At the TechCrunch Hackathon on Saturday, the 108-year-old, All-American automaker, Ford, teamed up with the newly-American music service, Spotify, to showcase the growing opportunities for developers looking to take advantage of in-car gadgetry to integrate their apps and mobile services.

Today at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco, Ford looks to continue pushing forward with in-car connectivity and gadgetry, announcing a partnership with Bug Labs — an open-source hardware and software provider that tinkerers and engineers can use to create their own digital devices. The two companies will be collaborating on a new in-car research platform, named OpenXC, which looks to transform the car into a plug-and-play platform that will support open-source hardware and software to allow developers to make the car a playground for all kinds of cool new technologies.

OpenXC, which is based on Bug Labs’ Bug System, will allow users to create a personalized driving experience through add-ons like visual and audio feedback interfaces and environmental sensors and safety devices — simply by snapping Bug Labs’ hardware modules into the consoles of vehicles.

According to K. Venkatesh Prasad, the senior technical leader for Ford Research and Innovation, OpenXC is designed to create a platform that is completely open to the developer community, allowing engineers and hackers to offer cool in-car solutions to the consumer at reasonable prices. While Bug Labs has teamed with developers and enterprises like Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, Pitney Bows to design and test innovative devices, Ford is the first automotive OEM to collaborate with Bug Labs.

Across the board, cars are getting smarter, and the opportunity for innovation in automotive connectivity continues to grow. Ford said that it hopes to use the OpenXC research project as a way to test new entertainment and connectivity solutions, and get a head start on the changing (and increasingly more technological) landscape, like fast-changing content preferences and “buy as you can” rental app solutions.

As Asia is poised to become a big source of vehicle sales over the next decade, Prasad gave the example of a Ford owner who loves the game of cricket. Through OpenXC, drivers will be able to purchase a $15 cricket module from a local ford dealer, one that’s designed by a local developer and approved by Ford, to plug into the master control board in the car that would play a community radio station dedicated exclusively to cricket. After the season is over, the driver could replace the module with another, sport-focused or otherwise.

OpenXC is designed to give both Ford researchers and third-party developers a low cost sandbox in which they can share, test, and verify any and all concepts related to in-car connectivity. The idea is to allow its open platform to give communities of drivers the ability to customize their driving experience, while at the same time allowing manufacturers like Ford to avoid building customizable vehicles for specific markets. Instead, through OpenXC’s sandbox, Ford is opening up that customization to third parties, enabling personalization of the driving experience to continue with participation from multiple sources without having to break the bank.

At Disrupt, Ford and Bug Labs demonstrated the OpenXC platform using a Ford Fiesta to showcase a prototype “Fuel Economy Challenge” app that uses Bug Labs’ hardware and software modules to provide a LED fuel efficiency display module in the vehicle’s cockpit. When up and running, the app illuminates the windshield with a display presenting the driver’s current fuel efficiency. Drivers then have access to realtime data on how others in the challenge are performing, and who is driving most efficiently.

It’s nice to see a once-troubled automaker finding new ways to remain relevant and provide its drivers with all the benefits of the mind-melting technology being developed by young American startups and tech companies. Developers and engineers, definitely look out for this one.

Today at the TechCrunch Hackathon, Ford, the second largest automaker in the U.S., teamed with Spotify, the fast-growing Swedish music service that recently arrived in the states, to demonstrate the current opportunities for in-car app innovation as well as the new voice-activated Ford SYNC system. Just to clarify: This isn’t an “official partnership”, it’s just a cool hack meant to demonstrate how easy it is to integrate with SYNC. For those unfamiliar, Ford SYNC is the in-vehicle communications and entertainment system that allows drivers to make hands-free phone calls, as well as control music and other in-car entertainment with their very own vocal chords. SYNC recently added integration with AppLink (in 2011 Ford Fiestas for now) to allow hands-free use of smartphone apps in the car.

At Hackathon today, Ford offered developers the opportunity to learn more about SYNC’s API and demonstrate how to integrate apps like Spotify into SYNC. This is Spotify’s first in-car integration, and it’s still an initial hack, but it’s a pretty good start. We’re hoping this becomes a long-term Ford/Spotify strategy.

The tremendous growth of smartphone apps has created the need and the opportunity to provide the same voice-controlled solution for apps that drivers are now using in the car — but it also has to stay safe. “Look ma no hands!” is never something you want to hear while in a car with someone. SYNC provides users, through voice assistance, with the ability to easily control their car’s multimedia and app functions, and at at the Hackathon today Spotify is on board in the passenger seat.

According to Julius Marchwicki, the SYNC AppLink program manager, TC Hackathon was the perfect place to launch to give developers the information they need on Ford’s new API and SDK to get developers hacking on in-car entertainment and app goodness.

