We're not just talking about touch-screen NAV systems. The latest generation of vehicles feature everything from night vision systems, 12-inch high-res LCD screens, inverted track-ball controls, 3D fuel consumption graphs, full iPod head integration and more. Click "next" to see what automakers have to offer.

10.) 2010 Acura ZDX

Features

• Three-level infodeck
• Sirius Real-Time TravelLink w/ Weather Alerts
• Surround-Sound ELS System
• Voice/Knob-based MMI

• 

  9.) 2010 Audi R8

  Features

  • Sports car design with integrated tech
  • Next generation Audi MMI
  • Topographical Nav
  • Voice/Knob MMI
  • Phone mics integrated into the seatbelts

  • 

    8.) 2009 BMW 7-Series

    Features

    • 10.2-inch Black Panel LCD Screen
    • Night Vision with HUD
    • iDrive Knob-based Control
    • World's First Side-View Camera

    • 

      7.) 2010 Mercedes S-Class

      Features

      • Drowsiness detection
      • Next Generation COMAND interface
      • Capability for split-view screen displaying different images to driver and passengers
      • Oversized display integrated into cluster
      • Linguatronic voice control

      • 

        6.) 2010 Nissan GT-R

        Features

        • Uniform Multi-Function Display
        • Vehicle Performance Display Center designed by Polyphony Digital/li>
        • Full vehicle data integrated into the gauge cluster

        • 

          5.) 2010 Honda Insight

          Features

          • Two-tier instrument panel
          • Large 3D Meters
          • Environmental IMA display shows lifetime and current fuel consumption
          • Battery-charging display
          • XM/Sat/Nav

          • 

            4.) 2010 Lexus HS

            Features

            • World's first Inverted-track ball mouse control
            • High-angle info screen
            • XM Weather/Travel Control

            • 

              3.) 2010 Range Rover

              Features

              • 12-inch high-def LCD screen, biggest in a car ever
              • GPS/Nav Infotainment system in center console with surround-cameras
              • No Moving Parts
              • Surround Sound System

              • 

                2.) 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

                Features

                • Full LCD Panel with customizable readout
                • SmartGauge eco meter grows leaves as driving becomes greener
                • Real-time traffic with Sirius TravelLink
                • Ford's SYNC system with voice-controlled Infotainment

                • 

                  1.) 2011 Chevy Volt

                  Features

                  • iPod Style Design
                  • Dual LCD Control Screens
                  • Charging Menu Controls

The chemical laser (the same idea proposed in Real Genius) was fired from a turret in the belly of a C-130 and used to "kill" a vehicle (also the intended Real Genius target). Other than being non-lethal, we think this is way less effective than a cruise missile. Just aim them at something other than cars. What really would have happened if those darn, meddling kids hadn't re-directed the laser into a house filled with a giant Jiffy Pop, in the video below. (Hat Tip to NewCarSmell!)

[Gizmodo, Air Force Times]

We're not complete Luddites, give us all iPod integration, airbags and horse-power boosting tech you want. Just don't reduce our ability to control our cars. Sadly, modern cars are doing just that. Instead of adding complication and weight, we want car manufacturers to follow Colin Chapman's advice: "Simplify, then add lightness."

Name: Electrically Adjustable Seats

What it does: Electric motors adjust car seats at the push of a button... well, at the push/pull/toggle of several buttons.

Extreme example: The massaging seats in the 2010 Ford Taurus that add two compartmented airbags and all their associated electronics and motors to the usual equipment.

Why it's redundant: The electric motors take up space, meaning seats sit higher than they need to, and add weight and complication. Manual seats are just as quick to adjust, offer a larger range of adjustment because there's no space occupied by motors, weigh less and are less likely to break.

Name: Rain Sensing Wipers and Automatic Headlights

What it does: Sensors detect the presence of rain and/or darkness then switch on the wipers, headlights or both.

Extreme example: The Adaptive Highbeam Assist system on the 2010 Mercedes E-Class, which automatically adjusts the throw and pattern of the headlights when other cars are present.

