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The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD represents the pinnacle of Mustang performance, bridging the gap between GT3 race-car power and everyday usability. This street-legal powerhouse sports a hand-built supercharged V8 engine, advanced suspension, and driver-focused technology. Let's see what sports car enthusiasts have to be excited about. The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD Redefines Street-Legal Power Track-Derived Performance At the heart of the Mustang GTD is a 5.2L supercharged V8 engine, which produces up to 815 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. With performance specs like that, it's no wonder it achieved a Nürburgring time of 6 minutes and 52 seconds. The engine employs a dry sump lubrication system that ensures consistent oil pressure during cornering and high-speed track sessions. It uses an external oil reservoir to prevent the common issue of oil starvation. The GTD's engine is coupled with an 8-speed dual-clutch transaxle. Positioned at the rear axle, it achieves a near-perfect 50/50 front-to-rear balance, which enhances handling precision. Stopping power is provided by carbon ceramic brakes with 6-piston calipers up front and 4-piston calipers in the rear. The large rotors are engineered to resist fade during repeated braking at high speeds. Brake cooling ducts are integrated into the front bumper to ensure consistent performance. Purpose-Built Cockpit and Body The cockpit reflects the car's track-focused ethos, with seating for two. The bucket seats provide maximum support, with reinforced stitching to resist wear. The flat-bottom steering wheel is wrapped in microsuede and includes integrated switches and buttons for easy control of the car's many settings. The paddle shifters are made from magnesium alloy and provide tactile gear shifts. The Mustang GTD's exterior showcases a comprehensive use of carbon fiber panels, resulting in significant weight reductions. Several aerodynamic components focus on optimizing downforce while minimizing drag, including a carbon fiber front splitter, hood and fender vents, and a C-pillar-mounted rear wing. Race-Ready Driver Tech The 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster is fully configurable. Drivers can switch between traditional layouts and performance-oriented views that display stats such as lap times, G-force, and tire temperature. The cabin houses a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 infotainment display that wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a navigation system optimized for track and street use. The GTD integrates a Performance Data Recorder with front-facing cameras, allowing drivers to record track sessions and analyze them afterwords for improvement. Connectivity is enhanced with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and over-the-air updates, which ensures the GTD stays up-to-date with the latest performance upgrades. The 2025 Mustang GTD sets a new benchmark for supercars, offering the kind of performance and abilities that have never been seen before in a street-legal race car. Find out more about the GTD at Spikes Ford in Mission, TX.

The legendary muscle car is back, and it's looking sharper than ever before. The 2025 Ford Mustang is celebrating six decades of being an American icon and the pony car everyone dreams of owning. We introduce you to the new Mustang. Basics About the 2025 Ford Mustang Ford stays true to the Mustang's heritage while introducing modern design touches to bring it up to date. The low profile, sharp lines, and long hood are still there, as is the distinctive grille that muscle enthusiasts love. However, the modernized front fascia now boasts sleek tri-bar headlights to better illuminate the road ahead. Even the rear receives an upgrade in the form of vivid LED taillights and sequential turn signals. And, although the dual bright tailpipes with their rolled tips may look new, they still produce the guttural roars and purrs we all expect from a Mustang. Unique Features Performance That Excites The new Mustang puts in a performance that can only be described as exciting. At its heart is a 315-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that kicks out 350 pound-feet of torque, making this piece of muscle quick out of the starting blocks. However, it's the Dark Horse trim that really gets the adrenaline pumping. Ford's top trim swaps the EcoBoost for a 5.0-liter Coyote V8, which ups the output to a mighty 500 ponies and lets you dominate the road. Transmission Options Every Mustang with the EcoBoost engine comes with an automatic 10-speed SelectShift transmission, which delivers responsive shifting, especially when controlled with the paddle shifters mounted on the vinyl flat-bottomed steering wheel. If you'd prefer to be in total control of the driving experience, go for the GT Fastback trim or above and receive a manual six-speed, allowing you to toggle through the gears as you wish. The manual transmission also comes with Rev Matching to deliver more fluid transitions in lower gears. Performance Monitoring The track is the perfect place to put the Mustang through its paces. And, to help you fine-tune your driving skills, Ford equips every model with its Track Apps system. This app monitors acceleration, longitudinal and lateral g-forces, lap times, and more to provide you with feedback on your and the Mustang's performance. Electronic Line Lock On the track is the perfect place to try out the Mustang's Electronic Line Lock. This standout feature engages the brakes at the front while leaving the rear wheels free to spin, allowing you to maintain a firm grip on the road while warming up the rear tires. It may be 60 years old, but the Mustang looks more youthful and modern than ever, and continues to outperform the competition. To book a test drive, contact us or drop by Spikes Ford in Mission, TX, today, and experience the exciting performance of the new Mustang for yourself.

