John Mesenbrink and I had the opportunity to attend Ford’s EcoBoost Challenge. The event was for media members only, and we had the chance to jump behind the wheels of the most popular Ford vehicles on the road today — all in one place — at the EcoBoost Challenge in Arlington Heights, Ill.
The Ford automobiles showcased at the event are the latest in fuel-efficient and tough vehicles. The EcoBoost Challenge was opened to the public June 21 in Arlington Heights, Ill., 60005.
Next stops for the EcoBoost Challenge are:
- San Francisco: Golden Gate Fields, June 28
- Indianapolis: Lucas Oil Stadium, July 19
During the event, we were handed the keys to 10 of the most popular cars and trucks on the road. John Mesenbrink and I took turns driving the F-150 against the Silverado.
From talking with Ford representatives at the event, I found out the 2015 F-150 will be on the market the first quarter of 2015. Some of the neat features that contractors will appreciate on this new model include:
- Available 110V/400W outlets in the cab, delivering power for charging tools and battery chargers.
- More towing and hauling capability than the previous year models.
- Four-camera system, so you can see all four sides of the truck.
- The rear seat folds to reveal a storage bin, and a pull-out bin is beneath the middle front seat.
- Engines available on the truck are the 2.7L EcoBoost; the new 3.5L V6 TI-VCT FFV; the 3.5L ECOBOOST; and the 5.0L V8 FFV.
At the event, a 2015 model of the Transit Connect was on display too. A popular vehicle with contractors, the Transit Connect is known for its fuel efficiency. Also, the vehicle drives and parks like a car, making it easy to maneuver on city streets.
The 2015 Ford Transit Connect commercial van offers contractors a choice between two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines — standard 2.5-liter and an optional 1.6-liter EcoBoost, estimated to deliver 30 mpg-plus on the highway.
Contractors should also note that the Transit Connect’s 2.5-liter engine can be specified with a compressed natural gas/liquid propane gas (CNG/LPG) preparation package, enabling conversion by Ford-certified upfit specialists.
Another great optional feature on the Transit Connect for contractors is the Crew Chief powered by Telogis, which uses GPS technology to help contractors manage fleets. When you order your new Transit Connect, Crew Chief can be factory-installed. It is also available on the F-150, Super Duty and E-Series.
For more information on these upcoming models, contact your local Ford dealership. You can also visit Ford’s Commercial Truck website for information on current models and 2015 vehicle models.