Monday, February 18, 2013

Famous and Infamous Celebrity Car Wrecks

I have done a few lists in the past such as Famous Cars From TV and the Movies and Ugliest Cars but let's go a little more humorous and a touch darker with this next one. Celebrity car wrecks are huge news even though the celebrities themselves prefer and at times try to hide them. Some are funny and some are both tragic and sad, all are memorable.

1. Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay is always finding her way into the news and rarely is it good news for the troubled star. Lohan has been involved in a few high profile crashes. In June of 2012 the actress wrecked a rented Porsche. Lohan claimed that her assistant was driving the vehicle and later changed her story that there was a mechanical brake failure. Way to go Lindsay!


 

Back in 2005 Lindsay Lohan also crashed a black Mercedes convertible while she was trying to avoid paparazzi.
 
 
2. Eddie Griffin
 
In 2009 actor and comedian Eddie Griffin wrecked a rare Ferrari Enzo worth $1.5 million into a concrete barrier. The comedian was practicing for a charity race to promote his upcoming film, "Redline," when he drove too fast around a curve and smashed into a divide. After the wreck, Griffin had this to say: "Undercover Brother's good at karate and all the rest of that, but the brother can't drive." Only 400 Ferrari Enzos were ever produced, all between 2002 and 2004.
 
 
 

3. Jay Kay
 
 
Jay Kay is the Grammy Award-winning English musician, best known as the lead singer of the acid jazz band Jamiroquai. Kay is an avid exotic car collector and has had multiple run-ins with the law for having a heavy foot. In 2006 Jay Kay wrecked his purple Lamborghini Diablo.
 
 
 

4. Rowan Atkinson
 
Britt comedian and actor Rowan Atkinson best known in America as the lead in the Mr. Bean and Johnny English films. Atkinson has a McLaren F1 which is one of the quickest production vehicles ever made. Atkinson has managed to get into two accidents with the McLaren, and this is the most recent, where he lost control, hit a tree and the car broke out into flames.
 
 
 
5. Nick Hogan
 

In 2007 Nick "Hogan" Bollea was driving his father's (former WWE professional wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan) 1998 Toyota Supra; well not just driving, but street racing, when he lost control striking a raised rear median, spinning around and hitting a palm tree. He was sentenced
in May 2008 to eight months in jail after he pleaded no contest to reckless driving.  He also received five years of probation and surrendered his driving privileges for three years. His passenger, John Grazino, an Iraq war veteran, spent several weeks in a medically induced coma, was in the hospital for over two years before he was released and will probably need 24 hour care the rest of his life. Kids... street racing is bad... take it to the track.
 
 
6. Ryan Dunn
 
In 2011 Ryan Dunn, one of the stars of MTV's "Jackass" was on his way home with a friend driving at a high rate of speed when it struck a guardrail and tumbled into a nearby wooded area. The Porsche 911 GT3 was believed to be going nearly 140mph when it hit the guardrail and came to rest in the woods and became engulfed in flames, killing both occupants. Alcohol is believed to be a factor according to the official toxicology report.
 
 
7. James Dean
 
Probably the most famous celebrity wreck was the 1955 crash that took the life of "Rebel Without a Cause" star. Dean was driving his new Porsche 550 Spyder to an auto rally when he was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle. Dean was killed in the vehicle while his passenger and mechanic Rolf Wuetherich was thrown from the car and suffered serious head injuries and a broken leg. The driver of the other vehicle, a 1950 Ford Tutor, received only minor injuries. After the wreck Dean's crumpled Porsche 550 was toured around the United States as part of a driver's safety presentation. Between two of the stops the car vanished and as of yet has not been located. A one-million dollar award has been offered to anyone who may have the vehicle, but as of yet is has not been located. The mystery of James Dean's Porsche 550 has a ton of legend surrounding it. As legend goes, parts of the ill-fated vehicle were sold and used on other vehicles and in turn those drivers met with injury due to accident and in some cases even their demise.
 

 
-TW




Thursday, February 14, 2013

Thoughts On Valentine's

On this Valentine's day
There are many things I could say
But one particular thought came to my mind
So I will let you in
On this little secret of mine
And that's all the great deals
Ed Koehn Ford will have
On Valentine's day 2013
But don't worry for those
Who can't make it this way
Because Ed Koehn Ford
Has great deals every day

-Jay

Huge Savings and Special Offers!



 
 
 
Huge event all week at Ed Koehn in Greenville with your last opportunity to save 80% on select model vehicles including Ford Lincoln Chrysler Jeep and Dodge .That’s  80 % off manufacture price with credit approval guarantee and no payments up to 90 days, and that’s not all, for those qualified we are offering  $2,000 dollars in financial assistance on your new vehicle purchase. Now is the time to buy at Ed Koehn Ford Lincoln Chrysler Jeep Dodge located in Greenville, if that wasn't enough how would you like to win tickets to  Josh Turner, Miranda Lambert & Dirks Bentley? How about Michigan's very own Kid Rock? If so, here is what you have to do, text "ED" right now to 616-818-1420 to get today’s special code. Once you get a reply with the special code all you have to do is bring it in to Ed Koehn in Greenville and see if you've won. Plus the first 50 who text in get a free works package for their car. Again just text "ED" to 616-818-1420 right now. Be a part of a huge event at Ed Koehn on Carson City Road located in Greenville.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Why Electric Cars?


