More on Ford's SmartGauge cluster for the Fusion/Milan hybrids w/VIDEO
When the new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan go on sale early next year, everyone from basic commuters to the most avid hyper-milers should be able to get what they want out of the new SmartGauge cluster. Typically on hybrid vehicles, all the information about power flow and battery state of charge is displayed on a central screen with the navigation system putting it out of the drivers line of sight. SmartGauge puts it all front and center and allows the driver to determine how much or little information they want. The system consists of a standard analog speedometer flanked by a pair of 4.3 inch WVGA (800x480) LCDs. That's the same size and resolution as the Sony PSP. A button mounted on the steering wheel allows the driver to select from four main configurations with varying amounts of data.
The most basic is the Inform mode for people who just want to drive. Inform provides the fuel and battery level, coolant temperature and PRNDL displays. The default when the car is delivered is the Enlighten mode which adds the instantaneous mileage, tachometer and battery charge, discharge indicator. Engage substitutes more detailed power flow, average mileage and the leafy green driving indicator that we heard about the other day. As your driving style gets more efficient, you get more leaves on the tree. The hyper-miler special is called Empower. This adds mileage history bars on the right and an accessory drive power draw indicator on the left. The latter lets you see how much juice is being drawn by the air-conditioning, lights, wipers etc. All of the displays can customized so that the driver can select the information they want. You can check out a guided tour after the jump with Ford Senior Technical Leader Jeff Greenberg after the jump.
Gallery: Ford SmartGauge cluster
[Source: Ford]
FORD'S SMARTGAUGE WITH ECOGUIDE COACHES DRIVERS TO MAXIMIZE FUEL EFFICIENCY ON NEW FUSION HYBRID
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Ford's SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide gives hybrid owners a more-connected, fuel-efficient driving experience by coaching them on how to optimize performance of the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids
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SmartGauge with EcoGuide's unique design uses two, high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, average and instant miles-per-gallon. Growing leaves and vines track and reward the driver's efficiency
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All-new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids are expected to offer class-leading fuel economy and will be available in the first quarter of 2009
DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 29, 2008 – Pushing a vehicle to the limit takes on a new meaning in the new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, thanks to Ford's SmartGauge with EcoGuide – an innovative new instrument cluster that provides real-time information to help drivers maximize fuel efficiency.
"SmartGauge with EcoGuide gives the customer real-world feedback to make the most of their hybrids," said Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager. "Unique to Ford and Mercury hybrid sedans, this instrument cluster acts as a good 'coach,' engaging drivers real-time to help them achieve maximum fuel economy."
Ford collaborated with IDEO and Smart Design, two world leaders in helping consumers connect with technology, to develop the instrument cluster. Job One was properly integrating the driver with the cluster's science and technology.
"The main question hybrid drivers had was, 'How do I know I'm getting the most out of my hybrid?' " said Jeff Greenberg, Ford senior technical leader. "We needed to create a system that better communicates with drivers and gives them the tools to maximize fuel efficiency. That's what SmartGauge with EcoGuide does."
The driver is immediately engaged by the SmartGauge displays, on either side of the center-mounted analog speedometer, with a special greeting that combines illumination and graphics.
EcoGuide then uses a multi-layered approach to coach the driver to maximum fuel efficiency. A tutorial mode built into the display that helps the driver learn about the instrument cluster and the hybrid in a whimsical way that does not overpower.
For instance, drivers can choose one of four data screens to choose the information level displayed during their drives. They are:
- Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
- Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
- Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
- Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption
All levels can show instant fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer, engine coolant temperature, what gear the car is in and trip data (trip fuel economy, time-elapsed fuel economy and miles to empty). The engine coolant temperature indicator turns green when engine conditions are warm enough to allow engine pull-down.
At the core of the instrument cluster's design was an understanding that the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) experience evolves and deepens over time and the technology needed to reflect that.
The four levels of information can be customized to fit each driver's needs or situation. If cruising on the highway, for instance, only basic information may be desired. Once a driver moves off the highway into a city, additional information to optimize fuel economy may be desired and can be easily accessed.
Long-term fuel efficiency can be displayed in two ways – either as a traditional chart or using an innovative display that shows "growing leaves and vines" on the right side of the cluster. The more efficient a customer is, the more lush and beautiful the leaves and vines, creating a visual reward for the driver's efforts.
Additionally, the real-time system feedback allows drivers to assess or modify their driving habits to achieve maximum fuel economy. A shutdown screen reviews important information from the latest trip, including fuel economy performance and comparative data from previous days.
Extensive customer research was completed to ensure the instrument cluster is as driver-friendly as possible. Prototype testing was done in Ford's Virtual Text Track Experiment (VIRTTEX) simulator, the industry's largest driver distraction laboratory operated by an automaker. Test drivers were able to safely interact with the new technology as engineers gathered data and helped refine SmartGauge, aiding drivers in making informed decisions without being distracting or overwhelming.
