Wednesday, 26 January 2011

2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric Information from Annette Wetzel-Ramirez at the Gresham Ford Fleet Department

Ford Motor Company has committed the next generation of electric vehicles.  Fors is delivering an all electric version of the Transit Connect light duty commercial vehicle in 2010.  Ford is collaborating with Azure Dynamics, a world leader in the development and production of hybrid elextric commercial vehicles.  Green technology is very important to the northwest community.  Gresham Ford is proud to be the first certifiied GREAT Green Gresham Auto Dealership.  To earn certification all business practices from coffee cups to oil disposal were scrutinized for their impact on the environment.  The collaboration with Azure Dynamics has enabled unprecedented speed to market with the Transit Connect Electric.  Ford is also working closely with its dealerships like Gresham Ford to educate business owners and fleets about the benefits of the electric Transit Connect.  Azure Dynamics will intergrate its Force Drive battery electric drivetrain in the Ford Transit Connect Electric.  Gresham Ford will be accepting ordering for the Transit Connect Electric during the third quarter of 2011.  Leveraging its ONE Ford Strategy, Ford has committed to delivering all-electric power for commercial applications on a global platform.  The Transit Connect Electric is the first vehicle in Ford Motor Companies Eletrification Plan and the first electric vehicle to be sold by the Gresham Ford Fleet Department and the Municipal Fleet Manager Annette Wetzel-Ramirez.  The Transit Connect Electric will also be offered on the State of Oregon Vehicle Contract for all Ford Vehicles.  The Transit Connect Electric is the intial offering in Ford's aggressive new vehicle electrifivation strategy.  During the next three years, Ford will also introduce in North America as well as Oregon and Washington; a new Ford Focus Electric car in 2011.  The next-generation hybrid vehicle platform showcases Ford's ability to deliver products with worldwide marketing opportunities.  Strategic partnerships with supploiers are a key element of Ford's electric vehicle strategy. 

The Transit Connect has replaced many traditional work vans in Oregon and Washington with its increased gas mileage.  Now with the Transit Connect Electric being introduced to the Portland Area and sold by the award winning Gresham Ford Fleet Department even more small businesses as well as municipal fleets are joining the Transit Connect party.  Force Drive components have been used in more than 40 vehicle intregations and have more than 25 million miles of on-the-road experience.  Ford has chosen Azure Dynamics as its partner becuase of their more than 20 year experience designing and developing electric drive systems and providing customers with zer-emmission transportation solutions.  The Transit Connect Electric platform is suited to all-electric power vehicles.  This unique combination of driving dynamics, cargo capacity, low maintenance costs and accessibility makes the Transit Connect Electric a perfect answer for environmentally conscience businesses and city fleet managers.  Commercial users with predictable short range routes with lots of stop and go driving usually suck up the gas however with the Electric Transit Connect there is an 80 mile range and zero emmissions.  Gresham Ford is proud to be a Oregon Ford Dealership offering the Transit Connect Electric.  For more information contact the Gresham Ford Fleet Department at 503-669-5343.  Or to get the State of Oregon Contract Pricing for any Ford Vehicle  contact the Municipal Fleet Manager, Annette Wetzel Ramirez at 503-489-1605 or visit them on the web.

Monday, 24 January 2011

Metropolitan Family Services and Ways to Work


Metropolitan Family Services delivers multiple programs to accomplish a singe purpose; helping children, families, and older adults succeed.  MFS takes an interest in individuals and families that are struggling to make ends meet.  There are a multitude of impediments that stand in the way of building a stronger community.  This agency partners with auto dealerships like Gresham Ford to overcome issues that stand in the way of putting Oregonians to work.  Metropolitan Family Services and its Oregon Auto Dealer partners are dedicated to serving the Portland metro area with their automotive needs. 
Keep in mind that the Ways to Work services are only one portion of the services offered by MFS.  Many struggle adults don't know where to turn when they need reliable transportation but not the funds to acquire it using traditional methods.  Metropolitan Family Services partners with Oregon Auto Dealerships like Gresham Ford to provide an alternative that makes our community stronger.  If you are searching for a reliable car or truck for sale in Oregon this is a great place to start.  Ways to Work is actually a national program serving children and families by providing low interest auto loans.  Parents who are unable to locate funding elsewhere may receive at loan up to $6000 in order to purchase, repair or refinance a vehicle.  The Ways to Work program is the first of its kind in Oregon or Vancouver.  Gresham Ford, an Oregon Ford Auto Dealer, is proud to be approved as a MFS Full Service Auto Dealership. 

