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2024 is the Mustang’s 60th birthday. As it turns out, the car in Mustang GT3 form gave us the present with a podium finish in its first run in the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. The No. 88 Mustang GT3, driven by Dennis Olsen, Giorgio Roda, and Mikkel O. Pedersen, hit the 24-hour mark third in the LMGT3 category. The No. 44 car, driven by Christopher Mies, John Hartshorne, and Ben Tuck, finished close behind in fourth place. This Benna Ford blog post elaborates on this achievement. It is generally understood that you don’t go to Le Mans the first time to win. You go with the hope of just finishing. You then lick your wounds and determine what you need to do to actually win. Even the now Hollywood-famous Ford GT failed to finish in its first run at LeMans in 1964, only to have its legendary 1-2-3 win two years later. While there is nothing like taking first place, reaching third and fourth in a car’s first LeMans run is quite the accomplishment. As an additional victory, all three Mustang GT3s that entered the race finished it 24 hours later. 2024 is not only the Mustang’s 60th anniversary. It is also the 60th anniversary of the nameplate’s first racing win in France when the freshly born 1964 Mustang won its class in the 1964 Tour de France, another automotive endurance race that is now better known as the multi-day bicycle race of the same name. Of the 117 cars that started that race in 1964, only 36 finished. The winner of the Touring 3.0-liter+ Class was the 1964 Mustang, which snatched a victory from Jaguar’s sedans, which had won the class for the previous four years. The third Mustang GT3 entered the 2024 LeMans was #77, driven by Ryan Hardwick, Ben Barker, and Zacharie Robichon. The car experienced early challenges on the track during the race but completed the 24 hours in the 17th class position. They had a victory earlier in the week when they recorded the fastest qualifying lap on Thursday, advancing to the Hyperpole, a pre-race ceremony of the fastest cars in each class to qualify. It also marked the first lead qualifying position by a Mustang GT3 after four rounds of WEC racing so far in 2024. “Today’s podium performance shows that Mustang can come and compete on the global stage against the best sports cars in the world,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports. “It is such a fantastic feeling to be able to do it in the first outing for Mustang at Le Mans. It’s a great testament to our company, our employees and all our fans who are celebrating Mustang’s 60 th anniversary this year and all the great partners we have with Proton Competition, M-Sport and Multimatic Motorsports. We’re racing and winning all around the world, but to have a podium here at Le Mans is such a special moment.” “It’s always great to be on the podium and especially at Le Mans,” said Christian Ried, Proton Competition Team Principal. “But also, in the first year of a new car, and in the 60th Anniversary of Mustang, there are just so many things that came together to make today possible. It’s unbelievable. We saw that this was a good car at its debut in Daytona, and we’ve since taken all the steps in order to make this work in its first season. From Daytona, Sebring and Long Beach, to Qatar, Imola and Spa, we felt like we could bring a car here after those six months that could fight for the win. To finish on the podium in third is amazing. I’m proud of everyone.” While the Mustang GT3 is heavily modified to compete in the GT3 class, all GT3 competitors must be based on production models. Redesigned for its 60th year, the production Mustang is quite impressive in its own right. Even the smallest 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 315 horsepower, over 100 horsepower more than the V8 of the original model. The 4th generation Coyote V8 is rated at 480 - 486 horsepower in the GT, while the Dark Horse model achieves 500 hp. Benna Ford invites you to take a close look at this winning vehicle in its street-legal form.

A general rule with EVs is that they work best when you can charge them at home. When you leave home fully charged, you will have 200-300 miles to cover your day’s travel, and when you get home, plug it into the home charger and do the same the next day. But deep in the rocky mountains, Ben Westby and his family have turned that completely around. Ben has an F-150 Lightning and lives in a house off the electric grid. This Benna Ford post describes his experiences, and explains how this truck fits into his lifestyle. Ben is an elementary school teacher who also worked in China for seven years. In addition to his wife and two pre-teen daughters, the family has fostered 13 children over the years and raises goats and chickens. Finding a big enough house and plot of land for their large family that was also affordable sent him 9,000 feet into the mountains to a home outside the electric grid. A previous Tesla owner and EV enthusiast, Ben set his sights on the F-150 Lightning from its first reveal and finally traded in his ICE vehicle for one in September 2023. He wishes he could have made the move sooner. “ the utility of the F-150 plus the benefits of the battery. Being off-grid in the Rockies is an extreme case for owning an EV, but we're maximizing it. We're absolutely loving it.” Obviously, Ben doesn’t charge his Lightning at home, but he can charge it at work. Since his round-trip commute is significantly shorter than the Lightning’s range, Ben has plenty of electricity from his truck to use at home. It isn’t the home’s sole source of electricity. The home is fitted with solar panels and an additional propane generator. Days can go by without sunlight or with snow covering the panels, and the propane generator is expensive to run and quite noisy in the otherwise silent mountain woods. Ben speaks of when one of his solar inverters failed. Using the Pro Power Onboard system, he was able to run the “refrigerator, microwave, coffee machine, all of our essential devices off the F-150 Lightning.” He is also a fan of the truck’s Zone Lighting. Deep in the woods, there are no street lamps, and Colorado can get dark early in the winter. The vehicle’s lighting helps him with the outdoor after-work chores that come with raising goats and chickens. He also uses the Pro Power Onboard system for various cordless electric tools, such as his electric snow blower and chainsaw. He has even used it to charge the kids' phones and devices before a significant snowfall. Ben Westby and family may not be typical EV owners, but they demonstrate how versatile the F-150 Lightning can be and that you don’t need to have the perfect setup to be a happy EV owner. If you think there is even a chance that the F-150 Lighting can become a companion in your life, come to Benna Ford, take one for a drive, and learn all of what Ford’s big, versatile EV can do for you.

