Best Cars Guide

SEAT at 2012 Worthersee

Arman Barari — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:31:06 +0000

SEAT too as a member of VW family will come to this year’s GTI party at Worthersee, and they’re coming heavy.

SEAT is treating the vast crowds to six particularly fiery variants of the Leon, Ibiza and, for the first time, the Mii. In their full racing gear, track cars the Ibiza SC Trophy and Leon Super Copa are at the core of the SEAT display’s racing theme, while the Mii show car in FR Line configuration appears at GTI Treffen for the first time. Among these cars the racing models are the most specials, but the concepts are also pretty interesting.

We liked the Mii FR line best of all. It previews an FR version of the Mii city car with lots of great sporty details.

SEAT press release:

Ibiza Cupra Concept is the star
The focal point of the SEAT stand – which has been created in line with the brand’s new visual identity – is the Ibiza Cupra Concept, a close-to-production glimpse of the new generation of this sporty SEAT icon. Just back from its world premiere at the Auto China Show in Beijing just a few weeks ago, the model’s 1.4 TSI packs 180 PS with looks to match the promise of that award-winning motor. The Spice Yellow paintwork contrasts with gloss-black exterior mirrors and 17-inch alloy wheels, with red brake callipers shimmering through the spokes. A particularly large trapezoidal lower air intake emphasises the breadth of this compact sports car, while the angular lines of the headlamps underscore SEAT’s new design philosophy.

Ibiza FR and Leon Cupra R in individual design
One Ibiza and one Leon, each painted in Nevada white, showcase in their individual designs a host of options from the SEAT accessory range. The Ibiza FR on display in Reifnitz proudly wears 17-inch wheels in black and polished silver, exterior mirrors and brake callipers painted in red, and an enlarged rear spoiler. Red accents also dominate the interior. On the Leon Cupra R, visual drama comes courtesy of the glossy black rims which contrast perfectly with the ice-white paintwork. Like the Ibiza FR, the eye is also drawn to the red colour of the brake calliper nestling behind each alloy wheel. Inside, piano black lacquer trim inserts make for a stylishly sporty ambience.

Pimp my Mii – tuning for SEAT’s baby
For the first time, SEAT is showing a Mii with an added injection of sporty character. The Tornado Red city car turns heads with its powerful presence, complete with black highlights on the wheelarches, an additional spoiler accent and black 16-inch aluminium wheels. Red and black elements make their mark in the interior, too. The sports seats with fully integrated head restraints come with distinctive red FR lettering.

Ibiza SC Trophy and Leon Super Copa for the race track
Two further showpieces hold a licence to compete on the track – the Leon Super Copa and the Ibiza SC Trophy. They are shown at the Wörthersee festival with a special grey paint finish and wheels, while the mirror casings and roll cage are in fluorescent orange.

The Ibiza SC Trophy is now based on the new generation of the Ibiza and is fitted with the 180 PS 1.4 TSI engine. The seven-speed DSG transmission is operated from the steering wheel, as will be the case on the series-production model, while a locking differential guarantees amazing traction. For the high lateral forces that occur under serious racing conditions, the engine comes with a modified oil sump, a powerful brake system and racing suspension running on 18-inch wheels housed under noticeably flared wheel arches. Inside, the dashboard is more minimalist than the series-production version and provides only data truly relevant to racing drivers. The Ibiza SC Trophy is offered by SEAT Sport for 31,500 Euros (excl. tax) and is the ideal starting machine for amateur racing drivers. Single-brand race series are currently running very successfully in Spain and Italy.

At a price of 63,000 Euros (excl. tax), the 250 km/h Leon Super Copa represents the more senior league of SEAT Motorsport. Based on its sibling racer from the WTCC, more than 250 units of this model have already been built. The cup car is powered by an uprated version of the 2.0-litre TSI engine from the Leon Cupra R that produces 300 PS. A maximum of 340 Nm of torque travels through a six-speed DSG transmission and mechanically locking differential to the front wheels.

BMW M5 G Power Hurricane RRS

Arman Barari — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:27:10 +0000

G Power came up with yet another super M5. it’s based on the E60 version not the newer F10, but there’s a reason for that.

