Autoblog

Pole Dance: NHTSA to add new side-impact crash test? [w/VIDEO]

Dan Roth — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Videos, Ford

NHTSA side-impact pole test - click above to watch the video

Not satisfied with cars that manage crash forces well enough to avoid spilling your drink, and engines that run so clean they'll barely asphyxiate ants, a new crash test is reportedly coming in the works from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Along with the test will come new dummies and new testing equipment, all of which means it's likely to have a big impact on future car designs. The side-impact pole test will simulate side collisions with objects like trees or telephone poles, a type of accident that current side-impact tests don't accurately simulate.

According to The New York Times, the new test will use a 10-inch round pole that will collide with the car at speeds of up to 20 mph. A 75-degree angle will be used, and the point of impact will be just aft of the A-pillar. Naturally, automakers won't have to pass the test all at once, the standard will be phased in. For 2011, 20 percent of an automaker's fleet will have to meet the standard and by 2014, the pole crash standard will be at 100 percent - all new cars will have to comply.

It's a change that could potentially change the face of auto design, the same way pedestrian impact standards in Europe have led to some peculiar front sheetmetal. Materials changes may also be employed to meet the regulation, with additional high-strength steel being substituted. The more conventional metals currently used are easier to form, while stronger metals require all sorts of hot pressing and tempering to be put into shape. Manufacturing cost will go up, which means prices will probably also increase, or profit will decrease while prices hold steady. Safe cars are a laudable goal, but how safe is safe enough? Follow the jump to see a video of how Ford's 2010 Mustang GT convertible and coupe models fare, then let us know what you think by leaving a comment.

[Source: The New York Times]

Continue reading Pole Dance: NHTSA to add new side-impact crash test? [w/VIDEO]

Pole Dance: NHTSA to add new side-impact crash test? [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Judge orders Toyota not to not destroy car crash information

Chris Shunk — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Toyota

According to Bloomberg, Toyota has been ordered by Texas Judge T. John Ward no to destroy any of its crash data, and research projects related to product liability or crashworthiness. The temporary restraining order, which is in effect until after a October 7 hearing (at which it will be determine if the order should be extended), stems from allegations from former Toyota lawyer Dimitrios Biller that the Japanese automaker withheld evidence in over 300 rollover lawsuits. Ward wrote of his decision "The court finds an immediate threat of irreparable harm in that, under the allegations, a threat exists that evidence material to this case would be destroyed or altered."

As is typical of most companies being sued for what could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars, Toyota isn't commenting for the most part. Toyota spokesman Mike Michels only says that the company feels it acted appropriately in the lawsuits. While Biller's suit is big in its own right, there is a lot at stake if the former Toyota attorney wins the suit. Lawyers are already looking to reopen cases which were previously settled or rejected for lack of evidence. Dallas area lawyer Todd Tracey has asked Ward to reopen several cases which were either settled or rejected, and there are likely other lawyers and injury victims lining up to do the same.

[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: Judge orders Toyota not to not destroy car crash information originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: IIHS celebrates 50th anniversary by crashing modern Malibu into '59 Bel Air

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Sedan, Safety, Videos, Chevrolet

2009 Chevy Malibu versus 1959 Chevy Bel Air - Click above to watch the video after the break

They just don't build 'em like they used to. While that old saying is constantly bandied about in regards to modern-day cars and trucks, it's once again worth saying and was the first thing that popped into our heads after watching the video pasted after the break.

You see, most of the time, we like to think of our old automobiles as tank-like hunks of metal with full frames and acres of dead space in front of the driver and the massive chrome front bumper. While that may often be the case, all those thick bits of steel don't automatically equal safety. This point is driven home by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which decided to celebrate its 50th anniversary by crash testing a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air into a 2009 Chevy Malibu. The results were eye-opening. Says the IIHS of the Bel Air's performance:

The dummy's head struck the steering wheel rim and hub and then the roof and unpadded metal instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.... The windshield was completely dislodged from the car and the driver door opened during the crash, both presenting a risk of ejection. In addition, the front bench seat was torn away from the floor on the driver side.

