Thank you for this great review!

Have only gone to a Ford dealer. They have the best!" -NoNickname

Click here to read this review!

Ford Announces SVT Raptor Off-Road School

Ford Racing Raptor Assault program provides hands-on experience in high-performance off-road driving over a variety of terrain at the state-of-the-art Miller Motorsports Park outside Salt Lake City. The 2013 season offers several opportunities for enthusiasts and the curious alike to participate

Raptor Assault allows drivers of all skill levels to get behind the wheel for their own extreme off-road adventure. A variety of terrain, including an eight-acre rock-crawling course, a 22-acre high-speed off-road short course, and a 900-acre desert racing course are available to demonstrate Raptor's portfolio of off-road capabilities

The 2013 SVT Raptor demonstrates Ford's focus on raising the bar for off-road capabilities in a production truck, offering customers more of the tools they need to tackle everything off the beaten track including industry-exclusive beadlock wheels to help increase grip in low-traction conditions

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 23, 2012 – Owners and fans of the ultimate high-performance off-road vehicle – the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor – now have a unique opportunity to experience it at a state-of-the-art off-road course at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah.

Introduced in 2009, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is the only production-ready vehicle on the market that combines the best of on-road driving and Ford tough truck capability with high-performance off-road ability. Ford has sold more than 28,000 Raptors, making it the best-selling specialty truck ever from Ford.

To broaden the experience behind the wheel of the F-150 SVT Raptor, Ford – with Miller Motorsports Park – has created the Ford Racing Raptor Assault program.

This new program provides hands-on experience in high-performance off-road driving over a variety of terrain at Miller Motorsports Park outside Salt Lake City. The 2013 season offers numerous dates where those interested can sign up to participate in the fun.

"We're very excited about the Ford Racing Raptor Assault program," said Mickey Matus, Marketing Communication manager for Ford Racing. "The variety of terrain offered at Miller Motorsports Park is unique in North America, and perfectly suited to showcasing the high-performance off-road capabilities of the formidable F-150 SVT Raptor."

Robust capability and sales
The 2013 F-150 SVT Raptor demonstrates Ford's focus on raising the bar for off-road capabilities in a production truck, offering customers more of the tools they need to tackle everything off the beaten track.

Strong sales reflect the work Ford engineers have put into making Raptor a dynamic presence on- and off-road. In September, sales were up more than 40 percent from the year before – part of a more than 30 percent increase year-to-date over 2011.

Raptor's newly available forged wheels combine the proven reliability of a conventional wheel with the capability to convert to a true beadlock wheel. These wheels secure the edges of a tire to the wheel between two surfaces, so the tire is unlikely to roll off the rim if it's aired down to very low pressure, providing extra grip on the trail.

A Raptor development imperative has been to continually improve off-road prowess in every dimension, from rock-crawling to hammer-down desert-running. Last year, Ford began offering a grille-mounted camera to improve driver visibility when climbing over rocks and other obstacles that might be obscured by the front of the truck.

The 2012 model year saw Raptor add a Torsen® limited-slip differential to the 4WD system enabling the truck to balance traction between both front wheels. If the left front wheel loses traction, the system forces torque to the right front wheel, and vice versa. The system is optimized to help minimize steering kickback when navigating challenging surfaces.

The SVT Raptor is available exclusively with a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing best-in-class 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode and SelectShift Automatic® functionality. The 4WD system features electronic shift-on-the-fly capability for the transfer case.

Opportunities to drive and ride off-road
The Raptor Assault program allows drivers of all skill levels to get behind the wheel for their own extreme off-road adventure. A variety of terrain, including an eight-acre rock-crawling course, a 22-acre high-speed off-road short course, and a 900-acre desert racing course are available to demonstrate Raptor's portfolio of off-road capabilities.

Three experiences are offered: a hot laps ride-along program; a three-hour Raptor Assault Experience that includes driving on the rock-crawling course and off-road short course, plus hot laps with a professional driver; and a one-day school that includes driving on all three off-road facilities in addition to hot laps with a professional driver. Special discounted pricing is available for Raptor owners.

The Ford Racing Raptor Assault is the latest addition to a portfolio of high-performance experiential opportunities -- supported by Ford Racing – designed to provide Ford performance enthusiasts with professional opportunities to take their skills to the next level and to experience exciting new Ford products in a controlled environment. The other programs include road course instruction, rallying, and drag racing.

Courtesy of Autoblog

Thank you for these awesome reviews!