You see this is the 100th E60 Hurricane they’ve sold and it’s quite a special one. Which is why they given it a colossal 830 hp! This light blue G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RRs is equipped with a reworked version of the high-revving V10 engine modified by G-POWER and supercharged by a BI-Kompressor „Sporty Drive“ system. Therefore the two superchargers named ASA T1-313 have been replaced by larger ASA T1-316 units. They are both driven by a belt and do provide each cylinder bank with supercharged air.

Sport suspension, sport exhausts and G Power’s 20-inch SILVERSTONE DIAMOND wheels are other parts of the package. Oh, and the top speed is 372 km/h!

Details in G Power press release:

The inner workings of the 10-cylinder, four-valve engine are optimised by light, precisely balanced MAHLE high-performance forged pistons with lower compression and increased mechanical strength. As the standard connecting rods and piston pins were equally not up to the considerably increased forces, here too, recourse was had to special parts. The switch to an Alpha-N engine management system and hence the elimination of the air mass sensors also contributes to the increased power output of 830 hp / 610 kW, available between 7,500 and 8,000 rpm. The engine delivers its peak of torque of 780 Nm at 6,500 rpm.
Of course the periphery of the engine, especially the exhaust system and the fuel supply system, needs to be modified as well in order to match with the new requirements. A G-POWER SPEEDFLOW exhaust system with two racing catalysts minimizes the exhaust backpressure and a G-POWER stainless steel rear muffler with DEEPTONE technology and 4 x 83 mm tail pipes featuring the M-Design completes the exhaust system of the M5 HURRICANE RRs. The capacity of the fuel supply system is upgraded with fuel injectors with enlarged mass flow and the use of an additional high performance fuel pump. An electronic control unit designed by G-POWER enables the additional third fuel pump to operated boost related. This set up guaranties and reliable fuel supply under all conditions.

Prepared like this the G-POWER HURRICANE RRs does not only set new performance standards for top speed. With an acceleration of just 4.3 seconds from standstill to 100 km/h, 9.1 seconds from standstill to 200 km/h and 25,2 seconds from standstill to 300 km/h the two-ton sedan is also leading his class.

Two tons of weight and a top speed of more than 370 km/h naturally require extreme demands on the tires, being fitted on special G-POWER wheels. Our technology partner Michelin provided high-performance Pilot Sport tires in the dimensions 255/35 ZR 19 at the front axle and 305/30 ZR 19 at the rear axle for this reason. For every day use the G-POWER HURRICANE RRs runs on 20-inch SILVERSTONE DIAMOND wheels with the dimensions 255/35 ZR 20 and 285/30 ZR 20 front and rear.

Even more contributions to the HURRICANE RRs’s high-speed talents are coming from a height-adjustable G-POWER RS coilover suspension that is adjustable for both compression and rebound in nine settings and the high-performance G-POWER brake system with up to six brake pistons and up to 396 mm brake disc diameter for the front axle and 380 mm for the rear axle. The G-POWER brake system enables a substantially higher brake force than the standard brake system. At the same time, the heat generated due to the braking process can be dissipated more effectively. The G-POWER brake package is completed by brake pads with a larger pad area, higher friction rate as well as metal-coated brake lines. With this set-up, the G-POWER Braking System always provides maximum brake force and the braking point remains precise in any case. Of course, G-POWER customers are provided with the choice of rotor material: both steel brake discs and ceramic alternatives (which are about 50% lighter for significantly improved cornering and road handling) are available.

Toyota 86 at Nurburgring Race

Arman Barari — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:56:55 +0000

Toyota’s spoiled new sports car will soon be put through its paces in the Nurburgring 24 hours to see how it compares – in production form – against the rivals, and also test its quality in one fo the world’s most fearsome races.

Gazoo Racing will be back at the famous Nordschleife to field the LFA (in the SP8 class) and two new race-prepared GT86 (SP3 class). The team personnel, including technicians and drivers, will include Toyota employees from Japan, taking part to hone their skills and craftsmanship, gaining experience that will feed back directly into the work developing future vehicles.

The result of the race will also affect the car’s sales in the market. If it turn out to be slower than the regular competitors in this class, then its reputation would be ruined because this car belongs to an enthusiasts market.

Toyota press release:

The Nürburgring has played an important role in the development of Toyota’s latest generation of high-performance cars and this weekend the daunting German circuit will see the Lexus LFA and GT86 demonstrating their race pace in the 40^th running of the ADAC 24 Hours race.

