Sunset Ford dealer, home of a great lineup of new and used Ford cars in Missouri, is pleased to announce that the Michigan Sated Police has announced its police car test to evaluate the Ford police interceptor.

The new test was developed in order to check such things as ergonomics, fuel economy, acceleration speed, and stopping distance, it was performed in order to assist law enforcement agencies everywhere in selecting the right police car or the new SUV model.

This year the evaluators noticed one less model from the test; the infamous Crown Victoria along with the V8 police car engine have been discontinued.  Everyone knows that the Crown Vic was a favorite among law enforcement officials for decades, a top choice because of its V8 power and RWD.

Although the Crown Vic is no longer in the running, the new Police Interceptor is a heavy duty version of the Ford Taurus. This year 2 new police vehicles are available by Ford including a 3.5 liter V6 front wheel drive which delivers 280 hp and an AWD version with a twin turbocharged engine that delivers 365 hp.

Statistics from the test reveal the 0-60 mph acceleration time. The question on everyone’s mind is how the twin turbo V6 compares to the V8, according to Automotive News: “quite well.”  Automotive News reports; “The V-8-powered Hemi Charger reached 60 mph in 5.83 seconds, according to the Michigan State Police. That was followed by the Caprice, at 5.91 seconds, and the Taurus, at 5.92 seconds.”  “The twin-turbo Taurus was a mere 0.09 seconds slower than the Hemi Charger-what does that suggest about the future of the V-8? Simply, it’s another nail in its coffin.”

Ford’s all new Police Interceptor which is in its production version rolling off the assembly line in Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant.  The engine options included a V6 lineup which delivers as much power as a V8 engine, as well as the efficient 3.5 liter V6 engine which offers 263 hp and is 25 percent more fuel efficient  than the outgoing V8 it has replaced.

The 3.5 liter V6 Ecoboost engine is twin turbocharged with direct injection delivering 365 hp and 350 lb/ft of torque. “EcoBoost powertrain performance is optimized for closing speed and maximizing takedowns, thus preventing high-speed pursuits from even forming,” said Bill Gubing, chief engineer for the Police Interceptors.

According to Ford News; “EcoBoost brings municipalities and police fleet administrators the first ultra-high-performance, yet environmentally friendly, police pursuit vehicle.”

The high capacity 6 speed SelectShift automatic transmission is paired with the EcoBoost engine along with the “sophisticated torque sensing” AWD system offered as standard features on the Police Inceptor sedan and the Utility vehicle.

“Ford remains committed to leading the police vehicle market, and our new Police Interceptor demonstrates how much engineering and innovation we’re willing to invest to address the unique needs of those who protect and serve communities throughout America,” Teed said.

Ford’s police interceptor vehicle has been put through the torture test to ensure that it can live up to its reputation to deliver options and features which can meet the rigorous demands of the police force.

Throughout its development, Ford’s new Police Interceptor has been put through the paces, undergoing a battery of torture tests to ensure its individual components can hold up to the rigorous driving styles of police professionals.

The brakes are larger and have increased performance, and according to ford news; “The cooling package is purpose-built as well, featuring a heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator.” Ford news also stated; “Its honeycomb grille is designed to work in harmony with the interior components, offering more airflow throughout the vehicle, plus, the standard 18-inch steel wheels are vented, designed to work in concert with the enhanced brake system.”

Other Features in the all new Interceptor Police vehicle include;

• Blind Spot Information System uses two radar sensors to detect vehicles in the surrounding lanes. If a vehicle enters the driver’s blind-spot zones, the system alerts the driver with a warning light in the sideview mirror
• Cross-traffic alert utilizes the existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic when slowly backing out of a parking spot
• Rear view camera a color image with guidance markers on the rearview mirror assists the driver in backing up
• Reverse Sensing System: An audible tone alerts the driver to certain objects up to 6 feet behind the vehicle
• Standard AdvanceTrac ESC helps maintain the intended route by identifying skidding, by the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When wheel slip is sensed, AdvanceTrac reduces engine torque and applies selected brakes
• Ford SYNC hands-free information system can be customized to work with police equipment such as lights and sirens

To test drive new or used Ford cars in West County, visit your local Sunset Ford Dealer today.

Sunset Ford dealer home of a great line up of new ford cars in Waterloo is pleased to announce that Ford has launched its new production version of its police interceptor vehicle at its Chicago Assembly Plant.

The all new police inceptor sedan offers two options for its powertrain including the fuel efficient EcoBoost engine with AWD as well as the highly efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering approximately 263 horsepower.  A wide selection of safety technologies and an interior design to meet unique law enforcement needs will also be included.

