an overall smoother driving experience. The interface has been redesigned to be more visually appealing and intuitive, making it easier to understand and engage with the system. The improved lane-keeping capabilities have significantly reduced the need for constant steering corrections, allowing the vehicle to stay centered within the lane for extended periods of time without human intervention.
However, BlueCruise still falls short when compared to GM’s Super Cruise in certain areas. It lacks the same level of awareness and responsiveness, particularly in detecting and responding to traffic buildup. The braking and throttle control, while improved, still can be jerky and potentially induce motion sickness in stop-and-go traffic. This is due to BlueCruise not having a high-definition GPS receiver like Super Cruise, and instead relying on radar map data. The system also struggles with lane awareness, especially when surrounded by other vehicles, as the cameras are unable to see through cars and accurately determine the vehicle’s specific lane position.
One notable feature of BlueCruise 1.2 is its ability to perform lane changes, although it requires driver engagement. By tapping the turn signal stalk, the system assesses the surrounding environment using sensors and cameras to determine whether it is safe to change lanes. However, it does not automatically return to the right lane after completing the maneuver, requiring the driver to initiate another lane change manually.
Another safety improvement in BlueCruise 1.2 is the system’s tendency to hug the shoulder when passing other vehicles. This helps create a larger buffer space between the vehicle and the one being passed, reducing the risk of collisions or accidents. Super Cruise does not employ this feature, but it is a welcome addition to BlueCruise and enhances overall safety during passing maneuvers.
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One area where BlueCruise still lags behind Super Cruise is in recognizing road construction zones. While Super Cruise provides warnings and disengages in construction zones, BlueCruise fails to detect these areas and remains engaged, potentially putting the vehicle at risk. This makes it important for drivers to closely monitor the system and take over control when necessary in construction zones.
BlueCruise also struggles in certain lighting conditions, particularly during dusk. The infrared sensors used to track the driver’s eye movements can be affected by the sun’s position, leading to false alerts and demands for driver attention. This could be a concerning issue for drivers who frequently travel during sunset or sunrise hours.
Additionally, BlueCruise is not equipped to handle towing or driving through tunnels without the driver’s hands on the wheel, unlike Super Cruise, which allows for hands-free driving in these situations. This limitation may inconvenience owners who frequently engage in towing or have to navigate through tunnels.
It is worth noting that Ford is actively working on further improvements to BlueCruise, with version 1.3 already in development. This update aims to enhance the system’s performance in tighter curves and improve the accuracy of the vehicle’s positioning. These advancements indicate that Ford is committed to refining and enhancing BlueCruise to provide a better driving experience for its customers.
In conclusion, BlueCruise 1.2 represents a significant improvement over its initial iteration, addressing many of the system’s previous deficiencies. While it still falls behind GM’s Super Cruise in certain aspects, Ford has narrowed the gap and introduced some unique features of its own. With continuous updates and improvements, it is likely that BlueCruise will continue to evolve and become a stronger competitor in the hands-free driver-assist system market.