So just what’s possible for developers with SYNC AppLink at this point in its development? When working with SYNC-enabled smartphone apps, developers are able to create a voice user interface using SYNC’s in-vehicle speech recognition system, write information to the radio head display or in-vehicle touch screen, using the text-to-speech engine, the in-vehicle meny system to provide commands for their mobile app, and vehicle data, like speed, GPS location, and fuel economy. All good stuff to know, and it’s nice to see Ford, a company that didn’t look so hot a few years ago, getting in on the innovation train.

SYNC AppLink will be available in 10 models (of Ford vehicles) beginning in 2012, including Ford Fusion, the Fusion Hybrid, Mustang, Shelby, Fiesta, F-150, and more.

Ford Motor Company and the leading car-sharing network Zipcar have just announced a partnership that establishes Ford as Zipcar’s largest auto source for Zipcar’s University program. The new, two-year alliance will reach students at over 250 university campuses here in the U.S.

Ford will start shipping its vehicles, primarily the 2012 Ford Focus and Ford Escape, to colleges starting this week.

Zipcar says that it will add 650 Ford vehicles this academic year and up to 1,000 during the life of the agreement. In addition, thanks to Ford, Zipcar will begin offering $10 off its $35 annual membership fee for the first 100,000 new University program members who sign up for Zipcar. It will also offer $1 off the hourly rate for the first 1 million hours of use on any of the Ford cars on select campuses, bringing it down to $7.50 per hour.

While the Ford Escape (an SUV), isn’t the most fuel-efficient car in Zipcar’s lineup, the Ford Focus, which gets 40 mpg (highway), is a better fit for students looking for a more environmentally friendly ride.

Scott Griffith, chairman and CEO, Zipcar, says the alliance will help Ford and Zipcar prepare the next generation of drivers for “the future of urban transportation.” And by that, he seems to mean the idea of renting a car instead of buying one.

“We’re targeting a generation that only knows how to buy music by the song so paying for a car by the hour is a natural for them…” Griffith says.

Ford, however, sees the move somewhat differently. For many of these young drivers, Zipcar is their first experience behind the wheel. And when they finally choose to leave the program to buy a car of their own, they will (hopefully) be considering a Ford, the auto maker believes. It’s also why one of the cars provided, the Focus, includes high-tech features like the MyFord Touch and SYNC systems – things that have appeal to the smartphone-toting, always-connected young adult market.

Zipcar’s University program has been in operation for 8 years. It has partnerships with universities such as Harvard University, Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, the University of Southern California, the University of California – Berkeley, Loyola Marymount University, Florida State University, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, George Washington University, and others.

The network has over 605,000 members in total and over 9,000 vehicles in the U.S, Canada and the U.K. College rentals account for around 10% of Zipcar’s business.

Ford Motor Company is teaming up with San Jose-based solar panel maker SunPower to offer a rooftop solar system option which will be sold alongside the upcoming Ford Focus EV. The “Drive Green for Life” program, as it’s being called, involves mounting solar panels on a customer’s home.

These panels wouldn’t be used just to charge the Focus itself, however. They actually help offset the cost that comes with having to charge the car, something which most electric car owners do every night.

The 2.5 kilowatt solar panel system would offset the cost of about 1,000 miles per month, says Ford. After federal tax credits, the cost of the system would be around $10,000. Some local and state rebates may also be available, but it’s still a fairly pricey system.

At least Ford and SunPower are targeting the appropriate demographic. The option should appeal to environmentalists who want to buy an electric car, but don’t want to  feel guilty about consuming all the extra electricity needed to charge it. After all, it’s not really that “green” to drive electric when you’re charging your car using fossil fuels.

The solar system itself consists of 147 square feet of rooftop panels. There are 11 panels, measuring 4 feet by 2 feet. Customers will be able to monitor the panels’ performance online and via a specially designed iPhone app. SunPower also provides a 25-year warranty for the system, which is installed at customers’ homes by Best Buy’s Geek Squad. Best Buy also has the contract with Ford to install the home chargers.

Pricing and an exact launch date for the new 2012 Ford Focus isn’t available yet, but the car will go on sale first in California and New York in Q4 2011. Ford also plans to launch 5 other electric or hybrid-electric models in 2012 in North America, and in Europe by 2013.

Yes, a Ford dealership is now open in the world of Playstation Home. The zero square foot facility will house electronic replicas of the Ford Edge and Ford Fiesta, two cars you are of course extremely unlikely to see on the street or at a real-life retailer. Strangely, despite there being almost literally infinite space available, only these two cars are available for examination.

Look around your Home area and I’m sure you’ll find your way there sooner or later. You can win a Ford t-shirt if you have skillz.

Today, Ford announced their partnership with AT&T to provide wireless service for the upcoming Ford Focus Electric. AT&T transmits vehicle data — much like Audi and T-Mobile — to Ford’s cloud service that owners can access via any Android, BlackBerry, or iOS smartphone or web browser.

The mobile app, MyFord Mobile, allows owners to remotely view and control the vehicle settings of the Focus Electric. Some of the big selling points for the system include planning daily driving routes for maximum efficiency, locating charging stations with MapQuest, and preconditioning the car’s interior temperature for your arrival.

