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When you think about what the typical American loves to drive and you have to think truck. The Ford Raptor is no exception. The only problem is that the Raptor has yet to land on American soil. Rumor has it that an American-friendly Raptor is scheduled for arrival soon. This is what consumers can expect from this Ford F-150 doppelganger. What Fuels This New Addition? Overseas, the Raptor currently runs on diesel, which is not the ideal situation for Americans. Ford will need to make changes to accommodate gas as the fuel of choice. The current Raptor has a 2-liter engine that provides 210 horsepower, and Americans would want something similar in order to make the most of their off-road adventures. more How the Raptor Compares to Others in Its Class If the Raptor is going to make a dent in any way on the U.S. market, it needs to up its game where power is concerned. The 2-liter engine might not be enough to power its way through its competitors, as consumers will want at least 308 horsepower. This will allow the Raptor to carve out a spot for itself among the likes of the Chevrolet Colorado. Torque is another aspect to consider and could be a game changer for those deciding between the Raptor and other competitors. Why Fans Love the Raptor Those who have had the pleasure of driving a Raptor state that the suspension is what makes this installment from Ford so special. It handles well in tricky situations which bodes well for those who want to do a bit of off-roading. It also has a high clearance, which means boulders and hilly countrysides are no match for the Raptor. As far as Rangers are concerned, this is one for the outdoorsy types. Don't Confuse It With the F-150 Those who believe the Raptor has already landed on US soil are forgiven for getting their models mixed up. Ford has previously released a Raptor under the F-150 banner, and it is a favorite among those who like powerful and intimidating trucks. It's bigger and more powerful than the Ranger and is a treat to those who need it to work hard, such as business owners and those who take their leisure time seriously. It boasts a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that offers an incredible 450 horsepower. The Suspense Is Real While Ford envisages a global release of the Ranger Raptor, they are still mum on the release date for the U.S. This places Ford lovers in a predicament, as there is also no mentioned of starting MSRP as yet either. Those who are looking to change their wheels within the next few months will have to await the formal press release before putting their hopes on the Ranger Raptor. They can expect the price range to come in under the F-150 Raptor, and it also needs to compete with Chevrolet and Nissan, which will give potential customers a ballpark figure of what to expect. With Ford being an American brand, it may be tough for some enthusiasts to understand why the Ranger Raptor wasn't introduced to American soil first before making its appearance in Asia. Photo by JeepersMedia | Licensed under cc by 2.0

Spring is here, with summer right around the corner. That means fresh air and farm-fresh food. If you're looking for a great way to spend some time outdoors, consider spending an afternoon at one of the San Jose area's amazing farmer's markets. You'll find a lot to love at each of these, so the hardest part is going to be deciding which one to visit next. Campbell Farmers Market The farmers market in Campbell has been voted one of the best open-air markets in the area. You'll find fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers here, as well as an exciting calendar of events. There's always something new going on at the Campbell Farmers Market, including festivals, live performances, and arts and crafts lessons. more The Campbell Farmers Market is open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Downtown San Jose Farmers Market From May to November, every Friday, San Jose's San Pedro Square transforms into a lively open-air farmers market. More than 30 local growers come to the Downtown San Jose Farmers Market to sell their wares every year, and you'll always find the freshest seasonal produce available here. If you can't wait to get home and cook up some delicious meals with your purchase, there are plenty of hot food vendors offering up some truly tasty menu options, so you never have to go hungry during your trip. There are plenty of other live events taking place downtown as well, so a trip to the farmers market is a great way to see everything there is to experience. The Downtown San Jose Farmers Market is open every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Santa Clara Farmers Market The Santa Clara Farmers Market has one feature that sets it apart from many other open-air markets in the area. It opens every Saturday, rain or shine, all year long. While most other farmers markets in the area close during the winter months, this is one place you can count on all the time. Even better is the fact that the market is open on Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas weekend, and New Year's Eve weekend. Located in the heart of downtown Santa Clara, the market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunnyvale Farmers Market The Sunnyvale Farmers Market is located on Murphy Avenue at Washington and offers fresh produce from many of the same local growers you'll find at the Santa Clara market. Also similar to its sister market in Santa Clara, the Sunnyvale Farmers Market only closes once a year, for the annual Art and Wine Festival. The Sunnyvale Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. With so many great open-air farmers markets in the San Jose area, you've got plenty of reason to get out and enjoy the region's beautiful weather. This is also a great opportunity to meet some new people and explore the area's local culture. California and the San Jose area are well-known for top-notch community events, and visiting a local farmers market is a great way to discover everything else going in the area. Photo by gmtbillings | Licensed under cc by 2.0

