Roush Offers Supercharger for the 2023 Ford F-150
The 5.0-liter V8 that is either available or standard on most 2023 F-150 models in our Benna Ford inventory produces 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. A decade or two ago, such specs were unheard of in a light-duty pickup truck and inject a great amount of power for almost anyone who owns or is considering an F-150. But that word “almost” is why tuner shops exist and for the Ford enthusiasts of that “almost” group, there has been Roush Performance. Roush thinks that “almost” group would really like 305 more horses in the corral.
Just down the road from Ford Headquarters in Livonia Michigan, Roush Performance has been pumping up Ford V8s since 1995–mostly through supercharging. On the heels of Roush’s $19,000 2023 F-150 modification that includes upgrades to power, suspension, as well as both the exterior and interior appearance, Roush is offering a 5.0-liter V8 supercharging kit for the merely power-hungry that will bring the specs up to 705 horsepower and 635 lb-ft of torque. Your truck will basically look the same but will behave in an entirely new manner with every thrilling press of the right pedal. Performance figures vary by truck configuration, but rest assured that with over 700 horses, it will go from 0 to OMG! in short order.
Not Just a Supercharger
The cost of the kit itself is a penny short of $8,650 and is available on all 2021 – 2023 F-150 models with the 5.0-liter V8 that are not already equipped with the ProPower Onboard option. This includes all trim levels except the Limited and Raptor. While the heart of the kit is the TVS R2650 (2.65-liter) supercharger, it is comprehensive enough to include a high-efficiency aluminum intercooler & high-capacity coolant reservoir, an exclusive Roush-developed billet-aluminum viscous crankshaft damper, and spark plugs that reduce the risk of pre-ignition and detonation. There is also a specific 93-octane fuel calibration to reach the full 705 ponies though the truck will still be able to run on 91-octane gas. Given a proper installation, all of the F-150 factory driving modes will still be fully functional.
Maybe Not DIY
Roush describes this level of installation difficulty as “advanced”, therefore DIY types will not only need to be experienced but also have a garage filled with some specific tools for the job. For those who fit the bill, installation time is estimated to be at about 16 hours.
As for the mechanical mortals among us, a better option is a dealer installation. Even if you consider yourself pretty handy, you still want to let our Benna Ford service professionals take on the installation to ensure you get a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty when installed by an authorized shop. Better yet, give our service department a call before you get started and consult with them to see if the Roush Performance supercharger kit is for you.
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.
On September 14, 2022, Ford unveiled the 2024 Mustang–the first fully redesigned Mustang since 2015. Within that announcement came news of a new range-topping performance model called the Dark Horse. The Dark Horse will be the most powerful Mustang in the lineup–at least until the Shelby models appear–and now we have imagery of the car in a color known as Vapor Blue. This new hue is a color-shifting Blue Ember Metallic and will also be another Dark Horse color exclusive.
Meaner Mechanicals
The Dark Horse will be powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8, producing 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. Engine enhancements from the GT500 include a dual throttle body intake and connect rods. Cooling will be augmented with a bespoke lighter radiator, more powerful fans, and an auxiliary oil cooler. Tremec manual 6-speed will channel power to the rear wheels with a specific transmission fluid cooler or a 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
To shore up handling, the suspension will include larger rear sway bars, standard MagneRide magnetically controlled adaptive dampers, and a Torsen rear differential. Up front are Brembo 6-piston brakes with 13.9-inch rotors. The wheels are 19-inch but are staggered with 9.5-inch width up front and 10-inch in the rear, wearing standard Pirelli P Zero tires. An optional Handling Package brings stiffer springs, larger front and rear sway bars, and Pirelli Trofeo tires on one-inch-wider wider rims front and back. Arriving later in the model year will be available carbon fiber wheels, the first for a Mustang without a Shelby badge.
It Looks the Business
The Dark Horse lives up to its name with dark trim accentuating various aspects of this muscle car–even around the headlights. The black grille is divided into three crating trapezoidal “nostrils” on each side. The front bumper will be unique to the Dark Horse and feature what Ford refers to as “high gloss fangs”. For the first time, a Mustang “face” badge appears on the side, which also features lower side skirts. At the rear are darkened exhaust tips, a fixed wing, and a lower racing-derived diffuser.
