Car Features

Level 8 User Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 278

Just driving up the motorway this afternoon and thinking about some stuff. Came up with this question - What features would you like to see in a car? Doesn't have to be a new idea, but that would be nice.

I would like a car that dynamically adjusted to whever driving style I wanted e.g.

Driving economically - Only inject fuel into 50% of the cylinders, low/no boost, disconnect 4WD system, switch off power steering plus and auxilaries that are not necessary, automatic efficent gearbox that changed up at the perfect moment.

Intermediate driving - Some more power, no need for 4WD (unless freezing), power steering, A/C.

Driving rapidly - Well... maximum power (maybe stepped, user selectable), optional 4WD, no power steering or A/C, Manual gearbox.

I also really like the idea of panels, doors, whatever being powered or moving in an unusual way. Cars such as the RX8 which has the rear doors hinged at the back, the SLK/206CC with the metal folding roof or even simply pop-up headlights.
I suppose it is a bit like the Transformers we used to play with as kids!

Any ideas?

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

adjustable diffusers and wings to alter aerodynamics to improve economy and performance.

Retroholic Joined: 12 Feb 2004 Posts: 5685

Liquorice dispenser in the roof mmmmm

I like the doors in a konigsegg if anyones seen them

Level 8 User Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 278

Probably adjustable suspension settings too.

The Merc CL500 has user selectable ride height, plus maybe some other settings too.
IIRC another interesting feature of this car, is that it has is that if the driver goes around a right hand bend, the left portion of the seat will tighten up to hold the driver (+ passengers) in place and vice versa.

Level 8 User Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 278

The Koenigsegg doors are really cool, I think it was on Fifth Gear the other night but it had to be towed away before they were finished...

Retroholic Joined: 12 Feb 2004 Posts: 5685

Yup thats where i seen it!

Mr Quoter-vator Joined: 16 Feb 2004 Posts: 7405

when i was a smoker, i always wanted an ashtray on the right of the steering wheel...and not the window.

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

buy a lhd car sorted

Mr Quoter-vator Joined: 16 Feb 2004 Posts: 7405

lol...but car designers really dont put ashtrays in handy places...considering most ppl are right handed....tapping ash with the wrong hands just doesnt work.

Retroholic Joined: 12 Feb 2004 Posts: 5685

I never use car ashtrays, not that i smoke Razz

Mr Quoter-vator Joined: 16 Feb 2004 Posts: 7405

nor did i due to the poor location....using the window results in a shitty dirty streak of ash down the side of the car tho.

Site Subscriber Joined: 29 Jan 2005 Posts: 1108

I'd like to be able to raise & lower the suspension from a dial in the car. My mate's Xantia used to have something like that. I only say that cuz I gotta go up a bit of an off road track to work, and if I go over 1mph, the exhaust & stuff are knockin on the ground etc.....it's like a bloody obstacle course. There's a really steep entrance to a car park around here too that I often smack the exhaust on, so it would be handy to be able to raise the car occasionally!

Forum Moderator Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 7432

The BX has the height adjustable suspension too. Not as useful as you'd think, you're not supposed to drive around at normal speed at anything but the normal ride height, its just for crawling down dirt tracks etc.

Site Subscriber Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 2281

Interchangeable gearboxes for access to different ratios.

Long range 'box for achieving higher top speeds, short range 'box for improved acceleration. (Probably got those the wrong way round).