Ford SYNC: Innovation

Ford's SYNC has become one of the most popular features on Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. It runs off the the Microsoft Auto program and for the more technical readers it an ARM 11 processor that has 256MB of DRAM and 2GB of flash memory. The system has a multitude of features that range from Bluetooth connectivity to 911 Emergency, to turn-by-turn navigation. The next generation of this software promises to be full of new features and even better connectivity and user friendliness.



One of these features that I am most excited for is the ability to turn your SYNC powered car into a mobil WiFi hotspot. This will be accomplished by using a USB "air card" from a driver's personal mobile broadband provider (i.e. Verizon, Sprint, AT&T) to create a signal within the car. This will allow anyone sitting in the vehicle to use their laptop, or any other WiFi capable device at their leisure. This has been done before and seen in other vehicles, but I believe that the integration with SYNC will allow it to become more streamlined as well as offering better signal strength. I know there have been many times I have desperately needed the internet and either had to buy a coffee or food to simply find a location on a trip. Features like this should make many people's lives easier by keeping them constantly in reach of the information they want.




Another new feature that sounds promising to me is the new song tagging feature, which will be coupled with the newest trend of HD Radio. Ford offers Sirius Satellite radio and when you hear a song that you like and would like to have for your personal collection you can save it. This is done by hitting the info button on the steering wheel and the song name, and artist is stored in the car's memory. When you are ready to leave the car or at any other time you can recall the song name and artist from memory to download from whichever music provider you wish to use. This will be helpful for not just the automotive market, but will also keep fewer songs from being lost to people because they don't recognize the artist or the genre.
















In comparison with General Motors OnStar Ford's SYNC is not even in the same league. To begin with the OnStar system is subscription based (you pay a yearly upgrade fee) and it is also only a partnership company with GM. SYNC on the other hand is a one time payment and during the warranty period of the vehicle you will receive software updates. With an optional LCD touch screen the user interface is easily much better and more user friendly than the respective OnStar interface. In terms of more bang for your buck I would much rather have SYNC in my car which offers a built in processor and full integration with my car. It also rids me of those distracting buttons on the rear view mirror!


These are just a few of the features of SYNC and I could write on and on about each one of their merits but I think you would want to stop reading after awhile. SYNC is an excellent system and when I sit in a Ford vehicle it feels as if I am sitting in front of a familiar PC system. Continued innovation has kept the system competitive and even as they try to fit more features in Ford is still concerned with driver safety. At the same time technology has really helped to lessen the stress of everyday driving. If you would like to know more check out Ford Motor Company's website.

Honda FCX Clarity: A View of the Future?

To continue with the theme of future vehicles and a good suggestion from a comment I will look at a Japanese approach to the problem of lack of fossil fuel resources as well as the level of CO2 emitted by today's vehicles. One of these solutions in the Honda FCX Clarity which unlike the Chevrolet Volt it uses Hydrogen Fuel cells which uses electromagnetic interactions to create electricity with the byproducts of steam and heat. The creation of Vertically Stacked cell membranes (used in creating electricity) allowed the designers to create more interior room as well as more efficient transfer of the water byproduct out of system.



From several reviews many others have said that it drives and handles just like any car, but with the signature silence of other electric vehicles. In my opinion I won't mind the lack of noise, it is very pleasing sound in a high performance track machine, but it is always something that is lacking in an everyday driver. The hydrogen path allows for vehicles that offer environmental advantages without taking the pleasure and ease of driving out of the equation. It also keeps to interior similar with a fuel gauge instead of just an efficiency gauge or a battery life monitor.
















Another advantage of a singular power source in a vehicle is that the system of refueling stations can be very similar to those used to dispense gasoline and diesel. Hydrogen also has the advantage of being one of the most abundant elements in the universe. The hydrogen can be created using solar power and electrolysis on site or in many other fashions. Honda even has an idea of their own that looks like it could become a very favorable trend in the future.




Honda has introduced what they call a Home Energy station. The idea behind this is to have in your garage a generator that is able to create hydrogen using natural gas but at the same time creating heat and electricity for the house. Unlike simply using power generated by a power station miles away you actually can make your house more efficient. An idea like this could have great importance to other automakers as the world transitions to an alternate fuel and possibly a hydrogen market.


The Clarity again though is a car that is simply a test bed as well as a test in the marketability of a Hydrogen/Electric vehicle. Stylistically it has elements of current cars but as the same time has some odd ones. These being the rear quarter-panel, the odd body line, and the odd swooping tail of a rear end. To my eye it is not very attractive but I can see the merits of the design, but certainly doesn't have as unique shape as say the now famous, or infamous Prius. Hydrogen seems like a good idea and from the reviews I have read have designed a "good" car, but to be honest we won't see a Hydrogen economy in less than a decade at the least. There will be a solution and I think that solution needs to be a one fuel source economy and not a hybrid one but we are simply at the test stage of that future. Drivers like me simply need to be patient and supportive as the Automotive and Energy work together to try to find a feasible means of fueling the world.

Chevrolet Volt: Are the Facts Straight?

On Chevrolet's website they claim that in one year their new Volt will only use 2500 kWh and that you will only have to pay about a dollar a day. This is based on that you will only go less than 40 miles per day, that you don't drive hard, or up a hill, and that the gas generator doesn't turn on. When I look at these numbers I simply see misdirection not a solution to the CO2 emissions that have been plaguing mankind in recent years. Chevrolet seems to act as if the gasoline or E85 generator simply isn't there.




Another issue that I have with this is that once that generator starts it is simply designed to keep the battery at 30% charge capacity which as Chevrolet claims is for "continued battery health". When the generator is running though, at around 3000 RPM's which is comparable to most gas engines at highway speeds you are using gasoline just as any other car does. If you ever go past the 40 mile range or take it on a trip the Volt becomes a very high tech midsized car with a huge battery being carted along.



There is also the problem with the "average" of 40 miles of driving daily. I live in Northern IN and is almost 20 miles to the next town from where I live. That doesn't include the driving that I do once I reach that town. I ask myself "Does the Volt make a sensible car for me?" and the answer is no. I simply drive too far and too much for it to make sense as a car for me. It feels more like a feel good car than something that is useful. It may make sense for city drivers but it isn't made for those of use who live far away from urban life.





The next problem is the idea that you are going to be able to plug it in everywhere you go. I live near Chicago and I enjoy driving there but once I get there I have to park in a Parking Garage and there aren't many wall outlets there. What does that mean for me? It means that I am going to have use gas the ENTIRE time that I am there and I have a feeling that with the weight of the batteries there won't be much of a gas tank to speak of. This means that all the advantages the car has are lost because you went outside the 40 mile range


If electric cars are going to work and replace there gasoline powered cousins the biggest thing that needs to change is charge time. Some special systems allow for 20 minute complete charges. If this could be halved (about as much time as it takes to fill an empty gas tank) then I would be completely on board with electric vehicles. If there is a infrastructure of high tech quick charging "power stations" across the continental US then I would have no issues owning an electric car, but until then I think car makers (GM in this case) need to clearly market this car as being designed to use less gas and calculate that into using the car. One day there will be emissions free reasonably priced electric cars, but for now they are simply science projects with intelligent design not a complete solution. I just want the marketing and the information to be the truth not a twisted and doctored version of it.

Birth Of the Lincoln Continental-December 13th

Generation 1:

Today in the world of Automotive history the Lincoln Continental was officially released to the United States public. Originally it was designed to be the Personal car of Edsel Ford, but supposedly it was always planned to be released to the public. It was to be a channeled and sectioned version of the Zephyr that was already in production. The only problem with this original model was the American entrance into World War II. Only 424 '39 and '40 models were created.


