2015 Ford F-150 Named Official Winter Vehicle of New England by New England Motor Press Association

• 2015 Ford F-150, the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever, is named Official Winter Vehicle of New England for the first time
• New England Motor Press Association tested hundreds of vehicles across nearly all manufacturers throughout the year
• 2015 Ford F-150 offers available four-wheel drive and is the only light-duty truck with an available snowplow prep kit for every cab – Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew

New England Motor Press Association has named the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 its Official Winter Vehicle of New England. This marks the first time F-150 has captured this coveted award.
Voters from New England Motor Press Association look for vehicles that offer the best combination of winter-specific features and options, along with those dynamic qualities that make for safe, enjoyable and competent all-weather driving. Members spent months driving hundreds of contenders from nearly all vehicle manufacturers.

“For years, the F-150 proved itself as a solid workhorse for New Englanders,” said Craig Fitzgerald, president, New England Motor Press Association. “But the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 puts it in another class completely. With outstanding fuel economy, a world-class interior and EcoBoost V6 engine, you’ve got a combination that beat the worst storms during the worst winter in New England’s recorded history.”

The 2015 F-150 is the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever. Regardless of model configuration or engine choice, every truck customer benefits from up to 700 pounds of weight savings. The all-new F-150 can tow up to 1,100 more pounds and haul up to 530 more pounds, and is the only light-duty truck with an available snowplow prep kit for every cab – Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew. The kit (plow not included) is available as a $50 option on the 2015 F-150 with 5.0-liter V8 engine.

In addition to an all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost^® and the improved 5.0-liter V8, F-150 offers customers a complete lineup of powertrains to allow them to tailor the truck to best meet their needs. An all-new normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 debuts and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine returns for 2015.
F-150 is part of the Ford F-Series lineup. Now in its 67th year, F-Series has been the best-selling truck in America for 38 consecutive years and best-selling vehicle for 33 straight years.

“Ford sincerely appreciates this special recognition by influential members of the local automotive media,” said Chris Brewer, Ford F-150 chief engineer. “We are thrilled Ford F-150 has earned top honors, and accept this award on behalf of the hardworking team behind the all-new F-150.”

The Official Winter Vehicle of New England title comes one year after F-150 brought home New England Motor Press Association’s Yankee Cup – a technology award bestowed by the group in conjunction with Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Among multiple honors including nearly 40 industry awards, the all-new F-150 has been named 2015 North American Truck/Utility of the Year and Motor Trend Pickup Truck of the Year. It is the only full-size, light-duty truck to earn the highest rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – a 5-star score for driver and passenger for all crash test modes across all cab configurations.

The 2015 Ford F-150, its groundbreaking technology and the engineering team behind it have won the following awards and accolades:

• New England Motor Press Association 2015 Official Winter Vehicle of New England
• 2015 North American Truck/Utility of the Year
• 2015 Motor Trend Truck Trend Pickup Truck of the Year
• Automobile Journalists Association of Canada Utility Vehicle of the Year
• Automobile Journalists Association of Canada Pickup Truck of the Year
• Detroit News 2015 Vehicle of the Year
• Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Truck
• Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Overall
• Popular Science Automotive Grand Award Winner Best of What’s New
• 2015 MotorWeek Best Pickup Truck
• Texas Auto Writers Association Truck of Texas
• Texas Auto Writers Association Luxury Pickup Truck
• Texas Auto Writers Association Full-Size Pickup Truck
• Texas Auto Writers Association Best Technology Feature
• Detroit Free Press Truck of the Year
• New England Motor Press Association Yankee Cup
• Automotive Fleet Magazine 2014 Fleet Truck of the Year
• Motor Press Guild 2014 Innovation Vehicle of the Year Over $30K
• AutoGuide 2015 Reader's Choice Truck of the Year
• New Car Test Drive 2015 Truck of the Year
• Ruedas ESPN Best Full-Size Pickup Truck
• 2015 Detroit News Reader’s Choice NAIAS Awards Most Innovative
• Automotive Science Group
  - 2015 Best All-Around Performance Award Winner
  - Best Full-Size Truck of 2015
  - Smallest Carbon Footprint
• Urban Wheel Award for Urban Truck of the Year
• Green Car Technology Award
• Edmunds.com 2015 Most Popular Awards – Large Truck
• Detroit Free Press Automotive Leadership Award – Engineering and Technology
• Greater Atlanta Automobile Media Association Best Pickup/SUV

