Checking Out the 2015 Ford Transit

If you need a good work van, look no further than the 2015 Ford Transit.

Recently, the folks who run the Canadian Truck King Challenge finished their first full-size euro-style commercial van test, and the Ford Transit, powered by the turbo-diesel 3.2-liter PowerStroke inline-five-cylinder engine, beat both the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ram ProMaster in a tightly held contest.

The test was conducted over two days with six experienced journalists driving more than 2,000 kilometers, including several maneuverability road tests, payload hauling and even making a few real-world deliveries.

Eight commercial vans underwent the same rigorous testing used for pickup trucks by the judges of the Canadian Truck King Challenge – in addition to adding a unique category called “Inner-City Drivability.” 

The growth and rapid change in this segment is what prompted the Challenge to undertake this intense look (for the first time) at vehicles that are vital to the North American service industry economy.

Over the two days, the six automotive journalist judges drove the eight vans back to back, empty, loaded with payload, and while negotiating parking lots, back alleys, and laneways to simulate deliveries and service calls.

At the end of almost 2,000 kilometers of road testing (and a combined 110 hours of seat time) the judges awarded the top score for 2015 to the Ford Transit.

The all-new Ford Transit is a major transformation of the full-size van you’ve been accustomed to driving. Configure a Transit cargo van or passenger wagon with the combination of box length and height for the cargo volume/payload or passenger capacity you need. The Ford Transit is designed for capability and flexibility – and engineered to Built Ford Tough standards for durability.

The Transit Van is designed to maximize cargo space for carrying large volumes and heavy payloads. The Transit Wagon, with seating from eight to 15, accommodates a broad range of personal and commercial-use applications. Whether you’re an independent owner-operator or the manager of a corporate fleet, it’s all about working productively and raising the bottom line.

The Transit offers a line of power-efficient engines designed for the cost-conscious business. The Transit engines come in standard 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 with advanced twin independent variable cam timing, the innovative 3.5L EcoBoost that delivers V6-type fuel economy with V8-type performance, and the proven 3.2L I-5 Power Stroke Turbo Diesel that combines power, efficiency, and Built Ford Tough Ford durability and dependability. The challenge of operating at high performance while helping keep costs low has gotten a lot easier.

Today, working productively isn’t about working hard - your van is engineered to do that. For your part, it’s about working smart, every hour of every day. That’s why every measure of the 2015 Ford Transit work space is carefully designed to maximize efficiency and versatility, making your Transit the ideal tool for any job.

Ready to check one out? Head to www.monacoford.com and check out Monaco Ford in Glasonbury’s new Ford vehicles – as well as our pre-owned Fords and certified pre-owned Fords.

Monaco Ford is family owned and operated since 1922, currently employing its 4th generation of ownership. The dealership currently has over 80 employees. It has received Ford’s prestigious President’s Award an outstanding 9 times in the past two decades by surpassing all requirements, proving itself as one of Connecticut’s elite dealers. Visit www.monacoford.com for more about the dealership and the inventory. Our cars and our company are reliable and trustworthy. What more could you ask for?

We Are Warriors in Pink

We at Monaco Ford are proud to be Warriors in Pink as this year marks Ford Motor Company’s 20th year in the fight against breast cancer.

As a car company, we are not breast cancer experts, but we know we can help.

From designing a full line of Warriors in Pink apparel to raise funds, to creating a broad reach in the media to generate awareness, to conducting a survey to help people keep breast health top of mind, Ford looks for ways to help people “go further” every day.

In these 20 years, Ford has donated 100 percent of the net proceeds, and over $125,000,000 has been dedicated to the cause.

Ford understands that sometimes, the hardest thing to do and the right thing to do are the same thing. Studies have shown that 63 percent of daughters are more likely to have conversations about their breast health if their mothers bring it up. Also, 59 percent of mothers admit they’re more likely to have the conversation if their daughter brings it up.

Since awareness leads to early detection and early detection leads to better outcomes, it’s time to start talking. We hope to help drive the conversation about breast cancer.

Ford understands that driving awareness that leads to proactive self-care and raising funds to support research and education are both very important. Warriors in Pink apparel was created to help do both.

