The 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

A lot – and we do mean a LOT –  has been said about the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.  But we have to assume all the roars of approval and expressions of delight occurred only after a moment of jaw-dropping, awe-struck silence.  Because this pony car truly is unbelievable.  With its 5.8 liter supercharged aluminun block V8 engine, 662 horsepower (yes, you read that right) and 600 lb. ft. of torque, the 2013 Mustang Shelby GT500 is the most powerful production V8 in the world.  Ford brags it can shoot from 0-60 in 4 seconds in first gear and reach tops speeds of 200+ mph!  The Blue Oval ain’t kidding when it brags it’s latest super snake is “coiled and ready to strike”.  But don’t  take the our word for it.  Here’s a sampling of 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 reviews from around the automotive universe.

“The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 debuts as fastest, most powerful Mustang ever with 662 horsepower [and a ]track speed of 200+ MPH.”
- – media.ford.com

“When it comes to affordable engineering, there’s nothing on the market that comes close to the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500.”
- – carbuzz.com

“Ford… creates its beastliest Mustang ever…   We weren’t prepared for the 650 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque announced as the car debuts at the Los Angeles auto show. Is that ‘God Bless America’ we hear?
- – caranddriver.com

“The blown V8 is happy to burble along in stop-and-go traffic or eviscerate slow-moving commuters in beautiful flourishes of torque and snarl. It damn near brings a tear to the eye.”
- – autoblog.com

“Boy, it’s a nice car. You could get in a lot of trouble real quickly with this. I’m a little annoyed that it’s faster than my Ford GT.”
- – Jay Leno, car enthusiast

“Your move, Chevy.”
- – uncrate.com

Jay Leno drives the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 (embed code)

2013 Shelby GT500 VS Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Chasing 200 mph with “Ignition”

Review, Drive & Specs – - AmericanMuscle.com

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 vs Cop Cars: Police Chase! – The Downshift Episode 17

Before You Travel: Know the Cell Phone Rules of the Road

Courtesy: www.autoblog.com

Because we in the Rogue Valley live so close to California news that the Golden State had banned the use of all hand-held cell phones by drivers a few years back made local headlines. Not long after, Oregon followed suit with a similar ban. But what about cell phone laws in other states? Washington and Nevada also ban the use of hand-held devices on the road. But the rules radically change the further east you go. Before traveling by car this summer, take some time to check the legalities of using your cell behind the wheel at all locations between home and your destination as some city regulations differ from those of the state. And then, even if the laws do allow you to use your phone, consider imposing a ban of your own. After all, the ultimate measure of any good road trip is that you return safely home.

Cell phone laws by state: http://www.iihs.org/laws/cellphonelaws.aspx

2012 Ford Focus Electric: Coming Soon to Butler Ford!

 

 

 

 

 

 

By the dog-days of summer Butler Ford should have the 2012 Ford Focus Electric on the lot. Starting this week, the electron-fueled Focus is on its way to 67 pilot dealerships in New York, New Jersey and California. Each store will take delivery of a half dozen of the EVs, one of which will be used as a demo. The Blue Oval’s rolling out the Focus Electric slowly, letting consumers get used to not only the idea of an electric Ford but also the $40,000 price tag. Once the initial shock wears off Ford expects nearly a quarter of its vehicles sold by 2020 will be electric or hybrid. The Focus Electric owns the title of most fuel-efficient five-passenger vehicle in America ( ) and gets the best city rating it its class with 110 MPGe (EPA-estimated 110 city/99 hwy/105 combined MPGe*) . It’s being sold with an available 240-volt charging station and could even earn you a $7,500 federal tax credit. So, keep an eye on this space! As soon as we at Butler Ford have an ETA for the 2012 Ford Focus Electric, we’ll spread the word!

* MPGe is the EPA’s miles per gallon equivalent for electric mode operation

Butler Ford’s May 19, 2012 “Drive One 4 UR School” to Benefit Phoenix High

Save the date and come join us!

