Ford SYNCing with the future

By: Drivers.com staff
Date: 2009-06-16

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America's big three car companies have received what euphemistically might be described as a severe shakeup, but old habits die hard.

Ford's new "EcoBoost" engine uses advanced fuel injection technology, turbocharging and computer-aided design to give its motors what it claims will be 20% better fuel economy and 15% reduction in CO2 emmisions. However, reports say one of its new models will be a 3.5L EcoBoost-powered V6 Mustang capable of ramming out as much as 415 hp, about as much as its current 4.6 liter 8-cylinder model. What that will do for Mustang drivers in modern speed-monitored traffic is a matter for conjecture.

But then us car purchasers don’t seen to be very practical people, at least not in the minds of Ford’s advertisers. Ads for its Lincoln series focus on the vehicles space travel capabilities! Check out their flashy, interesting and somewhat pretentious web site. It may become fodder for late-night talk show joke writers but it is kinda fun if you have time to spare.

Ford is much more practical with its approach to automotive telematics. The SYNC voice-activated phone and music system now becoming standard on almost all Ford vehicles is definitely the way to go. Some cars have wirelessly monitored sensors to check the vehicles systems and also dial emergency services if something goes badly wrong.

The newest SYNC innovation is even more on track for the future of driving – as of May this year, owners of SYNC-equipped Fords were able to download updates to their software that enable reception of traffic information and location-based information about weather, sports, businesses, stock markets, etc. This will become standard on many Ford models for 2010.

However, Sync doesn’t come with a screen, and that could, as most navigation system owners will testify, be a major disadvantage. It’s nice to be able to talk to your car about all of your onboard needs for music, telephone and even internet connections, but you have to be able to trust it, and technologically, we don’t seen to be there yet.

If there isn’t a screen you will need to take a paper map along so you always know where you are.

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