New Ford Mustang GT, 5.0L 25 MPG and 412 Horsepower!

To those not steeped in Ford Mustang history, the news that the 2011 model will come with the option of a 5.0-liter engine probably sounds like a big, "So what?"

But for enthusiasts, the news conjures memories of the 1970s and '80s, when Ford souped up the Mustang with a big engine. The news also signals a return to muscle car wars after the reintroduction of the Chevy Camaro earlier this year.

"The 5.0 carries with it a connotation of performance and an aura of street cred," says Steve Turner, editor of 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords magazine. "It harkens back to a day when the Mustang was regarded as a performance icon."

Turner's magazine, which is named after the 5.0 engine, is preparing a 19-page spread on the engine for its March edition, due out in January. "We're sort of the lunatic fringe, I guess," he says with a laugh.

The automaker decided to improve the Mustang's engine about two years ago, and turned around the 5.0-liter in record time.

For industry critics who say Ford shouldn't be wasting time developing engines that only enthusiasts will enjoy, the turnaround time marks a remarkable change in development pace.

"It's a thoroughly modern engine for the times, delivering the performance and fun-to-drive factor that enthusiasts want, while improving fuel economy," says Derrick Kuzak, group vice president for Ford global product development.

One of the technologies on the new engine, twin independent variable camshaft timing, or Ti-VCT, will be available on 90% of Ford's nameplates by 2013, the company says. The Ti-VCT makes the engine more responsive at a variety of speeds, so when you step on the gas at any point, the car should take off.

Plus, Ford says the 2011 Mustang GT will get 25 miles per gallon on the highway, even while delivering 412 horsepower. "That's pretty stunning, really," says Dan Pund, senior editor at Edmunds.com's InsideLine.com.

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This article references a USA Today piece written by Sharon Silke Carty

2010 Ford Taurus Wins Technology Award

2010 Ford Taurus Wins First-Ever Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award

DEARBORN -- America’s most innovative sedan, the hot-selling 2010 Ford Taurus, is the winner of the first-ever Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award. The announcement was made today at the 2010 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas.

“We chose the 2010 Ford Taurus to receive the first annual Edmunds.com Breakthrough Technology Award because the vehicle offers an extensive and impressive array of electronic amenities that also represent an excellent value for consumers,” said Doug Newcomb, senior technology editor, Edmunds.com.

The Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award is presented to vehicles that set the standard for intuitive, practical and affordable technology that enhances safety and conveniencefor drivers and passengers. Any new vehicle available for sale within the U.S. within the last year is eligible to receive the award.

With its expressive styling, the Taurus offers more user-friendly technology than other cars twice its price, including 10 class-exclusive technologies not available from any other manufacturer.

“In addition to the innovative Ford SYNC® system that provides voice-activated Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and free features such as 911 Assist™ and turn-by-turn navigation, the Taurus also has heated and cooled Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion™, Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert, SIRIUS Travel Link™ and SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad,” said Newcomb.

Other class-exclusive features include:

• Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel Filler – a self-seal system without a traditional fuel cap. No lost, dangling or spinning caps. It seals automatically every time.


• Sony Audio® System – a surround-sound system that delivers Dolby® Digital 5.1 sound through 12 high-quality Sony speakers.


• Available EcoBoost™ V-6 – a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers the output of a V-8, 365 horsepower, without compromising its V-6 fuel economy.


• MyKey™ – a programmable feature that allows parents to limit top speed and audio volume and set speed alert chimes to encourage safer driving.

In addition to receiving the Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough Award, the Taurus is serving as the official vehicle of CES, and the 2010 Taurus SHO was dubbed Esquire magazine’s first-ever “Car of the Year.” Since going on sale in August 2009, Ford's all-new Taurus has received more than a dozen awards from an array of leading consumer and automotive publications.