All-New Pro Trailer Backup Assist for 2016 Ford F-150 Makes Backing Up and Parking a Trailer Easier Than Ever

• Pro Trailer Backup Assist^™ for the 2016 Ford F-150 makes it easier for drivers of all skill levels to back a trailer up to launch a boat or park in a driveway
• Segment-first technology allows customers to steer a trailer instinctively by turning a knob left or right to indicate direction; the truck controls its steering and limits vehicle speed
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist is the latest example of Ford changing the way the world moves – delivering smart solutions that improve the productivity of customers so they can spend more time on the job or enjoying the lake

DEARBORN, Mich., May 21, 2015 – Ford, America’s truck leader, pioneers towing innovation again by introducing Pro Trailer Backup Assist^™ for the 2016 Ford F-150 – a segment-first technology that makes the challenge of backing up a trailer easier than ever for both experts and infrequent towers alike. 

Backing up a trailer can be tricky. The truck’s front wheels have to be turned the opposite direction the customer wants the trailer to go. Turn too hard and the trailer can hit the vehicle, or jackknife. Whether working alone or with a spotter, backing up a trailer can be a tension-filled ordeal.

Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps take the frustration out of backing up. It works by letting the customer steer the trailer with a control knob while the truck steers its wheels and limits vehicle speed.

To operate Pro Trailer Backup Assist, the customer rotates a knob to indicate how much the system should turn the trailer. The technology automatically steers the truck to turn the trailer the desired amount. The system may limit vehicle speed to enhance occupant comfort over various road surfaces. The result is less time required to back up a trailer with improved confidence – it even helps towing experts by reducing time lost to maneuvering mistakes.

“Pro Trailer Backup Assist is a smart solution to save time and increase productivity for our customers,” said Doug Scott, marketing manager, Ford Truck Group. “Instead of struggling to back up their trailer, they can spend more time on the job or enjoying the lake.”

Leveraging advanced camera technology, Ford engineers developed the trailer tracking system strategy and tested it for almost a decade. Along the way, Ford earned five patents for the technology, with 10 more pending.

Driver-assist features now on F-150

Pro Trailer Backup Assist joins a suite of driver-assist technologies already available on the all-new 2015 F-150. Among these features is Curve Control, developed exclusively by Ford engineers to help in those cases where customers may enter a turn too quickly. Curve Control helps drivers maintain control of their vehicle by automatically reducing torque and applying four-wheel braking. This can reduce vehicle speed by up to 10 mph in approximately one second – assisting drivers in staying on their intended path.

Available lane-keeping system is designed to help prevent a driver from drifting outside of the intended driving lane. The system is designed to detect the left- or right-hand road lane markings using a camera mounted between the windshield and rearview mirror. A vibration in the steering wheel is used to alert the driver. The system can also provide steering torque to help guide the vehicle back into the lane if needed.

Segment-exclusive adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support uses radar in the front of the truck to measure the distance and speed of vehicles detected ahead. Using this information, the F-150 can automatically maintain a consistent following distance set by the driver. The speed will be maintained if adaptive cruise control is activated and the vehicle is traveling at least 15 mph. Collision warning triggers visual and audio alerts if the system detects the following distance is diminishing too quickly and a collision may occur. It also pre-charges the brakes if the driver needs to stop suddenly.

Ford trailering innovations and leadership

Pro Trailer Backup Assist for the 2016 F-150 is the latest in a long line of segment-first and class-exclusive Ford truck innovations and capabilities that make trailer towing easier. Others include:

