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Mustang GT3 Podiums At 24 Hours Of LeMans

No. 88 Mustang GT3 Drivers Dennis Olsen, Giorgio Roda, and Mikkel O. Pedersen Celebrating Their Victory
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. Ford Mustang GT3 Le Mans Competitior No. 88While 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 60th 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.”Four Ford Mustang GT3 Le Mans Competitiors Parked on the Le Mans Track“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.
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Mustang Mach-E Rally Driving on a Forest Trail Front View

Motor Authority Drives The New Mach-E Rally

Rallying is one of the most challenging competitions in motorsports. Vehicles run on-road, off-road, in all kinds of terrain and weather conditions, and the driver often doesn’t even know what is ahead but for turn-by-turn commands from their human navigator. Yet rallying has never really caught on in the states as other motorsports have, possibly because it is not very television-friendly. It is a point-to-point event, making it hard for cameras to cover it adequately. Plus, entrants compete for time, not position, so you don’t have vehicles closely battling for a lead. So, to make a rally edition of the Mustang Mach-E may pose a marketing challenge. However, Motor Authority found the vehicle itself to be nearly brilliant. This Benna Ford review follows their findings. Motor Authority leads their review with a general truism: “ The fastest, most powerful models in any lineup can often end up as one-trick ponies.” This is particularly true for performance-focused model lines, where the pursuit of the lowest quarter-mile time or highest lateral-G on a slalom often leads to sacrifices that compromise the car when it is out of its element or asked to perform the more mundane duties of providing transportation. The multiple talents required of a rally-focused vehicle help mitigate that for the Mach-E Rally. The basic go-and-stop components of the Mach-E Rally match the Mach-E GT’s with the latter’s 480 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque from motors at the front and rear and the 15.0-inch Brembo front brake rotors. Unlike the GT, the Rally is all about having fun and plenty of speed off the road. Thus, it sits about an inch higher, and the MagneRide magnetic damping system - also found in the GT - has been tuned for both on- and off-road action. There is more wheel travel and quicker rebound while reducing the chances of bottoming out. Also retuned is the power distribution between the front and rear motors, which have the advantage of responding with electronic rather than mechanical quickness. This is most noticeable when you switch to RallySport drive mode, which, as Motor Authority describes: “...makes the accelerator more linear, and it ramps up the steering boost—because you might need to go opposite-lock at any moment.” Ford tested the Mach-E on an unpaved course in Michigan and sought input from rallycross drivers. Both an advantage and a challenge in terms of control is the instant torque of electric motors, meaning that 700 pound-feet can be accessed at any given moment. The Motor Authority author had rally experience, which included putting the hammer down early so as to have the torque built up to where you need it when the moment comes. With the Mach-E, you must recalibrate to bring on the power precisely when needed. Front/rear power distribution can go as far as 20:80, and with 700 pound-feet at your foot, swinging the tail on an unpaved surface is not a challenge. While the Mustang Mach-E Rally is designed for off-road performance, it also excels in everyday highway driving. The magnetic dampers, known for their ability to reduce road harshness, ensure a comfortable ride even on rough roads. Plus, with its all-wheel drive system, the Mustang Mach-E Rally offers excellent traction in rain and snow. The is notably not rally-car spartan but instead features flagship model comforts like ambient cabin lighting, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, memory settings, a power tailgate, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, which, thanks to the quiet electric powertrain, can be enjoyed even at high speeds. The Mustang Mach-E Rally is instantly recognizable by its unique design elements. The raised height is accentuated by white rally-style 19-inch wheels wrapped by Michelin CrossClimate2 tires and a front “grille panel” with integrated fog lights. The front splitter is reshaped for a better approach angle, enhancing the vehicle's off-road capabilities. Another general truism of a model line’s performance model is reduced efficiency. Internal combustion engines manifest this in fuel efficiency. With EVs, the metric is operating range. The raised height and rugged tire/wheel combo knock just 15 miles off the GT’s 280-mile range, though, of course, neither performance model approaches the 320 miles from single-motor Mach-Es. Such is the price to pay for rally-style fun, and as Motor Authority concludes: “In an era when driving fast often involves merely pushing the accelerator to the floor while electronic nannies do all the work, it’s refreshing to feel a system that acts primarily as an aid to the driver in a vehicle that feels like it channels a kind of all-electric fun that hasn’t been emphasized enough. It’s certainly not a one-trick pony.” The Mustang Mach-E Rally is now the flagship for the Mach-E model lineup and a must-see for anyone who enjoys off-road performance and appreciates the advantages of EVs. If you are interested, check in and see if Benna Ford has one in inventory, and if not, ask one of our sales professionals to find one for you to try out.

