ford Archives - Page 3 of 15

Fake Engine Sounds, it’s Happening

Feb 16 2015

It’s a dichotomy – a quieter engine is a more technologically
advanced and efficient one

But the problem is we consumers still associate noise with power, so automakers are faking it.

Who’s doing it? The list includes BMW, Ford, Lexus, Porsche, Toyota, VW and more.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

My proposed compromise:

So to the automakers – not sure this is your best idea, guys. Buyers aren’t happy, and the lack of information on your sites makes you seem shady.

I propose a compromise: keep adding the fake engine sounds, but also tell the buyer that you did. Then add an FAQ to your website on how to disable it, or better yet, add in an “off” switch.

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Parallel Parking – Me VS Machine

Feb 9 2015

I first tried a self-parking system about 3 years ago, thought it was neat but un-nerving, and I declared it too slow to be helpful.

3 years later – and coincidentally in another Ford Focus – I test the system again.

Test Results – the new system is slick, and now both the speed and quality of its parking is better than a human.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

Still, though, I think that if you can’t parallel park, and are too scared to practice and improve, you should get off the road.

Sonar works similar to radar, and here’s how that works.

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Trying out Ford’s Virtual Reality Room

Jan 21 2015

This is Ford’s main Virtual Reality lab, in the world.

How it works:

Before even a prototype vehicle is built, it’s presented and analyzed to find fit-and-finish errors, quality control issues, aerodynamics, ergonomics, visibility and design flaws. Just about anything the customer will experience is replicated here.

For example – the fuse door on the new Mustang would have hit the dash when opened, so that was altered before the car went into production.

Soon as the helmet went on, my instinct was to reach out and try to touch the car.

I know *typed with rolling eyes*

Why oh why didn’t I take a photo throughout the goggles?

The red cameras are the the ones that track your movements.

Ford Finally Fixes its Sync Software

Dec 31 2014

Ford’s SYNC2 infotainment system was a disaster. So when I went to Detroit and tested the SYNC3 prototype, I figured there was only one way for this thing to go.

Gone is Microsoft, and the operating system is now Blackberry’s QNX OS, the user interface is minimal and intuitive, the system is WiFi capable, and Ford is first to bring Over-the-Air (OTA) updates to mass market. Short review: hugely improved, and now quite slick.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

SYNC will have WiFi capabilities, allowing the driver to turn their car into a Hotspot (use WPA2 WiFi security – never connect your car to a public network, and remember you’re legally responsible for Hotspot users.)

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Remember – YOU are legally responsible for those using your Hotspot, here.

More about the trip to Michigan here.

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