From Holograms to West Michigan Roads: See How Ford Designers Make Use of Cutting-Edge Tech

At Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, we’ve always been amazed by the talents of Ford Vehicle designers, especially the sculptors that produce mockups of concept cars out of clay based on an artist’s sketches. The unfortunate truth is that sculpting these representations of a future Ford vehicle is a slow, expensive process. Looking for a better way to bring their vehicles to places like West Michigan faster, Ford has been experimenting with Microsoft HoloLens: a mixed-reality technology that can accomplish what used to take weeks or months in mere days.

Using the powerful wireless headsets, Ford designers can see changes “projected” onto a Ford vehicle in real time, add notes to specific design elements using their voice, and collaborate with other designers on the project whether they’re in the building or halfway around the world. Microsoft HoloLens also allows designers to study practical aspects of a New Ford Vehicle’s design, such as seeing and adjusting a driver’s field of view from the side mirrors, which is represented by ovals “projected” on a wall behind the vehicle.

Pleased with the added capability and efficiency of Microsoft HoloLens, Ford has recently announced its plans to broaden their tests of the platform with their design teams around the world. You can read more about the Microsoft HoloLens and watch a video of this exciting new technology in action below. Here’s an excerpt of an article published in the Official Ford Media Center:

Make Way For Holograms: New Mixed Reality Technology Meets Car Design as Ford Tests Microsoft HoloLens Globally

Ford designers have been swapping some clay-sculpting steels and rakes for mixed reality headsets and visualization software that can change vehicle design elements – side mirrors, grilles, vehicle interiors and more – in mere seconds.

Designers have been piloting Microsoft HoloLens technology for a year now in Ford’s Dearborn studios, allowing them to see proposed virtual design elements as if these pieces were part of physical vehicles. They’ve been able to explore different shapes, sizes and textures of future vehicle attributes in minutes and hours instead of the weeks and months it can take to create clay models. And now, Ford is expanding this pioneering testing across the globe.

“It’s amazing we can combine the old and the new – clay models and holograms – in a way that both saves time and allows designers to experiment and iterate quickly to dream up even more stylish, clever vehicles,” says Jim Holland, Ford vice president, vehicle component and systems engineering. “Microsoft HoloLens is a powerful tool for designers as we continue to reimagine vehicles and mobility experiences in fast-changing times.”

HoloLens technology uses mixed reality, which enables designers to see holograms in photo-quality backdrops through wire-free headsets. They can scroll and preview at the flick of a finger through numerous design variations projected virtually onto an actual car or clay model.

“We may not be able to teleport yet, but HoloLens allows us to review full-size 3D designs with designers and engineers around the world in real time,” says Craig Wetzel, Ford manager, design technical operations. “And we’ve only just scratched the surface, so possibilities for the future seem almost limitless. This is very exciting.”You can read the full article by visiting https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2017/09/21/ford-tests-microsoft-hololens-globally.html

The Latest Ford Vehicles at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI

Ford is always pushing forward with new technology, whether it’s in how they design their vehicles, make their operations more sustainable, or integrate exciting new features in their vehicle lineup for drivers in West Michigan to enjoy. During your visit to Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, you can learn more about the exciting new technology available on New Ford Vehicles. For example, Ford SYNC 3 with AppLink and FordPass opens up a wide range of functionality between your Ford and your smartphone, including starting your vehicle, locking or unlocking the doors, hands and eyes-free calling, entertainment, navigation, and more.

You can browse our full lineup of New Ford Cars, F-Series Trucks, and SUVs online, or visit us to take one out for a test drive. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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Ford Is Testing Ways For Autonomous Vehicles To Communicate With Pedestrians in Urban Settings like Downtown Grand Rapids

Borgman Ford knows that many West Michigan drivers are at least curious about autonomous vehicles and the progress Ford is making toward bringing them to market. As these vehicles undergo more and more testing, we start to unearth some problems. Some of them are software bugs or mechanical flaws, and those are relatively easy to correct over time. It’s the social hurdles that prove more difficult to overcome.