2024 Ford Ranger Raptor

Ford Announces Available Performance Upgrade for Existing Ranger and Bronco Raptors

The Ford Bronco and Ranger Raptors have an enviable reputation as some of the most capable off-road vehicles on the planet that you can still drive home. Ford’s 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 powers both models and while the horsepower and torque of either model aren’t exactly lacking, who doesn’t crave more power in vehicles like this? Consequently, Benna Ford is pleased to pass on the news that both models can significantly boost power through a new software calibration from Ford Performance Parts. Available on the 2024 Ranger Raptor and the 2022 – 2024 Bronco Raptor, the power increases are significant, particularly for low-end torque: · Ranger Raptor: Torque increases from 430 to 536 lb.-ft. Horsepower increases from 405 to 455   · Bronco Raptor: Torque increases from 440 to 536 lb.-ft. Horsepower climbs from 418 to 455 The changes significantly improve throttle response, and part of the upgrade includes optimized shift logic to accompany the new power figures. The MSRP for the upgrade is $825, which is a pretty affordable means of that degree of power boost. It can be purchased using Ford Pass Rewards points and installed right here at Benna Ford. Also worth noting is that the calibrations meet Ford durability standards and thus are covered by the vehicle’s three-year, 36,000-mile Ford Performance parts warranty. However, you can get the upgrade for less. The catch is you have to enjoy the heck out of your Ranger or Bronco Raptor at the Raptor Rally, an exclusive one-day event for Raptor owners only near the Ford Performance Racing School in Fairfield, Utah, on Sept. 21, 2024. At the Raptor Rally, you will be able to fly over trails, crawl over rocks, catch air on small hills, test your skill on a Baja-style course, improve your skill with tips from off-road professionals like Vaughn Gitting Jr., Loren Healy, and Chris Voorde. The event is exclusively for Raptor owners and will also include expert workshops, hot lap opportunities, Ford news, exclusive giveaways, meals, and more. All for $500. For Ford Bronco and Ranger Raptor owners, there is an additional incentive: All who attend the rally will receive a 20% off coupon good for the power upgrade as well as other eligible accessories at performanceparts.ford.com. Terms and conditions apply. If you can attend the rally, that would be great! But we understand that not everyone can just take their Raptor 1400 miles to Utah without significant planning. If you are interested in the power upgrade anyway, contact the Benna Ford Service department and discuss it with them.