Gripping the specially molded steering wheel, you’ll recognize just how special this vehicle cockpit is, and not just due to the Cameros and European sports cars quickly receding behind you. In your hands is a thick flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in suede with Bright Indigo Blue stitching. Matching accent stitching also trims the seats, door panels, shift gate, and is color-matched by coordinating blue seatbelts. Up front, you receive all needed vehicle information through a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and an adjacent 13.2-inch center infotainment screen with “Black Alley” dash trim. Deep Indigo seats with unique perforation are available in an Appearance Package.
The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse will have a starting MSRP of $57,970 and is anticipated to be available sometime in late Q4 with very limited availability. In the months to come, speak with our Genuine Ford Representatives regarding how to acquire your own 2024 Mustang Dark Horse in advance.
Recognize Women’s Achievements in March
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 Ford, 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.
Every year, attendees at the New York International Auto Show get the chance to experience the latest and greatest developments in the auto industry. Whether it’s futuristic technology or EV advancements, there’s a lot to look forward to this year. That includes Ford’s Display & Ride, an immersive look into the new Mustang Mach-E all-electric SUV. Can’t attend the show in April? Find out more about the 2023 Mustang Mach-E here!
The Future of Mustang
For those lucky enough to attend the show, the Display & Ride experience will showcase the design, technology, and capability of the Mach-E. It’s a Mustang like you’ve never seen before, with a sleek and familiar exterior now in SUV form. It has more cargo space in the “frunk” and rear along with a comfortably roomy interior, making the Mach-E the Mustang of the future. Attendees can take a ride to experience the flexible interior with enough seating for five before taking in all the connectivity the SUV has to offer.
Hands-Free Driving is Here
There’s Ford BlueCruise, the new hands-free highway driving technology that’s compatible with 130,000 miles of North American highways. It utilizes Adaptive Cruise Control to keep you a safe distance from surrounding vehicles, while an eye-facing camera helps keep the driver alert in case they need to take over. Change lanes by simply activating the turn signal, then the Mach-E will do the work for you. It can also adjust speed for upcoming curves and hills for a safe, smooth ride – no matter the conditions. Attendees of Display & Ride can see for themselves how easy and safe automated driving can be, both in the present and future.
More Connectivity Than Ever
Connectivity is for more than just entertainment, although there’s no shortage of that either. Starting with Sync 4A, drivers can get a taste of a more personalized ride with voice recognition that seamlessly connects right to your devices. Use your phone as a key, which lets the Mach-E automatically adjust your seats, entertainment system, and personalized settings. It’s able to receive over-the-air updates so it can perform at its peak, allowing access to features like Intelligent Range and FordPass Power My Trip. Of course, you can’t forget the option for a 4G hotspot to stay connected up to 50 feet from the vehicle.
Coming Soon to Benna Ford
There’s so much more to discover about the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E! New models are on their way and arriving soon at Benna Ford. Contact us today for more information.
Bronco Crawls to the Top at King of the Hammers
Since its rerelease in 2021, Bronco has made quite a buzz in the auto world. From a reimagining of the classic design to upgraded Ford performance, the new Bronco continues to win the hearts of consumers and dominate the podium in competitions. One of its recent wins came from the legendary King of the Hammers, where it earned the top spot in the Ultra4 Stock Racing Class. The 18th Annual King of the Hammers consisted of 137 miles of pure off-road bliss, throwing a variety of terrain at its competitors to conquer – and conquer it they did.
Stomping the Competition
Last year saw the third year in a row of a collaboration between Ford and King of the Hammers, where Ford has always sought inspiration for building better, stronger, and more powerful vehicles. It also marks the second year in a row for Ford sweeping the competition in a grueling race in Johnson Valley. The race is full of sand, rocks, and brutal terrain, where only the best of the best come out in one piece. It’s so tough that it lead to the development of the Bronco Raptor, a 418-horsepower beast that built to outlast nearly anything.