• Segment-first integrated trailer brake controller, 2005: The first integrated, factory-installed trailer brake controller for the 2005 F-Series Super Duty, the Ford system ties into the truck’s brakes to activate the trailer brakes by sensing truck brake pressure
• Segment-first trailer sway control, 2009: The first trailer sway control for the 2009 Ford F-150, the Ford system senses differences in movement between truck and trailer, using the wheel brakes in both vehicles to counteract sway
• Segment-first smart trailer control module, 2015: First system to the truck’s productivity screen to show the driver which lights on a trailer connected to the truck aren’t working – meaning the driver or a passenger doesn’t have to get out of the truck and walk around the trailer to find lights have blown out
• Class-exclusive dynamic hitch assist, 2015: A rearview camera feature that incorporates a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display helps customers line up their truck and trailer with no spotter or need to exit the vehicle
• Best-in-class light-duty towing, 2015: 2015 Ford F-150 can tow more than any other light-duty pickup truck – up to 12,200 pounds
• Best-in-class heavy-duty towing, 2015: 2015 Ford F-450 Super Duty can tow more than any other heavy-duty pickup truck – up to 31,200 pounds

Ford Fiesta named to kbb.com's 2015 list of 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000

For the second straight year, Ford Fiesta has been named to kbb.com’s list of its 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000. Two criteria – being fun to drive and fun to own – are critical to what the editors say is a very subjective “cool factor,” the No. 1 attribute a vehicle must have to make the list. The 2015 Ford Fiesta continues to run at the head of the small-car pack with style, personality and a dazzling array of features and technologies that prove small is smart. Click here for more on the kbb.com award.

Ford Edge: Creating A Dynamic Sanctuary

Ford Edge: Creating A Dynamic Sanctuary

Toby Keith meets the Future of Tough: His New 2015 F-150

Toby Keith walks us through his favorite features of the 2015 F-150, including the Remote Tailgate Release, 360° Camera, and more.

Watch to learn why the 2015 F-150 is the only truck for Toby Keith, and why you shouldn’t settle for anything less.

Your Vehicle's Unspoken Language: Ford's Vehicle Harmony Group Creates Chimes That Communicate Intuitively

• In a world that bombards people with text message pings, email alerts and alarm clock buzzers, the group at Ford responsible for vehicle harmony ensures the really important chimes break through the clutter and get noticed
• From casual reminders to more jarring alerts, audible chimes allow Ford vehicles to communicate with drivers
• Consistency in chimes across the Ford vehicle lineup helps drivers intuitively understand what their vehicle is saying to them

Your vehicle is speaking to you. Are you listening? The group at Ford Motor Company charged with ensuring vehicle harmony is working to make sure the messages are getting through to you – even if you don’t realize it.

As recently as last summer, the group was a four-person division known as Interior Harmony, part of Ford’s Electrical Division. The group used a components-based approach to adding sound chimes to various parts of a vehicle.

Since then, the group has moved to Ford’s larger Vehicle Engineering Division, changed its name to Vehicle Harmony, and now considers a vehicle in its entirety when working on such aspects as illumination, haptic feel and sound. With its changing role, the Dearborn-based team continues to grow, and works with global counterparts in facilities in Germany, Asia-Pacific and South America.

The group’s work on vehicle sounds is an ever-evolving world of pings and chimes, influenced by the constant addition of new technologies, such as lane-keep assist and collision alerts, as well as by a surrounding world in which audio alerts are more and more common.

The science behind vehicle chimes creates an unspoken language between driver and vehicle. Jennifer Prescott, an engineer with the group, is on the team that creates the sounds that enable Ford vehicles to let the customer know when a door is ajar, lights are left on, or a safety belt isn’t fastened.

But in a world that bombards motorists with text message pings, email alerts and alarm clock buzzers, are the chimes drowning themselves out?

Prescott says they are, which is why it’s important that every sound a Ford vehicle makes is designed to break through the clutter and get noticed. This is a mandate for the group, even as it’s pressed to create more chimes to keep pace with an expanding portfolio of features that warrant an audio alert.
“Our inclination has been to add more sounds for more alerts, but people are getting chimed out,” Prescott said. “Because of that, our audio alerts must be intuitive – instantly recognized by drivers.”

The right balance of frequency, volume, cadence and tone helps differentiate between high-importance alerts, such as a collision warning, and gentle reminders, such as the tick-tock of a turn-signal indicator. Ford vehicle sounds – there are about 30 that make up the pallet of audible chimes – are designed to have their own characteristics, each created based on the urgency of the message being conveyed.

