Yesterday, we told you about curve control, a new active safety feature set to debut on the 2011 Ford Explorer. Then, we had the opportunity to experience the system first-hand at Ford Proving Grounds in Dearborn.

At the event, engineers responsible for the 2011 Explorer were present to describe and discuss the merits of curve control over a traditional stability control. According to Paul Mascarenas, Ford vice president of engineering for global product development, if the vehicle is entering a corner too quickly, the system works to slow the vehicle down by applying “smart braking.” The system, about 18 months in the works, is standard on across the 2011 Explorer line.

Practical application of the system, in a preproduction 2011 Explorer, demonstrated the effect that curve control has on a tight bend, like an exit ramp. Without driver intervention, the SUV applied engine braking to slow the test driver down by approximately 10 to 15 mph. Curve control works in conjunction with electronic stability control and Ford’s Roll Stability Control to ensure a smooth transition to a safe speed.

In our test vehicle, the differential braking worked seamlessly, which Dave Messih, supervisor of brake control software and our test driver, said was designed to alert, rather than “to alarm” the driver. With the system off — yes, it’s defeatable, but mostly for off-roading purposes — there was noticeably more body roll and more driver input needed. Messih’s team emphasized the importance of developing the system’s algorithms in conjunction to work with the existing hardware.

According to Sue Cischke, vice president for sustainability, environment, and safety engineering, the system will debut on the 2011 Explorer to promote its family-friendliness and draw attention to curve-related crashes. Curve control is the latest addition to a full menu of Ford safety enhancements available on the Explorer, such as a collision warning system, blind spot information system, brake support, and MyKey for young drivers. Rear inflatable seatbelts will also debut on the newest Explorer, but were not on our test mule.

Mascarenas said that curve control will initially debut on the 2011 Explorer, but become standard on 90 percent of Ford’s SUV and van products by 2015. After that, curve control will make its way to Ford’s non-SUV lineup.

Our test ride confirmed the system works; stay with Automobile Magazine to learn more about the 2011 Explorer, set to debut in late July.

At a time when some minivans are dialing up their appeal to families, we hear that Dodge may be planning a variant of the Grand Caravan that bumps up the testosterone level.

In a recent meeting with dealers, Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles discussed plans for a “man van” that would shake off stereotypes of a mom-mobile. According to The Wall Street Journal, production of such a minivan variant would help give the brand a more masculine image, hearkening back to ad campaigns of recent years.

According to the Journal, one dealer said, “A man van won’t generate huge sales, but it’s one of those vehicles that gets people talking and heads turning.”

Similar to the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T concept from the 2008 SEMA show, interior and exterior enhancements would help to differentiate dad’s van from mom’s. Sources hint that the interior would feature bespoke stitching on the seats and steering wheel, while body trim is still to be decided.

This news comes on the heels of two recently introduced minivans which have highlighted family-friendliness as major selling points. Honda’s recently introduced 2011 Odyssey features 15 cupholders and an integrated trash bag among its amenities for families, and Toyota is marketing its new 2011 Sienna with a series of “Mommy Like” commercials.

If the “man van” gets the green light, we can expect them in dealerships within a few months.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Lexus has added another weapon to their green-leaning arsenal as they unveilthe GS450h sedan, in dealerships since the spring of 2006. Itjoins Lexus’s own RX400h SUV as the only luxury vehicles to offer theimproved fuel economy and eco-friendliness of a hybrid powertrain. Lexusalso touts the GS450h as the first rear-wheel-drive car to receive thehybrid treatment.

Photo Gallery: 2007 Lexus GS450h Hybrid – 2007 New Cars – Automobile Magazine