Ford Motor Co. has been leading the charge in vehicle modernization for over 100 years. The Ford EcoBoost engine is just one way the company is innovating in areas such as performance and fuel efficiency. There are a lot of engines on the market that claim they can boost your vehicle's performance in these areas, so what makes the Ford EcoBoost engine so amazing? Here is everything you need to know about the Ford EcoBoost Engine. Twin-Independent Variable Cam Timing Traditional engines run combustion on a consistently timed piston rotation. This means no matter what kind of load is being placed on the engine, your engine valves are opening and closing at the same speed. Even the most finely tuned traditional engines don't take the current workload into account and, by their very nature, fuel efficiency optimization is somewhat limited by the overall design of the engine. more The Ford EcoBoost does take current conditions into account. What this means is, when you're putting more demand on the engine, your valves will begin to open and close more quickly and, when the workload is lighter, this rotation will slow down. The result is greater performance when you need it and better fuel efficiency when you don't. Improved Performance With Turbocharging In the Ford EcoBoost engine, vehicle exhaust is stored in a rotating turbine, rather than being expelled, as with most traditional engines. This is important because there is still potential energy in that exhaust that can be harnessed, and that's exactly what EcoBoost does. The turbine that stores this exhaust is connected to a compressor that feeds the pressurized air from the exhaust back into the combustion chamber, which provides a boost of power when your vehicle needs to use this extra energy. Direct Fuel Injection The combustion chamber in your engine doesn't need a lot of fuel at one time to provide maximum power. With this in mind, the EcoBoost engine delivers fuel to the engine in the form of a fine mist, rather than a steady stream. This provides the engine with exactly as much fuel as it needs to achieve proper combustion, generating all the power you need while increasing the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Digital Engine Performance Optimization All of these innovative features are managed by the engine's integrated computer system, which constantly monitors performance and fuel consumption. The algorithms built into the Ford EcoBoost engine's systems are specifically designed to provide you with the right amount of power while maximizing fuel efficiency by only using exactly as much as the engine need when it needs it. If at any time the onboard computer detects an increase in fuel efficiency, it will automatically adjust performance to compensate. The Ford EcoBoost engine is a work of mechanical genius. This is an impressive engine that is beginning to show up in more and more of Ford's most popular models. The next time you're shopping for a car, make sure to look for one that includes this amazing engine. Photo by Sim Br | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Museums aren't just about ancient history. The San Jose area has a surprising variety of museums that feature exhibits ranging from prehistoric fauna to modern art and technology. We've compiled this short list of our favorites to help you plan your day on the town. The Tech Museum of Innovation Visit The Tech Museum of Innovation to learn about modern science and technology in a hands-on, family-friendly manner. The organization's interactive exhibits will give you the chance to glimpse the frontier of cutting-edge science. more For example, the BIO Design Studio allows visitors to experiment with the “building blocks of life” by applying the principles of bioengineering. The Social Robots exhibit involves designing and building your very own robot utilizing sensors, controllers, and actuators. Computer-savvy guests are likely to enjoy the Cyber Detectives exhibit, which demonstrates the strides that cybersecurity professionals have made in recent years. If you prefer a more passive experience, the museum also has an IMAX theater. San Jose Museum of Art Modern and contemporary art is the focus of this museum, which receives about 100,000 visitors per year. The organization strives for inclusivity by representing the work of artists from many cultures and backgrounds. The museum also makes contributions to art history scholarships and programs. Visit during the spring and summer of 2018 to see paintings of California landscapes by Raimonds Staprans, as well as a collection of American lithographs and wood engravings gathered from early 21st-century history. Another must-see exhibit is The Propeller Group's examination of global culture, presented through video footage and staged reenactments. The Propeller Group represents a cooperation between artists based in both Los Angeles and Vietnam. Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose If you have children, you won't want to miss this unusually interactive museum experience. The Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose places emphasis on allowing its guests to get hands-on with all of its exhibits. Guests won't be constrained to just looking at an art gallery; they'll also have the opportunity to create their own artwork. Scientifically-inclined children are sure to be drawn to the Mammoth Discovery exhibit, where they can see a mammoth skeleton and practice fossil excavation in the museum's special dig pits. The museum even caters to the youngest children, who can climb artificial trees and crawl through tunnels in the Bill's Backyard exhibit. Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum Featuring the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in western North America, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is a great example of a classic ancient history museum. A visit to this museum will reward you with fascinating information about this culture's burial practices and mummification. There are exhibits focused on Ancient Egypt's gods, religion, and belief in an afterlife. But some of the more mundane artifacts are even more interesting, as they provide visitors with a look into the daily life of regular Egyptian citizens. Visiting a museum is usually an educational experience, but that doesn't mean it has to be dry or boring. Any one of these San Jose museums will give you an experience that's both engaging and interactive. Photo by donjd2 | Licensed under cc by 2.0

If you haven't heard of Morgan Hill, California, you're in for a treat. This Silicon Valley city is home to abundant wineries and nature trails, but it's the hidden gems that really bring an air of surprise and amazement to locals and tourists alike. Here are a few treasure troves worth checking out in the area. Vietasia Restaurant Located on East Dunne Avenue, Vietasia Restaurant is the go-to spot for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Guests rave about the clean and casual setting as well the reasonably priced foods. The affordable dishes make it seem like you're getting a fancy dining experience, but without the high prices. more Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Vietasia Restaurant has a diverse menu that offers both classic Vietnamese dishes and flavors from around Asia, including Korea, China, and Thailand. Popular items include beef pho, shrimp spring rolls, imperial crab eggrolls, and tempura-fried sweet potato fries. However, you can also find a large selection of noodle-based dishes, rice plates, vegetarian options, and exquisite tea flavors. Murphy's Mercantile Located on Monterey Road in Morgan Hill, Murphy's Mercantile is a lovely hidden gem with a large selection of antique and vintage wares. Sisters Honnie and Melissa Murphy opened the shop as a way to share their love for collectibles with others, and you certainly get a glimpse of this passion with the lovely displays of hand-crafted, collectible items arriving regularly from antique shows and estate sales. Whether you're looking for goods to gift to others or hunting for your own personal treasures, this shop has affordable items packed with one-of-a-kind charms you won't want to miss out on. These include household decorations, furniture, jewelry, artwork, vases, tea sets, and antique cookware. You'll even find seasonal items such as miniature trees with vintage ornaments, fall flower arrangements, and other adorable themed trinkets. If you're interested in stopping by, Murphy's Mercantile opens Tuesday through Saturday (and sometimes on Sundays) at 10 a.m. Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve If you want a ridgetop view of Coyote Valley and natural peaks such as Mount Hamilton and Mount Umunhum, this final spot on our list beckons a visit from outdoor enthusiasts. Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve is a rural patch of land at the end of Palm Avenue between Morgan Hill and San Jose that sits adjacent to the Cinnabar Hills Golf Club. Spread out among 348 acres of natural landscape is a four-mile, multi-use Arrowhead Loop trail that's ideal for jogging, hiking, biking, and equestrian riding. You'll also find picnic tables, a bridge, educational panels, and lots of scenic views. If you're looking to plan a trip to Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, you'll find it offers a day full of exploration and adventure from sunrise to sunset. We know you can't visit every attraction in Morgan Hill, but don't let these hidden gems fall under the radar. While you're in Santa Clara County, stop by these three destinations and find out for yourself what makes each so unique. Photo by donjd2 | Licensed under cc by 2.0

If you're looking for something fun to do in San Jose, California, make a plan to root for the home team at a Sharks game. The San Jose Sharks play in the National Hockey League at SAP Center. Along with the games, the team hosts various events throughout the season to get fans excited and draw bigger crowds. Check out these fun events to build team spirit and enjoy time with your loved ones. Fan Appreciation Night On April 7, the San Jose Sharks will celebrate their appreciation for the fans at this annual event. The game is against the Minnesota Wild, and everyone who attends will receive a bobblehead of Burns and Thornton, two of the top players on the Sharks. Display your bobblehead with pride to show how true of a fan you are when you attend this exciting matchup. Tickets are available starting at $49. more Summertime Social Events During the summer months, the Sharks host several social events to connect with their fans and create a fun atmosphere where fellow fans can meet one another. Last year, some of these social events included a Paint Night, where those in attendance could express their creativity and paint a masterpiece, and a golf tournament at the local Cinnabar Hills Golf Course. The Bowlero event was another popular option for Sharks fans, in which