10 New Car Features Here to Stay
Jan 6th, 2009 by Thomas Rosquin
Over the past year or two there have been many new features available as standard options or add-ons for many cars. Some of these features are revolutionary and exciting, some have been around in one form or another for years, and then there are those that died a quick death. Below is a list of 10 from Automobile News and some thoughts on each.
1. Ignition/Push Start Buttons – The first car to my knowledge to come standard with this feature was the Honda S2000. Although you still need to put a key into the ignition, the push button start was a great idea that caught on with manufacturers everywhere. BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus wasted no time in adding this to their line-up. But now this feature is even better; you don’t even need to put the key into any ignition, just have the key in your pocket and the car will start right up with the push of a button!
2. Navigation Systems – With the popularity of Magellan, Tom Tom, and other road map systems, it was only a matter of time before the in-dash navigation system would make its way onto current cars. I look forward to the day when I can afford a new car with the in-dash nav/DVD system.
3. Gas/Electric Hybrids – This has been the future of automobiles for years. Toyota and Honda know this, but it was just this year that U.S. automakers got their act together and started producing hybrid vehicles. Soon all cars will be hybrids, then electric, then gas will be dead forever!
4. Cylinder Cut-Off systems – This is by far my favorite new wave in the car industry. Cylinder Deactivation essentially turns a V-8 engine into a 4-cylinder by cutting fuel to half of the cylinder banks. This is a great way for big V-8 trucks and SUV’s to get reasonable gas mileage.
5. Paddle Shifters – We go from my favorite invention to my least favorite. In fact I hate the idea of paddle shifters on everyday cars. I feel they should be reserved for million dollar Ferrari’s that need millisecond shifts. Now cars as lowly as the Mitsubishi Lancer will get high tech paddle shifters. This marks the beginning of the end for clutch operated, hand shifted cars. I shed a tear.
6. Rear view Cameras – This option grew out of necessity. Supercars like the McLaren F1 which has the tiniest of rear windows relied on a camera to see what’s behind. Then big trucks and SUV’s like the Infiniti FX have caught onto the trend. Now many luxury cars offer this system. It makes reversing much safer and will definitely help in the area of parking.
7. Turbochargers and Smaller Engines – Again auto manufacturers like Volkswagen have used turbocharged 4-cylinder engines to produce as much horsepower as a V-8 while getting incredible gas mileage. I have always been a big fan of turbos’, which used the wasted exhaust gasses to power up.
8. Small Cars/Spacious Interiors – Again it is the Japanese sub-compact industry that sparked the rise of these cars in America. Hatchbacks have been around for years, and the folding rear seats allow for a ton of cubic space in a hatchback style car.
9. Capless Fuel Systems – Gas can evaporate! Yup this is news to me but very true. Ford is on the leading edge with their GT Supercar which features a capless fuel system. This internal sealing feature will be a trend we see on new cars in the future.
10. Information Systems – The Ford Sync provides real time traffic reports, an On-Star like feature that alerts authorities in the event of an accident, and a vehicle diagnostic system.
With these new features appearing on more new cars, the race is on for car manufacturers to provide the consumers with the newest technology.