Press Release

In order to squeeze out that last mile from a gallon of gas, Ford has come up with the SmartGauge with EcoGuide. It’s essentially a visual meter that lets drivers know when their foot is overly plumbum, coaching them to back off and slow acceleration. Ford was recently granted the two patents that makes their gauge unique from others.

The first patent, granted a few month ago, covers Ford’s unique EcoGuide and how it displays leaves and vines reacting to short-term driving style changes. The second patent, just awarded March 1st, covers the power threshold gauge which measures and displays power demand at any moment, again to help drivers keep the most efficient balance between gas and electric in both the Ford Fusion hybrid and Lincoln MKZ hybrid.

Our own Matt Burns shows the SmartGauge with EcoGuide

Press Release

To some, the Ford GT was probably one of the best cars ever built. But after 4,000 models and two model years, Ford quit building the iconic sports car. With all the momentum Ford has going these days, wouldn’t it be cool if they brought it back, again? There are rumors out there that say, yes, Ford will bring back the GT, but not as quite you’d remember it.

Reports from Auto Express claim that the next Ford GT will return as a hybrid. The overall proportions are to remain similar, along with the mid-engine powering the rear wheels. However, hybrid function comes in at the front wheels, where electric motors will be placed. According to the rumor, extra boost will be available at the touch of a button activating those electric motors. The report also begins to speculate on start/stop and the ability to run on purely electric for a short period of time.

Total power is estimated in the McLaren MP4-12C range of 600 hp. That power together with all-wheel drive and minimal weight, from an all-aluminum chassis and compostite body, makes for a less than 3 sec sprint to 60 with nearly a 430hp per ton power to weight ratio.

These are serious numbers people and it will be a serious car, if it ever comes out. Though with some of the unusual projects that Ford has been doing lately — Raptor  – it not too difficult to believe. Obviously, we’ll let you know more as soon as it develops.

[via Autoblog]

What’s the first thing you think when you hear the word “focus.” You might respond, “camera,” or “cheap car,” or “concentration,” but definitely not, “fun,” “technological,” or “practical.” This will likely change in a second because those are the words I’d use to tentatively describe this year’s Ford Focus, a small, sporty car for just about everybody.

More Americans are ditching their gas-guzzling SUVs and heading straight for the small car market. From a marketing standpoint, Ford’s approach to selling a small car to people is by offering all the features found in their larger vehicles, but in a smaller package. No longer do people have to feel ashamed for “cheaping out” and getting a Focus, instead, it’s simply a lifestyle choice. Why should the choice take out all the fun of owning a car?

I got a chance to drive the new 2012 Ford Focus last week in LA. Those in the area know the hills overtop the city feature some of the most entertaining roads in the country.

After getting out of the parking lot, I often open it up and get a feel for how hard the engine works—you gotta see what the thing is made of after all. After getting on the gas you notice something very apparent about the Focus: it’s dead quiet. Sure there’s a welcome rumble from the 160 hp 2-liter four banger, and a smooth sensation of speed; but we couldn’t believe how amicable the noise levels were, even with windows down on the PCH. Somewhere down the road, we turned off the PCH and into more “suitable” driving conditions. This is where we learn the word fun.

Fun, Fun, Fun ‘til her daddy takes the T-bird away

Driving canyon roads isn’t exactly the best way to learn a new car. It’s best to know a few of its limits before making sharp turns around high cliffs sans guardrail. One of those heart-sinking quick left-right “S” curves, similar to the corkscrew at Laguna Seca, was calm and collected with only a small amount of body roll. Hard turns are tight and firm and the tires gasped very lightly. Engineers claim that in those situations, the Focus’ uses new software to aid the driver in keeping grip and direction. The new software creates a virtual torque vectoring and is Ford’s way of keeping traction at the front wheels in excessively thrilling turns. Essentially placing brake torque on the inside wheel when it slips so that engine torque goes to the gripping wheel. For just a software program, it seemed to work quite well.

Another feature that keeps the adrenaline levels high is the dual-clutch transmission. Dual clutches are neat because the offer really fast shift times and better fuel economy than a manual. In sport mode, the transmission kept to the lower gear, as one would do in a manual, allowing max power to be within close reach. It worked perfectly in the hills. One disconcerting issue with the sported hills driving were the brakes. While we actually had no issue stopping, the pedal was just a bit mushy. The electronically assisted steering (EAS) was also a touch light for our tastes, but we can imagine people will like how effortless it is.