Gazoo Racing has already kicked off its 2012 season with two shorter-distance races at the Nürburgring, in which the LFA was twice a winner in its class and the GT86 showed promising progress.

Speaking after the most recent race, Gazoo Racing driver Akira Iida said: “The momentum of our team is very good. Our target for the 24 Hours Nürburgring race is to maintain a steady pace, in line with the way we have chosen to set up the vehicles. Nevertheless, we have run at good speed and confident we will be full ready before the 24-hour event.”

The Toyota Swiss Racing Team will also be taking part, fielding two GT86 race-prepared by Toyota Motorsport. Both will take part in the competition class (V3) for production models. Their participation is part of Toyota Switzerland’s grassroots motorsport programme with GT86 to encourage a new generation of car enthusiasts.

Skoda at 2012 Worthersee

Arman Barari — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:50:44 +0000

Skoda is pat of VW family, so it’s allowed into the VW fans part at Worthersee, providing they bring the good stuff!

And indeed they are. Concept cars “SKODA Citigo Rally” and “SKODA Citigo DJ Car” will make their first appearance. In the evening, an international top DJ will perform on the center stage of the SKODA concert area. Tomorrow, seven teams will already set out from Prague with SKODA vehicles and head toward Lake Worthersee in Austria. The DJ car is fitted with a 1000 watt sound system for the event.

The rally car is the more interesting proposal. It gets a wide front bumper, 18-inch wheels, rear spoiler and diffuser and widened arches. There’s no details on the car’s engine and performance. It’s probably just a show car.

Skoda press release:

The village of Reifnitz is a traditional meeting place for tuning fans. Every year in May, one may experience the pure excitement about automobiles, this year being the 31st time the meet is held. This meet is counted among the largest and most important events of its kind. As the third largest brand of the Volkswagen Group, SKODA presents new model highlights to fans as well. For the concert highlight in the evening, SKODA has created a special surprise. The music produced by the almost 100,000 Watt strong sound equipment will be mixed by a DJ in a “SKODA DJ Car”. This vehicle was especially designed by the SKODA design team for the car show at Lake Worthersee. A team of journalists and Czech celebrities in special SKODA models will drive from Prague to the foothills of the Austrian Alps – among them the two Skoda rally champions Jan Kopeck? and Juho H?nninen.

“They say the driver’s seat has the best view of Lake Worthersee,” says Jan Kopeck?, SKODA Motorsport factory driver. “That’s why I’m excited to be able to experience in person the legendary atmosphere at Lake Worthersee this year.”

The creations based on the new SKODA Citigo are sure to fascinate attendees at SKODA’s stand in Reifnitz. The design of the “SKODA Citigo Rally” takes its dynamics from SKODA rally cars. Its front end impresses with a massive bumper as well as a generous air intake and spoiler. The car’s rear end is marked by a centrally positioned exhaust end pipe and the down-force wing extending the car’s roofline. Low-profile tires on forged 18-inch rims promise stability and uncompromising traction.

Besides the “SKODA Citigo Rally”, another highlight is the appearance of the “SKODA Citigo DJ Car”. Its rear end widens behind the ‘B’ pillars to create an open stage for the DJ inside the car. The “SKODA Citigo DJ Car” will see live action when DJs put on dance music for several thousands of fans on the center stage at night.

2013 BMW 135is

Arman Barari — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:46:07 +0000

BMW released a new version of the 1-Series Coupe and convertible models in America designated 135is.

That ‘s’ makes the whole difference. Both models are equipped with BMW’s award winning TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 engine (N55) featuring Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, direct injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger. For the 135is, the engine has been tuned to increase peak horsepower to 320 hp (+20 hp increase) and 317 lb-ft of torque (+17 lb.ft) while maintaining the same emissions level and MPG ratings of the 135i.

Come to think of it, why would by the more expensive BMW 1M Coupe then?! It delivers 80 percent of that car’s fun.

Check out more details in the press release below:

The 135is is equipped with sport suspension incorporating an aluminum double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel.

BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) also includes a Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function that provides electronic intervention to prevent loss of vehicle control, but at a higher threshold before activation. This allows the driver to experience more spirited driving on dry roads and offers more flexibility when driving in more challenging conditions such as in snow. If the driver desires, both DSC and DTC can be disabled entirely. In addition to its duties as a safety system, the DSC system on the 135is is programmed specifically to enhance performance-oriented driving.

