The Little Engine That Could: The 2018 Ford EcoSport
For 2018, Ford introduced the new EcoSport to their crossover SUV lineup. This subcompact SUV sits below the Escape and offers drivers a small turning radius and a spirited ride. Ford based the EcoSport on the Fiesta, which is no longer available, and this little vehicle is the little engine that could. Here are some details about the 2018 Ford EcoSport.
The Exterior
The Ecosport comes in four different trim levels. These start with the S which has 16-inch alloy wheels and power accessories. Just a step up, the SE adds LED running lights and roof rails along with rear privacy glass, and it also gets a sunroof. The SES is the sporty model and comes with 17-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension. This trim also adds black exterior trim elements and automatic windshield wipers.
At the top of the lineup, the Titanium trim adds 17-inch wheels to the SE, and it also comes with body-colored front and rear bumpers. The EcoSport has a side-hinged rear door that swings open for easy access to the back, and its tall stance makes it easy to get in and out.
Get a Bit of Soul at These Atlanta Blues Bars
Blues music has its own unique sound and is always full of emotion. Atlanta is a great city to hear the blues live, whether it is a performance by a local band or a more well-known musician. Make sure to check out these places when you want to get a bit of soul in Atlanta.
Blind Willie’s
Blind Willie’s is probably one of the most well-known blues bars in the Atlanta area. The club gets its name from the legendary blues and ragtime performer Blind Willie McTell. Blind Willie’s has live music seven nights a week with sets featuring new and upcoming local bands along with some national favorites. Some of the performances you can catch here include James Armstrong, Bob Margolin, Delta Moon, and The Nighthawks. The menu at Willie’s features the best dishes from Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans with items such as Larry’s red beans and rice, Jambalaya, and gumbo.
Northside Tavern
Northside Tavern might not look like much, but this dive bar is one of the best places to listen to blues music in the city. Each night the stage features some of the most talented musicians such as Mudcat, The Holiday Brothers, and Zydefunk. Customers voted Northside Tavern one of the top 10 dive bars in America and since 1972 artists have soulfully played their tunes on its stage. There is no cover during the week, but you can expect to pay about $10 to get in on the weekends.
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.
The wide variety of Atlanta neighborhoods means the city has many different atmospheres, cultures, and many different local hangouts. This city also has a large number of excellent restaurants with some that might not be as well known to the general public, but they are local favorites. Check out these places where you can eat like a local in Atlanta.
The Varsity
The Varsity in midtown has some of the best and cheapest chili cheese dogs in Atlanta. Customers have been getting their dogs here since 1928, and they are still as good as they were 90 years ago. Make sure to get the thick cut onion rings to go with the dog, and if you want to eat like a local, you can’t leave without getting the signature frosted orange drink. You can also get excellent burgers and sandwiches at Varsity, and this place makes their own coleslaw fresh every day.
What’s There to Love About the New 2019 Ford Ranger?
After a long hiatus, Ford revealed the resurrected Ranger pickup at January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Long sought-after for its versatility and medium size, the Ranger has been dominating the world since it left our shores in 2011. Let’s discuss what’s to love about the new world-trekking 2019 Ford Ranger.
European T6 Design
Quite similar to the beloved European T6 model, the Ranger is available in an FX2 extended twin- or an FX4 quad-cab body style and three trim levels: XL, XLT, and the lavish Lariat. With a single wheelbase, you’ll get a 6-foot bed or a shorter, 5-foot one with the four-door SuperCrew. Ford used more steel than aluminum when constructing the Ranger, giving it the same reliable durability as their lineup of full-size trucks.
Quite dynamic and sporty to look at, the offshore Ranger got a facelift just for us here in America. Ford added a new grille, a distinctive bumper, and twin hood accents with a bit of a front overhang. Available leather seating on the Lariat trim gives the new Ranger a classy feel and a sleek appearance, and it’s more maneuverable than its big brother, the legendary F-150.
Looking for the perfect location to celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends? Pack up your lawn chairs and blankets, and get ready to mark the anniversary of our nation’s Declaration of Independence with all the festivities in Dahlonega, the site of the first major U.S. gold rush. Only an hour’s drive north of Atlanta, for a full day of exciting family-fun activities and events for everyone, come on up.
Firecracker 5K and Fun Run
5K starts at 8 a.m.
Fun Run starts at 9 a.m.
Start the festivities early with the 7th Annual Firecracker 5K and Fun Run. Take a scenic tour of historic downtown Dahlonega through winding roads and up gently sloping hills. The run starts in the downtown square in front of the Dahlonega Gold Museum located inside the oldest courthouse in Georgia.
