Top 10 New Features of 2007
Although
flying cars aren't yet a reality, automakers are continually developing new
technologies to make our cars safer
and more futuristic. Here are some of our favorite automotive features from
2007 that edge us ever-closer to a car George
Jetson would be proud of. Features from a number of cars made our list,
but the 2008 Infiniti EX35 received the most mentions,
including the top spot with our favorite new feature, Lane Departure Prevention.
Best New Feature: Lane Departure Prevention
Where you can find it: Infiniti EX35
Infiniti's
Lane Departure Prevention builds on conventional lane-departure warning systems,
which detect lane markings and
sound a chime if you drift astray. LDP goes one step further by gently applying
the brakes to certain wheels to nudge you back
on course. Sound too intrusive? We tried it out in the EX35 and it keeps
a remarkably low profile. Hit the turn signal or steer the
wheel slightly, and the system deactivates. On straight roads, it intervenes
with just a hint of deceleration, and the dashboard
chime alerts you of its actions. For its effectiveness and low profile,
LDP is the winner.
Scratch Shield Paint
Where you can find it: Infiniti EX35
The crusade
for city-friendly transportation began years ago with plastic bumpers and
dent-resistant doors.
It reaches new heights with Infiniti's Scratch Shield paint. On the EX35,
Scratch Shield combines a highly elastic resin with
the clearcoat finish. The resulting surface is said to maintain a glossy
appearance over the years, and it can actually undo
minor damage in the course of a few days. While Scratch Shield won't repair
dents or gashes, Infiniti says it can restore
things like fingernail scratches under the door handles.
We haven't had a chance to see it in action, but we're intrigued by the
prospects.
Around View Monitor
Where you can find it: Infiniti EX35
Let's be
clear on one thing: Infiniti's Around View Monitor ain't pretty. With cameras
mounted on each side of the car,
its fish-eye, top-down view distorts any three-dimensional object nearby.
But is it effective? You bet.
With a 360-degree view of exactly what's around your car, it reduces getting
into narrow parking spots and crowded alleys
to a science. Even the best front-and-rear sonar systems can't replicate
this. You have to see it — and park it — to believe it.
Full-Size Hybrid SUVs/Trucks
Where
you can find it: Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Tahoe,
Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, GMC Yukon
To date,
hybrid technology has graced only compact and midsize SUVs. Sharing a new
2-Mode Hybrid system,
several GM and Chrysler Group full-size SUV models and a pickup truck deliver
significant mileage gains
— if early estimates prove accurate. Some environmentalists cry heresy
over this development, but we can't see how fuel
economy improvement in the vehicles that need it most could be a bad thing.
The trucks give up almost none of their hauling
and towing capabilities, remaining useful to the people who really need
them and would buy full-size anyway, hybrid or not.
Integrated Booster Seats
Where you can find it: Volvo V70, Volvo XC70
This is
one of those simple features that make so much sense you wonder why they're
not present on more cars.
In the new V70, the cushions of the outboard rear seats can easily be raised
to one of two levels to better accommodate
children, which means no more fumbling around with an aftermarket booster
seat.
What's more, Volvo says the side curtain airbags in the V70 extend lower,
which in conjunction with the raised seating
position gives a child's head greater protection in a side-impact collision.
Heartbeat Sensor
Where you can find it: Volvo S80
We're dubious
about the usefulness of a heartbeat sensor, but we were won over by the fact
that such a futuristic feature
is available in today's cars. The heartbeat sensor, which Volvo says can
help you determine if someone is lying in wait inside
your car, is part of the S80 sedan's Personal Car Communicator fob that
can also do other things, like tell you if your car is
locked or unlocked up to about 300 feet away.
Easy Third-Row Access
Where you can find it: Hyundai Veracruz
Getting
into the third row in SUVs has gotten progressively easier in recent years,
but the Veracruz has a three-step system
that outshines the competition. Each part individually doesn't seem like
much, but put all together it's a wonder no one else
has thought of it. First, there's a one-hand release latch that moves the
second-row seat up, sliding it forward on rails.
Secondly, there's a cubbyhole tucked inside the Veracruz wall, right where
little ones will need it to help themselves into the car.
Finally, the second-row seats come with a handle that lets third-row occupants
pull the seats back toward them, helping kids
trying to get into the second row. Simple ideas, but great implementation.
Sirius Satellite TV
Where you can find it: Chrysler minivans
Any parent
can tell you that one of the big drags about taking kids on long trips is
all the stuff you've got to carry with you.
Chrysler's new Sirius Satellite TV makes this a bit easier by removing your
DVD collection from the list.
Your kids can watch one of three channels (the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon
and Cartoon Network) on one or both of the
rear swing-down screens; if it's just one, the other can show a DVD or video
game.
Given these three channels offer programming that can satisfy kids from
infancy through their teen years, this is a big
step forward.
Sync Hands-Free System
Where you can find it: Various Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models
Ford has
addressed driver distraction with a voice activation system that takes the
fumbling out of using cell phones
and digital music players. Sync allows drivers to control Bluetooth phones
and MP3 players and storage devices that have
a USB input using simple voice commands — it even reads text messages from
compatible phones.
Sync is standard on most uplevel trims in a dozen Ford, Lincoln and Mercury
models; it's a $395 option on base trim levels.
That's a lot of tech for not a lot of dough.
Volvo Blind Spot Information System
Where you can find it: C30, S40, S80, V50, V70, XC70, XC90
Volvo prides
itself on safety innovations, and this is the latest. The new S80, V70 and
XC70 have an optional blind spot
information system that alerts drivers to cars that are hard to spot using
mirrors. Two cameras are attached to the side
mirrors, and a pale orange light illuminates whenever changing lanes would
lead to hitting someone in the dreaded blind spot.
A single button turns the system on and off if you're in heavy traffic,
but the faded hue of the lights doesn't distract from driving.
It's a clever heads-up for the safety conscious.