The differential in the 135is comes from a new generation of final drives optimized for running smoothness and fuel efficiency. Featuring double-helical ball bearings, the differential runs at an even lower operating temperature reached more quickly than before thanks to the reduction of fluid required in the differential. Electronic rear brake management is used to simulate a differential lock for stronger acceleration in turns and low-traction conditions.

The exterior of the new 135is Coupe / Convertible will be clearly identified by exclusive 18” wheels, unique high-gloss black kidney grill, black mirror caps and special exterior badges in additional to the standard M Sport Package components. Interior highlights include stainless steel pedals, special interior badges and optional black leather seats with blue stitching for the standard sport seats.

The BMW135is Coupe and Convertible are available to order now and are scheduled to arrive in BMW Center showrooms this fall.

Porsche 918 Prototype Released

Arman Barari — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:41:55 +0000

Finally, the first shots of the near-production Porsche 918.

This is definitely the most important car to be lunched in 2013, and probably the most important car of all time. That is because Porsche 918 is the first car in the world that finally managed to arrive at a good compromise between fuel economy and performance. It has 770 hp – brought by a petrol engine and two electric motors that support it – and yet all it needs is three liter s of fuel per 100 km. Astonishing.

The 918 Spyder will go into production at the end of September 2013 as planned, with the first customers receiving their vehicles before 2013 is out. Can;t wait to see the finished product in action.

Porsche press release:

The prototypes, their camouflage harking back to historical Porsche 917 racing cars, signal the final touches to the 918 Spyder. The focus is on the interplay between the highly sophisticated individual drive components. The combination of combustion engine and two independent electric motors – one on the front axle and one in the drive line, acting on the rear wheels – poses completely new demands on the development of the operating strategies. “They are therefore a critical component in this vehicle into which we have put all of our expertise and capacity for innovation,” said Wolfgang Hatz. These operating strategies and the development of the software to go with them are one of Porsche’s core competences. Both of them have a major influence on the extreme driving fun to be had with the 918 Spyder and they make possible a unique combination of minimal fuel consumption and maximum performance. The initial results of the driving trials are in line with the high expectations placed on the 918 Spyder.

The super sports car is designed as a plug-in hybrid vehicle combining a high-performance combustion engine with cutting-edge electric motors for extraordinary performance: on the one hand, the dynamics of a racing machine boasting more than 770 hp, on the other hand, fuel consumption in the region of three litres per 100 kilometres. Moreover, Porsche is breaking yet more new ground with the technology demonstrator with spectacular solutions such as the full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque with unit carrier, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear-axle steering and the upward-venting “top pipes” exhaust system. In the process, the 918 Spyder is offering a glimpse of what Porsche Intelligent Performance may be capable of in future.

Honda UNI-CUB

Arman Barari — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:37:34 +0000

Honda is the pioneer of future mobility systems and they just unveiled a new solution they’ve come up with.

It’s called the UNI-CUB and on the face of it, it’s the perfect tool for lazy people! You just sit on it and move around by shifting your body weight on the saddle. So basically you will be driving with your arse…! It is a clever system though and uses Honda’s most advanced robotic technologies to control the movements and keep its balance. It just looks weird.

Starting in June 2012, Honda will jointly conduct demonstration testing of UNI-CUB with Japan’s National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. In addition to testing the feasibility of using UNI-CUB indoors, this project will explore the practical applications of the device in a wide range of environments in Japan and other countries. They’re really onto something here.

Honda press release:

Representing the evolution of the U3-X personal mobility device that Honda announced in 2009, UNI-CUB features Honda’s proprietary balance control technology and the world’s first omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System). These technologies allow the rider to control speed, move in any direction, turn and stop, all simply by shifting his or her weight. Since the rider can freely move forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally, he or she can quickly and easily maneuver among other people.

Moreover, UNI-CUB’s compact saddle-style packaging makes it easy for the rider’s legs to reach the ground and maintains eye-level height with other pedestrians. This configuration promotes harmony between the rider and others, letting the rider travel freely and comfortably inside facilities and among moving people.

Going forward, Honda will continue its proactive research and development of next-generation mobility technologies, aiming always to offer more and more people the joy and fun that comes from freedom of movement.

