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20/04/2005: "Car or Computer?"

It seems the line between the two is getting finer, as GM reveal what they describe as "the most technologically integrated vehicle ever" at the SAE World Congress in Detroit last week. Their Cadillac STS SAE 100 will be used as a working laboratory to aid in future car designs for the company.

The technologies they have merged with the car are over 50 in number, here are a select few in detail:

- a 3D navigation system, with detail right down to lamposts and trees, imagery produced by satellites.

- an oil condition sensor, giving you exact measurements on what level your oil is at, avoiding common engine damage.

- a rear-view camera/lcd screen system, affording a better view of the rear seat and section of the car.

- blind-side alert, which alerts the driver is there is a vehicle in their blind spot when they attempt to cross lanes.

- two piece cardon fiber wheel with magnesium spokes, a two piece wheel is designed to be strong yet light, reducing unsprung weight, thereby improving acceleration, braking efficiency, handling and fuel consumption.

- rear seat entertainment system consisting of two 6.5 inch lcd screens, wireless infared headphones and two Microsoft Xbox DVD packages with haptic controllers.

Along with these and a host of other technological additions designed for comfort, fun, safety and customisation, the car yields 505 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 520 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm. The transmission features Driver Shift Control, enabling the driver to shift gears sequentially with a tapping motion.

Perhaps not a car that is going to be accessible to the general working public just yet, but it signals the integration of advanced technology into our cars - it can't be long before we start seeing alot of these additions as standard.