Today, we compare the benefits of owning your very own 2024 Ford Escape or 2024 Ford Bronco. These two SUVs are great vehicles, but which is right for you? Here at Benna Ford, we are going to uncover the amazing features of each and determine which will suit your specific needs and lifestyle. Pricing, Packages, and All Those Desired Features There is so much to talk about when it comes to the Ford Bronco. This SUV is known to be a crowd favorite with its adventurous spirit and rugged appearance. The Base Model is around $33,000, which is a little more than the Ford Escape at $31,000. If you are looking a vehicle you can supe up, the Bronco has many additional features available with the Outer Banks Package and the Badlands Package. With these packages, you will receive a more powerful engine, all-terrain tires, 18-inch wheels, a black roof, power front seats, front tow hooks, and even a front view camera that enhances each drive. The Ford Escape Base Model has a front wheel drive system, Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®, cloth seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, and a power tailgate that is perfect for those times when you have your hands full. If you want that all-wheel drive system, the Active Lands is a great option. It includes the all-wheel drive system, adaptive cruise control, a 13.2-inch touch screen display, and an updated audio system that enhances the sound of all your favorite audios and tunes. Experience the Best Performance The Bronco Sport has an 181 hp turbocharged 1.5 liter 3-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. If you are looking for a more robust engine option, try the Badlands Package, which has a 245 horsepower turbocharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Bronco is made to dominate all types of terrain with features like advanced 4x4 systems, G.O.A.T. (Go Over Any Terrain) modes, and Terrain Management System. Choose the turbo 3-cylinder engine, and you will get 25 city/28 hwy/26 combined, and with turbo 4-cylinder you will receive 21 city/26 hwy/23 combined. The Escape focuses more on everyday drives, whether it is a trip to the office or to the grocery store. You can choose from the available engine options: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost, a 2.0-liter EcoBoost, and hybrid options as well. With any of our models, you will be able to make fewer stops at the gas station when driving the Escape. See below for a breakdown in gas mileage depending on which model you decide to choose. Front Wheel Drive 27 city/34 hwy/30 combined All Wheel Drive 26 city/32 hwy/28 combined Turbo 4-cylinder 23 city/31 hwy/26 combined Hybrid 42 city/39 hwy/36 combined If you decide not to use any of that battery, you will get about 40 MPG combined, turn on your electric juice, and drive at least 37 miles pure electric. Ford recognizes the need for a more sustainable environment and is moving forward with the electric movement by creating more hybrid and electric options. With You in Mind Ford knows the importance of keeping you and your loved ones safe and makes sure to put top-notch safety features in every vehicle design. Both vehicles passed the IIHS Safety Test with flying colors and received five stars on the NHTSA Safety Test. They both host a variety of safety systems that give our drivers peace of mind. Check out the 2024 Ford Escape Features in comparison to the 2024 Ford Bronco: Ford Escape Emergency automatic braking Lane Keep Assist Blind Spot Detection Monitoring Adaptive Cruise Control Rear Cross Trafficking Breaking Pedestrian Detection Ford Bronco Trail Control Front Stabilizer (for ultimate terrain articulation) Emergency automatic braking Lane Keep Assist Blind Spot Detection Monitoring Adaptive Cruise Control Rear Cross Trafficking Breaking Pedestrian Detection Which is Best? We'll Let You Decide Are you looking for more adventure? Are you looking for that perfect family vehicle? In some ways, you will get a little of both with each, slightly more of that outdoorsy feel with the Bronco and a little more family-friendly feel with the Escape. It’s up to you to decide which suits your lifestyle and needs better. Come on down to Benna Ford, where our friendly staff is prepared to help you. If the Escape or Bronco did not have what you were looking for, be sure to ask about our inventory. Here at Benna Ford have many different types of vehicles and are sure we can find the perfect one for you. Contact us today to schedule a test drive!

