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Road tripping in a Ford Fusion Energi PHEV

Following my earlier Chevy Cruze Diesel trip and recent press-launch drives of Volvo XC90 and Hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrids, an opportunity arose for another road trip. I wanted to do it in a plug-in hybrid, primarily to learn whether its higher price vs. gas-powered and conventional hybrid versions of the same vehicle – is justified by its capability to operate as an EV, burning no fuel at all with its engine off, at least for short distances. I've been skeptical of plug-in parallel hybrids. As I've written before, I've been skeptical of plug-in parallel hybrids because they are generally good for very limited electric miles (typically 10-15, depending on driving style, terrain, and temperature) at fairly leisurely speeds before their engines kick in. But I've recently spent time in two new examples – the 2016 Volvo XC90 T8 and the 2016 Hyundai Sonata PHEV – that offer more EV range, mostly because they tote bigger (thus more expensive) batteries. Both promise 24-25 miles of battery-only range, and the latter can recharge on the fly. Unfortunately, neither was yet available for my July road trip, nor was a Honda or Toyota plug-in, but Ford anted up a Fusion Energi borrowed from its Marketing department. "The state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and electric motor combined with the gasoline engine offers maximum efficiency," says Ford about it. "This strategy offers the best of both worlds, providing the 2016 Ford Fusion Energi the capability to be driven as an electric vehicle for short trips and as a hybrid for longer trips." I've been a fan of Ford's Fusion since the first-generation debuted a decade back, and the handsome Gen II version launched for 2013 has been Detroit's best answer to the Honda Accord/Toyota Camry/Nissan Altima Japanese juggernaut in the popular US mid-size sedan segment. Beyond its leading-man looks, it offers an array of highly-functional features (some exclusive), a choice of three gas engines (a base 2.5-liter four and 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter direct-injected, turbocharged EcoBoost fours) and both parallel and plug-in parallel hybrid versions. The regular hybrid originally boasted 47 mpg before Ford adjusted it to be more realistic. The gas engines drive through a 6-speed automatic transmission (a 6-speed manual is standard with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost), the hybrids through an electric continuously variable transaxle (eCVT), and all-wheel drive is available with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four.

Google's new Android Autos OS unveiled, will be in cars this year [w/video]

Connected cars are coming en-masse. We know this much. How, though, remains something of an open question, especially as two of the world's largest tech companies are preparing to battle for control of your car's dashboard. On the one hand, we have Apple and its CarPlay system. And now, we know what Google has been working on with Auto Link.
Its new name is Android Auto, and yes, it's based off the Android architecture that is the primary challenger to Apple's iOS mobile operating system. Announced at Google's I/O conference today, Android Auto functions similarly to CarPlay - owners will need to plug their smartphones into their cars to access the full breadth of capability.
In Android Auto's case, that means a wealth of voice controls to limit distracted driving. Google's marquee apps will be available when the interface arrives in production models later this year, including Google Play Music, Google Maps and voice-activated texting and text playback. Meanwhile, developers will be able to begin designing custom apps for the new system via an upcoming software development kit.

2016 Ford F-150 gets Sync 3, appearance packs

After the groundbreaking move to aluminum for the bodywork of the 2015 Ford F-150, it's easy to understand Ford keeping the updates light for the 2016 model. However, while there are no drastic changes for the upcoming model year, customers will benefit from a few tiny tweaks. Among the biggest improvement to the truck's usability is the move to the Blue Oval's latest Sync 3 infotainment system to replace Sync with MyFord Touch. Now running on Blackberry's QNX, the software claims to be faster and more intuitive. It also means a redesigned screen layout. As a pickup, the F-150 is meant to work, and Ford's trying to make that a little easier with the newly available Pro Trailer Backup Assist. When activated, drivers turn a knob in the direction they want the trailer to go. From there, the truck makes the necessary steering changes and limits the speed. Finally, for buyers wanting some extra style, Ford is bringing some updates to the exterior. Shadow Black and Lithium Gray are new colors that replace Tuxedo Black and Guard Metallic, respectively. There are also now brawny looking Special Edition Appearance Packages for the XLT and Lariat (pictured above) that include 20-inch anodized aluminum wheels, black running boards, smoked headlights, and side graphics. Both have a dark grille but with red accents on the Lariat and black mesh on the XLT. Inside, the seats feature Alcantara inserts with red bolsters, and crimson accent stitching is throughout the cabin. Finally, there is also the previously announced compressed natural gas prep pack. Feel free to read all about the new 2016 F-150 in the press release below. 2016 F-150 CONTINUES TO INNOVATE WITH AVAILABLE PRO TRAILER BACKUP ASSIST, ALTERNATIVE FUEL CAPABILITY AND SYNC 3 Pro Trailer Backup Assist helps make backing up a trailer as easy as turning a knob New Special Edition Appearance Packages available on XLT and Lariat with unique wheels, graphics and finishes Compressed Natural Gas/Propane gaseous fuel prep package available for 5.0-liter V8-equipped F-150s, helping reduce operating costs and tailpipe CO2 emissions The 2016 Ford F-150, part of Ford F-Series, America's best-selling truck for 38 years, continues to innovate with the addition of breakthrough towing technology, new Special Edition Appearance Packages, SYNC 3 and alternative fuel capability. All-new Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes it easier for drivers of all skill levels to back a trailer up to launch a boat or park in a driveway.