The apparel that weaves the Symbols of the Warrior into each original design helps keep breast health in the forefront.

And, as always, 100 percent of the net proceeds support breast cancer charities. Ford has chosen four diverse charities – so you can decide where your donation goes. It’s your choice at checkout!

Each of the breast cancer organizations that Warriors in Pink helps – Young Survival Coalition, The Pink Fund, Susan G. Komen, and Dr. Susan Love – is unique in the way it helps support the cause. Whether it’s providing financial aid, free mammograms, resources, programs, research, or education, these organizations are there for those who need it.

For more information about and to support Warriors in Pink, visit www.warriorsinpink.ford.com.

A Thank You on This Veterans Day

We at Monaco Ford are grateful to all who have served our country. We appreciate the sacrifices these people and their families have made.

So on this Veterans Day, we would like to say thank you to all who served – and to all who are currently serving.

The Ford Motor Company echoes those sentiments and is equally as proud to support members of the military, and their families, who sacrifice, and have sacrificed so much for our country.

To emphasize Ford’s support and show our appreciation of those men and women, we are proud to offer military members and their families a $500 bonus cash offer good toward the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2013, 2014, or 2015 model year Ford vehicle.

Our family has a lot of military history. My grandfather and all his brothers served, including his brother Peter who was killed in Korea. He was in the United States Marine Corps., as was one of his brothers.

My grandfather and the two oldest brothers were in the Army. One of the brothers was Dwight Eisenhower’s driver in WWII, and the other was a Prisoner of War during WWII.

More recently, my brother, Mike, was in the United States Marine Corps.

Every year, we bring the crew from Monaco – along with the vehicles – to the Memorial Day Parade in Glastonbury. In the vehicles are the men and women who served our country. They may not be able to walk the entire route, but with the help of Monaco Ford, they can still be a part of the parade.

As a military family, we obviously have a soft spot for our former and current military members, and on Aug. 28, we were one of the stops of the High Five Tour 2014, a road trip across America that is raising funds for our warriors.

The tour was put on by Wounded Warriors Family Support, whose mission is to provide support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured, or killed during combat operations. The families of our casualties suffer in many ways: some financially, some psychologically.

Your help rallied support in the community for our country’s military families and raised funds for the construction of “smart homes” for deserving wounded warriors. Absolutely 100 percent of all donations to the High Five Tour 2014 went directly to the construction of these homes.

Thank you for all you do and have done for us!

The Ford F-150 Versus the Chevy Colorado and Silverado

You need to haul a good-sized load, but you’re not sure which truck will be best – the 2015 Ford F-150, the Chevy Colorado, or maybe even the Chevy Silverado.

At a recent Texas Auto Writers Association's Truck Rodeo Pickuptrucks.com was able to do some comparison towing with these trucks. They hauled loads with a 2015 Ford F-150 equipped with the all-new 2.7-liter V-6 EcoBoost as well as an all-new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado with the 3.6-liter V-6.

They were provided with four identically equipped 500-gallon water-tank trailers — outfitted with a conventional surge-brake hitch — to put behind each of the designated vehicles. They estimated the total weight of the water and double-axle reinforced supports to be just more than 5,200 pounds. The total weight of the trailer was nearly the same as the F-150 and probably several hundred pounds heavier than the Colorado.

The Ford F-150 that was used was a midlevel XLT FX4 package and Chevy provided the Silverado 2500 Heavy-Duty Duramax and Colorado crew-cab V-6.

They reported that for the Ford, the engine seemed powerful enough to pull a 5,000-pound load wherever needed, but maybe more importantly is how calm and settled the chassis feels when pulling and hauling the weight. From hill stops and takeoffs on a fairly good grade, the truck handled smoothly and settled any road irregularities pretty quickly.

In comparison, the Colorado, since it's a smaller and lighter vehicle with a naturally aspirated gas engine, struggled a little bit more.

While driving the F-150, they averaged just more than 11 miles per gallon, while the same route in the Colorado got us just less than 9 miles per gallon. The F-150 was equipped with 3.55:1 gears, while the Colorado only comes with 3.42:1 gears.