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Ford F Series Is The Best-Selling Truck for 33 Straight Years

Ford F-Series Does it Again: Best-Selling Truck for 33 Straight Years; Best-Selling Vehicle for 28 Years

Dearborn -- For the 33rd year in a row, Ford’s award-winning F-Series is America’s best-selling truck with 2009 sales of 413,625. F-series outsold its nearest truck rival by more than 97,000 units, the largest margin in three years.

In addition, for the 28th consecutive year, F-Series is once again America’s best-selling vehicle of any type – car, crossover, SUV, truck or van.

F-Series sales for 2009 totaled 413,625, which increased its segment share by 4 percentage-points. December sales for F-Series were 48,209, a 16 percent increase over December 2009 and the best sales month since March 2008.

“When it comes to trucks, only one stat matters – how customers vote with their wallets,” said Doug Scott, truck group marketing manager. “And the results are clear – the capability, productivity, technology and value of Ford F-Series is unmatched.”

The F-150 was redesigned inside and out for 2009 and set a new benchmark for full size pickups with new high-strength, lighter-weight chassis that delivers more class-leading towing and hauling capability and unsurpassed fuel economy.

During the past six years, the “core trucker” – those who use their truck’s towing and hauling capability for work and play – has jumped to 40 percent from 30 percent of the light-duty full-size pickup market. In the commercial/fleet portion of this core trucker sub-segment, Ford F-Series continues to dominate. The F-150 has 44 percent of the light duty commercial/fleet market; and Super Duty is stronger still with over 56 percent of heavy duty commercial/fleet market.

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Higher MPG and More Power With Ford EcoBoost Engines

Ford Motor Co.'s big bet on its new line of EcoBoost engines appears to be paying off.

EcoBoost engines combine turbo-charging and direct fuel-injection to generate more horsepower and torque from a smaller motor. German automakers were the first to combine these technologies for performance, though Ford was the first to optimize them for better mileage, as well as more horsepower and torque. It has filed some 125 patents to protect the EcoBoost approach.

Ford's first EcoBoost engine was a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces as much power as a V-8 with the fuel economy of a V-6. It debuted on the Lincoln MKS sedan in July. Since then, the same engine has been offered in the Ford Flex crossover and the high-performance Taurus SHO. Its latest application is in the new Lincoln MKT crossover.

Demand for the engines, which promise better mileage while delivering more power, has taken off since they debuted last summer. Ford's first analysis of EcoBoost sales data, completed last week, found that the number of customers opting for EcoBoost engines far exceeded the Dearborn automaker's expectations for all four models that offer it as an option.

"It clearly was part of our plan to distinguish us in a very crowded marketplace," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's global head of product development. "It's doing that very well."

The next vehicles to get EcoBoost in North America will be the F-150 and the all-new Ford Explorer, both due late next year. The 1.0-liter three-cylinder version is designed to replace small four-cylinder motors and will likely find its way into future versions of the Ford Fiesta and Focus.

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Ford Sweeps Car and Truck of the Year Awards

Ford Sweeps North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards at the North American International Auto Show!

Ford Motor Company scored a historic doubleheader this year, capturing both the North American Car of the Year and North American Truck of the Year awards for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Ford Transit Connect, respectively, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). It is only the third time in 17 years that one manufacturer has won both titles.

“Winning both of these prestigious awards is confirmation that the ONE Ford plan is working, delivering industry-leading products for our customers,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas.

The North American Car and Truck of the Year awards recognize vehicles based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. A jury of 49 automotive journalists in the United States and Canada vote for the vehicles, which must be “all-new” or “substantially changed” from the previous model to qualify for the award.

The Fusion Hybrid edged out finalists including the Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf/GTI to win the North American Car of the Year award. It is the fourth hybrid vehicle in 17 years to win recognition as North American Car (or Truck) of the Year. It also is the second hybrid win for Ford – the most hybrid wins for any automaker. The Ford Escape Hybrid was named North American Truck of the Year in 2005.

