and useful vehicles that spurred the small pickup truck market explosion about 45 years ago. It can take on almost any task a homeowner or small service business requires. At the same time, it leaves plenty of room around it in the garage and is easy on the gas credit card. The latter is particularly the case with the hybrid model, which has an EPA city/highway/combined rating of 42 / 33 / 37. However, unlike those original small trucks, its Escape-derived platform means it drives and feels like a compact SUV. It has two rows of seats and four doors, making it practical as a passenger carrier. It is a best-of-several-worlds vehicle with a straightforward design inside and out that doesn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t and just happens to be Ford’s most affordable model. MAMA members will decide which of the seven finalists they will award as MAMA's Favorite Vehicle of 2024. They will announce the winner on February 8th at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show during a MAMA-hosted breakfast. If the Maverick wins, it will add another trophy to its case, and we at Benna Ford will undoubtedly be pleased and will likely post about it in this blog. But it has already won among pickup trucks, which is what really counts. If a small light-duty pickup truck can fill your hauling and transportation needs, you should visit Benna Ford and explore the Ford Maverick.

The Ford Maverick has been popular since its very launch. Benna Ford is pleased to announce that Consumer Reports has given it suitable recognition in its 2024 Buying Guide, which names the Maverick as the “Best Small Truck” and the Maverick Hybrid as the “Best Fuel Efficient Truck.” A Different Kind of Truck The Maverick is definitely a different truck from Ford with its unibody construction and front-wheel drive architecture. But the reasoning is sound. Not every pickup owner needs to load a Bobcat skid-steer in the bed, tow a 30-foot Airstream, or forge its way through a long-neglected two-track. Many pickup truck owners just want something that can bring home a washing machine, treadmill, or chest of drawers. The fact is, the Maverick can handle most, if not all, of the hauling tasks of the average homeowner. And it can do it with a car-like ride and leave plenty of room around it in the garage. Stretching the Miles Between Gas Stations It can also do it quite efficiently. The standard Maverick with the Ecoboost 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, front-wheel drive, and 8-speed automatic has an EPA city/highway/combined MPG estimate of 23 / 30 / 26 with AWD figures of 22 / 29 / 25. The Maverick Hybrid, with its 2.5-liter engine, hybrid system, and CVT, is only available with front-wheel drive but delivers an impressive 42 city mpg along with 33 on the highway for a combined mpg of 37. For the sake of comparison, the rear-wheel drive Ranger gets a combined 22 mpg. At the same time, the Maverick can haul 1,500 pounds in the bed and up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped. Solid Bones The earlier crossover reference is apt because the Maverick rides on the same platform as the Bronco Sport. This means it has the Bronco Sport’s front strut suspension with a trailing arm rear suspension on front-wheel drive models and a fully independent multi-link design on all-wheel-drive models, the latter offering better ground clearance and improved handling, particularly on bumpy curves. While the Maverick dashboard is not filled with swoopy curves and exotic materials, it features a straightforward, functional design that is in keeping with the truck’s mission. High in the center is an 8-inch touchscreen that can display AppleCarPlay and Android Auto interfaces as well as its own. A rotary transmission selector on the center console is simple to use and stays out of the way of access to cupholders and the forward storage bin, which is just one of many storage spaces throughout the cabin. Of particular note are the large bins under the swing-up rear seat cushions for secure and hidden placement of tools, emergency items, and whatever else you want to have on hand at all times. Flat Out Affordable Not to be overlooked is the Maverick’s price. With the departure of the Focus, the Maverick takes over as the most affordable model in the Ford model lineup, with a starting MSRP of $23,815 and $25,315 for the Maverick Hybrid. For an entry-level vehicle, it checks off a lot of capability boxes. Visit Benna Ford and see what the Maverick is all about and why it may be the perfect new vehicle for your garage.

