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Trending Car Technology

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Emergent car technologies are making vehicles safer and more enjoyable to drive. From parking assist features that make the fear of parallel parking a thing of the past, to crafty gadgets such as wireless charging adapters, new vehicles are bridging the gap between utility, performance, and comfort. 

Car technologies are natively integrated into each model they work on, while gadgets can turn a 90s vehicle into a hub of technology. Here are some trendy technology features and gadgets that are currently dominating the market.

1. Surround view cameras and sensors 

How cool would it be to maintain a 360-degree view of your entire vehicle in real time? Surround view cameras turn this fantasy into reality. Although not completely new, surround view cameras were only available on high-end car models that would cost several thousands to purchase. These cameras are now an essential component of affordable sedans and SUVs. 

How do they work? They use a system of sensors placed around the vehicle to generate a 360-degree view of your vehicle from the inside. Actual cameras can also be placed on the front and rear of the vehicle to provide high-resolution images of your surroundings when driving and parking. No more stubborn blind spots while on the freeway, or guessing when you’re backing up into tight spaces. 

2. Tire pressure monitoring gadgets 

Monitoring tire pressure is key to the longevity of your tires and better fuel efficiency. If you have an older vehicle that doesn’t have tire pressure incorporated into its infotainment system, you can use a portable tire pressure monitor to keep track of your tires in real time. 

This gadget, installed conveniently on each tire, can communicate with your smart phone via Bluetooth signals to provide important information regarding your tires. The end result is a safer driving experience, lower maintenance costs, and better fuel efficiency while on the road. 

3. Parking and lane assist technology 

Many motorists are captivated by those ads that show parking assist technologies. Indeed, one of the trendiest car technology features is parking assist, where the vehicle uses a combination of cameras and sensors to help you navigate into tight spaces. These systems particularly help with parallel parking, where they direct you on how to adjust the steering wheel as you back up into a desired spot. Say goodbye to dents and scratches. 

Lane assist technology is another feature that’s making new vehicles more desirable. This technology detects the reflective patterns of road line markings and can adjust your steering wheel to help you remain in your lane.

4. Pro car adapters 

If you’re looking for a simple device that can turn an old car into a smart technology hub, then pro car adapters are the gadgets for you. These adaptors connect with your vehicle and collect important data such as mileage, location, and speed. They add functionality to older vehicles and can revive the old vintage car that you keep stored in your garage. 

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Topics: Advanced Automotive Technology, Vehicle

Best Safety Features of Mercedes Benz: A Closer Look

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Mercedes Benz has a long-held reputation for incorporating safety into their vehicles and using innovative technology to help prevent accidents. Over the years the German firm has created a number of signature safety features.

From accident prevention technology through to braking support, Mercedes has always been one-step ahead in the automobile world when it comes to driver and road safety.

The team at Big Motoring World helped us out with the following features. They have a massive range of used Mercedes Benz if you want to check them out.

Here is a quick look at some of the best safety features from Mercedes.

Imminent accident technology

Mercedes is renowned for its “pre-safe” technology range which has been designed specifically to warn drivers when an accident is imminent using a range of sensors and detectors. With this technology on board, drivers receive invaluable warning before an accident happens.

As well as the warning systems Mercedes has developed technology which enables the car to prepare itself and its occupants against an impending collision. For example, the car will automatically close the sunroof and any open windows.

This technology also means the car will automatically tighten seatbelts to prevent passengers and the driver being thrown forward in the collision, and it can adjust the head rests in the front of the car for extra comfort and protection in the resulting accident.

Accident data

The team at Mercedes is always looking to develop the next ground-breaking safety feature for their cars, and the way they do this is through their own in-house accident investigation programme. The company spends a great deal of time assessing potential accident scenarios to see if they can then develop counteractive technology.

The team works on the scenario by calculating the potential angles of collision, assessing the speed at impact and collecting as much data as possible from all angles. The data is then fed into the creation of all of their innovative safety technology to make it as effective as possible.

Automatic braking technology

If a driver becomes even slightly distracted while driving, there is a chance of an accident which is why the pre-safe system has the imminent collision warning for drivers. In addition, Mercedes have also developed automatic braking technology.

Once the vehicle senses a collision is imminent, the car will automatically start to brake, initially using about 40% of the brake power. If the driver doesn’t start to brake, the car will automatically engage 100% of the brake power by itself to try to reduce the potential collision impact.

Night time safety features

Driving at night is always more challenging, particularly on dark unlit roads, which is why Mercedes developed another of their innovative safety features – Night View Assist Plus. This technology uses a camera and infrared to provide the drive with a real-time view of what’s on the dark road in front of them.

It’s invaluable for avoiding potential collisions with animals or other obstructions which might be hiding in the darkness on a long drive. Most Mercedes are also fitted with LED headlamps which generate the most power at night time. They can also change configuration automatically to form the best beam pattern depending on the conditions.

