Ford recently announced its 2019 lineup, and there are some surprising changes in store. The North American range has been scaled back dramatically. As sales of sedans and hatchbacks have declined, the company has enjoyed healthy increases in sales of its cornerstone F-series trucks, SUVs, and its quintessential sports car, the Mustang. As a result, Ford is reducing its lineup to reflect these numbers. According to a press release, by 2020 “almost 90 percent of the Ford portfolio in North America will be trucks, utilities, and commercial vehicles.” What does this mean for Ford fans? Read on to learn more.
Ford Cars
While Ford is phasing out its Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, and Taurus models, it is keeping the ever-popular Mustang on the market, and it will be adding the new Ford Focus Active, a crossover hatchback that will be released sometime in 2019. Ford’s vision for these vehicles is to offer them as hybrids at lower costs and with better fuel efficiency. The Mustang Hybrid will be designed to deliver the V-8-like performance its dyed-in-the-wool fans love with lower-end torque. The Focus Active will be a four-door hatchback that will effectively streamline the entire Focus lineup down to one model.
Take Your 2018 Ford on Safari
How would you like to spend the day in your Ford vehicle on safari seeing zebras, camels, giraffes, and tapirs? If that sounds like a distant, expensive dream, it shouldn’t. This is just a tiny glimpse at all that the Tennessee Safari Park has to offer. Just two hours from Nashville, this hidden treasure invites your family to come out and spend the day driving through the park seeing these animals and many more. Read on to learn more about this family fun attraction.
History of the Park
Tennessee Safari Park was once a farm owned by the Conley family. The farm, called Hillcrest, produced numerous types of crops and continues to produce cotton today. The family’s animal collection began with Claude H. Conley I, who gathered peafowl, pheasants, and deer to the family acreage. The tradition continued with his son, Claude M. Conley, who dreamed from an early age of owning a zoo. At the age of 10, he began his collection with two peacocks, then went on to later purchase the first herd of buffalo in the state of Tennessee.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a lap or two around a real NASCAR track? Very few can claim to have had that experience, but with your own Roush Performance vehicle, you might be able to capture some of the same exhilaration of flying around a high-speed racetrack. Or perhaps you want to see what a vehicle is truly capable of when facing a challenging mountain climb? A Roush performance vehicle can answer that. What sets Roush performance vehicles apart? Read on to learn more about the history and special engineering of Roush Performance vehicles.
Roush History
The Roush Performance heritage is a rich and storied one. From drag racing to NASCAR, the company’s racing division has won numerous championships with its outstanding performance engines. The Roush tradition began with Jack Roush, who joined Ford Motor Company in 1964 as an engine development engineer. He founded Roush Performance Engineering in 1976 after winning several drag racing championships with his partner, Wayne Gapp.
In 1984, Roush began pursuing sports racing championships and succeeded over 140 times. In 1988, he ventured into NASCAR racing, where he saw tremendous success. In 2007, Roush partnered with Fenway Racing, which is still winning NASCAR championships today.
Wyatt Johnson Ford – 4 Reasons the 2018 Ford Super Duty Is the Baddest Boy in the Truck Market
Trucks need to be powerful, and nowadays, they also need to be stylish. The 2018 Ford Super Duty series of trucks, which includes the F-250, F-350, and F-450, go way beyond just meeting these criteria. With two powerful engine choices and multiple trim packages, you are sure to find a Super Duty truck that can tow pretty much anything you throw at it while being just right on the interior.
