Truck lovers, the Reed Factor has some exciting news! Ford Motor Company has introduced a new F-150 Lightning model – the F-150® Lightning® Flash™ – a tech-forward offering that brings together most of current customers’ favorite features under $70,000.
The F-150 Lightning Flash expands on the XLT model line by adding in-demand tech capabilities, including an extended-range battery, which has a targeted EPA-estimated range of 320 miles, available Ford BlueCruise1 hands-free highway driving, and a standard 15.5-inch touchscreen for seamless interactions and navigation. The F-150 Lightning Flash customer values an EV powertrain and advanced tech features paired with a more accessible price point and the F-150’s proven ability to handle anything, whether people, pets, or gear.
“The F-150 Lightning Flash is a direct outcome of engaging with and learning from our customers. This truck combines many of the technology-forward features our customers love in our EV lineup, at a more accessible price. With an EPA-estimated 320 miles of range, the Lightning Flash is another example of the speed at which we are adapting to grow our EV business.” Marin Gjaja, Chief Operating Officer at Ford Model e.
About Ford BlueCruise
Our available hands-free highway driving technology, Ford BlueCruise,2 can help make driving less stressful and more enjoyable.
The F-150 Lightning Flash comes with version 1.2, which includes Lane Change Assist, allowing the driver to change lanes hands-free by tapping the turn signal once the path is clear, and In-Lane Repositioning to help to keep the vehicle in its lane while subtly shifting position away from vehicles in adjacent lanes. It will also improve over time with software updates.
And, with a new flexible option, customers can choose to activate BlueCruise at any point during their vehicle ownership journey – at purchase, annually or even monthly – and use it when they need it. Customers can also try BlueCruise for 90 days from vehicle purchase during a complimentary trial.
Charged It Up: Home 7 On the Go
F-150 Lightning drivers can access the BlueOval Charge Network, North America’s largest public charging network5 with over 84,000 chargers.
Starting spring 2024, F-150 Lightning drivers also will have access to more than 12,000 Tesla Superchargers, making it the largest integrated fast-charge network across the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, Ford EV dealers are also adding public-facing fast-chargers and locations to the BlueOval Charge Network.
Charging a vehicle at home is as simple as charging a phone. F-150 Lightning owners can charge overnight with the available Ford Charge Station Pro on a 240V wall outlet. To maximize home charging speed and connected features at home, they can purchase the Ford Connected Charge Station and its on-demand 80 amps of power.
Ready for a new Ford truck now, you can start your search at www.ReedHasIt.com.
Wow! Talk about a real “power house.” In this Reed Factor news you could use… BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, and American Honda Motor Co., Inc. announced they’ve entered into an agreement to create ChargeScape, LLC, a new equally-owned company that will create a single, cost-effective platform connecting electric utilities, automakers and interested electric vehicle customers. Benefiting both EV customers and the electric utility industry in the U.S. and Canada, ChargeScape will unlock entirely new value that EVs can provide to the electric grid, while enabling EV customers to earn financial benefits through a variety of managed charging and energy-sharing services never before possible with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. The closing of the transaction and subsequent formation of ChargeScape is pending regulatory approvals, with the company expected to be operational early next year.
Charged up and building on years of OVGIP cross-industry collaboration, ChargeScape’s single platform will eliminate the need for individual integrations between each automotive brand and each electric utility. ChargeScape’s platform will give electric utilities access to EV battery energy across a wide pool of EVs. Participating EV customers will have the potential to earn financial benefits by charging at “grid-friendly” times through flexible and managed schedules. Electric vehicle customers will also eventually have the opportunity for even more significant impact by sharing the energy stored in their EV batteries with the grid during times of peak demand through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications.
ChargeScape will enable the smart use of plugged-in EV batteries by securely providing energy data to electric utilities and system operators like aggregated demand response, alignment of charging and EV battery utilization with off-peak, low-cost hours and the availability of high renewable energy. Due to the efficient integration with participating automakers and the anticipation of high levels of EV customer enrollment, these energy services are expected to be a cost-efficient, operational benefit for electric utilities.
Electriffying Opportunity for EV Customers and Electric Utilities
The development of this project comes at a time when electric vehicle sales and infrastructure growth are ramping up quickly, bringing new opportunities to address challenges for the electric grid. More EVs on the road means increased electricity demand on utilities to charge them. ChargeScape aims to provide energy management services to help support grid resiliency while looking ahead to the future of V2G capabilities that will benefit both EV customers and electric utilities.
Additionally, ChargeScape will play a role in helping to decarbonize the grid. The company’s efforts will reduce EV customers’ personal carbon footprints by utilizing electricity that comes from more readily available renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar. While seamless integration between EV customers and utilities will be key to energy management success, participating EV customers will always remain in control of their charging and energy decisions.
“Electric grid reliability and sustainability are the foundation for an EV powered future,” said Thomas Ruemenapp, Vice President, Engineering, BMW of North America, LLC. “ChargeScape aims to accelerate the expansion of smart charging and vehicle-to-everything solutions all over the country, while increasing customer benefits, supporting the stability of the grid and helping to maximize renewable energy usage. We’re proud to be a founding member of ChargeScape and are looking forward to the opportunities this collaboration will create.”
