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Hinting at upcoming Bronco production model, Ford’s Bronco R race prototype debuts in the desert to celebrate 50 th anniversary of Rod Hall’s historic Baja 1000 win, an overall victory in a 4x4 that’s never been duplicated in 50 years   It was built for this, its engine roaring through the heat of the Mojave and its racing tires spraying desert sand. As the last grain settled, the vehicle that is all at once a tribute and a test and a tease, came in to focus. It was no mirage. Bronco – in the form of a race-inspired Bronco R prototype – is back. As a tribute, it was appropriately parked alongside the Bronco that Rod Hall and Larry Minor famously drove to an overall win 50 years ago at the 1969 Baja 1000 – a victory that no other 4x4 has replicated. Featuring a race livery inspired by Hall’s winning vehicle, Bronco R passes the torch to off-road racer Shelby Hall, Rod’s granddaughter, who will drive it for portions of this year’s prestigious race in honor of her late grandfather. As a test, the Bronco R will head back to the Baja Peninsula later this month to take on the near 1,000-mile grueling off-road course and challenge the production Bronco’s powertrain and architecture. And as a tease, the Bronco R – developed by Ford Performance in collaboration with builder Geiser Bros Design and Development and Baja 1000 Trophy Truck champion Cameron Steele – drops heritage-inspired design and proportion hints of what enthusiasts can expect to see when the future Bronco makes its world premiere next spring “Bronco’s win at Baja in 1969 was epic, something that even after 50 years has not been repeated,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford chief product development and purchasing officer. “Rugged endurance racing is such a big part of Bronco heritage. The Baja 1000 gives us not only the perfect setting to honor Rod Hall’s win, it also provides an authentic test bed to demonstrate our upcoming Bronco’s desert racing capability and durability.” Iconic Bronco design at first sight Hidden behind an innocuous security door in a Ford studio basement, a small team led by Paul Wraith, Bronco chief designer, worked since July to make the race prototype unmistakably Bronco at first sight. The team worked in secret to create a one-off build that hints at the all-new Bronco to come, while paying homage to the first-generation Bronco’s styling and proportions that made the nameplate an instant off-road icon a half-century ago. The team focused on creating a race-ready look with an overall heritage-inspired design language. With its compressed body height and long-travel suspension, Bronco R features an ultra-wide stance, while a variety of aero components reinforce its performance intent. The prototype’s lightweight composite body includes a clamshell hood and roof, as well as clean body panels that harken back to the first-generation Bronco models (1966 – 1977). A cut-roof design allows rear seat passengers to use a second-row hatch for access. The exterior incorporates 15 LED lightbars from Rigid, including a grille sequence framing the new BRONCO brand lettering boldly. To underscore that this is a one-of-a-kind racing prototype, the “R” is given a sharp graphic treatment. Washers inscribed with the Bronco name are visible at various points around the exterior and secure the composite skin to the roll cage beneath it. A unique race-focused interior features lightweight off-road racing shells from Recaro for all three seating positions. Simple surfaces of the instrument panel nod to the first-generation Bronco, and the integration of a MoTeC data acquisition system enables real-time monitoring and measurement of the prototype’s performance attributes. With its exterior inspired by the winning 1969 Baja 1000 Bronco livery, the Ford Performance Bronco R race prototype pays tribute with its red, white and black colors accented by its blue space frame. No. “2069” stretches across its rear quarter-panel and wing – “20” to signal the class in which it will race and “69” in honor of the year in which Hall and Minor roared to an overall victory in the Mexican 1000 (now SCORE-International Baja 1000). “My grandfather was so proud of the 1969 Baja race and of his Bronco,” said Shelby Hall. “More than just the memory of winning Baja, he loved that Bronco. I have no doubt he would be blown away by the Bronco R race prototype.” Sketch to race prototype in six months To mark the 50th anniversary of Bronco’s Baja 1000 win, Wraith and team worked in concert with Ford Performance, builder Geiser Bros Design and Development of Phoenix, Arizona, and Baja 1000 Trophy Truck champion Cameron Steele to make the Nov. 22 race start. They used cutting-edge tools such as high-tech virtual reality, polygon modeling and 3D printing to develop parts, but also incorporated low-fidelity prototyping and role-playing to aid problem-solving and swift decision-making. “This wasn’t our usual development process, but it was the right process for this project,” said Wraith. “We found, created or adapted the right tool for the task at hand – a cool and exciting blend of old and new creative techniques. We stretched ourselves, but it was worth it – and great fun.” More than a celebration of Hall’s 1969 win, the Bronco R race prototype is designed with the production model’s body-on-frame architecture to test its capability and durability, while also energizing off-road enthusiasts who eagerly await the return of America’s original sport utility vehicle. The race prototype is built on a modified Ford T6 architecture that will provide the base for the production model. Beefed up for Baja, Bronco R features an independent front suspension with 14 inches of travel and a production-based five-link rear chassis design with up to 18 inches of travel, plus custom Fox shocks, 17-inch beadlock-capable aluminum wheels and 37-inch BFGoodrich tires. “Like the original Bronco, we kept Bronco R’s design authentic and simple, with a roll cage on a production-style frame, and a five-piece lightweight body on top,” said Brian Novak, Ford Performance off-road racing supervisor. “For the endurance needs of Baja’s 1,000 grueling miles, we built in a limited number of race-focused parts. But even the twin turbos of the EcoBoost ® engine are representative of what the production Bronco will offer.” For the vehicle that was, and the vehicle that will be – it’s the vehicle that is. The Bronco R race prototype is no mirage. The sand is flying again, and the heat is on. It was built for this. About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 191,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Gilbert & Baugh Ford!

