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Ford MyKey lets parents control their kids' driving habits
There's not exactly a shortage of options out there for parents that want to keep watch on their kids' driving, but Ford looks to be taking things a bit further than most with its new MyKey system, and it's making it standard issue, no less. Set to debut in the 2010 Focus Coupe and plenty of other Ford vehicles shortly thereafter, the key-based system will let parents limit their car's top driving speed to 80 miles per hour, cut off the stereo's volume at just 44% of its max output, and set a persistent chime to go off if the seatbelts aren't being used (the stereo also gets muted until everyone buckles up). As if that wasn't enough, it'll also provide a low-fuel warning at 75 miles to empty, start issuing a surely annoying reminder as the driver inches up past the 45 mph mark, and make it impossible to disable some of the Focus' usual safety measures like Park Aid and Cross Traffic Alert. Also not able to be disabled: your kid's resentment.
We spy Ford's future Sync plans, nab a Sirius Travel Link hands-on
Ford invited us to its swanky Premier Auto Group headquarters in Irvine, California to talk about the future of Sync and demo the latest iteration of their infotainment platform coupled with Sirius Travel Link. According to the company, Sync v2.0 debuts in November, bringing tighter integration with Ford's syncmyride.com portal, providing owners with in-depth online vehicle health reports. Also in the cards is E911 support, which automatically places an emergency call as soon as the vehicle detects airbag deployment. Sync 3, scheduled to debut "sometime in 2009," will bring traffic, news, sports and weather to Ford vehicles without requiring navigation or a monthly subscription. On the infotainment front, however, 2009 Ford vehicles with the navigation option can subscribe to Sirius Travel Link for $7 a month, enabling real-time traffic info, coast to coast weather, local gas station listings sorted by price, movie show-times and sports scores. Peep the gallery below for a smorgasbord of screens.%Gallery-30685%
E Ink responsible for Esquire's flashing magazine cover
Nary a month after an E Ink exec asserted that e-newspapers would be going commercial by 2009, in flies word that a forthcoming issue of Esquire will likely be the poster child for the change. According to David Granger, Esquire's editor in chief, rags have generally "looked the same for 150 years," but all that will change when 100,000 copies of the September issue arrive on newsstands with a flashing electronic cover. The E Ink technology used will be exclusively available to Esquire until 2009, and the blinking "The 21st Century Begins Now" text will sadly fade after the battery runs dry in 90 days. Still, there's at least some chance the issue will wind up in the Smithsonian, and an even bigger chance magazine racks everywhere will require Kanye-approved sunglasses to even look at in just a few years.
US Department of Energy pours $30 million into plug-in hybrids
While some automakers are already promising to have plug-in hybrids on the road by 2010, the US Department of Energy is now pouring some cash into a slightly less ambitious joint effort with Ford, General Motors, and General Electric, which would see plug-ins capable of driving 40 miles on a single charge roll out by 2014. Under the new effort, General Motors will be tasked with improving lithium-Ion battery packs and charging systems, and integrating them into its own research with a test fleet by 2011, while Ford will be aiming to speed up the mass-production of plug-in hybrids, as well as improve its batteries and build prototype vehicles. Rounding things out, General Electric will be partnering with Chrysler to develop a dual-battery system, which promises to let vehicles travel 40 miles on a charge. All of that is still subject to appropriations by Congress, however, and the aforementioned companies would obviously be pouring in a good chunk of change themselves, as a mere $30 million isn't exactly quite enough to shake up the auto sector these days.
2010 Ford Fusion features 8.5-inch touchscreen
We already saw a demo of the next-gen version of Ford Sync, but it looks like what we saw was just a taste -- our friends over at Autoblog scored some shots of the 2010 Ford Fusion's interior, and it features a monster 8.5-inch touchscreen, which will also apparently make it into the 2009 F-150 pickup truck. It's not clear how much the system will control or how much it'll cost, but you can bet it's not nearly as sweet as the 1979 Atari Riviera. Hit the read link for a couple full size shots.