“Electric vehicles are unlocking entirely new benefits for customers that can save them money while supporting grid resiliency and increase the use of clean, renewable energy,” said Bill Crider, global head of charging and energy services, Ford Motor Company. “ChargeScape will help accelerate the true potential of the EV revolution by providing significant benefits to both utilities and EV customers through smart vehicle-to-grid services.”
“As Honda seeks to achieve our global goal of carbon neutrality, we are counting on this platform to create new value for our customers by connecting EVs to electric utilities, strengthening grid resources and reducing CO2 emissions,” said Jay Joseph, vice president of Sustainability & Business Development, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “With automakers accelerating toward the electrified future, we must find solutions like ChargeScape that enable all stakeholders to work together for the good of our customers, society and our industry by enabling greater use of renewable energy for and from mobility.”
Benefits of Driving the Same Path Together
ChargeScape, along with the work done to date through OVGIP, will bring managed charging benefits to more EV customers and can eliminate marketing and outreach costs for utilities trying to reach their individual customer bases. BMW Group, Ford Motor Company and American Honda have direct, multi-channel communication with their EV customers, solving a central problem for utilities that typically do not know or have an easy and cost-effective way to identify the EV customers in their service territory.
Additionally, by leveraging automaker telematics, ChargeScape intends to provide managed charge scheduling through vehicle connectivity without requiring Wi-Fi-enabled charging stations. This will support the many EV customers who do not use “smart” chargers at home, as their EVs would otherwise be unreachable for grid services.
The three founding members welcome other automakers to join in and fully unlock opportunities provided by ChargeScape’s grid service offerings once the company is fully operational.
Looking for a new EV car, truck or SUV, find your new electric or hybrid Ford at www.ReedHasIt.com.
Electrifying news! Ford Pro, the commercial division within Ford Motor Company, announced new charging hardware added to its suite of end-to-end solutions to help make it easier for commercial customers to transition their fleets to electric.
The new Series 2 AC Charging Station 80 amp and expanded DC Fast Charger options are designed for commercial vehicle use and packed with new features. Coupled with Ford Pro’s charging management software, the company provides a fully integrated solution that simplifies EV charging for both Ford and non-Ford electric vehicles.
“We’re committed to helping businesses make the transition to electric easy with a single-minded focus on curated commercial charging solutions,” said Ted Cannis, Ford Pro CEO. “With our tailored EV consulting and portfolio of charging hardware and software solutions, we can design, implement and operate solutions for Ford and other brands that will last for many years to come. And we are not afraid to tell customers when electrification is not yet a good fit and support them with other solutions.”
Ford Pro’s BEV Fit team offers available complimentary consulting to customers to help identify available incentives, consult on charging site design and construction, and collaborate with local utilities on energy needs.
Now available for pre-order, the Series 2 AC Charging Station 80 amp comes with features that simplify and help improve the charging experience at the workplace for fleet operators and their drivers including:
Enhanced security with RFID that limits unwanted charger access. Fleet operators can issue a unique Ford Pro RFID card1to control access to chargers enabling charging sessions to be limited to specific individuals or vehicles, by specifying day and times for access. The new RFID software also supports Ford and non-Ford vehicles unlocking the ability for fleet operators to track energy reports through Ford Pro’s charging management software.
Improved detachable cable and connector reduces time and expense of charger repairs avoiding replacement of the entire charging station if a cable or connector is damaged.
Wide range of connectivity options with cellular pre-configured and optional Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity for locations with restricted cellular coverage.
The new Series 2 AC Charging Station 80 Amp will be ISO-15118 ready and equipped to enable future functionality over the air such as advanced vehicle to charger communications that can identify and log when a specific vehicle connects. Ford Pro designed the new hardware to be ready for the future, so customers are better prepared for new electric vehicles and capabilities to come.
New LCD screen on the Series 2 charger displays step-by-step instructions to initiate charging and important information including charge duration, fault alerts, energy usage, and more.
Temperature sensors to monitor and alert for overheating by derating the charger automatically.
Extended operating temperature range of -40C (-40F) to 50C (122F) and operating altitude of up to 3500m to serve the needs of customers in more places.
The new Ford Pro charging hardware is backed by a 3-year warranty on charger parts and labor and continues to provide around-the-clock tech support to help increase uptime and productivity for customers.
Ford Pro Telematics, chargers, software and service work seamlessly to provide fleet operators and managers with a single solution to monitor their vehicle network 24/7.
Ford Pro is also revealing extended DC Fast Charger options in 180kW and 240kW giving fleet operators and their drivers more versatility at their workplace with more power and shortened charge times. Aluminum pedestals feature an improved cable retractor and a sleeker look. The new Ford Pro DC Fast Chargers are available for pre-order now at ford.to/Series2ChargerPreorder.
