ice-capades

This morning's gas prices in Hamden, CT (New Haven) $3.19 Regular (Cash) @ Gulf $3.33 Regular (Cash) @ Citgo

I much prefer the grille and front-end treatment on the 2025 Aviator Reserve model. The Black Label model's front end looks like a "hot mess" and the Lincoln logo in the grille gets lost in the mess.

I started a new topic for the 2025 Aviator with the latest content from Autoblog.com and FordAuthority.com. https://blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?/topic/75834-2025-lincoln-aviator-revealed-with-new-face-more-tech-no-more-phev/&tab=comments#comment-1219081

2025 Lincoln Aviator Debuts with New Tech, BlueCruise https://fordauthority.com/2024/02/2025-lincoln-aviator-debuts-with-new-tech-bluecruise/

2025 Lincoln Aviator Revealed with New Face, More Tech, No More PHEV The Aviator's first big refresh brings features like Blue Cruise and the Lincoln Digital Experience into the fold https://www.autoblog.com/2024/02/05/2025-lincoln-aviator-refresh-revealed/ The 2025 Lincoln Aviator is here wearing the model’s first refresh since its launch for the 2020 model year. That’s a long period of time to go without any significant changes, but luckily for Lincoln, the Aviator never really fell out of favor. This refresh follows the Ford Explorer’s update for 2025, its platform mate, and the scope of changes made to the Lincoln is similar. The exterior wears the new Lincoln family front fascia with a taller grille, new LED headlights that creep into the grille itself and an updated front bumper. Nothing changes out back, but Lincoln says both the LED daytime running lights and LED taillights now feature welcome and goodbye animations. Two new colors join the palette – Cenote Green (pictured first in the gallery at the top of this post) and Whisper Blue Metallic – and a couple of new wheel designs arrive for 2025, too. None of these updates drastically change the handsome Aviator, which we’re fine with because this sleek Lincoln three-row SUV has always looked dashing. Only one engine option is available for the Aviator, which is the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to either the rear wheels or to all wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission, which Lincoln says is re-calibrated this year for smoother performance. Unfortunately, the Grand Reserve PHEV trim that was dropped for the 2024 model year will not be returning in 2025. Lincoln tells us that its take rate of just 14% wasn’t enough to justify continuing to build it, which is a real shame, because that was one quick plug-in hybrid SUV with 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The good news on the mechanical side of things is that the adaptive suspension is now standard instead of optional. The air suspension continues to be available as either an option on the Reserve trim or standard equipment on the Black Label. The biggest changes come inside the Aviator. A new dash design does away with climate control buttons, tucking them into the touchscreen. The start/stop button moves to sit next to the other “piano key” style shift buttons, and the center stack is simplified with more empty space for beautiful trim to sprawl across. The storage areas in the center console are slightly re-jiggered, with the one pocket on the left being the new wireless phone charger. The Aviator is also now rocking a Lincoln-skinned version of the Ford Digital Experience, a new Google-Built In infotainment system interface that just debuted on the Explorer. Of course, Lincoln calls it the “Lincoln Digital Experience.” The central touchscreen is now larger, measuring 13.2 inches, and uses Google services such as Google Maps as the native navigation system and Google Assistant as your voice command service – you can choose to use Amazon’s Alexa if you prefer, though. Lincoln proudly voices that it also supports wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability should you prefer that over the native infotainment. A revamped 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster pairs nicely with the new central screen and can run the Google Built-In apps like Google Maps directly in the cluster. Blue Cruise is also on the list of standard features for 2025, which means every Lincoln vehicle now offers the hands-free highway driving tech. Lincoln says the functionality will be free to use for four years, but will require a monthly or yearly subscription beyond that time. You’ll need to pay for continued use of the infotainment system’s connected technologies once the single year of free use is up, too. A new Black Label interior theme called Invitation (pictured directly above) joins the list of available options, too. It combines Ebony Black leather with laser-etched open-pore Khaya wood trim and brandy-colored stitching throughout – the appearance is quite beautiful in person, particularly the textured wood. Outside the Black Label, Lincoln says it’s added four new color options to the Reserve trim including Onyx, Light Space Gray, Harvest Bronze with Onyx accents, and Hot Chocolate with Onyx accents. Other miscellaneous updates worth noting includes a big one in Lincoln making second row captain’s chairs standard equipment (though a bench is still optional on Reserve). A whole lot of other features are made standard for 2025, with some notable ones being the panoramic moonroof, heated/ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and the trailer tow package, among others. Lincoln says it’s greatly reduced ordering complexity (fewer options, more packages), and the ordering process for the 2025 model is already open. Prices start at $59,890 for the base Premiere model. Stepping up to the Reserve means a starting price of $68,890, and the Black Label starts at $88,390, with all those prices including the destination charge. The first refreshed 2025 Aviators are expected to hit dealer lots this summer.