they came together to bowl for a good cause. Keep an eye out for upcoming social events this summer and register to participate if you want to take the opportunity to get to know other Sharks fans. Business Events The San Jose Sharks also have a strong presence in the business community, hosting several events that helped the team form relationships with businesspeople throughout the area. These events can also help the Sharks generate sponsorships, which help to keep ticket prices affordable and allow the team to continue to host these types of events. In mid-August, the team hosted an event at a local driving range. A wine tasting event was another fun business opportunity, which took place in late September. Ticket Packs If you're looking for a fun and affordable family day out, check out the available family ticket packs. You can score tickets to a hockey game, along with hot dogs, chips, and drinks for four people, available at a more reasonable price than if you purchased everything separately. Another ticket pack option is the Chum pack, which gets you a beer for every ticket you buy. For certain games, the team will also give away gear and swag to help fans get decked out and root on the Sharks. For example, when the Sharks play the St. Louis Blues in March, tickets purchased through the Earthquakes Night package will include two themed scarves: one for the Sharks and one for the local MLS team, the Earthquakes. With so many fun events happening at SAP Center, San Jose Sharks fans will love participating and cheering for their favorite hockey team. Reserve your tickets to take part in the upcoming events. Photo by pointnshoot | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

As the Ford 2018 lineup is finally in dealerships, many car enthusiasts are curious what Ford has in store for the 2019 and 2020 years lineup. These are some of the upcoming changes you can expect. Ford Edge The 2019 Ford Edge will arrive in dealerships by mid-summer of this year. Not only will the exterior design see a more modern upgrade, but the technological features will also be advanced. The 2019 Edge will also have an additional trim package available, known as the Edge ST. more The Edge will feature a smart-driver assist package that will increase safety, functionality, and technology design. Safety features include many of the same that are currently in the 2018 model but with minor upgrades. The adaptive cruise control option now comes with a lane centering feature. It will also boast an impressive performance with a 2.7-liter V6 Ecoboost engine with a maximum of 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Ford Ranger Unfortunately, we will have to wait until early 2019 to actually drive the 2019 Ford Ranger. But, the upgrades and added attention to the capable drive of the traditional Ford Ranger is well worth the wait. It will feature a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with an auto start-stop availability and a 10-speed transmission. The driver assisted technology makes the ride more durable and more entertaining. Use the in-vehicle WiFi hotspot to stay connected, allowing you to connect up to 10 separate devices. There are also three additional trim models available including the XL, XLT, and the Lariat. Ford Transit Connect The 2019 Ford Transit Connect will hit dealerships in early fall. This model has both business and cargo capabilities, but also adds a level of exceptional exterior design. Easily fit up to seven passengers with a flexible interior. Larger vehicles are often not known for stopping quickly. Yet, the pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection feature of the Ford Transit improves the safety of the drive by bringing the vehicle to a full stop when needed. This responsive advanced safety feature can even initiate the stop movement when a pedestrian or potential collision is noticed. Fold the collapsible seats to store additional business cargo. Upgrade to the available storage rack to add even more cargo or your favorite sporting toys to the roof. Either way, you will find the 2019 Ford Transit to be completely customizable and useful for your everyday needs. Ford Bronco The 2020 Ford Bronco is also a highly anticipated Ford vehicle. It has remained one of the leading 4X4 vehicles and the 2020 model is sure to not disappoint. It features upgraded technology and a fully remodeled exterior design. Besides the attention to technology in terms of driver assistance and safety, additional details are still unknown. Fortunately, we should start seeing more details about this 2020 vehicle in the coming months. Many drivers are already awaiting the release of the Ford 2019 and 2020 lineup. Come by The Ford Store at Morgan Hill to see these vehicles in person after they are released. Photo by F. D. Richards | Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

