Ford Looks To Build Crash-Avoidance Smarts, Vehicle-To-Vehicle
They're often the worst kinds of accidents: Two cars head into an intersection, with one of the drivers perhaps running a light or not noticing a stop sign. And the result, too often, is severe injuries or fatalities as one of the vehicles is smacked in the side by another vehicle.
In all, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the federal government, 40 percent of all U.S. vehicle accidents and 20 percent of all fatalities occur at intersections.
If one or both of the vehicles had a little more information about the oncoming danger, either of the drivers could have made a slight change and been unscathed.
Such is the goal of so-called vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) systems that have been in the works for many years. The latest, which Ford Motor Co. [NYSE:F] showed earlier this week, builds on knowledge gathered through its Smart Intersection project, which used wireless communication both between vehicles and intersection-monitoring infrastructure.
Through this project, called Automatic Braking Intersection Collision Avoidance System (ABICAS), drivers get a warning if they're about to run a red light, or if they're rapidly approaching another vehicle at an intersection. Using the vehicle's on-board collision avoidance systems—and harnessing radar and camera systems for a 360-degree view—the V2V system can actually make a judgment call on whether the vehicle will make it safely through or whether there's time to safely stop.
Part of the project is being conducted in Germany, where 400 vehicles are outfitted with ways to collect and log data on driving habits and congestion, construction zones, and driving routes.
Many other automakers are working on comparable systems. Volkswagen and Audi have their Car-2-Car communications system—closely aligned with what the EU is building through its Intelligent Car Initiative—that transmits on a short-range microwave band and shares a host of vehicle details, while Toyota and Honda are working on V2V systems that alert drivers about traffic signals or approaching vehicles.
General Motors, Mazda, Ford, Nissan, Volvo, and BMW are also working on similar systems, and the European Union, through its Intelligent Car Initiative, is building
According to GM officials, even having less than ten percent of the fleet equipped with V2V transponders—a number achieved by equipping all rental cars or commercial trucks—would produce safety benefits.
The next step, Ford says, is working with government, standards organizations, and other automakers to harmonize standards and develop the most-reliable and lowest-cost solutions. But a limited deployment of these traffic-aware systems probably isn't as many years off as you'd think.
[Ford]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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Driven: 2010 Ford Taurus
The 2010 Ford Taurus is definitely different enough to warrant another look if you've considered one in the past, or if you're in the market for a large sedan.
Although the mechanicals are basically the same as 2009 and before, the Taurus gets such a thorough reskin that you wouldn't be able to tell it. For all cosmetic considerations, the 2010 Taurus is an all-new car—a flashier-looking one.
The well-detailed grille and headlights, along with the creased hood, certainly bring a distinctive look, though the chromed side gills seemed a little gimmicky. From some angles, it's as if Ford has surrendered to the blocky, high-wasted look that Chrysler has been preaching with its 300C. To Ford's credit, the new Taurus has finally shed its frumpy side that it carried since when it was called the Five Hundred. The automaker has been attempting to frame the Taurus as its flagship model rather than the mainstream sedan the name referred to in the past (that's now the Fusion).
A couple inches off the top, a little tight inside
While the pre-2010 Taurus had a relatively high seating position, low beltline, and tall greenhouse—for an excellent view outward—the latest iteration of the Taurus could feel a little more secure—or a little claustrophobic, depending on the point of view. Two inches of roof height have been lost, and it's a difference you can feel.
All the styling changes that Ford made to the Taurus for 2010 altogether make it feel considerably tighter inside. The wide center console and curved instrument panel design leave the driver and front passenger with remarkably small areas, with those front seats seemingly wedged against the center console. The front seats themselves could be adjusted to an ideal position for a wide range of drivers, but the lower cushions felt unduly short, especially for a full-size car. The backseat area isn't so perfect, either; while wide and capable of holding three across, it's surprisingly tight for both legroom and headroom; the smaller Ford Fusion might be roomier, by some gauges. Overall, though the trunk is mammoth, there's a feeling that that some of this vast real estate could have been better spent.
We like the simple yet elegant look of the instrument panel, with brightly lit deep-dish gauges and a relatively simple layout. The only exception is that in looking down quickly, it's easy to get the four like-sized, like-feeling climate-control and audio knobs confused.
