Automotive manufacturers are continuously striving to keep up to date in the modern age. With innovative technologies being released on a regular basis, car manufacturers must keep coming up with designs which offer more efficiency and enhance the Driving experience. The future seems bright; the introduction of Apple CarPlay, rearview cameras, cruise control and many more in recent years paints a positive picture. With self-driving cars also set to enter the market in the coming years, we can be assured that progress is happening fast.

But what features can we expect over the next few years? We explore what the future holds for in-car Technology together with Grange, used car specialists:

Fuel Efficiency

The new electric Nissan Leaf will debut a one-pedal driving system which allows the accelerator pedal to function as an e-pedal with a touch. This new model also has double the mileage of previous cars in this range.

The e-pedal (which has been nicknamed the ECO-pedal) can function as an accelerate, brake, start and stop pedal. This system will allow the Vehicle to hold itself in place on a hill without the use of the brake pedal and slow itself to a halt if need be.

The vehicle will be fitted with an ECO-P lamp which allows you to monitor your fuel efficiency. A report by Nissan found that fuel efficiency can be improved by as much as 10% by using the new system. The ECO-pedal is also able to adjust acceleration speed and stop the engine revving.

Advanced Weather Modifications

Jaguar Land Rover announced recently that all of their new models will be fitted with systems capable of advanced weather adaptation. These new systems will be capable of automatically adjusting for changes in the weather via traction, climate control, drivetrain, and suspension in order to improve driving efficiency and the overall driving experience.

For the theLand Rover Discovery Sport Hse, which is designed to drive in any terrain, this new system should come in particularly handy. The intelligent systems are able to use GPS data in order to predict weather patterns and adapt vehicles accordingly – for example, if rain is detected the system will be able to automatically shut the windows. In-built rain and terrain sensors will also be able to adjust lighting depending on the weather.

These advanced systems are set to arrive by 2020, alongside JLR’s electric vehicles and self-driving technology.

Vehicle Safety

It won’t be long until we see self-driving cars on our roads – many manufacturers are already offering this technology with their new models – and these are being used to improve vehicle and road safety.

Blind Spot Vehicle Detection

BLIS (or Blind spot information systems) will allow drivers to be more aware of vehicles in their blind spot when changing lanes. The area of detection features on both sides of the vehicle and reaches from the back mirrors to around 10 feet past the bumper. A small light on the side of the wing mirror will light up to alert the driver and switch off again when the blind spot zone is clear.

Lane Departure Technology

Lane departure warning systems now feature in many vehicles. It is important to stay in your lane when driving on the motorway unless you intend to overtake and this technology helps you do just that. A vibration on the steering wheel allows drivers to know if the vehicle has begun to stray out of its lane unintentionally. In addition, if the vehicle thinks that your reaction times have slowed down, it can double as a steering guide to move you back into the safe space in your own lane. This allows drivers to stay safe and remain in their lane when driving on dual carriageways or motorways surrounded by other vehicles traveling at high speed.

Intelligent Speed Safety Technology

Intelligent speed safety technology (or ISA) can let drivers know if they have gone over the speed limit via audio and visual warnings. The system is able to learn where your vehicle is located on the road and match it using an inbuilt digital roadmap which contains speed information for each road.

The ISA can also function to limit drivers speed by reducing the throttle signal, making it harder to accelerate and go over the speed limit. Speed limitation technology can also make it harder to speed up by increasing pressure on the accelerator.

With the increase of new automotive innovations in recent years, we can look forward to a bright future for the auto industry. We can expect a complete transformation of both vehicle safety and the driving experience.

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