Automotive Technology Enhancements for Enthusiasts
For many driving enthusiasts, the best automotive experience involves minimal electronic assistance. However, some modern technological advancements genuinely enhance the driving experience. Here are some examples:
Remote Start
Starting your car from inside your house on a chilly day is a fantastic convenience. You don’t have to step into a freezing car and wait for it to warm up.
Dual-Clutch Transmissions
While we always prefer shifting gears ourselves, dual-clutch transmissions offer an excellent automatic alternative. Their shifts are smooth and exceptionally fast, providing a responsive and direct driving experience.
Electric Propulsion
Electric cars have come a long way. Their straight-line performance is impressive, and some, like the Porsche Taycan, even excel on the track.
High-End Stereos
Car speaker systems have improved remarkably. Crackling, low-quality audio has been replaced by world-class stereo systems available from the factory.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth in your car simplifies life, whether for hands-free calls or music streaming. No more wires or juggling SD cards; just sync your phone and go.
Parking Cameras
Backup cameras have been mandatory on all new passenger vehicles sold in the US since May 1, 2018. However, the best systems include multiple cameras. These systems enhance safety when parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
Active Anti-Roll Bars
How do you make a large, heavy luxury SUV handle like a sports car? Employ active anti-roll bars! These use a motor to apply torque and stiffen the bar, reducing body roll in real-time.
Radar Cruise Control
Radar-based systems are better than traditional cruise control. The technology automatically adjusts your car’s speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, making highway driving less stressful. This technology was a significant improvement.
Assisted Steering
While full self-driving is still in development, systems such as Cadillac’s Super Cruise and Tesla’s Autopilot utilize sensors and cameras to steer the car and keep it within its lane without direct driver input. Driver attention is still required, however, it can be much more relaxing to drive.
Magnetic Ride Control
Magnetic adaptive suspension utilizes a fluid whose viscosity changes based on a magnetic input. It’s an ingenious technology, found in everything from Corvettes to Ferraris.
Multimatic DSSV Suspension
If adaptive suspension isn’t your preference, Multimatic offers a great alternative. Their spool-valve damper setup is used on race cars and performance-oriented road cars like the Ford GT and Camaro Z/28.
Launch Control
The increasing prevalence of automatic transmissions in performance cars may be disappointing for some. However, it has led to the development of launch control. With the push of a button, the car automatically sets itself up for perfect, repeatable launches by optimizing the drivetrain and traction control for the quickest possible start.
Electronic Limited-Slip Differentials
Conventional mechanical LSDs provide consistent performance, but if you want the most advanced differential, go electric. These can lock, unlock, and send power to a specific wheel as needed, based on your current position in a turn.
Torque/Brake Vectoring
This system brakes the inside wheel during turns, simulating a limited-slip differential and improving torque distribution across the driven wheels, thus increasing grip. You often won’t feel it working; you’ll just see the results.
Blindspot Monitoring
One downside of driving large cars is having significant blind spots. Blindspot monitoring systems easily resolve this by sensing when a car is in your blind spot. It is a very useful safety enhancement.
Anti-Collision Warning Systems
Anti-collision systems such as Subaru EyeSight can warn you of an impending collision and even apply the brakes.
Heated and Ventilated Seats
Heated and ventilated seats are a simple luxury that many people appreciate.
Massaging Seats
Massaging seats are a step up from climate-controlled ones, using small motors to provide a customizable massage while you drive.
Heated Steering Wheel
Heated steering wheels provide great comfort on cold days, eliminating the need for gloves during your commute.
Head-Up Displays
Head-up displays project vital information, including navigation directions, which is a significant asset when you need to keep your eyes on the road. Newer displays are customizable, letting you see the information you want while filtering out the rest.