Maverick Fanbase Grows; Sales Double as Ford Expands Production https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2024/02/05/maverick-fanbase-grows--sales-double-as-ford-expands-production.html In 32 years of driving, Jay Whitehurst has never owned a truck. He’s also never owned a Ford. But after moving from New Orleans to a hay farm in rural Mississippi, lugging cans of diesel for farm equipment and animal food in the back of his Kia Soul just wasn’t going to cut it. That’s when someone told him about the Ford Maverick. “I didn’t want a big truck,” said Whitehurst, who works in radio broadcasting. “When the Maverick came out, I salivated. I test drove a 2022 model year and walked away thinking, ‘Yeah, I think this is the truck for me.’” Whitehurst is one of thousands of customers who got their Maverick trucks faster thanks to expanded production capacity installed in late 2023. This expanded capacity helped increase U.S. sales to 12,443 in January, up nearly double compared to the same month a year ago. January sales even topped that of the larger Toyota Tacoma. Timothy Bruggeman of Shawnee, Kansas, picked up his Ford Maverick Hybrid late last year – his second Maverick. He saw smaller pickups and even test-drove a Maverick while living in Brazil for his job as a power-plant engineer in 2022. When he returned to the states, he found a Maverick XLT at his local dealership to hold him over until his hybrid model was manufactured. “It’s got the truck functionality I need but drives like a car,” said Bruggeman, who never owned a truck before Maverick. He said he uses his truck for runs to the hardware store for lumber or mulch in the spring, and also tosses his clay target equipment in the bed before heading to the range. His most unique-use case happened last Labor Day, when he put a blow-up mattress in the bed so he had a place to relax while participating in the world’s longest baseball game. Brian Foster of Irvine, California, already had a 2023 Maverick XLT – now retrofitted with a midrise shell, seat covers and an aftermarket stereo system – when he ordered a 2024 Maverick XL Hybrid for his son, who fell in love after borrowing dad’s Maverick for four months. Production for that truck is not yet scheduled, though the two found a truck in stock at Long McArthur Ford in Salina, Kansas, flew out and made the 1,400-mile trip back to California. Foster said the 2024 Maverick XL Hybrid will likely go to his daughter after it is manufactured. Foster also noted his trust in the hybrid model based on Ford’s history with that technology, which dates back to the world’s first hybrid SUV in 2005. “My parents owned hybrid Ford vehicles since they were first introduced,” Foster said. “I think the hybrid drivetrain that's been well proven paired with a truck is brilliant.”

Just recently upgraded to Windows 11 and you're bothered with the Start button location? FYI... starting to hear reports that Microsoft is expected to start Beta testing Windows 12 later this year (< 6 months) through the Windows Insider program.

