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Picture this: A dark, damp room. It’s in the basement of a normal looking warehouse. There’s a door with a keypad, a place to swipe a badge and a retinal scan. But that’s just the beginning. Behind that door is a hallway that leads to another, larger door. There’s no keypad. There is no retinal scan, or place to swipe a badge. No, this door is only opened by you uttering a phrase that changes every week. It knows the sound of your voice. If it’s not your voice, an alarm sounds, and a dozen armed guards come to take you away. Impossible Mission? That kind of sounds like a plot for Ethan Hunt and the Impossible Mission Force. While it’s a dramatization, the Ford Skunkworks team does meet in a very remote area behind a giant wind tunnel where no one can really see what goes on. Watch Out Europe, Here We Come In this case, it was to develop a car that would spare no expense at taking on the best pure track machine that Europe has to offer: The Porsche 911 GT3 RS. That’s the car that everyone sets out to take the throne from, but while some come close, most miss the mark. However, the Mustang GTD has something up its sleeve. “Mustang GTD shatters every preconceived notion of a supercar. This is a new approach for us. We didn’t engineer a road car for the track, we created a race car for the road. Mustang GTD takes racing technology from our Mustang GT3 race car, wraps it in a carbon fiber Mustang body and unleashes it for the street,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. Engine & Racing Tech The GTD is powered by a Supercharged 5.2-liter V8 that is promised to produce at least 800 horsepower and features a giant hydraulically-activated Drag Reduction System (DRS) wing that is attached to the body, plus active aerodynamics under the front of the car. There will be no back seats or trunk space, as the trunk will be taken up by rear suspension components. 50/50 Weight Distribution In order to make as close to a 50/50 weight distribution as possible, the Mustang GTD has a transaxle, which is a way to combine your transmission, rear axle, and differential for weight balance. It will have only one gearbox: an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Production The Mustang GTD is produced by Ford at the Mustang plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, and then shipped to Markham, Ontario, Canada, the home of famed automotive engineering manufacturer Multimatic, the same company that redesigned the suspension for the latest generation Ford GT, using their incredible Adaptive Spool Valve dampers. Born From Jets Recycled titanium from retired F-22 Raptor jets is used to create the paddle shifters and door sills. There will also be an optional titanium exhaust. When asked what makes the Mustang GTD so special, Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, said, “We obsessed about the racing technology under its skin. What makes it go is even more compelling than what you can see when it passes you by. When you look at the engineering, the aerodynamics, how the powertrain works, the Mustang GTD is a rocketship for the road.” The Nürburgring Ford is aiming for a sub-7 minute lap time on the Nürburgring, the 12.49-mile German public highway that is used to qualify how great a streetcar is on a race track. It is one of the most dangerous tracks in the world, and it is also one of the longest. The lap time of the current generation 992.1 911 GT3 RS is 6:44.848. This is a car you can go into any dealership and buy and drive home. The Mustang GTD aims to be the answer for customers who don’t want a Porsche. Race Car First Since it was actually developed to race in the GTD racing class for the IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship here in America, it will also compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Both series will involve the Mustang taking on the likes of BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz AMG, Ferrari, and the like. Cost The Mustang GTD will cost at least $300,000 and fully debut by early 2025. At Benna Ford, we offer some of the best prices and services to all of our customers. With more than 100 new and used vehicles to choose from, our great sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. And our amazing service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.

