Eat Your Heart Out, Hasselhoff The latest auto technology puts Knight Rider's K.I.T.T. to shame.

When cars are smarter than drivers, it's time to tip yourhat to auto manufacturers. While in-car concierge services (such asOnStar) and GPS navigation systems are practically medieval by now,the new e-vehicles are loaded with dozens of devices to help youdrive safely and handle office chores at the same time.

Jill Amadio has reported on the automotive industry for 24years as an editor and consultant.

Safety First

Here's just a sampling of the flood of safety devicesappearing on the 2001 models:

Too many dented fenders? Ultrasonic reversing/parkingsensors chirp signals if you're dangerously close to other carsor obstacles, giving you plenty of warning to brake. You'llfind them on Ford's Windstar, Taurus, Explorer and Mountaineerthis year. Other systems in the works will warn of frontalcollisions and automatically brake if a crash is imminent.

Instead of having you manually disengage your cruisecontrol when traffic conditions force you to slow down, and thenre-engage it, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) does it all for youelectronically. Developed by Delphi Automotive Systems, the systemdetects vehicles 450 feet ahead and adjusts your speed to maintaina gap of one, two or 21¦2 seconds.

Lane-change assistance systems use detectors mountednear the taillights and side mirrors. These act as peripheralvision when yours is blocked and beep if a car is in the way whenyou activate your turn signal.

Coming from Chrysler are tiny cameras that replaceside-view mirrors, displaying traffic around you on a smalldashboard screen.

OnStar's updated system automatically tracks yourlocation and sends emergency services when the airbag deploys.

All About "E"

Hands-free, in-car communication is a goal for all car-makers,and some of the most advanced smart electronics and wirelesstelematics, such as syncing your cell phone with your Palm PDA forhands-free Internet access, already appear on new models. Look forthem in Fords, Jaguars, Lincolns, Mazdas, Mercurys and Volvos, aswell as many General Motors models.

Mobile computing is a given these days, but how about seeinginformation projected onto the windshield so you're notdistracted by having to watch a dashboard display? These head-updisplays aren't new, but their application is changing frommerely projecting your speed and fuel onto the windshield toallowing the driver to program other data.

But Wait, There's More

Here are some more innovations you might want to include ifyou're in the market for a new car this year:

Tired of trying to gauge how warm or cool you want tobe in your car or truck? Some Chrysler models, including the JeepGrand Cherokee, eliminate guesswork with an infrared sensor that"feels" your body heat to deliver precisely the desiredclimate for front-seat occupants.

Power sliding doors have proved so popular thatminivan and SUV manufacturers are now adding power liftgates, powertailgate windows and power rear windows on panel vans, some withremote control. For even more convenience, the Toyota Sienna andFord Windstar have power sliders on both sides of their vans.

Pontiac Bonneville's remote keyless entryremembers your favorite radio station; when you unlock the doors,the music or news is already playing.

GM's 2002 full-size passenger truck will beequipped with QuadraSteer, an electronic four-wheel steering systemwith exceptional maneuverability at lower speeds, added stabilityat higher speeds and better trailering capabilities.

Contact Source

• Delphi Delco Electronics Systems, (765) 451-0655,milton.beach@delphiauto.com