The 10 Best And 10 Worst Automotive Technologies
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Automotive
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tuanies
April 24, 2014 11:00:03 PM
You've been seeing Tom's Hardware coverage of automotive technology for a couple of years now. Given our enthusiast-oriented approach, it's no surprise that I now have an exhaustive list of implementations I love and implementations I downright despise.
The 10 Best And 10 Worst Automotive Technologies : Read more
The 10 Best And 10 Worst Automotive Technologies : Read more
More about : worst automotive technologies
jacobdrj
April 25, 2014 6:19:36 AM
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tuanies
April 25, 2014 9:21:41 AM
Mike Honcho
April 25, 2014 11:31:11 AM
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-2
Nintendo Maniac 64
April 25, 2014 12:04:22 PM
tuanies
April 25, 2014 12:24:38 PM
Mike Honcho said:
I would like to add the BMW auto stop/start feature to the worst list. Not only does this feature do the exact opposite of what is intended (it actually uses more gas than saves), it adds extra wear and tear on the engine. The biggest annoyance is I have to turn it off every time I start my car.At least BMW disables it automatically when the car is in Sport mode. The Jaguar you have to disable every time. But yes I agree its obnoxious unless its completely transparent, which most of the time it isn't. Seems harsh most of the time which is not something I'd tolerate in a luxury vehicle.
Nintendo Maniac 64 said:
Should the Tesla Model S or the Model X get a special mention as best tech for "the entire car"? I mean, the whole thing is car tech...We've yet to spend seat time in a Tesla. The times I've seen them, I wouldn't say its the best. The interior just overwhelms you with touch screen LCDs, and overwhelming you doesn't make it the best. The drivetrain is impressive though.
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spookyman
April 25, 2014 12:47:23 PM
JQB45
April 26, 2014 5:18:36 AM
danwat1234
April 26, 2014 3:32:45 PM
@Mike Honcho, how does BMW's auto start/stop use more gas than when it is disabled?? With fuel injection if the engine is off for more than 10 seconds you are saving gas. Too bad it isn't smooth operation in the BMW (from what you said). Auto start/stop should be standard in all new cars in a few years once the EPA puts it on their tests.
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tuanies
April 26, 2014 11:26:48 PM
danwat1234 said:
@Mike Honcho, how does BMW's auto start/stop use more gas than when it is disabled?? With fuel injection if the engine is off for more than 10 seconds you are saving gas. Too bad it isn't smooth operation in the BMW (from what you said). Auto start/stop should be standard in all new cars in a few years once the EPA puts it on their tests.The big problem is the smoothness. Even when they try to mask it, you can still feel a shudder. The level of refinement on start/stop isn't good enough for a luxury vehicle. For a Ford Fiesta? Sure, but a $40k+ luxury / sports sedan? Not so much.
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falchard
April 27, 2014 1:44:12 AM
JoBoSo
April 27, 2014 5:02:05 AM
I agree with the BMW start / stop as worst. I drove my 5 Series away in the morning without the key (after running back into the house left the key there .. busy getting the kids ready into the car for school ... you know..). Arrived at the school ... shut engine off ... and ... could not lock or drive my car.
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JoBoSo
April 27, 2014 5:03:17 AM
I agree with the BMW start / stop as worst. I drove my 5 Series away in the morning without the key (after running back into the house left the key there .. busy getting the kids ready into the car for school ... you know..). Arrived at the school ... shut engine off ... and ... could not lock or drive my car.
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0
Hello man
April 27, 2014 11:32:41 AM
The biggest issue with car audio systems that use SD cards is that they accept NO LOSSLESS AUDIO FORMATS! So you end up stuck using the worst possible sounding file on earth, the MP3. Even at 320, they sound horrible. Better off using your phone with lossless formats and a digital input... but of course, not all cars have that. Bluetooth sounds even worse. It cannot be that hard to get this figured out.
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Nintendo Maniac 64
April 27, 2014 12:41:17 PM
Agente Silva
April 28, 2014 4:16:19 AM
Start/Stop feature as a "fuel saver" is very arguable. It could be a carbon dioxide saver at the best. Anyway, have you seen the size and price of the battery?! Ridiculous... Now for REAL car technology (not bluetooth or useless gadgets) I would sugget Honda´s VTEC and it´s role on engine reliablity and performance.
