Auto Gadgets and Gizmos; A Guide to the Latest Technological Developments Coming to a Car Near You

NEW YORK, March 11 -- For much of the 20th century automobiles developed slowly and steadily into the cars we know today. Evolving from the 'horseless' carriage in the late 1800s, the automobile soon took on its familiar three-box shape. In the last few years, however, the pace of change has developed exponentially. Find out what's happening under the hood of your next car at the 2002 New York International Automobile Show later this month.

``Today, vehicles are changing at an astonishing pace, growing stronger, safer, smarter, and more dynamic. And as the auto industry joins forces with the high-tech world -- with safety and convenience items leading the way -- the results are astounding,'' said John LaSorsa, auto show committee chairman.

Here are a few of the mind-blowing technological features coming to a car near you:

Adaptive Cruise Control: Already a reality on a number of cars. It's primary purpose is to eventually allow vehicles to 'wagon train' on highways -- each car being kept a safe distance from the car in front, via automatic braking and acceleration.

Steer-by-Wire: The system operates along the same principles as aircraft that fly-by-wire. There are no mechanical connections between the steering wheel and the steering gear. Ultimately active steering will allow cars to communicate their position to other vehicles automatically to prevent collisions.

Lane Departure Warning Systems: A sensitive camera detects the position and direction of a vehicle within a lane. From the information received, the system can determine whether an unintended lane departure is imminent, and give a warning.

Adjustable Engine Management: Modified engine management software can be automatically downloaded via the satellite navigation system. This interaction can be used to remotely diagnosis and correct engine malfunction.

Cylinder Deactivation: This system allows the engine to run on half its cylinders when the vehicle is cruising at light throttle and use all of them when maximum power is required for quick acceleration or hauling heavy loads. The result is a dramatic improvement in fuel mileage and reduction in pollution emissions.

Brake-by-Wire: This braking system uses electronic signals from the brake pedal to communicate with the ABS system. Using electronic signals the system can determine how much brake pressure each wheel gets.

Occupant Detection: Ultrasonic occupant detection ensures that if passengers are positioned too close to the airbag, it will automatically be disabled, or if the passenger seat is empty, it won't deploy. Eye detection systems, which automatically adjust the seat and rear mirror for the best view, could also soon be available.

Rain Sensor: The rain sensor was originally introduced to provide automatically adjustable intermittent wipers. The development of the system could enable the rain sensors to give instructions to the brake-by-wire system to continuously apply the brakes during wet weather conditions so that the discs stay as dry as possible.

Exterior Cameras: 'Blind spots' will be a thing of the past with the integration of tiny cameras into doors and mirrors on the sides and rear of the car.

SAT-NAV: Satellite navigation has already moved beyond route-guidance. Today, it can be used to pinpoint a vehicle's exact position-within inches -- helping to prevent collisions. Incredibly accurate mapping could also 'predict' the roadscape ahead, allowing brake and suspension systems to pre-empt a driver's reaction.

Soft Close Doors: The user closes the door gently and the electric mechanism then draws it fully in. Easier, quieter door closing; helps ensure perfect weather sealing.

Heartbeat Sensor: Registering both human and animal heartbeats when the car is parked, the sensor is activated if anyone breaks into the car and hides inside it -- or if a child or pet is left inside by mistake.

'Smart' Wipers: Even the humble windshield wiper is not immune from the wave of technological fervor sweeping the auto industry. Wipers are now available with an electronically controlled reversing motor that changes the direction of the wiper, improving visibility and reducing noise. In their parked position, every few days, the wipers move slightly so that the rubber wiper blades do not get set into a distorted position.

Park Distance Control: Employs ultrasonic sensors each in the front and rear bumpers to warn the driver when the vehicle is approaching obstacles that may not be visible to the driver.

E-tickets and Show information: http://www.autoshowNY.com