The Little Engine That Could: The 2018 Ford EcoSport

One of the most obvious ways one can go greener is to buy a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Apart from doing your bit for the environment, such vehicles will also save you on gas. If you're in the market for a green vehicle, the new and exciting 2019 Ford Fusion Energi is a very viable option. Let's take a closer look at the eco-friendly features this plug-in hybrid offers. SmartGauge With EcoGuide This system, which functions with dual LCD screens, provides you with real-time information in regard to your driving, in order to assist you in using your Fusion Energi as efficiently as possible. It enables you to monitor powertrain operations, such as hybrid and electric drives, gas engine, and fuel economy, as well as maximize efficiency by, for instance, accessing the Brake Coach screen. If you're driving at optimal efficiency, you will see leaves and vines growing on the right-side display screen. more On the left-side display, you will find the Engage and Empower modes. The Engage mode will show you gauges for engine and lithium-ion battery power, while the Empower mode will inform you about how much power you are using, based on the accelerator pedal, and how far you are from the gasoline engine on/off threshold. Improved Battery The 2019 Fusion Energy boasts a new, bigger battery with an increased electric range. While the previous battery was able to store 7 kWh and had a range of 21 miles, the new battery is able to store 9 kWh and provide a range of up to 25 electric miles. Driving Modes To help you drive as efficiently as possible, the Ford Fusion Energi offers three different driving modes, allowing you to select gas, electric, or a combination of the two. The EV Now mode utilizes primarily plug-in power, while the EV Later mode saves plug-in power for later use. With the Auto EV mode, your Energi will switch between plug-in power and gas engine as needed. To assist you in monitoring your battery's charge, and to also schedule charging, you can use the convenient MyFord Mobile application or visit the myfordmobile.com website. Regenerative Braking In a normal vehicle, a lot of kinetic energy is lost because of friction while braking. But the Energi provides efficient regenerative braking, which saves up to 94 percent of this energy and returns it to the battery to use later. Apart from all its eco-friendly features, the 2019 Fusion Energi comes with the impressive Ford Co-Pilot360 package, which is a suite consisting of the latest driver-assist systems, and also offers an attractive exterior and comfortable and convenient cabin. If you want to take the 2019 Fusion Energi for a drive, pop in to see us at Chestatee Ford. Image by mariordo59 via Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

The 2019 Ford Flex is a full-size sports utility vehicle that packs the nimble agility and flexibility of a compact car or midsize sedan. It also comes in three trim levels, so finding the right trim for your lifestyle shouldn't be a hassle. With plenty of performance perks and modern touches in tow, here's how the 2019 Ford Flex aims to impress. Exterior Design The SE, SEL, and Limited trims all boast a sleek and refined body style. For one, you get signature Flex badging on the hood, a monochromatic (or body-color) roof, and Bright dual exhaust tips. Amenities meant to improve utility include a reverse sensing system, intermittent speed-sensitive front windshield wipers, and a rear-window defroster with two-speed wiper and washer. Want an even more decked-out exterior? You can add optional accessories such as power-folding heated mirrors with blind-spot monitoring, a Multipanel Vista Roof, and a power liftgate to your final vehicle package. more Performance The 2019 Ford Flex is powered by a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine. It's capable of producing 287 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. Available for the Limited trim is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine that gets 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Both units pack a similar six-speed automatic transmission under the hood. You might be wondering what else gives the Ford Flex its excellent handling on the road. That would be its electric power-assisted steering, its independent front and rear suspension system, and its AdvanceTrac with RSC (roll stability control) feature. It's also offered as a four-wheel-drive model but can be customized with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive in the SEL and Limited. Interior There's plenty of room for friends and family inside this full-size vehicle. In fact, it seats up to seven and offers second- and third-row bench seats that are easily adjustable to suit your passenger and cargo needs. Other practical amenities include a rear climate-control system, solar-tinted glass, and cargo area-mounted grocery bag hooks. Want even more? Consider adding an available wood-accented steering wheel with memory functions, heated and cooled front seats, and all-weather floor mats to the list. If you have the budget, Ford has the perfect accessories for any road trip. Technology Speaking of road trips, none would be as enjoyable without a modern multimedia hub and tech layout. Fortunately, the all-new Ford Flex has the upgrades you want. Consider adding a 12-speaker Sony audio system with cutting-edge sound quality; a navigation system with SiriusXM Travel Link for up-to-date weather conditions; and a SYNC 3 infotainment system with a touch screen, voice command, and smartphone integration to your tech blueprint. Safety There's nothing quite like a vehicle backed with top-notch safety systems to put your mind at ease. The 2019 Ford Flex meets these demands thanks to its front seat-mounted sideairbagss, perimeter anti-theft alarm, and child safety rear door locks. Have a bit of wiggle room in your budget? Features such as inflatable second-row outboard safety belts and collision warning with brake support are optional. Are you in the market for a full-size sports utility vehicle with agile precision and sporty flair? The 2019 Ford Flex is waiting for a test drive!   Image via Ford.com

Initially designed as a pony car, the Mustang did an epic crossover to muscle car, which cemented an already successful range for the Ford brand. But Ford didn't stop there, as the launch of the Shelby in 1965 made the Mustang a formidable opponent on the road and track. Discover why the 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 sizzles. It's Racetrack Ready Strip away everything that weighs a muscle car down and it instantly boosts its chances on the track. With the Shelby GT350R, drivers don't have the hassle of doing this themselves since Ford decided to release it track ready. This means no superfluous seating and gadgets. It also means that it's released with race equipment that can take the car directly to the track, such as the carbon fiber wheels. more It Has Performance in Mind In order for a car to be track ready, there are a number of things that need to take place under the hood. The generous V-8 engine gets things off to a good start as it provides that much-needed power on the track. Drivers can expect to reach up to 526 horsepower, which will create quite some competition. Although it does pretty well at the drag strip, it's the racetrack that's the Shelby's home ground. The Shelby Always Looks Top Dollar It's hard to miss a Mustang, especially when the driver decides to take on one of the more bold colors. The Mustang is meant to stand out, and with the unique features of the Shelby, a decent paint job is a must. Drivers have the option of three additional paint colors such as Kona Blue, Orange Fury, and Lead Foot Gray. Getting off the Mark Without Fuss Whether on the track or the on the road, there is nothing more frustrating than chugging away once it's time to go. The Shelby doesn't have this problem as it's fast off the mark, and with an 8200-RPM redline, shifting between the different gears won't slow it down along the straight either. The Shelby GT350 goes from 0-60 miles per hour in just 4.2 seconds and the GT350R in an impressive 3.9 seconds Drive It Home After the Race There's nothing worse for gearheads than having to load their muscle cars onto a flatbed after a race just to get home. With the Shelby GT350, drivers won't have to face this disappointment as it includes a Normal and Sports mode to ensure that drivers remain compliant on the highways. This is thanks to the MagneRide adaptive dampers that ensure compliance for more peace of mind. The lightweight yet strong chassis is perfect for both the track and the road. The GT350R takes things up a notch thanks to the Comfort mode that's added to the Sports and Normal. In this mode, drivers can expect a luxurious cruise to their destination Ford put a lot of work into the handling and braking capabilities of the Shelby and the benefits are felt off the track too. Not only is the 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 sizzling in terms of performance, but it has the looks to go with it too.   Photo via Ford.com