If you’ve ever driven through downtown Grand Rapids, you know exactly how important it is to communicate with pedestrians or other drivers – even non-verbally. The head-nod, the wave, or even just eye contact can signal a driver’s intent to others around them. How will autonomous vehicles do the same? Ford and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute are currently testing a solution: a series of lights mounted behind the windshield that flashes three easily-recognizable patterns to people around the vehicle.

These patterns are fairly intuitive, with a solid light indicating that the vehicle is in “autonomous mode,” back-and-forth pattern to show that the vehicle is yielding, and flashing lights to alert others that the vehicle is accelerating. This is not only helpful to pedestrians near the vehicle but to other drivers as well, such as in the awkward “who goes first?” scenario at 4-way stops. In the article below, you can watch a video of the system being tested by a driver disguised as a Ford Transit seat, as well as the effort to standardize a system like this to be ubiquitous. Here are some highlights:

Ford, Virginia Tech Go Undercover to Develop Signals That Enable Autonomous Vehicles to Communicate with People

Today, a simple head nod or hand wave from a driver is usually enough to indicate it’s okay for a pedestrian to cross the street, but in an autonomous vehicle future, how will a self-driving car with no human driver communicate with pedestrians, cyclists or humans operating other cars on the road?

Looking to prepare for this eventual reality, Ford Motor Company partnered with Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, to conduct a user experience study to test out a method for communicating a vehicle’s intent by soliciting real-world reactions to a self-driving car on public roads.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=EwujR1ARsog

So Ford outfitted a Transit Connect van with a light bar placed on the windshield. To simulate a fully self-driving experience without using an actual autonomous vehicle, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute team developed a way to conceal the driver with a “seat suit.”

The suit creates the illusion of a fully autonomous vehicle, which is necessary to test and evaluate real-world encounters and behaviors. The simulated autonomous Transit Connect was driven on public roads in northern Virginia – home to a density of traffic and pedestrians – throughout August, with researchers capturing video and logs of pedestrian reactions.

“This work is of value not only to vehicle users and manufacturers but also to anyone who walks, rides or drives alongside autonomous vehicles in the future,” said Andy Schaudt, project director, Center for Automated Vehicle Systems, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. “We are proud to support Ford in developing this important research.”

You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com

How Ford’s Research Helps Grand Rapids Drivers Today

Though seeing a fully-autonomous Ford vehicle cruise around West Michigan is still a few years off, you can visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids today to see some of the semi-autonomous features that are available in New Ford vehicles. Ford’s research into self-driving cars has helped them integrate things like Enhanced Active Park Assist, the Blind Spot Information System, Lane-Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Pre-Collision Assist, and more into the current lineup.

Stop by for a visit and ask one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales associates to show you these unique features on one of the many New Ford Vehicles that support them, such as the New 2018 Ford Fusion. Feel free to take any of our vehicles out for a test drive too – and see what makes Borgman Ford the Best in the West!

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Get Ready To Hit The Road for Labor Day Weekend

At Borgman Ford, we want to make sure that everyone taking off for the long Labor Day weekend has a safe trip across West Michigan. Whether your weekend plans are taking you up north or just across Grand Rapids, it’s still a good idea to check out the health of your vehicle from time to time. If you are about to embark on a long trip, making sure that your vehicle runs like a top before setting out can ensure that you arrive on-time and safely.

Below, we’ve included a handy 7-step guide from MyFordMag.com that shows some simple but important tips for checking out your vehicle and making sure you’re prepared for anything on a long drive around Michigan. Here are the 7 tips:

1. Change your cabin air filter.

It’s easy to forget all about your cabin air filter, especially on short jaunts around town. But when you’re on a road trip, stale air is hard to ignore. The air filter catches dust, pollen, and allergens that enter through the vents from the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, so after blasting the heat all winter, you might need to change it to keep the air cleaner. Check your owner’s manual to find out the recommended maintenance interval; your cabin air filter usually needs to be replaced every 15,000 miles or so, which is about twice as often as your engine filter. But if you suffer from allergies or respiratory problems, or if you frequently drive in dusty conditions, you may want to replace it more often.

To change the filter, first check your manual to locate it (it’s often behind the glove compartment), then depress the inner plastic tabs to pop it out. Replace it with the appropriate Motorcraft® cabin air filter. Want to make it even easier? Our service center can change the filter for you.

