Manufacturers in the automotive sector are constantly exploring for new ways in which they can enhance their modern-day models by using innovative technology. The motivation behind this is to enrich the overall driving experience, be more efficient and to ensure that safety levels are to an advanced standard. We have already witnessed the introduction of Apple CarPlay, rear view cameras, cruise control to name just a few in recent years, and autonomous technology is in the pipeline.
So, what are the latest in-car technologies to be coming to the market and what can we expect in the future?
Upgrading efficiency
JLR’s weather adaptation system
The latest Jaguar Land Rover vehicles will be equipped with advanced weather adaption systems, the company has revealed. The system permits cars to autonomously adapt to weather changes and situations to adjust drivetrain, suspension, traction control and climate control for optimum efficient driving.
The intelligent system will be extremely helpful to those Land Rover and Range Rover models that drive on all terrains, such as the new Land Rover Discovery Sport Hse. The system is said to be able to connect to present and future weather data via telematics and GPS to sensibly adapt both inside the cabin and around the exterior. One feature suggests that the system will automatically close your vehicle windows if it senses that rain is forecast. Onboard rain- and terrain-sensing mechanisms will be used to control the temperature, pressure and humidity inside the cabin, while interior and exterior lighting will be altered depending on the circumstances.
And you don’t have much longer for the system to arrive — it is expected in 2020, alongside JLR’s autonomous technology and electrified models.
The ECO-pedal
The new Leaf model by Nissan has debuted its new one-pedal driving system. Not only does the electric automobile have double the mileage range of its previous model equivalents, but the one-pedal driving system allows for the accelerator pedal to be transformed into a multifunctioning e-pedal at a touch. The e-pedal functions as a start, stop, accelerate and breaking pedal when activated. Suitable for 90% of urban driving, the system means that the car will slow to a halt by itself with the ability to hold itself on an incline without the need of the brake pedal.
The new system by Nissan is said to be more efficient than previous models. Nicknamed the ECO-pedal system, the pedal controls the speed of acceleration to prevent revving up the engine. The level of fuel-efficient driving is displayed through a colour and flashing Eco-P lamp. According to Nissan, studies have proven that effective eco-driving with the ECO-pedal can contribute to an improved fuel efficiency by 5-10%.
Improving safety
Most drivers already know about some forms of autonomous technology. Most manufacturers now offer self-driving technology as part of their latest models – with most used to improve road safety.
Intelligent speed assist
This technology warns drivers when they exceed the speed limit by using audio and visual warnings. By using GPS, the system can detect the vehicle location and reference this with a digital road map that is programmed with speed limit information for each road. The system can be used as an active speed limiter whereby it can take control of the vehicle and reduce the speed when travelling above the speed limit. It does this by reducing the throttle signal. Additionally, the system is also fitted with a speed limiting function that increases the pressure on the accelerator when you exceed the speed limit, so that it is harder to accelerate and break the speed limit.
Blind spot information system
BLIS is a great tool that helps you detect vehicles that are in your blind spot when you change lanes. When a vehicle enters your blind spot zone, the BLIS system will alert you. The detection area is on both sides of your vehicle, extending rearward from the exterior mirrors to approximately 10 feet (3 meters) beyond the bumper. The system alerts you via a small light on your side wing mirrors – when there is a vehicle in your blind spot zone, the light will illuminate. When your blind spot zone is clear, the light will switch off.
Lane departure warning system
Lane-keeping systems — or lane departure warning systems — are becoming more frequent in modern vehicles. These systems keep you within your lane when driving on the motorway. When motorway driving, it’s vital that you stay firmly in your lane, unless you are overtaking. This system alerts you with a vibration on the steering wheel if your vehicle is unintentionally edging out of its lane – and in circumstances when the vehicle thinks you are reacting too slow, the vehicle will take control and provide steering torque to divert you back into the safe space on your lane. This is a safety feature to prevent drivers from veering out of their lane on motorways and dual carriageways where drivers around them are driving at high speeds
It’s clear that the automotive industry is thriving and its prime thanks to innovative technology doing the talking and walking for them. With a positive future of technology ahead of us, we can expect to see the driving process, and experience, completely transformed in the coming years.