Drive safe, no matter where you're headed this holiday season.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Gilbert & Baugh Ford. If your sleigh is getting up there in miles like Santa's, let us help you get into your next ride this holiday season with the Ford End of Year Sales Event. If a new Ford isn't what you're looking for, we have over 250 quality pre-owned vehicles that have all passed a 172 inspection by our Ford certified mechanics. At Gilbert & Baugh Ford in Albertville, Alabama Fords REALLY do cost less. Come see the difference. #santa #christmas #ford #fordmotorcompany #fordmotors #forddealer #forddealers #forddealership #cardealer #cardealers #cardealership #cardealerships #dealer #dealership #auto #automobile #automobiles #truck #suv #car #ev #electricvehicle #electricsuv #carbuying #merrychristmas #endofyear #salesevent #al #alabama #albertville #fordvehicle #fordvehicles #fordtruck #fordtrucks #fordsuv #fordsuvs #fordcar #fordcars #fordmustang #fordmache #fordmach #fordelectricvehicle #fordelectricvehicles #fordev #certified #preownedvehicle #preownedvehicles #savings #deal #sleigh #santassleigh #certifiedvehicle #certifiedvehicles #usedcar #usedcars #buyacar #buyatruck #buyasuv #bestford #besttruck #bestcar #bestsuv #bestford #toprated

Merry Christmas from all of us at Gilbert & Baugh Ford. If your sleigh is getting up there in miles like Santa's, let us help you get into your next ride this holiday season with the Ford End of Year Sales Event. If a new Ford isn't what you're looking for, we have over 250 quality pre-owned vehicles that have all passed a 172 inspection by our Ford certified mechanics. At Gilbert & Baugh Ford in Albertville, Alabama Fords REALLY do cost less. Come see the difference. #santa #christmas #ford #fordmotorcompany #fordmotors #forddealer #forddealers #forddealership #cardealer #cardealers #cardealership #cardealerships #dealer #dealership #auto #automobile #automobiles #truck #suv #car #ev #electricvehicle #electricsuv #carbuying #merrychristmas #endofyear #salesevent #al #alabama #albertville #fordvehicle #fordvehicles #fordtruck #fordtrucks #fordsuv #fordsuvs #fordcar #fordcars #fordmustang #fordmache #fordmach #fordelectricvehicle #fordelectricvehicles #fordev #certified #preownedvehicle #preownedvehicles #savings #deal #sleigh #santassleigh #certifiedvehicle #certifiedvehicles #usedcar #usedcars #buyacar #buyatruck #buyasuv #bestford #besttruck #bestcar #bestsuv #bestford #toprated

In 1966, Ford won the 24 Hours of Le Mans* and it was a defining moment in Ford's race history. The Ford GT race car’s** triumphant return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and simultaneous development of the Ford GT supercar are highlighted in the documentary, “The Return.” *24 Hours of Le Mans® is a registered trademark. **Professional drivers shown on a closed course. Do not attempt. Learn more about the Ford Performance here: https://ford.to/2zJJFJ7 Discover more Ford GT videos here: https://ford.to/2WsJQSO

New breed. New Era. Introducing the all-electric #MustangMachE.* Reserve your Mustang Mach-E here: https://ford.to/mustangMachE *By completing the reservation process, you are not ordering or purchasing a vehicle. Terms and conditions apply. Vehicle available late 2020.

The wait is over. Introducing the all-electric Mustang Mach-E. The all-new, Mustang inspired, fully electric performance utility vehicle has a targeted EPA-estimated range of 300 miles with an Extended range battery and RWD.* The 2021 Mustang Mach-E is targeting 0-60 in under a 4 second range when equipped on the GT with extended battery and AWD.** Reserve your Mustang Mach-E here: https://ford.to/mustangMachE By completing the reservation process, you are not ordering or purchasing a vehicle. Terms and conditions apply. Vehicle available late 2020. *Based on full charge. Targeted range applies to an available configuration. Actual range varies with conditions such as external elements, driving behaviors, vehicle maintenance, and lithiumion battery age. Final EPA-estimated ratings available in the 2020 calendar year. **Based on manufacturer calculation using computer engineering simulations. Your results may vary. Discover more Ford Mustang Mach-E videos here: https://ford.to/2OeJv2m

IT’S ALMOST TIME Be one of the first to experience it. Tune in to Ford's reveal livestream on Sunday, November 17, 2019. Details coming soon. Read here: https://ford.to/2PSRepb At Gilbert & Baugh Ford in Albertville, Alabama Fords REALLY do cost less. Come see the difference.