2. Check your heating and cooling systems.

Halfway into a road trip is pretty much the worst time to have your car overheat. Warmer months and long journeys require more coolant, because the engine’s constant power gives off a lot of heat, and using the air conditioner can put an extra load on the engine. So it’s very important to fill up your coolant before you head out.

Under the hood, you’ll see the engine coolant reservoir, usually a translucent white container with a hose that connects to the radiator. There’s a fill indicator on the reservoir. If your engine is cold, the coolant level should be at the cold fill line. If you need to add fluid, make sure the engine and reservoir cap are cool to the touch. Before you twist off the cap, cover it with a thick cloth, as the cap is under pressure. Add either pre-diluted coolant or a 50-50 mix of the fluid and distilled water up to the cold fill line, and consider using the correct Motorcraft® coolant for the best results. Replace the cap—you should be all set with the coolant. But before you close the hood …

3. Fill up your other fluids.

First, check your oil. Then top off your windshield wiper fluid to help clear the inevitable bug splatter buildup that comes with road trips. The reservoir is usually white and transparent and has a windshield/water symbol on the cap. Next check your power steering fluid, your transmission fluid (if you haven’t checked it for a while) and brake fluid. Low levels of brake fluid may mean you have worn-out brake pads and you should get them inspected at your dealer. Your owner’s manual will provide specific information about which fluids need to be replaced and when, based on your vehicle’s year, model and make. While you’re under the hood, look for anything odd: twisted hoses, leaks or corrosion on the battery. If everything looks good, go ahead and shut the hood now.

4. Inspect windshield wiper blades.

Wiper blades take a beating during winter months when snow and low temps can degrade the rubber, so you may want to replace them before you start your trip. It’s easy to do yourself; just check your owner’s manual for instructions and blade sizes. Or even simpler: have the blades replaced at our service center.

5. Tend to your tires.

Scenic overlooks should be for taking beautiful photos, not changing tires. To try to minimize hassle on your road trip, make sure you take care of your tires ahead of time. Fill them to the correct pressure. Rotate them every 8,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation, to ensure even tread wear. And look for each tire’s wear indicator: When it appears level with the tread, it’s time for a replacement. Use the Ford Service Tire Finder to get the right match. You can also go to the Borgman Service Center to get your wear indicators examined by one of our service technicians—and they can change your tires for you.

Remember: While checking your tires, you also need to test the pressure on your spare tire. If your spare is secured underneath the vehicle, make sure you know how to remove it, and that the parts aren’t rusted or stuck—it’s way better to figure this stuff out ahead of time instead of when you actually need your spare.

6. Test the lights and mirrors.

Safety is of the utmost importance on a road trip. Besides buckling up (yourself and all your passengers, of course), make sure your mirrors are moveable and in the right position. Set aside a few minutes before you leave to test your headlamps, high beams, turn signals, brake lights and hazard lights; do it with the help of a friend. Adjust headlamps to the proper height and angle to allow you to see the road better—and keep your lights from shining directly into other drivers’ eyes. If any parts are not working properly, you can check out FordParts.com or visit the Borgman Parts Center to find a new one.

7. Pack an emergency kit.

Chances are, you already have some sort of an emergency kit stashed away somewhere in your vehicle. But do yourself a favor before you start your road trip: Track down the kit, open it up and take a quick inventory. Depending on how old it is, you may need to replace items or add to it. A comprehensive emergency kit should include jumper cables, work gloves, rags, a tire gauge, emergency blankets, a flashlight, flares, a spare ignition key, and basic tools such as screwdrivers and pliers. You could also add an extra headlamp as well as bottles of engine oil and coolant. For fall months and the wintertime, adding hand-warmer packets, a hat, and an extra pair of gloves and socks would be a good idea too. Tuck it all away in your trunk, and hopefully, you won’t have to dig it out again until just before your next road trip.

Looking for a New Road Trip Vehicle in Grand Rapids, MI?

If you’re looking for a New Ford vehicle for cruising around West Michigan, stop by Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids today and check out our selection of New Ford vehicles. We have spacious, comfortable, and capable New Ford SUVs perfect for family getaways, as well as highly fuel-efficient options for those who travel all the time. If you have any concerns about your current vehicle, especially before going on a road trip, Contact the Borgman Service Center and take it in for a check up!

