CAR COMPANIES are traditionally cautious when rolling out new technology. Upstarts like Tesla Motors are leading the way in introducing production versions of tech such as electric propulsion and autonomous driving.
If we follow current trends, the car of the near future, perhaps 15 to 20 years from now, will be driven by electric power, will be capable of autonomous driving, and will be shared among several or many owners.
This year, we have seen on the road a glimpse of the future:
Autonomous driving in the Kia Soul AV
KIA’S SOUL Autonomous Vehicle was able to drive a programmed route through an urban environment and on the highway. Jason K. Ang
During this year’s edition of the ultimate technology trade exhibition, the Consumer Electronics Show, Kia introduced its Soul AV.
This is an electric Soul capable of fully autonomous driving on public roads. You can call the car from its parking space via your smartwatch, climb on board, input your destination, and let the vehicle drive.
The Kia Soul can follow traffic on the highway, overtake other vehicles, and stop at intersections. It is equipped to spot pedestrians and other surprise obstacles in a city environment.
Some writers found the technology still too cautious for actual deployment on the road. Kia says that such technology will enter production in 15 to 20 years.
Hybrid drive in the Honda Legend sedan
STILL a luxo-barge, the Legend packs serious kit to make it a true sports-sedan despite its limousine-like qualities.
Gasoline-electric hybrids are usually heavily biased toward fuel-efficiency rather than performance. Honda is seeking to combine both in its new luxury sedan, the Legend.
Multiple electric motors propel the car. The motors can also deliver extra torque to the rear wheels to tighten the car’s cornering. It’s similar to the system used in Honda’s new NSX supercar.
Plug-in hybrid drive in the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
The Mercedes-Benz GLC (previously known as the GLK) Coupe is a compact SUV that thinks it’s a sports coupe, from the styling to the sharp handling. One intriguing model in the GLC Coupe lineup is the plug-in hybrid, which allows pure electric driving. The gasoline engine fires up when more power is needed, or to charge the lithium-ion battery pack.
Active scent and touch-free controls in the BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series is loaded with technology from innermost parts to the cabin. The chassis uses carbon fiber for some of its structural parts, to cut weight while increasing rigidity. This allows the car to be more fuel efficient while delivering more performance.
The air-conditioning system can waft in selected scents, from citrus to coffee-like aromas, aimed at keeping the driver more alert and the passengers feeling more pleasant.
The hands-free controls for the audio and phone systems allow the driver to wave his hand in the air, like John Williams, to conduct the various controls. Sounds gimmicky? Perhaps, but we suspect you won’t know that you needed such features until you’ve experienced them on a long drive.
Nine-speed transmission in the Montero Sport
While German cars now have eight or nine forward gears, and Japanese and Korean cars commonly six, Mitsubishi may have beaten them to the punch with the nine-speed gearbox in the all-new Montero Sport.
The transmission is designed to deliver seamless acceleration while improving fuel efficiency.
SkyActiv diesel in the Mazda6 and CX-5
FUEL efficiency comes from Mazda CX-5’s innovative diesel engine.
The death of the internal combustion engine has been exaggerated, if Mazda has anything to say about it. Mazda has been doing the unconventional with its SkyActiv powertrains.
The SkyActiv gasoline uses high compression ratio to deliver better torque and fuel efficiency. Some versions include capacitor-based power storage to relieve the engine of electrical duties and allow it to shut down at stops.
The diesel version uses low compression ratios for a diesel (with precisely the same ratio as the gasoline engine). Mazda’s SkyActiv diesel helps the 6 and CX-5 to zoom along with superior torque delivery and fuel efficiency.
Surround sound system in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class
F is for fantastic. Part of the audiolicious Burmester sound system in the New Mercedes Benz E-Class
You haven’t heard anything unless you’ve tried the Burmester surround system in the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The sedan uses 13 speakers and a nine-channel amplifier to pump out unbelievably clear sound. Whether your preferred beats are by Beethoven or Major Lazer, you wouldn’t want to leave the E-Class until the song is done.
Race winning hybrid drivetrain in the Porsche 919 Hybrid
Porsche 919 Hybrid, Porsche Team: Romain Dumas, Neel Jani, Marc Lieb
This year’s running of the Le Mans 24 Hours, perhaps the most thrilling race in the world, was more dramatic than any movie. The leading contenders each used a different propulsion technology: Audi with its diesel, Toyota with its turbocharged gasoline hybrid, and Porsche with its flat-four turbo hybrid.
After 24 hours of cars lapping at near-qualifying speeds, the Toyota was leading until the last possible moment, when their race car came to a halt.
Porsche picked up victory with its 919 Hybrid, a version of which was put on display recently for Philippine fans.
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