2024 was a big year for truck introductions. The mid-size truck class was awash in activity with redesigns for the Ford Ranger, Tacoma, and the Colorado/Canyon twins. There was also the Silverado EV (following in the Ford F-150 Lightning's footsteps) and even the Cybertruck. But Benna Ford is pleased to announce that the truck that brought back the 2024 North America Truck of the Year trophy in its bed was the Ford SuperDuty. How NACTOY Selects Its Winners The vehicles were voted on by 50 respected automotive journalists who write for a wide variety of print, online, and broadcast media outlets from across the U.S. and Canada, from several publications and media outlets. Each of the journalists tested the vehicles in their own way by the customs of their own media outlets. NACTOY's winner selection was based on outstanding innovation, design, performance, driver satisfaction, and value. This unique process and level of expertise involved in the selection makes being named a NACTOY finalist—and even more so a winner—a highly coveted achievement. The many truck candidates were whittled down to three finalists, announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show. On January 4th in Pontiac, Michigan, the Ford SuperDuty was announced as the winner. The award primarily reflects the changes in the 2023 model year, which came too late for last year’s contest and thus qualified for the 2024 award. The redesign in 2023 included new exterior and interior design, updated technology focused on improving hauling and towing, and two new V8 engines, one gas and one diesel. Versatility and Capability Part of the Super Duty’s attraction is the broad scope of the model line, which can range from a work truck with vinyl floors and seating to offering heated, ventilated, and massaging seats covered in two-tone leather upholstery, all in a cab with an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. “Ford’s F-series Super Duty pickups embody the concept ‘a workhorse and a show horse.’ Equally suited to construction sites and towing million-dollar trailers, it’s loaded with technology to simplify its chores and keep the driver comfortable.” - Mark Phelan ( Detroit Free Press) and NACTOY juror. Taking on the Challenges of Towing A heavy-duty truck is expected to have excellent capability, and the Super Duty does not disappoint. Ninety percent of Super Duty owners use their vehicles to tow. Towing capabilities range from an F-250 Crew Cab, long-bed 4X4 model capacity of 13,700 pounds to 40,000 pounds with a gooseneck behind a single cab F-450 powered by diesel. It may be the towing technology that impressed the most, including: Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch - Estimates cargo weight in real-time and provides guidance on trailer tongue weight distribution, which can be accessed on the center touchscreen, FordPass™ app, or within the taillamps 360-Degree Trailer Camera System - Using mobile cameras can provide a bird’s-eye view of the trailer to assist in maneuvering in tight spaces. Blind Spot Information System for Fifth Wheel & Gooseneck - Mobile sensors can be attached to a trailer to extend blind spot identification across the entire length of the truck and trailer. Tailgate Down Camera and Tailgate Down Reverse Sensing System - The camera and reverse sensors in the top tailgate provide visual and audible alerts regardless of whether the tailgate is up or down. Pro Trailer Hitch Assist - Automatically backs the truck up and aligns the conventional hitch ball to the trailer receiver. Trailer Navigation - Plots routes that can be safely navigated with given trailer dimensions and weight to avoid potential issues with low bridges and tight turns “The Ford Super Duty retains its leadership in the heavy-duty pickup truck category with its impressive towing, payload, torque, and horsepower figures. Its four engine choices are highlighted by the new standard 6.8-liter gasoline V8 and 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8. And the big Super Duty is remarkably comfortable and easy to drive.” – Jack R. Nerad (America on the Road Radio/JDPower.com/TrueCar.com/USNews.com) and NACTOY juror. A heavy-duty pickup is always a significant investment, so it is good to know that in selecting the Super Duty, your choice has the backing of US and Canada’s most distinguished journalists. If you are in the market for a heavy-duty truck, visit Benna Ford and see the best Ford truck available.