"When you're driving, you have a second or so to look at your display," Greenberg said. "A dense display isn't going to work. SmartGauge with EcoGuide is designed to minimize distraction caused by multiple displays. We did a lot of work to eliminate extraneous movement and create a smooth, fluid display."
The instantaneous fuel economy gauge, for example, can be shown or hidden at each of the EcoGuide levels to suit the needs of individual drivers. "We did a lot of research and modified our designs along the way to make SmartGauge with EcoGuide unobtrusive, using subtle cues to relay information," Greenberg said.
The brainstorming sessions with the IDEO team proved invaluable. "We received more than 100 ideas about information to display – that was our input to our studies with VIRTTEX," he added. "In VIRTTEX, for example, we learned that you can't overlay multiple levels of information. One of our design goals then became to geographically separate the information so it can be better understood while driving."
Four Hybrids The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids join the already successful Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids – the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the planet. With the addition of the two new hybrid sedans, Ford will double its annual hybrid volume and be the largest domestic producer of full hybrid vehicles in North America.
The Fusion and Milan Hybrids will be built at Ford's Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant and a will arrive in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2009.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 229,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Gordio 1:31PM (10/30/2008)
That is an eye sore. That is unusable. That guage is a good example of overdoing something.
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Cellien 11:35AM (10/31/2008)
Oh yes, a screen that displays information is "unusable". It's two screens to take the place of tons of dials. It's more streamline and more customizable to each application. It's called evolution, no overdoing.
paulwesterberg 2:48PM (10/30/2008)
I like how he calls the glowing boot screen a feature, I wonder how long it takes. Most people don't want to wait for their car to boot before driving away.
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philmcneal 8:27PM (10/30/2008)
correction psp resolution is 480 by 272.... with 16 million colors
what your thinking is the nokia 770/800/810 series internet tablet which sports a 800 by 480 res with only 65k colors to boot
sorry i had to snug that in :P
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Jason 8:34PM (10/30/2008)
I am happy that Ford wants to give drivers a visual display of how efficiently they are operating their car. Ultimately I would like to see the US move off fossil fuels completely but obviously this process will take some time. In the meantime it makes a lot of sense to reduce the burning of fossil fuels as much as possible and if drivers can get instant mpg feedback this could easily improve fuel economy by 10% just by making people change their driving habits. I'm also glad that Ford is finally going to be offer their hybrid technology in sedans for the first time.
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matt 11:04PM (10/30/2008)
Looks like another desperate gimmick from a hard up company. Not only has FORD left their "Quality is job one" slogan behind, they also gave up good taste and tact.
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Cellien 11:32AM (10/31/2008)
Just another big 3 hater I see. Read your car news before looking like a tool.
Quote from Consumer Reports 08: "Ford's reliability is now on par with good Japanese automakers."--Consumer Reports, 2008"
Desperate gimmick? It's a f*cking dash screen with the ability to show more than ever before and then some for all the hybrid info. I'm guessing if Toyota made it, it would be "a much needed update" instead of "desperate gimmick". Gimme a break.
matt 11:51AM (11/01/2008)
Personally I could care less about the big three, soon to be the big two. I do know that my experience with FORD is about as diverse (decent to bad) as indicated by Consumer Reports. Also, if you are going to reference a source, at least reference it with some amount of accuracy. I actually subscribe to ConsumerReports.org. From what I can tell the source of your comment is solely derived from the reliability ranking for 2009 family cars. The vehicles listed there have yet to prove themselves in the real users' hands.
Here is the ranking breakdown for new vehicles covering 34 makes. I think there's room for cynicism...
01.) Scion
02.) Acura
03.) Honda
04.) Toyota
05.) Lexus
06.) Infiniti
07.) Subaru
08.) Hyundai
09.) Mitsubishi
10.) Kia
11.) Lincoln
12.) Mazda -- First one belonging to FORD motor company, but still Japanese
13.) Mini
14.) Nissan
15.) Mercury
16.) Volvo
17.) Ford -- Huge sampling variance from deep within "less reliable" to barely into "more reliable".
18.) Buick
19.) Porsche
20.) BMW
21.) Suzuki
22.) Audi
23.) Saab
24.) Volkswagen
25.) GMC
26.) Mercedes
27.) Jeep
28.) Jeep
29.) Pontiac
30.) Dodge
31.) Cadillac
32.) Chrysler
33.) Saturn
34.) Land Rover
Vehical ranking for eight major makers as they age (best to worst at 10 year mark).
