The wild side—Motley Crue sang about it, Lou Reed invited you to take a walk on it. Adulthood comes with a plethora of responsibilities that can be difficult, not to mention draining. Just because you’ve graduated from the period of life known as adolescence in one piece doesn’t mean life has to be predictable, bland, and complacent. A little excitement never hurt anyone, and the opportunity to break the glass ceiling and seize life with both hands and go full throttle is a temptation that’s worth giving into. While that tattoo or giving up employment to live a life of adventure might be out of your league, owning a vehicle that inspires passion and allows you to live life to the fullest certainly isn’t. There are quite a few new exciting Ford options that can allow you to defy the expectations that so many have of you. Choosing one that fits your aesthetic and ambitions is easy, and the hardest question you’ll have to face is, “What’s the closest Ford dealer near me?” We’ve scoured through the Ford fleet and have a few recommendations that are anything but ordinary.
Ford Raptor
Remember when you used to play in the sandbox? Do you remember how your toy trucks were earth-moving monsters that could conquer any terrain? Do you also remember how much you hated to go inside for nap time? Well, the Ford Raptor can make those first two scenarios come alive again. You’ve heard the praise and accolades heaped upon the Ford F-150 as the most popular pickup on the road today. Such an accomplishment doesn’t come from being complacent or willing to settle for second place. Now, if you take that same level of ambition and dedication to excellence and gear it towards those who enjoy taking the road less traveled and getting down and dirty, then you’d reach the off-roader’s nirvana.
Because it’s always important to judge merits on what’s inside and never what’s on the surface, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out that the interior of the Raptor is elegant, posh, and refined to the touch. Pickups today provide the sort of comfort that one normally finds in a luxury sedan. Aside from the ultra-comfortable seating, the Raptor also boasts a 12” infotainment screen. Ford’s Sync4 technology is compatible with Apple, Android, and Alexa as well. The future is now.
If the interior has piqued your interest, then what’s underneath the hood will certainly blow you away. A twin-turbocharged 24-valve V-6 is what Ford equips the Raptor with. And with 450 horsepower and the ability to generate 510 lb.-ft of torque, you’ll be bringing the world of high performance to the path less traveled. And we assure you that these specifications aren’t just for hauling weight, they’re for kicking plenty of butt as well. Reaching 60 MPH in just 5.2 seconds, the Raptor makes the competition eat its dust, and we mean that literally.
Naturally, off-roading requires precision handling to match its high-octane performance. You won’t have to worry about that with a standard 10-speed transmission that allows for a comfortable ride in the most unforgiving of terrains. Standard AWD means that the most intimidating landscape shrinks in fear, and a state-of-the-art suspension with internal-bypass dampers is the icing on the cake.
Ford Mustang Mach 1
Playing in the dirt might be a source of excitement for some, but it’s certainly not for everyone. Maybe the sandbox isn’t a source of nostalgia for you, but your uncle’s old 1969 Mustang Mach 1 fastback is. The demon of speed in the garage obscured by a tarp might have been out of reach then, but the Mustang Mach 1 fastback has been reborn in the form of the Mustang Mach 1. While many might have assumed that the muscle car era was long over with, we assure you that Ford is still breathing life into this staple of Americana.
While the new Mustang Mach 1 is fashioned after the classic fastback, it’s given a modern touch that places it in a class of distinction by itself. Muscle car enthusiasts will immediately notice the design calls back to the glory days of the fastback. Yet, one will immediately notice that Ford has given the Mach 1 plenty of curves to accentuate the design and make it stand out. And for those who think that the resemblance to the Mustangs of old might only be on the surface, think again.
A 5.0L V-8 lies underneath the hood, which generates an asphalt crushing 480 hp. This is a vehicle for both the performance-oriented, and those who crave excitement of the highest level. A six-speed manual transmission allows for control, while a multilink suspension makes the curves easier to handle than ever before. Travelling from 0 to 60MPH in just 4.3 seconds means that the competition will still be shifting into second gear when you’re crossing the finish line.
Ford Bronco
You’re reading this right—we’re not talking about the one of antiquity; the Ford Bronco has been reborn for the modern era. As you can see, it’s not just the Mustang that’s making a comeback. Recent years have been very kind to the SUV. Its rise in popularity and reputation as the ideal vehicle for both the average consumer and the modern family means that the Bronco has its work cut out for it in terms of competition.
With that being said, it’s the competition that has the unenviable task of playing catch-up to the versatility and variety that the new Bronco has to offer. Available in six different trim lines, the Bronco can be tailored for any driver or occasion. So, whether your adventures are focused on getting the kids to soccer practice or conquering the most inhospitable of terrains, you’re covered in more ways than one. The Bronco comes in packages of hard top, soft top, four-door, and two-door. This might be the single most customizable vehicle on the market because it’s undoubtedly the most versatile—work and play are blended seamlessly into one vehicle. How can you possibly say no to that?
Depending upon what your preference is for engines, Ford serves up two options that are certainly appealing, to say the least. A 2.3L 4-cylinder with 300 HP comes standard, but for those who crave more, a twin-turbocharged 2.7L V-6 ups the HP rating to 330. Your ride is also guaranteed to be a smooth one, as both engines come attached to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The return of the Bronco certainly sets a new standard for the SUV, and in an age where they’re enjoying unsurpassed popularity, that’s saying quite a lot. If there’s one manufacturer that can do this, it’s Ford.
Out of the Ford-inary
Ford has certainly had a long history of providing top-quality vehicles at an easily affordable price for the average consumer. As we’ve shown you today, that tradition also includes providing vehicles that stimulate the senses and inspire adventure. Whether you’re someone who craves speed, getting off the beaten path, or want a vehicle that’s versatile for both adventure and the daily commute, there’s something for every driver. So climb on in, isn’t it about time you took a trip to the wilder side of life?