The notorious Crown Victoria which ended production in 2011 will be replaced by the all new Police Interceptor.

Sunset Ford is pleased to announce that Ford has been a leader in the police vehicle market for over 15 years.  The all new Police Interceptor can handle the needs of police work, including industry leading safety technology, powertrains and high tech innovations.

With this year’s production, Ford has added a second option to its police interceptor lineup; an all new utility vehicle which can offer the best vehicle suited to the needs of each local police force.

“Police nationwide asked for a new kind of weapon in the battle for public safety, and Ford is answering the call with a purpose-built vehicle – engineered and built in America – that’s as dynamic as it is durable,” said Lisa Teed, Police Interceptor marketing manager.

Engineers at Ford Motor Company worked closely with Ford’s Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals to get input on which features and options are most needed for safety, performance, driver comfort, durability as well as functionality of the police inceptor vehicle.

To test drive a new or used Ford Explorer today, visit you local sunset Ford Dealer located in St Louis Missouri and Waterloo Illinois.

Sunset Ford Dealer, home of a great lineup of new and used Ford Trucks in Waterloo Illinois is pleased to announce that Ford Motor Company has elected Jon M. Huntsman Jr. to the company as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, “effective immediately,” according to a recent Ford News article.

Huntsman is 51 and is currently the chairman of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation which is a non-profit cancer charity based in Utah.  Huntsman was formerly a candidate for the Republican Party for president of the United States and has also served in various public and private positions globally.  His most recent appointment involved serving as the United States Ambassador to China.

“Jon brings to Ford’s board of directors extensive global knowledge and experience – particularly in Asia with trade issues – and operational experience gained as governor of Utah, a state that has grown jobs even during the economic crisis,” said Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford. “Jon understands the importance of strengthening the country’s manufacturing base, which will contribute to our success going forward.”

From the year 2005 through 2009 Huntsman was elected Governor of the state of Utah, after his career as a public servant began as White House staff assistant to President Ronald Reagan and has since included serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Asia, United States Ambassador to Singapore and Deputy U.S. Trade Representative.

Huntsman is currently the founding director of the Pacific Council on International Policy and he has also served on many other various boards such as the Brookings Institute of Asia Policy Board, the Center for Strategic and International Studies Pacific Forum, the Asia Society in NY, as well as the National Bureau of Asian Research.

Huntsman will be an asset to Ford Motor Company serving as Chairman of the Board.

To learn more about Ford Motor Company, or to test drive a new or used Ford vehicle, visit your local sunset Ford Dealer located in 2 convenient locations, St. Louis MO and Waterloo Illinois today, you won’t be disappointed!

Sunset Ford Dealer, home of a great line up of new Ford cars in St. Louis is committed to keeping its loyal customers updated on the latest in Ford news.

Lewis Booth Ford CFO and Global Product Chief Derrick Kuzak will retire from Ford Motor Company on April 1^st after 30 plus years with the company.

Booth will be succeeded by Bob Shanks, currently vice president and Controller, and Kuzak will be succeeded by Raj Nair, currently vice president, Engineering, Global Product Development

• Other changes announce by Ford that will be effective as of April 1^st include; Stuart Rowley, 44, currently chief financial officer, Ford of Europe, has been elected a company officer and will succeed Shanks as vice president and Controller
• Hau Thai-Tang, 45, currently executive director, Global Product Programs, has been elected a company officer and will succeed Nair as vice president, Engineering, Global Product Development

“Lewis Booth and Derrick Kuzak represent the very best of Ford and our culture and built a legacy of leadership, integrity and commitment to excellence that will benefit us for years to come,” said Bill Ford, Ford’s executive chairman. “Lewis and Derrick were absolutely integral to the comeback of Ford and they are retiring with our deepest respect and gratitude.”

Booth was originally from England and he trained to become an accountant and engineer before he rose up the ranks through the company.

Since Booth took over, Ford Motor Company has increased its net cash flow by $20 billion and realized an increase in its credit rating to just one level below investment grade.

“Lewis brought to his role as chief financial officer a unique blend of financial and operational experience,” said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. “He has helped fully implement the One Ford plan by supporting a fully-funded product plan and delivering a profitably growing Ford for the good of all of us.”

“During my 34 years at Ford, I’ve had the opportunity to lead the company’s operations on three continents as well as head up our talented Finance team,” Booth said. “It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey. I’m honored to have had the privilege to play a key role in the company’s turnaround and to have worked with outstanding people in the Ford team around the world.”

Sunset Ford, home of a great lineup of new and used Ford cars near St. Charles is pleased to announce that Ford Motor Company received awards from J.D. Power and Associates for 6 new Ford vehicles ranked in the top three for durability in their segment in the 2012 Vehicle Dependability Study.