For 115 years, Ford has been the premier name in automotive manufacturing. While many of its models are practical, economical, and affordable, the Detroit automaker doesn't skimp on the speed. With a rich heritage of performance and power, Ford has created many of the world's fastest vehicles. Here are just a few of the pavement-scorching models over Ford's history. 2017 Ford GT The 2017 GT is Ford's latest entry into the supercar market and an amazing specimen at that. It's not just an engine underneath an attractive body, though. Ford uses an amalgamation of many engineering and design ideas, including improved aerodynamics, a powerful and efficient engine, and an unrivaled power-to-weight ratio. more Under the hood, the 2017 Ford GT opts for efficiency and engineering instead of displacement or more cylinders. With a 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6, the GT churns out an impressive 647 horsepower and up to 550 pound-feet of torque. This pairs with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission for swift, performance-based shifting. Superior aerodynamics and a lightweight carbon fiber body combine with this powertrain to deliver an insane zero to 60 time of just 2.9 seconds, a quarter-mile in 10.6 seconds, and a top speed of 216 mph. 2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 The Shelby-Ford partnership has been around since the 1960s, creating dozens of Shelby Mustangs that made the iconic muscle car a household name. However, the 2014 Ford Shelby GT500 is arguably the most impressive of them all. While the exterior has all the style cues of a regular 2014 Mustang, the GT500 had magic beneath the sheet metal with a 5.8-liter, supercharged V-8 engine that pumped out 662 horsepower and up to 631 pound-feet of torque. With a Tremec six-speed manual transmission, the GT500 posted a zero to 60 time of 4.1 seconds, a 12.1-second quarter-mile time, and a top speed of 202 mph, making it the fastest Shelby Mustang ever. 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R If you want to be the first owner of your Ford performance vehicle, feast your eyes on the 2018 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R. A sports-tuned variant of the Shelby GT350, the GT350R is track-ready thanks to an improved suspension and sport brakes on top of a massive 5.2-liter V-8 that's good for 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. The GT350R also gets 19-inch carbon fiber wheels, which shave off 40 pounds of weight, and high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, developed for speed and agility. Attractive racing stripes and the famed Cobra logo add to the sportiness of the vehicle and make it stand out from the pack. When you have the insatiable need for speed, put the pedal to the floor for a whopping top speed of 175 mph, a zero to 60 time of 3.9 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 12.5 seconds. Luxury and performance automakers from around the world may steal some of Ford's thunder, but there's no denying Ford has been an innovator in the industry with its proactive approach and dedication to improved engineering. If you can get your hands on any of these vehicles, make sure to hang on tightly. You're in for a wild ride.   Photo by Falcon | Licensed under cc by 2.0

Since the introduction of the Explorer in 1991, Ford has been the undisputed heavyweight champion of the SUV world. In 2018, it adds another member to its distinguished lineup with the Ford EcoSport. The smallest of the Ford SUV lineup, this crossover aims to corner the economical, compact market while still delivering space, pep, and unrivaled sportiness. If you're in the market for a versatile new vehicle this year, hop on the inaugural journey of the 2018 Ford EcoSport. Two Engine Options The 2018 Ford EcoSport comes with two engine options that provide some oomph and efficiency. An ambitious 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder is the stock engine. Despite its small size, this engine still delivers 123 horsepower and up to 125 pound-feet of torque. The fully loaded SES trim upgrades to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that churns out 166 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque. Both pair with a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and quickly for spectacular acceleration. more Awesome Fuel Economy In the world of hybrids and high-efficiency compact vehicles, the EcoSport is a breath of fresh air. While most crossovers don't come near the 30 mpg mark, the EcoSport gets close regardless of which engine you choose. Thanks to an automatic start-stop feature and a displacement that's about the size of a large soda, the 1.0-liter version gets an excellent 29 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in the city. The SES trim's 2.0-liter four-cylinder provides 29 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. Entertainment Features Entertainment features come standard on the 2018 Ford EcoSport, a rarity in the entry-level crossover segment. Regardless of which of the four trims you choose, you'll get a 4-inch touch-screen display to navigate the head unit. Ford's Sync infotainment system comes standard, allowing hands-free calling and texting via Bluetooth. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available on upper trims, and you can seamlessly sync your smartphone to the EcoSport's touchscreen, allowing you to sift through navigation, podcasts, music, and more with ease. If the standard entertainment features aren't enough to satisfy your appetite, the EcoSport has numerous upgrade options. The touch-screen display also comes in 6-inch and 8-inch versions with the updated Sync 3 system to boot. Other nice features include two fast-charging USB ports, a 10-speaker premium audio system, two 12-volt outlets, and an available 110-volt outlet. Extra Space The EcoSport is a compact, but that doesn't mean it lacks on the space you need for passengers and cargo. Both the front and rear seats provide ample space for your knees, legs, shoulders, and head, even with a full capacity of five passengers. The rear seats fold flat to give you even more room for cargo, and although the EcoSport lacks a spare, it more than makes up for it with added capacity. If you favor the roominess of an SUV without all the bulk of a full-size option, the 2018 Ford EcoSport is your perfect match. Schedule a test drive to see what makes it the new king of the compact crossover segment. Photo by RL GNZLZ | Licenced with permission under CC by 2.0