A Look at Four Wheel Drive

By: Tom Bailey

Technological innovations are sweeping the world however the latest technology on four wheels has triggered a debate in the auto world. Several critics are saying that the automotive technology is nothing but evolutionary. In contrast, other critics contend that the same is revolutionary.

The automakers are cautious whether to jump onto the latest technology for the reason that one blunder might hinder their emergent goodwill. Moreover, they are looking forward for the adoption and mainstreaming of the most viable technological innovation in the present time. New car technologies include the Bluetooth, iPod integration, hybrids, hard top, powerful and fuel-efficient engines and more. Further, ergonomics and safety are improved by air bags and more.

Volvo and BMW auto parts were given powerful and highly beneficial systems.

Volvo, for one, has integrated the BLIS system, short for Blindspot Information System. The latter utilizes camera in the outer mirrors for the driver to discover other vehicles entering the blind spots. The small blinking light further alerts the driver when it is not safe to change lanes. BMW, on the other hand, uses a night vision system with a thermal imaging camera to detect individuals, animals and inanimate objects. The heat readings of said system show bright hues. It also uses advanced infrared technology hence the system can read the road to as far as about 1,000 feet in front of the car without barriers on the headlights.

In regard to diesel developments, Mercedes-Benz has developed a system called BLUETEC. It processes exhaust transmission to burn cleaner and produce lesser emissions. The vehicles with BLUETEC system will be available in 45 states.

Parenthetically, Toyota parts made a climactic triumph when high-end hybrid engines were made part of the Toyota clan. These engines were incorporated in RX SUV, Prius and GS sports sedan. Lexus will also sell LS 600h L. Said vehicle is said to be the 'most technologically advanced' from the automaker.

Other groundbreaking technologies include MyGIG multimedia system from Dodgem Jeep and Chrysler. The system has a built-in 20-gigabyte hard drive which can store both photos and music. High-speed USB port, voice-guided navigation and real time traffic information were also incorporated to create most functional vehicles.

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