MyFord Touch is the focal point

MyFord Touch is making its way into more of the Ford lineup with the addition of the Focus. But, gone are the wings around the gauges. Instead there is a single display in the cluster with analog gauges on either side and you still get the steering wheel control. Other than that the system is identical to those in the Edge and Explorer. Thanks to free updates, the system seems to be moving more swift these days, but we’re still longing for more. And, even though the voice command recognizes over 10,000 commands, we found it hard to figure out any one of them. Though it is claimed that saying words like, “Warmer,” will actually raise the climate. And saying, “Play artist, The King,” will play Elvis from an iPhone or MP3 player. Connection your mobile device is over Bluetooth or USB, and is still simple to setup. Make sure to get the 10-speaker Sony system, it sounds surprising; great bass, loudness and even treble. The loudness was really tight, with no rattling of plastics or other embarrassing sounds. Easily besting most, if not all, Bose sound systems.

One unexpected feature with MyFord is in-car Wifi. By plugging in a USB modem into one of the two USB ports, a Wifi hotspot is created in the car with support for up to five devices. While it might seem gimmicky, we can a strong case for it, certainly useful for a road trip with 5 buddies and one modem. Radio sources are HD Radio with iTunes tagging, two USBs, Bluetooth audio, SD Card (if not using the slot for navigation), six months of Sirius satellite and AM/FM. Navigation is very good for the class, if not overall vehicles. Colored roads on the map show traffic conditions from Sirius in the same way you’d see it on Google maps. One thing about the navigation we disliked were all the notifications before a turn—there must have been at least four. If you choose to go without MyFord Touch, you still get SYNC, a pretty capable telematics system with turn-by-turn directions, weather, traffic, stocks and so on.

Opt for the Parking Technology package and the Focus comes with a rear view camera and Ford’s Active Park Assist. The system basically finds a parking spot and does all the steering work to Parallel Park. You’re just required to gas and brake. It’s a pretty cool feature and it parks in under 24 seconds. The EAS that is becoming standard in more cars makes it a relatively cheap and easy option for carmakers. Again, this is all software. Not what you’d expect from a Focus.

Practical makes perfect

A car’s basic function is traveling from point A to point B. So why do people choose one over the other? That comes down to practicality and we think the Focus is a very practical car. It has the right recipe to be a very high selling car.

Inside, you get an interior with the perfect blend of sport and luxury exponentially better than previous Foci. In fact, the interior is best in class. Every surface and button seems well thought out, from the haptic feedback of hard buttons to the smooth dashboard and color-changing LED ambient light. But, there were a few dead buttons in the headliner, and nothing makes you feel worse about a base model like dead buttons. Other than that, whoever made the interior was most likely very particular.

Interior room is very good, more so for the front. Rear legroom isn’t the greatest, but it’s pretty good for the class—though you won’t see me offering to sit in the back for lang hauls. Headroom is fantastic in the front; the cabin feels airy and spacious and we were never cramped. We liked the hatchback because it offered more cargo room. Unlike the sedan, the hatchback makes use of the space above the trunk.

Not only can you move a small apartment in the Focus, but also efficiently. Ford claims that fuel economy is 40 mpg, but it seems that would be hard to reach—we got only 25 mpg on the 60-mile course around LA. We can only assume what more sane conditions would bring.

While fuel economy and cargo room do add points for practicality, it still doesn’t make the car. Ford knows this; they have to sell them after all. We’re going to go on record and say that the Focus is easily the best looking car in its class. The style is unmistakably European. The feel is also. From the great interior materials to the way it handles, it’s like no other Ford in the US. Functionality, technology, practicality and a fun-to-drive attitude make this a very appealing car. There is no doubt it speaks for itself and will sell very well. In fact, I want one.

Specs:

Base Price: $16,995–$23,490
Engine: Direct injection, 2.0-liter inline-4
Power: 160 hp and 146 lb-ft torque
0-60: 7.8–8.9 sec
Observed MPG:  25 mpg

It seems not everyone is able to use the new MyFord Touch system. MyFord Touch is Ford’s new interface, displayed over three screens, that is the next generation of SYNC. While many young people, familiar with tech since birth, find the system generally easy to use, many of the older customers aren’t as tech savvy and have been having difficulty using MyFord. Therefore, Ford dealers are taking it up on their own to train their customers.

This comes at a time when Consumer Reports said the new system was slow and complicated, so they reneged on their recommended rating for the Ford Edge. While our opinion of the system was initially mixed, mainly for the lack of speed in the interface, we found that after a few days getting used to the system, it was quite nice. It’s important that Ford figures out a way to solve the latency issue and perhaps streamline the interface a bit — luckily the system is updatable and from what we hear plans are in the works to improve the issues. Ford plans to have the system on 80% of its vehicles by 2015.

Many of the Ford dealers are hiring dedicated technology specialists to answer questions about the system for customers, and have setup a minimum of 45 minutes to explain the new system.

With all the new technology coming out, should manufacturers pay for technology specialist positions? Would it help speed up the process and get more tech into cars?

The TracKey for the Mustang Boss 302, which should be available through your dealer at some point, is a red key that, when you put it into the ignition, accesses all the computer-controlled aspects of the car and re-tunes them for a race environment. Launch control, brake balance, fuel mixture, everything. It can’t turn you into a racing driver, though, so watch yourself.

