The 2016 Ford Focus is another year older and with the new year, it adds some new features like the new Sync 3 technology interface, a six-speed automatic transmission which is available for the 1.0-liter EcoBoost model, and some tweaks here and there to the optional packages. more Overall, the 2016 Ford Focus is a great option if you’re looking for a smaller sedan. And with the hatchback option, you can pack what you need with ease. Combine the fun look of the car with a quiet and well appointed interior, balanced ride and responsive handling, and a pretty good list of high-tech options and you’ve got yourself a nifty little vehicle. The 2016 Focus knows what it is and where that puts it in the larger market. And frankly, here at O’Brien Ford of Shelbyville, we’re grateful that the Focus is comfortable in its skin. Because that means we can confidently offer our Louisville, Lawrenceburg, and Frankfort area Ford drivers with a great option for drivers who want a sophisticated, smaller vehicle. The vehicle handles road nimbly but doesn’t sacrifice comfort to do so. And with the new Sync 3 Touchscreen interface you’ll enjoy better smartphone integration, voice-activated technology, and an interface that feels more intuitive than ever. There are also several engine options to choose from on the Focus so you can hit the road running however fast or eco-friendly your heart desires. The standard engine is a respectable 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. And with an EPA estimate of 31 mpg combined, you’ll be riding for a while before stopping to fill up. Shelbyville Ford drivers who are looking for something compact but that doesn’t feel compact should definitely check out the 2016 Ford Focus. Stop by our dealership at 720 Mt. Eden Road, Shelbyville, KY today to schedule a test drive.
Two Ford Models Win “Most Popular”
On the surface, the Ford F-150 and the Ford Mustang couldn’t be more different. The newest version of the large and powerful Ford F-150 is beloved for its abilities to haul, tow, work hard, and give a great driver experience. The Ford Mustang, on the other hand, combines the classic muscle car look and feel with modern technology to give a fast, sporty, and exciting experience to drivers in the market for a small but powerful car. But when you look beyond the surface, these two models actually have a lot in common. more Both vehicles are made with hard work, care, and innovation by Ford engineers. Both have been constantly improved to become the best possible vehicles they can be. And both topped their categories as the most researched cars on Edmunds.com, leading to them both winning “Most Popular” awards from the respected website. Around 18 million potential car buyers visit Edmunds.com every month, trying to figure out which car is the one for them. Edmunds.com has collected information on which cars these shoppers researched most often between January 1 and November 16, 2015, to determine which models were most popular with likely buyers. When the numbers were in, it was clear that truck buyers and sports car buyers are loving Ford – the Ford Mustang was the most popular entry-level sports car, and the Ford F-150 was the most-researched large truck. Popularity isn’t everything, but it does say a lot about which cars and trucks are among the best in their segments, and it’s clear that the Ford Mustang and Ford F-150 are at the top. So whether you’re looking for a fast, sporty muscle car or the toughness and power of a Ford truck, Frankfort, Louisville, and other Shelbyville area drivers can visit O’Brien Ford today to find out why these models are the most popular with their fellow shoppers.
Ford Begins Road Testing of “Autonomous Vehicles”
California has recently granted Ford an autonomous vehicle driving permit, which will allow the company to begin testing of an autonomous Ford Fusion Hybrid this year on public roads. If “autonomous vehicle” is ringing a bell for you, you’ve probably heard of the concept – these autonomous models are what are more commonly referred to as self-driving cars! At the Ford Research and Innovation Center in Palo Alto, over 100 researchers have been hard at work on creating new and innovative ways to take driving to the next level, including the development of an autonomous vehicle. more The testing on public roadways is a key part of the 10 year autonomous vehicle development program, which in itself is part of the Ford Smart Mobility plan that is supported by the Palo Alto research lab. The Ford Smart Mobility plan aims to take driving to the next level across the board, including in terms of connectivity, autonomous vehicles, customer experience, and overall mobility. The test drives on public roads come on the heels of intense testing in the research center over the past year, including virtual test drives of the model, fine tuning of the sensors that gather information, and development of cameras that detect pedestrians. The autonomous Ford Fusion Hybrid may not be ready for regular buyers just yet, but this road testing is an important step along that way. In the meantime, local drivers can enjoy the product of the same hard work and innovation that are going into autonomous vehicles right here at O’Brien Ford of Shelbyville. Used cars, trucks, and SUVs sit on our lot right alongside the newest models, but they all have one thing in common – the quality you get with every Ford vehicle!