"Overall they were friendly and speedy and I had a great experience..." -escape

Click here to see other awesome reviews!

Monday Maintenance Tip!

It's time for the  Monday maintenance tip! Does your car key share a chain with a dozen or more other keys?

That’s a pretty heavy load hanging off the ignition. The weight, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure. Drive with only the ignition key in your ignition. If your ignition key “sticks” when you try to turn on the car, it’s a warning that your ignition switch is about to fail. Replace it before you get stranded. Stay safe out there!

Five-Star Service from our Five-Star Service Team!

"Freeway Ford's QUICK LANE Service Center is GREAT!!" -Anonymous

Click here to see other great reviews!

Random Acts of Fusion: 3 Ways to Win 3 Ford Fusions!

Special: $179.95 Motorcraft Complete Brake Service

End of the month special! Get it while it lasts! $179.95 for a Motorcraft complete brake service!

Details: Offer includes brake pads or shoes, machining rotors or drums and labor included. Per-axle front or rear price on most cars and light trucks. Taxes extra. See Service Advisor for vehicle exclusions and details. Offer valid with coupon. Valid only at Freeway Ford MN. Cannot be combined with any other specials, discounts, or offers. See Freeway Ford MN for complete details. Offer expires 10-31-2012

Click here to get your new brakes!

Ford Expands Support for Professional Drifting; Announces Official Partnership with Formula DRIFT

Ford is expanding its involvement in professional drifting competition by becoming an official partner of Formula DRIFT and the 2013 Formula DRIFT championship.

“Our involvement with Formula DRIFT is not new, but we are taking it to the next level with this announcement,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “Enthusiasts can now see our great Mustangs on the track with great drivers like Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Justin Pawlak, and they'll get a better chance to interact with our stars as well as our exciting production vehicles off track through consumer outreach at all the events. Formula DRIFT is a major part of our action motorsports program targeting new audiences for Ford.”

Ford has actively supported the professional drifting efforts of Team Falken Tire and drivers including Gittin, Pawlak and others since 2005. Two-time D1 Grand Prix champion Gittin won the 2010 Formula DRIFT championship at the wheel of a Mustang GT and leads the 2012 series going into this weekend’s finale. Pawlak, the 2011 Formula DRIFT series runnerup, won the first two rounds in 2012 and currently sits fourth – 70 points behind Gittin.

Initially popularized by fans of import sport compacts, professional drifting has taken root with a younger, more active audience that’s interested in nontraditional, emerging motorsports. Formula DRIFT estimates 87 percent of its fan base is 18 to 34 years old. Ford involvement in Formula DRIFT is a significant part of the company’s outreach to this group that might consider a Ford vehicle like the Fiesta, Focus, Mustang or Raptor.

Drifting is one of many nontraditional approaches Ford is using to reach new customers including social network conversations, soliciting user-generated content through programs like Fiesta Movement and Social.Ford.com, cross-platform marketing programs like Random Acts of Fusion, and the Octane Academy experiential program featuring Gittin, Ken Block, Brian Deegan and Tanner Foust.

“Ever since Ford came into the series competitively in 2005, we have seen the power of what a factory-backed effort can do,” said Ryan Sage, co-founder/vice-president, Formula DRIFT. “Now we are even more excited to have them on as an official partner for the final event of the year and into 2013.”

The finale of the 2012 season of the Formula DRIFT championship is taking place this weekend at Irwindale Speedway (east of Los Angeles) on October 12-13, 2012 for the final event of its ninth season. The Mustangs of Gittin and Pawlak are both in contention for the championship. 

Ford Formula DRIFT competition highlights:

• 2005-2007 – Ford Racing uses an entry in Formula DRIFT for an engine development program for supercharged 4.6-liter V8 crate engines; Mustang driver Ken Gushi wins first-ever Formula DRIFT event for Mustang (Houston)
• 2008 – Ford Racing shifts its technical and product support to the Team Falken Tire’s drift program, featuring Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s teal and blue Mustang; driving his Mustang, Gittin wins Formula DRIFT season finale (Irwindale)
• 2010 – Gittin introduces Monster Energy to Team Falken Tire and Formula DRIFT, securing partner support; wins two Formula DRIFT events (Long Beach, Infineon) and earns six podium finishes in seven events on his way to Formula DRIFT championship; Pawlak joins Team Falken as the driver of that program’s teal and blue Mustang
• 2011 – Pawlak rides Team Falken Tire Mustang to two Formula DRIFT victories (Long Beach, Road Atlanta) before finishing as the series runnerup just 5.75 points behind first place
• 2012 – Both Pawlak (Long Beach, Road Atlanta) and Gittin (New Jersey, Washington) score two wins each for Mustang before entering the season finale at Irwindale, sitting fourth and first in the championship, respectively, setting Mustang on the podium at five of the six Formula DRIFT events
• 2005-2012 – Mustang has earned one Formula DRIFT championship, 10 Formula DRIFT event wins and a total of 22 podium finishes

Keep up the great service Freeway Ford team!

