For decades, imaginative filmmakers and visionary authors have been turning their dreams of the future into sprawling fictional creations that have people invested in the technological advancements the future may hold. In these otherworldly novels and movies, modes of transportation are among the first objects to see complete makeovers. From flying cars to ultra-fast spaceships, things of fiction are quickly becoming modern realities.
Though we may be years away from cars that can fly, there are a number of other wildly impressive car features that are available on the modern market today. Whether you’re a young executive or a soccer mom, these futuristic car features have a bit of something both flashy and functional for you.
The mere idea of cars that are able to drive themselves may strike a twinge of fear in one’s heart, but there are a number of car manufacturers working tirelessly towards foolproof autonomous technology. While the world has only ever known cars that require skilled drivers at the wheel, the world is rapidly changing. From BMW and Audi to Ford and Honda, there are a number of well-known car brands making giant leaps and bounds toward driverless cars.
The age of solar power is upon us and the car industry is no exception to its energetic pull. The Lightyear One, created by Dutch startup company Lightyear, is one of the first modern vehicles powered by solar energy. Designed with solar panels stretching across its roof to charge the electric vehicle’s internal batteries, the Lightyear One looks as sleek and futuristic as you would imagine.
The built-in solar panels are capable of charging the Lightyear One’s batteries at a rate of approximately 7.5 miles of charge per hour. That means you can park it outside on a sunny day and it could convert enough power to drive 60 miles.
3. Accident Preventative Airbags
Traditionally, airbags have been used as safety measures to protect passengers in the event of a hard impact or collision. The future of airbags exists outside of the vehicle and functions as accident-preventative airbags.
In fact, Mercedes-Benz is one of the manufacturer pioneers actively experimenting with airbags that deploy from underneath the car that are designed to stop a vehicle before a crash. The airbags feature a friction coating that can double the stopping power of the vehicle.
Before you rush to a local dealer to get your hands on a brand new or certified pre-owned Mercedes car in search of these features, keep in mind that these safety airbags are still in the works!
4. Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication
Vehicle-to-vehicle communication, also known as V2V, is comprised of a sprawling wireless network where cars on the same wavelength send messages to each other containing information about what they’re doing. In essence, the first generation of V2V network implementations are designed to warn the driver about potential hazards without taking over control of the vehicle itself. Though V2V is only in its earliest stages within Cadillac and Toyota vehicles, future implementations will likely work toward improving the braking and steering systems as they respond to real-time obstacles.
5. Fingerprint-Activated Door Locks
Do you remember those built-in door-side keypad numbers that used to be responsible for unlocking car doors? While they did bring a next-level sense of security to the car world, they’re basically obsolete today. Manufacturers are working to roll out a new keyless method that simply allows you to gain entry into your car with your fingerprint.
6. Parking Assistance
Everyone has had their frustrations with parking, and automakers are listening. In fact, they want to eliminate the hassle of parking altogether by incorporating self-parking technology into the vehicles of the future. Companies like Tesla and BMW are employing impressive parking assistance systems that put the stress of parking off your shoulders and onto your car’s integrated computer system.
7. Launch Control
For lovers of sports cars and high-speed adrenaline rushes, launch control is designed to pique your interest.
The technology works by giving you as much launch power as possible until the built-in sensors detect if the wheels are losing their grip on the road. The system is responsible for keeping power right at a keen balance between maximum takeoff and reigned-in control.
With all the advanced in car technology, the automotive industry is in a really exciting spot. There’s plenty of other improvements in the works, too. If you’re in the market for a new car in the future, it’s worth research what type of features you want in your car, so you can find a vehicle that fits your needs perfectly. And don’t feel the need to rush into it, either! Cars will only continue to improve, so you can be as patient as you need. Even if you can’t afford a new car right now, the future of the automotive industry is bright!