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tuanies
April 28, 2014 5:37:18 AM
Hello man said:
The biggest issue with car audio systems that use SD cards is that they accept NO LOSSLESS AUDIO FORMATS! So you end up stuck using the worst possible sounding file on earth, the MP3. Even at 320, they sound horrible. Better off using your phone with lossless formats and a digital input... but of course, not all cars have that. Bluetooth sounds even worse. It cannot be that hard to get this figured out.I keep a folder of FLAC music on my flash drive for car testing hoping that one day a car will work with FLAC. So far it has not happened yet
. Score
0
Hello man
April 28, 2014 10:36:36 AM
tuanies
April 28, 2014 10:39:17 AM
Hello man said:
Nintendo Maniac 64 said:
@Hello manActually my sister's Ford Fiesta supports WAV. Also the Tesla Model S supports FLAC up to 48KHz 24bit or 96KHz 16bit.
Yep. FLACK support.... for the low price of $89,000!
Don't forget you have to sign your life over and let them monitor your usage too.
Score
0
Hello man
April 28, 2014 10:52:51 AM
tuanies said:
Hello man said:
Nintendo Maniac 64 said:
@Hello manActually my sister's Ford Fiesta supports WAV. Also the Tesla Model S supports FLAC up to 48KHz 24bit or 96KHz 16bit.
Yep. FLACK support.... for the low price of $89,000!
Don't forget you have to sign your life over and let them monitor your usage too.
Plus, since no CDs and downloads come in FLACK or WAV, they need a converter.
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Aoyagi
April 30, 2014 1:30:22 AM
Agente Silva
April 30, 2014 7:49:45 AM
Aoyagi said:
So majority of the "best automotive technologies" are what people nowadays call "apps". If that's not a proof of how technology is stagnating or going downhill, I don't know what is.Exactly... and at the same time, not quite
Maybe it just reflects people´s lack of attention to what is being developed right now. In this transition period from carbon to electric I´m sure lots and lots of new techonology are being developed, it´s just something out of our ordinary domestic dome
And at the same time, not quite
Looking at F1 nowadays is a good under peak...Score
0
sieggs1
May 5, 2014 12:07:50 PM
sieggs1
May 5, 2014 12:08:38 PM
tech-wreck
May 5, 2014 12:36:43 PM
meh.
we're into the kingdom of diminishing returns with audio systems. how much better does it sound for that extra zero on the pricetag? the standard VW system is good enough for me, although martin garriks owes me a door speaker.
'infotainment'? ... 'distract-o-matic' more like.
driving aids? if you can't keep it between the white lines, or keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. or if you can't park without cameras and reversing sensors... then you should be on the bus.
relying on technology instead of actually being aware of your surroundings is a step backwards, IMO
and why is everyone suddenly going bonkers over stop/start technology? it's not new, and mostly pointless. i have seen/heard many cars restarting their engines as the traffic lights change to green, and then the driver ruins it by flooring it to the next red light.
driving is a skill, and no amount of technology can replace that skill.
we're into the kingdom of diminishing returns with audio systems. how much better does it sound for that extra zero on the pricetag? the standard VW system is good enough for me, although martin garriks owes me a door speaker.
'infotainment'? ... 'distract-o-matic' more like.
driving aids? if you can't keep it between the white lines, or keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. or if you can't park without cameras and reversing sensors... then you should be on the bus.
relying on technology instead of actually being aware of your surroundings is a step backwards, IMO
and why is everyone suddenly going bonkers over stop/start technology? it's not new, and mostly pointless. i have seen/heard many cars restarting their engines as the traffic lights change to green, and then the driver ruins it by flooring it to the next red light.
driving is a skill, and no amount of technology can replace that skill.
Score
1
tuanies
May 5, 2014 1:14:23 PM
sieggs1 said:
How about GM daytime running lights as a worst idea? I get that they're supposed to improve safety, but how many more GMC/Chevy trucks with one burned-out running light must I see before GM figures out how to make them reliable?They are mandatory in Canada IIRC. My mom's Suzuki Grand Vitara has it and it just burns through bulbs constantly.
tech-wreck said:
meh.we're into the kingdom of diminishing returns with audio systems. how much better does it sound for that extra zero on the pricetag? the standard VW system is good enough for me, although martin garriks owes me a door speaker.
'infotainment'? ... 'distract-o-matic' more like.
driving aids? if you can't keep it between the white lines, or keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. or if you can't park without cameras and reversing sensors... then you should be on the bus.
relying on technology instead of actually being aware of your surroundings is a step backwards, IMO
and why is everyone suddenly going bonkers over stop/start technology? it's not new, and mostly pointless. i have seen/heard many cars restarting their engines as the traffic lights change to green, and then the driver ruins it by flooring it to the next red light.
driving is a skill, and no amount of technology can replace that skill.
Driving has become such a major party of today's society. Its something people are forced into so I'd say a vast majority of people on the road don't care for about driving, hate it, and drive while distracted by other things. I'd rather those people drive with as many aids that prevent them from plowing into me as possible.