The Escape Artist | 2015 Looking Further with Ford Trends

Watch as Ford Futurist Sheryl Connelly discusses the emerging “Great Escapism” and the things we do to will ourselves into another world.

While escapism has always been a human instinct, the context of our world has changed—and so too have the means by which we escape. It used to be that we could escape simply by reading a book or watching a film or going for a walk. While those options still exist, they are at the whim of 24/7 connectivity—and our own growing boredom and shortened attention spans—making it harder to truly escape.

Ford Explorer Marks 25 Years of Innovation with More Technology, New Engine, New Platinum Series

• New 2016 Ford Explorer goes on sale this summer with more smart technology, an available 2.3-liter EcoBoost^® four-cylinder engine and new, high-end Platinum series
• New 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivers more horsepower and torque than the four-cylinder it replaces; for the first time on Explorer, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine can be paired with available tow package and intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System^™
• More than 7 million Explorers have been sold in the United States, making it America’s best-selling SUV for 25 straight years

Building on 25 years of innovation and sales leadership, a new Ford Explorer is on its way with even more smart technology, a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost^® engine and a new Platinum series. The new Ford Explorer arrives early this summer.

“Explorer helped define how the world thinks about SUVs,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president and chief technical officer, Global Product Development. “Explorer is the centerpiece of Ford’s global utility vehicle lineup because it delivers an ideal combination of form and function. And with well over 7 million already sold, nearly everyone has an Explorer story.”

Introduced in 1990 as a 1991 model, Explorer featured generous interior space customers were looking for, and was engineered specifically for people seeking adventure for their families and a way to express their individuality. For a quarter century, Explorer has reigned as America’s best-selling SUV.

Ford Explorer is built in North America at Chicago Assembly Plant, as well as in Venezuela and Russia. It is sold in markets across the globe. Ford exported more than 56,000 Explorers from the United States last year and plans to export even more in 2015.

“Customers love Explorer, and they expect it to continue to lead the way in innovation, performance and fun,” said Arie Groeneveld, chief engineer for the new Explorer. “That’s the challenge we embraced when we set out to build the best SUV in the world.”

More innovation equals greater performance, more fun

Even more smart technology – that’s what customers will get with the new Ford Explorer. It offers more technologies than previous models, features that enhance the driving experience. New technologies available in the 2016 Explorer include:

• Front and rear cameras with washers: Both have wide-angle lenses and come equipped with a washer – a class-exclusive, segment-first feature
• Enhanced active park assist with perpendicular park assist, park-out assist and semi-automatic parallel parking: The system uses ultrasonic sensors and electric power-assisted steering to help drivers with parallel parking and perpendicular parking maneuvers. Enhanced active park assist includes park-out assist to help a driver pull out of parallel parking spots. The system controls the steering wheel, while the driver operates the accelerator and brake pedals, and shifts the vehicle into gear
• Smart-charging USB ports: Located in the front and rear of the vehicle are USB ports able to charge smart devices up to two times faster than conventional ports
• Hands-free liftgate: A customer need only kick his or her leg below the center of the rear bumper to open or close the liftgate 
• Industry-exclusive 500-watt Sony^® Audio System: Explorer Platinum will be the first Ford vehicle to get an all-new 500-watt Sony Audio System with Live Acoustics^™ and Clear Phase^™ technology
• Active Grille Shutters: Upper and lower fascia openings close at highway speeds to reduce drag. At low speeds, the shutters open to deliver airflow to cool the powertrain
• Air curtains: Standard air curtains create a high-pressure region of air that impacts the outer surface of the wheels and tires. The result is airflow held close to the vehicle body, minimizing drag

The following features, while not new for Explorer, are also available on the 2016 model:

• Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support: Uses radar to detect moving vehicles directly ahead and changes the cruising speed if necessary
• Lane-keeping system: Automatically detects left- and right-hand road lane markings using the front camera system. A vibration in the steering wheel alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of the intended lane. The system can also provide steering torque to help guide the vehicle back into the lane if needed
• Blind Spot Information System: BLIS^® uses radar to trigger a warning when another motorist is in the driver’s blind spot
• Cross-traffic alert: Uses radar to help alert drivers to oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space
• Auto high-beams: Using windshield-mounted cameras, the feature automatically switches between high-beam and low-beam settings when oncoming traffic is detected
• Inflatable rear safety belts: Introduced on 2011 Explorer as an industry-first feature, the belts deploy an airbag over the torso and shoulder of an outboard passenger to help distribute crash forces over up to five times more area than a traditional safety belt. Spreading forces over a larger area helps reduce pressure on a passenger’s chest, and helps control head and neck motion