The F-150's new EcoBoost engine automatically turns off the auto stop-start feature and does a great job in Tow/Haul mode, slowing down the truck and trailer with an aggressive software program that makes quick downshifts when slowing or braking.

The Colorado, dealing with a higher percentage of its maximum towing capacity (about 61 percent for the F-150 and about 74 percent for the Colorado), seemed to accelerate slower.

Based on these drives, both pickups seem able to do plenty of hard pulling, but the Ford (with the smaller engine) seemed to handle the load with a touch more confidence. The Chevy V-6 was only down 20 horsepower when comparing the two engines, but when towing, the torque numbers always tell the tale. The Ford EcoBoost produces 375 pounds-feet while the GM V-6 gets 269, almost a 40 percent difference.

Now let’s look at the Ford F-150 versus the Chevy Silverado.

The 2015 Ford F-150 will have a 3.7-liter V6 engine of 302 horsepower as standard. There will be a 2.7-liter V6 320 horsepower, a 3.5-liter V6 with 365 horsepower, a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 360 horsepower, and a 6.2-liter V8 with 411 horsepower.

The Chevy Silverado will have a 4.3-liter engine producing 285 horsepower as standard. It will be available with a 5.3-liter V8 from 355 horsepower and a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower.

Both models will be driven to the rear wheels or all four wheels. The engines are combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Ford F-150 will have a stronger motor for 17 horsepower.

The Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado are set on 17-inch steel or alloy wheels and there are optionally offered 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Both models are designed to accommodate three passengers. TheFord F-150 will be made ​​in three, while the Chevy Silverado will be available in two, trim levels.

Ready to see what Monaco Ford has to offer? Head to www.monacoford.com to check out Monaco Ford in Glasonbury’s new Ford vehicles – as well as our pre-owned Fords and certified pre-owned Fords.

Meet Porkie, an 8-Year-Old Pit Bull Mix

Each month, we at Monaco Ford will be sponsoring a senior dog that is available for adoption at the Connecticut Humane Society.

This month is Porkie, an 8-year-old spayed, pit bull mix.

Even though she has this silly name, she is anything but porky. In fact, she is lean and in very good health.

Porkie would love to share her new home with kids over 8 years old.

She likes other dogs but would prefer a cat-free family.

Think she may be the one for you?

Why don’t you come down to the Newington shelter and find out?

Exploring the 2015 Ford Edge

Looking for a new car?

Perhaps the 2015 Ford Edge is the vehicle for you.

From its sculpted curves to its athletic stance, the exterior is designed to help you make an entrance.

But there’s much more to it than just a pretty face.

The Edge Sport with the 2.7L V6 EcoBoost delivers the pickup, horsepower and torque to keep you in the fast lane.

Available adaptive steering will give you confidence with every turn.

Available advanced technology – like ultrasonic sensors – detect vehicles and objects in your blind spots while a front-facing camera gives you a peek around corners at slow speeds.

The available Lane-Keeping System uses a forward-facing camera to scan the road ahead. Drift out of your lane, and the steering wheel vibrates and actively applies steering torque to alert you to steer your vehicle back into the lane.

An available Blind Spot Information System uses two hidden rear radar sensors to warn you of vehicles entering your blind spot on either side. And cross-traffic alert warns you of vehicles you can’t see when you’re slowly backing out of a parking space.

Available adaptive cruise control can detect traffic slowing ahead and automatically slow your vehicle. When traffic has cleared, the vehicle resumes your set speed.

The 2015 Ford Edge uses its available system of ultrasonic systems to help you in nearly all parking situations – perpendicular parking, parallel parking, parking garages and more.

Available Enhanced Active Park Assist adds the ability for Edge to help you with perpendicular parking too. Utilizing the vehicle’s 12 ultrasonic sensors, Edge will scan for suitable parking spaces, and will assist in backing the vehicle into the spot. All you have to do is shift, accelerate and brake, and Edge will take care of the steering.

While driving slowly near parking spots, simply activate this feature and it scans for available parking spots. Ultrasonic sensors measure the distance to the curb and other parked cars. Once a big enough spot is identified, you’re signaled to stop and accept the system’s assistance. Just control the shifting, accelerating, and braking.

