2 0 1 2 4 CORnERS New car Guid e
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DEPT. OF NEW CAR TRICKS
New high-tech auto features are designed to impress. Who knew they’d be so much fun? By JIM GORZELANY | CTW Features
Just as has been the case with smartphones in recent years, auto makers are rolling out cutting-edge new features with increasing frequency to give motorists a reason to trade in their existing rides for those with the latest gadgetry. The 2013 model year is no exception. Among some of this model year’s gee-whizzery: cars that read text messages and Facebook updates to you, charge remote electronic devices wirelessly, give feedback to the driver via a vibrating seat cushion and automatically brake while backing up to avoid hitting pedestrians and other cars. Here’s a quick look at a dizzying array of comfort/convenience, connectivity and safety features that will be debuting on select 2013 models:
Comfort and Convenience
The latest twist on remote vehicle access uses neither a key fob control nor a pushbutton. Rather, the 2013 Ford Escape crossover SUV allows those burdened with baggage to engage the available poweroperated lift gate via a simple kicking
motion under the rear bumper. The same process closes the hatch. Mercedes-Benz offers a similar system for opening and closing the trunk with its 2013 SL-Class hardtop roadster. Now that most cars’ automatic transmissions are electronically controlled, the classic shift lever is fast becoming superfluous. To help free up center console space, the midsize 2013 Lincoln MKZ instead provides a series of buttons to engage park, neutral, reverse and forward gears.
8 • 4CornersNewCarGuide.com ~ Sunday, September 23, 2012
OPEN, SESAME: Ford Escape foot-activated power lift gate