Car shoppers are about to see the first real effort by automakers to sell the latest technologies with their vehicles. Until now, car companies offered in-dash GPS systems (often with less functionality than stand-alone counterparts that cost one-tenth of the price), rear-view cameras that switch on when you put the vehicle in reverse. Both Ford and Lexus battled it out with active park assist features. Overall, we’ve gotten used to the idea that even technology as common as the factory stereo is improved upon with practically anything sold out of the Crutchfield catalog.
Here’s a list of just some of the new goodies headed our way in 2013:
1. Chrysler offers inductive charging on the new Dodge Dart. Yes, it’ll set you back $200 (plus installation), but you’ll finally be able to toss that cellphone in the center console and know it’s always getting recharged. No more hassles with cords strung across the cabin to a cheaply made cigarette lighter plug charger that’s liable to break when you need it most.
2. Infiniti offers a new Backup Collision Intervention system. If a driver puts the vehicle in reverse and doesn’t slow down when an obstacle is detected, the system will apply the brakes automatically. This is coupled with their around-view monitor, which provides a 360 degree view of what’s around the car and beeps to notify a driver if moving objects are crossing into the front or rear path of the vehicle when backing out of a parking space.
3. Cadillac just began offering their CUE system on selected 2012 models. CUE, or Cadillac User Experience, is an integration of a touchscreen, a digital dashboard display, and a heads-up display projected onto the windshield. Imagine multiple, selectable dashboard themes and factory integration with all of your favorite internet streaming audio services like Pandora or Spotify, and everything operable with voice commands.
4. Ford continues improving their popular MyFord Touch system in 2013, adding support for Audible books, more Bluetooth phone handsets, tablet support, faster performance, and a simplified user interface. Perhaps most interesting is Ford’s willingness to embrace the concept of users doing their own upgrades. Ford distributes this update to existing owners on a USB stick with printed installation instructions, rather than the usual requirement of scheduling a service appointment with a dealership (if upgrades were available at all).
5. Cadillac’s new XTS offers a Safety Alert Seat, where the left and right bolsters vibrate to warn the driver if he or she drifts out of a lane or comes too close to an object while parking. GM claims their research indicated this tactile feedback worked more effectively as an alert than lights or sounds (probably because we’re exposed to so many of them from other electronics in and around us).
6. Acura brings several technological enhancements to the 2013 RDX, including a motion adaptive electronic power steering system (eliminating traditional hydraulic systems), and an SMS text message system. The system reads your incoming text messages aloud and allows responding with preset replies shown on the touchscreen:
- Talk to you later, I’m driving
- I’m on my way
- I’m running late
- OK
- Yes
- No
It’s also possible to order the system to call back the person who sent the text message.
7. The 2013 Ford Fusion will be the first non-hybrid mid-sized sedan to offer automatic start stop technology. For $295, this option lets the car shut off its engine whenever the car comes to a complete stop, and swiftly restarts it when the brake is released. Ford claims the option is estimated to save the average driver about $1,100 in fuel costs over a five year period.
We’ve come a long way from “fully loaded” meaning you upgraded from crank windows and an AM radio!
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