The future is now and getting better with each day. Semi-autonomous vehicles are becoming more readily available on the car market, and Ford has one of the best and most advanced systems in BlueCruise. What Is BlueCruise? BlueCruise is considered an Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) and has currently traveled more than 100 million hands-free miles in the hands of customers, which also equates to customers experiencing over 1.4 million hours of driving time. When BlueCruise debuted in 2022, it was specifically featured on all-electric Ford vehicles and now is featured on over 250,000 cars on the road. For 2024 though, BlueCruise is being expanded to 500,000 to both gas and electric-powered Ford and Lincoln models in North America, as are subscription plans. What Vehicles Have BlueCruise? Ford and Lincoln vehicles that are equipped with BlueCruise from the factory have all-new subscription models. If you choose not to purchase the advanced hands-free driver technology when you order or buy your car, you will get a complimentary 90-day trial. After the trial period ends, you will be able to activate it at any time. And you will be able to pay either monthly, or annually. For 2024 the Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150, and Expedition will be available with BlueCruise, as well as the 2024 Lincoln Navigator, Nautilus, and select Corsair trim levels. How Much Does It Cost? If you choose to get BlueCruise from the moment you purchase your car, you will access the semi-autonomous tech for three years, and it can be rolled into the overall financing of your new vehicle. If you choose to get BlueCruise when you purchase your new car, you will access the semi-autonomous tech for three years in Ford vehicles and four years in Lincoln models. Activation is $2,100 if you choose to pay when buying your car, or $800 annually, or $75 per month. “BlueCruise is an experience-it-to-believe-it technology, and people are amazed at how BlueCruise can help make driving less stressful and more enjoyable – especially in traffic or on long drives,” said Ashley Lambrix, Head of Commercial Acceleration – Ford Model e. “We believe in this technology and how it can help transform the highway driving experience and want to give more customers the opportunity to try it and provide flexibility for them to activate it when they want to use it.” At Benna Ford, we are proud to offer Ford vehicles with BlueCruise, and we are able to order your new 2024 car or truck with advanced driver-assist technology. Our wonderful sales team will be happy to work with you to get the best price for your next vehicle. And our talented service department will work tirelessly to ensure your car stays in the best possible condition.

The introduction of the 2024 Ford Mustang shows that Americans still want fun, fast, and sporty coupes. Whether you love screaming V8s or Turbocharged 4-Cylinders, the S650 Mustang has you covered. S650 is the chassis code for this new generation of Mustang. With the media getting the chance to drive the new Mustang, so far, they have been absolutely raving about the EcoBoost for being great for everyday use while still being sporty to still feel like it has the muscle you want from a Mustang. The 2024 Mustang EcoBoost features a 2.3-liter EcoBoost Twin-Scroll Turbocharged Inline-4 Cylinder that produces 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that will fire off shifts faster than you can say “Weee”. EPA estimated fuel mileage is 22 city mpg and 33 highway mpg, respectively. The EcoBoost is here to stay and has proven to be just as much of a Mustang as the GT model. When talking about the power and sound from the all-new EcoBoost Mustang, MotorTrend said, “In this modern era of easy speed, you'll never mistake the revised EcoBoost for being fast, but it'll likely embarrass most V-8-powered Mustangs built prior to 2010. The fourth-gen EcoBoost mill makes more power earlier in the rev range than the EcoBoost it replaces, staying on the boil for longer. Equipped with the optional active exhaust system, the new 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost even sounds pretty good, replacing the previous car's hot hatch soundtrack with a low, throaty rumble.” Inside, the new EcoBoost arrives with a standard 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen. The digital instrument cluster can be customized to show different themes, such as Normal, Sport, Track, Fox Body, and Calm. Yes, you read that right: you can make your digital gauge cluster look just like the analog gauges out of a 1987-1993 Fox Body Mustang. Leather Recaro racing buckets are optional with the also optional Performance Package. One of the main options that journalists are loving is the new Drift Brake. With the optional Drift Brake, your physical parking brake, by way of a button, can be turned into a drift actuator, essentially. Autoblog dedicated an entire article to the Drift Brake saying, “Step one: Gun it. Step two: Yank up on the handbrake and crank the wheel with your left hand from 2 o’clock down to 7. Step three: Feel the car whip around, bring handbrake down, gun it again. Congratulations, you are drifting in the 2024 Ford Mustang thanks to its new, unique-to-a-production-car electronic drift brake. It couldn’t be easier. You can also do some pretty sick Ace Ventura parking jobs.” If you are interested in the all-new 2024 Ford Mustang, Benna Ford is happy to assist you in answering any questions or helping you order one for yourself. Our talented sales team will work to ensure your satisfaction with the purchase of a new or used vehicle. Our fantastic service department will make sure that your vehicle stays in the absolute best condition possible. We look forward to serving you.