Why it's redundant: Believe it or not, humans are able to use their eyes and judgement to determine when wipers and lights are needed better than a computer. For example: when approaching a tunnel, a human can switch on the lights ahead of time. A human is less likely to have its light sensors obscured by dirt or road debris.

Name: Automatic Seatbelts

Extreme Example: Select 1980s GMs, Nissans and Civics with both automatic shoulder and lap belts. They were impossible to enter or exit.

Why it's redundant: A human is perfectly capable of fastening his or her own seatbelt and, if they're not, don't deserve the protection offered anyway. Automatic shoulder belts gave drivers a false sense of security with many failing to manually secure their lap belts. In the event of a crash their bodies would slide under the shoulder belt, meaning there was very little restraint on offer. Thankfully now defunct.

Name: Sound Pipes

Extreme Example: The 2010 Ford Mustang GT, in which an extraneous exhaust pipe is routed through the dashboard to bring engine sound into the cabin.

Why it's redundant: If cars didn't carry several hundred pounds of sound deadening, they wouldn't need extra sound pipes. The alternative, rolling down your windows, is cheaper and easier than installing a extraneous pipe.

Name: Keyless Ignition

Extreme Example: Current Mazdas just put a plastic cap over the traditional ignition slot. If you already have to twist something, why not the key?

Why it's redundant: In an attempt to overly-simplify the very complicated process of starting a car, keyless ignitions actually introduce another layer of complication and increase the risk of leaving your keys in the car. If it's not broke, don't fix it.

Name: Digital Dashboards

Extreme Example: 1988 Buick Regal

Why it's redundant: Replacing perfectly functioning and reliable instrumentation that's vital to the safe operation of a car with something that's harder to read and breaks a lot is not a good idea.

Name: Reverse Parking Sensors and Rearview Cameras

Extreme Example: The 2010 Acura MDX which offers three camera views.

Why it's redundant: If SUVs weren't so huge and didn't have such bad vision, you'd be able to park them without using the same level of technology it takes to dock at the International Space Station. An added bonus to better vision? Increased safety!

Name: Non-Defeatable Traction and Stability Control

Extreme Example: The BMW X6 M which uses its stability control system to defy the laws of physics and make a 5,000 Lbs SUV go around corners.

Why it's redundant: Believe it or not, before the advent of traction and stability control, human beings were able to use something called "skill" to safely operate their vehicles. The systems not only reduce the level of interaction and therefore attention required of a driver, but also reduce control off-road, in the snow and in other slippery conditions where wheelspin is actually a good thing.

Name: Gasoline/Electric Hybrid Powertrains

Extreme Example: The 2010 Honda Insight, which is actually much less efficient than the faster, better driving, more practical, diesel-equipped European Honda Civic.

Why it's redundant: There's better technology out there. Diesel engines cost less, consume less energy and resources in production, are far less complicated and are capable of equal or greater fuel-economy.

Name: Automatic Parallel Parking Systems

Extreme Example: The Lexus LS600h which is capable of selecting an appropriate parking space then putting itself in that place with very little input from the driver.

Why it's redundant: The human mind is also able to determine the location of an appropriate parking space then maneuvering a vehicle into that space. There's a reason parallel parking is part of the driving test.

Name: Radar Cruise Control and Electronic Crumple Zones

Extreme Example: The 2010 Mercedes E-Class which is not only capable of maintaining a constant distance from other vehicles on the highway, but, when it determines a collision is imminent, applying 100% of the braking force to reduce the force of the crash.

Why it's redundant: Humans are also able to determine appropriate following distances and applying 100% of the brakes to avoid a collision. Being required to do so maintains a consistently high level of attention which can also avoid other dangerous situations.

Name: Intelligent Gearboxes

Extreme Example:The VW DSG ‘box which, in automatic mode, is able to learn when a driver is operating the vehicle in a sporting manner, then adjusting shift points and times to suit.

Why it's redundant: a human being equipped with a manual gearbox is additionally capable of predicting what gear will be required in the near future, placing the vehicle in that gear ahead of time and therefore being prepared for, rather than simply respond to, a situation.

Name: Automated Manual Gearboxes

Extreme Example: A Formula One car.

Why it's redundant: manual gearboxes are more reliable and more versatile, with the human-applied clutch able to deliver smooth progress at slow speeds.

