Monday, January 30, 2012

Happy 47th Birthday to the Shelby GT-350!

A classic American beauty....and the girl is pretty too!

Brighton, Mich., Jan. 30, 2012 – Brighton Ford wants to wish a very special happy 47^th birthday to an American muscle car classic, the Shelby GT-350 Mustang. It was on January 27^th, 1965 at a press event in Riverside, California that Shelby American introduced the 1965 GT-350 Mustang. Shelby American itself is celebrating the company’s 50^th anniversary this year as well. During those early years, Shelby was tasked with transforming Ford’s new smash hit, the Ford Mustang, into a performance machine that would be able to compete in the SCCA’s Class B production sports car class. Some auto sources have said that the first twelve unites were built within a week, but it is generally acknowledged that the first 100 units, enough to adhere to the SCCA’s homologation rule, were built and ready for inspection by January 1, 1965.

The Shelby GT-350 on the track

The original MSRP for the street-legal 1965 GT-350 cost about $4,547, almost $1,000 more than its counterpart the 1965 Mustang GT equipped with the K-code 289 V-8. Only 521 street-legal GT-350’s and just 36 race-spec GT-350R’s were built in 1965, which is quite a small number when compared to the total Mustang production of 559,451 units. The 1965 GT-350 is truly an iconic vehicle and it’s no surprise why collectors are still hunting after them today.

Brighton ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives on customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford, visit www.BrightonFord.com.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Built Ford Tough, Tested Even Tougher

BRIGHTON Mich, Jan. 26, 2012 – Everyone has heard the expression, “Built Ford Tough,” but if you are like many others you wonder what that implies or if it’s just another marketing campaign. Rest assured, when Brighton Ford says “Built Ford Tough,” we mean exactly that… TOUGH.

Ford Social let us in on some of the secrets behind their cold weather testing at the Ford Proving Grounds in Dearborn, Michigan. One test they use is “Deep Thermal Shock,” where engines are cooled to -22 degrees, started, and let it idle for one minute. The engine is then accelerated to horsepower peak speed for 14 minutes until the manifold heats up and gives of a cherry red glow. This cycle is then repeated for 100 to 200 hours!

Dan Badger, Ford Powertrain Integration Supervisor explained, “Testing in extreme conditions helps the calibration team answer vital questions such as, ‘Are we getting the cold start times correct? Is the throttle body icing? Are we going through blizzards and seeing snow ingestion that we didn’t get in wind tunnel testing?’ We want protect customers in a worse-case scenario and deliver the best experience possible when they step on the accelerator pedal.”

Dan Badger showing the extremes of the cold weather testing at the Ford Proving Grounds in Dearborn, MI

To see the full article on the secrets of cold weather testing, visit the Ford Social Blog.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

SYNC Technology – The ultimate hands free solution for driving around Livingston County

BRIGHTON Mich., Jan. 25, 2012 – Have you ever been driving when your cell phone rings? Or have you found yourself constantly playing with your radio or iPod to try to find the perfect soundtrack for your trip? If you’re like many, you have found yourself in one of these situations that compromise your ability to drive safely. With the technology of Ford Motor Company, these worries can be a thing of the past. Ford has developed the ultimate co-pilot to handle it all, so you can stay focused on the road. Meet SYNC -


With MyFord Touch responding to a message is just a quick click away

With the SYNC technology available through Ford, you are able to link your cell phone to your vehicle, allowing you to use thousands of voice commands to make your drive easier. When a phone call or text message comes in, SYNC will pause your music, let you know you have a call, and allow you to answer it hands-free. It will also read and reply to a text message with simple voice commands. Call out your favorite artist, song, or genre on your smartphone and SYNC will play it for you or have it tune into your favorite AM/FM station, SIRIUS station, or Pandora Radio station. If you’re stuck in traffic and you’re missing the Red Wings game, SYNC can get you the score of the game.

Tap the route you want to take and SYNC will take you there turn by turn

SYNC will also help you get to wherever you need to go. Simply say, “I’m Hungry” and SYNC will provide a list of nearby restaurants. Coupled with SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link, SYNC can even help you find the lowest local gas prices so you can save money on your next trip to the pump. Need auto service? Just say the words and SYNC will direct you to Brighton Ford’s Service Center or other repair centers and auto parts stores. Looking for somewhere to go on a Saturday night? With destination nightlife SYNC will provide you with a list of nearby restaurants, bars, nightclubs, such as Stouts Irish Pub and will give you turn-by-turn directions to get there.


SYNC's 911 driver assistance while get you the emergency help you need if you are unable to call

SYNC isn’t all play. Driver Assistance enables SYNC to call 911 for you in a situation where you couldn’t get to your phone. SYNC can even generate a vehicle health report of your Ford to help you solve any automotive problems your vehicle may be experiencing. Want to learn more about the endless features SYNC has to offer? Visit Brighton Ford’s SYNC page to learn more.

Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives on customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford, visit www.BrightonFord.com.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

2013 NASCAR Ford Fusion

BRIGHTON, Mich. Jan. 24, 2012 - Today on Ford’s blog, Ford Social, the company announced that they are brining the “stock car” back to NASCAR with the release of the 2013 NASCAR Ford Fusion racecar. The 2013 NASCAR Fusion racecar will be based on the production model that was revealed at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Hundreds of users we able to join in the action of the live unveiling of the 2013 NASCAR Fusion on a live streaming video on the blogs site this afternoon. The viewers were able to see the racecar live as it was revealed as well as interviews with some of Ford Racing’s drivers, and even got to see the car in action at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR unveiled

The live chat box was soon flooded as Ford lovers and NASCAR enthusiasts were eager to share their excitement and reactions on the newest addition to the Ford Racing team. Designers in the Ford Design Center worked extensively on the 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR, the first stock car project by the team since 1970. This unveiling was the first of the 2013 NASCAR racecars that will bring automaker brand identity back to the sport, making it a standout moment.

Be sure to check out the Ford Social blog for more opportunities to see special events like this or for more information on the 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR.

A Quick Look Back at the 2012 North American International Auto Show

BRIGHTON, Mich., Jan. 24, 2012 - The 2012 North American International Auto Show kicked off the New Year with a bang. This year’s auto show had a full roster of head-turners, most notably the 2013 Ford Fusion, which had everybody raving. Hundreds of thousands of visitors, journalists, and auto enthusiast flocked to the Cobo Center in Detroit for the 24^th annual event. Although both foreign and domestic automakers rolled out their exciting line-ups of new models and concept cars, all the buzz seemed to be around the newly redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion.

Auto enthusiast gather to get a first look at the new 2013 ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion received praises from all over, including being named Yahoo! Autos #1 hit, and Autoweek’s Editors' Choice Award for best in show. Didn’t get a chance to make it to this year’s auto show to get a look at the new Fusion yourself? Check out our coverage of the 2013 Fusion at www.brightonford.com for interactive pictures and details. We are all very eager to fill our lot with them for you to drive later this year. Be sure to stay tuned and we will keep you posted as we get more information on this amazing new vehicle.

Autoweek's Editors Choice Award for Best in Show - the 2013 Ford Fusion

2012 Ford Fusion – Making a Statement on Wheels Around Brighton, MI

BRIGHTON, Mich., Jan 24, 2012 – Bold and powerful, the 2012 Ford Fusion is a top choice midsize sedan that you will be excited to drive every time you get behind the wheel. With its sleek three bar grill and rounded rectangular headlights, the Fusion makes pulling into any garage or Meijer parking spot feel like a grand entrance. Brighton Ford offers the Fusion in four attractive trim packages, the S, SE, SEL, and sport. There are three different engines offered with the different trim packages, a 175-hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. For drivers looking for a little more “giddy-up” in their ride, there is a 240-hp 3.0L V6 with six-speed automatic transmission or a 263-hp 3.5L V6 with a six-speed automatic transmission with the Sport trim, making cruising up to MJR Cinema 20 to catch the latest flick both fun and exhilarating. In the 2002 blockbuster Spider-Man, Peter Parker’s uncle stated, “With great power comes great responsibility.” The 2012 Ford Fusion abides by these wise words. With standard safety features including electronic stability and traction control, security system, six-airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system as well as optional all-wheel drive it is easy to see why the Fusion was awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s top safety pick for midsize cars.

Equip your Fusion with Ford’s Sync technology, Navigation system with Sirius XM traffic and travel link, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), and rear view camera and you will feel like a superhero every time you take your seat in the captain’s chair. While getting up to 33 miles per gallon on the highway, the Fusion will help keep you decrease the number of trips you have to make to the pump.

Don’t just take our word for how awesome the 2012 Fusion is, here is what some of our happy Fusion drivers had to say:

“On the road, it was remarkably quiet, holding off not only the sound of its own engine, but also blocking out the noise from passing and tires, even on the coarsest of roads.”

-Mitch McCullough

“The broad range of gear ratios makes for spirited acceleration without sacrificing efficient high-speed cruising. Most important, it reacts quickly and without undue kickdown lag.”

-Sam Moses

To hear what others are saying about the Fusion and for more information visit us at www.brightonford.com and check out our

YouTube channel for a virtual walk around.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Ten Tips for Brighton, Michigan Winter Driving

BRIGHTON, Mich., Jan. 23, 2012 – We all know how hectic winter driving can be around Brighton, MI. Now that winter has arrived, here are ten tips for winter driving.

10. Get your vehicle winter ready – Equip your vehicle with snow tires and sandbags (for rear-wheel drive vehicles). FWD vehicles are better for the road than RWD, and AWD is better than both.

9. Check your tire pressure – Proper tire inflation is important for driving in all seasons and with the temperature fluctuations tire pressures can change as well. For information on tire pressure and inflation check out this how-to article at Edmunds.com

Seems silly right?