In order to meet eligibility standards and be considered for a loan a borrower must be employed at lease three months continuously.  They must also be an involved parent and have exhausted other loan sources.  Households that income is less than 80% of the Portland median income.  For instance a family of four with 80% of the median income for Portland would have a household income of $54,300.  Recipients must also live within Multnomah, Clackamas, or Washington County.  Once a borrower is approved they must agree to repay the loan at 8% interest within two years.  The money they pay is then available for new applicants entering the program.  To learn more about the Federally funded portion of this program visit Ways to Work helping to reconnect families to the American Dream. 

Gresham Ford is dedicated to making the greater Portland area a better community and this is just one of the ways they help.  Whether you have an old car that needs repair or new tires, new windshield or new brakes Gresham Ford works on all makes and all models.  The Quickland located inside Gresham Ford provides quick maintenance on all makes and all models.  Give them a try and save %50 the first time you visit for an oil change.  In fact Gresham Ford has won national attention for the quality of their auto service in the quick lane located inside Gresham Ford.  Senior Master Certified ASE technicians ensure that your vehicle is repaired correctly the first time every time.  And if you will be left for a period of time without a vehicle Gresham Ford can provide service loaners for your convenience.   




Wednesday, 19 January 2011

Gresham Ford announces the release of the Ford Electric Focus and Electric Transit Connect for Oregon and Washington

ONE Ford Electrification Strategy The ONE Ford strategy for vehicle electrification is wide‑ranging and includes: launching five electrified vehicles in the U.S. by 2012.  The electric Transit Connect and Electric Focus are just two models that will be introduced to Portland and Vancouver area in the next 18 months. 

     Introducing a variety of new technologies, such as Microsoft HohmTM, that will help future owners of Ford electric vehicles optimize the way they recharge their vehicle and manage their home’s energy use.  Creating a center of excellence for vehicle electrification where the company will design, engineer and produce key components for its next-generation hybrid-electric and 100 percent electric vehicles.  The Ford plan is to deliver a suite of electrified vehicles
to a variety of markets and build an overall plan that offers the widest possible range of technology solutions — instead of a single vehicle or technology — to improve fuel economy and lower CO 2 emissions for customers around the world.  Blazing new trails and anticipating buyers’ needs are nothing new for Ford.

That’s why an electric vehicle strategy is a key part of the ONE Ford philosophy.  Fuel efficiency, higher fuel costs and concerns about the environment have all affected purchase considerations.  Gresham Ford is committed to the all new Focus Electric Car.  Portland and Vancouver are perfect areas for this cutting edge technology.  Electric vehicles are the right solution to a variety of changing customer wants and needs.  Gresham Ford is just one of the Portland Oregon Ford dealers and wants to be your dealership of choice.

What’s Coming Next!


Today, some competitors are entering the market with one‑off vehicles. For instance, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and Nissan LEAFTM are currently available. Soon, Mitsubishi will introduce its i-MiEV for 2012, and Toyota and Tesla are working on an electric version of the RAV4 for 2012 as well.

We have a much broader overall strategy that will bring to market a suite of vehicles that will offer a variety of electrified powertrains. On the commercial fleet side, it begins with the Transit Connect Electric. On the retail side, we will have the 100 percent electric Focus.

These vehicles represent the first steps in our electrification path moving forward.  Both vehicles bring new levels of technology to the market and will change the way customers interact with their vehicles. 

All-electric Vehicles — available on the 2012 Focus, this powertrain is all electric. Instead of a gasoline engine, this vehicle will feature an electric motor, charging port, high-voltage lithium ion battery and a regenerative braking system. The powertrain is targeted to go up to 100 miles on a single charge and is rechargeable using a 120- or 240-volt electrical outlet. Seeing as electricity is often cheaper than gasoline, it may be less costly to operate. It will also feature an easy to use, advanced power management system to assist drivers in planning trips and managing battery life.