I just love this, and I’m not even a car guy. The fact that so much of every vehicle is computer-controlled has never really bothered me, but I’ve always wondered why we didn’t get more customization options. Imagine if you had a few keys like this, each loaded up with specific settings. One for your track days, one for going to the store, and one for when junior wants to take it for a spin. He gets a hundred less horsepower and second-gear launches.

It’s not clear how much the TracKey will cost and when it’ll be available, but I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully this kind of thing will be available for more cars as the engine control unit gets more and more standardized.

I drove the Sport model of the redesigned 2011 Ford Edge for just about a full week. My initial impressions were slightly tainted from a previous stint in the vehicle, so I kind of knew up front that I would enjoy the ride but hate the brand new MyFord Touch in-vehicle infotainment system. Gradually though, the gigantic advantages of the MyFord Touch system overshadowed the laggy response and cluttered design.

Sporty indeed

Consumers generally like crossovers because how they feel. The Edge Sport should not be any different. Even though you’re up high like in an SUV, it still drives and rides like a solid car. There’s no swaying from side to side and the Edge can tackle sharp corners just like a full-size sedan without feeling like you’re going to roll. It’s perhaps the best crossover I’ve ever driven.

The 2011 Edge is loaded with tech and while I previously stated that I would buy it just for the MyFord Touch system, the vehicle’s driving characteristic will more than satisfy those not interested in navigation, syncing their phone over Bluetooth, or customizing their instrument cluster.

The 3.7L Duratech engine found in the Sport model provides more than enough juice to propel the Edge forward in a manner that will bring a smile to your face. It’s not a sports car, but it does try to be one. It’s heavy and while it handles just fine on corners, it’s also obvious that this is no Mustang.

However, it’s hard not to have fun in the Edge Sport. The seats grip you as tight as the rubber wrapping the 22-inch wheels hold on to the pavement. The large center analog speedo screams at you to find the speed limiter. And then you hit the gas and the six-speed transmission dances up and down between gears ever so gracefully. It’s at this point that you forget you’re in an wannabe SUV and enjoy the ride.

Hello, technology

The Edge Sport makes quite a statement with the large grill and aggressive wheels but it’s the interior that people will remember. It’s as if the Ford designers transposed both the good and bad from today’s consumer electronics. There are three LCD screens, smooth to the touch inductive button pads, and super-glossy plastic everywhere.

It’s a bit overwhelming at first and maybe even a safety hazard. In-vehicle buttons should be something you can operate without looking. Drivers should be able to quickly adjust the climate and radio without taking their eyes off the road. The flush-mounted inductive-type buttons make that impossible in the Edge Sport.

Even a little tiny nub in the middle of the flush-mounted buttons would make all the difference in the world. That’s how the Volt does it. There would still be an unnecessary learning curve, but over time, the driver would learn where each button was located and the little nub would confirm they’re on the right function.

Thankfully there are secondary controls for nearly everything built-into the gauge cluster. This is where the MyFord Touch really shines.

Flanking both sides of the large analog speedometer are two LCD screens. The right one controls everything that’s also found in the center-mounted infotainment screen — media, climate, phone — while the left screen relates more to the vehicle’s status. Both screens have independent 4-way navigational pads on the steering wheel, making controlling them hassle-free.

Both sides are chocked full of options, leaving the driver with endless screens and looks. It’s wonderful. Eventually this will work its way down-market and hit more and more vehicles — as it should. There’s no reason why people shouldn’t be able to customize their car how they want and LCDs are perfect for the job.

The other side of the MyFord Touch isn’t as rosy. It’s a bit rough around the edges, actually. The system is also tasked with the main infotainment in the middle of the dash and that’s a problem.

While the system is robust and full of functions, it just doesn’t work well. There’s a lot of lag. It takes a good second or two before the requested action is performed — even when selecting radio stations. The lag can be a bit frustrating at first, but over time, you just learn to slow down a bit.

If it wasn’t for the lag, MyFord Touch would easily be the best in-vehicle system at this price point. It’s that good. But even with the lag, it’s still great partly because of the amount of features.

Deserves a look

http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649

The Edge nails two of the most important aspects of a passenger vehicle. It drives great and provides the occupants with industry leading technology. There’s really nothing else out there that even compares. The Range Rover Supercharged we drove a few weeks back had very similar systems with a full LCD as the gauge cluster and the same size LCD infotainment screen. But the systems used lack any the sheer depth and functions found on the 2011 Edge Sport.

The Edge might not be for everyone because of it’s bulk, but wagon and SUV shoppers need to include it on their test drive list.