Ford is slashing pricing on the 2023 MotorTrend Truck of the Year, the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck. With an incredible amount of sales, up 118.7% in the second quarter of 2023 versus 2022, Ford is producing more Lightnings than ever before. Efficiency Thanks to efforts in retooling the plant to boost production, and lowering raw battery material costs, the automaker is able to lower the price of the Lightning by as much as $9,979. This comes on the heels of Ford shutting the Michigan plant down for six weeks where the F-150 Lightning is manufactured. Ford explained all of that effort was to increase the efficiency of the facility to be able to output a total of 150,000 electric trucks per year. Power & Range With the standard range battery, the F-150 Lightning produces 452 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque and has a 240-mile range. The extended-range models have 580 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque with a 320-mile range. Tax Credits & Superchargers Most Lightning models are eligible for as much as $7,500 in federal tax credits. And starting early in 2024, Ford Lightning customers will have access to more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers all over the United States and Canada. New Pricing The new pricing for each trim level is as follows: Pro Original MSRP - $59,974 New MSRP - $49,995 XLT 311A Original MSRP - $64,474 New MSRP - $54,995 XLT 312A Original MSRP - $68,474 New MSRP - $59,995 XLT 312A Extended Range Original MSRP - $78,474 New MSRP - $69,995 Lariat 510A Original MSRP - $76,974 New MSRP - $69,995 Lariat Extended Range Original MSRP - $85,974 New MSRP - $77,495 Platinum Extended Range Original MSRP - $98,074 New MSRP - $91,995 When asked about the new pricing decrease, Marin Gjaja, chief customer officer, Ford Model e, said, “Shortly after launching the F-150 Lightning, rapidly rising material costs, supply constraints and other factors drove up the cost of the EV truck for Ford and our customers. We’ve continued to work in the background to improve accessibility and affordability to help to lower prices for our customers and shorten the wait times for their new F-150 Lightning.” At Benna Ford, we are very proud to offer the game-changing F-150 Lightning, as well as every other Ford vehicle. With more than a hundred new and pre-owned vehicles for sale, our fantastic sales team will work hard to get you the best price possible. And our amazing service department will be sure to keep your vehicle in the best shape to keep you safe and happy. We look forward to working with you soon.

Benna Ford is happy to announce that Ford Motor Company has reached an agreement with Tesla Motors that will give Ford electric vehicle customers access to more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers across the U.S. and Canada starting in the Spring of 2024.  This more than doubles the number of fast chargers available to Ford EV customers.  For Ford electric vehicle owners in the Benna Ford area, this gives access to four Tesla superchargers in Wisconsin and over a dozen and a half in central and eastern Minnesota. “This is great news for our customers who will have unprecedented access to the largest network of fast-chargers in the U.S. and Canada with 12,000+ Tesla Superchargers plus 10,000+ fast-chargers already in the BlueOval Charge Network,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “Widespread access to fast-charging is absolutely vital to our growth as an EV brand, and this breakthrough agreement comes as we are ramping up production of our popular Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, and preparing to launch a series of next-generation EVs starting in 2025.” Added Rebecca Tinucci, Tesla’s senior director of charging infrastructure: “We’ve spent the last 10 years building an industry-leading Charging Network that enables freedom to travel and provides charging confidence for our Tesla owners. We’re excited to deliver on our mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy by welcoming Ford owners, and other electric vehicles who adopt NACS, to our thousands of Superchargers across North America.” An Adapter Will Enable the Connection A Mustang Mach-E at at Tesla charging station. Current Ford F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and E-Transit owners will be able to use the Tesla chargers with an adapter fitting between the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector and the Combined Charging System (CCS) port. Starting in 2025, Ford battery electric vehicles will be equipped with the NACS charge port, removing the need for an adapter. “Tesla has led the industry in creating a large, reliable, and efficient charging system and we are pleased to be able to join forces in a way that benefits customers and overall EV adoption,” said Marin Gjaja, chief customer officer, Ford Model e. “The Tesla Supercharger network has excellent reliability and the NACS plug is smaller and lighter.  