LA Auto Show: 2015 Ford Edge Concept – Future Technology Showcase

ford edge concept 2015 la show

Ford previews the 2015 Ford Edge with the Ford Edge Concept at the 2013 LA Auto Show.  This angular mid-size crossover showcases the future of vehicle technology today.  It’s interesting to note this press release does not say anything about engines, motors, transmission, or fuel efficiency.  This concept is focused on technology and getting the public’s perception.

First up is the “Remote Self-Parking” feature.  You may have seen TFLcar video demonstrations of Ford’s automatic parking system (see video below).  Ford takes it to the next level by adding a remote parking feature.  Basically, this system allows the driver to control the parking procedure from outside the vehicle.  Here is a scenario: you are looking to park in a crowded garage and find a spot wide enough for your car, but too narrow for you to open the door and get out.  What to do?  Ford to the rescue.  Once, the Park Assist locates the spot, you get out of the vehicle and initiate the procedure via your remote key-fob.  The car accelerates, steers, and brakes all on its own.  You can interrupt the process remotely at any time, should you change your mind or notice a problem.

I wish you could get out of the car before you enter the garage structure, and just tell it to “go park yourself” while you go shopping.  However, the system does not have this level of autonomous operation.  Perhaps, next year?

The Remote Self-Parking is aided by adaptive electrically assisted steering.  This system combined variable steering ratios at varying speeds with electric power assist.

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There is also Ford’s “Obstacle avoidance” system.  There are other cars that are able to automatically apply the brakes when an obstacle is detected.  Ford kicks this up a notch as well.  This system can also automatically steer around obstacles in those cases where applying the brakes cannot avoid an impact.    This technology is meant to aid the driver in situations when pedestrians or other obstacles suddenly appear in the path of travel.  The steering avoidance technology is still in its development stages, so don’t expect it to be in your new Ford next year.

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Other than the mind-boggling technological advances, this Ford Edge Concept previews what the 2015 Ford Edge will look like inside and out.  It looks sharp and modern from the outside, and the inside it more of an evolution on the current interior.  (I am glad Ford is going back to a larger tachometer rpm gauge.  The current tiny one is not very good.)

Check out this insider TFLcar video of the Ford Edge Concept from the 2013 LA Auto Show: