Ford’s new war on thieves
FORD’S engineers have harnessed special 3D printing technology to develop next-generation locking wheel nuts in a bid to thwart car parts thieves.
Together with high-end solutions supplier EOS, Ford has created locking nuts with contours based on the driver’s voice.
Engineers record the driver’s voice for a minimum of one second, saying something like “I drive a Ford Mustang”, and use software to convert that singular soundwave into a physical, printable pattern.
This pattern is then turned into a circle and used as the design for the locking nut’s indentation and key. The design also includes second-level security features that prevent the nut from being cloned or copied. Ford research engineer Raphael Koch said: “Some alloy wheels can cost thousands to replace, but these unique rim nuts will stop thieves in their tracks.
“Making wheels more secure and offering more product personalisation are further proof that 3D printing is a gamechanger for car production.”
THE latest Mitsubishi Mirage supermini is now on sale in the UK with prices starting from a competitive £10,550 – almost £1,000 cheaper than the previous model.
Three trim levels are available with the five model range topping out at £14,855 for a First Edition Mirage with automatic transmission.
The new car has an upgraded 1.2litre, three-cylinder engine which develops 80hp and is rated at up to 56.5mpg with emissions of 113g/km under the new WLTP testing programme.
Performance figures for the entry level manual Verve model are 12.6 seconds 0 to 62mph acceleration with a top speed of 112mph.
The new Mirage has much more grown up looks than before with chunkier bumpers creating a more solid appearance on the road.
Inside, there are new-look door trims and switch panels, high-contrast instruments and Mitsubishi Motors’ Smartphone Display Audio (SDA) system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen for improved legibility and ease of use.
The SDA system offers full smartphone connectivity including Bluetooth
hands-free calling, as well as both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus built-in satellite navigation. The three-variant line up adopts the nomenclature of the rest of the Mitsubishi range with the entry-level Verve, mid-range Design and high-specification limited number First Edition.
The Mirage Verve is equipped with remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors, a leathertrimmed steering wheel, a rear spoiler, air conditioning, a heightadjustable driver’s seat and Bluetooth connectivity, including music streaming.
The Design version, priced from £12,495, adds 15-inch black and silver alloy wheels, keyless operation with push-button engine start/stop, the SDA audio system, faux leather and fabric seats, height adjustable passenger’s seat, front grille with red accent, rear privacy glass, electric folding door mirrors and a leathertrimmed gear lever.
The First Edition variant includes an array of safety and luxury equipment including a forward collision mitigation system (FCM), LED headlights and DRLs, a front grille with chrome accent, rear parking sensors, cruise control, heated front seats, climate control air conditioning, front fog lights and First Edition badging.