Updated Ford F-150 Raptor Raises the Bar for Ultimate Off-Road Performance

WESTLAND, Mich. -- Ford is making the beastly F-150 Raptor, which already holds the title of the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup, even better with next-level technology including class-exclusive, electronically-controlled FOX shocks, new Trail Control, and all-new Recaro sport seats.

“Raptor’s success is rooted in its incredible suspension, superb vehicle control and the confidence the truck instills in its owners,” says Hermann Salenbauch, global director, Ford Performance vehicle programs. “Upgrades to the 2019 F-150 Raptor have improved all three to new levels that the competition will have to benchmark – again.”

While Raptor has plenty of torque and horsepower, that's not the only thing that goes into building a high-performance off-road truck. We're talking, of course, about the suspension. The upgrades to the Raptor’s suspension system make it even more capable of clawing away at the terrain.

To enhance Raptor’s already proven internal bypass shocks, Ford Performance worked directly with FOX to develop class-exclusive, electronically controlled Live Valve technology for the new platform that continuously adjusting damping. The FOX setup uses special sensors in the suspension and body to maximize comfort, handling, and bottom-out resistance.

“By automatically varying compression rates, Raptor can now make the most of its suspension travel of 13 inches at the front and 13.9 inches at the rear,” says Salenbauch. “The 2019 Raptor is not just more capable off-road. It’s smarter.”

Paired with 2019 Ford Raptor’s Terrain Management System, Live Valve suspension technology enhances the truck’s high-speed, off-road capability while also enabling smooth on-road driving performance.

“Not many trucks need sensors to detect when you are mid-air,” says Salenbauch. “Raptor sets the dampers to full stiffness to help smooth shock performance as the truck lands.”

Low-speed performance off-road is also improved. New Trail Control helps navigate challenging conditions. Think of it as cruise control for low-speed, rugged terrain, automatically adjusting power and braking to each individual wheel. This allows drivers to focus on steering over rugged terrain. Trail Control can be activated at speeds from 1 mph up to 20 mph depending on driveline position.

Whether you're driving a simple two-track trail or traversing rocky terrain, the new Trail Control system makes everything easier. Not only can it automatically draw significant engine torque to overcome steep obstacles, it can individually brake the wheels so the truck comes down smoothly on the other side.

Moving on to the interior, the 2019 Ford Raptor features enhanced seats to help keep drivers firmly in place for improved confidence at low and high speeds over rough terrain. Recaro sport seats provide aggressive support with generous bolstering in the seat back and cushion.

The upgraded 2019 F-150 Raptor will be built at Dearborn Truck Plant. It goes on sale in late 2018.

We hope you're as excited about the all-new 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor as we are! In the meantime, schedule a service appointment with us to ensure that your current truck is running at its best. When the new Raptor does finally hit the showroom, let us value your trade and get you into one of your own!

 North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

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Tips On How To Make The Best Guacamole Ever

WESTLAND, Mich. – Cinco de Mayo is here, finally. With that means warmer weather, and tons of BBQs and family dinners with the family. What is the one thing we can bet you will be serving at today's Cinco de Mayo themed festivities? That's right, guacamole. Guacamole is the perfect party food, it is great for BBQs, grad parties, girls night, birthday parties, or just to snack on! But, how can you create the perfect guacamole? Here are some tips on how to make the best guacamole ever! We're telling you, your friends will be begging for your guacamole knowledge!

First, start ripe. You need ripe avocados to make the best guacamole! If the only ones you can find at the grocery stores are hard, leave them at room temperature until soft. If you the avocado yields when you squeeze it (gently), the avocado is ready!

Go chunky! Obviously tastes differ between individuals, but most people enjoy course-textured guacamole with chunks of avocado. Leaving the texture not completely pureed shows that your guacamole is the real deal, nothing store made here!

