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Super High Technology Stirs High Auto Buyer Interest


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Infiniti’s Lane Departure Warning system emits a light beep when the vehicle strays from its intended path.

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The DVD system in Volvo’s XC90 features stylish and practical back of the headrest screens.

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Acura’s HandsFreeLink technology lets you use a mobile phone in the RL, TL and MDX vehicles without a headset.

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A former newspaper reporter, Frank Giovinazzi writes original articles about the automobile industry for the AIADA web site, as well as updating the daily news feed. He lives in Old Town Alexandria and bicycles to work.

By Frank Giovinazzi, Contributing Editor AIADA

In the first part of this review of high-tech gadgetry, we looked at GPS navigation systems, the latest audio options and back-up camera and rear back-up technology.

Here we take a look at a pair of proactive safety technologies, as well as an entertainment option that is intended solely for the pleasure of second and third row ocupants -- which may, though, also help the driver stay focused on the road -- instead of a ruckus in the rear.

Driving between the lines gets easier
Infiniti has deployed a Lane Departure Warning [LDW] system in the M series, which alerts the driver when they stray from the straight and narrow.

The system calculates lane markings by using a small camera attached to the inside rearview mirror scopes out lane markings in front of the vehicle, keeping track of the lateral distance between the car and the lines on the road.

The system emits an audible warning when an unintended lane departure is about to or does occur -- during a test drive we found the warning was distinct enough to be understood, yet not so jarring that it would cause a jerky overreaction, or unintentionally escalate road aggravation.

The system includes a driver deactivation switch and turns off automatically when the turn signals are used. LDW is part of the series’ Technology Package option that retails for $4,200.

True hands-free talk wih Bluetooth
While the question of cellphone safety and headset use is still being studied, Bluetooth technology is one step ahead of solutions you can purchase in a cellular service retail store.

Bluetooth is the brand name for wireless technology that replaces wires and cables, and in vehicle systems such as Acura’s HandsFreeLink technology, enables you to make and receive calls without ever touching the phone or taking your attention from the road to dial a number. In addition, Acura’s system works through the audio system, in tandem with a roof-mounted microphone, to make phone use both hands- and headset-free.

HandsFreeLink comes on all trim levels of the Acura TL, which starts at $33,100 and runs to $35,300, comes as part of the Acura RL listing at $49,100 and is available on the MDX in packages from $39,725 to $43,975. To view a video on HandsFreeLink operation, start at this link.

Watching movies instead of the road
This applies to second and third-row seat occupants, of course -- at this point, everyone’s experienced the mild surprise of coming up behind a vehicle where a DVD is playing on a screen suspended from the roof of the vehicle.

As super high-tech gadgets go, DVD players are becoming commonplace, indeed are seen by many parents as a vital accessory for their junior passengers. Because they have been in market for several years, DVD systems -- complete with one or two pair of wireless headsets -- range in price between $1500 and up.

Volvo’s unique upgrade to the in-car DVD universe comes in the form of dual back-of-the-headrest screens -- that make viewing more intimate for little consumers and elimionate any worries about obstruction of vision. The Volvo system can be added to the XC90 SUV for $1,995.