Towing and Payload
The Ford Super Duty lineup of trucks are the strongest available. Each model of the F-250 and F-350 comes standard with an extremely capable 385 horsepower 6.2-liter V8. If you want maximum torque and power, it is worth upgrading to the 6.7 liter Power Stroke diesel that makes 450 horsepower and a whopping 925 pound-feet of torque. The Super Duty can tow up to 34,000 pounds, so you can feel confident that if you want to bring it with you, you can. Towing isn’t the only way the Super Duty carries more than the competition. The F-350 has a maximum payload of 7,630 pounds.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the most popular attractions for Nashville visitors and locals. No matter if you are a die-hard country fan or just someone who enjoys learning more about artists who have shaped American music. you will find something you can enjoy at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Exhibits
There are many exhibits to take in on your visit, including some permanent displays and others traveling exhibits. “Sing Me Back Home” is one of the museum’s most popular permanent exhibits and provides a historical timeline of the emergence of the country scene going back to its early roots. You can find vintage audio recordings and photographs that show the influencers who have shaped country music.
While there are multiple exhibits that will come through the museum throughout the year, some of the recent ones included an exhibit dedicated to Blake Shelton and one to Dierks Bentley. Shelton’s exhibit takes you through his upbringing in Oklahoma through to his dramatic rise to stardom, featuring artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia. Bentley’s display includes some of the singer’s guitars, stage costumes, song lyrics, and much more.
Activities and Programs
There is more than just exhibit viewing at the museum. You can take part in songwriter sessions, where you can enjoy some live performances in a small group setting. These sessions take place on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. providing for a question and answer period after the session.
You can also enjoy various instrument demonstrations, which occur on Sundays at 1 p.m. You can learn about the various musical instruments some of your favorite country musicians use and also learn about some of the more common musical techniques.
If you are looking for a fun and educational program for your children to take advantage of, you can sign them up for one of the many hands-on programs that the museum has to offer. During these youth programs, your children will have the ability to interact with artists, educators, and even professional musicians. They can take part in workshops where they can learn to play the guitar, country music dancing, and even try their hand at songwriting. You can find out what programs are available each weekend at the Taylor Swift Education Center.
Shopping and Dining
Before you head home, make sure to stop by the museum store between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to pick up some merchandise. You can choose from mugs, caps, T-shirts, and posters of your favorite exhibits. You may also want to pick up some of the Studio B merchandise, music, and books from some of the featured artists in the museum. If you want to grab a bite to eat, you can try one of the onsite restaurants, which include Bajo Sexto Tacos, which serves up unique Mexican fare, and the Red Onion, which offers grab and go options all day long.
Spend the day enjoying learning more about the roots of country and some of the greatest country artists of all time at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Image by Krista269, used under CCO 1.0
Wyatt Johnson Ford – Focus ST vs. Focus RS vs. Fiesta ST: Which Hot Hatch Is Right for You?
Ford offers three different hot hatchback models, the Focus RS, Focus ST, and the Fiesta ST, each with their own personality and feature set. You might be wondering, “Which one of these sporty cars is right for me?” Here are some features to consider when making your decision. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be getting a fun-to-drive, high-performance car with tried and tested Ford quality.
Power
The most immediate difference between these three hatchbacks is power. Each has a turbocharged EcoBoost engine. The Fiesta ST includes a 1.6-liter engine that produces 197 horsepower. In a car with a curb weight of 2,742 with a manual transmission, this is more than enough to make you sit up and take notice. Next in line is the Focus ST, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged the makes 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The most powerful of the three is the Focus RS, which pulls 350 horsepower from an EcoBoost 2.3-liter engine
Nashville is an amazing place to live and to visit. There are many great neighborhoods and areas, whether you are looking for an active nightlife or just a place with a cool vibe. If you are looking to move to the Nashville area, or just want to find some cool neighborhoods, be sure to check out these three best Nashville neighborhoods.
The Gulch
One of Nashville’s most popular and up-and-coming premium urban areas, the Gulch, is filled with events and happenings for those who like to take advantage of everything a big city has to offer. Food lovers will enjoy the variety of dining options that can be found in the neighborhood. You can enjoy some evening drinks at Bar Louie, sample some sushi at Sunda, enjoy your favorite pizzas at Night Train Pizza, and enjoy some unique cuisine at Moto.