Amp up the flavor! South of the border, most cooks coarsely mash avocados, season them with salt then maybe add a little bit of garlic and call it "guacamole". Don't get us wrong, that is a very good start, however feel free to add some more flavorings. Try some cilantro, chopped raw red onion, chopped green chile, and little lime. After you have your base, you can really mix it up by adding tomatoes, mangos, or even smoked fish or nuts! The possibilities are endless!

Stay green. Remember, you can't keep guacamole from turning brown, but you can slow down the process. Use Hass avocados, and add lime and lemon juice to your guacamole. Cover with plastic, and keep it cold, even when you serve, to hold off the browning as long as possible.

Guacamole is one of the best-selling condiments in the Unites States, and like hummus, has quickly become one of the trendier food options this decade. Do you have any tricks or tips on how to make the best guacamole ever? Share them with us on our Facebook page! North Brothers Ford, located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185, is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in Southeast Michigan committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at (888) 806-7163, our knowledgeable sales team will be happy to help!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com.Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Google+ 

F-150 EcoBoost vs EcoDiesel Dodge Ram

WESTLAND, Mich. - The Ford EcoBoost engine comes optional on many of the Ford vehicles on our lot. However, we find that it really shines and is the most impressive and rewarding in our Ford trucks. While many have stepped up their game and tried to reproduce the fantastic results seen on our Ford Trucks with the EcoBoost engine, none have even come close - the EcoBoost engine technology is unique. To give you a better idea of how the engine works, we've decided to compare one of our F-series vehicles with one of its competitors: the F-150 EcoBoost vs. EcoDiesel Dodge Ram.

Round 1: Torque. The Dodge Ram 3.0-L EcoDiesel claims they have the best-in-class torque with 420 lb.-ft. - it's true, they do! It's important to note however that no other competitor, including Ford, offers vehicles in the Class 1 light-duty diesel pickup class (class 1 means that the Dodge Ram falls somewhere in between the 0-6,000 lb weight range). So it's true that the Ram has best-in-class torque, but only because it has no competition. If you take a look at the more populated light-duty pickup class, the 3.5L EcoBoost matches the 3.0L EcoDiesel's torque while delivering more horsepower. Speaking of horsepower..

Round 2: Horsepower. The 3.5L EcoBoost engine uses the same amount of torque as the 3.0L EcoDiesel's but produces more horsepower. The EcoBoost engine produces 365 HP and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, while the EcoDiesel only produces 240 HP with the same amount of torque. This means that the EcoBoost engine is able to create more power at higher vehicle speeds.

Round 3: Towing. If you own a truck, you will most likely tow something at some point during your vehicle's life. Since you'll be using your truck to tow, you want to know that your vehicle will be able to handle a massive load without strain. When you compare the Ram 3.0L EcoDiesel and the Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost, Ford pushes Ram to the curb. The Ram is rated to tow 9,200 lbs., while the F-150 can tow up to 11,300 lbs. when equipped with the Max. Trailer Tow Package or Heavy-Duty Payload Package - that's an impressive 2,100 lbs. more!

Round 4: Fuel. Trucks aren't typically known for their fuel efficiency. However, with the EcoBoost engine the F-150 has an EPA rating of 16 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway and a solid 18 mpg combined. The EcoDiesel does appear to be more fuel efficient with a 22 mpg rating overall, however, the EcoDiesel uses diesel fuel - a more expensive fuel than the regular unleaded that fuels the 3.5L EcoBoost. So while you think you're saving money on gas with the better gas mileage, on average you'll actually pay more for the more expensive fuel.

While it's really up to you who the winner is in this F-150 EcoBoost vs. EcoDiesel Dodge Ram faceoff, we think it's pretty clear that Ford wins on horsepower, towing and payload. If you'd like to test drive the F-150 and see for yourself the superior handling of this great Ford truck, stop by our dealership! We are proud to be a Downriver Area Ford Dealer, offering everything from Auto Loan assistance to Low Mileage Used Cars to information on the Ford Early Bird Lease Turn In.

North Brothers Ford, located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185, is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in Southeast Michigan committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at (888) 806-7163, our knowledgeable sales team will be happy to help!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com
Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+