Buckle up to see Ric Boullemier & Fergal McGrath put the Ford Mustang Mach-E to the ultimate test!
Films like iRobot and Total Recall gave us a glimpse into what autonomous driving could look like… and to celebrate World EV Day, we decided to push some boundaries of what’s possible right now in the UK.
We got in touch with our friends at Ford to find out how driving is set to change… for the better… and they were kind enough to send us one of the most technologically advanced cars on the road: The Ford Mustang Mach E.
Technology is constantly pushing boundaries, especially in the automotive industry. One such breakthrough is the autonomous driving feature called Blue Cruise developed by Ford. Recently, I had the opportunity to test this cutting-edge tech in a Ford Mustang Mach-E and it left me awe-struck. In this blog post, I will share my experience and insights, uncovering the potential of Blue Cruise and its impact on the future of driving.
The Fascinating World of Fergal McGrath: Setting Triple Guinness World Records in the Ford Mustang Mach-E
Before delving into our adventure with Blue Cruise, let’s take a moment to admire the remarkable achievements of Fergal McGrath. This trailblazer has managed to carve his name in history, holding not one, not two, but **triple Guinness World Records** in the Mach-E from 2021. With such accolades to his name, McGrath’s association with the development of autonomous features raises the stakes even higher, creating a sense of anticipation for what’s to come.
Blue Cruise: The Joy of Hands-Free and Feet-Free Driving
As I settled into the driver’s seat of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and scepticism about Blue Cruise. The feature promised a future where hands-free and feet-free driving would be possible, ushering in a new era of convenience and safety. However, it’s important to note that while the technology enables a hands-free experience, it demands the driver’s eyes to be firmly fixed on the road.
Could a Guinness World Record Be on the Horizon?
The potential of an autonomous car to set a world record is an intriguing thought. With Blue Cruise, it might not be too far-fetched an idea. During Fergal’s test drive, he reached an impressive range of 52 miles without touching the steering wheel or pedals, relishing the smoothness and precision of the ride. So my target was two fold… Firstly to beat Fergal’s record and then to take it a step further! In a freakish turn of events, no sooner than I had overtaken Fergals 52 miles of driving without touching the steering wheel, accelerator or brakes, we saw signs for the dreaded road works on the M4! And 500m later, the change in lanes and lane markings meant the Blue Cruise requested me to take back control of the car.
So, unfortunately, our venture into further (unofficial) record-breaking territory was cut short by unexpected roadworks, reminding us that autonomous driving technology still has a few obstacles to overcome. But over the air updates could fix this in the near future.
Conquering Roadworks: The Promise of Future Updates
Although the encounter with roadworks halted our quest for distance travelled autonomously, it did provide valuable insight into the capabilities of Blue Cruise. It became evident that the system would benefit from further updates to handle road work situations seamlessly. The potential for future integration of these updates is exciting, as it hints at a driving experience that adapts to any road condition effortlessly.
From Scepticism to Confidence: My Personal Journey with Blue Cruise
Before experiencing Blue Cruise firsthand, I think myself and Fergal both held reservations about the concept of autonomous driving. However, after driving 53.1 miles using this revolutionary system, our scepticism transformed into confidence. The safety measures offered by Blue Cruise, coupled with its impressive efficiency, dispelled any doubts. The level of comfort and control it provided on long drives was truly remarkable.
A Future of Enhanced Driving Experiences
Reflecting on our adventure with Blue Cruise, I couldn’t help but envision a future where this technology would revolutionise the driving experience for millions. Imagine embarking on a long journey, relaxing in the driver’s seat, and letting Blue Cruise take the reins. The mental and physical stress often associated with long drives on the motorway would be a thing of the past, leaving drivers refreshed and rejuvenated upon arrival.
In conclusion, the Ford Mustang’s Blue Cruise feature has left an indelible mark on my perception of autonomous driving. With McGrath’s groundbreaking achievements and the continual evolution of autonomous technology, the possibilities seem boundless. Embracing a future where cars can handle complex road situations autonomously while providing a seamless and enjoyable driving experience, is no longer just a far-fetched dream. It is a realistic vision that promises to reshape the way we navigate the roads of tomorrow.
Have a good one everyone and happy motoring.
Cheers, Ric aka SustainableDad
