TRW develops electronic turn signal stalk
Filed under: Etc., Technology, Ford
TRW, supplier of systems and components to automakers, has introduced its latest generation steering column control module for the Ford SuperDuty and F-150, Edge/MKX and Explorer. Why is this news, and what the heck is a steering column control module?
In the old days (the 1990s), a bunch of individual pieces were fastened to the steering column. Turn signals were a separate part from the airbag system's clockspring, which was a unique piece from the multifunction switch. Each of those bits cost something to produce and procure, not to mention the wiring required to integrate the functions into the car. Supplier problems with just one piece could idle the supply of the whole assembly for days.
Modern serial communication and control systems have created a solution for these problems, and that's the steering column control module, a single component that integrates all the functions of those many individual pieces. The amount of wiring is reduced, reliability is up thanks to new electronic techniques supplanting older wear-prone designs and with fewer contracts to secure and pieces to ship and inventory, a better per-unit cost can be negotiated. TRW's new module includes all sorts of stuff like headlamp switches, turn signals, tilt/telescope control, hazard lamps, steering angle sensor and electronic turn signal cancel, which is unique to the new Ford modules. Tuning to customer preferences reduces complaints and increases satisfaction, too. It may sound a lot more complex, putting a computerized module in place of what was once simple switches and relays, but this is a case of newer being clearly better. Full press release posted after the jump.
Modern serial communication and control systems have created a solution for these problems, and that's the steering column control module, a single component that integrates all the functions of those many individual pieces. The amount of wiring is reduced, reliability is up thanks to new electronic techniques supplanting older wear-prone designs and with fewer contracts to secure and pieces to ship and inventory, a better per-unit cost can be negotiated. TRW's new module includes all sorts of stuff like headlamp switches, turn signals, tilt/telescope control, hazard lamps, steering angle sensor and electronic turn signal cancel, which is unique to the new Ford modules. Tuning to customer preferences reduces complaints and increases satisfaction, too. It may sound a lot more complex, putting a computerized module in place of what was once simple switches and relays, but this is a case of newer being clearly better. Full press release posted after the jump.
Continue reading TRW develops electronic turn signal stalk
TRW develops electronic turn signal stalk originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsChevrolet Volt, Ford Explorer named Detroit Free Press Car and Truck of the Year
Filed under: Sedan, Crossover, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Electric
2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery
As more and more Car and Truck of the Year awards pour in from a variety of major publications, it's no shock that the 2011 Chevrolet Volt continues to take home top honors as the best car of 2011. Both Motor Trend and Automobile have deemed the Volt their Car of the Year, and General Motors' high-profile EV is even a finalist for the prestigious North American Car of the Year award. (Our readers, however, would apparently rather see that honor go to the 2011 Hyundai Sonata). Thus, it's no surprise that the Volt was just named Car of the Year by The Detroit Free Press.
Similarly, the 2011 Ford Explorer is in the running for North American Truck of the Year, and the Detroit Free Press is honoring it as the best 'truck' of 2011. Freep auto critic Mark Phelan states that in the road ahead, automakers must choose the "right shade of green" for each type of vehicle. Phelan explains:"The Volt allows most owners to go weeks or months without stopping at a gas pump. The Explorer recasts America's best-selling SUV in a fuel-efficient new form based on the same chassis as the Ford Taurus large sedan."
Interestingly, The Detroit Free Press details its second and third place choices for Car of the Year, with the Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Leaf taking those spots, respectively. These two vehicles are finalists for the North American Car of the Year award, and we're wondering if the Free Press' predictions foreshadow the decisions that the NACTOY judges will make (Note: Phelan is a member of the jury). We'll have the answer to that in just a few weeks, but for now, we tip our hats to the Volt and Explorer on taking home the Detroit Free Press awards.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert and Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: Detroit Free Press]
Chevrolet Volt, Ford Explorer named Detroit Free Press Car and Truck of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideos: Ford’s 2011 Explorer and 2012 Focus go off the wall
Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Videos, Crossover, Ford
2012 Ford Focus plays tag with a wall - Click above to watch video after the jump
Ford has been testing its upcoming 2012 Focus extensively, and it's already put the compact through 12,000 crashes in both the virtual and real worlds. Ford says that the Focus features advanced restraint systems as well as next-generation airbags that feature upgraded chest-protection technology. The C-Segment car is not stealing all the focus (*ahem*), however, because the all-new 2011 Explorer has clearly received plenty of attention from the safety engineers. For the first time in the Explorer's history, it has landed on the IIHS list of Top Safety Picks.
