The Laker/Lutz News

Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel

Showing off their cars, to help Big Brothers Big Sisters

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Skeleton mechanics work on Melinda Crosby’s 2020 California Special Mustang GT Premium. The mechanics were working their fingers to the bone for this Wild Stallions Mustang Club member. (Fred Bellet)

Some 150 custom Mustangs and other Ford models took part in the inaugural Bay Area Mustangs’ (BAM!) Mustang Madness, at Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel, at 28739 State Road 54.

Although billed as a Mustang Madness event, all models of Ford vehicles were welcome.

Besides the car show, there was a silent auction, costume contest, cash prizes, raffles and 50/50 chances. Trophies were awarded for best dressed cars, people’s choice, sponsor’s choice, charity’s choice and participation awards, as well.

The event benefited Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

Bay Area Mustangs is a club that promotes the restoration, preservation and enjoyment of the Ford Mustang in the Tampa Bay region.

The club gathers monthly on the first Thursday around 6 p.m., at Ford’s Garage, a restaurant at 25526 Sierra Center Blvd., in the Cypress Creek Town Center, off State Road 54/State Road 56.

For a complete schedule of the club’s events, visit BayAreaMustangs.com.

Published November 10, 2021

During the ladies’ Halloween costume contest, master of ceremony, Frank Morales, left, dressed as a quack doctor. He draws a response from those watching, as he kids around with Darlene Esposito, of Lutz, who said she was dressed as The Slayer.
Customized and haunted, Lou McCarty’s 2018 Mustang has all sorts of eerie decorations, as it sits on display at the Bay Area Mustangs’ Mustangs Madness event. His Mustang GT has a 5.0 engine with a 10-speed automatic and a high performance package. Tara Cunningham, of St. Petersburg, back/left, sat with her husband, Scott, obscured, and their 2007 Mustang.
Bay Area Mustangs’ Howie Taylor’s 2020 Mustang has a high-performance package in the 4-cylinder turbo engine. Taylor says it kicks out 400 hp. Although the car is orange all year-round, Taylor added the pumpkin face decals to his doors to suit the season.
Rodney Ford, of Plant City, looks in on the driver of his 2019 Mustang GT 5.0 liter engine. Ford, a member of the Wild Stallions Club, has had his car for three years. It was dressed up for the Bay Area Mustang Madness Car Show, at Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel.

SPORTY FORD ESCAPE OFFERS A CAR-LIKE RIDE!

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What makes the Ford Escape stand out in a crowd? In our eyes, it’s the varying power trains that the compact crossover, now in its 19th year, has to offer. That’s something you don’t see in other brands that fall in the same segment.

Though Ford nixed the six-cylinder and hybrid versions sometime back, there are still three four-cylinder engines to choose in this hot-seller: 2.5 liter with 168 horsepower; 1.5-liter turbo with 179 hp; or the potent 2.0-liter EcoBoost pumping out a respectable 240 hp. EcoBoost is essentially twin turbochargers and a smaller-displacement engine working in tandem with gasoline direct injection to produce a powerful but fuel-efficient engine. Getting power to the ground is a sprightly 6-speed automatic transmission. An independent front MacPherson strut and rear control blade suspension isolate occupants from road noise and imperfections to ensure a safe jaunt. Providing superb on-center feel to the driver is an electric power system.

Available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the sleek and attractive Escape, with active grill shutters, is roomier than ever before. Ambient lights welcome you as you step into the spacious cabin with its fine cloth or leather seats. Two instrument binnacles house round gauges for speedometer and tachometer with a centered trip computer, fuel and temperature readings. Standard are six-way driver and four-way manual front passenger seats, though with a top-level trim, you can get a 10-way power driver seat. Sync3, which accesses audio, telephone, navigation controls via a voice command, 4.2- or 8-inch touchscreen tap or button click, is simple to use. Storage areas are a dime a dozen: overhead sunglass holder, generous front center console with armrest and a 60/40 second-row seat that folds flat. Even if you keep the seat upright, you get 34 cubic feet of cargo space to store bags for a weekend trip. Place the second seat down and that opens up 68 cubic feet, more than enough for several pieces of luggage, golf clubs, picnic basket, and much more. The base model comes with a single-zone a/c and tilt/telescopic steering column, both of which are manual; power windows/door locks, and, an AM/FM audio system with six speakers.

A standard driver knee airbag is welcome in the Escape, a feature not found consistently in its segment. Also built in are dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, AdvanceTrac with electronic stability and traction control, rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.

Slotted below the Ford Edge and above the EcoSport, the eye-catching Escape (base-priced at $24,105 for the S and peaking at $32,620 for the top trim Titanium) displays superb agility and spirited character to result in a car-like drive. Plus, a thought-out interior and decent gas mileage (EPA estimates are 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway) will give its nearest contender a run for the money. Potential compact SUV buyers may want to give the Escape some serious consideration.