UNI-CUB UNI-CUB
UNI-CUB UNI-CUB Riding scene (side)

Key specifications of UNI-CUB
Size (L x W x H)    520 x 345 x 745 mm
Seat height    745 – 825 mm
Battery type    Lithium-ion battery
Maximum speed    6 km/h
Range    6 km
Application environment    Barrier-free indoor environments

Brabus Aviation Service

Arman Barari — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:32:34 +0000

Looks like tuning cars just don’t cut it anymore for Brabus. They just announced a new division and its job is to customize private jets!

Not only that, this service also helps the clients buying and selling the jets and choose the right one for their need. The focus of all business activities is on jets, such as those from the Bombardier Global Express and Challenger aircraft families, as well as on the Dassault Falcon series. Larger business aircraft can be customized as well. For now they have prepared two sport and elegant packages for the Bombardier cabin.

Brabus does make some special cars and they have a group of loyal wealthy customers. They wouldn’t enter the jet market if they didn’t’ see great potential, especially as all they have to do is customize the cabin, no body work or engine tuning here!

Brabus press release:

“The exclusive customization of aircraft by the new BRABUS PRIVATE AVIATION business division is the logical evolution of the product portfolio for us,” explains Prof. h. c. Bodo Buschmann, CEO of the BRABUS Group. “A number of customers already asked us in the past to trim their yachts to fit their personal taste and there also have been repeated requests for custom-tailored BRABUS interiors for private jets. That’s why in addition to our marine division we now also have the BRABUS PRIVATE AVIATION business division.”

The new business division offers business-jet interiors made to customer order or refines aircraft already in operation. All BRABUS PRIVATE AVIATION modifications are EASA- and FAA-certified.

As their debut the BRABUS interior designers have developed two different exclusive cabin design lines for the Bombardier Global Express.

The “ELEGANCE” design line lends the cabin of the Global Express an exclusive, bright atmosphere of well-being with a combination of cream-colored BRABUS fine leather, Alcantara and high-end wood applications. As is the case for all BRABUS interiors, the BRABUS designers and upholsterers pay particular attention to a perfect finish of the cabin appointments down to the last detail. This encompasses the precise color coordination of all interior components including the elaborately designed wood trim with high-gloss finish.

The “SPORTIVE” design line sets an exciting contrast in the cabin. Its combination of black and gray leather, Alcantara and carbon fiber lends the cabin a fresh and progressive appearance. The perfectly finished carbon-fiber elements and the seat design with red contrasting seams are inspired by the design of exclusive sports cars and exude sporty character down to the last detail.

The BRABUS PRIVATE AVIATION high-tech inflight entertainment system lets passengers communicate and enjoy music or movies on high-end multimedia devices such as the Apple iPad or the iPhone. Custom-tailored receptacles with built-in chargers ensure the perfect integration of these components into the aircraft and securely store the multimedia equipment when not in use. After landing the iPad can be used in the rear compartment of the BRABUS 800 iBusiness sedan.

“ELEGANCE,” “SPORTIVE” or fully custom appointment options: BRABUS PRIVATE AVIATION fulfills any request imaginable when it comes to cabin color and design.

Ford Focus ST Sound Technology

Arman Barari — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:25:16 +0000

Seeing as the new Ford Focus ST has a turbo engine and turbos ruin the engine noise, Ford had to develop an ingenious system to compensate for it.

Ford engineers added a special sound tube – called a sound symposer – to amplify the throaty frequencies enthusiasts crave in performance cars. Engineers worked to naturally amplify the specific lower range of engine frequencies found between 200 and 450 Hz that are most pleasing to performance enthusiasts through the use of a composite “paddle” that vibrates with intake air pulses.

You may think what’s the big deal about engine noise. But if you’ve ever driven a nice sounding sports car you’d know that half the joy of driving such car is due to the magnificent noise it makes. It is an absolute necessity, or the car feels like, well, soulless.

Further details in Ford press release:

While the sound tube concept has been used on Mustang in the past, the sound symposer used in Focus ST is unique because of its electronically controlled valve that opens and closes based on driver inputs – engine speed, accelerator pedal position and gear selection. In lower gears, the valve is mapped more aggressively, while in higher gears the effect is dialed back to enable quieter cruising. This isn’t possible with conventional, passive sound tubes. Part of the reason Ford made these changes is that on Focus ST, for the first time, the symposer is attached directly to the intake manifold (as opposed to between the manifold and air intake).