Overall, this provides a superior experience for customers.” The Nation’s Largest Fast-Charging Network With over 84,000 chargers, including over 10,000 public DC fast-chargers, the BlueOval Charge Network is already North America’s largest public charging network. The addition of more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers creates the single largest integrated fast-charge network across the U.S. and Canada. As with the BlueOval network, customers will be able to pay at the Tesla Superchargers with activation and payment via FordPass or Ford Pro Intelligence. Ford dealers are also adding roughly 1,800 public-facing fast-chargers and locations to the BlueOval Charge Network by mid-2024. This provides an even more compelling reason to visit Benna Ford and test drive a Ford electric vehicle like the capable Ford F-150 Lightning, thrilling Mustang Mach-E, and efficient E-Transit.

Ford is now delivering orders for 2023 Super Duty trucks to retail and commercial customers.  A delay occurred due to a $700 million investment at the Louisville, Kentucky truck plant and Ohio assembly plant as part of its zero-Defect Launch Process. The 2023 truck is described by Ford as the most powerful and connected Super Duty ever. “The all-new 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty is the tough-tested icon that our customers trust. Said Ted Cannis, Ford Pro CEO “It is the smartest and most capable truck we’ve ever built offering must-have towing tech, embedded 5G capability, over-the-air updates plus an entire suite of available Ford Pro Intelligence solutions to help maximize uptime and accelerate productivity. And of course, its best-in-class payload and towing, more than any of our competitors, means this truck can take on any job.” Extensively Strengthened Quality Process Close to 11,000 UAW workers contribute to building a Super Duty, with over 9,000 at the Kentucky plant and an additional 1,800 at the Ohio plant.  The $700 million investments added 500 jobs to the Kentucky plant. As part of the quality improvement process, Production-ready models underwent exhaustive real-world road testing with a particular focus on high mileage tests to meet the demands of Ford Pro commercial customers.  Ford also tripled the number of trucks used in trailer tow testing and nearly quadrupled the count for Built Ford Tough durability testing, providing additional quality data points compared to previous launches. “Never before have I seen teams come together like they have for this Super Duty launch”. Said Super Duty Chief Engineer, Andrew Kernahan. “We are looking to exceed our customers’ expectations with Super Duty and that requires making sure every employee feels empowered to speak up when there are issues.” Ford also greatly increased the number of quality checks along the assembly line. Once complete, every Super Duty is driven 25 miles by a Ford employee as an additional quality check to help identify issues before delivery. “We know Super Duty customers; they push their trucks to the limits,” said Kernahan, “There’s nothing that compares to putting vehicles out into the real world to see how they perform, so we tested Super Duty beyond its limits.” Choose From Powerful, More Powerful, or Way More Powerful The Super Duty is available with a choice of two gas or two diesel engines. The newest power plant is the 6.8-liter 2V DEVCT PFI Gas V8. This replacement for the previous flex-fuel engine produces 405 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. The 7.3-liter OHV PFI engine is the most powerful gas V8 in its class, with 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque.  If greater torque is what you need, look to the two 6.7-liter turbo diesel V8s starting with the Power Stroke producing 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque and topping out with the  High Output Power Stroke producing a class-leading 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft. Powerfully Connected and Versatile Listening to customers has led the Super-Duty to be Ford’s most connected truck ever, starting with being the first pickup in the U.S. with embedded 5G capability. The Qualcomm 5G modem can provide a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices to keep workers connected while on the job site.  For those who convert their SuperDutys, the new Ford Pro Upfit Integration System is designed for customers to simplify upfits. “Whether it is mining, emergency response, utility services, or towing a boat, Super Duty is the tool for that gets the job done, and we know our customers are thrilled that it is coming,” said Cannis. The 2023 Ford Super Duty has not arrived at Benna Ford as of this writing, but we are all looking forward to when it does later this summer.  If you are interested in the 2023 Super Duty, contact one of our Benna Ford Sales professionals for updated timing on their arrival.