Ford Pro Chargers work with Ford Pro’s smart charging software to help ensure vehicles are charged when customers need them. The integrated software and hardware solution helps fleet managers optimize how, when and where EVs are charged along with utility reimbursement reporting, important for home-based drivers.
Using Ford Pro Charging solutions can also allow customers to charge more vehicles at a given time. Customers can deploy more EVs without necessarily needing to wait for an infrastructure upgrade. The software also tracks performance and provides fleet managers with insights like kWh consumption, charge speed and distance to empty, and helps optimize total cost of ownership.
Businesses can also help lower their total cost of ownership through understanding the various incentives available to them. To help ease confusion, Ford Pro has compiled commercial incentives to make it easy to find available tax credits on EV, charging equipment and charging installation costs at https://www.fordpro.com/en-us/incentives/. The company also launched a program with professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) to help give customers no-cost information to learn about IRA tax credits for which they may qualify. Available incentives include:
Up to a 30% federal tax credit on charging and installation costs2
Up to $7,500 back on each new qualified EV purchased in 20232
Hundreds of federal, state, and local EV incentives and rebates2
Ford Pro delivers an always-on, connected customer experience through a comprehensive solution of vehicles, charging, software, financing and service for all commercial and government customers. Ford Pro has nearly 125,000 fleet customers across the U.S. and 140,000 across Europe.
Ford is the leading global commercial vehicle brand and America’s best-selling line of commercial vehicles for 38 consecutive years3, featuring BUILT FORD TOUGH® commercial trucks and vans integrated with software and services such as Ford Pro™ Telematics. With more than 3,000 physical authorized service locations, Ford has an impressive support/service network among commercial vehicle manufacturers.
1RFID cards sold separately.
2Please consult with your own tax or legal professional to determine eligibility, specific amount of incentives or rebates available. The federal tax credit is a potential future tax savings. The amount of your tax savings will depend on your individual tax circumstances. Incentives and additional rebates are not within Ford’s control. This information does not constitute tax or legal advice. For additional information, go to https://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/409.
3Based on S&P Global Mobility CY1985-2022 U.S. TIPNet registrations excluding registrations to individuals. TIP registrations prior to 2010 do not include all GVW 1 and 2 vehicles.
Talk about pony power! In this news you can use from The Reed Factor, Ford Performance has revealed the all-new Mustang Dark Horse™ R. It offers even the most demanding track enthusiasts a turn-key race car ready to compete in the all-new Mustang Challenge spec racing series, just for Mustang Dark Horse R and sanctioned by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA).
The Mustang Dark Horse R powered by a new, fourth-generation 5.0-liter Coyote V8 is the third Dark Horse-based racing derivative to be unveiled this summer, joining its place alongside the Mustang GT3 and Mustang GT4.
“Mustang Dark Horse R bridges the gap between Dark Horse and Mustang GT3 and GT4,” stated Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “Production-based Mustang vehicles have raced from the very beginning, all the way back to winning the 1964 Tour de France, even. Dark Horse R offers our passionate customers not just an attainable, factory-built race car, but also a racing series to compete with other Mustang enthusiasts.”
Mustang Dark Horse R Ready for the Track
With the Ford Mustang Dark Horse joining the herd as the most track-capable 5.0-liter V8 street-legal Mustang ever, Dark Horse R is a natural extension of the capabilities found in every Dark Horse.
“Mustang Dark Horse R has been developed with Mustang racing enthusiasts top of mind,” said Jim Owens, Ford Mustang Marketing manager. “Ford Performance leaned into countless areas of expertise developed through years of racing the Mustang and honed in on an aggressive yet approachable package for customers to pick up and play with.”
Dark Horse R is designed for track use only, but also shares several components with the road-going version. These include a Flat Rock Assembly Plant-provided body, 500+ horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, Tremec 3160 manual transmission, Torsen limited slip differential with 3.73 final drive ratio, aero and Brembo rear brake calipers/rotors. It’s also upgraded with a wide array of track-focused equipment.
Exterior
· Front and rear tow hooks
· Reinforced jacking points
· Underbody tie down hoops
Interior
· Recaro FIA racing seat
· Sparco quick-release steering wheel
· Sparco FIA racing harness
· Sparco FIA fire suppression system
· Safecraft FIA safety nets
· Driver keypad and button controls
· MoTeC data display and logging system
· Fuel cell
Powertrain
· Upgraded oil system
· Upgraded transmission cooling
· Upgraded differential cooling
· Borla racing exhaust system
· Ford Performance oil pan
Chassis
· Roll cage
· Multimatic DSSV dampers
· Adjustable front camber plates
· Adjustable anti-roll bars
· Select seam welding
Brakes/Wheels/Tires
· Performance ABS
· Brembo race calipers – Front
· Brembo race rotors – Front
· Brembo race pads
· Race brake cooling ducts
· Ford Performance Parts R1 Flow-Formed Wheels (19” x 10.5” front, 19” x 11” rear)
· Bespoke Michelin 19” slick race tire for Mustang Challenge, sold separately
· MSI wheel studs and open lug nuts
Mustang Challenge Provides Mustang Enthusiasts A Place to Race
Ford’s Mustang Dark Horse R was created to compete in the new, single-make Mustang Challenge series.