Sometimes you just need to get away from everything and have a spa day, and if you are in the Mission area, you have several spas to choose from. Each one offers a wide selection of services and treatments. Whether you want to book a quick massage to ease sore muscles or a full day of treatments so you can leave feeling like a new person, you can do it in or near Mission. more de Sanchez Day Spa and Salon The de Sanchez Day Spa and Salon in Mission specializes in hair color and style, including balayage. The stylists offer their expertise in color maintenance or suggestions for something new. While you are here for the salon, take advantage of the full-service spa and book a treatment. The spa offers several massages, including the relaxation massage, the sports massage, and the 80-minute master custom therapy massage. The facials are also a popular treatment with options such as the arctic berry peel, hot stone, and manual dermabrasion treatment. Sundara Spa Sundara Spa is a top spot for wellness with a wide variety of treatments available. Choose a massage to relieve stress in your back and shoulders or a microblading treatment that uses semi-permanent makeup to enhance your eyebrows. Sundara also offers microdermabrasion to reduce and eliminate fine wrinkles and minimize acne marks and scars. Call to book your next treatment and start on your way to wellness. Dovera Dovera offers customers a place to get away from the stresses of everyday life. Its relaxing atmosphere makes it easy to take a break and rejuvenate. The services and treatments offered include the signature facial with options for teens battling acne, anti-aging, and more. You can also book a body massage with 21 natural herbs and minerals. Microneedling is another treatment you can get at Dovera. This collagen-stimulating treatment refreshes the skin. Additional options include the back facial to cleanse and exfoliate the skin, lash extensions, and microdermabrasion. This treatment exfoliates the skin and reduces signs of aging by evening out skin tones and minimizing pores. Spa LaPosada Spa LaPosada provides spa services and salon services to both men and women. Women can book a quick wax, a relaxing massage, or a manicure and pedicure. If you need to look glamorous for a special occasion, have one of the professionals at the cosmetic studio apply it for you so you can look your best. Men can book a cut at the barbershop with trained professionals who will give you the perfect straight-razor look. The spa offers massages, body treatments, facials, and microneedling. You can also get your lash extensions here, along with a hydrafacial that will cleanse, extract, and hydrate your skin in just a 30-minute session. This type of treatment helps with fine lines and wrinkles, and it evens out skin tones and uses suction to remove debris from pores. These local spas offer treatments to nourish and rejuvenate the whole body. Make an appointment on your own or bring a friend to experience the fun together.

