Is the EcoBoost V-6 Just Right for the Ford F-150?

Ford has been rolling out EcoBoost engines for a couple of years now, to mixed reviews and effect. These engines feature gas direct injection and turbocharging, and it works pretty well in V-6 form. The four-cylinder EcoBoost remains a question mark, because it launched as a premium engine at extra cost in the otherwise V-6-powered Explorer. It could do wonders for the 2013 Fusion/Mondeo.

The new Explorer crossover/utility vehicle has been a huge success in the marketplace, and Ford says it has sold more than 100,000 of them so far, this year, 96,957 of them through the end of September. It has done something the Ford Flex, on the same platform, hasn’t been able to do – catch and pass the Chevrolet Traverse in sales numbers.

Like a summer movie theater blockbuster, the Explorer’s popularity flies in the face of its critical reception. Not so Ford’s best application to-date of EcoBoost technology to date.

The Ford F-150 EcoBoost is like one of any number of Clint Eastwood-directed movies from “The Unforgiven” on. It’s a wide-screen, bigger-than life epic earning critical acclaim usually saved for small independent and foreign movies. It’s big. Huge. Not the kind of vehicle I prefer to drive day-by-day, though for a full-size pickup, it drives smaller than it is.

I just spent a week with my first EcoBoost F-150, and I’m impressed. Mostly with the engine, because the truck is a carryover model. My ’11 F-150 Lariat had more than 10,000 miles on the clock, and had the kind of luxury appointments I’d expect from a Lincoln MKS.

If there’s any noticeable turbo lag, it’s very low in the rev range, with the boost only adding to the feeling that this a V-8 in all but cylinder count. Though I had no opportunity to tow or haul, unladen, the F-150 EcoBoost feels like it can do anything the 5.0-liter V-8 could do. It’s the last bullet in the chamber aimed at the old saw about how there’s no replacement for displacement.

It’s amazing, though, how quickly the market, which is easily stereotyped as big, macho suburban cowboy types who don’t flinch at guzzling gasoline by the tens of gallons, has adapted to the turbo V-6. The F-150 EcoBoost went on sale in late February, and Ford expects it will sell more than 100,000 by the end of the year, says spokesman Mike Levine. By the end of September, Ford had sold 416,388 F-Series, including both the light and heavy-duty models, about 73,000 of them EcoBoost F-150s.

The EcoBoost option isn’t available on the Super Dutys, of course, and it’s not available across the board on the half-ton models. No STX, Raptor or Harley-Davidson. On my ’11 Lariat tester, it was a $750 option over the 5.0-liter V-8, but for the 2012 model year, it’s now an $895 option on the FX2, FX4, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum, which come with the V-8 standard. On the XL and XLT, which come standard with the Mustang’s 3.7-liter V-6, the 5.0-liter V-8 is a $1,000 option, while the EcoBoost V-6 is a $1895 option.

Separate Super Duty from F-150 sales in September, and the F-150 take rate for EcoBoost was 42 percent of total sales, Levine says. The 3.7-liter V-6 took another 15 percent, making the V-6/V-8 split 67/33 percent for the month. For the first seven months it has been available, Ford has sold about 73,000 EcoBoost F-150s, he says.

Consider that through September, Ford had sold just 49,788 of its compact Ranger pickup trucks. That’s an easy choice. The F-150 EcoBoost 2WD is EPA rated 16/22 mpg, versus 15/20 mpg for a 2WD Ranger. The F-150 EcoBoost 4WD is rated 15/21 mpg, compared with 14/18 mpg for a Ranger 4WD automatic and 15/19 for the same with a manual.

My 4×4 Lariat indicated a 15.3 mpg average, just slightly better than the EPA estimate. That was mostly city driving over my weeklong loan, and I didn’t have time to drive it in a variety of situations.

“We were expecting a 40 percent take rate on the EcoBoost,” Levine adds. “Now we’re expecting 45 percent.” EcoBoost sales actually have picked up since gas prices have slid from their $4+ per gallon summertime highs.

Of course, the suburban cowboy market for pickup trucks has all but dried up. The F-Series is on track to be the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. again this year, though it won’t match the 800k level of half a decade ago. The pickup segment accounts for about 11 percent of the total U.S. market, compared with 14 percent pre-2008. Rural residents, ranchers, big-trailer owners, independent contractors and construction and work crew fleets are this decade’s big pickup buyers. The fleet buyers, especially, appreciate the lower costs of operating V-6 trucks versus V-8 models, whether EcoBoost or not.

View the original article here

Tips For Buying An ATV That's Right For You

Tips for buying an ATV that's right for you from Yamaha, the ATV people. There are so many all-terrain vehicle models to choose from, find out what you should look for.

(NAPSI)—When buying an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), there are numerous models to consider with different features that provide a variety of benefits. Depending on your situation, you might need four-wheel drive, independent suspension or even power steering. All of these and more are available today, but there are also some great value models that might get your job done.