There are also many events to take advantage of in the Gulch. If you are in the mood to enjoy a few laughs, you can stop in to see the Doyle and Debbie Show at The Station Inn or take advantage of a night of music at the Bluegrass Jam or Grimey’s DJ night.
Food is an important part of Southern culture. Many areas of the South are famous for a few dishes. Nashville, Tennessee is no exception. In fact, iconic Nashville dishes are one way to get to know this eclectic and vibrant city. Learn about seven foods or meals that are staples here.
The Meat and Three
The meat and three is a dish that speaks for itself. It consists of a type of meat and three side dishes. It’s often served with cornbread and sweet tea. Arnold’s Country Kitchen serves an excellent rendition of this dish in its 30 years of experience as part of the city. They also serve a host of other Southern favorites on their menu.
Fried Pickles
Fried foods are common in the south. But fried pickles are a classic. You’ll find different kinds in Nashville like fried pickles with a hint of garlic, fried dill pickles, and fried hamburger pickles. Try the fried pickle chips from Sportman’s Grill if you’re in the mood to try some.
Brunch and Biscuits
You haven’t lived until you’ve had brunch in Nashville. There are numerous options with strong Southern influences. Marché Artisan Foods has a particularly good one, however. Their menu changes frequently but their food stays fresh and interesting. The cafe is European-style and you’ll find dishes like toast with pear and Camembert cheese.
The competition for a good biscuit is fierce and it’s often served at brunch. Another top pick for its biscuits is the Loveless Cafe. Featured on Throwdown with Bobby Flay, they are absolutely worth the long wait to get in and eat them.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are found mostly in Tennessee and not as much in the rest of the south. They’re on a lot of menus in Nashville and the rest of the state because sweet potato fries are often preferred over the regular version. While they are sweeter than normal fries, sweet potato fries pair well with a hearty burger. The best sweet potato fry and burger combination is at The Pharmacy in East Nashville.
Barbeque
Barbecue is big in the United States. Tennessee has its own unique take on this delicious dish though. If you’re in the mood for barbecue, you have to try the ribs at Jack’s Bar-B-Que. Owned by the Jack Cawthon, the ribs serve as the top of the heap in terms of barbecue from the King of Barbeque himself. They’re fall-off-the-bone tender and made with a St. Louis Style rub. Jack’s Bar-B-Que is in downtown Nashville.
Catfish
Catfish is another popular food in the south and also in Nashville. Just like with the fried pickles, this fish tastes good fried. It comes served with different sides like hush puppies and fries or with shrimp. Uncle Bud’s Catfish serves theirs fast in a family-friendly atmosphere along with menu items like frog legs.
Nashville’s food scene is full of restaurants offering their own takes on these iconic and delicious dishes. Stop by one of them the next time you’re in Nashville. Each of them is worth the trip and the wait in many cases.
Having a reliable vehicle for your business is essential. It’s important for getting you places on time. Commercial vehicles also handle the rigors of what you need to bring with you to make your business a success. Here are four Ford vehicles designed to handle your business needs.
2018 Transit Connect
If you have a small business or a larger service-based business requiring employees to meet with customers in the field, the 2018 Transit Connect is a vehicle to look at. It’s a compact van that’s not unlike a minivan and can serve as a commercial or even consumer van.
One of the advantages of the Transit Connect is that it has a car-like drive so it’s a much more appealing vehicle for first-time commercial drivers. It offers a 169-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed transmission that keeps up in traffic. Overall, it is a practical pick for many business types that haul goods and seats up to five passengers.
2018 Transit CC-CA
The Ford Transit CC-CA is the larger full-sized van designed to meet both the transportation and technology needs of business in a vehicle. It features GPS monitoring via Ford Telematics to help businesses keep track of their fleet vehicles. This particular vehicle model has multiple configurations in terms of length and engines.
Use it solely for hauling cargo or seat up to 15 passengers. Engine options include a 310-hp twin-turbo V-6, 185-hp turbo-diesel inline-five with 350 lb-ft of torque, and a 275-hp V-6. All of these come with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed transmission.