As we take a closer look at the Mustang Mach-E Rally, we see an all-electric SUV designed for optimal performance on city streets or off-roading excursions. The engineering that went on behind the scenes to make the Mach-E is something to be celebrated as Ford takes an innovative leap into the Electric SUV segment. Pushing the Boundaries When thinking of the design in early 2022, Peter Schultz and Craig Migliori were racking their brains to create a rally version of the Mach-E. What is a true rally version, you ask? A rally version can withstand harsher weather conditions and rough terrain and includes various competitive motoring elements. The new build was put to the test at Ford’s Michigan Proving Grounds and confirmed that the Mach-E had triumphed in creating a Mach-E rally model. Chris Berchin is Ford’s off-road attributes engineer, and Jay Kistler is a vehicle engineering supervisor. Together, they put the Mach-E Rally to the test with a 500-mile torture test. To determine if the vehicle was rally-approved, they consulted rallycross drivers to create a rallycross testing course. Once completed, the Mach-E Rally passed the test with flying colors, proving that it was not only rally-worthy but also a cut above. Enhancing Every Drive While designing the Mach-E Rally, there were some major things to consider to make it rally-ready. It would need great suspension and tires built to handle rugged terrain, so they added one inch to the suspension, rally crossed-tuned shocks and springs, 19-inch wheels, and CrossClimate2 tires. When off-roading, things can get messy, and rough terrain can damage a car if it is not properly equipped. Underbody protection was added to keep the vehicle in good working condition, no matter the obstacle. Lastly, we need that rally look and feel! To enhance the appearance of the Mach-E, contrasting elements were added: a front splitter, body moldings, a rear spoiler, and rally fog lights. Come on Down Here at Benna Ford, we are excited to present this new Rally version of the Mach-E. The original Mach-E was already a leap in innovative design, but the Mach-E Rally takes it a step further with its incredible capabilities and rally-approved stance. Electric vehicles are becoming the way of the future, and the Mach-E Rally is an excellent example of what EV vehicles are truly capable of. Are you looking for a capable, durable, and thrilling EV vehicle? The all-electric Mach-E Rally is the perfect vehicle for you! Contact us today at Benna Ford to learn more about the Mach-E Rally and see all that Benna Ford has to offer!

Other markets around the world had a Ranger Raptor available to them for years, but Ford waited for the Ranger redesign to bring the Raptor to its home turf. It is ready to deliver the Raptor experience on a slightly smaller platform than its F-150 sibling, and the Motor1 enthusiast website took it for a spin. This Benna Ford blog post relays the Motor1 driving impression of the new Ranger Raptor. After the Raptor versions of the F-150 and the Bronco, the Raptor formula is fairly well understood. which Motor1 describes as “A heaping dose of power, dune-tuned suspension, the biggest A/Ts that’ll fit under the fenders, and a shot of testosterone to the styling.” The Ranger Raptor is no different. In a segment that is rapidly going to all 4-cylinders, it boasts a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, which is more power than you will find anywhere in the class and 92 more ponies in the stable than the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. It’s combined with a 10-speed automatic, and you won’t find more ratios in the class either, assuming you don’t count CVTs. The truck rides on 33-inch BFGoodrich K03 All Terrain tires on 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. The front suspension consists of forged aluminum double-A arms with 2.5-inch Fox ® Live Valve Shocks in the front with a Watts-link rear suspension with trailing arms also fitted with Fox ® Live Valve Shocks. The shocks feature external fluid reservoirs, each with an electronically adjustable internal bypass. There are no less than seven drive modes, with three for the pavement (Normal, Sport, and Slippery) and four for off-road (Sand, Rock Crawl, Mud/Ruts, Baja). Each mode adjusts engine response, transmission settings, ABS sensitivity and traction control calibrations, brake and steering feel, and even the instrument cluster arrangement. Motor1 found the truck most at home in Baja Mode, the purpose of which is fast driving over rough terrain and is described by Ford as the Raptor’s most extreme mode for on-the-limit driving. “The suspension in Baja Mode cossets body motions enough to soak up dips and potholes without allowing excessive roll or float. The steering is heavy in Baja mode, but it’s precise and easily adjusted mid-slide, which gave me confidence the moment I flicked the Raptor’s rear end out.” They felt that this was the Raptor’s forte as opposed to slow rock crawling despite the dedicated driving mode for it. The Raptor is not shy about promoting its capability. The two things that stand out in the front are the front skid plate and the grille, where the humble Ford blue oval has been replaced by “FORD” with nearly 10-inch-wide letters. The Raptor typeface extends half the bed length on each side. Bulging fender flares accommodate the 3.5 extra inches of track width. Inside, “Code Orange” trim appears throughout, including stitching and a bold centerline on the steering wheel. A big portrait-format 12-inch touch screen dominates the dash with an even larger 12.3 digital information center for the driver. Physical controls remain for the most common HVAC adjustments. Motor1 points out how the tires and suspension do not exactly produce a quiet and luxurious ride on the highway. It is clear at all times what you bought this truck for. But they conclude with a reminder of its class-leading power plus: “It’s lacking in manners, but the Raptor is your best bet for taming the Wild West.” All Raptors are specialty models that Benna Ford doesn’t always keep in stock. If none appear in our inventory, contact one of our sales professionals to have them bring in a model for your own driving impression.