Image Via Ford.com The 2020 Ford Edge has a lot to offer drivers, including peace of mind. This midsize SUV is an IIHS Top Safety Pick when equipped with the available adaptive LED headlights. The IIHS only awards this honor to the safest vehicles in each class. Take a look at some reasons the 2020 Ford Edge is a Top Safety Pick. more What Does It Take to Be a Top Safety Pick? According to the Institute for Highway Safety, in order to achieve a Top Safety Pick rating, vehicles must have Good ratings in the driver-side small overlap frontal crash tests and the passenger-side small overlap front crash tests. It also must have Good ratings in the front, side, head restraint, and roof-strength tests. Vehicles also must achieve Advanced or Superior ratings for front crash prevention and in their evaluations for both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian prevention. Acceptable or Good headlights must also be available. The Ford Edge Safety Ratings The 2020 Ford Edge received good ratings in all the crash tests performed by the IIHS. It also received Good ratings for roof strength and in the evaluations for head restraints and seats. The ST and Platinum trims offer the option for adaptive LED headlights with LED amber light blade turn signals. These optional headlights put both of these models in the Top Safety Pick category. Ford Co-Pilot360 Every 2020 Ford Edge comes standard with a rearview camera and Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features. This group of safety features includes a forward-collision warning system that scans the road ahead and alerts the driver of potential collisions and an automatic braking system that applies the brakes when needed. The blind-spot monitoring system alerts the driver if a vehicle is in their blind spot and the rear cross-traffic alert detects traffic behind the vehicle when backing out of a parking spot. The lane-keeping assist system keeps the Edge in its lane, providing the driver with a warning if they start to drift. If you drift several times, a coffee cup icon will appear on the dash, providing a reminder that it's time to pull over and take a break. Automatic high beam headlights are also part of the Co-Pilot360 suite. More Safety Features The SEL and above add several advanced driver aids such as adaptive cruise control and an evasive steering assist system. The Titanium adds front parking sensors and Ford's Enhanced Active Park Assist. This automated parking system makes it easy to park in tight spaces, whether it is parallel or perpendicular. The driver just has to activate the parking system, shift, and apply the accelerator and brake while the Edge takes care of the rest. This parking system also includes a Park Out Assist feature with side-sensing capability. You can use this when you need to navigate out of a spot when someone comes and parks too close to you. The 2020 Ford Edge has the safety equipment and the safety ratings needed to earn a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. Stop by Spikes Ford to test drive your 2020 Ford Edge today.

Image Via Ford.com If you spend time on the road every morning and evening commuting to and from work, you want a comfortable and efficient vehicle. The Ford Fusion is a popular choice with commuters looking for a car that will make their commute more enjoyable. Take a look at some reasons why. more The Choice of Powertrains No matter where your commute takes you, the 2020 Fusion has a powertrain that will get you there. The base is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine that generates 173 horsepower and works with front-wheel drive. If you like more power, the SE has a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower. The most powerful gas-powered Fusion has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 240 horsepower, and this engine comes with the SE All-Wheel-Drive package. The Connectivity and Entertainment Features When you spend a lot of your time on the road, you want to stay connected. The base Fusion comes with a 4.2-inch screen and the SYNC system, but just a step up to the SE gets you an 8-inch touch screen, the SYNC 3 infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, navigation, and two USB ports. The SE and above also come standard with satellite radio. Stepping up to the SEL gets you an 11-speaker stereo, and the Titanium upgrades the stereo again to a 12-speaker Sony system. The Comfort Features A height-adjustable driver's seat comes in the base Fusion S, and for more comfort features, you can bump up to the SE. This trim adds power-adjustable front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. The SEL adds driver's seat memory functions, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. This trim also has heated front seats. The plush Titanium trim gets heated and ventilated sport seats in the front, ambient lighting in the cabin, leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel. The Safety Features All of the Fusion models come standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver aids. This group includes a pre-collision system with emergency braking assist, a blind-spot warning system with cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. It also has a lane-keep assist feature that helps keep you in your lane with a warning and steering assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist system is an available option for the SE and above. All Fusions have an air bag safety system and a post-crash alert system that will help protect you and others if you get into a collision during your commute. The Sleek Look The Fusion will turn heads as you drive to work. Its standard exterior features include a five-bar grille with black finish, solar tinted glass, daytime running lights, and LED taillights. Rain-sensing windshield wipers come standard, and you can add heated and power-adjustable side door mirrors and LED fog lights. The high-end Titanium comes with dual exhaust tips, a power moonroof, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Make your commute more enjoyable with the 2020 Ford Fusion. This sleek and modern sedan has all the features and technology you need to upgrade your drive. If you're looking to test drive a 2020 Ford Fusion, stop by Spikes Ford today.