The world is changing in many ways. Gas is expensive, the world population is rapidly growing, fossil fuels are depleting and we are very conscious of pollution affecting ecosystems. What does this have to do with the auto industry and Ford Motor Company?

Transformation of Transportation

Building on over a decade of experience with hybrid technologies, Ford is committed to being a world leader in rechargeable electric vehicle technology.
• Electrified vehicles offer additional fuel choices for consumers and protection against price fluctuations at the pump
• A more fuel-efficient vehicle means a reduced carbon footprint and fewer tailpipe emissions, which can to lead to cleaner air and a future where we can be less dependent on fossil fuels

Progressive Technology


• Globally, we’re doubling the size of vehicle development teams focused on fuel-saving and electrified vehicles, as compared to five years ago
• We’ve dedicated 285,000 sq. ft. in Dearborn, Michigan to a new Advanced Electrification Center where engineers work on EVs
• We’ve refurbished and revitalized the Michigan Assembly Plant to build five fuel-efficient powertrain technologies on the same line
• We’ve invested in solar energy to help power our manufacturing facilities

Blueprint for Sustainability

Near-Term
Full implementation of known technology; introduce significant weight savings

  • Advance gasoline engines
  • Natural gas/LPG
  • Hybrids   

Mid-Term
Expand weight savings; hybrids and electrification

  • Hybrids,plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles
  • Weight reduction

Long-Term
Leverage hybrids and introduce alternate energy sources

  • Efficient energy management in homes
  • New materials
  • Hydrogen-powered vehicles
Check out the types of electric vehicles Ford is currenlty offering and the differences between them: 

Ford Electric Vehicle Types

Power of Choice



Comparing Ford Evs at a glance:


{H} Hybrid
- 2013 C-MAX Hybrid
- 2013 Fusion Hybrid
{P} Plug-in Hybrid
- 2013 C-MAX Energi
- 2013 Fusion Energi
{E} All-Electric
- 2013 Focus Electric
Gas Engine
Yes
Yes
No
Electric Motor
Yes
Yes
Yes
Transmission
eCVT
eCVT
Single-speed
Regenerative Braking Recovers Energy
Yes
Yes
Yes
Battery
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion


Hybrid Vehicles

Product Overview

C-MAX Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid feature a highly efficient internal combustion engine, state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and Regenerative Braking System.
• Hybrid transmission seamlessly manages power between the electric traction motor and gasoline engine for maximum efficiency
• Both C-MAX Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid offer a top speed of up to 62 mph in all-electric mode
• In addition to providing some electric drive capability, the electric motor provides added power as needed to allow the gasoline engine to run at its most efficient
• Electric power is primarily used for idling, vehicle launch and power assist
• A hybrid does not need to be “plugged-in”
• Regenerative Braking System captures brake energy normally lost during braking and uses it to help recharge the battery

Purchase Motivations

Why select a hybrid:
• To save money on fuel costs during urban and highway driving
• To reduce their carbon footprints
• To obtain a vehicle with room to fit their lifestyles

Customer Benefits

Ford hybrids can deliver a significant improvement in MPG when compared to comparable gasoline-only vehicles:
• 2013 C-MAX Hybrid — 47 city/47 hwy/47 combined MPG(1)
• 2013 Fusion Hybrid — 47 city/47 hwy/47 combined MPG(1)

Also, the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid and 2013 Fusion Hybrid achieve ultra low emissions vehicle standards,(2) so driving one can help make a difference to the environment.

(1) EPA certified. Actual mileage will vary.
(2) Achieve ULEV II Tier 2 Bin 3 standard.


Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles

Product Overview

Ford plug-in hybrids give customers the “best of both worlds.” C-MAX Energi and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrids offer drivers the opportunity to offset their fuel usage with electricity by plugging in. By fully charging, customers may realize fuel savings and minimize their carbon footprints.
• They can drive like an electric vehicle for short trips and like a hybrid for longer trips
• The EV Mode button gives customers the freedom to choose whether to drive in all-electric now, all-electric later or drive as a regular hybrid
• Both C-MAX Energi and Fusion Energi offer a top speed of up to 85 mph in all-electric mode
• The Regenerative Braking System captures brake energy normally lost during braking and uses it to help recharge the battery
• Plug-in hybrid vehicles offer the flexibility of gasoline or electric power. If customers choose to drive using electric power, the battery can be: 
– Recharged overnight in seven hours using a standard 120-volt outlet
– Recharged in just 2.5 hours using the available UL-listed, weather-resistant Leviton®(1) 240-volt home charging station recommended by Ford

Purchase Motivations

Why select a plug-in hybrid:
• To offset fuel usage with electricity by plugging in
• To take advantage of a plug-in hybrid’s all-electric driving capability of up to 21 miles for daily drives
• They want the freedom of up to 620 miles total driving range for longer trips when recharging stations may be scarce 
• They want a vehicle with the room to bring along the people and things that matter most

Customer Benefits

Ford plug-in hybrids offer a combination of hybrid technology and all-electric technology, giving customers added flexibility in how to power their vehicles:
• 2013 C-MAX Energi — 108 city/92 hwy/best-in-class(2) 100 combined MPGe(3)
• 2013 Fusion Energi — 108 city/92 hwy/100 combined MPGe(3)

C-MAX Energi and Fusion Energi deliver up to 21 miles of electric-only driving. After the electric-mode range is exceeded, the vehicle operates like a conventional hybrid vehicle, blending power from the gasoline engine and electric traction motor, to maximize efficiency.