Name: Automatic Climate Control

Extreme Example: The 2010 Acura MDX which is able to use GPS to determine the location of the sun and adapt the climate control to blow cooler on the sunny side of the vehicle, guaranteeing a perfectly even temperature throughout the passenger cabin.

Why it's redundant: How many sensors, motors and computer chips does it take to achieve the above? With traditional air conditioning and heaters, you're simply able to adjust the temperature as needed. Nothing more is required.

Name: Drive-By-Wire

Extreme Example: The 2009 BMW Z4 which features both brake-by-wire and steer-by-wire.

Why it's redundant: Drive-by-wire systems reduce weight and complication and, in the case of steer-by-wire, improve fuel economy by eliminating the need for a power steering pump. But, they reduce feel. In the case of the Z4, this lack of feel spoils an otherwise truly impressive sports car.

Name: Satellite Navigation

Extreme Example: The in-development Microsoft heads-up-display system which will project a ghost vehicle in front of your car, then allow you to follow it rather than respond to spoken or visual instructions.

Why it's redundant: For centuries, humans have managed to navigate with little more than a paper map and a compass. No matter how slick the graphics, satellite navigation systems have not yet surpassed this ability.

Name: Active Sound Cancellation

Extreme Example: The 2010 Acura MDX, which projects mirror-image sound waves of "undesirable" engine and road noises, canceling them out.

Why it's redundant: Being inundated with engine and wind noise your whole life will slowly make you deaf, which is kind of nature's own Active Sound Cancellation.

Name: Adaptive Suspension

Extreme Example: The Variable Orifice Dampers in the 2010 Cadillac SRX

Why it's redundant: Intended to offer both a smooth ride and good handling, adaptive suspension makes sacrifices in both to offer a limited ability to deliver either. Low unsprung weight and high quality dampers have yet to be surpassed in their ability to delivery optimal vehicle dynamics, they just don't sound as sexy on a Monroney.

Name: Anything-By-Voice

Extreme Example: Ford Sync 3.0

Why it's redundant: Any vehicle function that's too complicated to be achieved by button, lever, wheel or pedal is unnecessary for vehicle operation. Call people, get directions and drink your coffee before setting out on a journey.

Name: Blind Spot Detectors

Extreme Example: The 2009 Audi Q7; it's blind spot warning lights are blindingly bright and overly sensitive.

Why it's redundant: By styling vehicles with small glass houses, designers are creating unnecessarily large blind spots, thereby creating the need for detectors. Install function before form and this wouldn't be necessary.

Name: Night Vision

Extreme Example: The 2010 Mercedes E-Class which paints the road ahead with infrared light then detects these reflections with windshield-mounted sensors.

Why it's redundant: Cars have headlights don't they? If it's too dark to see, slow down.

Name: Automatic Emergency Brakes

Extreme Example: The Honda Pilot has an automatic transmission, but still has a system capable of holding it steady on steep hills.

Why it's redundant: Equipped with two hands and two feet, humans have traditionally been capable of operating either a hand or foot emergency brake. Automatic or electronic brakes simply replicate that ability poorly and make it impossible to perform handbrake turns.

Name: Attention Assist

Extreme Example: The 2010 Mercedes E-class uses an array of sensors to monitor steering wheel input, eye movement and seating position, all to tell if you're dozy.

Why it's redundant: If you're tired, take a break. No engineering teams needed.

Name: Lane Monitoring

Extreme Example: The Citroen C4's seat gives you a pleasant vibration in your nether regions if it detects you're departing your lane on the highway.

Why it's redundant: Like Attention Assist, if you're incapable of paying enough attention to stay in your lane, you shouldn't be driving. Humans will develop a false sense of security due to the system and use it as an excuse to not pay attention.

Name: Rear Seat Entertainment Systems

Extreme Example: Some minivan/SUV systems allow 3 seperate movies to be played; two in the middle row and one in the rear.

Why it's redundant: When I was a kid I looked out the window on road trips. If I complained, my dad spanked me. If your spoiled brats won't shut up, don't buy them an expensive DVD player. Instead, hit them. It's free and as an added bonus, it builds character.

