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Show Fall CAR CARE, 2012 Page 10 Automakers put comfort, convenience in the driver's seat Assist system, which comes standard on the 2010 E-Class, uses smart programming to monitor driver behavior based on 70 parameters. When it senses fatigue, it sends an alert. In other words, no more falling asleep at the wheel. "We like the Attention Assist because it pairs vehicle hardware that serves other purposes with programming to combat a large problem -- driver fatigue," Darvick said. If you're looking for luxury, you've found it. From theater-quality sound systems and built-in refrigerators to virtual dashboards and warnings for distracted drivers, the auto world's latest high tech offerings put comfort, convenience and safety in the driver's seat. "On the whole, innovations continue to capture the attention and imagination of buyers," said Elliot Darvick, manager of programming at Autobytel.com , a leading consumer automotive site. The latest gadgets and gear don't come cheap -- and many are available only on luxury models -- but if you're looking to wow your passengers and make that morning commute a bit more bearable, check out what automakers have in store for 2010. THE FLEX FRIDGE Forget the cooler. The new Ford Flex features a built-in refrigerator to chill out on the go. Unlike systems that merely keep drinks cool, this rear-seat console runs off a compressor just like the fridge in your kitchen. MOVIE THEATER SOUND Capable of chilling a room "To our amazement, the sound The latest technology provides unique amenities for your vehicle, such as the Ford Flex's temperature six-pack of soda to 41 system arms race continues," Darvick fridge./Creators Syndicate photo degrees in just a few hours, this is said. a smart option for avid tailgaters, customize the screen to suit their preventing low speed accidents like The new 2010 Jaguar XJ has an campers and road trip enthusiasts. rear-end collisions in stop-and-go astonishing 1,200-watt audio system, with needs, displaying everything from In freezer mode, the unit drops traffic. 20 high-end speakers routed through 15 phone and audio information to the temperature to 23 degrees, and it's GPS navigation and climate control. A word of warning, though: This channels of audio processing. To the lay insulated to keep items cold even when the "It offers great flexibility for new technology could send repair person, that means theater-quality sound car is not running. bills sky high. on your favorite radio station or a portable presenting information to the — Chandra Orr, Creators.com driver," Darvick said. "While we welcome the screening room in your back seat. Mercedes, Land Rover and advancement "The Jaguar sound system is a pretty Jaguar all have plans to unveil of technology incredible option," Darvick said. "While that can detect parked, you will actually be able to watch dual-view screens in 2010 as well, though it's unclear if the technology and mitigate a DVD in 7.1 surround sound." Putting the brakes on auto sales will be enabled for the U.S. market accidents, we On the other end of the spectrum, With the economy grinding to a halt, vehicle sales have declined due to safety regulations. cringe when Bose has developed its Energy Efficient as well. Here's a look at how cars have sold in recent years: "This technology allows the we think about Series set to debut in the 2011 Chevrolet driver to look at the center LCD the cost of Volt. The system combines lighter NEW MOTOR VEHICLE SALES 1990 - 2007 In thousands, includes leases screen and see a GPS navigation replacing a and smaller components with a power map while a passenger can look bumper that system that uses half the energy without at the same screen and, from their also features sacrificing sound quality. vantage, see a DVD movie playing," cameras, radar, "It's a refreshing step in a different Darvick explained. night-vision direction for sound systems, which have and other generally been on a tear to see who can technology, so utilize the most wattage possible," Darvick CRASH PREVENTION "With regards to safety, active be prepared to explained. pre-crash mechanisms are only take this into growing," Darvick said. consideration," VIRTUAL DASHBOARDS The new Mercedes E-Class Darvick said. The Mercedes S-Class was the first sedan will feature a system to to feature a virtual dashboard, and in detect imminent collisions and ATTENTION 2010, the Land Rover Range Rover and apply up to 100 percent of the ASSISTANCE the Jaguar XJ jump on board with this braking power to reduce the impact Mercedes pioneering technology. -even at highway speeds. also aims to In the new Range Rover, for example, a Lexus, BMW and Acura offer prevent driver 12-inch LCD screen, with virtual dials and similar systems, and Volvo's City drowsiness. The a digital information display, replace the Safety system aids drivers in new Attention traditional instrument panel. Drivers can IH 41277am Creators.com / Eri Hashimoto |