No doubt inspired by the Lexus self-parking feature, Lincoln MKS and MKT models will offer their own version, called Active Park Assist.
The system uses ultrasonic sensors mounted on the outside corners of of the vehicles and combines them with a new electric power assisted steering setup. Active Park Assist can then manipulate the steering automatically as the sensors detect where the vehicle is relative to other vehicles. The sensors detect the distance between cars to determine if there is enough space, and then it manipulates the steering, as well as instructing the driver as to when to shift into Drive or Reverse as well as press the gas or brake.
...And, of course, Lincoln says their system is better than the Lexus version.
redliner says:
07:56 AM, 12/30/08
"And, of course, Lincoln says their system is better than the Lexus version."
Of course.
alexis4 says:
08:15 AM, 12/30/08
Maybe this system will work better than the existing Lexus Auto Park, but Lexus will then improve theirs. I have used the Lexus one, it works, but sometimes it is easier to just park the car yourself. www.lexusenglewood.com
firstwagon says:
09:00 AM, 12/30/08
I really feel if someone can't master the simple task of parallel parking then perhaps they should reconsider if they should be driving at all.
There are all sorts of gadgets out these days to make driving more idiot proof but I would rather see the idiots on buses and in taxis.
billt9 says:
01:34 PM, 12/30/08
magazines and TV shows already say the VW version (Touran, Tiguan) is better than the Lexus version. Less buttons to press, less options to select; the VW version just does it.
cwc1 says:
03:52 PM, 12/30/08
"There are all sorts of gadgets out these days to make driving more idiot proof but I would rather see the idiots on buses and in taxis."
Yep. Leave the driving to Greyhound.
albook says:
07:26 PM, 01/ 1/09
"I really feel if someone can't master the simple task of parallel parking then perhaps they should reconsider if they should be driving at all."
Have you ever parked a Ram Megacab? Didn't think so.
estreka says:
05:17 AM, 01/ 2/09
I think this is a dangerous technology, both for the driver and the company. I've seen multiple videos of parking assisted technology and the chances for a mishap are astounding. That can leave the driver stranded and the company with a big lawsuit.
firstwagon says:
08:33 AM, 01/ 2/09
"Have you ever parked a Ram Megacab? Didn't think so."
Parallel parked a cube van many times. Tougher the a megacab because you have to rely solely on your mirrors (and it's bigger).
Just takes a bit of practice, try it some time.