The Compact Crossover category is huge. It is the best-selling vehicle category in the U.S. and has entrants from almost any manufacturer, barring a few European exotics. It is also big enough for Ford to have not one, but two different models competing within it. The Ford Escape handles typical crossover duty, while the Bronco Sport is decidedly more off-road-focused. As the best seller in the best-selling category, the RAV4 is an obvious and strong competitor. The more natural comparison would pit the RAV4 against the Escape. They share a middle-of-the-segment priority, and both come in conventional, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions. However, the RAV4 has a couple more off-road-focused trims, and with that, it is stepping into Bronco Sport territory. Benna Ford takes a look at how these vehicles compare. Both model lines start at a little under $30K. The RAV4 has a lower starting MSRP, but that is for a front-wheel drive model, while the Bronco Sport has standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Since most in this area opt for AWD, the starting price difference is negligible. Both model lines top out at about $38K and change. It just so happens that the top RAV4 model is the TRD Off-Road, which is intended to share the same territory as the Bronco Sport as a crossover with heightened off-road capability. Priorities are Clear From the Beginning The differences are very clear at the base level where the Bronco Sport Big Bend leaps into its adventure mission with standard AWD with a Terrain Management System with five G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes: Eco, Normal, Sport Sand, and Slippery. The cabin has easy-to-clean rubberized floor mats, MOLLE (MOdular Light-weight Load-carrying Equipment) straps on the seatbacks, and a safari-style roof with a roof rack that can handle up to 150 lbs. The cloth seats are also designed to be easy to clean. There is even a bottle opener built into the tailgate. At the same time, this base model is ready for the civilized road with automatic climate control, a full set of safety and driver assist technologies, including blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, smartphone compatibility, and an 8-inch touch screen with SYNC ® operating system. Cabin Features The base RAV4 LE is much more conventional in its specifications, with most off-road hardware saved for specific grades. It, too, has an 8-inch touchscreen, and Apple and Android compatibility is wireless. The seats are cloth-trimmed, and the floors are carpeted. The available AWD system features Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) with four modes (MUD & SAND, ROCK & DIRT, SNOW, an d NORMAL). A roof rack is not standard. The Bronco Sport’s 105-inch wheelbase is an inch shorter than the RAV4’s, but its overall length is a full eight inches shorter, making it easier to navigate tight areas off-road. For base models, the RAV4’s 8.4-inch ground clearance exceeds the Bronco Sport’s 7.8-inch. On each model line’s most off-road focused model, the Bronco Sport Badlands and RAV4 TRD Off-Road, the ground clearance is 8.6 inches. The Bronco’s shorter wheelbase and much shorter overall length leads to much better approach, breakover, and departure angles. The greater length does give the RAV4 greater cargo-carrying capacity, at 38 cubic feet to the Bronco Sport’s 33, with the rear seat up and 70 vs. 65 cubic feet with the seat backs down. The Bronco counters with greater cargo flexibility in the way of cargo shelves, bins, pockets, and tie-downs. The RAV4 has an inch more rear legroom in the cabin but falls two inches short on headroom for both front and rear occupants. Powertrains The Base Bronco Sport powertrain is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-3 with 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission before sending power to all four wheels. The range-topping Badlands model upgrades to a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, producing 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed transmission is retained, but the 4x4 system has been upgraded with a twin-clutch system in the rear that can transfer power to each side as needed to significantly enhance traction. Mud/Ruts and Rock Crowl G.O.A.T. modes are added. Skid plates, all-terrain tires, and hill descent control, which is like a slow-speed cruise control when descending on rough terrain, are all available and make the Bronco Sport a very adept off-roader. The RAV4 base engine is a 2.5-liter normally aspirated inline-4 that produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, which is also paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The TRD OFF-Road model, which compares most closely to the Bronco Sport Badlands, retains the base powertrain. The AWD system adds Downhill Assist Control, which functions similarly to the Bronco Sport’s Hill Descent Control. The RAV4 does have hybrid models with more power, but there is no hybrid equivalent of the TRD Off-Road. Safety Ratings Both the Bronco Sport and RAV4 earned Overall 5-Star ratings from the NHTSA. The Bronco Sport also earned a TOP SAFETY PICK + award from the IIHS, which is their highest rating, while the RAV4 was rated one step down as a TOP SAFETY PICK. In the final analysis, it is clear that each model has its advantages, but if you plan on taking your vehicle off the pavement, the Bronco stands out as the clear winner. It was simply designed for that role at the outset, unlike the RAV4. If you plan to stay on the pavement, there is the Escape to consider. Either way, you will want to see them for yourself at Benna Ford, where you will find a generous inventory of each to explore.