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Self-Driving Ford Cars Could Someday Deliver Pizza Around Grand Rapids

Borgman Ford has been keeping a close eye on Ford’s progress on autonomous vehicle research – which they hope to start producing as early as 2021. Ford has made a number of breakthroughs, including the use of LiDAR sensors for navigating and advanced computers that can recognize pedestrians, stop signs, and other obstacles. While the tech is still new, Ford is pushing forward with their program, recently teaming up with Domino’s Pizza to explore the idea of using driverless cars for automated pizza delivery!

Ford gave some specifics from this study in a recent article published in the Ford Official Media Center, including the system they’re using for ordering, tracking, and completing the delivery. Here’s an excerpt from the article:

Domino’s and Ford Begin Consumer Research of Pizza Delivery Using Self-Driving Vehicles

Domino’s Pizza, the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, and Ford Motor Co. are launching an industry-first collaboration to understand the role that self-driving vehicles can play in pizza delivery.

As part of the testing, researchers from both companies will investigate customer reactions to interacting with a self-driving vehicle as a part of their delivery experience. This research is important as both companies begin to examine and understand customers’ perspectives around the future of food delivery with self-driving vehicles.

“As delivery experts, we’ve been watching the development of self-driving vehicles with great interest as we believe transportation is undergoing fundamental, dramatic change,” said Patrick Doyle, Domino’s president and CEO. “We pride ourselves on being technology leaders and are excited to help lead research into how self-driving vehicles may play a role in the future of pizza delivery. This is the first step in an ongoing process of testing that we plan to undertake with Ford.”

Over the next several weeks, randomly-selected Domino’s customers in Ann Arbor will have the opportunity to receive their delivery order from a Ford Fusion Hybrid Autonomous Research Vehicle, which will be manually-driven by a Ford safety engineer and staffed with researchers. Customers who agree to participate will be able to track the delivery vehicle through GPS using an upgraded version of Domino’s Tracker®. They will also receive text messages as the self-driving vehicle approaches that will guide them on how to retrieve their pizza using a unique code to unlock the Domino’s Heatwave Compartment™ inside the vehicle.

You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com.

New Fords Equipped with Smart Tech in Grand Rapids, MI

Though fully autonomous vehicles will still need some time to develop, you can visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids today and check out semi-autonomous features, such as Ford’s Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Brake Assist, and more!

While you’re here, be sure to ask any questions you may have about Ford vehicles, and feel free to take your favorite out for a spin! See our full lineup of Ford Cars, Trucks, and SUVs!

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Borgman Ford Cheers Ford’s Impressive Progress on Sustainability

Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids is pleased to share the progress Ford has made toward a more sustainable future, helping conserve resources and protect the environment in Michigan, The Great Lakes, and across the globe. These past few years, Ford has made some tremendous progress, but they’re the first to admit there is still a long road ahead of them. Ford is actively engaged in improving their sustainability practices even further.

Below, you can take a look at what they’ve accomplished since starting the initiative, including converting 82 facilities to “Zero-to-waste,” reducing CO₂ emissions by 31%, and reducing water consumption by 61%. This article posted in the Official Ford Media Center tells more:

Ford Reports its Environmental Progress Across Business

Ford Motor Company today released its 18th annual Sustainability Report, including a short film, detailing its environmental progress across the world and commitment to continued sustainability actions in the future.

Every year since 2000, Ford has published its Sustainability Report to track its comprehensive approach to managing the issues related to climate change, air quality and conservation, and identifying opportunities that have significant impacts across the business, from water stewardship to supplier training and education.

Since 2000, Ford has cut water use by more than 61 percent, with a goal of zero usage of drinkable water in manufacturing. In addition, Ford suppliers who participate in the voluntary Partnership for a Cleaner Environment program are on track to save an estimated 550 million gallons of water over the next five years – enough to fill 837 competition-sized swimming pools, according to data collected in 2016.

Ford continued to expand its sustainable materials research efforts through a collaboration with Jose Cuervo to explore the use of agave plants to develop a sustainable bioplastic material to incorporate in vehicles, giving the agave fiber byproduct a second chance at usefulness. Almost 300 vehicle parts are derived from renewable sources such as soybeans, cotton, wood, flax, jute and natural rubber.

