Along with featuring family-oriented vehicles the Chicago Auto Show is showcasing some new technology for police cars, ambulances, SUVS and teens. Some new car tech employs Google Glass, Android or Oculus Rift.
Table Talk Connected Phones on the Table at Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi introduced the Concept GC-PHEV with its newest tech,. The new information system makes connected car technology and interactive experience available to everyone inside the vehicle. When the driver or one of the passengers places their smartphone atop the Tactical Table, they can create, collect, exchange and share information with others using the Concept GC-PHEV’s onboard communications system.
Watch Acura RDX Add Safety
AcuraRDX models can now be equipped with the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System and Lane Keeping Assist, along with a standard Multi-View Rear Camera and Expanded View driver’s side mirror. AcuraWatch uses sensor fusion technology, the cooperative operation of a millimeter wave radar system and a windshield-mounted monocular camera to expand both the scope and fidelity of its sensing capabilities, including the ability to sense and respond to numerous road hazards, including a pedestrian detected in the roadway.
Honda Pilot Makes the Most Connections
The new Honda Pilot delivers connectivity to up to five USB ports, four that provide better recharging with 2.5-amp output, to charge iPads or smartphones while in use. Additional ports and plugs include an auxiliary jack for nearly any audio player, an HDMI port for a gaming console, two headphone jacks, two 12-volt power outlets and a 115-volt outlet to power just about anything.
The new Pilot offers an upsized 8-inch capacitive touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface powered by a new Android-based operating system and available all-new embedded Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System has better graphics, improved lane guidance, live search function, 911 emergency services and more.
The Pilot’s Display Audio system enables simplified smartphone connectivity to the HondaLink connected-car system. A 9-inch rear entertainment system with DVD and new Blu-Ray disc capability is available.
Toyota Oculus Rifts for Teen Safety
Also at the Chicago Auto Show is the all new Toyota TeenDrive365 distracted driving simulator, to educate teens and their parents about the dangers of distracted driving. Using Oculus Rift and a Toyota Corolla, the TeenDrive365 simulator is the first time that the next generation virtual reality technology is being used to bring the dangers of distracted driving to life. The safety exhibit also includes education on the functions of several active safety technologies including Blind Spot Monitor and Lane Departure Alert.
Police Get Tech Love Too
Ford debuted the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicle at the Chicago Auto Show .
Available Surveillance Mode technology warns the driver when someone approaches the rear of the vehicle, the driver’s window automatically raises and all doors lock.Ford added a liftgate release switch, accessible to occupants in the front. It allows the rear liftgate mechanism to remain unlocked for 45 seconds before timing out, permitting officers to access the cargo area.
Police Interceptors may have ballistic shields built to Level III specifications determined by the National Institute of Justice Standard, factory-installed in the driver and passenger doors for additional protection against gunfire. SYNC, a hands-free information technology voice control can be added.
No Glassholes When Google Glass Saves Lives
Medical Express Ambulance Service (MedEx), Chicagoland’s leading provider of ambulance and telemedicine services announced it is the first in America to use Google Glass to visually connect paramedics in the field directly with doctors. Launched in February with Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, MedEx plans to expand the Google Glass program to other area hospitals.