The shape of things to come

Electronics Times, Nov 8, 1999

The average new car already has more computing power than a 1960s space capsule. Ian Cameron looks at the next steps to take motoring into the realms of science fiction

Modern cars are packed full of electronics. Rain sensors, light sensors, parking radars, radar-controlled cruise control, trip computers, and traction and stability control modules are already options on more expensive models, not forgetting that all new cars come with electronic engine management modules.

But October's London Motor Show revealed where the next automotive electronics opportunities are likely to be.

Many luxury cars already have integrated satellite navigation and TV systems. Bentley, Rolls-Royce, BMW, Mercedes and Jaguar are just a few, admittedly expensive, manufacturers that provide models with built in dashboard screens.

But the number of demonstrations of combined navigation, TV, CD, video, games consoles and DVD equipment suggest the days of a mere radio and CD or tape system are numbered, and complex entertainment systems will no doubt start to be seen on more common makes and models, in the near future.

Panasonic, which has demonstrated its capabilities with Chrysler, says no OEM deals have yet been struck, although negotiations are "in progress".

In a Chrysler Voyager people carrier, Panasonic has incorporated five LCD screens in the backs of headrests and on the back of flip down sun visors - a Dolby surround-sound control is on the driver's one, in case you were wondering. In fact, any screen within the driver's eyesight does not operate above 3mph, working only when the vehicle is stationary or caught in slow-moving traffic.

A DVD-player for playback of widescreen films is located in the dashboard, while a video games console is situated in a storage bin underneath one of the rear passenger seats.

And, if other passengers or the driver don't want to listen to whatever is being played, IR wireless headphones can be used, while a remote control means back seat passengers can operate the system themselves.

Meanwhile, Pioneer has kitted out a Honda Accord with a number of screens as well. Aircraft-style ones which pop-up from arm rests can be fitted. They were, gratuitously, accompanied by one of the loudest sound systems you'll ever hear, by the way. Three 10in subwoofers, each powered by its own amplifier, fill the boot.

Mark Fuller, representing Pioneer at the Motor Show, raised an important issue. OEM deals might not yet be practical in Europe, for the increased hardware required means more space is needed in the dashboard, for head-units that incorporate DVD players or slide out screens, than is currently available.

So any OEM deals must be accompanied by substantial redesigns of European and US car interiors. Fuller says that they are therefore more likely to happen first in Japan, where car manufacturers already provide double the western dashboard room.

That's why such systems are currently only available as retro-fitted options. US company Audiovox has established itself providing VHS players and TV screens which either flip down from the ceiling, or sit between the driver's and passenger's seats.

Entertainment is not the only field in which in-car electronics is likely to expand. BMW's flagship 750iL has a fax machine in the back of the front passenger's seat. There is also a fridge in the space between the two rear seats, if desired.

Other technologies on offer were security-based, with two companies offering the first realtime satellite tracking.

eGuard and the RAC have both introduced satellite tracking devices. eGuard's uses an advanced 12-channel GPS receiver, which transmits locational and velocity data to a GSM comms module. It can be squirreled away in any of 40 different places on a car.

If someone takes an eGuard protected car, and fails to disarm the system with a spoken code word or by pressing a hidden button, a control centre is automatically alerted and relevant police stations, virtually anywhere around the world, can be notified and continually updated as to the vehicle's whereabouts.

The advantage of eGuard's system is that, unlike existing tracking systems using road side radio beacons which can only be tracked by a small number of suitably equipped police cars, its realtime basis means it is more likely that a car can be recovered and the thief caught.

The Chevrolet Corvette was on show with what must be considered one of the most innovative technologies to be added on to a car. This 5.7litre, 350bhp, 170mph monster, available for a bargain (all things being relative) #45,000 comes with a head-up display.

Once seen only on jet fighters and only recently introduced onto Boeing civilian aircraft, the Chevrolet's head-up display, which comes as standard, has no missile lock for those road rage moments but does project essential data such as speed and revs onto the windscreen in a small area above the steering wheel, even in daylight.

The advantages of using such technology are, apart from it being pretty cool , obviously safety-based, making it increasingly unnecessary for drivers to take their eyes off the road.