The Mustang Challenge series will start in 2024, running a 10 to 12-race calendar in conjunction with a mix of five to six yet-to-be-announced North American sports car race weekends. All cars will compete on racing slicks developed specifically for Mustang Challenge by our series partners at Michelin.
“Mustang Dark Horse R owners will have the opportunity to race and test their driving skills with other Mustang enthusiasts at some of the world’s most incredible tracks,” said Rushbrook.
Each round of the IMSA-sanctioned series, which will be managed by the Ford Performance Racing School, consists of two practice sessions, one qualifying session and two sprint races. To reward the most skilled drivers, there will be contingency payouts to top finishers in each race, as well as an overall series champion at the end of the season.
“The new Mustang Challenge series is a perfect addition to our IMSA family and we are grateful to our longtime partners at Ford for trusting us to be the sanctioning body for this spectacular new platform,” said IMSA President John Doonan. “When I was a little boy going to the race track, I vividly remember the rumble of the Mustang race cars and their V8 power, so imagining a full field of Dark Horse Rs charging into Turn 1 for the first time on an IMSA race weekend will bring back a flood of memories and be awe inspiring.”
Pricing for Mustang Dark Horse R starts at $145,000. Deliveries will begin in preparation for the start of the Mustang Challenge season in 2024.
A fighter jet-inspired Head-Up Display. An available Pro Trailer Hitch Assist system that uses machine learning. These are just two of the new tech tools builders keeping this country moving have at their disposal with the arrival of the all-new 2023 Ford F-Series® Super Duty® lineup of pickup trucks and chassis cabs.
Loaded with bumper-to-bumper tech innovations, the all-new Super Duty was designed to make life on or away from the jobsite more convenient and time-efficient than ever – easier to monitor gauges while driving, hitch a trailer, back up to a loading dock, make tight turns on off-road trails or install and operate upfit equipment.
“This truck represents the pinnacle of BUILT FORD TOUGH® strength and capability, now with advanced technology that makes towing and hauling even easier and businesses more productive. Whether you are towing a boat for weekend family fun, operating a boom lift to fix powerlines, or hauling heavy loads while navigating hills and tough terrain, the all-new 2023 Super Duty not only tackles the task with ease, but its smart connectivity will surprise our customers with ingenious new solutions to transform their truck experience.”-Tim Baughman, General Manager, Ford Pro, North America
An all-new Head-Up Display2, inspired by fighter jet planes, gives drivers quick visual access to vital information without pulling their eyes from the road. The HUD system projects information in front of the driver on the lower half of the windshield, quickly conveying information and putting the most important information closer to the line of sight.
“We wanted to create an amazing digital experience for our most-focused truck customers, and our research led us to look at aircraft HUD concepts because of their task-oriented hierarchal structures,” said Mark Sich, Ford digital design manager. “But because pilots are trained to read information in a very prescribed and technical manner, our implementation needed the interaction to be more intuitive for the driver to immediately understand the context of the information being presented.”
Drivers can choose from three views – Normal Mode, Tow-Haul Mode or Off-Road Mode – in order to see information most important to their trip. Each view changes automatically when a new drive mode is selected. In Normal Mode, information such as speed, speed limit and navigation prompts are displayed. Tow-Haul Mode changes to include tachometer, gear and trailer brake output. And Off-Road Mode displays tachometer, drive line status and vehicle pitch and roll updates.
Driver-assist tech to get the job done
Over 90% of heavy-duty pickup owners use their trucks to tow. Super Duty, with best-in-class maximum available payload3and best-in-class maximum available diesel gooseneck towing of 40,000 lbs.4, helps ensure customers can tow and haul with confidence. In addition, the 7.3-liter V8 gas engine produces 430 hp and 485 lb.-ft. of torque5, while the High-Output 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 diesel produces 500 hp and 1,200 lb.-ft. of torque6, all best-in-class.
Available Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, an exclusive F-Series driver-assist7 feature developed in-house by Ford’s Advanced Driver-Assist Systems team, is designed to make an often-challenging task simple. Using machine learning and computer vision, the system automatically identifies trailer hitches and aligns the truck’s hitch ball to a conventional trailer coupler with the touch of a button.
This industry-first technology uses a rear camera and rear corner radars to align the hitch with the trailer coupler while simultaneously controlling the truck’s speed, steering and braking on behalf of the driver or operator.
Super Duty owners can now power a jobsite or a tailgate with available Pro Power Onboard8, with 2.0-kilowatts of output – five times more exportable power than any heavy-duty pickup. Power outlets are accessible inside the truck and cargo box, or they can be mounted on chassis cabs with a special outlet installation kit.