When you are on the hunt for the perfect cup of coffee or tea, you don't have to go far when you're in Mission, Texas. This area has an up-and-coming coffee scene for when you need caffeine to get you going in the morning or you want a nice quiet place to sit with your phone or computer. Check out these coffee and tea favorites in and around Mission. more Jitterz Coffee Bar Stop by Jitterz for high-quality coffee made from beans roasted right in-house. The menu has a large selection of coffee drinks, tea, and more. Choose from traditional brewed coffee, iced coffee, or espresso, or if you want something unique, try one of the blended drinks. These make it easy to satisfy your sweet tooth and get your caffeine fix. Jitterz even has ice cream lattes made with your favorite ice cream flavor blended with espresso. The signature cortado is made with lechera, honey, cream, and espresso, or you can try the latte Del Rey with espresso, cream, and raw sugar. Reserva Coffee Roasters Reserva Coffee Roasters in McAllen has filtered coffee, cold brew, and blended coffee drinks. Choose the sweet treats, such as dark chocolate mocha hot or iced with dark chocolate, espresso, steamed milk, and microfoam, or a tuxedo mocha with dark and white chocolate, espresso, and milk. The espresso drinks come hot or iced, and you can get a straight cup of espresso or try a latte made with steamed milk and foam. The Americano comes with espresso on iced water, and if you just want a cup of coffee, the filtered coffee is their flagship batch brew. Semilla Coffee Lab Semilla Coffee Lab in McAllen has a relaxed atmosphere and excellent coffee. The Coffee Lab's staff is friendly and always happy to spend time explaining what comes in each of the drinks. The espresso drinks include lattes, mochas, and macchiatos. You can also get a cortado or cappuccino. If you get a cold coffee to drink in the coffee shop, it comes in a unique beaker glass that goes with the lab theme. This coffee shop also has a wide variety of tea to choose from, including pink sakura, goji berry, and matcha. Balanced Brew Coffee Balanced Brew has hot and cold coffee drinks, tea, chai, and yummy food. Stop by for a brewed coffee or try one of the handcrafted espresso drinks. Choose from a wide selection of blended espressos, such as the blended caramel cold brew if you like something sweet or the blended pumpkin spice for the flavor of fall. If you prefer iced coffee, there is plenty to choose from, including iced flavored lattes. The tea selection starts with regular hot or iced tea, but you can also get a chai latte, green tea latte, or balanced brew fruit tea. Whether you prefer coffee or tea, find the perfect drink in and around Mission, Texas. The local coffee shops offer handcrafted blended drinks, espresso drinks, and much more.

