In-car technology comes in many forms today, with the systems helping to make motorists feel safer and less stressed while they are behind the wheel. With the help of Lamborghini dealership Grange, we’ve analysed four in-car technology systems which you can already benefit from using when getting from A to B, as well as one advancement which is set to be released in the next year or so…
1. Benefits of using lane departure warning systems
There are quite a few vehicles which are already using lane departure warning systems, or lane-keeping systems as the technology is also sometimes known as. 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.
2. Benefits of using the blind spot information system (BLIS)
Attempt to change lanes in a car that’s fitted with a blind spot information system (BLIS) and you’ll be sent an alert if another vehicle has moved into your blind spot. 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.
3. Benefits of using the ECO-pedal system
The new Nissan LEAF’s release also witnessed the introduction of a one-pedal driving system. The electric automobile not only has 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.
Motorists are provided with additional efficiency benefits with the one-pedal driving system when compared to previous models which have come off Nissan’s production lines. Nicknamed the ECO-pedal system, 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%.
4. Benefits of using intelligent speed assist (ISA)
Visual and audio warnings both come your way if you go above the speed limit in a vehicle installed with intelligent speed assist (ISA) technology. 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.
One for the future … Jaguar Land Rover’s weather adaptation system
With an expected launch year of 2020, Jaguar Land Rover has announced that its new vehicles will be setup with advanced weather adaption systems. The system allows cars to autonomously adapt to weather changes and situations to make adjustments to drivetrain, suspension, traction control and climate control for optimum efficient driving.
Drive a Land Rover or Range Rover on different types of terrain and you’re expected to appreciate the intelligent weather adaption systems in particular. The technology 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, whilst interior and exterior lighting will be altered depending on the circumstances.
