What do breadcrumbs and the Ford Ranger have to do with each other?
Think about how you would track an animal in the woods to safety – or to trap them for game. You have to lead them to a place of your choosing. Most people would leave a trail of breadcrumbs to that location. The animal would pick up these breadcrumbs along the trail until they reach the end of the trail.
Ford took that same idea and applied it to their navigation systems. Here is how:
You are driving your Ford Ranger into the woods to meet the animal you set the trail for. Yet, the road you are driving on is unmarked. What the Ranger’s navigation will do is to lay down “breadcrumbs” via the GPS system tied to SYNC3’s navigation system to mark your trail.
The navigation system will remember this information on the screen. When you have to return back to the marked road, you have to follow the digital breadcrumbs back the way you came. All you have to do is to enable the Breadcrumbs through your SYNC3 navigation system for this to work.
This feature is only available on SYNC3 equipped Ford Rangers with on-board navigation.
Now you can find your way home in a new Ford Ranger from Benna Ford. We have an inventory of the Ranger ready for test drives. We’ll leave a trail of breadcrumbs to the one you will take home today!
2020 Ford Escape Named Top Safety Pick by IIHS
The new 2020 Ford Escape is designed to be the best compact SUV – period.
One of the things Ford tackled when developing the new Escape is making it safer than ever before. The company examined the body design with its basic structure and added new safety features designed to keep you and everyone on board secure from any situation on the road.
The result of this work comes with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) naming the Ford Escape its Top Safety Pick. The Escape was given top marks for every collision test by the IIHS – including the Small Overlap and Moderate Overlap frontal collision tests.
The IIHS also gave the new Escape high marks for using the LATCH child seat anchors, as well as marks for both standard and available crash prevention systems.
Those crash prevention systems are wrapped up in the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite of advanced driver assist features. These features include Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, available Active Park Assist 2.0, Active Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, View Camera, Evasive Steering Assist, Lane-Keeping System, Voice Activated Navigation System, and Auto High-Beam Headlamps.
These features combined are designed to keep you and your passengers on the road and away from harm. Sometimes driving in the Twin Ports is a challenge year-round, and having a safe vehicle is to living well here. The 2020 Ford Escape is the best solution to your Twin Ports lifestyle.
Benna Ford now has an inventory of this highly advanced, very safe, and award-winning 2020 Ford Escape. Test drive one today and see how we made this new Escape safer than ever.
Taking It To The Desert: The Ford Bronco R
The test of a vehicle is by racing it.
In the case of the upcoming Ford Bronco, it would be the test of 1,000 miles of Baja California’s extraordinary terrain.
Ford Performance put a prototype spec off-road racer in the SCORE Baja 1000 called the Bronco R.
The purpose of putting the Bronco R out on the grueling desert and mountain ranges of Baja California is to prove the strength and durability of the upcoming Bronco’s architecture and powertrain. The Bronco R build for the SCORE series is a collaboration with Ford Performance and Geiser Performance of Phoenix, Arizona. Geiser is well known for crafting the greatest spec racer on the SCORE Off-Road racing circuit.
The new Bronco’s presence in Baja California marks the 50th anniversary of its only overall 4X4 win in the Baja 1000 back in 1969.
This entrant is piloted by defending Baja 1000 Trophy Truck champion Cameron Steele. Steele is no stranger to the deserts south of San Diego and Tijuana, as he is known as “Mr. Baja.”
In fact, Ford has been named the Official Truck and SUV of SCORE-International Off-Road Racing through the 2022 season. Ford will be the lead sponsor of SCORE’s 13-race season of the World Desert Challenge Series. Such events include the SCORE Baja 1000, SCORE Baja 400, SCORE Baja 500, and the San Felipe 250. The sponsorship will also include the Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo in Pomona, California.
In the Twin Ports area, we may not have a desert or some majestic mountains nearby. But, when the 2021 Ford Bronco arrives at Benna Ford sometime in 2020, you can take it into the snow, up on approved off-road tracks in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and through a muddy field near you.
Are you ready for the new Bronco? Contact us and become one of the first in the Twin Ports area to own one!
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If you’re thinking about a new SUV, the Ford Escape is always a solid choice, no matter the drivetrain. But if you’re a person who prefers AWD, you were stuck with only having that available in the gas-only model — until now. For 2020, Ford is introducing a new Ford Escape Hybrid AWD and we can’t think of a reason why you wouldn’t want to upgrade to a hybrid model.
