Ford is partnering with Fisher Price to create the new Power Wheels Smart Drive Mustang, which is a more realistic, battery operated ride-on toy.The Smart Drive Mustang is designed to portray real-like features of the Ford Mustang. Fisher-Price created a similar version from the Ford design data, available in blue or pink. In result, a realistic Mustand (kid sized) was created to represent the V8 Mustang GT.
“Mustang is one of our best-selling sports cars,” says Gary Collins, senior manager of design, Power Wheels. “For the Smart Drive Mustang, we wanted to amp up the realistic driving experience to make the feeling of getting behind the wheel even more thrilling for kids.”
The Smart Drive is a new era for the Pwer Wheels vehicles. It's the brands first computer-controlled powertrain, which creates more opportunity for features for the Power Wheel Mustang to be like the full-sized car:
Traction control: The computer can monitor for wheel slip and adjust motor speeds to help keep the car going over wet grass or bumpy terrain
Stability monitoring: A tilt sensor can detect when the car is reaching dangerous angles, turning off the motors to prevent rollovers
Digital speed control and battery monitoring: A backlit LED touch interface can allow parents to easily control top speed, from 1 mph to 5 mph, and check battery charge level
Slow start and stop: Instead of a simple on/off behavior, motors can now ramp speed up or down – for fast starts and short stopping distances
It also has a built-in sound system. Engine sounds from a real Mustang that incline and decline with vehicle speed just like the real thing are featured. An aux port is included to let the kids play their own jams.
Smart Drive Mustang is now on display at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. It will be available at retail in December for an MSRP of $359.99. Visit www.PowerWheels.com to find a retailer.