Image via Pexel.com When you're in the mood for authentic Italian cuisine, you don't have to travel far from Mission, Texas. Nearby McAllen boasts a choice of stylish restaurants that are ideal for a date night or casual dining with friends. Here are four of the best in the area. more Il Forno a Legna Located on North 10th Street, Il Forno a Legna is an upscale restaurant that blends traditional styling with a contemporary feel. Elegant furniture, vintage Italian posters, and subtle lighting give the place a classy but welcoming atmosphere. What really grabs you is the amazing wood-fired pizza oven that sends out gorgeous aromas. You can enjoy delicious appetizers like burrata con prosciutto di Parma, wood-fired clams casino, and carpaccio di Manzo. Along with a superb selection of pasta dishes and pizzas, their signature dishes include pollo al marsala con funghi shiitake, costole di Manzo brasate (jumbo beef rib), polpo alla griglia (grilled octopus), and succulent steaks. Mama's Pizzeria Mama's Pizzeria is a quaint little restaurant, also on North 10th street. The homely decor, eclectic art and ornaments, and cozy lighting give the dining room a warm, mellow ambiance. What's more, a beautifully lit covered patio offers al fresco eating. From the bar, you can order imported and seasonal craft beers, wine, and carafes of excellent sangria. The menu features antipasti such as breaded cheese ravioli, spinach artichoke dip, and lemon peppered fried zucchini. Pizzas are offered in five sizes, and vegetarians can choose a cauliflower crust. Seafood dishes at Mama's Pizzeria include pesce con pasta alla pesto, lobster ravioli, linguini shrimp, and drunken mussels over linguini. Malfitany Pasta Company Stop by the Malfitany Pasta Company — another top outfit on North 10th Street — to see where pasta and sauces are freshly made from scratch every day. Its dining room features simple but stylish decor, with vintage black and white photos of Italy adding a touch of class. Also, you'll be treated to a warm welcome at this cozy family-owned restaurant. You'll find great appetizers on the menu like savory cheesecake, pepperoni rolls, fried mozzarella, clam chowder, and salads. Pasta entrees include tagliatelle Alfredo, baked ziti, and frutti de mar. Malfitany Pasta Company also offers brick oven-baked flatbreads and baked or fried panzerottis, which are filled Italian turnovers made from homemade dough. Romano's Macaroni Grill Romano's Macaroni Grill is committed to bringing you a taste of Italy through dishes made with ingredients from small family-owned Italian farms. Inside this chain eatery, dark wood furniture contrasts with crisp white table linen, while the hanging lighting creates a warm, comfortable atmosphere. The bar offers a good selection of red and white wines, cocktails, and bottled beers including Sam Adams, various domestics, and regional favorites. Antipasti offerings at Romano's include calamari friti, stuffed mushrooms, and crispy Brussels sprouts. Choose from pasta dishes such as mushroom or seafood ravioli, penne rustica, and butternut tortellacci. There are also excellent entrees here like Buffalo chicken parmesan, braised lamb shank, grilled salmon, and shrimp Portofino. These McAllen Italian restaurants offer varying dining experiences but have superb Italian cuisine in common.

Image Via Pexels.com When you get a craving for takeout Mexican food, nothing else will satisfy your hunger. Fortunately, Mission, Texas, has some great eateries that offer takeout for a breakfast snack, a quick lunch, or an evening meal. Here are some of the best Mexican restaurants in the area. more El Patio Restaurant El Patio Restaurant is a cute family-owned and -operated eatery located on North Conway Avenue in Mission. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to eat in or take out. The decor and artwork give the dining room an authentic Mexican feel, while the friendly servers welcome guests warmly. On the all-day breakfast menu, you'll find eggs just how you want them, breakfast tacos, pork chops, steak and eggs, chilaquiles, and pancakes. Also, the main menu offers a selection of appetizers, soups, salads, country-style entrees, and botanas platters. Some of the signature dishes at El Patio are the chimichanga plate, chalupas, stuffed fried avocado, and Monterrey chicken. Taco Ole Taco Ole, also located on North Conway Avenue, offers buffet-style food to eat in or take out. The colorful decor and smiley servers will make you feel right at home. You'll get a good range of breakfast options here and tasty main-menu appetizers like nachos, panchos, and choriqueso with chorizo and cheese. The lunch and dinner buffet features barbecue and Mexican specialty plates, enchiladas, tacos, botanas, and combination plates. If you're feeling less adventurous, try the steak plates or any of the delicious American dishes served at Taco Ole. YaYa's Cocina Mexicana YaYa's Cocina Mexicana on East Griffin Parkway is a spacious family-owned restaurant that serves authentic Mexican food to eat in, to take out, or for