Safety, Technology

Auto Tech: 2010 Taurus technology

June 30, 2009

Other Taurus technology adds three separate radar systems to the car. The Adaptive Cruise Control includes collision warning with brake support. Operating on 76 GHz frequency, the system uses the same forward looking radar technology found on the F16 fighter aircraft. The system looks at blocks of information from each returning signal and monitors the position and speed difference of moving objects ahead of the Taurus. When the Adaptive Cruise is set, the car will automatically slow to match the speed of the vehicle ahead. Change to an unoccupied lane and the cruise automatically brings the car back to the set speed.

The collision warning system doesn’t require the cruise to be turned on. Instead, it continually monitors the closing rate of vehicles ahead and if the distance is too short or the closing rate too fast it will warn the driver with a bright flash of red LED’s above the instrument cluster and sound an audible warning as well. To help the driver brake quickly, the system also precharges the brake system so the brake pads are already against the rotors and there is slight pressure in the system. As soon as the driver steps on the brake pedal, the brake assist helps apply full pedal pressure for the shortest stopping distance.

At the rear, two radar systems are integrated into a single module on either side of the vehicle. The BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) uses a 24-GHz radar with seven beams to look for other vehicles in your blind spot at a range of 14 to 20 metres. When a vehicle is recognized as a potential hazard, the system flashes a warning light in the appropriate side view mirror. It does detect the occasional guardrail while driving but drivers should be aware of them too!

The third radar system uses the BLIS modules to scan for vehicles approaching from the sides. This “Cross Traffic” can detect approaching traffic that is often difficult to see when backing out of shopping mall parking spots. When another vehicle is detected, it will sound an audible alert, flash the LED on the appropriate side mirror and indicate on the information display in the dash which side the vehicle is approaching from. The system works great, but you still have to watch for pedestrians, as it is only designed to sense other vehicles.

There are many more impressive technologies on the Taurus, but let’s look at one more that can be very useful. The SYNC system now includes a GPS receiver that enables the car to identify where it is located. Using your Bluetooth cell phone, you can connect to the SYNC system using voice controls to access turn-by-turn route guidance. You no longer have to have a Navigation system to have guidance help when you are lost or in a strange city. Helpful and impressive to say the least!

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