Enough talking, because you're ready for some automotive snuff films, right? Hop the jump to watch a 2012 Ford Focus and 2011 Explorer make out with a wall. While you're over there, be sure to check out Ford's official press release.
[Sources: Ford, YouTube]
Continue reading Videos: Ford's 2011 Explorer and 2012 Focus go off the wall
Videos: Ford's 2011 Explorer and 2012 Focus go off the wall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutoblog Podcast #208 – Explorer, Compass, Ward’s Engines, and a German trio
Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Volkswagen
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Episode #208 of the Autoblog Podcast is manned by the terrible trio of Chris Shunk, Dan Roth, and Zach Bowman. We start with the Autoblog Garage and then move on to cover the official-ness of the BMW 1M, Ward's ten-best engines, the 2012 Audi A6, the Volkswagen Golf R and wrap by coming back to the States to mull the 2011 Jeep Compass and 2011 Ford Explorer. We finish with your questions at the end for an hour and twenty-four minutes total. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #208 - Explorer, Compass, Ward's Engines, and a German trio
In the Autoblog Garage:
2011 Range Rover Sport Supercharged
2011 Kia Optima
News Topics:
Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman,
Runtime: 1:23:58
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Review the show in iTunes and take our survey
Autoblog Podcast #208 - Explorer, Compass, Ward's Engines, and a German trio originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSubmit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #208
Filed under: Etc., BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Jeep, Volkswagen
Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
We're recording Episode #208 of the Autoblog Podcast is being recorded tonight, and we've put some topics below. Drop us your own feedback and questions or vote on your fellow readers' submissions to help determine what we discuss this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already to hear your question answered.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #208
- 2011 Ford Explorer First Drive
- 2011 Jeep Compass
- BMW 1M
- Volkswagen Golf R
- Chevrolet Aveo replacement named Sonic
- Noisy hybrid bill
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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #208 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFirst Drive: 2011 Ford Explorer
Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Ford, First Drive
Don't Call It A Comeback...
2011 Ford Explorer - Click above for high-res image gallery
At least a few eyebrows were raised when Ford first let on that it was bringing the Explorer back in a radically different form for 2011 - but not all of the quizzical looks were for the same reasons.
For one thing, the Explorer name had been seriously damaged because of the very public Firestone tire rollover controversy of the early 2000s, something that ostensibly made the 2011 model a prime candidate for a new name. In addition, early rumors had the Blue Oval transitioning the vehicle to a unibody chassis and away from the very body-on-frame architecture that helped establish it as the archetypal sport utility vehicle for two decades. It simply wasn't clear that a crossover-based vehicle would still be able to make an authentic claim to the same core values that helped the previous four iterations of Explorer sell millions of copies. Finally, Ford already had a very competent three-row CUV in its arsenal - the Flex. Were its dealers really looking for another one?
And yet... here we are, with a spanking-new and very different sort of Explorer for 2011. Have Alan Mullaly and Co. made the right call? Click through the jump as we try to find out.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Ford Explorer
First Drive: 2011 Ford Explorer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments2011 Ford Explorer V6 achieves 25 mpg on highway
2011 Ford Explorer - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford has promised that the 2011 Ford Explorer would achieve a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy, and now we can put a pair of numbers with that claim. Environmental Protection Agency ratings show that the Explorer will average 25 miles per gallon on the highway and 17 mpg in the city; a big improvement over the last generation model's 20/14 numbers. The fuel economy numbers for Ford's newest offering also claims bragging rights over the Honda Pilot and the V6-powered Toyota Highlander.
Ford managed such a vast improvement by switching to a lighter front-drive-based setup with a more aerodynamic body. In fact, Ford claims that the Explorer's new rear lip spoiler alone accounts for an efficiency gain of nearly one mpg. Ford's new full-size SUV will also sport a far more efficient 292 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) mated to a six-speed auto transmission and the company's new EPAS electronic power steering system.