Aside from occasional pokes at others’ devices, I’ve never used a GPS. But I can certainly attest to the gradual softening of the brain that comes with the violent expansion of high-quality mapping tools of the past few years.

When I moved to Budapest in late 2000 from a leafy riverside town in Southern Hungary, I spent weeks memorizing the grid of my surroundings. This was years before Google Maps and this area—where I haven’t lived or worked for six years now—is still the only part of the city I know down to the street level. It took until my regular uptake of city running to re-engage my spatial skills after years of lazily indulging in the geo-glut of Google Earth.

Katayama reports on a similar experience in her home of San Francisco:

At first, the GPS (I have an old Garmin) was a novelty-a tool for experimentation. It was fun to see how long the thing thought it would take to get from point A to point B. I was just the receiving end of a network of commands relayed through the voice of a nice British lady. But then it became a habit, and weird things started happening to me.

I started to forget how to get places without it. The map in my brain became a distorted blur. And then my driving became more reckless. I invented this game where I tried to beat the estimated arrival time that the GPS gave me. Often, that entailed running yellow lights and exceeding the speed limit.

Make no mistake: satellite mapping combined with GPS is an amazing invention, a genuine HOLY SHIT which makes it hard to imagine the state of the world before.

Still, like the automatic transmission and the running shoe with kevlar arch support, it comes with a price. And while the sheer convenience of being able to navigate any random spot on Earth with fine precision is wonderful, it may not be unwise to not entirely forget how to do this with the aid of nothing but our senses and our brains. Satellites, for instance, may fall out of the sky.

And if you read Jalopnik, you’ll certainly appreciate the proprioceptive pleasures of heel-and-toeing a car with a fine manual gearbox.

Photo Credit: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

According to a report by CNET, the Burger King franchise will partner with Maryland-based New Energy Technologies to install their MotionPower kinetic energy harnessing strips in the drive-thru lane. The energy would be stored and captured twice daily to power various appliances within the restaurant making this one very green Burger King.

According to Andrew Paterno, co-owner of the Burger King test site; "More than 150,000 cars drive through our Hillside store alone each year, and I think it would be great to capture the wasted kinetic energy of these hundreds of thousands of cars to generate clean electricity."

Our question is — Will they lower prices on the double Whoppers since we're lazily doing some of the work to power the joint? [CNET]

A reader over at The Unofficial Apple Weblog was driving through a small blizzard when he slowed down and was rear-ended by another motorist. The investigating officer who arrived asked Paul, the driver, for his insurance card. Unfortunately, it was expired. In many states, if you're unable to prove your insurance you have to pay a $200 fine — and, because your insurance normally acts as a bond, if you don't have the cash, put up your license for bond.

Being cash-poor but rich in sense, Paul logged into his online Geico account via the iPhone's web-browser and got a PDF copy of the card mailed to his phone. The officer accepted the proof and no ticket was issued. While we don't expect this to work with most officers, having the web in your pocket might become a big help when driving — as long as you use it primarily when you're parked.

[via TUAW]

Chrysler provided us with an exclusive walk-through of their 2009 200C Concept at the Detroit Auto Show and we were most impressed by the integrated next-gen Uconnect system. Unlike Ford, who merely provided video evidence of their in-car media system (creepy avatar included), Chrysler built a fully functioning Wi-Fi enabled proof-of-concept into the 200C.

Brad Gieske, a designer at Chrysler, provided us with an in-depth look at the system from the user provided "smart phone" that controls all of the cars auxiliary functions; the concave glass surface that replaces a typical centerstack and cluster; to the pull-out tablet style control interface for passengers. While there were a few bugs in the system, mostly from an ultra-sensitive touch surface, the Chrysler team really provided a clear indication for the future of the Uconnect system.

The "smart phone" that acts as the car's key fob looks a whole hell of a lot like an Apple iPhone, but Gieske tells me that the system can be configured to any phone through a simple download service. It controls the typical key fob functions like lock/unlock and panic, but provides much more beyond just that. The phone/fob is capable of locating your car via GPS and an on-screen map; it can also raise/lower the windows, turn the lights on/off, turn on the AC/heat and it can also snap images/video of the vehicle's interior if the car is ever stolen or your horny teen is making a pass on his girlfriend. These are pretty cool features that seem to be possible today, so hopefully we won't have to wait for long.

