Auto Trends

I said, “Yes, I’m driving….”, originally uploaded by Alida’s Photos

There are two ways to look at some of the new interior lighting effects and instrument cluster displays coming out on the newest models of vehicles. On the one hand, all the new interior lighting being introduced in today’s cars grab the attention of the younger generation. They like to stand out from the crowd, and having a blue glowing floorboard, door handles, drink holders, and gear shift is something out of the ordinary, something cool… something hip!

On the other hand, manufacturers are also realizing that the baby boomers are getting older. Most of them are still young enough to drive, but yet old enough to have the money to spent on some of these upgraded interiors. The new flashy interiors actually have another functions beyond looking cool… they can help people see and identify key operational areas of the vehicle better. Areas such as the speedometer, door handle, gas pedal, drink holders, etc.

While you may not have thought about it, these new interior lighting schemes and displays have a multiple purpose in mind. They look cool, yes, but they also help boost safety levels of older drivers, help them feel younger, while also offering a new way for manufacturers to allow their newest models to stand out.

Imagine taking a late night test drive and realizing the fact that you are no longer able to see quite as well as you used to. You can’t read the radio, you have to squint to see the speedometer, and when it is time to exit the vehicle, you have to feel around just to find the door handle. Probably wouldn’t be high on your list of vehicles you’d like to own.

While you might be young now, one day you may discover the difficulties in driving when your senses and motor skills are compromised by age.  In order to keep us driving well into our 70’s, 80’s, or even 90’s, the whole process of driving needs to become simpler. Something in which may be more easily overcome by technology than all the vitamin shots in the world.

Currently, we are in the process of developing a number of technological driving aids besides better lighting and instrument cluster readouts. One such driving aid we are currently working on is a computerized control module that will aid drivers by either audible warning, or applying the brakes automatically when it senses an emergency maneuver taking place. This is something that could greatly help in compensating for slower reaction times.

Technology will also one day offer heads up visual displays on the windshield. These will offer easy to understand visuals and audibles, cautioning the driver of any danger that lay ahead. Such displays may even be able to highlight objects on the windshield using multi-colored graphics, making it easier for the driver to see, especially at night.

These are just a few of the ways that technology is helping us grow old, more gracefully!

Source: Freep.com

ford-f-150-svt-raptor-r-by-svt-and-ford-racing_25, originally uploaded by kevinyangy

Back in November we caught a glimpse of the 2010 Ford SVT Raptor, which was more than enough to leave us salivating. But with the collapse of the auto industry, we couldn’t be sure exactly what would be the future of this beast. Well, if you like your trucks fast, gas guzzling, and powerful, this high performance version of the Ford F-150 will be sure to please, and Ford has at long last released its price list for all its goodies…

Engine Packages
The upgrade package begins at a base price of $38,995, featuring a moderate 5.4 liter Triton V-8 (3-valve), offering 320 horsepower, and an even more impressive 390 lb-ft of torque. While the more performance oriented 6.2 liter will be the Raptor’s star player under the hood, the Triton has received some nice upgrades, such as the new open valve fuel injection strategy which will give the new small block a little extra grunt during high rpm operation.

The 6.2 liter, V-8 “Boss” engine will be the ultimate upgrade for the Raptor, featuring a staunch 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The Boss Package will go for the upgraded price of $41,995. Whichever engine you choose, you can be sure that it was designed by SVT to handle some of the most intense off road paths you can throw at it.

Both engines were put to the similar rigors as the Baja 1000 during their final tuning process. The SVT headquarters were transferred over to a 62 mile course in Borrego Springs, California to aid in these simulations. The end process was a lean and mean truck capable of handling the extremes of nature, as well as the bumper to bumper grind on the open highway.

Suspension and Interior Upgrades
A high performance truck takes a lot more than just a big engine to get through some difficult terrain, so SVT did not forget to upgrade the suspension and tires with an ultra wide stance, internal pass dampeners (designed by Fox Racing Shox), and a set of 35-inch BF Goodrich All Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tires.

For those less into the raw organics of a offroad vehicle and more into technological advancement, will enjoy its electronic locking differential, extreme “off-road” mode, and auxiliary switch board. To aid in towing, the Raptor also will be fitted with Trailer Sway Control, Hill Decent Control, and an integrated trailer brake control.

A handful of visual upgrades can be added to the Raptor package, such as some nifty exterior graphics for $1,075. On the interior front, a slick pair of 10-way adjustable leather seats will cost you a hefty chunk of change ($1,995). To add a little off road sports appeal, SVT offers orange mesh trim and matching orange seat inserts for the nominal charge of $395.

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor may not be for everybody, but if you like your trucks rough and rowdy, these may be one of the last of their kind… that is if those Treehuggers have anything to say about it!

2009 Ford Focus RS, originally uploaded by mrZEE32

We haven’t seen the likes of a Ford Focus hatchback in quite a few years. Disappointingly, the newer Focus models have lost some of the sporty pizazz they once had. There has been no SVT Focus or Roush models set loose to help put some zip back into its name. But wait, there does happen to be a rather beastly version of the Focus out there. Problem is… it is out there, and not here in the US where we could get our mitts on it. So why would I speak so highly of an economy class vehicle, such as the Ford Focus? Well, let me lay it down for you like this…

It is called the 2009 Ford Focus RS (Rallye Sport), it is built in Germany, and it makes the Mazdaspeed 3 and Volkswagen GTI look like crackerjack toys. Now, before we go any further, you should know that this is no pipe dream to imagine the RS actually coming to American soil. Ford is actually seriously considering bringing it into their lineup in the next two to three years. So what makes the RS so special?

To begin with, the RS has been German engineered to feature a revised suspension which eliminates nearly all traces of torque steer, quite common in front wheel drive performance vehicles. The engine itself is a rather elegant 2.5 liter, 20-valve, inline 5-cylinder pumped up with an intercooled K16 turbocharger. This engine combo is able to achieve around 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft or torque. The power is then put to the ground through a strengthened 6-speed manual transmission (your only option).

From a standing start, the Focus RS is able to pull itself to 60 mph in a respectable 5.4 seconds, launch itself through the quarter mile in 13.8 seconds, and hit a top speed of around 163 mph. With all this newly induced performance you can’t quite expect the RS to follow up with a 35 mpg rating. No, the 2.5 liter turbo can only muster around 18 City and 23 highway. Not exactly what would be called economical, but the Ford Focus RS is anything but a designated daily driver.

The 223 horsepower Focus ST would be much more suited for daily trips to and from work, considering its got somewhere between 2 and 3 extra mpg to offer, but to be honest, the Ford RS is no less smooth in low speed maneuvering as any other base model Focus hatchback. While you might expect to pay offer $30 grand for such a performance mock-up, it is believed that the U.S. version would cost no more than around $28,000 for the consumer. That is about $6,000 less than the models being offered in Europe at the moment.

Looks great, peels out straight, but whether or not the U.S. is in its fate… we can only debate!