Video: Microsoft's next-gen SYNC finds cheap gas then blows our doors off
Microsoft's and Ford's next generation SYNC has official taken us from our origin at Smittenville to the rural outpost of Gobsmacked. The new SYNC adds 911 Assist, SIRIUS Travel Link navigation, and DVD playback on a large 8- or 6.5-inch touchscreen display depending upon the guzzler you choose. The full $1,995 navigation option (or $395 for just the voice-controlled SYNC) is available exclusively on Ford's 2009 Escape, Escape hybrid, Flex, Lincoln MKS and F150 before rolling out to the rest of Ford's fleet. A new 10GB hard drive "Jukebox" has also been added which allows you to insert a CD, lookup the Gracenote CDDB info (including cover art) from the pre-installed database, and then rip the audio back to the disk if you choose. Rounding out the features are Sirius Radio (of course); aux-in and USB-in device (yes, iPods) support; voice commands; streaming audio and SMS text to voice read-out from Bluetooth enabled-phones; and several real-time, Sirius Travel Link services such as traffic data, weather detail, sports info, movies listings, and even gas prices at nearby pumps. Timely. Video walkthrough after the break.[Via Autospies]
Ford Flex fridge + Ohio = license to DUI
The biggest problem with the mid-Western drive-thru isn't the fact that you can readily purchase alcohol from the dank comforts of your old hoopdie, it's the dilemma presented in keeping that beer-flavored soda chilled for duration. Enter the $760 fridge on Ford's new Flex guzzler. The add-on drops up to seven, 12-oz cans of room-temp suds down to 41-degrees F in 2.5 hours. It'll also keep things a frosty 23-degrees in freezer mode. Add anti-drunk-proofing option and watch the car implode.[Buddy's Beer Barn photo courtesy of mpaulda]
Free, fresh and fun Ford Sync downloads
These were released earlier last week, but we just came across them on the XBLM and they're so darn nifty that we figured we'd share. Available as free downloads to our U.S. Live friends are a set of two Ford Sync Youth picture packs and a Ford Sync Youth theme. Normally, we don't get excited for Ford Sync content which has already produced green, orange and pink Marketplace downloads, but these gamer pictures are teh awesome. If you enjoy what you see above, give the gamer pics a download and enjoy a ten-fold increase in your gamercard's overall appeal.
Ford Racing Mustang Challenge coming to Discovery HD Theater
If NASCAR and Indy aren't giving you enough HD racing this season, there's always the Ford Mustang Challenge. Discovery HD Theater is planning a three-part series to follow the eight race series, beginning with testing this month to its conclusion in September. The now standard in-car HD cameras will be a part of the action as professional racers ranging from rookies to vets hit the track in their identically-spec'd Ford Mustang FR500S. An air date is still TBD, but pony car fans can check after the jump for more details.[Via Autoblog]
Video: Ford offers 2009 F-150 with in-dash computer, printer, EVDO, GPS, and RFID tool tracking
Our dirtier, hairier sisters over at autoblog had the chance to get up close and personal with Ford's 2009 F-150 at the Chicago Auto Show. Notable to gadget ruffians, and those of you posing as such on the suburban trek to the ice cream social, is Ford's new "Work Solutions" option. It features a Microsoft Sync-powered in-dash computer (with wireless keyboard, Bluetooth printer, 6.5-inch touch-screen) from Magneti Marelli with built-in Sprint Mobile Broadband and Garmin GPS. It also features an RFID-equipped Tool Link system built in partnership with DEWALT and ThingMagic for a real-time inventory of your RFID tagged tools. The FWS option will be available on all 2009 F-150 XL, STX, XLT and FX4 trucks; F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks; and all 2009 E-Series vans. Couple FWS with Sony's 700 watt, 5.1channel, 10-speaker system and Sirius Travel Link options already announced for the F-150 and we might have to take the Engadget Mansion mobile. Video after the break.[Thanks, K Banton]
Automotive X-Prize challenge ignored by major carmakers
Sure, you'd think that major automakers would want to get in on the Automotive X-Prize challenge, a contest seeking to help create the first 100 MPG car, if only just to show off their engineering prowess and interest in future technologies. Of course, you'd be wrong. Not a single, big commercial carmaker has thrown its hat in the ring, and X-Prize organizer Donald Foley has a theory: fear of losing the game to a small start-up. Obviously, all the major players have an excuse when it comes to their lack of participation; Ford is busy with its EcoBoost program, GM is working with Carnegie Mellon University on similar technology. Unfortunately, the loser here is the consumer, who'd get another push towards more fuel efficient vehicles, resulting in less money spent at the increasingly pricey pump. It looks like another sign that the innovation which used to come from monolithic corporations is now emanating from the little guy. Can the Linux Car be far off?
2009 Ford F-150 to get Sirius Travel Link
We already heard that the 2009 Lincoln MKS would be the first vehicle from Ford Motor Company to feature Sirius' forthcoming Travel Link system, but now those of you scouting a new pickup can rejoice as well. Starting with the '09 year model, F-150 trucks will be available with SYNC and Travel Link, providing users with an in-dash USB port and auxiliary input, 911 Assist, Vehicle Health Report, voice-activated navigation / radio / climate control / etc. and a 10-speaker Sony sound system to boot. Just the tools you need to efficaciously tackle those mountains, right?[Via CNET, image courtesy of Autoblog]
Ford shows off Sirius Travel Link: real-time data for your navi
Sure, Microsoft's Sync isn't a half bad addition to the motorcars equipped with it, but this inclusion really gets the saliva glands working. Debuting at CES, the Sirius Travel Link system will enable owners to obtain "up-to-the-minute information and entertainment content through the vehicle's navigation system." More specifically, motorists will be able to fetch current gas prices from a database of stations, local, real-time traffic information in 78 markets, coast-to-coast weather information, sports scores and even movie listings. The system will officially launch in the 2009 Lincoln MKS, and while specifics (like pricing) aren't mentioned, we do know that it'll be offered in "multiple" Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles by the year's end.[Via AutoblogGreen]
Ford delivers first of 20 plug-in hybrids in California
Sure, plug-in hybrid tech has been around for a while, but no major manufacturer has stepped up and actually delivered on all the concepts and vague plans we've seen so far -- until yesterday, when Ford delivered the first of 20 plug-in hybrid Escapes to Southern California Edison to begin testing. The handoff, which happened with great fanfare at the EVS23 conference, is the start of a two-year pilot program between Ford and Edison that will eventually have consumers testing the vehicles. For now, the first off the line is being dubbed a "research vehicle," and features a 30-mile electric-only range on a full battery charge. When the battery is depleted, the system switches over to a traditional gas / electric hybrid scheme, which, under ideal conditions, can apparently achieve up to 120mpg. There's a full gallery of the unveiling and the interior over at AutoBlog Green, hit the read link for some eco-friendly love.