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0
Hello man
May 5, 2014 2:21:50 PM
tech-wreck said:
meh.we're into the kingdom of diminishing returns with audio systems. how much better does it sound for that extra zero on the pricetag? the standard VW system is good enough for me, although martin garriks owes me a door speaker.
'infotainment'? ... 'distract-o-matic' more like.
driving aids? if you can't keep it between the white lines, or keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. or if you can't park without cameras and reversing sensors... then you should be on the bus.
relying on technology instead of actually being aware of your surroundings is a step backwards, IMO
and why is everyone suddenly going bonkers over stop/start technology? it's not new, and mostly pointless. i have seen/heard many cars restarting their engines as the traffic lights change to green, and then the driver ruins it by flooring it to the next red light.
driving is a skill, and no amount of technology can replace that skill.
However, I do like the new self piloting tech that Audi gave us a sneak peek into in Road and Track magazine. With my dad running a company an driving all the time in horrible traffic it makes sense.
Score
0
tech-wreck
May 5, 2014 2:31:21 PM
Hello man said:
However, I do like the new self piloting tech that Audi gave us a sneak peek into in Road and Track magazine. With my dad running a company an driving all the time in horrible traffic it makes sense.
NO NO NO! paying attention in horrible traffic makes sense. allowing yourself to be distracted while relying on a computer to keep you out of a tree/pond/oncoming truck is just stupid. because computers never ever go wrong, do they?
it's a bit like the over-confidence/arrogance of 80's volvo drivers, "because my car has crumple zones..."
every car should have a sharp steel spike fitted instead of a driver airbag, that'll ensure 100% concentration.
Score
0
Hello man
May 5, 2014 2:57:22 PM
tech-wreck said:
Hello man said:
However, I do like the new self piloting tech that Audi gave us a sneak peek into in Road and Track magazine. With my dad running a company an driving all the time in horrible traffic it makes sense.
NO NO NO! paying attention in horrible traffic makes sense. allowing yourself to be distracted while relying on a computer to keep you out of a tree/pond/oncoming truck is just stupid. because computers never ever go wrong, do they?
it's a bit like the over-confidence/arrogance of 80's volvo drivers, "because my car has crumple zones..."
every car should have a sharp steel spike fitted instead of a driver airbag, that'll ensure 100% concentration.
He drives about 5 hours a day to go 20 miles. He is already distracted managing and texting employees. He is a good driver, but prefers the the middle of nowhere commute, where you can go 20 miles at 170MPH and get there 8 minutes later.
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tech-wreck
May 5, 2014 3:30:53 PM
tech-wreck
May 5, 2014 3:35:15 PM
make him watch this https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151201094771607
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0
Agente Silva
May 6, 2014 2:57:13 AM
tech-wreck said:
meh.we're into the kingdom of diminishing returns with audio systems. how much better does it sound for that extra zero on the pricetag? the standard VW system is good enough for me, although martin garriks owes me a door speaker.
'infotainment'? ... 'distract-o-matic' more like.
driving aids? if you can't keep it between the white lines, or keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. or if you can't park without cameras and reversing sensors... then you should be on the bus.
relying on technology instead of actually being aware of your surroundings is a step backwards, IMO
and why is everyone suddenly going bonkers over stop/start technology? it's not new, and mostly pointless. i have seen/heard many cars restarting their engines as the traffic lights change to green, and then the driver ruins it by flooring it to the next red light.
driving is a skill, and no amount of technology can replace that skill.
Exactly this... you sound like me talking/ranting xD That´s what I keep ranting when driving and looking at people with their all so efficient technologies, flooring it to the next red light! How dement can one be...
That and the "if you cant keep it between the white lines, then take the bus". It would save so much space for us good drivers on the road. Yea yea, I consider myself a good driver (taking for principle that THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE ON THE ROAD).
Score
0
Hello man
May 6, 2014 9:51:04 AM
tech-wreck said:
make him watch this https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151201094771607In car voice control that can work with Siri is the answer. That is how he does it. He used to pilot planes.... he is used to taking and "flying".
Score
0
tech-wreck
May 6, 2014 1:27:03 PM
... it's like you don't understand the concept that it is the conversation (even if you're talking to a machine) that is the distraction. the number of hands on the wheel is irrelevant...
also, i know how air corridors work. your argument is invalid.
oh well. have fun spending the life insurance payout. i can only hope he doesn't take anyone else out with him. RIP, your dad
also, i know how air corridors work. your argument is invalid.
oh well. have fun spending the life insurance payout. i can only hope he doesn't take anyone else out with him. RIP, your dad
Score
0
wolverine96
May 11, 2014 8:30:04 AM
Hello man
May 12, 2014 2:54:44 PM
wolverine96 said:
I hate touch systems in cars. Buttons are good! And come on! Mechanical gauges are way better than LCD readouts.I wonder what will happen when viruses for cars come out. Scary.