The King of the Hammers is also a way for Ford to test and showcase the latest technologies, which according to Ford’s Global Director of Motorsports, leads to a better experience for its customers. Take the Bronco 4600, for example; the 2.7L Ecoboost V6 Engine-powered Bronco won the competition’s Every Man Challenge, while another 4600 raced its way into second place. Yet another Bronco 4600 took third place, rounding out the podium with Ford-engineered power. With so many wins, it’s easy to see why the Bronco remains the official SUV for King of the Hammers.
Find the New Ford Bronco at Benna Ford
Want a piece of the power for yourself? You can find now find the newest Ford Bronco models at Benna Ford! From two to four doors, Bronco or Bronco Sport, there’s an SUV for every driver in the Superior area. View our available inventory online and contact us to learn more.
With more distractions on the road than ever, useful driver assist features help us stay safe and avoid collisions. One of those features is Ford’s Auto Hold, a braking feature that helps you out when there’s stop-and-go traffic or city driving. It’s one feature among many of Ford’s driver assist technology, meant to keep your foot rested when traffic gets tough. Curious about how it works? You can learn how to engage Auto Hold and what it does from the Ford experts at Benna Ford.
How Does Auto Hold Work?
Enabling Auto Hold in your Ford is simple and convenient. There are two options to turn it on: locate the Auto Hold button on your instrument panel or center console and press. You’ll know it’s activated by looking at the cluster and making sure the light is illuminated. That’s it! Then, the next time you need to brake, you can lift your foot off of the pedal and the brakes will stay activated. Your brake lights stay on to indicate to the vehicles behind you that you’re still braking, and your car will remain stopped until you hit the accelerator again.
This feature is helpful whether you’re stopped at traffic light after traffic light or are on a busy highway during rush hour. It even activates when you’re on a hilly street, so if the vehicle notices any rolling, it will automatically apply the brake again. It’s important to note that Auto Hold will turn off with your vehicle, so it needs to be reactivated every time you plan to use it. Not all new Ford vehicles will include this feature, as it might depend on the model, trim, and feature availability at the time it’s manufactured.
Find Your Ford with Auto Hold at Benna Ford
Are you interested in seeing how Auto Hold works in person? Visit us today at Benna Ford for a demonstration! We can show you this and other driver assist features included on the Ford vehicle that interests you, then set you up with a test drive so you can try for yourself. Contact us today to learn more about which vehicles include Auto Hold.
How EVs Got Their Start
It’s no secret: hybrid and electric vehicles are set to take over the automotive world. More manufacturers like Ford are making the switch and dedicating themselves to a fully electric future within the next several years. But did you ever wonder how electric vehicles got their start? The reality is that they’ve been around for a lot longer than you’d think.
Past, Present, and Future
Although the past 20+ years have seen a huge surge of electric vehicles, they actually came onto the almost 200 years ago. The early to mid-1800s were the scene of a huge boom in technology and development, and as people looked for new ways to travel conveniently, they saw an opportunity in the invention of the battery. There were several drawbacks, though. For example, batteries in the first electric vehicles were single-use and disposable, and their range was highly impractical. On top of that, early EV speeds topped out under 15 MPH. However, that didn’t stop inventors from trying. Rechargeable batteries came along, but even those could only make it 50 or so miles before requiring another charge.
Once the combustion engine was invented and saw mass distribution by the Ford Motor Company, electric vehicles fell by the wayside. Ford’s cars were affordable, practical, and convenient compared to their electric counterparts, and the combustion engine took over. The oil crisis of the 1970s made people look more critically at our fuel consumption, but most attempts at marketing EVs still failed. That is until the late 1990s when the Prius came onto the scene. Finally, electric vehicles became a possibility as drivers saw the convenience of a hybrid engine. Recent developments are happening quickly, with different automakers pledging an electric revolution to fight the climate crisis and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
Today, there are more options than many ever thought possible. There are traditional hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric vehicles all across the country, and car makers’ investments are paying off. Options range from affordable family vehicles like the Ford Escape Hybrid to capable trucks, including the Maverick and F-150 Lightning. Even businesses are getting in on it with the availability of the E-Transit Van, saving them money while reducing emissions. This year alone, Ford is adding more electric vehicles to its lineup with plans to go all-electric within the next few years. They’ve also invested billions in bringing EV battery production to the US, creating jobs while impacting the environment.