Cameras and sensors help interpret the world around the vehicle and enable available driver-assist7 features designed to simplify the towing experience and build confidence, including:
Tailgate Down Camera and Rear Park Aid Sensors: Industry-first camera and sensors on the top of the tailgate provide visual and audible alerts when the tailgate is lowered to make backing up to a loading dock or hitching a gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailer easier than ever
Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch: Estimates payload in real time and provides guidance on trailer tongue weight distribution directly on the center touchscreen or within the taillamps
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) for Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck: Can be attached to a trailer to help identify when vehicles are next to a trailer and indicate this in the side view mirrors
Pro Trailer Navigation: Plots routes that can be navigated with given trailer dimensions and weight to avoid potential issues with low bridges and tight turns
Trail Turn Assist: Feature that allows drivers to virtually lock either rear wheel to shrink their turn radius to 180 degrees while navigating tight corners on the trail
Helping business owners manage their fleet
For business owners and fleet managers, retrieving important fleet data from often-unreliable plug-in devices is a thing of the past. Among the Super Duty tech features are the Ford Pro™ Intelligence software products such as Ford Pro™ Telematics9, a cloud-based platform that uses vehicle data to give fleet managers access to valuable insights to help accelerate productivity that can help reduce vehicle and fleet downtime.
Where Super Duty already presents a well-equipped mobile office with a spacious interior and available Interior Work Surface, an embedded 5G modem1 ups the ante. This first-in-class10 feature gives Super Duty owners faster Wi-Fi, mapping and navigation while on the job.
And with over-the-air software updates, Super Duty gets better over time by adding new features and capabilities to enhance the customer experience. OTAs are capable of updating the vast majority of vehicle computer modules for quick and easy wireless upgrades that help enhance features, quality, experiences, capability and convenience.
Streamlining the upfit process
The new Ford Pro Upfit Integration System (UIS) changes how business owners work with upfitters to install, operate and control body equipment and upfits – such as utility cranes or snowplows.
UIS provides aftermarket equipment makers with improved access to the truck’s electrical system and signals to seamlessly integrate after-market equipment. Equipment makers can also add digital buttons that allow Super Duty drivers to control their equipment from the SYNC® touchscreen11 inside the truck. And with more reliable connections and vehicle integrations, owners no longer have to rely on cutting and splicing into the vehicle wiring and potentially voiding their vehicle warranty.
The system also allows for high levels of customization and interlocks, like preventing the transmission from shifting into drive with a raised boom lift.
The all-new 2023 Super Duty is shipping to customers now. For more information on features, pricing and availability, please visit www.ford.com or visit your local dealer.
1 Connected service and features depend on AT&T network availability and compatible plan. 5G not available everywhere. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. Connected service excludes Wi-Fi hotspot. Available Wi-Fi hotspot requires separate AT&T subscription. Don’t drive distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice controls.
Don’t drive while distracted. See owner’s manual for details and system limitations.
2 Don’t drive while distracted. See Owner’s Manual for details and system limitations.
3 Maximum payload of 8,000 lbs. available on F-350 DRW Regular Cab 4X2 XL trim with gas Heavy-Duty Payload Package. Maximum payload is delivered when no additional options or accessories are added to this configuration. See label on door jamb for carrying capacity of a specific vehicle. Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500 lbs. GVWR.
4 Maximum gooseneck tow rating of 40,000 lbs. available on F-450 Reg Cab with available 6.7-liter HO diesel engine and 40,000 lbs. Gooseneck Tow Package. Max. towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers. Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500 lbs. GVWR.
5 Max. horsepower and torque based on 7.3-liter V8 gas. Class is Full-Sized Pickups over 8,500 lbs. GVWR. Horsepower and torque ratings based on SAE J1349® standard. Your results may vary. Horsepower and torque are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.
6 Max. horsepower and torque based on 6.7-liter High-Output Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel. Class is Full-Sized Pickups over 8,500 lbs. GVWR. Horsepower and torque ratings determined based upon testing requirements prescribed in SAE J149. Your results may vary. Horsepower and torque are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.
7 Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgement and need to control the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.
8 See Owner’s Manual for important operating instructions.
9 Available on vehicles with embedded modem or equipped with approved plug-in device. May require modem activation. Ford Pro Telematics and Ford Pro Data Services require a purchased subscription. Terms and conditions apply. Telematics service and features, and access to vehicle data depend on subscription and compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.
10 Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500 lbs. GVWR.
11 Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.
Exciting Reed Factor news you can use… the wait is finally over. Ford Motor Company has announced the all-new 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is coming to North America. Raptor is based on a proven legacy of performance and built with uncompromised suspension design, power, purposeful technology, and rugged styling. Ranger Raptor is fully prepared to take on the most demanding terrain its extreme adventure-seeking customers can find.
“Ranger Raptor is the high-performance off-road truck so many customers have been begging for. It’s right-sized for tight trails and daily life, can carry lots of gear, and is a blast to drive. Ranger Raptor is fast, comfortable, and packed with top-shelf, purposeful technology that’s designed to perform. This is the baddest Ranger we’ve ever made.”-Carl Widmann, Ford Performance chief engineer
Confident Suspension, Purposeful Tech
The heart of every Raptor is its suspension. Ranger Raptor starts with a purpose-built suspension that includes lightweight aluminum upper and lower control arms and a long-travel rear suspension with a Watts linkage and trailing arms for control and confidence in off-road conditions.
