What’s New With the 2020 Ford Explorer
If you’re looking for a new and improved SUV, the 2020 Ford Explorer comes with a variety of updated features and amenities for you to consider. Whether you’re looking under the hood or inside the cabin, this midsize SUV comes with significant upgrades that help it stand out from past lineups. Read on to learn more about the improvements made to this year’s Ford Explorer. 
More Trim Levels
The 2020 Ford Explorer comes in five trim levels: the base Explorer, XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum. This is the broadest lineup of trim levels Ford has offered thus far.
New to the lineup is the option of a hybrid model in the form of the Limited Hybrid. This Ford Explorer edition features a 3.3-liter V-6 engine that generates 318 horsepower. It also gets you 24 mpg on the rear-wheel-drive version and 23 mpg on the all-wheel-drive version.
Improved Power, Performance, and Handling
The 2020 Ford Explorer comes with updated powertrains and an improved riding and handling experience, overall. Each comes with a standard 10-speed automatic transmission.
When it comes to the engine, the Base, XLT, and Limited trim levels have a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine generates 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. This engine is available on the Platinum trim level. The Explorer ST has this engine with twin turbos, giving the SUV an added boost. This setup generates 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.
The 2020 Explorer also features a new rear-wheel-drive platform with greater flexibility. This allows the vehicle to have more power and capability compared to older models. If you’re partial to an all-wheel-drive system, you still have that option. Read the rest of this entry »
In 1996, drivers experienced a bit of disappointment when Ford decided to discontinue its popular Bronco SUV. Fans of this greatly missed vehicle will be happy to know that the automaker is bringing it back for the 2021 model year. Not only that, but Ford is also introducing the Bronco Sport. Let’s explore the similarities and differences between the Bronco and Bronco Sport. 
Platform
Ford plans to build the Bronco Sport around a platform separate from the one it will use for the original Bronco. While the truck-based Bronco will sit on a body-on-frame platform, the smaller Bronco Sport will ride on a unibody chassis similar to the one found in Ford’s Focus and Escape models. The Bronco Sport will also share components with both of those vehicles.
Engines
Under the hood of the 2021 Bronco, you’ll find an EcoBoost 2.3-liter inline-four engine or a 2.7-liter V-6, depending on which trim level you choose. The inline-four engine can produce 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. With the V-6, you get 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. In the Bronco Sport, a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine will come standard. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four will be available in upper trim levels. While the three-cylinder engine produces 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque, the four-cylinder can put out 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.
Transmission
As for transmission systems, the Bronco will feature a 10-speed automatic transmission in models with the inline-four engine. The V-6 teams up with a seven-speed manual transmission. An eight-speed automatic transmission will come standard on all Bronco Sport models. Read the rest of this entry »
The 5 Best Summer Camps Near Jacksonville, AR
With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start planning activities for the kids. There are several summer camps and day camps in the Jacksonville, Arkansas, area. Whether your child is interested in art, sports, or theater, there’s a camp that’s perfect for them right in Jacksonville. 
Unity Martial Arts Summer Camps
If your kids are movie buffs, they’ll enjoy the Movie Making Camp presented by Unity Martial Arts. This four-day day camp is open to children in grades kindergarten through eighth. Attendees will learn about fight choreography, practical effects, and other movie-making techniques. These techniques will be put to use to write and film a movie that family and friends will view on the last day of camp.
Unity Martial Arts also hosts a camp based on the “Avatar: The Last Airbender” movie. Attendees can put their skills to the test on an obstacle course inspired by the film. If your kids enjoy playing Magic the Gathering, they can attend a four-day camp where they can indulge in the popular card game.
Summer Theatre Academy
Every summer, the Children’s Theatre at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts holds a three-week theater academy for kids ages 10 to 18. Attendees learn performance techniques from skilled theater professionals. At the end of the three-week session, the kids put on a performance for friends and family to display what they’ve learned. The Summer Theatre Academy is an excellent opportunity for children to explore their creative sides and make new friends. They’ll learn how to work together as a team, how to commit to a goal, and other values that will last them a lifetime. Read the rest of this entry »
Get To Know the Ford Fusion Wagon
While some drivers might be disappointed by Ford’s decision to discontinue the Fusion hatchback, they shouldn’t be too upset. The automaker is replacing the hatchback model with the exciting all-new Fusion Wagon. Let’s explore what drivers can expect from this new model. 
Exterior
While the Fusion hatchback features sedan styling, you can expect the Fusion Wagon to take its styling cues from SUVs and crossover vehicles. The Wagon is longer and wider while standing taller than other Fusions. You’ll also notice a bolder, more aggressive design and larger tires. Overall, the Fusion Wagon’s proportions indicate its ability to tackle off-road terrain.
