So-called "infotainment systems" are probably the hottest trend in automotive technology since the introduction of the gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. And we've just spent some quality time in the 2009 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid playing with the most impressive in-car infotainment set-up we've seen yet.
Ford calls the new system "next-generation navigation" but, based on our recent experience, that name doesn't do it justice. The system takes Ford's recently introduced Sync technology that allows you to control your cell phone and MP3 player with voice commands and adds a satellite data service called Sirius Travel Link that gives the system capabilities once reserved for your home computer. New gee-whiz features include:
¡ Real-time traffic information for 78 U.S. cities is integrated into the navigation system, which enables it to automatically re-route you around snarls caused by accidents or construction.
¡ In addition to current weather conditions, the system provides five-day forecasts and weather radar images that allow you to track approaching storms on the navigation system's map.
¡ With the ability to display current fuel prices and location info for more than 120,000 gas stations, the system can guide you to the cheapest place to fill-up along your route.
¡ Find out what's playing at more than 4,500 theaters and then use your Bluetooth-linked cell phone to dial up the theater and buy tickets.
¡ Get sports scores and schedule information for your favorite professional and college teams, major motorsports series, and more.
¡ When paired with a compatible Bluetooth cell phone, the system will now automatically dial a local 911 operator if you've been in an accident.
¡ Personalize the system by downloading your favorite photos that can then be displayed on the 6.5-inch dash-mounted screen.
¡ There's also a mind-boggling array of entertainment choices including AM, FM, and satellite radio, and a CD/DVD player that plays both DVD-Audio and DVD-Video discs (video is only displayed on the dash-mounted screen when the transmission is in Park). If that's not enough variety for you, the system also features a 10-gigabyte hard disk that will allow you to download up to 2,400 of you favorite songs.
The system--which will be offered as an option on most new Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln models by year's end--includes six months of free Sirius satellite radio and Travel Link service. After that you'll pay about $20 per month for the satellite radio and data service package.
To learn more about Sirius Travel Link, check out the video on the Sirius website.
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