2017 Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion sedan has been around a few years now and it has been an instant hit.  The thing that continues to impress me about Ford is they don’t rest when a vehicle is popular, they continue make it better.

Semi-autonomous features, which can take over for a driver in more limited ways and have been available for years in some luxury cars, are making their way into mainstream vehicles. Some midrange cars will automatically brake if they sense an imminent collision, steer back into a freeway lane if the driver allows them to drift, and guide themselves into tight parking spaces.

"We're definitely in a state right now where we're starting to see these features become more common in mainstream cars," said Ed Kim, who keeps tabs on automotive trends as an analyst for Auto Pacific, an automotive research and consulting firm.  All of the self-driving technologies that Ford makes available on its Ford or Lincoln models -- which include automatic braking, advanced adaptive cruise control, assisted parking and automated lane keeping -- are available as options on the Fusion Energi and come standard on the top-of-the-line model.

In testing the various semi-autonomous features on the Fusion, I was struck by how much they varied in terms of usability, polish and reliability.The most impressive function by far was its advanced adaptive cruise control, a new feature with this year's model. Adaptive cruise control will try to maintain a set speed, but will automatically slow down if the cars in front of you decelerate and will accelerate back when they speed up.

The Fusion's system takes this technology a step further, because unlike those on other cars, it will continue to work in stop-and-go traffic. Using radar and a camera system placed behind the rearview mirror to detect vehicles in front of it, it will bring you to a complete stop in a traffic jam and then re-accelerate as traffic resumes.

Come see what makes the Fusion special at Waxahachie Ford 2401 N. Interstate 35-E Waxahachie, TX or give us a call at 972-825-4500 today!

Ford Super Duty

Who says you can’t get luxury style in a work truck?  Ford completely bucks that trend with their Super Duty truck lineup.  In fact, they offer the kind of features you’d expect to find in a luxury auto or well-equipped mainstream offering.

The adaptive cruise control uses radar to measure the distance and speed of vehicles ahead, then automatically slows the truck and trailer to maintain that preset distance at speeds above 20 miles per hour, using the engine brake to assist drivers towing heavy trailers. It's one of numerous driver assistance and tech features Ford piled on in its recent redesign of the Super Duty, and part of a trend toward higher-tech trucks. The Super Duty's adaptive cruise control is working like in a passenger auto - it keeps a set speed and distance from the vehicle in front - but it also works when a trailer gets attached.

"Towing is core to the Super Duty mission, and drivers will appreciate the engineering sophistication that enables adaptive cruise control to determine speed uphill and downhill with a trailer", says Craig Schmatz, Ford Super Duty chief engineer.

Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support. The 2017 Super Duty will also be available with Trailer Reverse Guidance, a system that uses seven cameras and real time coaching to make maneuvering a trailer easier. Also available is lane-departure warning, which vibrates the steering wheel to mimic rumble strips when the driver begins to drift over a lane marker. The all-new Ford Super Duty is on the cusp of fulltime production and arrival at dealerships around the country. Availability of other features will be detailed closer to the truck's launch. We can’t wait.

For more information, stop by Waxahachie Ford 2401 N. Interstate 35-E Waxahachie, TX or give us a call at 972-825-4500 today!