A subjective insight of the future automobile

A subjective insight of the future automobile by Jeff Darling


The future car, lets say a 2025 model will be a very different machine to its present day Grandfather. They will be packed with computers and safety devices ensuring that not even a stunt driver can crash, and they will run on carbon dioxide and emit strawberry scented oxygen. Well they might.

Predictions of future vehicles are usually wildly inaccurate, by now we should all have space programs to rival NASA based out of our backyard. However some of the automobile related cutting edge technology emerging now may well make it into production models of the future. But how much of this technology will be needed or even wanted? Car design of the present is already influenced by politicians, bureaucrats, health and safety regulations and emissions regulations and the stunning concept seen at the motorshow emerges into the world as a 1.0 litre shopping cart, but at least its legal.

Personally I like the idea of fuel efficient hybrid cars, and fuel cell cars emitting nothing but water. However, like most enthusiasts I also like powerful loud convertibles with with the ability to snap a vertabrae at 10 paces. A sensible mix therefore is required and this will be the job entrusted to car designers and engineers of the future, to make a politically correct car that is also desirable.

Another immenent problem facing designers of the future is coming up with styling ideas that are fresh and new. Some of the more recent concepts are certainly striking but not necessarily beautiful in the classic sense of the word. But if there is one thing the automobile industry is good at that is innovation, and I for one am confident that radical and extreme concepts never before imagined will continue to appear at motorshows around the world.

Computer technology has already taken a firm hold of the automobile and the modern driver is less and less responsible for the actions of their vehicle, soon crash victims will try to sue the electronics companies for accidents they caused because their computer system failed to brake the car even though they were fast asleep at the wheel on a three lane highway. Until you have automation of every single vehicle on every single road computer driven cars are just not feasible, in my mind there are just far too many on-the-road variables, with all the logic in the world you cannot beat a brain. Now computer assisted driving is already available in certain Mercedes models which brake for you if your not looking where your going and your too close to the car in front, but there is still a driver in control of the car, or is there. What if for some reason you wanted to get closer to the car in front, you needed to get closer to the car, if you didn't get closer to the car something terrible would happen to civilization. Where do you draw the line with vehicle automation?

In advanced cities of the future CCTV will be so prevalent that visible crimes such as car theft are all but wiped out, but that still won't stop the determined thief. GPS (Global Positioning System) units fitted as standard to all new automobiles will be able to track any vehicle at anytime anywhere, this technology is already common but more widespread use is inevitable. In the UK the government is already talking about fitting GPS to charge motorists depending on what road they travel on and at what times to cut spiraling congestion. This technology coupled with an improved mobile phone and bluetooth network can be used to track and recover stolen vehicles. When the vehicle is found to be stolen a call can be made which shuts down the engine of the car. At the same time a call is sent out which alerts available nearby police, by using the GPS installed in both the stolen car and the police car officers can track the car even if they cannot see it. The police will also have much more insight into a vehicles record when out on patrol, using bluetooth technology a police car can tail a vehicle and receive information on the owner, the current driver and their driving history, and even find out recent top speed and acceleration figures. Of course who wants that, you think you've just had a fun little blast on your favorite bit of road you get pulled over five miles later and the officer gives you a speeding ticket for something he didn't see. But if this technology is mandatory then what choice do you have.

Access to future automobiles may be very different to the keys of today, push button code entry and keycard systems where the key doesn't even leave you pocket, already available, will become common place. You hear the term keyless entry but it still uses a remote control attached to a key which is then used to start the car. Biometrics which are available on some computer systems and use fingerprinting as a password could be an effective alternative to the key, you could even program it for members of your family deciding between access only for the children or access and drive functions for those with licenses. However I belive it will be some time before this is the only means of vehicle entry or start up, what if you are lending your car to a friend and you cannot be present to allow start up.

Multimedia systems will continue to develop in cars until the point where the "are we there yet" phrase develops into "can we stay here". Manufacturers are continuing to cram more and more video screens into increasingly ingenious places providing a rolling cinematic Dolby 7.0 surround sound experience. DVDs are going to go the way of the VCR with hard disk recording of video being the dominant power much as MP3s are killing off CDs. This MP4 technology will save space in the car and allow for far more footage to be kept on board. Improvements in wireless Internet connections could mean that the larger roads can support Internet capable vehicles and constantly inform the driver with up to date relevant road information. A screen in the dash can display live images to show traffic reports and also predict traffic jams by using the GPS systems in all vehicles to show areas where vehicles have been stopped or are congested, and then supply alternate routes. The sound systems of cars will also improve and become more personalised for the various passengers, with headphone sockets and multiple sound outlets, there might be four different radio stations that can be played at once through the different jacks, and a variety of MP3s that can be played at once.