The Uconnect system itself is designed into the 200C Concept's IP surface and features a concave, black glass surface with a projected image from the backside. The surface itself is controlled via a touch surface that seemed to be a little temperamental on the day that we were given the demonstration, but not enough to distract from the overall usability of the system.

In order to start the car, a large green power button glows on the center stack area of the touch panel, which when touched, illuminates the rest of the display surface. The main control area is designed to simulate a trackball of sorts with different icons set on a rotatable axis, all virtual of course. This control surface allows the manipulation of many of the cars different configurations like the audio, media, navigation and user settings.

A secondary auxiliary tablet-style display is carefully hidden in the passenger-side IP and when removed reveals an Apple Coverflow-like display. This secondary controller is set up for any passenger of the vehicle to listen to music, watch video and it can even serve as a route planner with transferable navigation data being sent to the in-dash Uconnect system.

Steve Holmes, Chrysler Component Design Manager, had this to say about the system:

This is what’s so different about Chrysler, we strived to make this work. It’s to show that we can do this, that the technology is there. It’s easy to show videos (referring to Ford). We really busted our ass to get this system to work. The curved surfaces, we didn’t want to have it be rectangular, we wanted it to fit in uniquely with the surface. We wanted the images to project all the way out so you weren’t looking at a bunch of squares.

And that they did. It worked and it worked well though we thought it was a little humorous when Queen/David Bowie's, Under Pressure, came on during our demonstration. Chrysler, you really were under pressure for this years Detroit Auto Show and while you showed us more vaporware EVs and the exterior of the 200C was nice, it really was the next-gen Uconnect that was the star of your display. We hope to see a version of this concept in the near future.

Audi models now network with other brands

* Second CAR2CAR Forum presents initial results of communication between vehicles of different brands
* Innovations will enhance traffic safety
* Greater efficiency due to more information

Audi has presented a milestone of the automotive future at a testing ground in Dudenhofen, Germany. Along with other European vehicle manufacturers at the second CAR2CAR Forum, Audi demonstrated how it will be possible in the future for data to be exchanged between vehicles of different brands.

Communication between vehicles as well as between vehicles and infrastructure will pave the way for further improvements in traffic flow and safety. The system assists and alerts a driver to any number of dangerous situations on any road. It can notify the driver of an icy patch ahead on a rural route, of a broken-down vehicle in front or of an unexpected traffic jam on a highway. In addition, a networked and consequently “intelligent” vehicle boosts driving comfort.

If this technology is to realize its full potential, all vehicles and other road users must utilize a uniform standard to communicate with one another.

The demonstration on the testing ground allowed nine vehicle manufacturers and five development partners to prove – even in the preliminary phase of development – that communication between vehicles of different brands is already fast, precise and reliable.

Innovative communication units were installed in an Audi Q7 and an Audi A6 allroad quattro to facilitate the transmission of radio signals in accordance with the CAR2CAR standard. The system’s advantages were evident as it warned of an approaching emergency vehicle and prevented an accident with a motorcycle at an intersection. Similarly, a construction site hidden around a corner quickly triggered an alert in the driver’s direct field of view.

The central driver information system and the Audi MMI – the Multi Media Interface – are perfectly designed to present data to the driver in a clear and logical manner. Easily understandable audible instructions round out the warning system.

In keeping with its brand claim “Vorsprung durch Technik”, Audi will continue to implement this technology not only in the “CAR2CAR Communication Consortium”, but also in other national and international projects. A core pursuit at Audi lies in traffic-efficiency applications such as the Travolution project, which allows urban traffic to flow far more freely thanks to communication between traffic signals and vehicles.

During the pilot experiment in Ingolstadt, the timing of 46 traffic lights was optimized. Three of them were also equipped with WLAN-based communications technology. Calculations provided by the Technical University of Munich, a venture partner, hint at the potential for remarkable efficiency. A 20-percent reduction in stops at traffic lights and correspondingly improved fuel efficiency – assuming an hourly volume of 1,000 vehicles in Ingolstadt – will save over 700,000 liters (around 185,000 U.S. gallons) of fuel annually.