2025 Explorer Cheaper Than Outgoing Model in Some Cases https://fordauthority.com/2024/02/2025-ford-explorer-cheaper-than-outgoing-model-in-some-cases/ Following a bit of a delay, the refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer was just revealed yesterday, ushering in updated exterior and interior styling for the popular crossover, along with a handful of new tech features – most notably, the new Ford Digital Experience software, which was developed in conjunction with Google. Now, pricing for the 2025 Ford Explorer is out, and interestingly, the revised version of the crossover is actually less expensive than the outgoing 2024 model in certain cases. For starters, the new entry-level Active – formerly known as the XLT – is a bit more expensive than its predecessor, but it’s worth noting that it also has more standard equipment that was previously optional, including adaptive cruise control, the new infotainment system, and the Trailer Tow Package. The ST-Line, however, is quite a bit cheaper than the 2024 model, but this is due to the fact that some previously standard features are now part of the optional Premium Package. That particular package consists of the center floor console-mounted AC power outlet, ambient lighting, the auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-folding side mirrors with heated glass and LED turn signals, rain-sensing wipers, a memory driver’s seat, multi-contour front, second-row heated seats, a power-folding third-row seat, second-row sunblinds, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and a wireless charging pad. Taking all this into account, the two models are essentially priced the same – $48,695 versus $48,720. As for the high-performance ST, it’s a whopping $5,100 more expensive than the 2024 model, but again, this is because of some equipment changes. The 2025 Ford Explorer ST comes standard with the ST High Package, which was previously optional, and when we factor that in, it’s actually a bit cheaper – $56,800 versus $58,235. Finally, we have the Platinum, which is $3,245 cheaper than its predecessor, but in this case, that’s because the 2.3L I-4 EcoBoost is now the standard engine choice, while the 3.0L V6 EcoBoost has become optional – though it’s worth noting that even when opting for the 3.0, this combination is still less expensive.

Ford EV Battery Site in Kentucky Has Mold Issue https://fordauthority.com/2024/02/ford-ev-battery-site-in-kentucky-has-mold-issue-report/ The future Ford EV battery site in Kentucky – otherwise known as BlueOvalSK Battery Park – has officially been under construction for a little over a year now, but recently faced some revisions due to a slowdown in demand for EVs. Ford will still build two EV battery plants at the site – but it will only operate one starting in 2025, at least for now, meaning that the automaker will also hire 2,500 workers rather than the 5,000 it originally planned. Now, BlueOvalSK Battery Park is facing another dilemma, albeit of a different nature – a mold issue, according to WDRB. According to a private environmental analysis, several electricians and tradespeople working on the future Ford EV battery plants have become sick with headaches and respiratory issues, which prompted the response, at which point a “significant” amount of mold was found. The mold was found both in the air and on wooden crates shipped from Korea containing factory equipment, at which point an environmental contractor recommended a mold protocol be put in place as soon as possible to protect workers. Now, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is conducting an investigation into the matter, but officials on-site are already working to rectify the issue and noted that the environment isn’t unsafe to work in by any means. The mold found is “not hazardous,” according to Mike Gies, executive vice president for Louisville-based Abel Construction, a contractor working on the BlueOval project, and isn’t significant enough to stop work at the site. Regardless, Gies also noted that a mold remediation company will treat the site “in the near future,” and the company has posted notice at every entrance to ensure contractors are aware of the situation. “I have went above and beyond tenfold to ensure the employees’ safety,” he said. Additionally, the wooden crates are being disassembled and treated to remove the mold in the meantime.

I've wondered for years what the actual usage rate is for all these mid-size vehicles with the 3rd row seat... very cramped seating suitable mostly for children and often awkward access.

This afternoon's gas prices in Hamden, CT (New Haven) $3.25 Regular (Cash) @ Gulf $3.33 Regular (Cash) @ Citgo

I always recommend contacting the Dealer directly for status updates as they have 24/7 access to the most recent updates.

Details About Complimentary Ford EV Tesla Adapter Revealed https://fordauthority.com/2024/02/details-about-complimentary-ford-ev-tesla-adapter-revealed/ Back in May 2023, FoMoCo announced that it had reached a deal with Tesla that will provide Ford EV owners with access to that company’s expansive Supercharger network – effectively expanding its available infrastructure significantly in a short time. The Blue Oval also announced that owners of the Ford F-150 Lightning and Ford Mustang Mach-E would be receiving an adapter designed to enable those models – which come equipped with Combined Charging System (CCS) plugs – to utilize Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) chargers, too. Yesterday, CEO Jim Farley revealed that this Ford EV Tesla adapter would be sent free of charge to F-150 Lightning and Mach-E customers soon, and now, he has shed a little more light on that same part. According to Farley, Ford EV Tesla adapter eligibility for existing Mach-E and F-150 Lightning customers will be determined by VIN, with each of those customers receiving one adapter. Those customers will apparently secure their adapter via a reservation process, though the part will be free – Ford is even covering shipping costs – though other details, including how this process will work, the tech specs of the adapter, and when it will begin shipping haven’t yet been revealed. Currently, Ford EV owners are expected to gain access to the Supercharger network this coming spring. As Ford Authority previously reported, second-generation Ford EV models due to arrive starting in 2025 will come equipped with NACS ports from the factory, meaning that no adapter will be required to charge them at a Supercharger. Regardless, SAE International is working to standardize NACS, and since Ford’s decision to go that route, essentially every other automaker has followed suit.