Are you ready to take your adventures to the next level? Look no further than the new Ford Bronco, the iconic SUV that has returned with a bang. Alongside this remarkable vehicle comes the groundbreaking Bronco Trail App, a game-changer for all of those people that are looking to spice up their explorations. In this blog post, we'll delve into the exciting benefits of having this app by your side, ensuring that your adventures are not only thrilling but also enhanced with advanced technology. Navigate with Confidence: The Bronco Trail App is your ultimate off-road navigation companion. Equipped with highly detailed trail maps and advanced GPS capabilities, it provides accurate guidance, ensuring you stay on track. Say goodbye to the worry of getting lost and embrace the freedom to just explore. Discover New Trails: With the Bronco Trail App, you can embark on exciting new trails and discover the great outdoors. The app offers a database of routes, showcasing trails of varying difficulties and scenic beauty. From rocky terrains to serene forest paths, the app opens up a world of adventure. Recommendations and Ratings: Not sure which trail to tackle next? The Bronco Trail App provides valuable insights and recommendations from a community of fellow off-road enthusiasts. Access trail ratings, reviews, and photos to help you choose the perfect trail that matches your skill level and preferences. Off-Road Analytics: The Bronco Trail App offers analytics that allows you to record and review your trips. Keep track of your mileage, average speed, elevation changes, and more. Gain a deeper understanding of your driving performance and use the insights to refine your skills and plan future adventures. Community Engagement: Connect and share your experiences with a community of like-minded individuals. The App enables you to upload photos, share trail recommendations, and engage in conversations with fellow Bronco owners. Celebrate your accomplishments, seek advice, and build friendships within the community. Vehicle Integration: The Bronco Trail App seamlessly integrates with the advanced technology and features of the all-new Ford Bronco. From the available Terrain Management System™ with G.O.A.T. Modes™ to the Trail Control™ feature, the app allows you to optimize your vehicle's performance for specific terrains. Experience Off-Road Adventure Like Never Before With the introduction of the Bronco Trail App, Ford has revolutionized the off-road experience, empowering Bronco owners to embark on thrilling adventures with confidence and convenience. The app's advanced navigation features, trail recommendations, community engagement, and vehicle integration make it an indispensable tool for any adventurer So, if you're ready to explore the untamed wilderness, conquer challenging trails, and create unforgettable memories, the all-new Ford Bronco, paired with the innovative Bronco Trail App, is your perfect companion. Get behind the wheel of a Bronco today and unlock a world that is waiting to be discovered. Visit us here at Benna Ford dealership to learn more about the new Bronco Trail App and experience the exhilaration of the all-new Ford Bronco firsthand. Our knowledgeable staff will be thrilled to assist you and help you start your journey in style. Come and embrace the spirit of adventure with the all-new Ford Bronco and the revolutionary Bronco

What Benna Ford understands from our many small business and fleet manager customers is that people who purchase business vehicles are significantly more focused than your average vehicle consumer. While personal buyers can be motivated by a wide variety of factors, the small business owner and fleet manager will be looking foremost at initial cost, operating cost, reliability, and capability. And for the past 18 years, the annual Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America™ Awards have helped show them the vehicles that represent their concerns. And this year, Ford vans and trucks swept the competition. Our Winners Ford vehicles came out on top nine times at the 18th annual Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America™ Awards. That is significantly more than any other manufacturer. Of four available truck awards, Ford claimed three. Of nine van awards, Ford won six. The specific Ford winners are: Transit Connect cargo vans (Six-time winner) Transit Connect passenger vans (Seven-time winner) T150 cargo T250 cargo T350 passenger E-Transit 350 cargo Maverick Hybrid XL (Two-time winner) F-250 XL (Three-time winner) F-350 XL How Winners are Selected Vincentric’s methodology in determining their awards involves a cost of ownership analysis of over 2,000 vehicle configurations based on their typical use in fleets. They focus on eight different cost factors, including: Depreciation