Gadgets Philippines – July 2019

http://www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph july 2019 23

InnovatIons In

automotIve

technology

From the original horseless carriage that could

run, stop and turn, in the course of a hundred

plus years, the motor car has undergone

thousands of innovations on the engine,

transmission, brakes, steering systems, and

wheels as well as numerous additions for

convenience, safety, and comfort.

Engine technology—whether internal

combustion or electric motor-powered—

is now focused on achieving maximum

performance with excellent fuel efficiency.

There are now several options for transferring

engine power to the wheels: manual and

automatic transmissions, continuously variable

transmissions, dual-clutch systems, and the like.

Stopping a car now involves an advanced

braking system with numerous assist features

such as anti-lock brake systems (ABS),

electronic brake force distribution (EBD), brake

assist (BA), etc. Even the simple act of turning

the car has not been forgotten, with power-

assist, electric steering, 4-wheel steering, speed-

sensors, etc.

And convenience has been greatly enhanced

from the basic AM/FM radio to the full

entertainment system, from optional aircons to

built-in intelligent climate control systems, and

even adjustable heated seats and many other

amenities.

One can find hundreds of thousands of

copyrights registered for leading-edge

technologies for the modern automobile. Car

company R&D teams, engineers, and designers

from the academe and the private sector

continue to introduce enhancements for next-

generation vehicles.

This year, new technologies are expected to

be unveiled at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show

this coming October, but that will deserve

another write-up. For now, we list down the top

innovations made available with the latest crop

of new vehicles released in 2018.

Automobiles are much more than just an engine,

transmission, interior, and tires. They are packed

with the latest technology and incredible

innovations that make vehicles smarter, more

efficient, and safer.

Here’s our round-up of the latest vehicle and

technology innovations:

“You’ve come a long way, baby.”

This advertising slogan was popularized by Virginia Slims cigarettes in the

1970’s. Today, you probably couldn’t find a more appropriate description

for the automobile.

Words by Arnel Doria

Art by Simon Engracial