In the city, the Taurus rides and drives like a large vehicle, and the inability to see the front corners can be tough in tight spaces. The ride quality is a little odd—simultaneously jarring over potholes, pavement breaks, and the like, but also almost bouncy over the largest potholes or railroad crossings. We briefly had four aboard, and the Taurus' ride felt slightly more buttoned-down. For 2010, there have been extensive suspension changes, and to its credit the Taurus handles quite well for a more comfort-oriented large sedan.
Feels large in the city, just right on the highway
For those who do a lot of highway cruising, the story is quite different; then, the ride turns quite settled and composed, with road and wind noise kept to a minimum, and the steering has a nice weighting and reassuring on-center feel that won't wear on you.
The 263-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 in our Taurus had plenty of accessible torque, as well as higher-rev horsepower for passing, but it's a little too coarse-sounding when accelerating hard, and we didn't find the automatic transmission's shifts all that smooth compared to, say, the Toyota Avalon.
Fuel economy is about what you'd expect for a big 4,200-pound sedan with all-wheel drive. We saw about 18 mpg overall in a week and about 100 miles of mostly city driving. For only city driving, count on around 16 mpg; official EPA ratings stand at 17/25.
Standout safety and tech content
Safety remains one of the Taurus's strengths in the market. With top scores from the IIHS in all categories, including the new roof-strength test, it's a Top Safety Pick for 2010. Several more tech features, including Ford's updated Sync tools and MyKey system, have been added, too.
Here, Ford has traded off some functionality in the name of style. The Taurus still isn't a vehicle that you're going to fall in love with for its driving experience, but it is better-looking. Would you be buying a sedan for the look of it, or for the greater accommodations? That's your choice.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang V-6
Starting at less than $23,000, the new 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 is, surprisingly, one of the best bang-for-the-buck performance coupes.
We're surprised here, because the Mustang V-6 has never been a very pulse-raising drive, rather the option for those who want the look but don't care much about the performance. Baby Boomers far and wide are going to first think "secretary's car" with respect to a base-model Mustang. To others, it's known as one of the cruiser-convertible standbys at rental-car outlets.
But especially with the standard six-speed manual gearbox the 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 is truly satisfying to drive—and exciting. When you nail the accelerator, there's enough thrust to really pin you back in your seat in any of the lower gears, and the rear wheels really want to break loose in first or second gear.
The Mustang V-6's 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque are cause to rejoice. That's an astonishing 95 hp more than last year's V-6 (and 40 lb-ft more). Yet the new engine gets considerably better fuel economy to boot—19 mpg city, 31 highway with the six-speed automatic transmission, 19/29 with the six-speed manual.
In a weeklong drive of the 2010 Ford Mustang V-6 last summer, this editor found the well-past-its-prime SOHC Cologne V-6 (the same engine that's in the Explorer and Ranger) to be the weak link in the base Mustang package. The old engine was adequately torquey provided you were very leisurely cruising around, but as soon as you put your right foot into it the V-6 didn't feel particularly strong, smooth, or refined.
Horsepower up 95...and up to 31 mpg highway
While its 305 hp is an astonishing 95 hp higher than last year's engine, the Mustang's peak torque is only 40 lb-ft higher than before—achieved at 4250 rpm rather than 3500 rpm—but it feels stronger than that. The new engine feels like it has a fatter torque curve, and stick it out in any gear and it builds to a frenzy as it nears its 7,000-rpm redline—in a way that would have been unheard of in the past for a six-cylinder pony car. And in real-world driving, the engine seems quite efficient; in some very spirited driving on two-lane canyon roads with a manual transmission, we averaged a very respectable 23 mpg according to the trip computer.
Honda And Subaru Lead Consumer Reports’ Honor Roll For 2010
Subaru (TSE: 7270) and Honda (NYSE: HMC) are tied for the number one spot from Consumer Reports this year, based on the average of its vehicles' overall road-test scores and predicted reliability ratings.
Subaru's overall score was aided by the excellent evaluations given to the new 2010 Subaru Legacy and 2010 Subaru Outback, even though the non-profit testing organization no longer recommends the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX. Honda and Acura models are altogether the most reliable vehicles, CR says, but its most recent models, including the new Honda Insight, were disappointing in the areas of emergency handling and backseat space.
Hyundai and Kia were most improved, thanks to the new Genesis sedan, plus the Elantra sedan and Santa Fe crossover. The Kia Optima sedan was another high-scoring model, while CR said that the Sedona minivan is the only Kia model that's shown below-average reliability.
