A car is a self-propelled motor vehicle used for transportation. Its design usually has four wheels and an internal combustion engine fueled most commonly by gasoline, although other fuels have been used. The term auto mobile, from Latin, means “self-moving.” automobilia have revolutionized the way people live, work and play. They’ve enabled suburbanites to rediscover pristine landscapes, given urban dwellers the opportunity to shop in town, freed dating couples from the confines of their home and brought freedom of choice to many Americans who previously had no way to travel at all.
Automakers offer an ever-increasing number of amenities and technologies to attract and keep drivers. The latest innovations in automobiles include heated and ventilated seats, a head-up display and advanced navigation systems that are designed to mirror smartphones and make use of GPS technology. The industry is shifting gears to a new world that’s driven by sustainability and changing consumer behaviors, including electric cars, mobility fleet sharing, onboard sensors and always-on connectivity.
Most cars are powered by gasoline, but they’re also available in a variety of alternative fuels, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, biodiesel and hydrogen fuel cells. Research is ongoing on developing a new generation of hybrid vehicles that combine gasoline and electricity to provide optimal fuel efficiency.
Some manufacturers offer convenience features that allow drivers to unlock their doors and start the vehicle without fumbling with a key or using a smartphone. The feature, which is sometimes called a passive entry system or keyless go, uses a 3D camera to read your fingerprint and recognize you, then opens the door and starts the engine when you approach the car. The same technology is being used in some Genesis vehicles to remotely control functions such as the audio system, lights and climate controls.
The most important features to consider are the ones that will enhance safety and comfort, and improve your driving experience. Some of these include a rearview camera, which can help you back into a tight parking space or avoid that rear-end collision with the Nespresso machine in the supermarket. Heated and ventilated seats are a recent development that can make those cold morning commutes and hot summer drives more comfortable, while a head-up display can help you keep your eyes on the road instead of on the instrument panel or touchscreen.
Autonomous cars are the next step in automotive technology and are expected to be widely available in the near future. They promise to increase fuel efficiency and reduce traffic congestion. Schwartz notes that autonomous cars could prune infrastructure excess, eliminating the need for wide lanes to accommodate what he calls “the radius of imperfect driving error.” They would also eliminate the need for guardrails and other bulk meant to protect humans from themselves. In addition, he says, they might eventually eliminate drunk driving and other perils, but not necessarily all bad behavior. In short, they’re likely to make human-driven cars obsolete.