Winter Tire Package for the Focus RS

PEKIN, Ill. – Good news! We know you’ve been dreaming about the all-new Ford Focus RS, and there’s even more to love about this vehicle now. Ford just made us a little more anxious about the release date by announcing the optional Winter Tire Package for the Focus RS.

The Winter Tire Package for the Focus RS is the ultimate driving addition for fun in the snow. The package is the first ever winter tire add-on that is offered through the original equipment manager in North America.

To create this package, new standards had to be put in place for vehicle testing for quality assurance. When a vehicle is normally tested, it goes through a bunch of trials with the production parts. Now, with the winter package, it’s not only important that it can stand up to harsh temperatures but it needs to perform well in the snow too.

Ford engineers took the Focus RS, with the full winter tire package, to Northern Michigan and Sweden for quality testing. The RS went through a number of procedures that tested every setup and snowy condition any other set of winter tires would be tested on.

After all the testing, Ford picked a 225/40R18 Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 tire that is mounted to a 18x7.5-inch wheel. The great news for those interested in this package is that it won’t change the fierce, sporty style of the current RS because the tires actually look very alike. Even better news – the tires make it possible for drivers to add chains to the tires if they so choose.

This optional winter tire package for the Focus RS will become available when the RS comes to dealerships. Only select dealers will have it available and ready to install. If you're in the market for a fun and fast car right now, check out the 2016 Ford Mustang. Come to Velde Ford to take a test drive in one today. We’re excited to find the perfect vehicle for you to take home today!

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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Rumors of a Faster Focus RS

PEKIN, Ill. – The 2016 Focus RS is getting ready to launch for its launch in spring of 2016 and there’s rumors of a faster Focus RS already! How much faster do you ask? Well let’s just say that the 0-62mph isn’t quite cutting it anymore.

The rumors of a faster Focus RS have been flying around this week with company insiders have confirmed that if they get the go ahead this version of the RS will be all about losing weight and powertrain improvements. This better model is aiming to beat its record speed by 0.7seconds. That means 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds.

Ford is going to have to do a lot of readjusting on the Focus RS if they plan on making it work, but we think they can do it. First, the engine would need an upgrade from the original 2.3L EcoBoost that produces 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Next, some weight needs to be dropped off – around 220lbs. Ford plans on trimming the weight by making the body panels carbon fiber reinforced plastic, adding polycarbonate windows, removing noise insulation, and stripping the cabin of any accessories that are not really needed.

The powertrain upgrades would include a better gearbox, since the one they have now works with engines that have a peak torque of 332lb-ft. The new Focus RS will also be more maneuverable with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential on the front axel, which will pair well with the dual-clutch automatic transmission.

There’s no say as to when this fast Focus RS will launch, considering the 2016 model hasn’t even made it to dealers yet, but we’re excited to hear more and we’ll keep you updated.

While you’re anticipating the 2016 Focus RS, you can come into our East Peoria Ford dealer for any auto service your current vehicle might need to get ready for the winter. Stay safe on the roads with new winter tires or new brakes.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit Velde Ford located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

Visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com

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New Ford Spider Screen Keeps 8-Legged Freaks Out of Your Car

PEKIN, Ill. –– Don't scream, but the itsy-bitsy spider isn't only climbing up the water spout. The little 8-legged things you fear more than your great aunt's meatloaf have found a point of infiltration into your vehicle's fuel vapor lines, and it's worse than you think.

You’re probably familiar with the creepy crawlers that Ford has discovered to be weaving webs in fuel vapor lines of vehicles. They’re called yellow sac spiders and they frequent the nooks and crannies of homes across North America. What makes yellow sac spiders so hazardous has nothing to do with their bites –– although they do hold an unofficial record for most human bites –– but has everything to do with the way they build their webs. In fact, these yellow buggers don’t weave a web at all but instead construct dense cocoon-like structures.

The uncanny spider cocoons are thick enough to block fuel vapor lines, which can lead to engine damage and waning vehicle performance. This got Ford’s Spidey-senses tingling and prompted them to develop a spider screen that keeps 8-legged freaks from reaching one of your car’s most vital components.

The screen is placed inside your vehicle’s fuel vapor line to prevent spiders from entering. This keeps the line clear and allows air and vapor circulation for a vehicle’s carbon canister to flow freely without any creepy obstructions.

The new Ford spider screen that keeps 8-legged freaks out of your car will debut with the 2016 Ford Focus RS before eventual implementation into the entire Ford vehicle lineup. Until then, keep a can of Raid in your cup holder. And remember, spiders aren’t the only potential cause of damage to your vehicle. It’s important to get your oil changed on a regular basis, as well as any other necessary car repair, to maintain your vehicle’s quality. We can’t exterminate spiders for you, but we can handle your more traditional auto service needs at our Washington, Ill., area used car dealer.

At Velde Automotive Group, we are committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Feel free to visit either of our dealerships, Velde Ford at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or Velde Cadillac Buick GMC is located at 2220 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

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