Consumer Reports notes that Ford (NYSE: F) vehicles now rival some Honda and Ford models for reliability, and the organization now recommends 75 percent of the new Ford models it's tested, up from 70 percent last year—punctuated by CR's high ratings for the 2010 Ford Fusion and 2010 Ford Flex. GM's overall reliability still lags, but the organization notes that a number of the automaker's newer models—like the Cadillac CTS, Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Acadia—score well.
Chrysler has hit rock bottom, according to CR, with even lower scores than last year and the organization saying, "Most models from the manufacturer have noisy, inefficient, unrefined powertrains; subpar interiors; and poor visibility." However Chrysler did have one Recommended vehicle this year: the new 2010 Dodge Ram—now known only by Ram—pickup.
CR has also suspended its recommendations for eight Toyota models currently affected by recall dealing with sticky accelerator pedals, though Toyota vehicles do continue to do well.
Consumer Reports points out that if performance, comfort, and safety were all that mattered, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen would have the top grades. However the Mercedes-Benz GLK320, Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit, and Volkswagen CC buck the trend and have earned excellent reliability ratings.
The results are part of Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Issue, which arrives in print March 2 or is now available on ConsumerReports.org.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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2011 Ford Edge Preview Bottom Line
The 2011 Ford Edge doesn't bring radical change to America--at least not from the outside--but it's a beefier take on the five-seat crossover that gave Ford new life after the Explorer fell to earth.
And for the new model year, the 2011 Edge counters its bigger grille and tougher appearance with the first appearance of a new eco-friendlier engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's a part of the company's "EcoBoost" family of engines.
(We're bringing you this preview with Ford's first official announcement and photos; a first drive of the 2011 Edge is coming this spring.)
Ford's calling this Edge a "refresh." On the market five years already, the Edge has been pretty thoroughly refurbished but Ford doesn't call it "all-new"--possibly, to keep all its new crossover converts in the fold. But all the Edge's powertrains are new, and the interior's graced with Ford's MyTouch system, which mimics the sensitive interface you'd find on an Apple iPhone.
Outside it's entirely familiar, but we're liking the new edition more than the old. Despite the close visual kinship to the first version, the 2011 Edge is easier to spot. The big grille goes deep in a Volkswagen way, so massive we doubt Bobby Flay would challenge it to any face-off. The silhouette is more of an echo of the original Edge, though the fenders are a bit more pronounced. It's made a name for itself with a smoothly sculpted shape, though, and mostly the Edge carries that sensibility over intact.
The interior makeover's way more "impactful," if you believe in that non-word. Vertically grained wood trim in these first photos gives the dash some heft, and like BMW, Ford's streamlined its controls for better graphic impact. A large LCD screen dominates the control stack and it houses Ford's MyTouch system, which lifts the iPhone interface neatly into the automotive realm. A delicate tap on the screen adjusts climate or audio controls--and instantly renders click-wheel systems like iDrive and COMAND and MMI hopelessly out of, er, touch. Steering wheel controls also cycle the LCD screens on the instrument panel and let drivers customize the information displayed.
Ford's focused more attention on the powertrains in the 2011 Edge. In the middle sits a revamped version of the Edge's 3.5-liter V-6, now putting out 285 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. The upscale option is the 3.7-liter V-6 found in Lincolns and in some Fords, as well as the Mazda CX-9. It produces 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, which Ford reminds, is more than the BMW X5 or Lexus RX 350. Ford claims improved fuel economy's improved, but no EPA figures are stated. Both engines are paired with Ford's latest six-speed automatic transmission.
The bigger engine story will be the EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. With a six-speed, dual-clutch gearbox, Ford says this Edge will get 30 percent better fuel economy than the original 2007 Edge--17/25 mpg, by the EPA's data--which suggests a potential 30-mpg highway fuel economy rating.
A retuned suspension could give the Edge a more sporting feel, something it lacked in its current form. Big 18-inch wheels will be offered on upper trim levels. A new braking system will be combined with anti-lock, traction and stability control; hill start assist; trailer sway control; and adaptive cruise control.
