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We test the 2016 Ford F-150 Pro Trailer Backup Assist

There are some automotive tasks that are more or less impossible the first time you attempt them, no matter your skill level. Remember the first time you had to back a trailer into position? Yeah, you'd have more luck disarming a nuclear bomb than getting the trailer where you're aiming. Ford is preparing to debut a technology that takes the mystery out of reversing a trailer, with the new Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Available on the entire 2016 F-150 range, the system essentially allows owners to drive their trailers by way of a dash-mounted knob. Turn the knob and the steering wheel automagically turns to the correct angle, leading the trailer in the desired direction. The steering wheel twirls about as needed, although drivers still have direct control of the accelerator and brake pedals, much as they do with Ford's Enhanced Active Park Assist system. Ford has spent eight years developing the system, the company's engineers told us. Drivers will need to measure their trailers a certain way and fit the checked reference sticker you can see in the gallery, although once a measurement is stored in the system, it can easily be recalled using the display in the instrument cluster. The system can stow the measurements for 10 trailers, and can accommodate tow-behinds up to 33 feet long. As of right now, though, the PTBA can't work with gooseneck trailers or fifth-wheels, although we're betting Ford is hard at work to accommodate those more substantial setups. "Pro Trailer Backup Assist is a smart solution to save time and increase productivity for our customers," Doug Scott, Ford Truck's marketing manager, said in the attached statement. "Instead of struggling to back up their trailer, they can spend more time on the job or enjoying the lake." We took part in a hands-on demo of the new system off the Detroit River, near Grosse Ile, MI. Full disclosure, we didn't back the trailer into the water, (your author had no interest in potentially damaging the roughly $50,000 boat/trailer Ford brought in for the test). We did, however, conduct a brief test in the safe confines of a nearby parking lot. Our immediate impression of this technology is that it will be a boon to novices or first-time towers, a group of which your author is a member. It takes the mystery out of backing up a trailer, and while there's still a learning curve involved, it's significantly easier than doing things the old-fashioned way.

Want to buy a brand-new 1964 Ford Mustang? [w/video]

Even in its current iteration, the Ford Mustang is not without its share of heritage design cues. But if it's a more classic look of the first-gen pony car you're after, combined with modern levels of equipment, Revology just might have the answer. The Orlando-based company makes what you might call "continuation" Mustangs, using replica steel bodies made by Dynacorn and licensed by Ford to give it that classic look, but with modern technology. Under the skin you'll find a 5.0-liter fuel-injected V8 with 265 horsepower and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, but the powertrain is just the start. It's also got a MacPherson strut suspension, disc brakes, power steering and a cabin equipped with such modern accoutrements as power door locks and seats, keyless entry, intermittent wipers, even Bluetooth connectivity. And it's all covered by a one-year, unlimited-milage warranty, plus five-year corrosion protection and three-year powertrain warranty. Of course none of that comes cheap, as a turnkey Revology Mustang will set you back at least $119,500, in the buyer's choice of fastback or convertible body-styles. The first example was unveiled at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance this past weekend, with the first customer examples set for delivery next year. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery Revology Mustang View 17 Photos News Source: Revology Cars via Carscoops Ford Convertible Coupe Classics replica continuation revology

Ford C-Max, Fusion hybrids subject of MPG lawsuit in California

A California lawsuit over the fuel economy claims for the 2013 Ford C-Max was first reported back in December. Based on the numerous reports we've heard of disgruntled owners failing to get their car's EPA fuel economy ratings on the C-Max and 2013 Fusion Hybrid, we suspected there would be more to this story. The Detroit News is reporting that two California law firms are combining their lawsuits against Ford on this matter for "false and misleading" claims.
The article states that there are hundreds of C-Max and Fusion Hybrid owners who have joined the lawsuit, but the issue isn't limited to customers. In December, Consumer Reports extensively tested both the Fusion Hybrid and C-Max and found that both hybrids performed significantly worse than their EPA claims. This all comes just a few months after Hyundai and Kia took the unprecedented step of lowering the fuel economy ratings for all of their 2012 and 2013 model-year vehicles.