Smart car

Smart car may refer to:

Smart (marque), the automobile brand

Smartcar (company), the API developer platform company

Autonomous car, an automobile capable of driving itself

Connected car, an automobile that coordinates its navigation with others'

Vehicular automation, using artificial intelligence to enhance or automate control of a vehicle.

Topics referred to by the same term

Modern Car Connectivity: Future Car Technology and What To Expect

Since the stone ages of steam-powered vehicles and the early days of gasoline engines, car technology has been a constantly evolving category that continues to shift more rapidly as the years go on. Undeniably, some more revolutionary changes have occurred because of digital innovation. But the Electronic Age has mass-produced more than just flashy tech and gadgets. It’s introduced an entirely new way of thinking about – and interacting with – the outside world. Plus, when it comes to the cars we drive, younger generations like Generation Z and their not-so-young-anymore brethren, Millennials, have a sizeable impact on the economy with some serious buying power. Both groups prove that future car technology will be filled with instant data connectivity and social interaction.

The demand for technology is evident on both OEM and aftermarket levels. Automakers continue to ramp up standard trim levels with massive infotainment screens, in-car connectivity, and more cameras than a Kardashian press conference. Meanwhile, aftermarket producers have been cranking out a wide range of products to integrate with these new vehicles, like upgraded dash mounts, wireless chargers, and a slew of automotive-related apps.

OEMs Getting Crafty

For many years, OEMs have been changing our expectations regarding vehicle purchases. The last 10 years, in particular, automakers really stepped up from convenient features like traction control, keyless ignitions, and heated seats to much more tech-forward innovations.

Today, drivers are greeted with “smart” future car technology like sophisticated infotainment systems, dash controls, advanced stereo systems, and virtual assistants. Newer vehicles can even read text messages, control a driver’s speed, and charge a tablet — all at once.

Enhanced safety features pull their weight too, alerting drivers to the oblivious teenage driver playing chicken in a blindspot, or steering vehicles from drifting over the yellow line with Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) technology. And, for those parallel parking-averse drivers, countless newer cars now come with a backup camera that guides the operator into the spot.

Some vehicles also feature sensors on both the back and front end, avoiding that awkward moment of smacking into a low-profile parking barrier at the grocery store. Even the most hardcore combustion engine fan will acknowledge a major ramp-up in hybrid and fully electric cars that put some truly impressive speed and torque numbers on the table.

We could share a laundry list of what automakers are doing to meet the rapidly-changing technology-obsessed world we currently live in. But here are a couple core innovations that a lot of the big players are focused on.

Rearview Mirrors and Visors

One wouldn’t think there’s much to that nondescript rectangular piece of glass on the windshield. Still, OEMs have found ways to turn that small mirror into a crucial tool of modern driving safety.

Automakers like GM rolled out a solution to stressful towing with its Transparent Trailer technology in recent years. The system uses a tailgate camera and integrates with software that essentially makes a trailer “invisible,” so drivers can still see behind them simply by glancing in the rearview mirror.

Meanwhile, luxury carmakers like Cadillac have developed smart features like hi-definition, wide-angle camera displays for rearview mirrors, making it easier to detect that left-lane cruiser camped out in your blind spot. Last summer, fellow fancy badge Infiniti offered up an exciting new rearview mirror technology for SUV drivers with a product built by Gentex Corp. The Smart Rearview Mirror turns the rearview mirror into an LCD monitor by connecting to a rear-facing camera that transmits hi-def video, so drivers have a better view of what’s behind them.

Think smaller. Bosch seeks to reimagine car visors and beat sun glare with fancy tech.

Infotainment and Entertainment

As the demand for more innovative tech grows with vehicles, so does the size of the screen, apparently. Early days of infotainment meant a small 8 or 9-inch screen in the middle of the dash that offered navigation and maybe phone connectivity at best. In the arena of future car technology, automakers continue to reengineer what infotainment looks like every year by integrating bigger screens, better graphics, and integrated apps that rival smartphones.

In some instances, manufacturers are taking infotainment up a notch to build a “complete” experience inside the car. One of the more recent eye-opening standouts was Qualcomm’s Digital Chassis, unveiled at CES 2022. The massive platform comes loaded with features like ADAS, automated driving, and connectivity for 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, to name just a few. The whole system is bundled into what the manufacturer calls a “digital cockpit,” a control system that looks like something suited more for an aircraft or spaceship than a car.

Volvo, Honda, and Renault have all expressed interest in the digital cockpit. At CES 2022, GM even said it would use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon software for its ADAS.

