USA - The Pony Bdge returns to the EcoBoost Mustang Range for the 2018 Model year.

The pony is going back into the corral. An available Pony Package for the 2018 Mustang – offered with EcoBoost®-equipped cars – gives a nod to the nameplate heritage with its grille-mounted pony-in-corral badge design.

As it was more than 50 years ago, the iconic Mustang logo will be surrounded in a chrome corral for the 2018 Ford Mustang-equipped Pony Package. The badge design first appeared on Mustang in the mid-1960s when the car was still in concept phase. It has appeared in various forms since, and was last used as part of an anniversary package for 2015.

The pony-in-corral grille badge is one of numerous appearance updates included with the Pony Package. Other features include:

• 19-inch polished aluminum wheels
• Bright beltline and window trim for fastback model
• Premium carpeted floor mats with Ebony embroidered pony logo
• Side stripes on lower body sides
• Tri-bar pony badge on rear decklid appliqué

The 2018 Mustang is due in showrooms this October.

Ford's sporty models attract buyers of a lower age range than the normal models.

• Buyers of Ford’s sporty Fiesta ST, Focus ST, Focus RS and Fusion Sport models are three to 10 years younger than buyers of non-performance variants of these vehicles; younger customers give automakers a better chance of winning over repeat buyers
• These younger, performance-hungry customers are also more affluent; the annual income of Fiesta ST and Focus ST customers is approximately 70 percent higher than that of regular Focus and Fiesta variants
• Ford’s sporty car sales jumped 45 percent for the first quarter of 2017, bucking the trend of the overall U.S. industry that is seeing consumers shift from cars to SUVs

Customers of Ford’s sporty cars are not just young at heart; they’re actually younger on average, and more affluent, according to New Vehicle Customer Study data from MaritzCX.

Nowhere is this trend more evident than with Ford Fiesta ST. While the average age of a new Fiesta buyer is 45 years old, the average age of a Fiesta ST customer is a good 10 years younger. Buyers of Ford Focus follow the same pattern; the average age of a regular Focus buyer is 46, while the Focus RS customer is 41 on average and the Focus ST buyer is 36. Fusion customers are 48 on average, while Fusion Sport buyers are an average 45 years old.

These millennial buyers are important to Ford. Not only are they contributing to a significant increase in sporty car sales – a 45 percent increase for the first three months of the year – younger customers give the automaker a greater chance of winning over repeat buyers.

“With repeat customers making up around half of industry sales, capturing younger buyers while they still have many vehicle purchases remaining in their lives is good for business,” said Corey Holter, Ford car group marketing manager.

Millennial customers arrive at dealerships with money to spend. While household income for the average Fiesta buyer is $59,000, for Fiesta ST, that figure jumps to $102,000. The average Focus buyer has a household income of $63,000, while Focus ST and Focus RS customers show markedly higher household incomes – on average, $108,000 and $169,000, respectively (data for Focus RS is limited and not statistically significant).

And with car segments on the wane industrywide as buyers shift toward SUVs and crossovers, sales of Ford’s hot hatchbacks – Fiesta ST, Focus ST and Focus RS – are continuing to buck the trend, as the company reported late last year.

An interesting side note to this is that all of the performance models are EcoBoost®. In the case of the Fusion, many buyers opt for EcoBoost engines in non-performance vehicles, but even the EcoBoost Mustang has a younger buyer on average (41 years old) compared to non-EcoBoost Mustangs (44 years old).

USA - The Editors of Autotrader USA has picked the F0150 Raptor as one of its Must Test Drive cars.

The editors at Autotrader have discovered what owners, fans and the media have been reporting now for months: The all-new F-150 Raptor is a “Must Test Drive” vehicle for 2017.

The Autotrader designation is a consumer-focused award program designed to highlight the top 12 vehicles shoppers must see and experience to believe. 

Winning vehicles are chosen based on a diverse set of criteria outlined by Autotrader editorial experts, who log thousands of miles test driving the latest cars, trucks and SUVs each year.

“For all the awards and accolades owners and the media have bestowed upon the all-new F-150 Raptor, the only way to truly understand how incredible this truck has become is to get to a Ford dealer and get behind the wheel,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager.

The purpose-built, off-road F-150 Raptor builds on the success of its predecessor with performance gains and new technology. The all-new Raptor stands alone among high-performance off-road trucks, featuring a high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® engine generating 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, plus a segment-first 10-speed automatic transmission and six-mode Terrain Management System^™. Its high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body saves 500 pounds over the previous model.

The 2017 F-150 Raptor’s competition-proven chassis also sets the performance bar with its second-generation BF Goodrich KO2 tires designed exclusively for the truck’s extended off-road capabilities. In addition, upgraded FOX Shocks (jointly engineered by Ford Performance and FOX) are 44 percent larger with 3-inch diameter shock canisters (2.5-inch previously) and nine-stage bypass damping delivering improved suspension control. The new shock design enables an increase in suspension travel to 13-inches at the front and 13.9-inches at the rear (a 0.8-inch front and 1.9-inch rear increase in wheel travel compared to its predecessor).