Passenger safety is already a priority for modern day car manufacturers and this will only increase in importance into the future. The widespread use of airbags will increase, the side impact protection airbags featured in some models have proved to be extremely effective in saving lives, more research and better positioning will continue to improve their performance and reliability. Airbags at the moment can only be deployed once so in a multiple collision crash their effectiveness is voided after the first impact, future airbag systems however may take this into consideration and incorporate multiple single use airbags in one position or reusable airbags which can be inflated several times. Some manufacturers use a dynamic headrest in some high-spec models, these move forward during a collision to stop the head snapping back quite so far and reducing the chance of spinal injury (whiplash.

It has been found that a vehicles bumper and frame height is a very important factor when it comes to safety during a collision, if a vehicle has bumper which is too high it can override the bumper of the other vehicle and plough directly into the passenger compartment putting the occupants at severe risk. Accidents like this usually occur when a average size car collides with a truck or SUV, this mismatch can be avoided by having adjustable ride heights on the larger vehicles, when they are on a smooth road lowering the vehicle to a suitable height would reduce the dangers normally associated with these sorts of collision, as a by product this would also reduce the top heavy nature of trucks and SUVs and rollover accidents could be avoided.

Sensors will be increasingly responsible for predicting and safeguarding against avoidable accidents. Sensors will monitor the road surface scanning for black ice and hazardous conditions, this information will then be displayed to the driver and the vehicle may take appropriate steps to improve traction thus reducing the chance of an accident. The information gathered may also be relayed to a central road monitoring network which can inform other motorists of changing weather conditions, in effect every vehicle would become a roving weather station.

Sensors will also monitor the cars position on the road and if the vehicle is found to be straying from the road or traffic lane an alarm would sound this feature is already found on the Citroen C4 amongst others. Sensors could also monitor the drivers well-being, imaging sensors would track eye movement and if the eyes close for more than a few seconds an alarm would sound to alert the driver. Audi uses sensors on its new A6 which monitor for wet conditions, if found the BOSCH brakes are applied intermittently to wipe off the water and ensure good contact when they are needed, the pressure applied in this process is so slight the driver does not notice. Improved night vision and spatial awareness would help cut down on night time crashes which account for half the road related fatalities each year even though only a quarter of all driving occurs at night. Cadillac already includes infrared night vision as an option on some of its more desirable models, infrared vision does not see light it sees heat and the warmer an object is the more it stand out on the screen. The screen is a heads up display projected onto the windscreen infront of the drivers line of sight allowing the driver to see the real world and also the digital projection. Honda has a similar system with the added ability to identify objects and pick out pedestrians and digitally highlight those which are likely to step into the vehicles path and then emit an audible warning.

New materials are constantly brought into the automotive field, in 2005 Chrysler Daimler began using biological composite materials made from coconut, sisal, jute and other plants. This biological material is used mostly on the interior of the car and finds its way into seat cushions, seat backs, underfloor body panels and interior door panels. One of the benefits of using these biological compounds is that they can be recycled and reused and the manufacturing process involved is far more environmentally friendly than that of conventional synthetic compounds. Ceramics first used in braking by Porsche are becoming increasingly popular, although still very expensive limiting them to exclusive vehicles. The benefits of using ceramics is their high tolerance to intense heat making them suitable for high performance vehicles, and where the heavy use of the brakes is needed regularly. Their ability to perform under these extremes help reduce the brake fade associated with exessive use and high temperatures. Materials first such as carbon fibre and carbon kevlar first used on race cars and famed for their high strength and lightweight properties have now filtered down to the production car level, mainly in high-end vehicles but in due time these composites will begin to appear in the average car, cutting weight and increasing fuel economy whilst maintaining structural rigidity.

In the future car designers will have to explore new themes and find alternative influences for their designs. In an effort to catch peoples eye the designs will have to be increasingly bold and brash often sacrificing the aesthetic balance of the design in attempt to be different in an increasingly 'done before' market. This is not to say all designs are going to be hideous, just some. Another influence to exterior design will be made by law as stricter pedestrian protection laws are enforced requiring the front ends of cars to be 'softer', this thinking has already been introduced on some models, overall though it is difficult to project how this will ultimately affect the face of car design. With the increased use of alternative fuel sources such as the hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen combustion engine, vehicle bodies may begin reflect the green nature of their power. However I belive this to be a mistake. The Honda Insight Hybrid might have been more of a success had it not been utterly repulsive, people were already wary of its power source and to then make them vomit in disgust at its styling is just not intelligent. Why do all the eco-friendly cars look like a 60's psychedelic nightmare, why can't they just look like a decent concept car with an alternative engine. Things seem to be improving however and BMW's H2R is an undeniably stunning vehicle if somewhat impractical. And hybrid technology is finding its way into mainstream prodution vehicles as an optional power source.

