Ford Tests BlueCruise Hands-Free Driving in “Mother of All Road Trips” Ahead of Mach-E OTA Software Update

[DBC]

Great they came up with a name I can remember. LOL I kinda like "BlueCruise" better than "SuperCruise", perhaps because I've tired of all the superlatives?

Yes, probably - but I'm going through atlanta so it would be nice to know if I-85 and I-75 are too

Having lived in Atlanta you can count on it. Just look at the "X" where the two intersect. Hated that spot!

Lane change basically brings BlueCruise up to feature parity with Tesla's Enhanced Autopilot level of autonomy without Summon

I would say this is not even close to being correct. Tesla's driver assist system isn't remotely competitive with either this or GM's SuperCruise, both of which use digital maps and a driver monitoring system. The big differences are: (1) Tesla's system is not a hands free system (because it can't monitor the driver), and (2) Tesla's system doesn't have a reliable way to tell the driver when to take back control (because it doesn't know what it doesn't know).

Tesla's big claim to fame would be that it isn't limited to certain highways. IMO this isn't a real advantage because it performs so poorly. Reminds me of hydrogen cars -- always in the future.

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[GoGoGadgetMachE]

The HARDWARE (ie the "prep package") is included on all but the base select MME but not the software. The software will sell for $600. On the Select trim you needed to buy the "comfort/tech" package for $2600, which includes the hardware for "Bluecruise" and other niceties like heated seats.

I think it's slightly more complicated than that. As I read the story, the software is "included" on the trims now - but remember the base prices went up by $600. So for those of us before the price increase, it's $600 (of which we got $100 back already as a point of sale rebate), but for those after, it's "included" if the hardware is there except on Select, where it's $3200 total for hardware plus software.

 

[GoGoGadgetMachE]

I understand how it's sold right now (where it's extra when the software is ready), but the article closes by saying the Mach-E Premium trims includes BlueCruise (right now it only includes hardware), and for the Select it is a $3200 all-inclusive option.

So I'm wondering if they'll bump the price of the Premium trims $600 to compensate for it, or if they'll get it "for free" compared to what the early adopters will be paying.

they already did bump the prices - there's at least thread about it on here as linked earlier by @generaltso : https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...f-mach-e-ota-software-update.5406/post-153824

 

[Jimmy2]

Thank goodness they finally gave it a better name than Ford Co-Pilot360™ Active Drive Assist 2.0!

It will be the true Blue Bubble of Happiness.

 

[macchiaz-o]

I think it's slightly more complicated than that. As I read the story, the software is "included" on the trims now - but remember the base prices went up by $600. So for those of us before the price increase, it's $600 (of which we got $100 back already as a point of sale rebate), but for those after, it's "included" if the hardware is there except on Select, where it's $3200 total for hardware plus software.

I don't see a price increase on Ford.com.

 

[ChasingCoral]

The MME already self adjusts speed and steers itself when in cruise control. What’s so great about taking your hands off the wheel???? Where you gonna put em?

Having put over 4,000 miles on my Mach E, mostly interstate, I'm looking forward to not being continually reminded that I'm not holding the wheel firmly enough when the car is doing the driving.

 

[GoGoGadgetMachE]

I don't see a price increase on Ford.com.

the linked thread talks about how it's not visible on Ford's main site but it is on the AZX site.

 

[mixduptransistor]

I would say this is not even close to being correct. Tesla's driver assist system isn't remotely competitive with either this or GM's SuperCruise, both of which use digital maps and a driver monitoring system. The big differences are: (1) Tesla's system is not a hands free system (because it can't monitor the driver), and (2) Tesla's system doesn't have a reliable way to tell the driver when to take back control (because it doesn't know what it doesn't know).

Tesla's big claim to fame would be that it isn't limited to certain highways. IMO this isn't a real advantage because it performs so poorly. Reminds me of hydrogen cars -- always in the future.

Well, I am here to dump on Tesla as much as the next person but don't conflate FSD with Autopilot. BlueCruise and Autopilot/Enhanced Autopilot are very, very close. The only difference is BlueCruise you can take your hand off the wheel, Autopilot/EAP you (in theory) must keep your hands on the wheel. Otherwise, functionally they are equivalent (ignoring EAP's Summon functionality, which I don't consider in the scope of the main feature set for on-highway autonomy)

 

[Jimmy2]

That's just lane keep assist - it'll just ping-pong you back and forth. Right now the only time lane centering is active is if you have cruise-control on. Lane centering keeps you the center, as the name implies. I want that without having to have cruise-control on, which is what the announcement seems to indicate will come with BlueCruise at some point as well.

I really enjoy the Adaptive Cruise Control with lane centering turned on.

 

[Timelessblur]

Man the one connection I was honestly hoping for was the Austin to Houston connection as that would be the route I am most likely to drive and use it several times a year on. The other connection I would like it I can accept it missing but come on Austin to Houston really could be used.

 

[GoGoGadgetMachE]

The MME already self adjusts speed and steers itself when in cruise control. What’s so great about taking your hands off the wheel???? Where you gonna put em?

this is a family forum so I'm going to request certain people not answer this.

you know who you are. ?

 

[Administrator]

Another (better) video:

 

[jhalkias]

this is a family forum so I'm going to request certain people not answer this.

you know who you are. ?

Spoilsport!

 

[Nuno1122]

This article contradicts itself, saying it’ll be a $600 option later this year (for those that have the hardware) in the Mach-E, and then says it’s included in 3 trims of the Mach-E.

Im really looking forward to this, but I’m still under the assumption that the Blue Oval will be charging us (who already have a car) for the option when it rolls outs, unless they change their mind and decide to gift it to the early adopters

I wonder when the change to wrap the price around both hardware and software will be made.

I know that when i purchased my California rt 1 it has a $100 discount and it said early adopter

 

[Jimmy2]

this is a family forum so I'm going to request certain people not answer this.

you know who you are. ?

Ha Ha. Best to keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel, said Jim Morrison.
All that level 2 Ford Tech is designed to be "driver assistance", not driver replacement. The next level 3 Blue Cruise is pretty cool though and can't wait for it to come out this fall and test it on a drive from Wilmington to Raleigh, I-40.

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