GearBits

Some Car Tech I'd Like to See

It snowed 3 inches here last evening and the overnight temperature hovered in the single digits -- even road salt doesn't work that well at this temperature. Needless to say, the roads were pretty messy. My 968 doesn't do so well in these conditions (no surprise there) and it got me thinking about what tech I'd like on a car. Here's a short list:

• Optional AWD -- the Porsche 911 Turbo has a slick AWD set-up that allows up to nearly 100% of the power to go to the rear wheels, ideal for racing in dry conditions. But, when needed, a significant % of its power can go to the front wheels, enhancing traction in the wet. Ideally, though, it'd be great to be able to switch off AWD entirely and then (easily) remove the forward portion of the drivetrain altogether to save weight when it's not needed.

• Intelligent snow tires -- I don't think these exist, but it would be pretty cool if the tires could automagically extend little snow/ice studs or blades when the car detects slippery below freezing conditions. Sure, this idea is a bit Bondian, but it'd still be neat.

• Hovercraft mode -- Why bother with snow at all? Activate hover/levitation mode and skim right over it without a care. As you might guess, I really hope to live long enough to see Luke Skywalker's Land Speeder become reality. Of course, I'd also take Corben Dallas' hovercab (from The Fifth Element).

• Better airbags -- If I'm gonna get in an accident, which is inevitable given the proclivity of folks who can't drive deciding they should simultaneously attempt to converse on the phone, I want protection. Sure, modern cars have front airbags, side airbags, head airbags, rear airbags...but that's not enough. I want the setup the Mars Rover has (below). Now that's security.