The Transit Connect bested finalists including the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback to win the North American Truck of the Year award. It is the sixth Ford truck to win the award – the most wins of any automaker in the 17-year history of the awards program. It also is the second year in a row that Ford has captured the title. Last year, top honors went to the 2009 Ford F-150.

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Ford Transit Connect Wins "North American Truck of the Year"

Ford Motor Company scored the North American Truck of the Year award for the 2010 Ford Transit Connect at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

The Transit Connect was brought to the U.S. to fulfill the unmet needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs, offering them a new vehicle choice with significantly improved fuel economy, generous and accessible cargo space, and the agility and maneuverability to operate in crowded urban areas.

Powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, the Transit Connect offers double the fuel economy of full-size vans, delivering an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

The Transit Connect also has more than double the cargo-carrying capacity of the Chevrolet HHR Panel, making it suitable for a broader range of commercial-use applications. And it offers commercial users a cargo payload of up to 1,600 pounds – a larger payload than the full-size Dodge Ram 1500 standard-cab short-box pickup truck.

The Transit Connect also is available with the industry-exclusive Ford Work Solutions™, a suite of affordable technologies that provides customers with connectivity, flexibility, visibility and security to better run key aspects of their business.

On Transit Connect, Ford Work Solutions delivers three innovative features:

• A wireless in-dash computer that provides full high-speed Internet access, Bluetooth-enabled hands-free calling and navigation. The system also allows customers to print invoices, check inventories and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks right on the job site.


• Tool Link™, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system that enables customers to maintain detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment.


• Crew Chief™, a fleet tracking, telematics and diagnostics system that provides dynamic location and performance data fleet owners need to more efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites, monitor driver performance for safety and economy, and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.

Awards and accolades for the 2010 Ford Transit Connect include:

• 2010 Editors Choice for Vans by CAR and DRIVER Magazine


• Detroit Free Press 2010 Truck of the Year


• The Detroit News 2010 Truck of the Year


• 2010 Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Award for Best Workhorse Vehicle


• A Great Car for the Small Business Delivery/Utility Worker by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com

Zumbrota Ford is your Local Minnesota Ford Dealer. Less than an hour from the Twin Cities, 15 minutes north of Rochester, 40 minutes west of Lake City, and only 30 minutes from Red Wing or Cannon Falls, MN! Click here for a map and directions.

To view our used vehicle inventory click here. Call us at 866-530-5809 or 507-732-5127, or view our website at ZumbrotaFord.com

Ford Fusion Hybrid Wins "North American Car of the Year"

Ford Motor Company scored the North American Car of the Year award for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

The North American Car of the Year award is the latest in an impressive string of awards and accolades for the Fusion Hybrid. Most recently, the vehicle was honored as CAR and DRIVER Magazine’s “10Best” Cars for 2010, one of AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s 2010 All-Stars, and the entire Fusion lineup captured the acclaimed MOTOR TREND Car of the Year® award.

The all-new Fusion Hybrid arrived in dealers in March, complete with a powertrain system that combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver the optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy.

The Fusion Hybrid also offers drivers a way to be more connected to the hybrid driving experience thanks to Ford’s SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster execution that helps coach them on how to optimize the performance of their hybrid.

Other class-exclusive technologies and features that set the Fusion Hybrid apart from the competition include Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), Ford SYNC®, SIRIUS Travel Link™ and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.

Despite the slump in overall industry sales, 2009 was a record-breaking year for the Ford Fusion. Sales are at an all-time high, with the Fusion Hybrid accounting for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales. Perhaps even more significant, more than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been to customers coming from import brands – mostly Toyota and Honda.

