Happy new (technology) year: Clockwise from top left: The Nissan Juke has a configurable dashboard; The Audi A8 can be a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot; Fod's SYNC system is voice-activated; the Nissan Leaf has a smartphone app that displays the charge level.
A hundred years ago, high technology in a car meant not having to use a hand crank to start it. People did without electric windshield wipers until 1926. A year later, the Transitone, the first car radio, began production.
Today we enjoy push-button keyless ignition, automatic rain-sensing wipers and THX surround-sound audio. Every year brings further technological advancement, and 2011 is shaping up to be among the most innovative ever. Some highlights:
Connectivity
Ford's SYNC system has led the way in making Bluetooth capability and iPod integration must-haves in a vehicle, and it just keeps adding new features.
For example, using a home computer, drivers can send routes from Google Maps or Mapquest directly to their cars rather than following printouts. SYNC also offers audible turn-by-turn directions. It will even call 911 using your cellphone if the car is involved in an accident.
Two other SYNC-like interfaces are coming this year: Kia's UVO and Fiat's Blue&Me. All are based on Microsoft software.
Wi-Fi
Audi's flagship A8 has the power to become a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot by plugging a data-plan-equipped smartphone into an in-car wireless router. Using the phone's Internet connection, up to eight laptops, iPads or other Wi-Fi devices can surf the Web while cruising the interstate.
Can't afford the $90,000 Audi? Chrysler offers Web hotspot technology in its cars and minivans as a dealer-installed option SYNC will also soon have this capability in certain Ford vehicles.
The OnStar MyLink app can send remote commands like locking and unlocking the doors and starting the car. (General Motors)
Touch screens
Simple knobs and buttons are giving way to creative controls. Audi just introduced MMI Touch on the A8. To enter an address for navigation, drivers draw letters and numbers on a small touchpad with their fingertips. It even recognizes Chinese, Japanese and Korean characters.
Nissan's Juke has a new system called I-CON. With the push of a button, drivers can switch between screens to operate the climate control, adjust the gas-pedal response and see if they're driving within good "eco" levels.
MyFord (and MyLincoln) Touch combines the SYNC system with a configurable instrument cluster and a touch screen. The instrument cluster can be customized to display a tachometer, trip computer, music library or general controls on two 4-inch screens on either side of the speedometer.
The large touch screen in the center console has a smartphone-like interface to control ambient-lighting color and climate-control settings. These settings are remembered by the driver's key.
Smartphone apps
Control your car from your phone? It'll be possible in the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf.
Leaf owners with a smartphone can activate the climate control so the car is comfy before they hop in. More than just a creature comfort, operating the battery-sapping heater while the car is plugged in extends the car's range. The Nissan app also displays the charge level so drivers can monitor its progress from afar.
On 2011 GM vehicles, the new OnStar MyLink app can lock or unlock the car from any distance, start the car remotely, activate the lights and horn, display the fuel level and estimate remaining oil life. Those with the Volt can use its app to schedule charging for off-peak electricity rates or receive an alert if the car gets unplugged. It also sends a reminder if you forget to plug it in.
Tom Voelk is an auto specialist for KING 5 TV and hosts an auto-review podcast called Drive. His website is drivencarreviews.com.