Remember that Gresham Ford is a Family Operated Minority Ford Dealership that serves Oregon and Washington Ford owners.  Gresham Ford wants to be your Oregon Ford dealership of choice.  So if you are in search of a new electric focus or electric transit connect from an Oregon Ford Dealer, Gresham Ford wants to earn your business.  Please feel free to view our online inventory 24 hours.  Talk to you soon. 

Certified Pre-Owned Ford Lincoln Mercury Vehicles For Sale at Gresham Ford

If a vehicle doesn’t meet our strict criteria, we won’t certify it. It’s that simple.  Gresham Ford is your Certified Pre-Owned Car Truck and SUV specialist in Oregon.  Whether you're looking for Ford Cars for Sale or Ford Trucks for Sale in Portland or Vancouver areas Gresham Ford would like to be your Oregon Ford Dealership of choice.  To better serve the Portland area Ford Truck needs Gresham Ford only chooses the best cars and trucks to earn the stamp of approval Certified Pre-Owned.  Each vehicle must pass a rigorous 169 point-by-point inspection by Ford factory-trained technicians. Only those vehicles that pass can become Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.

Each Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicle also undergoes a comprehensive mechanical reconditioning process during certification. To ensure the highest standard of quality is met, only new, Genuine Ford, Motorcraft® or Ford-authorized replacement parts are used during this reconditioning.

The 169-point inspection is divided into the following areas:

Customer 169-Point Vehicle Inspection Checklist


Original: Owner Copy: Dealer

Prior to delivery of your vehicle, the following checks and

inspections were performed. Any item(s) that did not pass

our 169-point inspection have been replaced or repaired.

Vehicle History

1 VINs match on vehicle and paperwork

2 Recalls (OASIS) performed (including software updates

for hybrid)

3 Vehicle History Report obtained

4 Scheduled maintenance performed

5 Vehicle has emissions sticker (applicable states)

Road Test

6 Starts, idles properly (cold/hot)

7 Remote start system operates

8 Accelerates and cruises smoothly

9 Engine noise normal (cold/hot and low/high speeds)

10 Automatic/manual transmission/transaxle operates/shifts

normally (cold/hot)

11 Automatic/manual transmission/transaxle noise normal

(cold/hot)

12 Shift interlock operates

13 Drive axle/transfer case operation, noise normal

14 Clutch operates smoothly, proper adjustment

15 Steers normally (proper effort/response, centering, free play,

does not pull)

16 Body, suspension (no squeaks, rattles, vibration)

17 Struts/shocks operate

18 Brakes/ABS operate (pedal effort appropriate, no pulling,

pulsating) Note: ABS may pulsate under hard braking

19 Cruise control operates

20 All gauges, speedometer, tachometer, odometer operate

21 Driver select/memory profile operates

22 No abnormal wind noise

Vehicle Exterior

Body Panels and Bumpers

23 Overall, no evidence of flood, hail, fire or any major damage

24 Body panels not visibly damaged, misaligned, paint not

mismatched or poor

25 Bumpers/fascia not visibly damaged, misaligned, no poor paint

Doors, Hood, Deck Li d, Tailgate

26 Not visibly damaged, paint not mismatched or poor

27 Aligned properly (check jambs for over spray from repairs)

28 Automatic/manual release mechanisms, hinges, attaching

devices, prop rod/gas struts operate

29 Power lift gate, power sliding doors operate

Grill, Trim, Roof Rack

30 Attached, free from visible damage

31 Deployable running boards operate, free from damage

Glass, Outside Mi rrors

32 Windshield, side, rear windows free from visible cracks, pits,

wiper marks

33 Wiper blades replaced

34 Mirrors, hinge (no cracks, damage)

Exterior Li ght s – Operate, lenses not damaged

35 Front end (headlights including high/low and alignment,

park, turn, fog)

36 Back end (tail, brake, high mount brake, turn, backup,

license plate)

