It seems that virtually every automaker is now planning to include autonomous driving and safety features as standard equipment in most new models and vehicle connectivity is now a given – so where are high-tech car gadgets headed from here?
Here are 10 of the most interesting new technology features from this weekend’s Atlanta International Auto Show.
- Lincoln Perfect Position Seat
With Lincoln, autonomous tech doesn’t stop where the door slams. Lincoln has incorporated the latest technology into their plush seating.
Inspired by luxurious private airplanes, these seats automatically adjust to accommodate virtually any body type by placing the seat in the exact position for optimum passenger comfort and safety. These innovative seats adjust the left and right sides independently for increased comfort.
- Honda Ridgeline Cargo Audio
Honda’s new Ridgeline will offer an audio system built right into the bed.
The available 540-watt stereo system places “exciters” behind the bedside walls instead of conventional speakers.
Together with the 400-watt power inverter, the Ridgeline could become an excellent option for tailgaters, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
- FordPass App
Regardless of whether you own a Ford product or not, the free FordPass app will give you access to a virtual marketplace where you can locate and pay in advance for such amenities as parking, ride sharing, and dining.
FordHubs will also provide subscribers with access to exclusive virtual events and mobility updates.
- Volkswagen Advanced Gesture Controls
This space age new feature will find its way into 2017 Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan models. Gesture Controls will allow the operator to adjust infotainment settings by waving their hand in front of the dash mounted LCD display without ever touching it.
- Chrysler Pacifica Uconnect Theater
The Chrysler Pacifica offers the next best thing to an on-board baby sitter.
Uconnect Theater is a rear-seat infotainment system that features a pair of 10-inch touchscreens.
The system allows passengers to play built-in video games, stream content, and watch DVD movies. Uconnect Theater could change the family vacation forever.
- Toyota Kymeta Connectivity
Satellite-based automobile connectivity is the inevitable wave of the future.
Low flying satellites can provide large amounts of uninterrupted data to your vehicle practically anywhere in the world. The Kymeta Corporation has already demonstrated the practicality of this technology with more than 8.000 miles of successful testing.
- Chevrolet Volt Rearview Mirror Camera
The 2017 Chevrolet Volt is an electric car that can travel up to 200-miles on a single charge. Innovative new technology for this vehicle will include a (windshield mounted) rearview display that projects a 180-degree view from the rear of the vehicle.
This should assist with parking and virtually eliminate blind spots to significantly improve driving safety.
- GMC Acadia Tow Vision
The Acadia’s 2-ton towing capacity comes with the new Tow Vision feature. Tow Vision uses inputs from a rearview camera combined with guidelines integrated into the infotainment monitor to help align the Acadia’s hitch ball with the trailer tongue.
The system also allows the driver to monitor the trailer when the vehicle is in motion.
- Volvo Driver Assist
While many other automakers are in the midst of negotiating semi-autononomous driving features as standard equipment on all vehicles, Volvo jumped in and made their Pilot Assist standard on the 2017 S90 sedan and XC90 sport utility vehicle.
Pilot Assist allows the vehicle to automatically speed up, slow down, and steer itself at speeds between 10 and 80 mph.
- Mercedes-Benz Touch Control Steering
The Mercedes-Benz E Class has steering-wheel mounted controls that operate like an iPhone.
Simply swipe the touch pads to scroll between infotainment screens and select system functions.
Tell us in the comments – what do you think of these advanced features?