Ford EcoBoost Impresses in Police Tests
Ford has been a longtime supporter of city police departments, and their popular Police Interceptors are a key part of the fleets for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) and Michigan State Police (MSP). Recent testing for both departments demonstrated why the Ford EcoBoost Police Interceptor is such an important addition to the forces. In particular, the Ford EcoBoost Police Sedan came out at the top of its tests in both Michigan and LA, even beating out competitors powered by V8 engines. more The testing showed that the Ford EcoBoost Police Sedan raced to the top, with the fastest acceleration times, both from 0-60 mph and from 0-100 mph, the fastest quarter mile time and top speed in a quarter mile, and the fastest average lap time in both California and Michigan. With test results like these, it’s easy to see why the Ford EcoBoost Police Sedan holds an important place in both the LASD and MSP. Another Ford EcoBoost offering impressed as well – the Ford EcoBoost Police Utility also sped past its competition with the fastest accelerations times, quarter mile time, and average lap time for utility vehicles. So whether the departments need a smaller car or a bigger vehicle for their work, the Ford EcoBoost has proven to be a great option. Here at O’Brien Ford of Shelbyville, we know we aren’t alone in wanting the best for the officers who protect us. Thanks to this testing, it’s clear that the Ford EcoBoost Police Interceptors are that best option. And while most of us will never get a chance to drive a Police Interceptor, anyone can experience the Ford EcoBoost engine when they come by and talk to an experienced Ford dealer. Lawrenceburg, Louisville, and other nearby drivers can come in today and test drive a model boasting its own powerful Ford EcoBoost engine.
Ford to Work with Google on Autonomous Cars
Ford vehicles have been around since the beginning. Setting a precedent for automobiles and creating some of the most iconic vehicles through the many eras that cars have now been around for. From the Model T to the predecessor of the 2016 Ford Mustang, the company has had some pretty iconic vehicles. more So we weren’t all that surprised when word broke that the company who built the automobile is ready to build a new kind of vehicle. reports have surfaced that Google and Ford are working together to create a new company which will build self-driving cars. The company will build autonomous vehicles with the official announcement planned for CES next month. The partnership is a win-win for both companies. Google gets to get in on that secret sauce that Ford automakers have poured into their vehicles over the generations. And Ford gets a peek at all the autonomous drive research Google has been conducting over the years. "We have been and will continue working with many companies and discussing a variety of subjects related to our Ford Smart Mobility plan," said a Ford spokesperson in a statement to The Verge. "We keep these discussions private for obvious competitive reasons, and we do not comment on speculation." And while a Google spokesperson essentially said the same thing, it seems that this marriage of sorts is in the works. Whatever the case, here at O’Brien Ford of Shelbyville, we’re very excited to see what Ford automakers have in store for us and our Shelbyville, KY area drivers. In the meantime, while you still have to drive your own car, head on down to our dealership at 720 Mt. Eden Road to check out our current Ford offerings like a 2016 Ford Focus or 2015 Ford Edge.
2016 Ford F-150 Green Truck of the Year
When most people think of “green” vehicles, trucks aren’t the first image that comes to mind. But Ford is changing that, especially when it comes to their hugely popular Ford F-150. In fact, the 2016 Ford F-150 includes a wide variety of eco-friendly technology and engineering, so much that it has earned itself an environmental award. Green Car Journal takes time every year to determine what the most environmentally friendly vehicle choices are for drivers, and they have named the Ford F-150 the Green Truck of the Year for 2016. more Green Car Journal editor Ron Cogan mentioned the lightweight materials, efficient 2.7 liter EcoBoost engine, and a fuel prep option as some of the many factors contributing to the award presentation. He said that “the 2016 Ford F-150 is a great example of the environmental leadership that can, and should, be accomplished in the immensely popular pickup field.” Here at your Shelbyville Ford dealership, we’re glad to see that the 2016 Ford F-150 is being recognized for its technological advances, and the way it incorporates green technology with no loss of power or strength. And if you’re wondering if there’s a benefit for you in all this eco-friendliness, there is – the 2016 Ford F-150 has the highest EPA-estimated highway mpg of its segment, boasting 26 mpg, better than any other full-size gasoline pickup available. At this point, it’s common knowledge that the 2016 Ford F-150 has more smart technology, more power, and more toughness than its predecessors, and now it can add the distinction of being the 2016 Green Truck of the Year to its long list of accomplishments. If you’re ready for a new truck for the new year, you can’t go wrong with the combination of power and practicality found in the eco-friendly Ford F-150. Louisville, Lawrenceburg, and Frankfort drivers don’t need to go any further than O’Brien Ford of Shelbyville to find the perfect truck for 2016!
Ford Models Win Autoguide.com Reader’s Choice Awards
While we’re always excited to hear when the experts love a Ford vehicle, here at your local Ford dealership, we’re even more excited when real drivers love what they find in Ford models. That’s why we were so excited about the results of the Autoguide.com Reader’s Choice Car of the Year awards. These honors are voted on by Autoguide.com readers, real drivers just like our customers. Once the votes are in, Reader’s Choice awards are announced in six categories, and the overall choice for Car of the Year is announced. This year, two Ford vehicles were voted in by Autoguide.com’s readers, and the top honor of Reader’s Choice Car of the Year went to one of them. more The all-new edition of the Ford Edge made a splash on its introduction, and beat out all the competition to win Reader’s Choice Utility Vehicle of the Year in the 2016 awards. This amazing crossover boasts an impressive array of technology, and a drive experience unequalled in earlier versions, factors that likely impressed the drivers who voted for it in the Utility Vehicle category. And when it comes to the big award of Car of the Year, the much talked about 2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang rose to the top. Last year’s winner was the redesigned 2015 Ford Mustang, demonstrating that the classic model has only gotten better over the years. Autoguide.com road tester Mike Schlee once compared driving the 2016 Shelby GT350 Mustang to a religious experience, and it appears Autoguide.com voters agreed! Between expert accolades and awards from real drivers, it’s clear that Ford vehicles have what it takes to impress all around. So whether you take your cues from professionals or customers like you, it’s hard to go wrong with a Ford, from a version of the ever popular Ford Mustang to the award-winning 2015 Ford Edge. Frankfort, Louisville, and Lawrenceburg drivers can find popular and lauded Ford vehicles right here at O’Brien Ford of Shelbyville.
Ford F-150 a Kelley Blue Book Best Buy
When Kelley Blue Book says something, car buyers listen. That’s because for years, Kelley Blue Book and their KBB.com website have been giving careful, expert, and unbiased opinions on cars and their value to drivers everywhere. And every year, car buyers eagerly await one of the best resources from KBB.com, their annual Best Buy list. The Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards draw attention to the best of the available vehicles for the upcoming model year. They are based on a whole year’s worth of vehicle testing and evaluation of most models on the market. They also factor in data analysis of elements like pricing, cost to own projections, consumer reviews, and vehicle sales. The result is an incredibly well researched list of the best of the best for drivers around the country. more Last year, the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 topped the list of trucks as a best buy in its first year on the market. And here at your Shelbyville Ford dealership, we were thrilled to hear that the 2016 Ford F-150 has impressed just as much as last year’s model, and once again been named a KBB.com Best Buy. This latest Ford F-150 retains all the toughness, smarts, and capability of the 2015 version, as well as bringing in a few new features, like its Pro Trailer Backup Assist and some special edition trim packages. It’s great to know that KBB.com agrees with us when we say the 2016 Ford F-150 is the best choice for truck buyers. If you want to make sure you’re getting the best, come visit us today to take a test drive in this remarkable Ford truck. Lawrenceburg, Frankfort, and Louisville drivers can find out what makes the 2016 Ford F-150 such a great buy here at O’Brien Ford of Shelbyville.
Power of the Horse in the 2016 Ford Mustang
The classic workhorse of a muscle car is back for another year in the 2016 Ford Mustang. The new 2016 Mustang is revving its engines for the new model year and comes to us with some notable upgrades that only make it more desirable than ever. Which is actually pretty hard to do considering this slice of American automotive power is already a very solid choice for drivers who want to feel like they went out and bought a ridiculous sports car without sacrificing their wallets and any practicality. more The 2016 Ford Mustang gets a bit of a style upgrade which makes the vehicle look slightly more mature. Though there’s still plenty of rebellious spunk to this muscle car. Additionally, the Mustang now comes with the new Sync 3 infotainment system which has an improved interface. EcoBoost and GT coupes get the option for the black-painted roof, and the GT performance package is extended to the Ford Mustang convertible option. The 2016 Ford Mustang follows a pretty major redesign from the 2015 year, and builds on it, refining the edges. What sets this vehicle apart from others is the fact that it’s a bit more refined than competitors in the segment. However, this doesn’t diminish its bad boy power. The new Sync 3 touchscreen adds pinch and swipe finger commands, much like your smartphone. The five trim levels continue to give drivers with a wealth of customization options to make each 2016 Ford Mustang yours. Available in both a coupe and soft-top convertible, the Mustang provides an unforgettable experience. The Mustang sports several engine options ranging from a 3.7-liter V6 with 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque to the crazy powerful GT with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that puts out 435 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. And of course there’s the EcoBoost option as well. Overall, the 2016 Ford Mustang proves to live up to the legacy that is the Mustang. Here at O’Brien Ford of Shelbyville, we love the Mustang for its powerful design and even more powerful engines. Stop on by at 720 Mt. Eden Road today to take one for a spin.