Ford Bronco Sport tent camping in Minnesota

Best Ford Vehicles for Camping: Top Picks for Every Type of Adventure

Whether you prefer a remote tent site, a family campground, or a camper for a weekend getaway, the right vehicle can make every trip more enjoyable. With the plentiful outdoor experiences available in the Northland, you need to be ready for any adventure. Today's Ford lineup offers a variety of trucks and SUVs designed to support every kind of outdoor adventure. Many Ford models are built for adventure. They offer generous cargo space, available four-wheel-drive systems, impressive towing capability, and innovative technology. These features help drivers carry more gear, travel with confidence, and explore beyond the pavement. Whether you're planning a solo trip or a family camping getaway, there's a Ford vehicle ready for the journey. In this guide, we'll highlight some of the best Ford vehicles for camping and explain how each one can enhance your next outdoor adventure. Best Overall for Camping Adventures: Ford Bronco When it comes to camping, versatility matters. Some trips require little more than a tent and a cooler. Others involve towing equipment, carrying bikes and kayaks, or traveling down unpaved roads to reach a remote campsite. That's what makes the Ford Bronco our choice for the best overall camping vehicle. Built for adventure, the Bronco combines off-road capability, practical utility, and extensive customization options. It allows owners to tailor the vehicle to fit their unique outdoor lifestyle. Built for Adventure It's one of the best Ford vehicles for camping thanks to its combination of capability, versatility, and adventure-ready design. Available advanced 4x4 systems, impressive ground clearance, durable body-on-frame construction, and Ford's G.O.A.T. Modes™ ("Goes Over Any Type of Terrain") help drivers tackle a variety of conditions they may encounter on the way to a campsite, from gravel roads and muddy trails to sand and snow. These features give campers the confidence to explore destinations that may be difficult to reach in a traditional SUV. With unpredictable weather in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, it's important to have a vehicle that's ready for changing conditions. Camping Accessories and Customization Beyond its capability, the Bronco is built to support adventure. Its spacious cargo area provides room for camping essentials, while the vehicle's modular design opens the door to countless possibilities. Owners can equip their Bronco with roof racks for kayaks, bikes, cargo baskets, and rooftop tents. These accessories increase cargo capacity and help adapt the vehicle to a wide variety of camping styles. Whether you're packing for a weekend getaway or an extended outdoor excursion, the Bronco can evolve alongside your adventures. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the Bronco is the sense of possibility it creates. Camping is ultimately about exploring new places, making memories, and embracing the outdoors. The Ford Bronco was designed with that spirit in mind. The Bronco encourages owners to think beyond the ordinary. Load up your gear, hit the trail, and discover where your next adventure leads. For drivers who crave exploration, the Ford Bronco remains one of the best camping companions in the Ford lineup. Best For Family Camping: Ford Explorer Not every camping adventure requires tackling rugged backcountry trails. For many families, the perfect camping trip means loading up the kids, packing the gear, and heading out for a weekend outdoors. That's where the Ford Explorer excels. Its spacious interior, impressive utility, and everyday comfort make it a great choice for camping adventures. The Explorer offers plenty of room for both passengers and equipment without requiring families to move up to a full-size SUV. Room for Passengers and Gear One of the Explorer's biggest strengths is its flexibility. With seating for up to seven passengers and up to 85.8 cubic feet of available cargo space with the rear seats folded, the Explorer offers plenty of room for camping essentials. Coolers, sleeping bags, backpacks, fishing equipment, and other outdoor gear can all be stored with ease. Whether you're planning a weekend camping trip or an extended family vacation, the Explorer's flexible interior helps ensure you have space for everything you need. Here in Superior, Wisconsin, we know just how short the camping season can feel. That's why having a versatile vehicle ready for spontaneous weekend adventures can help you make the most of every sunny day. Ready for Family Camping Trips Families looking for the best Ford vehicles for camping will appreciate the Explorer's balance of comfort and utility. For campers who enjoy towing, the Explorer offers plenty of capability. It can handle a small travel trailer, pop-up camper, or utility trailer filled with outdoor gear. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it easier to bring along the comforts that enhance a camping trip. That's especially valuable in the Northland, where many families want to maximize every outdoor adventure during our short summer season. What ultimately makes the Explorer such a great camping vehicle is its balance. It delivers the passenger space families need and the cargo room outdoor enthusiasts appreciate. It also offers the versatility to support a wide range of adventures. Whether you're bringing bikes, kayaks, camping gear, or a trailer full of supplies, the Explorer is ready for the journey. More importantly, it's ready to help you create lasting memories wherever the road leads. Best for Towing Your Gear: Ford F-150 For campers who like to bring more along for the adventure, the Ford F-150 is hard to beat. It's one of the most capable vehicles in the Ford lineup when it comes to towing and hauling. Whether you're pulling a travel trailer, bringing ATVs to a campsite, launching a fishing boat, or hauling camping gear in a utility trailer, the F-150 is ready for the task. Its impressive capability gives outdoor enthusiasts the freedom to take bigger adventures and bring more of the equipment they enjoy. Towing Capability for Bigger Adventures Among the best Ford vehicles for camping, the F-150 stands out for drivers who frequently tow campers or outdoor equipment. The F-150's towing capability opens the door to new camping possibilities. A travel trailer or camper can provide extra comfort without sacrificing the freedom to explore. Rather than being limited by cargo space alone, campers can bring additional gear, equipment, and conveniences along for the journey. That flexibility can turn a simple weekend getaway into an unforgettable outdoor adventure. This versatility makes it a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts, weekend