Fees & taxes Financing Fuel Insurance Maintenance Opportunity cost Repairs “The Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America Awards provide guidance to fleet professionals by identifying vehicles that will bring proven value to their fleets,” said Vincentric President, David Wurster. “Managing costs is a critical part of fleet management, and our awards give valuable insight into which vehicles offer the lowest lifecycle costs in their segments.” Who is Vincentric? Vincentric is a privately-held Michigan-based research company that provides data, knowledge, and insight into the automotive industry with a focus on the many many aspects of automotive value. Vincentric data is frequently cited by several well-known automotive sites and publications, including Autoblog, Automotive Fleet Magazine, AAA, among others. If you are to invest in a vehicle for your business, be it a light or heavy-duty pickup, or any size van, the numbers and accolades point to Ford. And in the Superior-Duluth area, that means Benna Ford. Contact the fleet specialists at Benna Ford to see how we can best serve your business vehicle needs.

Ford has been a global powerhouse in racing since 1901. Henry Ford, attempting to repair his reputation after a failed attempt at running his first car company, beat an established and accomplished car maker and racing driver, Alexander Winton, in a sweepstakes race in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Ever since then, Ford has understood the phrase, “Race on Sunday, sell on Monday,” to be true for them. Most people know Ford’s racing success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Ford GT40, re-popularized by the blockbuster film by James Mangold starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale, “Ford v. Ferrari”. However, did you know that Ford were an engine supplier in Formula One from 1967 until 2004? Even more, they are the third-winningest engine manufacturer behind Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari. But something even more wild … to date, they have the most successful engine track record of all time. Racing History Personified In 1967 when Ford debuted their engine called the “Double Four Valve”, or DFV for short, which was a combined partnership between Ford and Cosworth, another famous engine builder. It won the first race it had entered. The Dutch Grand Prix in June of 1967 was won by Jim Clark in a Lotus Ford. From 1967 until 1985, the DFV Ford engine would undergo a few tweaks, but it powered a staggering 155 race wins out of 262 races it entered during that time. Let’s do the math on that quickly: if it entered 262 races, winning 155 of them, that’s an average winning percentage of 59%. In 18 years, it won FIFTY-NINE PERCENT of the time. To give you some perspective, Tom Brady played in the NFL for 22 seasons and has a career-winning percentage of 75%. Hopefully, that gives you a good understanding of how dominant Ford was at that time. Sadly, they’d only go on to win 19 more races between 1986 and 2004. They then sold what was the Jaguar Racing team they powered to Red Bull Racing in 2005. To date, Ford is tied with Mercedes-Benz for powering 13 Formula 1 driver championships. Only Ferrari has more at 15. The first driver to win a championship with a Ford motor was the fantastically mustachioed Graham Hill in 1968 with a Lotus Ford. The last was Michael Schumacher’s first championship in 1994 in a Benetton Ford. Keep in mind Ford had just entered F1 as an engine builder in 1967. To The Future, And Beyond! Starting in 2026, Ford will be coming back to the glory that is F1 to power the Red Bull Racing team, with two-time (so far) world champion driver Max Verstappen, who is contracted to be with the team through 2028. Red Bull Racing has won the Formula One Constructors’ Championship a total of five times, sweeping four years in a row from 2010 to 2013 and then once again in 2019. Red Bull’s drivers have won a total of 6 driver’s championships. Sebastian Vettel won four in a row driving for them from 2010-2013, and now their current hotshoe, Max, has won the last two in a row for 2021 and 2022, with a high likelihood of winning his third championship this year in 2023. In 2021 Red Bull created a new engine manufacturer called Red Bull Powertrains, RBPT, to take over for Honda after they decided to leave Formula 1 as an engine supplier after 2022. From 2026 onwards, it will become Red Bull Ford Powertrains. Benna Ford Benna Ford is excited to bring you updates on our favorite sport, racing! If you have any questions regarding our new or used inventory, contact us today and let one of our expert staff help you. Should your Ford need maintenance or service, use our easy scheduling tool to get your vehicle taken care of the right way!