The interior of vehicles will also change, becoming more user friendly and personalised. Ergonomically positioned controls and lumbar support seats with adjustable everything will come as standard to increase driver and passenger comfort and reduce chronic pain and discomfort. Customisable and personalised interior space will also become desirable features on the future automobile. Just as you swap mobile phone covers an entire dash could be swapped to match your mood, if your a little bigger than average why not fit an XXL seat in two easy steps, the possibilities will be endless in order to cater for an increasingly demanding consumer.

Alternative power sources for vehicles are becoming ever more popular. Government incentives will eventually force all but the super rich into environmentally friendly cars, no problem, by then fuel cell cars will be just as rapid as their fossil fuel counterparts but with none of the mess or stench. However it may take some convincing to get a 'petrol head' to put down his piston and pick up a proton exchange membrane cathode, its just not the same is it. Eventually common conventional fuel cars will become classics and extremely sought after by collectors, but not for a long long time.

Find out more about concept vehicles, designs, current vehicles, and strange vehicles at http://www.diseno-art.com/

A Stylish Crossover Vehicle For Kia

Kia is planning to bring to the American market a new type of vehicle – a seven passenger crossover – that will compete against the likes of the Toyota Matrix and the Dodge Caliper. The Kia Carens will be sold later this year in Europe and will likely make it to the U.S. market as the Kia Rondo at about the same time. Demand for crossovers continues to rise as the market adjusts to this relatively new type of vehicle. Will the Rondo succeed? If early press reports are any indication then the answer is yes.

Kia’s aggressive surge on the world scene is being made evident through new or proposed factories in Europe and in Georgia, USA. As a subsidiary of the mighty Hyundai group, Kia has long stood for being the budget Korean brand while Hyundai is the company’s value brand. The proposed Rondo will continue Kia’s tradition of providing decent quality small vehicles for prices that are thousands of dollars less than the competition.

Importantly, the Rondo crossover will fit nicely into a category of vehicles that have yet to take the U.S. by storm: mini-minivans. Popular in Europe, these compact vans are much smaller than current American minivans, yet still able to hold as many as 7 adults. With three passenger row seating, the Rondo and others like it squeeze out every possible square inch of interior space to accommodate passengers. No, you won’t ride in luxury and the ride itself will be closer to a Corolla than to a Camry, but Kia is banking on consumers wanting a well appointed 7 passenger vehicle that will likely retail for under $20,000. No vehicle currently offered in the U.S. can claim to carry that many people for that small of a price. Clearly, Kia aims to be the first company to accomplish that feat.

Unlike most upcoming vehicles, Kia is holding information about the Rondo close to the vest. With China’s Chery also preparing to send a similar vehicle to the U.S., Kia’s reticence is certainly understandable. Why give the competition more information than what is necessarily needed at this point in the game?

Likely, a pair of gas powered four cylinder engines mated to various manual and automatic transmissions will power the Rondo. No diesel version has been discussed for the U.S. market, but one is possible for European motorists.

In addition, look for Kia to offer better standard equipment choices with the Rondo than previous models have offered including, standard side and head air bags, dual zone air conditioning, and possibly all wheel drive on a premium model.

Yes, Kia is no longer just a producer of cheap subcompacts. With the soon to arrive Rondo, Kia is attempting to expand its growing line by offering a vehicle like no other one on the market.

A Peep At The 2007 Nissan Quest

Manufactured by Nissan, the 2007 Nissan Quest is another vehicle to look forward to. Since 1993, this vehicle has been in production. It actually replaced the Nissan Axxess. It has been designed and produced in one body style only which is a minivan. The choices only vary for customers could choose between a minivan with three doors or four doors.

The 2007 Nissan Quest is very much related to the Mercury Villager, Nissan Altima, Nissan Maxima, Nissan Murano, and Nissan Teana because it has built on the same platform as them. Now, in the automobile market, the 2007 Nissan Quest is a competitor for the Toyota Sienna, the Mazda Mazda5, the Honda Odyssey, and the Hyundai Entourage.

