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Engineering Solutions by Design News Talks Turning Novice Off-Roaders Into ExpertsEngineering Solutions by Design News Talks Turning Novice Off-Roaders Into Experts
We talk to chassis controls engineer Austin Kendall about the Bronco's driver-assist systems.
1 Min Read
Ford Motor Co.
When Ford was developing the new Bronco, they realized that the burly 4x4's capabilities would vastly exceed the experience and skill of most of its buyers. Their solution was to develop Trail Systems which help bolster the abilities of those novice off-roaders so they can maximize their enjoyment of the Bronco.
These systems include Trail Control, which is a low-speed cruise control system that lets the driver set a speed in half-mile-per-hour increments and the Bronco will apply the throttle and brakes as needed to maintain that exact speed. Another is One-Pedal Drive, which simulates the outcome of a using their left foot to brake for continuous speed control while traversing obstacles. The Bronco's system applies the brakes when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal, providing the effect of left-foot braking without the driver learning a new skill.
Chassis systems engineer Austin Kendall describes the experience of developing these systems for the Bronco in this edition of the Engineering Solutions by Design News podcast.
About the Author
Dan’s coverage of the auto industry over three decades has taken him to the racetracks, automotive engineering centers, vehicle simulators, wind tunnels, and crash-test labs of the world.
A member of the North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year jury, Dan also contributes car reviews to Popular Science magazine, serves on the International Engine of the Year jury, and has judged the collegiate Formula SAE competition.
Dan is a winner of the International Motor Press Association's Ken Purdy Award for automotive writing, as well as the National Motorsports Press Association's award for magazine writing and the Washington Automotive Press Association's Golden Quill award.
Dan, testing the 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish. ANDY MORGAN/ASTON MARTIN
He has held a Sports Car Club of America racing license since 1991, is an SCCA National race winner, two-time SCCA Runoffs competitor in Formula F, and an Old Dominion Region Driver of the Year award winner. Co-drove a Ford Focus 1.0-liter EcoBoost to 16 Federation Internationale de l’Automobile-accredited world speed records over distances from just under 1km to over 4,104km at the CERAM test circuit in Mortefontaine, France.
He was also a longtime contributor to the Society of Automotive Engineers' Automotive Engineering International magazine.
He specializes in analyzing technical developments, particularly in the areas of motorsports, efficiency, and safety.
He has been published in The New York Times, NBC News, Motor Trend, Popular Mechanics, The Washington Post, Hagerty, AutoTrader.com, Maxim, RaceCar Engineering, AutoWeek, Virginia Living, and others.
Dan has authored books on the Honda S2000 and Dodge Viper sports cars and contributed automotive content to the consumer finance book, Fight For Your Money.
He is a member and past president of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers.
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