Ford aren’t done yet, folks. No, the new 2024 Ford Mustang shows how dedicated they are to providing fun and amazing gas-power vehicles, especially with V8s. Starting now, you can order your brand new Ford Mustang in pretty much any flavor that you choose. Whether you want an automatic or a manual, an EcoBoost or a V8, a nice riding car with some oomph, or a full-on track devourer, it’s all here. The Mustang’s base price is $30,920, which really is not expensive when you consider what you’re getting. The base 2.3-liter EcoBoost Inline-4  puts out 315 horsepower, available only with a lightning-quick shifting 10-speed automatic transmission and an optional 3.55 final drive and limited-slip differential with the Performance Package. Stepping up to the venerable Coyote V8 will cost you $41,495 and now making a whopping 480 horsepower. You can option your Mustang GT with a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and have either a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic. The newest Mustang on the block is the Dark Horse, making 500 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque at just $57,970. Again, it can have either the manual or the automatic transmissions. The Dark Horse will carry the same 5.0 Coyote V8. Standard is the MagneRide adjustable damping system, which can change the suspension tuning on the fly via a button. Not Just A Pony Car, A Techy Car All Mustangs come with a 12.4-inch instrument display cluster that allows you to change and fine tune your gauges. It also comes standard with Sync 4 in a 13.2-inch center-mounted multimedia touchscreen display. You can equip your car with Ford Co-Pilot 360 for a full 360-degree display on the infotainment screen, as well as heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, Recaro bucket seats, Brembo brakes, and wireless charging. Along with Co-Pilot 360, the Mustang is available with speed limit sign recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control that will even bring the vehicle to a complete stop and start moving again with the vehicles in front of you, Lane-Centering Assist, Evasive Steer Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, and possibly the most special of all for those with the optional Performance Package: Active Pothole Mitigation. What in the world? Yes, the car, when equipped, will monitor the road ahead and can adjust the suspension so that potholes won’t have such an impact on the vehicle and be felt less by the passengers inside. Now that’s just awesome. Your Car, Your Way With 10 or more exterior colors and multiple trim and upholstery options for the interior, as well as many ways to customize the look of your Mustang with vinyl racing stripes, hood stripes, or side stripes, it will be all yours. Made for you, chosen by you. Contact us today for more information or arrange a test drive with one of our expert staff.