Agreed. Overall, my reaction to the photos released... eh, not impressed. The grille is too bold, shape is strange and appearance just not clean or impressive. The interior is definitely an improvement and I personally like the widescreen touch screen. Reducing the number of models available is definitely welcome and overdue. It'll be interesting to see the order guide to see how they've simplified the ordering process and to see how they're justifying the $2,120 price increase on the "base" Active model.

Ford's vehicle status reporting systems will often show the vehicle status as "in production" while still in the "locked in" status just before actual production starts.

Ford EV Owners Will Officially Receive FREE Tesla Adapter https://fordauthority.com/2024/01/ford-ev-owners-will-officially-receive-free-tesla-adapter/ https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2024/01/31/ford-to-offer-complimentary-tesla-supercharger-adapter-to-eligib.html Back in May 2023, FoMoCo announced that it had reached a deal with Tesla that will provide Ford EV owners with access to that company’s expansive Supercharger network – effectively expanding its available infrastructure in one fell swoop. The Blue Oval also announced that owners of the Ford F-150 Lightning and Ford Mustang Mach-E would be receiving an adapter designed to enable those models – which come equipped with Combined Charging System (CCS) plugs – to utilize Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) chargers, too. However, the automaker didn’t provide any details about when that might happen or how much this adapter might cost, though now, we know that it will in fact be free, according to CEO Jim Farley. It’s still unclear when Ford EV owners will receive this complimentary adapter, with Farley only saying that the part will ship out “soon” ahead of the start of Supercharger access, which is slated to open up this spring. Regardless, this is big news for those owners, given the fact that the Tesla Supercharger network is currently the largest and most reliable of its kind and the highest-ranked of the bunch, giving them more than 12,000 additional U.S.-based chargers to choose from when embarking on road trips, plus the existing 10,000 charger BlueOval Charging Network. It will also provide a more seamless experience, since users will be able to pay via the FordPass app rather than having to download the Tesla app to accomplish that task. As Ford Authority previously reported, second-generation Ford EV models due to arrive starting in 2025 will come equipped with NACS ports from the factory, meaning that no adapter will be required to charge them at a Supercharger. Regardless, SAE International is working to standardize NACS, and since Ford’s decision to go that route, essentially every other automaker has followed suit.

Two new off-topic posts since I expressed my opinion about the continuing stream of off-topic posts. Simply put... enough already!

If the completely off-topic posts continue, I'm going to start deleting posts or shut down future posts to this "Lincoln" topic. I'm much more forgiving when threads drift off-topic, but this is getting ridiculous. If anyone wants to discuss engine sizes, hybrids, horsepower, etc. for Ford vehicles (F-150, F-Series Super Duty, Expedition, etc.) start a new topic.

This afternoon's gas prices in Hamden, CT (New Haven) $3.19 Regular (Cash) @ Gulf $3.33 Regular (Cash) @ Citgo Hamden Gulf prices are displayed out of order. The display problem was reported to GasBuddy last week but not corrected which is often the case with GasBuddy support.

Unfortunately, as is all too often the case, much of the discussion in this thread is completely off-topic. The topic is... "New Leader Shifts Lincoln's EV Plans - Lincoln is Expected to Discontinue Gasoline Versions of the Corsair and Aviator, While Its First EV, a Three-Row Crossover, is Expected in Late 2025".