Drive Stats

• Total milage: 912.2 miles
• 19.5 MPG
• 22:21 behind the wheel
• 3.7L TiVCT V6 Engine
• 6-Speed Automatic Transmission with paddle shifters
• MyFord Touch
• Sirius Satellite Radio
• Rear View Camera
• Price as tested: $38,845

2011 Ford Edge Sport

It’s very apparent within seconds of sitting in the 2011 Ford Edge Sport that it’s different. It feels like the future. There are two LCD screens flanking a lovely analog speedometer, flush mounted inductive-type controls on the center stack and of course, a large infotainment screen. It’s like a car from the future! (It’s not)

Inside is the latest generation of Ford’s in-vehicle system. Dubbed MyFord Touch, it’s reach and capabilities are unlike nearly anything else in the same price range. But this system isn’t just stuck in the center stack, tasked with the job of controlling the climate and radio. The MyFord Touch is also in the dash cluster in the form of two LCD screens. This is where it gets interesting and validates its place in Ford’s future.

The center-placed 8-inch infotainment screen is just about what you’d expect with controls for media, climate, and connected phone. It’s pretty standard stuff. However, the Interface is laggy — really laggy. There’s a good second or two between pressing the button till the action is preformed. It effects even silly things like changing the radio station.

Ford says that the hardware behind the interface should be powerful enough and instead blames the lag on the software, which is part of the Microsoft Auto 4.0 software platform. Honestly, though, it doesn’t matter. The lag is unbearable at first, but overtime you kind of get used to it — I can only assume in the same sort of way people live with herpes.

The system’s saving grace is that it’s actually a very robust control panel. There’s a lot of stuff in there. It supports everything from streaming audio over Bluetooth, local file playback from a USB drive or SD card, and text messages can even be read aloud. The entire vehicle can even be turned into a hotspot off of your Bluetooth connected phone’s data connection.

However, the interface is a bit overwhelming. There’s quite a bit much happening on each screen. I’d venture to say it’s not for everyone. Smartphone users will be fine. It’s those folks that can’t handle anything more than a RAZR that should probably not opt for the $1000 option.

The best part of the entire vehicle isn’t the 8-inch screen. Nope, it’s the two LCD screens on either side of the large speedo. The one on the right relates to media info, climate control, and connected phone options. The left side however relates to the vehicle itself and is totally configurable. It can display live fuel economy, AWD status, a tach with a thermometer – nearly anything a driver would want.

Both screens are controlled via their own directional pad on the steering wheel. It’s a simple and easy control scheme that’s really not that distracting. Unlike the center 8-inch screen, there’s zero lag with this system as it should be. These two screens are a lot like what we expected the 2010 Range Rover Supercharged to be like. That truck offered a full LCD for the gauge cluster, however, it isn’t utilized. There is so much more info and options with the MyFord Touch system. Strange seeing how there’s a $60k price gap between the two.

I love the system in the 2011 Ford Edge Sport. The capabilities far outweigh the laggy interface. However, I can see people finding the systems too much or never utilize them at all. That’s fine, the systems don’t come standard anyway. But Ford together with Microsoft are clearly taking in-vehicle systems into the computer age. Finally.

More to come later in the week.

2011 Ford Edge Sport

On Monday afternoon, the Dearborn, Michigan based company announced that it will invest another $850 million into the development of more fuel efficient cars and technology.

That cash, which is earmarked for 2011 to 2013, is still contingent on whether the Michigan Economic Development Council approves a robust package of incentives (due for consideration later this week). According to reports— if the package gets the greenlight— Ford will benefit from roughly $400 million in state incentives.

Upon passage, Ford plans to create as many as 1,200 jobs across the state concentrating that growth in several key plants, including Van Dyke Transmission, Livonia Transmission, Sterling Axle and its Dearborn Truck Plant.

Overall, the goal is to renovate facilities, beef up the workforce and invest in technology that will lead to the production of more fuel efficient cars. In its statement, the automaker says a significant portion of this investment will go towards the production of six-speed transmissions, with the hope that in three years Ford’s entire fleet will feature the new technology.

The company has been trying to make the six-speed transmission more standard, recently making it available in its entire line of full-size pickup trucks. While many cars on the road feature four-speed automatic transmissions, the six-speed is superior when it comes to fuel economy because the extra overdrive gears keeps the engine speed low.

For those keeping score, the $850 million investment is in addition to the $950 million Ford has already committed for the overhaul of its Wayne, Michigan Assembly Plant, which will be tasked with churning out many of the company’s electric and hybrid models in 2012.

Although Ford’s road to recovery has been far from easy (and there’s still a way to go with consumer remaining fragile), it’s fared better than its domestic peers. Just last week, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu singled out Ford for recently passing Toyota’s rating in initial owner defects and its growing traction among consumers (citing a NYTimes article).

The automaker, which reports on Tuesday, is expected to showcase encouraging numbers with analysts looking for record (yes, record) third quarter profits of $1.37 billion (versus $997 million for the year ago period). Another quarter in the black will mean a string of six profitable quarters for Ford.

He has quite a few talking points, too. There’s the Ford Sync system that among other things, now supports smartphone apps. Then there’s the forward-thinking MyFord Touch system that debuted at last year’s show but is now making its way into production vehicles.