ESCAPE (SE)

Tires: 235/50HR18
Wheelbase: 105.9 inches
Length: 178.1 inches
Width: 72.4 inches
Height: 66.3 inches
Tow capacity: 3,500 pounds
Weight: 3,592 pounds
Fuel capacity: 15.7 gallons
Web site: FordOfWesleyChapel.com

Test drive the Escape at Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel, 28739 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. For more information, call the dealership at (813) 907-7800.

Published January 16, 2019

GO ANY ROAD, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE IN 2019 FORD EXPLORER

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Best-selling three-row SUV in America? The Ford Explorer, you bet. Available as a front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Explorer is offered as a 3.5-liter V-6 (290 horsepower); 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 (365 hp); or the 2.3-liter, 4-cylinder turbo (280 hp). As you can see, that’s plenty of choices to “explore” the horizon.

But, the crisp-shifting 6-speed auto is still the only transmission. In fact, for a vehicle that weighs over 4,500 pounds, this Ford moves with remarkable agility and sure-footedness. Some of the credit goes to the MacPherson strut front and independent multilink rear suspension.

Indeed, the Explorer delivers a civilized and composed ride with impressive handling, crisp steering and superb balance. For an excellent on-center response, the SUV is equipped with the electric power steering, making it effortless to dodge sharp and sudden turns on the road.

How come it is so quiet in the cabin at highway speeds? We wondered. That can be attributed to low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. If you are looking to haul a small boat to the beach during those warm months, then count on a 5,000-pound tow capacity. And, for that trip up north this winter, you can securely select ‘snow’; other modes are normal, mud and sand.

The Explorer sports a robust but pleasing-to-the-eye appearance, thanks to LED headlights that surround a distinct grille with satin chrome finish. But, what we find even more appealing is the EXPLORER embossed in the lift gate applique. It truly stands out.

We found the interior to be good-looking with plenty of comforts and stylish enhancements, from real wood and aluminum appliques to Nirvana leather, in the Platinum trim. Though manual, the robust tilt/telescopic steering column in the base trim is functional.

Need to access the third-row 50/50 seat? That should be trouble-free with the seatback moving forward for stress-free ingress/egress. Well-placed cubbies are plentiful, plus you have the hefty center console to store personal items out of sight.

No one can quibble about the 4.2-inch touch screen, which displays audio, phone and navigation controls. It is bright and crystal-clear to read and operate. We liked the especially large, centered volume knob in the center stack.

Basic safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for all rows, front-passenger knee airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic stability and traction control, rearview camera, trailer sway control, antiskid system with rollover sensors and a blind spot monitor.

Any road, anytime, anywhere. That’s how the Detroit carmaker has summed up the Explorer in the past. Whether you are testing its off-road prowess or on-road capability, this best-seller has you covered.

An accommodating cabin, athletic looks, and array of power trains and models (base, XLT, Limited, Sport, Platinum) are further incentive to sign on the dotted line.

EXPLORER (Base, 3.5-liter)

Wheelbase: 112.8 inches
Length: 198.7 inches
Height: 70 inches
Width: 78.9 inches
Fuel capacity: 18.6 gallons
City: 16 mpg
Highway: 22 mpg
Starting price: $32,365
Web site: FordOfWesleyChapel.com

Test drive the Explorer and other Ford vehicles at Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel, 28739 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. For more information, call the dealership at (813) 907-7800.

Published December 19, 2018

Automotive section launches today

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This week The Laker/Lutz News is expanding our business coverage with a new automotive section that we’re calling “autoMOTIVES.”

We emphasize the word “MOTIVES” because we believe this section’s outstanding content will educate and motivate you to keep up with the latest automotive trends, and help you decide what is the best vehicle for you and your loved ones.

Our editor is Nitish Rele, an accomplished automotive writer who lives in New Tampa and is under contract with several automobile manufacturers to test drive and write stories for industry publications and blogs.

Rele has been writing product reviews, test drives and reporting automotive news for more than 20 years. He will be doing the same for The Laker/Lutz News, but with a heavy emphasis on local automotive and dealer news for our readers in Pasco and north Hillsborough counties.

Rele is also the founder and publisher of Motoring Tampa Bay, a comprehensive auto enthusiast guide in print and online since 2009.  Also notable, Rele was at The Tampa Tribune from 1989 to 2009 and was the weekly automotive columnist for his last 11 years there.

Rele received his master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, and has been a Tampa Bay resident for nearly 30 years. I’m proud to add that he is a longtime, regular reader of our newspaper.

“Buying a vehicle is one of the biggest expenses a family incurs,” said Rele. “Our goal is to give readers timely and informative automotive news and professionally sanctioned test drives to help local people make informative decisions about their next vehicle.”

