What features would you like to see in future cars?

[2deadlegs]

I would like to see some feature that does not let you leave kids unattended.

LAst year some ASSHOLE left his 3yr old in his truck for more than 3hrs and he said he forgot his son was in the car. RIH!!!! (sorry for the language but I would die inside without either of my sons and if I killed one of them I wouuld have to join them)

Maybe a sensor that senses movement in the vehicle and rolls the windows down and honks the horn untill there is no motion sensed.

Better yet something like On*star that alerts the police that you left your children in your car for more than 5 minutes with the engine off. MAKE IT STANDARD!! NOT AN OPTION!

[phi11]

a Back-up fuel tank, like on a bike.
run flat wheels
AWD........... :lol:

[Plays_with_Toys]

Manual transmissions... in all models.

Turn signals. I mean, DAMN! how long is it going to take for all the companies to catch on to this no brainer?

No more ABS. Its junk. Retarded drivers relying on computers instead of learning to drive correctly.

How about some fair prices?

If you're so insistent on kids being left alone, then how about a system of car seats for infants that need to be cleared by law enforcement/insurance, since something like 85% of infant seats are installed incorrectly? Something like a computer chip that needs to be activated or else the ignition won't work or something.

Oh, and no more DVD/navigation screen installations except behind the drivers seat.

[2deadlegs]

My in-laws are in their 60's and they never learned how to drive stick. I learned when I was 15 and so should everyone else. I guess it's good that my wife was never taught...this way she can't drive my car.


PWT- In most states it is illegal to have a TV that the driver can see. Be it in dash, roof, or visor mounted. I use my laptop for navigation sometimes so I don't want to rule that out all together. Mine actually talks so I don't have to take my hands off the road.

I think more parents should take their vehicles to their local law enforcement agency or fire department to have the kids car seat installation inspected. It's free and it will give you peace of mind.

I've been putting car seats in so long now that you could take my car 4-wheelin and my kids ain't going nowhere...

[Plays_with_Toys]

A nav system would be fine, if the vehicle is completely stopped. Any motion and it doesn't come on (visually).

[JjSwee]

I like that intelligent cruise control Mercedes (and I am sure others) are starting to put in. I heard about it in a 2001 top gear. You set the speed, say 70mph. The car will continue to drive at 70mph until it is within a certain distance from the car in front of it. At that point, it will ease the brakes and follow the speed of the car in front. If you go in another lane, the system will bring you back to 70mph.

Incredible I say. I just came back from driving 7 hours to and from the shore and most of the traffic I see is from people using the gas and brakes as on/off switches, following to close (needing to use the brakes) and constantly changing speeds.

People say this rids people of driving freedom. Put in another lane dedicated to setting the cruise control. I have a feeling that dedicated lane would run much smoother than any other.

[2deadlegs]

The mercedes smart cruise control works on radar. There is a unit just behind the grill that bounces a beam out and then recieves it.


Kinda like Dolphins and subs have...

[galek_98gt]

I like that intelligent cruise control Mercedes (and I am sure others) are starting to put in. I heard about it in a 2001 top gear. You set the speed, say 70mph. The car will continue to drive at 70mph until it is within a certain distance from the car in front of it. At that point, it will ease the brakes and follow the speed of the car in front. If you go in another lane, the system will bring you back to 70mph.

Incredible I say. I just came back from driving 7 hours to and from the shore and most of the traffic I see is from people using the gas and brakes as on/off switches, following to close (needing to use the brakes) and constantly changing speeds.

People say this rids people of driving freedom. Put in another lane dedicated to setting the cruise control. I have a feeling that dedicated lane would run much smoother than any other.

that would be sweet as a standard option.

[sheepdog]

One of my favorites is the LCD tint on the roof of the new Ferrari Superamerica. You can electronically control the tint from 5% light transmission to completely clear.

[JjSwee]

Maybach (sp?) does that too. Those silly super cars and their crazy technology.

Just look at the top of the line (not necessarily ferrari or Maybach, but like s-class) and you will see those come to normal cars.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I like that intelligent cruise control Mercedes (and I am sure others) are starting to put in. I heard about it in a 2001 top gear. You set the speed, say 70mph. The car will continue to drive at 70mph until it is within a certain distance from the car in front of it. At that point, it will ease the brakes and follow the speed of the car in front. If you go in another lane, the system will bring you back to 70mph.

Incredible I say. I just came back from driving 7 hours to and from the shore and most of the traffic I see is from people using the gas and brakes as on/off switches, following to close (needing to use the brakes) and constantly changing speeds.

People say this rids people of driving freedom. Put in another lane dedicated to setting the cruise control. I have a feeling that dedicated lane would run much smoother than any other.

that would be sweet as a standard option.

I disagree. It might be a cool feature, and useful on the highway, but anything that gives people less control of their vehicle and can induce "Highway Hipnosis" quicker is a bad idea. People need to think that they're in a couple of tons of steel and not in their living room couch a lot more often. One of the reasons Manual Transmission is a lot safer. 5MT=More Control.

[Invisible_Soul]

I disagree. It might be a cool feature, and useful on the highway, but anything that gives people less control of their vehicle and can induce "Highway Hipnosis" quicker is a bad idea. People need to think that they're in a couple of tons of steel and not in their living room couch a lot more often. One of the reasons Manual Transmission is a lot safer. 5MT=More Control.

I think it would be a great option. If you can't pay attention when you are driving with any type of cruise control, you shouldn't use it or get some caffene in your system.

I wonder if they could make a system to switch the ABS on and off for those that might like a sport system. Like in the Ferrari's and other high end cars. Push a button and it can alter suspension, performance, etc..

Although more electronics=more complicated systems to fix.

[scottzg]

I'd like to see every car on the road drop 1000lbs and for suv's to be restricted to a special lane. There's way too much crap on cars to fail.

[Plays_with_Toys]

I totally agree more control to the driver instead of the car. But with that, there needs to be better driver's training as well. I can't even believe people that rely on ABS or that have no clue what it feels like to lock up the tires.

Another thing I want out is that variable steering speed control. Basically as you speed up your steering inputs change how much steering actually goes in to the car. If its not staying constant, you as the driver are having to change your habits. You should know in an emergency situation at 55mph what that steering wheel will do. I think overall car companies are putting too much into the cars, instead of putting knowledge into the drivers.

[Wiscon_Mark]

That Variable steering control was originated on the Subaru XT....I think its kind of a good idea for ease of use, but for real drivers like us, it isn't necessary. Yes, simplicity is one of the reasons I like Subarus, mine is simple, well built and easy to use! :D

[2deadlegs]

Look at Mark go...he's like a subaguru.


Jack of all trades aye there pal.

[Xmetal]

SATNAV to be standard fitment in all cars - I've just started working for a Thai Restaurant and part of the job is home delivery, driving at night with one eye on the road and the other on a map ISN'T a safe combination. :shock:

Inital D, Anyone? :twisted:

[Wiscon_Mark]

We have a SATNAV system in our van, it is a godsend, I love it. Very useful when you can punch in an address, and have it take you there in a pretty direct way (as long as it wasn't designed by Mapquest!! :lol:).

2DL-I'm flattered :oops: :D