Ford F-Series Honored at TAWA Truck Rodeo
Last month marked an exciting annual event, the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Texas Truck Rodeo. Every year, trucks from a wide variety of automakers compete in a series of grueling on- and off-road tests while expert TAWA journalists judge them across a number of categories. This year’s competition was one of the toughest yet, and it took a team of almost 70 auto journalists to determine the results. And once again, Ford trucks stood out in more than one category. more In this year’s Texas Truck Rodeo, Ford vehicles took home three awards. The Ford F-150 lived up to the hype about its smart technology, with the Ford F-150 Pro Trailer Backup Assist winning the award for Best Technology. When it comes to SUVs, Ford also made a splash, thanks to the 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum, the smartest and best version yet of the best-selling SUV in America. This remarkable model took the top spot for SUVs, unseating the previous champion of five years running, and was named SUV of Texas. And based on the incredible merits of the 2015 Ford F-150 and 2015 Ford Super Duty, among others, the Ford F-Series as a whole was honored with the title of Truck Line of Texas. You don’t have to be a car journalist or from Texas to recognize what the TAWA judges did – that Ford trucks and SUVs are a great bet. Whether you want the best technology to make backing up your trailer easier, a comfortable and versatile SUV, or a tough, hard-working Ford truck, Louisville, Lawrenceburg, and other nearby drivers can find the best technology, the SUV of Texas, and the Truck Line of Texas right here at O’Brien Ford of Shelbyville.
All-New Ford Focus RS Brings the Power
When Ford creates something new, it’s always worth getting excited about. Whether it’s an entirely new Ford SUV or an updated take on a classic, their innovation and expertise always create something incredible. The newest version of the beloved Ford Focus is no exception. We already knew the 2016 Ford Focus RS was going to be something special. With the team of Ford engineers behind it, the genius 2.3 liter EcoBoost engine in it, and the trademark look of a Ford, how could it not be? But the all-new Ford Focus RS has still found a way to surprise us, with the sheer intensity of its power. more Power might not be the first word that comes to mind when thinking of the Ford Focus, but the 2016 hot hatch will have just that, and in huge quantities. While initial estimates suggested that the EcoBoost engine would provide the 2016 Ford Focus RS with 315 horsepower, Ford automakers have now revealed that the model will in fact boast 350 horsepower, a large increase over an already impressive estimate. Not only that, but this horsepower will be joined by 350 lb.-ft. of torque, making the 2016 Ford Focus RS a stellar example of what a great engine and great design can do when they work together. Here at your local Ford dealership, we’re more excited than ever about the 2016 Ford Focus RS. With production beginning later this year, the time when this remarkable vehicle hits the market is drawing closer, and when it does, we’ll be ready. And if a hot hatch isn’t for you, you can find all the power you want in other Ford vehicles, like versatile Ford SUVs or the much-lauded 2015 Ford F-150. Shelbyville and other area drivers can find these models and more right here at O’Brien Ford!
Young Buyers Are Loving the 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost
It’s no secret that young car buyers are some of the most important for any automaker. These young drivers are the ones who will go one to become a fan base for a maker or model, and are at the forefront of new technology and trends. So when young buyers start flocking towards a specific car, it’s worth taking note of – and it’s happening right now for the 2015 Ford Mustang! Particularly in Southern California, young car buyers are being attracted by the excitement, power, and style of the 2015 Ford Mustang, especially when paired with the remarkable EcoBoost engine. more In the first half of 2015, the new Ford Mustang once again became the best-selling sports car in the United States, and has gone on this year to become the best-selling sports car in the world. And if younger buyers are any indication, a big part of this growth is the powerful, efficient, and innovative 2.3 liter EcoBoost engine. This year, buyers ranging in age from 16 to 35 accounted for a full 47 percent of the 2015 Ford Mustang market share – a huge leap from 30 percent of the market share for 2014. And according to data from Southern California, 47 percent of 2015 Ford Mustang buyers chose the EcoBoost engine option. The EcoBoost engine isn’t the only option available in the 2015 Ford Mustang, but it’s clear that it’s a popular one – especially amongst younger, more eco-conscious drivers. But you don’t have to be from Southern California to see the appeal of the 2015 Ford Mustang with EcoBoost engine, or find out for yourself what all the fuss is about – you can do that right here in Shelbyville. 2015 Ford Mustang models are available for a test drive here at O’Brien Ford of Shelbyville!