For the eighth year in a row, Ford was named to Ethisphere Institute’s “World’s Most Ethical Company” list – the only automaker to achieve this recognition.

“We’ve come a long, long way and we’ve got a long way to go,” said Executive Chairman Bill Ford in the film. “We believe we have an obligation to leave this world better than we found it.”

You can check out a PDF Infographic Here, or visit Media.Ford.com to read the full article.

Eco-Friendly Fuel-Efficient Ford Cars For Sale in Grand Rapids, MI at Borgman Ford

When you drive a Ford vehicle, there are enviro-friendly innovations throughout the entire vehicle from the grille to the taillights. Some of them are subtle, but they all play a vital role in helping reduce our impact on the planet. Borgman Ford is proud to offer Ford vehicles to Grand Rapids and West Michigan, and we’ll also help fuel-conscious shoppers find a vehicle that suits their needs and limits CO₂ emissions. See Our Lineup of Fuel-Smart Vehicles Here, or visit us for a test drive today!

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Friday, August 25th from 4-10pm | Saturday, August 26th from 9am to 9pm

Borgman Ford will be acting as the west anchor for the 13th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise, a huge celebration of cars and car culture on Friday, August 25th and Saturday, August 26th. Also joining us this year is the West Michigan Mustang Club, who will be showing off their Classic Mustangs as well as their new ones at Borgman Ford on Saturday, August 26th from 10am to 4pm. Stop by this weekend to see some cool cars from yesteryear through present day, and check out 50 Years of Mustang history right on our lot!

The 28th Street Metro Cruise began in 2005. The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce began the event to help drive business to the 28th Street corridor when M-6 opened on the south end of Grand Rapids. Since then, the event has grown from 85,000 attendees the first year to over 250,000 in recent years. The number of participating vehicles attending each year is estimated at well over 15,000. People have come from all over the United States to attend and participate in this annual car-fest.

While you’re here, you can take a peek at our Mustangs too! We’ll give you the best possible deal on both New and Used vehicles. See our current selection of Ford Mustangs here.

You can visit the West Michigan Mustang Club’s website here, or you can read more about the 13th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise and download a program schedule here.

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The team at Borgman Ford is more than excited for the launch of the 2018 Ford Mustang GT, which arrives in Grand Rapids later this year! Although the sweet, glorious sound of a Mustang GT’s powerful V8 engine is something Mustang fans savor, their neighbors in quiet West Michigan suburbs might not feel the same way about it – especially in the mornings and evenings.

Because respecting your neighbors is the right thing to do, and loud engine noises have made Ranker.com’s list of “Most annoying noises neighbors make,” Ford has introduced Quiet Start – an available feature on the New 2018 Ford Mustang GT. This allows drivers to set their Mustang GT’s V8 engine to a schedule of when it will roar and when it will merely purr. This article below describes the feature in greater detail, along with a video showing the new feature in action.

Here’s an excerpt from the article, published on the Ford Official Media Center:

New Mustang GT Owners Can Now Hush the V8 Growl To Be Good Neighbors

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Z1MehhS4GIw%3Fecver%3D1

Someone called the cops on Steve von Foerster. The former head of vehicle engineering for Ford Motor Company wasn’t thrilled, but he understood why.

On an otherwise peaceful morning in his suburban Detroit neighborhood, von Foerster had just backed a Shelby GT350 Mustang out of his driveway. As the car’s V8 engine thundered, an annoyed neighbor set aside their coffee cup and dialed 911.

Von Foerster had left before the officers arrived, and he didn’t end up with a ticket. Nor did he get angry. What he got was an idea for the new Mustang.

“I love the sound of the V8, but it can be loud, and you can’t annoy people like that in your neighborhood,” said von Foerster, who now leads Ford’s user experience team in product development. “It sounds so cool, but I thought, ‘There has to be a way to give people more control over the engine’s sound.’”

The experience fueled a discussion between von Foerster and fellow Mustang program team members that led to development of Quiet Exhaust mode and industry-first Quiet Start, known as “Good Neighbor Mode” among Mustang engineers. The new features on properly equipped 2018 Mustang GT vehicles allow drivers to keep engine sound at a minimum if they wish and to program quiet start-up times in advance.