“For ST drivers, it’s not enough to have a car that is fast or feels fast. It also has to sound fast,” says Christopher Myers, Air Induction System engineer. “Part of this is the design of the exhaust, but we went further and engineered the symposer both to dial up the nice sounds the EcoBoost delivers under the hood but dial back the interior sound volumes at part throttle.

“The turbo gives us great power across the rev range, but it presents a special challenge from a sound perspective as it absorbs much of the beautiful engine music,” Myers adds. “The symposer helps us bring the throaty sounds that drivers love.”

The secret to getting this right was developing the perfect paddle to naturally amplify the ST’s great engine sound. Ford engineers tested several different paddles. Eventually, the supplier developed a paddle with the correct stiffness that yielded the best acoustic response and ultimately, the best “flutter” and low-end frequency sound.

An international team from suppliers of the intake manifold, battery tray, electrical hardware and software, and electrical connectors came together with Ford to accelerate development of the symposer. All in all, 30 engineers from five countries had to balance NVH, materials, manufacturing and assembly considerations to bring the symposer to life.

2013 Ford Fusion Technology Features

Arman Barari — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:20:24 +0000

While the Europeans have to wait at least another year to get their hands on the new Mondeo (Fusion), the car will hit the American showrooms in a matter of months.

So it’s about time Ford details some of the high-end technology features they’ve packed in it. The list include Lane-Keeping System with Driver Alert, adaptive cruise control and collision warning, and active park assist. This will be the first mid-size sedan in America – and one of the few in the world – to get such a bewildering array of tech stuff.

With the new Fusion Ford seem to have covered all the bases. The car looks astonishing, it will get a range of great Ecoboost engines, and it has so many technologies. What’s more, there’s also a hybrid version in the pipeline that will complement the range. Well done then Ford!

Details of the system in the press release below:

Lane-Keeping System

Lane-Keeping System uses a forward-facing camera that can scan the road surface for lane markings. The Lane-Keeping System can evaluate if the car is drifting out of its lane and then alert the driver by vibrating the steering wheel. If the driver does not respond to the vibrations, the system provides steering torque to nudge the car back toward the center of the lane.

Driver Alert System

Driver Alert uses the front-facing camera to detect a pattern of vehicle motion consistent with a drowsy driver, and provides a series of alerts to suggest the driver stop and rest for a while. The visual alert includes a coffee cup icon appearing in the instrument cluster display indicating that pulling off the road and taking a break is a good idea. In a survey conducted by AAA Foundation, more than 40 percent of Americans acknowledge they have fallen asleep or nodded off while driving.

Pull-Drift Compensation

Pull-Drift Compensation is built into the electric power-assisted steering to counter the effects of steeply crowned roads or steady crosswinds. It can detect if the car is changing direction even if the steering angle sensor indicates the driver is not commanding this change. The Pull-Drift control then uses EPAS to provide gradual steering corrections that keep the car moving to where the driver wants to go.

Adaptive cruise control with collision warning

Adaptive cruise control uses a radar sensor that measures the distance and speed to the vehicle ahead.

With this extra information, the same engine power reduction and brake application techniques that are used to limit wheel spin by the traction control system can now be used to automatically slow the car and maintain a safe following distance when the adaptive cruise control is active. If the sensors detect the following distance is shrinking too quickly and a collision is likely, the system will provide a visual and audio alert so the driver can respond by steering or braking.

Active park assist

With available active park assist, the electric power-assisted steering and ultrasonic sensors at the corners of the car work in concert to help make parallel parking a breeze. The sensors measure the gap between parked cars to see if there is enough room, and then the car is automatically steered into the space. The driver just has to apply the accelerator and brake.

Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert

No matter how careful drivers are, the physical constraints of sitting inside a car means there always will be places they cannot see. Rearview mirrors help, but the Fusion is available with radar sensors in the rear corners that can monitor the spaces beside and just behind the car.

On the road, these sensors trigger a warning light in the mirror indicating there is another vehicle in the blind spot the driver may not be able to see when changing lanes. When backing out of a parking space, these same sensors can see vehicles coming down the aisle while the back-up camera provides a view directly behind the rear bumper.