2018 Super Duty
A van is not always the most practical solution for a business, especially in industries like construction where the job often involves hauling heavy materials and visiting job sites. The 2018 Super Duty is capable of handling these challenges and more. For this vehicle, drivers can opt for the Power Stroke engine. This engine produces 925 lb-ft of torque and hauls an impressive 32,000 pounds making it ideal for the toughest of jobs. Technology helps too, with features like towing assist and emergency braking. The trim levels have all the features necessary for business and for comfort.
2018 F650 and 750
The larger F650 and 750 serve as the lifeblood for many companies around the country. These latest model trucks are easier to drive, and thanks to improved stability and traction control, sticking to the road is also much improved. Like the other Ford models, the F650 and 750 come with a variety of engine options including a 6.7-liter power stroke engine and a 6.8L gasoline V-10. This medium-sized truck is capable of hauling trailers as well as equipment, making it suitable for many different industries.
Businesses demand more from their vehicles and they must rise to the challenge each and every time. Ford understands this and provides vehicles like the ones listed here to fit any industry and a number of different needs. Check out our inventory and visit our showroom to see some of these vehicles in person.
Ford announced that it is dropping passenger cars from its lineup in 2018. The vehicle market in the United States is moving away from sedans as consumers opt for crossovers. Ford is responding by meeting the growing demand for SUVs, crossovers, and pickups. It will keep only two cars, the iconic Mustang and the upcoming Focus Active. Here’s what’s being cut from the Ford lineup in North America. If you’re considering buying one of these cars, hurry down to your nearest Ford dealer before they’re gone.
Taurus
The Taurus is Ford’s full-size sedan, first introduced in 1986 as a midsize sedan. It quickly became a successful car for Ford, selling over 2 million units by the end of its first generation. The Taurus went out of production for a few years and then brought back as a full-size sedan. Today the Taurus is a stately sedan. It has a spacious cabin with ample leg- and headroom and one of the largest trunks in its class. The 2018 Taurus has four trims priced from $27,690 for the base SE to $42,865 for top end SHO.
Fusion
The midsize Fusion sedan came on the market in 2006, just before the 2008 recession. The Fusion was well-received and exactly what the motor company needed to see it through the economic slump. It also became popular on the NASCAR track. If the Taurus is too bulky, you may find the midsize Fusion a better fit. Your trim choices are extensive with six trims and various engines, including gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. The 2018 model carries over from 2017 unchanged. The price difference is nominal; a base 2017 Fusion S cost $22,120 compared to $22,215 for a 2018 model.
C-Max Hybrid
If you’re looking for a hybrid, grab the C-Max before it disappears from the market. The C-Max is a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) and best described as a tall hatchback. It’s a bigger version of the Focus with spacious seating and a slightly larger cargo area. Its interior styling is also very appealing with good quality materials giving it a more expensive look and feel compared to similar vehicles in its class. The 2018 C-Max offers two trims: the Hybrid SE and Hybrid Titanium. If you’re keen on a plug-in hybrid, get the 2017 Energi model discontinued in 2018.
Fiesta
The smallest car in Ford’s lineup is the Fiesta, available as a sedan or hatchback. The Fiesta debuted in 1976 and has enjoyed robust sales through seven generations. The Fiesta remains a top seller internationally but sales are weak in the United States. However, for students and young people, it is an affordable vehicle priced between $14,205 and $15,735. Parents will like the MyKey feature that allows you to preprogram your teen’s vehicle. You can restrict the top speed, set seat belt reminders, set a low fuel warning, and keep the audio volume low.
Ford’s decision to cut passenger cars wasn’t an easy one. However, to continue producing sedans and small cars no longer makes financial sense, and Ford hopes to cut costs by as much as $25.5 billion by 2022. The C-Max is the first to go — production will end mid-2018. The phasing out of the other three cars will happen in 2019.
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