The F-150 is dependable, tough, and consistent that's why it dominates the competition. These are the same principles that Coach John Grass coaches by. That's why it's the official truck of Jacksonville State Football. Get 0% financing for 72 months or up to $11,500 off of select Ford F-150's. If you're looking for a truck as tough as you are, come see the difference at Gilbert & Baugh Ford in Albertville where Fords REALLY do cost less. At Gilbert & Baugh Ford in Albertville, Alabama Fords REALLY do cost less. Come see the difference.   15-second commercial below:

Helping older drivers stay safe Vehicle safety technology is advancing fast, so we hope you keep coming back to stay on top of the latest developments. In a complex subject, we have a simple goal. We want to help you stay safe on the road. If you watch the video below, we want to know: Does Charlie’s story sound familiar?   Charlie is an aging driver who is not as nimble as he used to be. Twisting and turning his body to see what’s behind him is difficult. It’s harder to see at night. His reaction time has slowed. Maybe he sounds like an older relative. Maybe he sounds like yourself. Twenty years ago, Charlie might have had to give up driving because of his physical limitations. Ten years ago – even five years ago – the same result might have been true. But now, thanks to vehicle safety technology, people such as Charlie are able to keep driving safely. Newer features such as backup cameras, blind-spot warning, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning all serve to assist him with his driving task. It’s important to make a quick distinction: These are assistive technologies. They do not replace the driver. Charlie still must pay attention every time he is behind the wheel (repeat: every time), and these features will help him to see more and understand the driving environment better. At MyCarDoesWhat.org, we work hard to inform drivers about how these safety features work. We want to make sure you are equipped with the knowledge to use these assistive technologies so that you stay safe on the road. So if you know an older driver – of if you are that older driver – we hope you can share the video about Charlie’s story. And when you share it, we hope you can encourage others to visit our site and explore the safety features that we cover in great detail. Thanks from all of us at MyCarDoesWhat.org. Know more. Drive safer. Longer.

Automated Vehicles Meet Human Drivers It is almost impossible to keep up with daily advances in the field of motor vehicle automation. So when a new excellent summary is published, composed of facts and not marketing hype, along with well thought-out suggestions, it is worthy of a look. What makes the Autonomous Vehicles Meet Human Drivers: Traffic Safety Issues for States report by noted vehicle safety expert Dr. James Hedlund, authored for the Governors Highway Safety Association, so important is that it was both collaborative and designed to be useful – a potential additional roadmap for the future. And what does the report remind us? Partially automated and fully automated vehicles are still very much in the testing phase, and none are yet offered for sale to the public. They probably won’t be for a while. According to the most aggressive timelines it will probably be 5 to 10 years before they are offered to the first buyers – expected to be fleet operators who will run these in limited “geo-fenced” areas. While that may seem like a long time (or short time – depending on your point of view), there is lots to do for state DOTs, DMVs and law enforcement to do to get ready. This report will help them prepare. One key perspective is that guidance is needed from national organizations to advance model state laws, regulations and policies. This may seem counter-intuitive. Stronger guidance on the national level is not always encouraged by local jurisdictions. However, in this instance, it seems that states, who might not have the expertise to develop these on their own and the auto and tech industry, who don’t want to build individual vehicles for individual states to comply with their individual rules – all appear to have a common goal of preventing a patchwork approach to this national issue. Another key perspective is that traffic safety issues need to be documented as these technologies are rolled out. One sure way to document risks is to share non-identifiable usage and crash data. Only if that occurs can we understand whether these technologies are delivering on their promise to eliminate the needless death of more than 100 people a day currently lost on our roadways. And education is recognized as a critical component of the introduction of these vehicles. Drivers of partially automated vehicles and fully automated vehicles will need to know the limits and extent of their driving responsibilities. And those who never intend to acquire a vehicle that has a higher level of automation, as well as the rest of the motorcycling, bicycling and walking public, will need to know how to share the road safely with these automated vehicles. That is one of the reasons we created MyCarDoesWhat. It gives visitors an introduction to the technologies that help comprise partially and fully automated vehicles. Because now, and for the foreseeable future,  no matter how advanced our vehicle automation systems become, the key ingredient will still be, as it always has, an active, engaged driver. Read more about Au tonomous Vehicles Meet Human Drivers: Traffic Safety Issues for States at GHSA.org. Content Source: MyCarDoesWhat.org