Find Your Ford EV at Benna Ford
Want to get a head start on the electric future? Find your next hybrid or electric vehicle at Benna Ford! New models are arriving, so keep an eye on our inventory and contact us if you see something you’re interested in.
Ford Wins Two Edmunds Top Rated Awards
This year’s Edmunds Top Rated list came out with Ford being awarded in two categories. Both the Ford F-150 and F-150 Lightning won in their categories, with the F-150 winning now three years in a row for Best Truck. As a trusted source for automobile guides, Edmunds puts each vehicle through a series of tests, with its team of editors selecting the final winners from over 375 competitors. After edging out the competition, it’s easy to see how Ford came out on top in two of six categories.
Representing the Present and Future of Ford
With the history of the F-150, it comes as no surprise that this year’s model earned top honors in the truck category. Alistair Weaver, Editor-in-Chief at Edmunds, acknowledged the impact the Ford F-150 has made over the years and the role it plays in the modern world. Weaver notes that it’s “more appealing to drive and more versatile than ever before” as Ford continued to adapt, update, and improve since its introduction in the mid-70s. Customizations are nearly endless, with several powertrains, bed lengths, and cabin configurations to appeal as a work vehicle and personal truck alike.
The other winner, the F-150 Lightning, serves as the electric counterpart to the traditional F-150. It represents the future of Ford. By reimagining a mainstay such as the F-series, this Top Rated Electric Truck was a risk that has paid off. It boasts a range of 240 miles on a single charge with a 7,700lb max towing capacity – an impressive feat for any truck, but especially for an electric truck. With so many features, it makes sense that this isn’t the only award the F-150 Lightning has received. Since its release less than a year ago, it’s earned MotorTrend Truck of the Year, a 2023 Kelly Blue Book Best Buy Award, and even earned the Edmunds Best of the Best among many more awards and accolades.
Find Top Rated Trucks at Benna Ford
Are you interested in a Top Rated vehicle for yourself? Explore the our Ford F-150 and F-150 Lightning lineup, available today at Benna Ford. Browse our available inventory online, then come visit us for a test drive. Contact us to learn more!
Last month, the Norfolk Southern Corporation held their Thoroughbred Sustainability Partner Awards to honor companies like Ford Motor Company in their efforts toward Energy Efficiency, Environmental Stewardship, and Innovation. Ford was pleased to be named a top sustainability leader in the Energy Efficiency category, in large part due to their efforts to reduce waste along the supply chain. Learn more about how Ford contributes to sustainability and our planet’s future.
Committed to Sustainability
One of the keys to Ford’s success is their dedication to efficiency, with energy efficiency being a top priority in recent years. Finding new ways to do things isn’t always easy, but that’s precisely what got Ford its start and earned their honors at this year’s awards. They apply energy efficient techniques to every step of the automotive development process, from the corporate level to the partnerships they form, in order to maximize at each level. Ford’s director of global sustainability Mary Wroten notes the company’s commitment to going above and beyond by encouraging and supporting their suppliers as part of the sustainability process.
Ford’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 is a worthy one, and it’s easy to see how that could be possible. It all starts at the source, with sustainable raw material sourcing all the way to production – and step in between. In addition to sourcing materials, Ford is building US-based battery manufacturing and solar power plant. The list of Ford hybrid and electric vehicles is a long one, and it only keeps growing every year as demonstrated by a $22 billion investment. Even the iconic Mustang now comes in an all-electric version, with various hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles like the Maverick and F-150 Lightning now available as well. Each vehicle in the electrified lineup demonstrates Ford commitment to the future of the environment and making the most of the energy we have to use now. Part of their investment is going towards their goal of becoming carbon neutral and producing an all-electric lineup of vehicles within the next several years.
Enjoy Ford Sustainability at Benna Ford
You can discover the sustainability today at Benna Ford! Explore our current inventory of hybrid and electric vehicles, or find another that’s ideal for you. We share Ford’s values of efficiency in all realms, and you can contact us today to learn more.
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