Technology that was first developed for fighter jets is helping to improve the driving experience for the new Focus – that offers our first Head-up display for Europe.

The display will make it easier for drivers to keep their eyes on the road as they monitor information including speed, navigation and road signs on a display that is projected to overlay the view ahead.

For some existing systems there can be a drawback – that for those wearing polarised sunglasses, which counteract glare, the display can be rendered almost invisible. Our Head-up display also emits the kind of light that polarised sunglasses are designed to eliminate from view. But a carefully tuned filter “bounces back” polarised light to the driver and effectively solves the problem.

“Wearing polarised glasses can make a massive difference to visibility for drivers affected by glare, such as when stretches of water, snow or even tarmac reflect sunlight. Our Head-up display also offers one of the brightest screens and has among the largest fields of view,” said Glen Goold, chief programme engineer for Focus.

Summer evenings pose the problem of peak driving times coinciding with the sun being low on the horizon; and in the UK, for example, the sun has been identified as the cause of almost twice as many accidents as snow, rain and fog put together. Head-up display ensures drivers will not need to glance down and refocus to see the information and notifications that they can select.

While traditional head-up displays utilise light waves vibrating parallel to the road, the Focus Head-up display boosts light waves vibrating perpendicular to the road, so the image can be clearly seen through polarised sunglasses. The polycarbonate screen has a multilayer reflection coating that enables engineers to control the polarisation, colour, transmission and reflection of light, and tailor it to the system’s needs.

The all-new Focus has been developed from the ground up to provide the most confidence-inspiring, intuitive, and rewarding driving and occupant experience of any mid-size family car in Europe. The widest range of advanced features and technologies on any of our vehicles enhances protection, driving and parking, and is designed to make the driving experience more comfortable, less demanding and safer.

Chip Ganassi Racing will be competing with four Ford GT's at the 2018 Le Mans 24 Hours race (16th-17th June), two representing the USA and two representing the UK

#66 - FORD CHIP GANASSI TEAM UK - FORD GT (Stefan MÜCKE, Olivier PLA, Billy JOHNSON)

#67 - FORD CHIP GANASSI TEAM UK - FORD GT (Andy PRIAULX, Harry TINCKNELL, Tony KANAAN) 

#68 - FORD CHIP GANASSI TEAM USA - FORD GT (Joey HAND, Dirk MÜLLER, Sébastien BOURDAIS)

#69 - FORD CHIP GANASSI TEAM USA - FORD GT (Ryan BRISCOE, Richard WESTBROOK, Scott DIXON) 

In previous World Endurance Championship races, the Ford Chip Ganassi team has been very successful in getting podium at many events, the burning question now with many new vehicles such as BMW and the new Aston Martin entering into this year's series, is 'will the Ford GT be competitive enough to take a win?'

Here's a breakdown of the cars and drivers in this year's Le Mans 24 Hours race

Team UK Drivers

Andy Priaulx WEC No. 67

Andy Priaulx is best known for his three FIA World Touring Car Championship titles but what is less known is the fact that the likeable Guernseyman gambled his house on succeeding in motorsport in 1996, then did it again just three years later!


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Olivier Pla WEC No. 66

Frenchman Olivier Pla is one of the world's top sportscar racers. His career began in single-seaters and his talent took him all the way to GP2, just one step from Formula One. When Pla made the switch to sportscar racing he soon quickly became one to watch, known for his incredible precision, speed and consistency.


 



Read more about Olivier














Stefan Mücke WEC No. 66

Stefan Mücke is a championship-winning sportscar driver. The German started his career in go-karts and single-seaters before honing his craft in the German DTM series. After eight years with Aston Martin, during which time he has won many of sportscar racing's biggest events, Stefan switched to Ford for 2016. He was one of the first of the WEC drivers to get his hands on the all-new Ford GT by competing at Daytona in January 2016.


Read more about Stefan














Harry Tincknell WEC No. 67

Considering the fact that Harry Tincknell only made the switch from single-seaters to sports cars in 2014 it can be surprising to hear that he is already a Le Mans winner.  For those who have seen him race - especially those who have raced against him - it is no surprise at all.  Harry's LMP2 class win at Le Mans in 2014 sealed his reputation as a fast and mistake-free driver.


Read more about Harry



 



 

How low do you go before refuelling?
Normally I refuel when its 1/4 tank, with my new Fiesta though its been lower than the 1/4 gauge on the dash, is it bad to wait til the warning light comes on to refuel?

And how many of you refuel to the top? Usually I put in enough to take it to 3/4 tank if doing a lot of driving. If not enough for 1/2 tank full.

After two long years of deliberation, I have finally fitted an RS spoiler to my car. I am more than happy with it, and I think it concludes my modifications on the appearance. Hope you guys like it 🤞

Do you just have loads of problems and fed up spending or fed up with the same look and just want a change.

Had mine coming to 4 years and its my own car not lease/contract.

I always seem to spend money on it just normal stuff like service stuff and new tyres etc then sell it for other peoples joy then see another one.