After last week's rant against keyless go technology I almost (almost) felt bad. But then I remembered how annoying that technology can be and decided instead of feeling guilty maybe I should just focus on automotive technologies that do work.
So today I'm writing about current high-tech vehicle features that, rather than annoy me, actually serve me well. Because -- at the end of the day -- that's what technology is supposed to do: make our lives better.
What follows, in no particular order, are 10 life-improving automotive technologies:
1. Stability Control: This will be standard on all cars by 2012 because it's been shown to reduce vehicle accidents, particularly in foul weather conditions. LIke most automotive technologies it had a rocky start, with systems that were intrusive and overt. But stability control keeps getting better, and now it can often improve someone's driving skills without the driver even knowing it's been activated. There's one big caveat to this technology however: the driver must be able to shut it off completely! (Mercedes-Benz, I'm looking your way)
2. Keyless Entry: Unlike keyless go, keyless entry makes complete sense. There's simply no downside to having a car lock and unlock without physically turning a key (especially when keyless entry always offers a manual, key-based backup if the system doesn't work for some reason). When your hands are full of stuff as you approach your car this one becomes a life saver (or at least a fragile package saver).
3. Direct Injection: Let's see...higher fuel efficiency, higher power, lower combustion chamber temperatures and lower emissions. Direct injection also enhances the benefits of variable valve timing and forced induction (turbo) systems. Except for cost concerns (a potential issue for almost any new technology) direct injection is pure upside.
4. Tubrocharging: Speaking of turbos, get ready to see this technology run rampant across the automotive world. Why? Because computer technology is finally able to take full advantage of turbocharging's power enhancing potential while eliminating its past emissions issues. The technology isn't new by any means, but making it earth-friendly only happened in the last 10 years or so. A great substitute for increased displacement, as cars like the BMW 135i and Ford Flex Ecoboost have confirmed.
5. Bluetooth: This technology is commonly used to provide hands-free telephone use while driving, but it's increasingly working to stream music and information between vehicles and computers/music players. Though not perfect (audio quality via Bluetooth streaming isn't exactly hi-fi), it reduces the wire count between vehicles and vehicle accessories, and that's always a good thing.
6. Satellite Radio: You might argue the value of listening to nothing but Howard Stern while driving across the entire continental United States, but you can't argue the value of having a choice between Howard, Elvis, The Beatles or over 100 other channels. I'd like to see higher audio quality (for instance, HD radio sounds better), but not having to find a new station every hour or so on my recurring road trips is simply awesome.
7. Navigation Systems: I remember being a kid and thinking how cool it would be if there was a map that showed exactly where my family's car was when we took our family vacations. Now there is, and it doesn't just show where you are, it shows you how to get where you're going. Eventually the war between "built-in" systems and personal/portable navigation units will be won...by a combination of both.
8. iPhone/iPod Integration: Another technology with a checkered past. BMW got into this early, but only in the past year or so have the automakers and Apple settled (mostly) on a universal system that uses a USB plug with 5.0 volt charging (certainly beats the old days of needing a different cord for each brand of car). Now you can listen to the equivalent of a couple thousand CDs, including customized playlists, through one compact device.
9. Voice Command: Checkered past is too kind here, as the early automotive voice command systems simply didn't work. I remember trying it out in the first Jaguar S-Type around 1999 and thinking, "Yeah...um, not really ready for prime time." That was then, this is now, and voice command finally passes the litmus test for good technology (makes your life better verses just being an annoying gimmick). I'm truly impressed by how effective it is these days. You can even leave a window down or have other ambient noise in the cabin and most voice command systems will still usually identify what you're saying.
10. Exterior Cameras: Note I didn't say "backup camera" or "reverse camera" because the potential uses of exterior cameras on cars goes beyond not hitting things (or people) when backing up. The parking assist cameras on cars like the Infiniti FX are simply amazing in how they can help you maneuver a relatively large vehicle into tight places. I already like what these cameras offer, and we're only just scraping the surface of potential here.
You may notice a theme in these ten technologies -- none of them are particularly new or cutting edge. In fact, that's my point. New technology rarely works as well as it should, but great tech eventually transitions from gimmick to genuine article. I also see potential in several newer technologies. Whether you want to talk about all-electric drivetrains or pedestrian safety efforts or even that dreaded keyless go system it's likely these technologies will eventually do more good than harm.
But right now, today, they don't make my top 10 list.
By 7driver
on December 15, 2009
07:26 AM
Speaking of turbos, back in the bad old days there was a proliferation of aftermarket turbo timers. These things would keep the engine running for a set period of time after you pull the key out because shutting down immediately after a hard run would keep the turbines spooled up without any oil flowing in them.
