Inside The Mind Of An Automotive Geek
Thursday, September 27, 2007
What Car Has What Technology
Through the years, the automobile has become a sophisticated machine. If we list down the improvements made on the automobile in the last decade, I think it would take us a very long time. For example, just look at the design of Volvos in the past with new Volvos. Notice the difference on the corners. Old Volvos are boxy while new ones are sexy. Engine technology has also changed, in the past; they don't use catalytic converters or other emission filtration device. And when it comes to features, new cars are light years ahead of cars in the past. Let us take a look at the hottest features today and what car has them.
For music lovers, there's iPod connectivity. General Motors offers vehicles which allow iPod owners to connect their music player to the car audio system. This means that drivers can easily bring their favorite music long with them but also play them on a vehicle's audio system.
Another feature that I think is really cool is a navigation system which reacts to voice commands. The 2008 Acura TL is equipped with a voice-enabled technology with its Voice Recognition Acura navigation System. This gives divers the ability to stay focused on the road while operating the navigation system. Simple voice commands like "Find Nearest Hospital" are recognized by the vehicle's navigation system. According to the automaker, the said navigation system contains more than 1.7 million city and street names on its database.
One feature designed to keep drivers and passengers safe is collision warning and preparation feature. In the 2008 Lexus SL, this system is called the Pre-Collision System or PCS. This system uses sensors mounted in front of the vehicle. If the vehicle's onboard computer senses that collision with the vehicle or building or anything is inevitable, it will tighten the front seat belts and prepares the car's Brake Assist System.
One automaker that you can count on to develop safety feature is Volvo. For its 2008 Volvo C70, the Swedish automaker has developed a parking assistance system. The system uses sensors both in front and at the back of the vehicle. These sensors warns the driver if something is twelve inches from the front or rear bumper.
Don Christy Jr. President and CEO of NADAguides.com has this to say about these features: "These are just a few examples of the technologies currently being offered in today's cars -- in both luxury models and in some entry-level models too. As digital applications become more affordable, we anticipate manufacturers will offer these types of products in increasing numbers, not only as optional equipment but as standard equipment in the not-so-distant future."
For music lovers, there's iPod connectivity. General Motors offers vehicles which allow iPod owners to connect their music player to the car audio system. This means that drivers can easily bring their favorite music long with them but also play them on a vehicle's audio system.
Another feature that I think is really cool is a navigation system which reacts to voice commands. The 2008 Acura TL is equipped with a voice-enabled technology with its Voice Recognition Acura navigation System. This gives divers the ability to stay focused on the road while operating the navigation system. Simple voice commands like "Find Nearest Hospital" are recognized by the vehicle's navigation system. According to the automaker, the said navigation system contains more than 1.7 million city and street names on its database.
One feature designed to keep drivers and passengers safe is collision warning and preparation feature. In the 2008 Lexus SL, this system is called the Pre-Collision System or PCS. This system uses sensors mounted in front of the vehicle. If the vehicle's onboard computer senses that collision with the vehicle or building or anything is inevitable, it will tighten the front seat belts and prepares the car's Brake Assist System.
One automaker that you can count on to develop safety feature is Volvo. For its 2008 Volvo C70, the Swedish automaker has developed a parking assistance system. The system uses sensors both in front and at the back of the vehicle. These sensors warns the driver if something is twelve inches from the front or rear bumper.
Don Christy Jr. President and CEO of NADAguides.com has this to say about these features: "These are just a few examples of the technologies currently being offered in today's cars -- in both luxury models and in some entry-level models too. As digital applications become more affordable, we anticipate manufacturers will offer these types of products in increasing numbers, not only as optional equipment but as standard equipment in the not-so-distant future."
<< Home