Push to Start, Push to Park, Push to Drive?

It’s again the week that brings us the latest in tech from the CES convention in Vegas and the latest from the automobile industry at the NAIAS in Detroit. But this year the lines between the two seemed to blur as automobiles took a prominent spot at CES and technology was booming at the Detroit Auto Show. We’re not just talking about your standard car stereo or car navigation system; almost every automaker introduced better-than-ever entertainment systems that connect the driver like never before.

Chevrolet, Toyota, Audi, Hyundai and Ford are among the many automobile companies that have recognized the growing importance of technology while driving. Chevrolet’s “MyLink” offers wireless phone compatibility which can link your calls and address book directly to the vehicle. The car also offers wireless streaming of music from your phone including the use of Pandora and other music apps. Toyota’s “Entune” offers the same features, but also has built in apps including Pandora, iHeartRadio, Bing search and more. Audi Connect will feature a pop-up 7-inch touchscreen display, connected wirelessly and automatically to your phone to access a multitude of features. The knob by the driver’s side can scroll through screens and text, making it easier to operate than a traditional display screen. With this system you can store and track flights, view and play your phones entire music library, get news, weather and gas prices, and even create a Wi-Fi hotspot in the vehicle! Almost every new model offers a remote-link app for your cell phone which allows you to unlock, lock, sound the alarm, and sometimes start your vehicle from anywhere in the world. The days of car keys are slowly becoming a thing of the past.

Almost nothing excites me more than the progression of technology, especially when it comes to entertainment. For years the capabilities of our phones and other gadgets have exceeded that of our vehicles and it’s about time these features were incorporated into our cars.  I wonder how long it will be until our cars are the ones doing all the driving; they can already park themselves.

The Detroit Auto Show is in Full Swing

On Monday one of the most important auto shows in the US got underway. This is not just a time to show off in-dash navigation screen systems and car radio units that are smarter than the average college grad. No these shows are about all things new and automotive. Each year the Detroit Auto Show is the spot where the car industry strut’s their stuff for the US audience. Not only do they show what they can do but they also show what “you” as a consumer can buy.

Honda came in with new models under the Honda name as well as some updated Acura models.  Over the last few years the Honda models have become kind of stagnant, boring style and out dated looks. The reveals of two of their major designs may have changed that, the Accord Coupe and TL Sedan both got a major 2012 update, which looks great. Chrysler showed off a number of new updates for current models, the 200 got the super S pack which seems to be the closest thing to a tuner package Chrysler has ever offered.

Chevy stepped into the arena with a few concept cars that are supposed to be aimed at the younger crowd. While they are unique, I think many car companies forget that a car has to look good before it can be “cool”. The example of this sis the 130R and the 140S which both are supposed to be hip…but are not good looking. This is an issue that many car companies run into, in concept vehicles or production.  Toyota and Subaru are a great example together they created the FT-86 concept. A great looking 2 door coupe but once it hit production it had been so toned down and softened it just blend into the car world like a failed Taurus model.  Mini stopped by to show off the Mini coupe convertible which looks great while Cadillac showed off their new 3 series competitor.

The show continues till the end of the say today and gives the people of Detroit the chance to get an up close and personal look at the ideas coming up for grabs. Not only could people see the concepts but they also get to give input and change how the future of the automobile will change.