Generation 2: 1956 - 60

Not until 1955 was the name resurrected for use on the Second Generation Lincoln Continental. This was the epitome of Luxury at the time and rivaled Rolls-Royce with a price tag of $10,000. Even at this price though the company still lost money, but it exclusivity made it almost mythical. The owners list consisted of people such as Elvis Presley, Harry Kissinger, and the Shah or Iran. Very few were sold and those that were were only sold to people deemed worthy to be a Continental owner, or at least that is what the rumors were!




Generation 3: 1961 - 69

For its next embodiment Lincoln would hire Elwood Engel to complete design the entire car. This design was said to be the pinnacle of Lincoln design and over the course of this model year tons of first in automotive history would make their debut. The most well known feature of this model was the "suicide" style doors that instead of hinging from the front hinged from the back. This feature was designed to make ingress and egress easier. This was also the first time that turn signals and parking lights were integrated into the front bumper instead of simply the rear. The engine was also increased from 430 to 462 cubic inches (7.0L - 7.6L) and became the most common engine choice for the entire life of this model. It also saw three model types including four-door sedan, a convertible and a two-door coupe.


Generation 4: 1970 - 79

The next generation saw updates to external features such as lights covered by front flaps and a Government mandated front bumper. The car measured 19.4 feet in total and weighed from 4500 - 5000 lbs. This as well as the Cadillac El-Dorado were some of the largest cars on the road during this era even with General Motors beginning to downsize their vehicles. The most popular package was the Collector's Series which included a moon-roof engine block heater and velor or leather seats. Total cost was $22,000 US.


Generation 5-6 : 1980 - 89

The Generation 5 only ran for one year and was quickly replaced by the Generation six which was designed to compete with the new Cadillac Seville. This generation saw industry firsts with gas-charged shocks as well as self sealing tires. The engine choices included a carburetor V-8 and later a direct injected V-8. In 1984 - 85 there was even a 2.4 L Steyr BMW Turbodiesel offered. This was very rare and very unpopular in the 1980's. This car was featured in Tim Burton's movie Beetlejuice .


Generation 7: 1988- 94

This generation introduced the world of smaller displacement V-6 engines to new Continental owners. It was based on an extended version of the Taurus/Sable chassis and was also a Front-Wheel drive model. This was meant to try to appeal to a new market of drivers who want better fuel economy and a Euro-Feel and styling. Though sadly they were unable to get a foot hold in the youth market and it was sold to owners looking for a front-wheel drive alternative to the rear-wheel drive Town Car.


Generation 8: 1995 - 97

This generation saw a huge upgrade in the cars appearance to separate the Continental from the lesser Taurus. This included more rounded line and a new DOHC Modular V-8 to give it more power and a more upscale feeling than the Ford Taurus. This design was also released to fix many of the design flaws that had plagued the previous generation. This was simply to try to fix the problems and bring back buyers to the Continental's segment.


Generation 9: 1998- 2002

This was the final evolution of the Continental. It was designed to have a strong resemblance to the Lincoln Town Car. One of the key features was a new Global Positioning and crash response unit that was very similar to the OnStar equipment used on General Motor vehicles. Though after a few slow selling years it was decided to cancel the Continental line. It was seen that the increase in traction control technology that front-wheel drive was no longer necessary for inclement weather. At the end of the 2002 the Continental production plant in Wixom Michigan was shut down and recommissioned to make other models.

The Lincoln Continental played a huge role in the history of the car for American's and has been linked to a multitude of famous individuals. In the end though changing tastes and vehicle evolution got the best of it and it joined the ranks of those cars who went quietly into retirement.

Ford Motor Company- Views and Facts

Founded on June 16, 1903 the Ford Motor Company has since been a major player in the world automotive market. They are best known for the invention of the Assembly Line technique pioneered by founder Henry Ford. Currently they are the fourth largest automaker in the world, but are close to their main competitors Toyota, General Motors, Honda, and Volkswagen. In recent years they have continued to be popular in America, but are even more popular in Europe where they are second only to the Volkswagen group.






