Fast forward to the next thirty years and you can let your imagination run wild, thinking about cars of the future. For one thing, the future car will be equipped with a lot of features and gadgets and probably be totally crash proof. There will definitely be some unusual designs and styles, in tune with all the innovative concepts.
One major trend that is likely to continue long into the future is fuel-efficient hybrid cars that use both a petrol engine and an electric engine. There are cars that are beginning to use fuel cells to run, and these emit water, not CO2.
Features We Can Look Forward To In Cars of the Future
One thing is guaranteed – cars of the future will definitely appeal to the technology freak, or the geek, or both!
Computer controlled cars seem to be on the cards, but how practical they will turn out to be remains to be seen. GPS or global positioning systems will become a standard feature in cars. An advanced version can help track cars, particularly stolen cars.
We might see keyless entry systems for cars of the future. No more fumbling around for keys or misplacing them. We can expect to see every car fitted out with an appropriately sized and positioned video display screen and surround sound systems. Space saving MP4 technology will allow you to store more media in your car.
We can expect better sound systems, multiple headphone sockets and more radio stations to listen to simultaneously. Cars will have Internet capability, connectivity, and work along with the GPS system to tell you the best route to take, taking into account traffic jams.
More safety features will be added. Airbags will be used more. Maybe we will see reusable airbags. There will be sensors to let you know in advance how to avoid an accident. Present day cars like the Audi, Cadillac, Honda, Citroen, etc. already have sensors. While the Audi’s sensors monitor wet road conditions, Cadillac has optional infrared night vision.
We can expect a range of innovative environmentally friendly materials to be used both on the body of the car and the upholstery. We are already seeing carbon fiber bodies in expensive cars like the Pagani Zonda, Mercedes Benz and Saleen – this will become more common in streetcars.
As for fuel, we are already hearing about the hydrogen fuel cell and hybrid technology, and in Japan they are talking about running cars on Sake, the national drink of Japan (fermented rice wine).
Back From The Future: So Which Cars Can We Expect To See In The Next Five Years?
Honda
The new Honda Accord is expected to debut in showrooms by the end of 2007 or by early 2008. This car will be more efficient and powerful. As a top-selling car in the US, the new Honda Accord looks good with large wheels and is a large car. The range has a new Accord Coupe. The engine will be an improved version of the 3.5-liter V6. This car is likely to be offered as a diesel option as well as with a hybrid option.
Mercedes-Benz
Next comes the Mercedes Benz’ new SLR McLaren Roadster. Whizzing at 207 mph with the cloth convertible top lowered is something else. The Roadster will be in the market by fall 2007, sporting a 617 hp 5.5 liter AMG V8 engine.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster
The cloth top goes up and down in about 10 seconds flat and you have a choice of three colors. The body is carbon fiber with an arrow shaped nose with lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels, gull wing doors, and airbrake in the trunk lid. The diffuser is in the rear bumper. Mercedes-Benz also has a C-class vehicle slated for release in 2008.
Ford
Ford’s Fiesta subcompact is expected in the US in 2009 with an earlier launch in Europe in 2008. The US model will be the same as the Europe model, with a trapezoidal grille below the license plate instead of the rectangular three bar chrome grille. The focus is on a strong but lightweight car that is crash safe with fuel efficiency. The engine is a 1.6-liter engine.
2008 Ford Fiesta
BMW
BMW offers its 7 series in 2009, built with smaller wraparound headlamps and some distinctive new sheet metal changes. The Chevrolet Malibu will be out in 2008 as a four-door version with three engine choices, including a hybrid version. This mid sized car is sleekly designed with a good engine.
The BMW 1 series – new four door sedans will be in the showrooms in late 2008.
Porsche
The Porsche Panamera may provide competition for the BMW M5 and the Mercedes CLS63 AMG with a redesigned engine that goes quietly under the car’s roof.
Other cars you can look forward to seeing are the Alfa Romeo BC – a good-looking coupe style with a 450 hp engine and a carbon fiber body. The Audi A5 and the Volkswagen Passat R36 are also lined up for release in a few months. We will also be seeing the Toyota Prius Gen 3, Ford models, Chevy Volt concept, etc.
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