The Edge is always ready to steer you out of a tight parallel parking spot with available park out assist. When you’re wedged into a parallel parking spot, simply press the button and the system will give you reassuring instructions on shifting as well as moving forward and back while Edge steers you out. Just accelerate and brake.

With the available Side Parking Sensor, you can stay aware of your surroundings. The Edge has your back, your front, and of course your sides – warning you when the vehicle becomes too close to objects.

At slow speeds, the Edge helps you see around corners, down alleys and even while you’re pulling out of parking spots, thanks to the available 180º camera tucked in the grille.

The Edge is equally adept at keeping you in touch orhelping you get away from it all.

Stay connected to your world with hands-free calling, voice-activated entertainment, customizable instrument cluster screens, and touch-screen controls.

You will also enjoy home theater-type audio with 390 watts of continuous power through the combination of 12 speakers and subwoofers.

Sounds good, right?

Check out Monaco Ford in Glastonbury’s new Ford vehicles – as well as our pre-owned Fords and certified pre-owned Fords.

Monaco Ford is family owned and operated since 1922, currently employing its 4th generation of ownership. The dealership currently has over 80 employees. It has received Ford’s prestigious President’s Award an outstanding 9 times in the past two decades by surpassing all requirements, proving itself as one of Connecticut’s elite dealers. Visit www.monacoford.com for more about the dealership and the inventory. Our cars and our company are reliable and trustworthy. What more could you ask for?

Tips for Buying a New Car

Buying a new car can be a stressful process, but it doesn’t have to be.

We at Monaco Ford have some tips for you.

Have a goal. Come to the dealership with a goal, know what you want so you buy a vehicle because of the rule, not the exception.

However, you want to make smart decisions. You come in thinking you have all the information you need to get into the vehicle you want. Our sales staff may have more information to get you into a better vehicle that fits your lifestyle, so be open-minded.

You need time to put together the correct ingredients to buy the right vehicle that fits your lifestyle, and we’re ready to spend time with you and get you into the correct vehicle that fits you.

Take a thorough test drive to make sure you’ll be happy for the long term. Take extra time with the car parked to adjust the seats and experiment with the controls and the car's other features. Make sure all of your typical passengers and cargo fit well and the passengers are comfortable. Also think about whether or not this vehicle will suit your needs in the future in terms of people and cargo.

Also, when you’re here, ask for any special rebates that may apply to you, including a student discount or an active military discount.

We want to make sure you end up in the right car.  You could wind up an unhappy car owner if you haven't thought carefully about how many people and how much luggage or gear you need to carry.

You’ll also want to decide whether a new or used car is best for you. Cars are built better now than in the past, so used cars or certified used cars may make a lot of sense for you.

Ready to see what Monaco Ford has to offer? Visit www.monacoford.com to check out Monaco Ford in Glasonbury’s new Ford vehicles – as well as our pre-owned Fords and certified pre-owned Fords.

2015 Ford F-150 Not to Be Missed

It’s just about time to start thinking about the 2015 model year and the 2015 F-150 is one model you won’t want to miss.

It’s projected to be our most efficient F-150 yet and we set out to make the toughest, safest, smartest Ford F-150 yet. The all-new F-150 is designed to deliver more towing and hauling capability than the previous generation and with the technology to do it with confidence.

The high-strength, military grade, aluminum alloy in the new F-150 does not produce red rust like steel, and we’ve gone to great lengths to develop coatings that will inhibit corrosion.

Through years of innovation and refinement, our engineers have devised a way to join its high-strength-steel frame together with its all-new body and bed, which are constructed using high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloys.

The all-new F-150 will benefit from the truck itself being lighter, which will translate into higher payload and towing ratings as well as enhanced driving dynamics.

A 2.7L EcoBoost engine joins a comprehensive lineup of choices to meet every need. The numbers are in at 325 horsepower, 375 lb.-ft. of torque, a max payload of 2,250 pounds and 8,500 pounds max towing.

