New Gear
FORD DELIVERS HEALTHY CARS FOR SUMMER TRAVEL
07.20.11
By Sheryll Alexander
Some new car buyers are considering Ford vehicles not just for design and performance, but also because Ford has the best infotainment technology and mobile apps of any car maker so far. Plus, Ford's 2011 and upcoming 2012 models are some of the most safe, most fuel efficient and most fun-to-drive cars, wagons, CUVs, SUVs and trucks in America.
Now, Ford is claiming that its new technology-rich vehicles are more healthy than other cars. How can a vehicle give you better health?
Ford says its SYNC and MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles really can bring you less stress and more health by helping you easily find more healthy alternatives. With the touch of just one button, drivers can locate places such as healthy fast casual restaurants, juice bars, organic vegetarian restaurants and even the nearest gym or yoga studio.
In fact, Ford calls its hands-free infotainment technologies an "in-car concierge." But does it really work? As a professional car reviewer and automotive journalist, I have tested Ford's infotainment systems with better-than-average results. Sure, there's still times when car infotainment technology is frustrating, but it is especially helpful for long road trips when you don't know where you are or how to find that hidden healthy neighborhood gem.
Ford Monitors Allergies, Asthma and Even Diabetes
How else do Ford vehicles keep you healthy? Ford is actually on the cutting edge of allergy control systems. Based on research and design in Europe, Ford has developed high-tech pollen traps built right into the car. Ford is so sensitive to allergy sufferers that the company is developing a voice-controlled allergy information center for allergy and asthma patients. Yes, just by saying "allergy forecast," drivers can get access to day-by-day pollen and asthma index level via GPS location. And, if you can believe it, Ford says it is also researching a technology to monitor diabetes and other chronic illnesses. Now that would be one healthy car, right?
Does Parallel Parking Stress You Out?
Do you really hate to parallel park and get super stressed out when you gotta do it? Or, do you have to park your car on the street every day or for work? Ford's "active park assist" claims that this technology can really park your car for you.
But does it really work? Yes! I was given the chance to drive a Ford Flex equipped with "active park assist" technology.
What did I discover on my real-world parking test?
Ford's "active park assist" really works! Yes, I ws able to roll up between two cars. The system let me know if there was enough space to park my rather long Flex ride. I pushed the "active park assist" button. I took my hand off the wheel. Using the brake and accelerator, I "drove" the car perfectly into the empty space without using my hands whatsoever. It was certainly a no-stress way to park!
Sheryll Alexander runs a news media agency based in Costa Mesa, California. She has a daily car column for Autotropolis/Autobytel titled Driving Smart with Sheryll Alexander. Follow her! @sheryllalexande
Snowboard For All Seasons
03.07.11
For any girl or guy who snowboards, there is always a set of compromises one makes throughout the season. On groomer days and hardpack, we want a board that can grab - and hold - an edge without washing out on icy patches or chatter bumps. And, on stormy days of fresh powder, we want a board that will float and turn in the light fluffy stuff. Some people have multiple boards to secure the ride they want, others do what I did and bolt my bindings to a 2010-2011 Rossignol Experience All Mountain board.
Originally named the Jones Experience board after big mountain legend Jeremy Jones, Rossi changed the name last season after Jones left to start his own snowboard company. But they kept the innovations and design elements Jones brought to his then-sponsor. Hence, the Experience board is the ultimate big-mountain slayer that is equally at home on the lower parts of the mountain. Designed primarily for men due to its stiffness and length (159 is the shortest they make), this board would nevertheless be at home underfoot of an aggressive (and larger) woman rider.
The experience has two major design features that give it an unbeatable pedigree way up high on the mountain. The first is Magne-Traction; a sidecut innovation invented by Mervin Manufacturing (who are owned by Rossi and makers of hailed Lib Tech and Gnu boards) that has received many industry kudos and awards for the way its seven waves "cut" into icy surfaces like a serrated knife and gives the board more surface area to grab an edge in sketchy conditions.
The other innovation on this board is AmpTek, which is their version of rocker technology - which has taken over board (and ski) design by changing the way the board is curved underfoot and providing better turning. The Amptek on the Experience gives a traditional camber underfoot and a slight rise toward the tip and tail for improved turning - and float in powder.
The directional board is available in several sizes, ranging from 159, 163 and 167cm, with a couple medium-wide sizes as well. Visually its a stunner, especially if you like the look of Arbor Boards and are too old and wise for the lame skulls and flames of most board graphics. The lack of a topsheet lets the wood finish show through, and you're guaranteed compliments on its look.
Street price for the Experience is around $450-$499 online or at stores including Wave Rave in Mammoth Lakes.
http://www.rossignol.com/US/US/experience_RE0WC01_product_snowboard-men-boards.html
from the blog
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