Cables have been buried in the ground several feet from the road, running parallel to it. The electromagnetic field they emit has been calibrated to detect the interruptions caused by deer, elk, or other large animals passing over it. Signs positioned along the roadway then light up to alert drivers to the presence of the animals. For the trial phase, radar detectors are being used to calculate both the volume of traffic and its speed. Should the alerts be capable of convincing a significant enough portion of drivers to slow down when animals are present, the system could be rolled out across frequent animal crossings statewide.

We’d love to see technology like this applied to roadways. Combined with other advanced warning systems like BMW’s night vision-equipped 7-series it could make the road a safer place for humans and animals alike. [via Treehugger; photo nrcdeer.com]

Number 1: This is the electric motor. Running on AC power, it can rev up to 13,000 RPM while producing 248 HP and 200 lb-ft. Maximum torque is available all the way from 0-6,000 RPM

Number 2: The one-speed transmission. After reliability problems with a two-speed design, Tesla settled for this stronger, simpler one-speed. The 8.27:1 drive ratio allows for a 0-60 time of around 4 seconds and a top speed of 125 MPH.

Number 3: The Power Electronics Module. In addition to capturing the power from regenerative braking and using it to recharge the batteries, it also smooths out power delivery under hard acceleration.

Number 4: The battery pack. 6,831 Lithium-Ion cells are arranged in 11 series-connected modules and surrounded by sensors and cooling systems designed to prevent catastrophic cell failure. A full 53 kW-h charge takes about 3 1/2 hours, while all the batteries together weigh somewhere between 900 and 1,000 LB. Life expectancy is in excess of 100,000 miles.

Number 5: The body and frame. The Tesla roadster shares its extruded and bonded aluminum frame with the Lotus Elise while wearing its own, superlight carbon fiber bodywork. [via Treehugger]

The "ECO Pedal" calculates the most efficient rate of acceleration in a vehicle based on how fast fuel is being burned combined with other factors. The system causes the gas pedal to push back to alert overzealous drivers when it deems you're pushing the pedal too fast.

The pedal technology is Nissan's newest addition to the vehicle technology tine of their three-pronged approach to reducing carbon dioxide emissions: improvements in vehicle technologies, driving behaviour and traffic conditions. We liked the last idea of equipping all new cars with a fuel consumption indicator, which indicates the optimal level for fuel-efficient driving by displaying a green, flashing or amber light.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: This may be one of the worst ideas we've yet heard of. Although you'll be able to turn the system off, this type of technology is yet another example of an unnecessary feature designed to nanny drivers too stupid to realize they're supposed to reduce their speed and speed fluctuation to maintain high fuel economy. Frankly, we're more concerned what will happen when a driver needs to overtake another vehicle at high speed on a highway or just as scary — crossing a dotted middle line to pass a truck. How much would it suck to be in the oncoming lane? This feature needs to die before it even hits the streets.

[AP via Detroit News]

The guys at PickupTrucks.com give you a full technical explanation, but in a nutshell, the ethanol boost works on-demand to cool the cylinders and bump octane up as high as 150 when needed. The result is a detonation-free engine even with ordinarily insane parameters like 13:1 compression plus 30 psi of boost. And, since the ethanol is only injected when needed, you won't be filling two tanks every 400 miles or disrupting the price of tortillas in Oaxaca with your newfound corn-juice thirst. Here's a handy diagram to explain it:

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: This is a great example of a company applying a series of proven, existing technologies in a new way, resulting in a potential significant leap forward for the IC engine. We applaud EBS for thinking creatively. Now make it work well, do it fast, and put a four-cylinder version with about 350 lb-ft in our new-to-the-states 2010 Euro Ford Focus. [PickupTrucks.com]

The system is different from a Heads Up Display or existing night vision systems in that it works over a much larger area of the windscreen and serves to highlight, not obscure vision. A system of grille-mounted cameras operating outside the visible spectrum scan the road ahead while more sensors inside determine the location of the drivers head and eyes. Invisible lasers then light up the specially coated windscreen, which reacts to their beams, highlighting things like lane markings, traffic signs, pedestrians and other vehicles. While the system is intended for older drivers, it could end up being useful to anyone who has to drive through heavy fog or rain.