Let’s take a look at the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD and you’ll see what we mean.
Styling
Unlike its rivals, the Ford Escape has always maintained its size and figure. Competitors have gotten taller, longer, wider . . . not the Escape. While its size may have fluctuated a few inches here and there, any changes have been nowhere near as drastic as others in its segment. And while the look has “softened” a little over the years, one thing is for certain — it’s always unmistakably a Ford Escape.
Inside
What you’ll notice on the 2020 Escape Hybrid AWD is that you won’t need to climb up into the driver’s seat — it’s just the right size now for you to just get in and sit. Once behind the wheel, it’s easy to find a comfortable driving position. The instrument panel is all digital, and the infotainment screen is easy to reach and operate.
There’s plenty of room in the back seat, and with the ability to slide the seat back, even people taller than six feet have enough room to be comfortable. If what you’re needing is cargo space, the Escape Hybrid AWD definitely has that — even with the rear seat up, it can fit four sets of golf clubs. Fold the rear seats down and you’ve got even more space to haul your stuff.
Tires and “gription”
In weather like we have here in Superior, you need tires that get good traction and braking, especially when the roads get slick. The Bridgestones that come equipped on an Escape Hybrid AWD definitely do that and more — you’ll be surprised at how little road noise they produce and how much more quiet the cabin is.
Here’s the awesome part — fuel efficiency
If you’re teetering between gas-only and hybrid, here’s where the Escape Hybrid AWD is a much better choice. Depending on the trim level, there’s roughly a difference of $2000. The difference in EPA numbers from either the 1.5 or 2.0 gas engines to the Hybrid is substantial. Gas-only engines are rated at 26/31/28 (1.5L) or 23/31/26 (2.0L) whereas the Hybrid is 43/37/40. Our test driver was easily able to attain the 35mpg in the Escape Hybrid in mixed driving. The convenience of a hybrid vehicle means both saving money at the pump and time as well, as you’ll be going to fill up less often.
But how does it drive?
Our test driver — who reviews many different vehicles — was pleasantly surprised. He said “on the road, the Escape Hybrid AWD has a level of refinement you might not expect. Because of the hybrid drivetrain, it can be very quiet, but it was far quieter than I even expected.” On surface streets, the ride was very comfortable, and on the highway, it cruises nicely at 80mph, while the radar cruise control did a great job, far better than other carmakers’ he’s experienced.
If you’re considering a new SUV in the near future, definitely contact us at Benna Ford to see about taking a 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD for a test drive. You’ll be able to see for yourself how and why the Escape Hybrid is a much better “bang for your buck” than its competition. We look forward to meeting you!
Ford commits to C-V2X beginning in 2022
Paving the way to the future of safety, all new vehicles will have cellular vehicle-to-everything technology
There’s no question that a commitment to safety is at top of mind for every automaker, Ford included. But while other automakers continue to concentrate on how to make their vehicles safer, Ford Motor Company is looking ahead at the bigger picture of building a safer world. At January’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2019, Ford announced on the world’s stage its commitment to have cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology in all new models beginning in 2022.
What is C-V2X?
C-V2X is a wireless technology standardized in 2017 that allows vehicles to communicate not just with each other, but with everything (and everyone) around them. Simply put, it will be the glue that binds all similarly equipped vehicles, cities, infrastructure, and even pedestrians around it together.
While C-V2X is being implemented concurrently with the rapidly-growing 5G cellular network, it does not need a cell tower to quickly send and receive information. This enables vehicles and other devices with the technology to communicate directly with each other, essentially cutting out the “middle man,” and allowing the quickest real-time information exchange possible.
Types of C-V2X and safety scenarios
V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle) communication
In the simplest of situations, vehicles at a four-way stop will be able to autonomously coordinate who has the right-of-way and “goes first.” Sure, that’s something humans can generally figure out, but imagine a collision around the corner of a busy city, or up ahead on the road and out of view. A car with C-V2X would be able to relay its status to other cars, which will detect the accident, alerting the driver and/or even making driving adjustments if the driver isn’t able to quickly enough.
Emergency vehicles outfitted with C-V2X would be able to send signals to other vehicles long before approaching, so that the vehicles, driven by a human or autonomous, will be able to clear the way.
