#rb_bodyWrap .left_content h2{font-family:Georgia, serif;} #right_content .topics ul.topics_list{padding-right:4px;} #rb_bodyWrap div#right_content td,#rb_bodyWrap div#right_content tr,#rb_bodyWrap div#right_content tbody,#rb_bodyWrap div#right_content table, #rb_bodyWrap ul.topics_list, ul.topics_list li {vertical-align:top;} #rb_bodyWrap div#right_content td{padding:4px;} #rb_bodyWrap #right_content h4{font-family:Georgia, serif;color:#990000;} div#storyMeta{font-size:115%;} #contentMain a:hover{color:#990000;} #rb_bodyWrap #right_content table{font-size:105%} Car tech Year in review: Car tech gets political By Candace Lombardi Staff Writer, CNET News.com Published: December 27, 2007, 4:00 AM PST TalkBack E-mail del.icio.us Digg this This year saw automotive technology turn into a political hot button. Late in the year, President Bush signed a sweeping energy bill that sets higher fuel-economy standards for cars and light trucks. But the politics of global warming and growing concern over energy use were apparent in the auto industry throughout the year. The New York auto show's exhibit and the many green-themed cars showcased at the LA Auto Show, Tokyo auto show, and Geneva auto show this year illustrated a continued shift toward car technology with fuel efficiency in mind. We saw thoughts on , robot vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and plug-in hybrids. In addition to far-out concepts for the real road and for the virtual road, many companies introduced fuel-sipping improvements such as , a diesel-powered Volvo that gets 52 mpg, and electric vehicles you can buy right now. Audi's win at Le Mans with a diesel car fit in nicely with many automakers' evident decision to make clean diesel-powered cars the temporary fix for the U.S. energy crisis. But seems to be the most hyped technology this year, if not a true contender, for the way things will go down long-term. Several companies are working to develop , an alternative-energy darling and the U.S. Department of Energy. The beginning of a and computer technology in cars also became evident. Automakers unveiled plans for their 2008 car models that included tech options like Bluetooth, self-parking, lane departure warning systems, and adaptive cruise control--features previously restricted to luxury models. Some owners of those high-tech cars struggled with the design of the and for the first time. Partnerships between were also forged, with many announcing plans to have a greater presence at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show. Roboticists also took the combination of artificial intelligence and in cars further than ever. The race featuring robotic cars took to "city" streets this year to prove autonomous vehicles have a future. The small and young driver space heated up with the Audi A1 and VW Space Up concepts that could compete against the "carbon-conscious" yet fashionable BMW Mini if they go into production as predicted. And in what may be the most intriguing saga of 2007, Porsche got control of Volkswagen after a lengthy court battle and almost immediately announced plans to revamp the German automaker into a high-tech powerhouse that could compete with in terms of global sales. Next year may reveal if that high-tech car dream could come true. 2007 Highlights Photos: Cool concept cars for the highway--and for the Xbox 360 Is it more exciting to see a concept car you designed built as a full-scale model or driven in an Xbox 360 video game? February 2, 2007 Start-up Ecotality taps NASA technology for a system that can feed a vehicle's fuel cell on-demand. March 27, 2007 Turning hydrogen into a viable fuel presents many challenges, but researchers are also discovering possible solutions. April 4, 2007 Hydrogen supporters hope what happens in Vegas doesn't just stay in Vegas. April 4, 2007 more highlights below With wheelchair lifts, easy-to-clean interiors and ride-sharing signs, exhibit shows New Yorkers how to improve its iconic cabs. April 5, 2007 Team lead by Applied Physics Laboratory has come up with a prosthetic breakthrough, giving fine motor skills and sensory perception to amputees. April 27, 2007 Rodney Brooks, director of MIT's CSAIL and CTO of iRobot, discusses AI, robots and the coming bicentennial man. May 15, 2007 Robotics Institute Director Matt Mason wants people to be inspired by science fiction, origami and research beyond the machine. May 18, 2007 "Valvematic" technology will make gas engines 5 percent to 10 percent more efficient, Japanese automaker says. June 15, 2007 Audi's Le Mans win gives diesel street cred Diesel engine racecars claim first and second place at legendary French endurance race. June 18, 2007 And the winner is...diesel? Talk all you want about ethanol and hydrogen, the car industry seems to have already picked its "alternative" fuel. June 20, 2007 Software is becoming the new competitive weapon in the car market, and Big Blue is working to build a "network on wheels." August 13, 2007 Volvo C30 to get 52 mpg C30 'Efficiency' version lives up to name, and Volvo says other 2008 models will also see fuel-sipping improvements. August 20, 2007 Next year will be a model year of change as high-tech features spread from luxury models to entire lineups. But how much tech is too much? August 28, 2007 Photos: Electric vehicles you can buy right now You don't have to wait for the big automakers to come through. There are options on the road already. August 31, 2007 Photos: Cleaning up at the Frankfurt Auto Show Car lovers have their eyes on central Germany for the latest designs from Ferrari, Ford and more. Eco-friendly is definitely in. September 11, 2007 Roboticists to ride wave of power, chip and sensor improvements Executives at MIT forum say improvements and reduced costs in sensors, computation and batteries will spur industry revolution. October 11, 2007 Photos: Hot, quirky and green at Tokyo auto show This year's biggest auto show in Asia features sports cars, minis, and personal transporters with an eye toward the environment. October 26, 2007 Photo: Full speed ahead at LA Auto Show From the new Mustang Bullitt to a home hydrogen fueling station, here are some of the must-see items from the show. November 16, 2007 Additional Headlines GM chairman to keynote CES Robot race in 'DARPA city' The RoboCars of 2057 Photos: Carmakers paint Geneva green Photos: Fun cars hit the road in Frankfurt Photos: Peugeot, Xbox 360 car design winners emerge Images: Car tech for the masses Photos: NY auto show's fast and funky