Hate to drive? Have we got the cars for you.
Automotive manufacturers are devoting themselves to cars that think, accelerate and brake for themselves. However, this isn't "Minority Report." Tech-loaded cars are supposed to let the driver relax so he can focus on driving rather than, say, reading.
"Adaptive cruise control is for convenience, but it might sound deceiving," says Acura spokeswoman Jessica Fini. "The cars don't drive themselves. They benefit from another layer of safety features in case the driver gets into trouble."
Case in point: Mercedes' Night View Assist, which has the effect of strapping its headlights with night-
vision goggles. With the infrared screen on the dash, drivers can see up to 500 feet in total darkness.
Some of this is old news overseas. On the European version of the Honda Accord, the Advanced Driver Assist System acts as an "autopilot," navigating curves on its own. Japanese versions have the ASV-3, a system that communicates with other vehicles to ascertain the condition of automobiles, motorcycles and pedestrians relative to each other.
Why do they get the cool stuff first? Chalk it up to American laws and the legal climate.
"Federal laws here prohibit certain features seen in Europe," says Volvo product communications manager Dan Johnston. "But it's also a matter of scale. Something like 50% of cars in Sweden are Volvos, which gives us a good test fleet in one location."
However, Moller Intl. in Davis, Calif., is developing a nifty new contraption. It's the airborne M400 Skycar and it can be yours for as little as $500,000, FAA certification not included. Delivery is available by the end of 2008; operators are standing by.
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Transport:
2007 Mercedes S-550 ($86,175) |
Transport:
2007 Volvo C30 (price TBD) |
Cause: Each headlight cluster contains two infrared projector beams. Parktronic system employs a moving grid over the rearview camera image
Effect: Turns the night into a detailed black-and-white in-dash video, allowing you to see up to 500 feet in the distance. Guides you into parking spots |
Cause: Can detect heartbeats in a vehicle. Blind Spot Information System
Effect: Could eventually be engineered to store driver data and communicate with EMS crews in case of an accident. Digitally processes information about objects around the vehicle; warns the driver accordingly |
| Takes Off: Available now |
Takes Off: Early 2007 |
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Transport:
2006 Acura RL ($53,100) |
Transport:
2007 Dodge Charger ($38,095) |
Cause: Radar-modulated cruise control measures the ratio between your car and the vehicle in front of it. GPS climate control
Effect: Maintains pre-determined distance and speed relative to surrounding traffic; warns of imminent collisions, followed by automatic braking. Calculates location and adjusts temperature levels in each of the car's climate zones according to the sun's position |
Cause: Multi-Displacement System, available on 8-cylinder Hemi-equipped cars
Effect: Shuts down up to four cylinders if they're not needed. |
| Takes Off: Available now |
Takes Off: Available now |
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