New EcoBoost engine

Capability – that’s what customers will get even more of with the new Explorer, thanks to an available 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine rated at 280 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 310 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm on premium fuel. Compared to the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder it replaces, the new 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivers an additional 40 horsepower and 40 lb.-ft. of torque – an increase of 17 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost is available on the base, XLT and Limited series. With the new powerplant, highway passing time – from 55 mph to 75 mph – improves by 10 percent.  

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost benefits from technology that optimizes performance. It employs an active oil control system to optimize pressure when less fluid is needed. An active wastegate controls boost more precisely during light load operation to help save fuel. A higher compression ratio results in more efficient fuel combustion.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost’s notable improvement in horsepower and torque comes with no significant reduction in fuel economy. The front-wheel-drive Explorer retains its EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 28 mpg on the highway, which is best-in-class. For the first time, customers choosing a four-cylinder Explorer can also opt for four-wheel drive and trailer towing capability. 

“The new Explorer isn’t giving up its reputation as a leader in highway fuel efficiency – which is especially key for customers who want a vehicle that is also a capable trail warrior,” said Groeneveld.

The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine for base, XLT and Limited models – with 290 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 255 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm – is paired with a six-speed SelectShift^® Automatic transmission. Explorer Sport and the Platinum edition get a standard 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 making 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm – also mated with the six-speed SelectShift.

New Platinum series

Style – the new Platinum series further elevates the full-size SUV in look and feel, with changes to both the Explorer exterior and interior.
“Bringing Explorer Platinum to market is a natural extension of the Explorer lineup – giving our customers even more of what they want,” said Matt Zuehlk, Ford Explorer brand manager. “There’s a market for more upscale SUVs, as 90 percent of today’s Explorer Sport buyers purchase the most expensive package available. That’s a strong signal customers are ready for Platinum.”

From new multicontour front seats wrapped in Nirvana leather with micro-perforation, to special quilted stitching used throughout, advanced standard technologies and the powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, Platinum elevates Explorer in ways customers can see and feel.

“Platinum is the ultimate expression of refinement,” said Christopher Svensson, Ford design director, The Americas. “This is the most premium, high-quality interior we’ve ever offered on a Ford vehicle.”

The interior incorporates brushed-aluminum and satin-finished ash wood in multi-piece appliqués on door panels and the instrument panel. The wood-trimmed, leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel includes unique stitching that matches the stitching used throughout the interior.

For the first time in a production Ford vehicle, a brushed-aluminum Ford oval is centered on the steering wheel.

Nirvana leather also wraps the instrument panel, console armrests, quilted door bolsters and upper door trim. The instrument cluster features a large 10-inch digital display supported with analog displays – a first for a Ford-brand vehicle.

The new Explorer Platinum will be the first Ford vehicle to get an all-new 500-watt Sony Audio System with Live Acoustics and Clear Phase technology. Live Acoustics re-creates the sound dynamics of some of the world’s greatest concert halls for more enveloping, more realistic sound. Clear Phase technology eliminates sound dispersion throughout the vehicle, so the music occupants hear is precisely pinpointed – just as the artist intended.

Explorer Platinum also gets standard advanced technology features including enhanced active park assist, lane-keeping system and rain-sensing wipers.

For the exterior, signature lighting surrounds the LED headlamps – giving the vehicle a continuous glow. Other features include a standard dual-panel moonroof, premium silver-painted front and rear skid plate elements, and 20-inch wheels with bright machined face and tarnished dark painted pockets.

The integrated exhaust is designed to reduce the appearance of soot collecting at the rear of the vehicle. Inside the chrome bezel of the exhaust, engineers designed a shield that catches the soot so it doesn’t collect around the outlets.


Intelligent four-wheel drive: Ready for any adventure

Explorer’s intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System^™ reassesses conditions about 20 times faster than the blink of an eye – providing precise handling and traction.