Not many automotive nameplates span a consecutive 60 years, much less something as seemingly ephemeral as a sports coupe.  However, it was 60 years ago, on April 14th, when the public saw the first Mustang on a stand at the Ford Pavilion at the New York World’s Fair. The Mustang went on to set a new sales record for a vehicle in its first year, with over 418,000 models sold. Since then, the Mustang line has continued unbroken through 7 generations. Its shape has varied, but - putting aside the Mach-E for a moment - it was always a 2-door sport coupe with a front engine, rear-wheel drive, and a V-8 among the engine options. Benna Ford has been proud of every Mustang we have watched drive off our lot to an excited customer. Owning a Mustang has never required a lot of money, just a desire for something fun, more personal, a little less practical, and a lot more stylish. Some models have been economical, others blindingly fast. Because fun is at its center, the lineup has always had a convertible. It has become the “all-American sports car” even as its sales spread across six of the seven continents. Mustang Experience Center and Celebration Naturally, Ford has not let this anniversary pass by quietly. It is opening the Mustang Experience Center adjacent to the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. The center will include a Mustang-focused Ford Heritage Gallery, an aftermarket parts shop, a retail store for Mustang merchandise, and the Ford Performance Racing School’s hands-on track instruction, teaching Mustang owners how to best enjoy and harness the performance of their cars. This was the obvious location for the Mustang 60th anniversary celebration on April 17th. Mustang owners came from across the country and even around the world to compare their rides, ride along drifting Mustangs on the Charlotte track, and simply celebrate all things Mustang. Limited Edition Anniversary Package Here, Ford revealed its 60th-anniversary Package, a limited-production model, with only 1,965 being built. Naturally available in red, white, and blue, the package brings back subtle reminders of the first Mustang that blend in with what the Mustang has become.  It starts with rocker panel stripes that recall the first-generation model’s “racing stripes.”  20-inch 5-spoke wheels combine a machine finish with Dark Gravity Gray and feature stamped galloping Mustang center caps inspired by those on the 1965 model.  The grille mesh recalls that on the original model with silver-finish nostrils that feed air into the 5.0-liter V8 and the iconic galloping Mustang badge in the center. Impossible to do in 1965, the new Mustang has headlights that echo the triple-themed taillights that have long been a Mustang design element. Smoked headlight housings accentuate these lights on the 60th Anniversary Package. Race Red and Vapor Blue models are fitted with silver side mirror caps as a callback to the chrome mirror housings of the original. Ford Mustang Global Gallop Finally, to celebrate the Mustang’s global presence, the Ford Mustang Global Gallop will lend 7th generation Mustangs and Mustang Mach E’s to 60 journalists, content creators, and Mustang ambassadors from around the world with the simple instruction to drive someplace cool and tell of the experience. The Mustang experience has always been about driving for the sheer fun of it. Benna Ford is proud to have played a small part in the Mustang’s journey. That's why we sell not only the Mustang and Mustang Mach-E but also high-performance Mustang models from Shelby American Inc., whose founder started modifying Mustangs 60 years ago. Visit Benna Ford to start your own Mustang experience.

Like the Raptor versions of the F-150 and the Bronco, the Ranger Raptor is the most hard-core off-road trim level in the model line. The internal hardware enhances both slow rock crawling and high-speed desert running. From rock-hopping to leaping in the air to heading home in reasonable comfort, the Ranger Raptor promises to do it all.  This Benna Ford blog gives you a closer look at the truck that's ready for any adventure, instilling confidence in your off-roading capabilities. Positioned at the pinnacle of the Ranger Line, the Raptor is the culmination of a series that commences with the $32,670 XL and progresses through the XLT and Lariat grades. With a starting MSRP of $55,470, the Raptor represents the ultimate expression of the Ranger. Like all 2024 Rangers, the Raptor is available in a single configuration, featuring a crew cab with a 5-foot bed. The Raptor's design elements speak to its superior off-road capabilities. The bulging fender flares reveal a 3.5-inch wider track than other 4WD Rangers. 17-inch aluminum wheels paired with 33-inch BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tires, the Raptor is ready to tackle any terrain. Beadlock wheels are an option. Going Fast The Raptor replaces the tow-friendly rear leaf-spring suspension of other Rangers with a Watts Link suspension, which effectively controls lateral movement during high-speed off-roading. The Raptor also introduces a unique Baja mode to the drive-mode selector, which optimizes the thresholds for the ABS and traction control systems and adjusts steering weight for an enhanced off-road experience. The mode can be activated in either 2H or 4H transfer case settings. Going Slow For the opposite form of off-roading, Ford adds a very sophisticated Rock Crawl mode that acts as a cruise control for slow traversing over the rough stuff. The speed, or lack thereof, can be controlled by 0.5 increments up to 10 mph using the dial on the center console. In Off-Road mode, the limit rises to 20 mph, which can be adjusted in 1 mph increments. Just as with standard cruise control, you can speed things up with the throttle, and it will return to the setting after release, and the system is canceled with a tap of the brake pedal. The 360-degree camera views also help you spot obstacles on all sides of the truck. Going with Authority Unlike the competitors from GM and Toyota, which have turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, the Ranger Raptor uses the same turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 found in the Bronco Raptor, which produces a beyond-respectable 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.  