adventurers, and families alike. Hauling Gear with Ease Beyond towing, the F-150 excels at hauling gear. The F-150's truck bed offers plenty of room for camping essentials. Coolers, firewood, tents, bicycles, kayaks, and fishing gear can all be easily transported. Available bed lengths and cargo management solutions allow owners to customize the truck to fit their needs. Whether you're planning a weekend at the campground or a longer road trip, the F-150 provides the space and versatility needed for the adventure ahead. Perhaps the greatest strength of the F-150 is the sense of freedom it provides. A truck with serious towing and hauling capability opens the door to a wider range of adventures. The F-150 makes bigger adventures possible. A larger camper, extra recreational equipment, additional supplies, or even a boat can all be part of the plan. For drivers who spend a lot of time outdoors, the F-150 offers the capability and versatility needed for nearly any camping adventure. Best For Lightweight Adventures: Ford Bronco Sport Not every camping adventure requires a full-size SUV or pickup truck. For many outdoor enthusiasts, the ideal camping vehicle is one that balances capability, efficiency, and practicality. The Ford Bronco Sport earns its place among the best Ford vehicles for camping by making adventure accessible and practical. Designed for drivers who spend their weekends exploring trails, visiting state parks, and chasing new adventures, the Bronco Sport offers an impressive combination of versatility and adventure-ready capability in a compact package. Compact Size, Big Possibilities One of the Bronco Sport's biggest advantages is its size. Unlike larger SUVs, the Bronco Sport is easy to maneuver through crowded campgrounds, winding forest roads, and everyday city streets. At the same time, it maintains the rugged styling and adventurous spirit that have become synonymous with the Bronco family. Available off-road-focused features and selectable drive modes help drivers confidently tackle a variety of terrain, making it a great companion for reaching campsites that may be beyond the comfort zone of a traditional crossover. Designed for Active Lifestyles The Bronco Sport was designed with active lifestyles in mind. Its flexible cargo area provides plenty of room for camping essentials, and available cargo management features help keep gear organized and easily accessible. Whether you're packing tents, sleeping bags, fishing gear, hiking equipment, or mountain bikes, the Bronco Sport makes it easy to bring everything you need for a weekend outdoors. The available roof rack system further expands its utility, allowing owners to transport kayaks, cargo carriers, bicycles, and other adventure equipment. What ultimately makes the Bronco Sport our choice for the best lightweight adventure camper is its versatility. It provides the confidence to explore beyond the pavement, the flexibility to carry the gear that outdoor enthusiasts depend on, and the practicality to serve as an everyday vehicle. For drivers seeking a vehicle that helps make adventure more accessible without sacrificing daily comfort and convenience, the Ford Bronco Sport is an outstanding choice. Best Budget Camping Truck: Ford Maverick Camping adventures don't always require a full-size truck or SUV. For drivers looking for an affordable, efficient, and surprisingly capable option, the Ford Maverick stands out as one of the best Ford vehicles for camping. Combining the practicality of a pickup truck with the maneuverability of a smaller vehicle, the Maverick is ideal for campers who want versatility without the size and fuel costs often associated with larger trucks. Flexible Storage One of the Maverick's greatest strengths for camping is its innovative FLEXBED® system. Unlike a traditional truck bed, the FLEXBED was designed to encourage customization and organization. Configurable tie-down points, available dividers, cargo management accessories, and multiple bed configurations make it easy to secure and organize camping equipment, coolers, fishing gear, firewood, bicycles, and other outdoor essentials. The result is a truck that's ready to adapt to whatever adventure you have planned. The Maverick's compact size is another major advantage. Its smaller footprint makes it easy to navigate campground roads, fit into crowded parking areas, and maneuver through everyday traffic. At the same time, the truck bed provides dedicated cargo space that helps keep dirty or bulky camping gear separate from passengers. Affordable Adventure For budget-conscious adventurers, the available hybrid powertrain is especially appealing. The Maverick Hybrid delivers impressive fuel efficiency while maintaining the utility of a pickup truck. That combination helps owners spend less on fuel and more on experiences, making it a great choice for campers who enjoy frequent road trips and outdoor adventures. What makes the Ford Maverick such a compelling camping vehicle is its accessibility. It combines truck utility, available hybrid efficiency, and everyday versatility in an affordable package. For first-time campers, weekend explorers, and anyone looking for a budget-friendly way to embrace the outdoors, the Maverick proves that great adventures don't require a full-size truck. Final Thoughts As we've seen, the best Ford vehicles for camping come in many shapes and sizes. No two camping trips are exactly alike. That's why Ford offers a vehicle for nearly every type of outdoor enthusiast. Here in the Northland, we're fortunate to have endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Some drivers may prefer the rugged capability of the Bronco. Others may appreciate the family-friendly versatility of the Explorer, the towing strength of the F-150, the adventure-ready practicality of the Bronco Sport, or the budget-friendly utility of the Maverick. No matter your camping style, there's a Ford designed to help you make the most of your time outdoors. The right camping vehicle does more than get you from point A to point B. It helps you bring the gear you need and explore new places with confidence. More importantly, it helps create memories that last long after the trip is over. Whether you're planning a weekend campground getaway or an extended outdoor adventure, Ford trucks and SUVs offer the capability, flexibility, and innovation to support your lifestyle and inspire your next journey. If you're ready to start planning your next adventure, our team at Benna Ford would be happy to help you find the Ford vehicle that best matches your camping style. No matter where the road leads, the right vehicle can help make every trip a little more memorable. SOURCES: https://www.ford.com/, https://accessories.ford.com/