The technology is still in the experimental phase, but is growing increasingly valuable as the proportion of older drivers in the world's biggest markets continues to increase rapidly. GM foresees demand from these customers for technology that will enable them to remain independent later in life while remaining safe.

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: We like toys. We especially like toys that make us safer. So if this works, and doesn't add too much to the cost or weight of the vehicle, we very well may like it too.

[via Car Central]

It will relay information about blood-glucose levels at any given time to keep the diabetic aware and to determine if it's time for a snack. This could be a potentially life-saving vehicle addition for long-distance drivers who deal with the disease. If combined with nav we could see this system then reminding the driver where to find a healthy snack in a nearby store, and purposefully denying the existence of sugary fast foods. [Ubergizmo]

F, of course, is force. It is the result of one car hurtling into another. It's what acts on the human attached to the inside of the car by way of seatbelt. When cars crash into each other there are an incredible number of variables, not the least of which are angles, bumper heights, braking forces etc., but the ones that can be controlled are the ones which have the biggest impact in that equation.

When crashing, you want to minimize the amount of speed involved; slamming on the brakes is a great way to do that. Minimizing mass is going to be a tougher one, considering your car is pretty heavy to start out, and you both won't have a lot of time to jettison stuff while yelling "Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit." But what about that time thing? What if you could stretch out the amount of time it takes from the start of the accident to the end? This is what crumple zones do.

The cars in the above gallery are designed to survive an accident, not to protect their occupants. In some of the scenarios, the car looks not too much worse for the wear, but the drivers likely suffered significant injuries that would have been avoided in a modern car. The cars that turned into mangled messes probably did the same to their drivers. No car can ever be completely safe; even though the new ones don't look tough, you're way better off in 'em.

Engineers design crash zones to fail along a predictable path using varying materials and construction techniques. As a result, predictable bending, breaking, and stretching occurs. These failure events act like a giant shock absorber sitting in front of your dash, "soaking up" force. If you play around with the above equation, you can see that stretching out the time, even by fractions of seconds, has a remarkable effect on the forces transmitted to the passengers. Of course, this is an extremely simplified look at why cars turn into play-doh during an accident these days. But at least it gives you a fighting chance of explaining why the next time your folks crank up the "back in my day" speech.

Photo credit to Complete All

Everything from eyelid sensors, to vitals sensors, to cameras, to speed and trajectory sensors are integrated in the Volvo, and the resulting data is stored in a hard drive in the trunk, allowing easy transmittal to the friendly neighborhood DMV. The DMV can, in theory, recognize if an older person is unfit for the road, and subsequently pull their license. In reality, the DMV will do approximately squat. [Boston Globe via Autopia] (Image via Getty)

Just another added distraction while driving? Maybe, but Smart Mirrors could also be useful, especially in rental cars and trucks where a driver may not be familiar with the size of the vehicle. And it's not all vaporware: The technology behind Toshiba Smart Mirrors is the same silicon that powers the pedestrian recognition system. [Tech On!]

That hidden display technology continues throughout the interior, providing as-need data on otherwise traditional-looking surfaces. For example, the doors include proximity sensors to warn of on-coming traffic or cyclists, flashing a warning just below the side windows when it's unsafe to open a door. Those proximity sensors are used inside, too, for adaptive, as-need lighting in places like the foot wells and map pockets.

3M has also developed a new, reconfigurable 3-D information display to replace traditional instruments. These can give the appearance of a manufacturer's own unique design in a universal package and be adapted to deliver optimal information levels for a specific driver or environment.

The X-Wave also feature a variety of less sexy, but practical innovations like films, glues and materials that will offer manufacturers new ways of constructing vehicle interiors. As well as things like new-style hinges that allow the center console to pivot in multiple directions and the door-mounted arm rests to adjust for height.

Lighting solutions continue outside, with the use of precision lighting elements that offer more aesthetically pleasing and effective surface lighting. Expect to see many of these technologies appear on production cars in the next few years. [via Visteon]