Progress for in Car Technology

Manufacturers in the auto industry have been pulling out all the stops to ensure that their new models offer all of the latest innovations in in-car technology. Whether it’s making the driving experience as safe as possible, looking for ways to design a more eco-friendly model, or simply keeping drivers comfortable, in-car technology has made significant progress over the past decade. But what’s next for the industry and what can we expect to see in the near future? Grange, who offer a range of luxury autos including used Lamborghini, are here to investigate…

Introducing the ECO-pedal

The eco-pedal is a feature designed by Nissan for their latest Leaf model. Not only does the electric automobile have double the mileage range of its previous model equivalents, but the one-pedal driving system allows for the accelerator pedal to be transformed into a multifunctioning e-pedal at a touch. The e-pedal functions as a start, stop, accelerate and breaking pedal when activated. Suitable for 90% of urban driving, the system means that the car will slow to a halt by itself with the ability to hold itself on an incline without the need of the brake pedal.

The new Leaf is said to be far more eco-friendly than other models in the range. The pedal controls the speed of acceleration to prevent revving up the engine. The level of fuel-efficient driving is displayed through a colour and flashing Eco-P lamp. According to Nissan, studies have proven that effective eco-driving with the ECO-pedal can contribute to an improved fuel efficiency by 5-10%.

Introducing JLR’s weather adaptation system

JLR recently announced that all of their new models would feature weather adaptation tech. The system allows cars to autonomously adapt to weather changes and situations to adjust drivetrain, suspension, traction control and climate control for optimum efficient driving.

This clever system will be particularly useful for SUV’s and other off-road vehicles which drive on tough terrain. The system is said to be able to connect to present and future weather data via telematics and GPS to sensibly adapt both inside the cabin and around the exterior. One feature suggests that the system will automatically close your vehicle windows if it senses that rain is forecast. Onboard rain- and terrain-sensing mechanisms will be used to control the temperature, pressure and humidity inside the cabin, while interior and exterior lighting will be altered depending on the circumstances.

You won’t have long to wait before you see this system in your vehicles either – it’s expected to arrive in 2020 along with JLR’s first electric only models.

Introducing the Blind spot information system

BLIS is a great tool that helps you detect vehicles that are in your blind spot when you change lanes. When a vehicle enters your blind spot zone, the BLIS system will alert you. The detection area is on both sides of your vehicle, extending rearward from the exterior mirrors to approximately 10 feet (3 meters) beyond the bumper. The system alerts you via a small light on your side wing mirrors – when there is a vehicle in your blind spot zone, the light will illuminate. When your blind spot zone is clear, the light will switch off.

Introducing the Lane departure warning system

Lane-keeping systems — or lane departure warning systems — are becoming more frequent in newer cars. These systems keep you within your lane when driving on the motorway. When motorway driving, it’s vital that you stay firmly in your lane, unless you are overtaking. This system alerts you with a vibration on the steering wheel if your vehicle is unintentionally edging out of its lane – and in circumstances when the vehicle thinks you are reacting too slow, the vehicle will take control and provide steering torque to divert you back into the safe space on your lane. This is a safety feature to prevent drivers from veering out of their lane on motorways and dual carriageways where drivers around them are driving at high speeds.

Introducing Intelligent speed assist

This technology warns drivers when they exceed the speed limit by using audio and visual warnings. By using GPS, the system is able to detect the vehicle location and reference this with a digital road map that is programmed with speed limit information for each road. The system can be used as an active speed limiter whereby it can take control of the vehicle and reduce the speed when travelling above the speed limit. It does this by reducing the throttle signal. Additionally, the system is also fitted with a speed limiting function that increases the pressure on the accelerator when you exceed the speed limit, so that it is harder to accelerate and break the speed limit.

It’s clear that the automotive industry is thriving and its prime thanks to innovative eco-friendly technology doing the talking and walking for them. With a positive future of technology ahead of us, we can expect to see the driving process, and experience, completely transformed in the coming years.