What is the ideal car of the near future?

Latest Advanced Technology and Tasks in Automobile Engineering

Seminar 1: The Car Industry, Market Trend, Circumstance, and its Future

Jenna M. Eason

 

What is the ideal car of the near future?

The Eco-Glider is a luxury crossover vehicle, which appeals to the sustainable-minded young professionals of Generation Y.  This demographic is the most physically active, technology-dependent, and social group seen yet.  They have also been labeled the most educated generation in history, which results in the highest incomes to date.  With adventure and technology at the forefront of Gen Y’s desire to learn, this group hosts the biggest supporters of the Green Trend.  All these factors are taken into consideration when evaluating Generation Y’s buying habits in order to develop the Eco-Glider.

Similar to the technology employed in creating the Hyundai QarmaQ concept, 95% of the Eco-Glider’s exterior materials are developed from PET plastic bottles.  This technology recycles around 1000 bottles per vehicle but also results in a weight reduction of up to 60 kg and offers an average fuel savings of up to 80 liters/year.  Since this vehicle is lighter and constructed from a more flexible material, pedestrian safety is increased and the ability to create complex 3D shapes is improved.  The final result is a shell that is 100% recyclable and requires less energy to produce than the carbon fiber competitor. 

The cabin of the Eco-Glider comfortably hosts space for 5 passengers and enough technology to keep the active minds of Generation Y occupied on their 45-60 min daily commutes.  The vehicle can be programmed to near-full computer operation and voice command.  The central computer will control cruise speeds, obstacle avoidance, and adjust to environmental conditions.  Hundreds of mini computers will include GPS, Internet, phone, TV, surround sound, and voice-record reminder messages.  Cameras placed throughout the vehicle allow for 360-degree visibility inside and out.  The windshield wiper activation and speed is automatically adjusted through sensor monitoring.  The interior climate control system operates a near-silent AC and heating system, as well as seat warmers and coolers.  One of the most innovative features of the Eco-Glider is the ability to recognize when the owner is approaching the vehicle, which unlocks the driver-side door.  Once inside, the vehicle adjusts to memory of the driver’s preferences of all the above features.

The Eco-Glider is notable for its powerful performance and is safe at high speeds.  The vehicle is Generation Y’s ideal choice for a comfortable daily commute, but is also the top choice all-terrain vehicle for adventurous weekend enjoyment.  Another unique feature is Eco-Glider’s ability to automatically adjust interior and exterior lighting, steering, suspension, and drive (on- and off-road use) to respond to the environment.

The vehicle reduces carbon dioxide emissions by combining hybrid technology and using biofuels (similar the the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept).  By the year of Eco-Glider’s introduction, biofuels will be available throughout most countries.  For the areas where bio-fuel is not a readily available option, a direct injection system designed to burn 100% ethanol or any mixture of ethanol and petrol.  Ethanol has a higher octane rating but packs less energy per gallon of gasoline; therefore Eco-Glider uses turbo charging to give the engine more power, without risk of “knocking”.  Performance is also enhanced via extra boost from the electric motors.  Another unique feature is the “zero-mode” button that gives the ability to drive all-electric at speeds lower than 20 mph (useful for sitting in traffic).

Sources: www.hybridcars.com, www.autoblog.com, www.wikipedia.com