The automotive industry has come a long way since Francois Isaac de Rivaz designed the first internal combustion engine in 1806. Already advances such as power steering, ABS brakes and stability control are standard options on most cars sold today, but what next? We take a look at the next set of industry-changing ideas to be introduced over the next few years.

1) All Wheels Drive
Siemens VDO has developed a system called eCorner (pictured), which integrates steering, shocks, brakes and even drivetrain all directly into the car’s wheels. While it eliminates the need for an engine, changing your rims might become slightly harder than is currently the case. Expect its debut after 2010.

2) Steer-By-Wire
Automakers are already experimenting with systems that detect movement of the steering wheel sending signals to actuators on the steering arms to turn the wheels. This development would remove the need for heavier mechanical parts, however getting the reliability up to scratch might not prove an easy task. Expect it after 2010.

3) Fingerprint Security
Lose your key? Not a problem thanks to your car’s fingerprint scanner, or even facial scanner, uniquely identifying you so that nobody harmful can touch your pride and joy. Expect this nifty piece of technology after 2010 too.

4) Big Brother is Watching
Lexus has recently released a system in their LS460 that watches the driver’s face making sure he or she is continually focussing on the road. If the driver ever looks away and the car detects an oncoming collision, it readies itself for the crash.

5) Hydrogen Power
It’s obvious that crude oil won’t be powering our cars for too much longer, but the question is what will? Most carmakers agree that hydrogen seems to be the future, whether it’s used to power fuel cells or even a proper internal combustion engine. GM and BMW are already testing out mini-fleets with the technology and other makes are set to follow. Expect it to appear anytime between 2010 and 2020.

6) Social Autos
Forget Facebook and MySpace, some developers are looking at implementing a social network between cars that could monitor wheels and brakes to detect dangerous activity and signal surround cars of the upcoming danger. It’s expected around 2010.

Cameras that replace side mirrors, road-sign recognition systems, airbags in bumpers and even electronic/hydraulic valve control systems are also in development, reports Automotive News. Seemingly not too far away, it looks like the industry will be undergoing some major changes fairly soon indeed.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/industry/automotive-technology-of-the-future/

#3 faulty, couple years ago. Some dude had his hand cut off so the thieves could steal his car. Forgot what country it was. Somewhere in the Orient, that is all I can remember for the location.

How about a car that can drive itself. Plain and simple.

#3. I thought the Audi A8 had it as an option at one point.

Jesse, I think it's called the LS ;).

Let's see

- automatic headlights
- automatic wipers
- Lane Keep Assist
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- APCS
- Advanced Parking Guidance System (yeah I know it's a guide/assist)

#3. I thought the Audi A8 had it as an option at one point.

Jesse, I think it's called the LS ;).

Let's see

- automatic headlights
- automatic wipers
- Lane Keep Assist
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- APCS
- Advanced Parking Guidance System (yeah I know it's a guide/assist)

:p

........... true-ish

I pray to god they never introduce steering by wire. It's bad enough we have throttle by wire, I think it's the single worst feature in my GS.

Steer-by-wire has got to be one of the dumbest thing ever.

I dont know about anyone else, but I'm willing to sacrifice some weight for a connected shaft. On current cars, if power steering goes out, we still have the ability to steer. What is the solution to steer-by-power if it decides to not function. It's a solution to a question no one asked.:egads::egads:


More electronic gremlins :thumbdn::thumbdn::thumbdn:

you'd think cameras that replace mirrors would be around in many high end models already, or anthing w. nav for that matter. mirrors tend to reck the lines of the car, and the camera technology is definately there

you'd think cameras that replace mirrors would be around in many high end models already, or anthing w. nav for that matter. mirrors tend to reck the lines of the car, and the camera technology is definately there

EX --> Around-View Camera
S80 --> BLIS

Those are the only 2 vehicles I know that use rear-facing cameras other than the one mounted at the back of the car.

Hmm.. the LF-A looks ok with the camera lol.

Steer-by-wire has got to be one of the dumbest thing ever.

I dont know about anyone else, but I'm willing to sacrifice some weight for a connected shaft. On current cars, if power steering goes out, we still have the ability to steer. What is the solution to steer-by-power if it decides to not function. It's a solution to a question no one asked.:egads::egads:


More electronic gremlins :thumbdn::thumbdn::thumbdn:

Simple.. there's always a mechanical backup, which begs the question. Are we really saving weight if there's a mechanical backup? e.g. keyless entry or smart key. There's still a mechanical key and a keyhole.

Brake-By-Wire. There's still hydraulics to actuate the brakes.

I pray to god they never introduce steering by wire. It's bad enough we have throttle by wire, I think it's the single worst feature in my GS.

The Prius already has shift-by-wire and brake-by-wire. I like the shift-by-wire (other than I can't shift to neutral if the car isn't on) but brake-by-wire takes some getting used to.

:p

........... true-ish

to quote Jeremy Clarkson

"The headlights come on when it's dark, the wipers come on when it rains, the cruise control stops me from crashing, the sat nav is telling me where to go. What am I for?"

EX --> Around-View Camera
S80 --> BLIS

Those are the only 2 vehicles I know that use rear-facing cameras other than the one mounted at the back of the car.

Hmm.. the LF-A looks ok with the camera lol.


i was totally meaning cameras instead of ALL mirrors (including side mirrors). as far as i know, both of those still have side mirros ... but i could be wrong, i'm not 100% sure

How about fully active suspensions? No shocks, no springs, just computer controlled actuators at each corner. This concept could also work for intake and exhaust valve control. Imagine the tuning ability!

I think side mirrors are one of those, "if it ain't broke, dont fix it." The manufacturing company my dad works for makes the sensors for cars that can tell you when someone is in your blind spot. Um whatever happened to just turning your head and looking?

Simple.. there's always a mechanical backup, which begs the question. Are we really saving weight if there's a mechanical backup? e.g. keyless entry or smart key. There's still a mechanical key and a keyhole.


Exactly...I can understand someone wanting keyless entry. But steer-by-wire? What exactly do we benefit from having it? I'm willing to bet that you wont be able to reach mechanical steering until you turn the steering wheel near full lock. But that's dangerous for maneuvering because most people are not going to be able to turn the steering lock-to-lock within a split second.

I can't do a quick lock-to-lock because my EPS won't allow it. It'll actually increase the resistance so that I won't overheat the elec. motors.

How about fully active suspensions? No shocks, no springs, just computer controlled actuators at each corner. This concept could also work for intake and exhaust valve control. Imagine the tuning ability!

are there even solenoids that can last for many years, that can actuate ~8000 times a minute. A solenoid valvetrain would be a huge leap forward as the valvetrain causes some drivetrain loss to power and you would have near limitless ways to time the valvetrain