There should be no doubt in your mind that the auto industry is has shifted gears. No longer are vehicles just a series of mechanical workings. No, the electronic creature comforts are now just as important as the powertrain. Cars these days don’t sell unless they have a whole array of gadgets. Expect more vehicle demos than ever at CES 2011 as the auto makers showcase their latest advancements.

When batteries get really cold, they can’t hold a charge, as BMW noticed with its Mini E fleet. On the other hand, if they get too hot, cracks can develop from the swelling material and cause electrodes to fail. And of course, until you get a few thousand of your vehicle out to consumers, it’s going to be hard to get the kind of large-scale testing that’s needed.

Anyway, Ford has decided to take the safe (but more expensive) route of using a liquid temperature management system in which a circulating fluid can be heated or cooled in order to keep the batteries at optimum temperature.

Maybe this will be something hashed out in the first generation of popular electric cars, or maybe it’ll just be one of those things you see on some models but not others.

We tested both the 22-inch rolling Edge Sport and the $10K cheaper Edge SEL. This vehicle is the first from Ford to include the new MyFord Touch system – a fully interactive suite of tools for your driving experience – and it was an experience. Remember when you were younger and imagined cars that drove themselves, listened and talked to you and offered beautiful displays to showcase information, that’s MyFord Touch – sans auto-drive, for now.

Touch is in

MyFord Touch is split into four corners: phone, entertainment, navigation and climate. Each has a consistent corresponding color used throughout the system. With the quick press of any corner the driver becomes fully engaged with the vehicle’s controls – both on the 8-inch main touch screen and the smaller dual 4.2-inch instrument cluster screens. In order to make sure drivers keep their eyes on the road, Ford placed these smaller screens in the cluster for fast and easy reading or option changes.

Get in the vehicle, keep both key fob and smartphone in your pocket – assuming you have the higher-end model – and you’ll unite with the vehicle wirelessly. Turn on the Edge with a press of a button and begin making calls through any paired Bluetooth phone with the sound of your voice. There are a few downsides to the system: for instance, the heated-seats settings is buried 2 steps under the menu. Why? In addition, the system needs to be a bit faster in overall operation, but we’ve heard that the initial UI was built in Flash and that engineers are working to improve the software – we’re told the hardware is very robust.

For a first-generation product, MyFord Touch is executed quite well. There’s more than enough technology on this rig to scare even some techies, but Ford made sure to hit the User Experience books to assure that the system would remain safe. Standard input for audio and data comes from two USB inputs, an SD card reader, aux-in jack, RCA for video and Bluetooth.

My smartphone of choice is the iPhone 4 connected via Bluetooth. I was very impressed with the performance of both the audio and speed of phone operation. The audio over Bluetooth completely blew my mind. On the road, there was no noticeable difference in quality compared to USB. We were told that future additions should include menu navigation of playlists over Bluetooth. There are two audio system options; both are very good, but opting for the Sony means 390-watts of power from 12 speakers. Sound was what you would expect from a premium system and loudness is on the verge of threshold deafness.

Ford has made the system very easy to update: it’s as simple as downloading the latest firmware from SyncMyRide.com to a flash drive and then plugging it in – updates over smartphone would be convenient, but again that’s something to come.

Navigation comes standard as SYNC TDI (Traffic, Directions and Information) free for three years. This isn’t full map-based navigation, that’ll cost another $799; it’s loaded onto an encrypted SD card equipped with TeleNav Maps and full 3D landscape renderings. The basic TDI is still pretty cool – the turn-by-turn directions can be called up by configuring a route on Google Maps at home or by directly telling SYNC your destination. The directions are then sent via data-over-voice to the SYNC unit and the download is completed in under a minute. This isn’t ideal for big cities, though, as there are number of issues can come up when using this method. Go for the full navigation.

Other options in the Touch system include selecting ambient lighting, personalizing the home screen wallpaper, and more. Clearly, Ford went all out with MyFord Touch – it really does come off as a system that’s had care lavished on it.

Edge of your seat

The new Edge is great to drive.  It shined well in the water-slicked apexes in the Tennessee mountains, though at times displayed its heft – especially in the AWD Sport. Contrary to many of the other journos, I preferred to drive the less-expensive model; with nearly 10% less weight it felt a lot more comfortable in the turns. During the drive, it was easy to switch to a more exhilarating soundtrack, when necessary, without taking my eyes off the road.

Power was great in both engines, the Sport has 20 more horsepower, but it was barely noticeable other than the throatier 7000 rpm redline – after all, the Sport model is heavier. In order to let Ford put 22-inch forged aluminum wheels on a vehicle that sees harsh winter-torn roads like those in Ann Arbor, engineers put in high-flow shocks, ensuring the ride isn’t too rough while understeer was kept to a minimal. The six-speed automatic transmission seemed a bit undercooked, as it often found the right gear at the wrong time, which is solved only by the manual mode. Let’s hope a little fiddling fixes that up. The brakes, however, felt firm and confident and fade was minimal.