delivery. It's a simply decorated place with counter service that offers all-day breakfast, lunch, and early evening meals. Before you order, check out their daily specials. The breakfast menu has dishes like huevos rancheros, barbacoa, waffle or pancake plates, huevos divorciados, and chilaquiles. Main meals include flautas, chalupas, slow-cooked pork, carne guisada, pollo en mole, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, tacos, combo plates, and the Mexican burger. Diaz Diner Located on East 9th Street, Diaz Diner is a casual no-frills restaurant that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The diner is clean and bright and operated by friendly staff. Diaz Diner offers Mexican and American breakfast dishes, cereal, omelets, breakfast tacos, and eggs however you want them. What's more, the main menu features mouthwatering selections like taquito rolls, tacos a la plancha, burritos, and the Diaz tampiquena. You can also order sombreros, parrilladas, fajita botanas, or seafood plates from the main menu. La Curva Taqueria La Curva Taqueria is a roomy, simply decorated diner located on East Griffin Parkway. The restaurant offers eat-in, takeout, delivery, and a drive-thru. Interestingly, the menu has only 10 items on it to streamline the ordering process and allow the restaurant to concentrate on making their specialty meals. With their more customized approach, you can get a variety of tacos, gringas, tostadas, and oven-baked potatoes with your choice of delicious fillings. While each of these Mission restaurants offers unique dining experiences, what they have in common is awesome Mexican food. Check them out to discover your favorite Mexican takeout.

Image via Pexels.com Ford has completely redesigned the Escape compact crossover for 2020. Now, it offers the versatility and space you want in an SUV as well as the smooth handling you'd expect from a sports sedan. But that's not all. The hybrid version of the 2020 Escape comes in two quality trim levels — the SE Sport Hybrid and Titanium Hybrid. Here are some of the features of the 2020 Escape hybrid that should make it your first choice. Stylish Exterior The 2020 Ford Escape is longer, wider, and lower, giving it a sportier stance. With its sloping roofline, flowing profile, and efficient underbody styling, the automobile is more aerodynamic than ever before. Besides, its trapezoidal grille is inspired by the Mustang, while the Ford GT-style lower front end complement the Escape's sporty appearance. The SE Sport Hybrid features a black mesh grille, front and rear skid plates, ebony black-painted alloy wheels, and dual chrome exhaust tips. Additionally, configurable daytime running lights and LED signature lighting make the car stand out on any street or highway. Stepping up to the Titanium Hybrid gets you LED fog lights, stylish chrome-trimmed windows, grille, 19-inch wheels, body-color mirrors, and black roof rails. What's more, the hands-free foot-activated liftgate gives you easy access to the generous cargo area. more Hybrid Power Hybrid Escape models feature a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with an 88-kW electric motor, with a seamlessly shifting CVT transferring power to the front wheels. To optimize your electric driving, the Escape hybrids have four electric-vehicle modes — Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later, and EV Charge. Impressively, the liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is less than one third the size of its predecessor and is cleverly located on the underside of the car so that you don't lose valuable cargo space. Now, you can confidently handle challenging road conditions thanks to the available all-wheel drive (AWD). When AWD isn't needed, the system can disable the rear axle for improved economy. Interior Comfort and Versatility Inside the Escape hybrids, you have plenty of room for five people and lots of luggage. The all-new sliding second-row gives you the option of best-in-class legroom or additional cargo space of up to 34.4 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded flat, you have up to 60.8 cubic feet for your gear. Standard interior niceties include a power driver's seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rotary gear shift dial, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Ford Co-Pilot360 offers pre-collision assist with automatic braking, blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, and a lane-keeping system. The SE Sport Hybrid has the intuitive SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen, smartphone integration, voice recognition, and six-speaker audio with satellite radio. However, the Titanium Hybrid takes things up a notch by adding remote start, leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, voice-activated navigation, active parking assistance, and 10-speaker B&O audio. For a closer look at the superb features of the 2020 Ford Escape hybrids, head over to Spikes Ford. Here, you can test drive the Escape to confirm that it's indeed a class above other hybrids.