Over-the-Air Updates

Alongside new strides in infotainment, one of the most significant innovations automakers have spent money and R&D on in recent years is over-the-air updates. This future car technology is being used to update everything from built-in navigation and collision avoidance systems to tweaks on engine performance and sensors.

With manufacturers adding more hybrid and fully electric models to their lineups, this technology has become more prevalent. EVs and hybrids don’t need as many traditional tune-ups as ICE engines, giving way to “virtual” tune-ups, so to speak. OTA updates are downloaded similar to cellphone updates, making it simpler than having to call consumers back to the dealership for routine maintenance.

However the technology raises questions about data privacy, since the industry has seen a spate of hacks and breaches over the last couple of years. Even still, with more automakers pledging to phase out combustion engines moving closer to 2030, we’ll likely see more innovations in OTA technology.

Electric Powertrains

While the domestic electric vehicle market has its share of challenges – like a sorely lacking nationwide charging station network – that hasn’t stopped automakers from doubling down on their efforts to build and innovate new all-electric vehicles. Household names like GM and Ford are extra busy building new EVs, and some are already proving to be quite popular.

Earlier this year, Ford said it would double the production of the first electric version of its iconic F-150 pickup truck. That’s after the company stacked up around 200,000 reservations for the EV hauler. GM is on a similar tear with its all-electric Chevy Silverado. As of February 2022, the automaker said it had secured more than 110,000 reservations.

Other startup automakers like Tesla (though is it fair to really call them a “startup” at this point?) are also ramping up tech innovations with investments in a new factory. After tallying up more than 300,000 deliveries in 2021, the automaker dropped a whopping $1 billion on a new Gigafactory in Austin, Texas.

The Aftermarket Fills a Need

In the early 2000s and aughts, phone chargers that plugged into cigarette lighters or Bluetooth earpieces that enabled hands-free driving were considered innovative bits of future car technology. But in today’s market of fully-connected vehicles, the bar sits much higher.

As OEMs continue to step up trim levels with tech-forward features to meet modern buyer demands, the aftermarket is taking notes. For example, a vehicle console is no longer a messy jungle of aux and charging cables, or a storage area for all the additional electronics a driver needs to make the most of a long journey. Between improved charging and beefed-up signal technology, plus a slew of driving apps for Android and iOS, the aftermarket has also found its footing with future car technology. Here are just a few key innovations that have continually improved in recent years.

Mounts and Chargers

Even the smartest and safest of drivers have at least one time in their life where they were caught red-handed with their phone in hand during a drive. It’s not that cellphone dash mounts weren’t available in prior years. But, if we’re being honest, they weren’t always the best of quality.

Older models typically came with a flimsy adhesive pad or a residential-grade suction cup to hold a mount to the dash, and over time, many of them wore out and just plain fell apart, awkwardly knocking phones to the vehicle floor. Plus, many were overpriced for the lousy utility they provided.

Aftermarket producers really stepped up the game on cell mounts. Companies like Scosche build magnetic phone mounts that not only keep the phone secure but also charge it wirelessly. Drivers can opt for a dashtop mount or vent mount that clips onto most standard car vents. Charging-equipped mounts plug directly into a vehicle’s cigarette lighter or USB port so drivers can easily pull their phone on and off the mount without having to hook up cables every time.

Cell Signal Boosters

Whether heading out on a long drive or taking the Jeep into the backwoods for an off-roading weekend, modern drivers have been clamoring for better cell service on their drive for years. And that demand isn’t just because drivers want the chance to chat their entire ride up the California coast or on a cross-country trip. Continued cell coverage on long trips helps drivers stay connected if there’s an emergency when they’re far from home, call a tow truck when their vehicle is disabled, and stay connected to navigation in remote areas. For full-time travelers like RV owners, continuous coverage also makes it easier to check information on the go, like state park details, instead of having to stop off at an out-of-the-way visitor’s center.

Companies like weBoost responded to this trend with products like cell signal boosters built for cars, SUVs, and RVs. Some cell booster models can handle several devices at a time, perfect for the traveling family who needs to keep the kids distracted in the backseat with the iPad. Like modern chargers, cell signal boosters also integrate charging, so drivers maintain a full phone battery their entire trip.

Driving Apps

While the aftermarket is rife with all types of handy physical gadgets pushing future car technology, one of the most significant areas of development has been on the software side. Driving apps exploded over the past five years or so, cutting down on how many gadgets drivers need to keep in the car for a fully connected driving experience.