While some sports cars offer active exhaust systems with on/off functionality, Mustang’s Quiet Start is the first to allow scheduling of times. Using steering wheel-mounted thumb controls, drivers toggle through a menu in the instrument cluster to select when they want to fire up their Mustang GT without sharing the event with neighbors. For example, between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m., drivers can keep the peace by scheduling their car to start, minus the roar.

You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com

Check Out Borgman’s Selection of New & Used Ford Mustangs in Grand Rapids

Looking for a New or Used Ford Mustang for your adventures around West Michigan? Visit the Borgman Ford Showroom in Grand Rapids to see our selection of quality Ford Mustang Coupes and Convertibles we have on the lot. If you’re really excited about the updated styling and cool features of the 2018 Ford Mustang, keep and eye on our New Ford Inventory, as it will be arriving sometime this fall. As always, feel free to visit or Contact Us with any questions – our team will be happy to help. We hope to see you soon!

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Build, Configure, & Deploy a Ford Medium Duty Truck to Tackle The Toughest Jobs in West Michigan

The Ford F-Series of Trucks have been hauling materials, towing trailers, moving supplies, carrying tools, and plowing snow in some form or another in West Michigan for decades. However, when there’s a big, dirty, or difficult job that comes along, the Ford Medium Duty Trucks answer the call.

What makes the Ford Medium Duty Trucks more than suitable for roles such as a Tow/Wrecker, Snow Plow & Salt Truck, Utility Truck with Aerial Lift, Rescue Vehicle or any other rough gig around town lies in its Ford Tough construction and high versatility.

Below, we’ve highlighted a few notable features of Ford Medium Duty Trucks:

• Your choice of 6.8L V10 Gas or 6.7L Turbo Diesel V8 Engine Whichever the job requires or you prefer, the choice of engines is yours to make. Alternative Fuel Options are also available – ask about upfits!
• Available Live-Drive Power Takeoff (PTO) Provision Pull power from the transmission for accessories including hydraulic equipment. With the diesel engine, you can tap into as much as 300 lb/ft. of stationary torque – split-shaft applications are possible too.
• Wide Range of GVWRs Spec your F-650 or F-750 GVWR to your exact job requirements. You can go as low as 20,500 lbs. with the F-650 Pro Loader, or choose the F-750 with GVWRs between 30,200 and 37,000 lbs. – Class 8 capability.
• Reduced Cabin & Engine Noise At idle, the diesel engine is 45% quieter inside the cab and 35% quieter outside in front of the grille than the previous generation.

Need some help? Have any questions about the 2017 Ford F-650 or F-750 Medium Duty Trucks? Stop by the Borgman Ford Commercial Vehicle Center to explore your options with our highly-knowledgeable staff. Browse our Ford Commercial Vehice Inventory or feel free to Contact Us today to get started!

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Borgman Ford is always pleased to share the unique and highly-customized vehicles Ford produces with fans in Grand Rapids and West Michigan. These vehicles are usually sold at charity auctions to benefit relevant causes, and this latest one, an F-22-inspired Ford F-150 Raptor, raised $300,000 for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program.

This totally tricked-out Ford F-150 Raptor pickup was inspired by the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fighter jet and features a number of customizations from Ford Performance Design Team. Some of the modifications were purely aesthetic or thematic, such as the red and green position lights on the mirror skull caps, and others were to push the truck’s capabilities to the limit, like the Whipple-intercooled, high-output 3.5l twin-turbo EcoBoost engine, which delivers 545 horsepower and 660 lb.-ft. of torque.

An article published in The Official Ford Media Center tells more about the truck and the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program. Here’s an excerpt from the article:

Mighty U.S. Air Force Fighter Jet Inspires One-Of-A-Kind High-Performance Ford F-22 F-150 Raptor

Combining the best attributes of the world’s finest high-performance machines for air and ground, Ford’s design team created a Ford F-22 F-150 Raptor based on the U.S. Air Force’s Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fighter jet for auction at AirVenture Oshkosh. The one-of-a-kind truck fetched $300,000 for the Experimental Aircraft Association Gathering of Eagles – an organization and an event committed to aviation and encouraging youth involvement in flight.