All Edges get Ford's capless fuel filler; a USB connection for music players; a blind-spot detection system; and MyKey system, which allows parents to program in driver-safety alerts for younger drivers. The MyTouch system will be standard on Limited models and the revamped Edge Sport. HD Radio is a new option, and with it comes iTunes Tagging, which lets drivers note a song on the radio and add it to a purchase list on their iTunes accounts via a docked iPod or iPhone.
2011 Ford Edge Sport
The most desireable--and probably most expensive--2011 Ford Edge will be the Sport edition. It's distinguished from the base, SEL and Limited editions by its standard 3.7-liter V-6, paddle shifters on its six-speed automatic, and even tauter suspension tuning, as well as massive 22-inch wheels and tires.
On the body, the Edge Sport adds a black-finished grille, smoked headlamps and taillamps, new body-color side skirts and door cladding, and different front and rear fascias. Aluminum trim on the pedals and paddle shifters matches up with distinctive leather seats.
Stay tuned for more on the 2011 Ford Edge from the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, and from our first drive coming soon.
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2011 Ford Mustang Bottom Line
Ford has revealed full powertrain details, along with some other information, regarding the 2011 Ford Mustang, which will go on sale this spring. Right here, we bring you a summary of what's changed—including details on the new 5.0-liter GT—and a preview of what to expect. Check back for a revised Bottom Line with firsthand driving impressions as soon as The Car Connection can get behind the wheel.
Likes
More power, without more weight
Improved refinement
Interior tech features—including SYNC
Value
The '5.0' badges are back
Dislikes
Tight interior
Plastics could still be upgraded
Two all-new engines—a V-6 and a V-8—promise to make the Mustang lineup a lot more exciting for 2011. Although the 2011 Ford Mustang isn't fully redesigned, it's extensively refreshed, with a new line of powertrains, new power steering, and suspension changes that altogether guarantee that it's going to be faster, more fuel-efficient and, likely, more fun to drive.
While the 2011 Mustang has changed little on the outside, this year marks the return of the '5.0' badge, which alone is likely to bring back waves of nostalgia for anyone aged 30 to 60. By the mid-to-late '80s, the Mustang GT, with its stout 225-horse 5.0, was arguably the king of the pony cars and faster than many sports cars costing much more. In addition to those prominent fender badges declaring it's a '5.0,' the new GT will get a higher 160-mph speedometer and three new colors: Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat, Race Red, and Ingot Silver. Inside, the changes include some additional soundproofing and new door seals, plus an upgraded instrument cluster, including a 160-mph speedometer and 8,000-rpm tach. Ford's MyKey system will be offered on the Mustang for the first time for 2011, along with a garage-door opener, message center, and new blind-spot aids for the mirrors.
Base Mustangs will get a new all-aluminum 3.7-liter DOHC V-6, producing an impressive 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet. The new 3.7-liter engine in the 2011 Mustang, part of Ford's Duratec family, uses Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) and a Direct Acting Mechanical Bucket (DAMB) valvetrain to vary valve control through the rev range (up to 7,000 rpm) and achieve a three percent improvement in fuel efficiency and ten percent more power versus the same engine without this technology. Highway ratings with the new engine will be as high as 30 mpg, and it uses regular, not premium, gasoline. The 2010 Mustang GT packs a new 5.0-liter V-8 good for 412 horsepower. Almost as significant to budget-minded buyers today is that the new Mustang GT will achieve a projected 25 mpg on the highway. Also contributing to the fuel-economy improvements are a new electric power-steering system and a host of small aerodynamic enhancements. Two new six-speed transmissions (versus five-speeds for 2010) come with either engine, and a limited-slip differential and new suspension settings will help take advantage of the boost in power. And to help handle the added power, the 2011 Mustang V-6 gets revised damper tuning and spring rates, plus a new rear lower control arm and stiffened stabilizer-bar bushings; Ford also adjusted the car's front/rear aerodynamic balance to help the Mustang feel more "planted." It also gets larger brake rotors—11.5 inches in front and 11.8 in back.
Although seating will likely remain unchanged—in previous years we've found it to be a bit tighter than in most other performance coupes—Ford also promises a better cabin refinement, including various improvements both to overall noise and vibration control, and the convertible will get a stiffer body structure thanks to improved bracing. The automaker has also made special note of the V-6 engine sound, saying that engineers have worked to on the engine's breathing with satisfying performance sounds in mind.
