Law Enforcement Agency Testing Shows 2021 Ford F-150 Police Responder Accelerates Faster than All Police Vehicles Tested

Every second counts in an emergency: All-new 2021 F-150 Police Responder ®, America’s only pursuit-rated pickup purpose-built for law enforcement, recorded faster 0-60 mph, 0-100 mph and quarter-mile times than any other police vehicle in recent tests

    Overall performance improvements were verified in vehicle dynamics testing where 2021 F-150 Police Responder cut up to 5.8 seconds off its average lap time vs. outgoing model according to Michigan State Police preliminary test results DEARBORN, Mich., June 29, 2021 – The all-new 2021 Ford F-150 Police Responder® has the best acceleration of any pursuit-rated police vehicle tested, helping law enforcement officers respond quickly to emergencies. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department test data, as well as preliminary test results from Michigan State Police, show the 2021 F-150 Police Responder, America’s only pursuit-rated pickup truck, had the fastest 0-60 mph, 0-100 mph and quartermile times of any law enforcement vehicle, including SUVs and sedans. 

    “Vehicle acceleration and speed contribute to how quickly first responders can safely arrive at an emergency scene,” said Greg Ebel, Ford police vehicle brand manager. “Shaving even a few seconds off response times can make a big difference. Whether responding to an accident on the highway or a distress call from somewhere off-road, law enforcement officers can count on 2021 F-150 Police Responder to get them there fast.” In Michigan State Police tests, preliminary results show 2021 F-150 Police Responder clocked a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds – 1.2 seconds faster than the outgoing model and at least 0.4 seconds faster than any other vehicle tested. Its 0-100 mph time was 3.7 seconds faster than the 2020 model at 13.1 seconds – 0.8 seconds faster than the runner up. The agency also confirmed the truck’s new 120 mph top speed, a 15 mph increase. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department tests showed 2021 F-150 Police Responder hitting the quarter mile in just 14.4 seconds, a full second faster than the 2020 model and 0.4 seconds faster than the closest competitor. The main drivers of the acceleration improvements are the truck’s increased torque and new torque-on-demand 4x4 transfer case. The F-150 Police Responder standard police-tuned 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine produces 500 lb.-ft. of torque, more than any other pursuit-rated police vehicle. 

    Its automatic four-wheel-drive mode and torque-on-demand transfer case constantly adjust torque to front or rear wheels as needed. This contributes to faster starts because it provides instant traction to all four wheels regardless of road – or off-road – conditions. The torque-on-demand transfer case also plays a role in the truck’s overall performance, since it facilitates carrying faster speeds when cornering. This was showcased during 32-lap vehicle dynamics tests run by both the Michigan State Police and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. The 2021 F-150 Police Responder showed dramatic improvements over the original, cutting 5.8 seconds off its average lap time during the Michigan tests, and 3.6 seconds per lap during the Los Angeles tests. (Los Angeles testing protocols add 400 lbs. of payload to police trucks and SUVs to simulate cargo). Laps in the dynamic tests are run on winding, curving tracks, as well as a tight city course, to simulate real-world pursuit driving conditions.

    “The vehicle dynamics course is where the entire vehicle is put to the test,” explained Allen Magolan, Ford police vehicles integration manager. “It shows how well the vehicle’s systems work together to deliver the performance an officer relies on in an unpredictable high-speed situation – its acceleration, straight-line speed, cornering and overall performance.” Introduced in 2017 as a powerful and capable all-terrain law enforcement tool, F-150 Police Responder is part of America’s best-selling police vehicle lineup.* The truck is built on the all-new 2021 F-150 SuperCrew® platform and engineered to meet a wide range of agency needs – from allowing officers to travel with an assortment of emergency response gear to transporting mobile command centers. It offers the most towing capacity**, payload capacity† and interior passenger volume of any pursuit-rated law enforcement vehicle. 