The vehicles involved in the study include;

• Ford Fusion for Midsize Car award for the 2nd consecutive year
• Ford Explorer for the Midsize Crossover/SUV award
• Lincoln MKZ, Premium Car award for the last four years
• Lincoln MKX came in 2nd among Midsize Premium Crossovers/SUVs
• Ford Ranger ranked 2^nd in the Midsize Pickup class
• Ford Taurus ranked 3^rd among full size Cars

Other Ford vehicles such as the Mustang performed very well in the study but there was no specific award assigned to its segment.

The study polled vehicle owners regarding problems experienced in the past 12 months in their 3 year old vehicles. Respondents selected from a list of over 200 issues in 8 different categories.

“It’s the customers who come out ahead,” said Bennie Fowler, Ford Group Vice President, Global Quality and New Model Launches. “The vehicles we are building today are more reliable than ever. Ford has made significant strides over the past few years to achieve world-class levels of long-term quality and desirability.”

J.D. Power and Associates says that Ford vehicles have performed well in dependability studies in the past few years.

J.D. Power and Associates recommends that consumers gather as much information as they can on the latest models from a variety of sources to make an informed decision.

“The results of this study are extremely gratifying,” said Fowler. “The ranking amongst the top 10 brands achieved by Ford and Lincoln speaks to our ongoing commitment to develop and deliver best-in-class products.”

Sunset Ford Dealer, home of a great lineup of new Ford cars in Waterloo Illinois is pleased to announce that Ford Motor Company has increased its patents on hybrid technology by 25 percent to as many as 461 since the year 2000.

As the Ford Escape Hybrid evolved, the world of patents began to change for Ford Motor Company.  The Escape was the first hybrid vehicle ever built by a U.S. automaker, it was designed in early 2000 and even then by the year 2002 Ford only had around 30 patents on hybrid technology.

Ford Engineer, Kuang who graduated from the University of California in 1991 was part of the early hybrid technology development at Ford.  “The level of cohesiveness wasn’t anywhere close to where it is today,” said Kuang. For example, research and advanced engineering and product development didn’t work as closely as they do today, slowing the pace of innovation.

According to Kuang the level of patent activity for green technology started to increase significantly by the middle of the year 2000, “We stopped trying to create and fix one-off, niche vehicles, and it made all the difference in the world,” he said.

David Kelley, Ford’s attorney in charge of hybrid patents, said “Ford doesn’t engage in the practice of getting patents for the mere sake of getting patents.” “We get the high-quality patents that Ford really needs,” said Kelley. “With the high level of innovation from people like Ming, it makes sense that we should see our hybrid patent levels increase the way they have.”

According to chief engineer Eric Kuehn, of Ford’s global electrified programs, he is pleased to be part of the Ford team due to the high level of innovation involved in working on vehicles such as the Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug in hybrid.

“One of the best parts of being involved with Ford’s electrified vehicle group is that they are never satisfied,” said Kuehn. “They are always striving to go further and see how far they can push toward creating even larger gaps between Ford and its competitors. That is ingrained in the culture and mindset of the team here and isn’t going to change anytime soon.”

Sunset Ford, home of a great lineup of new Ford cars in Saint Louis is pleased to announce that Ford is working toward technical advances in its virtual driving simulator called; VIRTTEX in order to improve safety features such as Lane Keeping System and collision warning in new Ford cars.  The advanced technology will be available in the all new Ford Fusion which will be launched later this year.

The VIRTTEX evaluates driver responses and reaction times with advanced early warning systems such as Ford’s new technology; the forward collision warning feature, a radar based system designed to help drivers avoid rear end collisions.  New warning systems are designed to promote a faster more appropriate response for distracted drivers.

Ford Motor Company in its efforts to improve safety technology, continues to research many different types of driver warnings including audible, visual, and tactile-vibrating warnings to see which combination is most effective.

Ford’s research has assisted in deciphering how soon accident warnings should be utilized and how intense they should be as well as identifying specific patterns such as in Ford’s new Lane Keeping System.  Drivers reportedly respond better to certain audible sounds more so than others, such as those considered “more authoritative.”  Some sounds have been proven more effective in combination with visual alerts.

According to Ford News; “the lab focuses on collecting quantitative and objective data, to determine what works best to keep drivers alert and safe behind the wheel, for example, studies show that for similarly performing warnings, drivers prefer subtle warnings such as steering wheel vibrations rather than loud chimes to alert them to a lane departure.”

