On Apr 22, 7:06*pm, Ashton Crusher > wrote:
> 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.

If the pushbutton(s) is/are mounted on the console so you didn't have
to reach [up] towards the dash when you want to shift your automatic
manually.

Patrick


> > 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