feb 2015

CAR TALK
Automotive
TECHNOLOGIES
Drivers Just Can’t Live Without
By Steven Marks
The automotive industry continues to be on the forefront of cutting
edge technology and innovation. Cars and trucks have come
a long way since the introduction of the automobile just over a
century ago. It wasn’t too long ago that by this date, many thought
cars would be flying, and although it’s still not close, complete
autonomy of the driving experience isn’t too far away. While we
await the future, there are a number of technologies that the daily
driver just can’t live without.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL: Going a step beyond conventional
cruise control, adaptive cruise control (ACC) uses long range
radars and a sophisticated camera system to maintain an adjustable
preset distance from vehicles just ahead. The system can be
capable of bringing the driven vehicle to a complete stop, and can
even resume speed once traffic flow resumes. At highway speeds,
the system is intelligent enough to adjust for vehicles entering and
exiting the lane. This cutting edge technology previews the future
of vehicles driving themselves, while allowing each vehicle to communicate
with each other.
POWER LIFT GATE: Typically found on wagons and sport utility
vehicles (SUVs), the power lift gate allows the rear door to open,
or even close automatically when activated. This highly convenient
feature allows for those who carry cargo, including precious passenger
cargo, to make the initial approach to or departure from the
vehicle much simpler when hands are full. Some new vehicles even
have the ability to ‘kick’ underneath the rear bumper to activate a
sensor that will release the tailgate automatically.
AUTO DIMMING REAR VIEW MIRROR: Using a sensor integrated
into the bottom of the rear view mirror, this advanced technology
eliminates the need for the traditional tab that flips or adjusts the
rear view mirror for approaching bright lights. Bright lights can
be distracting for drivers, and can also cause accidents. The auto
dimming rear view mirror allows drivers to focus more on the road
ahead, rather than taking their eyes off the road.
AUTO HEADLIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS: This technology,
albeit simple, is essential to modern day driving. An array of sensors
typically found in the top of the windshield activates these
systems depending on lighting and weather conditions.
BLUETOOTH TECHNOLOGY: It wasn’t too long ago that this breakthrough
technology changed the way the mobile phone integrates
with the automobile. Most vehicles allow a seamless integration
of phone call history and contact search to permit the driver to
never have to physically touch their device during their drive. Most
vehicles now allow streaming audio that can play various media
through the car’s speakers.
REAR VIEW CAMERA: Driving in reverse becomes a much easier
task with the ability to see what is directly behind a vehicle. When
the driver shifts the vehicle in reverse, a view from the rear will
be displayed on either the center navigation screen, or even in the
rear view mirror. However, the driver should still be aware of surroundings
and turn around to ensure there are no obstacles. New
technologies include an all around view that uses multiple cameras
to stitch together views from all angles of the vehicle.
As these technologies become more inexpensive to produce, more
and more manufacturers will begin to include these technologies
as standard equipment. Considered luxury features reserved for
flagship luxury marques at one point, these technologies will no
longer be considered a luxury, and will soon become essential safety
features. Many of these features have already been considered by
the government to be required by law as standard. P
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FEBRUARY 2015