"Coupon for an oil change. Prompt, friendly, timely..." -Anonymous

Click here to read more awesome reveiews!

Maintenance Tip #4

We have a great Monday Maintenance tip for you today... Tip #4 - Don’t fill up if you see the tanker.
If you happen to see a gasoline tanker filling the tanks at your local gas station, come back another day or go to a different station. As the station’s underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your gas can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs.

Great job Freeway Ford service team!

"Every time I have brought my Truck in for service it's been outstanding. All has been the best. Keep up the good work." -Plumber

Click here for more awesome Cars.com Reviews!

Random Acts of Fusion: Kate Works It at Fashion's Night Out

Did you know?

Did you know that former President Bill Clinton drives one of the top ten presidential cars?

Clinton embodied the baby boomer generation in many ways. The first boomer president owned the most iconic car of that generation, a 1967 Ford Mustang convertible. Originally, the Clearwater Aqua car belonged to his younger brother Roger, but it didn't leave the president's driveway from soon after college until he became president. Even during his presidency, he was allowed to drive it briefly at a celebration of the car's 30th anniversary in 1994. The 250 feet it covered was the longest distance a sitting U.S. President has driven their own vehicle.

Courtesy of Cars.com

Ford Motor Company’s Michigan Assembly Plant Named Plant Of The Year By ASSEMBLY Magazine

Ford Motor Company’s Michigan Assembly Plant has been named Assembly Plant of the Year by ASSEMBLY Magazine. It is the first time an automaker, as well as a plant in Michigan, has earned the honor.

 “MAP is an example of Ford manufacturing at its best – a flexible facility that is using a highly trained work force to build fuel efficient vehicles in an environmentally friendly manner,” said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president of North America Manufacturing. “We are proud that our hard work has been recognized by experts who know manufacturing.”

The goal of the Assembly Plant of the Year award is to identify a state-of-the-art facility that has applied world-class processes to reduce production cost, increase productivity and shorten time to market or improve product quality, said Austin Weber, senior editor for ASSEMBLY Magazine.

“We chose MAP as our 2012 winner because the plant is a showcase for flexible, green, lean manufacturing,” Weber said. “We were also impressed that Ford took a plant that produced large SUVs and turned it into a state-of-the-art facility that makes fuel-efficient small cars. That’s not something that we often see in manufacturing.”

Following a $550-million transformation, Ford re-opened MAP in early 2010 with production of the 2012 Focus. Ford has since added the Focus Electric zero-emission battery electric vehicle and the Focus ST performance model. The company is now ramping up production of the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid.

In May, MAP added a third production crew with 1,200 new jobs. The plant currently employs 5,170 workers.

Courtesy of Ford Media

Thanks to all of our wonderful customers for these amazing reviews!

"Highly recommend Freeway Ford for those tough repairs. Very friendly and knowledegable staff." -Anonymous

Click here to read more great reviews!

Freeway Ford's Go Further with Ford Night - Nov. 15th!

Join us for Freeway Ford's Go Further with Ford Night on Nov. 15th!

Register to win a trip and two tickets to see American Idol!

Register here http://bit.ly/V2IXIb

Go further is about giving people the power of choice in the 2013 Ford Fusion with the widest-ever portfolio of fuel-efficient powertrains offered in the Fusion, including EcoBoost®, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines; automatic and manual transmission offerings; and auto start stop technology.

Great job Scott, Denise & Sandy!

"I purchased a used car from Freeway and have taken it in twice for service. Scott, Denise and Sandy all ensured that I had a great experience. Service was timely and fairly priced"-SHEVVI

Click here to see this review!

Keep up the great service team!

"Went in to have a turn signal bulb replaced and they noted another bulb that also needed to be replaced -- I was pleased with the quick turn-around and with them watching out for me and my safety!! Thank You!!" -Anonymous

Click here to see more great reviews!