    F-150 Police Responder is assembled at Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri, and arrives in fleets later this fall. Pursuit ratings for police vehicles are determined by vehicle manufacturers; passing the vehicle dynamics test conducted in third-party evaluations by Michigan State Police and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is used by Ford for validation of its pursuit-rated claims. # # # *Based on IHS Markit new vehicle registration data limited to government entities and POL and SSV trim for full year 2020. **Maximum towing varies based on cargo, accessories and number of passengers; do not tow a trailer during patrol or pursuit situations. †Maximum payload varies and is based on accessories. See label on door jamb for carrying capacity of a specific vehicle. Towing, payload, horsepower and torque are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously

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Ford Fleet Flash - Spring 2021

 

FORD POWER-UP SOFTWARE UPDATES TO DELIVER A MORE SEAMLESS AMAZON ALEXA EXPERIENCE, BLUECRUISE AND MORE THIS YEAR

• Ford Power-Up software updates deliver regular vehicle enhancements to Ford owners, turning connected vehicle learnings into continuous quality improvements, new features and capabilities: Ford to produce 33 million vehicles with Power-Up capability by 2028
• Ford Power-Up enhancements already have been sent to more than 100,000 2021 F-150 and Mustang Mach-E customers since late March; new Sketch for touchscreen drawing and simple gaming coming to Mustang Mach-E soon
  
• Ford Power-Up enhancements include what’s planned to be the industry’s broadest roll-out yet of the new, more seamless Amazon Alexa Built-in hands-free experience, offering complimentary access to key features for up to three years; companies plan to work together to deliver enhanced features and new commercial services over the next six years.
  
• Ford Power-Up software updates will deliver available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology for properly equipped F-150 and Mustang Mach-E vehicles

DEARBORN, Mich., May 13, 2021 – Settling in for a drive in an enhanced, upgraded vehicle will now become a regular experience for Ford owners as the company routinely delivers new features and improvements through its wireless software update technology called Ford Power-Up.  

The first Ford Power-Up software updates for F-150 and Mustang Mach-E customers in North America began in March, accelerating a transformation well underway with more than 6 million vehicles on the road today featuring advanced, embedded modem connectivity. New vehicles equipped with Ford Power-Up capability identify customer preferences and vehicle issues, which Ford engineers then translate into quality and capability improvements delivered through Ford Power-Up enhancements.

“Software updates are common across billions of connected devices but not yet for vehicles. Ford Power-Up software updates will change that by quickly bringing it to millions of people,” says Alex Purdy, director, business operations, enterprise connectivity, Ford Motor Company. “We’ve invested in more seamless technology so updates can happen while you’re sleeping – making your next ride a better experience.”

A new fully networked, second-generation electrical architecture and advanced tech stack create the foundation to deliver unique Ford Power-Up software updates. These quick and easy wireless upgrades help enhance features, quality, experiences, capability and convenience. Capable of updating the vast majority of vehicle computer modules – more than 110 on higher end models – these upgrades can help improve the ownership experience and may help reduce the need for repair trips.

Many Ford Power-Up software updates will be virtually invisible to customers, enabled by a tech platform that installs much of the new software in the background. Many updates require little to no action by the customer, enabled by SYNC® 4 Technology that keeps current software running until the new version is ready to go.

For updates that require reboots, Ford invites customers to schedule them at convenient times, such as overnight. Some updates can be made in under two minutes1, while others may take longer. Unlike updates for devices such as laptops which often seem to come at inconvenient times, vehicle owners may not even notice that the installation occurred until the vehicle is started.

Amazon and Ford plan to expand relationship to create new features

Ford is prepping what’s planned to be the industry’s broadest rollout of the embedded Alexa hands-free experience to date, with complimentary connectivity to Alexa for up to three years2. This year alone, the same type of Alexa voice command functionality many people have in their homes will be wired to 700,000 Ford vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, followed by millions more over the next few years.

As part of a new strategic engagement between Amazon and Ford, the companies plan to work together to deliver enhanced features and new commercial services over the next six years. This includes exploring the development of the first custom Alexa skills for Ford commercial vehicles, using the power of Alexa artificial intelligence to help business owners and fleet managers stay in touch with their teams and increase productivity.

“We’re excited to work with Amazon to bring powerful new AI-enabled experiences to Ford customers,” says Purdy. “We believe in the power of teaming up with other innovators. Bringing Ford’s vehicle know-how together with Amazon’s technology expertise will deliver in-vehicle capabilities that help our retail customers travel more enjoyably and with ease, while helping our commercial customers operate more profitably.”

Alexa will initially be delivered through Ford Power-Up software updates beginning this fall for Bronco®, Edge, F-150, Mustang Mach-E and Super Duty® customers with SYNC 4 Technology in the U.S. and Canada, with other regions to follow.