The 3.5LV6 TI-VCT FFV engine delivers 282 horsepower and 253 lb.-ft. of torque for a max payload of 1,910 pounds and max towing capacity of 7,600 pounds. Its twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) automatically adjusts intake and exhaust for enhanced efficiency.

The 3.5L EcoBoost engine is rated a best-in-class 12,200 pounds of towing with 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. This available workhorse has been proven tough after years on the job and with more than 400,000 EcoBoost-equipped F-150 trucks out on the road.

The 5.0LV8 FFV engine is trusted eight-cylinder power that delivers a best-in-class payload rating of 3,300 pounds, over a half ton more than its nearest competitor. It’s performance is made possible by 385 horsepower and 387 lb.-ft. of torque, yet it’s surprisingly efficient.

When it comes to technology, there is a new, available 8-Inch Productivity Screen that is larger and more convenient. It has tabs that make navigation between screens easy and is command central for your truck, right in front of you.

Depending on the trim level, some of the available technology for the 2015 F-150 includes adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with brake support, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, lane-keeping system, a 360 Camera with Split-view Display and Dynamic Hitch Assist, and Reverse Sensing System.

You could also get active park assist, BLIS with cross-traffic alert, Quad beam LED headlamps and taillamps, LED security approach lamps, LED side-mirror spotlights, LED box lighting, ambient lighting, Remote Start System, remote tailgate release, and 110v/400w inverter outlets (up to two).

And there’s more. There’s SYNC with MyFord (4.2-inch LCD screen in center stack), Crew Chief powered by Telogis, inflatable rear safety belts, power-deployable running boards, auto high beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers, SecuriCode keyless entry keypad, and power-adjustable pedals.

On the 2015 Ford F-150, the 60 percent side of the 60/40 rear seat folds to reveal a storage bin. A pull-out bin is beneath the middle front seat of the 40/20/40 configuration.

Speaking of seats, there is seating for six available on SuperCrew and SuperCab models with 40/20/40 seating configurations and with a variety of power control options.

Ready to see what all the fuss is about?

Head to www.monacoford.com to check out Monaco Ford in Glasonbury’s new Ford vehicles – as well as our pre-owned Fords and certified pre-owned Fords.

Monaco Ford Receives Prestigious President's Award

Recently, we at Monaco Ford were honored to receive our 9th President’s Award from Ford.

The President’s Award is the most prestigious award given out by Ford and is given to the dealerships that excel in sales and customer service satisfaction.

In addition to being the 9th time we’ve won the award, it is the second year in a row that we’ve been the only Connecticut dealership in the Boston region to win it.

We want to thank our loyal customers for helping us to achieve this feat. We have to think we received it because our customers had a good experience – because it is based on their feedback.

It really comes full circle when we win this award. We know that we’re making our customers happy.

You guys make us so happy, so we’re glad that we can return the favor!

President's Award Thank You from Nick Monaco on Vimeo.

Taking a Look at the 2015 Ford Fusion

There are sedans, and then there are sedans like the 2015 Ford Fusion.

The 2015 Ford Fusion offers multiple engine choices, hybrid efficiency, technology, comfort, and style. It is all about details.

The 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid has an EPA-estimated rating of 44 mile per gallon city, 41 mile per gallon highway, and 42 mile per gallon combined. It has a 2.0L I-4 Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine that delivers 188 combined horsepower.

At speeds up to 85 miles per hour, the vehicle can travel in electric mode. To help you drive more efficiently, next-generation SmartGauge with EcoGuide acts as a driving coach, providing real-time driving feedback, courtesy of screens on either side of the center-mounted speedometer.

Left-side display screens include Engage and Empower modes, providing a variety of real-time information to help you get the most efficiency from your vehicle. You can track the powertrain’s operation – hybrid drive, electric drive, gas engine, plus instant and average fuel economy.

The Fusion Energi Plug-In Hybrid is a progressive hybrid that provides the option of plugging in or not. The vehicle is designed to be efficient, thanks a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and electric motor with a gasoline engine. The battery provides enough power to operate in all-electric mode for commutes of an EPA-estimated range of up to 19 miles.