The 2007 Nissan Quest has already been on sale since May 19th this year all around the United States. And this time, this minivan has been redesigned. For this new style, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) has increased around one per cent compared to its previous MSRP. And this increase is weighted between all the trim levels available. This increase is due to the major transformation that the minivan has gone through which includes a redesigned interior, a refined exterior, and some new features and packages.

Updates for the 2007 Nissan Quest are quite a combination. This minivan that could hold seven passengers inside its cabin offer a new instrument panel layout that has a redesigned center stack, an available front row center console, a new 3rd row fold-flat seat design with integrated auto-folding headrests and spring-assist for easy operations, an available MP3 player audio input, an available RearView Monitor as well as an available Bluetooth Hands Free Phone System.

A Luxurious Drive

The 2006 Lincoln LS is only available in one trim only, and that is the V8 Sport. It is crafted under the Lincoln brand as a luxury sports sedan with four doors, and can accommodate a passenger capacity of five people maximum. It is equipped with the standard 3.9 liter V8 engine with 280 horsepower and this can achieve 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg while driving on the highway. Also standard is a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This vehicle is a freshened version for this year.

During its first production, this was introduced as a midsize, rear wheel drive luxury car at entry-level. It has the Ford DEW98 platform that is also used by the Jaguar S-Type and the Ford Thunderbird. Its main competitors in the market include the BMW 3 series, the Lexus ES, the Mercedes Benz C-Class, the Acura TL, and the Cadillac CTS. This vehicle was first introduced in the early part of 1999 and this was the first Lincoln vehicle that offered a manual transmission. It was a definite attractive alternative to European and Japanese sports sedans. However, come 2006, the Lincoln LS model for this year had been moved from the entry-level luxury segment to the bottom of the mid-level luxury segment, thus having a change in competitors. This time, it had the Mercedes Benz E-class, the Cadillac STS, the BMW 5-Series, and the Lexus GS as its main competitors.

Even if the Lincoln LS shares the very same platform that the Jaguar S-Type and the Ford Thunderbird is using, this vehicle still differs in its styling and equipment. This vehicle comes with a 280-hp V8 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability, ABS, traction control, and 17-inch wheels. What is also made standard are the front side airbags. It also features and has options like head-protecting curtain side airbags, an antiskid system, power-adjustable pedals, a rear-obstacle detection system, a navigation system, a THX sound system, an AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD changer, an upgraded sound system, a power sunroof, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a tri-coat paint, metallic paint, chrome alloy wheels, and xenon head lamps. Rumors have it, though, that this year could be the last time that the Lincoln LS would be rolling off the manufacturing plants.

As per its fuel economy, the Lincoln LS has averaged 17.7 to 19.0 mpg. Lincoln, thus recommends regular-grade fuel in this vehicle model. Although it is less composed than its European rivals, the Lincoln LS has a ride quality that is comfortable enough. Its expansion joints are fairly well-masked and hidden. It is also capable and balanced in aggressive cornering. Its steering and handling provides a good grip and steering feel. The brakes also have a moderate body lean and are strong. It is not really hushed up, however it could be quite enough for the only noise one could hear would be the low wind and minor tire roar on coarse pavements.

Lincoln Parts and Car Parts online store contains a stock of high quality and well-crafted Lincoln LS parts and accessories.

A History Of Sports Cars

What defines the term sports car and why are we so fascinated with them. Is it simply the flowing curves of the body design, the massive power output of the high revving engines or could it even be the distinctive throaty musical note of the exhaust pipes. Everyone will have a different opinion on what they think makes sports cars special and for the reasons why we love them so much. Even people who say they are impractical or unnecessary cannot help but to turn and look when one drives past displaying its beautiful contours hinting at the power hidden under the perfectly painted panels.

Since the development of motorised vehicles a small select group of individuals have always had the undying fascination of designing and building them bigger, more powerful and faster than they either needed to be or really should be with any regard to safety. This was no different with the motor car industry, from its relative simple and sluggish beginnings the car quickly developed into a very useful mode of transport and working tool. For some this new way to transport us around turned into an obsession of power and speed and welcomed the age of the racing cars and sports cars.

To begin with motor vehicles were built for more functional than aesthetically pleasing reasons and their ability to carry both people and heavy loads is what drove the designers and manufacturers forward. Humans though have an eye for beauty and a thirst for power and speed, combining these attributes the birth of the sports cars was inevitable.