The market offers a lot more than just fun ways to listen to your music on the go, too. For example, innovative apps like FIXD integrate with a vehicle’s OB2 port and functions almost as a virtual mechanic. The app and corresponding dongle use the phone as a basic diagnostic scan tool, translating codes into simple terms so DIYers can assess and make repairs. The app also connects drivers with ASE-certified mechanics for more complicated repair jobs.

Thanks to advancements in mapping software, many OEMs no longer offer on-board navigation. Waze, in particular, is immensely popular since its offers drivers real-time updates on speed traps, construction, traffic, and accidents. And, for the growing plug-in electric vehicle market, developers like PlugShare created apps that help drivers find compatible charging stations along their route. It’s a convenient app, and a concept that’ll probably help reduce range anxiety as automakers continue to try and stretch how long plug-in EVs can run on a single charge.

Tire Pressure Monitor Systems (TPMS)

Tire pressure monitoring systems aren’t the newest development on the aftermarket, but manufacturers continue to refine how this system operates. Modern TPMS designs like those built by PressurePro can monitor as many as 40 tire sensors on multiple vehicles simultaneously. Most modern TPMS also integrates with a cellphone app, making it easier for drivers to monitor tire pressure when traveling with more oversized cargo, like towing a fifth wheel or hauling ATVs and snowmobiles.

With a new generation of drivers hitting the road in RVs, TPMS is undoubtedly going to see continued popularity in that Gen-Z and Millennial crowd. Especially as the “work-from-anywhere” workforce continues to grow.

Looking Ahead

Technological innovations move lightning fast. Considering what’s making an impact now — here’s a conservative bet on what near-term future car technology may look like.

On the OEM side…

With already-massive investments in EV and AV technology, it’s a safe bet those innovations will continue for a while. And, unless there are drastic changes to current policies, OEMs will likely keep searching for ways to refine their engine technology to meet modern emissions standards because – simply put – it’s good for business. GM already learned this lesson. In January 2022, the automaker became eligible for fleet purchases by the state of California, thanks to an updated commitment to low-emissions vehicles.

If CES 2022 was any indication of what the future holds, beefing up onboard features looks like a continued trend for automakers as well. Bigger infotainment screens and massive driver instrument displays are clear focal points for future vehicle production. Expect to see more virtual and augmented reality seeping into these features as well, like heads-up navigation displays, enhanced proximity guides, and even video game headsets for backseat dwellers.

Automakers are also seeking ways to bring the traditional ICE engine fans into the alternative-power fold. For example, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (also on display at CES 2022) marries classic off-road ruggedness with green-friendly amenities like electric-only propulsion and two electric motors. Whether that move truly pulls in gas engine fans is hard to tell. Still, even Dodge said it would give its iconic muscle car design the electric treatment late last year.

…and in the aftermarket.

On the aftermarket side, companies will likely continue to revamp their product offerings to the growing flanks of hybrid and electric vehicles on the market. Expect to see a wide range of clever fast-charging solutions and portable adapters to contend with lacking infrastructure, as well as conversion kits for those who want to DIY their own EV.

The global pandemic had a resounding impact on every industry, including the automotive sector. With anxieties around cleanliness and hygiene at record highs, in-car sanitation has become an interesting new avenue in the aftermarket. While most folks will simply toss a pack of wet wipes in the console and call it a day, those who detail cars for a living or perform maintenance services may find some profitable peace-of-mind in offering customers a professional disinfected ride. Go-to cleaning brands like Chemical Guys, Turtle Wax, and 303 offer a variety of sanitizing sprays and wipes, while some newcomers – like 59S – offer unique UV-light sterilizing wands.

COVID fears also pushed more drivers into the Overlanding and off-roading world, as they sought safe ways to get out of town. This, in turn, bumped up the demand for products to meet those lifestyles. Solar chargers and rugged outdoor gear continue to improve as more drivers take to the wild to escape the pace of modern life. So, as strange as it sounds, some of the near-term “tech” innovations may be more geared towards getting drivers back out into the great outdoors. (However, we can’t say if that means less time scrolling through their phones.)

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10 Smart Car Technologies We Want to See

The world is rapidly changing, and innovative technologies are a part of this development. No wonder the automotive industry is evolving fast, and scientists introduce more and more innovations in vehicles. How will cars look in the nearest future?

New technologies intend to improve the comfort and ensure the security of every person on the board. To assure safety before the car or a motorbike purchase, it is worth getting a vehicle, or Yamaha VIN report that one can get with a VIN number. As for the innovations, let us find out more about the recent technologies.