The Autotrader award is the latest in a series of accolades for the all-new F-150 Raptor, including Truck of the Year from FOUR WHEELER, AutoGuide.com and Cars.com.The recognition for Raptor further highlights Ford’s yearlong celebration of F-Series as best-selling truck in America for 40 consecutive years, and 35 years as best-selling vehicle in America. Join the #40YearsTough celebration at www.40YearsTough.com.

All-new Ford Expedition – the smartest, most capable and most adaptable Expedition ever

• All-new Ford Expedition – the smartest, most capable and most adaptable Expedition ever – provides families generous space, connectivity and smart new technology for their next adventures
• Flexible seating and storage solutions include second-row tip-and-slide seating that provides easy access to the third row even when child seats are installed; new, more powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® engine and class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission are expected to deliver the best towing capability of any full-size SUV
• Ford introduces the all-new Expedition today with an assist from the Dallas Cowboys in Texas – America’s best-selling full-size SUV market; Dallas firefighters join Ford to surprise a local first responder with an all-new Expedition

For today’s active families, Ford introduces the all-new Expedition – the smartest, most capable and most adaptable Expedition ever – with technology to keep every passenger connected, more power for drivers, and more expected towing capability than any other full-size SUV.

The all-new Expedition makes its debut today with an assist from the Dallas Cowboys in Texas – America’s best-selling full-size SUV market.

“When Expedition was introduced 20 years ago, it set the standard for active families who simply needed a big and strong SUV to take them places,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Today’s families want even more smart technology to help them cover more ground safely, more efficiently and more comfortably – all while staying connected to friends and family.”

Smartest Expedition ever

The all-new Expedition offers more driver-assist technology than any other full-size SUV.

In addition, an all-new high-strength, aluminum-alloy body and redesigned high-strength steel frame form the foundation for Expedition’s rugged off-road and strong towing capabilities. Thanks to the use of advanced materials, the all-new Expedition saves up to 300 pounds, and the team reinvested that weight savings everywhere it counts to give customers more technology and convenience features than ever before.

More than 40 features and driver-assist technologies new to Expedition help make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

These include class-exclusive enhanced active park assist to easily pull in and out of parking spots, as well as available 360-degree camera technology to help customers see more around their Expedition for easier parking.

On the road, Expedition’s lane-keeping aid is designed to reduce unintentional drifting of the vehicle outside its intended lane, while adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go allows drivers to set a cruising speed, using radar and camera technology to monitor traffic to maintain a set distance between vehicles.

Its collision avoidance detection system helps drivers avoid other vehicles or pedestrians, while available Blind Spot Information System helps monitor blind spots outside the driver’s immediate view.

In addition, Expedition offers available new connectivity technologies and convenience features, including:

• Wireless charging; Expedition is Ford’s first vehicle to feature this system, which allows customers to place compatible mobile devices on an integrated charging pad conveniently located in the front center console
• Wi-Fi hotspot supports as many as 10 devices at once, up to 50 feet away from the vehicle
• Dual-headrest rear seat entertainment system provides a next-generation video experience that allows passengers to view their home cable programming on either of two video screens or hand-held devices
• SYNC^® 3, with both Apple CarPlay^™ and Android Auto^™ capability, allows drivers to stay connected on the move
• SYNC Connect lets owners connect with the vehicle remotely using FordPass^® to start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle from anywhere, while also allowing access to important vehicle diagnostic information
• Power for passengers in every row, with four 12-volt power points, six USB chargers and a 110-volt power outlet that lets passengers stay charged and connected
• 12-speaker B&O PLAY premium audio system perfected by acoustic engineers for a sound experience even audiophiles will appreciate
• Advanced cargo manager with an adjustable shelf behind the third row lets owners create a storage space customized to whatever they’re hauling; even when parked on a hill, cargo won’t roll out the back of Expedition when the liftgate is opened
• Panoramic Vista Roof spans two rows, a feature not offered by any competitor

Most capable Expedition ever

Powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® engine with standard Auto Start-Stop plus a class-exclusive new 10-speed automatic transmission, the all-new Expedition is the most powerful Expedition ever. A newly available electronic limited-slip differential on models with Intelligent 4WD enables improved off-road capability by sending power where it’s needed.

More than 50 percent of Expedition customers value towing, and 15 percent tow weekly or monthly. That’s why the all-new Expedition offers Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which makes backing up a trailer as easy as turning a knob.

Plus, an available hands-free liftgate makes loading cargo easy.

Most adaptable Expedition ever

The all-new Expedition has a roomy, flexible interior. With seating for up to eight people and their gear, this full-size SUV makes modern family adventures more comfortable during short and long trips alike.

The all-new Expedition is the first full-size utility to feature a sliding second-row seat with tip-and-slide functionality, providing easy access to the third row without the need to first remove a child safety seat. Once in the third row, even adults will appreciate more legroom and reclining seats.

Expedition’s second- and third-row seats can be quickly folded flat with the push of a button to open up a cargo area wide enough to handle 4x8-foot sheets of plywood and other gear, depending on cargo weight and load distribution, even with the liftgate closed.