It happened again. The Ford F Series has been named the best-selling truck for the 47th year. Benna Ford is just as proud as always that the F-Series retains its title of the best-selling truck in the U.S. By extension that makes it the best-selling vehicle of any kind in the U.S. Just to save you from doing the math, the F-Series has been the best-selling truck since 1977, the same year Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours ruled the airwaves and 20th Century Fox released something called Star Wars. Earning the Truck Triple Crown The Ford F-Series sold 750,789 units in 2023. That is over 200,000 more than the Silverado and over 300,000 more than the Ram Pickup. The F-Series also led sales in a way Ford calls the Truck Triple Crown. With electrification becoming more a part of the industry, Ford is also proud to claim the best EV truck sales of the year with the F-150 Lightning. The F150 PowerBoost Hybrid claims the title of the best-selling full-size full-hybrid pickup in America. In fact, the only hybrid pickup truck that outsold the F-150 PowerBoost is Ford’s own Maverick Hybrid. “Today, I am thrilled to share a milestone that fills all of us at Ford with immense pride. In 2023, more than 700,000 customers chose a new Ford F-Series truck, making it the best-selling truck in the United States for the 47th consecutive year.” Says Robert Kaffl, Ford Director, U.S. Sales. “It’s a streak that spans four generations (and started when I was only four) and has lasted longer than the entire lifespan of many other popular consumer products, including compact discs and mp3 players, and the entire brick-and-mortar video rental industry.” Changing for the Better While Keeping What Works Ford remains on top by paying close attention to what its customers want and how their needs have changed over the years. You will find plenty of differences between the F-150 of today and 47 years ago. Still, they have all been built “Ford Tough” and embody the strength, reliability, and versatility that our customers have come to rely on. Even so, Ford hasn’t hesitated to enhance its vehicles with technological innovations. Nearly a half-century ago, that may have meant the transition from carburated to fuel-injected engines. Today, you see it in the availability of BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, versatile infotainment systems, and sophisticated tools to assist in towing. Whether it is for the worksite, home, loading the bed full, or towing, there is an F-Series to meet your needs, and chances are you will find exactly what you are looking for at Benna Ford. Check our inventory, drop in for a test drive, and see for yourself why the F-Series is and has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S.

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) announced seven category winners last fall. Benna Ford is happy to tell you that the Mustang Dark Horse was named their favorite Performance vehicle. Each category winner will be a finalist for MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of 2024 award. The Favorite Performance Vehicle and four other category favorites are new from MAMA, which previously only issued awards for Favorite Family Vehicle of the Year and Favorite Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year. The organization expanded its awards to “recognize the diversity of vehicles available and of interest to the readers, viewers, and listeners of MAMA’s membership base.” MAMA was founded in 1994 and now comprises 273 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from across the U.S. and Canada. The automotive journalists have been testing vehicles throughout the year for their particular media outlets, and all members are invited to gather together for three drive events: The MAMA Spring Rally MAMA’s Favorites Fall Fest Chicago Drives Electric Voting for the category favorites narrowed a field of over 100 eligible models to a few select members in each category. In the fall, they selected the Mustang Dark Horse and the other category winners. “With more than 100 new, redesigned, or refreshed vehicles MAMA members could drive during 2023, it was time to assess the breadth and depth of product at each event and for the year as a whole,” said Robert Duffer, MAMA President. “You could say MAMA loves all of her vehicles equally, but everyone knows there’s only one MAMA’s Favorite.” Though they riffed plenty on their MAMA acronym, the organization of communicators did not explain their reasons for selecting the Mustang Dark Horse. Still, it is not hard to imagine how the 5.0-liter V-8 producing 500 horsepower while still being naturally aspirated could capture their attention. The choice in transmissions is between the 10-speed, which is capable of greater acceleration and lap times, or the rev-matching 6-speed manual, which is simply more fun. A Torsen LSD, tighter chassis tuning, and Brembo six-piston front calipers clamping on 15.4-inch rotors, plus four-piston calipers and 14.0-inch rotors, round out the performance. It probably also doesn’t hurt that the Dark Horse shows the Mustang proudly soldiering forward while the Camero and Challenger say their goodbyes again. MAMA members will now vote on which finalists they will award as MAMA's Favorite Vehicle of 2024, which will be announced on February 8 at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show during a MAMA-hosted breakfast. As they have done non-stop for 60 years (as of April 17th, 2024), Ford keeps the high-performance sport coupe tradition alive in America. If you would like that tradition in your driveway, visit Benna Ford for a thrilling test drive.

