The only one I see that's of much significance is the push-button
transmission selector so they get rid of the space consuming
mechanical levers that do little more than move a switch anyway.

On Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:58:56 -0700 (PDT), "
> wrote:

>An interesting article.
>
>Are there any you eagerly await?
>
>----
>When was the last time you bought a new car or truck? If shoulder pads
>were fashionable, you're in for a surprise when you walk into a new
>car showroom. Even if it's been only five years since your new set of
>wheels, you'd be amazed at the technology missing in your car.
>
>Today's cars can tell you the exact tire pressure on each wheel or
>report your average fuel economy. But that's small potatoes given that
>on average, new cars and trucks have 23 CPUs on board. Knowing that,
>you may not be surprised that your next car will be able to read your
>text messages, adjust the suspension on a windy day, or recharge
>itself wirelessly.
>
>And if you're looking for a button on the center console to control
>the climate you might not find any; some vehicles have touch-sensitive
>panels like an Apple iPhone.
>
>These are some of the options you'll find on new cars and trucks:
>
>Hands-free text messaging: Nissan introduced Nissan Connect, which
>uses the driver's Bluetooth phone to provide connectivity to streaming
>audio and the Web. Nissan Connect will include a hands-free Text
>Messaging Assistant, which can read incoming texts out loud. The
>driver can respond via voice recognition, or through the steering
>wheel switches that have pre-set answers such as "driving, can't text"
>and "on my way." Other automakers, such as General Motors, BMW and
>Ford, offer similar systems. Offered on 2013 Nissan Altima; Ford, GM
>and BMW models.
>
>Rear-seat iPad docking: This new option holds an Apple iPad in place
>behind the front seat headrests. The iPad docking station tilts and
>rotates up to 90 degrees, charged by the vehicle's electrical system.
>It fits most Mercedes-Benz models, including the redesigned 2013 GLK
>SUV.
>
>Wireless induction charger: While drivers are only now wrapping their
>heads around refueling a car by plugging it in, Infiniti's 2014 LE
>electric concept car can be recharged using a built-in wireless
>charging system. Simply park the LE over a charging pad, which is
>connected to a power source. A coil encased in the pad creates a
>magnetic field that excites electric current in a second coil in the
>car, recharging the battery pack.
>
>Ambient night lighting: Low-level LED lighting illuminates at night,
>bathing the car's cabin in a soothing glow, not unlike a fashionable
>nightclub. More a function of fashion than safety, it's now common on
>many luxury cars and is trickling down as an option on less-expensive
>vehicles.
>
>Automatic start-stop: First seen on gas-electric hybrid vehicles, this
>fuel-economy feature is spreading to conventionally powered vehicles.
>The system shuts off the car's engine when the vehicle comes to a
>stop. Once the driver's foot lifts from the brake pedal, the car
>restarts. While the engine does shut off during a stop, accessories
>such as climate control and audio systems still function. Offered on
>various GM, Porsche models among others.
>
>Capacitive switching: If you've used an Apple iPhone, you've used a
>capacitive switch; it's a type of touch screen that's replacing
>conventional automobile switches. For instance, when you touch the
>flat surface of the instrument panel with your finger on the air-
>conditioning label, you're changing the charge of an electromagnetic
>field, which instructs a processor in the car to make the air cooler.
>Offered on 2013 Cadillac XTS and various Ford models.
>
>Cross-traffic detection: Ever backed out of a parking spot only to
>narrowly miss being hit by a car coming down the aisle? This feature,
>first seen on Volvo and Ford vehicles, uses sensors arrayed around the
>car's exterior to sense when a vehicle is approaching yours from the
>left or right. The same sensors are also used for such options as
>blind spot detection, to warn when a car is your blind spot; and
>automatic cruise control, which slows down or speeds up automatically
>to a preset speed and following distance. Offered on 2013 Toyota
>Avalon and other new models.
>
>Crosswind stabilization: This new feature adjusts the suspension to
>stabilize the car when a crosswind is detected. The amount of damping
>applied by the suspension varies depending on the force of the wind.
>It's part of Mercedes-Benz's optional Active Body Control system,
>which has been available on Mercedes-Benz S-Class and CL-Class models.
>It's now offered on the 2013 GL-Class SUV.
>
>Customized instrument cluster: First seen on the Ford Fusion and
>Lincoln MKZ hybrids, an instrument cluster that can be customized will
>be offered on the new Dodge Dart and Nissan Altima. Certain bits of
>information, such as the speedometer, can't be changed. But other
>items, such as fuel economy or tire pressure, can be customized to be
>shown in the display.
>
>Front center side airbags: The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse is fitted with
>the auto industry's first front center air bag. Mounted on the inboard
>side of the driver's seat, it inflates between front seat occupants to
>provide additional protection in side-impact crashes by protecting the
>person on the side of the vehicle from being struck by the side not
>being hit.
>
>Panoramic sunroofs: In 1954, the Ford Skyliner and Mercury Sun Valley
>hardtops were equipped with large fixed Plexiglas sunroofs. Fifty-
>eight years later, glass roofs are reappearing. While Mercedes-Benz
>offers them on the SL and SLK hardtop convertibles, the 2013 Lincoln
>MKZ glass roof is unique. The whole roof opens, sliding rearward over
>the rear window.
>
>Push-button transmission: This system differs from the system used by
>Chrysler products from 1956 through 1964. Today's transmissions are
>electronically controlled, so Lincoln uses buttons to engage park,
>neutral, reverse, and two forward gears: drive and sport. The Dodge
>Ram 1500 pickup truck sports a gear dial for 2013, rather than a shift
>lever. Offered on 2013 Lincoln MKZ, 2013 Dodge Ram 1500.
>
>-----
>
>Patrick