Ford also encompasses the Lincoln and Mercury brands as well as Volvo of Sweden, they also hold stock in Mazda. At one time they owned subsidiaries in Land Rover, Aston Martin, and Jaguar, but due to the current economic scene as well as low sales numbers these subsidiaries have been sold to private investors. Even with the loss of these companies strong sales in the US and Europe have kept Ford in the black.









Ford currently is trying to expand its Market Presence by using new techniques in Social Media. The largest of these has been the Fiesta Movement which used 100 "agents" to record six months of their lives, and how owning a Ford Fiesta impacted it. This movement has had a huge impact on me because it has allowed me to become very connected with members of the Ford Motor Company. It has also widened the scope of my life and inspired me to become more involved in the online community, even this blog has come from it.



With other automotive companies I feel like I am completely removed from the entire process of introducing a car to the market. Other companies simply decide exactly what "they" think the public wants. I will be the first to say that when it comes to the engineering point of view that the layman should not have much say because they simply do not have the experience to have a viable opinion. On the other hand creature comforts and features are what need to be discussed. I have been able to speak directly to brand managers with this movement and I feel as much as this is a car molded by my generation as it is Ford's car. This level of involvement especially with the use of current information technologies means engineers, designers and executives can speak directly to their constituents.




Ford is continuing to move in this direction with a new movement named Fusion41 where teams who are using the new Ford Fusion are completing missions and tasks given to them by the public. There is also the Fiesta Movement 2 which will use Ford's fans to market the US-Spec 2011 Ford Fiesta. I myself am hopeful to become an agent and write about my experiences with the new Fiesta. Ford has been helpful and very supportive and are willing to share insight and answer any questions that have been asked towards them (at least to my experience). I am hopeful that Ford will continue to evolve as a "Brand of the People" who's goal is to meet their customer's needs as well as answering questions that arise about current and future products.

Enthusiast

I am an avid reader of Motor Trend magazine, but recently I have come to the conclusion that many of them are simply not with the times when it comes to cars as well as the people who drive them. Enthusiasts as they like to be called are a small minority when it comes to the millions of drivers who populate American roads today. Not everyone wants a large displacement V-8 with a tuned exhaust system and 6-piston Brembo brakes. This is because quite honestly a sonorous V-8 is unnecessary to propel you from place to place.


Cars are a passion of mine, but I do not see myself as an "enthusiast" simply because I love a small displace 4-cylinder engine that offers excellent fuel economy and dependability. In normal driving it is just the amount of fun I need to keep me under the radar and safe in most driving situations. Many people my age (20 years old) want big powerful and fast cars, but what I really want is a Ford Fiesta. It is small nippy, fun to drive, but also returns 40 mpg which makes it easy to live with.

People forget today that cars are to many people basic transportation. There only need is for a reliable vehicle that can get them from point A to point B. That is why I don't try to judge people on their car choices because most don't want Lamborghini LP- 6million (not real) or some other ridiculously named track day car. They want something more sensible some that when you bought it you were thinking about the camber of the back wheels or what was the power to weight ratio. You were more concerned with would it get me and my passengers safely to a football game on a rainy day.

For example my mother drive a 2000 Ford Explorer I think it is a terrible vehicle, the back seats are horrible, it makes a terrible noise in the engine compartment, it is a bouncy ride that makes me car sick. Though I have asked her why she picked it and she said that it has comfortable seats to her and she said it felt solid as well as having four-wheel-drive. She was right about it being solid it has never once not started for her and has always been there when she has needed it. To many Americans this is what a car is and should be. They don't want a track tuned monster, but they want a functional mode of transportation.