With that kind of torque, you could probably get by with a two-speed transmission, but Ford gives you ten instead with manual control on hand. From there, the power heads to all four wheels through electronic front and rear locking differentials. Going with Stuff It is worth noting that the Ranger Raptor is also fully prepared to be a truck and do truck things. The model lines' increased width enables 4x8 sheets of plywood to fit between the wheel wells in the bed. Six clamps in the bed help you keep your load secure, and available LED lighting enables you to do that securing at night when necessary.  Also included in the bed is a 120-volt outlet for power accessories. Despite the rear suspension swap, the Ranger Raptor can still tow up to 5,510 pounds and includes a trick piece of technology to help you with that. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist dramatically simplifies reverse travel with a trailer. Engage it and you can use the drive mode dial to steer the vehicle in reverse and without the need to counter-steer.  You simply turn in the direction you want the trailer to go. Another interesting feature that comes with the purchase of a Ford Ranger Raptor is a complementary day of off-roading at Ford’s Ranger Raptor Assault School in Tooele Valley, Utah. You don’t have to drive your Raptor there either, as you take the class and course in the school’s trucks, so you can make mistakes on them rather than your shiny new truck. Going For It While its starting MSRP of $55,470 is at the top of the Ranger range, so to speak, it is the most cost-effective path to Raptor fun, costing over $20K and $35K less than the F-150 and Bronco Raptors, respectively.  If this sounds like your kind of truck, you need to check it out for yourself at Benna Ford, where it, like all new models, comes with the Benna Ford 20-year,200,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty. Happy Trails!

Now entering its third year, the Mustang Mach-E looks the same but has undergone some significant engineering improvements under the skin. In short, the 2024 Mach-E has a more extended range, charges faster, and the top performance models are even quicker than before. Benna Ford fills you in on the details. Quicker Performance Never Hurts Let’s start with the most fun part. A Mach-E GT TM Performance Upgrade results in a tested 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds, a speed that beats both direct competitor Tesla Model Y Performance and a less direct competitor, but we will take it anyway, the Porsche Macan 4 Electric. With this upgrade, the GT goes on for a quarter-mile time of 11.8 seconds at 114 mph. The changes come from a new in-house eMotor that will be available in 2024 on all Mach-E models, along with improved thermal modeling and control algorithms that deliver an additional 100 lb-ft of torque. The Performance upgrade is standard on the new Mach-E Rally and available on the Mach-E GT. In another example of how things are different for electric cars, Mustang Mach-E GT customers have the choice of getting the Performance Upgrade at purchase or purchasing the upgrade at a later date. The Mach-E GT also receives new standard features that were former performance options such as the Ford Performance front seats, MagneRide ® Damping System, and Brembo™ branded front brake calipers. The Mach-E Rally The Mach-E Rally joins the lineup as the first-ever rally-inspired EV from Ford. The Mach-E Rally has standard AWD, and its two motors combined with the standard Mach-E GT TM Performance Upgrade result in 480 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The body features a 1-inch higher suspension lift riding on gloss white 19-inch wheels.  Wrapping those wheels are 235/55 R19 Michelin CrossClimate2 tires with plenty of sidewall and loose surface traction that lets you enjoy all that power on and off the pavement. Besides the wheels and lift, the Mach-E Rally distinguishes itself with unique upper and lower body moldings, a front splitter, a black steel roof, and bespoke fog lights. The color pallet is noticeable on its own with Grabber Yellow, Grabber Blue, and Eruption Green, in addition to Shadow Black and optional Star White and Glacier Gray. Thanks to the more efficient in-house motor, all 2024 Mustang Mach-E models also get improved range: Model 2024 EPA Estimated Range (miles) Improvement Mach-E Select, standard-range battery (72 kWh), RWD 250 +20 Mach-E Premium, extended-range battery (91 kWh), RWD 320 +20 Mach-E GT (91 kWh), AWD 280 +10 Mach-E Rally (91 kWh), AWD 265 n/a As important as the range, the Mustang Mach-E now charges faster. Models with the 91 kWh battery will now charge 20% faster at fast charging stations on the road. Using a Level 3 DC-direct station, the 91kWh battery can now charge from 10-80% in 36.3 minutes, an 8.8-minute improvement. Models with the 72kWh battery can charge from 10-80% in 32.3 minutes, which is a 5.7-minute improvement. For more good charging news, all Mach-E owners can reserve a complimentary adapter that enables owners access to over 15,000 Tesla superchargers across North America, which are now part of the BlueOval Charge network. These charge locations will be added to the EV routing functionality of both Google Maps and Apple Maps. Bronze Age Mach-E The Mach-E GT will have a new Bronze Appearance Package featuring 20-inch bronze-painted mesh-styled alloy wheels, a bespoke bronze mesh grille, and other bronze trim. Price Range MSRPs for the Mustang Mach-E now start at $39,995 for the select model with the standard battery and RWD, and top out with the Mach-E Rally with the extended battery, AWD, and all the goodies listed above for $59,995. If you haven’t checked out the spectacularly performing Mustang Mach-E that doubles as an SUV when needed, this is the time to do it. Visit Benna Ford and see what EV performance is all about. We have 2023 models with discounts to make way for the 2024 models that are on their way.