Your car gets a virus while driving on the freeway...stops suddenly, dumps you out, then drives off to the origination point of the virus, AKA some dudes garage, and he gets my brand new $64,000 car. Shoot. And tech-wreck, you be the CEO of a small company and direct 5 employees on different jobs without a separate job manger, because the company revenue cannot pay off someone who generates no money. That is how it works in the small biliousness world. Find a way around it.
Score
0
wolverine96
May 12, 2014 5:42:55 PM
Hello man said:
wolverine96 said:
I hate touch systems in cars. Buttons are good! And come on! Mechanical gauges are way better than LCD readouts.I wonder what will happen when viruses for cars come out. Scary.
Your car gets a virus while driving on the freeway...stops suddenly, dumps you out, then drives off to the origination point of the virus, AKA some dudes garage, and he gets my brand new $64,000 car. Shoot. And tech-wreck, you be the CEO of a small company and direct 5 employees on different jobs without a separate job manger, because the company revenue cannot pay off someone who generates no money. That is how it works in the small biliousness world. Find a way around it.
I wasn't thinking of some guy saying, "Hey, I'll make a virus to steal cars!" I was more thinking of "Hey, I'll make a virus to crash a lot of cars and kill people!" It's silly to think that right now, but it could happen after cars become computer-driven.
I was simply expressing my opinion.
I won't even respond to your insulting little comments. Insults don't bother me.
Score
0
Hello man
May 12, 2014 7:15:33 PM
wolverine96 said:
Hello man said:
wolverine96 said:
I hate touch systems in cars. Buttons are good! And come on! Mechanical gauges are way better than LCD readouts.I wonder what will happen when viruses for cars come out. Scary.
Your car gets a virus while driving on the freeway...stops suddenly, dumps you out, then drives off to the origination point of the virus, AKA some dudes garage, and he gets my brand new $64,000 car. Shoot. And tech-wreck, you be the CEO of a small company and direct 5 employees on different jobs without a separate job manger, because the company revenue cannot pay off someone who generates no money. That is how it works in the small biliousness world. Find a way around it.
I wasn't thinking of some guy saying, "Hey, I'll make a virus to steal cars!" I was more thinking of "Hey, I'll make a virus to crash a lot of cars and kill people!" It's silly to think that right now, but it could happen after cars become computer-driven.
I was simply expressing my opinion.
I won't even respond to your insulting little comments. Insults don't bother me.
My intent was not to insult you.
Score
0
wolverine96
May 12, 2014 7:19:11 PM
Hello man said:
wolverine96 said:
Hello man said:
wolverine96 said:
I hate touch systems in cars. Buttons are good! And come on! Mechanical gauges are way better than LCD readouts.I wonder what will happen when viruses for cars come out. Scary.
Your car gets a virus while driving on the freeway...stops suddenly, dumps you out, then drives off to the origination point of the virus, AKA some dudes garage, and he gets my brand new $64,000 car. Shoot. And tech-wreck, you be the CEO of a small company and direct 5 employees on different jobs without a separate job manger, because the company revenue cannot pay off someone who generates no money. That is how it works in the small biliousness world. Find a way around it.
I wasn't thinking of some guy saying, "Hey, I'll make a virus to steal cars!" I was more thinking of "Hey, I'll make a virus to crash a lot of cars and kill people!" It's silly to think that right now, but it could happen after cars become computer-driven.
I was simply expressing my opinion.
I won't even respond to your insulting little comments. Insults don't bother me.
My intent was not to insult you.
Okay. Just be careful talking online. People cannot hear the tone of your voice, and they may get the wrong idea of what you are saying.
Score
0
tech-wreck
May 13, 2014 2:19:12 AM
Hello man said:
wolverine96 said:
I hate touch systems in cars. Buttons are good! And come on! Mechanical gauges are way better than LCD readouts.I wonder what will happen when viruses for cars come out. Scary.
Your car gets a virus while driving on the freeway...stops suddenly, dumps you out, then drives off to the origination point of the virus, AKA some dudes garage, and he gets my brand new $64,000 car. Shoot. And tech-wreck, you be the CEO of a small company and direct 5 employees on different jobs without a separate job manger, because the company revenue cannot pay off someone who generates no money. That is how it works in the small biliousness world. Find a way around it.
i'm pretty sure that managing a company and employees is less important than NOT DYING OR KILLING ANYONE.
but, hey, everyone has different priorities. money is the only thing that matters to some. have fun being rich and dead.
Score
0
cypeq
May 14, 2014 4:14:08 AM
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