Ford sells pink 30GB first-gen Zune, donates 100% to breast cancer research
It's October, which inevitably means that we'll be seeing a healthy dose of gadgets in pink as manufacturers look to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This particular device, however, means a touch more to the cause than most, as both Ford and Microsoft are teaming up to donate "100-percent of the purchase price" to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Granted, this 30GB Zune is one of those first-generation models, and while we're not told exactly how many were produced, it is being marketed as a limited edition piece. So for those more concerned with the cause, infatuated with pink and absolutely cool with not receiving a second-gen Zune (any takers?), you can grab one now for $249.99.[Thanks, Slice]
Ford to make HD Radio available on almost all new vehicles
Just when you thought your radio carrier headaches had gone away -- bam -- Ford starts offering HD Radio on almost all of its new vehicles. That's right, according to a recent press release, the automaker -- which just showed off its new Sync system -- has plans to equip (should you so choose) a large percentage of its 2008 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles with the new high definition "standard." HD Radio -- if you'll recall -- is free, and broadcasts on about 1,500 stations in the US, but offers higher quality audio than standard FM, in addition to features like track ID and extra "piggybacked" channels (called HD2). On top of the inclusion of the systems in new vehicles, Ford says that its 2005, 2006 and 2007 models can be retrofitted with the receivers, thus giving your old jalopy a sheen of newness heretofore unseen.[Via Autoblog]
Hands-on with the Ford Sync infotainment platform
With Microsoft having injected itself into almost all aspects of our daily lives -- from work to play to communication -- it only makes sense that the software giant would try to own those rare stretches of time when we're not using a Windows product or playing on our Xbox. The most obvious contender for the firm's next conquest are those automobiles we tend to spend so much time in, and so Microsoft decided to team up with Ford last year to develop a standardized in-car infotainment platform called Sync. As with most of the company's products, there's not a ton of innovation here -- except for maybe the Zune compatibility -- but what it will probably succeed in doing is bringing higher-end features like navigation and Bluetooth calling to a more mainstream audience. We got to spend a little time with a (non-moving) Sync-equipped Ford Edge at last night's DigitalLife kick-off event, and what surprised us most was not the functionality, but rather the complete lack of Microsoft-branding on any of the screens. No Start menu, no Windows logo, no Clippy -- no nothing. Not that we're complaining: we just would have liked to be at that meeting where Detroit reminded Redmond whose name was on the vehicle. Check out the gallery below for some more pics, and then head over to Autoblog for even more in-depth Sync action along with a video walkthrough.... %Gallery-7818%
Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 breaks 200 miles-per-hour
Looks like minuscule RC cars aren't the only alternatively powered vehicles trying to break 200 miles-per-hour, as Ford just became the "world's first automaker to set a land speed record for a production-based fuel cell powered car." The whip used to set the bar, of course, is none other than the Fusion Hydrogen 999, and it reportedly reached over 207 miles-per-hour at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah without using a drop of gas. Apparently, Ford is hoping that this showcase of speed will somehow translate into advancements that will help us common folk get to work and back sans gasoline, and while we've no idea when a fuel cell propelled Cobra will roll off the line, it did note that a number of fuel cell propelled Focus vehicles were still burning down the roads as part of an ongoing study.[Via AutoblogGreen]
Ford's Sync phone / DAP integration gets priced at $395
Looks like Ford's pricing the Sync extensible automotive media platform right in line with most other DAP / Bluetooth integration solutions: Dearborn announced today that the system will be a $395 option on new Focus, Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles starting this fall. Ford also said that Sync will be coming to nine other vehicles by 2008, but honestly, we're not going to be satisfied on the carputer tip until we get Turbo Boost and a sweeping red scanner light.
Ford Fusion 999 fuel cell car goes for land speed record
While most of the world is wondering when the car industry as a whole is going to decide on a replacement for the combustion engine and stick to it, Ford's off trying to break land speed records. Ford has released details on a planned 200 MPH attempt for its new Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 car, which would make it the fastest fuel cell car in the world. The car itself will be cooled through "ice bath cooling" because the front is sealed in order to keep the drag coefficient as low as possible: at this point we're going to transfer you to the Autoblog Green guys. They know a lot more than us about cars, and happen to have a comprehensive gallery of the Hydrogen 999, too.[Thanks, Omar]Read - Live shots of the Hydrogen 999Read - Hydrogen 999 land speed record attempt