To match the higher output of the engine, the new Mustang GT will get larger brakes, plus stiffer rear suspension settings. A Brembo brake package will be optional, incorporating the larger rotors (14-inch discs in front) and calipers used in the Shelby GT500 Mustang, plus 19-inch alloys and summer performance tires. The 2011 Mustang GT also gets the Electric Power Steering System (EPAS), which Ford is in the process of phasing in through its entire lineup. Although Ford hasn't yet detailed feature changes, the 2010 Ford Mustang GT will offer a wide range of features, including integrated blind spot mirrors, a universal garage-door opener, and Ford's MyKey programmable vehicle key system. Beginning in August, a Performance Package will be offered on the V-6, bringing the lower axle ratio plus 19-inch wheels, a strut tower brace, summer performance tires, a sport mode for the stability control, and the firmer suspension from the Mustang GT.
Bottom Line: Incorporating a series of changes over the past several years—and now with a new pair of engines—the 2011 Ford Mustang looks poised to take the pony-car lead.
Other Choices
If you like the 2011 Ford Mustang, also consider:
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Dodge Challenger
- Nissan 370Z
Reason Why:
With the 3.6-liter V-6 engine in the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro producing 305 horsepower and getting EPA ratings of up to 18 mpg city, 29 highway, the lighter 2011 Mustang should be considerably quicker than the base Camaro while also more fuel-efficient. That's our kind of muscle car. And while the Mustang GT's power output doesn't quite approach that of the Camaro SS, it's significantly lighter. In comparison, the Camaro's interior feels more gimmicky than the Mustang's, and the Camaro's delicate front end make it slightly less day-to-day usable. The Dodge's interior is larger, and its base V-8 still offers more horsepower than the Mustang's only V-8, but it's more portly and drives as such. While not a direct competitor, the rear-wheel-drive Nissan 370Z is one of the best-tuned pure sports cars on the market but lacks even small rear seats and a proper trunk.
Buying Tip
If you like the handling of the 2011 Ford Mustang GT but don't need that much power, you'll probably want to consider the Performance Package on the V-6 models.
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2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage
It's another winter of discontent in the Motor City, with automakers still reeling from bankruptcies, new fuel and safety rules, and a world that cares roughly half as much about buying new cars and trucks as it did 18 months ago.
Still, as the industry girds itself for the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January, the predictions of gloom are at least being cut into bite-sized pieces. General Motors seems to finally be rid of its underperforming brands. Chrysler's sending out greetings in Italian. Ford's electrifying nearly everything it can touch. Toyota is coming to grips with its own problems at home and in the U.S. Around the rest of the world, the Europeans are thriving, relatively speaking. The VW juggernaut rolls on with the added weight of Porsche, and though the luxury brands are hurting, there's no talk of any ditching the U.S. market entirely--as there was in the 1990 recession.
There are even bright spots. Ford's quality is getting widespread notice, as are its hybrids. Hyundai and Kia continue to grow in a way that puts fear into the smaller Japanese brands. And mighty Subaru--yep, mighty--keeps posting monthly sales records while sales droughts hit nearly every other brand.
What's coming for the year ahead? More wrenching change, no doubt. But first and foremost, we'll find out which car (the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, 2010 Volkswagen Golf - GTI, or the 2010 Buick LaCrosse) and which truck (2010 Subaru Outback, 2010 Ford Transit Connect, or the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox) will be named the 2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year on January 11. Then we're off to the races, with press conferences scheduled for the rest of Monday and most of Tuesday, January 12.
If you can't find it in your heart to brave a Midwest winter, we're ready to help. High Gear Media will be reporting live from Detroit, armed with cameras and voice recorders and really comfortable shoes to make sure you don't miss a beat. Our coverage from Cobo Hall will start here--bookmark this page and stay with us as we update you throughout the show itself, and as we update all the links to all of our coverage:
<a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=18f6dbf69d" mce_href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=18f6dbf69d" rel="nofollow">2010 Detroit Auto Show</a>
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2011 Ford Fiesta Aims For Annoyance Avoidance With Three-Blink Tech
The 2011 Ford Fiesta has garnered loads of attention in recent months. It's been popular with drivers and journalists, and it's been the subject of a highly successful marketing campaign. Now there's yet another reason to look forward to the Fiesta's U.S. release: it will be the first American Ford vehicle to offer a three-blink signal for lane changes.