8. Get new wiper blades – Keeping washer fluid levels up is important but won’t do any good with worn out wipers. Come visit us at Brighton Ford and get your car equipped today.

7. Scrape ice off your windows before departing – Defrost and scrape ice off of your windows and windshield. “Peep-hole” driving is both dangerous and awkward looking.

The essentials for a winter driving survival kit

6. Pack an emergency survival kit – Some emergency food like trail mix or granola bars, a flashlight, some hand and feet warmers, a blanket, and small shovel are essentials for your winter roadside emergency kit. All of these things can be found at Meijer. If you find yourself stranded be careful about letting the car run to stay warm, carbon monoxide poisoning is a real danger in those situations.

5. Allow a few minutes for your engine to warm up – This is important for engine health and your car will be warmer for your trip to work or school.

4. Give your ride a thorough inspection and perform any necessary maintenance - The winter is the worst time to have a roadside break down. Give your vehicle and good once over or bring it into the Brighton Ford Service Center and get it winter road ready. Check out the coupon page on our website at www.brightonford.com to get a coupon for a FREE winter check up

3. Check the antifreeze – The correct quantity and dilution of antifreeze is important for your engines long-term health.

2. Keep gloves on hand – Frostbite is a concern but just having cold hands is uncomfortable and avoidable.

Practice! Take it slow and get a good feel for how to handle the slick conditions

1. Practice! – After a light snow take your car to an empty parking lot and get a feel for accelerating, breaking, turning, and Carefully practice sliding so you can get a better feel for how to handle the winter road conditions and make the proper steering corrections. Its not a bad idea (if there is no cars behind you) to give the breaks a good tap as you leave your house to get a feel for how slick the roads are and to give yourself a better idea of how much distance you will need to safely stop.

The 2012 Ford Fiesta – The Slick Looking and Fuel-Efficient Way to Get Around Brighton, MI

BRIGHTON, Mich., Jan. 23, 2012 - The Ford Fiesta is a sub-compact, front-wheel drive, five-passenger car. It’s available in both four- and five door body styles and three stylish trims, S, SE, SEL. The Fiesta is equipped with a 119-hp 1.6-liter Duratec^® I-4, four-cylinder engine that promises to deliver fewer stops and more go. Standard Fiesta packages come with a 5-speed manual transmission. An advanced six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission is optional as well. The Fiesta has great fuel economy getting 29 mpg in the city and up to 40 mpg highway making this car great for taking friends to your favorite downtown restaurant or trips to the Green Oak Village Place. Modestly priced starting at $13,200 the Fiesta is a great vehicle for first time car buyers. Edmunds.com says, “The Ford Fiesta gives economy car shoppers reason to celebrate with its fun-to-drive personality, nicely trimmed cabin, tight build quality and unexpected features.”

Standard features on the 2012 Ford Fiesta include:

Air-conditioning
Capless fuel filler system
Power body-colored mirrors
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
Auxiliary audio input jack
Electronic power-assisted steering

The higher trim levels include cruise control, keyless entry, satellite radio, alloy wheels, power windows and door locks, and SYNC hands-free communications and entertainment system. Optional features include heated seats (great for those cold Michigan winters), a passive entry/passive start system, power moonroof, and leather seats.

A Super Fuel Economy package is offered for those commuters who want to get the most efficiency on their drive from their Livingston or Washtenaw County home to work or school and vice versa. Two new interior style packages and one sport appearance package have also been introduced for the 2012 model. Check out the packages offered or build your own Fiesta at www.brightonford.com.

Parents can take comfort in allowing their kids to drive the Fiesta. The standard safety features on the Fiesta include:

AdvanceTrac electronic stability control
Seven airbags including a driver knee airbag
Tire pressure monitoring system
Engine immobilizer
Four-wheel anti-lock brakes.

All in all the Ford Fiesta is a great smaller sedan that is sure to make big noise in the automotive community. Motor Trend commented, “While appearing not unlike a shrunken three-door Focus, the Fiesta has reasonably engaging lines, making for a fun, youthful image.” Whether you are a first time car buyer, a parent looking for a car to get your son or daughter to high school or college, or just looking for a fuel efficient ride to help cut down on gasoline costs, the Ford Fiesta is a purchase you’ll be happy with every time you start the engine.

Brighton Ford – Livingston County’s Ford Auto Dealership, Used Cars, Auto Service, Auto Parts and Collision

Brighton Ford in Brighton, Michigan is Livingston County's Largest Ford car, SUV & truck dealership. Serving our customers is our #1 priority. We offer New Vehicles and Used Cars, Trucks, SUVs, and Vans, while our Service Department and Collision Shop services all makes and models of vehicles.

Our auto dealership is packed with 20 acres of cars, trucks, crossovers, SUV's and a huge selection of used cars available for you to choose from to ensure you can get the car you want with the options you need.