Top tech cars of 2010 (photos)
This year saw significant recovery for the automotive industry, and renewed vigor with new model introductions. Many of the top tech cars come from expected quarters, but Hyundai took a leap forward, making high tech affordable.
2011 Audi A8
Audi anchors the cabin tech with a hard-drive-based navigation system that shows rich 3D maps, and it delivers exceptional audio from a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system. Audi will add a Google Local Search connection early next year.
2011 Audi A8
The cabin tech interface adds handwriting recognition for alphanumeric inputs, a system that is much easier to use than the car's rotary knob. We found this new interface to work very well, recognizing our crabby handwriting and causing little distraction from the road.
2011 Infiniti M56x
Infiniti's cabin tech has been excellent for a number of years, and the M56x continues this tradition without any radical changes. The maps render certain landmark buildings, the iPod screen shows cover art, and the audio system produces fine sound.
2011 Infiniti M56x
Infiniti loads the M56x with ground-breaking technology to help avoid collisions. In city traffic, the car can handle the braking, coming to a full stop. This system is activated with the lower button on the steering-wheel spoke. Meanwhile, lane departure prevention and adaptive cruise control almost let the car drive itself.
2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
But even without the hybrid system, the MKZ Hybrid would rate high for its cabin tech. It uses a THX audio system for excellent sound quality, one of the best voice command systems in the business, and data feeds from satellite radio for gas prices, traffic, and weather.
2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
The MKZ Hybrid's power train is made up of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 106-horsepower electric motor, delivering a combined 191 horsepower and EPA mileage of 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. While driving the MKZ Hybrid, it is possible to keep it cruising under electric power only at speeds of around 40 mph.
2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid
For navigation, the S400 Hybrid gets detailed 3D maps showing rendered buildings and traffic. Harman Kardon provides excellent audio, but features such as night vision and adaptive cruise control are real wow factors.
2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid
The hybrid power train is made up of a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, a 20-horsepower electric motor, and a 120-volt lithium ion battery pack. Although the electric motor cannot propel the car on its own, it gives the engine a significant boost when launching and allows for start-stop operation.
2011 Nissan Leaf
Along with its electric power train, the Leaf comes with a navigation system and other cabin tech features.
2011 Nissan Leaf
The Leaf is the first mass-production vehicle to use a pure electric power train and a lithium ion pack. Owners will be able to charge it at home, eliminating the need to visit gas stations. As charging infrastructure is developed, the Leaf can be quick charged while being used for errand running.