Motor Authority Annual Best Car To Buy Every year Motor Authority holds their Best Car To Buy, and for the 2024 challenge, they took roughly 25 new or updated luxury and performance cars, trucks, and SUVs, and chose just 5 of the bunch to be named the site’s best of the best. The official winner will be announced on January 3, 2024. One of the five finalists they chose was the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Why The Dark Horse When talking about why they chose the Dark Horse as one of their finalists, Motor Authority said, “The Ford Mustang will be the last pony car standing at the end of this year, and the S650 generation brings with it a monster, the Dark Horse. With 500 hp from a naturally aspirated V-8, dual throttle bodies, and an available handling package with sticky Pirelli Trofeo RS tires, the Mustang has morphed into a thoroughbred sports car.” The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is seemingly a performance bargain, especially when fitted with the ultra-wow Pirelli Trofeo RS tires that are normally reserved for extreme super and hyper cars that cost in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. However, the Mustang, at roughly $60,000, wears them so that drivers can get the maximum amount of performance out of the Mustang as possible. Engine And Brakes As mentioned, the Dark Horse Mustang features a Coyote 5.0-liter V8 that muscles out 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque, aided by a dual throttle body intake and connecting rods courtesy of the Shelby GT500. Either a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission can be had to put that power to the rear wheels. From their years of racing, Ford has given the Dark Horse larger rear sway bars, MagneRide adaptive dampers, and Brembo 6-piston brakes both front and rear to haul the vehicle down from high speeds. The 2024 Mustang Dark Horse is available for purchase or a custom order now. At Benna Ford, we offer our customers some of the best prices and services. With more than 100 new and used vehicles to choose from, our outstanding sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. And our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

The transition to the new year is a popular time for automotive awards. On January 4th, esteemed automotive publisher and website, Kelly Blue Book ( KBB), weighed in with their prestigious annual Best Buy Awards. KBB divides the industry offering into 14 categories, and the good news for Benna Ford is that Ford models won four of them. That is more wins than any other manufacturer. Ford’s strength in the truck market was evident as three winners were pickup trucks, and one was a truck-based, full-size SUV. How KBB Determines Their Winners Best Buy candidates comprise all-new, redesigned, and otherwise significantly changed vehicles. Throughout the year, KBB thoroughly tests each candidate. “ We’re looking for overall appeal, of course, with important factors like comfort, convenience, technology, and driving refinement factoring into our final judgment.” The most trusted resource in used vehicle values, KBB combines these findings with their proprietary resale and 5-year Cost-to-Own data estimates. KBB further describes its testing program: “The previous year’s category winner is tested side by side against the crop of the latest challengers. We evaluate seating comfort, ease of entry and exit, luggage space, amenities, and infotainment systems. In addition, we look closely at build quality, cabin materials, pricing against the competition, and expected resale value and operating costs. We also get behind the wheel and test drive the vehicles over a series of loops involving everyday traffic and road conditions to experience the cars as an owner would. A manufacturer’s reputation for quality, reliability, durability, and various warranties, including bumper-to-bumper and powertrain, also factor into our decision.” After their extensive evaluation and testing program, KBB awards one new best model and 13 “Best in Class” segment winners. Here are the four Ford category winners and what KBB had to say about them: Best Full-Size SUV 2024 Ford Expedition - The 2024 Ford Expedition combines incredible capability with refinement, comfort, and useful tech. Highlights: Up to 440 horsepower, 510 lb-ft of torque 9,300-pound towing capacity Intuitive infotainment and towing tech Excellent safety suite comes standard Roomy and comfortable in every row Pricing starts at $55,525 (plus $1,895 destination) Best Compact Truck 2024 Ford Maverick - The 2024 Ford Maverick is everything you want in a compact pickup truck. It can carry 1,500 pounds of payload, tow up to 4,000 pounds, is fuel-efficient, and is easy to maneuver and park around town. Highlights: Optional hybrid powertrain with exceptional fuel economy Swift acceleration from the turbocharged engine Tremor package allows for off-road fun 4,000-pound max towing/1,500-pound max payload Priced from $23,400 (plus $1,595 destination) Best Full-size Truck 2024 Ford F-150 - Whether you need a basic work truck, a luxurious people mover, a capable off-roader, or something in between, there’s a Ford F-150 for the job. The 2024 Ford F-150 is loaded with technology that helps when towing or off-roading, too. Highlights: Best-in-class payload and towing Available BlueCruise hands-free driving Outstanding luxury and off-road trims Priced from $36,570 (plus $1,995 destination) Best Electric Truck 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning - The Ford F-150 Lightning, the all-electric version of the Ford F-Series, is a great buy for its reasonable pricing, impressive range, and advanced tech features. Highlights: Up to 320 miles of range Quick acceleration Advanced tech features Pricing starts at $49,995 (plus $1,995 destination) You always knew that Ford builds quality trucks. We did, too! But it is always nice to have third-party validation from the experts. Come to Benna Ford and look at what Kelly Blue Book considers the best buys in the truck market.