My question is this: Are turbo timers still used with modern engines? Do you still run the danger of turbines spinning rapidly without oil on today's motors?
By shaddai
on December 15, 2009
08:48 AM
Direct injection is great, when done right. Tons of people are reporting carbon build up in DI engines, and many manufacturers are passing the cost of cleanup to the consumer. Lots of E39 M5 drivers, B7 RS4 drivers, and some N54 BMW owners have reported carbon buildup. I've seen carbon build up in Audi/VW's 2.0TFSI too.
By editor_karl
on December 15, 2009
10:19 AM
Re: Turbo Times -- I've wondered the same thing and talked to some engineers about this. Basically, you still wouldn't want to run a turbochared car really hard and then immediately shut it off. But driving one normally, even for just a few seconds, before turning the engine off is enough to solve any heat issues. For instance, if you went to a drag strip and ran it down the quarter mile, then stopped IMMEDIATELY and shut the engine off that would be bad. But just slowing it down and driving back to the pits (say, a 30-second drive) is enough to solve the problem. So unless you come roaring into your driveway at full throttle and shut off the engine on a regular basis there's no issue.
Re: Direct Injection -- I've heard the same thing. I think fuel quality is more important with DI, and whether you're picky about the fuel you use (ie a good brand and/or premium only) or you run additives through the fuel system on a regular basis you probably should at least be more aware of the fuel you're putting into a DI engine.
By chavis10
on December 15, 2009
10:20 AM
shaddai- BMW M engines have never had direct injection. Also, carbon build-up has been a problem with VW 4 cylinder turbos even before DI. 5 valve 1.8T four bangers had carbon build-up issues and that engine was port injected.
Karl- I'd throw remote start on that last. Driving the Impala LTZ this week and I find it's a feature I'd love to have on my own car (Mazda wants $350 installed. FAIL)
By editor_karl
on December 15, 2009
10:28 AM
Remote start is a good one. Too easy to forget about in Southern California (as I did for this list...), but for cold-weather climates it's great.
By chavis10
on December 15, 2009
10:29 AM
7driver- some cars with turbos tell you in the manual to let the engine idle for a short period before shutting the engine off.
By shaddai
on December 15, 2009
11:47 AM
@chavis10 - whoops on the E39! The new X5M and X6M have DI. :D
By chavis10
on December 15, 2009
12:39 PM
Yes, I meant the naturally aspirated version. Forgot to add that.
By subytrojan
on December 15, 2009
07:51 PM
7driver, most modern turbos are fine to shut off with normal driving.
From a June 2001 Subaru TechTIPS issue for Subaru technicians
"2002MY WRX TURBO COOL DOWN PROCEDURE
FHI's position regarding this is that it is not necessary to perform a "cool down/idling" procedure, as was recommended with past turbo models. Our current 2.0L turbo engine has a far greater cooling capacity and, coupled with technology advances, makes this practice no longer necessary. This explains why information about cool down is not included in the 2002MY Impreza Owner's Manual.
The heat contained in the turbo charger will begin to vaporize the coolant at the turbo charger after the engine is stopped. This hot vapor will then enter the coolant reservoir tank which is the highest point of the coolant system. At the same time the vapor exits the turbo charger, coolant supplied from the right bank cylinder head flows into the turbo. This action cools the turbo charger down. This process will continue until the vaporizing action in the turbo charger has stopped or cooled down."
By estreka
on December 15, 2009
08:41 PM
I have an aftermarket Apex'i turbo timer on my car that automatically determines the cool down time. While it always requires 10 seconds, it's never required more than 1:30, even under the harshest of conditions.
+1 on the remote start.
I'd argue with the keyless entry. As someone said in a previous post, you could be sleeping in your house while your streetside-parked car is sitting unlocked. I'd be too nervous about that.
Also, I'd include heated/cooled seats. I know they aren't "brand new" but they're still considered options. We have heated seats up here in Greenland and they are an absolute godsend.
I'm tempted to include Merc's sleepy driver system. I've never used it so I don't know, but it sounds like a really good idea.
I'd also include a variety of modifiable interiors. The Honda Fit especially comes to mind.
By blueguydotcom
on December 16, 2009
10:27 AM
Why worry about your car being unlocked? It's not like a car window is much of a barrier.
By cheslin
on December 16, 2009
12:07 PM
The MB and Volvo attention monitor systems are pretty cool. They actually work... I'd also say that the latest DistronicPLUS is pretty cool too, though it spoils the driver rotten. It'll slow you to a complete stop...