Avoiding blind spot issues

All cars have blind spots, making it impossible to see cars coming up next to you or behind you, from certain angles. However, Mercedes have created technology for this exact reason. Their Active Blind Spot Monitoring system helps detect vehicles which you might not have seen, and alerts you to them.

Avoiding lane drifting

When driving on a straight road for a long time it is easy to lose concentration for a split second and drift over into the lane next to you accidentally, but this is where collisions occur. Mercedes developed their own Lane Keeping Assist program which monitors your driving and if it senses that the car has drifted over the line, it makes your steering wheel start to vibrate to alert you.

If you continue to drift into the next lane, the car can even apply the brakes along the relevant side of the car, to bring you back into the right driving position carefully.

Detecting other cars at night

We all know the problems which driving at night causes in terms of being dazzled by the headlights of oncoming traffic, and having to remember to switch your high beams up and down as other traffic approaches.

Mercedes have developed their “Adaptive High Beam Assist” technology which uses a camera to pick up the lights from oncoming traffic. It automatically calculates how much to reduce your car’s light beam by to avoid dazzling the other driver, but ensuring you can still see at the same time.

Mercedes’ reputation for safety features and the use of innovative technology to keep drivers safer is well-deserved. With all of the technology to help alert drivers to impending danger, and to enable the car to take action itself, you can feel undoubtedly feel safer in a Mercedes.

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Topics: Mercedes-Benz, Automotive Technology, Advanced Automotive Technology

2015 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge

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2015 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge Website Screen Shot

The World Solar Challenge was born out of the visions of solar pioneers,

Hans Tholstrup and Larry Perkins 1982 quest to drive a home-built solar car Quiet Achiever across Australia from west to east. Tholstrup urged others to explore the boundaries of sun-powered transportation.

"Inaugurated in 1987 with pioneer sponsor, the South Australian Tourism Commission, the World Solar Challenge continues to showcase the development of advanced automotive technology and promote alternatives to conventional vehicle engines.Today, while solar cars test the ultimate boundaries of energy efficiency, they also provide incredible insights into the capabilities of everyday vehicle technology. These innovations are at the heart of all electric cars, whether that power comes from hydrogen fuel cells, hybrid engines or even fully-electric commuter cars that draw power from solar cells on the garage roof – they all use the technology that is continually honed to perfection in the World Solar Challenge." Source: World Solar Challenge History


"Based on the original notion that a 1000W car would complete the journey in 50 hours, solar cars are allowed a nominal 5kW hours of stored energy, which is 10% of that theoretical figure. All other energy must come from the sun or be recovered from the kinetic energy of the vehicle. 

These are arguably the most efficient electric vehicles." Source: World Solar Challenge Overview

The World Solar Challenge starts in Darwin in the Northern Territory and travels the Stuart Highway to Port Augusta to the finish in the City of Adelaide in South Australia – 3000kms. The teams must travel as far as they can until 5pm in the afternoon where they make camp in the desert. The team must be entirely self-sufficent in order to sleep wherever they stop that day.

The biennial World Solar Challenge seeks to inspire teams from leading international universities and technical institutes. Partnering with private entrepreneurs, the teams come together to test and promote the ultimate synergy of nature, motion and innovation. All while addressing the necessity of sustainable transportation.

Three distinct classes, each with their own parameters, stages and goals were represented. 

  • The Challenger Class is conducted in a single stage from Darwin to Adelaide.
  • The Cruiser Class is conducted in two stages, with a compulsory overnight stop in Alice Springs where teams may recharge from the grid. In 2013, Cruiser Class teams were able to charge from the grid in three locations, this change in 2015 will encourage teams to deploy the most innovative approaches to energy management.
  • The Adventure Class is also conducted over two stages, with an overnight stop in Alice Springs. Source: World Solar Challenge 2015 Classes

Mandatory check points, seven in total, are where observers are changed and team managers have the ability to update themselves on the weather, as well as their own position in the field. Only basic maintenance, such as checking/maintaining tire pressure and cleaning the vehicle of debris may be performed. Undisclosed check points can be enforced by the event officials to assure regulatory conformity.

Watch the 2015 Video Highlights:

 

The 2015 Bridgestone World Solar Winners --

 

Challenger Class Winner: Nuon Solar w/ Nuna 8

Cruiser Class Winner: Team Eindhoven w/ Stella Lux

Adventure Class Winner: TAFE SA w/ Solar Spirit


For the latest Automotive Industry related news, be sure to check out True Auto Vehicle Breakdown Protection on FacebookTwitterLinkedIn and Google+ for more valuable vehicle information.


 

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Topics: Efficient Electric Cars, Mechanics, World Solar Challenge, Automotive Technology, Sustainable Transportation, Solar Panels, Self Performed Vehicle Maintenance, Technology, Solar Cars, Maintenance, Advanced Automotive Technology, Energy Efficiency, Electric Vehicles

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