Here in Superior, we may not use our air conditioning as much as most of our fellow Americans, but we occasionally have our hot days. One thing about living near the top of the nation is that when we take our summer vacations, simple probability suggests we will head somewhere south. Nothing can ruin a summer trip more than an air conditioning system that is not in top operating shape. Benna Ford offers the following operating and maintenance tips to keep your air conditioning system in top shape. Open Your Windows First If the car has been baking in the sun, don’t depend on the AC to cool the cabin rapidly. The best course of action is to open your windows once you enter your car. No matter how hot it is outside, your cabin is likely to be hotter, and so are your AC ducts. After starting your car, open the windows and turn your AC on to help push out the hot air. After about a minute of driving, close the windows and adjust the AC controls for your comfort. The car will cool your cabin more quickly. Use the Fresh Air Setting as the Default The recirculate setting is useful when there is smoke, dust, foul outside odors, or very high humidity. The rest of the time, using the fresh air setting is best. The recirculating mode is just as it sounds: It keeps using the same cabin air. Over time, this can make the car stuffy and even make the driver sleepy. It is best to bring in outside air whenever possible. Use the Coldest Setting If your vehicle does not have automatic climate control, choosing the lowest temperature is actually the most efficient and effective. Most cooling systems can only bring the cabin down by 30 degrees and stop. At that point, a middling setting might activate the heater, which stresses both systems. Set it to the coolest setting and then regulate your comfort by turning the fan down or directing the vents away from you. Monitor Engine Temperature when the Engine is Experiencing High Load If your vacation includes a trip to the mountains, be aware of the stress that your engine may be undertaking during a long incline with the AC on, a car full of family and their stuff, or possibly even towing. If the temperature starts rising, shutting off the AC is the first measure. It may be uncomfortable for a few minutes, but turning on the heat at full blast also helps cool the engine. If the temperature climbs too high, simply find a place for the car to stop and cool down. Then, proceed without the AC until the grade lessons. Read the Air Condition Section of the Owner’s Manual Yes, that thick little book stored in your glove box is meant to be read. It can provide valuable tips that apply to your model’s specific system. It will tell you how and when to change your cabin filter. It may have advice on routine AC maintenance, including how often to check refrigerant pressure. It is a good idea to have this done at least once before every summer. Keep AC Induction Vents Clear The vents on your vehicle’s exterior near the windshield base are where your climate system brings in the outside air. These vents can collect leaves, pine needles, and other flora as they are pointed upward. If left long enough, they may plug the water drains in the system, which runs the risk of the organic matter developing mold that can then be drawn through your climate system. Regularly, such as whenever you check your oil, take a moment to clear out any nature that may have found its way on these vents. Be Aware of These Odors Odors can come from the outside or linger after a smoker or pet has been in the car, but there are certain odors you want to watch out for. A musty or mildew odor may be from mold accumulating in your induction vents. Running your heater for a while may help dry out these areas. A distinctly sweet smell could indicate an antifreeze leak. A professional should service this. A gas smell could come from something as simple as an improperly tightened gas cap, or it could be a leak in the system, which should be looked at quickly. When listed out like this, it may seem like a lot, but much of this can simply become routine. If you are having issues outside of what is covered here, inquire with our Benna Ford service professionals on the proper next steps.