37 Side (side marker, mirror puddle lights)

38 Hazard

39 Auto on/off lighting feature operates

40 Trailer lamp connector operates

Vehicle Interior

Ai r bag/Safety belts

41 Air bags intact, no codes, dash light works (check steering

wheel for abnormal wear, may indicate repaired with used

steering wheel and air bag)

42 Safety belts work, free from cuts or wear

Audio and Alarm Systems – Operate

43 Radio, cassette, CD, speakers, satellite radio

44 Antenna

45 Alarm/theft deterrent system

46 Navigation system (CDs present if applicable)

Heat/Vent/AC/Defrost – Operates

47 Air conditioning system, dual and rear climate operation

48 Heating system

49 Defog/defrost (front, rear, outside mirrors)

Interior Ameniti es – Operate, no damage

50 Clock

51 Tilt/telescopic steering wheel (including power)

52 Steering column lock

53 Steering wheel controls

54 Horn

55 Warning chimes

56 Instrument panel lights, gauges, warning lights (pass

bulb check)

57 Wipers (all modes/speeds/delays, no streaks)

58 Washers (spray pattern correct)

59 Interior courtesy, dome, map lights

60 Mirrors (manual and power side mirrors, rear-view

auto-dimming)

61 Rear-view camera system

62 Sync system (test and perform master reset)

63 Rear entertainment system, including wireless headphones

and remotes

64 Power outlets, lighter

65 Ashtrays

66 Glove box, light, center armrest/console

67 Sun visors, vanity mirrors and lights

68 Adjustable pedals

Carpet, Trim, Mats – Clean, no stains or damage

69 Interior odor free

70 Carpet (check for rust under it due to flood damage)

71 Floor mats

72 Door trim/panels attached

73 Headliner

Seats

74 Upholstery clean, not stained, worn, cut, cracked

75 Seats/head restraint adjustments (manual/power)

76 Folding seats operate (manual/power), fold down

latches operate

77 Heated seats operate

78 Integrated child safety seats operate

Sunroof/Moonroof/Convertib le Top

79 Sunroof/moonroof operates in all modes

80 Convertible top operates, not damaged; cover, rear window

not damaged

Windows, Door Locks – Operate

81 Handles, release mechanisms

82 Remote entry systems (key fobs, door key pads)

83 Door locks (manual, power modes)

84 Child safety locks

85 Window controls (manual, power, express modes)

86 Remote deck lid, fuel filler door releases

Luggage Compartment

87 Carpet, trim, cargo net (clean, no damage)

88 Luggage compartment light operates

89 Jack, spare tire tools operate

90 Spare tire is correct size and type, no damage

91 Spare tire at least 50% tread depth remaining,

correct pressure

92 Tire inflator kit present

93 Emergency trunk lid release operates

Vehicle Diagnostics

Module System Test

94 Perform Self Test for all CMDTC (no continuous DTC stored in

vehicle equipped modules)

Underhood

Fluids – Check condition and level, check maintenance

schedule for required service, add or change as required

95 Engine oil and filter (change)

96 Coolant (level, freeze point)

97 Brake fluid

98 Automatic transmission/transaxle fluid

99 Transfer case fluid

100 Drive axle fluid

101 Power steering fluid

102 Clutch fluid

103 Washer fluid

104 Air conditioning system charge

Engine

105 Check for fluid leaks

106 Hoses and lines (coolant, fuel, brake, steering, vacuum, A/C),

check for wear, leaks

107 Belts (check for wear, cracks, fraying, proper adjustment)

108 Wiring (check condition)

109 Oil in air cleaner (possible excess blow-by, bad PCV)

110 Water in oil (check underside of oil filler cap)

111 Oil pressure (test with gauge if only warning light)

112 Cylinder compression/power balance (check if necessary)

113 Timing belt (inspect condition, change per maintenance

schedule)