The countless options make it important to do your homework. Here are some tips:

• First, consider how you will use your ATV. Recreational riding? Then a two-wheel drive sport ATV might be your ride. High-performance models combine fuel injection, hybrid aluminum frames and race-ready suspension. Or you can find value buys, especially for entry or step-up-level riders.

Working the land or hunting large acreage? A utility ATV is what you need. Something that can handle towing and hauling, crawl through mud and over rocks. Top-line models feature full four-wheel drive systems, but there are also lower-priced two-wheel drive utility options.

Whatever your priority, work or fun, look to a reputable manufacturer. Companies like Yamaha, which assembles many of its ATVs in its Newnan, Georgia, factory, will stand behind their product with warranties, parts, and dealers with service departments. Buying from a lesser-known manufacturer can get you a cheap price up front, but low quality and no dealer support will almost surely have you paying more in the long run.

• Next, think about what size engine you need. Are you going to be hauling big loads or pulling light chores and riding around your property? Many ATVs can do both, and some of today’s machines boast engines up to 1,000 cc, but if you are a cost-conscious shopper with a lighter workload, then you can probably find a smaller-cc engine that will get you around just fine. Still, look for the models with automatic, dual-range transmissions. The high- and low-range options will help you tour and tow better no matter the engine size.

• Then, read customer reviews online, talk to friends who ride ATVs and look for third-party endorsements. For example, a company that works with motorsports dealerships across the country, ADP Lightspeed, recently released a study showing that Yamaha’s CVT, or Continuously Variable Transmission, was more durable than similar systems in competitive models. A specific third-party finding like this goes a long way in backing up a company’s own claims, and a lasting transmission means more time working or playing on the trails.

• Finally, there’s price. And as mentioned before, each of the different categories—sport, utility, four-by-four or two-wheel drive—will come with a variety of pricing options. Balance your needs with your budget and you should be able to find a model that matches both.

For more information, visit www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor.

View the original article here

How To Find The Right Car For The Teen Driver In Your Family

How to find the right car for the teen driver in your family so you know your teen is safe behind the wheel of a car.

(ARA)Your teen is beyond excited because he finally passed his driving test. You share his enthusiasm - until you suddenly realize your baby will soon take to the open road alone for the first time in his life. For a split second, concern fills your head, but you tell yourself everything will be all right.

The harsh reality is, per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Why? Several factors are in play, but one of the main reasons for the increased risk is that teens are more likely than mature drivers to underestimate dangerous situations and not know how to react appropriately.

As a parent, you want to protect your child, even when you can't be there. When it comes time to find him the perfect first car, you probably want to look at options that are sensible, reliable and safe. Not surprising, your teen may prefer something that is sporty, fast and fun for driving around with friends. Finding a good compromise is important. Start by sitting down with your teen to discuss what types of vehicles you both like and what exactly attracts you to each model in particular. Once you understand each other's priorities, finding a car you both love should be simple.

When it comes to tips on buying a car for your teen, safety features are among the most important things to look for. Here are some important ones for both of you to research:

1. New car review

Whether you are buying a new model, or looking at used options, it's smart to look at reviews and see how the car rates, particularly in crashes. Consumer Reports and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are good places to start. Encourage your teenager to participate in the research process, especially if he has his heart set on a certain kind of vehicle. Have him gather information on the model he wants and present what he found to you. This also will help your teen to become more educated about vehicle safety in general.

2. Air bags

Car manufacturers began to make cars with airbags in the 1980s and early 1990s, but older cars may only feature airbags in front for the driver and passenger, or sometimes just the driver. Some older cars may not have an airbag at all. Having an airbag can decrease the risk of injury in a car accident. Research what types of airbags are in the car you are considering, including side impact airbags. For teens that are still learning to navigate tough road conditions, side airbags may really help to reduce injury for the driver and passengers in a major accident.

3. Stability control

Buying new cars with stability control may be a good idea. According to Edmunds.com, stability control systems use electronic sensors to monitor the driver's intended path and the actual direction the car is headed. If the system senses something is wrong, it can slow the engine power or activate braking. The system isn't perfect, but it may help a teen who finds himself in a driving situation he didn't expect. Have the seller or dealer explain how the system works so your teen understands how it will help in an accident scenario, but also what the system's limitations are.

4. New tires

Buying a car for your teen can be a difficult decision, but if you decide to purchase a used vehicle, you should inspect the tires. Good tires help grip the car to the road and will help your teen driver stay in control. Get the wheels aligned for increased safety and remind your teen to check for proper tire pressure regularly. It's also smart to discuss with your teen how different weather conditions can affect how your teen should drive. Good tires help prevent slipping and sliding in inclement weather, but they can only go so far. Make sure your teen understands to drive slower and monitor road conditions, particularly in rain, ice and snow conditions.

View the original article here