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 (EMAILWIRE.COM, January 31, 2012 ) Massachusetts, USA -- Ford took the old saying “the devil is in the details” to heart while redesigning its Escape crossover SUV, spending countless man-hours with an acoustic mirror to reduce wind noise. Due to reach Ford dealerships later this year, the all-new 2013 Escape has grown more refined and sophisticated in an effort to continue to win over fans in an increasingly competitive market.
To ensure a quiet ride, Ford turned to elliptical-acoustic-mirror technology that was originally used to detect airplanes by sound in WWI before the advent of radar. Though the acoustic mirror is now nearly 100 years old, its use outside of the luxury-auto segment is a new development. The technology helped engineers pinpoint problem areas on the new Ford Escape early on in development, ensuring that the vehicle is as quiet as can be.
“Sometimes using existing technology in a new way is more effective than trying to come up with an entirely new process,” said Peter King, general manager of Watertown Ford, a Massachusetts Ford dealer. “Ford recognized the potential of the acoustic mirror and used it to great effect on the Escape, and the result is a level of refinement on par with luxury models.”
Acoustic mirrors act as a way to collect and focus sound for a microphone, not unlike the way a satellite dish collects signals. Using a collector means engineers can detect even the faintest noises, find their cause and refine the vehicleÂ’s design. Ford engineers paid special attention to the EscapeÂ’s A-pillars, reducing sound caused by crosswinds and creating a vehicle that Ford promises will be among the quietest in the class.
Wind noise wasnÂ’t the only concern that Ford had for its compact crossover. Rising federal fuel-economy standards and consumer pressure demand greater fuel efficiency, and the new Escape takes on that task with a suite of revised drivetrains. Gone are the V6 and hybrid powertrains of previous models, replaced by a pair of FordÂ’s advanced EcoBoost engines that promise similar performance with fewer trips to the gas pump. Fuel-economy estimates have yet to be released, but the automaker claims the new Escape will be the most fuel-efficient compact SUV available in the United States, returning up to 5 mpg more than the outgoing model.
While consumers will have to wait to see how efficient the new Escape will be, information about the compact SUVÂ’s other high-tech features have already been released. Ford focused on what families need most, providing an available hands-free power liftgate that can be activated by waving a foot under the rear bumper. The 2013 Escape will also feature the SYNC with MyFord Touch system, which connects to Bluetooth-enabled smartphones to provide hands-free phone calls, available navigation and access to applications like Pandora internet radio.
“Being fuel-efficient and quiet isn’t enough to compete in the compact crossover market; you have to have innovative technology as well,” King noted. “Ford pulled out all the stops when designing the 2013 Escape. Buyers can get exclusive features previously unseen at its price point, along with a sophisticated, upscale exterior.”
About Watertown Ford:
Watertown Ford is where Greater Boston Ford lovers head for the best deals on new and used Fords. No other Massachusetts Ford dealer has the same dedication to the customer, and that dedication has earned Watertown Ford the loyalty of Ford owners all over the state. Their new and used Ford inventory can be viewed online at www.watertownford.com, and interested customers can visit their showroom at 625 Pleasant St. in Watertown, Massachusetts. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyWatertownFord and reached by phone at 800-584-6486.
Press Release Courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/yzRtaN
Cambridge PR Group
Robert Silverman
617-500-2302
getthinnews@yahoo.com 
Source: EmailWire.com
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