114 Engine mounts (not broken, separated)

115 Inspect Charge Air Cooler for damage or leaks

Cooling System

116 Radiator (check for leaks, condition of tubes, fins)

117 Pressure test radiator cap and cooling system

118 Cooling fans, clutches, motors operate

119 Water pump free from leaks or unusual noise

120 Coolant recovery tank (level sensor works)

121 Cabin air filter (change per maintenance schedule)

Fuel System

122 Fuel pump noise normal (no leaks if external pump)

123 Fuel pump pressure reading correct

124 Fuel filter(s) (change per maintenance schedule)

125 Air filter (change per maintenance schedule)

Elect ric al System

126 Starter operates

127 Ignition system (operation/scope)

128 Battery type, condition, fluid level, load test correct

129 Alternator output correct

130 Diesel pre-glow system operates

Hybrid

131 Hybrid cooling system for leaks, check level and condition

132 Switchable powertrain mount (operation)

133 Hybrid entertainment and information display (operation)

134 110v power outlet (operation)

Underbody

Frame

135 No visible damage, signs of repair or abnormal tire wear

136 Fuel lines, fuel tank, hoses and couplings not leaking

Exhaust System

137 Entire exhaust system (including catalytic converter)

not damaged or leaking

138 Perform emissions control test

Transmission, Transaxle, Di fferenti al,

Transfer Case

139 Automatic transmission/transaxle not damaged or leaking

140 Manual transmission/transaxle/drive axle/transfer case, not

damaged or leaking

141 4x4 hub operation (engage and disengage properly)

142 Universal joints, CV joints, boots not damaged, leaking, or

excessive wear/looseness, noise when accelerating or turning

143 Transmission mounts (not cracked, broken, oil soaked)

144 Differential/drive axles (not damaged or leaking)

Tires and Wheels

145 All tires and wheels match, correct size

146 Tread depth, at least 50% remaining

147 Normal tire wear, no alignment or sidewall problems

148 Pressures correct

149 Tire pressure monitor system operates

150 Wheels/finish free from damage, run-out normal

151 Wheel covers, center caps, free from damage

Suspension St eering

152 Rack and pinion, linkage, boots not visibly damaged or leaking

153 Control arms, ball joints, bushings not visibly damaged or worn

154 Tie rods, idler arm operate to factory specs

155 Sway bars, links, bushings operate to factory specs

156 Springs have proper ride height (not sagged)

157 Struts, shocks not leaking

158 Wheel alignment correct (check if necessary)

159 Power steering pump and hoses (check operation, no leaks)

Brakes

160 Calipers, cylinders operate with no leaks

161 Pads, shoes, at least 50% thickness remaining

162 Rotors, drums, at least 50% thickness remaining, not scored,

run-out within factory specs

163 Brake lines, hoses, fittings not worn or leaking

164 Parking brake operates, releases, adjusted properly

165 Master cylinder and booster, no leaks

Convenience

166 Owner’s Guide present

167 Keys and key fobs present

168 Universal Garage Door Opener buttons cleared

169 Fuel tank full

VIN

Technician Signature Date

Service Manager Signature Date

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Manager Date

Friday, 14 January 2011

The New 2011 Ford Explorer has arrived at Gresham Ford

     The all new Ford Explorer has arrived at Gresham Ford located minutes from Portland.  This Oregon Ford Dealer is dedicated to outstanding customer service.  The Key Product Message for the  2011 Explorer is 100% Reinvented as well as having Best in Class Fuel Economy – 25% better than prior version.  The all new Explorer is also Smart / Capable – Innovative Terrain Management System while being Capable – 3 Rows / 7 Passengers.  This Smart / Technology – Cutting edge technology to keep you connected to your world (MyFord Touch).  Oregon and Washington Ford fans will really enjoy the all new 2011 Ford Explorer. 