Intelligent four-wheel drive continuously monitors wheel speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle to determine vehicle conditions and driver intent. The system then determines the optimal amount of front and rear torque for the given conditions to prevent slip from even occurring, which helps keep the vehicle sure-footed on virtually any terrain. In sand, grass or gravel mode, the antilock braking system changes its pulse rate, which allows material to build up in front of the wheels, acting as a doorstop of sorts to help slow momentum. 

To help maintain efficiency, in most steady-state cruising conditions the new Explorer equipped with intelligent four-wheel drive seamlessly and quickly transfers torque between the front and rear wheels.

A newly refined, intelligent four-wheel-drive gauge display shows power being distributed to front and rear wheels under all conditions – from heavy four-wheel-drive system usage to when the system is not transmitting power at all.

For added convenience, the Terrain Management System automatically defaults to normal mode whenever the vehicle is started to ensure it’s ready for normal driving conditions.

Using a dial located on the center console, the customer can shift on the fly, selecting from four terrain management modes – normal, snow, sand or mud – to set how the engine, transmission, brakes and four-wheel-drive system will operate. A fifth setting is for navigating hills.

Comfortable and capable

The new Explorer benefits from an improved suspension for better handling and a quiet cabin, enabling a comfortable ride even when the pavement turns to dirt.

Ford completely retuned the Explorer chassis to clearly differentiate the driving experiences of XLT, Explorer Sport and Platinum models.

The suspension uses MacPherson construction with an isolated subframe and 32-millimeter stabilizer bar at the front, while an independent multilink rear setup uses a 22-millimeter stabilizer bar.

Explorer Sport customers looking for a more dynamic driving experience will benefit from unique steering gear, front and rear springs, struts and rear dampers.

Explorer also features a tower brace that provides additional stiffness between strut towers. The tower brace for Explorer equipped with four-wheel drive is three millimeters thicker for even more stiffness – providing better control and a smoother ride on rugged terrain.

The new Explorer, with standard 18-inch and available 20-inch wheels, offers new tire options for improved ride and handling while still reducing road noise in the cabin.

Interior changes help enhance quietness in the cabin. There are new door seals, and an enhanced sound package includes engine subframe mounts specially tuned to reduce vibration, as well as a specially tuned exhaust for the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. Acoustic glass is used on the windshield and front doors on XLT and higher trim levels.

New look

Rugged – that’s the word that inspired the designers creating the look of the new Ford Explorer.
Exterior styling updates – such as positioning the grille and LED headlamps even higher, adding a new closed-off lower roof rack with channels that cascade rainwater off the vehicle and a new rear spoiler – also improve aerodynamics.

The 2016 Explorer features more robust headlamps, with available LED signature lighting, standard LED low-beams and available LED fog lamps.

Visible heat-sink structures for cooling the LED headlamps are a meaningful detail. These radiator-like grilles are typically hidden behind the light cluster, but on Explorer they are part of a complex headlamp design that puts innovation on display.

Interior design changes reflect desires customers expressed through Ford consumer research, which shows one in five Explorer Sport customers previously owned a luxury vehicle. Changes include a higher-mounted, wrapped and stitched door armrest, real buttons to replace touch-sense buttons on the infotainment system and more refined detailing throughout.

On sale summer 2015

Early production of the 2016 Explorer is now under way at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant. Sales of Base, XLT, Limited and Sport models are expected to begin early summer, with the Platinum edition scheduled for introduction later in the summer.
Explorer sales continue to be robust – driven by strong demand. Through April 2015, Explorer sales are up more than 17 percent from year-earlier levels.

2016 Model Year Mustang GT to Receive Hood Vent Turn Signals, a Nod to Car's Heritage, New Packaging Options

• Turn signal indicators located in hood vents – a heritage cue from the 1967 Ford Mustang – return as standard equipment for 2016 Ford Mustang GT
  

• Exclusive California Special Package for Mustang GT Premium available this fall; Pony Package available for Mustang EcoBoost^® Premium by year’s end
  

• 2016 Mustang GT convertible will be available with the Performance Package
  

For the 2016 model year, Mustang fastback and convertible welcome the return of the iconic California Special Package and Pony Package —two iconic Mustang trim levels made popular in the 1960s. Several other new options, including new stripes and wheels, allow owners to make their pony car as individual as they are.

