Wheels - Boosting Ford’s appeal

There are many car companies that claim they’re on the cutting edge of technology when it comes to combining superior fuel economy with prodigious power, without sacrificing either. 

Ford hasn’t just made that claim. They have made a statement, and backed it up with concrete proof, V6 EcoBoost engine available on a variety of different models in the Ford and Lincoln lineups. The EcoBoost engine is available in the Ford F-150, Flex, Edge, Explorer, Escape and Taurus SHO, and the Lincoln MKS and MKT. 

Belanger Ford Lincoln Centre general sales manager Robert Gagnon said that roughly three-quarters of the trucks currently in stock on the Belanger lot have an EcoBoost engine in them. 

“Eventually you’ll see it every Ford vehicle,” he added. 

And they’re a hot ticket item, too.

“We’re having a hard time keeping the trucks on the lot,” Gagnon said. “Ford’s done such a great job promoting this engine, and the reviews and with the responses from the clients themselves, talking to their friends, people are trading in their 2009s and 2010s and getting an EcoBoost.”

He said the engine’s main draw is its raw power.

“It has the power to tow as much as a 6.2-litre, V8 engine and has the fuel economy of a V6,” Gagnon said. “You can save a lot of money on gas each year by driving a Ford vehicle with an EcoBoost engine.”

With gas prices always fluctuating — mostly up — a powerful engine that meets the needs and demands of consumers without guzzling gas is a welcome commodity. 

The EcoBoost engine features a V6, 3.5-litre twin-turbo set-up that pushes out a jaw-dropping 365-horsepower and an eye-popping 420 pounds/feet of torque. 

The EcoBoost engine is a pure thrill to experience first-hand. 

The Ford Taurus SHO accelerates to the speed limit in a blink of an eye. The engine effortlessly pushes the sedan forward with no lag. 

It easily makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck when you step hard on the accelerator. 
As far as Gagnon’s aware, there’s nothing comparable to the EcoBoost technology on the market.

“This is reliable technology that’s proven itself over time,” he said. “It’s hard to beat. The engine’s been out for about four years now.”

The vehicles with the EcoBoost engine are available for test drives and purchase at Belanger Ford Lincoln Centre, located at 204 Michael St. in Chelmsford. 

The dealership is also eagerly anticipating a total overhaul this fall.

“We keep selling more and more vehicles, so to better serve our clients, we’re having a full renovation and expanding,” Gagnon said. 

The renovations, which will cover the service department to the showroom, will include an addition of 6,000 square feet, as well as a new automatic car wash and drive-through service area.

The Belanger legacy lives on

Josee Belanger-Leroux has been named the new dealer principal of the Belanger Ford Lincoln Centre. For more than 40 years, that title was held by her father, the late Gabe Belanger.

“After my father passed away... we didn’t want the dealership to be sold,” Belanger-Leroux said. “I was the only one in the family involved in the business.”

Prior to the announcement, made earlier this month by Ford, Belanger-Leroux held the position of assistant general manager. Her father passed away in 2009.

The dealership has also received a 2011 President’s Award Diamond Club honour for demonstrating a superior level of customer care at every visit, as well as a high number of new vehicle sales.
 

- With files from Scott Haddow and Laurel Myers

Posted by Laurel Myers