As new developments occurred in the early motor industry a small number of designers, builders and drivers pushed the motor car to its limits on race tracks to test its abilities against other manufacturers vehicles. These races fuelled the next generation of cars and drivers. As engines became more powerful the ability to race these machines began to push the designs and needs to new levels this quite often was at the expense of someone's life. Big powerful engines were placed into fragile frames and pushed to the limit often with dire consequences to drivers and spectators. But humans have a need to go faster and faster and this drove these brave and quite often reckless early pioneers to design better and more powerful machines and this began the start of the new age of the modern motor car. Safety was usually an after thought if it came up at all, the main focus was pushing the machines and drivers to their limits and beyond if possible. The engines power output quickly out grew the motor cars ability to handle these increases and the designers had to rethink the chassis and suspensions limitations. As with in the aircraft industry the designs of planes and engines regularly changed along with the abilities and reliability of the aircraft, the motor cars began to evolve along the same lines with new ideas and breakthroughs in technologies incorporating aerodynamics to help reduce drag and stronger building materials for chassis and bodywork.

Developing test vehicles purely for racing was the beginning of what we now class as the sports car. After the Second World War a new breed of sports car began to emerge. The once very high-priced and hard to obtain race bred cars that only the most wealthy and enthusiastic owners could secure began to evolve into a more accessible vehicle with the additional comforts and road functionalities, and what was even more important, a more affordable price tag making them more accessible to the average owner and driver. The sports cars had taken their first steps from the exclusive domain to main stream availability. Over the next few years as advancements were made on and off the racing circuit designs began their slow transformation into the popular modern shapes of today's models. Many famous names have added their own distinctions to the sports car moulds and most can be easily identified by pure shape alone even today.

A Guide To Comparing Used Car Loan Rates

If you want to get the perfect car loan that fits your budget, it is foolhardy to just sign-up when you have not determined all of your available options. Before doing so, you might to consider first the figures that you will be working with.

Once you have determined the model of the car that you want, where you will be getting the loan from, and your monthly allowance for the used car loan payment, you may proceed with signing up. Then you will be on your way to owning the vehicle that you want.

There are a lot of web sites online which offer auto loan rate calculators.

These rates vary by state and city. There are also online lenders who offer a cheaper rate, as compared to getting car loans via banks who - more often than not - deny your loan application, especially for used vehicles.

Research online and visit the used car dealers in your area. Collect the price quotes first to determine the current rates for the used cars available in the market.

You can also ask around for the rates. You are bound to get more results by word of mouth, especially if you know car enthusiasts.

Take the following as an example of the current used car rates:

In California, three lenders who offer used car loans are the Bank of America, Capital One Auto Finance and Wells Fargo Bank.

For a used car loan, the Bank of America offers 20% down payment and an 11.2% rate. You would add to this a $75 fee and a .25% discount with auto debit.

The second lender, which is Capital One Auto Finance, offers a 6.25 % rate and a 20% down payment. There are no application fees and prepayment penalties.

Wells Fargo Bank offers an 8.88% rate and a 20% down, a $50 application fee and a .25% discount with auto debit.

At the end of the day, just compare these three rates and determine which offer would fit your budget.

Also consider the distance, mileage and the final asking price.

One more thing that you should consider when comparing rates is the number of months for you to make the payments.

There are several options. Some lenders offer a 36 month used car loan. For higher asking prices, longer payment terms are available.

For a 36-month used car loan, for example, the rate offered is 8.31%. This rate increases as the number of months increase.

After researching and looking through all of your options, choose the lowest rate that you can get and remember not to overspend when you have already reached a certain target budget.

A Look At Your Car’s Dashboard

Facia. This is what people in British English called your car’s dashboard.

Your car’s dashboard is actually that panel that you can find under your windscreen. If you are not so sure about what it is, then you would find your dashboard as that part of your vehicle where there are indicators and dials in it like the tachometer, speedometer, odometer, as well as the fuel gauge.

Since all the indicators and dials are found in your dashboard, it is important that you are familiar with it. You see, these indicators and dials tell you exactly about the measurements or other problems that your car might be experiencing. Just keep in mind that these indicators and dials tell you how fast you are going or if there might be engine trouble or battery trouble or any other aspect of your driving and your car’s status.

Now, if any of the lights on your dashboard are not working, it is important that you do check and look into it. You see, in cases when there might be a problem with your car, you would not be notified and alerted about it. This could mean you getting into trouble, getting stranded, or even getting your pocket emptied up until your very last cent.

To check, you should first look at your dashboard before you even put in your key into the ignition. Then, turn your key to the on position and not the start position. While you do this, do not take your eyes off the dashboard lights. You would know that they are working well because these should light up for around five seconds. Now, if you notice that any one of the lights on your dashboard is not working, then go have a mechanic or professional take a look at it.

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