The Ford Explorer is all-new and features a three-model lineup: Explorer (Base), XLT and Limited.  With Unibody construction provides a dramatic improvement in driving dynamics.  The all-new exterior blends a modern, aerodynamic design with the robust capability Explorer is known for.  Gresham Ford is the Oregon Ford dealership minutes from Portland Oregon and has 2011 Ford Explorers to test drive.  When you research the Ford Explorer you will see the new standard 3.5L V6 engine with Ti-VCT provides 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque for outstanding performance with excellent fuel efficiency.  The new 6-speed automatic transmissions help provide smooth gear shifts and excellent overall fuel economy ratings.  While the new Intelligent 4WD drive with Terrain Management System (TMS) availability will open this luxury feature to the masses.  The new Explorer also sports a all-new interior appearance and materials provide a world-class environment for driver and passengers.  All of the latest Ford Motor Company safety and convenience technologies are standard or optional - giving you lots of choices.  The 2011 Ford Model Lineup includes three-models including the Explorer (Base), XLT
 and Limited.  When considering performance and handling the new 3.5L V6 engine with Ti-VCT standard accompanied with the new 6-speed automatic transmissions will catch your eye.  With the choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System (TMS) you will be excited to embark on adventures in the Northwest.  The Independent MacPherson strut front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension provide a smooth ride.  While Electronic Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) provides variable steering effort and helps improve fuel efficiency and we all want that .



Safety/Security is also a large part of the 2011 Ford Explorer redesign.  AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability ControlTM) is standard on every Ford SUV and now also includes curve control.  Driver and front passenger airbags as well as front-seat side airbags and the industry first rear-seat inflatable safety belts (available now).  The Ford safety canopy® system with rollover sensor and the exclusive SOS Post Crash Alert System™ are also showcased on the 2011 Ford Explorer.

Thursday, 30 December 2010

Gresham Ford helps to raise food for Snow Cap in Gresham Oregon

Congratulations to all of you!!! Together we reached what none of us could have done alone, over 100,000 pounds of food for SnowCap! There are so many people to thank. Starting with the newspaper you are reading right now, The Outlook.  Mark Garber and his team stepped up right from the beginning by offering to insert the donation bags in the newspaper. Then you the readers brought them in to the drop off locations.  Those locations need to be thanked: Riverview Community Bank, Gresham Outlook, Silk Espresso, Advanced Care Chiropractic, Pacific Scientific OECO, Metro East, Gresham Ford and there were others. Thank you.  There were so many great stories as a result of this project
.• The employees at 7-Eleven in Rockwood passed on having a Christmas Party and instead donated $500 to SnowCap.

• Two elementary school children that gave their “toy money” to SnowCap.

• Representatives Greg Matthews and

Matt Wand both made a pledge to donate.

• Harrison at Barlow High School that

mobilized a school for the cause.

• Western Family Foods that donated

literally tons of food.

• Gresham Rotary Club, Gresham

Breakfast Lion’s Club, West Columbia

Gorge Rotary Club, Gresham Area

Chamber of Commerce, West Columbia

Gorge Chamber of Commerce, East

Portland Chamber of Commerce and so

many businesses in East County.

None of this would not have been possible without the spark from Casey Ryan of Riverview Community Bank who gathered the Sponsors (Riverview Community Bank, The Gresham Outlook, Boeing Corporation & Gresham Ford)  and kept the flame burning until it was an out of control success. Just when you think nothing you do makes a difference – ask the 9,000 people who SnowCap fed in November……

Happy New Year!
 
~Bess Wills, Gresham Ford

Friday, 24 December 2010

Crushing the myths about the all new Ford Eco-Boost engine

The all new F150 boasts an all-new powertrain lineup for 2011. These new engines offer more choices for the customer, including an all-new, premium, class-exclusive(1) EcoBoost™ 3.5L V6 with the best overall balance of power and capability. Yes, you read that correctly — a twin turbo charged 3.5L V6 engine with those credentials.  Skeptical? Some customers might be too. This blog post is armed with the facts, and competitive information to answer questions and erase any doubts some drivers could have.  Let’s take a closer look at how the all-new EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine crushes any power and durability myths. 

