Tag: ford

Ford improves voice recognition for SYNC, adds Send-to-Car for Google Maps [w/video]

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Ford

Ford SYNC 2011 demonstration – click above to watch the video

Those that have been paying attention to Autoblog for any length of time will know that the staff here have long been enamored with the voice recognition (VR) technology that is a part of Ford’s SYNC system. SYNC VR generally does a better job of recognizing commands than any other such system and has a flatter menu structure than most.

For its 2011 iteration, Ford and its technology partner Nuance have significantly upgraded the system which now recognizes more than 10,000 commands without having to traverse a single menu. One of the frustrations of dealing with other VR systems has been figuring out the specific commands required to enter a destination or make a call. Nuance has implemented an array of aliases that let users say the same thing in different ways such as “play track” or “play song.”

Starting this week, owners of SYNC-equipped cars can now send directions from Google Maps on their computer directly to their car – even if they don’t have a navigation system. The send-to-car system has been available for several weeks on General Motors OnStar-equipped vehicles and Ford brings the number of automakers that support this technology to 20 worldwide including Audi and BMW. Check out the technology in the video and press release available after the jump.

[Sources: Ford, Google]

Continue reading Ford improves voice recognition for SYNC, adds Send-to-Car for Google Maps [w/video]

Ford improves voice recognition for SYNC, adds Send-to-Car for Google Maps [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford, Roush and Shelby team up for one-off charity Mustang inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang SR-71 Blackbird – Click above for high-res image gallery

For the last couple of years, Ford has played a big part of the EAA AirVenture, offering up one-off Mustangs at auction to benefit the association’s Young Eagles program. Two years ago the AV8R Mustang brought in half a million dollars, while last year the AV-X10 ‘Dearborn Doll’ earned $250,000 for charity.

This year’s aviation-themed Mustang is inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird, a project that brought together Jack Roush and Caroll Shelby for the very first time. The one-of-one pony car, based on the 2011 Mustang GT, features a black and gray matte exterior with an SR-71 design theme, custom SVT wheels, roll cage and various performance upgrades including a Ford Racing supercharger, sportier suspension and high-flow exhaust system. Both Roush’s and Shelby’s signature are embroidered into the custom Recaro seats.

The SR-71 Blackbird Mustang will be on display in the Ford Hangar at the EAA AirVenture beginning July 26th, and it will officially go to the highest bidder on July 29. Follow the jump for the press release from Ford and more details about the car.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang SR-71 Blackbird

[Source: Ford and Roush via MustangsDaily.com]

Continue reading Ford, Roush and Shelby team up for one-off charity Mustang inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird

Ford, Roush and Shelby team up for one-off charity Mustang inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX configurators up and running

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln, Luxury

The 2011 Ford Edge and 2011 Lincoln MKX configurators have gone live for your shopping – or time-wasting – enjoyment. The Edge SE starts at $27,220 for the 3.5-liter V6, but you can hit it out of the park before even leaving the first page by selecting the Edge Sport all-wheel drive for $38,070. That’ll get you a 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 canvas to play with. There isn’t much more you can add to it, but after stuffing it like a turkey we got it up to $45,171. For those with a mind to be a kinder on wallets and Mother Earth, there are SEL and Limited trims on offer, as well as the 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine (…eventually).

The Lincoln MKX puts less on the table when it comes to varieties: the front-wheel drive starts at $39,145, the AWD at $40,995. Both get that 3.7-liter V6, six-speed SelectShift transmission and SYNC as standard fit. If you go the package route, your work is just about finished, because they cement quite a few exterior and interior choices. But don’t take our words for it – click the links and get to configuratin’. Hot tips, Drew and Tony!

Gallery: First Ride: 2011 Ford Edge Sport

Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKX at Detroit Auto Show

[Source: Ford, Lincoln]

2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX configurators up and running originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX configurators up and running

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln, Luxury

The 2011 Ford Edge and 2011 Lincoln MKX configurators have gone live for your shopping – or time-wasting – enjoyment. The Edge SE starts at $27,220 for the 3.5-liter V6, but you can hit it out of the park before even leaving the first page by selecting the Edge Sport all-wheel drive for $38,070. That’ll get you a 305-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 canvas to play with. There isn’t much more you can add to it, but after stuffing it like a turkey we got it up to $45,171. For those with a mind to be a kinder on wallets and Mother Earth, there are SEL and Limited trims on offer, as well as the 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine (…eventually).

The Lincoln MKX puts less on the table when it comes to varieties: the front-wheel drive starts at $39,145, the AWD at $40,995. Both get that 3.7-liter V6, six-speed SelectShift transmission and SYNC as standard fit. If you go the package route, your work is just about finished, because they cement quite a few exterior and interior choices. But don’t take our words for it – click the links and get to configuratin’. Hot tips, Drew and Tony!

Gallery: First Ride: 2011 Ford Edge Sport

Gallery: 2011 Lincoln MKX at Detroit Auto Show

[Source: Ford, Lincoln]

2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX configurators up and running originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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