The upcoming model of Ford's Edge uses more than just its engine to improve fuel efficiency. While the industry is taking every possible step to future-proof its vehicles in order to cater to the growing needs of the consumer market as well as to be on par with its competitors.
In its upcoming model of Edge, Ford has included a deep learning technology into the functionalities of the car that is aimed to manage traction and fuel efficiency. Available with the all-wheel drive and the ST trims of the crossover, the new AI feature enables the car between two-wheel and all-wheel drive depending on the terrain.
The all-wheel-drive disconnect is the first used by the company and uses a plethora of sensors to collect information about the surroundings and send it to the ECU from where the AI manages the feature. The company claims that the new tech calculates information from the sensors faster than the human brain to determine the drive system needed.
The sensors provide the central computer with information such as the anti-lock brakes, windshield wipers, outside temperature, and whether there is a wheel slip or the vehicle is towing a trailer.
“The concept is pretty simple, it was the execution that was the challenge,” said Scott Beiring, Ford driveline applications supervisor in the press release. “Shifting between two- and all-wheel drive needs to be fast and seamless enough that the customer doesn't know it is happening.”
Other than the artificial intelligence, the new Edge and the Edge ST also possessed an eight-speed transmission that comes with two overdrive gears for improved highway cruising. Apart from that, other fuel efficiency tech on the new car includes an automatic engine stop-start, deceleration fuel shut off when the vehicle is slowing down and exhaust gas recirculation.
