New Escort Remote Mount GPS-Enabled Radar at CES

When the Escort 9500i came out, we were able to get our hands on one immediately and take it for a test run. The 9500i performed near flawlessly, and when combined with my ZR3 Shifters, was a leadfoot's dream come true (not that we would ever condone speeding...). There was one thing I thought of while driving around with 9500i, however- why was Escort's new top product not a remote mount system? I asked my rep this very question, and as he pried the 9500i from my hands, he replied with a smile, "Give it time...".

And a little time was all it took. Escort had the new 9500ci on display at CES, their newest remote mount, gps-enabled, laser-diffuser-equipped, fuzz-buster extreme. This smart radar detector helps eliminate falses and remembers speed traps using GPS technology. If the detector goes off and you know it's a false, with the touch of a button, you can let the radar know that's a common spot. If you drive past that same location three times during an alert and don't slow down, the radar will learn that is a false location and ignore future falses. And on the flip side,...

...if you know a location is a common speed trap, you can tell that radar that as well, and it will alert you of the trap whenever you approach it in the future.
The blue display looks great, is easily readable at night or day, and due to blue's short wavelength, is not as viewable at a distance compared to the more common red LED displays. An external GPS antenna is included and ensures no matter where the display unit is mounted, you'll always have a clear shot to the sky for the satellites. The 9500ci also includes Escort's new ZR4 laser shifters, replacing the ZR3 Shifter. I forgot to ask what the improvements were, but I"m still waiting to hear back from Escort. The Shifter essentially receives the laser signal and deflects it to the ground, giving the officer an error message on the laser gun. And it works VERY well.

Now, this kind of technology does not come cheap. The Escort systems are sold dealer-installed only, and will set you back about $1999.99.  If this performs at least as well as the windshield-mounted 9500i we tested a few months ago, then the price really is the only drawback I can think of for this unit. If you have a lead foot, an addiction to gadgets, or an appreciation for being aware of your surroundings, the 9500ci is a top pick.

These pics aren't the greatest, but I'm going to hit up Escort for some stock photos as well. Click to enlarge.

Also, the 9500i is now available with blue LED lighting as well. Check it:

Comments

[s trad]

That's a reeel nice radar setup. My ZR3 is the bombdiggity; saved me another $250 last week. Talk about ROI, holyfuzzy Batman. I can't wait for the ZR4--what can they improve on I wonder?? Such a shame the 9500 doesn't have the pretty red arrows...maybe I should have both? There's something about redundancy that screams beauty to me. I would be happy to conduct real-life, head2head, slightly biased product testing if the gods deem it so.
Anyone out there in R&D? lemme know

[Paul C.]

Maybe time to replace my Passport 7500. Although, I still like the valentine one...even if it is as ugly as an 80's mullet.