Being stuck on the freeway behind someone with his/her blinker on isn't just distracting and frustrating, it's also dangerous. Sure, that driver could've simply forgotten to turn off the signal light, but what if the guy really intends to switch lanes? Ford aims to rid the roads of such hazards by borrowing some tap-for-three technology from Europe: to change lanes in the Fiesta, drivers need only nudge the turn signal to the left or right, and the car will fire off three blinks, then shut off. For turns, drivers can push the control slightly further to generate a persistent signal.
Even better: the Fiesta is merely the first Ford vehicle to deploy the three-blink technology. It's also expected on the 2011 Ford Super Duty, and if all goes well, it should appear on other models down the line.
Curious types can skim Ford's equally curious press release below.
* * * * *
Three Blinks and It's Off; New Ford Lane Change Technology Helps Ease Driver Pet Peeves
DEARBORN -- Does the sight of a blinker flashing on the car in front of you for miles and miles drive you crazy? You're not the only one.
This annoying habit is so frustrating to drivers that it made the "Top 10 Driving Pet Peeves" list by a leading vehicle insurance company, which surveyed thousands of drivers nationwide. Nicknamed Morse Coders in the survey, these drivers often cruise for miles without realizing their blinker is on. Meanwhile, they are annoying everyone behind them.
With tongue in cheek, Hagerty Insurance Agency, which conducted the survey, suggested that Morse Coders are leaving their blinkers on for a reason: "Now let's be fair. Perhaps these Morse Coders are part of the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) project, their turn signals beaming out across the galaxies in search of other life forms - or not."
On a more serious note, national research by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., found that consumers are confused by turn signals that are left on.
"Most drivers have found themselves behind cars that have their signals on after changing lanes," said Jim Thomas, senior vice president of RDA Group. "This can be confusing because there is no way of knowing if the signal is a real indication of an upcoming turn or not. To reduce this confusion, drivers want vehicles to automatically disengage the turn signal after making a lane change."
New Ford technology, coming this summer on the 2011 Ford Fiesta, does exactly that.
Ford's three-blink lane change technology is simplifying the way drivers maneuver on the road. With a simple flick of the switch - either up or down, depending on which lane the driver is moving into - the turn indicator will blink three times and automatically shut off. The switch can be held in the lane change position longer for additional blinks beyond the three minimum.
To engage the turn signal, drivers move the switch into the standard position, one more press past the lane change mode.
"This allows the driver to let go of the switch and concentrate on driving," explains John Murphy, Core Switch Product Engineer. "Instead of holding down the switch, they can give a quick tap, show a three-blink warning that they are about to merge and change lanes. It's that simple."
For motorists who drive behind the Morse Coders, this is welcome news: "Driving behind a car that's blink, blink, blinking is enough of a driver annoyance that we're putting the technology in our full Ford line going forward," said Murphy. "Customers say this is confusing - and it bugs them. So we're doing something about it."
Going on sale in the summer of 2010, the all-new Ford Fiesta is among the first vehicles in the Ford lineup to receive the new three-blink technology. The "annoyance avoidance" feature is yet another technology going into the expressive, fun-to-drive Fiesta that makes perfect sense.
With a projected best-in-class highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, Fiesta is designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable. In fact, Fiesta is expected to deliver best-in-class safety, convenience and connectivity with segment-exclusive SYNC® voice-activated communications system, an expressive color palette and available graphics.
The 2011 Ford Super Duty is also set to receive the three-blink turn signal technology when it goes on sale in 2010.
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2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
In order to arrange the attached Full Review covering the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, the editors of TheCarConnection.com read a wide range of reviews and bring you highlights. But here, in this Bottom Line, the editors sum up all the attributes of the Sport Trac, with firsthand driving impressions, to give you the best advice on how it matches up against other trucks.
Likes
Tough, rust-proof bed
Almost full-size towing ability
SYNC interface
Dislikes
Outdated interior
V-6 gets worse mileage than V-8
Engine noise (V-6)
At first sight, the new 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac can be a bit of a mystery. Is it an SUV with a pickup bed or a pickup with an especially large cab?
Technically, it is an SUV (Ford lists it as such on its Web site), but it does deliver the best of both worlds. Although based on the Explorer--and with no real styling surprises inside or out--it's actually 17 inches longer; the passenger compartment is nearly identical to that of the Explorer, but the rear cargo area of the Explorer is replaced with a 4.5-foot cargo bed made from a dent-proof and rust-proof plastic compound. The interior has a similar look and feel to the Ford Explorer, which isn't a bad thing.
