VIDEO: Ford SmartGauge with EcoGuide in action

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Videos, Ford

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Ford SmartGauage with EcoGuide

As we reported earlier this morning, Ford has revealed an innovative LCD gauge cluster called SmartGauge with EcoGuide that will debut in the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid. The system basically places two high-res LCD displays on both sides of a centrally mounted analog speedometer. These screens feature impressive graphics and can be tailored to provide four different levels of information for the driver. Think of it as a normal trip computer on steroids. SmartGauge can give you all the basic info like instant fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer, engine coolant temperature, what gear the car is in and trip data, but it also goes several steps further. For one, there’s a graphic of growing vines and leaves on the right side. If you drive efficiently, the vines and leaves will grow lush, which is a very creative way of better engaging drivers in getting the most out of their hybrids. When you reach a destination, a shut-down screen will also give you stats on your latest trip, and you can call up historical fuel efficiency data via a chart. We’ve got to give Ford credit for continuing to think outside the box with things like SYNC, the F-150′s Tailgate Step and Work Solutions in-dash computer, the capless Direct Fill system, the Flex’s real fridge, and the recently announced MyKey. These are aces up the sleeve when trying to sell cars and trucks in segments already crowded with competitors. Check out the gallery of SmartGuage shots below and view the video of it in action after the jump.

Gallery: Ford SmartGauge with EcoGuide