Going On-Line, On The Road - General Motor's Communiport

Automotive Industries,  Sept, 2000  by Dale Jewett

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The Al verdict: A very high-tech way to cool your backside. And potentially an expensive repair, if it breaks as the vehicle ages.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Available on: Lexus LS430, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, CL coupe

Suppliers: Denso (Lexus); Temic and Continental Teves (Mercedes)

What it does: These systems use radar, in the case of the Mercedes-Benz cars, or laser on the Lexus LS, to automatically maintain the set distance between vehicles when the cruise control is engaged.

If a vehicle in front of the adaptive cruise vehicle slows down, the system automatically reduces throttle and applies the brakes to regain the present interval. Drivers have the choice of determining, within a preset range, how much distance to leave, between vehicles. If the vehicles get too close, a warning buzzer sounds. Neither system is a complete auto-stop setup; drivers must use the brake to bring the vehicle to a full stop. The cruise control system can also be used in conventional mode, without assistance from distance detection system.

The Al verdict: Will be useful on long trips on Interstate, but automatic intervention system takes some getting used to -- some drivers will be surprised by the vehicle braking on its own.

Power Liftgate/Power-Manual Sliding Door

Available on: 2001 Dodge, Chrysler minivans

Supplier: Magna International

What they do: With the push of the correct button on the key fob electric motors raise and lower the liftgate, or open and close the sliding doors.

Both systems were developed by Magna in collaboration with DaimlerChrysler's Liberty R&D group. Before the liftgate opens or closes, the van's lights flash and a warning beeper sounds. Opening the liftgate with the handle overrides the power operation. The option adds about $400 to the cost of the van.

DaimlerChrysler's not the first with power sliding doors, but this application overcomes the slow speed at which competing systems operate. By making use of a roller chain system instead of cables and pulleys, owners can override the door's power mode merely by pulling on the door handle. The door's track system also eliminates the need for electrical contacts between the door and the van's B-pillar, a potential problem area due to corrosion.

The Al verdict The power liftgate strikes us as a gimmick. Salesman will love to play with it, but will an electric liftgate get much use in the real world? DaimlerChrysler is seven years late adopting power sliding doors, but the manual override feature moves the technology ahead a step.

Titanium Exhaust System

Available on: Chevrolet Corvette

Suppliers: ArvinMeritor (system); Timet (titanium)

What it does: Saves 20 pounds of mass on the new high-performance Corvette Z06 model. In the pursuit of making the new Z06 quick on the race track and the street, engineers looked everywhere for weight savings. The titanium exhaust system weighs only 26 pounds.

The tradeoff: cost Forming or welding titanium for an exhaust system requires special tools and processing in an oxygen-free environment. The Z06 Corvette commands a $7,000 premium over the base Vette's sticker price. (For more on this application, see Al, July 2000, page 12)