Blog

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.

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.

The award-winning F-150 Lightning, found at Benna Ford, is designed to adhere close to what has made the conventional F-150 the best-selling vehicle in America for about as long as anyone can remember. Still, it is clearly not for every F-150 user. If you regularly drive across states, it can be done in a Lighting, but it will require advanced planning on where you will recharge and what you will do while it charges. On the other hand, if you generally use your truck to drive to and around town or tow only short distances, such as to local worksites or a nearby lake, the F-150 Lighting could fit into your life. It may be a better option than a conventional F-150 for many good reasons. No Gas Stops and Greater Efficiency The best way to own an F-150 Lightning, or any EV for that matter, is to fully charge it at home. You come home for the day, plug it in, and the next day, it is fully ready to take you an estimated 230 or 320 miles (depending on your F-150 Lighting’s battery size). Again, if your driving is in and around town, you can drive all day without an interruption to refuel, the same for the next day, and so on. You will be doing it far more efficiently. Based on the EPA MPGe equation of 1 gallon = 33.7 kilowatt hours, the F-150 Lighting has a combined MPGe rating of 68, rising to 76 for city driving. This compares to the best conventional F-150 EPA rating of 21 combined and 19 in the city. Unfortunately, for every dollar you spend on gas, only about 20 cents goes to moving the vehicle. The rest of the energy is lost to heat and the mechanical drag of weight and friction. But for every dollar of electricity, 87 to 91 cents goes to moving the truck. So, no matter what gas prices versus electric rates are, the Lighting will give you more bang for your energy buck. No Drivetrain Maintenance Electric motors are far less complex than even the most straightforward internal combustion engine, and the engines in a modern F-150 are by no means simple. Each motor effectively has only one moving part, and there is no transmission because motors don’t need one. Thus, there are no filter or oil changes, spark or belt replacements, or tune-ups. Just every 20K to 30K miles, you will change the coolant. This also means there is very little that can break and need to be repaired. Of course, there is still non-drivetrain maintenance, like changing tires, wipers, and refilling washer fluid. There is no active battery maintenance either, but there are some guidelines to improve battery life. Fast Level-3 DC charging is fine for the occasional road trip, but it is best for battery endurance to charge only to 80%. Level-2 charging, such as at home, is best for extending battery life for day-to-day use. Also, extreme temperatures diminish battery effectiveness, so garaging the vehicle during the worst of winter is advisable. Better Performance Don’t drag race a F-150 Lighting unless you’re the one driving it. The base model churns out 452 horsepower, while extended-range models bump up to 580 horses.  Both systems crank out 775 lb-ft of torque, which is on hand the moment the tachometer is a click above zero. According to Car and Driver, 0-60 is in 4.0 seconds, and the quarter mile comes in 12.7. Until recently, those would be exclusively supercar performance figures, which all happens with a whisper. In addition, the floor-mounted battery gives the truck a low center of gravity, even with 9.0 inches of ground clearance. This keeps the truck planted in the curves, further enhanced by the independent rear suspension. That suspension also keeps the ride smoother than in a conventional F-150. You also have the around-town convenience of one-pedal driving mode that lets your right foot accelerate and brake the vehicle with the accelerator pedal alone. Preproduction model with optional equipment driven under test conditions. Professional driver on closed course. Do not attempt. 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning production begins spring 2022. Tech and Features The base F-150 Lighting includes a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Ford's latest Sync 4 software. This screen increases to 15.5 inches on the Lariat and Platinum models. Also standard across the model line are Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, in-dash navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. You will also find heated seats and steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and Pro Trailer Assist. When you take the truck out for an extended trip, you will have the Blue Cruise highway hands-free system and Ford’s exclusive "Intelligent Range," which evaluates the conditions under which it's being driven to give you a real-time estimate of your EV's driving range. It even has an on-board scale to help you distribute your payload from front to rear. To fully take advantage of the EV truck’s quiet operation, there are two available Bang & Olufsen premium audio systems: one with eight speakers in the Lariat and one with 18 speakers in the Platinum. A feature you won’t find on a standard F-150 is the front storage space. This locked 14 cubic feet of storage space where the engine would have been is perfect for keeping tools or anything else you want secure while leaving the bed and cabin space free. The F-150 Lightning’s bidirectional charging can power a standard-size home for three days during a power grid outage. It also brings plenty of power to any of its 11 power outlets for tools at the work site or electrical devices at the park or campsite. Emission Free The final top reason is probably the most obvious. The F-150 Lightning has no emissions. You will be doing your part in reducing your carbon footprint to preserve our current climate system for your children and grandchildren. This is even more effective if the electricity comes from your own solar panels (and thus free power) or a renewable source. Yet, with 100% of the electricity being coal-sourced, the carbon footprint of an F-150 Lightning is still less than its internal combustion counterpart because it is so much more efficient with the energy it uses. Again, the F-150 Lightning isn’t for every pickup truck owner, but it will fit in the lives of far more people than know it.  If it seems like it may fit yours, Benna Ford keeps a wide selection, so pay us a visit and experience the F-150 Lightning, the first all electric full sized truck.

