New stop-and-go technology available on the 2017 Fusion, works the existing adaptive cruise control feature. When initiated, the feature automatically accelerates and brakes while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead in traffic which should reduce stress. The technology was tested in Chicago and Los Angeles to test it in the worst possible conditions.
Ford claims whether on a long-distance trip or the daily commute, customers of the 2017 Fusion equipped with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology can drive with less stress.
Using dedicated steering wheel buttons, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go allows drivers to set cruise control speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead. The semi-autonomous technology can automatically adjust the set speed for comfortable travel – much like a human driver would – bringing the car to a full stop when traffic halts. If the car has to stop for more than three seconds, the driver can tap the resume button or accelerator and the car returns to its preset speed. This assures the driver is paying attention in the event of a long pause in traffic.
Adaptive cruise control employs a combination of sensors and software. When activated, the technology uses an advanced radar-and-camera based system, which reads the road every 50 milliseconds – tracking traffic and adjusting Fusion’s cruise control according to traffic flow. In slow traffic, with minimal driver input, the car can automatically brake itself to a stop, then resume travel up to set speed and following distance.”
Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go is a great tool for dealing with traffic, but for unpredictable moments Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, part of the overall technology, employs the same sensors and camera to watch the road ahead for potential collisions with a vehicle or pedestrian. When a situation is detected, the system provides a visual and audible warning to the driver, pre-charges the brakes and, if necessary, can then automatically apply up to full braking force. This can help reduce the severity of, or even eliminate, some frontal collisions.
The 2017 Fusion is the first Ford vehicle in North America to offer adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection – among 20 driver-assist technologies available across the entire Fusion lineup, including Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi. Stop-and-go will be added to three new Ford products within the next two years.
The new Fusion arrives at Ford dealers this spring.