Ouch.... an instant death according to the IIHS. And the '09 Malibu? "A high acceleration was recorded on the left foot, indicating that foot injuries would be possible." Well now, as much as we like our left foot (perfect for operating the clutch, ya know), we'd rather take our chances in the new car, thank you very much. Click past the break to watch the video in all its car-crushing glory, and take a moment to mourn the passing of what used to be a rather nice '59 Bel Air.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: IIHS celebrates 50th anniversary by crashing modern Malibu into '59 Bel Air

VIDEO: IIHS celebrates 50th anniversary by crashing modern Malibu into '59 Bel Air originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda3, Dodge Journey net IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings

Michael Harley — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named its latest three Top Safety Pick award winners. The models include the 2010 Dodge Journey, 2010 Lincoln MKT, and Mazda's 2010 Mazda3. All three are equipped with standard side airbags. Stability control is standard on the Dodge and Lincoln, but optional on the Mazda.

Unlike the 35 mph head-on barrier crash testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and its resulting 1- to 5-star ratings, the IIHS frontal test runs the driver's side of a vehicle into a deformable barrier at 40 mph and then assigns one of four ratings (Good, Acceptable, Marginal or Poor) based on occupant injury, vehicle structure integrity, and the movement of the crash dummy within the cabin. In order to earn a Top Safety Pick award, the vehicles must earn the highest ("Good") rating in the agency's frontal, side, and rear impact testing... and be equipped with electronic stability control. The IIHS tests vehicles and announces its Top Safety Picks throughout the year.

[Source: IIHS]

Mazda3, Dodge Journey net IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lincoln MKT earns Top Safety Pick from IIHS

Chris Shunk — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:33:00 EST

2010 Lincoln MKT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has dumped all of its latest safety gadgets into the already structurally sound 2010 Lincoln MKT, and the Blue Oval's engineering labor appears to have paid off as the luxury crossover has just scored a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. The Top Pick status of the 5,000 lb MKT doesn't come as a surprise, as it is mechanically identical to the well-regarded Ford Flex.

The MKT scored a "Good" rating in each category, including structure, injury measures and restraints. The IIHS added that "dummy movement was well controlled. After the dummy moved forward into the airbag, it rebounded into the seat without its head coming close to any stiff structure that could cause injury."

The Lincoln MKT comes with standard equipment like an advanced structural safety system that combines octagonal front frame rails, tunnel rails and support members that are designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment. Along with the usual safety suspects like side curtain airbags, Ford offers optional safety equipment like Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning Brake Control and a Blind Spot Information system. Hit the jump to read the Ford press release.

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKT

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Lincoln MKT earns Top Safety Pick from IIHS

Lincoln MKT earns Top Safety Pick from IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Taurus earns Top Safety Pick from IIHS

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Ford

2010 Ford Taurus SHO - Click above for high-res image gallery

Color us unsurprised that the new 2010 Ford Taurus earned a coveted Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. After all, the previous-generation Taurus took home the award in 2008 and 2009 and the pre- name-change Ford Five Hundred was a Top Safety Pick way back in 2007.

In order to win the Top Safety Pick award, the IIHS says "a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute's front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control." Click here and you'll see that the 2010 Ford Taurus got solid green marks all across the board.

We'd love to show an image gallery of the 2010 Taurus crash test results, but none are available. The last full-size Ford sedan actually crash tested by the IIHS was the 2007 Five Hundred. Therefore, the Top Safety Pick was awarded based on Ford's own internal crash test data after being verified by IIHS researchers.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Insurance Institute For Highway Safety]

Ford Taurus earns Top Safety Pick from IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota Tundra finally earns its fifth star... but how?

Chris Shunk — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Safety, Toyota

2010 Toyota Tundra Platinum Package - click above for high-res gallery

When Toyota crashed the domestic automakers' pickup party with the arrival of the 2007 Tundra, the truck-buying public took notice. Bad news struck the Tundra from the start, though, as heavy rebates were needed to move the new truck, and numerous quality issues were reported. Toyota has since addressed those issues, but one problem has continued to follow the truck: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Tundra a four star rating for front driver and passenger collisions, denoting a 11-20% chance of serious injury in a 35 mph crash. That's one fewer star than the competition from Dodge, Chevy, and Ford, and a big-time marketing disadvantage for Toyota. The four star rating became a bit more puzzling when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Tundra a Top Safety Pick for 2008. Toyota seemed dumbfounded as to why its truck received a four star rating, but the Japanese automaker may have received some vindication for the 2010 model year.

The star power of the Tundra has finally been amped up for the new model year, as NHTSA is now giving the Double Cab and Crew Max configurations of the truck a five star rating. The regular cab Tundra hasn't been tested. There have been several changes to the 2010 Tundra, including interior and exterior updates, plus a new 310 horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine. Pickuptrucks.com contacted Toyota to see what structural changes were made to the Tundra to improve its crash test scores, and Toyota reportedly told the website that no structural changes to the trucks frame were made, and no safety enhancements have been added. Interesting.