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 mid-size truck market has been very busy over the past two years, with redesigned models from Nissan, Chevrolet/GMC, and Toyota. Now it is Ford’s turn with the Ranger. The last Ranger first arrived at Benna Ford as a 2019 model, but it has been a design used worldwide for several years. The new Ranger will also be sold around the world, but its design puts US interests and preferences first. Wider and Tougher Prioritizing the U.S. market resulted in a burlier model with several more inches in width and more muscular, squared-off dimensions. It much more closely resembles a smaller  F-150. All 2024 Rangers will have the same five-passenger, four-door crew cab and five-foot (59.6-inch) bed. A key feature of the bed is that the wider rear track now enables your standard 4-foot wide plywood or drywall to fit flat on the bed floor within the wheelhouses, and this is an ability you won’t find in the Nissan, GM, or Toyota models. The tailgate now opens with a damped motion and features a torsion spring to ease closing. The Cab’s central locking mechanism also extends to the tailgate. An available deep and tall inset step just before the rear bumper on the side eases access to adjust things in the bed. All Turbo-charged Engine Lineup The Ranger was ahead of the game with its standard turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4 engine, and you now see similarly sized turbocharged 4-cylinder engines becoming the standard across the category. The engine continues with the same power of 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and remains paired to the 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the GM and Toyota models, a V6 upgrade is still available in the form of the F-150's EcoBoost twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6, which produces 315 horsepower and peak torque of 400 lb-ft. This powertrain will be available post-launch, and Ford has not yet specified it, but this will likely be tied to 4WD drivetrains. The maximum towing case for both models with either of these engines is 7,500 pounds. There will also be a Ford Ranger Raptor model for the first time in the U.S. It will be powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 that is good for a class-leading 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The Raptor will also feature full-time 4WD, front and rear locking differentials, and 2.5-inch Fox Live valve dampers. Updated Suspension Models without the prehistoric moniker have their own updated suspensions. The geometry is largely the same, but the front upper and lower control arms are now aluminum for greater stiffness and lighter weight. In the rear, the dampers are moved outside the leaf springs, and the helper leaf spring is composite instead of steel. When combined with new tuning for the dampers and springs, the result is a smoother and more refined ride. All-New Cabin Naturally, the interior is fully redesigned. Anchoring the center of the dash is a vertical 12.4-inch touchscreen. Within the tall screen, smartphone mirroring from either Apple CarPlay or Android fills the top two-thirds of the screen, while the lower portion features permanent controls for climate and other controls. Physical controls for the climate remain just below. Allow-profile electronic shifters sit on the driver's side of the center console. Another new cabin feature is that the back seat folds flat when needed for additional in-cabin storage. The model line remains with XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels, with a starting MSRP of $34,265 for the XL. The Tremor model goes away to be replaced by the Raptor, which will arrive after the launch of the rest of the model line. As of this writing, 2024 Rangers are just starting to make their way into the Benna Ford Inventory. Check our site for a model you may be interested in, or check out what’s here, and if you like what you see, we will find one that meets your specifications.

The 2024 Ford Mustang is celebrating its 60th year, and for that special anniversary, Ford is partnering with twice-Emmy-nominated actress and current TV and film star Sydney Sweeney. The talented actress is best known for her roles in such shows as HBO’s White Lotus and Euphoria, as well as the recent summer romantic-comedy blockbuster, “Anyone But You,” which made $190.5 million on a $25 million budget. Sydney’s Very Own Classic Mustang Sweeney owns a 1965 Mustang she has lovingly named Britney. Thanks to Ford, the new Britney will be produced for her, as well as for a yet-to-be-announced contest winner. A Word From Sydney Sweeney “It’s heartening to see Ford celebrate individuals who are pushing past stereotypes to do what they love. That’s why I was so excited to work with Ford on designing my dream car, and I can’t wait to surprise someone special with a matching vehicle,” said Sydney Sweeney, the superstar actress. A Special Custom Mustang The actress's own Mustang is painted in Brittany Blue. This new custom Mustang will be painted in Robin’s Egg Blue with a crushed glass clear coat, as well as feature stylings and appointments that are meant to evoke the classic taste with a modern flair and feel, including unique 20-inch wheels, heart bolt emblems on the fenders and in the interior, plus LEDs in the headliner that change colors to look like a starry night drive. A Message From Ford One of the things that makes this a fantastic match is the relationship Ms. Sweeney has with her own ‘65 Mustang. As Laurie Transou, Ford Mustang Chief Engineer, said, "Like me, Sydney is a Mustang girl. Each generation has its own distinct personality, but at their core, they embody a spirit of disruption, edge, and undeniable allure. Sydney's interpretation of the Mustang captures this essence perfectly, reflecting the expressive and individualistic nature of those who are drawn to this iconic vehicle." A Great Relationship In March of 2023, Ford and Sydney teamed up for the new workwear collection from the Ford x Sydney collaboration. In addition, a TikTok account called Syd’s Garage was introduced that is dedicated to showcasing Sydney's love for her various Ford project cars that she works on in her free time. 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.

Ford electric vehicle customers are now eligible to get a free Tesla Supercharger adapter thanks to a visionary relationship that allows customers to take advantage of the more than 2,000 Tesla Supercharger stations with over 20,000 actual ports to charge an EV in America and Canada. A Word From Ford Jim Farley, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company, announced the news on Twitter, saying, “When we announced Ford EVs would get access to Tesla Superchargers, I said we'd send customers a Fast Charging Adapter. I'm pleased to confirm that eligible Mustang Mach E & F150 Lightning owners in the U.S. + Canada can reserve a complimentary adapter starting soon. This is our way of saying thank you! We want to make charging more convenient for our Ford EV owners, so we're excited to add Tesla chargers and will continue growing our BlueOval Charge Network. More details soon.” A Partnership To Benefit All This partnership allows Ford EV drivers to enjoy the cars and trucks even more than they already do, knowing that there are thousands of places where they can easily charge their vehicles on the go. BlueOval Charge Network The BlueOval Charge Network from Ford was already the most extensive public charging network in the United States, with over 106,000 chargers available nationwide. Adding the ability to charge via a Tesla Supercharger makes it easier for drivers to feel more freedom when driving longer distances. NACS Charge Port The adapter will allow the Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E to charge on Tesla V3 and above Superchargers. Starting in 2025, all Ford electric vehicles will feature the North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port so that customers will no longer have to get an adapter to charge their vehicles on any other charging network. Strong EV Sales For 2023, Ford announced they had record EV sales and were now the number 2 best-selling electric vehicle automaker in the United States. Each EV model line enjoyed an increase in sales, with the F-150 Lightning rising 55% compared to 2022, while the Mustang Mach-E enjoyed a modest bump of 3%, and the E-Transit work van jumped by 18%. 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. Our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

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.