by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Jul 26th 2010 at 11:57AM
For part two of our in-depth look at the 2011 Ford Explorer, we’ll take a look at its new powertrains and improvements in fuel efficiency, as well as how well it can still tow a trailer. But first let’s see what kind of techno-goodies Ford has applied to this new SUV.
Technology
This being 2010, technology has to play a big part in any major new vehicle introduction. On the inside, the Explorer joins the new Edge, Focus and Lincoln MKX in adopting the MyFord Touch interface. We first saw this new touch sensitive interface when the MKX and Focus were unveiled at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January. Much like modern smartphones, the center stack has a smooth surface with capacitive touch buttons to manage the audio and climate controls. Continue reading after the jump or check out part one of our introduction to the 2011 Ford Explorer first.
The MyFord Touch system will be standard on up-level XLT and Limited Explorers. The base Explorer comes equipped with a non-touch version dubbed simply MyFord. The non-touch version has an instrument cluster with a single 4.3-inch LCD display alongside the analog speedometer and a second non-touch 4.3-inch display in the center stack. Buyers can then add Sync along with that popular technology’s newly improved voice recognition capabilities.
MyFord Touch upgrades the instrument cluster to the same dual 4.3-inch display system that debuted last year in the Fusion Hybrid as SmartGauge. The center stack display is also replaced by an eight-inch touch screen. MyFord Touch also adds several data inputs including two USB ports and an SD flash card slot. With most phones and other portable electronics now able to charge via USB, having two ports will allow charging of a phone and the use of an iPod at the same time.
One of the big complaints about manufacturer integrated satellite navigation systems has been their high cost, typically around $2,000. Because Sync now includes an integrated GPS receiver and MyFord Touch has the display, Explorer (and Edge and MKX) drivers will be able to add map-based navigation for just $795. The map data will actually be supplied on an SD card to be inserted in the supplied slot. Of course, if you are starting from the base Explorer and you add the $1,000 MyFord Touch option plus $795 for the map data on the flash card, you’re back to nearly that originally two grand price tag.
Continue reading ’2011 Ford Explorer puts four-cylinder EcoBoost engine above V6 in pecking order’
Yellow car taxi with elegant design technology that will be new era of city transportation in the world! The 2011 Ford Transit Connect Taxi will go into production and arrive in dealerships in 2010 as a 2011 model, adding to Ford Motor Company’s leadership in the North American taxi market. We will make some detail review and price list including interior and exterior pictures gallery that can make you interesting to this new taxi car design concept. Creating the announcement at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, Ford car maker also said it will launch engine prep packages on all 2011 Ford Transit Connect models – base and taxi – allowing conversion to efficient, clean-burning CNG (compressed natural gas) otherwise propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas). The 2011 Ford Transit Connect Taxi, combined with an powerful engine modified by Ford to use CNG/LPG, is intended to meet that need. To further serve taxi operators, Ford will give required calibration specifications for the CNG or LPG conversion.
The 2011 Ford Transit Connect Taxi gives an excellent interior design package for people and cargo. Ford car Manufacturer Company is collaborating with Creative Mobile Technologies, LLC (CMT), to integrate premier payment processing and passenger information technologies in the Ford Transit Connect Taxi. Evidence of how this technology could work in the future is included in the Ford Transit Connect Taxi. The green taxi is not new at Ford car model concept that has been a leader in the taxi business for decades. Built on a dedicated commercial automotive platform and tested to Ford tough truck standards, the 2011 Ford Transit Connect Taxi – including gasoline-powered versions and those modified to operate on CNG/LPG – is planned to meet the extreme demands of taxi service.