The 2020 Ford EcoSport is a small SUV packed with big-car features. It's also sporty, fun to drive, and deceptively spacious, which makes it the ideal car for a road trip. The EcoSport is available in S, SE, Titanium, and SES trim levels, offering increasing levels of comfort and upgrades as you move up the lineup. Here are some features that make the 2020 Ford EcoSport better than the average SUV. Versatile and Practical Interior The EcoSport has ample room for five people, ensuring both front and rear passengers are comfortable throughout the ride. It also features decent space — 20.9 cubic feet — behind the rear seats for your luggage, which you can easily access via the rear swing gate. But if you've got more gear, the 60/40 folding rear seats give you an impressive 50 cubic feet of cargo space. Impressively, SE models and up add an adjustable cargo floor. The S trim has cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, and air conditioning. Stepping up to the SE gets you keyless entry and ignition, automatic temperature control, a power moonroof, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. In contrast, the sporty SES features premium ActiveX seating, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting. At the same time, perforated leather upholstery, a power driver's seat, and heated front seats are standard on the Titanium model. more Fun and Economical Performance The standard engine in all trims, except the SES, is a peppy three-cylinder 1.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 123 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a slick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, both combining for up to 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg for highway cruising. Also, an intelligent all-wheel-drive system and a solid turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine are standard in the SES but optional for other trims. This powertrain generates 166 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque and delivers up to 23 and 29 mpg in the city and on the highway, respectively. Whether you're cruising on the highway or tackling twisty back roads, the EcoSport's lively handling will add sheer driving pleasure to any road trip. Infotainment System To keep you and your passengers connected and entertained on a road trip, the EcoSport S has two 12-volt power outlets, two smart charging USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot for up to 10 devices, and MP3-capable six-speaker audio. The SE adds the SYNC 3 system with an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and voice activation. Upgrade to the Titanium for a 10-speaker B&O sound system or the SES for voice-activated navigation. Driver Assistance Features The EcoSport is among the safest small SUVs out there. Its standard features include configurable daytime running lights, an individual tire pressure monitoring system, emergency brake assist, and SOS post-crash alert system in case of emergencies. The SE adds reverse parking sensors and windshield wiper de-icer, while the SES and Titanium trims feature blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert and rain-sensing wipers. To take a closer look at the features that make the 2020 EcoSport perfect for your road trips, head over to Spikes Ford.   Image via ford.com

Image via Pexel.com Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, going on your first date, or just looking to spice up tonight's dinner, there are plenty of romantic restaurants in Mission, Texas, to choose from. Make a reservation at these mood-setting restaurants to create a night worth remembering. more SALT SALT is one of the most interesting culinary experiences you'll find in the Mission-McAllen area. The New American cuisine brings the flavors of the area together for a unique multisensory dinner. Your date may start with the small plates SALT offers, such as Quail Knots and sweetbreads. After that, dig into the steakhouse-style items that line the restaurant's menu: honey-infused duck breast, rib-eye, crispy pork shank, Texas beef filets, and more. Each plate that comes out of SALT's kitchen is a photo-worthy creation that's as much of a conversation starter as it is a delicious experience. The Loretto at Mission If you're looking for the perfect brunch date destination, be sure to give The Loretto at Mission a try. This restaurant is the perfect daytime date option, thanks to their cozy and chic dining area and their always delicious and interesting menu options. Though their weekend brunch is certainly worth checking out, The Loretto also offers fantastic lunch and dinner options, such as braised short ribs, tomato-basil pasta, seared ahi tuna steak, and more. The European-American steakhouse experience The Loretto offers is perfect for your next romantic dinner. house. wine. & bistro. house. wine. & bistro. is