The idea behind the Maverick was easy enough to understand. Not everyone who could use an open bed needs a burly body-on-frame truck. A small, inexpensive crossover-like pickup, which also happened to be Ford’s least expensive model line, would be useful to many people. That proved to be the case, as Benna Ford had trouble keeping them in stock. Over 94,000 units were sold last year, and that was limited by production. Sales are over double that pace for 2024. So, now that the Maverick’s positioning is well established in the automotive world, Ford threw a curveball by launching the Maverick Tremor. Is this contradictory? Not really. It is worth pointing out that Ford has experience in beefing up its unibody crossovers before, and the results were quite effective. Think of the Bronco Sport, for example, which shares the Maverick's platform. Can be Added to XLT and Lariat The Maverick Tremor is not a trim level but a unique $3,495 package that can be added to the AWD XLT or Lariat grades. As expected from the Tremor name, the package brings additional off-road capability through a 0.8 lift, Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, a suspension modified for greater articulation, and an electronically locking rear differential. Specific off-road modes are added to the driver mode selector, and a steel skid plate protects the crankcase. The lift and tires are the most obvious appearance differences, along with additional cladding and orange trim on the grille and tow hooks that match the Tremor labeling on the bed. The Tremor package is only available with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine rated at  250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough for the small truck, even in the rough. The lift results in 9.4 inches of ground clearance, which is loftier than the base Bronco Sport (8.8 inches) and, for reference, the Subaru Forester Wilderness (9.2), neither of which are likely to be cross-shopped because you either want an open bed or you don’t. The Maverick’s 121.1-inch wheelbase, which is 16 inches longer than the Bronco Sport, limits the crossover angle to 19.9 degrees. Significantly Improved Off-Road Ability So, while the Maverick Tremor is not the best tool for rock-hopping, its added height and all-terrain tires easily handle more deeply rutted trails, and the combination of the locking rear differential and dedicated off-road modes can keep you going when the going gets moderately rough. The Maverick Tremor is never going to rival a well-equipped Ranger 4x4 on the trail, but it does add some off-pavement capability while still offering a more comfortable on-pavement ride and a lower price point. Mavericks with the newly announced Tremor Package will undoubtedly soon arrive in Benna Ford’s inventory. You can have one of our Benna Ford sales professionals inform you when the first model arrives.

MotorTrend did what few actual off-road truck shoppers will have the opportunity to do. They compared Ford's ultimate off-road flier, the 700 hp gas-powered F-150 Raptor R, to the 1000 hp electron-powered Hummer EV 3X. While measuring these two vehicles side by side doesn’t quite seem like an apples-to-apples comparison, Benna Ford believes that the contrast brings forward the best of both powerhouse vehicles. The Moon and Terra Firma Perhaps inspired by the Hummer’s lunar-surface-themed interior details, Motor Trend starts their comparison with a reference to the Lunar Roving Vehicle, which was used on the Apollo 15, 16, and 17 missions. Colorfully describing it as “a $10 million buggy that looked like a pair of lawn chairs bolted to a VW Beetle floorplan”, they illustrate it as embodying “ that treasured American value that we still hold dear today: Why walk when you can drive?” It is a viable comment since both the Hummer and Raptor R devote a lot of horsepower and hardware to something that can cover ground more easily traversed by two legs and a decent pair of hiking boots. Big and Quick MotorTrend quickly points out that while the Hummer’s three motors produce 43% more horsepower than the Raptor’s Supercharged 5.2-liter V8, it also weighs 49% more, thus delivering similar power-to-weight ratios. Nevertheless, in a drag race, the instant electric motor torque with the Watts to Freedom (WTF) mode temporary power boost gets the 9,000-pound Hummer from rest to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, which is 0.8 seconds faster than the Raptor. They point out that before launch, the WTF mode creates a vibration in the seats and a low rumble in the speakers to simulate what the Raptor does naturally. A first glance at either vehicle would cause one to assume that they ride rough on the road. However, suspensions specializing in compliance from dune-jumping actually give them a soft ride on the highway, though this comes at the expense of a fair amount of roll in the curves and longer braking distances. One is an Off-Road Monster While the Hummer’s four-wheel steering makes it more nimble in parking lots, it ironically becomes an issue off-road where tire placement is essential. “When you're not used to it, it's just one more thing to plan for. Oh, and if there's a practical use for the wow-factor, diagonal-driving Crab Walk mode, we haven't found it.” When it comes to the fun these trucks are built for, the Raptor R was the clear winner. “Its ability to turn small humps into big air and big air into cushy landings makes it the ultimate big-kid toy…the Raptor R traverses sand, mud, boulders, and slick rock with the casual competence of a Lexus making a Starbucks run.” By contrast, the Hummer, already with an as-tested price over $5K more than the Raptor, really needed an extra $10K Extreme Off-Road package, which allows the truck to catch up with locking front and rear differentials, rear recovery hooks, front skid plates, and mud-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels. Without it, the Hummer was described as clumsy off-road, more so than any other EV they have driven off-road. MotorTrend says, “...buyers shouldn't need to shell out $10K for basic competence.” They Can Tow, But… While they have no shortage of power or structural robustness, the soft suspension of both models reduces their towing capacity to 8,700 pounds for the Raptor R and 8,500 pounds for the Hummer. If you want to tow something big, there are other F-150 models capable of up to 14,000 pounds, and as far as the Hummer is concerned, towing with EVs still means you better not plan on going far. The Verdict The “verdict” for each vehicle sums things up perfectly: For the Hummer, it was “Everything about the GMC Hummer EV is outrageous—including how much it struggled off-road.” And for the Raptor R: “It crawls! It jumps! It sprints! It shouts! It's a Raptor R, and there is no substitute.” As you may have guessed by now, the Raptor R is a specialty vehicle at Benna Ford. However, if you are interested in this monster performance truck, contact one of our sales professionals, and we will source one for you.