The 2011 offers a significantly quieter interior. The inside is commodious and can easily accommodate a family during a cross-country road trip, all while keeping everyone occupied. With the available onboard WiFi, Ford is on the border of upscaling its CUV to luxury class – its extensive options list even offers adaptive cruise control. Ford’s designers kept all the futuristic design themes from the exterior, inside. Soft-touch materials on the dash mark a departure from the dinky cheap feeling Fords of models earlier.

Verge of science, technology and the arts

The Ford Edge and Sport are both new models that are being called “refreshed” for 2011. Ford’s main mission with the Edge was to make it stand out in the cross-over crowd, and it does so especially with the Sport. Base prices starting at $27,220 for SE and $36,995 for Sport keeps things modest. Fuel returns are 19/27 mpg and 18/25 mpg for the 3.5-liter and 3.7-liter respectively.

The new Edge will help add yet another key component to Ford’s strategy; being first to integrate and unite our daily lives with our daily driver. Witness transformation of technology and vehicle en masse. Henry Ford’s vision of bringing bourgeoisie to the proletariat has truly lived on.

Ford just pulled the sheet off the brand new 2011 Ford Explorer. It’s a bit different than we’re used to. Traditionally next-gen SUVs are bigger and badder than the previous generation. While the 2011 Ford Explorer is slightly longer than its predecessors are, the engines are smaller, the ride height is lower, and the overall off-roading capabilities are dramatically reduced. Jalopnik Editor-in-Chief even goes as far as stating that it’s not an SUV at all. But I don’t think Ford would argue.

Ford is attempting to reinvent the SUV for the 21st century or some nonsense like that. But what they’ve created is more crossover than SUV. Where do I start?

The new Explorer is built around the same front-wheel drive unibody platform currently employed by the Taurus and Flex. It’s rigid frame now supports all the underpinnings as well as the exterior sheetmetal. Saving weight (and lower manufacturing costs) is the reason. But because this SUV is based on a passenger car’s platform, that means there’s going to be some compromises.

The traditional V8 engine is no longer an option. This marks the first time since the first 1991-1994 generation when a big American V8 engine wasn’t available. Chances are that it won’t be available in future builds either. This platform simple wasn’t designed to support it. Instead, the 2011 Ford Explorer has two engine options: a 3.5-liter T-VCT V6 or a 2.0L I-4 EcoBoost. Need to tow your boat? The 290HP V6 (front-wheel drive or 4WD) is the best option with a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. The 2.0L turbo I-4 is only capable of pulling 2,000. Both are paired to a six-speed auto gearbox.

Doesn’t sound like an SUV, right? Well, maybe Ford is onto something. We can all agree that the most off-roading many SUV drivers ever do is when they hit the flowerbed at the mall. Therefore they probably don’t need rear-wheel drive as front-wheel drive often handles poor road conditions better. Moreover, a lot of SUV owners probably do not need to be able to tow a front-end loader. There are plenty of other vehicles to choose from if they do.

No, most SUV owners have always needed an SUV-like crossover and thats what Ford created. The Explorer is truly more crossover-ish than anything else and that might strike home with a lot of buyers as they are looking to downgrade from their lumbering V8 sport utility vehicle. Ford’s worked in a bunch of fancy-pants features like an easy-selecting rear diff and Descent Control for safer downhill trips. But those are simply there for justification. This new Ford Explorer won’t be remembered for its off-roading chops, but rather for its fuel economy (unreleased), build quality, and safety. Perhaps that’s what the world needs anyway. More info here.

Toyota settled a longstanding patent dispute today with Paice LLC, a firm that first sued the Japanese automakers back in 2004.

The technology disputed had to do with supplying torque from both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine to a car’s wheels, according to earlier reports by Bloomberg BusinessWeek and confirmed by a Paice spokesperson today.

Paice had gone as far as asking the U.S. International Trade Comission to force Toyota to halt export of its hybrid vehicles to the U.S., where its Prius is the top-selling hybrid.

Now, Toyota will pay Paice under a licensing agreement (for which terms have not been disclosed) for patented technology which is included in the following current models and others: Prius 3, the hybrid Camry, RX-450 and the HS-250h.

Paice calls itself a “startup technology development” firm. Because it doesn’t manufacture the technology it tests, patents and promotes, many have accused Paice of being “patent trolls.”

Toyota’s settlement with Paice followed another settlement by American automakers, Ford whose Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrid vehicles, Paice alleged, had infringed on its patents.

[Image via Paul Garland]

The Focus Electric will be a full battery electric passenger car made at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant, which used to mainly produce large SUVs. The Focus Electric is expected to travel up to 100 miles with zero tailpipe emissions. Ford said it plans to have five electric car models on the roads by 2012.

Compact Power also makes batteries for General Motors‘ Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, due out later this year.