2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Eligible for Dealer Rental Programs https://fordauthority.com/2024/01/2023-ford-mustang-mach-e-eligible-for-dealer-rental-programs/ Though it enjoyed its best sales year to date in 2023 – and ranked among the top 10 best-selling EVs of the year, to boot – the Ford Mustang Mach-E is also facing a bit of an inventory glut. As a result, Ford recently made the Mach-E eligible for X-Plan pricing for the very first time, and even introduced a pretty enticing leasing deal earlier this month in an effort to help clean up some of that inventory and continue to grow sales of the EV crossover. Now, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E is also eligible for a pair of new dealer rental programs, according to an official Blue Oval bulletin recently seen by CarsDirect. These two new programs – officially called Ford Rent-A-Car (FRAC) and Dealer Daily Rental (DDR) – are already in effect as well. According to Ford, “all 23MY Mustang Mach-E models in dealer stock will be eligible to rebill into the 24PY FRAC and DDR program,” which it says are designed to “potentially increase the number of electric vehicles (EVs) in loaner service and support the launch of the Model e Pickup & Delivery with a Loaner standard.” Additionally, FoMoCo said that these programs “provide an opportunity for non Model-e dealers to have EV loaners available for customers.” Interestingly, Ford noted in this memo that 2024 model year Mach-E models won’t be eligible for the rental car programs, which somewhat makes sense given the fact that it still has a large backlog of 2023 models sitting on lots – upwards of 17,000 nationwide. It also appears that higher Ford Mustang Mach-E trims are being targeted for this program, as both the Premium and GT are specifically eligible for a $1,750 “off invoice credit” or “adjustment” that seems intended to entice dealers to turn those models into rentals. Regardless, for those that are curious about the Mach-E or EVs in general, it could present them with an opportunity to test one out for a short time, too.

Posted earlier this morning regarding the article in The Detroit News. https://blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?/topic/75807-lincoln-to-cut-more-dealership-locations-this-year/&tab=comments#comment-1218520

Lincoln to Cut More Dealership Locations This Year After Record 2023 Decrease https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/ford/2024/01/25/lincoln-cut-dealership-locations/72358331007/ Lincoln said Thursday that it cut approximately 100 U.S. stores last year, a record number, and could shed around that many this year in an effort to bring its footprint closer in line with other premium brands. The Ford Motor Co. luxury brand is working with dealers one-on-one on details of the buyouts, said spokesperson Anika Salceda-Wycoco, who declined to provide details on those transactions. Lincoln sold close to 82,000 vehicles in the United States in 2023, a 2% decrease year-over-year. Meanwhile, Cadillac sales rose 9%, and Lexus' were up almost 24%. "Our priority is to be where the luxury clients are and where the luxury market is," Salceda-Wycoco said. The consolidation has been ongoing for several years and is not related to electrified offerings, she said. Lincoln had approximately 500 stores at the end of 2023, down from 685 in 2021. The brand is looking to decrease that further to about 400 by the end of this year. It's focused on brand-excusive locations to provide a luxury experience. Those stores total 164, including 58 "vitrine" boutique-style locations, with 23 being added this year. Automotive News was first to report the 2024 consolidation target. Lincoln isn't the only brand closing stores. In December, Buick, General Motors Co.'s oldest brand, said it reduced its dealer count by 47% after offering a buyout program in 2022, when it had 2,000 U.S. dealers. A similar program at Cadillac cut the luxury brand's dealer count by a few hundred franchises nationally.

This morning's gas prices in Hamden, CT (New Haven) $3.19 Regular (Cash) @ Gulf $3.29 Regular (Cash) @ Citgo

I'd bet that if you could take a survey of sales representatives, other than the real die-hard enthusiasts that view particular Ford related media sites and/or message boards, that few would know what a Puma is. They might know what the Kuga is because of the Escape relation, but not the Puma. Sales representatives are too consumed with the immediate need to sell and deliver vehicles from stock, or retail customer ordered vehicles and complying with dealership practices and policies plus Ford mandated training and other requirements, etc. As for customers having a hard time keeping up... the same applies to dealership staff.