another fantastic and romantic restaurant from the same creators of SALT. This bistro's Italian-inspired fare is perfect for date night, especially when it's enjoyed in the elegant atmosphere the dining room has to offer. The menu is full of items such as escargot, pork belly, calamari, and charcuterie for starters. After your shareable appetizer, you may move onto one of the restaurant's pasta dishes, such as smoked salmon spaghettini or duck ziti, or one of the specialty entrees, such as the butternut squash risotto, porchetta tacos, or lamb chops. Ask your server for the perfect wine pairing to complete your dinner. The Patio on Guerra The Patio on Guerra is our pick if you're on the hunt for a restaurant with the most romantic atmosphere. It's all tea lights and charming decor in this restaurant, which feels as though it's been built into a historic Texas building. The Patio on Guerra is where you go when you're celebrating an important occasion or you're really trying to impress your date. The dinner options you'll find at this restaurant are also some of the best you'll find in Texas. The Patio's signature dishes include bison tenderloin, Spanish octopus, and Texas quail. You'll find plenty of steakhouse cuts, in addition to seafood and poultry options. For a truly Texas-style romantic dinner, you can hardly do better than the Patio on Guerra. Whether you're looking for the perfect atmosphere, the perfect menu, or a little bit of both, there's a restaurant in the Mission area for you. Finding a romantic restaurant in the Mission-McAllen area is easy — it's deciding between them that's the hard part.

Image Via Ford.com If there ever was a car that embodied a sense of wanderlust excitement and thrills, it would be the Ford Mustang Bullitt. This top Mustang model — with its tough personality and heightened power — continues to impress us in the 2020 model year. more What Is the Bullitt? The 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt is the most powerful trim level of American muscle car before you start getting into the Mustang Shelby GT350's territory. For non-racing drivers who have a real need for speed, the Bullitt is the top of the mountain when it comes to the Mustang family. The Bullitt has unique exterior and interior styling cues that you won't find on other Mustangs. More importantly, the 2020 Bullitt is equipped with a stronger engine, the Performance package, and more features that were available as upgrades to the Mustang's other trim levels. Plenty of Power The 2020 Bullitt is equipped with a 5.0-liter direct-injection V-8 engine that punches out 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of low-end torque. A slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission comes standard with the Bullitt's engine. Other features of the 2020 Mustang Bullitt gearheads will love are the Torsen limited-slip rear axle, the performance exhaust system, red peekaboo Brembo brake calipers, launch control, and more. The optional MagneRide damping system makes the Mustang's ride smoother, even when you're pushing the Bullitt to its limits. With performance features such as these, there's no such thing as a dull ride in a Bullitt. Unique Style When you advance up to the Bullitt level, you'll get exterior and interior upgrades that set it apart. For the exterior, you'll have access to the Bullitt-specific dark Highland Green paint option and the five-spoke Heritage wheels. The rear spoiler is removed for the Bullitt to create a more streamlined, sleek look. Inside, the white cue-ball shift knob speaks to the Bullitt's illustrious past. The unique badging on the body and steering wheel makes your Mustang Bullitt unmistakable. From the LED headlights to the chrome-tipped quad exhaust, the 2020 Bullitt's style and swagger are hard to beat. Smart Technology This isn't your grandparent's muscle car. The 2020 Mustang Bullitt is loaded with plenty of tech features designed to enhance your entertainment and driving experience. Each new Mustang has an intuitive touch screen that lets you connect your phone to your muscle car. Through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, you can use many of your favorite phone apps hands-free, using your voice to pull up directions to your next destination, the perfect soundtrack for your drive, or text messages. The new Bullitt also offers a customizable digital driver display, an available 12-speaker B&O sound system, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, and more. Welcome to the muscle car of the future. If you're ready to get behind the wheel of a 2020 Ford Mustang, head to Spikes Ford in Mission, Texas, to get your test drive today. Once you've experienced the raw power and style of a new Mustang, you'll understand why the iconic pony car has stayed on top of the muscle car game for so many years.