There's not exactly a shortage of
options out there for parents that want to keep watch on their kids' driving, but Ford looks to be taking things a bit further than most with its new MyKey system, and it's making it standard issue, no less. Set to debut in the 2010 Focus Coupe and plenty of other Ford vehicles shortly thereafter, the key-based system will let parents limit their car's top driving speed to 80 miles per hour, cut off the stereo's volume at just 44% of its max output, and set a persistent chime to go off if the seatbelts aren't being used (the stereo also gets muted until everyone buckles up). As if that wasn't enough, it'll also provide a low-fuel warning at 75 miles to empty, start issuing a surely annoying reminder as the driver inches up past the 45 mph mark, and make it impossible to disable some of the Focus' usual safety measures like Park Aid and Cross Traffic Alert. Also not able to be disabled: your kid's resentment.
Tags: breaking news, BreakingNews, ford, ford focus, ford focus coupe, FordFocusCoupe, mykey
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Comments
12
Subscribe to commentsIanOct 6th 2008 9:54PM
yea cuz u know no kid drives on a freeway.. this is so stupid its unbelievable
DragonboyOct 7th 2008 7:47AM
I don't know what part of America you're from, but around here, the maximum speed limit on the freeway is 70. The electronic limiter is to 80. Frankly, unless your zip code is somewhere in the desolate part of Montana, your child should have no reason to go 10 above the speed limit.
THJOct 7th 2008 8:30AM
There's no reason to go over 80 mph on the freeway.
miggzOct 11th 2008 12:21PM
I agree with you, Ford is wasting money
I'm 16, drive an 08 Jetta WE, I've had it for 6 months, I've hit over 100 once or twice, no reckless driving (racing), and the stereo is always juiced.
Now, I think Ford should let the parents buy the car with Driving Classes included, not this nonsense
B.C..Oct 7th 2008 7:26AM
Hell this would be great for letting buddies borrow your vehicle. Now only if it included an abuse indicator... other than the smell of burning clutch.
Joe EraOct 7th 2008 2:16PM
Of course there are freeways that kids are gonna be driving on but there is no reason to go 10 MPH over the speed limit like THJ said only about 5mph over is acceptable and some police officers will give u a ticket for that. What doesnt make sense is that the car puts off an annoying alarm as u go over 45 MPH. That doesnt make sense because if your on a freeway u must go over 45MPH cause 45 is the lowest u can legally go on most freeways u cant go slower than 45 MPH legally on most Freeways, so does the alarm continue to go off as your driving on the freeway? Thats what i dont understand.
VictorOct 7th 2008 5:16PM
Dang, but I like going more than 80 on the freeway, its a thrill!!!!!!!!!!
I hope my parents dont get me this car haha.
RAD MooseOct 7th 2008 6:34PM
It is rumored that Sarah Palin is recording the voice.
http://www.remixsarahpalin.com/
LeslieOct 7th 2008 11:10PM
let's see how many teens stop asking for ford cars once this comes out.
the 45mph alarm sounds entirely stupid. even without highways, there are some city roads with a 50mph speed limit. i'd think the alarm would be more distracting to the driver, and be more dangerous than driving 46mph.
AnnOct 8th 2008 7:28AM
Yeah, the parents who buy this car for theur kid rates a lot of resentment for trying to make sure their gift doesn't get the kid killed.
80 mph? My Dad put a governor on my car, couldn't go over 60, kept a trip meter that couldn't be disabled, AND I had to turn over my keys if I was a) late coming home b) late making the car OR the insurance payment, or c) If he smelled tobacco or any other smoke, or suspected me of drinking and driving or hauling someone around who was drinking!
leedsOct 11th 2008 10:59AM
let your child have the key's along with the responsibilty. Let your kid's learn life lessons, as well as mistakes. This stupid thing just enables them to be babysat that much longer. If you fear your child can't be responsible enough to drive, don't give him the key's. Don't pay for driver's ed.
gioimo194646Oct 11th 2008 8:55PM
The Key word is NO CAR till you are 21 with a job