Overall, the Sport Trac changes very little for 2010, save for some minor modifications. The standard drivetrain for the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 mated to a five-speed automatic, but there's an optional 292 -horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 matched with a six-speed automatic transmission available. There's a choice of the standard rear-wheel drive or Ford's ControlTrac four-wheel drive if you want extra traction. Unlike an AWD system, ControlTrac is a true 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case that features a low range just in case the Sport Trac heads off-road. The design is inherently useful for hauling, and with the optional V-8, the Explorer Sport Trac can tow more than 7,160 pounds.
Considering that the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a mid-size SUV/pickup with truck roots, it drives pretty much as you might expect from such a vehicle. You won't find ride quality particularly pleasant, and the SportTrac doesn't handle especially well on curvy roads, squealing the tires around moderately sharp corners, especially on rough surfaces. But it should be fine for most everyday needs. Between the standard V-6 and optional V-8, we would almost unconditionally recommend the V-8; although the V-6 has enough power for a light load, it can get noisy and coarse when loaded, and surprisingly the V-8 rear-wheel-drive Explorer Sport Trac is more fuel-efficient.
The cabin of the 2010 Explorer Sport Trac is spacious and quite comfortable; five will fit, if three are willing to be elbow-to-elbow in back. The quality of the interior, including materials and fit/finish, is acceptable but not up to the level of some of Ford's newer products that are focused at passengers, like the Edge and Flex crossovers.
The Sport Trac has performed quite well in government crash tests, indicating that it's a safe vehicle to be in if you're in a collision. Keep in mind, however, that the federal government has given the rear-wheel-drive version of the Sport Trac only three stars in its rollover rating, which means it's more likely to roll if tripped in an accident. Aiding security is Trailer Sway Control, which helps warn the driver of instability when towing and keep the trailer in line.
The Explorer Sport Trac comes very well equipped compared to compact pickup trucks. Standard features, even on the base XLT, include full power accessories, cruise control, air conditioning, and Sirius Satellite Radio. The Limited loads the Sport Trac with such things as fancier wheels, heated leather seats, an upgraded center console, and Ford's SYNC entertainment/navigation system. Adrenalin models add a more aggressive appearance to the Limited's equipment, including 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, dual exhaust tips, black fascias, and monotone perforated leather seats. A moonroof, a premium sound system with subwoofer and six-disc changer, and a next-generation voice-activated navigation system from Sirius Travel Link are among the most desirable options.
The Bottom Line: If you're torn between an SUV and a pickup and cutting-edge styling isn't important, the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac might be the answer.
Other Choices
If you're interested in the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, also consider:
- Honda Ridgeline
- Nissan Frontier
- Toyota Tacoma
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Dodge Dakota
Reason Why:
The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac competes with four-door variants from both compact and mid-size pickup segments, although its size is definitely mid-size. The Chevrolet Colorado and its nearly identical sibling, the GMC Canyon, now have an available V-8 that makes them much more competitive, as their rough five-cylinder engine isn't recommended. The Nissan and Toyota mid-size trucks are not earth-shattering in terms of performance or versatility, but they are worth a look, as they provide nearly even competition to the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac in most every area of consideration. The Dodge Dakota was updated in 2008, and its longer traditional steel bed might be an advantage for some buyers. Honda's Ridgeline is an interesting alternative. Though the Explorer Sport Trac outdoes the Ridgeline in real truck tasks like towing, hauling, or off-roading, it's clearly better for on-road duty with passengers, offering superior ride and handling.
Buying Tip
This is the final production year for the Explorer Sport Trac, so you should be able to land a pretty good deal.
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Ford Fiesta Off To A Strong Start With 1,000+ Reservations
In just one week, Ford has taken over 1,000 reservations for the much-hyped 2010 Ford Fiesta -- a car that won't roll into showrooms until next summer. The rush may be due to the company's highly effective "Fiesta Movement" campaign, or it might have something to do with the free SYNC system and premium sound package buyers get when they order a Fiesta in advance. According to a press release, "reservations have come from 47 states, with customers from California, Florida, Texas, New York and Illinois leading the way". That sounds great, but we have to wonder: which three states are holding out? [Ford]
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