For International Women’s Day on March 8th, Benna Ford takes a moment to recognize the most famous factory worker in Ford’s history; “Rosie the Riveter,” the bandana-wearing, arm-flexing young woman proclaiming “We Can Do It!” who worked in the Ford Willow Run factory in Michigan. She became the symbol of women factory workers across the country who were making the machinery their husbands and brothers would use to win the second World War, and later became an icon of women empowerment. Rose Will Monroe was born in Pulaski County Kentucky in 1920, as one of nine children. After her husband was killed in a car accident, she moved to Michigan with her two young children to take a job at the Willow Run plant that Ford had built to assemble B-24 Liberator bombers. The 332-acre facility was the largest manufacturing operation in the world and employed over 40,000 workers. It produced over 9,000 B-24 Liberators, and by 1944 planes were coming off the line at the rate of one every hour. Moved to Michigan as a Widow and Mother By the time she moved to Michigan, a 1942 song “Rosie the Riveter” was already popular on the radio about a dedicated wartime female factory worker. During the war, actor Walter Pidgeon came to Willow Run to shoot footage for a film promoting the purchase of war bonds. When he found there was an actual woman named Rose working as a riveter there, he asked Monroe to be part of the film. From there Monroe became the face of “Rosie the Riveter” and is the inspiration if not the exact likeness of the famous “We Can Do It” poster. Monroe’s dream at the time was to become a pilot to transport aircraft parts around the country. Unfortunately, her status as a single mother denied her the training. Though she experienced some “Rosie” notoriety after her appearance in the film, she chose not to further capitalize on her fame. After the war, Monroe left the factory and worked as a cab driver, operated a beauty shop, and launched a luxury home construction company known as Rose Builders. Monroe eventually did get her pilot’s license in 1970 and flew until 1978.  Leaving a legacy for women to stand forth, Rosie passed away on May 31, 1997, in Clarksville, Indiana, at the age of 77. "Rosie the Riveter" in its song, film, and poster forms, inspired a social movement that increased the number of working American women from 12 million to 20 million by 1944. In 1942, between the months of January and July, the estimates of the proportion of jobs that would be "acceptable" for women was raised by employers from 29 to 85%, and 4.1 million unmarried women between the ages of 20 and 34 worked in the defense industry The “Rosie” Heritage Of course, most of the women lost their factory and other traditionally “male” jobs after the war, as they were expected to make room and employment opportunities for the returning veterans. Most assumed domestic life or returned to traditionally “female” roles in the workplace. By contrast, the Rosie the Riveter poster has become a feminist symbol as it perfectly encapsulates the fact that women can, in fact, do work once thought to only be within the abilities of men. The proof was undeniable and it provided support for a subsequent generation of women not content with traditional female employment opportunities. The automotive industry has long been male-dominated, but it doesn’t need to be. The present 13 members of the Benna Ford staff all play crucial roles in keeping the business running smoothly, and we are always on the lookout for talented employees of any gender. In the meantime, this March 8th, and we will be looking to “Rosie the Riveter” and all the other women who have inspired us and made history.

March is Women’s History month and thus a time when we take notice of Women’s achievements, past and present. Men have historically held the seats of political, business, and theological power making the history we all learned male-centered by default. Despite this, it is long overdue that we recognize the stories and efforts of the dedicated women that too often don’t often make it to the history books. Women Keep Benna Ford Running Both at the manufacturer and dealership level, the automotive world has traditionally been seen as a male bastion. But at Benna F ord, over a fourth of our staff are women, and luckily, that number keeps growing. We know that without the women on our staff, Benna Ford would cease to operate. Without Carla Ringold, our advertising wouldn’t go out. Kimberly Hobbs, Billie Suomala, and Tiffany Weideman almost entirely comprise our Business Development Center. The women of Benna Ford keep the office running, get the titles transferred, and see that everyone gets paid. They are key to the operation and success of our store. The Ford Foundation’s Long History of Supporting Women’s Causes We are grateful that the manufacturer of the products we sell, Ford, established the Ford Foundation in 1936. Among its many endeavors, the foundation has been committed to advancing gender equality for nearly 60 years, supporting hundreds of dauntless activists, organizations, and initiatives with more than $3 billion in grants. From the very beginning, the foundation followed the lead of women pioneering the feminist movement in the United States. They later expanded and learned by listening to the women in the trenches in Africa, South Asia, and Latin America as we expanded our support worldwide. They have regularly invested in the ideas, individuals, and institutions on the front lines, so they can carry their work forward and optimize their impact. Thanks to these and other efforts, women's rights have come a long way in the past 50-60 years. Even with these strides, a significant gender income gap remains and more than 2.7 billion women are legally restricted from having the same choice of jobs as men. Much has been accomplished, but it is an ongoing and noble struggle. Even as we hope you visit our Benna Ford dealership to shop for a new or used vehicle or service your existing one, we hope you take some time this month and thereafter to think about the role women have played in our history and look at the goals and efforts of our present women history makers.