Awards and accolades for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid include:

• MOTOR TREND Car of the Year Award


• One of CAR and DRIVER Magazine’s “10Best” Cars for 2010


• One of AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s 2010 All-Stars


• 2009 “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety


• 2009 Ward’s Interior of the Year Special Achievement Award for Best Graphic Display for SmartGauge with EcoGuide digital instrument cluster


• Great Car for the Long-haul Salesman by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com


• One of America’s Top 40 New Cars by MOTOR TREND magazine


• Rated the No. 1 Hybrid Family Sedan by CAR and DRIVER in a recent comparison test by the magazine


• 2009 and 2010 Editors Choice for Fuel Sipper by CAR and DRIVER Magazine


• Best Hybrid for the Money in the Midsize Car segment by cars.com


• One of 2009 Top 10 Green Cars by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com


• The Detroit News Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Value” 2010


• Consumers Digest Best Buy


• Detroit Free Press 2010 Car of the Year


• 2010 Most Environmentally Progressive Car of the Year by Earth, Wind & Power


• 10 Best Engine by Ward’s Auto World The 2010 Fusion Hybrid is built at Ford’s Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant

Zumbrota Ford is your Local Minnesota Ford Dealer. Less than an hour from the Twin Cities, 15 minutes north of Rochester, 40 minutes west of Lake City, and only 30 minutes from Red Wing or Cannon Falls, MN! Click here for a map and directions.

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Ford Wins CNET "Best of CES" Award for Hottest Car

Ford Wins CNET "Best of CES" Award for Hottest Car, GPS Technology at 2010 International CES

LAS VEGAS -- CNET editors today awarded Ford Motor Company a “Best of CES” award for MyFord Touch™ , the company’s new driver connect technology, in the car and GPS technology category.

“At Ford, technology innovation is driven by what consumers want, enhancing the driving experience and adding real value,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “We’re proud to have MyFord Touch recognized by CNET, as it positions Ford amongst the leaders in consumer electronics innovation.”

Selected by unbiased expert editors from CNET (http://www.cnet.com/) at the 2010 International CES, winners are recognized as having the hottest products in their respective technology categories for their unmatched innovation and creativity and their ability to excite consumers and help them explore a world gone digital. CNET editors reviewed hundreds of entries, as well as scoured the 2010 CES show floor for products to consider for the prestigious award.

“Each year, CNET editors spend hundreds of hours on the show floor to find the hottest technologies that will drive industry trends for the coming year and beyond,” said Scott Ard, Editor in Chief of CNET. “Ford was chosen from thousands of products at the show and demonstrates the innovation to be honored with one of our ‘Best of CES’ award.”

The nine categories include Digital photo and video; Car tech and GPS; Cell phones and smartphones; Computers and hardware; Gaming; Green; Home Theater; MP3 and portable video players; and Televisions. In addition, there were awards given for the Best in Show product and People’s Voice, given by the thousands of online viewers who cast their votes.

Videos of the winners and finalist products can be found at http://www.cnet.com/ces

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New Ford My Touch - Voice Control Plus Full Color LCD Screen!

New Ford Innovation, Ford My Touch, Brings Voice Control and Full Color LCD Monitors To Your Dash!

MyFord Touch is the all-new driver interface launching later this year on new Ford products. The interface retains the traditional car interior layout that has existed for decades – instrument cluster in front of the driver, center stack dividing the dashboard – and adds even more voice control plus full-color LCD screens for much of the visual information presentation.

The information presented is customizable by the driver using a combination of voice controls, touch-screen technology and five-way cell phone-style buttons mounted on the steering wheel.

MyFord Touch displays information using two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens flanking an analog speedometer and an 8-inch touch-screen LCD at the top of the center stack. A five-way switch on each side of the steering wheel crossbar – similar to the one found on most mobile phones and MP3 players – controls the information displayed on the corresponding instrument panel screens.

“Our vision for MyFord driver connect technology is that customers can connect to friends and family, to their favorite entertainment devices, and to all of the data stored in the ‘cloud’ using voice commands, touch controls and colorful LCD graphics,” Ford’s Kuzak said. “They can chat with their kids, listen to their RSS feeds, scan their iPods and make dinner reservations all while driving home from work – all while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.”

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