V2P (vehicle-to-pedestrian) communication
Pedestrians and cyclists aren’t always seen easily by drivers. This technology quite literally allows vehicles to see around corners to avoid pedestrians and other obstacles. Picture a person on a bike suddenly riding in front of traffic. Before the cyclist even comes into your view, your C-V2X-equipped vehicle would pick up the signal from the cyclist’s cell phone and stop the car automatically, ensuring no collision. C-V2X will work with Ford’s Co-Pilot360™, the advanced suite of driver-assist and safety features that are already standard across all of our new passenger cars, SUVs, and trucks.
V2I (vehicle-to-infrastructure) communication
C-V2X will not be limited to just other vehicles and to smartphones. Remember, it stands for “cellular vehicle-to-everything.” As more and more cities start to adopt the technology, traffic lights will be able to send signals to vehicles about when they’re going to change colors. Road signs will be able to communicate to the vehicle information about speed changes, congestion up ahead, or even construction, advising it to maneuver in a safe manner, and possibly even suggest alternative routes to avoid such situations. The potential capabilities for C-V2X are endless.
C-V2X is not science fiction.
We know this all seems very far-fetched. And you’re absolutely right in thinking that in order to get a more universal safety benefit from C-V2X, it would require having as many vehicles equipped with the technology as possible. But studies have indicated that it could have a positive impact on safety and congestion with as few as 10% of the vehicles on the road equipped.
Yes, it will take time for all of this to happen. No, Rome wasn’t built in a day, but we’re closer to making a completely-connected, technology-neutral environment than you would expect.
Ford has been working on a pilot program for C-V2X with Qualcomm Technologies — a key chipset technology supplier — in collaboration with German automaker Audi, Italian motorcycle maker Ducati, Panasonic, and the Colorado Department of Transportation to get this (ahem) rolling since fall of 2018.
In addition, a company that provides intelligent transportation infrastructure, Applied Information, asserted at CES 2019 that its LTE C-V2X products are already deployed in more than 500 U.S. cities, counties, school districts, and states. The company provides cellular connections to traffic signals, school zone beacons, traffic control device, emergency vehicles, and more. Applied Information alone has already deployed its current C-V2X technology in more than 10,000 devices, and there are other companies that do the same.
A C-V2X future is a reality, and Ford is leading the way.
As a part of Ford’s commitment to creating a safer world through C-V2X, it is currently working with multiple industry and government organizations to make this goal happen sooner than later. They are openly inviting and encouraging other automakers, infrastructure and road operators, government agencies, and technology companies to collaborate. With Audi and Ducati already on board and a pilot program currently underway, it won’t be long before the others follow.
Deploying C-V2X in all of Ford’s vehicles starting in 2022 is a very realistic and achievable timeline. This kind of forward, “out-of-the-cab thinking” is what propelled Henry Ford to revolutionize the automotive industry over 115 years ago, and is what continues to make Ford Motor Company the leader in all of transportation today.
We at Benna Ford are proud to be part of the Ford family at such an exciting time in history, and are looking forward to bringing C-V2X technology and safety to the community here in Rio Grande Valley within the next few years, if not sooner. We’re always happy to talk about Ford’s leading technology, so stop in and take a look at some of our latest models like the 2019 Ford Fusion, Fiesta, or Mustang to see what’s new and even take a test drive. We look forward to seeing you!
Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter
One of the toughest things we ask our cars, trucks, and SUVs to do every year is deal with winter driving conditions. During the cold weather season, our cars have to deal with mud, snow, slush, and rain. Preparing your car for winter driving improves its overall reliability while making driving in inclement weather less prone to catastrophe.
Benna Ford knows how harsh winter is on the Twin Ports. Before it gets even worse, here are some things you can do before the temperatures drop even further.
Polish and Wax Your Car
A fresh coat of wax at the beginning of the cold weather driving season will make it more difficult for grime to ruin your paint.
Check the Battery
Cold weather reduces a battery’s charge. Get it checked before the cold season hits. If it’s weak, replace it.
Change Your Coolant
Keep in mind that another name for coolant is antifreeze. Starting the season with fresh coolant will prevent a frozen engine, which could lead to a cracked block.
Inspect the Tires
Tires cut through snow and mud best when they have good tread on them and are properly inflated. Cold weather decreases tire pressure, so you’ll want to check their pressure more frequently in cold conditions. If you live in an area where you may need snow chains, make sure yours are in good condition while the weather is still nice, and practice installing them before you need them.