[Source: Pickuptrucks]

REPORT: Toyota Tundra finally earns its fifth star... but how? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Tata Nano passes European crash testing

Michael Harley — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Safety, India, Tata

2009 Tato Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Tata Nano, the diminutive Indian four-door econobox rumored to eventually arrive in U.S. showrooms, has reportedly passed current European impact testing. According to Autocar, the offset front and side impact tests took place at the MIRA test center last week under supervision by an inspector from Britain's Vehicle Certification Authority. A spokesperson for Tata said the company is "delighted but not surprised" with the results, as the car had already been tested in India.

Sold only in its homeland right now, Tata seems determined to expand its passenger vehicle business to Europe and North America. With that in mind, the automaker is working to upgrade the Nano to ensure the Lilliputian meets "Westernized" crash standards, including the European NCAP tests, and our own NHTSA requirements.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Tata Nano Europa

[Source: Autocar UK]

REPORT: Tata Nano passes European crash testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Kia Soul aces Euro NCAP crash tests

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 30 May 2009 17:04:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Safety, Videos, Hatchback, Kia

Click above to watch the Kia Soul's Euro NCAP crash tests

There is no rating yet for the Kia Soul in the U.S., but in Europe the car did the business: the Soul scored five stars on the NCAP frontal offset, side impact and pole crash tests, doing no worse than "marginal" in just two areas. In the frontal offset test the windshield doesn't crack and there is only minor cosmetic damage aft of the front door's front shut line. It's a big result for a little car, and if it has the reliability to match it should do very, very well. Thanks for the tip, GenGT!

Gallery: Kia Soul Euro NCAP Test

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Kia Soul aces Euro NCAP crash tests

VIDEO: Kia Soul aces Euro NCAP crash tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 May 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Lincoln MKZ earn IIHS Top Safety Pick

Michael Harley — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Sedan, Safety, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Lincoln MKZ - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently tested the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Lincoln MKZ, and both have earned the agency's Top Safety Pick rating for 2009. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class did very well in the frontal offset and side impact tests with "Good" ratings in both tests (models manufactured after 9/2008 with the standard side airbags). The 2010 Lincoln MKZ also performed admirably, earning "Good" ratings in both tests as well (models manufactured after 1/2007). In rear crash tests done by the IIHS, the Mercedes and Lincoln each received "Good" ratings. While the IIHS smashed both of the vehicles offset into a barrier at 40 mph, and hit each with a 3,300-pound side impact barrier moving at 31 mph, the agency's new roof strength crash testing has not been conducted on either model. See the short press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKZ

[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Lincoln MKZ earn IIHS Top Safety Pick

Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Lincoln MKZ earn IIHS Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA in hot seat after troubling baby car seat tests found

Michael Harley — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:19:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Carsumer Advocacy

The Chicago Tribune is shaking a rattle at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Its investigation has found 31 cases of infant seats exceeding injury limits or disconnecting from their bases during federal vehicle frontal impact crash tests. The NHTSA slams countless cars into barriers each year, like the 2008 Dodge Caravan in the gallery below. In addition to the sensor-laden crash dummies, some of the vehicles are also fitted with infant or child seats. According to the Tribune, the unreported child seat failures in those tests - crashes conducted only to test vehicle safety, not the safety of the child seats - has uncovered a serious flaw in infant/child seat testing.

In the United States today, infant seats are only tested on a sled. Before being sold, the seats must demonstrate the ability to survive a "simulated" head-on crash at 30 mph. On the other hand, the NHTSA crashes actual vehicles into a barrier at 35 mph (although it is only 5 mph faster, the impact is significantly greater). Sled tests are effective in some studies, but they fail to test the variables found among different vehicle interiors and the unique seat designs that change from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Responding to the Tribune report, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a written statement Friday that he ordered a "complete top to bottom review of child safety seat regulations." He will also make changes to make the crash-test results "more available" to consumers. Government crash test regulations have held automakers to the fire, and the result has been much safer vehicles for adults. Now it's time to bring infant/child seat manufacturers to the same flame and improve small occupant safety, as well.