Ranger Raptor’s next-generation FOX™ 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks are coil-overs at the front and piggyback reservoirs at the rear to reduce heat build-up for uninterrupted performance all day long.
Ranger Raptor is built on a beefy foundation, taking Ranger’s fully boxed frame up a notch by reinforcing the front frame rails, front shock towers, rear shock brackets, suspension mounting points, and other key areas so Ranger Raptor can handle more punishing off-road conditions.***
The FOX™ Live Valve Internal Bypass system changes damping performance based on Ranger Raptor’s Drive Modes. The modes include Normal, Tow/Haul, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl, and Baja, all developed to provide better on-road comfort, off-road control, capability and ride quality at high and low speeds.
Each selectable drive mode appropriately adjusts the tuning of the engine, transmission, ABS calibration, traction control, steering, throttle response and even the instrument cluster and touch screen look and information. The active valve exhaust system can also be tuned to several modes including Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja settings. Ranger Raptor also comes with Trail Control™ so drivers can navigate tricky spots while the truck manages the throttle and brakes.
Powertrain Fit for a Class of One
An amazing suspension deserves to be backed by a matching level of power. The Ford Performance tuned twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 produces 430 lb.-ft. of torque and best-in-class maximum available 405 horsepower,** the most powerful Ranger ever built for increased performance on gravel, dirt, mud and sand.
Beginning with a compacted graphite-iron cylinder block, the engine utilizes a race-bred anti turbo-lag system to enable boost on demand in Baja mode. It keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle, so acceleration is there while exiting corners. Bolted to that EcoBoost engine is a class-exclusive 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission* mated to an advanced four-wheel drive system with a new electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case combined with front and rear locking differentials.
Designed for Purpose
Each Ranger Raptor design element has a purpose. Confident, modern styling starts with LED projector headlights to light up the night flanked by C-clamp signature lighting. Bold F-O-R-D lettering on the grille sits above an all-steel bumper with integrated, frame-mounted front and rear tow hooks and LED taillights that provide a signature C-clamp link to the front. Flared fenders with functional fender vents house aggressive 33-inch BFGoodrich® all-terrain KO3® tires on 17-inch wheels that can be mounted to optional beadlock capable wheels with available bead locks for running extra low tire pressures in sand and rocky conditions. Ranger Raptor also sports serious underbody protection. The thick front bash plate is made of high-strength steel and is complemented by dedicated engine, transfer case and fuel tank shields.
The Raptor’s cab is built for performance, with a sport steering wheel including cast magnesium alloy paddle shifters for quick transmission control and a signature Raptor centering mark in a Code Orange color. Six overhead upfitter switches mounted in the overhead console simplify powering off-road hardware. Unique Ford Performance front seats are supportive, with extra bolstering to hold drivers in place during high-speed cornering. The rest of the cab includes premium materials trimmed in Code Orange.
Ranger Raptor connects the driver to adventure with features like a 360-Degree Camera and Front View Camera to assist in off-roading, Zone Lighting to light up the night in remote locations, and class-exclusive* Pro Trailer Backup Assist† to help back up boats and campers at the kinds of remote locations Raptors are built to reach. Even far out there, drivers want to be informed and connected, so Raptor comes with a high-resolution 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch center touchscreen running SYNC® 4A, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ wireless smartphone connectivity††. Finally, if the active exhaust doesn’t provide enough auditory stimulation, there’s a Bang & Olufsen® sound system to pump out your favorite soundtracks.
The Ford Raptor family spans across its truck and SUV portfolio. F-150 Raptor, F-150 Raptor R, Bronco Raptor, and now Ranger Raptor are all built for the passionate performance enthusiast who wants a truck to tackle their biggest adventures. A pre-production 2023 Ranger Raptor even proved its mettle by winning the stock midclass category of the Baja 1000, completing the course in 26 hours and 21 minutes. And then it drove home, almost 200 miles from the finish line to California.
The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor will be proudly assembled at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan††† with orders beginning later this month and availability late this summer. Visit Ford.com/RangerReady more details and information.
*Class is Midsize Pickups
**Max. 405 horsepower based on 3.0L EcoBoost® engine. Class is Midsize Pickups. Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349® standard. Your results may vary. Horsepower and torque are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.
*** Always consult the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.
†Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and need to control the vehicle. It does not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.
††Requires phone with active data service and compatible software. SYNC® 4A does not control 3rd party products while in use. 3rd Parties are solely responsible for their respective functionality.
†††Assembled in the USA with domestic and foreign parts.
Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries
Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC
BANG & OLUFSEN® AND B&O™ are trademarks of Bang & Olufsen Group. Licensed by Harman Becker Automotive Systems Manufacturing Kft. All Rights reserved
On the rise… Ford’s iconic vehicles, commercial and EVs drove a first-quarter sales increase of 10.7 percent making the Blue Oval America’s best-selling brand.
Ford sales surged across the automaker areas of strength, including trucks (up 19.6 percent); three-row SUVs (up 47.6 percent); Bronco brand (up 18.3 percent); Ford Pro Transit van (up 86.0 percent); Mustang (up 5.2 percent) and electric vehicles (up 41.0 percent).
Overall, Ford’s vehicle sales – Ford Blue, Ford Pro, Model e and Lincoln – totaled 475,906, up 10.1 percent with estimated share up over a year ago.
Ford’s EV sales grew 41.0 percent in the first quarter on sales of 10,866 electric vehicles. F-150 Lightning sales totaled 4,291 pickups with production capacity actions on track to hit an annual production run rate of 150,000 this year. Sales by Ford Pro of the E-Transit, America’s best-selling electric van last year, climbed 62.7 percent. Reflecting downtime at the plant for changes to increase production, Mustang Mach-E sales were down.
Ford is America’s No. 1 selling truck manufacturer, with 254,023 trucks and vans sold in the first quarter, outselling GM’s trucks and vans by approximately 27,000 vehicles. Sales of Ford’s overall trucks, including pickups and vans, were up 19.6 percent on the strength of F-Series pickups (up 21.1 percent) and Ford Pro’s Transit van (up 86.0 percent).
To support this momentum, Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant will add a third crew in April to increase production for Ford Pro of the best-selling Transit and E-Transit vans. Ford also is increasing production at manufacturing plants across North America to meet strong customer demand for vehicles including Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, Bronco Sport and Maverick.
“Ford is off to a fast start to the year. Ford’s sales growth and investments are a direct result of strong customer demand across our truck, SUV, and electric vehicle segments. And this year’s highly anticipated new product launches with Super Duty, Escape, Mustang and Ranger, will only add to this momentum,” said Andrew Frick, vice president, sales distribution, and trucks.
Ford Explorer was the best-selling, three-row midsize SUV in America, and the red-hot Bronco brand saw sales growth of 18.3 percent, including a 37.6 percent rise for Bronco. Additionally, Expedition sales surged.
BlueCruise, Ford’s driver assist technology, is now available on 186,000 vehicles; customers have accumulated more than 55 million hands-free miles driven with the technology. Consumer Reports rated Ford BlueCruise as the top-rated active driving assistance system.
Start the search for your new or certified pre-owned Ford at http://ReedHasIt.com.
We all love the thrill of the drive, but we also want to live life in the safe lane. In this news you can use from The Reed Factor, check out the Mustang Mach-E and Ford Explorer latest safety news. Both Fords earned overall ‘good’ ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety after successfully completing updated front overlap crash testing.
Of the 13 midsize SUVs tested, Mustang Mach-E and Explorer were two of four utilities to receive the IIHS top tier good rating.
Mustang Mach-E achieved good ratings in every safety category tested by IIHS, making it the top scoring electric midsize SUV of all tested through today.
The Ford Explorer is also recognized by IIHS as a TOP SAFETY PICK.
“Safety and quality are two of our top priorities,” said Jim Baumbick, vice president, Ford Product Development and Quality. “Receiving this recognition from IIHS for Mustang Mach-E and Explorer has reaffirmed that we’re focused in the right places to help make our customers’ lives better.”
The new IIHS 2.0 moderate front overlap crash testing now includes measuring impact to rear-seat occupants in addition to front passengers. The same good rating applies to all Mustang Mach-Es since it was introduced and the 2022-23 Ford Explorer.
Ford uses seat belts with pretensioner and load limiting technology in both the first and second rows to help achieve these latest test results.
Ford’s SUV sales so far in 2023 have made it America’s top-selling SUV brand with Explorer earning the title as America’s best-selling three-row midsize SUV. Mustang Mach-E was the second-best selling electric SUV in 2022.
Ready to find your new Ford, get started at ReedHasIt.com.
Ford is garnering more recognition, this times with Edmunds, a trusted guide in car shopping for over 50 years. The publication named the Ford F-150 Lightning as the Best of the Best in Edmunds Top Rated Awards 2023. This follows the announcement last week that the Ford F-150 had won the coveted Edmunds Top Rated Truck and the F-150 Lightning the Edmunds Top Rated Electric Truck awards, making Ford the most recognized brand.
Best of the Best is a new flagship award from Edmunds that recognizes the stand-out vehicle on sale today. Informed by Edmunds’ industry-leading testing process, this award is given at the Edmunds editors’ discretion and considers the vehicle’s impact, innovation and relevance to car shoppers.
Edmunds’ test team acknowledged the F-150 Lightning’s advanced purposeful technology providing new solutions and value to customers that rely on the truck’s abilities each day.
“[F-150 Lightning] embraces the advantages of electric technology to create a better truck for truckers,” said Edmunds Editor-in-Chief Alistair Weaver. “This isn’t a lifestyle toy; it’s a working tool in the best tradition of the F-150. The heart of America is in robust health.”
So many awards in so little time. This is the latest electrifying honor in a series of awards for F-150 Lightning, which has also won North American Truck of the Year, Edmunds Top Rated EV Truck, MotorTrend Truck of the Year, TIME Top 200 Invention of 2022, 2023 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award, 202 2 Altair Enlighten Award, Sobre Ruedas 2022 Awards, Wards 10 Best & Engines & Propulsion Systems, Internet Brands Best Car to Buy, Victory & Reseda Vehicle of the Year, TopGear.com 2022 American Car of the Year, Autoblog Technology of the Year 2022, Motor1 Star Awards, CarBuzz Save the Planet award and multiple Sabre awards.
Edmunds Top Rated Award winners are selected by the Edmunds editorial team based on informed opinions gathered during its vehicle testing and ranking process, including the Edmunds EV Range Test for electric vehicles. Edmunds’ editors selected the overall winners from a group of finalists that consisted of each of the highest-ranked eligible new vehicles as of November 1, 2022, in their vehicle classes assigned by Edmunds. Eligible vehicles must have undergone the full Edmunds testing process by November 1, 2022, and be available for sale as new on January 1, 2023.
Ford Media Source – Editor’s notes: Edmunds Top Rated Best of the Best award is the latest in the F-150 Lightning trophy case. Others includeNorth American Truck of the Year, Motor Trend Truck of the Year, The Car Connection Best Car to Buy, Detroit Free Press Truck of the Year, Green Car Reports Best Car to Buy, TIME Top 200 Invention of 2022, 2023 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award, 2022 Altair Enlighten Award, Sobre Ruedas 2022 Awards, Wards 10 Best & Engines & Propulsion Systems, Internet Brands Best Car to Buy, Victory & Reseda Vehicle of the Year, TopGear.com 2022 American Car of the Year, Autoblog Technology of the Year 2022, Motor1 Star Awards, CarBuzz Save the Planet award and multiple Sabre awards.
Exciting news for Ford to kick off the year, the 2023 Ford Bronco and 2023 Ford Maverick have been recognized by Car and Driver in the magazines “10 Best Trucks and SUVs” list. For Bronco, this marks the second consecutive year appearing on a “10 Best” list.
The vehicles considered were reviewed on a 100-point scale by Car and Driver editors and selected based on the publication’s criteria: delivering on the vehicle’s intended purpose better than its competition, offering great value, and entertaining to drive.
“It’s an honor to see Maverick and Bronco receive this recognition,” said Jim Baumbick, vice president, Ford product development operations, cycle planning and internal combustion engine programs. “Both vehicles are the result of intensely focusing on meeting customer needs and providing iconic vehicles they love to drive.”
The full list is available now on the Car and Driver website and will be in the publication’s February/March issue, which will be available everywhere by Feb. 7. Car and Driver said the following about each vehicle:
Ford Bronco – “Although the hype is passing and Broncos are now a common sight, we’re still smitten with this SUV, which combines supreme open-air off-road chops with tolerable highway manners. Recent additions to the lineup include the retro Heritage model, the swamp-creature Everglades, and the all-conquering Raptor, which hits 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and comes with tires that would do it proud at the King of the Hammers competition. Minimalists can get a four-cylinder two-door model with steel wheels. Realists might go for a four-door Outer Banks and its on-pavement civility. And survivalists can park an Everglades, with its winch and snorkel, at their bug-out compound. All those models share a commitment to fun, an attitude that driving ought to be a good time. A Bronco is supposed to deliver a little spark of excitement every time you fire it up. And in its third model year, it definitely still does.”
Ford Maverick – “The Maverick makes a very strong case for a compact pickup. The cab doesn’t require a big climb to get into. Loading its bed doesn’t mean lifting heavy cargo four feet off the ground. And the sightlines actually allow you to see what’s in front of you. Easy to own, easy to use, and easy to live with, the Maverick proves that when done right, a compact truck is the just-enough truck. It may lack the body-on-frame construction of its bigger siblings, but with up to 1,500 pounds of payload capacity, this isn’t a truck in name only. It may not tow a jetliner, but the 250-hp turbo 2.0-liter’s 4,000-pound max rating can handle real-life tasks such as a small snowmobile trailer or a pair of personal watercraft. At the same time, the standard front-wheel-drive-only hybrid powertrain tugs just 2,000 pounds but returns an eye-popping 42 mpg city, according to the EPA.”1
This recognition joins the shelf of awards and honors the vehicles have received since being unveiled in 2021. Below is a snapshot of some of the awards and honors:
Ford Bronco
2022 North American SUV of the Year
Forbes – 2022 Forbes Wheels of the Year
Top Gear – 2021 American Car of the Year
iF Design Gold Award 2021
Car and Driver – 2022 10Best Trucks & SUVs
Motor1 – Best Adventure Vehicle
Ford Maverick
2022 North American Truck of the Year
KBB Best Buy Awards – 2022 Best New Model and Best Compact Pickup
TFLTruck – 2022 Best Truck of the Year
Detroit Free Press – 2022 Truck of the Year
The Detroit News – 2021 (Maverick) & 2022 Vehicle of the Year (Maverick Tremor)