Ford design manager Melvin Betancourt and Ford Performance led design and engineering of the F-22 F-150 Raptor. “Our job – both in the air and on the ground – is to intimidate the competition,” said Betancourt. “The money we raised will enable Young Eagles to reach for the skies as well.”

Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager, said the F-22 F-150 Raptor celebrates the fighter jet’s dominance of the skies and the consistent leadership of F-Series on the ground. “Our long-standing commitment to Young Eagles encourages new talent to enter the world of flight, while highlighting the freedom, power, speed and agility shared by the Ford F-150 Raptor and the F-22 Raptor fighter jet,” he added.

Highlights of the Ford F-22 F-150 Raptor include:

• Whipple-intercooled, high-output 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost^® making 545 horsepower and 660 lb.-ft. of torque – taking off-road performance to intimidating new levels
• Modified Addictive Desert Design front suspension and bump stop kit
• Deaver rear spring pack to provide a smooth, progressive suspension
• Fox bypass series shocks with adjustable compression and rebound valving to customize damping for on-road and off-road use
• Innov8 Racing custom forged beadlock wheels with Falcon Wildpeak tires
• Upgraded Alcon six-piston painted calipers, oversized rotors, high-friction pads
• Modular off-road 1.3-million candela LED lighting system by KC Hilites
• Kicker audio system with 1,500 watts of amplification
• Unique Sherwin-Williams exterior paint integrating F-22 Raptor jet cues including titanium grille with front silhouette of the aircraft; jet cues featured on the interior as well
• Amp Research power retracting steps
• DeBerti two-tire, gas and ProEagle jack holder
• LineX sprayed bedliner
• All-stainless-steel cat-back Borla exhaust system with carbon fiber tips
• DeBerti carbon fiber fender flares, hood and fender vents
• Paint hand-cut and polished to a mirror finish by Independent Detail

You can read the full article by visiting Media.Ford.com.

The Ford F-150 Raptor: The Ultimate Truck for West Michigan Adventures

If you’re looking for your own Ford F-150 Raptor pickup truck to tackle the West Michigan wilds, visit Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids!

Our friendly and courteous sales staff would be more than happy to show you our Current Selection on Ford F-150 Raptors, or help you order the perfect configuration for your budget and lifestyle. If you have any questions about the Ford F-150 Raptor, please feel free to Contact Us or stop by for a visit. Come see why Borgman is the Best in the West!

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West Michigan Mustang Fans: Pony Appearance Package Announced

Borgman Ford is pleased to share a fun bit of news with eagle-eyed Ford Mustang fans in Grand Rapids and West Michigan. The recently-announced Pony Appearance Package for the upcoming 2018 Ford Mustang will include a neat little throwback to the Mustang’s roots: an enclosed Mustang badge on the front grille. This logo was first used back in the sixties when the Mustang was still a concept car, and has occasionally been used in various special editions of the car.

If you missed the last version of the Ford Mustang that featured the enclosed pony badge: The 50th Anniversary Edition, you’re in luck this October when the 2018 Ford Mustang Arrives at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids! This article from the Ford Media Center lists other features of the new appearance package:

New Appearance Package for 2018 Mustang Puts Pony Logo Back in Chrome Corral

The pony is going back into the corral. An available Pony Package for the 2018 Mustang – offered with EcoBoost®-equipped cars – gives a nod to the nameplate heritage with its grille-mounted pony-in-corral badge design.

The pony-in-corral grille badge is one of numerous appearance updates included with the Pony Package. Other features include:

• 19-inch polished aluminum wheels
• Bright beltline and window trim for fastback model
• Premium carpeted floor mats with Ebony embroidered pony logo
• Side stripes on lower body sides
• Tri-bar pony badge on rear decklid appliqué

You can read the full article over on Media.Ford.com.

Visit Borgman Ford: Your Home For New Ford Mustangs in Grand Rapids, MI

Whether you’re looking for a New or Used Ford Mustang for your adventures around West Michigan, Borgman Ford has one of the best selections in town. Stop by today to view our selection of New Ford Mustangs and take one out for a test drive!

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