Hitting 25 miles per gallon with a 292-horsepower engine is significant, but The Blue Oval promises more improvement once the turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder arrives early in 2011. The powerful little mill promises to be 30 percent more efficient than the 2010 model. The V6-powered Explorer is now in full production and headed to a dealer near you. Hit the jump to read over the Ford press release.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading 2011 Ford Explorer V6 achieves 25 mpg on highway
2011 Ford Explorer V6 achieves 25 mpg on highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: 2011 Ford Explorer plays in the California sand
Filed under: Videos, Crossover, Ford
Click above to watch the video after the jump
The outgoing Ford Explorer was a rear-drive-based body-on-frame SUV with a substantial thirst for fuel yet little in the way of off-road capability. The 2011 Explorer is built off a front-drive architecture, which would lead the uninformed observer to believe that dirt and rocks won't get along with the newly redesigned CUV. But Ford has worked its magic with a clever all-wheel drive system that works in tandem with a Terrain Management System that promises a modicum of off-road capability. Without skid plates and higher ground clearance, we're not talking hardcore rock crawling, of course, but perhaps there's more ability here than one might otherwise expect out of a unibody three-row crossover.
Of course, it will take time to get this message across to the car-buying public, and the first effort in Ford's educating process comes in the way of this sand-filled video. Ford put its newest 2011 model on display at the "San Diego Vision" media event, taking a bright red Limited model for a spin on very loose dirt. There are no rocks and no obtuse articulations; instead there are a bunch of different angles of the new Explorer doing dirt donuts with earth flying everywhere. It's far from the most impressive off-road video we've seen, but it sure is pretty. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself. Hat tip to Yaroukh!
Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: Ford via YouTube]
Continue reading Video: 2011 Ford Explorer plays in the California sand
Video: 2011 Ford Explorer plays in the California sand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Ford Explorer orders nearly double expectations
Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Ford
2011 Ford Explorer - Click above for high-res image gallery
The 2011 Ford Explorer is a drastic departure from its predecessors, ditching body-on-frame construction in favor of a unibody structure, and sharing its platform with the Taurus sedan (as well as the Flex, Lincoln MKS and MKT). This shift to a traditional crossover construction has not turned away buyers, however, and Ford reports that Explorer pre-orders have nearly doubled original projections.
According to The Detroit News, Ford has received roughly 15,000 orders for the 2011 Explorer. This includes about 3,000 retail and 7,500 dealer orders, as well as an additional 4,500 orders from companies.
Jason Mase, Ford's manager of utility vehicles, told The Detroit News that about 55 percent of buyers are opting for the trailer tow package, and 64 percent want all-wheel drive. Mase says that consumers don't really care if the vehicle is a crossover or an SUV, the major concern is that the vehicle fits their specific needs. So far, so good, and Ford expects this trend to continue after the Explorer officially hits dealerships in early 2011.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: The Detroit News]
Report: Ford Explorer orders nearly double expectations originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSEMA 2010: Ford showcases Explorers customized for a variety of lifestyles
Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, SUV, Crossover, Ford
Custom 2011 Ford Explorers at SEMA - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford is quite eager to show off the versatility of its all-new 2011 Explorer, so naturally, the automaker has decided to bring a trio of tuned examples to Las Vegas for the 2010 SEMA show. The Blue Oval handed out keys to Funkmaster Flex and Team Baurtwell, Galpin Auto Sports and CGS Performance Products, with each group providing a unique take on the Ford's new crossover.
Funkmaster Flex and his Team Baurtwell crew approached the Explorer with the idea of making it into an urban utility vehicle. Besides the obvious exterior and interior upgrades, Funkmaster Flex has packed this example with a complete Sony Xplod audio setup - a real treat for serious audiophiles.
Galpin Auto Sports designed its Explorer as a full-on luxury crossover. A leather-trimmed headliner has a central section of suede running the length of the ceiling, and that dual-texture styling is replicated in the seats. For second row passengers, an iPad pops out of the console, able to operate in either portrait or landscape mode while docked.
CGS Performance Products takes the luxury idea to a different level by adding in several touches that would be attractive to people with active lifestyles. 22-inch wheels might not be ready for all sorts of off-roading, but the carbon fiber mountain bikes attached to the roof can surely handle all sorts of outdoorsy tasks.
For the full details about each new Explorer, hop the jump and taking a gander at the press release, and peruse through our gallery of high-res images, below.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading SEMA 2010: Ford showcases Explorers customized for a variety of lifestyles
SEMA 2010: Ford showcases Explorers customized for a variety of lifestyles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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