(1) "Leviton" is a registered trademark of Leviton MFG. Co., Inc.
(2) Class is Small Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles vs. 2012/2013 competitors.
(3) EPA estimated. Actual mileage will vary. MPGe is the equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.

All-Electric Vehicle

Product Overview

The Focus Electric runs completely by rechargeable battery power so customers will never need a drop of gas or an oil change! The available Leviton®(1) 240-volt home charging station, recommended by Ford, delivers a full battery charge in four hours. As customers drive, the Regenerative Braking System can help maximize range by capturing brake energy and recycling it to recharge the battery. During errands, if needed, they can also use the rapidly expanding network of public charging stations. The Focus Electric gauge cluster provides valuable details to help customers get the most from every ride. At the end of each trip, they’ll see the total amount of gasoline you saved by driving electric.
• Provides a 100% CO2-free driving experience
• Features an electric motor, charge port and state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery
• Owners plug in the vehicle to fully charge the lithium-ion battery

Purchase Motivations

Why select an all-electric vehicle:
• They use the vehicle primarily for city driving and daily commutes that fall within the car’s battery range of 76 miles(2)
• They want to run completely on electricity — no gasoline or oil changes required, ever
• They want a vehicle that generates zero CO2 emissions
• They want a five-passenger car with plenty of room to fit their lifestyle

Customer Benefits

A high-tech, eco-friendly choice:
• Using an average electricity price of 12.12 cents per kWh(3), it would cost an estimated $2.40 to $2.98 to fully charge the plug-in vehicle’s battery. If customers have the opportunity to establish value charging, the cost could be reduced even lower
• Electric vehicles generally have fewer moving parts than gas-powered vehicles, reducing the cost and time spent on regularly scheduled maintenance
• Ford Focus Electric — EPA-rated 110 city MPGe

(1) "Leviton" is a registered trademark of Leviton MFG. Co., Inc.
(2) EPA estimated. Actual mileage will vary.
(3) U.S. Energy Information Administration; www.eia.gov

Check out "Why Electrify".

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Ed's Refund Sale (ERS) Teams With Sears

Need new wheels? Want that shiny new appliance? Now during Ed's Refund Sale you don't have to choose, you can do both with your income tax return! I just thought you should know...


Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Ford Focus best in class for 2013

Kiplinger's Best in Class winners top the rankings in each of our 12 categories. The rankings are based on performance, value and safety, as well as driving impressions from our own road tests. The Best in Class winners are our top picks among models that have a track record of at least one year or redesigned vehicles with powertrains substantially the same as the previous generation.

All except two of our Best in Class winners also earn Top Safety Pick designations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (no sports cars or truck-based SUVs made the IIHS Top Safety Pick cut this year).


Cars under $20,000: Ford Focus

Sticker price: $16,995 (S, manual)

Invoice price: $16,064

TrueCar national average price: $16,672

Resale value: 3-year: 62%; 5-year: 45%

MPG: City: 26; Hwy: 36

Last year's Best New Car Under $20,000 proves it can go the distance, nabbing Best in Class and Best Resale plaudits. Its peppy 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine puts out 160 horses, and six airbags come standard. With the base model you'll pay an extra $1,095 for an automatic transmission and $295 for Ford's SYNC system to operate media devices hands-free.


Reference: http://autos.yahoo.com/news/12-best-in-class-car-values--2013-003017749.html?page=1

Monday, February 4, 2013

New for 2014 Ford Mustang

Here is a list of equipment changes for the 2014 Ford Mustang:

Model Lineup
• Mustang Boss 302 deleted

Performance and Handling
• Greater ability to order Mustang GT and GT Premium models with the GT Track Package compared to the previous model year

Design and Styling

• Packages added
– FP6 Appearance Package
• 18" painted black aluminum wheels
• Body-color quarter window louvers
• Painted black decklid spoiler
• Painted black exterior mirror caps
• Available on V6 Coupe (100A/102A) only
– FP8 Appearance Package
• 19" bright machined aluminum wheels with black painted windows
• Body-color quarter window louvers
• Painted black decklid spoiler
• Painted black exterior mirror caps
• Available on GT Coupe (300A/301A) only
• Package availability revised
– V6 Exterior Sport Appearance Package available only on V6 Premium (Equipment Group 201A)
• Exterior colors added
– Oxford White (YZ)
– Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat (RR)
• Exterior colors deleted
– Performance White
– Red Candy Metallic Tinted Clearcoat