What's New in Automotive Technology? We recently attended a class on new vehicle technologies for current model year cars, and even though it is not strictly a "TIP", I thought you might be interested in seeing what's coming your way. The next car you buy may have some of this technology, or even something more complicated!  Advanced Transmissions: While most cars now have a 4-speed automatic transmission, the new Lexus LS460 wil have an 8-speed automatic! The gear ratios will be so close together that you will likely not even be able to feel the transmission shift from one gear to another. Honda, Nissan, Saturn, and several other manufacturers have CVT (constantly variable transmissions) that never shift : they have variable diameter pulleys that change the gear ratio smoothly. Variable Displacement Engines: If you're anywhere near my age, you might remember Cadillac's 1981 venture into this technology with their infamous V8-6-4 engine that turned off opposite pairs of cylinders to get either a V8, a V6, or  V4 engine in order to get better gas mileage. If you ever drove one, you're probably afraid of the newer version, but with the improvements in computer controls, the new ones are unbelievable. I drove a 2006 Trailblazer equipped with this system and as the cylinders activated and deactivated, I couldn't even feel it happening; it was a perfectly smooth transition. This technologhy will be available on GM, Chrysler, and Honda vehicles in 2008. One sidelight : the cylinder deactivation is done with high-tech hydraulic valve lifters, so frequent oil changes will be an absolute necessity. Clean Diesel Technology: Many manufacturers have developed diesel engines that don't smoke, don't rattle, and don't smell. Many of these are specifically designed for passenger car applications, so there could be a diesel in your future. Active Noise Canceling: (This one is my favorite!) On the Hondas with VCM (variable cylinder management), to eliminate any unusual noises that the passengers might hear when the cylinders start deactivating, they have installed a microphone under the hood which picks up the engine noise, and a "sound processor" using noise canceling technologhy similar to Bose headphones to generate a sound signal 180 degrees out of phase, through the car's stereo speakers, to eliminate the engine noise. I can just see it in a few years: My client says he thinks his engine is too noisy. I diagnose it as a blown stereo speaker. Who would have believed this a few years ago? Obstacle Detection Systems: Available on certain GM models, Lexus, and possibly other makes, they have actually installed radar in some cars to let you know when you're too close to something, or when a car is passing you in your blind spot. The same radar senses if a collision is imminent, and if so, tightens your seat belt, raises and moves the headrest forward to prevent whiplash, and even boosts brake pressure to amplify any braking by the driver. Advanced Parking Guidance System: Lexus uses a backup camera, several processors, and a multitude of sensors to determine the best angle to turn the wheels to get into a parallel parking space, and if a certain button is pushed, will interface with the electric power steering systems to actually steer itself into the parking space. As you can see, very little is getting simpler on the new vehicles, and we will really have to continue our education and keep our diagnostic equipment up to date to deal with the coming technology. Luckily for you, that has always been and will continue to be our goal.  If we can be of any assistance, please call Shelly, Bryant, or Jerry at 816 361-0000