Race pass scenic Hancock Park, through shady, tree-lined neighborhood streets, and by many historic buildings. Cross the finish line just in time to enjoy the rest of our city’s Independence Day celebration.
Patriotic Ceremony
Starts at 9:30 a.m.
The patriotic city of Dahlonega is proud of our deep military heritage. Join us and show your support for America’s freedom with this annual ritual. The gala kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with the singing of the national anthem, the presentation of Colors by Dahlonega’s Junior ROTC, and a quick address from the keynote speaker.
For nearly 30 years, the Ford Explorer topped the charts as America’s family favorite vehicle and the country’s best-selling SUV. The seven-passenger 2018 Explorer offers a rugged stance, tons of power, a roomy, upscale interior, and all-wheel drive. From the inside, outside, and under the hood, discover what makes the new Ford Explorer Platinum stand out from the crowd.
Take the Road Less Traveled
With four-wheel drive standard on every Explorer Platinum, what’s stopping you from taking the road less traveled? Fear no trail with Ford’s four terrain management driving modes that handle whatever you encounter from normal conditions, mud and ruts, sand and grass, gravel or snow.
A maximum trailering capacity of 5,000 pounds with the companion trailer tow package is just right for that fishing boat or small camper. With safety technology like hill descent control, hit the rough country with confidence in your new Platinum.
Performance You Demand
Unleash 365 horsepower with the Explorer Platinum’s twin turbo 3.5-liter V-6, alongside an eager six-speed automatic transmission. With excellent passing and pulling power, the Platinum has enough gusto to tackle most jobs you put to it. The Platinum won’t break the bank at the pump either, earning a decent 22 mpg highway.
The Explorer’s taut suspension gives this big SUV impressive cornering agility and offers a balanced and comfortable feel with its 20-inch wheels. A smooth suspension makes the Platinum trim an ideal choice for a relaxing road trip.
When you need a peaceful setting to reconnect with nature, head up to Amicalola State Park, just an hour and a half drive north of Atlanta. It’s the perfect recipe for a great escape that everyone will enjoy. Experience a Georgia adventure at Amicalola, and plan to spend the day or spend the night — and plan to play.
Exciting Activities
Discover an almost endless list of day and evening activities at Amicalola Falls State Park. Take a guided fitness hike or sit in on the GoPro camera class and expertly capture all your memories at the Park. Get your heart pumping with a thrilling tree-top zip line, then test your skill at 3-D archery.
Grab the kids and go on a GPS scavenger hunt, then spend the evening gathered around the campfire toasting marshmallows. Learn to endure the wilderness using outdoor skills picked up at Survivalist Camp, and get up close and personal with native birds of prey such as owls, falcons, and hawks.
Find Out Which Ford Explorer Trim is Right For You
The 2018 Ford Explorer is a sporty and bold entry in today’s auto market. It’s not only stylish, though! It’s spacious enough to seat seven, making it a great SUV for an upcoming family road trip. And with five trims in the lineup, you know the Ford Explorer doesn’t lack variety. Take a look at what makes each model so unique.
Base
The 2018 Explorer starts at $32,140 and offers a lot even at the base level. The outside gets black-accented bumpers and heated power mirrors, while the interior sports cloth seating and single-zone climate control with air filtration. On the multimedia end, SiriusXM satellite radio offers hundreds of channels for your listening pleasure. In terms of performance, this trim is backed by a 3.5-liter V-6 that sees 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Lastly, enjoy peace of mind thanks to an SOS post-crash alert system and AdvanceTrac roll stability control.
Hybrid and electric cars have increased in popularity over the past few years, with new models popping up every year. Ford has an impressive lineup of electric and hybrid models, encouraging more drivers to choose these options and reduce their environmental impacts. When you choose a Ford model, you can get a reliable, safe, and eco-friendly model that will get you to where you need to go.
Impressive Fuel Economy
Some of the most popular vehicles from Ford are those that help drivers save at the pump. The 2018 Ford C-MAX Hybrid returns an estimated 42 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, making it a great option for your daily commute or your next road trip. Beneath the hood, you’ll find a 2.0-liter hybrid electric powertrain and a 1.4-kWh lithium-ion battery.
The 2018 Fusion is also available with a hybrid engine, with estimates coming in at 43 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. This powertrain uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. Ford released an all-electric version of its popular compact sedan, the Focus, which goes up to 118 miles in the city and 96 mpg on the highway. This model has a one-speed automatic transmission, along with a 107-kWh motor and a 35-kWh lithium-ion battery.
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