EcoBoost™ V6 Engine Myth: Turbocharged engines run very hot. EcoBoost Reality: The all-new EcoBoost turbochargers are protected from the heat with water-cooled center bearings. In the past, “coking” was a problem for many turbos since they couldn’t shed heat without the engine running. The water-cooled center bearings with convection cooling (or siphoning) keep the EcoBoost engine coolant circulating after the engine is shut down helping to cool the turbos. 
Myth: The EcoBoost 3.5L V6 is a car engine.  EcoBoost Reality: Customers might think the F-150 EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine is the same engine as the Taurus SHO and Flex since it shares the same displacement and the EcoBoost name. Truth is, they share basic architecture, but the EcoBoost engine under the hood of F-150 is the first rear-wheel drive application and is specifically engineered and tested to be Built Ford Tough®  Key Ford F-150 Truck-specific Features include an optimized intake and exhaust camshaft designs for a balance of optimum horsepower, torque and fuel efficiency as well as specific tuning of the Ti-VCT (Twin independent Variable Cam Timing).  The specific cylinder heads with intake port “turbulence shelf” of the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost Engine on the all new Ford F150 also boasts a cCast exhaust manifolds for heavy-duty operation and durability.  Maximizing the cooling system to effectively manage engine heat also adds to the new Ford engine efficiency and effectiveness.  The polymer-coating on the lower main bearing ensures durability.  The F-150-specific turbochargers with water-cooled center bearings cap off the new Ford engine that was built by Ford by the ground up. 

Diesel Engine Technologies have also gone thru and complete overhaul as well.  The new Ford engine offers turbocharging with intercooler and direct injection fuel delivery while the steel piston upper ring carriers help maximize piston durability.  Accompaned with the integrated engine oil cooler is definately a truck engine. 

You may have heard the myth that turbocharged engines run very hot. The EcoBoost realityis that the all-new EcoBoost turbochargers are protected from the heat with water-cooled center bearings. In the past, “coking” was a problem for many turbos since they couldn’t shed heat without the engine running. The water-cooled center bearings with convection cooling (or siphoning) keep the EcoBoost engine coolant circulating after the engine is shut down helping to cool the turbos.

You may have also heard people say that they can't believe that the EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine isn’t powerful enough for a full-size pickup.  Again the EcoBoost Reality: The all-new EcoBoost 3.5L V6 has more torque than any competitive engine and 50 more horsepower than the GM 5.3L V8 engine. Yes, you read that correctly: more power than competitive V8 engines. And we’re talking a diesel engine-like broad, flat torque curve. Worth noting: EcoBoost power figures are based on regular unleaded gasoline.  Extra-cost premium fuel is NOT required for EcoBoost to deliver the power.

Myth: Serious towing and hauling isn’t something the EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine can do.  EcoBoost Reality: A 2011 F-150 properly equipped with the all-new EcoBoost 3.5L V6 can tow a best-in-class(2) 11,300 lbs. That’s what having 90 percent of the 420 lb.-ft. of torque on tap between 1700 and 5000 rpm does for towing and hauling capability. No competitor — even with a V8 — matches the towing capability of EcoBoost.

Myth: The EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine isn’t durable enough for serious full-size truck use.  EcoBoost Reality: The all-new EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine passed all of the higher stress level testing and torture testing required of any engine with the Built Ford Tough badge. Ford powertrain engineers set the testing baseline at the harshest-level use of an F-150 customer — then pushed EcoBoost well beyond those levels.  EcoBoost Testing Highlights include more than 1.5 million total hours of computer analytical time, more than 13,000 total hours of laboratory dynamometer testing, dynamometer tests help ensure 150,000-mile durability, including: more than 5000 hours at full load (full-boost) conditions as well as more than 2500 hours of testing at or above 5000 engine rpm and 1,000-hour tests to ensure dependability for even the toughest truck customer – that’s almost 42 days of continuous operation.  The extreme thermal cycling replicates conditions from the Arctic Circle to Death Valley to simulate 10 years of use in the harshest environments.  More than 100,000 hours of in-vehicle testing that replicates extensive real-world customer
operating conditions. 
 
Visit the showroom of your Oregon Ford dealership or your Washington Ford dealership and ask to test drive a new F150 with the new engine.  The Gresham Ford Fleet Department is also here to help.  If you are a business owners wanting to reduce your automotive expenses contact Annette Wetzel, Steve Renner or Larry Bishop for a no-obligation quote.  Ford Motor Credit Company has a multitude of new products to better serve commercial and fleet owners.  Gresham Ford wants to be your Oregon Ford dealership just minutes from Portland.  See  more about the Gresham Ford Fleet Department and click here.