Editor's Pans for '06

by Mark Fulmer, Editor-In-Chief

All red dash illumination
This is one of those design elements that must be real sexy on paper because certain German and US carmakers keep doing it. I did have one designer tell me that red displays were proven to be useful for WWII pilots at night - however those pilots never had headlights coming directly at them (or, precious few). The only time I want to see a red indicator on my dash is when there's a problem. Best dash this year: Honda Civic. Best option: Volvo's minimalist night option.

Tiny buttons
Raise your hand if you have fingers the circumference of a sea urchin spine complete with fiber optic sensors to read microscopic lettering. Ok, tiny buttons will work for you.

Safety systems without manual override
I'm at a gas station with my 5 year old granddaughter. I jump out to gas up the car. The door shuts. 5 seconds later all the car doors lock themselves. Now I am using pantomime to show her how to open the door.

"Commercial free" subscription satellite radio
Before you subscribe to satellite radio, take a free trial. Not so commercial-free? Spots for dot-coms and endless repetitive promo spots every 10 minutes. Think you deserve better for your subscription fee? Yes, you do.

Manual reverse
So you want a manual transmission because you like the control - and your left foot needs the isometric workout in slow-and-go traffic. Now, if you can't put it in reverse without trying 2 or 3 times, keep shopping.

Not so friendly navigation Beware of button madness and the joylessness of baby joystick controls for a navigation system. Touchscreen is good. Voice activation is better. OnStar's new (2007) turn-by-turn system may be better still. Don't impulse-buy this option.

Electric parking brakes
First of all, it's not just a parking brake - it should be an emergency brake. You're on a down slope...the electrical system goes out...you need to stop the car. And how else can we do the "Transporter" 360 move?

Gas prices
Where are the IRATE consumers??? A few weeks before a national election and gas prices mysteriously drop by 30cents a gallon. A few weeks before holiday season gas prices mysteriously jump up 30 cents a gallon. The real mystery is certainly not the record setting profits, but the amazing lack of reaction.

Disappearing LCD displays
To save money, most economy (and some higher end as well) vehicles opt for information displays on LCD screens. Black lettering on a neutral background. This is fine for night driving. Now go out during the day, and here's the crucial part, put on your dark glasses. Tah dah. The amazing disappearing display.