“Democratizing technology and putting it within reach of millions of customers has been a part of Ford’s DNA dating back to the Model T, and our new collaboration is a continuation of that legacy,” says Ned Curic, vice president, Alexa Automotive. “We can’t wait for Ford customers to experience the best of what Alexa and voice AI can do while on the road – including new features and capabilities that will be delivered seamlessly through future over-the-air software updates. We love the vote of confidence from Ford to deepen our work together and continue making the driving experience more connected, entertaining, and productive.”

The support of Alexa on SYNC 4 represents the latest collaboration between Ford and Amazon. Ford first brought Alexa into its vehicles in 2017, starting with connected vehicle skills and then adding in-vehicle capabilities through the SYNC AppLink smartphone app, which is still available but no longer required for the new, more seamless capability. More information about how customers can set up an Alexa account will be shared closer to launch.

Inside their vehicle, Ford customers can ask Alexa to control smart home devices, place calls, locate parking and more. Alexa capabilities delivered through SYNC 4 Technology provide the convenience of hands-free, voice-initiated interactions – minimizing the need for drivers to view or touch screens and helping them keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Customers can interact with their vehicles naturally and say things like, “Alexa, find the closest gas station” or “Alexa, play my road trip playlist” or “Alexa, call Mom.”

Ford customers will be able to access the benefits of Amazon’s world-class voice AI and intelligent features both inside and outside their vehicle. Combined with the FordPass skill for Alexa3 – which customers can continue to use to control vehicle functions such as start/stop engine, lock and unlock doors4, check vehicle range or tire pressure all from the comfort of their home – Ford is bringing smart homes and connected vehicles closer together.

Powering up new features, quality

Over the last two months, 2021 F-150 and Mustang Mach-E customers have begun receiving Ford Power-Up enhancements. Mustang Mach-E customers in North America and Europe soon will receive Sketch -- also referred to as Notes in vehicle menus – for touchscreen drawing and simple gaming.

Ford Power-Up software updates will quickly expand to nearly all vehicle computer modules, enabling an update of Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology that adds BlueCruise5 hands-free highway driving to Intelligent Cruise Control. This will be delivered to properly equipped F-150 and Mustang Mach-E vehicles with additional software purchase later this year.

The company’s move to modernize its quality processes is already delivering results. Ford engineers used connected vehicle data to quickly identify issues with F-150 zone lighting. Ford also plans to address an issue with F-150 and Mustang Mach-E Android Auto connectivity by June.

Customers also will continue to receive new enhancements over the coming weeks, including:

• Remote Vehicle Setup and Trip Logs let new Mustang Mach-E customers use the FordPass™ app to set up profile preferences, including radio presets, in the cloud to be sent to vehicles, while trip logs track battery usage and other driving details on each trip.
• F-150 SYNC 4 and Mustang Mach-E SYNC 4A upgrades, including:
• Navigation enhancements automatically make helpful destination suggestions, plus new cloud connectivity combines conversational voice command recognition with internet-based search.
• Apple CarPlayÒ compatibility enhancement to display turn-by-turn navigation in the vehicle’s instrument cluster6.
• Digital owner’s manual enhancements to continue making the innovative, paperless product guides even more valuable.

 
FORD TRANSIT 2021

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Here's How Much It Cost To Get This 1966 Mustang Ready For The Road After Sitting For 23 Years

 

Photo: DT

Getting a car back on the road after it’s been sitting involves replacing a lot of small things. I’ve spent the past two weeks doing just that on my brother’s 1966 Ford Mustang, and for the most part, things have been painless and cheap. Or so I thought. I just added up all these “small things,” and holy crap: Turns out, I’ve been spending a lot of money on this old steed!

That’s the last horse reference I’ll make, I promise. Those are played out.

Let’s talk about what I’ve done to my brother’s 1966 Ford Mustang, which I’ve been letting rot in garages in Virginia and Michigan since 2012, and which has not been legally registered since 1998.

Photo: DT

Last night, my brother forced me to make a spreadsheet of expenses: What I’ve spent over the past two weeks in my accelerated effort to get the pon — I mean car — back on the road.

“Oh, I’ve barely spent any money on this thing. The parts are dirt cheap, and I’m just doing the basics!” I assured him. “I don’t care. Fill out a spreadsheet,” he insisted. So I did.

He asked me to guess how much I’d spent on the ol’ thoroughbr — I mean car — over the past few weeks trying to get the machine back on the road. I was sure it was under $300. After all, all I’d done is the basic Big Four: The cooling system, the fuel system, the ignition system, and the brakes.