Random Acts of Fusion: Go Further With Ford Night

Five stars for our service team!

"I called up Freeway Ford and they said bring it in.......without an appointment I brought it in and they diagnosed the problem as the battery, replaced it and I was on my way." - Duane

Click here for more great reviews!

BLOOMINGTON CITYWIDE HALLOWEEN PARTY!

Check out this fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween with your kids!

Date: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 

Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Where: Bloomington National Guard Armory
             3600 W. 98th Street – NEW LOCATION

This event is for preschoolers through fourth graders accompanied by an adult. Children will enjoy Trick or Treat Alley, games, prizes and much more. Admission is free. A donations of a non-perishable food item for the VEAP food shelf is greatly appreciated. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be awarded for each grade.

 

Jay Leno Reviews 2013 Mustang Boss 302

The new Mustang Boss 302 has been at Jay’s Garage once before, but this time he actually gets to drive it. And it’s not a ridiculous red or yellow one. It’s a properly manly black Boss! This 444-hp muscle car is tuned for track use. Muscle cars hate corners, yes, but with this 302 Ford seems to have made one that can actually go round a bend without embarrassing itself.

The Boss benefits from some unusual features for a Mustang. It gets unique, lightweight 19-inch black alloy racing wheels in staggered widths: 9 inches in front, 9.5 inches in the rear. The Pirelli PZero summer tires are sized specifically for each end of the car, with the front wheels receiving 255/40ZR-19 tires while the rear stays planted thanks to 285/35ZR-19 rubber. It’s engine is proper muscle though. And the noise it makes is fantastic.

Courtesy of Motorward

Great job team! Keep these positive reviews coming!

"The service was very good..." - Fusion

Click here to read more reviews!

Random Acts of Fusion

We have extended our offer!

$179.95 for a Motorcraft Complete Brake Service

Offer includes brake pads or shoes, machining rotors or drums and labor included. Per-axle front or rear price on most cars and light trucks. Taxes extra. See Service Advisor for vehicle exclusions and details. Offer valid with coupon. Valid only at Freeway Ford MN. Cannot be combined with any other specials, discounts, or offers. See Freeway Ford MN for complete details. Offer expires 10-31-2012

Click here to get this offer http://on.fb.me/Qc4M6k

Another Five-Star Review for Barry!

The service team listened to my concerns, asked good questions to further understand what my expectations were..." -Flex Fanatic

GM & Ford work on 9-speed and 10-speed transmissions

GM, the largest U.S. automaker, will lead the design of a nine-speed gearbox for front-wheel drive vehicles, the publication reported citing people familiar with the matter.

No. 2 U.S. automaker Ford will head the effort to develop the 10-speed transmission for rear-wheel drive vehicles such as pick-ups, SUVs and performance cars, Automotive News reported.

GM and Ford could not be immediately reached for comment.

The auto industry is scrambling to find ways to boost fuel economy by 2025, when U.S. government standards mandate that automakers show a corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) of 54.5 miles per gallon.

That translates to about 39 mpg in real world driving, or more than 70 percent higher than the average fuel economy of 22.8 mpg for the 2011 model year vehicles.

Courtesy of Reuters

Great job team on all these amazing reviews!

"Upon my arrival for quick lane service,being second in line,I was greeted immediately.The service writer was very friendly and professional,while listening to my concerns." -deal seeker

 

Click here to check out these great reviews http://bit.ly/QLj0QK

Celebrate the 1908 Ford Model T!

One hundred and four years ago today in 1908 -- Ford Motor Co. revealed its 20th attempt at building a car for the masses. Production of the Model T continued for 20 more years and would transform the automobile industry forever.

This 1909 Ford Model T is an icon of American innovation. Introduced in October 1908, the Model T was an immediate success and would soon transform the automobile industry, the nation and the world. The innovative design of the Model T set it apart from other cars of the day. A flexible and lightweight chassis allowed it to adapt well to rough American roads. A simple and efficient engine provided enough power to take a family on a Sunday drive in the country or run farm equipment. The Model T was easy to operate and repair. And it was affordable. Priced between $825 and $1000, the Model T fell within the price range of many Americans. Henry Ford's intent was to produce a car "for the great multitude." His inexpensive, efficient and reliable Model T put car ownership within the reach of many people - and planted the desire for ownership in the mind of nearly everyone. It put the world on wheels.

Courtesy of Yahoo News