With plug-in capability, you can fully charge the battery overnight using a 120-volt outlet. There is also an available 240-volt home charging station that provides a full recharge in approximately 2.5 hours. When fully charged, the EPA-estimated gas plus electric driving range is 550 miles.

When the battery is depleted or when more power is needed, the vehicle functions as a traditional gas-electric hybrid. It also features a Regenerative Braking System, allowing it to capture the braking energy and store it for later use.

The available EcoBoost in-line four-cylinder engines combine three different technologies – turbocharging, direct injection, and twin independent variable cam timing to enhance both performance and efficiency.

Want efficiency?

Active Grille Shutters can help improve efficiency by altering the shutters behind the grille. Located between the grille opening and the radiator, the shutters are electronically controlled by the engine control module. They open or close to help maintain the ideal engine operating temperature. When less engine cooling is needed, the shutters close to help improve aerodynamics. This is standard on hybrid and Fusion Energi Plug-In Hybrid models.

In the 2015 Ford Fusion, you can reduce vehicle emissions with available Auto Start-Stop. When the vehicle comes to a stop in city driving, the engine is automatically shut off. The engine seamlessly restarts the instant your foot leaves the brake pedal. This is available on the Fusion SE with the available 1.5L I-4 EcoBoost engine and 17-inch wheels.

The Fusion features a MacPherson front suspension and multilink independent rear suspension. This helps provide a smooth ride in straightaways and a balanced, nimble ride when the Fusion goes around a corner or curve.

Electric power-assisted steering automatically adjusts to deliver precise feel and control at higher speeds, and the required assistance at slower speeds when needed. EPAS features drift control and active nibble control. Drift control technology detects road conditions – such as a crowned road surface or crosswinds – and adjusts the EPAS to compensate.

The active nibble control feature uses the EPAS motor to reduce unwanted vibrations in the steering wheel. The result is a comfortable driving experience and responsive steering.

Available Intelligent AWD uses sensors to constantly monitor traction. It balances torque between the front and rear wheels to enhance handling and maximize traction, typically before wheelslip can even occur. This is available on SE and Titanium gas models equipped with the EcoBoost 2.0L engine.

Using race-inspired technology, the available steering wheel-mounted paddles in the 2015 Ford Fusion provide an engaged driving experience by letting you easily and quickly go from gear to gear without taking your hands off the steering wheel.

Driver-friendly, available convenience features help you maintain proper lane position, parallel park your vehicle with hardly any input on your part, and even warn you of vehicles in your blind spot.

Some of the other technology includes a standard rear view camera, SYNC Voice-Activated technology, available inflatable second-row safety belts, available BLIS with cross-traffic alert, available adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, and available intelligent access with push-button start.

Nowhere is the attention to detail more apparent than in the stylish Fusion interior. The SE Luxury Package includes finely crafted leather upholstery and heated, power front seats. The dashboard and center stack have a contemporary, clean look. To help you find your optimal driving position, the driver’s seat features power adjustment. Passenger seating is supportive, including ample rear leg room.

Sounds pretty impressive, right?

Check out Monaco Ford in Glasonbury’s new Ford vehicles – as well as our pre-owned Fords and certified pre-owned Fords.

Monaco Ford is family owned and operated since 1922, currently employing its 4th generation of ownership. The dealership currently has over 80 employees. It has received Ford’s prestigious President’s Award an outstanding 9 times in the past two decades by surpassing all requirements, proving itself as one of Connecticut’s elite dealers. Visit www.monacoford.com for more about the dealership and the inventory. Our cars and our company are reliable and trustworthy. What more could you ask for?

Meet Cochise, a 10-Year-Old Hound Mix

Are you looking for the perfect four-legged friend?

Look no further than Cochise, a 10-year-old hound mix.

Cochise, a soft-hearted guy, tore a cruciate ligament and underwent successful surgery. He’s currently in a foster home until his leg completely heals, and then he will be available at the Newington Shelter.

He is getting better and better every day and would love to go home with you.

Like fine wine, Cochise just gets better with age! He’s mellow, very well-behaved, and a complete gentleman.

If you want to make an appointment to meet Cochise, please call 860-594-4500 x6100.

He’s looking forward to spending the rest of his life with you!