Cool Car Features for 2011
Here are some cool must have features for new cars in 2011
MyFord Touch: Ford
Driver distraction is an increasingly important issue and the MyFord Touch is a technology that helps a driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road ahead. It’s a less distracting way to connect a driver with in-car electronic accessories. Traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges are replaced with colourful LCD displays and 5-way control switches. Each screen can be personalized to display information relevant to individual drivers and are used with a simple button click, a touch-screen tap or a voice command.
Improved voice recognition performance now allows it to recognize more than 10,000 commands. MyFord Touch can also provide in-vehicle Internet access through wireless data provider, which turns the vehicle into a hot spot that passengers can use while the vehicle is in motion.
Air Shutter System: GM
The Eco version of the all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is one of the most fuel-efficient (non-hybrid) small cars on the market and the Air Shutter system helps it achieve a 5.0L /100km highway rating.
Eco is a lighter and trimmer edition of the Cruze that has a lower ride height. Hidden behind its front grille is the Air Shutter System. According to GM it contributes nearly half a mile per gallon in combined city and highway driving.
The system uses sensors to monitor wind and temperature conditions. The sensors are married to electric motors that can open and close the shutters automatically. With the shutters closed at high speeds, wind drag is reduced. At lower speeds, the shutters open to maximize engine-cooling air flow.
Blind Spot Intervention: Infiniti
A world-first, according to Infiniti, Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) is a new active safety feature that’s offered on its new M series car. It’s part of an optional Infiniti Safety Shield package offered on the M37 and as part of the Deluxe Touring & Tech and Sport Package on the M56.
The BSI system is an advanced form of an already available Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system, will help bring the vehicle back to the centre of a driving lane, should the car drift or if it is mistakenly steered into adjacent traffic lane, if there’s another vehicle in proximity.
BSI uses a camera in front of the rear view mirror to detect lane markers and also uses radar, located in the rear bumper area, to detect the presence of other vehicles within proximity. First, a warning light flashes on the appropriate side mirror, than an audible warning sounds and finally selective braking is applied to help the driver bring the vehicle back to the centre of the driving lane.

