Cars continue to evolve throughout the years to make consumers’ lives more comfortable while on the road. Today, it’s not just about the transportation itself, but also the experience that comes with it.
Here’s a roundup of the new car technologies and innovations in 2015:
Technological Tour De Force: Tesla's Model S
Tesla Motors’ electric Model S sport sedan was hailed as this year’s best overall automobile in Consumer Reports' annual ranking of the top car manufacturers. According to the magazine, “None Was Able To Eclipse the Innovation of the Tesla” and that is why it remained as their top pick for the second consecutive year. Tested by Consumer Reports, Tesla is “a technological tour de force, a high-performance electric vehicle with usable real-world range, wrapped in a luxury package.”
Here’s a roundup of the new car technologies and innovations in 2015:
Technological Tour De Force: Tesla's Model S
Tesla Motors’ electric Model S sport sedan was hailed as this year’s best overall automobile in Consumer Reports' annual ranking of the top car manufacturers. According to the magazine, “None Was Able To Eclipse the Innovation of the Tesla” and that is why it remained as their top pick for the second consecutive year. Tested by Consumer Reports, Tesla is “a technological tour de force, a high-performance electric vehicle with usable real-world range, wrapped in a luxury package.”
The new models sold since October 9, 2014 were equipped with an autopilot option, allowing hands-free driving for particular situations. It leads the electric car market with a US EPA range of up to 270 miles. The All-Wheel Drive version can go from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.2 seconds. Tesla Model S has the highest safety rating in America, garnering a perfect 5 from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Assocation).
Image courtesy of Style Magazine Future Classic: Alfa Romeo 4C
Hagerty annually lists the Top 10 vehicles that stand out as likely being collectible within the next 25 years. Alfa Romeo reappeared after a 20-year hiatus: Topping this year’s list of Hagerty's Hot List of future collectibles is its junior supercar Alfa Romeo 4C. It has a carbon fiber chassis that screams classic Italian and an impressive 0 to 60 mph of 4.1 seconds. The considerable lightness of the car (its dry weight being 895 kg) makes it agile even on the trickiest roads. Moreover, sports car fans would love the race-like experience with the return of Alfa Romeo 4C’s rear-wheel drive, boasting a maximum power of 240/6,000 rpm.
Hagerty annually lists the Top 10 vehicles that stand out as likely being collectible within the next 25 years. Alfa Romeo reappeared after a 20-year hiatus: Topping this year’s list of Hagerty's Hot List of future collectibles is its junior supercar Alfa Romeo 4C. It has a carbon fiber chassis that screams classic Italian and an impressive 0 to 60 mph of 4.1 seconds. The considerable lightness of the car (its dry weight being 895 kg) makes it agile even on the trickiest roads. Moreover, sports car fans would love the race-like experience with the return of Alfa Romeo 4C’s rear-wheel drive, boasting a maximum power of 240/6,000 rpm.
Image courtesy of ibtimes.com Autonomous yet Luxurious: Mercedes-Benz F015
The Mercedes-Benz self-driving vehicle, the F015, gave journalists a glimpse of the luxurious future of driverless automobiles. Though it is not fully autonomous, the F015 focuses on the human experience, rather than the technology. It can be beckoned using the Mercedes-Benz app on the user’s iPhone. The car has lights that give two signals: blue for self-driving mode and white for manual steering. The car’s LED lights will also alert drivers behind if the vehicle is slowing down or coming to a stop. Moreover, it can also communicate with pedestrians and cyclists using sensors and lasers.
The Mercedes-Benz self-driving vehicle, the F015, gave journalists a glimpse of the luxurious future of driverless automobiles. Though it is not fully autonomous, the F015 focuses on the human experience, rather than the technology. It can be beckoned using the Mercedes-Benz app on the user’s iPhone. The car has lights that give two signals: blue for self-driving mode and white for manual steering. The car’s LED lights will also alert drivers behind if the vehicle is slowing down or coming to a stop. Moreover, it can also communicate with pedestrians and cyclists using sensors and lasers.
Image courtesy of Microsoft Cloud in the Car: Ford’s New Service Delivery Network
As businesses and consumers lean toward cloud-based infrastructure, Ford Motor Company has created a cloud-based Ford Service Delivery Network, powered by Microsoft Azure, to let its customers interact with their vehicles and stay connected at all times. The goal of this service is to keep customers and vehicles up-to-date and relevant as Ford can send software updates over the air on the latest technology as soon as they become available. Customer deployment will start later this year as Ford aims to strengthen connectivity and flexibility for the future.
As businesses and consumers lean toward cloud-based infrastructure, Ford Motor Company has created a cloud-based Ford Service Delivery Network, powered by Microsoft Azure, to let its customers interact with their vehicles and stay connected at all times. The goal of this service is to keep customers and vehicles up-to-date and relevant as Ford can send software updates over the air on the latest technology as soon as they become available. Customer deployment will start later this year as Ford aims to strengthen connectivity and flexibility for the future.
Image courtesy of Geeky Gadgets Best in Infotainment: Apple CarPlay
After unveiling the Apple Watch and the new 12-inch MacBook Air at the Spring Forward event on March 9, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that every major car manufacturer, including 40 new car models to be introduced within the year, is now adopting CarPlay, Apple’s iOS-based infotainment system that allows users to easily access selected apps and music from their iPhone. On top of the other features that are replaced by a simplified version of iOS8, the interface of CarPlay lets users plug their iPhones into their vehicle for maps, calls, messaging, and using Siri on the vehicle-optimized dashboard. The phone’s screen will be locked whenever it’s plugged into the car.
After unveiling the Apple Watch and the new 12-inch MacBook Air at the Spring Forward event on March 9, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that every major car manufacturer, including 40 new car models to be introduced within the year, is now adopting CarPlay, Apple’s iOS-based infotainment system that allows users to easily access selected apps and music from their iPhone. On top of the other features that are replaced by a simplified version of iOS8, the interface of CarPlay lets users plug their iPhones into their vehicle for maps, calls, messaging, and using Siri on the vehicle-optimized dashboard. The phone’s screen will be locked whenever it’s plugged into the car.
If you're looking to buy a brand new car, check out these car buying tips to help you choose the right car.
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