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Crash Tests

[Source: Freep, image by NHTSA]

NHTSA in hot seat after troubling baby car seat tests found originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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5 Stars for '09 Ford F-150

Dan Roth — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Safety, Ford

Ford's 2009 F-150 has garnered five-star government crash ratings and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS), which Ford says makes its newly redesigned full-sizer the safest out there. Vehicle safety is still largely a question of the loose nut behind the wheel, but the F-150 does come with a raft of safety gear. Acronyms and names abound, from RSC (Roll Stability Control), to K-bags and Safety Canopy curtain airbags, it all helps the pickup earn five stars in front- and side-impact crash testing. We'd expect no less from Ford, considering the F-Series is a perennial sales champ, and probably the most pivotal vehicle Dearborn makes. The '09 F-series has been racking up accolades and these safety ratings are yet another feather in its cap. With competitors nipping at its heels, the F-Series cannot be anything other than stellar, and for now, with the long list of huzzahs, it appears to have met the challenge. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 5 Stars for '09 Ford F-150

5 Stars for '09 Ford F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA delays stricter crash test standards

Chris Shunk — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

It seems that every new vehicle receives a "Five Star" rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) these days. In fact, a whopping 98% of all 2007 and 2008 models achieved four or five stars. NHTSA is planning a new ratings system that will make it more difficult to achieve top scores and the new standards were scheduled to take effect for the 2010 model year. But the agency has decided to delay the new testing standards until 2011, giving automakers another year to plan for the test while providing consumers additional time to understand the new rating system. The delay is welcome news for automakers, concerned that the new standards would cause more financial headaches as they attempt to weather the economic downturn. However, NHTSA critic Public Citizen is unhappy with the postponement, saying that it will make the situation tougher for consumers in the long run.

[Source: Azstarnet]

NHTSA delays stricter crash test standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Dodge Challenger hits brick wall, sees five stars

Chris Shunk — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Government/Legal, Safety, Chrysler, Dodge

Click above for gallery of 2009 Dodge Challenger crash pics, and here to view video

We like our pony cars to have that muscle car look with the power to back it up. The Dodge Challenger makes good on both counts (at least when it's sporting a V8) and now has a five-star safety record to match its performance. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration slammed some Challengers into brick walls to test the new pony car's crash-worthiness, and the results were five stars for both the driver and front passenger in frontal and side impacts. A front crash impact score of five stars means that there is a 10% or less chance of serious injury at 35 mph, and the five-star side impact score indicates a 5% chance of serious injury at 38.5 mph.

Follow the jump to watch video of the Dodge Challenger taking on the NHTSA's infamous wall of punishment. The Challenger's sheet metal does a good job of absorbing the 35-mph blow in the frontal crash, and the driver door performs brilliantly in the side impact.

Gallery: Dodge Challenger NHTSA Crash Test

[Source: CarScoop]

Continue reading VIDEO: Dodge Challenger hits brick wall, sees five stars

VIDEO: Dodge Challenger hits brick wall, sees five stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bush administration needs more time for new roof strength rule

Michael Harley — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

If you've been following the ongoing roof strength regulation saga, this will likely come as no surprise. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters has again asked for an extension to rewrite the government's vehicle roof strength rule. We've been reporting on this for more than three years, and the delays never seem to end (of course, we can assume the big cheese in Washington have more pressing issues on their plates these days). Rewriting the legislation set back in the 1970s isn't as simple as specifying stronger roof pillars. Beefing up the roof will add weight - potentially making a vehicle more top heavy and likely increasing the possibility of a rollover. The new rules will need to address these concerns, and take into account new safety technologies (curtain airbags, stability control, etc...) that are on our current-generation models. While each previous request for an extension included new deadline dates, this latest appeal didn't. A wise move considering the administration's track record on this issue.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Bush administration needs more time for new roof strength rule originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS praises Ford Focus for cheap crash repairs

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Maintenance, Budget, Safety, Ford

click above image to view high-res gallery of the 2008 Ford Focus SES Coupe

Reminding us once again that there's more than meets the eye when shopping for a vehicle are recent impact tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that measure how much it costs to fix a vehicle after after a low-speed accident. Sure, we're all interested in safety and styling, but we should also be concerned with how much these low-speed impacts will cost to repair. The winner of the testing was the Ford Focus, which scored light damage all the way around. The IIHS heaped praise on Ford for designing a bumper that can truly take a bump -- a novel idea.

Amazingly, some small cars like the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Prius and VW Rabbit cost up to a third of the car's worth to fix from damage resulting from a minor impact. That's a big problem for any car, but especially so for those sold on the merits of economy. To prove that it's not too difficult for auto manufacturers to design a better bumper, the IIHS made a few simple changes to a Prius that didn't affect the looks of the car. After retesting, it made it through the impact tests with a fraction of the damage. For the complete rundown on the testing procedures and results, click past the break.