Photo: DT

These are the four main systems that anyone who’s getting a vehicle that has been sitting a while back into shape has to address. What’s great is that all of the parts for these systems are hilariously cheap. A new water pump is only $35. All four wheel cylinders cost just $40. Ignition points are $10 for a nice set. “What’s the point of even filling out this spreadsheet?” I pondered as I began searching through my eBay, Amazon, and O’Reilly receipts.

In no time I had a column of parts I’d replaced. Then I added all the prices, and nearly soiled my trousers:

Photo: DT

What the hell? I’d somehow spent over 500 buc — I mean dollars — just to get the Mustang ready for the road. (If I’m honest, it’s still not cruising the streets of southeast Michigan. I have to tinker with the brakes a bit and service the transmission.) What’s alarming is that I did all of this in the span of two weeks, and I did it completely obliviously. It was just mindless car-parts buying.

“Oh, this is cheap. No problem. I’ll buy it. Oh these accessory belts? Only $7 each? No problem. Oh these brake hoses? $13 a pop? Sure, why not.” Next thing you know, I’ve spent an entire Postal Jeep worth of money on...what? Just some basic maintenance items?

I had mindlessly, almost as if in a zombie-like state, spend $500 in two weeks (and my brother bought a new set of brake lines for over $100), and it has me realizing that, when it comes to cars, I spend without restriction, because in my head, I think “Well, I’m saving money by doing the work myself.” It’s a dangerous way to think, and will almost certainly put me in the poorhouse.

Until then, I’ll be cruising this trusty equin — I mean car — with a smile on my face.

-Originally posted on Jalopnik.com

The 2022 Ford Maverick Looks To Be Properly Tiny

 

Image: Maverick Truck Club

Ford’s new sub-Ranger compact truck, the Maverick (at least we all think that’s what it’s going to be called) has been spotted testing again. This time though, we get a good idea of just how compact the new truck will be.

Maverick Truck Club (more pics of the truck here), an online forum for fans of the pickup, spotted the Maverick testing alongside a Ford Ranger. As you can see, the Maverick will be considerably smaller than a Ranger.

Image: Maverick Truck Club

The Ranger in the photo looks to be a top-of-the-line Lariat SuperCrew trim with the FX4 off-road package. That would put the dimensions of the Ranger at 210.8 inches long. From that we can gauge that the Ranger looks to be six to eight inches taller than the Maverick. This of course depends on things like wheel size, optional suspensions, etc. Even then, the Maverick still looks pretty compact.

These pics put into perspective how small this new pickup will be. You may have been expecting a truck as small as Rangers from the 1980s and early ’90s, when the Ranger, even in SuperCab configuration, ranged in size from 14 to 16 feet long. But keep in mind that by the time the Ranger left us in 2011, it was 16 feet long, closing in on the current Ranger’s size of 17 feet overall for the Lariat SuperCrew. So the new Maverick may be a step closer to what’s really a useful compact as a pickup.

The market has been lacking in compact trucks. Come to think of it, there aren’t any truly compact pickups in the U.S. market anymore. The Maverick will be a return to the compact pickup market since models like the Ranger, Tacoma and Frontier have grown as big as full-size trucks were 20 to 25 years ago.

When it was first seen, it was rumored that the Maverick would ride on a version of the platform shared with the Ford Focus. We now know the truck will share engines and underpinnings with the unibody Escape and Bronco Sport models. So expect the same 1.5-liter inline three-cylinder and 2.0-liter four-cylinder Ecoboost engines. A front-wheel-drive model is also possible. The Maverick is expected to debut later this year for the 2022 model year.

-Originally posted on Jalopnik.com

2021 - CONSTRUCTION FLASHERS

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2021 - CONSTRUCTION FLASHERS

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Icons | Built for America | Ford

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Interested? Intrigued? Absolutely have to have this?! 

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A BLAST FROM THE PAST! CLASSIC COMMERCIALS FROM FORD!

 

CLASSIC COMMERCIALS - FORD Collection 

1950's - 1980's 

-1959 Ford Trucks "Go Ford-ward!" Includes Ranchero, PIck up trucks, Style side trucks. -1960's Ford Econoline Vans and Pick ups, Bronco. -1972 Ford Pick up -1980s Ford Aerostar "It's Right for This Age!" It's Aerodynamic!