The crash test family is growing, in the virtual world that is. Today’s crash test dummies made of rubber and steel will soon be joined by next-generation Human Body Models (HBMs) designed with precise detail, but living only in the world of computer-generated virtual reality. The HBMs were created through the Global Human Body Models Consortium, LLC (GHBMC), established in 2006, by a group of nine automotive manufacturers and two automotive system suppliers.

These next-generation HBMs are intended to help simulate human responses in automobile crashes. The HBMs will help researchers better predict the effect of trauma on the body than they have traditionally been able to do with crash test dummies. The new HBMs will even contain detailed representation of the bones and soft tissues of the human body, with special attention being directed to those parts that are frequently injured in vehicle crashes. Such advanced HBMs will support computer simulations such as virtual crash tests to help better understand human reactions and to improve automotive safety globally.

(more…)

Ford Motor Company is introducing an innovative new technology – called MyKey – designed to help parents encourage their teen-agers to drive safer and more fuel efficiently, and increase safety-belt usage.

Ford’s MyKey feature – which debuts next year as standard equipment on the 2010 Focus coupe and will quickly become standard on many other Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models – allows owners to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume.  MyKey also encourages safety-belt usage, provides earlier low-fuel warnings and can be programmed to sound chimes at 45, 55 and 65 miles per hour. (more…)

This week’s 2010 Mustang teaser photo shows us the hood and fender lines along with a side mirror in the distance.

Ford’s description of the teaser photos: A sportier, more-aggressive front grille and fascia lead the 2010 Mustang down the road. Slimmer headlamps that integrate the turn indicators are incorporated in a larger grille that expresses power and performance. Large twin fog lamps on the GT model further emphasize Mustang’s muscle-car DNA, which takes on a stealthy persona for the GT with dark headlamp bezels and grille surrounds. Also on the GT, the pony badge is finished in dark chrome for the first time. The pony itself received a makeover and is a more chiseled and defined interpretation of the American icon, galloping proudly on the front grille.
(more…)