01.) Toyota (~70 problems on average)
02.) Honda (~90)
03.) Nissan (~105)
04.) Ford (~125)
05.) Hyundai (~130)
06.) Chrysler (~160)
07.) GM (~165)
08.) Volkswagen (~180)
Most Reliable category (41 listed in total, only these relating to the big three).
Pontiac Vibe
Volvo C30 (I think these guys split off from FORD)
Mercury Milan
Ford Fusion
Most Unreliable category (45 listed in total, these relate to the big three).
Dodge Avenger
Crysler Sebring(V6)
Chevrolet Impala(V8)
Crysler Sebring(convertible)
Saturn Sky
Pontiac Solstice
Chevrolet Corvette
Cadillac STS(V8)
Land Rover LR2
Saturn Vue(V6, AWD)
Dodge Nitro
Jeep Wrangler
Land Rover Range Rover
Cadillac SRX(V6)
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Land Rover LR3
Jeep Commander(V8)
Ford Explorer(V8, 2WD)
Mercury Mountaineer(V8,2WD)
Jeep Grand Cherokee(4WD)
Cadillac Escalade ESV
GMC Acadia(FWD)
Saturn Outlook(FWD)
Cadillac Escalade
Ford F-250(turbodiesel $WD)
Chevrolet Colorado(4WD)
GMC Canyon(4WD)
Crysler Town & Country
Dodge Grand Caravan
Hyundai Entourage
Now Consumer Reports does show quite a few vehicles from the big three that ranked well in the 2009 family car reliability rating chart. However none of the big three, FORD ranking the best amongst them, came even close to the leaders in all the other categories.
Furthermore, "leafy green driving indicator?" If that doesn't scream marketing, I don't know what does. It's marginally more useful than the Beetle's stem vase. I will have to admit that the customization of the instrument panel is a nice feature (depending on default settings for the 12 o'clock flashers - ref Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie), but I would bet that most people will only be able to keep track of the overall charge, speed, and maybe a simple to read efficiency meter. Quite frankly, even if the AGB readers might be all in for an efficiency tracker, the general commuter could probably care less.
miles 11:18PM (11/01/2008)
Passing judgement? Naw - just saying some people annoy me when they go overboard with slamming a new idea.
You did say a digital IP cluster is "desperate gimmick from a hard up company" - right?
Huh?
I already know enough to have an opinion of you from just that first ridiculous sentence.
No worries, man. In fact I bet you have an opinion of me by now!
;)
miles 12:25PM (10/31/2008)
No kidding - if the imports did it then it would be peachy, but the little3 did it so it's dumb.
I remember that guy that said the H2 is an off-roader for idiots because you just point it and run over stuff - he obviously preferred the Toyota even though it was clearly less capable. These folks that see the world thru import-colored glasses drive me nuts. Of course I do feel the same about the (few) posters that think the Little3 can do no wrong.
...Whatever.
I think getting many cluster configurations out of a single part number is an unbeatable idea. Not that it's perfect, but with continued refinement it's likely here to stay. Bet everyone else is doing it in a few years. Better not run on Vista!
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Cellien 4:20PM (10/31/2008)
Yep, I read that article about the H2 and Landcruiser as well. :\
I don't deny that the big 3 needed a reality check, but Ford seems to really be on the ball right now in reliability and globalization of their small cars. My next car is a Fiesta. It will be replacing my Ford Focus and complimenting my 08 2.3L 5" lifted (27 mpg) Ford Ranger. :)
matt 12:22PM (11/01/2008)
Incidentally, before you guys get on your high and mighty horses, you really should know a little bit about the people you're passing judgment on. In all my years of driving, I have only owned Fords; Mercury Lynx (manual), Ford Escort (manual), Mercury Topaz (V6 manual), and Mustang Cobra (my current). They all got me from point A to B, but they all required quite a few days in the shop to keep them going, especially the latest one.
Kurt 9:22AM (11/03/2008)
"Furthermore, "leafy green driving indicator?" If that doesn't scream marketing, I don't know what does."
How dare Toyota introduce a leafy green indicator in the 2004 Toyota Prius, If that doesn't scream marketing, I don't know what does.
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Jon 1:34PM (12/13/2008)
One of the things that "greenies" love to do is show off the dashboard graphics that show real-time fuel efficiency. By putting all of that in the IP instead of the center screen that the nav system normally uses it will be more difficult to do that- your passengers will be invading your personal space to see the info. (Or maybe you're trying to pick up an enviro-chick, in which case this is just what the doctor ordered.)
Seems like there are two people in this group: those who recognize that this gauge cluster is the future and those who do not. Great job, Ford.
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Matt S. 2:48PM (4/01/2009)
I like the new Fusion Hybrid and Ford now has the most fuel efficient mid-size sedan in America. Anyone thinking that Ford is like GM and Chrysler needs to take a look around...Ford has received numerous awards over the last year for there quality improvement.
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