Ford S-Max 2015, next-generation technology and twin-turbo diesel engine

The Ford S-Max is already in its second generation. Since Ford created a new concept of a large and sporty minivan, the segment has evolved and the model has also. The 2015 Ford S Max, second generation, arrived together with the last Paris Motor Show.

While its commercialization begins, we are getting to know new details of one of the most technologically advanced models of the oval firm. So much so that we now know a good sum of technologies and engines that will be available in the production model.

New more efficient engines

The mechanical range of the new Ford S-Max 2015 will be composed, at least for now, of 6 alternatives. Among them we can count two gasoline mechanics and another three diesel, both ranges exceeding the Euro 6 standard and experiencing a significant increase in their efficiency.

Among the gasoline will be the new 1.5 Ecoboost 160 horsepower, a 4-cylinder supercharged engine. It has systems such as direct injection or an optimized system to minimize the flow of gases between cylinders and turbo. Above will be 2.0 Ecoboost 240 horsepower as top of the range.

Among the diesels, the new 2.0 TDCI 210 horsepower of power It achieves this through two turbos placed in a sequential position in which one will be in charge of the lower part and the other of the middle and upper part of the rev counter. Below are the 2.0 TDCI completely renovated to offer a power scale of 120, 150 and 180 horses of power They homologate, the latter, an average consumption of 5 l/100 km.

Among the energy saving novelties, all the motors will come as standard with the automatic start and stop system Start / Stop, regenerative braking or the active front grill to improve aerodynamic flow according to the cooling needs of the engine.

Manual and automatic gearboxes will arrive, the latter a Pdual clutch powershift which will be associated with the most powerful diesel engine as standard. There is also a system of iAWD intelligent all-wheel drive optionally. It sends the power to the front axle in normal conditions to reach up to 100% in the rear axle if necessary. the connection is made automatically depending on whether the electronics detect a loss of adhesion or not.

New advanced technological equipment

In addition to state-of-the-art engines, the 2015 Fond S-Max will debut a among which we find a good amount of technological gadgets of the latest batch that will gradually spread, not only for the rest of the range but also to other manufacturers.

We speak, for example, of a new smart speed limiter. It is not your typical fixed-setting limiter, but works in conjunction with the signal recognition and you can adjust your speed to the maximum of the track, speeding up or slowing down when necessary. In addition, we can adjust the margin that we want to maintain with the allowed speed and we can deactivate its function, leaving only the conventional limiter operative.

Another novelty focuses on lighting. It is a system of adaptive LED lighting which, according to Ford, is capable of avoiding dazzling other drivers on the road. It works with a camera that detects vehicles up to 800 meters away and adapts the light beam according to various filters and parameters. According to the manufacturer, it is capable of improving the efficiency of the projection by illuminating only the necessary areas.

Additionally the system adapts to the characteristics of the road or our way of driving. Thus, it will take into account the ambient light, the speed or the distance from the closest vehicle to adapt its operation. The angle of rotation of the steering wheel will also be one of the parameters that the system will take into account.

Active safety has been a key aspect in the development of the Ford S-Max 2015. It has a new system of split front camera to be able to see what is happening on each side at crossroads or places of reduced visibility. In addition, Ford has mounted a pre-collision assistant that detects pedestrian shapes in order to avoid being run over.

It works in three phases. First, the driver is warned by sound and acoustic warnings when the system detects an imminent collision. If the driver does not respond then the brake travel is shortened so that when the brake is pressed the reaction is faster. If the driver still does not react, then the car will brake automatically. Ford assures that it has traveled more than 50.000 km recognizing all kinds of pedestrian figures to create an effective system. It also works with vehicles but rule out cyclists.

Advanced comfort equipment

El comfort is another of the main pillars of the new S-Max, and has a whole series of technologies to make life on board, but also driving, a simpler and more comfortable task. And it all starts with a multimedia system with 8-inch screen from which to control the audio systems or the air conditioning. In fact, it allows advanced voice control with which to interact with the browser. With phrases like "I'm hungry", the browser will show us the nearest restaurants. The digital dashboard It is another option with a 10-inch screen and it is configurable.

In addition to a hands-free, power-operated tailgate, the S-Max will also feature new seats with massage function. There are 11 pads that massage the area of ​​the thighs, buttocks and lower back in a way that simulates a roller massage. It has been developed together with medical experts and promotes a reduction in muscle fatigue on long journeys.

As for the parking systems, has two formulas, perpendicular and parallel, in both cases parking autonomously with minimal driver intervention. It also places a cross traffic alert system or a whole series of systems such as the involuntary lane change warning or the blind spot warning.

The new Ford S-Max 2015 will hit the market this summer at a price in Spain that the brand has not yet revealed.