Fans have been clamoring for the return of hood vent-integrated turn signals for years, and in a nod to heritage Ford is honoring the request, bringing back the popular feature as standard equipment for owners of the 2016 Mustang GT. First offered on the 1967 Mustang, secondary indicators in the hood vents would come to represent an iconic piece of pony car DNA. Now, this segment-exclusive feature will serve as an additional “heads-up” for Mustang GT drivers.

“Mustang enthusiasts are not shy about telling us what they want,” said Melanie Banker, Mustang marketing manager, “and we’re constantly exploring ideas together with our engineering team to develop new features we know our customers will love. These new hood vent indicators for the GT model are a perfect example of us communicating customer feedback to Mustang engineers and the team responding with an exclusive new feature for owners of the 2016 Mustang GT.”

New stripes, wheels, trims allow for greater personalization

Several new packages and options will be available for 2016 Mustang GT and Mustang EcoBoost^® when the cars arrive in dealerships in the third quarter of 2015. Returning to the sixth-generation Mustang are over-the-top racing stripes direct from the factory. Offered in black or silver, the stripes are available on most color and trim packages.

Last seen on the Boss 302, a painted black roof option is now available for the EcoBoost-equipped Mustang and Mustang GT.

Exclusive to Mustang EcoBoost Premium is a fresh take on the Pony Package. With unique 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, tri-bar pony logo on the grille, side stripe and chrome window surround, the fastback Mustang with Pony Package is sure to stand out from the crowd when it arrives in late 2015.

For customers after a stealthier look, Mustang GT will offer a Black Accent Package this fall. Fastback and convertible Mustang GT models with this package will showcase special 19-inch black-painted alloy wheels, black decklid spoiler, dark taillamp trim, and 5.0 and pony logos in black.
Mustang GT Premium owners can order the California Special Package with a host of features including:

• 19-inch ebony-painted machined aluminum wheels
  
• Ebony leather/Miko suede seat inserts with red contrast stitching and embossed logo
  
• Unique door panel inserts and premium carpet featuring red contrast stitching
  
• Unique aluminum dashboard finish with California Special badge
  
• Hood and side stripes
  
• Black pedestal spoiler
  
• Unique faux gas cap
  
• Strut tower brace with unique California Special badging
  
• Dark taillamp accents
  
• Black-painted mirrors, hood vents
  
• Performance front splitter
  
• Unique grille with tri-bar pony logo
  

Mustang drop-top aims for tip-top performance

Now, just like owners of the fastback model, customers of Mustang GT convertible equipped with manual transmission can order a Performance Package for 2016. Featuring increased structural bracing, as well as revised suspension components, brakes, wheels and tires, Mustang GT convertible equipped with Performance Package will be a force to be reckoned with – both on back roads and at the track. Features include:

• Unique chassis tuning, with strut tower brace and K-brace
  
• Larger radiator
  
• Revised suspension with upsized rear sway bar, heavy-duty front springs
  
• Six-piston Brembo front brake calipers
  
• 19x9-inch front, 19x9.5-inch rear ebony-painted aluminum wheels with summer tires
  
• Unique tuning for stability control, ABS and electric power-assisted steering
  
• Torsen^® limited-slip differential with 3.73 axle ratio
  
• Engine-turned aluminum instrument panel with auxiliary gauges
  
• More aggressive front splitter; rear spoiler delete
  

“Ford Mustang GT fastback with Performance Package has been very popular,” said Banker. “Customer feedback indicated a strong desire for the package on the convertible model as well, and the 2016 Mustang GT delivers.”

SYNC 3 links driver and Mustang more closely than ever

SYNC^® 3, Ford’s next-generation communications and entertainment system, is coming for Mustang equipped with Premium Package for 2016. With a faster, more intuitive, easier than ever to use interface, improved voice command and AppLink^™ functionality, SYNC 3 now features the ability to update system software via any unlocked Wi-Fi network – bringing Mustang owners closer to their car than ever before.

Mustang Touches Down in Munich

Travellers flying via Munich airport got an unexpected treat - a herd of Mustangs!