1. The New Multimedia System of Mercedes-Benz

The winner of the exhibition in the automotive achievements category is a new generation of MBUX multimedia from Mercedes called HyperScreen. Mercedes will introduce the new multimedia alongside its first electric sedan EQS. The system is a single central display divided into three screens. And there are particular options for each part.

The digital dashboard displays all vehicle status information, including:

Navigation prompts and obstacles around the corner that drivers usually do not notice.

The central display enables a driver to control the audio and climate systems. Navigation commands are also available.

The third monitor is opposite the front passenger. And this screen is autonomous.

The most often-used applications are navigation and phone. They are always available on the screen in the upper corner of the screen. More than 20 other functions, from an active massage program to suggestions for a to-do list, are also displayed automatically based on relevance.

Developers incorporated artificial intelligence and a powerful processor in the technology. Hence, the system understands voice commands and offers the driver the optimal driving settings and entertainment content.

2. Flying Taxi from General Motors

Representatives of General Motors announced at their presentation about large-scale plans to conquer the electric vehicle market. The strategy for the coming years includes:

a $27 billion investment in development by 2025,

the launch of 30 new electric vehicles worldwide by the end of 2025.

The principal platform for the next generation of electric cars will be the GM Ultium platform. It can provide a cruising range of 724 km and acceleration to 100 km/h in three seconds. The first models built on the Ultium platform are the GMC Hummer EV and the Cadillac LYRIQ. As part of the new strategy, GM designers have also unveiled a new company logo that symbolizes the clear skies of a zero-emission future.

GM also showcased the AV autonomous vehicle and the eVTOL, a single-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing air taxi. Both concepts are part of the Cadillac Halo portfolio and are unlikely to ever go into production. The purpose of the concerts is to showcase GM’s design intent for future production models.

The AV lacks traditional controls like the steering wheel and pedals. The vehicle is equipped with vertical lights, a vast glass roof, and biometric sensors that can interpret the passengers’ vital signs and utilize it to adjust the interior’s temperature, lighting, and fragrance.

3. Panasonic Augmented Reality Display

Panasonic Automotive unveils AI holographic car head-up display at CES. Engineers have developed visual driver assistance technology that combines physical and augmented reality by projecting bright, high-resolution holography onto the windshield. The system displays:

traffic data with updates every 300 milliseconds,

navigation,

speed,

remaining fuel,

mileage, and more.

4. Harman Music Editor

Harman, the audio and media systems maker, has unveiled new technologies to control music and sound. The engineers do not hide that the system is only suitable for advanced cars with autonomous driving technologies. The new project involves the introduction of three passenger entertainment systems at once:

The first includes a large display that immerses passengers in a virtual reality world.

The second allows you not only to record video but also to edit it.

The third allows you to use high-fidelity speakers built right into the chairs. The platform works with 5G networks.

5. Disinfection of the Cabin With Ultraviolet Rays

GHSP introduced its line of products for treating car interiors with ultraviolet light that kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including coronavirus. Emergency services, public transport, and commercial vehicles already use the technology. UV disinfection is now available for use in personal vehicles. The company representatives believe that the system will give drivers confidence in the car protection from germs.

6. Safe Bubble

Grupo Antolin presented an unusual concept of the Virtual Ride-Hailing car. It transforms the interior into a living space where people can work, relax or socialize while on the move. Engineers called their development a safe, healthy, and wellness bubble because of its advanced air purification solutions.

7. Volvo & System to Recognize Alcohol Intoxication

It is not the newest technology. However, it is one more step to safety on the roads. If Volvo car understands that a driver is drunk and warnings do not stop him/her, the system will reduce auto speed, notify Volvo-on-Call support, and ultimately stop the vehicle.

8. Mercedes-Benz S-Class Augmented Reality

The AR-HUD supports AR technology. In the S-Class, it is similar to that of showing films in a home theater. In total, the new S-Class has five easy-to-use displays, including a huge 17-inch tablet. The car has voice control and differentiates 27 languages ​​of the world.

9. Cadillac Face ID Entry System

The system utilizes an infrared camera with adaptive illumination located in the center pillar of the car. When the owner comes closer to their car, the system receives the phone signal utilizing the Bluetooth protocol. Then it opens the door and unlocks the ignition. A driver can start the engine. Another option of a keyless entry is possible – with a password or fingerprint.

10. The Hummer CrabWalk Mode for Diagonal Driving

The Hummer electric pickup has many exciting technologies and know-how systems, but the main one is the CrabWalk mode: when activated, all the car wheels can turn in one direction. Thus, the Hummer can go diagonally, which will be very useful when crossing the heavy going road.

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