It is interesting to note that according to our 2017 readership buyer’s survey, 38 percent of our readers plan to purchase a new or used vehicle in the next 12 months —or 13,557 vehicles.

“We want to educate readers early in the buying process — when you are still considering your top vehicle choices and deciding how much you want to spend,” said Rele.

“Our goal is to give you information to make intelligent automotive decisions, and to help you find your next vehicle close to home at a dealership that is convenient and which provides service, body and warranty work.”

The Laker/Lutz News is able to add automotive news to its coverage because of the support of our inaugural advertisers — Christian Brothers Automotive, Maus Family Chevrolet, Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel and Wesley Chapel Toyota/Lexus/Honda.

All are locally owned, family businesses, just like we are at The Laker/Lutz News.

My staff and I sincerely thank these advertisers for their support, and if you have an opportunity to visit these neighborhood businesses, please be sure to thank them for bringing automotive news to your community newspaper.

Published December 12, 2018

BESTSELLER FORD F-150 OFFERS DIVERSE ENGINE CHOICES

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Did you know that the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for 28 years and the best-selling pickup for 42 years? Now that is an accomplishment speaking volumes of this remarkable truck that can seat from three to six people.

The rear-wheel or four-wheel-drive pickup comes in several power train choices. So, take your pick. There’s the 3.3-liter V-6 engine that develops 290 horsepower @ 6500 rpm and 265 pounds-feet of torque @ 4000 rpm, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. A 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 (twin turbochargers and a smaller-displacement engine work in tandem with gas direct injection) puts out 325 hp @ 5000 rpm and 4000 pounds-feet of torque @ 2750 rpm; a 3.5-liter V6 but with an EcoBoost cranks 375 hp @ 5000 rpm and 470 pounds-feet of torque @ 3500 rpm or a 450 hp @ 5000 rpm and 510 pounds-feet of torque @ 3500 rpm;  the sole 5.0-liter V-8 pumps 395 hp @ 5750 rpm and 400 pounds-feet of torque @ 4500 rpm; last but not least, one can say, is the all-new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 with 250 hp @ 3250 and 440 pounds-feet of torque @ 1750 rpm. All are coupled to a 10-speed gear box.

A double wishbone front and leaf rear suspension ensures dexterity, sure-footedness and poise to the ride, irrespective of road/weather conditions. And, the rack-and-pinion, electric power steering system affords outstanding feedback. Tow capacity for the F-150, which comes in as much as seven trims (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, off-roader Raptor), peaks at an incredible 13,200 pounds. Cab styles are in regular, SuperCab (extended) and SuperCrew (crew cab), and range from 5½-foot to 8-foot beds.

Depending on the trim, cabin goodies include 10-way power heated and cooled front seats, overhead console, woodgrain-style trim, 60/40 rear bench, 8-inch display screen, dual auto a/c, leather tilt/telescopic steering wheel and an improved SYNC3 to access audio, telephone, navigation controls via a voice command, touch screen tap or button click. Well-placed storage bins and cubbies are scattered throughout.  There also are numerous packages and options to fit the needs of any potential buyer.

Apart from dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, AdvanceTrac with electronic stability control, rearview camera, antiskid system and tire pressure monitoring system, other standard safety features include auto high beams, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a rearview camera with dynamic hitch assist.

Base-priced at $28,155 (for XL), with the Lariat around $41,700 and top-level Limited for $67,135, the F-150 boasts plentiful room for cargo and passengers, admirable tow capacity backed by a vast array of forceful engines. Even the fuel economy figures (15 mpg city/26 highway) are worth a mention. No wonder the aluminum-alloy body pickup has led in sales for more than four decades in the U.S.

F-150 (XL)

Tires: 245/70R17
Wheelbase: 122.4 inches
Length: 209.3 inches
Height: 75.5 inches
Width: 79.9 inches
Fuel capacity: 24 gallons
Web site: FordOfWesleyChapel.com

Test drive the F-150 at Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel, 28739 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. For more information, call the dealership at (813) 907-7800.

Published December 12, 2018

Wesley Chapel chamber honors businesses, leaders

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The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce honored its top businesses and leaders during its annual banquet last week at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel.

The awards, according to chamber officials, acknowledge the accomplishments of small businesses, large businesses, volunteers, civic organizations, and business leaders, for the contributions they make to the regional economy.

The business awards were reviewed and scored by a panel of peers based on their demonstrated commitment to the advancement of the business community.

Winners included:

• Business Leader of the Year — Stanley Giannet, Pasco-Hernando State College.
• Large Business of the Year — Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel
• Small Business of the Year — The New Tampa/Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News
• Civic Group of the Year — American Cancer Society
• Volunteer of the Year — Kelly Mothershead, A Focus on Fitness

In addition those awards, Wendy Bechtelheimer was presented the president’s award for her contribution to the organization, while Jeff Novotny of American Consulting Engineers was named the board member of the year.

The event was presented by Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel.