1977 Ford F150 Highboy 4x4 Single Cab Long Bed on 2040-cars

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Ford partnering with MIT, Stanford on autonomous vehicle research

Ask any car engineer what's the biggest variable in achieving fuel economy targets, and he'll tell you "the driver." If one human can't understand human driving behavior enough to be certain about an innocuous number like miles per gallon, how is an autonomous car supposed to figure out what hundreds of other drivers are going to do in the course of a day? Ford has enlisted the help of Stanford and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to find out.
Starting with the automated Fusion Hybrid introduced in December, MIT will be developing algorithms that driverless cars can use to "predict actions of other vehicles and pedestrians" and objects within the three-dimensional map provided by its four LIDAR sensors.
The Stanford team will research how to extend the 'vision' of that LIDAR array beyond obstructions while driving, analogous to the way a driver uses the entire width of a lane to see what's ahead of a larger vehicle in front. Ford says it wants to "provide the vehicle with common sense" as part of its Blueprint for Mobility, preparing for an autonomous world from 2025 and beyond.

Ford GT inspires objects for Milan furniture show [w/videos]

Can't get enough of the lines on the new Ford GT? Then Milan is the place to be this month. That's where Ford will be presenting a series of objects whose designs were penned by the same talents behind (and inspired by) the company's new supercar. Set to be presented at the Salone del Mobile furniture show in the Italian metropolis, the collection ranges from tables, chairs and light fixtures to a sailboat, foosball table and electric guitar. "We have an incredible amount of talent in our global design studios," said Ford's chief designer Moray Callum. "Salone del Mobile is the perfect forum to share some of that creativity, while also offering our designers an opportunity to get exposure to new ideas that will inspire future Ford design." In addition to these seemingly random objects, Ford has also partnered with architect Attilio Stocchi to create a special light exhibition entitled "Favillia, Every Light a Voice," similarly inspired by the new GT. But if your plans won't be taking you to Milan anytime soon, you can check them out in the images above and the videos and press release below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Ford Designers Showcase at Salone del Mobile a Guitar, Sail Boat, and Table Football Inspired by Ford GT Supercar - Ford's global design team at the world's leading furniture design expo, Salone del Mobile, unveils a range of items inspired by the new Ford GT - A boat, guitar, table football and other objects were developed by Ford's global design studios for the show, applying the same interior design philosophy as Ford's upcoming supercar - Also inspired by the all-new Ford GT is "FAVILLA, To Every Light a Voice," an immersive installation curated by architect Attilio Stocchi in partnership with Salone del Mobile - Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy, runs until April 19. Ford today also hosts a discussion on current trends, and how they are influencing design MILAN, Italy, April 14, 2015 – Ford's team of global designers today showcased their innovation and creativity, unveiling a sail boat, guitar and table football at the Salone del Mobile design show, in Milan, Italy.

Chevy's latest Silverado videos assume we're idiots

UPDATE: This article has been revised to reflect that any mention of materials used in a future Chevrolet Silverado is speculation. Can we have a sound, rational debate about the merits of aluminum versus steel? According to Chevrolet's latest marketing videos pitting the Silverado against the Ford F-150, the answer is no. The tone of all three ads is almost Orwellian: steel good, aluminum bad. Of course, this will all be a hilarious joke when an aluminum-bodied Silverado comes in 2018. That's an if, as a member of the General Motor public relations team has reminded me that any articles regarding future product are pure speculation. Until then Chevy needs to sell the current Silverado, with its body comprised chiefly of steel, against the Ford F-150's lightweight aluminum panels. Instead of touting the merits of the "most-dependable, longest lasting pickup," the strategy seems to center around negative propaganda towards the 13th element. The tone of all three ads is almost Orwellian: steel good, aluminum bad. Of the three videos, the most fair is Silverado vs. F-150 Repair Costs and Time: Howie Long Head to Head. Basically: aluminum costs more than steel, it's more difficult to repair, and requires special equipment for body shops. In terms of Chevy versus Ford, the blue oval truck costs more and takes longer to repair - an average of $1,755 more and 34 more days in the shop, according to the ad. But why stop there when you can have pitchman Howie Long raising an eyebrow at random facts? When Silverado Chief Engineer Eric Stanczak says of the Ford, "It's manufactured in a way that combines aluminum, rivets, and adhesive in a process that's different than Silverado." Long responds, "Huh. Interesting." At the end of the video, Long says "I'd be interested to know what happens to insurance costs." Note he's not saying anything substantive. If Chevy's legal team could sign off on some facts about insurance rates, it would be in this ad. On our Autoblog Cost to Own calculator, there is no significant difference in projected insurance costs between the two trucks. But at least that ad has facts. The other two videos are pure hype. In Cages: High Stength Steel, real people are asked what they think of aluminum and steel in a room with two cages. Then a bear is released into the room, and the subjects scurry to the safety of the steel cage.