Gallery: 2008 Ford Focus SES Coupe

[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading IIHS praises Ford Focus for cheap crash repairs

IIHS praises Ford Focus for cheap crash repairs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lambdas get IIHS Top Pick rating

Dan Roth — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Crossover, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Saturn

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety took some GMC Acadias and smashed them up to see how the big crossovers hold up against immovable objects, and unlike recent tests conducted for the Chevy Equinox and Pontiac Torrent, the news is positive. An AWD Acadia SLE acted as a stand-in for all of the Lambda models - Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook, and all Acadia trims included. It didn't matter whether the IIHS attacked the front, side, or rear - the CUV earned a "good" rating in all directions. With the standard fitment of Stabilitrak, the IIHS also bestowed a Top Safety Pick crown on GM's big haulers. The Lambas now have both a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designator about which to brag.

[Source: Inside Line]

Lambdas get IIHS Top Pick rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Flex earns five stars all around for crash safety

Chris Shunk — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Crossover, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Flex.

Ford has made safety one of its top priorities, and its efforts have paid off. Not only does the Blue Oval have more five-star crash rated vehicles than any other automaker, but it's added another notch to its safety belt with NHTSA giving the Flex five stars for both front and side impact tests. A front crash impact score of five stars means that there is a 10% or less chance of serious injury at 35 mph, and the five star side impact score indicates a 5% chance of serious injury at 38.5 mph. The Flex comes standard with dual front air bags, headliner mounted side curtain air bags, traction and stability control, and tire pressure monitoring, which helps with NHTSA scoring. The Flex also received four stars for rollover protection, tying the CUV for best in class in the crossover segment.

With a Volvo-derived platform and plenty of heft, we're not surprised the Flex achieved a five-star score in NHTSA testing. Then again, it doesn't hurt that just about every automaker engineers all new cars and trucks specifically to score well on the Fed's tests. Hit the jump to view Ford's press release.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Ford Flex

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Flex earns five stars all around for crash safety

Ford Flex earns five stars all around for crash safety originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ford Simulator gives real-life driving data without the danger

Chris Shunk — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Videos, Ford

Hit the jump to view more high res images of Ford's VIRTTEX simulator

Ford already boasts has the most five-star crash rated cars and trucks of any automaker, and now the automaker is looking to take the next step by avoiding crashes all together. Technologies like adaptive cruise control, blind spot detectors, and traffic alert will help prevent collisions from ever happening, but testing these technologies can be dangerous. For that reason, Ford uses a simulator to present real-life driving conditions to real drivers without any risk of accident or injury.

Ford's Virtual Test Track Experiment, or VIRTTEX, is a very realistic simulator that gives advanced technology researchers real driving data to help refine safety technology. The large spherical bubble houses a full-size Taurus-X that is loaded with computers and cameras. The driver is surrounded by video screens and five projectors that show front, side and rear views, making the test driver feel like they're driving a real car. Massive hydraulic lifts can move VIRTTEX up, down, and side to side by up to 12 feet to aid in the sensation of real driving. VIRTTEX can also simulating braking, lane changes, and even crashes.

We took a spin in VIRTTEX to test Ford's Forward Collision Warning system, which displays a series of red lights on the dashboard and a loud warning whenever its radar senses a potential accident. Ford is using the simulator to amass data on driver reactions, test different warning sounds, and refine the visual cues of the system. Hit the jump to see how we did in VIRTTEX, and then check out Ford's short video as well.

Gallery: Ford Simulator

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford Simulator gives real-life driving data without the danger

VIDEO: Ford Simulator gives real-life driving data without the danger originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Feds' new crash-test program to go into effect in 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Safety

Click above to view video of the 2008 smart fortwo crash test

Each year, it seems as if more and more new models are able to ace both the IIHS' and the government's crash-test ratings. In fact, according to Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, 97-percent of all new cars available today earn the highest four or five-star ratings from NHTSA. These all-too-similar ratings makes it rather difficult for consumers to make a choice based solely on passenger safety, so the Fed's have decided to take another stab at the current rating system, which was introduced way back in 1979. Though still based on a five-star ranking, the revised 2010 ratings will include additional front-end tests and a new side-impact test meant to mimic the impact of a vehicle that collides with a tree or pole. Also new for the '10 model year is an overall rating meant to make comparisons easier between competing vehicles. More changes are possible for 2012, as NHTSA is still considering whether to make electronic nannies like stability control mandatory.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Feds' new crash-test program to go into effect in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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