Engines
You’ll have a variety of engines to choose from for your Fusion Wagon. One option you can expect is a V-6 that is larger than the Fusion’s standard four-cylinder. Diesel options will be available on upper trim levels. If you’re interested in a more efficient alternative, Ford also plans to introduce a hybrid Fusion Wagon. The hybrid model will come equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and twin electric motors. With Ford’s hybrid vehicle lineup, you can choose between hybrid and all-electric driving modes. You can expect the Fusion Wagon to be no different.
Performance
Ford’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system will come standard on the Fusion Wagon. The system teams up with a lifted suspension to take you on off-road terrain. With these features and a transmission that will give the wagon agile handling, the Fusion Wagon is the perfect vehicle to take you from the city to the highway. Read the rest of this entry »
What To Expect from the 2021 Bronco
Ford plans to unveil its new Bronco SUV at the 2020 Detroit auto show in June. It’s the blue oval’s most attention-grabbing vehicle expected to debut for the new model year. Here’s little of what you can expect from this off-roading powerhouse, the 2021 Bronco. 
Exterior Overview
A revived-up off-roader based off the mid-sized Ranger pickup, the new Bronco’s body-on-frame offers both two- and four-door configurations. The interesting news? They’re removable, and so is the roof. Like the original Bronco, it features exterior styling elements such as a flared hood edges, an upright grille, the unmistakable flat roof, and a squared-off rear fascia.
In addition to the standard Bronco, Ford will follow-up the standard variant with a smaller version to debut in April of the new model year. Rumors have it that this model is comparable in size with the Ford Escape crossover. However, this steed is better equipped to tackle the road less travel and comes standard with all the benefits of four-wheel drive.
Engine and Powertrain
Ford will likely equip the new Bronco with a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four base engine that’s good for 270-horsepower. A twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 is a possible upgrade, and both powerhouses will pair with a 10-speed automatic. Could there also be a hybrid powertrain in the works, as well as a rugged V-8-powered Bronco Raptor? Only time will tell. Read the rest of this entry »
Best Camping Spots Near Jacksonville, AR
Load up the dog, the kids, and all your gear and go camping this summer. It’s a terrific way for the whole family to bond while exploring the great outdoors. The area around Jacksonville, Arkansas is a hotspot for those residents that want to spread out a sleeping bag and stargaze around a fire. From seasoned adventurers to novice explorers, here are some of the best camping spots in the area. 
Downtown Riverside RV Park
Located at 250 S. Locust St., Downtown Riverside RV Park offers campers a choice of 56 sunny, full-hookup RV sites. Nestled on the banks of the Arkansas River, this urban oasis is close to all your favorite modern amenities and destinations. Explore local museums, shop for one-of-a-kind antiques, catch a live show, and dine at one of many restaurants that are conveniently located nearby. The park offers an on-site dock gives access to the river. Go boating, canoeing, or kayaking and try your luck angling for striped bass, catfish, and crappie.
Pinnacle Springs Campground
Getaway from it all at the intimate Pinnacle Springs Campground in nearby Woolly Hollow State Park located at 82 Woolly Hollow Road in Greenbrier. Lose yourself in this easy to access, primitive camping experience. This small, yet beautiful space truly feels off the grid and is a welcoming spot under a canopy of pine and oak trees. Each rough and rugged site is equipped with a picnic table, fire pit and grill, lamppost, and level tent site. Read the rest of this entry »
Explore the New 2021 Mustang Mach-E
The past and the future collide with Ford’s first EV crossover: the Mach-E. Inspired by its unbridled muscle car, the iconic Mustang, this variant is an SUV powered exclusively by electricity. Let’s explore the new 2021 Mustang Mach-E and everything it has to offer. 
Powertrain Performance
Who would have guessed that an electric SUV would be so exhilarating to drive? Mustang enthusiasts appreciate its sibling’s powerful acceleration, launching the Mach-E to 60 mph in the mid-three second range. You get all the performance of a legendary pony car in either a rear- or all-wheel-drive configuration that’s ideal for snowy roads.
The Mach-E is available with your choice of two available battery sizes. Pick either the 75.7 kWh standard-range or an extended-range pack that’s good for 98.8 kWh and up to 300 miles of driving range. The best part? These thrills come with zero emissions.
Innovative Charging Options
Every model in the 2021 lineup is equipped with Ford’s fast-charging capability and access to one of the largest power networks in the country. With Ford’s stock mobile charger, add 30 miles of range per night with your standard 120-volt household outlet or a maximum 80% battery life overnight with 240-volts. Read the rest of this entry »
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