Even the drive is more adaptable, with Expedition’s all-new Terrain Management System^™ that lets customers choose between drive modes for optimal vehicle handling in different conditions. This includes normal for around-town driving, sport for more spirited trips, tow/haul for improved towing and hauling performance, eco for enhanced fuel economy, grass/gravel/snow for loose terrain, sand for low traction situations, and mud/rut for uneven surfaces.

Revealed today

The all-new Ford Expedition is being unveiled at Ford Center at The Star with Stephen Jones, Dallas Cowboys chief operating officer and executive vice president.

Last fall, Ford and the Dallas Cowboys surprised Dallas firefighters of Station 43 by refurbishing their station. Ford is now working with both the Cowboys and the fire station to surprise a local first responder with an all-new Expedition to continue his unstoppable level of service and enable new family adventures.

The all-new Expedition is available in XLT, Limited and Platinum series. In addition, an XL version is available for fleet customers, from law enforcement to emergency services. To help customers choose the right amount of interior room for their families, all series are available on the extended-length Expedition MAX.

The all-new Expedition is part of Ford’s plan to grow its SUV leadership with five new vehicles for North America in the next four years.

The all-new Expedition arrives this fall. It is built at Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky. 

2017 Ford Fiesta ST has received a Kelley Blue Book 2017 5-Year Cost to Own Award.

Due in part to a low Kelley Blue Book^® Fair Purchase Price and low maintenance costs, the 2017 Ford Fiesta ST has received a Kelley Blue Book 2017 5-Year Cost to Own Award for sporty compact cars.

Fiesta ST’s competitive EPA rating of 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined also contributed to its win. 

Fiesta ST is equipped with a standard six-speed manual transmission and a 1.6-liter 16-valve Ti-VCT turbocharged direct-injection EcoBoost^® four-cylinder engine.

Every year, Kelley Blue Book recognizes new vehicles with the lowest projected ownership costs over the first five years in various segments. 

The awards take into consideration depreciation, expected fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, and state fees.

CHINA - Ford in the U.S. has exported the first batch of F-150 Raptors to China.

• First all-new Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew shipped to China, bringing unmatched levels of off-road excitement and performance to the world’s largest auto market
• F-150 Raptor – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 Raptor ever – marks first-ever official export program for Ford F-Series and F-150 to China
• All-new F-150 Raptor joins Ford GT, all-new Focus RS, Focus ST and Fiesta ST to expand Ford Performance portfolio in China and offer more powerful, fun-to-drive products for customers there

Ford has started shipping its all-new 2017 F-150 Raptor – the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup truck – to eager customers in China, marking the first time any U.S.-built F-Series truck has been officially exported to China.

F-150 Raptor is a class of one among off-road performance vehicles, with purpose-built engine, chassis and suspension – all of which enable it to travel fast over challenging desert landscapes or crawl along rocky terrain, from Baja to the Gobi Desert.

“Ford is one of America’s top exporters, and F-150 Raptor’s appeal and unmatched off-road performance has earned the truck a loyal following around the globe,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas. “Export to China enables us to bring a new group of enthusiasts into the Ford family.”

Exported as a four-door SuperCrew model, the second-generation F-150 Raptor leverages the latest advanced technologies, including a military-grade, high-strength, aluminum-alloy cab, while its muscular body is uniquely composite. The all-new Raptor features an exclusive high-output version of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® engine, plus a Ford-built 10-speed automatic transmission and advanced six-mode Terrain Management System^™.

Other one-of-a-kind F-150 Raptor features include a Ford Performance-engineered high-strength steel frame with custom Fox Racing shocks with higher ground clearance, BFGoodrich off-road tires and full dual-performance exhaust system.

“Raptor’s unique looks and capability have generated amazing buzz at every auto show we’ve brought it to around China,” said David Schoch, Ford group vice president and president, Ford Asia Pacific. “F-150 Raptor is another example of our commitment to offer a wide range of vehicles for customers in China – everything from SUVs to high-performance cars and trucks.”

F-150 Raptor is one of more than 12 new Ford Performance vehicles coming by 2020. It joins Ford GT, Focus RS, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R in a growing Ford Performance lineup.”

The all-new Ford F-150 Raptor is built at Dearborn Truck Plant in North America. 

USA - The Ford Focus RS has been awarded one of the Wards 10 Best Engines.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost^® I-4 powering Ford Focus RS has earned the prestigious 2017 Ward’s 10 Best Engines award − the first time the specially engineered engine has taken home a prize.

Ford’s high-output 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivers 350 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque on 93-octane fuel. It features a bevy of tricks up its sleeve to offer a premium driving experience for customers of the performance hatchback.

Impressive engine output comes courtesy of an all-new, low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with a larger compressor wheel that delivers more airflow and power throughout the rev range – taking Focus RS from 0-62 mph in just 4.7 seconds. The hot hatch also offers four different drive modes, and pioneers innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring for class-leading cornering speed and unsurpassed driver enjoyment.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine is also available for the 2017 Ford Mustang. In that application, it churns out 310 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque.

Click here to learn more about the Ward’s 10 Best Engines award.