One example of Ford studies conducted in VIRTTEX was one that measured a drivers failure to respond appropriately to safety risks when texting or doing other tasks such as retrieving voicemail.  The test revealed that these drivers were much more prone to distraction than other drivers.

According to Ford News; “the VIRTTEX simulator features a spherical dome mounted on a hydraulic system to duplicate vehicle movement. Projectors display a 360-degree horizontal and 45-degree vertical field of vision mounted to the base.”  Projectors around the driver simulate driving scenery, traffic situations linked with the acceleration, braking and steering function of the simulated vehicle.

Sunset Ford Dealer, home of a great lineup of new and used Ford cars in South County is pleased to announce that Ford Motor Company has upgraded its Virtual Test Track Experiment (VIRTTEX) driving simulator adding better technology in order to evaluate driver performance in order to improve safety and driver aid technologies.  The driving simulator was originally designed in 2001.

VIRTTEX was responsible for the development of technologies such as; heads-up displays, drowsy driver alerts and lane departure warning technology all which will be available on the next generation Ford Fusion.  In fact Ford Motor company is the only automaker in North America with “a high-fidelity, motion-based simulator featuring a spherical dome on top of a hydraulic system to mimic vehicle movement,” according to Ford News.

The new features of VIRTTEX allow the simulator to more accurately test and measure driver acceleration, braking and steering, performance, and driver reaction to adverse road conditions and situations.  Other safety features which are being developed include; driver aid technologies which alarm drivers of an impending collision, drowsiness behind the wheel, or other potentially dangerous situations.

The VIRTTEX simulator features a round dome on top of a hydraulic system which imitates movement.  The simulator has now has had its image system updated with a higher resolution screen projecting a 360 degree horizontal field of view which helps engineers evaluate driving performance from many different angles.  Improvements in imagery create realistic traffic scenarios such as landmarks and pedestrians alongside the roadway and crossing intersections.

“VIRTTEX plays an integral role in helping us develop future safety and driver assist technology, making it essential to keep the simulator current with the latest technology,”,” said Mike Blommer, technical lead for the lab. “Coupled with improvements in the resolution and brightness of the projection technologies, as well as improved imagery capabilities, we will be able to boost our capabilities to conduct active safety studies.”

Sunset Ford, home of a great lineup of new Ford cars in Waterloo Illinois is pleased to announce that Ford is now distributing beta test kits of its open source connectivity research platform called “OpenXC” to global universities and developers.

OpenXC is being utilized by Ford Motor Company in order to accelerate the development of market specific in-car apps by 3^rd party mobile app developers by using the OpenXC toolkit.  OpenXC is an open source hardware and software platform which was designed by Ford Research in New York City.  The program is intended to “unleash the power of local developers to determine niche market-specific applications that take advantage of mobile connectivity,” according to Ford News.

“Through the OpenXC research project, we are paving the way for new, local entrepreneurs and businesses, where the automobile, mobile phones and the Internet cloud come together in the creation of new experiences when behind the wheel,” said Venkatesh Prasad, senior technical leader for Ford Research and Innovation, and keynote speaker at NASSCOM.

“India is such a unique and diverse marketplace that – as an automaker – it’s almost impossible for us to keep pace with consumer trends. The OpenXC platform will allow us to harness the power of the consumer and encourage the development of innovative solutions to meet their needs, at their pace.”

“At Ford, we’re constantly researching and reshaping the role of the automobile to add value for our customers,” said Prasad. “OpenXC allows us to investigate what developers can do when we present the car in the same way as they see a smartphone software platform.”

OpenXC includes an interface module which allows developers to interpret data from the internal communications network located in Ford cars.  The hardware module provides access to vehicle sensors and other parameters in real time so that the GPS receiver and vehicles speed can be read by apps while keeping everything separated from the vehicle control systems.

“Networked vehicles represent the next frontier for mobile application developers,” said Peter Semmelhack, Founder and CEO of Bug Labs. “By connecting cars and trucks to wireless networks, entirely new application categories can be explored – safety, energy efficiency, sharing, entertainment, health – the list goes on. OpenXC gives developers the tools they need to get involved.”

Ford has already started distribution the initial OpenXC beta toolkits to universities such as Stanford University and the University of Michigan.  Other developers who are participating in the program such as Weather Underground in the United States and HCL Technologies in India have received the first toolkits.

“With OpenXC, Ford is opening up access to the car,” said Prasad. “By enabling local and independent developers to easily and quickly create apps using data provided by the car in combination with mobile connectivity and the power of the cloud, the possibilities are almost limitless.”

Ford is hoping that developers working with OpenXC will create apps across a wide range of categories for the automotive industry and driving communities, such as improving traffic congestion, road safety, and even healthcare and education.