Vehicle manufacturers are always trying to develop the next best thing in car technology, and 2018 has seen some rather interesting advancements in motoring tech.
With many of the world’s largest brands fitting their cars with top level equipment, we take a look at the ten best advancements that you should look out for this year…
Ford Mustang ‘Good Neighbour Mode’
With the 2018 Mustang available with a raucous V8 engine, Ford has decided that if you want said engine in your car but don’t want to annoy your neighbours in the early hours of the morning when you fire it up, then you can set your ‘stang to be quieter at certain times of the day. The ‘Good Neighbour’ mode allows you to set a period when your car’s exhaust emits less noise pollution, making it a tad more sociable.
Audi Traffic Jam Pilot
Using level 3 autonomous technology to help guide you through stop-start traffic, the Audi Traffic Jam Pilot system can reduce the strain on driving by taking control of all the functions of driving up to 37mph. With cameras and scanners to ensure the car stays in its lane on a barrier-lined motorway, the system drives the vehicle on its own and then alerts the driver to when they need to take control back.
Mercedes-Benz AI Infotainment system
To make your 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class feel more like your own, the new User Experience infotainment system learns your driving habits and your personality with intelligent voice control and artificial intelligence. Using sensors and vehicle tracking, MBUX also uses Car-to-X communication to help find parking spaces and alert services in the case of an impact or problem.
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Volkswagen Touareg Innovision Cockpit
Although infotainment displays are nothing new, the combination of two to create the Innovision Cockpit in the 2018 Touareg is quite innovative indeed. With a 12-inch digital display behind the steering wheel, it also comes with a 15-inch infotainment screen making the central console almost buttonless. The screen is also tilted more towards the driver than before, making it a more involved driving experience.
Nissan e-Pedal
With the new Leaf, Nissan has introduced the e-Pedal, which controls both the acceleration and braking of the vehicle. This will help reduce stress and strain on the driver as they only then have to use one pedal to control everything – rather than the conventional two. With the growing interest in the Leaf as well, we may be seeing technology like this more often.
DS Active Scan Suspension
To make its new 7 Crossback as comfortable as possible, DS has introduced the Active Scan Suspension system, which looks 25 metres up the road to help alter the feel and responsiveness of the dampers and make the car as liveable as expected. Using cameras to look at the road ahead, the car also employs height sensors and accelerometers to gauge speed, steering angle and braking.
Audi active suspension safety system
Using the Audi AI intelligent safety system, the A8 luxury saloon employs mid-range radars to look for any impending side impacts, and then raises the adaptive suspension up on the side of the incoming object to help prevent injury. The motion to raise the car is instantaneous, meaning that the strongest part of the crash structure takes the brunt of the force.
Citroen Advanced Comfort
Combining a new suspension setup and seat cushioning, the new Citroën C4 Cactus is more comfortable than ever thanks to clever tech. The Advanced Comfort seats are fitted with special foam for the bolstering and extra padding, while the suspension elements are fitted with two hydraulic stops to aid with damping and making the ride even more comfortable.
Mercedes-Maybach digital light system
These new lights that are fitted to the new Maybach S-Class not only light the way better than before, but they also project symbols onto the road ahead, so drivers are more aware of their surroundings. By showing the width of the car, the placing of pedestrians on the side of the road and certain symbols pertaining to the status of the road and safety systems in use, this really could revolutionise how drivers act while driving at night.
Tesla Model 3 is keyless
People are used to getting the keys when they pick up their new car – but with Tesla’s Model 3 saloon this isn’t the case. Instead, the all-electric saloon is locked and unlocked via a smartphone application and connects to your car via Bluetooth. It will also come with a keycard that Tesla prefer you to keep with you at all times, but your phone will be used for much more than infotainment from now on.