Refresh Your Windshield Wiper Blades
Visibility is naturally reduced in winter. Rain, snow, and the spray from other cars make it difficult to see where you’re going. Fresh wiper blades go a long way toward ensuring you can see out of your car. If you have to park outside in freezing weather, lock the wiper arms in the upward position so the blades don’t freeze to the windshield.
Replace All Fluids
In addition to your coolant, motor oil and transmission fluid have to work harder in winter. If you have an older car and/or run single viscosity lubricants, replacing them at the beginning of the season with a lighter viscosity helps them get up to operating temperature more quickly in frigid conditions. This preserves those vital components by reducing wear.
Test Your Lights
Days are shorter in winter. You’ll likely be driving between home and work in the dark, so your lights become even more important. Make sure all the lighting systems work on your car, and keep them as clean as possible so they can be seen by other motorists.
Need some help getting through another tough Twin Ports winter? Our service and parts departments at Benna Ford are ready to help. Contact us and we can make it through another winter together!
Lights, Camera, Edge ST!
Have you ever noticed those awesome car chase camera angles in your favorite movie? Have you ever wondered how they were made?
If there was a car chase along the North Shore – somewhere near the Split Rock Lighthouse – you had these amazing angles of two cars chasing each other with helicopters overhead, a fighter plane above the scene, and action all around.
There is a bit of movie magic that goes in filming these scenes. It takes a camera car to get them right.
A typical camera car is a heavily disguised SUV in black – everything, including the camera and the crane it sits on, in black. That way, it won’t pick up the vehicle when it goes to post-production for additional special effects before editing.
Ford actually created a camera car for the movies. They created one out of the new 2019 Edge ST.
It makes sense, because of the 335 horsepower 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6. That engine powers the ST for high speed sequences. The camera is on an articulating crane mounted on top of the roof. It is controlled from inside of the Edge ST to make sure the shot is perfect – and the camera car is out of the way. The crane can not only turn 360 degrees but can articulate up and down for many different angles.
It takes a blockbuster vehicle to create a blockbuster film. If your life is an epic one, check out the 2019 Edge ST at Benna Ford in Superior, Wisconsin. You know why you become the star in your new Edge ST!
Find The Limits as Better Drivers
How good are you as a driver?
You may be a great driver. One who commutes into work without any incident. You may be the one stuck on the hill coming from Cloquet into Duluth on any given weekday morning.
You may be a great driver, but are you as good as a tier-four driver?
A tier-four driver is one who drives on the track for a living. He or she gets behind the wheel of any given vehicle and takes it to the limit. Any feedback from the vehicle is recorded, discussed, and sent back for evaluation by the engineering team. Tier-four drivers are there to make sure that the rest of us can enjoy our vehicles.
Ford Performance hires tier-four drivers to test their high performance machines at all times. They have to be top notch in what they do – taking on the track to test out the latest members of the Ford Performance lineup.
Their uniform is a fire suit and a helmet. Their office is any of Ford Performance’s vehicles – ranging from the Fiesta ST to the track-mastering Mustang FR350S sold to motorsports enthusiasts and teams. Their job description includes finding how far they can see Ford Performance’s vehicles in terms of traction, power, and speed to know the limits of each product before they come to you.
They also drive, so you can become a better driver.
Before they can be a part of the team of 20 who have been certified as tier-four drivers, they must go through more rigorous training to get there. It is a competitive environment that fosters limits beyond just mere competence.
Once these tier-four drivers earn their certification, they have to be monitored using a 50-channel data acquisition system equipped in the FP350S. That way, drivers can gauge their performance based on many aspects of their response to the vehicle – right down to the time it takes to brake and throttle back up. Any feedback from this system will help drivers get individual instruction that will get them towards that certification.
That way, they will have a better understanding of the vehicles you want to own and to help shape any improvements needed on them.
In other words, their training and certification could help you become a better driver – and a better Ford owner.
This is why Benna Ford sells a variety of vehicles that fit your lifestyle – including those who want to take it to the track. From our lineup of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, crossovers, and vans to our Toy Store selection, there is a vehicle for everyone’s driving skills. If you love your vehicle, thank the Ford Performance driver-engineers who helped shape the way it drives.
Brainerd and Road America are waiting. Are you ready? It all starts with a visit to Benna Ford in Superior.
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