I respect everyone who has a passion for cars and wants to write about them, but I think that it is very difficult for someone who sees vehicles in the "enthusiast" sense to see how a more plebeian vehicle can be hugely significant to the masses. If the cars on the road right now are any indication we see that most people don't drive "The Car of the Year" or the top pick for a driving enthusiast. They simply pick a vehicle that suits them for their needs, that's why you see someone driving a Hyundai Accent or something similar, and there is nothing wrong with that.


A Buggati Veyron has a meter that calculates how much gross horsepower it is using at any given moment. On an episode of Top Gear Jeremy Clarkson said I am doing 80 miles per hour and using 81 horsepower. Now this is a two ton car and it only takes that much to keep it at that speed, do we really need cars with 400, 500 even a 1000 horsepower. They aren't cars that you drive everyday, they shouldn't be. They should be a car you have fun on the weekends at a track where you can truly see a glimpse of the cars potential but if you ask me what I want to drive everyday? I want a car with a small engine and about 120 horsepower, that is all I need and want for everyday use, but I am just one of many and this is only an opinion nothing more.

My View on the Ford Fiesta

The 2011 Ford Fiesta has made quiet a name for itself in the US. This is due to the huge success of the Fiesta Movement which for the last six months has had hundreds of agents driving millions of miles on the Euro-Spec version of the Ford Fiesta. I have been following it very avidly since I took a Ride and Drive event in New Richmond Ohio



My first experience with the Ford Fiesta was a Lime Squeeze green 1.6L Ti-VCT mated to a 5-Speed manual transmission. My biggest qualm at the time was with the Brake Package. I understand that there is a price point which has to be met and this saved money but it was one of the issues that I did have. The second thing was the shifter was quiet loose with too much clearance in the gates and a somewhat long throw. There really wasn't much of a chance to really see how this car really drove because I was only allowed to take it around the block. The only thing I could take from this was good steering feel which was light but very precise with good feel. I left with a sense of being unsure if I liked the car or not. I really wanted to like it but I had issues with it.


On the other hand the Ford Fiesta signifies a huge step forward in the American B-segment or actually a first in the B-segment. In the United States the Fiesta will be offered as a 4-Door Sedan as well as a 5-door hatchback. This is due the American tendency to buy their small cars as sedans. I don't mind this, because when I think of a hatchback I think of a city car, but when I see a small sedan I still see it as a very tiny version of a highway cruise. Though the Fiesta Movement agents have been spreading the love for the hatchback I still think the Sedan will be a huge seller here.

Features I think we will see:
-Microsoft SYNC system
-MP3 Interface
-ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution
-Keyless Entry
-Possible 1.6L EcoBoost 180hp option (later model upgrade)

These are just some of what I will see, while speaking with Sam De La Garza I was told that limiting the engine choices compared to the European model will allow great leeway in putting more options on the interior of the vehicle. This means that there could be a considerable difference in build quality compared to the European model. This bodes well and heightens my anticipation for the release of the US Spec version.

Tonight the Fiesta Movement agents are cruising Hollywood Boulevard in anticipation for the Sneak Peek tomorrow night. At the event they will have to hand over their keys and the Fiesta Movement will have finally come to an end after six month of tweets, videos, pics, and missions. It has to be hard for them to let it go, but at the same time the public will finally be able to see the US Version that the public has so patiently waited for. Final pricing info will be released as well so you can finally know how much you will have to lay down to have an awesome small car.

I am writing this because I am so excited to finally see the product that me as an American is going to see on dealer lots. This is a step in the right direction for American auto makers and I hope to see more and more fuel efficient vehicles with fun driving personalities and nippy small displacement engines that you can easily fall in love with. The Fiesta Movement has brought the public into direct contact with the executives who make the decisions on the cars that us as consumers are going to buy. Tomorrow will be an excellent day and I am excited to see the Fiesta for the first time.

Ford didn't tell me to write this in any shape or form but I just wanted to thank them for giving me an excellent experience and allowing me to get an inside view into the world of getting a vehicle in the country and in the hands of American drivers.