Ten Upcoming Car Technologies Coming This Decade
The automotive industry is marked by a convergence of upcoming technologies. Whether it’s increased autonomy, cleaner engines or amazing gadgetry. These are the ones to watch out for over the next decade…
Digital Rear-View Mirror
One major issue that’s blighted drivers from the beginning is the existence of blind spots and gaps in their field of view; especially when it comes to seeing what’s behind them. This is where the digital rear-view mirror comes in. One of the more innovative technologies we’ve seen as of late, it allows drivers to turn their mirror into a high-definition screen with the switch of a button. It shows a wider, and much clearer, picture of what’s going on behind the vehicle. Currently, you’ll find this tech available with some models like the Range Rover Evoque and Jaguar XE. We reckon it’ll become a standard feature, given enough time.
Under-Car Camera
What do drivers have to do each and every time they take to the wheel? Park, that’s what. Whether it’s negotiating tight parking spaces or getting as close to the curb as possible without striking it, it can be tricky. Under-car cameras allow drivers to see what’s beneath their cars and its wheels, making it much easier to park. It can also be used to navigate roads with poor markings and to spot any potential obstructions. You can already get it on the Range Rover Evoque for around £450.
Intelligent Glass
Being dazzled whilst driving is irritating at best and dangerous at worst. Enter ‘intelligent’ glass. Built-in sensors allow it to detect bright sunlight, allowing it to darken and shield the eyes of the vehicle’s occupants. This also means it can keep the car cool and keep out harmful UV rays. It uses a new liquid crystal film technology, meaning it doesn’t need wire filaments. Should this technology become truly prevalent, it could be very useful in saving the likes of pets, young children and older people who risk overheating in cars during warmer months. Expect automakers to roll out intelligent glass in the next few years.
Adaptive Tyres
For years, drivers have had to change their tyres when facing different road and weather types; whether for winter conditions or extra grip. In the future, we can look forward to an all-in-one approach. Integrated micro-compressors can adjust tyre pressure and the width of a wheel’s rim, changing how much rubber is in contact with a road’s surface. Settings include the likes of ‘uneven’, ‘slippery’, ‘wet’ and ‘normal’. According to industry analysts, adaptive tyre technologies will reach consumers in the mid-20s.
3D Displays
No, it’s not Star Wars; it’s the reality of where the automotive industry is going. 3D displays and ‘augmented’ reality are now just around the corner and cars aren’t going to miss out. Mapping a 360-degree space around a vehicle, 3D displays will be able to provide drivers with a breakdown of the situation around them; including traffic, the presence of other road-users and points of interest. Mercedes is currently offering a augmented reality sat-nav in its A-Class. Meanwhile, Nissan’s Invisible-to-Visible system can project useful information onto a car’s windscreen and windows.
Smart Infrastructure
Cars are already beginning to communicate with one and other. As of now, that means sharing information about traffic, road works and hazardous conditions. But, as well as talking to one and other, they’ll soon speak to road and transport infrastructure. This will have a seemingly endless array of functions, including adapting speed limits and lighting to traffic conditions, closing roads with minimal disruption and extracting vital information about travelling and transport. Trials are already taking place throughout the world, including in the UK.
Intelligent Headlights
In the future, you won’t need to worry about whether your headlights are dipped or set at high-beam. The latest technologies simply adapt light automatically so that it’s never aimed at oncoming road-users; ensuring they aren’t dazzled. It’ll also factor in weather and driving conditions. Some more advanced lights offer a more intense and precise illumination, making it easier for drivers to spot obstacles and earlier on. Audi started offering a ‘intelligent’ headlights back in 2013. Since then, other manufacturers have started offering some forms; but the most advanced will arrive later in the decade.
Virtual Door Mirrors
Side mirrors are inelegant and clumsy things. Not only to they take up a lot of space, they’re also a significant source of drag. It’s no surprise, then, that innovators are working to get rid of them. In their place, they’re putting small cameras that feed visuals into the car (usually to the left and right of the cabin). These are precise and also offer a greater field of vision. Most will alter their view automatically depending on where the car is being driven and many are touch-sensitive, allowing for customisation and zooming. Lexus rolled out virtual mirrors in 2018 and more and more car manufacturers are following suite.
Turning Assistance
Turning assistance represents an improvement to automatic braking systems. It uses radar technology that offers a field of detection at each side of the vehicle. This means it can spot road-users and cyclists even in typical blind spots. It activates when a driver begins to indicate, depicting a warning light if there’s a cyclist or road-user in a vulnerable position. If the driver turns in spite of this, and the obstacle is within a distance of 1.5 metres, the car will perform an emergency stop. Expect this tech by 2022 at the latest.
Driver Monitoring
Driver monitoring sounds somewhat invasive, but it’s actually a safety feature designed to save lives. As the name implies, it ‘monitors’ the driver and warns them if they’re driving becomes impaired; such as when they’re sleepy or distracted. It will issue a warning to attract their attention by making noises and flashing lights. Features like this, in an embryonic form, have been around since 2006. But it’s only now being taken seriously and properly developed.
These Are The Cars Worth Getting Excited About In 2020 – https://autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/these-are-the-cars-worth-getting-excited-about-in-2020/
Renault Drivers Can Control Their Homes From The Wheel – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/renault-drivers-can-control-their-homes-from-the-wheel/