 

Warm Weather Driving Prep: Get Your Vehicle Set for Summer

Summer’s a’comin’! So, it’s time again to treat your vehicle to a little TLC. Last November, we posted a list of everything you might need to tackle winter driving conditions. Now that the studded and snow tires have (hopefully) been removed, here’s how to travel worry free into the warmer months:

1. Check tires. Remove and store your winter tires, and rotate all-season radials.

2. Check tire pressure. And check again. Because air pressure increases with temperature you’ll want to check your tire pressure more frequently during the summer months.

3. Check brakes for noise. You’re looking for grinding, squealing, screeching or chatter. Excessive amounts of any or all mean it’s time to invest in new ones.

4. Replace windshield wiper blades. They took a beating over the winter.

5. Wash it! And not just the parts you can see. Spray the underbody and undersides of both bumpers to get rid of build-up. As for the body, wash it in the shade. Then wax it. But wait until it’s completely dry before doing so.

6. Apply “sunscreen”. Hours in the sun can result in the cracking of any vinyl surface or the fading of cloth. Apply a protectant… reapply when needed.

7. Clean – and clean OUT – the interior. You don’t want your old trash blowing around when it’s finally warm enough to drive with the windows down.

8. Change the oil. Consider synthetics… they’re specifically designed for warm weather engine protection.

9. Check all fluids. That means brake, transmission, coolant, power steering and windshield washer fluid. Replace, or refill, to proper levels.

10. Test the AC.

11. Examine belts and hoses for wear or deterioration.

12. Consider assembling a car care kit, if you don’t already have one. Include a couple large bottles of water, non-perishable food items, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, road flares or an emergency beacon, basic hand tools, and a first aid kit. Maybe throw in a blanket, just in case.

Finally, be aware that heat often makes people uncomfortable and thus, irritated. Irritated drivers tend to be impatient and less apt to pay attention. Give drivers their space and stay alert.

Now all that’s left to do is plan a road trip! Happy travels!

(To read up on Winter Driving Preparations, visit: http://butlerautogroup.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/oh-no-snow-everything-you-and-your-vehicle-need-for-winter-driving/)

Butler Ford Helps Breast Cancer Survivor Find a “Warriors in Pink” Mustang

For a few years in the late 2000′s  Ford produced a limited edition sports car to raise awareness about, and funds to support research into a cure for, breast cancer.  The “Warriors in Pink” Mustangs were in great demand and extremely short supply.  But in early 2012 Central Point resident Barbara decided she needed one.  So Butler Automotive Group and Butler Ford went to work.  Here’s Barbara’s story.

2013 Ford Fusion Makes “Beautiful Cars” List

President Grover Cleveland said, “A man is known by the company he keeps.”  We like to think the same is true of automobiles.  Take, for instance, the list of the “100 Most Beautiful Cars of All Time” compiled by Edmunds Inside Line.  In and amongst the likes of both classic and contemporary Maseratis, Posches, Bentleys, Fisker Karmas, and Bugattis is a handful of Fords, including…. drumroll, please… the 2013 Ford Fusion!

The Fusion’s lines are so graceful (Ford calls them “sleek and stylish”) that some compare the front end to that of the Aston Martin DBS… not much of a stretch considering Aston Martin was part of the Ford Group until 2007.  (Listen to Chris Hamilton talk about the 2013 Fusion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95XmHu1SRlo)

The Fusion’s beauty continues on the interior.  Recognizing the importance of individual preference, designers added ambient lighting options.  Drivers can rotate among seven colors (white, orange, red, ice blue, green, blue and purple).

It’s not all about looks, though. There’s also a model for those attracted to environmental friendliness.  The ’13 Fusion Energi Hybrid Plug-In is expected to deliver the equivalent of 100 mpg.

Not surprisingly (we’re not biased or anything) the Fusion’s not the only Ford to make the “Beautiful Cars”  list.  Also included are the ’32 3-Window Coupe, the ‘33 Cabriolet, ‘56 F100, ’64 GT40, ’65 Mustang 2×2, and the ’67 Shelby GT500.  To view the entire list visit (http://www.insideline.com/features/100-most-beautiful-cars-ever-made.html).